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Gayle's Perks
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Desserts Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Desserts, Sandwiches [Edit]
9028 Balboa BlvdNorthridge, CA 91325
Neighborhood: North Hills
(818) 893-6507
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 4 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dessert, Lunch, Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
49 reviews for Gayle's Perks
Review Highlights
"People are able to study and there is free wi-fi."
(in 11 reviews)
"My son and I had a breakfast panini w/turkey."
(in 11 reviews)
"They have good pastries, crepes and really good crepes."
(in 9 reviews)
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49 reviews in English
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Review from Priscila K.
Irvine, CA
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was so excited when I found this place!
It's a perfect study spot! You can study inside (no music at all-which is kinda awkward if you think about it, but it's good when you gotta study) and you can have coffee with your friend in the outside patio! Great customer service and their crepe and panini are pretty legit! I got $5 strawberry crepe and it was pretty good! I had better crepes, but hmmmm... it's $5! Regular brewed coffee was kept warm and they hard various types of coffee with free refills. I would definitely come back! My new study spot in Northridge area!
It's in the corner of Albertsons Plaza, and parking is no problem.
Finding a table was no problem when I went the other day! -
Review from Andrew N.
Burbank, CA
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Always love supporting small establishments especially when they are awesome. I've been to this place a few times for lunch, grabbing a cookie and of course coffee.
Here is the break down:
Pros:
- Cookies are baked everyday. Be careful, you might get addicted
- Ice coffee has coffee ice cubes. Genius!!!!! So your coffee doesn't get all watery
- They have raw sugar cubes and soy milk
- Service, nice and real
- Private outside sitting. Perfect in spring
- Lunch prices, totally reasonable.
Cons:
- Not much to do if you want to walk around
- Ummmm....that's all I can think of. -
Review from oanh l.
11/23/2011
chicken salad crepe and their turkey cranberry panini [thanksgiving special] is soooo yummy and soo cheap. a crepe is $5 and its huge. Panini is only 7 and comes with a side salad that has a refreshing and savory dressing. id come here again!!!!!!!!!!!
also, the decor is SOOO cute. theres an inside and an outside patio. -
Review from Craig S.
North Hills, CA
12/22/2011
This shop is owned by Gayle (Gayle's Perks) who also owns Weiler's Deli, a few shops over in the same mall. Therefore, if you want something from the sometimes crowded Weiler's, you can order it delivered to Gayle's Perks and enjoy it quietly and stress free!
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Review from Sophia S.
Northridge, CA
12/2/2011
Best crepes in town!
FYI, they are able to turn all of their paninis into crepes. I highly suggest the chicken salad panini/crepe.
As for drinks, their ice coffee comes with real frozen coffee cubes and you are able to add your own hot coffee to it. (Please be sure to specify if you want decaf cubes or regular coffee cubes)
The atomosphere is beautiful. The inside is decorated with books, which you can exchange for one of your old ones if you fall in love with their selection.
Free Wifi!!!
The outside is decorated with flowers and in the spring, birds come to build their nests.
The staff is friendly and will gladly suggest things on and off the menu for trial.
Come for coffee, lunch, or dessert...and you won't be disappointed! -
Review from Ben A.
Northridge, CA
12/20/2011
Okay, I'll admit I have a bias for hole in the wall coffee shops, but this one has SO MUCH CHARM! The owner seems to really care about the details and it makes a great atmosphere. Plenty of seating in and outside, good coffee, and WI-FI. I'll definitely come back to try out the Paninis sometime!!!
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Review from Donald K.
Pasadena, CA
9/11/2011
This is probably my favorite cafe to go to in the San Fernando Valley! They have good pastries, crepes and really good crepes.
The last time I came here was with my friend. I ordered their weekly special panini, which was the Polynesian Panini. It was amazing! The lady was very nice. She made recommendations and she was extremely nice. She gave us recommendations that were not on the menu, and customized made a crepe for my friend (since she asked if she could have a smaller version). She also helped me save money by telling me if you bring a friend who's never been there, you get a free drink!
The interior for this place is quite nice. There are a few seats inside, and outside of the cafe. People are able to study and there is free wi-fi. The decor is very cute and I still get giddy whenever I see the "metal-looking" plastic silverware. -
Review from LeeLee B.
