John O' Groats Reviews

Way over-rated: erratic service, food often greasy and always unhealthy relative to alternative restaurants

I am reviewing the location at 16120 Ventura Blvd, Encino which I guess has only been open 3 years. This was my FIRST visit and I will be back!! Breakfast is a treat for me on Saturday, Sunday and any day I am not at my desk at 7am. That said I try lots of breakfast spots in LA- This has a lot going for it- street parking and a lot in back that is Free on weekends and only $1.00 for 90 minutes on weekdays. I ordered the 2x2x2- 2 pancakes,2 eggs and 2 bacon. The bacon is thick and crispy, meaty-not all fat! The eggs were done just like I asked,scrambled, dry- now next time I will probably ask for a side of chopped onions and some jalepenos but that's my fault for not asking.. Pancake is large-like about the size of a plate-next time I might get 1 pancake, 2 eggs, 2 bacon.. Instead of the traditional pancake I decided to try 1 lemon pancake, and 1 mango, macadamia nut one- loved both! The mango pancake had chunks of real mango in it! YUM and hot syrup from the kitchen not a cold bottle that has sat on the table all day. The menu has french toast,pancakes,waffles,omelettes,salmon and eggs, frittatas,oatmeal, breakfast burritos,and then the lunch items which I did not even look at. Price was reasonable - my 2x2x2 was $9.95-turkey burger was also $9.95. Coffee is served in old diner mugs and someone is always around to refill it-same for water. The restaurant though only 3 years in this location has a warm lived in experience-traditional diner counter and tables-tin ceiling-loved the whole atmosphere-there is also an outdoor patio. The service was really pleasant-our waitress had dark hair pulled up in a bum and she was super friendly and brought out extra syrup-extra ketchup for my husbands burger-spicy sauce- Great service-never made us feel rushed, never made us feel stupid for asking a question-didn't walk up when we had food in our mouth-just pleasant, welcoming service- how refreshing!

In West Los Angeles, this eating establishment has a very nice selection of breakfast items. The pancakes were nicely done, not heavy. The hash browns were delicious. Service was above average.

my mom loves it

Nice neighborhood feel. The portions are huge, the food is good. It can get a little loud, especially when children are there. But the service is quick and there is an old fashioned diner feel to the place. Extensive menu too.

My hubby and I were visiting the area and wanted to find a great breakfast restaurant that wasn’t your standard franchise and thankfully we ran in to John O Groats! It was tasty, the pancakes were so yummy and the bacon was nice and thick. More importantly the service was great even though they were very busy. I highly recommend O Groats!

We have been to John O'Groats many times and generally the food is pretty good and the service is average. But it fluctuates. Today was a particularly bad and I actually got physically sick from the food I ate. We were seated right away, we were on the tail end of a busy Sunday brunch shift. There were still lots of people in the restaurant but no line out the door. We were greeted by a busboy right away asking for our drink order. All good so far. Our server didn't show up for awhile but when finally did was polite. I had to ask for set ups which always kind of annoys me when I eat out. That shouldn't be something you have to ask for them to get you. But she did get it right away. We ordered. I got their special Corned beef and hash. My friend got traditional pancakes, eggs, bacon. It took a normal amount of time to get the food but I was already done with my coffee by the time it arrived. I noticed that the corned beef hash looked a bit odd. There were big chunks of beef and hardly any potatoes at all. There was so much beef it was overwhelming. And not prepared like a traditional corned beef hash dish. I was immediately wishing I had ordered the french toast, eggs and bacon. But I ate it and it was pretty good. It desperately needed more potato but it had a good flavor to it. Meanwhile, our server was completely gone. She breezed by to ask us if things were okay right after we initially got the food but we never saw her again till the very end. No one came over to ask if I wanted a coffee refill and there was no jam for the biscuits, yet every other table had them. I eventually flagged down a bus girl to get me more coffee. We were seated in kind of a back section, separate room at their was a table against the wall (right next to us) where one of the employees was sitting and eating. At one point several servers, bus boys were crowding around the table eating off her plate and chatting with her. It was super unprofessional. Our waiter re-emerged after leaving us their unattended for a long time to ask if I wanted coffee. Uh, no thanks. We got the check quickly and left. I felt sick the whole way home and when I got home I immediately threw up. Not sure whether it was the beef, or what it was. I have a pretty hearty stomach and so it was unusual. Ordinarily I would give this place a three and a half because I have found the food to be good. The service is always inconsistent. Today it was poor and the getting sick thing threw my whole day off. So, sorry to say, two stars. One side note: I ended up giving the server about a 16% tip which is way more than she deserved. And my BF and I were talking about it. I always feel, no matter what, that I have to tip the server. And the truth is, we don't! It's a sliding scale. If the service stinks, than that should be reflected on the tip and we should have no guilt about it. Must be my irish catholic upbringing. But I gotta shake this need to always reward people who don't do a good job. Because even if I hadn't gotten sick I would have given this review two stars, and that's entirely on our server. Lesson learned.

