Friends & Family

Tucked into a corner in East Hollywood, across from a strip mall that houses both a beloved boat noodle soup spot and a surprisingly fun dive bar, Friends & Family stands out as a welcoming all-day cafe. The space is minimalist and casual, with a quiet energy that welcomes laptop workers and leisurely brunchers alike. It’s the kind of place where showing up in your most comfortable clothes feels completely appropriate.

Morning is when this cafe truly shines. The olive oil fried eggs are a revelation—perfectly crispy around the edges and served alongside yogurt, chickpeas, and a touch of harissa on olive bread. The pastry case is stocked with tempting options, but the white cheddar biscuit deserves special attention. Before leaving, many regulars grab a fresh loaf of bread to enjoy at home later.

Beyond breakfast, Friends & Family excels at simple, satisfying fare that works for quick bites or lingering lunches. The egg salad, rich with mayo and tarragon, is the kind of dish you could bring to a potluck and happily take credit for. The Hippie Sandwich delivers vegetables and green goddess dressing in perfect harmony, while the classic patty melt on rye proves that sometimes the best approach is not to reinvent the wheel.

This is a neighborhood spot through and through—perfect for solo dining with a good book, meeting friends for a lazy weekend brunch, or simply grabbing coffee and a pastry before tackling the day. The only downside is that they close at 4pm, leaving you to fend for yourself come dinnertime.