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Cafe Muse
Categories: Restaurants Vegetarian Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Restaurants Cafes Vegetarian, Music Venues, Cafes [Edit]
6547 Santa Monica BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90038
Neighborhood: Hollywood
(323) 464-6873
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 9 am - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 9 am - 12 am
Sun 9 am - 10 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Valet
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Music:
- Background, Live
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
144 reviews for Cafe Muse
Review Highlights
"I got the grilled tofu wrap, and it was fantastic."
(in 3 reviews)
"Grilled Balsamic Soy Chicken."
(in 10 reviews)
"Intimate setting, free wi-fi."
(in 10 reviews)
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144 reviews in English
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Review from Lin G.
2/3/2012
Many of you out there may be in the habit of not eating enough vegetables because let's face it, it's not easy to eat veggies. Cafe Muse provides the perfect occasional antidote to that. My friend got a groupon and we came to check this place out. Parking was a pain but once we walked in, it was a cute little cafe.
Pizza was okay and the tuna sandwich was da bomb. We got it with avocado and sweet potato fries. The cheesecake was also very good but a bit too sweet for my taste. I wanted the red velvet cupcake but my friend made us get the cheesecake.
Their whole menu was vegetarian and they had veggie meat, which I never tried. I'd go with the tuna people, let's not get too carried away with the whole vegetarian madness.
The cafe shares a building with a theater of some sort and the staff was very friendly and made us feel welcomed. -
Review from Christina F.
Los Angeles, CA
1/23/2012
Plain and simple the food at Cafe Muse is AAAMAZZINGG! Whether you are a vegetarian (such as I) or not (my meat eater friends love this place as much as I do) you will enjoy this place! The veggie chicken they use is delicious! I usually get the pesto "chicken" sandwhich, the ranch "chicken" sandwhich, or the chili cheese fries (to die for!!)
The only reason I knocked off a star is because I've gotten so-so service from not-so friendly girls at the counter, it takes at least 15-20 minutes to receive your food once you order, it's a tad pricey (usually for food and a drink I spend $15-17 with tip for lunch!) and I wish they had a menu on the wall for you to read as soon as you walk in instead of the little menu's at the counter. I don't like being stared down as I'm trying to read the menu and decide what I want! Very off putting. Instead, there's just a bunch of junk on the wall which I think they should take down and replace with a large menu!
But other then that - love this place! -
Review from James S.
Updated - 12/26/2011 11 Check-ins Here
Must mention the breakfast. Very tasty and worth getting there before noon. I tried the Corned Beef Hash (which of course is veggie). The copious use of sweet potatoes are delicious and welcome. Your choice of either eggs atop or tofu. I went with the former, and loved it.
On those occasions that I'll be in the neighborhood for awhile, I love coming here. And now, I liked getting there for breakfast, too!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/7/2011
Veggie cafe that is one special place. Next to the Hudson Theatre.
The sandwiches, wraps and salads… Read more »
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Review from Frances L.
Los Angeles, CA
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cafe Muse is a great local spot to grab a quick breakfast or lunch or to linger with a decent cup of coffee as you get some work or quality reading done. I like the intimate Bohemian feel to this place in a part of Hollywood surrounded by post-production warehouses and small independent theaters. While I don't make it over here very often, it's on my list of vegan/vegetarian friendly places close to home, which is great for when I entertain guests with strict dietary restrictions. Prices are fair, service is friendly, and the food is pretty good. I was a fan of my blueberry pancakes (which were more dense than fluffy, but still filling and satisfying), and my friends enjoyed their tofu scrambles. I'll need to come back and try those bangin' sandwiches that Katie B.'s talked about.
Listed in: Coffee Crack Addicts United!
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Review from Annie C.
Los Angeles, CA
11/19/2011
Brought my friend here to use the Groupon I bought for breakfast. We took a few minutes to decide what we wanted at one of the tables and went back to the cashier to place our order.
I got the veggie omelette wtith avocado, mushroom, sundried tomatoes, and green peppers. Came with the sweet potato hash which was pretty tasty (felt like I was eating a salad and dessert at the same time) and pumpernickel bread. Also got a double shot cappuccino. My friend ordered the tofu scramble and the Yerba Mate.
The portions were quite big and the food was pretty good, especially since we're not vegetarians. I loved my omelette with the veggies and I was also impressed with the soyrizo which gave my friend's tofu scramble very good flavor. I need to eat more good tasting vegetarian foods to get over the trauma of the first generation ones when everything tasted like cardboard so the nice flavor of the soyrizo really surprised me.
