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Backstage Cafe
Categories: Food Bakeries Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Delis Bakeries, Coffee & Tea, Delis [Edit]
2520 W Olive AveBurbank, CA 91505
Neighborhood: Burbank
(818) 563-4567
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 4 pm
Sat 8 am - 2 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
50 reviews for Backstage Cafe
Review Highlights
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"U gotta try the "Love that Basil" sandwich on dr." In 3 reviews -
"I have had the Wasabi Tuna as a salad and it was great and..." In 2 reviews -
"Long line during lunch (but it seems to move quickly." In 4 reviews
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50 reviews in English
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Review from Gonzalo Y.
Burbank, CA
4/6/2012
Very good cofee shop
Quick lunch or breakfast
Friendly service
Good quality -
Review from Jacob L.
Burbank, CA
4/19/2012
I came here for lunch with a co-worker. Based on my first impressions as I walked in, I thought this was going to be a place for only baked goods and pastries, which are all nicely displayed in front. To my surprise, however, they actually had a full menu at the counter with a list of sandwiches, soups, salads, etc.
I ordered the capicolla sandwich on Jewish egg bread, under the "Light & Refreshing" sandwiches category. Unlike other reviewers' experiences, service didn't take long at all. First issue: I specifically ordered it with no mayo, but the sandwich came with mayo, so they got my order wrong. I took it back, and they gave me a "new" one only about 2 minutes later. I could tell they didn't make the second one from scratch because there was still a bit of mayo on the edges of the capicolla. I suspect they just replaced the bread along with the top layers from each side. Interestingly, I don't blame them--from a practical standpoint, I expected them to do just that. At least they should have tried to leave the suspicion out. Unfortunately, I wasn't astute enough to notice if they had replaced the top slice of capicolla, or left me short of a slice. I hope they didn't rip me off by a slice! By the way, they never apologized for the mistake, and looked as if they were doing ME a favor by "remaking" the sandwich.
Another issue with the sandwich was that it had too much lettuce, even though I happen to like lettuce. I'm not sure if it's because I ordered the large size, but there was nearly as much lettuce as meat (not a good ratio for flavor), which is saying a lot since it is a thick sandwich. The quality of the meat was good, however, and I liked the Jewish egg bread. I ended up eating the lettuce separately. Whaddya know? Free side salad! I bet it looked weird, but I needed the greens.
I would still be willing to try this place again for the "Hot & Delicious" category of sandwiches, which sound better and probably won't overdo it on the lettuce. -
Review from Jill T.
Burbank, CA
5/1/2012
Great place to stop by for coffee & a fruit cup on the way to work! Prices are very reasonable too.
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Review from Amir A.
San Diego, CA
8/4/2011
Backstage Cafe has become my one-stop for a quick lunch since its so close to work. Albeit there are some things that I will breakdown.
The Good: Your sandwiches make me salivate. I'm salivating now and risk messing up my laptop. I had the Chicken Parmasean once which was surprisingly good for a hot sandwich. But the Famous Tuna & Egg Salad on a French Roll....omg I could eat that all day. I finished one and wanted another, and would have done it too if I didn't have to deal with...
The Bad: You take too long to make your items. Maybe its because I'm always coming in at lunch when its busy but 15 minutes for a sandwich? Also the prices here are a tad high which I normally wouldn't care so much about since the quality is great but making me wait...time is money right?
The Ugly: A few places to sit inside, and a few outside. Not bad but no call numbers or anything. Some sandwiches are a mess to try and eat and get all over the place.
All in all the Good still weights out the negatives. I usually just call ahead and place and order and walk there to bypass the time it takes for them to make it. Seriously though, I'm still salivating so I'm gonna go grab a sandwich now. -
Review from Tina-Marie J.
Los Angeles, CA
2/10/2012
Good place, but all 7 times I've been helped by the same cashier who always seems miserable being there... Unpleasant service.
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Review from Daryl S.
Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA
6/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I first started going to their sister store "Love Birds" in Pasadena (on Colorado) several years ago.
The food at Backstage Cafe is the same as Love Birds and is tasty. I absolutely love their "Love That Basil" sandwich - with avocado, basil, provolone cheese, tomato and loads of fresh mixed greens on a tasty whole wheat bread. I only order the half sandwich and it's more than enough for me - and it's only around $4.50!!!!
I recently tried their smoothies and loved them - the pineapple coconut juice in the smoothie is a perfect summer treat.
Cons:
- Parking can be a pain
- Long line during lunch (but it seems to move quickly) -
Review from Gena B.
San Diego, CA
9/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
We had to go to the credit union next door and we were hungry, so we tried this place.
