Square One Dining
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. - Menu: MenuPages
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Breakfast
- Alcohol: None
20 reviews
Los Angeles, CA
"Ethiopian food is yum! I dined here with a potential client last night. The service is swift. The food is served hot and fresh. The…" read more »
99 Reviews for Square One Dining
I am Type 'A'. You can guess what the A stands for.
I review for the whole experience. Whether I get my way or not. Whether I have to wait or not. When I'm hungry I get very type A. When I'm waiting and hungry I become a bigger A. When you 1) take orders from and 2) serve another party that arrived 10 minutes after us before even acknowledging our presence I will become difficult. And when you stop serving my favorite thing I'm done.
No more coffee cake. I'm done. The food isn't good enough otherwise.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
I really like Square One's fresh food and airy atmosphere. I just wish parking weren't so difficult and the food weren't so darned expensive.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Yummy! Parking is difficult, and we were happy to know our car was still parked on the street about 5 minutes away when we were done. The restaurant is in a slightly shady area, across from the Scientology Center, but worth the trip. We arrived early, around 8:30am, and were seated right away. I suggest you have one person go get a table (or get in line) while the other parks, because as I mentioned, it might take a while. By 9am, there was a line. Parking is the only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5.
Everything on the menu was organic, local or CA made and interesting. I had the brioche french toast with banana citrus caramel. Mmmmm. It was simply awesome. My husband had the frittata with bacon, spinich, tomato and cheddar. The bacon was especially tasty as it was thick cut. The people next to us had the muffin / fruit combo which looked great too as a lighter, simple choice.
Can't wait to go back, as there are so many different items, and new sauces (like the bacon enriched carmel sauce on the pancakes!) that I want to try!
Came here to meet a client and per his earlier recommendation, I decided to head up to his area for our consult.
Bacon, Tomato, Spinach, Mozzarella omelet was good and flavourful. Didn't require any additional condiments or spices. On the side you get seven grain toast with butter and some lovely roasted potatoes that have a hint of garlic to them. I could have eaten the potatoes alone for days.
Smoked ham, Hungarian garlic sausage, bell pepper and onion omelet was also very good. Nice balance of flavours and not too overwhelming with the smoked ham and sausage. You can taste the individual ingredients which for me makes any dish an automatic 5/5.
Brioche French Toast is very soft and moist and tastes and feels like a French Toast donut. Topped with vanilla whipped cream and strawberries makes it a great dessert or breakfast. 4 slices and warm, gooey goodness.
This place is apparently locally famous for their French Toast and their bacon, Nueske bacon or something like that comes from a German family that's been smoking meats for 3 generations and some shit. Cut thick and one slice will run you $2 but I'll give it a try next time. I had some in my omelet and it wasn't too shabby.
Coffee was good and the service was prompt and cordial. I wouldn't say it was "friendly" but it was definitely good and efficient.
My client ordered a bowl of fruit and a muffin which I didn't try but they looked very good and without major defect.
It's a small place and you feel like you're sitting in someone living room with a bad paint job (it's all yellow with egg cartons on the ceiling). Despite that, it's cozy and the tables are squished together. Very popular so get here early or else you'll be waiting for some time.
So why not 5/5?
Well, I won't list any numbers but I'll just say that for what was ordered, the receipt presented a surprisingly high total.
Great place with clean and tasty food and good service, but a bit too much even for this OC kid.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
After years of wanting to go here, my wife and I finally tried Square One Dining for the first time in mid-April. The food was incredible. Eggs taste like they were just pulled from the chicken coop...bacon like you've never had anywhere else. And both the pancakes and french toast are beyond description. The owners (a really delightful pair of women) are warm and friendly. We've now been back a 1/2 dozen times over the past few weeks and it's been just as good each time.
Based on some Yelp reviews, I decided to try to this place out for brunch. My first attempt was thwarted by impatient family members who did not like the look of the neighborhood or the line. My second attempt to take an out-of-towner here was successful though..or at least it was for me.