The guys that work there were really friendly and a little goofy. My friend left a fat tip. And although we were both pretty stuffed from our breakfast/lunch, we swung over to House of Dolewhip for a yummy treat.
I wish this place was closer to my house but next time I'm in the mood for a good veggie breakfast, I'd consider coming here again. -
Review from Zoie H.
10/16/2011 3 photos
This review is simply for the service at Cafe Muse (take away, so it's not a huge amount of "service", but still) and not for the food (yet) because I am one of those people that probably prefers meat a little more than vegetables.
I am willing to go here with my Veggie friends and give it a shot but today I was on a simple mission : to get a Vegan desert goodie for one of my coworkers. I called several places in hollywood (yelping "vegan" and "90028" and trying to find somewhere in walking distance was a bit hard. Anyways, this place popped up and they had Vegan Cheesecake so I took a walk over there.
The cafe is super cute, it is in the Hollywood Theatre district (aka those weird smaller theatre's between Bancroft Middle School and Vine street that I've seen 50 billion times but never been to). There was indoor seating, free wifi, and the larger (6 seater) tables were reserved for parties of 4 or more (I liked that. One person does not need a super huge table.)
Service was okay. I felt it was a little lackluster. In the 10 minutes or so I was waiting for my order I saw two people go up to the counter (who were dining in) because something was wrong with their order. Sometimes that's not a good sign.
I bought one slice of Vegan Cheesecake($4.50), and one Vegan cookie ($2.50) (oatmeal raisin). Both came to $7.
My order was to go and when the waiter came out he handed me the carton of cake with a fork balanced on it and walked away. I had to ask the cashier for a bag because I was going to take the bus and balancing some cheesecake, a fork, a cookie, a Crackberry and an Itouch just did not seem like a fun thing to do on the MTA #4 bus. It's nothing huge, just not being asked if I wanted a bag for a to-go order just irked me.
I have yet to give said coworker the cheesecake, but I hope he enjoys it. For $4.50 I found the piece they gave me to be very small (at least at the Cheesecake Factory the slice costs you your new born but you can live off it for a day or two...). The cookie is your generic made somewhere else and wrapped in plastic cookie but I hope he enjoys it.
One thing I did notice : $12 bottomless Mimosas on Saturday and Sunday with the purchase of Brunch. I might give Cafe Muse another shot if my veggie friends want an excuse to drink before 3pm anytime soon. -
Review from Erica L.
You know that saying, "Kiss the Cook"? The minute I bit into my BBQ (veggie) Chicken Wrap with Sweet Potato Fries http://bit.ly/w34BaJ -- and EVERY bite thereafter, until finishing -- that's exactly what I wanted to do!
I wish this place was closer to my house, because I'd come here all the time. However, since it's not, it makes for a special (cost-effective and yummy) occasional visit.
SOLIDLY GOOD FOOD HERE: fresh, delicious, vegetarian yumminess, with a good variety. Located in the heart of Hollywood it may be, I have experienced nothing but a chilled-out, calm vibe upon entering this establishment. My BBQ Chicken Wrap was a good texture (seemed like the real thing!) and the fries not overly oily.
Again, wish this was my neighborhood coffee shop -- I'd definitely be a regular!! A heartfelt thanks to the chef at Cafe Muse: you really know how to tickle this girl's palate!Listed in: Color Me Vegetarian
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/16/2011
So yes, I am a new-born vegetarian, and still stickin' to my guns (though lookin' to be Punk'd… Read more »
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Review from Nikki O.
Playa Del Rey, CA
10/2/2011
My husband and I tried this predominantly vegetarian and vegan place out through a Groupon tonight. I eat a lot of vegetarian/vegan food and am gluten-free; my husband is a carnivore who loves BBQ'ing ribs and porterhouse steaks. I checked a lot of Yelp reviews on the drive there... knew we had to try the sweet potato fries and that everybody raved about the BBQ sauce.
The groupon included an entree and beverage for each of us + a dessert for us to share. My husband got the "turkey" ruben sandwhich on pumpernickel bread and picked the sweet potato fries as his side; I decided to try a gluten-free pizza and my 3 toppings of choice were sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms and artichoke (hadn't read any Yelp review on the GF pizza.)
My husband was pleasantly surprised about the fake vegan turkey in his ruben. But the sandwich had enough flavor between the thousand island dressing and lots of sauerkraut, so he wasn't sure what the "turkey" tasted like. But he was happy with his sandwich.
Being allergic to wheat/gluten, I've tried a lot of gluten-free breads and pizza crusts, of which 95% taste pretty gross with their combos of tapioca, rice flower and potato flower (I bake my own GF bread which tastes much better, and have had one try with Bob Red Mill's pizza crust mix = awful.)
