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Harlem Place Cafe - CLOSED
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches [Edit]
Harlem Place Alley124 W 4th St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Neighborhood: Downtown
(213) 617-7006
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
293 reviews for Harlem Place Cafe
Review Highlights
"I highly recommend Lost Souls as a lunch place."
(in 102 reviews)
"But they still have THE best Ube shake in town."
(in 27 reviews)
"Free Wi-Fi Access: Yes, feel free to bring your laptop and..."
(in 10 reviews)
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293 reviews in English
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Review from Michelle W.
Alhambra, CA
7/17/2011
Came here for lunch for the first time and second time for coffee. I got the pesto turkey bun with a ice tea and it was amazing. There was a good amount of pesto sauce and the turkey wasn't chunky or thinly sliced. They actually slice the turkey meat when you order it. The turkey pesto bun has turkey of course, spring greens, pesto sauce, tomatos and this sauce thats homemade. The bun isn't a bagel but looks like a bagel (in other words, its a bun haha) and its perfectly made.
The ice team was good and I wouldn't mind drinking this all day. The regular coffee is decent and cheap no more than $2 considering other places for coffee can be pricy.
The decor is dark but cool and very laid back. There is a bar table and you can sit there and talk to the servers there and they are very friendly. There is also a stage for performing singers/bands.
I definitely would and will be coming here often for breakfast/lunch. -
Review from Wes P.
Downtown, Los Angeles, CA
6/27/2011
On the cusp of being too cool for itself. Dive-y and hidden in the back of an alley attracts the "i'm a local and I like to pretend i'm writing my novel in the corner but really i'm just updating my tumblr."
But based on the splendid drinks alone it's a stand-up joint.
- Coffees always great and full flavored.
- Island Fresh Smoothie is bangin, yeah i know an awesome smoothie here?
- Dirty Chai latte is a little decadent cup of heaven. They have a fresh cow on ice back there or something, but this thing is guuud.Listed in: Downtown LA Eat & Play
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Review from Frances L.
Los Angeles, CA
6/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I hadn't been here since they switched from being Lost Souls to Harlem Place. However, after having a pretty delicious coffee here the other day, I am happy to say that I am still a fan. I like that you have to walk into the alley a bit past strings of lights and potted plants to get to this tucked away little cafe. While the interior is a little drab, the people are really nice and the prices (food and drink) are quite reasonable.
I ordered a vanilla latte and it was actually quite good. Not award-winning Spring For Coffee or Intelligentsia good, but very much worth the $3 for a 12 ounce. The espresso was decent, the foam was perfect, and the vanilla syrup wasn't overdone. Temperature was just right and the nice man who made it even tried his hand at a rosetta, but I don't think they're trained for that.
The artwork on display inside was also really cool. I saw a Six taste food tour walk in-- I think they were there for that. I'm not really a huge fan of hanging out inside (there can be some weirdos from time to time), but I did love hanging out in the alley (they have tables and chairs out) on a nice, sunny afternoon. -
Review from Florence L.
WOODLAND HLS, CA
6/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a PRECIOUS little spot. Its a space down an alley that you wouldnt know existed. Its dark, modern, so hip and a nice spot for whatever reason. HIGH ceilings, big open floor plan, big open space, with a kitchen right in the middle. I thought it was a little hotter then it should have been, but otherwise, it was very interesting. Oh, there were paintings all over the walls. Not sure what, who, when, why and where, but whatever, it was, it was cool.
its not a 5 star because they dont serve booze, even though their YELP page says so. BOO, but not their fault. Shitty neighbors fighting with them about dumb drunkers that cant handle their alcohol. BUT they are fighting for their license back people, so stay tuned. May they get their license back! WHY? Because this is a cool joint. Its hip man, Like seriously, Silverlake/Los Feliz hippy, artsy kinda thing. =)
I had the Rothstein salad. VERY fresh and delicious. The BF had the Attaboy Chicken. VERY tasty people. When you check in, you great a free cookie. The Cookie was the best part. It was Soft and Chewy. I think it was a peanut butter cookie with a splash of chocolate. The best Peanut Butter cookie! so Good.
I really enjoy this place. It was different. Something new and fresh for once. I just hope that they get their license to serve beer and wine again. I wouldnt mind making this place a regular thing. Its good food and GREAT, GREAT PRICES. Im sure the next visit will make this a 5 star for me. It was a very nice experience. -
Review from Amy P.