Sun Valley, CA
7/22/2011
Nice, quaint, cozzy cafe. Love the food. I will continue to come back because the food is that good, however, coming on my lunch break simply is out of the question. Service can be slow even when there is one or NO one ahead of me. Spirits of customer service are a little on the drab side. My average wait on several visits for a panini are 20+ minutes which means for me I must eat as I drive back to work. (sorry fellow roadies). I was told "Thats why we recommend people call thier orders in" which would work brilliantly!......If they decided to put the phone on the hook. On 3 seperate occasions I got a busy signal (tried for over half hour each time) and when I mentioned it to the gentleman at counter he simply shrugged it off with a grin and said "I guess we've had a phone problem".
On a brighter note: On a day where I've got time to spare and be leisure, I will definetly be back here. I enjoy the sandwiches, salads and the frozen yogurt is enjoyable (when the machine is working). I love that they offer vegan choices of cream. It's french themed decor and cozzy reading area are great and offer the charm that the other coffee shops lack. -
Review from T'nisYah W.
Henderson, NV
8/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
My recommendation: Chocolate Hazelnut Crepe
This place knows their crepes.
I tried the chai, maple and chocolate hazelnut flavors. The maple seemed a bit plain in comparison to the other two flavors, but only because the chocolate hazelnut and chai were AMAZING! Seriously, just try the chocolate hazelnut. -
Review from Ryan C.
Had a great experience here. Came for lunch and tea on a Saturday at noon. Pretty empty at the time, but people continuously trickled in and out. There are also wifi and power outlets available, if you are looking for a place to do work. There is an inviting looking covered patio off to the side.
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Review from Melanie E.
Los Angeles, CA
12/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
awesome small cafe! free wifi and tasty food
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Review from Denisey S.
Granada Hills, CA
Updated - 12/22/2011
I have since gone on a Saturday and actually found the place open. Take my advice, and don't go. If you're blessed and find the place open and staffed, the food they may have in stock and the crummy coffee are not worth your time.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/4/2011
Originally I wanted to rate Perks with 5 stars. The food was good, and my blended mocha was the best… Read more »
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Review from Hannah K.
Nice little hole in the wall coffee shop.
My mom and I came here for brunch and had the white chocolate strawberry crepe. They should make this a regular item if it isn't already. It was soooo good I would have licked the plate if I could...
The latte I had was equally delicious.
The inside has plenty of seating and has a cozy feel with lots of books everywhere.
Outside in the back is a sunny patio area with a little fire pit. There are some chairs and benches and flowers everywhere.
I like the at-home-feel this place has. I'll definitely come back. Maybe I'll try studying here too since it was pretty quiet. -
Review from Linda C.
Northridge, CA
8/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I would love to review this place but it is closed Sundays and when I finally had a Saturday morning free on 8/27, they were closed at 11am. There was no information why they were closed since they are usually open at 10am on Saturdays according to the sign. The place looks very cute.
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Review from Pedro P.
Van Nuys, CA
9/20/2011
Nice quiet coffee shop. Free wi-fi, decent sandwiches, good coffee.
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Review from Anthony C.
Northridge, CA
9/13/2010
The overwhelmingly large, overpopulated valley has very few places that are calm, secluded, and comfortable; this is one of those places. I absolutely love this tiny little coffee shop that resides quietly and secluded in the corner of a busy shopping center.
What sets this establishment apart from the other corporate monsters is the feeling of being welcome. There is no rush to get you in and out. This is a great place to eat as well, their crepes are amazing! I will come back here as long as I live in this area. -
Review from Karen S.
Northridge, CA
8/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice, relaxing coffee cafe in North Hills, across from Target. Good coffee and yummy crepes. My son and I had a breakfast panini w/turkey...crunchy, buttery sour dough bread... so good! Daughter scarfed down her huge strawberry, white chocolate crepe before I could photograph it as it was nicely presented. After breakfast, we sat on the club chairs and played chess and checkers. Although only one person was running the kitchen, coffee and front, service was very fast and friendly. We will definitely be back!
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Review from Bryan W.
7/30/2010 8 Check-ins Here
Gayle's Perks is nearly as hidden as the Starbucks in the Target across Balboa. I was pleased to see that Gayle's purchases their beans from the local Valley roaster Supreme Bean located in North Hollywood. Their sourcing of beans gets them four stars in my book.
