Trails Cafe Griffith Park Los Angeles: Your Outdoor Culinary Oasis

Nestled deep within the verdant embrace of Los Angeles’ iconic Griffith Park lies a true hidden gem: Trails Cafe. Far more than just a place to grab a quick bite, this charming outdoor eatery is an experience in itself, offering a serene escape from the urban hustle. Imagine a picturesque setting where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the scent of pine, and the gentle rustling of leaves provides the perfect soundtrack to your meal. Trails Cafe is renowned for its idyllic ambiance, making it a beloved haunt for hikers, families, dog-walkers, and anyone seeking a moment of tranquility amidst nature.

Located conveniently at 2333 Fern Dell Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, right at the base of several popular hiking trails leading up to the Griffith Observatory and other scenic viewpoints, Trails Cafe serves as the perfect starting point or rewarding finish line for your park adventures. Its rustic, open-air setup ensures you’re always surrounded by the natural beauty of Griffith Park, with plenty of shaded picnic tables and benches scattered around to accommodate a leisurely meal.

The cafe operates with consistent hours to cater to both early risers and afternoon explorers: they are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and extend their hours on the weekends, welcoming guests from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. This allows ample time to enjoy a hearty breakfast before a morning hike or a refreshing lunch after an adventurous exploration of the park’s vast offerings. Should you need to reach them, the friendly team at Trails Cafe can be contacted at (323) 871-2102, or you can find more information and updates via their website or social media channels.

Whether you’re craving a robust coffee to kickstart your day, a satisfying sandwich to refuel, or a sweet treat to celebrate a successful hike, Trails Cafe promises a delightful culinary journey wrapped in the unparalleled beauty of Griffith Park. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the feeling of connection to nature, the casual camaraderie of fellow park-goers, and the simple joy of an outdoor meal done right. Come discover why Trails Cafe remains a cherished cornerstone of the Los Angeles outdoor lifestyle.

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Menu Highlights: A Taste of Trails Cafe Griffith Park

The menu at Trails Cafe is a thoughtful curation of fresh, wholesome, and utterly delicious items designed to satisfy the diverse appetites of park visitors. From hearty breakfast options perfect for fueling an early morning trek to savory lunch choices and delightful sweet treats, every item is crafted with a focus on quality and flavor. They pride themselves on offering a selection that complements the natural, laid-back vibe of Griffith Park, ensuring there’s something wonderful for everyone to enjoy. Let’s dive into some of their most popular and tempting offerings, promising a truly memorable outdoor dining experience.

Morning Delights & Breakfast Bites

Kickstart your day the right way with Trails Cafe’s invigorating breakfast selection. Designed for hikers and early birds, these items provide the perfect energy boost to begin your Griffith Park adventure, featuring both light and substantial options made with fresh, quality ingredients.

• Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado spread on artisanal sourdough, topped with chili flakes.
• Breakfast Burrito: Scrambled eggs, cheese, beans, and salsa wrapped in a warm tortilla.
• House-Made Granola & Yogurt: Crunchy granola with fresh berries and creamy, plain Greek yogurt.
• Spinach & Feta Scramble: Fluffy scrambled eggs folded with fresh spinach and savory feta.
• Bagel with Cream Cheese: Classic toasted bagel, perfectly golden, with a generous schmear.
• Fruit & Nut Oatmeal: Hearty, warm oats brimming with seasonal fruit and crunchy nuts.
• Breakfast Sandwich: Egg, cheese, and choice of bacon or sausage on a toasted English muffin.
• Sourdough Egg Toast: Simple yet satisfying, perfectly cooked egg on toasted sourdough.

Savory Sandwiches & Fresh Salads

For midday refuels, Trails Cafe offers a selection of sandwiches and salads that are both satisfying and refreshing. Each item is prepared with fresh ingredients, making them ideal for a picnic under the trees or a quick bite before resuming your park explorations.

• Turkey & Swiss Sandwich: Sliced turkey, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mustard on wheat.
• Hummus & Veggie Wrap: Creamy hummus, crisp veggies, and greens, snugly wrapped.
• Caprese Sandwich: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze on ciabatta.
• Chicken Salad Croissant: Tender chicken salad with celery and herbs, served on flaky croissant.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Gooey melted cheddar and Monterey Jack on buttered sourdough bread.
• BLT: Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomato on toasted bread.
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, with lemon vinaigrette.
• Seasonal Mixed Greens Salad: Fresh mixed greens, seasonal vegetables, light house vinaigrette.

Heartwarming Soups & Perfect Sides

Complement your meal with a comforting cup of soup or a delightful side. These additions provide that extra touch of warmth and flavor, perfect for a cooler day in the park or simply to round out your main course with something delicious and wholesome.

• Soup of the Day: Daily rotating selection of homemade, comforting, and flavorful soups.
• Chili (Seasonal): Hearty, warming chili, perfect for cooler days, rich and robust.
• Bag of Chips: A classic crunchy companion for any sandwich or a simple snack.
• Fresh Fruit Cup: Assortment of seasonal, ripe fruits, light and refreshing.

