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Breakfast, for this LAist, makes for some great bribery material. So recently, when a co-worker and frequent dining companion made some plans with us to do some weekend work they were kind enough to throw breakfast in the deal. Of course, we had to pick the place, using two vital breakfast joint criteria: Somewhere new to us, and somewhere with great pancakes. And that's how we ended up at The Griddle Cafe to see how things stack up.
The Griddle Cafe is a small spot wedged between the Rite Aid and the Director's Guild on Sunset at Fairfax. The telltale signal that you've arrived at 7916 on a weekend morning is the crowd of hipsters and pancake hounds gathered out front. We gave our name to the host and then killed some time (45 minutes, we were told) by whetting our whistles across the street at ye olde Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. The wait wasn't hideous--at least those threatening skies didn't let loose on us--and we got to watch the food being served to the table of cocktail swilling hipsters brave enough to take the one open table on the sidewalk. Before it became unbearable we were ushered to our table, which seemed like a calm oasis in a sea of utter chaos; how anyone could stomach this place hungover is beyond us--the din is sheer cacophony! We were a bit worried about spotty service based on some of the web researching we'd done, but our server came right up to us, made sure we hadn't been seated too long, and got our fantastic pot of french press coffee to us immediately. She was also really helpful when it came time to narrow down our choices from their lengthy menu. Before long, out came our breakfasts.
We'd gone for the "Saturday Morning Fever" pancakes, which has Bailey's and Kahlúa swirled into buttermilk batter and topped with real whipped cream. Our breakfast benefactress selected "Boysenberry Rain"--boysenberry filled flapjacks drizzled with boysenberry icing and sprinkled with powdered sugar. At The Griddle Cafe the pancakes come stacked three high, but something close to three miles wide--they are as big as the plate and could feed a small country! The pancakes were thick and fluffy, and the flavoring curious, but not obtrusive. The whipped cream was absolutely the best part, and if we'd had half a brain we'd have asked for an extra generous helping to take in our doggy bag. And because we could barely make a dent in our stack, the bulk of our breakfast went home with us, with a hint from our friendly server that they turn out pretty great after a spell in the microwave (she was right!).
Although the wait can be brutal, we think the best way to do the Griddle Cafe is in a group, that way you can order a few plates of pancakes and egg dishes, and share them all around, so you can have a taste of this and that and not an endless plate to battle. So if you're up to the task, The Griddle Cafe is a top notch pancake destination.
The Griddle Cafe
7916 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood
(323) 874-0377
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Thanks for telling MORE people about this gem of a restaurant. I guess my wait times will go up accordingly.
But I'm a big fan of the egg dishes. I've tried just about all of them, and I've loved just about all of them. Be nice to the host. He has ultimate power, and his mood can dictate how fast you get seated - and whether or not you get called "sweetheart." I've gone to the Griddle at least once a month for a couple of years now, and I've never had bad service, despite the craziness of the joint. Beware of the spicy chili - they make you sample before you are allowed to buy.
Depsite the Griddle actually being "good" its way overated. Noone should have to wait for an hour, hung over on Saturday morning for breakfast. Especially in a city like Los Angeles where great breakfast places are plentiful! I live near the griddle and laugh at the weird conglomeration of valley folk, tourists, and quasi-hollywood hipsters hogging the sidewalks every weekend. Its a zoo and noone should wait that long! Its not like its even cute, or like thats even a nice part of Sunset with people walking by to look at. Its snoooorrresvillle! When I drive by I want to yell out "ITS NOT THAT GOOD!". GO TO IHOP.
Ohhhhhh the Griddle Cafe. You're hurting me. I've been meaning to hit up this place for months now, but what with this diet, my night shifts and the wait I always know is a prerequisite.....ohhhh. You're hurting me.
just wanted to let you know that those cocktail swilling hipsters you mentioned were my friends and me. we had a fantastic breakfast and were able to skip the hour-long wait that we were quoted by sitting outside!
just wanted to let you know that those cocktail swilling hipsters you mentioned were my friends and me. we had a fantastic breakfast and were able to skip the hour-long wait that we were quoted by sitting outside!
hey hipster!
you guys looked like you were having a blast, despite those giant clouds hanging over, and all of us staring at your breakfasts! my friend ordered the same pancakes as someone in your group because she'd seen how great it looked when you guys got served.