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Categories: Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches, Wine Bars [Edit]
Neighborhood: Downtown
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I can't understand how anyone can rate this place 2 stars. Now, that said, I have only gotten coffee here so far. It's quickly become my new favorite coffee place and I'll walk the 3 1/2 blocks to prove it.
The coffee is good. Not thick and sludgy like a lot of other places. I can drink a black iced coffee here and actually like it. I usually order the iced mocha though and YUM. I'm obsessed.
The service: Everyone that's ever helped me here has been super sweet and super attentive. Even if they are busy, they will usually try and offer up a hello to acknowledge me. When people complain about service anywhere, my thought is usually that they are the type of person that needs to be waited on hand & foot and has NO patience whatsoever. But I've only ever gotten good service at this place, which is a good reason that I keep coming back.
Overall? I'm giving 4 stars, because I haven't tried the food yet. When I do, I'm sure I'll bump it up to 5.
It does kinda seem as though the more you frequent Banquette, the better your service is... which is unfortunate, BUT their food is pretty great. I order the pesto sandwich and a glass of the house white wine.
Soooo I'm drinking on my lunch break... it's casual.
GIVE ME ANOTHER.
The wine here is seriously excellent.
Just think... the more you drink it, the easier it is to stop caring whether or not your waitress checked on you 100 times, tucked the napkin in your shirt, or read you a bedtime story.
Banquette is not too bad but not too great either. I popped in with a friend one morning to grab a quick breakfast because the line at the Nickel Diner was out of control. I ordered an Americano, avocado baguette, and a cup of fruit. The avocado toastie was delicious and simple. A piece of toasted baguette with a hint of garlic topped with smashed avocado and a bit of salt. The fruit cup was decent but some of the strawberries were overripe and mushy.
I would have given Banquette four stars for the food, but my service wasn't so great. The woman behind the counter seemed annoyed and had no desire to help us out at all. As first time patrons we were a bit confused as to where to order and sit, etc. The waitress scowled a bit at us instead of easing us through the process. Maybe she was having a bad day. Maybe this happens a lot but I'm spending money. Be nice to me!
Banquette tries. I like the outside cuteness, but as far as wine bars go, I'll be at the Must or in any of the other ones I frequent (too much). Reason being? The servers don't know what they're pouring, and they don't know pairing either. Alas. It's too bad. In all fairness, I've never been there for anything BUT wine, so maybe I ought to reassess.
Eek is pretty much what I said when I walked in but I didn't actually eat there (see http://www.yelp.com/bi...) so I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.
I walked in and the place was pretty dirty, the woman stood there and made no kind of greeting. I looked around for a menu, couldn't find one and noticed a great smell coming from outside. So I scooted out quietly and ended up at Pete's. I'm going to have to give this place a try sometime though, it looks like people really like it!
Ridiculously cute with just the right amount of sass and grunge to keep you coming back for more. With that in mind, the sangria is not wimpy nor is it refreshing. It's on the verge of jungle juice and it's perfect. The fruit is pre soaked in some kind of 40 proof alcohol that makes your head start happily spinning as you sit outside wondering if you should buy one of those fruity flavor colored painted skulls being sold on sheet on the the sidewalk next to you.
This is the exact kind of cafe I used to spend my evenings in Athens with a group of friends smoking cigarettes, sipping wine and talking shit about the Greek government until the late hours. This is the kind of cafe you'd find in any international city where there are students and old buildings. And weird white collar creeps like me.
We had the pizza foccacia which had large strips of roasted zucchini and big splotches of tomato sauce scattered about. The cheese plate was stuffed with as much brie, herb encrusted chevre, blue cheese, fig jam, dried fruit and spiced nuts as they could get on the plate, accompanied by another plate filled with freshly toasted baguette slices. All yummy. The sassy part is the server/bartender people who are basically like, "Hurry up and order already before I die of boredom," but it's cool - it's unrealistic expect to have your ass kissed everywhere you go. I will be back for sure and I may even love it so much as to up the stardom.
Great place to come out. Had wine, tea, and a brownie. Glass of wine was great and decently priced, tea was not that great, and the brownie was really good.
Atmosphere is very laid back, great place to come hand out for a while.