After a late night, we arrived to Square One Dining for brunch. It was probably around noon. There was a long line out front, but I figured this would be true of any breakfast place on a Saturday morning. Despite my friend's complaints, we waited.. and waited. I think we waited for an hour. This didn't really turn me off though, given our arrival time and the fact that this is LA.
So we are seated outside in the patio area. It was a nice, hot day out, so we were happy to see an umbrella over the table. Our server was pleasant and I ordered the acclaimed french toast and a scrambled egg on the side. My friend enjoys more savory breakfast foods, so she ordered the potatoes with scrambled eggs and toast, I believe. There was another long-ish wait for the food, but mine was totally worth the wait. The french toast is to die for! Super sweet with just the right amount of crispiness. I loved it. The eggs were pretty good too, though verging on the undercooked side.
My friend was not as happy with her meal. I didn't try any of her food, but I didn't need to try the potatoes to know that they were overcooked and dry. I could see it! Some were even charred. My friend had a hard time biting through them and they really did not look appetizing. She wasn't a fan of the eggs either, preferring a more well done scramble.
Based on the taste of my french toast and the look of those potatoes, I'm giving this place 4 stars. I'll definitely return, but make a point to warn anyone I'm with about those potatoes.
P.S. I remember hearing the couple at the table next to ours complaining about their potatoes as well.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
Really wanted to try the french toast because I've read it's so good, but I'd had a ton to eat the night before so I really wasn't hungry enough. Will definitely be back to try it though, because what I had was mad good. The chorizo baked egg dish with this yummy salsa in it...Fantastic. We got the roasted potatoes to share and they were AWESOME. A bunch of people have written on here that they were overdone, but ours were perfection! This place is adorable too - I'd suggest going on the early side on weekends. We showed up around 10:30 on Saturday and were seated immediately, but by the time we left there was a huge line out the door.
They have the best French toast I've had in LA. I order it with caramelized bananas, pistachios, and whipped cream. They're have a wide variety of tasty egg dishes also. Service is friendly and efficient. I love eating on the patio.
I wanted to like square one more than I did, but I think it will live up to its potential on the next visit.
Coffee and fresh OJ are great. The fresh muffins are amazing too.
It was a cold rainy day so we sat inside. I think I would enjoy the patio much more when it heats up. Just a little to quiet inside.
I got the baked eggs gruyere and was disappointed. Just not what I was expecting. The hubby got the chorizo eggs and loved it.
I think I'm going to try the eggs benedict next time.
We experienced no wait, but the line started to form shortly thereafter.
Lots of street parking around, its right next to the scientology center.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
i've been wanting to try this place forever since EVERYONE says it's the best breakfast in LA. so, i rounded up 2 friends to get some breakfast and see if it really is the best breakfast out there. i ordered the famed french toast, plain. i thought it was perfectly made. i don't think i'd ever add any of the extra toppings because they were already quite sweet with syrup. my friend ordered the egg breakfast that came with potatoes, bacon and toast. the bacon was thick and unlike any bacon that is usually served at most restaurants. being a veg i didn't taste it but it looked good i suppose. the potatoes were also great. my other friend got the pancakes. visually they look great. good size, nice and fluffy but i wasn't impressed with the flavor. there was something lacking with the pancakes. french toast is def better.
prices are alright. i felt they were a bit steep for my liking but i guess quality is worth more than quantity. the place itself is pretty simple with indoor and outdoor parking. the menu is also pretty simple with not a lot of stuff to choose from. breakfast is always served. i took a glance at the lunch menu and it seemed like it could be good but i'd probably just go there for breakfast. as a vegetarian there were not many options on the menu. oh well
i'd avoid this place on the weekends. i live nearby and every weekend morning there are hoards of people waiting outside to be seated. it gets extremely packed.
overall this place has good quality breakfasts and whenever i need to satisfy any french toast craving i'll probably hit up square one
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Excellent spot for breakfast. It's right across from the scary Scientology Church. I ordered their baked egg dish. Chorizo, gruyere cheese, tomato, onions, tortilla, roasted bell peppers and salsa roja. Its basically a breakfast taco with baked eggs inside. Its really really tasty.