We were "underwhelmed".
The menu seemed appealing, but the gal who helped us order was LESS than "warm".
My boyfriend ordered the Thanksgiving Turkey sandwich - the Turkey was VERY salty. And it said it came with "a side of cranberry sauce".... ummm.... it was cranberry sauce in one of those little containers that a butter patty comes in. EWW! that's not "a side of cranberry". Geez! at least TRY to fake it!
Incidentally, my sandwich was fine.
All total, I thought that $17 for 2 sandwiches and 1 drink was a bit pricey, even for the area.
btw, my "baseline" is "how was the iced tea?" - I like brewed iced tea and am VERY particular. They had flavored iced tea (which I love) so I was hopeful.... but it wasn't very good and I poured it out and switched to regular. -
Review from Suzy S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
I stop here whenever I am in Burbank for work. Their smoothies and coffee are good. I enjoyed the BLT and basil sandwiches. The service can be slow and it can get crowded at lunch time. Basic cafe food with nothing to write home about. Prices are a little high.
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Review from Melissa M.
Los Angeles, CA
12/5/2011
This place is OK but not great. I tend to try to find something at most of the other surrounding spots before I end up going here. It's pricey for what it is and the food really isn't that great. I have had breakfast and lunch here. The salads and sandwiches are generous portions but as far as taste they are about average. Usually there is also a wait and sometimes there is a wait when there is no one in line and the prices are high for what they are actually giving. Just ok...not fantastic.
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Review from Christina M.
North Hollywood, CA
7/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
15 minutes for a scoop of chicken salad?!
Way to ruin my day!
Decent sandwiches and sweets but the wait is just far too long. -
Review from Carrie M.
Los Angeles, CA
7/9/2011
Backstage Cafe is our default "one stop shop" for food at my office. They deliver but they also charge quite a bit. We've had to talk to them about this fee a lot. They are relatively quick with their deliveries. So my only complaint is I can't really order lunch alone without paying 15 bucks for a basic sandwich. So, I only order when we've got several people on the horn.
I order basic sandwiches and they are pretty good. I like the potato salad as well. They have great sweets and sometimes they throw something in for us like a cookie, just because we're good customers. I think their breakfast burrito is awesome!! They also cooked me eggs and sausage on the side even though its not even on their menu.
I think they could do more breakfast on their menu and it would be a hit.
Pretty good, worth a shot.. -
Review from Robert C.
Updated - 11/30/2010
All their sandwiches are good! The entire lineup: Salami, Tuna Melt, BLT whatever--even heard the fake meat stuff is good for the veginators.
Love their Jewish bread. Toast great on melts.
The delivery is on time and always what you ordered which is clutch.
Inside is just a small cafe about the size of a Starbux express.
I've had soup that was good but the creamy broccoli tasted straight from the can, go with chicken noodle on Tuesday.Listed in: Best Eats under $10, Bur to the Bank
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/16/2010
All I can say is best BLT ever. Thick juicy bacon that has the thickness of a cheeseburger.
As my… Read more »
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Review from Christina R.
Studio City, CA
10/16/2008
When I go to lunch, I am looking for a pleasant break from the office - this is not it. The decor is industrial chic, with hard metal chairs and concrete floors. The outdoor patio is a collection of the same, only out in the hot sun.
As for the food, I was decidedly underwhelmed. It seems overpriced and unimaginative. The salads were sparse and unfilling... though the sandwiches at a nearby table looked heartier. However, at first glance this place doesn't stack up to the nearby Krust... which I am now doubly sad has closed. -
Review from holly p.
Canyon Country, CA
11/8/2011
LOVE love love!! I look forward to going here whenever I have appts in Burbank. U gotta try the "Love that Basil" sandwich on dr. snyder's bread! Its a great veggie option but I always add turkey. It is truly a one of a kind sandwich! BUT....I've taken alot of people there and no one is ever had a bad thing to say about what they ordered. They have great service and great food!
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Review from Minnie F.
Los Angeles, CA
8/8/2008
I was happy to find this cafe and really enjoyed the coffee drink and pastry I ordered.
It was great because it wasn't too busy but had just enough people to feel like a cool place.
When I was enjoying my breakfast, some guys had an issue with their phoned-in order but it seemed to have resolved in a good way for them.
I would return happily to Backstage Cafe. -
Review from Justin M.
Los Angeles, CA
7/6/2010
Service is friendly enough but I waited a really long time for VERY mediocre food. I ordered pastrami on rye with mayo and mustard (don't ask me why I was expecting any sort of pastrami greatness from a non-Jewish deli) and it was not the best. The pastrami was very lean to my liking, but it was bombarded with way too much mayo and mustard. Soggytown. The side of "California pasta" again had too much mayo and an overly-sweet-pickle flavor. Major pass.
