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Casbah Café
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea
3900 W Sunset BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90029
Neighborhood: Silver Lake
(323) 664-7000
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 6 am - 11 pm
Sun 7 pm - 11 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
275 reviews for Casbah Café
Review Highlights
"I usually find myself with a hot or iced mint tea."
(in 9 reviews)
"The Moroccan marketplace vibe really works for me."
(in 28 reviews)
"Limited outdoor seating - great for sipping a macchiato and..."
(in 14 reviews)
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275 reviews in English
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Review from Nicole M.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place, like everything adjacent, is a hipster magnet, but I can't hate... they have awesome food options and excellent coffee and tea, with a fun multicultural vibe: it can't seem to decide if it's French, Argentinian, or Moroccan! I love their chai since they don't sweeten it and leave that option up to you (there's sugar, sweetener, honey and agave on hand for that). They have some gorgeous croissants, a vast array of empanadas, really tasty homemade jams, and even serve mate in gourds. There's also more substantial food options, but I can't really speak to those....
It's got a cozy ambiance and, despite the silly clientele with their deep v's and mustaches, it's very inviting. Nice place to catch up with the friend over a mug of something warm. -
Review from Lauren E.
Los Angeles, CA
1/25/2012
I have lived around the corner from this place for almost seven years, so it is my local coffee shop for better or worse, and I've been in there a million times. While they do have an array of delicious (and over-priced) pastries and savory treats, as well as top-notch teas, there has always been something about the vibe there that strikes me as off. Having just moved back to LA from Austin I guess I was used to my super laid-back local coffee shop where I knew everyone and the staff was friendly.
Not the case here! For all the times I have set foot in this place I still never feel comfortable, like it's "my place". Maybe it's because everything is so damn expensive, or because the counter-staff seem like they are in a permanent daze and it take ten minutes to get anything. Also, there is an overwhelmingly hip clientele (unsurprisingly), which always makes me feel on edge. For some reason guests and other friends who don't live around here seem to love the place, so I guess it does have a charm. The drip coffee IS really good and the little foliage nooks outside are nice and cozy, but the strange, slow and sometimes downright rude counter staff kind of kill this place's appeal as far as I'm concerned. Zero stars for service, 4 for ambiance, 3 for food (one less star because of outrageous prices)... -
Review from Elizabeth S.
Brooklyn, NY
1/19/2012
I love supporting local cafes with good atmosphere, but this place makes me feel like Starbucks is going to be my only option for working on my laptop.
I've been a regular at this cafe, coming in to work about 3 times a week. It's one of the only cafes in town with such a nice atmosphere, calming music, good food and coffee. However, the staff/management are horribly unwelcoming.
First of all, the prices are really high for everything, and I normally spend at least $10-$16, but today I came in to Casbah which was pretty empty, I ordered an orange and a water, and they asked me if I'm ordering anything else. Then the other lady informed me that I have to spend a 5 dollar minimum to work here. Wtf!? I asked if I could work for a little bit and they said it would be ok if I bought something else if I'm going to be here for a long time. Now I feel like they are going to kick me out, and I don't even feel comfortable staying here.
Not the first time me and my friends have felt unwelcome here, they only have 4 designated tables to work at with outlets, and signs everywhere else that say NO COMPUTERS HERE, and many times the computer tables are taken but there several other empty tables near an outlet, however they would rather lose business than budge on their policy.
Bottom line, I'm used to being friends with the owners of cafes I frequent, or at least feeling like an appreciated customer, but here they only want to make a buck and will be painfully obvious about it. I would not give them my business if I can find another cafe to work at. -
Review from Tulani K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
I often pass by and have never gone in until today. The sheer number of laptop computers on tables clued me in that this is a popular place for an alt office. The pastries looked good, but I was ecstatic that my 5 year old was most enticed by the fresh fruit basket. He insisted we get two apples and a fruit frappe.
On the sidewalk we were given a private concert by a local musician, who performed a kid friendly song. The ladies behind the counter were super friendly, which when you have small kids with you is a major plus.
The interior is pleasant and I suspect I will be adding this to my East Side rotation. Glad I finally stopped. -
Review from James S.