I hear their bacon pancakes is their specialty. Will have to go there again soon :)
Simply the best breakfast in Los Angeles. I first heard about this place because of their bacon – something which I'm particularly fond of. I've since been back a number of times, including an occasional late arrival at work so I can enjoy a good hearty breakfast.
This is the connoisseurs' place for breakfast, for those people who appreciate fresh and natural ingredients. Their bacon turned out to be all it was cracked up to be, a delectable, fatty morsel that your mouth cries out for. Their grits are yellow and chunky, not the white processed mush that pretty much seems to be standard everywhere else. The multi-grain toast goes well with butter. I haven't had an egg dish here I didn't like. And even their coffee hits the spot.
To date, the only people I've introduced to Square One who didn't come away excited were my family from Ohio, who, well, eat like Midwesterners (not a criticism, just a fact). Lesson learned? This is a place for the distinguishing palate, for those who savor the tastes that life has to offer.
As an added bonus, if you're sitting there alone you can watch all the scientologists jogs by outside, a fascinating ritual of it's own.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
brioche french toast with the bourbon pecan topping == AMAZING. I live in west LA and drive out here pretty often just for the breakfast. It's not exactly cheap, but it's definitely worth the price.
If you've ever wanted to recreate it at home, the recipe for said french toast is on http://www.justoneplat... I tried making it the other day and it requires time and effort, but the result is close enough and still quite yummy.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
best eggs benedict in the area! i keep wanting to get something else, but the eggs benedict is so good that i get it *every* time i go there. my brunch-mates have ordered and highly praised all sorts of other yummies, so i can only assume their menu overall is generally high quality. i've also had the bacon, which is a real, thick slice of tasty pig meat, not your garden-variety oscar meyer frozen stuff. their eggs are sourced from a cage-free, organic and sustainable farm in ontario (the southern california one), and they have great locally roasted coffee as well--the kind that doesn't require cream and sugar (although their cream is good too!).
it's wonderful to sit out on the patio for a lazy brunch on the weekends, but it gets wait-outside-for-45-minutes busy after about 10:30-11am. it's worth it though!
Reasonable price and fantastic menu for brunch. It's one of my favorite place. Love french toast and pancakes;)
I wish they make latte...that's my only request...
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
HAPPY NEW YEARS ! !
I took out moms for a nice brunch today and wanted to try this spot because it's close to my place. I tried coming here a few weeks back, but MONDAYS CLOSED. Drats !
I've read some of the review this morning and was beginning to drool over the sight of Plum n' Almonds Pancakes that Puka took a pic of ! !http://www.yelp.com/bi...
I love breakfast, I could eat breakfast 3 times a day for reals...so I was all geared up n' ready to go !
The place looked nice from outside, quaint...avocado green...mmm...avocado...yes I was that hungry ! We got there just after noon and there was a small platoon of peeps in front...and the patio looked like a Pearl Jam concert with Eddie just about to dive off the roof...haha...(damn...I just dated myself didn't I )
But we quickly grabbed a couple of chairs out front n' commenced to talk as always...You know it's a new year mijo, you gotta...clean your place...when are you cutting that stupid beard...wash your hair...when are you getting married...( you know the drill ! ) Ahhh...mom ! http://static.px.yelp....
We were quickly called in (whew !)
The inside is really homey...mustardy, but homey. The menu is pretty simple, with all kinds of alternatives to certain plates written on a chalkboard off to the side, made for an interesting dilemma !
I decided on a grilled breakfast sandwich w/ pa-taters, mom's had a basic breakfast w/ garlic turkey sausage link http://static.px.yelp..... I also ordered a Brown Buttered Banana & Macadamian Nut pancake http://static.px.yelp.... (thank gawd for the child size, 1 pancake vs. 3 of em) and a cupa Joe.
