

Eagle Rock has one of the most authentic small town vibes in the city. It also has a vibrant, dynamic food scene that includes legendary, family-run establishments (from the 50s!) and shiny, new, chef-driven hot spots. From legit French restaurants and old-fashioned pizza parlors to gourmet cheese shops and sleek brewpubs, here's a list of our favorites from the charming northeast L.A. neighborhood.

CaCao Mexicatessan

Two words: duck carnitas. That's what mostly gets talked about when it comes to CaCao, but though the confit-style dish is always succulent in a taco or layered on a torta, that's not the end of the story. From breakfast to dinner, this friendly Mexicatessan serves up vibrant, boldly flavored dishes, like chilaquiles smothered in rich mole poblano, cheesy-saucy stacked enchiladas made with homemade corn tortillas, and of course, mole fries. Vegetarians will love that meatless options, like big wet burritos filled with calabacitas or fried avocado, aren't an afterthought.

CaCao Mexicatessan is located at 1576 Colorado Boulevard; (323) 478-2791



Four Cafe

Owner Michelle Wilton puts a lot of love into the food and service at Four Cafe. The menu at this friendly, casual eatery changes with the seasons, but you can count on delicious soups, salads and sandwiches in that range from healthy to decadent. Thankfully, the Veggie Burger, handmade and hearty, is always available. Don't forget the bakery case, which is filled with mountains of temptation daily—we love the pop tarts best.

Four Cafe is located at 2122 Colorado Boulevard; (323) 550-1988

Cafe Beaujolais

There aren't a lot of great French spots in L.A that won't break the bank. That's part of what makes Cafe Beaujolais such a gem. The dark, cavernous restaurant has been serving the same, moderately-priced menu for years, but the execution is so solid (and soulful) that regulars who pack the place on a regular basis don't seem to mind. The escargots are properly drowned in butter and garlic while the juicy rack of lamb is baked in a sharp mustard sauce. Oh, and the waiters are as authentically French as the honey-glazed duck.

Cafe Beaujolais is located at 1712 Colorado Boulevard; (323) 255-5111



Milkfarm

Silver Lake Cheese Shop alum Leah Park Fierro offers a wide assortment of artisan cheeses at Milkfarm. But, the foodie excitement doesn't stop there because the shelves are stocked with a well-curated selection of L.A.-made products, including Little Flower Company's famous caramels and fruit presses from Grace & I. Behind the glass case—if you're early enough—you'll find fresh-made sandwiches, piled high with gourmet meats and cheeses, plus pastries delivered daily from Bread Lounge.

Milkfarm is located at 2106 W. Colorado Boulevard; 310-892-1068



Eagle Rock Italian Bakery

A testament to the loyalty of the neighborhood is the endurance of businesses like Eagle Rock Italian Bakery, a mainstay for over 40 years. In addition to a deli counter, where they make good subs, and full-service bakery, the classic Italian market also stocks fresh pasta, imported sweets, olive oil, and plenty of rare finds. An endless array of house-made cookies and pastries make for tough choices, but we suggest the made-to-order cannoli. Another perk: the space has also been featured in a few Sons of Anarchy episodes.

Eagle Rock Italian Bakery and Deli is located at 1726 Colorado Boulevard; (323) 255-8224







Patio Burgers & Beer

Like the name promises, this casual patio restaurant serves burgers and pints of local brews. The chef behind the simple, but alluring, concept is Dimitri Stephenson (The York), who wanted to keep with the theme of The Bucket, the former burger restaurant that had occupied the space since 1935. The most popular menu item is the juicy, well-stacked cheeseburger, which comes on a toasted Hawaiian bun, but the chicken sandwich and loaded fries are quickly gaining their own cult followings.