Updated - 12/29/2011 7 Check-ins Here
OK, having tried some more of their food and even their retail, here's an update.
The soup, and sandwich and salad were all very good. Casbah wins no awards for being cheap, but their ingredients speak to the quality and pride in their fare. Simply tasty and a little richer than I'm used to. But, I've also been more hyper-aware of my diet this year, so, your mileage may vary.
It works fine to-go, too.
The one sort of drag was a snafu in Retail. The gorgeous child's art apron with color pencils looked too good. This was a bit indulgent if I do say so myself. Still, had the cloth apron not unraveled on the first use, I'd have been much more OK with it. Returned it for store/cafe credit, and I've been whittling down that $43 awhile now. And tasted some good stuff along the way.
Oh, look out for parking. Read those signs. I have seen two separate parking officer cars patrolling that simultaneously. You don't want a $60 scone, I'm sure.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/23/2011
Artsy, tre-boheme chill vibe to kick back...kinda mangled by music that is just too damn loud for… Read more »
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Review from Michele G.
Winnetka, CA
12/26/2011
I love this place. For months, my daughter took guitar lessons from the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, down the street. I'd drop her off, then walk up to Casbah and order a hot spearmint tea and berry tart, then people watch. With a notebook handy, I gathered some interesting "only in LA" overheard snippets of conversation.
I love the colorful eclectic Moroccan setting. Whenever I'm sitting there, I feel like I'm in my parents' old hippie friend's living nook with a window view... just watching life go on all around me. -
Review from Edwin A.
Came here on Christmas day when everything else in the area seemed to be closed. We just happened to see a place open and decided to go...and what a great idea that was! Casbah Cafe is a great little find. The interior is very cool with artwork, designs, and clothing hanging everywhere (I think the upstairs is a store.) They also have nice, albeit limited, outdoor seating.
I got the chicken sandwich on pita and it was incredibly delicious. Such a simple sandwich: just toasted pita, chicken breast, tomatoes, cheese, and olive oil...but it was SO good. I want another one right now just thinking about it! My friend got the chicken soup and I kid you not it tasted EXACTLY like the chicken soup my mom has always made. It was uncanny how similar they tasted.
I will definitely have to go back and try their other dishes and the great pastries they have. I have a feeling everything is delicious here!
Oh and there are signs on every table saying please don't use a laptop...and a person sitting at every other table with a laptop! I don't think people read signs anymore. -
Review from rachelle o.
Los Angeles, CA
12/2/2011
Hm, where should I start?
First of all, while there was one nice woman working behind the counter, this place seems to have a separate staff dedicated to walking around and lurking rudely at customers using the internet. Yes, my power was out and I smushed myself in a corner of your restaurant away from everyone else to use your internet, but I spent over $25 dollars on food throughout the day to offset it--stop being a jerk, old guy!
These people are very pushy and will come up to you and ask you if you want something else, as they are clearing some $5 drink off of your table! Rude.
Right when I got there, I went to purchase a bagel. They didn't have just a bagel alone listed on their menu, instead they charge you $3--yes, THREE DOLLARS--for a bagel, even if you do not get cheese, butter, or anything to put on it. Ridiculous. Seriously.
Secondly, my boyfriend was sitting at the table next to me, with his computer cord NOT anywhere that would cause someone to trip, when he got up to buy another drink (because we constantly felt guilty!), and the same old guy who was lurking all around comes up and moves his table across the little walkway, THEN causing his cord to be in the way, and unplugs his computer on purpose to "fix the problem" so people don't trip. I watched this happen and he literally CAUSED the cord to be that way, and then pulled the plug on his computer--causing it to immediately die (his battery sucks) and lose all of his work. Yeah, OK.
Oh, and this was after my boyfriend's drink was picked up by a worker and thrown away--while still being half full!
Later in the day, I purchased the vegetarian sandwich--which was literally a pita with a few sprinklings of tabbouli and hummus thrown in amongst a few pieces of lettuce. For $7, I expected at least something a bit sustainable. The hummus and tabbouli were pretty damn good though--and I know my tabbouli, so I feel like I want to go back, but this place made me so uncomfortable that I don't know if I will!