Breakfast was ok...the sandwich lacked the oomph that would've made it bomb, but the arugula (which was an interesting add) made up for it. The pancakes were very nice...basically the caramelized bananas, butter and maple syrup made it sinfully good...again thank gawd I only had one pancake ! Coffee was good n' strong and very hot...so no complains, sorta.
The only thing that bothered me was the lack of service, albeit good, just a lack of it. I mean the server was very friendly and spunky but just didn't come around to check on us, esp. me with my coffee addiction !! At least the cup was huge, cuz if it would've been those small azz cups I woulda regulated !
I let that slid cuz she had her hands full and well was on top of the mosh pit just outside, remember ? Some servers are Saints, they deserve a break...sometimes. Again, I let it slid, cuz I hit up someone else for my refill.
All in all, the food was decent and the service wasn't horrendous, I would have given it 3 stars, otherwise. Oh and the company, well, made it that much better. haha. I'm going to give it another try, on a earlier time slot before the onslaught of hungry mid day risers ! So go n' check it out !
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (5)
Cool (5)
One dish to Rule Them All: Square One's Bourbon Pecan French Toast is the Best French Toast I've ever hand and I usually don't like FT. There were 5 of us in our party and the french toast plate got massacred. Asassinated..so much, that if there weren't so many people on the patio eating, I would have had a SERIOUS makeout session with the syrupy goodness of the plate in a not-so PG rated way. =)Yes it's sweet, moist, packed with flavor but so what? Even the sweetness out with some eggs you stab off of your partner's plate and your yin and yang are balanced.
Besides the Bourbon Pecan FT, get the Bacon. Thick cuts of juicy meat with a fair amount of fatty marbling.
.Not 5-stars because the wait is hell-ay-cious on weekends in a way that you should seriously consider bringing a lawn chair to sit on and a thermos of coffee - though you can get your coffee served outside while you wait. As for finding the building, it's right across from the Scientology building.
Sidenote: don't ask if they have peanut butter or hard-boiled eggs, because, they don't. And don't ask why I know this. Also, skip the baked egg dish with the tortilla on the bottom - eggs were way over done. Stick with the omelettes - solid.
I have been here several times. I love that there is a new eastside breakfast option.
The french toast with pecan topping is insanely good. The pancakes are fine. The grits, well, I LOVE grits and these make me happy. I do wish they had more egg options that were veggie friendly. Almost everything has chorizo, salmon, ham, or some meat product, which is a little bit of a let down, but I like the pressed egg sandwich. Good strong coffee.
The service has improved since the first couple of times I visited. And luckily for me, they are baby friendly, although people with strollers might have a difficult time navigating around the tables.
I eat here way too much. And I usually just order one of two items, the salmon benedict or the French toast with bourbon pecan toppings. Oh, and sometimes I get the garlic sausage, and once I got the chocolate chip cookie, which has a radius of about four inches. And, of course the bacon, which thinks that it's a steak. Oh, and sometimes I get the steak and eggs. And I really should get the fruit plate more often because the fruit is amazing and vibrant with flavor. But then again, there is the salmon benedict and the French toast.
Very cute waitresses, very friendly owner with great taste in music (don't be surprised to hear Maria McKee or The Pleasure Barons over the speakers.) Extremely hot coffee (I usually add some ice cubes to it so I can drink it during the week in which it's given me.) Too many flies outside, which they try to curb by new agey methods that involve plastic bags.
You might see some famous Scientologists eating inside like Jason Lee! You might also have trouble parking, but heck, the walk will be good for you after all that bacon.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (4)
Forget "Grub", Forget "Doughboys", Forget "Fred 62" or "Home"
Looks like no need to explain any further why this is the best place in LA for brunch.
Three must haves,
French Toast on Brioche with citrus carmalized bananas, the eggs benidict with poached salmon.
and without a doubt the homemade granola.
Great sandwichs for lunch too!