3/18/2011 8 photos
Yes, it's hidden and located in a small alley, and that's cool...once! After that, it's all up to the food, service, and ambiance isn't it?
Service is good, the food is mediocre and I personally don't care much for the dungeon-esque ambiance.
So far I've had the "Hit on all Sixes Salad" for $6.50 with chicken, mixed greens, cranberries, and diced tomatoes with an Asian Sesame Dressing. The chicken was juicy but it tasted like it was boiled first then finished with some grill marks. The salad as a whole is not really worthy of more of a description.
I've also tried "the Capone" for $9.95 which is a meatball sandwich and quite ordinary. I hate to say this but for the money I'd much rather have a meatball sandwich from Subway.
The last thing I've tried was "Puttin' on the Pesto." It's a Turkey Pesto sandwich for $9.50 with Pepperjack cheese on a Cranberry Walnut Bread. It could have used some more pesto; it really could have used some more excitement.
Maybe I ordered the wrong things. Maybe I should have ordered the Ube Shake and I would have had a better meal. But I gave it a good shot and everything was pretty flat.Listed in: DTLA
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Review from Lucas A.
Fullerton, CA
5/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ube shake! I need want more!
I went here as part of the Six Taste downtown tour, and I'm really glad the guide brought us here. The place is hidden in an alley, so I probably wouldn't have found it by myself. We had ube shakes and pan de sal, both delicious. If you like ping-pong, they have a table. they were also playing a movie and have (free?) wifi.
definitely worth a visit at least once, just add it the itinerary as a quick stop during a downtown trip. -
Review from Armando O.
Los Angeles, CA
7/20/2011
Randomly found this place during this past thursday's artwalk. The prices, food and service is good. I liked the art on the walls, seems like it was from the locals that sell outside.
There was a special of pulled pork sliders, but they'd run out of small buns, so we were given some chips for the inconvenience. Over all ambiance was also very open and cool. -
Review from Foodie p.
Diamond Bar, CA
7/17/2011 2 photos
After visiting the Downtown Los Angeles Artwalk (usually held on the second Thursday of the month), my friends and I went to Harlem Place Cafe as one of my friends already knew about this place and thought that we should try it out.
This place is in a "hidden" location at the end of a short alley next to the Museum Of Neon Art. I like the fact that there are art work (graffiti art, paintings, and photography) on the wall. It's also a "hip" place for the young crowds. While they play "cool" music, the music was very loud, making it hard to have a conversation with your friends and/or when ordering your food. How do you enjoy your meal and conversations with your friends if you have to yell over the music just to be heard?
Since this was my first time here, I had only tried the pulled pork sliders. My friends ordered the same, so there wasn't much to try out or get opinions on other foods or get photos of other food. The pulled pork sliders were pretty good though and it was reasonably priced for the portion with a soda. Each plate came with two sliders and cole slaw. The customer service was generally good, but we thought it was strange that they didn't give out numbers so that they could remember who ordered what. We had to remind our server once or twice about our orders, but he somehow forgot about one of my friend's order and he returned with three sliders for forgetting my friend's order which was awesome. Each plate of sliders usually came with two, but my friend got one extra on the house for the inconvenience. -
Review from Christina Y.
Santa Monica, CA
Updated - 1/11/2011 3 Check-ins Here
So, as most regulars have noticed by now, this place has changed a bit. Not sure exactly why, but there's now a new name as well as some new signage. Although I try to be a person who embraces change, I have to say I don't love these changes. I have no good reason for it - although I do think the new signs scattered about look a bit too corporate and don't go with the overall funky, artsy vibe of the place.
However, some things have stayed very much the same: lots of places to hole up and work, friendly employees, cool artsy events that happen all the time. On my last visit I got to explore the menu a bit and tried the morning crepe, which was fresh, hot, sweet and delicious except maybe a bit too sacharine for first thing in the morning due to the generous smothering of condensed milk on top. Next time I'll be sure to ask them to go easy on that.
Another thing that hasn't changed - atrocious cell phone service and wireless connectivity! I keep forgetting what a black hole that place is until it's too late - even my wireless card doesn't work in there! It must have something to do with the big old concrete building it lives in!
So there are a couple hurdles to making this the all-time most perfect working spot, but somehow I keep coming back for more, so they must be doing something right!Listed in: Downtown Los Angeles Favorites, Los Angeles Reading Spots, Free Wi-Fi In Los Angeles, Yelp Los Angeles Favorites
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/6/2010
Lost Souls and its surrounding area represents the LA that non-Angelenos don't often realize exists.… Read more »
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Review from g p.