This pizza came with a very, very thick pizza crust of the type that tastes like that rice flower and tapioca. On top there was a thin layer of tomato sauce with the toppings and what I think was some vegan "cheese." First bite and I told myself: "think of this as a luke-warm sandwich instead of a pizza." My husband and I both got the feeling that the crust wasn't homemade, but bought from a store, and that the pizza creation was warmed up in the microwave before coming out to us. I ended up just eating the sauce and toppings after a while.
The sweet potato fries were good but not as mindblowing as some people describe them... we've had better at the Counter. It came with the BBQ sauce. At first taste my husband said "I think it's the KP Masterpiece brand." Good, but the stuff you can buy at a super-market.
Other people around us had salads and wraps that looked more appetizing. If we'd go back, I'd go with that.
The desserts included cookies that looked home-made and cakes that were wrapped in plastic and purchased from another company. My husband got the chocolate chip cookie and said it was average. I purchased an additional gluten-free coconut cookie in plastic wrap from the Alternative Bakery, and a hot chai that turned out intensely sweet (thick syrup at the bottom of the cup.) All in all we paid $16 for all this food, Groupon included. Not too big of a loss, but I'm a little disappointed of how much pre-fab thay use. The place is cute and I usually really dig these type of bohemian cafes, but don't feel vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free food has to taste like college dorm fare.
Don't want to whine, but the food has given me a massive heartburn that I haven't had in months. The staff was very nice and attentive - not at all slow or aggressive as other yelpers have stated - and though we didn't get ripped off, it's unlikely we'll come back. -
Review from A R.
Venice, CA
10/17/2011
For a coffee shop in the heart of Hollywood, the food here is surprisingly outstanding. If anyone in L.A. makes a better Grilled Tofu Wrap than Cafe Muse, I've yet to have the pleasure. To be honest, I'm not even a fan of tofu, but as a longtime vegetarian, I am constantly trying it in its various forms. This tofu is so perfectly grilled and flavorful, and the ingredients of the wrap so delectably savory that I long for it regularly from my Venice abode. Were there a Cafe Muse location on the Westside, I would surely indulge multiple times weekly (CM, hint, hint: this means you).
On the rare occasions when I have been able to forgo the Grilled Tofu Wrap, I have also enjoyed the superlative Mexican and Mediterranean wraps. I don't even normally go for wraps, but the tomato basil and spinach wrap tortillas are too fresh and interesting to pass up -- as are the perfectly textured, tasty, hot, sweet potato fries.
CM also concocts a marvelous, rich, soy hot chocolate, and especially good espresso drinks.
On the downside, I've found their cookies consistently dry, crumbly and tasteless, and their service veers between highly competent and clueless. That said, the food is so good, the atmosphere so comfortable and welcoming, and the free WiFi such a boon that the pros far outweigh the cons. I'm going there tomorrow. -
Review from Matthew B.
Los Angeles, CA
7/28/2011
Being an LA cafe-coffeehouse is like being a decathlete --you're called upon to do a lot of things well. Before you say "there's no way Cafe Muse merits five stars," please visit the competition and tell me if they can claim excellence in as many categories:
Food: delicious vegetarian menu (including terrific sweet-potato fries)
Service: friendly and no stink-eye if you go a few hours without buying something
Space: sunny and air-conditioned
Bathrooms: multiple and clean
Wi-fi: free and no annoyances (e.g. ads, new password every week)
Hours: 9am till late
Beer & wine: yep
Pretentious blowhards prattling about their shitty bands: very few
Parking: I ride my bike, but during the daytime I observe plenty of metered & non-metered street parking
Bendy straws: hell yes
I love Cafe Muse. To paraphrase Lee Iacocca -- if you can find a better cafe in Hollywood, go there. -
Review from Ferrell M.
Sherman Village, CA
8/30/2011
Cafe Muse is a truly charming find in Los Angeles! They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and offer a truly scrumptious vegetarian menu. One of my favorite dishes is the mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwich with sweet potato fries on the side. I have also enjoyed several of their fresh and tasty salads and the chili is a must try. They have a lovely selection of wine and beers in addition to many refreshing drinks to quench your thirst.
The Café is also a great location for a private event! We rented the space for a birthday party and it became an elegant setting bathed in candlelight and our guests raved about the food and ambiance!
They have wifi available so, you can nestle in for an afternoon with your computer or meet friends for conversation or play board games while munching on hummus and chips or enjoy the small art gallery featuring local artists or...
Give yourself a treat and visit the café soon!
Cheers! -
Review from riz h.
