The Oaks Gourmet Market & Cafe — Restaurant in Los Angeles

UPDATE: So, after a not so great first experience, we decided to give this neighborhood joint a second chance. We ordered the exact same thing as the first time (minus the fries, just weren't craving them this time) as we thought that was the best way to give them a second chance. Plus, I was craving a juicy burger. This time they knocked it out of the park. The Oaks burger was juicy, pink and delicious, just as a good burger should be. I paired it with a Czech Pilsner from their great selection of beers, wines and spirits. My gf got the Grilled Cheese with Tomato Bisque once again and it was absolutely perfect. Wonderfully toasty with a gooey and stretchy cheese center. Just plain drool worthy. She paired that with an original formula Dr. Pepper which was great. They also have a great selection of non-alcoholic drinks.

Definitely will be stopping by again on our walks.

This time I also walked away with some Gnocchi, which I'll be cooking up for dinner soon.

Anyways, glad we gave them a second change.

Walked in and couldn't figure out where to order. There was more staff there than customers, yet nobody greeted us or even acknowledged our existence. Whatever, eventually someone noticed us and took out order. The dry aged burger, fries and a grilled cheese. It took over 20 minutes for us to get our order, even thought there was practically nobody there. Can't even imagine how bad it is when there are a ton of people there, like I see when I walk my dog past this place daily. So, we finally get our food and what a disappointment it was. The fries were COLD! Who has the audacity to serve cold fries?! Especially for $5. Get home and they sure put the DRY in dry aged. The burger was closer to cold than warm, even though we live 4 blocks away and drove. It had a decent taste but was way over cooked. The grilled cheese was also closer to cold, and it wasn't barely toasted. The tomato bisque was only warm in the middle.

Was hoping this would be a go to spot in the new neighborhood. But, it just turned into a HUGE...

I want to love this place so badly, but the food just keeps disappointing me. I was really craving a good sandwich at lunch time and love the vibes there on a sunny day, so I gave it another chance and got the turkey (basically a BLT w/ turkey). It was so unfortunately dry and unexciting. If you have that type of (french? Sourdough?) bread- the mayo has to be detectable. The red onion wasn’t even sliced in normal sandwich slices, it was like - large pieces. And the amount of turkey on there is like a caveman portion. I had to ask for some more mayo to get some flavor going. It was sadly just so not satisfying.

How it could improve: Better bacon (maybe it needs a new rub, to be a little crisper, maybe a maple bacon- just something with more flavor), better bread- maybe something great from a good bakery, herb mayo is just ok, maybe sundried tom spread? Better cheese, it’s just melted cheddar I think. Doesn't add a bright or interesting flavor (in my opinion). Thinner pieces of red onion and tomato.

I feel like a turkey sandwich is so simple, yet hard to find a good one. I personally LOVE Larchmont wine and cheese turkey sandwiches the most, best in LA (to me!).

Again it’s a shame to write because I LOVE the atmosphere, the staff is actually KIND and friendly and welcoming. They all smile and greet you and seem to enjoy their jobs. The people there love to hang out and work on laptops. It’s just a fun vibe.

Hoping for a little kitchen refresh or mix up so I can...

I've ordered something from every part of their menu. To be frank, a lot of it is bland and uninteresting. And pretty expensive given the distinct lack of flavor and attention to service. People seem to like the breakfast burritos here, but I don't. Who puts over easy eggs in a breakfast burrito without asking the customer? I don't want a soggy burrito with yolk spilling out of it. The cheese selection is good, but they seem to be missing some that one would expect to find at a "gourmet" foods store. I want a stinky, creamy blue cheese from France, not the weak stuff I can find across the street at Gelson's. The wine selection is better than what you'll find there, at least. One guy maybe seems happy to work here. Everyone else kind of seems like they're there because they have to be. Pretty long wait times for food, too. One thing they do excel at is making delicious grilled cheese. If they only made perfectly toasted bread with cheese and bacon from now on, I wouldn't be mad about it. Every time I leave, find myself thinking, "I'll never come here again." But I live nearby, so I do end up coming here every now and then out of pure convenience. I think I'll start going elsewhere until...