The Sycamore Kitchen

"This cafe and bakery in Hancock Park is always one of our first suggestions to someone looking for a weekday lunch. And, with its big front patio, your four-legged soulmate gets to tag along and be the talk of La Brea. On sunny days, it can get hot out here, but the staff does a great job of making sure both of your water bowls are full at all times. This will come in handy while you eat pork belly hash or cured salmon toast (and your dog stares at you hoping you drop something)." - brant cox

"Your Order: Avocado Cobb Navigating street parking near La Brea and Beverly can be a chore, but Sycamore Kitchen makes the ordeal worthwhile with its solid daytime menu. Besides hearty breakfast sandwiches, this Hancock Park spot also knows how to make great salads, including an avocado cobb with creamy, tangy dressing. The dish gets its name from the half-avocado resting on top, but it’s really an afterthought. There’s also a delicious balance of bacon bits, hard-boiled egg, and lighter things like dill, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a spritz of lemon." - brant cox, sylvio martins, arden shore, garrett snyder, nikko duren

"Grab a quiche, sandwich, soup, or just a sticky bun. Then sit on the sunny patio and pretend to be working. Afterwards, walk La Brea and its many furniture stores, then check out American Rag for the cool kids clothing." - One Long House

"Sycamore Kitchen is the kind of lunch spot you wish existed on every block. Great food, quick service, and lots of people wearing kaftans on a Tuesday. The menu at this order-at-the-counter spot isn’t large, but there isn’t a bad thing on it. If you go the salad route, their Italian chop is basically a legend at this point, but for our money, the spicy Vietnamese is even better. There are also sandwiches, pastries, and toasts for all those people in kaftans. Their front patio is one of our favorites in the city." - brant cox

"We’ve spent more time and money at Sycamore Kitchen than we care to admit. But we are suckers for the multiple charms of this bakery and cafe on La Brea: a big courtyard out front, many excellent egg dishes, and the fact that you practically are forced to order a pastry after staring at the huge selection while you wait in line. " - nikko duren, brant cox, sylvio martins