Los Angeles, CA
4/27/2011
They always seem to be tinkering with the format (the latest...a ping pong table that only the employees dare use!), but bottom line...you have to love coffee shops that serve beer.
And Sigourney Weaver (circa The Year of Living Dangerously days) works here, so say hello. Zuuuuul! -
Review from Angela A.
Los Angeles, CA
8/8/2011
Oh...Lost Souls Cafe changed its name? Alright. But they still have THE best Ube shake in town. That's the only thing I come here for. It's the only thing that I have had here. I heard a long time ago that Ryan Gosling lived in a loft above the building. My roommate and I would fantasize about running into him whenever we went to the cafe. That never happened. But nonetheless, we were always entertained by the local art up on the walls, and whatever band or deejay they had playing that night.
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Review from Lou E.
Burbank, CA
3/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Tucked away.. hidden amongst the concrete slab jungle trees lies a hip joint where only the most intrepid in-crowd preside. Ube shake waiting for me at the counter as I returned from the boys room but not before passing photographic pieces of art hung on the original brick walls that still stand the test of time.
It's not quite lunch yet but LA weather can play tricks on you as the marine layer lingers to fool you it's still 8am when it's really 11:30am. Patrons all seem to have a recurring theme... trendy hats and worn jeans. Sultry, passionate looks on women, defensive, yet friendly looks on the men. All made the trek to Harlem Place Cafe to retreat from the humdrum existence found at every cafe in LA who pay high prices for premium coffee for moderately priced coffee and the usual espresso's and cappuccino's. My heart hasn't been conditioned for strong coffee and I am reminded of this when I buy energy drinks and later pay the price because of them.
Pesto sandwich lands on the counter. Small for my taste yet just right at the time and the pesto doesn't jump out at you like I thought it would. Better than a mcmuffin though.. and 3 times as tasty.
I overheard how Laker fans are the worst fans ever. That coming from tortured Oriole soul who hasn't seen his team with since 1984. Or '83 was it? Who cares, he's stewing in his own self hate and feels some relief to put down others who have shared the glory that is a championship team. I envy him because his win, if it ever comes, will be more sweet and more satisfying than a Laker championship at this point. He speaks the truth but only to a bartender who hates the Lakers as well. He's had too much time to think about this so I eventually ignore the slanted rhetoric coming from the trendy hat wearing bearded man and finish my sandwich.
I'm looking at the bakery counter and figure a cookie wouldn't hurt at this point. The girl over the counter said she was making a new batch and if I wait a few minutes I could eat a freshly baked cookie. So I wait a few minutes and noticing she has to deal with more patrons she comes back to me and says she's a bit busy and hands me a free peanut butter cookie. I've never had a better tasting free cookie. Bang. Service gets an A.
As I leave Harlem Place Cafe I can't help but wonder what it would be like to live around the corner and be able to visit places like these. We all don't admire those who have chosen to live in DT LA but secretly we all wish we could live there for having the chance to visit places such as this. -
Review from James L.
Irvine, CA
3/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Looking from the outside of this place, you would not imagine how this hidden gem looks in the inside. It is huge with an ambiance of a chill-back jazzy kinda place. People here are either conversating amongst each other or artist on their laptop or writing the next big screen play. It is like a hidden club because it is tucked in an alley with no big store front or anything..very unique. A place I would go to if i want to hide from people....=P Just kidding.
I got to try to the Ube shake and thought it was yummy and some breakfast pastry to taste. I just love the ambiance of this laid back place - check it out alone or with friends. It is a nice surprise. -
Review from Tiffany D.
Los Angeles, CA
3/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Talk about hidden gems and "in-the-know" places! This prohibition-esque cafe/bar is cooler and grittier than a normal westside cafe, but prettier and more day-friendly than your typical lounge/bar in the day. Fits perfectly with the dtla revolution.
Went on a 6 taste food tour here and everyone loved the location (hidden off a side alley of 4th street, with beautiful old school seating and christmas lights strung up above), decor (gritty chic), and most importantly the FOOD.
UBE shake was all-natural and ridic. The pan de sal (filippino sweet roll) and condensed milk was a fluffy bite of heaven.
Now that they have morning happy hr AND awesome night events, i will be back over and over! -
Review from Christopher B.
Long Beach, CA
10/31/2010
This place is the perfect coffee house and it starts with the fact that it's hidden from the obvious. I met 4 other members of my group there and several actually got lost finding it despite their being virtually in front of this place. I love it!