I feel like the luckiest man alive to be able to walk less than a block too get breakfast here.
Nice group of girls who work here, they will take good care of you.
i have been here twice now with decidedly mixed results. the first time was pretty good, but by no means remarkable. went with a group of 5 and the sandwiches where solid, the french toast was excellent, very good stone ground grits with smoked bacon and cheddar, and pretty good egg dishes (nothing great though). all-in-all after my first visit it did seem like a mixed bag, but worth trying again because some of the items were notable.
went again for easter brunch and it was way below par. the only thing positive i can say about it was the coffee was pretty good. i had poached eggs with their roasted potatoes and was really disappointed. the potatoes were particularly disappointing. clearly not made to order and half of my order was inedible from being overcooked/burned (why i'm guessing they were pre-made/reheated was that despite half of the order being overdone, they were still lukewarm to cold... i also had my favorite item from the first visit again (the grits with bacon and cheese) and it was like a completely different dish. where the first time the dish was nearly perfect, this time it was watery, overly sweet, and i could barely recognize any cheese. it was so sweet and watery. in fact, that it tasted more like creamed corn than grits.
anyway... i have heard mostly good things about this place so i can only imagine that i either got this place on a bad day (or the emperor has no clothes). perhaps i will try again because of its reputation, but i can't wholeheartedly endorse this place from my experience.
my suggestion... if you're going to go, stick to the french toast.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I still have to go back so that I can try other things, however, anyplace that can cook an omlette PERFECTLY gets five stars... in this case at least. The outside wasn't burned. The inside wasn't runny. They like to use gruyere, and they sure use it well.
Luckily, I hadn't lost my appetite from seeing a person wearing a purple hood with a full black face mask pass by in a cab full of other normally dressed people. This freaked me out mainly because there were a bunch of guards stationed around the Scientology buildings down the street. Maybe that's "normal"?
Anyway, the service was fantastic, and I felt comfy and at home dining in a European fashion (though not all the tables are communal), sharing a community table. The jam choices were interesting: I didn't expect to hear her say "plum," so that's what I chose! Quite delicious on lovely bread. The salad was very lightly dressed, as well, and there was Tapatio AND Tabasco. Awesome.
The only thing I'm confused about: it's Square One *Dining*... can one "dine" when only breakfast and lunch are served? This is debatable, but I don't care, I have perfect eggs and plum jam. Nothing else matters in this world.
I'm going to have to disagree about the French toast. I ordered the bourbon pecan version and found it way too sweet (and I like sweet!) and definitely on the mushy side. I have certainly had better French toast than this. After hearing so many raves about this dish, I was pretty disappointed.
However, the restaurant itself is quite nice. The decor inside is warm and cozy and the patio out back is lovely. Our waitress could not have been more friendly and accommodating. There was plenty of metered parking available out front on a Thursday afternoon. This place is definitely a hike from the Westside, but I'd probably come here fairly often if I lived in the Hollywood area. Next time, I'd order something other than the French toast, though. My friend had a grilled chicken sandwich that looked really good-- I was wishing I'd gotten that instead.
Other notes: Coffee comes with free refills. Breakfast is served all day.
When my sister told me that there was a little restaurant with great breakfast across from the big blue Scientology building on Fountain, I couldn't believe it. It's always a desperate search in the East Hollywood/ Silverlake area to find a new quality breakfast spot. My standbys: The Brite Spot, Dusty's, Cindy's, The Back Door Bakery, Home, etc. etc. But they get tired...