8/10/2011
There's something comforting about Cafe Muse. It doesn't seem to belong in Hollywood. You can roll in alone, have a meal, use wi-fi, read a book-- whatever you want to do, without needing to be "seen."
I enjoy the vegetarian/vegan focus. It's a nice change of pace to be able to eat everything on a menu.
My only concern is that most of the dishes (besides salad) are fake meat: soy-based meat substitutes. All that soy isn't so good for you, and as a vegetarian, I actually LIKE the taste of veggies! I prefer fruits, veggies, quinoa and other more natural food over fake steak or whatever. This isn't to say that I won't jam on a veggie burger or try out a seitan wrap, but I was hoping for a bit more balance.
But I love the chill atmosphere and will definitely be back. $4 Stella at Happy Hour is good enough for me. -
Review from Jean D.
Los Angeles, CA
8/26/2011
I've only been here once as I just discovered it was a couple of blocks away from my work so this review is only for that one sandwich I had. I will probably try again as I don't feel I can judge a place by only having one thing on the menu.
I got the chicken salad sandwich and it looked really tasty when I opened the box; nice wheat bread, spring mix, good looking tomatoes and onions and chunks of fake chicken. In actuality it was a very very dry sandwich which made it quite tasteless except for the bread, like they forgot the salad part of making chicken salad. It made me wonder if whoever owns the place actually tasted it because I would never serve it expect a customer to come back for more. I suppose I get disappointed in a place that feels they can draw vegetarians in by having an all vegetarian menu and then not putting the effort in to actually make the food taste good.
The other good reviews give me hope that something else they serve might be up to par, so I will try again, maybe the pesto sandwich, and update this review once that happens. -
Review from Betsy R.
7/31/2011 7 Check-ins Here
This place has been on my bookmarks for a year and I finally had breakfast here the other day.
Food: The menu offers so many delicious vegetarian/vegan items its difficult to decide. Several gluten free options too. They make a fabulous tofu scramble!
Service: friendly, laid-back no one is constantly checking on you to see if you need anything
Space: lots of windows = good light and comfortable
Overall: I will definitely be back! -
Review from Erica M.
Los Angeles, CA
5/28/2011
Ah, Muse. This place was my kitchen and wifi spot when I first moved to LA last year and didn't have gas for the stove or internet yet. It has a theater-nerd vibe, very good coffee, and good food. I looove the sweet potato fries and the vegetarian BLT. The owners and staff are friendly once you get to know them -- they can seem a little cold initially.
Overall, it's a great, low-key place to have lunch and then spend the afternoon getting some work done with a cup of coffee and maybe a chocolate chip cookie.
Plus, there's a piano, a guitar lying around, a few open-mic nights and performances throughout the week, and they just got a liquor license. -
Review from freakin j.
Los Angeles, CA
11/20/2011
Basing a review on nachos may not be an ideal culinary starting place however when they cost $10 you hope they might leave one feeling somewhat satisfied. My experience was they were very dry with a lack of any fresh ingredients. The chopped tomatoes looked like they were about to turn to the darkside. The interesting part was when I was asked how it was I replied it was just ok trying to be polite, I saw the owner & the counter help just pull a face like I had insulted their newborn.
It felt like there had not been the slightest bit interest of whether I had enjoyed my meal or not. Please dont ask if you don't care. Oh yes the coffee was weak to boot. -
Review from Araceli A.
Arcadia, CA
6/4/2011
Overall a good experience. A solid 3 stars.
The Food. 4 stars. My friend and I shared 2 sandwiches. The Turkey Ruben and the Chicken Ranch served with a side of salad and sweet potato fries. the sandwiches were both stellar. I liked both very much. I had no problem with the veggie meat. Super tasty without the grease. The sweet potato fries were perfect! For dessert we ordered the cheesecake., It was the best veggie cheesecake I've ever had. I have no idea how they got it to taste so super rich and creamy. It was dense like NY style. Yummm...
The ambiance. 3 stars. Its a cafe. The tables are a little small and it can feel a little cramped.
the Service. 3 stars. Everyone who helped us were so nice. I feel bad about giving them 3 stars, but there were a few things that kind of irked me while we were there. The service was really slow. Normally I don't mind slow service but it was REALLY slow. Utensils. They kept forgetting to give us utensils with our food. It would be fine if they had a utensil bucket out for us to grab our own, but there isn't one. We had to get up and wait to ask for utensils to eat the salad and again more utensils for the cheesecake. Kind of weird.
Overall. I would go back. I like the food. -
Review from George Y.