This place always amazes me. Everyone, diners, staff, even the delivery people, are always happy to be here. Great food goes without saying. An exceptional experience can be expected. Always. Bob (rest his sweet soul) left this place in good hands with Paul, Carl, and Mrs. Jacoby. I’ll always feel blessed to be one of the many regulars.

I was taken here by a friend who lives nearby for a late midweek breakfast. The place was busy and is clearly popular. It looks nothing special from outside mid- block on Pico but on the inside while still keeping its diner roots it is very contemporary. The menu is large. I had bacon and eggs. Unlike many American restaurants the bacon was not over cooked to a frazzle and still be some taste. Came with biscuits but they were not the usual soft ones, more like British scones. Came with butter and raspberry jam. Very tasty but odd for me as a Brit to follow my breakfast with an afternoon staple!

John O'Groats is a bit of a step back in time, but in a good way. It has an old-timey diner feel, checkered tablecloths, un-even tables that rock, etc. We came for late breakfast on a Saturday. Be prepared for a wait, as we had a 10-minute wait around 1:00pm. I was thrilled to learn they have Gluten Free Pancakes & Waffles (although it's a bit hidden in the menu towards the back)! I got the Gluten Free Pancakes, and they were pretty good (although a tad under-cooked and gummy). The bacon came in large, thick slices with a tasty smoked flavor. Our bill was $31 for 2 breakfast combo's with pancakes and 2 drinks.

Breakfast and lunch are served by a family dedicated to make your visit a fun and tasty event. Biscuits and pancakes are a specialty and merit your attention. All the menu items are prepared and served with love and a caring staff.

Pancakes are great, eggs are great, waffles are great, coffee is great; it is the perfect place to have a tasty breakfast. Staff is friendly and the place is cozy.

This place is amazing!!! We are visiting from MN and we're looking for "real food", decent portions, good natural flavors and menu items we could pronounce and recognize. This is the place!!! We had scrambled eggs, OJ, bacon and the "heavenly" biscuits. The OJ, freshly squeezed, bacon, thick like from the farm, fresh eggs, so flavorful and the biscuits could have been made by angels. Definitely would recommend & return!!!!

Visited on a Saturday afternoon when they were busy. Only waited for 10 minutes to get a table. Things started out poorly when it took 10 minutes to get water and menus. We could see that our server was busy with other tables but still, an acknowledgement of our existence would have helped. My wife and daughter order the GF chicken and waffles and I had eggs and sliced melon. When the GF chicken arrived, there was only one waffle, not two. My eggs arrived without the melon. We were told they'd be right out but it took at least 10 minutes, all the while our server was chatting with other tables. By the time the other waffle and melon came, we were done. The owner saw what happened, and discounted the bill. Then he came outside with us and apologized again and gave us his card and said to use it next time we came to dine. So a subpar experience, but the owner made the effort to mitigate the negativity and make it right so we'd give them another chance.

This restaurant is a great family breakfast location. Staff is very friendly and food is excellent and very reasonable.

The breakfast place has been a neighborhood favorite for 30 years. You can read the history on the website, but it's family owned and the quality is always first. The biscuits (with gravy if you want) are just like my mother used to make. Mom and I go there often

What a disappointment! We have it 2 stars because the food wasn't terrible. Tasted OK; seemed non-toxic. On the other hand, the service was nothing but terrible. We were there 35 minutes before a random waitperson showed-up and with a little coercion would take our orders. We first saw food on our table approx. one hour after arrival. With begging, our needs were eventually meet (although my French fries didn't appear until a quarter hour after my sandwich). I have been treated better at Ed Debevic' s in Chicago (Do a web search and you will understand).

Our family loves this restaurant! We love to have breakfast/brunch here before attending events at UCLA. The staff is friendly and the food is excellent! The menu has so many options for everyone. We love the chocolate chip pancakes, scrambled eggs, and potatoes. The biscuits are always fresh and the coffee is great, too. We highly recommend this restaurant to families, couples, and everyone who enjoys a delicious breakfast! The owner is always kind and courteous to our family.

Went to the second location in Encino for Sunday breakfast. Nice menu selection, good service, and great food. There is terrace that fills up quite quickly on a nice day. They only serve breakfast and lunch.

