Sqirl
Located in Silver Lake, this small, community-driven spot is synonymous with breakfast in LA. It's "fast-casual" with a very hipster vibe. No frills and off the beaten path, the telltale sign of Sqirl's popularity is the line out the door. It's the line that never dies down.
Order first, then chillax
You have to follow the Sqirl process: Walk up to the counter, order, and then find a place to sit. Don’t break the rules! If you try to get there early and hunt for a seat before ordering, the staff will make you get up. You can only hunt for your seat (both indoors and outdoors) after ordering.
An eclectic take on the most important meal of the day
The American/Californian menu features much more than eggs and toast. The menu is steeped with global influences, predominantly middle eastern. Ingredients like turmeric, za’atar, fermented lentils, and cardamom are par for the course.
Headlining heroes
Everything is good, but you know I have some favorites.
Daily Quiche: The type changes daily. Usually, it’s a mixture of whatever vegetables are in season. An excellent option for a light, yet filling breakfast or brunch. Served with mixed greens.
Turkey Breakfast Sandwich: Sprouted bun, souvlaki turkey sausage, fried egg, whey-fermented lentils, crispy onions, and cucumber tzatziki are the stars of this savory sandwich. You can add griddled halloumi, which I 100% recommend. Vegetarian? No problem. Just substitute avocado for the turkey sausage. I’d say this ties with the ricotta toast (up next) as my favorite dish at the restaurant.
Famed Ricotta Toast: Brioche toast w/ house ricotta and choice of seasonal jam. Pro tip: make it “a rainbow” so you can try all the jams.
French Toast: Brioche stuffed with jam & baked “pain perdu-style.” Served with crème fraîche. It’s excellent! Please note that syrup costs extra.
Scone: The flavor changes regularly, but they’re all delicious. I've never had a bad scone. They serve it with jam and butter and it’s to die for.
Morning Bun: Delicious. My favorite has been the passionfruit version. Think of it like a cinnamon bun without the cinnamon.
The “Al Puccino”: A lightly sweetened iced cappuccino. It’s a must when visiting.
More in the mood for lunch?
You probably noticed many of the menu items lean a little more lunch-like than breakfasty. One such dish is the Sorrel Pesto Rice Bowl. It’s a trendy item made from kokuho rose brown rice, sorrel pesto (nut-free), preserved Meyer lemon, Lacto-fermented hot sauce, watermelon radish, French sheep feta, and a poached egg. Add bacon and avocado (you can thank me later; you need the fat to cut through some of the citrus). A perfect brunch dish - why not get the best of both worlds?
Now shave up your ‘stache or slip on your skinny jeans. This hipster joint is sure to make a good impression.
