(Credit: Los Angeles Times/Damon Winter)
Hoofing it: Eagle Rock
A walkable stretch of diverse eats--from croque monsieurs to cannolis
By Julia Gaynor, Special to Metromix
July 16, 2007Larkin's
1496 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles323-254-0934
After much public-wrangling with city permits and licenses, Larkin's Joint finally opened its doors to the delight (and relief) of its Eagle Rock neighbors. The staff is not lacking in imported Southern hospitality as they greet us with genuine charm. Classics like black-eyed pea caviar, okra and heirloom tomato salad, and mac n' cheese are in order. And who can resist something called a spicy corn dog washed down with homemade fruit punch? Portions may not meet your Momma's standards, but that means you’ll always have room for sweet potato pie.
Fatty's & Co.
1627 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles323-254-8804
The strictly vegetarian comfort food lives up to the restaurant's slightly off-putting name. While Fatty's has gone through some major changes in recent years (the dining room got spruced up and the breakfast menu nixed), the dishes are a delight, if a bit on the pricey side. And veggie bonus upon bonus: most items can be made vegan.
Casa Bianca
1650 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock323-256-9617
Insiders know to call ahead and put their names on the list for this crowded red checkered tablecloth Italian destination, where everything from the sausage to the pizza crust to the cannolis (with sprinkles) are homemade.
Le Petit Beaujolais
1661 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles323-255-5133
Sprung from the French loins of Cafe Beaujolais, Le Petit Beaujolais is a cozy and ooh-la-la-inducing breakfast and lunch place in Eagle Rock. A case of desserts greets you at the door, but don't spoil your appetite: there's quiche and croque monsieurs awaiting you inside.
Pete's Blue Chip
1701 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles323-478-9022
Stocks are chronically unreliable; investing in a Pete’s Blue Chip Burger is a much safer (and more delicious) prospect. This hamburger stand turned full-service restaurant has been reliably dishing out the famous patty along with thick, seasoned fries for more than 25 years. It’s the sort of place where you can also grab a breakfast burrito, pastrami sandwich or a chicken dinner without blowing your whole dividend check.
Classic Thai Restaurant
1708 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles323-478-0530
The name may sound generic, but there’s just something about Classic Thai Restaurant that transcends the ordinary. This family-run neighborhood Thai place imbues dishes like pineapple fried rice and basil eggplant with a homey, homemade sensibility. What could be more comforting than a dessert of warm bananas floating in coconut milk?
Cafe Beaujolais
1712 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles323-255-5111
Finding a French neighborhood café like Café Beaujolais is as rare and precious as its namesake wine. This Eagle Rock spot has got it all: a warm French country atmosphere, French-speaking waiters, freshly baked baguettes from Beaujolais Boulangerie up the street, well-executed specialties like escargot and steak frites and a selection of French beers and wines. Dark chocolate mousse for dessert and a reasonable final bill will make you want to return to Beaujolais beaucoup.
Blue Hen
1743 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock323-982-9900
Blue Hen serves organic Vietnamese eats, as well as tasty tonics and sweet Vietnamese coffee. This place is buried in a strip mall; but with its clean, modern decor and low prices, it's a neighborhood favorite in Eagle Rock. Meat-lovers are out in the cold: they don't serve beef.
The Coffee Table Bistro
1958 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles323-255-2200
More than a coffeehouse, The Coffee Table is a full-service bistro and a cornerstone of casual dining in Eagle Rock. Mosaic tables and murals by neighborhood artists lend some local color, while an array of menu choices offers a cosmopolitan flair. Favorites include generous omelettes, grilled sandwiches with onion rings and dinner selections like Cajun chicken pasta. Keep your eyes open for a Coffee Table lounge and sports bar next door coming soon.
The Oinkster
2005 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles323-255-6465
Fine-dining chef Andre Guerrero ventures into the growing world of casual-fast dining with The Oinkster. The $10-and-under menu full of meaty BBQ favorites is served indoor/outdoor in a reinvented—yet suitably kitschy—landmark '50s diner. Counter service lends to the free and easy vibe, suitable for everyone from young families to artsy 20-somethings who want to savor a pulled pork sandwich with Belgian cut fries...and maybe even banana cream pie for dessert.
Camilo's California Bistro
2128 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles323-478-2644
Eagle Rock has finally become a happening place for Eastside dining—and for parents looking for kid-friendly non-fast-food options, Camilo's is the answer. With children's lunch and dinner menus for under $6, what parent wouldn't approve?
Swork Coffee
2160 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles323-258-5600
Ikea-inspired vivacity, Swork operates as a work/play pen for all ages. The play area provides parents freedom to work with kids in tow while also providing rowdy background noise. However, free wireless still brings in the laptop-clad crowd. Can't handle the bustling atmosphere? Hit up a table in the evening when the kids have gone home for bedtime.
Spitz
2506 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles323-257-5600
The Doner Kebab, a sandwich with slow-roasted, minced lamb, beef or chicken on focaccia, is the must-have at this little café started by two Occidental students. The warm atmosphere is clear throughout the restaurant which features bright eggplant tones on the interior walls while the patio is lined with flowers and umbrellas.
Armon's Restaurant
5056 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles323-478-1440
Armon's Restaurant has a vibe reminiscent of the 1950s, with counter and booth seating and a $3.75 breakfast special that packs 'em in on weekends. It's a friendly neighborhood place with a salsa that regulars rave about.
Senor Fish
4803 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles323-257-7167
Perennially popular, this mini chain of Mexican restaurants is the spot for muy delicioso Baja-style seafood specialties. Along with the fish tacos, which many claim are L.A.’s best, the shrimp burritos, legendary scallop tacos, ceviche and homemade salsas and guacamole also draw raves.
Mia Sushi
4741 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles323-256-2562
"Upscale sushi restaurant" and "Eagle Rock" may be phrases you wouldn't expect together, but Mia Sushi is the cause for the conjunction. The decor is Buddha-driven, an inspiration that is often at odds with the restaurant's noise level, but the hand rolls and tempura may provide the zen you're seeking.
Pat & Lorraine's Coffee Shop
4720 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles323-257-7926
Cinephiles wax ecstatic about Pat & Lorraine's significance in the Tarantino lexicon. Nope, no expletives-riddled conversations, but this lovable googie-like coffee shop is where 'Pulp Fiction' was penned and staged the famous opening scene of 'Reservoir Dogs'. Check out the breakfast menu which includes eggs prepared one hundred different ways. The rainbow burrito (spinach, bacon, eggs, onions, avocado, cheese, rice and beans) is a favorite and don’t skip the worthy home fries. Tarantino library not required.
Auntie Em's Kitchen
4616 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles323-255-0800
Located on an otherwise barren strip in Eagle Rock, this little country nook serves hearty breakfast scrambles, big overstuffed sandwiches, and an array of irresistible homemade desserts that make the jaunt well worth it. Prepare to queue up in a long line and order from smudged chalkboards at the counter, then stake out a seat and wait for some dude who's, like, totally in a band to bring over your food. And don't forget to try a huge, homemade cupcake.