My family and I have been going here for 15-20 years. Nothing compares to it on the west side of LA for quality innovative breakfast and lunch dishes.

Had a slight wait for a table at around noon on a Saturday - probably 30 minutes maximum and it was definitely worth it. There's water and coffee available outside while you wait which is a lovely touch. The food was divine and the menu was really varied. The owner/host was very friendly and welcomed everyone personally. My husband left his bag and the staff kept it safe until we realised and reclaimed it. We got chatting to the owner/host when we reclaimed the bag and he asked about our day and trip. Upon hearing we had a very long day ahead he gave us a free blueberry muffin, which was so kind and one of the best muffins we've had. Thanks for such a wonderful experience.

I like the idea of a family-run business, where there are too few of those left in Los Angeles. Pros: wide variety of menu items, interesting West-LA vibe because of proximity to Fox Studios and one overhears intriguing conversations about entertainment business, excellent biscuits, salads are good. Comfortable Setting. Wait staff is always nice. It's a very human place because it is a family run business - nothing feels plastic. Cons: food prepared on the griddle always seem to have a little too much oil (even if ordered "light oil") had vastly undercooked pancakes recently, mushrooms in my salad needed to be cleaned, prices a little on the high side.

We visited John O'Groats for Sunday Brunch. I have to say, when you see people lined up out the door, it must be good, right? So we waited approx. half an hour for a table. Food was great. The biscuits are delicious. I loved the berry jam on the table. I would definitely go back again. Paul the owner gave me his card and told me that if I called him ahead of time - next time he would save me a table. I plan to do just that :)

Open for breakfast and lunch, this place epitomizes a neighborhood spot. They will remember your name. It feels as though it would be at home on Cape Cod. Everything is good, but I like the grandma scramble in particular.

I love the food and service and it's very clean but very expensive. I ate solo at counter and I had an omelet and coffee and a side of breakfast sausage and Bill came to over $28.00. They just raised prices.

The restaurant is decorated like a country cottage with three rooms of tables. The biscuits and omelet were delicious. There was enough quiet to hear the person I was meeting, which was unusual. Also they let us sit and talk for a long time.

This little gem was recommended by our hotel concierge. We don't enjoy going to "tourist" dining locations. We want local. This little gem did not disappoint. The wait was brief, the staff was welcoming, and the large menu gave us lots of options.

Opens around 630 AM. I was the first customer in the door this morning. Solid breakfast options with specialties, omelettes, and pancakes. Staff are friendly and efficient - definitely no shortage of employees which makes for quick attentive service. Had the "Perfect Combination": 2 eggs, 2 bacon strips, and 2 pancakes (buttermilk or buckwheat) for $8.75. Coffee was $2.75 with unlimited refills. Little quibble: Asked for eggs scrambled but got them sunny side up. Could have sent them back but wanted to move on with my day. Waitress asked if my bacon was crispy enough since I asked for them crispy - good move on her part to ensure happiness. Place started filling up in earnest at 715 AM. It would seem that the staff is energized by the extra people - they picked up the pace and were smiling and gregarious with the customers. Decor is a combination of diner and grandma's house - cozy feeling. Stop in for a solid breakfast with upbeat service.

My favorite breakfast place in Los Angeles. Whatever you order--and it'll all be good--be sure to get a side of their bacon. Amazing!

The Lemon Pancakes I had were quite possibly the best pancakes I've ever had with the sweetness of the lemon curd spread rendering maple syrup unnecessary. The bacon was similarly excellent, the strips were thick, crisp and flavorful but without greasyness. Furthermore the service was excellent, a genuine helpfullness to all customers that was contagious.

I was recommended to this restaurant by my daughter and found the place to be nice for a good breakfast. The service was fine and the food was cooked as I asked - especially when you hate runny poached eggs! LOL! I would definitely return because I feel you get good value coupled with good food.

I will admit that I am not impartial about John O'Groats. I have been eating there for decades - since it was just a counter in a tiny space. Now it has grown to three rooms, and all of them full of happy eaters. I love the owners. Robert and Angelica Jacoby have always run their restaurant with a homespun affection for their customers, and a determination to serve delicious food at reasonable prices. Their son, Paul, is maintaining the high quality of food and service. He was a tot when I first met him, now he's a full-fledged restauranteur. I guess that means I got older, too! When I say John O'Groats makes the best biscuits in Los Angeles, I'm not exaggerating. They are dreamy. Tender and flaky, but they stand up to butter and jam, or when dipped in gravy. Your eggs will arrive prepared as you requested. Homefries are chunky and fresh. Their pancakes look like the cover of a food magazine and taste even better. Steel cut oats. Fresh orange juice. And don't get me started about their tuna melt. It's simply the best. Thick cut sourdough, a ton of melted cheddar cheese, and the tuna mix has just the right amount of celery and mayo to tuna. Their homemade potato salad is divine. I debate with myself every time I go there: breakfast or tuna melt? It's a tough choice. But no matter what I order, I'm eating those biscuits. Street parking. No reservations. You will have a wait for weekend breakfast - but they bring coffee outside to get you started. It's worth the wait. This place is soooo good.