Irresistible Baked Goods & Desserts

No visit to Trails Cafe is complete without indulging in their renowned baked goods. Prepared fresh daily, these sweet treats are the perfect reward after a long hike or simply a delightful accompaniment to your coffee, offering comfort in every bite.

• Blueberry Scones: Buttery, flaky scones bursting with sweet, juicy blueberries.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies: Warm, chewy, classic cookies loaded with rich chocolate chips.
• Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Soft, wholesome cookies with plump raisins and comforting spice.
• Muffins (Assorted): Freshly baked, moist muffins in various tempting flavors daily.
• Banana Bread: Deliciously moist, sweet, and comforting, perfect for any time.
• Brownies: Rich, fudgy, decadent brownies, a chocolate lover’s dream come true.
• Lemon Bars: Tangy, sweet, and zesty lemon curd on a shortbread crust.
• Croissants: Light, airy, and buttery, a perfect Parisian-inspired pastry treat.

Coffee & Espresso Creations

Fuel your adventures with Trails Cafe’s extensive range of coffee and espresso drinks. From classic brews to creamy lattes, their baristas craft each beverage to perfection, ensuring a rich and aromatic experience that provides the perfect pick-me-up for any time of day.

• Drip Coffee: Freshly brewed, rich, and aromatic, perfect for a morning boost.
• Espresso: Bold, intense shot of pure coffee essence, a quick energy hit.
• Americano: Smooth espresso diluted with hot water, a robust coffee choice.
• Latte: Creamy espresso with steamed milk, topped with delicate foam.
• Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and airy foamed milk.
• Mocha: Rich chocolate combined with espresso and frothy steamed milk.
• Chai Latte: Spiced tea concentrate blended with steamed milk, comforting and warm.
• Hot Chocolate: Velvety smooth, rich chocolate drink, pure cozy indulgence.

Refreshing Cold Beverages

On a warm Los Angeles day, nothing beats the refreshing selection of cold beverages available at Trails Cafe. These thirst-quenchers are perfect for cooling down after a vigorous hike or simply enjoying a moment of relaxation in the sunshine.

• Iced Coffee: Chilled, smooth coffee, perfect for a refreshing pick-me-up.
• Iced Latte: Cool espresso with chilled milk over ice, a refreshing classic.
• Iced Chai Latte: Spiced chai tea with milk served over ice, cool and aromatic.
• Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: Bright, zesty, and naturally sweet, pure sunshine in a cup.
• Lemonade: Tart, sweet, and incredibly refreshing, a classic thirst quencher.
• Bottled Water: Essential hydration for all your park adventures, crisp and clean.
• Sparkling Water: Bubbly and invigorating, a refreshing alternative to still water.
• Assorted Juices: Selection of popular fruit juices, varied flavors for all tastes.

With such a diverse and thoughtfully prepared menu, Trails Cafe ensures that every visitor finds something to delight their palate. Their commitment to freshness, combined with the unparalleled beauty of their setting, makes every meal an experience to cherish. Whether you’re fueling up for a rigorous hike or simply enjoying a leisurely afternoon amidst the trees, the culinary offerings here are as inviting as the natural surroundings.

The Enchanting Ambiance of Trails Cafe Griffith Park: More Than Just a Meal

Trails Cafe offers an unparalleled outdoor dining experience, distinguished by its unique location within the lush landscapes of Griffith Park. The interior, though minimal, embraces a rustic, counter-service charm, leading guests directly to an expansive and inviting exterior. Here, patrons find abundant shaded seating, primarily picnic tables thoughtfully nestled under mature trees, creating a cool and comfortable retreat. The atmosphere is consistently laid-back and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for everyone, including families with children and, notably, is very dog-friendly, with water bowls often available for furry companions. Service is efficiently casual; you order at the window and pick up your food, which contributes to the relaxed, unhurried vibe. Pricing is refreshingly affordable to moderate, aligning perfectly with its casual setting while offering excellent value for quality, freshly prepared food in such a prime natural setting. The overall vibe is one of community and escape, a beloved spot where the worries of the city fade amidst the sounds of nature and friendly chatter.

Conclusion: Your Go-To Griffith Park Escape

Trails Cafe Griffith Park is truly a local treasure, a vibrant hub where nature’s tranquility meets delicious, unpretentious food. While everything on their menu is crafted with care, the Blueberry Scones paired with a perfect Latte, or a satisfying Turkey & Swiss Sandwich are perennial favorites. This charming cafe is ideal for anyone seeking a delightful outdoor dining experience: avid hikers needing to refuel, families enjoying a day out in the park, dog owners looking for a friendly spot, or simply those craving a peaceful escape from city life. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an integral part of the Griffith Park experience. A definite must-visit, Trails Cafe consistently delivers on its promise of great food, wonderful ambiance, and cherished memories.

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