Harlem has an edgy feel to it, which I love, and while it's perfect for a group to meet to work on projects it's also big enough for people to hang out, socialize, read, or take in a football game. The nice surprise for me was the unexpected happy hour! I'll take it. And if coffee doesn't do it there are some beer options as well.
I scoured Yelp looking for that perfect spot to meet, a spot that I'd find in a city like Chicago (or New York in this case) and I found it. I already have told me group we'll be meeting here for the remainder of our project.
Did I mention the sandwiches are good? Well, they are! And I heard the $1 tacos are as well although I didn't personally have one. -
Review from Sal A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Ube (Purple Yam) shake is a most. The Cranberry sandwich is very good
The place is hidden in an alley, on the middle 4Th Street between Spring and Main.
I really love this place is have a nice hip touch to it. FREE Wi-Fi -
Review from Vickie D.
San Francisco, CA
3/27/2011
Get: Ube milkshake and Pan de Sal
Came here on a SixTaste tour of Downtown LA. This was the second stop and I wanted to just stay and skip the rest of the tour. All we had here was the Ube milkshake and Pan de Sal (a Filipino sweet bread) and that's all I needed. Thankfully, my sister lives nearby so now I know where I'll be eating every time I come visit her.
The ambiance is super cool, pretty hipster. I felt like I needed a guy friend with really skinny jeans and my big nerdy glasses and a single-speed bike to fit in, but would really enjoy hanging out there for a few hours anyways. The place is tucked away in a kind of secret location which makes it even cooler. Apparently they have live music and drinks and real food, but I don't care. I just want the Ube milkshake all day err day.Listed in: Top 10
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Review from Laura P.
Culver City, CA
4/16/2011
This was borderline 3 stars, but I recently had an unsavory experience here that has downgraded that middle-of-the-road rating.
This place is pretty convenient to my workplace, and in an office full of people in nonprofit, the Hotsy Totsy tuna sandwich has been lauded as both affordable and delicious. Welp, I don't eat seafood (fishes were made for swimming), so I scampered elsewhere on the menu. I tried the chicken sandwich, which wasn't all that memorable as I try to recall it now, and I recently landed on the breakfast sandwich.
Last time I ordered from this place, they charged me $1 extra to get the sandwich on wheat instead of sunbread... but then gave me the sunbread anyway which is significantly smaller. I also ordered an iced green tea, and the guy behind the counter threw a virtually empty teabag into a cup of cold water.
What the hell.
I didn't notice until I was already back to the office, but needless to say I felt pretty ripped off and I don't think I'll be returning. If I'm going to spend $7 on lunch, I'm going to walk a few blocks up Spring Street to L.A. Cafe, where I get much more (and better) bang for my buck. -
Review from Jessica R.
Los Angeles, CA
3/3/2011
Everything was overpriced, from the beer to the sandwiches to the pastries. Zero ambiance, other than feeling kind of like a spartan coffee shop on a college campus. And - as the cashier snidely informed me - they don't serve any fountain sodas.
Also, you have to walk through a sketchy back alley just to get in. Ick. -
Review from Tara M.
Los Angeles, CA
11/21/2010
I was under the impression that this was a cafe. Cafe as in coffee. This is not a cafe. It's more like a cool diner that lets you bring your computer or have a brunch party and drink. Not a cafe.
It's along the same lines as the Edison or any other reconstruction of downtown LA. Speakeasy, 1920's, alleyway entrances. Kitch, but cute enough.
The interior is laid back. Has some couches, but mostly tables and bar seating. Lighting is poor (I think it's supposed to be ambiance) , but what's worse is the ventilation. My eyes were burning from the smoke of the open kitchen.
I didn't try the food, but the coffee was good. I didn't have a hard time finding the location either (as opposed to some other reviewers).
I would go back again to check out the food. -
Review from Andy L.
Los Angeles, CA
11/4/2010
I first heard about this place when I was a freshman in college. Now normally, if someone tells me to go down an alleyway in downtown LA to find a coffee shop, I'd be a little bit suspicious (wouldn't you?). But Harlem Place Cafe (a.k.a Lost Souls) is truly a hidden gem in the historic Old Banks District. Most people walk right by this place without even knowing that down an alley and through a nondescript door is a space that seemed to have appeared out of magic. Like the Room of Requirement or something (HP nerd alert).
