Olympic Cafe

The 20 Best Diners in Los Angeles

"Olympic Cafe is small—so small you’ll probably have to stand outside if all the seats are taken. It’s also only open from 7am to 12:30pm. And they only take cash. Got all that? Now, onto the charm: this 50-year-old spot in Mid-City is the quintessential diner where regulars tell you they’ve been eating at since they were kids. The counter is lined with chunky mugs full of mediocre coffee, the place smells like bacon fat, and the menu plays the hits. Pancakes, hash browns, and eggs, any way you like them, are all fine, but we gravitate toward their Hawaiian-leaning dishes like spicy Portuguese sausage and grilled teriyaki short ribs." - nikko duren, brant cox, sylvio martins, garrett snyder

Olympic Cafe - Review - Mid-City - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

20 Classic Los Angeles Greasy Spoons Every Angeleno Should Try

"A Koreatown classic known for its fantastic pancakes, Olympic Cafe is part neighborhood staple and part hipster hole-in-the-wall. Diners can congregate en masse without spending a fortune." - Eater Staff

20 Classic Los Angeles Greasy Spoons Every Angeleno Should Try

17 Mind-Blowing Pancakes in Los Angeles, 2019 Edition - Eater LA

"Long considered one of the best pancakes in town, the incredible griddle produces some of the crispiest, fluffiest pancakes you’ve ever tried. A Mid-City legend." - Crystal Coser, Mona Holmes

Mike Timmers

Google

I ignored this place for a while because of some of the reviews and wish I had not. I will eat here again and enjoyed the experience but admit it won’t be for everyone - this sure as hell ain’t ihop. The cook might scowl at you and he definitely takes his time, but the pancakes will be fluffy and fully cooked (I saw him check most fast order cooks don’t care). I watched him cooking for an hour he is patient and diligent - much respect. Hash browns looked great, rice meals looked great, eggs looked great. And being from Pittsburgh originally, I love the old cramped wood paneled atmosphere of the place. I think the bad reviews speak more of those reviewers tbh

Gavin Glynn

Google

Hole in the wall atmosphere and sit only 20 people but the food is savory and the best breakfast in the U.S. Local secret, Air B n B gem, chef is cordon bleu!

l. a. hahn

Google

A staple breakfast spot in ktown. Order the Portuguese sausage - posted a pic for you. API fam and those who love Hawaiian style chow will love it here. Nothin high-brow - just simple stick to your ribs goodness. Be nice to the staff and they will be nice to you. Please tip as generously as you can.

Sports Training Los Angeles

Google

One waitress. One cook. Low prices. Quality breakfast. I pay a flat $12 everytime. Remember, it's cash only though. Drop in there one day for breakfast, you won't regret it!

John Brown, Jr

Google

Service could improve some as my daughter, whom I was meeting for breakfast arrived ahead of me, told a server that she was waiting on me and the person gave another patron the next available table. We had to wait about 15 additional minutes to finally grab seats at the counter. When we ordered the server did not suggest beverages and we had to get her attention to add them to our order. Food was good though.

Juanisha Anderson

Google

I went to this restaurant just a short while ago intending to grab a takeout breakfast before I go to work. Upon entrance there was a party of two waiting for food and a family of three preparing to leave. There was a family of three that walked in right behind me that the staff seemed familiar with. I ordered a French toast and an egg. The party of three ordered after me. Two more individuals walked in after me and placed their orders. Maybe 10 minutes after me. As I sat in my car. I noticed people getting served that had ordered after me. I walked in the restaurant and sat and waited 22 minutes as I watched the cook. Not yet start my food but complete all of everyone else's orders. I do not choose to State why I believe this occurred but I will say that it needs to change. I was very much the only person of my demographic in the venue at that time and to wait 22 minutes for my food to never be started. Seems a bit irrational and extreme. I myself am a chef and I would also call it unprofessional and discriminatory. Based on my own ethical understanding. There was no good reason as to why my order wasn't started at all. He didn't even attempt to grab the bread for my French toast until I said I was canceling my order. I left 26 minutes later with no food. I do not suggest this place if you are not going to fit into the demographic that they prefer to cater to. Management. No need to apologize or offer me anything. I will never return there and I'm going to advise anyone. I know of a similar demographic to myself to stay away from there