Patio Burgers & Beer is located at 4541 Eagle Rock Boulevard; (323) 739-0013



Casa Bianca

The hours might be weird, and the slices are cut kind of funny, but there's a reason why this classic pizza parlor still attracts a crowd. Casa Bianca's pies have thin, crispy crusts, a little bit of char, tangy tomato sauce and an eclectic mix of topping choices, from "zesty" green olives and house-made sausage to canned mushrooms and pineapple. We love that the decor hasn't changed in decades—they still do the red-and-white-checked table cloths and classic Italian-American restaurant tchotchkes—and that you can end the meal with a scoop spumoni.

Casa Bianca is located at 1650 Colorado Boulevard; (323) 256-9617



Organix

In the back of this little organic grocery, there's a vegan deli that serves a large array of comfort food, including tasty, meatless renditions of a pulled pork sandwich, Big Mac, and gourmet hot dogs. Plant Food for the People takes over with their popular jack fruit tacos every "Taco Tuesday", and the "Mexicatessan" section of the menu includes big, messy burritos and "carne asada" fries.

Organix is located at 1731 Colorado Boulevard; (323) 254-0284







The Oinkster

You can't really talk about Eagle Rock's food scene without mentioning The Oinkster. Andre Guerrero's A-framed burger joint is one of northeast L.A.'s liveliest and tastiest spots. The mini-chain's (a Hollywood location opened last year) annual Burger Week, which pays homage to the country's best burgers, has a ravenous, cross-town fan base that endures out-the-door lines to try renditions of Western Bacon Cheeseburgers and Big Macs. The rest of the year, The Oinkster lives up to its "slow fast food" ethos by serving up house-cured pastrami, hand-scooped malts and shakes, and an assortment of condiments made in the kitchen.

The Oinkster is located at 2005 Colorado Boulevard; (323) 255-6465



The Taco Spot

This Cali-Mex food destination has gained some fame for their carne asada fries, and it's well deserved. The decadent dish, covered in melted cheese, plus heaps of meat, guacamole, and sour cream, is visually intoxicating and just plain yummy. It's the quality of ingredients, that sets The Taco Spot apart from other Mexican-American joints—the produce is always fresh and the sauces and salsa are all made in house. If cheesy fries aren't your thing, the wet burritos, chilaquiles, and vegetarian-friendly options might better suit your sensibilities.

The Taco Spot is located at 2006 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock; (323) 256-7001.



Ruby Bakery

Cakes are Ruby's main business, but in our opinion, the cream puffs steal the show at this Chinese bakery. Dusted with powdered sugar, the light, golden pastry is filled with rich, silken cream that's been whipped until fluffy to create the delicate little treats. The chocolate eclairs are similarly delicious (plus, you know, they're chocolate), and good luck resisting the cute allure of pink-sugar Hello Kitty cookies.

Ruby Bakery is located at 5042 Eagle Rock Boulevard; (323) 259-9052



Public House

The latest restaurant to make the Colorado Boulevard scene is Public House. A joint effort from chef Jerry Su (Bouchon, Son of a Gun) and Eagle Rock Brewery owners Ting Su (the chef’s sister) and Jeremy Raub, the new spot puts an unexpectedly high-brow spin on the brewpub concept. Dishes like smoke fish dip, creamy vegan farro risotto, and oysters on the half shell are paired with some of the most outstanding beers in town.

Public House is located at 1627 Colorado Boulevard; 323-739-0081







Colombo's

Red-sauce Italian, stiff martinis, and a whole lot of kitsch. That's what you can expect at this neighborhood institution, which has been dishing up hefty portions of steak and pasta since 1954. Locals, new and old, still fill the red vinyl booths on a nightly basis to listen to live Jazz (check out the fantastic Ernie Draffen every Saturday) while pondering which ravioli—Colombo's serves eight different types—to order. If you're feeling decadent, get yours covered in the rich bolognese with a touch of cream.