Los Angeles, CA
11/12/2011
Several years ago I use to order my lunch from Cafe Muse almost every other day and usually ordered the three choice salad. I ordered take out this time around to discover that my order was wrong when I got home, I called and complained, Jennifer the owner was kind enough to call me back to apologize and refunded me my money, that was impressive so they definitely get an A for service. Anyways if you order a salad I highly recommend you get it with the soy chicken it's out of this world good!
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Review from Nick P.
Durham, NC
5/10/2011
Uber hippy....I love it. It reminds me of home, and as soon as I walked inside, I fell in love. I need to come here more often, I hope it doesn't take too long by bus....
It's a very granola, hippy, laid-back vibe, perfect for a music performance venue, and next to a black-box theatre. I got an iced latte, and it was definitely one of the best I've had, and a pretzel. The pretzel was salted well, soft, and warm. -
Review from Lawrence E.
Los Angeles, CA
3/31/2011
I've been going to Cafe Muse for years, on and off; but at the least I pay them a visit once a month. Their coffee is STRONG, and comes from a local Beanery in North Hollywood.
I'm NOT a Vegan, but still enjoy their food. The Grilled Cheese w/ Sweet Potato Fries is amazing!
I noticed other people say the owner is rude, I've personally never had a bad experience with her. People are too sensitive in this city, I'm a New Yorker and there fore am often mistaken for being rude.
It's simple, I'm not being rude, just not interested in coddling you every step of the way. Buying coffee is quite simple, people like to make it more difficult then necessary in my opinion.
They also have events at this Cafe, Art shows, Music, Comedy, ect..
This place is worth checking out in my book, I'm always down for a good cup of coffee, which this place always delivers! -
Review from Sylvia L.
Hacienda Heights, CA
3/19/2011
I'm gonna keep my review short so here goes
Three words: Buffalo "Chicken" wrap
oh and any place with sweet potato fries on the menu and an art gallery deserves more than a couple of stars. -
Review from Christina G.
Los Angeles, CA
9/23/2011
I want to love this place--I really do. It does have a few things going for it:
Extensive vegan choices
Wifi
You can sit and work for awhile without being rushed out.
My main problem, however, is the food. It's just OK.
I've ordered several things on the menu and my experiences have only ranged from: meh to pretty good. I think the problem is their fake meat. For instance: I ordered a chick'n caesar salad. The "chicken" is just those unflavored strips I get at Trader Joe's for $1.99, on top of romaine lettuce with some croutons. I make the same exact salad at home for about $3. If I'm going out, I expect something different. Their Rueben is decent, but again, it's just packaged fake turkey. Locali, for instance, has an AMAZING Rueben for the same price, made with something delicious. (Maybe homemade seitan??) I crave their sandwich; I just tolerate the one at Cafe Muse b/c the sauces almost hide the flavor of the prepackaged turkey. The tofu scramble is pretty good--too bad they don't serve it all day. The chick'n sandwiches are OK, nothing to rave about.
I wish they didn't rely so much on packaged stuff--it's not healthy and it's not very good! It's certainly not anything special. I wouldn't bring meat-eaters here b/c I think it makes it seem like mediocre is the best veggie/vegan food can be, and that is so not true. Places like Locali, Cafe Gratitude, etc, make food that my carnivore friends rave about.
I'll continue to go because it's a decent vibe and I can get work done there without being forced to survive on a dry bagel, but I'd never go there just to enjoy the food. It's just not that good, and not at all inspired. Kudos to them for trying, but I hope they revamp their menu and rely less on boxed and canned foods. -
Review from Brianna K.
Burbank, CA
2/16/2011
I want to like this place..I really do..
But who gets annoyed with you for just ordering a coffee at a cafe?! Okay, I could be looking too far into it, but, when I placed my order for a coffee the lady said "Any food with that" to which I replied, "No, I'm on my way to an interview and I'm just killing time" She gave an exasperated expression and said "Coffee is a buck fifty more without food" (Which is just bizarre but okay..) and so I said "Your menu says if I get the coffee to go than its only a buck seventy five" To which she responded, "I thought you were killing time? If you get a coffee to go you cant drink it here, thats why its cheaper." !!!!! REALLY?!! WTF is that supposed to mean??...If I give you my business I can sit in your restaurant! Its just that simple. If I go to an Olive Garden or a Applebee's and just order a coffee they cant kick me out!!
Its sh*t like that that just makes me wanna say "f*ck your little cafe. I'm taking my business to Starbucks" At least there theres no price change on a to-go cup of coffee and they wont kick me out for ordering a to-go cup and for sitting in their chairs.
..Unbelievable
Though, I don't want to completely knock it just yet. The food did look and smell good..so one day when I am not just "killing time" and I actually want to sit and order food, and I'm in the area, maybe I'll try it again and then write another review. -
Review from Alex F.