This place annoyed me from start to finish. Don't go here if you're looking to relax. -
Review from Lindsay A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/20/2012
I love this cafe! I don't come here to use the internet so I've never had a problem like some other reviewers. The staff is friendly and the pastries are delicious! Very cool place.
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Review from Gerardo A.
Los Angeles, CA
11/28/2011
If I lived in LA full time I'd be a regular at the Casbah Café. I usually get their hot chicken sandwich and eat in. And if I'm being bad, I'll have one of their pastries for dessert! It always hits the spot.
I've actually been going to this place for years, but it's only recently that I've increased my visits to at least once a month.
Sometimes it's hard to find a place to sit, or at least a place where I'd like to sit, but even when a little crowded the hipsters are friendly. They don't bite.
The only reason I didn't give this place five stars is because they don't serve wine. And this alcoholic likes his wine.
Oh, and as a coffee snob, I recommend getting your coffee down the street at Intelligentsia.
One final word, ignore Nicole P.'s review. 439 words for bad coffee and not being able to do your work? It's not an office. People who refer to the staff's ethnicity in their reviews are a bit backward. How is it relevant? -
Review from E L.
Los Angeles, CA
1/20/2012
This used to be my favorite place in Silver Lake. However in the past few months they have had a change over in staff and things have gone drastically downhill.
It seems some of the 'newer' staff has not been trained well in making the drinks as well as customer service. Also, I was in the back in the store/clothing part looking around and one young employee followed me back there to watch. Which they have done in the past but she just stood there staring at me like a hawk, the WHOLE time.
CASBAH I want you to go back to the way things used to be! I used to come in nearly every day, now its been a few months since I've been in. It seems every time I come back something else is weird or off with your staff. Either train them better or get more mature people who know how to treat their customers and serve a product for the price its worth. -
Review from Mina B.
Los Angeles, CA
2/2/2012
Great teas+food. However, the employees seem out of it most of the time and one even lied that they gave me Jasmine tea which was clearly not jasmine. I insisted they change it because it wasn't jasmine... after arguing they admitted they were out of Jasmine. Why lie in the first place? Their food is good and they have many options, but I think its overpriced. if you sit outside when its getting late, the area gets scary. I've had drug addicts and homeless ppl come up to me+friends.. some were angry and downright scary. The parking situation is terrible too. But if you just want to get some good tea...(before dark!) this is the place to go for variety.
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Review from Chanel P.
Los Angeles, CA
1/4/2012
My favorite Cafe in all of Los Angeles. Amazing and lovely and all that rot.
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Review from Amy T.
Alright, so it must be admitted that Casbah Cafe is not perfect.
They're a bit overpriced. The food isn't that great. The coffee is subpar.
Yet, I end up here almost every weekend and some nights. As a writer, the space is inviting and creative. It never gets too loud and there are plenty of little tables for one or two. Even just sitting with a book is relaxing. The funky decor transports you to another world.
The menu is hit or miss, but here are a few things that are totally worth it.
Gold Tisane tea -If you're looking for a rich herbal tea, this is the one for you.
Iced Mint Tea -in the summertime you just can't get more refreshing than fresh iced mint tea.
Breakfast Bar -It's basically raspberry jam on shortbread with crumble on top and it's delicious.
Bagel with cream cheese and tomato -They put fresh oregano on it which pretty much takes it over the top.
Empanadas -These come in all types of flavors. I most commonly opt for spinach and cheese which is heated to perfection and totally gooey. yum. -
Review from Gabriela G.
Los Angeles, CA
A short 3 minute walk from my house. This Cafe is a gem in my neighborhood. A defining landmark representing the heart of what silverlake is; an eclectic, colorful community for open-minded, adventurous and culturally thirsty individuals.
From the outside this place looks like it belongs on the Mediterranean Riviera with its bright turquoise blue facade it cannot be missed when stuck in traffic on Sunset Blvd. It reminds me of an oasis in the desert, the bright blue walls and plant filled exterior is only the prelude to the unique experience of the Casbah Cafe.
