Downtown Diner Braves the Lost Souls Café

Now a “career woman", Leilani Wertens searches for the perfect meal during her lunch hour in an oft neglected part of Los Angeles—the newly revitalized downtown district. Read about her weekly culinary adventures on LAist.

by Leilani Wertens

A sign at the entrance to a cobbled alleyway (Harlem Place Alley) is the only clue that Lost Souls Café lies just ahead.

Grasping for the handle of what appeared to be a back door, I felt as if a secret password or series of knocks were required to gain entrance. This odd point of entry just adds to Lost Souls’ eccentric charm. Inside, small red, green, and white tiles form patterns on the floor and have worn away in patches due to frequent use. Candles and small cacti nestle on wooden tables big enough for two while vintage armchairs and couches are pushed together in groupings to form lounge areas. A scattering of indy papers, art magazines, and local guides to LA litter the coffee and telephone tables from the ‘50s. The colorful and slightly cartoonish paintings and sculpture that line the walls of the café not only serve as creative décor but are also for sale, some small mixed media pieces can be had for $25.

Two smiling twenty-something guys waited patiently to take my order while I perused the large and creative menu of hot and cold drinks that makes Lost Souls the ideal spot for caffeine junkies. Some stars of the “soul steamers” menu include the Mint n Chip latte that has chocolate sauce, mint syrup, espresso, and steamed milk and the Green Tea Latte. After struggling over the soul coolers menu (their signature blended drinks), I chose the Chocolate Monkey over the Cookie Monster or the Raspberry Kiss. My first sip brought a smooth and creamy blend of chocolate and coffee to my lips; I could even taste the little bits of banana. It was sweet but not cloying and the use of fresh fruit rather than a syrup or powder gave it texture and a more intense flavor.

The long and vigorous walk from the F DASH stop that morning made me hungry for one of their egg frittata sandwiches, a breakfast version of a panini. The bread is slightly crunchy on the outside and chewy inside and the egg and mushroom work well with a slight herb blend. Overall a hearty and delicious sandwich that wasn’t greasy but still filling. Feel like something lighter? Lost Souls also offers two display cases stuffed full of muffins, croissants, cookies, scones, and cinnamon rolls. For lunch, panini options include roast beef, chicken, turkey, and a vegetarian mozzarella caprese. They also offer desserts like cheesecake and tarts and a variety of milk shakes.

Lost Souls Café
124 w. 4th street (at Harlem Place alley)
213-617-7006

7am-10pm during the week/8am-10pm Sat/9am-10pm Sun.