Alex Raabe

Google

It's a nice little charming place. Unfortunately the service and food are not good at all. I got a cheeseburger for 10 dollars, doesnt come with fries or anything, and it tasted as if the meat was either old or washed with soap. The ketchup tasted like it has way too much sugar in it. The tomato was cut diagonally with 1 inch to 1/8 inch. I ate it because I was hungry not because it was good. We didn't have time to find another place close by so we just ate our food and wanted to leave fast. My gf got the breakfast special, but couldn't eat the eggs and sausage because it was too greasy. They didnt take the requested 5 bucks off for that. She's not a picky eater either. We should have left though because the server didn't give us our bill when she took the plates and then dissappeared. We were there an extra 30 minutes. I don't know how this place stays in business. If the food was cheaper I would get it. But it's not good for the price it's at. Any 5 star reviews have to be lies, people working there or friends of theirs. This place goes by 2 names as well. House of Breakfast and Olympic cafe. I'm not trying to be rude either, places like this is why it's hard to try new places.

The Cat.

Google

The worst place for breakfast. Poor service and food is not good

Tim Z.

Yelp

Great old school greasy spoon diner serving real food. Great spot for classic breakfast: eggs, bacon, sausage, hotinks, hashbrown potatoes and pancakes. Or for a change get a side of rice instead of the potatoes. In a town with too many trendy places serving $15 kale smoothies and matcha lattes for breakfast, this place still does it the classic way. You don't come here for service or ambience. You do come here for good reasonably priced food where you can rub elbows with the salt of the earth crowd.

E J.

Yelp

First off, the owners/workers definitely do not give a fuck. We were greeted with backs turned, no acknowledgment in an empty restaurant, and sat ourselves although they have a "wait to be seated" sign. Restaurant had a sad atmosphere tbh everyone seemed like they didn't want to be there The pancakes were good but I was really turned off by one of the employee's arms touching my toast for a good ten minutes and her coughing over it.... We were excited to try this spot for the first time but will most likely not be back

Ethel G.

Yelp

Searched "breakfast diner" and found this cute little diner, just what we wanted! Arrived about 9:00 ,got seated right away, we were lucky. Regulars coming and going, they know each others names, that is just great! Nothing fancy, just a good home cooked meal. Ordered pan cakes , spam and eggs with fried rice, it came with toast . Forgot to take picture of the pancakes. Miss going to diners like this. Thank you!

Melanie H.

Yelp

the lady that took our order was very nice and helped figure out the menu. the food was horrible. you're better off making it at home. do not waste your time or craving. also do not get the french toast. its basically bread with egg, no cinnamon or sugar.

Denise P.

Yelp

UPDATE: The owner refused service to my family because I wrote a review on her horrible service. The conversation was between me and her, my family had been loyal customers before I visited for the first time. She has 0 accountability for her attitude and actions. I will be escalating this to the BBB. I can't believe someone, let alone a business owner could be so disrespectful. If you guys want a great diner experience with quick service, great food, and AMAZING customer service come to Teddy's on Pico and Bundy.

Melissa L.

Yelp

The food is disgusting and cold I order a pancake one pancake 5$ and it's so small I also order a hash brown 6$ and super small and really cold it took 25 minutes and the food is super cold and no flavor never again would be coming back so disgusting

Scott L.

Yelp

Polarizing reviews - teriyaki chicken, fried rice, and spam are gets here. Star of the show is pancakes which are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Owner is indeed rude.

Jun P.

Yelp

The best teriyaki ever you're not gonna find any good quality food. The best, I highly recommend it try the fried rice with teriyaki chicken with over easy eggs

Dulce C.

Yelp

I arrived at 12:10 waiting for a table to be assigned, 15 minutes later, some older lady with a bad attitude came saying they are closing in 10 minutes. Wow, unbelievable attitude and very poor customer service . Passing it to my friends not to come here ever

Sam V.

