When You Find Out Encino Has a Hidden Lake (And Cafe!)
Encino. A neighborhood name you don't hear often when planning visits to LA. It's not that it's the worst area, it's just quickly overshadowed by the famous neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica. However, it's also not my favorite part of LA to explore. (If you're a fan of Encino, my deepest apologies for any offense, but we all have our preferences!) It's just not as k Despite my not so warm feelings towards the area, it is the perfect in between spot for a friend and I to meet up. Thus our adventure into Lakeside Cafe.
It's extremely unassuming, as the cafe is paired side by side to a Shell gas station. My first impression was a snarky, "Wow, we're getting happy hour at Shell Station. Awesome. Great find." I was pretty wrong. It was almost like a 'Narnia Closet' experience. You know the movie, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, where sweet Lucy steps into her Uncle's wardrobe closet, only to find herself passed through to a magical land of snow and mythical creatures. There wasn't snow, and there weren't any mythical creatures, but there was a lake and a beautiful patio area
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 off. As nighttime approaches, the heaters and tea lights turn on, and the magical atmosphere only heightens. You really do feel as though you've been transported out of LA into a countryside feel.
Happy hour happens daily from 3-7 and the menu is easy to navigate through. The patio is airy and bright and between the cocktail you'll be sipping on while sitting next to that lake, we can guarantee you're traffic stress will melt away.