Chainsaw

Tucked into the increasingly hip stretch of Melrose Hill sits Chainsaw, a wonderfully eccentric little cafe that started life as an apartment-based pie pop-up back in 2020. The space itself is delightfully compact—just a handful of makeshift stools and tables arranged out front—but what it lacks in square footage, it more than makes up for in charm and seriously delicious food.

The legendary passionfruit icebox pie remains the star attraction, and for good reason. Whether you grab a single slice or spring for a whole pie to share (or not share, we won’t judge), this dreamy dessert is reason enough to make the trek. But limiting yourself to just pie would be a mistake. The morning hours bring Venezuelan-style arepas fresh from the fryer, each one stuffed like a hungry little Pac-Man with fillings like serrano ham and a punchy red pepper sauce. Pair it with a cafe quesillo latte, and you’ve got yourself a proper breakfast.

Come lunchtime, Chainsaw transforms into the perfect hideaway from LA traffic. The crackly pork collar milanesa with arugula salad hits the spot, as do the papas fritas dunked in their tangy tamarind barbecue sauce. There’s also an off-menu jambon beurre baguette that’s absolutely worth asking about. If you’ve got nowhere to be, stick around for a vermouth float—and keep an eye out for their upcoming wine bar expansion next door.

This is exactly the kind of unassuming neighborhood gem that makes dining in LA so rewarding. Perfect for solo meals when you want great food without fuss, or as the spot where you become the office hero by showing up with a whole icebox pie. Trust us, your coworkers will treat you like royalty for days.