Little Ripper is a cozy Aussie café in Glassell Park that effortlessly transitions from serving robust coffee and tasty brunch to a charming natural wine bar at night.
"Located in a charming bungalow with a striped awning and tiny front patio, Little Ripper is a notch above your average all-day cafe. At night, this Glassell Park spot flips to a natural wine bar where options by the glass predominantly come from California and Australia. The knowledgeable staff keeps the mood bubbly while pouring tastes of obscure-sounding bottles (we’re looking at you “Sparkle Pony”), plus they offer a wine flight of their four favorites every Wednesday night for $20. " - nikko duren, brant cox, arden shore, sylvio martins
"Little Ripper is a non-intrusive backdrop for people who want to hold hands and giggle over small plates in Glassell Park. The checker-floored spot operates as an Australian cafe by day and a wine bar by night, and it’s never too packed for a last-minute drop-in. Stroll up to the marble counter for scallop crudo, chicory salad, and maybe some flirty small talk. Or, sit on the string-lit sidewalk patio for a glass of sparkling rose. Either way, you’ll probably be surrounded by 30-somethings in linen outfits behaving like retirees on holiday in Sydney. " - brant cox, sylvio martins
"Little Ripper is an Australian cafe by day, which means they have great coffee and a breakfast menu full of smashed avocado and vegemite toast. But right around 4pm, this daytime bistro says goodbye to the laptop crowd and transforms into a serene natural wine bar. That’s when servers start to make small talk about pottery and recommend something “funky yet refreshing” by the glass. Regardless of the time of day, Little Ripper’s checker-floored dining room is a non-intrusive backdrop for people who want to get some work done or hold hands and giggle over scallop crudo and chicory salad in Glassell Park. The best seats are right along the string-lit sidewalk patio. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself surrounded by 30-somethings in linen outfits behaving like retirees on holiday in Sydney." - Nikko Duren
"Head to Little Ripper on Thursday, May 9, for an evening of Australian-style barbecue paired with wines from the bar." - Rebecca Roland
"Late last year, the seven-year-old coffee shop Little Ripper in Glassell Park took over an adjacent retail business and converted it into a day-to-night restaurant with ample seating, morning breakfast, and an evening wine bar. The expansion — which was completed in 2023 but only recently solidified its offerings — is a thoughtful move by owners Lorena Jurado and Rex Roberts, with design assistance from Sunday Supper Club’s Heather Spaulding. Chef Selena Lechuga’s breakfast menu is served from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes porridge, toast with vegemite (in honor of Little Ripper’s Aussie roots), plus an egg combination platter with roasted tomatoes, arugula, and crispy speck. Dinner begins at 4 p.m. and includes dishes like a beetroot aguachile, crab cakes, and lamb-veal meatballs until 10 p.m. The vast beverage list includes orange blends, rose, rieslings, beers, and wine cocktails. Since its initial opening, Little Ripper has established itself as one of the few food businesses in a mostly residential neighborhood on Verdugo near York Boulevard." - Mona Holmes
