Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Wake up LA: John O'Groat's
John O'Groats is an inconspicuous little breakfast and lunch joint on Pico Blvd, near Westside Pavilion. There's a blue awning and a container of coffee outside -- to keep you awake while you wait for a seat. Alas, I can't vouch for the quality of the coffee, because we were seated promptly.
Photos of actual food, after the jump...
The restaurant is broken up into three different rooms, each with its own decor. One is a poster room, the main room is darker, with smaller pieces of framed art on the wall, and the last room is brightly lit and dominated by a big breakfast counter. We got seated in the poster room, and the walls were filled with great posters of San Francisco and New York.
We ordered a "Perfect Combination", which consisted of two pancakes, two eggs, and two bacon strips. First of all, the pancakes were fantastic. Huge, amazingly fluffy and complete with a home style feel.
Sponsored message
The bacon was a little bit sweet, crunchy, not too salty. Plus it's BACON!!! So it's really good. The eggs along with the home fries were pretty ordinary. Good, but nothing to write home about.
This is called the Huevos O'Groats, their specialty. Eggs, beans, chopped tomatoes, onions, and green onions all piled on a tortilla and topped with cheese and sour cream. No one ingredient or flavor dominates this dish, but when it all comes together, the variety of textures really works well together. I wish I could have wrapped it all up and eaten it like a burrito because I suppose that's how it should be eaten. Unfortunately it was just too big to wrap it all up, but when I did try with a smaller piece, the added texture of the tortilla really made sense.
The orange juice (not pictured) is extraordinary. Incredibly fresh and not sour like most fresh squeezed orange juices. It was like sunshine in my mouth. It was pricey, but good. No, you can't have mine, GET YOUR OWN!!
Service was prompt and friendly. Atmosphere was relaxed and family-oriented. Prices are on the higher end, but I felt it was justified by the quality of the food. I'll definitely be back for more pancakes and to try their specials.
John O'Groats
10516 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 204-0692
Website
Sponsored message
Photos by Kevin Cheng for LAist.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