Once inside your eyes are overwhelmed by the overcrowded tables. As if a Piñata had exploded; only instead of shiny candy and colored streamers it's a crammed display case filled with a mixture of moroccan and south american delights all piled on top of one another. Instead of miniature toys, it's oil lamps, wicker chairs, gold-rimmed tables, framed antique tiles, wall murals, and ornate tea pots with multi-colored middle eastern tea glasses. Cake stands filled with ham and cheese sandwiches, fresh scones coupled with homemade jelly all compete for your attention. And a small store in the back sells imported goods from south america and the middle east. From handmade leather sandals to painted maracas and other small musical instruments, ethnic embroidered dresses and stuffed fabric dolls, Spanish extra virgin olive oil in a tin, or nicely packaged mate tea, you will definitely find unique gifts here.
Music is soft and seductive, whether Edith Piaf, Buena Vista Social Club, Billie Holiday, Mercedes Sosa, Carlos Gardel, Lila Downs or some obscure unknown french voice your heart is calmed and it is easy to forget that Sunset Junction is just outside the front door.
The food is expensive YES, and it is also simple. A coffee is around $2.50, an organic hard boiled egg is $1.85. A banana is $1.25. Tea pots are $5, Chai teas are a must try here and cost around $4. A fruit salad is $6.50. And almost any plate (bagel and lox, steel cut oatmeal, sandwich and side salad, etc) will go over $10. The thing about the food in this place is not the crafty-ness of how things are put together, a salad is just a salad no fancy dressing or creative ingredients; but the quality of the greens is what you are actually paying for. Their more complex items are those on the display cases such as the Argentinian empanadas, or the French quiche. The fresh soups are quite delicate too.
Eating here is like eating in France, very simple yet high quality ingredients in a slow paced atmosphere make for an enjoyable experience that takes you out of the everyday chaotic rat-race.
The servers are wonderful. Usually about 3-4 behind the counter and two walking back and forth between the store in the back and busing the cafe tables. Mostly Latina Ladies (Rosana is my favorite, since i am a regular we have become friends), and one or two young hipsters from the neighborhood (Erika is awesome she's a server by day and a singer in a girl band by night).
During the World Cup i was here every morning, they have a tv and this place packed with fanatics watching the games (though tv is covered by bright colorful parasols the rest of the year).
Fresh cut flowers adorn the cafe, store and restroom, speaking of which....could use some remodeling, though clean and spacious (and better than most other restrooms in other cafes), it could use some decorating and a bit of character.
The crowd is mostly hipster, beautiful women in vintage finds work away on their laptops. Metro-sexual men wear scarves and drink tea while reading film theory books and newspapers.
More than anything i come here for the atmosphere. I like the inner peace i am able to feel when enjoying a simple coffee inside this place. I like that i can focus on my work and be productive in this warm environment. I don't come for the food, or for the store or even for the cakes, i come for a cheap cup of coffee and some work time at one of their corner tables. There are no plugs for your computer so make sure it's fully charged before you get here. Also not all tables are computer friendly (if there is a red card on a table it means no computers allowed at that table). Card minimum is $5 and so is wifi minimum (must spend at least $5 to get access to their wifi code).Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Danielle L.
Los Angeles, CA
11/8/2011
Casbah needs to get over itself. If you don't want computers in your cafe, don't offer free wi-fi.
(most over-priced iced tea in town) -
Review from Lisa C.
Pasadena, CA
11/22/2011 2 photos
This is a really great spot. The Casbah Cafe has a rustic vibe. The cool, blue exterior invites you in with an almost Tunisian air about it. The overgrowth of vines shelters three mini patio tables from the Cali sun as it strokes Hyperion. The clientele are diverse, the food prices are a little high, but the quality makes this place well worth your trouble.
The menu is Parisien, with a bit of Moroccan flavor. There are seasonal treats like the Pumpkin Goatcheese Turnover, which are great suprises! There is even a clothing store in the back, beautiful glasses for sale, and great tea sets.
My favorite things about this place though are the Mate, the outdoor ambience, and the Goat Cheese Salad! Phenomenal!
It is RARE to find a spot with Mate in the gourd, like traditional Argentine style, but here they have it for the cher prix of $5.50. The Mate is served in a metallic gourd with straw, and accompanied with a sterling silver tea kettle upon receipt; so all in all it makes for a great display. The goat cheese salad is what I expect of a goat cheese salad, it comes Parisien style like a Chaud Chevre.