The baristas are generally very friendly, and the drinks here are pretty good. I used to get this drink called the Raspberry Kiss that was perfect on a hot summer night. I also went here recently for lunch, I ordered a pesto chicken wrap that tasted very fresh and, although slightly pricey ($9 with side of macaroni salad), it was definitely worth it.
They also do open mic nights sometimes, which can be... entertaining, to say the least (The last time I was there for open mic night there was a duo on stage who called themselves the "F-ck Brothers." Yeah, I'm just gonna leave it at that... ) But all in all, it's just a nice place to hang out with friends. There's a space towards the back that you can chill and play some board games (Scrabble, anyone?)
Everyone who I've taken here always say the same thing - they're so glad they know about this place now. This is a place of warmth, an impromptu sanctuary, a perfect hideaway from the frantic everyday of Los Angeles noise, traffic and people. So come, take a break, breathe, grab a latte. It'll take you away, even if just for a little while. -
Review from Kaywan S.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 10/4/2010
Doh. They changed the name.
I just got here right now and was like, "what the heck? It's a speakeasy." Looking at my watch (cell phone), the 12:30PM time simply told me it wasn't beer time. So seriously, what was this speakeasy doing where Lost Souls was? I went in, saw the huge (and all-too-high) menu at the top with different names for my freakin-pan-del-sal sandwich. it was still there. So I ordered, all was good, and the villagers rejoiced.
It might have a different name, but at least it still has those freakin-pan-de-sal and wth-ube-shakes. Glorious times indeed.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/6/2010
I just ate a pandesal sandwich. PANDESAL. In the middle of dowtown LA. In a hipster coffee shop.… Read more »
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Review from Alice H.
10/13/2010
I liked the old name better.
My date took me here knowing that I love hole-in-the-walls and I love a good cappuccino... so what better place to go than a hole-in-the-wall cafe called "Lost Souls"? (In a sense, we were wanderers ourselves at the time so the name was appropriate, but I digress...)
They were between artists at the time, so unfortunately no art gallery to peruse. I had a nice hot cappuccino with just the right amount of foam. No frills, well-priced. We picked out a comfy old couch and just settled in for a little while. A very pleasant break from the hustle and bustle of Downtown.Listed in: On a Metropolis Day
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Review from john-michael c.
Santa Clara, CA
7/12/2010
Get lost and find your soul here...
I was on my food tour and they had us walking all over the place. We walked and walked and then I had to double check that I was still with my crew instead of randomly following some cute girl that I somehow got stuck behind because before I knew it I was walking down a deserted alley. I was thinking... WTF!?!? But I figure, WTH, and just went with it and crossed the threshold into this literal hole in the wall.... at the end of the alleyway.
Its got that underground, goth, artsy dark feel to it despite, what appears to be, an invasion of the wi-fi toting techno elites that are sometimes considered antithesis to the alleged scene. But what I do I know... I'm a food person, not so much an art person... though some may disagree. Its really chill and unpretentious. I like that. Theres even a bit of banksy type art strewn along the wall leading one to the back past the diner style counter seating. And everywhere is the smell of bread.. ZOMG pan de sal! *drool* and to wash it all down with an Ube shake... a cold, tall, creamy, purple... PURPLE taro based ube whipped cream topped shake! *eyes rolling back into my head*
These alley way cafe spots actually do exist. Ube Shake and Pandesal.. pan de sal.... pan desal.. whatever, you know what I'm talking about. Or maybe you dont if you havent been here yet...
BUT you should.
;D -
Review from Brittany Y.
Los Angeles, CA
11/1/2010
A friend and I came here on a Friday night maybe an hour before they closed. I even skipped dinner because I wanted to try one of their sandwiches on the pan de sal.
Verdict? Delicious.
I don't remember the exact name of the sandwich, but it was the one with carne asada. The meat was extremely flavorful and the red onion really complimented it well. I've been eating sandwiches on sweet bread for a while now so I already know that combination usually works well and this time was no exception.
For $5, I felt the sandwich was a little on the small side, but I'm sort of cheap so take that statement with a grain of salt. My friend had the pom-mango smoothie which was delicious. Very fruity and tart, just the way I like it.
It's sort of dark inside so I don't think it's the best place to study, but it's a great place to just hang out and talk. All in all, if I can drum up the nerve to deal with the hassle of trying to find parking in downtown, I'll be back. -
Review from Christine C.
Los Angeles, CA
9/23/2010
It's one of those places that, when you mention its name, I'll go "omg omg omg omg omg omg" and drag you there even if I have to carry you on my back.
