Sqirl

Sqirl has carved out a unique place in LA’s dining landscape as the quintessential daytime cafe experience. Tucked into Virgil Village, this counter-service spot has weathered controversies and trends alike, emerging as a steadfast neighborhood institution where the food matches the excellent people-watching. The vibe is pure LA—think post-hike crowds, group selfies, and the inevitable scramble for sidewalk seating.

The menu spans a satisfying range of toasts, bowls, salads, and heartier breakfast plates, but the iconic dishes remain the main draw. The ricotta toast deserves its legendary status: thick-cut brioche spread with pillowy whipped ricotta and painted with house-made jam that changes with the seasons. The sorrel pesto rice bowl appears on nearly every table for good reason—especially when you order it “loaded” with all the fixings. When summer rolls around, keep an eye out for the Secret BLT featuring peak-ripeness tomatoes.

Expect a wait regardless of when you visit—this place draws crowds whether it’s a Sunday morning or an early Tuesday. Food can take a while to arrive and might not be piping hot at peak hours, but that’s part of the deal here. Grab one of their herbal tonics or turmeric drinks while you wait and lean into the experience.

Sqirl works best as a destination for laid-back weekend brunch with friends, a healthy-ish breakfast after a Griffith Park hike, or anytime you want to soak up some quintessential Silver Lake-adjacent atmosphere. It’s a pleasant slice of LA idiosyncrasy that has somehow stayed true to itself through the years—and the crowds prove that still counts for something.