A Hidden Lake and Café in the Most Unlikely of LA Neighborhoods
Encino. A neighborhood name you don't hear often when planning visits to LA. Encino is like the ugly duckling of Los Angeles; maybe someday it’ll group up to be beautiful, but it just doesn’t have the same attractions as other areas of the city, like Santa Monica or Beverly Hills. So, you can only imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon the sweetest of spots in the most unlikely of LA neighborhoods
It's extremely unassuming, as the cafe is paired side by side to a Shell gas station. You’ll most likely take a double or even a triple take in disbelief that to get access to this magical looking spot, you almost have to pass through the gas station. But I will say, if there ever was a Narnia type experience, this would be it. Just as the four siblings in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe pass through a closet in their house to a magical land called Narnia, so will you pass from a worn down gas station on an unimpressive street into this gorgeous lakeside bistro.
The spot is multi dimensional with a coffee shop, a patio area, dining indoors and outdoors, and a bar area, all sitting on a beautiful lake. What you don't see from Ventura Blvd is the gorgeous lake that almost all seats have a view of. As nighttime approaches, the heaters and patio lights turn on, and the magical atmosphere only increases. If you’re in the need of a break from the city hustle for some country side vibes, this spot is perfect.
Another great perk of the location is the pricing. A location this expansive and gorgeous in Beverly Hills or Santa Monica would easily double the prices for the menu items. Here, you’ll find a classic cheeseburger for $15 and a BLT for $12, with happy hour happening daily from 3pm-5:30pm. The patio is airy and bright and between the cocktail you'll be sipping on while sitting next to that gorgeous lake, I can almost guarantee you're traffic stress will melt away and you’ll find yourself sitting there for hours.