First of all, the entrance is hard to find. You really have to be looking for the place. You'll enter through an alleyway, which is lit up by a string of glowing lights hanging from neighboring walls, and it'll be a small door on your right.
If you're like me and you're a broke recent college grad looking for some delicious cheap food and dranks in downtown LA, come here. Sandwiches (on sunbread) are half off (meaning $2.00-$2.50!), sangrias are $3, and all beers are $2 off. My friends and I abused that happy hour menu like you wouldn't believe. After a good 2 hours of pure ecstasy, my friend ordered a strawberry banana nutella crepe (omg??!!) which wasn't on the happy hour menu but was worth every penny. This is a lovely, hidden gem of a cafe, I will most definitely come back and highly recommend it to anyone who likes yummy, affordable food, a coffee-shop type environment, and SANGRIAS! -
Review from Celia C.
1/11/2011
I had just come from a wine tasting / jazz / art event at my friend's loft and met an artist who invited me to the Harlem Place Cafe. Not knowing what to expect aside that it might be divey, I was curious to check out this local secret spot. I definitely see it's 4 star appeal being very undergroundish and all but wasn't entirely impressed.
I can appreciate the Average Joe, unpretentious, not-too-chatty bartenders and the eclectic vibe from urban to hipster to no classification at all, but, for a place like that, I would expect cheaper beer ($5 for a small plastic cup of Stella).
Maybe that was my misconception in the first place. I originally thought I was on my to see a band at a dive bar but show up to an open-mic poetry sort of thing watching people order coffee. Maybe it was the random sake list while watching the bartender cook canned tuna meat on their grill for a melt while making a latte for another. Maybe it was just a little too random.
If I'm feeling open mic or poetry night, I'll probably come again. -
Review from Jenny S.
6/14/2010 3 photos
HOW DOES THIS PLACE HAVE OVER 200 REVIEWS WHEN YOU CAN BARELY FIND IT!! if it weren't for my friend's iphone telling us we kept passing it as we drove by, i would never have found Lost Souls! what a befitting name!
this place is hidden in an alley with NO SIGN directing you towards it whatsoever! I just asked one of the workers at a store nearby and he pointed me down an alley decorated by christmas lights.
Lost Souls gets 4 stars for CHARACTER. when we came in on a wednesday night, they were having their comedy night, but we ordered our drinks and went to the back lounge area so that we could chit chat together!
of course i got the ube shake, which was good! and Sophia V. got the green macha tea and Patty W. got a tea which she claims tasted like Disneyland's unbirthday tea!
in the back they've got board games and such to entertain.. we decided to play with the JENGA set.. or at least what was left of it..HAHA..
a cute place to get drinks and catch up, they've got lots to choose from!.. i definitely must try their food though!! i hear lots about their pandesal
I wish Lost Souls were open late everyday!! their hours are weird so double check before you make the trip out there!! sometimes on twitter they announce late hours for friday! -
Review from Karen Y.
12/19/2010
I don't know how all these people found this place! It's literally down a little alley way with one tiny sign guiding the way. I know it is a speakeasy place... Guess word of mouth overrules.
It's a really cozy place, roomy with some couches and tables. They sell things from crepes to smoothies to coffee. That night I tried the coffee containing half and half and condensed milk. It was delicious. And the price wasn't half bad for a nice place. I think $3.50 for 16oz. I usually pay that for a tiny 12 oz at Urth or some other hipster coffee place.
I'll be coming back for a crepe or egg sandwich when I can. :) -
Review from Aaron C.
Los Angeles, CA
10/18/2010
Love coming here for a quick nicely priced lunch.
Especially their sandwich, salad, iced tea combination.
The berry turkey always hits the spot with its warm turkey and sweet berries with oiled greens. Simple healthy and satisfying all for around $6.
Their milkshakes and drink selections are well made and delicious.
They've also got some shows going on some nights. really cool -
Review from Paul V.
Burbank, CA
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had coffee here about a month ago. Great atmosphere and good drinks. I'll definitely go again.
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Review from edren s.
North Hollywood, CA
10/4/2010
Took a walk through Downtown LA because not that many people like to do that around these parts. These parts meaning Los Angeles, meaning you got to get a car, meaning every thing is thirty minutes away so walking is pretty much inefficient. Unless you and your partner in crime decide to make walking what the day was going to be all about.
If we didn't walk, we would have completely missed the alley that lead to Lost Souls Cafe.
