Cafe La Casita - Los Angeles

Based on other Yelp reviews, I decided to try the Guava cheesecake, priced at $7, while the whole cake goes for about $2.50. The server asked if I wanted it cut into 4, 6, or 8 slices, and I opted for 8, wanting to share it with my dining companions. The Guava cheesecake is light, fluffy, and moist. You can definitely taste the cream cheese, but the flavor of the guava is surprisingly mild. Typically, guava is known for its strong and aromatic profile, yet in this dessert, it tasted more like strawberry than guava. It also had a very vibrant red color, which made me wonder if food coloring was added, as guava usually doesn’t retain such a bright hue when cooked. Those who find guava overpowering might be pleasantly surprised by its subtle flavor here. One of my friends ordered the Guava empanada but found it less impressive than the cheesecake. The crust was rather dry and unappealing, while the filling tasted similar to that of the cheesecake. Another dining companion had the egg croissant, which she found to be fresh and tasty. I didn’t order coffee, but those at my table who did seemed pleased with their drinks. The prices are quite reasonable, with most items between $2 and $4. An interesting aspect of the restaurant is its layout; according to health code regulations, patrons must enter through the front and then access the back section, which serves as a community hall or forum. During our visit on a Sunday morning, there was an AA meeting in progress, which made it a bit awkward as we walked through their gathering to reach the main dining area, though they appeared accommodating. Keep in mind that parking is limited to street parking, so Sunday mornings are your best bet, as metered parking is free then.

The restroom is located outside of the café, in a small meeting room next door. They serve a medianoche sandwich, which includes shredded pork, ham, pickles, and cheese pressed in a soft, brioche-like bread. Personally, I prefer the ham, as it has a firm texture and a lovely smoky flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy cheese. The sandwich is wrapped in a soft, sweet bread that has a pleasing chewy texture, while the pickles add just the right amount of crunch and tartness to balance the richness. I found the shredded pork a bit too messy for my taste and opted to leave most of it behind. In addition to their sandwiches, they offer a turkey and cheese croissant, pork and cheese, ham and cheese sandwiches, veggie options, salads, and more. Their biscuits and pastries are enormous, and the guava cheesecake with a flaky pastry crust is indulgently rich and satisfying. I particularly enjoy their strong, hot café con leche, which can be made with whole or 2% milk. It pairs nicely with the sweet and robust offerings available here and gives your senses a delightful kick. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, making it a great place for reading, chatting, or simply enjoying some quiet time alone. The owner is friendly and took over the café in 1995 with the aim of creating a comfortable neighborhood hangout—he humorously mentioned that he bought places he had frequented himself. Parking can be a bit of a hassle, but if you're persistent, you'll find a spot. Just be sure to read the road cleaning signs carefully!