While waiting for my jeans to be hemmed, I decided to stroll around downtown for a while and grab a cool drink. Since I have a natural proclivity towards cafes and anything French inspired, I decided to stroll in. I guess I shouldn't be too harsh on the place since reading some of the reviews I expected bad service. Well, I got it. No one was in the cafe when I came in (2:30pm) so I guess the waitress was inconvenienced by my visit. She stopped talking to another waiter and took my order for an iced tea. The ice tea was 2 bucks, but I accidentally handed her $3. And even though I usually automatically tip, instead of handing me the extra dollar and giving me the option to tip her (though pouring ice tea over ice isn't strenuous labor), she presumptuously dropped the dollar in her tip jar. Surprised by the audacity, I just walked out. Perhaps the service is better if I actually sat down and had a meal here, but she totally put me off to this place. It seems like such a shame since I found the decor quite charming. I personally think that this place only gets customers who are just as pretentious and rude.
I'll probably give this place one more chance, but only great food can really save this place.
I am sad to say that they were closed down by the health department for having a infestation of roaches! Its a shame that cafe with such potential let it literally go to waste.
Definitely a local's joint. I get a bit of the stank eye when I walk in 'cause I guess I must give off too much of a Westside vibe--sorry! I try to only go in when I'm with my cool downtown friends.
Banquette used to be run by a guy, whose name I can't remember, who basically let you stay as late as you wanted and didn't hound you about keeping a tab open. Basically, he considered whoever walked in the door to be trustworthy, and that contributed to the community atmosphere of the place. But I heard he got really pissed about something and up and quit. That's sad 'cause it hasn't been quite the same since. However, it's still a great place to spend a couple of hours writing or chatting up the locals. I love the sangria and the sandwich with figs, prosciutto and goat cheese--SO GOOD.
A wine bar with a full menu?
Psyche!!
That's usually the response, cuz most wine bars only have cheese and crackers and flatbreads to serve. Don't get me wrong, I like me some flatbread, but they never fill the stomach quite right.
Then I hit up Banquette and saw the array of sandwiches they offer. Some interesting creations; a lot of arugula and spinach, artisan breads and cheeses, coppa and... PANCETTA! What the ish? They know about pancetta?? Word...
I got myself a sandwich known as The Bird. A crusty, toasty, english muffin-like bread filled with pancetta (ooohhh...), chicken (aaaahhh...), fontina (daaaamn...), spinach and dijon mustard. Now, I'm honestly not a fan at all of dijon, but it didn't detract me from enjoying the many delicious flavors of The BIrd whatsoever. It wouldn't hurt to exclude the dijon, though. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed the sandwich, bit by bit, crumb by crumb.
And taking a look at the digs, they have some interesting wines I'd be willing to toss back. Ummm... sip on, that is. I'll be sure to grab a sangria as well, just to see if they make a good one.
Complete with space-cadet waitress (but in a cute way) and Frenchy atmosphere- I could see this being my breakfast café go-to if I lived in the building above.
I can only say that despite the slow, puzzling, off-beat, sexy service (like being served by a Fellini heroine), this place had one of the most delightful French-Toasts I have ever tasted. Twas more like a fried-dough, sweeter than what you would expect from french toast, flatter, crispier, deliciousness-er
If you're willing to be served in an unconventional, paceless way, and if you're open to expanding your horizon to what French toast should be about, try Banquette.
$12 Pitchers of Sangria means party all night long! Ok maybe not a party, but we headed here after eating at Rocket Pizza and wanted dessert. I knew they had a nice selection of wine but didn't know they would have sangria...let alone inexpensive pitchers of sangria. We got 6 glasses out of it...1 glass is normally 5 bucks. DEAL DEAL DEAL!
We sat inside and then moved outside where it was nice to watch the people walk by and the crowds over at Petes. Banquette definitely has a french cafe vibe. I loved looked in and just seeing the wall of wine.
For dessert I had this apple thingy that looked like a big cake or pie but it was alllll apples. Yum! We also had the sour cream cinnamon coffee cake. WOW! The slices were big and it was just yum! Some coworkers were driving by and ended up stopping here and got sandwiches which looked awesome. I wanted order more but it was past my bed time. The banquette cafe and I will have another night together hopefully soon.
Tiny little spot... good place to chill although the neighborhood isn't the greatest...
I tried the ham-pan panini sandwich which had black forest ham, pancetta, tomato, arugula, and pepper aioli... this would have been really good had there been more pepper aioli... i should have asked for a bowl...
The zingara sandwich was pretty bland... there was prosciutto, mozzarella, and pesto... of which i did not really taste any mozzarella or pesto...
Lots of wine... too bad I don't drink...
Shortly after I arrived today at this café for lunch two &#%*'s left the patio without paying for their meals and the owner and waiter ran to try to find them. I got to greet two lovely women and asked them to take a seat before our dynamic duo returned--they never found the scoundrels. The staff was visibly distressed at being ripped off, but despite this, my experience was grand.