Yelp

My dad enjoys coming here so I thought I would give this restaurant a chance. However when I asked for a steak sauce and ketchup-to-go, the Japanese lady gave me an attitude and gave me the bare minimum. I'll be telling my dad to take his business elsewhere too.

ROB G.

Yelp

A community staple, great small place to get breakfast when you're not really in a hurry. They have been here for decades so you will be competing with regulars.

Joy J.

Yelp

This place is a hidden gem. Everything is wonderful. The owners are great. Food is fantastic. The chef is awesome - you can watch him cooking with finesse. Had pork chop breakfast & Portuguese sausage breakfast. Both were delicious. The rice & salsa are fantastic. Hope it never changes. Will keep coming back!

Vicky P.

Yelp

Look... the service, interior, ambiance... The place isn't going to score a Michelin star any time soon. BUT, the folks here continue to serve up good food at decent prices, and I, for one, am not complaining. The only catch is that they only accept cash, so you have to go prepared. If you're looking for super attentive, hospitable, and a modern breakfast hangout, this is NOT the place for you. If you're in the mood for a quick breakfast where you're given exactly what you order and are just generally left alone to enjoy your meal, this can be a good place for you.

Mike N.

Yelp

Stumbled into this place as I was getting an oil change nearby and needed to kill some time. It's a bit of a dive but it's cozy and the people who work here are nice and the service was good. The food is pretty good... mostly Asian style breakfasts which is great, and the pancakes were really good!

411 Y.

Yelp

I'm glad not too many people know about this place or we would be waiting all day for a seat. Please do us a favor and don't come here you'll make the wait longer. The reason there's a wait... the food is too good! If ya know ya know... Food - Portuguese sausage (Hawaiian style), fried rice, eggs and coffee (unlimited refills) I would give this a 10 out of 10! Service - come early and you won't have to wait. Ambiance - place has charm

Damarise L.

Yelp

SO UPSET. Waited over an hour & was told that we only had 1 party in front of us. After 30 minutes of waiting a 6 people party came & the restaurant sat them instead. Basically the restaurant does not care about first come first serve (despite them telling us we were next). I was excited considering you can tell it's a small mom & pop shop but never coming back here.. I never take the time to write reviews but my disappointment is so huge...

CHANTEL M.

Yelp

This was the steak special that I literally watched the guy grab out of the microwave then he put it on the grill!!! That was the nastiest food I have ever had!! Steeer clear.. not sure how they are open!!

Jazmin E.

Yelp

Really good breakfast. Like REALLY good. 10/10 recommend to anyone who likes rice and spam with their eggs.

Linda C.

Yelp

The food was decent and the server friendly but whew! were they slow! Also, I ordered a "plain omelette" and it simply looks like an egg flipped into a pocket--not even any cheese. This was for $8.

Eugene H.

Yelp

Food is flavorless and the service is horrible and food is overpriced. Don't waste ur time coming

Jay Y.

Yelp

Small Hole In the Wall place, been here forever. Cash Only so be prepared. Place is Solid, love coming here . Get here early.

briana h.

Yelp

The food is good. Nothing out of ordinary, the staff weren't friendly so I almost left but I was really hungry. I'm not sure if it was a bad day but I definitely didn't get greeted when others were. My mother also walked in separately from me, (not to mention we were the only blacks) & we couldn't even be welcomed with a smile but I guess good prices.

Chad M.

Yelp

This place is legit. Super og neighborhood spot . I love this place. Fluffy home made pancakes. My go to spot on a lazy Saturday

Veronica N.

Yelp

We were looking for a no-nonsense affordable diner which served great tasting food. This was it. For around $20 we received a stack of pancakes, lots of bacon, toast, coffee, hash browns and lots of eggs. The cafe has been around for over 40 years for a reason. It has proven itself with great tasting food and timely good service. There is parking in front of the diner. Inside it's cozy with some booth seating as well as seating at the counter where you can watch your food being cooked and salivate are at all the delicious smells. It has kept true to its original design so don't expect a modern interior. That's why it's so charming. There are mostly regulars who come in. I highly recommend this diner if you are looking for good traditional diner food at very affordable prices!

Jimmy D.