We went to J O’G at a friend’s suggestion when visiting LA. Everyone liked their egg entrees, and the biscuits were good, but the buttermilk pancakes were a standout.

They serve a best breakfast for lunch. There "Joe's" special is outstanding. The service is attentive and quick. The atmosphere is all right but a bit noisy.

This place is hoppin. It is a favorite place of locals. The menu is great. The staff is great. The food is great. They have the best bacon that I've had in my 60 years!

The huevos O'Groat was great - a "tortilla" made out of biscuit dough, topped with eggs, beans, onions, potatoes and peppers. My wife's omelet was also good.

Great, great food and the people couldn't be nicer! Amazing biscuits, just ridiculous they are so good. We took 6 to go! I had the Latino Heat and was happy there was a non-red meat alternative. It was great! My boyfriend knew the fish and chips were great, so he got that. He was right! It's just fish and chips and I don't know how they make it so great, but it is! Even though I had breakfast here, the whole menu looked really good. Loved it!

I have been a huge fan of this neighborhood/Family restaurant for over 20 years. The menu is perfect for anything you'd want for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Made truly fresh and at times the preparation may make you wait but sooooo very worth it! The portions are better than adequate and delicious. Their biscuits are indeed heavenly and a must try. Check out the specials off the menu as they are creative and fun. There is always a wait outside particularly on weekends and only names are taken at the door. No reservations. A nice touch as they have a coffee and iced water/tea station outside while you wait to be called. No matter what you order, you will not be disappointed! Pricing is above the norm but who cares. Service is friendly and they always are eager to please. The original Family runs it and are on the spot working the room. What else can I share....A must try. You will be hooked. I love this place.

Best breakfast in USA, Best Tuna melt ever , outside seating in the back lot Clean and Covid SAFE, Sal

We were looking forward to trying this neighborhood staple after reading so many great reviews. We were seated quickly and staff was friendly but the food wasn't very good at all. My husband ordered biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs. The biscuits weren't ready so they just brought a plate of plain unseasoned scrambled eggs with nothing else-they'd have been ice cold if he waited for the rest of his breakfast so he went ahead and had them first. The biscuits came hot but were crunchy and dry in the outside - I got them too-not good at all. Really sad it wasn't better-won't be back.

Visited this location during pandemic. The staff was very helpful and practiced social distancing. The tables were separated at least 6 ft apart. The menu is great; try the pancakes.

We had our last lunch in Los Angeles before we left. I had the best gluten free pancakes I have ever had, I even wondered if there was a mistake and I had received regular pancakes. We were served promptly. Some of the staff have a little bit of an attitude, but others are quite friendly. I am going to be dreaming about those pancakes until we return.

Three words: Cilantro Potato Pancakes. This dish is reason enough to come to Southern California. Unlike traditional potato pancakes (which there ain't nothin' wrong with to begin with) these are made from homestyle mashed potatoes, grilled onions, cilantro (of course) and topped with grated asiago cheese. There's nothing like them and if it was the only thing on the menu, it would be a restaurant worth dining it. You can get them with eggs any style or with their excellent Vegetarian Hash. The vegetarian hash (also pair-able with eggs instead of the pancakes...but seriously, you can get eggs anywhere...) is a unique dish featuring a colorful assortment of vegetables and apples fried up hash style...it's not over-done and, it seems it may vary slightly based on what's in season. I've had it twice now and the second time seemed to be a little more spinach heavy...both times it was excellent though. Let's throw in another essential couple of O' Groat's words: Buttermilk Biscuits. Just about everything comes with a side of 2 buttermilk biscuits. We've been served biscuits all over Los Angeles and these are done exactly right, very flaky, large and they go into your mouth like they were made by someone's grandmother 100 years ago. Another "they do it right here" is the coffee. They offer organic French press as well as their "O'Groats Special Blend Organic Coffee" (which is what you get when you order a cup of coffee without specifying.) It's a delightfully strong and flavorful cup of diner coffee that laughs in the face of the browned waters served it the chain American restaurants. You will not be disappointed with the coffee. There are plenty of other vegetarian options with all the classic breakfast options available including a number of pancake variations (Lemon Pancakes, Applesauce pancakes, Mango Macadamia Nut Pancakes) and although we didn't try those on this visit, they also offered on the specials menu a Caramel Pecan French Toast which we can't comment on as we didn't eat it, but certainly would have tried it if we weren't in such a savory mood. We only point them out to you as examples of the kinds of things they offer to wet your appetite. We highly recommend John O' Groats as one of the best classic American brunches (with welcome creative twists) in the San Fernando Valley. See our other reviews at the new Rick and Addie's Veggie Food Blog: http://poetrysuperhighway.com/vfb

