Urth Caffé

Reviews 4

LI

Lisa Tran

This place has been a staple of CA culture since its appeared as the normal lunch spot for Ari in Entourage. Ive been here a couple of a times because my friends (for some reason) have a strange affinity to this crowded bougie people-watching spot. Each time I come, my star rating drops. I havent left a review because I really had nothing to say about this place. It wasnt bad. It wasnt good. It wasnt memorable in any way. But after my 6th time here, I decided that I dont like this place. 1. Lines are out the door ALL THE TIME. This is situated in a quieter part of Bev Hills. Quieter- but its still inhabited by those who dont need to work a 9-5 job to get by... meaning that Urth Caffe will be crowded ALL THE TIME. I came at 3pm on a Wednesday, because Im a student and really wanted their pumpkin pie (more on this delicious dish later). I had to wait 20 minutes to get this slice! 2. Drinks are ridiculously expensive. Im not a cheap person when it comes to food, but my reviews always come down to the question of "is it worth it?" For G&B Coffee, whose iced coffee is $4, yes its worth it. For blue bottle coffee, its worth it. For Urth Caffe, no its not. Theres nothing different about how these coffees taste. I think good coffee is not masked behind the amount of sugars, milk, cream foam etc. And the drinks here have only survived this long because of these disguises. I tried the "rude awakening": an expresso with manhattan mudd. And it just tastes like an regular coffee I can make at home. Theres no earthy flavor, or hints of different fruit, etc. I rather get a starbucks iced coffee for $1.95. 3. The food is aiight. Its expensive (expect to spend at least $20 here after tip and tax) and alright. 4. My last words are going to be the pros of this place: the pumpkin pie and the free 2 hour parking. The pumpkin pie is pretty good- about $6 something a slice. I think thats worth it. But waiting in line for that slice is not. Im ordering a slice of already made pie.. I should be able to bypass the ridiculous line for that! If I could, I would go to this place again. And the whipped cream that comes with the pie- light yet refreshing! Park in the structure across the street for free! Anyways, this place will still be poppin because rich people dont care about "if its worth it." Maybe, one day when Im a baller, this will be my mentality. But for now, the wait, the mediocre drinks and food, and the price tag make this place not worth going.

WA

Walter Macalma

Yelp hasnt killed me yet, but maps had me cruising down an almost alleyway to a highly touted café in the rain had me reaching for my piece all the way until I saw the sanctuary of umbrellas and a patio, and a line and I knew I was home. My 2nd thought was the # of law enforcement officers in attendance. A dozen from 3 different jurisdictions had me extra on edge. JK. Cops love me. Im used to cops being on the go just in case they get a call and not really setting roots around their spread. Could be proximity to court house or lack of other good options in the area. Prices are a little high and service is good, but scatterbrained. When busy theyll take your order in line and the cashiers will confirm and cash you out. Some of the staff that brings your food is very helpful and others are straight up jerks, pushing and shoving to deliver food. Maybe cut out a few tables and open up the walk ways.The menu can be confusing depending on the time you go. It seems pretty big with lots of items, but once you realize the motif they are going for and the vision youll realize its all about 1 word "Rustic". Being an old renovated brick industrial building is cool, the art and the décor isnt overpowering, but fitting, tables and chairs were sturdy and comfortable, durable finishes fitting the bricks well. My scramble had a salad in it, and they called everything "heirloom", but basically just arugala with a light vinagrette. Frankly I was looking for the more commonly overused "local, organic" terms. Tasty sausage, fluffy eggs. Amazing artisanal bread when you slather butter on is really good. That nice thick crust and sitting window side watching the rain while I drank my red thai latte was a refreshing experience. Love how they offer soy, rice and almond milk, that alone puts them well above many coffee houses. Water is outside usually and self served. Tables do not come with silverware as again its a bit of a self serve. I think if they revamped their operational efficiency it would be a great place to come on a regular basis when in LA, but too many downstars. My want for condiments and service overall and a menu thats a little too specialized will keep this from getting a star on the walk of fame.

AM

Amy Fisher

My sister and I were in Exposition Park yesterday celebrating my birthday, and I wanted to try this restaurant for dinner (which is about 20 minutes from the Natural History Museum) because I thought the menu looked nice and we both maintain healthy diets (me, vegetarian, her, gluten-free and pescatarian). Meh, Ive had better. I was disappointed. I ordered the full-size Whole Urth Salad, which we were told is big enough for two people, and it is. While the ingredients were good, the dressing was pretty bland. My sister ordered the Greek salad and said it had too much dressing. She gave me the bread that came with her salad, and the crusty bread had such a hard crust that I couldnt bite down on it because I was afraid Id break my teeth. While their main claim to fame are their coffees and teas, I ordered hot cocoa because Im not much of a coffee or tea drinker and it was freezing inside, although my sister and I ended up eating outside since it was warmer outside. Unfortunately, the hot cocoa was lukewarm, not hot. The service was so-so. They dont check back on the customers to see if they need anything. We could have used more napkins. I decided to take home the part of the salad I couldnt finish, plus the pita bread I couldnt finish, but couldnt flag down anyone and went inside myself to ask for boxes. I waited for a good five minutes in the order line to ask for them. I got the boxes, but no bag. I grabbed one from a pile of bags on the counter. It was Sunday night and the restaurant was VERY busy. Its in the Downtown Arts District and very popular with hipsters and other downtown residents and visitors to downtown, so be aware of that if you want to visit. My recommendation: Go there for coffee and dessert (which we didnt try, so for all we know could be really good), and get the rest of your meal elsewhere.

CH

Cherry Davis

I LOATHE this restaurant! Ive been to Urth Caffe twice. The first time for coffee and scones with friends. The pastries were cold and stale (NOT impressed) but the coffee was fine. The second time was such an awful experience that I refuse to enter their establishment ever again. I had a tomato soup and ice tea. Its tomato soup so never crossed my mind to tell them about my seafood allergy since they had a description that it was just fresh tomato and herbs. Well they had something in the soup that I had an intense allergic reaction. I had to tear through the restaurant to find the ONE restroom that was busy had to get sick in the back in a corner (very upsetting). I came back to the table and asked the waiter what was in the soup since Id had an allergic reaction and he accused me of trying to skip out on my bill to avoid payment! I walked him to the back and SHOWED him where I was sick. Asked to speak to the manager (not to ask for my money it was SOUP) but to tell them that they should put ingredients that people are allergic to (example - peanuts is a big one!). He/She never came out and since I was feeling queasy still I just left and paid. Sorry but the waiter got no tip for his rude comments! If you have any food allergies beware this restaurant since they dont list all their ingredients and the waitstaff is not very informed!