Cafe Aficionado Coffee Bar — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I write for a music and coffee blog called Crooners In Coffeeshops, in which I interview local musicians at local coffeeshops. My writeup reflects the positive experience that I encountered at Cafe Aficionado on our interview date.

Ah, the valley. With its consistent ten degree higher temperatures and lack of proximity to most areas that we want to go to, Angelinos tend to forget about the fact that there are still great coffee places within its far depths. Whether you live in the area or a visitor from the other side of the hill, Cafe Aficionado in Northridge, CA should be a stop on your valley coffee lover’s bucket list. This hidden gem among in a long line of specialty shops on the Reseda Boulvard strip that creates the perfect blend of arts-y and home-y for whoever walks in the door.

It’s overall atmosphere showcases a clear rustic influence on its furniture from wooden tables to wicker chairs to aluminium accents while also displaying the artwork of local talents, which includes a colorful mural of Bruce Lee painted on wall coming into the store from their parking lot. Classic options for beverages and pastries give customers a touch of familiarity as they spend their day studying, playing board games, relaxing after swim lessons, or even just waiting for their new car to be installed at the shop across the street. Reggie and his crew do a fantastic job at making sure that you feel welcome when you step in, which proves that they truly care about their customers and...

First time visiting! Make sure you eat at home before coming here!

I ordered a simple crepe combo with 2 over medium eggs and bacon. According to their IG page the crepes appeared delicious. I am always happy to support small businesses.

The gal who took our order forgot my meal!!! We had to ask her how much longer. She literally said, "I forgot". Really? We waited almost an hour from start to end. We arrived at 10:28am and ended up leaving not happy nor my hunger not satisfied. 😢 With that being said, I went back up and ask the status on my order. She then again forgot about it and my order has been on side for a bit, meaning it was sitting there and cold. I asked her to place it on a to go box. I took a picture of it so y'all can see it's clearly not what they advertised on their IG and my eggs were not as I ordered either. I took a screenshot of their crepes on their IG and the reality of what I got 😢😭 Will I give them another chance? Maybe? I'm not sure. I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt that Maybe today this gal was not on her game. I get it, Life happens. But today was not a good day to come in and try their food. Before I forget, The drinks had a great taste. So if coffee is want you want they did not...

prices are high, but i suppose not that absurd for Hong kong. much of the highlight dishes are disappointing, such as the lobster. not very fresh. be careful as some pieces had a bit of a "funny' smell. that said, i eat a lot but did not guess sick, so i suppose it was still fine.

they advertise king crab, which was not present. i asked, and a member of the very good staff brought me a bowl. it wasn't great either, but in line with that of other buffet offered king crab I've had.

the reason i give them 3 stars inspite of all my disappointment and complaints is because there were a few items that were exceptionally and i highly recommend.

in particular, i really appreciated the oxtail stew, and the hk style pork.

i frequent Hawaii a lot and love oxtail soup there and am very particular about the quality. so when i say the oxtails here are good, i really had to be impressed.

HK is famous for high quality bbq and roast pork, and this buffet did not disappoint. so incredibly much better than things like say, the hyped up lobster.

the deserts were also above average, especially the high (17 flavor i think) selection of Moovenpick icecream.

so averaging the bad, the exceptional, and the price, I'll...