Yelp

Burrito is pretty large and delicious. Can't complain for the price. They are very friendly and usually busy during breakfast. Oh yea i got the breakfast Burrito. Almost like a typical mom and pops shop but with an extra touch to the food. If you're in the area and don't want the big chain of restaurant, come try this. Worth the time.

Melissa G.

Yelp

My family and I have been going to the Olympic Cafe for 30+ years. I know them for having the best burgers in town and tell others that since I'm often asked what my favorite burger is! Olympic Cafe is tricky because they're not open all the time, and when they are, it's only until 2pm at the latest so be sure to be awake early! I recommend calling ahead for pickup, because there's no waiting area and with six or so tables and a small staff, the wait is pretty long! With that said, I went to dine in and waited about 45 mins. If you're looking for aesthetics, this isn't it. This is your old fashioned, mom n' pop, no frills kind of diner. Hasn't been updated aesthetically since the 70s which strangely, I appreciate. I love vintage! Once seated at the counter to dine in, it took another 45 to get my food. Ouch. I chose the breakfast options which are great: a short stack of pancakes,eggs, bacon, hash browns - yum! And a coffee with creamer because there are no frills or fancy drinks here! Service was very sweet and I liked them a lot. So my own lesson and recommendation is to come on a weekday or come very early on a weekend or there's going to be a crowd and a longer wait. For the amount of food at the low price, it will be worth it!

Ronald M.

Yelp

Cool little cafe with open kitchen and really friendly staff. I ordered pancakes with bacon and eggs. Pancakes were fluffy and yummy. The bacon was a little too crispy for my taste but still good. I'll be coming back to try other stuff.

Gina C.

Yelp

First off. CASH ONLY!!!! .... I found this place out by Yelp I LOVE YELP!!!!! They had spam and Portuguese sausage. Both being in the same menu is a wow factor for me cause we ain't in Hawaii. For those who know. You know what I'm talking about. The menu was so different for a breakfast place. They had burgers (no fries option) teriyaki chicken. Cream of wheat. Fried rice. Pork chops. So not breakfast food but somehow it works. Good variety. The lady who answered the phone said about 20 mins. Ok. Cool. I drove down there. It's in a little tiny parking lot with about 2 other stores. This is what I ordered The spam with fried rice and scram eggs plate **3 pieces of spam grilled very nicely. Not to crispy but not under done. Fried rice had little piece of meat in it along with bell peppers. Portuguese sausage plate with OE eggs **the Portuguese sausage was awesome!!!! I know good linguicia (the name for Portuguese sausage) because my in laws are Portuguese and well when you know you know. Linda was the only one working. She was cashier AND cook!!!! I don't know if she was the owner it she was super sweet. She said it has been tough that's why she was working by herself I actually found out that this place was cash only because I had no cash I told her I would leave and get cash. She told me no. You go eat it and come back with cash. Excuse me?!!... Linda said yes come back when you can and pay me. I trust you. All I can say is WOW!!!!!! I asked are you sure. (Who even does that and it was my first time going in there) She said yes again... So I did leave. I ate it. I went to the bank. Got the cash. Went back and paid her. My bill was 25$. I gave her 15$ tip. It was worth every penny. From the good food to the pure kindness. Thank you Linda !!!! So please folks. Support this place. They need to survive too!!! #supportsmallbuisnesses

Evelina R.

Yelp

This place was not the way it is now. Linda was the sweetest person I'd know. So personable and kind with everyone she always had a smile. But things have changed. She's so irritable everything bothers her even if you're there to eat. God forbid you ask her to give you a table because she looks you up and down. Don't go here unless you want to get treated like crap

Julio F.

Yelp

Beware they literally take an hour to serve your food. Cash only. Slow w Classic American waiters

Jennifer G.

Yelp

I've been coming to this place since I was a little girl, we've always gotten the breakfast place which include eggs, teriyaki chicken, & fried rice with a side of toasted bread. This place is very tiny but super good! I'd definitely recommend coming in early though so the wait won't feel long.

Christine D.

