Kings Road Coffee and Café

"Incredibly disappointing experience. 4 of us showed up and each ordered a plate; my friend ordered extra pancakes. Food was decent with the exception of 1 member who sent his entire plate back of Avocado Toast due to stale bread. After food was delivered, the server did not show up once for follow up on coffee, etc. We actually had to waive down service (to order a to-go plate for a friend back home); the servers were sitting down talking to one another. When the server brought the check, she confirmed the items on the touchscreen device. The server then flipped the machine which showed a total of $150 and then asked for tip options of 15%, 18%, etc. Due to the sub-par experience, I opted to tip lower and pressed Custom which then showed a price breakdown, and to my surprise, a 18% tip had already been applied (sever made no mention of this)! I questioned 1) why she did not inform me tip was applied before showing me a screen asking for additional tip and 2) why was a tip automatically applied in the first place. She said that her system "automatically tips" on parties of 6 or more - we were a party of four. Her response was that we "ordered 6 plates" [the extra side of pancakes and a to-go order]. Apparently no manager was on site to dispute and we "needed to call back another day". Absolutely ridiculous tactics and poor service. Please folks, watch out for this restaurant applying automatic tips on small parties, and then asking for additional tips on top. This situation is another example why California has just passed a law to crack down on these deceptive practices."

"I love the rich flavors and large portions of the food. I had breakfast here and the presentation was awesome. I had the 3-1 meal. The decor was like most places farmhouse rustic style. The staff was helpful and attentive. You could eat inside or out. It was busy for a Sunday and the place sits on a corner of Beverly St. The restaurant is divided with the left side being Take-out and the Right side being Dine-in. Highly recommend."

"I discovered Kings Road Cafe more than 20 years ago. Without a doubt the best bold/complex coffee & espresso in LA — if not anywhere. I never miss an opportunity for a stop here when I’m in LA, and I’ll order their signature blend online whenever I am running low. The food is also outstanding — a great spot for brunch — and the new bakery takes KR to another level."

"I dislike giving a poor review when the staff and servers are so nice, but the food wasn't great and the coffee was not drinkable. I took my friend here as a gift for a promotion he received and I was kind of embarrassed. You'll see in the pics the coffee (I only had a few sips) was burnt and bitter. The eggs were overdone, the hollandaise sauce had no lemon and had very little taste, the croissant wasn't toasted, and the bacon was almost non-existent. The potatoes were great though!!!! Again, I really dislike bashing the food and drink when everything else was so nice, but I have to be honest. To make up for it, today I took my friend to a bagel place and for less than 1/2 the price we had absolutely amazing coffee and bagel sandwich."

"Delicious breakfast all day. I could stop there but everything I’ve ordered over several visits have been outstanding. Friendly, professional staff will guide you to a great meal. Coffee is on point in big heavy cups and drops fast. Thick sourdough toast with shattering crust comes with most egg dishes and the avo toast is one of the best I’ve had."