Just go here to grab a canned soda or something. Chips. -
Review from Daniel T.
North Hollywood, CA
1/19/2011
Best BLT in Los Angeles, and easily one of my favorite lunch spots.
The wait can sometimes be a little long during the lunch rush, but it's ultimately worth it. Generally my wait is around 5 to 10 minutes, but you can avoid that by calling ahead. -
Review from Sonserae L.
Glendale, CA
8/11/2010
You order Chicken and you get Turkey!!
A few months ago I ordered a new sandwich "BBQ Chicken Sandwich" at Backstage Cafe. I thought it tasted funny...it wasn't chicken...it was turkey. Within a few minutes I was laying on the floor of the bathroom with horrible stomach cramps.
Flash Forward to this week when I decided to give them another chance. I ordered the Spinach salad and substituted bacon for chicken. I ordered it to go. When I got back to the office, I noticed that they had given me sliced turkey instead of chicken. It was so dry it was inedible. I made a call to them and told them of the mistake. The woman on the phone said, "No, it's chicken." I said, "I am a good cook. I know what turkey tastes like and I know what chicken tastes like and this is turkey!" It had the gamey taste that turkey does and the texture is completely different than chicken. They told me they would deliver a new one to my office with it corrected.
Within a few minutes, I got the salad. What do you know. Turkey! It was at that point I realized that they are trying to pass off turkey for chicken. I mean, how dumb do they think their clients are? It was so dry you'd choke on it. Typical of turkey meat. Why go to a place that assumes their clients are so dumb they don't know the difference between turkey and chicken? It would be an insult to your intelligence to keep patronizing this place.
Oh...and did I mention I had to wait 25 minutes for a salad to go? UGH. -
Review from Jeremy M.
Venice, CA
3/5/2009
This is one of the few bright spots in the hell I call Turdbank. Conveniently located a few blocks from my office, I often phone in my orders, which typically end up being a sandwich or salad. The hot sammies, like Paul's Roast Beef, which is basically a French Dip sammie with au jus, is pretty rockin', as is the French Connection. The salads are good as well with the Cobb being my personal fave. The chicken parm sammie was the only mis-step. The chicken tasted like marinated rubber and the sauce didn't mask the flav. Other than that, they have a solid menu with everything from soups to smoothies in addition to the aforementioned stuff.
I've only dined in (or on out the patio area) once, but it was a nice experience. I liken it to being at Starbucks with food you actually want to eat. Service is good and the help's friendly as well.
Check it out the next time you see plan on seeing Leno, Carson Daly or even Big Boy (Power 106 is next door). -
Review from nita m.
7/1/2009
I've never had the real food from Backstage Cafe (Poquito Mas is across the street...), only their baked goods which are amazing.
The chocolate chip cookie is perfection. It's thin-style, slightly crispy & perfectly buttery on the outside layer, soft & chewy & very moist on the inside. The number of chocolate chips in this cookie is really something - tons and tons and tons. And then the cookie is really big, like as big as my hand with my fingers spread out as far as they go.
The shortbread cookie squares with fruit are really really good too. The shortbread is thick, soft, and has a delicate flavor. The fruit filling is what really makes them stand out - it's very fresh & tastes like actual fruit as opposed to just sugar & weird fake fruit. I recommend the berry and the apricot - so so so good. -
Review from Curtis S.
Burbank, CA
2/26/2009
I have eaten here at least 30 times since I moved into my new work location across the street. The pastries are good and coffee is decent.
Avoid anything made with eggs. Egg and cheese sandwiches, breakfast burritos, etc...all terrible. Service is good and friendly though. And my coworkers like the lunch sandwiches...
But for as for me...I still feel ill from the egg and cheese sandwich... -
Review from Joel F.
Orlando, FL
9/28/2007
I'm conflicted here because the interior is 4 stars, the food is 3, and the service is 2.
They take way too long to process orders, the seating is in the way of the line to order, and I'm consistently freaked out by the humid windows on the bakery display cases.
It's really close to work though, and it's serviceable, so this review is sadly kind of pointless. It's way cheaper than East Coast Dogs, too. -
Review from Jose G.
Hawthorne, CA
Backstage Cafe is actually a second location for the Love Birds cafe in Pasadena, which is where all the baked goods are brought in from daily.
The staff is very friendly and if you call ahead you can really avoid the wait, which if you come during lunch can be very lengthy.