What a gem! A small café with quality wines, fresh pastries and a small but eclectic and delectable menu. I ordered "The Bomb" a Panini pressed sandwich of goat cheese, ham and fig jam accompanied with a delightful fresh mixed green salad. Not a huge sandwich but huge on flavor and very satisfying. I mentioned not huge in size as I was left with just enough room for a house made macaroon and espresso. A perfect meal and the total bill came out to $12.50 for everything (and I believe I ordered the priciest sandwich on the menu)!
This is not your typical establishment where the staff is waiting to greet you and wait on you hand and foot for every perceivable whim. Think of it as having a more European attitude where they are there to provide you with good food, coffee or drink in a comfortable and clean environment and let you take your time and enjoy the company of your companions. This is a place for YOU to create your experience. Don't get me wrong, they are attentive, but not watching over you like a hawk. If you need something, you may have to actually ask instead of looking hopeless and waiting for someone to approach you. Conversely, if you want to buy a coffee and sit for a few hours in the afternoon, no one is going to bother you either.
Banquette is a great spot downtown. They have a nice list of wines by the glass and I'm a fan of the panini sandwiches.
Lots of the customers seem to know each other, which is a good thing. I felt like I was eating in a neighborhood club, rather than a restaurant.
Blood orange juice was yum.
Prices are very reasonable and its just a cool place.
I found this place my first week in LA and I have been back many times since, and will continue to come back. I love itttt!
Great coffee, interesting people, extremely nice waiters...even the two ladies who own it are found inside, and they're wonderful. Can't say I've been adventurous enough to try the sandwiches (I'm way too picky : /) but the grilled cheese with gouda was spectacular. Best place to come to with your dog and your paper any morning for a few cups of coffee.
Offbeat, arty, disengaged, unhurried, relaxed, friendly, local, cool. This place has that vibe to it, co-created by the staff and the locals who congregate here on the weekends.
Recently discovered by me thanks to a friend who moved down the block to live within the burgeoning downtown scene, I have so far here only sampled the coffee, dark, strong and rich and the conversations, broad, witty and engaging. Just bigger than small, it has a nice feel to it, a broad L shaped bar, made of dark wood, some tables scattered inside on the tiled floors, a Parisian corner cafe mixed with a St Marks place bistro, a dash of Nob Hill style to pull it together. Outside, it is chairs, magazines and cigarettes, dogs tied to the iron fence that defines the space.
This has been enough for me to return several times. I notice they have an eclectic and reasonably priced wine menu which one day I hope to sample. Also, a selection of panini, salads and breakfast items as well as an attractive and unusual variety of familiar and uncommon pastries, cookies and cakes.
The kind of place that makes you want to be a local.
see pix posted
I was recently told that I looked like a "heavier Elvis Costello".
You can imagine what this would do to a person.
It's hard enough looking like a normal Elvis Costello.
But I am trying to take Jeff Garlin's advice and stay off the sugars.
Unfortunately this place is in my building.
Like right by my door.
And it's pretty freakin hard to avoid the warm chocolate croissants when an elevator ride is all that's separating me and them.
Add a tall soy latte served by the enchanting Nico, a tattoo covered burlesque dancer and what you get is some kind of crazy punishment for not writing Yelp reviews often enough.
Argh.
CHUBBY ELVIS!
First place I tried when arriving to the new office.
Nice little French cafe with lots of people going in and out.
Outside seating was splendid (but not too spacious).
I ordered a double soy mocha on ice -- the best I've tried thus far. It was not too sweet, not too much ice (too much ice makes the drink watery...) ... right amount of everything! Tasted good even after the ice melted.
Then I ordered their Avocado Toast - mashed up avocado on their toasted bread (I will find out what kind of bread), sprinkled with black pepper and salt, and finished with olive oil on top. WHO CREATED THIS BECAUSE I NEVER KNEW SUCH A SIMPLE DISH EXISTED! SO DELICIOUS, NOT MESSY .. and GENEROUS WITH AVOCADO. Wow ....
I give them 4 stars because I haven't tried other dishes from them ... but I will soon because its so near the new office! WOOT!!
The con: you have to wait a while for your food. I hear, the French like to take their time ... *shrugs*
They're menu selection is healthy and diverse. Check out their website and find out!
http://www.banquette-c.../
This place is were i will spend the whole summer.
Besides the cafe on the ground floor of my building, this place is the closest cafe to me (3-4 blocks). This place reminds me of a cute cafe in Tribeca. This place has amazing ice lattes and cake. I love to just sit outside with a latte, a good book or newspaper, parliaments, and just veg out for hours. Soo good.