Went there for breakfast. Long wait, thought it must be good. Honestly. The only thing nice was the owner. He was engaged and friendly playing host. He should pay attention to his servers. We had a terrible server, forgot our initial order for the young child with us and lied that she was waiting for it to be done. Side order of chix sausage and one pancake. Our food came but not the initial order which we ordered first and asked her to put it in first. Food was below average. Huevos o groats was terrible, bland and didn't look appealing. Corn beef hash special was dry and my over medium eggs was fully cooked. Oh the biscuit from heaven....over promise under deliver. kFC's biscuit much better. To make matters worse, we asked for a small to go box for the food that came after we have all eaten. The box never came. We had to go to the kitchen to get our own box. In Los Angeles there are so many places to eat.

We were four out for breakfast, we like healthy , so we ordered a small cup of oatmeal, came with sliced almonds, almond milk, blueberries and brown sugar. That's one meal , also a side of wholesome bread. ( extra charge for the bread and coffee, we didn't know that before ) , most places I've been to, coffee is included in the meals. The decor is quaint, they have been in business since the 80's, they expanded, and they kept the decor of the first lunch counter in their original room. The other meal was fluffy pancakes. My husband ordered a small cup of oats also, and eggs, toast , coffee, jam is on the table.

We were very pleased with the prompt and attentave service... The place was full and we got seated with in 5 minutes. The service was good and the food was great.. Wide variety for the menu options and the cheddar bacon biscuits are a must !!

If you want the best pumpkin pancakes in town, go to John O'Groats. You may need to wait awhile for a table on the weekend, but it is so worth it!

Five of us called ahead and had no problem being seated at 1pm on a Saturday. We chose this place mainly due to advertisements of gluten-free and allergy-friendly fare. It very much reminded me of old school family diners, which it actually is. We were greeted and treated with kindness, politeness, and prompt service in spite of the place being packed. There are gluten free pancakes and bread items available, just ask the server. I had the gluten free pancakes with eggs and bacon and it was delicious. Everyone was happy with their meals and the service, and we will definitely be coming back. I highly recommend this place for gluten-free breakfast fare and an all-around great experience.

Have been to John O'Groats every single time I cross into Los Angeles to visit friends from the San Fernando Valley. It's perhaps my favorite place for a group of people to get together for breakfast, coffee, brunch-type treats, etc.

This place is very popular, evidenced by the wait. Not sure why, probably tradition. We chose a table outside because it was so noisy inside. Servers were pleasant, but not very efficient. My daughter and I both ordered an omelet, The Baxter with avocado, mushrooms and spinach. Lots of mushrooms, not so much on the avocado. The omelet part was actually very thin with not much taste. Wished afterwards that I had ordered pancakes and bacon. Not a great price value.

A permanent L.A. resident, I've been meaning to get back here for years. I can barely remember my only other visit decades ago. The name was a big draw—John O' Groats—so intriguing. I knew the prices were going to be high, but I figured there must be a good reason. The place is much bigger now, and seems to be expertly managed: spick-and-span, servers bustling about efficiently, a little bell summoning them to pick up orders. The coffee—their own blend—tasted wonderfully robust, poured hot into a big mug. For $3.75 it should be! That mug and my water glass got prompt and frequent refills. The ingredients in my vegetarian hash and eggs ($16.90) were clearly fresh and first-rate; however, the overall flavor was bland, and the eggs were on the small side. Excellent-quality toast, though—multigrain, I think. If I'm ever in the neighborhood and need a cup o' joe, I would definitely come back—maybe get some toast, too. The rest of the extensive menu might also deserve a second chance.

This is a go-to place for me when I'm in West LA. The biscuits (including gluten free) are delicious. They also have unique hashes and many healthy options. The only not delicious thing we've ordered is the cilantro potato pancakes. The dish seems fun and creative, in theory, but they're a little bland in actuality. There's often a wait on the weekends, but the place is large enough that you're usually not waiting too long.

Imagine a pub lunch place without potatoes? That's what the waitress opened up with today. Some nonsense about a late potato delivery. I thought they were running a comedy hour. So, imagine my reaction when I asked for the crab melt only to be told that they haven't served it in months. Duh--then take if off the menu. Humorless, incompetently managed dump. I will never darken it's door again.

