Nick's Cafe — Restaurant in Los Angeles

We were a family of five visiting California and chose this restaurant for breakfast based on the appealing photos and strong reviews. Unfortunately, our experience was far from what we expected.

We waited about 10 minutes to be seated, which was completely reasonable. However, two groups that arrived after us were not only seated shortly after, but they were also promptly attended to with drink orders and attentive service—while we waited over 20 minutes before anyone even acknowledged our table.

Once someone did come by, we were hopeful things would improve. Unfortunately, they didn’t. It took another 7 minutes to receive our drinks, followed by a long wait before we could place our food order. In the meantime, the other tables that arrived after us were already enjoying their meals.

When our food finally arrived, it was incomplete. My toast, potatoes, and my daughter’s toast were missing. By the time those finally came, my daughter had finished her playe.my eggs and French toast were already cold. I couldn’t even eat my French toast until the rest of my food arrived because it was served on the same plate as my eggs, and I didn’t want syrup all over them.

When I did finally try the country potatoes, I was hit with an overwhelming amount of salt. I had others at the table try them to confirm, and both agreed they were inedible. My husband even spit his out. I didn’t bother sending them back, as I didn’t want to wait another 30 minutes.

His dish, the chilaquiles, was also disappointing—lacking in sauce, meat, and flavor. After a few bites, he pushed the plate away and refused to finish. As for my French toast, by the time I got to it, the interior had become soggy and unappetizing. I only managed to eat half of one slice out of the three.

To top it all off, our beverages were never refilled. We were there for nearly two hours, and no one came by to check on us after the initial service. We sat with empty glasses for at least 50 minutes before we left.

We were incredibly disappointed with the overall experience—both the service and the food fell well below expectations, especially considering the high prices. One of the groups that arrived after us was already finished and gone before we even received our food. In the end, all I managed to eat was my eggs, toast, and half of a soggy French toast. My husband and I left and went elsewhere to get a proper meal. The reason I noticed so much with the 2 other groups is due to they were seated very close to us. Also I know times due to we were on a schedule for that day.

Unfortunately, we cannot recommend this location and will not be returning on our...

So, let me tell you about my first trip to Nick's Cafe—it all started with a casual scroll through TikTok. Or maybe it was Instagram. Whatever, the universe wanted me to know about this place, and I wasn’t about to argue. One minute I was lounging at home, and the next I was in my car, zooming 20 minutes across town like a breakfast bounty hunter on a mission.

When I got there, the scene was poppin’. People were sitting inside, sitting outside, and standing in line. It was Sunday, December 22nd (yes, I checked the calendar to be sure), and clearly, half of LA had the same idea. Sundays in LA mean brunch, and Nick’s Cafe was the place to be.

Now, let’s talk about the food. I ordered ham and eggs with pancakes and hash browns, and let me just say—this was no skimpy portion. We’re talking big eater approved, “I’m skipping lunch after this” kind of portions. The ham? Perfection. Cooked to savory, salty goodness. The eggs and hash browns were piping hot and perfectly cooked. Everything was so well-packaged that it felt like unwrapping a Christmas present.

Picking up my order was a breeze. I gave my name, got my bag, and boom—back home to my coffee and cozy breakfast setup. And when I tell you the food was good, I mean it was “write a review and tell strangers to go try it” good.

Nick’s Cafe is officially on my must-return list. I can’t wait to see what other deliciousness they have on the menu. If you haven’t been yet, what are you waiting for? Get yourself to Nick’s and let the breakfast...

AVOID THIS OVERHYPED SPOT! Wasted 45 minutes waiting at this 'LA institution' only to get completely dismissed by a hostess who looked like she wandered straight from Comic-Con in a faded Sonic the Hedgehog shirt. She couldn't be bothered to look THREE FEET in front of her when calling names, then gave us an eye roll and shrug when we tried to get her attention - we walked out. No way I'm giving my money to a place that treats customers like an inconvenience before they even sit down.

Pro tip: Those Sysco trucks pulling up during off-hours? Just confirms what you're getting - standard diner fare at inflated prices. Nothing wrong with that if the service was decent, but don't buy into the hype about this being something special.

Don't let the tourist-packed line fool you - a wait doesn't mean it's worth it. The fact that this place can get away with such GARBAGE service while charging premium prices for basic diner food is everything wrong with LA's overhyped food scene. Save your time. There are dozens of breakfast spots nearby where they actually acknowledge your existence. HARD PASS on this tourist trap!

EDIT: Owner’s response just proves my point. Instead of addressing the real issues, they deny what I saw with my own eyes and offer a half-hearted apology. This is exactly why this tourist trap isn’t worth anyone’s time or money. Keeping my...