Los Angeles, CA
10/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good vegetarian food, fast service for not being huge or a chain, and friendly staff. I only wish they had outdoor seating - this is a must for a cafe in my opinion. What am I supposed to do with my puppy while I stuff my face and/or caffeinate?
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Review from Cindy Y.
VALLEY VILLAGE, CA
9/10/2011
Cafe Muse is one of my most regular hang outs in LA! The food is fabulous and surprising. And, I love the owners Jennifer and Crystal. They have created an environment that is warm and inviting, like you're stopping by for a visit to their home. And, now that they're serving wine and beer... well it just keeps getting better! My favorites on the menu are the delectable grilled cheese on pumpernickel, the best sweet potato fries in town, yummy homemade veggie chili, the homemade hummus plate and the delicious wraps. I had my birthday party there last year and it was the best party ever! So, it's a wonderful location for private parties. When you're attending theatre on theatre row, it's the best place in the neighborhood to go for before and after the show. I send people to Cafe Muse all the time! Love!
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Review from May P.
Updated - 8/13/2011
I came here a second time, on the suggestion of the owner, Jen, along with a voucher she had sent me for another meal. My cousin and I enjoyed a Mediterranean wrap (him) and a Pesto Chicken sandwich (me). Note: the chicken is actually veggie chicken. What i liked about my sandwich was the crustiness of the "chicken". The texture was really nice and the tomatoes were a perfect touch with the pesto. The service was notably better this time, though I didn't play the part of the difficult customer to truly test it, but the vibe this time was much more friendly anyway. The only thing that was weird is that it was just a room of people sitting by themselves on their computers, so there wasn't much of an atmosphere. (Don't people have internet at home?) But it was lunchtime, and I think maybe it's just a daytime thing that tends to happen in cafes all over the city. Maybe. But it was the whole cafe that was fairly quiet with people tapping away at their laptops.
I was worried about finding parking, but it was pretty painless and easy to find free parking within the surrounding neighborhood.
Overall, a pretty great place to grab lunch and have a chat with a friend.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/19/2010
As many people on here have observed, the service is kind of funky. I loved everything I ordered - a… Read more »
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Review from Stephanie N.
Sylmar, CA
2/20/2011
It's a small cafe on the infamous theater row. The area is shiesty after sundown so be prepared to run for it. The cafe itself is a spot for artist to study, practice, and converse together over a genuinely good meal. The customer service is phenomenal. The food, fantastic. I worked a comedy play down the street at The Lounge and ate here every Monday. Always saw actors, writers, comics, musicians gathered around a meal discussing the creative process. Tons of fliers for local shows because its sandwiched by theatres. It looks more like a venue itself than a cafe. If you're a student of the arts, this is your kinda of
atmosphere.
*Only complaint: the muffins were yucky. Frosting was thick with a funky sugary taste. The bread was flat and tasteless. It felt like eating mold ridden bread...from your college days. -
Review from Alana K.
Los Angeles, CA
6/7/2011
Do you like food with flavor? How about service with a smile? If the answer is yes, then steer clear of this place!
Found out about Cafe Muse via Groupon (or was it Living Social?) and was stoked to try out someplace new. We walked in ready for awesome and were disparagingly greeted by the woman behind the counter who was mostly too busy playing with her phone to be bothered by us. We asked for menus and sat down to peruse them (so many delicious sounding options), then returned to the counter to place our orders. The bf went with the make your own omelette and a cappuccino, and I chose the tofu scramble and a latte. We tipped generously (because that's what Grouponers do), but boy do I wish we hadn't. I hate having to tip before a meal.
Our coffees were brought out to us, and they brought me a vanilla latte. To her credit, she offered to remake it, but I declined since I figured this would simply save me the trouble of sweetening mine up. Well, holy sugar overload! I could not finish it, it was too sweet.
The food came out very quickly and looked appetizing enough, but we soon found out that there was really nothing to it. The sweet potato hashbrowns were burnt and flavorless. The omelette had no life to it. The tortillas served with the scramble were sad and a little soggy. We were not happy campers.
The cafe itself is super cute and clean with lots of natural light. A seemingly great place to spend an afternoon studying or hanging out. Looks like they have live music, too.
So sad. So much potential. So disappointing. -
Review from Brenna S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/3/2011
Groupon led me to Cafe Muse, but Groupon can't make me go back.
My friend and I ordered chili and nachos, which seemed safe enough.
The chili was watery, and the nachos were sad -- some tired chips with a smattering of cold black beans, onions, and partially melted cheese, which was cold and coagulated by the time it reached the table. I shudder to think it was ... microwaved. Gack.