Now I'm getting the impression, because I'm not on the mailing list, that Lost Souls is now called Harlem Place Cafe. So, as confused as I am, because I'm also not on the Downtown Business Gentrification Plans Forums, I'll write this review and assume it's for both. Interesting time to review this place, though. In it's transition.
Which is what we experienced on our walk. A transition that Downtown LA was going through. The cardboard boxes against rolling metal fronts that, growing up, I associated with Downtown LA, were and are giving way to chain stores and franchise shops. And also, the interesting specialty cafes.
Which is what Lost...I mean Harlem...eh, whatever...is to me.
Again, my reviews are not about the food. Because I don't have enough taste buds for that. But what I can review is how I felt when I sat down and if I felt not uncomfortable to leave.
The music was ambient. The paintings, urban contemporary. We walked in on a Saturday afternoon, and there were a few people having meetings for what they would consider important. Me and my partner had our own. Books we borrowed from the library, to read and discuss over tea and coffee. They had board games, couches in the back, and books tucked away in neat shelves. It had a feel like I was in my own little box, away from the rest of Downtown LA, a good comfy box. And that's what I like about places. Where outside doesn't exist anymore.
I must say, I was not uncomfortable.
The coffee and tea we bought was the typical price one would pay for a non-chain franchise spot to play read library books at. But they didn't taste all that great. Even to my two taste buds. Not that they sucked, but they weren't that great.
Overall, it was a good place to stop by on our way through the cement hill of Downtown LA.
Does anyone know what they changed names? -
Review from Nick J.
Los Angeles, CA
10/20/2010
Don't listen to the cynics... there is such thing as love at first site. I've only been to Harlem Place Cafe (formerly Lost Souls Cafe) once and most definitely plan to return. While I am a die-hard supporter of Starbucks, you can't overlook the irreverent anti-conformist indie vibe Lost Soul provides. You kind of get the sense that some schmuck beatnik is going to get up and lay down some poetry at any moment.
I'm giving this place 5 stars simply on decor and ambiance alone. The coffee was just OK, but the place was memorable and I have all intentions of returning.
Check it out... if you can find it :-P
Get some! -
Review from John B.
Santa Clarita, CA
9/18/2010 3 photos
We went as part of a Six Taste tour so we didn't stay long and only got to taste a little Pan de Sal and some Ube shake. The Pan de Sal was spectacular and the shake was wonderful. I want to come back when I can linger.
Hmm ......now I need an excuse to head downtown.
Update 9/30/10
Lost Souls is closed.
Website reads:
Lost Souls Cafe will be closed until further notice. New Location coming soon.
The 'Speakeasy' open mic is also being cancelled and will resume in October.
Stay tuned for HARLEM PLACE CAFE (http://www.harlemplace...)
I DISCOVERED THIS PLACE A MONTH AGO, LOVED IT AND NOW IT'S CLOSED???!!!
Brutally cruel. -
Review from T L.
Los Angeles, CA
6/7/2011
Their sign for $2 grilled cheese drew us in. It was a sufficient grilled cheese for the right price; nothing fancy. Perhaps their $3 grilled cheeses are more fancy. The best part was the Free Cookie they gave us, just because they are nice! The cafe is a former Speakeasy, which makes it awesomely-drenched in LA history, but that also means windowless; however, they have tables in the alley, which is not a pee-alley. It's a pleasant place for a snack, coffee, smoothie, free cookie.
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Review from Lei B.
4/15/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I came here one night during the Downtown Art Walk, specifically for the ube shake. You don't find this drink at your typical cafe so I was quick to come here when I heard about it. The vibe in here was pretty relaxed and a DJ was spinning some awesome 90's RnB, ahhh brings back memories!
The ube (purple yam) shake on the other hand was pretty good, I asked for no whip cream but they still gave it to me anyways..argh. But a definite plus on the pinipig (crisp rice flakes). I think I prefer the ube shake from Oinkster in Eagle Rock, but that's because they use Fosselman's ice cream. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Overall a pretty cool place to hang out that's hidden in an alley in downtown LA.Listed in: I LOVE Ube and Taro!
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Review from Javier J.
3/18/2010
I hear a lot of talk about the "Hidden Los Angeles", if there's something that should be on the list of hidden gems in Los Angeles it's the Lost Souls Cafe. Though, perhaps I shouldn't let the cat out of the bag on this one as it's really one of the only places that isn't packed to the gills, even on Art Walk night when everything else on the street is jammed packed.