They also sell figs and candied apricots which are scrumptuous, and the decor is chic, simple, and worn in. The staff is friendly, polite, and will even bring your food to your table inside or outside(when the street sweeper came, one of the employees asked all around the store for a customer to move their car before they get ticketed - how conscientious -and unLA- is that?). It is an overall chill locale, with the aged furniture, scattered lighting and beautiful food presentation; it is all things a cafe should aspire to be. -
Review from Eli R.
Los Angeles, CA
11/15/2011
Casbah Cafe certainly has personality. I enjoy their mint tea, and it's a change of pace, especially on weekends in the Sunset Junction area of Silver Lake. However, here are my overall thoughts.
Pros: Cute ambiance, nice music, great outdoor seating area, great location. (And usually free parking on Hyperion and Sunset)
Cons: Very expensive for the frankly mediocre quality, sometimes unfriendly baristas, obnoxious anti-computer policy. I would give it two stars, but I've had a couple very nice experiences drinking tea with friends in the outdoor seating. For LA (which, in my opinion, has a poor coffee culture), it's three stars. -
Review from Ames L.
Griffith Park/Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA
10/30/2011
Love the interior. It's like a Mexican-Moroccan fusion theme.
I had a soy chai tea latte and a veggie pita which was very kinda of pricey. The soy chai tea was almost $5 and the veggie pita was $8 (it was only half a pita but tasty). I asked how much a slice of cake was and it was $6.50!
At least this place was a nice atmosphere to chill and chat. -
Review from Julie P.
CA
10/18/2011
Generally speaking, I don't like to eat at places with identity crises*. Is it a Moroccan bazaar selling tchotchkes or a cafe? Store, cafe? Cafe, store? The food is usually pretty tasty but depending on what you order, can be very small portions for the money. Overall, it's overpriced and overrated. I'm over it.
*with the exception of IKEA. -
Review from Nicole p.
Los Angeles, CA
11/21/2011
First of all the only reason I stepped into this cafe was because I was trying to go to Inteligentsia 2 doors down but they were so crowded there was a line going outside the door and no where to sit. I went to Casbah one time before and had no problems with the service. This time, however, was a different story. Not only was my coffee a dollar more than it was 2 weeks prior but what happened next is unacceptable. I sat down at a table near the window. I was waiting on someone to arrive and wanted to make sure he saw me. I was also planning on writing a proposal for work here so I wanted somewhere that was near an outlet for my computer and also somewhere that was not around other people. As soon as I take my computer out and set it up, a short hispanic woman comes over to me and very rudely tells me that I can't sit there because I have a computer, that I can, instead, sit wedged in between a few other people along the wall. She then points to a sign that was resting in between the window and the table that says "No computers allowed here."
WHAT? You offer free wi-fi. The place is half empty and you tell me I can't sit here? What is this? The 1950s?
So I tell the woman that I think it is ridiculous. I then hear her mouthing off in Spanish behind the counter.
I move myself to a table on the other side of the coffee shop. Away from people so I can concentrate. The white server comes up immediately after I sit down and tells me I can't sit here either. That I am only allowed to sit at the tables in the middle. She says that she was sorry but the other girl should have explained it better. What business would ever want to DRIVE BUSINESS AWAY. What happened to the customer is right? If I want to sit on the floor I should be allowed to. I just paid 3 dollars for a drab iced coffee. I am a freelance worker. That visit would have turned in to MANY MORE.
I asked the girl to put my coffee in a to go cup because I was going to leave. On second thought I decided to just get my money back and go back to Intelgentsia. I would rather wait 3 hours for a coffee that actually tastes like coffee then ever go through that again. I am appalled. I hope that others read this and take heed. -
Review from Haiku-Project H.
Los Angeles, CA
9/16/2011
Which is prettier?
The locals or the pastries?
How do they stay thin? -
Review from Francesca F.
Los Angeles, CA
12/16/2011
Not so much....I'm not really into the Moroccan thing....my brownie was TERRIBLE...wasn't even really a brownie. PB cookie sucked. And my friend didn't like his hot chocolate...it was way too thick. But the chick that helped us was super cute, sweet, & all that.