My absolute favorite is the French Connection on a Croissant ... hmmmm. Turkey, bacon and Swiss cheese with deli mustard. It's not the healthiest choice, but wow is it good, especially after a min in the microwave to really melt the Swiss cheese and get that warm croissant flavor.
If you are looking for a healthier alternative that's still tasty try the Thanksgiving sandwich on wheat (7-grain Dr. Snyder). It's hot turkey with a little turkey stuffing and comes with little packets of cranberry sauce if you like that stuff.
If you stop by for breakfast they use real bacon and a zingy Italian sausage for the burritos. Very tasty.
If you are in mood for coffee they are pretty good baristas.
Oh...and the cookies are really good too.
OK I'll stop now. Enjoy! -
Review from Joy B.
1/27/2009
The guy at the counter was nice; service prompt. No fuss, no muss.
I indulged in a super sized sour cream & blueberry muffin and a nonfat mocha latte, total tab $5.85. Taking a bite of the muffin and a sip of the latte complimented each other well.
Plentiful parking in a Union 88 something or other parking lot that they share a building with. -
Review from Jessie M.
4/22/2009
Today is the first day I had even heard of this place. Working down the street you would've thought I had been by now. It's the quintessential work-lunch place-- soups, salads, sandwiches, all at reasonable prices in the studio section of Burbank (a meaning behind the name!). I ordered a simple vegetarian sandwich and I was pleased with there bread choice (I chose French bread), as well as their massive amount of avocado used AND sprouts! Oh how I miss sprouts. They used to be everywhere but now because of some "issue" with "contamination" or something, they're gone. I'm fine with a little contamination--- they're yummy.
** EDIT ** I wrote this review this afternoon... I have since learned there is an actual alfalfa sprouts contamination in Los Angeles at restaurants. Me and my big mouth.... I'm adding a star to this restaurant because their sprouts didnt make me sick! (yet....) -
Review from Melanie B.
Glendale, CA
8/7/2011
This place is right across the street from my office, and makes a great lunch stop. I love that they have a nice vegetarian selection, and using get Love that Basil!
The service has always been fairly swift, and the sandwiches are great. -
Review from Erin K.
West Hollywood, CA
6/23/2011
So the first time I went here I ordered a toasted bagel and cream cheese and felt like it took 15 minutes to get and it wasn't that crowded. I wasn't sold at all. But there are not alot of options in this area to walk to from our office so I gave it another go. The 2nd time around I also called in my order which is the BEST way to go. I have had the Wasabi Tuna as a salad and it was great and very fresh, and unique. The next time I ordered the Tuna & Avocado on toasted 7 grain. It's my favorite thing now! My co-worker really likes the Chinese Chicken Salad. I like that the veggies are fresh, the variety of breads are endless, the Iced Tea is delicious, and like I said before.. just call in your order and save yourself the wait time!
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Review from Katherine S.
Glendale, CA
4/30/2011
The Vermont Turkey sandwich and the Loves Basil sandwich are WONDERFUL. The coffee is just okay.
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Review from Jeanina V.
Highland Park, Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 3/29/2011
I'm now updating my stars for this place. Their customer service has stepped up to 5 stars. I order food and they already know my name. I guess I went from being a 3-star fan to a regular. Tofurkey on wheat is the treat to eat. I can probably eat that sandwich everyday if it wasn't for budget cuts.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/2/2011
My boss at my new job recommended this place. Since I only have a 45 minute lunch I decided to give… Read more »
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Review from ERIC B.
Los Angeles, CA
7/10/2007
This is new place near my work. First, they are clean and modern interior. i like their prices. some cafes are just too over price, this place makes me smile with reasonable price. coffee taste above avg. ( i think it is organic coffee) and their bakery is well selected. not great, but good enough. and their sandwich is good too..they have so call half size..which is good size for me as lunch. but bit disappointed on breakfast menu..they are all microwave food i think. other than that this cafe is smile. it is next to power 106 FM building. good for casual lunch.
(1=bad 10=best)scale
breakfast: 4
lunch : 7
coffee : 7
bakery:6.5 -
Review from Patti K.
Mojave, CA
1/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wasabi tuna sandwich as a wrap is great. The brownie was pretty tasty. And they have orange slices for your tropical iced tea (I'm from the boonies so this impressed me).
I'll be back the next time I have to visit my doc next door. -
Review from joe s.
Burbank, CA
Updated - 3/8/2011
Now open on Saturdays until 2pm!
I like the BLT on Seven Grain. The Veggie burger is good too and you can get it on Dr. Snyders Walnut 7 grain if you like. Sandwich service can be slow if they're busy so be forewarned if you're in a hurry. ALWAYS TELL THEM TO GO LIGHT ON THE MUSTARD AND MAYO, yeesh!