This location is tucked away in the alley. While the masses are pushing and shoving, you step through this little back alley and under the dim bulbs that illuminate the way you step into what feels like a secret passageway to a whole new world.
This illusion is done on purpose and does sort of give homage to the speakeasy days in downtown. Though, from the number of reviews of this joint, I suppose it's pretty well known.
I have to say that there's one thing here that I just love above all else. The Ube Shake. Ever since Guy and his Triple D featured Oinkster on Diners Drive-in's and Dives, it's been utterly impossible to get into the Oinkster for an Ube Shake.
Not so with Lost Souls.
The name takes a new meaning when you're here though. It does seem like this is indeed a place for lost souls, as it seems that everyone has their laptop open and is surfing the net or doing work or finding that inspiration to write here. They're all sort of lost in their own world. And really, this place gives you a relaxed atmosphere that you really feel like you can just let go and let your creative thoughts run free.
The food options are otherwise okay, there's better places to eat within a block or two, but if you want to relax with a drink in one hand and some muse pumping in those creative thoughts into your head, there's no place better than this secret hide away. -
Review from Maria T.
Santa Monica, CA
2/28/2010 ROTD 6/27/2010
This hidden gem rocks Downtown LA with personality and charm! Located in a random back alley with no visible signage from the street, Lost Souls' "under the radar" location pays homage to the speakeasy of the 20s. Only with a much cooler atmosphere and free WiFi.
LOVE the Filipino representation with the Ube (purple yam) Shake and the fresh baked sunbread aka Pan de Sal.
LOVE the live band that was tearing it up at 3:00pm on a Sunday.
LOVE that it's so hidden, you'd never know it's there unless someone showed it to you!
Lost Souls Cafe has heart, and yep--you guessed it--soul. This is not for the Starbucks/Panera crowd. This is for the eclectic, mom & pop shop supporting, independent spirits who can appreciate the energy and history that Downtown has to offer. Lost Souls adds yet another layer of richness to a town that is bustling with life and growing and changing every minute. I can't wait to feel a part of it all with my next visit--Lost Souls will definitely be a "go to" place to meet up with friends, study, or relax!Listed in: Hidden Gems, ROTD Baby Mama
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Review from Mike N.
Los Angeles, CA
2/22/2010 ROTD 11/10/2010
It is impossible to look cool while eating a club sandwich. If you think you do then you are sadly mistaken and need to get your conceited face out from between your indigo back pockets.
All that sweat you worked up from walking to this alley chaperoned cafe from your downtown loft. All your plastic framed glasses. All your burning hot macbook pros. All your half-written scripts and AutoCad print outs.
Won't make that glop of mayonnaise, snippet of tomato skin, or flock of crumbs soaring through your beard any cooler. Woops. Guilty.
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It's a shame they don't band laptops here. The space at Lost Souls begs you to shut down that electronic window. To lean over and ask that neighboring patron her or his opinion of that leafed book. To add debate on case study house #22. Couches, bar stools, and tables are arranged to be intimate without overly stepping into intrusion.
A creature of food habit. I've only had said turkey club and a small cup of coffee ($9 total). The sandwich is a jaw expanding (I'm not going to say that's what she said) pile of lightly vinaigrette greens, moist turkey, bacon, tomatoes, and onions rightly spackled together by mayonnaise and deli mustard between wheat or sourdough. Simple, delicious, and humbling to your cool.
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- Check the alley between Spring and Main suckas.
- The wi-fi password is on the receipt. Or use it as an excuse to talk to the cute gal or guy next to you. You're welcome and send me a wedding invitation. No +1 needed.
- The hours listed on yelp are wrong. Check their website.
- Someone please tell me next time how much sandwich is stuck on my face.
ps. I don't work on scripts or autocad. Mostly things labeled "strategic plans and executive summaries." Lost Souls just makes me feel cool. -
Review from Diane B.
7/15/2010 1 photo
This is one of the most laid back/hipster places you can be in downtown. The environment is relaxed and friendly. There are tons of new artwork from local artists.
Make sure you try their COOKIES! They're super delicious! The sunbread chicken sandwich is pretty good. The bread basically tastes just like hawaiian bread. They also place your sandwich in this heater to melt the cheddar ( I think) cheese onto the chicken. I also like the fact that they use mixed greens instead of regular lettuce.
They also have these poem nights everyweek. I haven't checked it out yet, but it's nice to know.
Goodluck finding it! Just look for an alley.