She was right. This place is so good. Apparently, it's packed on weekends but I went midday on a weekday and was seated right away. Very good quality ingredients and thoughtful food combinations. Traditional, American-diner breakfast but many notches above diner quality. It's so good. I highly recommend it.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
The food at this place is fantastic! The french toast is to die for and my husband really likes their breakfast sandwiches. The patio is super cute and the service is polite, if a bit brisk. And unless you're a bigot, it won't matter to you what church it's across the street from. Just go and enjoy a wonderful outdoor breakfast--this is what LA's all about!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I took my boyfriend here this morning so he could experience the wonderful French toast! The patio outside in the sunshine was just what I needed! I give this place 4 stars for their FRENCH TOAST.The red headed HOST there is great. Only thing is, at the end we both felt the $35.00 we spent on breakfast wasn't really worth it. The Veggie sandwich is lacking in veggies and has way to much bread, the orange juice is like $6.00 but it is fresh squeezed. For a $12.00 plate, there is really no sides or anything special. All organic, but not vegetarian friendly. If you want things like oatmeal, get there early because it is gone by 10:00.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Some of the best food in the city and everybody knows it--i.e., stay away from the joint 11-2 on the weekend unless you are down to wait.
Their jams are to die for--HAVE SOME TOAST!! Their pancakes and french toast options are decadent: bourbon pecans w/ vanilla whipped cream, banana and citrus caramel. I don't particularly care for the breakfast sandwiches, but my friends do. Their steak is great both as a steak and eggs or a sandwich. I usually always go for an omelet for brunch--the garlic/lemon thyme chicken sausage w/ roasted tomato and gruyere is tops. Don't do the grits, they are still grits people--Puck can't make my shoe tasty. The chorizo thing is whateva.
Excellent food and nice people. It's run by scientologists BTW, so watch your mouth.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Poor Krissy. Poor Krissy's belly. And hips. And thighs. Say hello to your roommates Cellulite and Stretch Marks.
And all thanks to Square One's french toast.
DAMN YOU Sqaure One!!! You and your pecan-crusted deep fried goodness! Why couldn't you just leave my wobbly bits alone? Why?? WHY!?
Ohhh and don't give me that little innocent 'you-can-always-have-eggs-you-know' doe-eyed face. I'm not falling for it, Bambi. Because I have had them. And I know (like you do too) that those eggs are just as scarf-worthy, what with the giant bits of thick-cut bacon, melted cheese, and side of potatoes. J'accuse!!!!!
I will be back, Square One. We shall have a rematch.
Be there, or be square . . . (I'm so sorry, I just couldn't help myself. Feel free to beat me up after school behind the bleachers.)
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (4)
Cool (5)
My favorite breakfast place in Los Angeles. Their scrambled eggs are so amazing it almost converted me to Scientology (location, location). I always gross myself out eating steak and eggs at the crack of dawn but the skirt steak here is thinly sliced and portioned just right so it doesn't make me feel like a cow for the rest of the day.
Okay... here's the bottom line...
French Toast on brioche (best I've had!) and 2 hot blondes make Lovey happy long time!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (9)
Funny (12)
Cool (13)
This is my favorite brunch in L.A. It's got a genuine farm fresh sheen - not just in the food, but the bend-over-backwards-nice staff, kraft paper tablecloths and yellow walls. My favorite dishes so far are the french toast (please choose it over the pancakes), the smoked salmon poached eggs (please choose it over the regular eggs benedict), the ham sandwich, and the granola. Always try the dessert of the day posted up on the wall. It can be surprisingly fancy and adventurous, like the sesame ice cream I had one time. Skip the cookies.
Square One Dining knows how to jump start your morning not only do they have a great selection of food but the music that comes with it is fantastic. The french toast is a whole another level I just can't stop thinking about the pecan toppings, and the smell of the bacon and eggs. This is what breakfast is all about.
This was a delightful treasure located in the midst of a somewhat dodgy area right behind the Church of Scientology - but once you step into the cute little space and then into the enclosed back patio, you are transported into a calming haven where you can while away the morning or afternoon with your friends and family. The food is pretty straightforward, fresh and good - nothing complicated. My friends had a yummy looking omelette and a breakfast sandwich with potato salad (quite yummy). I had a puree of celery root soup with apples (very appropos for the holidays - sweet, light and homey) and a grilled cheese sandwich (with gruyere and cheddar)(good). I also had a refreshing morrocan ice tea (yum!). The entire experience was great - from the good food, the friendly competent service, the relaxing atmosphere. I would definitely return here to try their other offerings.