They serve a range of panini for lunch, I've tried the chicken salad panini and recommend it.Listed in: In and Around Northridge
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Review from Mher A.
Northridge, CA
7/13/2010
This place is pretty awesome. In the otherwise drab valley it was nice to find a place with a warm cozy atmosphere, friendly service and pretty good coffee. Way better than any of the Starbucks around.
Support the mom and pop shops! Otherwise we might as well kiss good coffee goodbye. -
Review from Kislev A.
Updated - 9/27/2010 1 photo
I hope this place never closes!
I had the philly cheesesteak crepe this time. Liked it a lot.
Also had the chocolate hazelnut crepe. Liked it more a lot!!!Listed in: Breakfast
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/19/2010
Comfy, friendly, great tea, free wifi, lounging encouraged... Yey! To the 3rd power!
I had a savory… Read more »
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Review from Allie M.
Northridge, CA
6/10/2010
As soon as tried the chai crepe I told my friend that they could forward my mail to this address. This place is so cool I just want to move in. Cute little garden in the back. Comfy seating inside with free wi fi and books on shelves. Staff is very personable and creative! A lot of items on the menu were invented by the staff. Delicious.
Iced coffee comes with coffee ice cubes. Genius. I'm in love. -
Review from Leah G.
Sepulveda, CA
7/1/2010
It's so refreshing to see a good, classic coffee shop that isn't a chain that you see on every street corner (hello starbucks)! Perks has friendly staff that make you feel right at home, comfy big chairs, free wifi, and all the delish coffee shop type of goods you could fancy. The parking is great and they have the cutest patio. Not sure if they do this anymore, but they had/have bands come on the weekends and play all sorts of music! Their paninis are amazing!! I always get the one with ham and swiss cheese MMMMM!!! Come here with freidns, family or when you need a serene place to relax.
P.S. Please go here to support perks through this rough economic time, especially when they have to fight with the other coffeee houses!! -
Review from Heather H.
West Hills, Los Angeles, CA
5/13/2007
What a nice little place!! It's tucked away in a corner of strip mall but inside feels very homey.
There's free wi-fi, chess table, books to read and comfy seating. As far as the food and beverages go, they have tons of paninis, soup, crepes, ice cream, pastries, desserts, smoothies, Italian sodas and coffee.
The people who work there seem nice and the prices seem reasonable.
I will come back here for the atmosphere alone. Great place! -
Review from Amanda S.
Northridge, CA
8/18/2008
I used to come to Perks all the time because it's the only place around here to get a crepe. The only downer is that the service is usually reallllllllly slow because it always seems like there's one person working. And it seems like if there's ever 2 people working, one of them doesn't know what the hell they're doing.
And if there's more than a few people in there, they get flustered and rush making you your food. More times than not, my crepe has been undercooked. And it is not easy to undercook a crepe! haha, but somehow they manage to do it almost everytime. But i still deal with it because i am addicted to crepes.
Their coffee is not bad, their smoothies are not bad, and their food is not bad. Nothing here is bad, but nothing here is memorable.
But it is a cute little place, free wi-fi, and its relaxing and a nice change from the usual scene. So i'd say it's worth checking out.Listed in: Valleylicious
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Review from Krissy W.
San Fernando Valley, CA
7/3/2007
I worry a little bit about this place. At least 65% of the time the frozen yogurt machine doesn't work right and I've watched how some of the employees handle the food (putting dough directly on the stainless steel, people?)
...And yet I keep coming back.
Is it because it's so reasonably priced? The free wi-fi and desktop computer access? The cute, kitschy interior with a checkers board and a bookshelf? The nice and laid-back staff? I'm not sure.... Yet every time it's over 80 degrees and I'm driving down Nordhoff, I find myself meandering over to Perks just to inquire as to whether or not the Nutrasweet Mississippi Mud is working.
...I know. Not a good sign when I continually have to *ask* (and most of the time, it's actually not working), but I still feel some love and loyalty for this inexpensive little mom-and-pop coffee, panini, and sugar-free yogurt shop. Maybe one day they'll buy a new machine.Listed in: Fro YO'! ...A list far beyond…
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Review from Chris Q.
