The 101 Coffee Shop is a great place to get breakfast in Los Angeles. It use to have a different owner, but since the change over the food has had a surprising increase in quality. It is like any average diner in the US, but the crowd is quite different here. It is located at the Best Western Hotel, "the last stop for coffee before you leave Hollywood" it says on the large mural painted on the side of the hotel. It’s literally right next to the Gower on and off ramp for the 101 freeway; hence the name 101 Coffee Shop. What I found most interesting about my visit to the newly renovated restaurant was its authenticity.
The 101 Coffee Shop doesn't attempt to make a caricature of an old Hollywood coffee shop it almost feels as though The 101 Coffee Shop has always been there. Tastefully renovated by restaurateur and coffee-shop aficionado Warner Ebbink who was running some of the Los Angeles’s hippest, hottest restaurants Swingers, Jones, Good Luck Bar, Bar Marmont. Ebbink apparently was a fan of the architectural firm that created the look for the famed restaurant Ships. Ships was a landmark in Los Angeles that was sadly torn down in the early nineties to build a gas station. Fortunately, The 101 Coffee Shop has recreated an element of that mid century era.
The location, location, location of the coffee shop is also such a great piece of history. Franklyn Avenue is the divide between those who have made it and those who are struggling in Hollywood. Beachwood Canyon, like most other canyons in Los Angeles, is known for being a haven for screen writers and actors. Below Franklyn are the seedy parts of Hollywood that the artists grapple with on a day-to-day basis before finally breaking it into the biz.
The visitors to the restaurant reflect both sides of the spectrum which makes for a colorful experience for any on looking vacationer. Power lunches and late partied out breakfasts are both staples at this non-greasy greasy spoon.
The chef that Ebbink chose is Cajun so you will find a lot of southern cookin’ on the menu. This is great for Southern California because you wouldn't expect to find this in any old diner. The breakfast and lunches are reasonably priced and I have never been disappointed. The early bird special is a good staple and cheap, under $5.
The deserts are beautiful and large. Just the way they should be. A’ la mode please. You'll love the 101 Coffee Shop. I know I did. I'll be going back and I am sure if you venture out that way you will too. Happy eats!