Under new management now and they're really nice and friendly. The pastries seem to be mostly the same, still from Lovebirds in Pasadena and still some of the best in Burbank. They've added cupcakes now, too, I had the choco-peanutbutter for $2.75 and it rocked. Lemon cupcake is better than Mrs Grace, and lemon bars will make you pucker up. Best oatmeal cookies around and BEST PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES ANYWHERE! . I will report back on the carrot cake as soon as I feel manly enough to tackle one of those jumbo slices.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/9/2009
Haven't tried most of their offerings but lemon bars like these are worth 4 stars all by themselves!… Read more »
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Review from Seun K.
Los Angeles, CA
2/9/2011
Good food, prejudicial service. The "we don't need you kind here" sorta service then again that whole Burbank spot is snooty for no reason. Cool service girl with my apple pie, i wouldn't be caught dead in this spot again
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Review from Francisco C.
CA
7/12/2010
This place sucks cookies. The manager has no problem taking the orders of his friends in the back of the line before everyone else waiting to order.
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Review from Emily H.
Sandy, UT
9/21/2010
Enjoyed or visit here before attending a taping of the Ellen show. Had a great tomato basil mozzarella sandwich, though I don't recommend a basil pesto before a taping. Doesn't look so good in the teeth! Ordered a chocolate covered macaroon and it had a very chemical taste to it. My mom's was fine. Other than that everything was great!
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Review from Katie B.
Altadena, CA
3/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great sandwhiches and family service. I don't live in burbank but for those who do, they should probably check it out and enjoy the fare. It's family owned and run, something that you can definitely tell with the quality of the food and the attention to detail around the shop. Go local and have a sandwich.
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Review from dianna j.
Valencia, CA
4/12/2011
4 and 5 stars? Really? Their service is always slow. It takes a minimum of 15 minutes to get a soup or salad during lunch. I ordered the Chinese Chicken Salad and a drink today and it was $13.05. If this was $9.00 I'd rate them higher, but their prices call for superb service and food quality. If you order a sandwich, soup and beverage, you will be over $15.00.
There is outdoor seating, but inside is loud, with people standing around you waiting for food. You're better off going to Pavilions to have a custom sandwich made for you that will save you about $3.00. This adds up if you're eating out for lunch Monday - Friday.
With most of Burbank competing for lunch business and offering daily specials, the Backstage Cafe is not on the top of my list. -
Review from Norma N.
Burbank, CA
1/26/2010
i love this place..
have been going here for a few years and always get the frankies 3 cheese no mayo.. i usually switch it up on the bread to see which I like the best.. so far its always good.. the only change is within the past few years is that they add MORE cheese lol.. which is rare.. and although im a cheezie goodness lover i usually end up takin off like 1 or 2 of the 13 slices they put on there.. heheh.. i also love that they never skimp on avocado.. neverrrrr..
had a few of the coffee drinks they have always been delish too so if im in the area i will DEF stop here before anywhere else..
today out of the norm I got the potato salad.. the small which i new would be more than enough since the sandwhiches are HUGE!!
it was delish. perfectly creamy not mayo-y at all which i dig BIG TIME!!!
my bf got the ham/Italian/meaty something or other and got a kick out of how much meat they put.. he literally took pictures of it and sent it to his friends.. "hey check out my meat!! lol hehehe" (sigh)..boys.. hahah safe to say he left satisfied his meat still left intact on that plate.. not manly enough to finish a little sangwich :D
so the only gripe on this place is the people working... i know there are a ton of people looking for jobs so cant they get a few more nice girls to run the place.. everytime i order it seems like im annoying them or interrupting the conversation.. suckie.. :(
large free parking lot.. HUGE sandwich and potato salad and comp glass of water 7$... not bad at all for a good deli style sandwich.. -
Review from Richard A.
West Hollywood, CA
8/20/2007
I really like this place. The prices are good, and the food is excellent. I had a BLTA today, and it came with more bacon that I have seen in years on a BLT. Way to go Backstage Cafe! I topped off my lunch sandwich with a tasty S'mores bar and called it a day.
Listed in: Takin' what they're givin'
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Review from Chy L.
Los Angeles, CA
2/21/2009
Backstage has a good variety of vegetarian options for sandwiches. My favorite is the vegetarian turkey sandwich. You can choose from different kinds of bread - I get mine on a croissant. The guy who I think manages the place is super cool and attentive. It's a no frills place, perfect for lunch. Order at the cash register, grab a number, and they bring it to your table. They also have outside seating. Try the cookies, they taste really fresh and after eating one you'll start craving them later.