Yelp

Chef is rude and gross, if he cooks the way he keeps his dumpsters and personal hygiene then I wouldn't dare eat here. Apparently his bad attitude spills over to the guests and food. Not a way to conduct business. And everyone knows food made by unhappy people has bad energy.

Maria R.

Yelp

So sad, this lady is very selective with her service. She makes me and my family feel unwanted. She is so rude to us. But we see her serving others with smiles on her face! Do not come to this place.

Marlon M.

Yelp

My father who passed away should this breakfast spot to me. I came here before and I was disappointed not in the food but in the cooks speed to cook and get the food out quickly im here today and the cook has stepped it up.I will continue to come here it's very delicious

Lynette N.

Yelp

Yummmmm!!!! I had the chicken teriyaki and fried rice special, and a side of pancakes! Everything was delicious and they give you a lot of food!! You can tell they use a special recipe for the pancakes and the teriyaki sauce. I want to go back already!!

Amy X.

Yelp

It has been a while due to COVID-19 and recently I miss their brunch. My friend and I used to come here once a month or once every two months. I am glad that they are still open and they do take-outs now. Usually, it is very packed for dine-ins, but for take-outs, they don't seem to be that busy. If you like the cafe and want to support the business like me, please stop by from time to time! I recommend calling in ahead to order your food, and Linda will tell you when the order will be ready. Pickup is easy at the small window by the side of the cafe. Cash only. P.S. Food to recommend: pancake, hashbrown, and fried rice!

Jazmin G.

Yelp

Love the food! Coffee is good Good hearty breakfast Been there twice just moved to the area have not been disappointed Cash only Fried rice chicken teriyaki with a scrambled egg never tried that combination together before but what an amazing breakfast and if u don't finish it u reheat it and it still taste delicious. Cozy spot the people there are so nice I think the lady's name is Linda she seen me with my scratchers and told me good luck and guess what I won $20 hahah good ju-ju Oh and there pancakes yum yum MUST TRY 4 breakfast!!!

Sean B.

Yelp

Tiny little hole in the wall, but unlike some peoples' experiences, I found it to be very clean. Old. A little tired. But spotless. The waitress was friendly... enough. The food was tasty, exactly what you'd expect from a little diner type place. It was super cheap, it tasted fine, and I was in and out in a hurry, as I'd hoped would be the case. Totally would return.

Lisa S.

Yelp

Gotta love this mom an pop breakfast joint.. But I would stay away if you are starving or dont have a lot of time on your hands. It took about a good 30-45 minutes to be seated. There are about 4 tables that seats 2-4 and the counter that seats about 6 people. Once you order, you'll have to wait at least another 30 minutes for your food. Also, they are only open for breakfast and lunch. So if you snooze, you'll lose. On to the food... Food here feels like home. They also have a Hawaiian flare as they serve spam, portuguese sausage, rice and fried rice. Yes, it is very delicious. If your in the area, make sure you support the local spots! Pros - Statisfys my craving for portuguese sausage and rice. Con - Takes too long.. I was starving...

Doug H.

Yelp

My favorite breakfast Cafe East of Ceaser Chavez Blvd. Originally owned by a super nice Japanese American couple and their daughter Linda. Mitsuo, the father and his wife Hatsuye we're both locked away in a concentration camp for the crime of being Americans of Japanese ancestry during world war II. Thankfully for us they started The Olympic Cafe/House of Breakfast! Portuguese sausage and eggs, Spam, pork chops, steaks, rice or potatoes and buttermilk pancakes. Daily specials for $6.69 like: Beef Stew, chicken Stew and rice, sirloin tips and rice and Friday's chicken fajitas and rice. Linda is really sweet, Glenn the chef is sweet too but he might put you in a headlock if you say it. Often standing room only but not long of a wait. Come and check it out. It's like home.

Jennifer K.