We especially love their breakfasts - the buckwheat pancakes and the biscuits - always a special one of the day - today's was chocolate chip - love to grab a seat at the counter and meet the friendly local neighbors - owners couldn't be lovelier and are proud of their history and couldn't give better service - a dying breed of restaurant!

I have had a boatload of breakfasts at this place and they have been just fine. I particularly like the Huevos O'Groats. The service is very good. The pancakes are really tasty.

Nice cozy place with good service. The coffee is fresh, hot and robust. Healthy multi-grain toast and one of the best omelets I have ever had! We are going to stop in here any time we are in the area.

There may be a line and you may have a short wait, but this great if you're looking for a traditional American breakfast.

Good service, great breakfast food, no long wait. Been going here a long time and it's always consistently good

Local casual restaurant with friendly staff, delicious food and large menu. Has both counter and table seating. Place was busy at 1 pm but I was seated and served rapidly. All the staff was friendly and helpful, host (who was son of the founder), waitress and bus boy. I had the salmon salad which featured a large portion of salmon. I was pleased to see they also had vegan and gluten free choices as well.

Visited this wonderful restaurant on a visit To Los Angeles in March 2022. Food was excellent with ample servings, service was extremely friendly and informative, reasonable prices and lovely Ambiance. Was greeted by the owner who took the time to speak with us and giving us the history of the restaurant and also took Interest in who we were & where we were from. I definitely would recommend this restaurant and will return the next time I get out to LA.

This is a long standing local restaurant that has been expanded to two storefronts over time. I met two others for breakfast there and the extensive menu was promising. I had one of their healthy dishes - oatmeal, blueberries, almonds and almond milk. No complaints about the food, but after taking our orders, we didn't see our waitress again until we needed the check (we had to wave her down to even get that). I decided I wanted a cup of coffee shortly after being served (by a busboy) and over the course of 10 minutes, tried to make eye contact with her as she grabbed with the cashier, totally ignoring our table. I finally had to go up to her to order it and, predictably, it was delivered by another busboy. One star service / three star food.

Went on a Saturday morning for breakfast. The biscuits are really good. My son ordered Oreo French toast and chocolate chip biscuits and fell in love. Excellent food, family owned business. My only complaint is that they didn't have gluten free biscuits (ran out?). Will definitely go back.

We were recommended to go here for breakfast by our hotel and it was well worth it, we were made to feel very welcome especially by the owner Paul if you want posh dining this isn't the place for you but if you want to feel totally welcome and have the best home cooked food but not over priced than visit John o groats we were only there for 10 days Paul always called us by our first names when he welcomed us and his staff are also great and very helpful and his biscuits are to die for also try one of his home made cookies I recommend them thank you all Lisa n Ian Hopkins

The biscuits served with my (mediocre) corned beef hash were dry and tasteless, possibly stale. Actually I kind of hope they were stale because they are apparently famous for their biscuits, so maybe we came at a bad time of the morning. The prices were also out-of-line for an unpretentious eatery. $3.75 for coffee?! Really? And around $14.00 for ham and eggs? Even with the inflated prices on the Westside their prices are too high, IMHO. This was the third time I’ve eaten here. No more.

This place is fantastic in a weird sort of way. It is cute and charming, not pretentious, but you will see power players from the studios. The breakfast is an absolute delight. If I had money, I would travel from any destination in the world just to eat their bacon! Awe inspiring! Run by the sweetest family that you will ever care to meet; you will feel welcome from the minute you step in. Just like nana's house :) Visit more than once and you are family. My wife and I have been here numerous times, never a disappointment. Parking is odd stacked behind building, so if you are a fussbudget or other cretin, please pass, as you might have to move your car. Pancakes, toast, eggs, burgers, anything thing that you choose is a winner. Great selection of teas and I never leave without at least four cups of delicious coffee. A great place to go after a night of passion. Quiet, peaceful and relaxing with the most satisfying food. Enjoy.

We chose this restaurant because we wanted to have a quick breakfast. The selection was huge! From pancakes to muesli, there was everything your heart desires! Everything was delicious and the staff was super friendly

love the mix of old style diner and modern breakfast menu. always go here while in l.a., makes me feel like a kid again going out with dad on that rare breakfast out. don't forget that there is now a "branch" in the san fernando valley on ventura blvd in encino i think. i like the flexibility of being able to order a 1x1x1 (i pancake, i strip bacon, i egg) when they only have a 2x2x2 on the menu.