Colombo's is located 1833 Colorado Boulevard; (323) 254-9138







Auntie Em's Kitchen

Owner Terry Wahl lets the seasons drive the menu at this eclectic, down-home restaurant. Breakfast brings breakfast tortas on soft telera rolls and unbelievably fluffy pancakes sprinkled with coconut while lunch is all about soups from scratch and big bowls of salad. Don't miss the baked goods. Everyone fawns over the cupcakes, but we can't resist the giant (as big as your head) crispy chocolate chip cookies.

Auntie Em's Kitchen is located at 4616 N Eagle Rock Boulevard; (323) 255-0800







Little Beast

Set in an old Craftsman, Little Beast gets our vote for loveliest restaurant in Eagle Rock. But while its back patio and front porch are certainly charming, it's the gracefully-executed New American staples that keep us coming back for more. Small plates of lamb meatballs and seasonal salads make for an ideal start while the entrees, like plump sautéed diver scallops served with roasted sunchokes and chanterelles, don't miss. The Little Beast burger, finished with red onion bacon jam and blue cheese, comes with a mountain of crispy fries.

Little Beast is located at 1496 Colorado Boulevard; (323) 341-5899



New York Famous Deli

Squeezed into a tiny, awkward strip mall, New York Famous Deli looks like any old sandwich shop, but it's actually one of the neighborhood's best kept secrets. Jimmy, the owner, serves thick chunks of hand-carved pastrami that's so juicy and smokey you'll forgive the so-so rye it comes on. The meatball sandwich comes covered in tangy tomato sauce and a blanket of melted provolone.

New York Famous Deli is located at 2501 Colorado Boulevard; 323-255-3354



Señor Fish

Some Señor Fishes are better than others, and the one in Eagle Rock is one of the good ones. The scallop burrito is not to be missed, and even the simple combination plates of charbroiled fish, rice and beans are so satisfying. The seafood cocktails and ceviches are always fresh and go down great with a beer or an agua fresca.

Señor Fish is located at 4803 N Eagle Rock Boulevard; (323) 257-7167







Daves Chillin'-N-Grillin'

It's just a tiny sandwich shop with no decor to speak of, but the sandwiches at Dave's are solid. The tuna melt is one of the most popular dishes on the menu, and vegetarian options, like the Hott Hippie with hummus, tomatoes, pickles, and peppers, are as good as the meatier choices, like the sausage sub. Plus, they serve milkshakes and fresh-fruit smoothies.

Daves Chillin'-N-Grillin' is located at 2152 Colorado Boulevard; (323) 490-0988



Pete's Blue Chip

The sit-down hamburger stand is quintessentially L.A., and Pete's Blue Chip is a local favorite. Everything on the menu, including charbroiled burgers, chili fries, and Mexican-American specialties, are big, cheap, and tasty. The breakfast burrito, stuffed with eggs, bacon, potatoes, will keep you going all day as long as you don't slip into a food coma.

Pete's Blue Chip is located at 1701 Colorado Boulevard; 323-478-9022





Meea's

The humble hot dog gets all dressed up at Meea's. The little shop serves a small menu of regionally themed dogs, from the Chicago dog with tomato wedges and pickles spears to the bacon-wrapped and jalapeno-ed Southland (a.k.a. the classic L.A. "Danger Dog"). Even Eagle Rock gets its own signature dog with toppings like spicy mayo, pickled papaya, pork rinds, and avocado. You might as well get some tater tots while you're there.

Meea's is located at 1734 Colorado Boulevard; (323) 285-4850



Leo's Tacos

The sidewalk in front of Leo's Tacos truck is a popular hangout for Occidental College students, but anyone craving carne asada tacos and sauced-up quesadillas is welcome. The hefty all-meat burritos or a veggie burrito, stuffed with whole pinto beans, guacamole and cheese, make for good midnight snacks, especially if you're pulling an all-nighter.



Leo's Tacos is located at 4300 Eagle Rock Boulevard. Open Tuesdays-Sunday from 8pm-2am, 3am on weekends.

Valentina Silva is a freelance food and travel writer who edits her own blog Eastside Food Bites. Watch her eat her way through L.A. on her Instagram.