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Review from Erin S.
Los Angeles, CA
12/11/2011
I love Casbah Cafe!
The style and music makes for a unique and warm ambiance. It's a great place to go to read/get work done.
I see reviews commenting on the negative attitudes of the baristas. In my personal experience, I have not been offended by anyone working there. Sure, sometimes they may seem stressed due to high volumes of customers, but never mean.
I have not had an issue using my computer here, and am unsure what the $10 minimum is about. They do reserve around half of the tables for people with no computers. It can be difficult to find a spot if the place is packed, but I can understand being an independent cafe right smack on Sunset Blvd and needing to cut costs wherever possible.
My only complaint would be the high prices. The food is tasty and the coffee is quality, though, so that almost makes up for it ;) -
Review from G K.
Bellflower, CA
9/28/2011
We stumbled upon this quaint cafe that is adjoined by a trendy boutique in Silverlake. Ordered the Chai Tea Latte with Soy and it tasted pretty good. It seemed to be a bit pricier then other places. You end up paying for the ambiance. The pastries tasted fresh even though it was a late night when I went. Overall experience was A-OK. I wouldn't go out of my way to go there, but if I was in the neighborhood I would stop in for a coffee or quick bite to eat.
Service is very minimal and they got our orders mixed up. No worries though, they are kind enough to fix what they may screw up. :) -
Review from Julie E.
Los Angeles, CA
6/21/2011 1 photo
I'm a little in love with little Casbah Cafe.
This bright, airy, Moroccan-inspired shop has a wide range of carefully selected coffees and teas, delectable pastries, fresh salads and sandwiches. With low key music, it has a great atmosphere for chatting or working. The customers are artsy, friendly and respectful, the people behind the counter are lovely and warm.
My particular go-to is the avocado salad with grilled chicken, olive oil and balsamic on the side. The avocado is always perfect, the chicken is tasty, and the vinaigrette is high quality.
The baguettes, which come with the salads, are fresh and tasty. And for sandwiches, the tuna melt is particularly good. They have pita sandwiches too.
The kitchen is small so it may take a bit of time to get your food. And be sure to specify if you want a sandwich hot or cold, or if you don't want certain things on a salad (or want to add something) - they're happy to accommodate but sometimes get confused when they're busy.
WiFi available with $10 minimum purchase.
Can call ahead to take out.
But much better to take a seat and stay a while. -
Review from Adrian V.
Los Angeles, CA
7/7/2011
I purchased a modest slice of the Ginger Bread which came to a daunting $4.50. For that price it should have been delivered between the thighs of a belly dancer who farts curry. The bread was dry and flavorless except for the main ingredient which they called self-satisfaction but my tongue doesn't register the rare spice called silverlake. And why is there only two '$' cash money symbols for this completely exorbitantly priced ethnic starbucks? Laughable. You want ethnic, go to the Coffee Bean in Whittier, more authentic than you could imagine.
First let me start by mentioning the equally flat and confused exoticism of a Moroccan motif with a french colonizing exterior that apparently imports textiles from south america in it's confusing after thought of a side shop. Their overwrought interior designer was so earnest about authenticity that he confused any place using incense as a culture. Expect this store to start spray painting gerbals and selling them as Mogwais.
I started to let out a shrill scream at the fantastic mark up on all of their kitchen items, especially on the glass wear from Morocco that was at times a whopping 1,300 percent increase from the original price you would find at a shop if you were in, say, the actual Casablanca. Of course I understand the economics of imported goods, once you correct for your import tax, shipping and freight, rent, and hopefully eventual profit BUT 1300%? Not even illegal contraband or hashish sees this kind of mark up in the states.
The textiles which having nothing to do with Morocco, are cute until you find yourself admiring a throw pillow for 300 dollars. If you do the simple arithmetic, three pillows will buy you a round trip flight to the country of its origin and purchase a truck full of cushions for the original price of a few hundred pesos with the added bonus of seeing the artisans in their native environment. The only thing native here is the distraught need to be distinct from the Whinchells down the street, who serve a better bun cake.