I've been to John O'Groats on many trips to the LA area. Just an all around great spot for breakfast. The Huevos O'Groats are somewhat of a "signature dish," but all is good...the coffee, the pancakes, the biscuits. Any place that ALWAYS has a wait, is doing something right.

I picked the place on recommendation from AAA's magazine. We were en route to SFO so stopped by Groats for brunch on a SUNDAY. Be prepared to wait! We waited for almost 25 minutes before we got seats at the classic diner like bar. The food was good. I had the delicious Tahoe Scramble while my wife ordered the Cilantro Potato Pancakes, which she felt was a "meh" but I'd give it a 3.5/5. The chocolate chip biscuits weren't that sweet, so hit/miss per personal preference. On our way out, we were greeted by the sweet old Lady (sorry I don't remember her name) who gave us a brief history of the place. Overall, I'd definitely come back, if we drive to/through LA again.

Love this place for brunch. Delicious food and you'll be greeted like you're family if the owner is around.

I've eaten there a few times, mostly breakfast, and while the food is usually quite good, the atmosphere is not great. Plus I have had some of the worst service I have ever been subjected to in a restaurant. Plus the parking is a challenge.

Unbelievable pancakes, service and ambience. Just a fantastic place to eat. Just simple, great customer service, perfect, delicious food. I have been living in LA for awhile, but just came across this food paradise on Netflix’s Comedians in Cars having coffee. Mr. Seinfeld and Mr. David went here and when those pancakes hit that table my mouth gushed like a dam. I immediately planned to go the next day, and I did. And I’m writing this and I’m going back this week. Absolutely GESHMAK!

Many years ago, remembered enjoying the Fish & Chips and now had the time to try it again. Three small pieces of fish, especially good tartar sauce, a modest amount of fries (.75 extra for sweet potato fries), and small salad on the plate with a very good balsamic-like dressing. They use high quality ingredients, thus the higher prices and smaller portions than I remember. The fish & chips were cooked to order correctly, though slightly oily but not objectionable. Looks and feels like a small town bustling breakfast place with what seemed like mostly senior regulars during weekday lunch. Friendly, personable staff, especially Paul, the owner, who treated me at the counter like an honored guest in his home. If you don't mind paying higher prices for quality, ($28 including tax & tip, no beverage), a pleasant dining experience. Will revisit The King's Head in Santa Monica for fish & chips - also pricey but good as I recall.

During our 4 day stay in LA we visited O Groats everyday for breakfast - lunch. The food quality is outstanding and impeccable personalized service from Paul and his staff. Extremely well managed family restaurant and hats off to Paul for the hard work(very visible in the restaurant) It totally deserves one visit for sure. I have to also mention all the Options for the food that are healthy including delicious gluten free bread and fresh fresh fruits/juices. Everything is organic. Great choice for everyone.

Completely honest; we stopped here just because we were on a mission to view New Girl filming locations. Then we checked out the menu and it was perfect for us; traditional breakfast w/ slight Cali twist. We loved it - I got the bruschetta poached eggs and my wife the French toast - so good and filling for the day! Great way to kick it off :)

amazing for breakfast, beware the crowds from FOX come lunchhour.

Best biscuits I've ever enjoyed! I've lived in the South for more than 30 years, but this Los Angeles restaurant has the best biscuits I've ever tasted! Don't miss the pecan butterscotch biscuits. Enjoyed half a turkey sandwich on toasted sourdough with a side salad. Don't miss this outstanding restaurant!

Bring your appetite for generous portions of solid breakfast and lunch far. Biscuits are delightful as are many of the pancake offerings.

Friends of mine have raved about this place for years. Finally, I gave it a shot. On a friend's suggestion, I ordered the cilantro potato pancakes with eggs and biscuits. The potato pancakes were bland (not sure why my friend thinks they're to die for). The eggs were good, but eggs are eggs. The biscuits and coffee were the best part of the meal, along with the good service. I think the place is very overpriced for what you get. I shelled out $20 for mediocre food, coffee and tip and most of the breakfasts seemed in that price range. I've gotten a lot better breakfasts for a lot less money elsewhere. I'm an early breakfast eater so there was no waiting, but when I left around 9 the place was getting filled up. I've often seen long lines in front of the place. I might give it another shot and order something different.

On the advice of the friend we were meeting, this was the rendezvous for breakfast. Great bisquits, bacon was also awesome. And a word of advice, go for the French press coffee, it's worth it. It just can be a bit challenging to find parking.

We went with friends for an early lunch. I had their "cilantro potato pancakes" with scrambled eggs and a muffin -- loved my meal. My wife had a salmon dish and she was quite happy too. Friends were also pleased. the server was outstanding in her helpfulness and good cheer!