Very cozy. It's a tiny little place right next to Pete's
Came here for a quick bite right before heading out to the Downtown Artwalk. Got there at 7pm and it was packed by the time we were done.
Their toasty sandwiches are scrumptious. They offer about 8 different kinds made with fontina, mozzarella, goat cheese, proscuitto, chicken, and various aioli's. It came out nice and crispy w/ a small side salad. I had the Turkey club w/ proscuitto, arugala, and horse radish spread. Not a fan of horse radish, but it gave it a nice kick. I also had a glass of pinot grigio. From 4-7pm, $2 off all wine, Nice!
They also offer 2 kinds of soup which varies by day and have a breakfast menu.
We sat outside and people watched, it was great. The server was also very friendly and everyone else there seemed so nice and cheery. I forgot for a minute that I was in the middle of graffitied, home of skid row, traffic like a mofo downtown L.A. Very nice place.
I hate demoting people, but this is just outta control. Today, I had very sub par service and a dirty/dusty glass of lemonade. How sad because I so enjoy this little cafe.
A whole slew of things are not conducive to the regular "stag"ist: prom, nightclubs, weddings, etc..… Read more »
I was a bit apprehensive when I first arrived. This was about 5 months ago, and I still "arrive" here.
The decor is pretty rural, and it does remind me, of a small version. of a cafe in Paris. The staff is super friendly, and you might even meet the neighbor's dog Foxy.
What is a starbucks? I am clueless as to why people frequent this place, but I can only assume it's because of the convenience.
If you want a GREAT cup of joe, this is your spot! I usually order a "cafe mocha", but anything related to coffee here, is pretty great. No beans are over roasted, and the baristas knows how to make milk foam properly.
I've only had bagels here, but I'm always envious to see other people's eats. I am usually visiting AFTER a meal, or a large snack. I usually come here to mingle, people-watch, or digest with a cup of joe.
The only reason I left out 1 star, is due to the outside seating. It's very micro, but what isn't these days (micro-brew, micro-herbs, micro-vegetables, etc)? If you have a small group, the inside will suffice. Granted that the inside isn't already occupied. I'd call ahead to make an "informal reservation". The staff is more then accommodating.
The neighborhood might have a foul oder here and there, but it's downtown. It's pretty safe, and parking is usually easy to find (you might have to hunt a block or two =D ). Overall, this place is a great closer to the evening. It's nice to come here, hang out with the girlfriend, wind-down, voyeur the pedestrians, mingle with the neighbors, and just enjoy a great cafe mocha.
Le tres Agreable et Charmant Banquette Cafe is THE cafe if you need to feel like in a little cafe in Paris...I know what I am talking about ...I am from there ! but anyway I like this place for its atmosphere, it's kind of a bit pricey for what it is if you eat ...but me I just stop by to drink my glass of wine and/or eat an apple while watching peoples, catch the wifi signal from the store next to it, or just chat relax with a friend ...they use to sell apples from their garden at the counter which was an excellent idea ! brilliantissimusly peacefull and generous if you compare with the usual oily peanuts or small pack of lays chips for a like $5 the pack ...in others places.
Ok ! go there it's cool and kind of rare in LA ! that's it...
I'm here almost every weekend for brunch. I get their sausage fritata. It's basically a baked egg with sausage, tomatoes & other goodies on top. Yum! please try their avocado toast too... YUM!
Although I've never been to this place after dark, I can say that the breakfast/brunch foods are quite nice for the price. It definitely has that French style bistro atmosphere. (also seems like a nyc place)I will admit that sometimes the service is slow, but overall the food is worth it. Especially the macaroons!! They are addictive. I like that the staff sort of wanders around and that they remember what you ordered later when you have to pay. It drives my pal crazy when we go there, cause he thinks they are not too attentive. I find that you just have to approach them if you need something. But hey, I'm easy going and love the simple breakfast choices, and bruschetta and pane ova.
Sandwiches are great for any time of the day. Coffee comes in a huge cup. Service is the best.
I've soured a little bit on this place. While some of the food is amazingly good, some is way off. The staff can be...very weird, and the customers...even weirder. So it doesn't feel like a place I want to hang out.