San Francisco, CA
6/11/2007
Came here to use the free wi-fi. It's very cute and comfortable inside. The coffee and smoothies are tasty.
Wi-fi connection is fast and stable. -
Review from Erin O.
Los Angeles, CA
4/20/2010
Tanya does a great job managing this place, offers quick service and knowledgeable coffee-making expertise. I'd especially recommend the baked products here because they're made in-house and are SUPERB. Plus, since I can no longer eat gluten, somebody's gotta make sure the yummies are eaten.
Additional plusses for this place include free wi-fi, a nice quiet atmosphere perfect for studying in or relaxing, friendly regulars, decent (and free!) parking, easy access, and friendly staff. My sole gripe about this place is that it's not open later into the evening, and has very limited weekend hours, which forces me to find other coffee shops to go to in the evenings and on the weekends. Ah well, can't have everything, can we? -
Review from Sari G.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2007
Free Wi - Fi seems to not exist in the valley.
So this place was a find!
In the corner of a strip mall across from a humungo target, this place is has a homey feel, pretty small inside, canopied outside.
I ordered a soy milk shake with peanut butter and banana and it was soooo good. They also have ice cream.
I enjoyed this place a lot. -
Review from Elizabeth C.
Los Angeles, CA
10/4/2007
More and more I wish Yelp allowed for half stars.
4 stars for:
Very cool a/c. Makes this temperature sensitive chica very happy to step into freon coolness.
Free, stable, and fast wi-fi (this comprises about 2.5 of the 4 stars)
Fully executed themed homey decor (I'm not into this particular style but I appreciate that "Gayle" went all out with the theme).
Humongo, albeit greasy, danishes and paninis
Noticeably but not unacceptably slow (for dine-in) service. Would have been annoying if I had been on the go.
Minus .5 star for the clogging toilet (yes, eeeeewwwwwwwww unfortunately) in the shabby restroom all the way in their back supply area. It was almost enough to make me decide not to return...
....but where else will I find free wi-fi and a/c during my weekly jaunts to Northridge? Yep, the free wi-fi and the a/c. Nuff said. -
Review from N Y.
Sepulveda, CA
8/25/2010
This is my favorite part of the valley. Close to CSUN, perfect for studying: free wifi, a lot of caffeine, amazing little patio with a fire pit, quiet workers who don't make you leave.
I hope it never goes away!! -
Review from E.D. O.
Northridge, CA
6/2/2010
Recently moved to Northridge and it has become my favorite coffee shop in the area. When I lived in North Hollywood, I would study and do some work at Jennifer's Coffee Connection in Studio City. And though I thought I would not find something comparable in this part of the valley, I was surprised to find this gem. I am slowly becoming a regular. Their sandwiches are great. So far, their Mocha blended drink is my favorite. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who is a student/works from home/writer, etc.
I think the greatest thing is the lack of "industry-type" people I often found in Studio City. Very refreshing. :) -
Review from Jaelynn D.
North Hills, CA
12/11/2008 2 Check-ins Here
RIP- Used to run this place or at try to keep the place in order a couple of years ago. Food and drinks are good, but service is good and the workers are SLOW as hell Me along with 1-2 others were the only quick ones or the only ones that knew how to prioritize and expedite well.
Too bad it's not open anymore, I kept on telling the owner that we needed a REAL sign because no one saw us and REAL advertising, but obviously Weiler's is the favorite and Perk's was the red-headed step child that Mommy never wanted. I'll never forget the fun times I had at this place. It's a shame because that place had so much potential. Oh well, another independent coffeeshop folds while Starbucks and Corporate Smoothie places thrive. Ugh. -
Review from Kerem H.
Los Angeles, CA
1/16/2011
I was there with two friends for a business lunch.
The service was OK, but there was no smile from either one of the two employees.
I order the philly cheese steak panini, and the it was delicious.
One of my friends ordered the strawberry crepe and it was dry, unattractive and after tasting it, she couldn't really eat it, so asked one of the workers to change it for the same thing I ordered.
They first wanted to charge her for BOTH of the dishes, than they backed down.
Half of her panini was soaked in the salad's water (the salad is the side dish of the panini and they come on the same plate).
She definitely is not going back there.
My other friend also ordered a panini, and she asked not to have cheese.
