Wake & Late

If you find yourself wandering through Downtown LA with a morning appetite, Wake & Late is exactly the kind of spot you hope to stumble upon. This unassuming walk-up window keeps things delightfully simple—five breakfast burritos, some killer bagels, and that’s your menu. No frills, no fuss, just focused execution on what they do best.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the steak burrito. Picture this: tender, medium-rare sirloin mingling with creamy avocado, caramelized grilled onions, melty pepper jack cheese, perfectly fluffy scrambled eggs, and enough tater tots to transport you back to your school cafeteria days—but elevated. Their house-made hot sauce brings a nice tangy kick that ties everything together. The vegetarian version holds its own too, proving they care about every option on the menu.

This is the kind of place that prioritizes quality over quantity. The burritos aren’t massive by LA standards, and for what you’re paying, you might wish for a bit more heft. But what you get is carefully crafted rather than carelessly stuffed. If your primary goal is just to fill up on the cheap, look elsewhere. If you want a breakfast burrito done right, this is your spot.

Wake & Late has also expanded to Pasadena, maintaining the same casual, come-as-you-are energy. Whether you’re grabbing something quick before work or nursing a weekend brunch craving, this little window delivers exactly what it promises—a morning ritual worth waking up for.