I really like this cafe and wine bar. Some things are just fabulous--e.g., the apple toast, avocado… Read more »
this little wine bar is great, especially as a nightcap after downtown artwalk. good selection of wines (with specials both by the bottle and by the glass); yummy sandwiches, and really good pastries. the staff is friendly, but super laid-back... just make yourself at home at this place. since i have only been to banquette post-artwalk, it's often really crowded (helps if you have some art-scene friends who hook up the good tables!)
nice, cozy place for a chat and some interesting people-watching over a reasonably-priced glass of red.
I walked right past it and had to look around like a lost tourist for a bit before I found this place. It's a small cafe which is 2 doors down from Pete's. It's adorable! Despite it's very small size, there's plenty of space to sit. I got there at noon on a Thursday and I was one of three people there.
The guy at the counter who helped me wore a strange hat. This distracted me from being able to order. They didn't have any left of whatever I blurted out first. After adjustment to the hat, I was able to successfully order the Veggie Patch sandwich. Delicious! They were sweet enough to leave off the repulsive eggplant that usually comes in the sandwich. It came with a small side salad (read "small" several times to get a full understanding of the true size of the salad).
They made a damn good cafe au lait and served it in one of those awesomely large, but difficult to drink from cups.
A little bit pricey for lunch (about $12 for the sandwich and cafe au lait).
I'll probably be back.
This place has great french toast and is kinda New York/Frenchy...
After my triumphal arrival at Banquette (I drove the wrong way down a one-way street, and after the confused and concerned waves from the people seated outside and the enraged honks of the drivers going the RIGHT way, I made a big ole U-turn in front of a bus) I was immediately calmed from my near-death jitters by a big glass of Syrah and a warm smile from the owner.
Banquette is the perfect place to start the fantastically fun art gallery crawl that is the monthly open galleries night in downtown L.A. The place has the cosmopolitan yet unfussy air of a Parisian Bistro, it's unpretentious yet hip, and draws a friendly, arty-but-not-snotty crowd. Chances are that if you belly up to the bar for a drink you'll end up having a really good conversation with a perfect stranger, and end up hugging him/her at the end of the evening swearing that you'll keep in touch. This type of instant friendship may or may not be your bag, but it's fun once a month.
Our group started and ended the evening at Banquette, and I was able to experience two very different vibes. In the earlier part of the evening the crowd was intent on dinner or pre-gallery show drinks, conversations were more focused on groups of friends, and the owner and wait staff had everything under control. Towards midnight, after the gallery crawls (and after 90% of the crowd had been imbibing 2 buck chuck at a variety of galleries) there was a ferocious conversational intensity that appealed to the european me. Crowds were outside smoking and discussing the shows (full disclosure: I don't smoke but when I am around large groups of smokers I think "what the hell" and have a couple), then we moved inside for sandwiches and more wine. The food is good, and not expensive, but really it's not the point. It's the vibe, people, it's the vibe. The owners make the place such a neighborhood hang-out that my buddy Bradley actually rolled up his sleeves and helped wash dishes when he heard they were short in the kitchen. And I ended up making some friends (we bonded over vintage designer clothing and culinary history) and firming my resolve to live downtown.
A fabulous little cafe in the heart of downtown. It's great for breakfast and the lunch sandwiches are wonderful. In the evening it's a wonderful place to drink wine and visit with friends.
Great little place to share a bottle of wine on one of downtowns most rapidly improving sidewalks. The sausage fratata in the mornings and the wine list at night qualify this place for the must visit weekly list.
This place is great! Everyone that works there is awesome, especially the girls! The best thing is the French Toast! Get there early before it runs out! Monica the owner does great catering, the best I have ever tasted. Great local hang out where you get to see everyone in the neighborhood and get all up in everyones gossip if you want. Not recommended. :) Great for a non-pretentious glass of wine as well!
The coffee is delicious as is the puffed pastry with mushroom I tried today. The staff is super friendly as are the folks that frequent the place. A good place to enjoy a coffee or tea, people watch and just hangout with friends.
Banquette Cafe is a little gem in the wastelands of downtown LA. The staff is super nice and accommodating, and let us enjoy a very long lunch meeting. The coffee was great, but the sandwich not so much, and the interior was stifling in the August heat. All in all I'd definitely recommend Banquette Cafe for a drink, snack, or just a pleasant place to hang out.
A great place to grab a cup of coffee and unwind after inhaling a plate of blue cheese fries from Pete's next door.
We came across this place on accident one day. I miss living in downtown Chicago and LBC doesn't quite do it so I find myself visiting friends in downtown LA and this place just had that something that's lacking from a lot of other areas. Very quaint, chill place to have some wine and catch up with friends while checking out your eclectic neighborhoods. Definitely a place to go back to.
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Neighborhood: Downtown
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Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Diners
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