I've had some 5 star experiences here, but this last time really screwed me over. Service has always been decent to very good, but never rude.
Their burger sucks. It tastes fine, but it came overcooked and dry despite being ordered medium. Their potato salad sucks too, unless you like overcooked watery potatoes suspended by a vinegar saturated emulsion.
The French toast is like the Krispy Kreme of french toast. You should probably have it some time, especially if you're going through some depression or trying to quit smoking or just got dumped. Ultimate Sugar/Carb Bomb "07.
I will say that this is the only restaurant that has made an omlette that has rivalled my own. Well, maybe rival is a little dramatic, let's say it kneels in humility to my own. An honor I haven't bestowed upon another omlette anywhere. A good omlette has the following qualities: It is not browned, there is no color on the eggs. It has been cooked gently, so that the eggs are still soft and literally melt in your mouth. It is not large, not like the huge, fluffy, browned egg monstrosities you get nearly everywhere these days. It is a delicate thing, and they deserve major recognition here as serving a tradition french omlette.
They use Nueske's bacon, and for that they are good people.
Coffee has been weak consistently, but it has very good flavor indicating they use good beans and it's fresh.
The fruit salad blew last time I had it, as did my side of poached eggs. They were barely cooked, the white was still runny.
I'll be back eventually.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
The weekend rolls around and we know that at least one breakfast will be at square one. Never had something that was sub-par. The Brioche French Toast with the carmalized nuts is seriously to die for. The chedder/sausage grits are so seriously amazing that I always upgrade my side. Yum Yum Yum.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
so i went down to LA to visit a homegirl from back east and she hauled my ass out of bed sunday morning (unbathed and reeking from the previous night) and dragged me out to this cute little breakfast joint. from the outside i thought, oh god how small but we were taking out back to this cute little alcove where we could sit in the brisk air that is LA. I couldnt decide between something sweet or something salty so us being the fatties that we are just ordered all of it. the french toast with plums and almonds was one of the most delicious concoctions thats ever hit my lips. i still think about it to this day. anyway, congrats square one for being the first 5 star on my list of fine dining.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
I remember when Square One opened and I was all excited. I have had a hell of a time finding a breakfast place that tries to go above and beyond the basics. Doughboys fits in that category, but DAMN it gets crowded there. Square one is closer to where I live and has a better vibe in general.
I visited again yesterday, after a rather long time apart. It's a little pricier than I usually like for breakfast food, but when I factor in the great coffee and generous portions, I guess it works out. Just so you know, if you order bacon a la carte, it's $1.50 per slice. Yikes! Of course, it's the finest Neuske bacon, and it's very thick cut and rich, but still. . .
Thank god for the summer, they had peach items galore. I went with the french toast with sauteed yellow and white peaches, and it was summer on a plate. Well, French summer on a plate. The peaches were perfectly ripe and not loaded with extra syrup or sugar. I couldn't even finish the three slices I was given.
As usual, the coffee was great and refills and service in general was top notch. They used to seem under-staffed, but everything was very smooth this Saturday morning. We arrived around 10:30 and were seated immediately. When we left around 11:30, there was still not much of a wait, so don't let fear of a wait dissuade you from going.
On a great bonus note, the cd rotation when I was there included vintage Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, and Dave Edmunds. I was so thrilled with the music, I let the owner know and we had a moment of music geekdom.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
I came across Square One Dining when it first opened and have come back frequently. I was even the first guest to have a private party there.
The quality of the ingredients is excellent. The service is always top notch. I love sitting outdoors on the patio. I have a hard time ordering cause the egg dishes are great, the meat is always hearty, and the fruit is fresh. The brioche french toast is to die for.
Its always on the top of my list for brunch.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
great breakfast place. i love sitting outside on a sunny day.
brioche french toast with banana citrus caramel....droool. and the omelets are fantastic.