There was cheese in her panini, she asked the panini to be changed and the response of the girl who prepared it was "that's not cheese, that's mayonaise"...
Well, it was cheese. So they remade it for her.
The customer service was a little shaky, really. The male worker was alright, I had a nice conversation about the selection of teas. But the female worker was just miserable... Maybe it wasn't her day. I don't know...
I would definitely give another try to this cute and cozy place, but this experience was not a positive one. -
Review from Feisty O.
Van Nuys, CA
1/21/2009
Cozy little place tucked in a corner of a strip mall. Coffee okay but self-served. You just purchase the size of cup and fill it yourself from multiple thermos sitting on the counter.
The decor is relaxing especially in the back patio. Nobody bothers you there. Good place to read the morning paper or write.
Competitive pricing with Starbucks, Coffee Bean, etc. I felt prices could be cheaper though. A nice change from your average big-name crowded coffeehouses. -
Review from Patrick H.
North Hills, CA
5/17/2007
Sorry, but I don't like this place.
I thought the idea of a coffee shop thats secluded and homey would be nice. I even was dying to work here before. Everything is just overpriced to me, and the manager is mean!! I don't know how people who work there can take him, or the crappy pay they offer. If youre old and have forever to wait for them to make your drinks, then stay here. Its a nice environment at least. -
Review from Atina H.
Granada Hills, CA
4/21/2010
Since moving to the valley and leaving my beloved Migion coffee shop that was JUST around the corner from my old place I was in a desperate search for a coffee shop.
But Yelp came to my rescue and pointed me to Gayle's which was right around the corner from my NEW place. And Thank Goodness! The place is the cutest cafe I've seen in the valley. It's got a real homey, cozy feel with a cute garden area in the back. The staff is so nice and polite. They have Jazz events there from time to time and they offer free Wi-Fi.
The espresso they use for their lattes are good too. more of a nutty flavor/aftertaste. They also serve panini's which are very tasty, with a side of greens.
Overall its a great place for relaxing with a book with some tea or hanging out with friends over a cup of java. -
Review from Lee L.
Glendale, CA
2/24/2011
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!!
The turkey pesto panini and the chai crepe are my personal favorites! They also have almond syrup! I love to get almond lattes and they are hard to find anywhere else. Really great teas too.
Free wifi, cozy atmosphere, freshly baked goods. Amazing little hidden gem! -
Review from Susan C.
Los Angeles, CA
8/11/2011
The customer service I experienced was poor to the point that I haven't actually purchased anything in the two times I've been here. The employees don't seem to care much about the customer, giving off a sense that they don't really need your patronage - they could take it or leave it. I'd really like to try the food and coffee some day, but I'm pretty big on good customer service. Reading the good reviews here despite the consistent reports of poor customer service has me perplexed - either the food and coffee are really great, or there's just that big of a need for cafes in the Valley. I hope the customer service gets better so that I can go back for coffee.
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Review from David M.
Toluca Lake, CA
7/1/2010
Love this place. It has completely turned around in the past year. It's a great place to get a tasty bite and to get some work done. Tanya who is always working when I'm there makes some incredible cookies too. And she's friendly and makes you feel like you're a guest in her home.
I would recommend they extend the hours, because the place would be packed if it was open in the evening. I would go there even more often.
There's not a lot of wifi cafe's in the area unless you want to do the corporate Starbucks thing. This place has the potential to be a rare a truly unique little nook in an otherwise sea of bland San Fernando Valleyness. I would just change the music to make it a bit more hip and to ensure that another Don Henley song does not come on. In the meantime, I tune out with a set of headphones and love the service, the food, the nice people generally hanging out, the positive vibe Tanya spreads around, and lastly all the work that I get done.
Tip: Ask for the Philly Steak Crepe... it's not on the menu, but it rocks. -
Review from Cindy Lou W.
CA
10/30/2010
I found this place on Yelp, as I needed to find a spot to have a small meeting that had reasonably healthy food and drink choices. This was perfect. The service was excellent. There was plenty of seating, and we had ample privacy on the patio to have our meeting. I love that the iced coffee is served with coffee ice cubes! The vegetable panini was delicious with lots of spinach, zucchini, sundried tomatoes, swiss cheese, and olive tapenade. I may have forgotten an ingredient or 2.