Yelp

I'm confused about the low rating. Majority of the reviews are complaining about the long wait time but did you not notice the one man working on the grill? It only has 4 tables and a little section for counter top seating but that's still a lot of cooking to be done for a busy diner. If you're expecting a quick unauthentic breakfast meal, I suggest you go to Denny's. This is a mom and pop that's been in business for 40 years. They know what they're serving and the food can explain that to you. It has its own character as far as fried or white rice being served with your customary breakfast items. There's definitely a Filipino or Hawaiian fusion cause there's plenty of spam and Portuguese sausage! Chicken teriyaki is a must, the glaze is not too sweet. Hash brown could've been a little more crispier but that's just my personal preference. I ordered over easy eggs and it was just that, perfection over my hash brown while dipping my toast into it. Overall, it's not top notch breakfast but it's good as it will get. Especially for the cost it's surprising how cheap everything is!

Melissa T.

Yelp

Super slow . The wait time is ridiculous. 30- 40 min ends up being more like a 1hour-1hour and a half. But the food is alright. Nothing you can't make at home.

Bangalore B.

Yelp

Wait for a table sit down and enjoy. Been going here since the dad was the chef. They have a good cook. And Linda the daughter owns it. Courtesy is infectious. Be courteous.

Kenny W.

Yelp

Food was so mid. Service was incredibly indifferent. Also wait was so long just for waters.

Russel K.

Yelp

Food is decent. Not bad regarding taste or quality. But service is TERRIBLE. Ordered an omelette and watched as literally every single customer get their food before me. Including the ones who walked in and sat way after I ordered... Didn't refill my glass one time while she did for her other customers who come more often. DO NOT EAT HERE. It's small space, stuffy, and you will wait longer than you've ever waited for breakfast. it takes less time to go to the grocery store, get back home, cook, eat and clean... This is a TAKE OUT only spot unless you have time to throw away. Lovely lady who works the front of the house but they are in DIRE need of a chef who cooks orders as they come instead of cooking to however he likes...

Ariell F.

Yelp

This place is amazing. My boyfriend and I were looking up nearby breakfast joints and found this one online. We both agreed that it's our new favorite breakfast spot. We came on a Sunday morning and had to wait about 20 minutes to be seated but it was well worth it. There was one cook, one bus boy, and one waitress. They were all efficient and kind. We got the teriyaki chicken with scrambled eggs, toast and fried rice (highly recommend). Support your small local businesses, you won't regret it!

Bluu R.

Yelp

HONEST REVIEW... I like the food. Especially the pancakes. The wait time does suck. Get there early cause the place is small and does get full pretty quick. Wait times can be from 45 min to 1 hr aside from waiting for the food which might be another 30-45 min. It all depends. This is basically home made food so don't expect anything fancy. ONE thing I must say is that unfortunately Linda has favoritism with customers. I have noticed this multiple times. There are customers who she talks to with "high tone" , sweetly and everything nice but when she comes to you she can totally do the opposite and not even greet you or look at you. You can ask her for things and she won't even bring them to you just look at you. You can straight out feel she doesn't think highly or "like" you like she does with her favorite customers. I don't think this is good customer service and believe Linda should change this about her self. If she feels stressed, please hire more people, make the place bigger, I don't know. But attitude against the customers who come and pay CASH and wait for extremely long times and out in the cold should be all treated equally. When I come here, I look forward to the food but feel very uncomfortable with the favoritism she has possibly even discriminated, but I do it for the pancakes. Please do better.

Pit S.

Yelp

The food is the bomb. Get you some. Teriyaki chicken breakfast... good job Not too pricey and you get a cool amount of food.

Cam G.

Yelp

This place is decent come here if you don't mind waiting or if you want to takeout! We came here at around 1030-11 on a Saturday morning and it was packed and there was only one cook and a waiter! The food wasn't anything over the top but it was worth what you pay! You can definitely tell this is a local favorite! But if you want cheap breakfast this is your spot!

The 20 Best Diners in Los Angeles

Olympic Cafe - Review - Mid-City - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

20 Classic Los Angeles Greasy Spoons Every Angeleno Should Try

20 Classic Los Angeles Greasy Spoons Every Angeleno Should Try

17 Mind-Blowing Pancakes in Los Angeles, 2019 Edition - Eater LA

"Long considered one of the best pancakes in town, the incredible griddle produces some of the crispiest, fluffiest pancakes you’ve ever tried. A Mid-City legend." - Crystal Coser, Mona Holmes