We love John O'Groats! Not only do we eat there on a regular basis but we've celebrated so many special event meals there over the years--birthday brunches; anniversary lunches; etc. The service is always first rate, Paul the owner could not be more professional, kind and on top of it! The food is delicious and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

Good food. The biscuit was good. In fact, this southerner was impressed with the biscuit.

The PANCAKES! OMG they are so fantastic. Their coffee is equally amazing. Such a great place for families on the weekend and business breakfasts weekdays. Love visiting when I'm in LA.

Outstanding array of breakfast choices. Very popular and iconic place. Also somewhat high-priced as a result. I felt like ordering a waffle -- and it was, at best, mediocre (sigh...). I should have ordered an omelet as I have in the past.

We sat outside and enjoyed a fabulous brunch last month with our dear friends, Lea and Terry. They LOVE John O'Groats and now we completely understand why! The service was excellent: attentive, quick and eager to provide everyone what they wanted, and the food was really delicious! Between the four of us, we enjoyed an array of what the menu had to offer: pancakes, waffles, biscuits, eggs, bacon, fresh juices and coffee, and we loved it all! Our only regret is that we didn't get some biscuits to go - we will on our next visit!

I like coming to John O'Groats -- three times during my most recent visit to LA -- because of the community feel, the pride of the owner, the slightly retro feel yet thoroughly modern menu. It's just a really comfortable, friendly, busy place that suits the surrounding neighborhood. They also have a great selection -- and I always have trouble choosing from so many options. All that said, I never feel that the food is absolutely top quality -- the egg dishes are on the bland side -- and generally I don't think the food lives up to the prices and the crowds (I never understand how American diners can charge over $3 for that watery coffee...). I'm still very happy to come here when in the neighborhood -- but I don't think I'd make a special effort to search it out if not already on Pico/West LA.

Their Saturday morning special (corned beef hash) was amazing. There was more corned beef than potatoes. The corned beef was made fresh. Luckily we came early (8 AM), because it was getting pretty crowded when we left. Service was great - very attentive servers. They kept refilling our coffee before we were half done with our cup of coffee.

Nothing to complain about. Nothing to rave about. That sums up John O'Groats. The menu has a lot of variety. But the prices are on the high side compared to other casual breakfast places. On the plus side, they have Gluten Free Bread. For which they made into French Toast for me. And it turned out pretty good - a little dense, but that's to be expected because of Gluten Free Bread being chewier. The service was pleasant enough and the waitress kept my iced tea glass full.

Must be a popular place; came in early Sunday morning and the place was already crowded. The staffs were responsive; they quickly seated us and took our orders. The place got a country diner feel but the prices reflected downtown LA. Food was average; good but nothing special considering the price. The sign outside says "Biscuits from heaven" --- it was okay.They do have a good selection of breakfast items. Our group got the cornbeef, waffle, blueberry pancakes, "decter special". The coffee though was great, hot and kept coming. On our way out, there's already a crowd waiting. It's street parking; as I approached our car someone was already waiting to take my spot. So, if you want to come in for breakfast, come early.

Groats has a diverse menu with something for everyone, and the food is pretty darn good, regardless what u order. The service is spot on, and prices reasonable,all of which leads to a busy restaurant

The coffee they serve there was the best I have tasted in any diner or family restaurant in this country. The food was good, the portions big, but beware of parking in one of the nearby side streets. I got a $68 parking ticket on Avery.

Based on the good reviews, my husband was excited about eating at John O'Groats. What were previous reviewers thinking? The most horrible part of the experience was the waitress. She acted like she didn't like us at all and ignored us at every turn. You could feel the tension in the air. Interesting, because in contrast, the bus person was smiling and friendly and took up all her slack. After leaving the waitress an insulting tip, I tried to tip the bus person, but he was so busy working, I couldn't catch up to him. I also observed the waitress drinking a soda behind the counter--a clear health violation in many states--I don't know about California. The food was so-so and not worth all the hype of the reviewers. The place needed a good cleaning (salt and pepper shakers were grimy and the floor needed sweeping). The tables were crowded together. We didn't feel welcome, and I just wanted to get the heck out of there. I wouldn't recommend this place to my worst enemy.

If your are staying at a hotel around Century City and would like a pleasant reasonably priced place for a good breakfast as an alternative to the price gouging at the hotels. Thus is the place to go. Good food, nice ambiance, attentive service and good coffee

I went to this restaurant because the concierge at the intercontinental hotel recommended it. Went around 9 am on Thursday morning but the place was very crowded. Must be very crowded on the weekends. Basic breakfast but lots of choices to make it healthy. Ingredients were very fresh.