LA is a great nacho city. These were like the nachos I made at home ... when I was 11, and living in the Midwest, and didn't really know what nachos even were.
Not a-Mused. -
Review from Martha C.
Bellflower, CA
I came here for a comedy show. It's held on the first Friday of each month. Some of the comedians were hit and miss with the crowd, but it was free so no complaints from me.
This is a small cafe with small tables all around and nice little chairs. The place was really crowded last night so I had to sit at the counter on a stool. My boyfriend had to stand the whole night and that didn't make him a happy camper. The only thing I had was a red velvet cupcake and an iced coffee. I've had better cupcakes and coffee elsewhere but to each his own.
The reason for the two stars? The service. I understand it was busy last night but the lady at the register could not remember what people ordered. She walked around asking people who had ordered what, and to top it off she forgot my boyfriend's lemonade. It seemed like she didn't want to be there. Oh and they ran out of beer. I've never seen that happen, maybe they only had one case?
Weird.
I probably won't be back unless it's for the comedy show and even then I don't know if it's worth the drive. -
Review from Lisa H.
Glendale, CA
12/8/2010
This is quite the interesting place to check out around hollywood if youre around...
I wish I knew about this place when I was still in school because I love the study vibe in this place. It feels cozy with decently large desks to study on.
Also, I came here in the evening and they have musicians who play regularly.... for this night...there was this guy who played his guitar and sang. I wish I knew his name... but... He was absolutely WONDERFUL!!!! and it was a delight to have him! He was enjoyable to have in the background, but not too distracting. PERFECTTTT.
They also have a small art gallery on the side of the restaurant where they have local artists display their work.... Its quite a beautiful concept.
As for the food? Its all vegetarian, and although I dont think their "meat" tastes like "meat", I enjoyed my food. I tried their steak fajita wrap, and it was pretty yummy (especially the avocado). I also had a bite of their chili hotdog, and I suppose its a good alternative for Vegetarians. I also had the chai latte and that was scrumpcious!
I kept imagining myself studying here...sipping on my latte, munching on my food while I read a textbook... WILL COME BACK :)
(Oh yah, i forgot, the guy who works here and took our order was super nice as well. He was friendly and welcoming to the restaurant... made quite the impact on my experience) -
Review from A T.
Los Angeles, CA
9/18/2010
My bf gave it 2 stars. I would give it 4 stars. Thus, the 3 star average.
I had the Vegan chicken salad sandwich on a pretzel roll, which includes a side of sweet potato fries. The sweet potato fries are excellent, and I love that they come with BBQ sauce, which is the best most flavorful BBQ sauce I've ever had! My sandwich, however, was really bland. It was much better once I put a little of the BBQ sauce on it. The pretzel roll was good but a little firm. It would've been so much better if they'd put it in a microwave or oven a few seconds to make it soft and warm.
My boyfriend had the Philly Cheese Steak w/ sweet potato fries. He didn't like it at all. He said it was bland ... like eating soggy cardboard in a roll. He said the cafe smelled like Goodwill, but I didn't notice any smell.
I liked the atmosphere of the cafe with its exposed brick walls and twenties-style music playing.
The only thing I'm not a fan of, which I've written about before with other places, is the half service style where you walk up to order, refill your own water (my bf was never offered a refill on his lemonade, which wasn't self-serve) and then they have the nerve to put a place for tip on the receipt. My bf always tips at least 20%, but I really think 10% for these type of places is appropriate when you're half way waiting on yourself. -
Review from miss m.
Los Angeles, CA
9/4/2011
I can't believe this place has 4 stars on yelp! I come here wayyyy more than I should and every time I am literally scared of the people who work there. The two women who are usually behind the counter are so mean and angry and it makes me really sad! Last time I was there they over charged me and I asked them oh hey why am I paying 13 dollars for eggs? And she was so rude and didn't even give me my money back. Oh well, I want to love it, I keep coming back, but I just can't understand how they don't understand how to treat people...
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Review from Mari M.
12/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
I come here for pre post UCB (Upright Citizen's Brigade) improv class.
I love cute places like this where I can chill before and get some
soy steamer and yummy sweet potato fries.
People are friendly here and I love the vibe.Listed in: Cute Cafes in LA
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Review from Elizabeth B.
Los Angeles, CA
1/24/2011
I came here on the recommendation of a friend for an early lunch on Saturday. I am a vegetarian but my friend is not, and we both enjoyed it. You order up at the counter, and I went with a pot of tea and a fake chicken salad sandwich with vegenaise mayo, and sweet potato fries. My friend got the fake chicken cutlet sandwich and fries. My sandwich was just what I wanted, and I was happily surprised by the vegenaise, which I had not had before. To be honest I was a bit bummed when the waitress told me that it isn't significantly less fatty/caloric than regular mayo, as I was sure I had just discovered the best thing on earth! No fault of Muse, though. I had the wheat bread which was hearty and just the right thickness - not too overwhelming.
