Mary's Market — Restaurant in Sierra Madre

This little diner in Sierra Madre is the true definition of a local hidden gem. I have known about it for quite some time, even though I live over in West LA and had been tracking it since it was closed during the fires. I am working through a list of all diners in LA County and Mary’s was recommended to me. It’s tucked up near the mountains in Sierra Madre surrounded by homes and literally you drive on a dirt road to get to the restaurant. It’s right next to a ravine with flowing water and when I parked, I honestly thought to myself this does not even remind me of LA, but in a good way. It’s quite small on the inside, and this place is full of locals more than tourists. You order at the counter and then they bring the food to you. The interior is a little bit eclectic with all sorts of memorabilia of different types all around the restaurant. Our server was very polite, even though the food items came out pretty slowly and they forgot my coffee, but still everything was worth the wait. Parking can be very tricky in this area, they do have an outdoor parking lot right across from the restaurant, and I was able to find a space and parked perfectly straight, but when I came out to my car, which is brand new and maybe part of the reason, someone poured coffee all over my windshield, which I thought was kind of weird and hillbilly-esque. Guess mountain towns don’t like paying visitors?

They actually have a pretty extensive menu with a lot of great options on it. For my first visit, I chose my favorite breakfast dish, which is Eggs Benedict. The ham was actually much better than you usually get and you can tell they actually buy in smaller batches because the ingredients are more premium than other places. I honestly was really happy with it. I felt the pricing was fair and just getting to this location is reason enough to visit it, especially if you are not from this area. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a great breakfast option, especially to anyone that is in or near the...

This once boutique market turned restaurant is the epitome of "overrated LA restaurant". Apparently only reserved for the locals the vibe was extremely discerning and uncomfortable as soon as I walked in. I had my small service animal in a leash in my arms when I walked in, seeing as there was no sign on the door or anywhere in the front windows and there were several dogs on the patio. Immediately the skinny gentleman with brown hair and glasses loudly and aggressively from across the room yelled at us and said we can't have any dogs here. Now, I completely understand and respect the stores rules but there's a way to go about things and this was the exact opposite of what you expect from a restaurant. It felt as if the entire restaurant stopped eating at that exact moment to turn and gawk at us, sheer embarrassment and horror. I wanted to turn around and walk out without ever turning back but my mom didn't want to leave since we already had spent 15 minutes going in circles trying to find the restaurant in the first place. He proceeded to take our order with the lousiest attitude ever, you felt as though they surely would spit in your food. I've never felt so unwelcome and like an outsider in my entire life. Besides that the whole restaurant was smoky the entire time, it certainly has to be a health violation, there was a clear layer of smoke for the whole hour we were there where the diners were eating!! It was unbelievable and I cannot believe the health department allows them to be in business, matter of fact I had half a mind to call them myself to come check out the establishment and review their policies. The restaurant looked, felt, smelt old and dingy and I felt true hesitation in the cleanliness of the entire place and our food. If you ask me. I'd say this place is out of date, out of touch and I can't see one reason why anyone keeps coming here. Must be a...

On Sundays we do nothing and chill. Sweet little Sunday adventure to a small town. Mary’s Market and Canyon Café (est 1922), is a quaint and small albeit adorable breakfast cafe tuck in a town on northern Sierra Madre. It’s a mom and pop’s kind of cottage cafe well hidden in the lime light of LA and suburbia. I arrived on a late hot Sunday morning on Father’s Day. It’s interior design was very, very modest whereby the decorations were as old as your parents. Similarly, their atmosphere emits the essence of a mom/pop’s vibe. They have indoor and outdoor dine in seats. However, they currently have outdoor seating, albeit limited, with great view of nature. Upon my arrival, I was warmly welcomed and amiably greeted by a female staff. Customers need to order at the counter first before taking a table outdoors. I perused their chalkboard menu hanged above the front wall. After a few minutes of deliberation, I decided to go with Waffle (with fruits), coffee and oj. The waffle (+fruit toppings) was very ordinary and plain but soft, warm and has a home made taste. Coffee and OJ were very simple and ordinary in taste. Furthermore, their service was moderately fast and on point. Prices were very affordable. Parking lot is very limited to 15 vehicles. Moreover, most surrounding streets were narrow and riddled with No Street Parking At Anytime sign. I was lucky enough to find a spot at south of Sturtevant Dr which was a four mins schlep by foot. Fellow patrons were very friendly and nice; their demographic composition was from young family to old aged and mostly white folks. In this voluminous review, I had a good and very simple dine in experience. Collectively, its a nice little cafe restaurant with good ambiance and I recommend this restaurant before your...