Angelinos who frequent this place are suffering from so much disposable income that their fiscal sense has succumbed to cruel torpor and to make matters worse, they can only mask their indolence by turning around and declaring it a 'taste.' Thank you Casbah Cafe for continuing your cliched existence so that we can truly witness the inanity of being so hip it precludes a thoughtful consumer. -
Review from Eve R.
Los Angeles, CA
7/28/2011
Love the ambiance of this place. Coffee is good.
Didn't mind that I couldn't use a laptop or that there was no free wi-fi. Sometimes I actually go to cafes for the coffee and/or food. You know... The service that they are actually selling at such an establishment.
To all those who complain about the free wi-fi... You can always hit up Starbucks because obviously you really don't care for the food, drinks or ambiance you just want free wi-fi service. -
Review from Lawrence T.
West Covina, CA
9/17/2011
Try the chai soy latte. Very flavorful, refreshing, & strong.
Limited indoor seating in this cafe but there's also outdoor seating overlooking sunset blvd. -
Review from Gitana C.
Los Angeles, CA
7/12/2011
I would say that Casbah has that sweet quaintness of a corner-coffee shop on sunset with a nice array of beverages and some food. I would agree that its definitely overpriced for what you get. The $10 minimum for wifi is whack and I feel like as long as I buy SOME THING, I should be able to post up for a bit and be uber hipstery on my laptop to work. I got a vegetarian pita sandwich which was pretty good and tasty--simple, but delicious. I opted for a blended dulce de luche drink which was also phenom.
I only give it 3 stars because the counter girls were so pretentious and rude. I heard them make snarky comments about people that came in and it totally turned me off. Ok, I get that your a hot hipster girl but no need to act like your a supreme being to the patrons. Ok, not very zen-like I know, but hey, I understand the crap you go through as a counter-girl/barista because I have been one myself, but not everyone is the scum of the earth. Lighten up and try to be pleasant. We understand you have dreams to become an actress so you loathe everyone and everything until your big break, but until then, get over yourself.
I guess I would come back if I was in the neighborhood but not sure I would go out of my way to come here. -
Review from Iris T.
Los Angeles, CA
7/26/2011
It's an okay place, just ok.
I used to go a lot to study, and then all the rules kind of bummed me out.
$10 minimum for credit card. Same goes for getting the wifi code. Some of the tables forbid laptops. WTF? A pot of tea costs a ton, I forget, something like six or seven dollars. Sometimes I just want to buy a drink and research a paper for an hour, not get a whole meal or shovel out what I would normally pay for a whole meal on a pot of tea.
The grilled cheese sandwich with tomato and basil is good and so is the iced mint tea.
Parking is not always easy. -
Review from Scott B.
Albuquerque, NM
7/22/2011
This cafe has pretty good food...didn't try their coffee when I was there.
The service was pretty slow. I ordered a sandwich and salad with only three other customers there. It took them almost 25 minutes to make it. Also, I thought it was a bit off putting that they had specific seats where they didn't want computers.
I think they should just specify that you get access to the internet once you purchase something....put it on the receipt like a lot of of other places.
Overall, the food was good, but not the most welcoming environment. -
Review from Mari M.
It's really cute, food's good and definitely unique.
But it just wasn't cozy...
I don't know what it is. Maybe because it's just such a open square box?
I guess when I read Mediterranean cafe I was expecting cozy, little nook and cranny places to sit kind of cafe. Maybe the outdoor seating might have been more of my thing.
And yes as others mentioned there are tables that says please do not use laptops. Of course not all of them because they do offer free wifi.
The food was definitely good. I loved the goat cheese salad. And although I didn't try the milliards of sweets in the display they all looked delicious. -
Review from Avishek C.
Burbank, CA
8/29/2011
We were walking down Sunset at sunset, haha, and we got hungry. So we decided to try this place out. It's a bit wierd on the inside, seems like half 3rd world bazaar, half cafe. I wasn't sure what that was all about.
The food wasn't that great either. A bit tasteless. The portion sizes were a bit small too. I wasn't too impressed with the whole experience. -
Review from Ken C.