The place is cute, but it was pretty dead when I was there - granted it was sort of a weird time. It was nice to not have to fight for a table like in the standard LA brunch scene, but it was SO quiet that I was conscious of the fact that my friend and I were the only people speaking, while everyone else in there when we first sat down was solo. Maybe it was just the timing.
Also, while my tea was good, in a cute little place like this I would maybe hope for unusual loose teas rather than your standard teabag fare. I will definitely be back here to check out more items on their extensive menu, and it would be a great place to bring a book or the Sunday paper! -
Review from Eric C.
Los Angeles, CA
12/21/2010
I've always dug this place. It's just a few blocks from where I work. Iced coffee is rich and tasty. Atmosphere is chill. Tables are nice solid stoned-top hexagons. Simple black wooden chairs have hand carved paisley patterns. The large south-facing window brings in gorgeous orange sunset light. Great for sipping and sucking up juicy wireless internet. :)
Food is quite good, but not cheap. I don't think of it as a vegan choice (I'm omnivorous). I think it's just good food. Sweet potato fries are so good it's a problem for my waist. Haha.
My only problem is that the sound tends to bounce off all the hard surfaces so lunch rush and night time can get kinda noisy. S'OK though - that's when I order to go! -
Review from Nikki M.
Los Angeles, CA
9/8/2011
I've tried Cafe Muse three times and I hope to not go back. The service is extremely slow and the food is not great (but at least it's expensive!). I'm not a coffee drinker and I usually don't go places to work on my laptop which might be the only way this place would be a good time. I lived in Seattle for a few years and this place seems to be trying the bohemian artsy cafe shop/thing that Seattle does so well, but in this case it just feels forced.
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Review from Shannon R.
Los Angeles, CA
This is such a great place for lunch, to the point where it's going to take some serious will power not to head back tomorrow...and the next day...and the day after that...
I was feeling a little nostalgic for my young meat eating days in the City of Brotherly Love, so I opted for the Philly Cheesesteak (minus the mushrooms....that's just not how we roll back east). I was a little nervous, as I never had fake steak before, and a previous reviewer had said there was not enough cheese. A cheesesteak with too little cheese is just not worth the effort of chewing. So I ordered with bated breath, knowing if it sucked, I'd at least have the sweet potato fries to keep me company. I enjoyed a reasonably priced lemonade ($1.75) while I waited for my food.
To get right to the point, it was love at first bite. It did not even remotely resemble a Philly cheesesteak, but I hadn't expected it would. There's not enough grease in the entire establishment to make a real cheesesteak, plus the fake steak was chunky, not shredded. But this sandwich rocked my world. Fresh peppers and onions, great fake meat, and CHEESE GALORE. Either they got the message from the whiner, or the whiner has no sense of portion control. The wheat roll, while nothing compared to an Amoroso, was still yummy in its own healthy way. I never thought I'd finish it, but it was like a ten minute vanishing act. POOF gone.
And yeah, those sweat potato fries are baller, no question. The sauce (is that BBQ?) they served with them was a little too gelatinous and thick for my taste, but on flavor alone, spot on. Such a good combo!!!
~$10 for a delicious, unique lunch in a cool locale is not half bad, especially in this city. I'll definitely be back the next time I find myself craving some serious protein.Listed in: Vegan Foodie, Solo Dolo
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Review from Tanya D.
12/6/2010
Vegetarians and vegans look out! Here is a quick and moderately priced corner cafe that accommodates various eating restrictions. I'm more of a soups and salads person around lunch, but one of their most popular items is the Reuben. And of course you can't go wrong with the sweet potato fries!
And you can't screw up coffee or tea, which a variety of which is also readily available. I have yet to sample the this-free and that-free baked goods, but they always look delicious! -
Review from Emiko T.
8/16/2010
The one and only thing we came here for were the loaded sweet potato fries. These fries are such a rarity that this was the one and only thing we ordered--vegan chili cheese smothered over sweet potato fries. Chili cheese over fries is one thing...having it smothered over sweet potatoes is another. This dish was hot, fresh out of the fryer and you never noticed that it was vegan meat. Boo to the 50 cent charge for ranch. A golf clap to the lone guy singing and playing his guitar to only 5 people in the cafe.
An awesome find and a great atmosphere to get that unhealthy, yet healthy, deep fried fix.
