A local favorite since 1997, Cafe Balcony is a quaint little coffee shop located in West Los Angeles. Tucked away along Rochester Ave (right off of Santa Monica Blvd and Centinela) , this neighborhood gem takes an interesting approach in creating the perfect cup of coffee. Brewed using a unique hand-crafted Siphon (see picture below), the result is a remarkably great tasting cup of coffee that’s always made to order.
The contraption resembles a chemistry set that you may have used in High School. The Siphon is made up of three parts: a burner, a water chamber, and a brewing chamber which holds the freshly ground organic beans. The burner heats up the water and essentially creates a vacuum effect which forces the water into the brewing chamber. The coffee is brewed in the chamber for a few minutes, funneled back down into the water chamber, and then served.
If this all seems a little too scientific for you, don’t worry…they also offer some simpler alternatives. Using the finest Italian coffees from Illy, all of their espresso drinks (lattes, cappuccinos, etc.) are absolutely fantastic.
Cafe Balcony also provides free wireless internet and is open daily till midnight.
NOTE: They don't accept credit cards so remember to bring along some cash.
Located directly across the street from the Westside Pavilion along Pico Blvd, Apple Pan has been serving Los Angeles for decades. In fact, many will remember it as the Peach Pit in the first season of Beverly Hills 90210.
As you walk inside Apple Pan, the first thing you'll probably notice is that the u-shaped counter is completely full. You will also notice people standing along the walls waiting for a seat to open up. There is no seating system or wait list so just look around and be aware of who was there before you. Don’t be discouraged if there are a lot of people waiting, the service is really efficient and you will probably have a seat in 10 minutes or less.
The Service
Don't expect 5 star service when visiting Apple Pan - you won't get it. What you can expect is to be in and out of there as quickly as possible. As soon as you sit down you will be asked to order and your drinks will arrive about 30 seconds later. You’ll get your burger shortly after and then your check. It’s not warm and fuzzy, but it works.
The Food
The menu features 2 types of burgers, the Steak and Hickory. They also serve Tuna and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, but don’t come to Apple Pan for that. Regardless of which burger you choose, you won’t be disappointed…they are simply fantastic. The patty is thick and juicy, the lettuce is crisp, and the cheese is melted just right. If you have room after you finish eating, I highly recommend that you try the Apple Pie a la mode. Baked on the premises, the pies arrive warm, crisp, and oozing with filling.
The Cost
The cost of a burger at Apple Pan is on the pricey side. Expect to pay around $7 for a burger with cheese. Add fries and a drink to that, and you’ll easily hit the $12 mark.
As far as I’m concerned, Apple Pan serves the best hamburger in Los Angeles. Sure IN N’ OUT is great, especially for the price, but when you bite into a burger at Apple Pan…you’ll know the difference.
A local favorite since 1997, Cafe Balcony is a quaint little coffee shop located in West Los Angeles. Tucked away along Rochester Ave (right off of Santa Monica Blvd and Centinela) , this neighborhood gem takes an interesting approach in creating the perfect cup of coffee. Brewed using a unique hand-crafted Siphon (see picture below), the result is a remarkably great tasting cup of coffee that’s always made to order.