Located in silver lake, this is a solid option for tea and coffee. Casbah Cafe is down the street from Intelligentsia. It's across the street from popular eateries such as "Pazzo Gelato", "Forage" and "Berlin Currywurst". The decor of the place has a Mediterranean/Turkish feel. I ordered a hot ceylon tea and we had chocolate mousse and a canale for dessert.
The canale is a vanilla cake that takes the shape of the unique container it's baked in. It is light and moist and it goes perfectly with tea since it isn't overly sweet. If you're getting a hot drink, the cake is a perfect light snack that complements your drink without stretching your pants.
The chocolate mousse is made of dark chocolate. It tasted like there was some rum mixed into the mousse and it was topped with some white chocolate shavings. I think it's a solid dessert, but I'm not the biggest fan of dark chocolate and, at $5, the price is too high.
The costs of the desserts and teas are probably my main criticism of the place. I really enjoyed my tea, but I don't think that this will be my go-to place for caffeine if I'm in the area. -
Review from Anne N.
Santa Ana, CA
3/22/2011 1 photo
Casbah Cafe is a cute cafe in Silverlake that serves tea and coffee. The decor is great with a Hindu vibe, a bunch of middle eastern tea light lanterns and comfortable seating with pillows. This is a great place for you and your friends to meet up and catch up on your lives. It's a great place to work on your computer. It's a great place to have a cup of tea!
Casbah is a great place to meet up with friends because it is such an experience. The ambience in this cafe is fun and the decor is bright and colorful. Check out this interesting cafe in Silverlake, you'll enjoy it.Listed in: In Search of the Perfect…
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Review from Susan D.
3/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Casbah Cafe was a nice place to meet-up with some friends, drink tea and chat into the late night. My tea was good but nothing great or mind-blowing, and they were out of the first type I tried to get. Honestly, I can't say much about it other than it's nice they are open a bit later than other joints.
I guess the music was soothing and the decor... unique.
Might see ya there. -
Review from Petka C.
San Francisco, CA
3/7/2011
We liked the place from the outside, and were intrigued by the inside. But then we got two hits:
First one was the $10 minimum purchase in order to use the internet. Oh well, I had to order things I did not eat.
The second was more annoying. Few minutes after me and my husband started working on our laptops (not browsing Facebook, but actually working), the large latino lady that appeared to be running the place asked one of the servers to tell us to not use computers at our table.
About 50% of the tables have tags that list (way down at the bottom of the tag) that the table is a casbah table and computers are not allowed.
It seems like the owner lady never used a computer or simply does not understand the utility and need for the device. Some people can not work by writing things on paper. Some people do need to use laptops connected to the electricity and the internet. They are driving their customers away BIG TIME. We did not even finish our $10 worth of food before we walked away totally pissed, looking for a place that understands that the customers need to be treated better.
One other advice for the owner lady:
There are two power plugs in the place. Please rearrange the "no laptop" tags to be AWAY from the power plugs. That way you will have more happy customers that can work on their laptop while charging them. And the casbah-only tables can be the ones in the middle of the room. It does not take a degree to figure our that people tend to stick electronic devices into power outlets. -
Review from Gen S.
San Jose, CA
7/26/2011
This is usually my go-to cafe but today I have to say the waitress was just thoughtless and absent-minded. She forgot part of my order after I reminded her it was still missing, (she said someone was toasting it and on the way). About 45 mins later, I had given up but commented on it again as she passed and said, oh you should have come up to the counter and reminded me.
No. You should have first not lied about it being 'on the way' and not blamed me for your forgetfulness. -
Review from Apollo B.
Los Angeles, CA
3/25/2011
Coffee shop with a lot of character. From the decor, to the food items to the random items for sale at the back of the coffee shop, your eyes almost don't focus on anything. It has a pretty laid-back and bohemian feel. For this reason, it's a great place to just chat or get some work done on your computer.
However, there is a $10 min to use their free wifi. Also, their food is pretty overpriced for what you get. (Very small empanada for $3.00 and a slice of slightly dry, coffee cake for almost $4.00.) Each time I've been here, there's also only one lady running all the orders so the line goes by pretty slow. There's also a rule that you cannot use your laptop at certain tables which they strictly enforce though I don't really know why this is so.
So, in the end, this place has potential. A laid back experience is stifled by overpriced mediocre food and treats.
