Living in Southern California, you learn to wait. You wait on the freeway, you wait in line, and sometimes you wait for a table at your favorite eatery. Here are 10 restaurants that always have long waits (some you’ll need to make reservations as far as a month in advance). We think these are well worth the wait!
Please note, Trois Mec is temporarily closed.
- Breakfast Republic, San Diego
Business Owner/Yelp
Jarrelle B./Yelp This restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but the breakfast is so amazing that people just line up and wait - for up to an hour on weekends! Get there early (7:00 a.m.) to get these Oreo pancakes. 2730 University Avenue.
- Chi SPACCA, Los Angeles
Eric C./Yelp
Joseph A./Yelp It’s all about the meat at Chi SPACCA. Tomahawk porkchops is one of their specialties. This cozy little restaurant is so popular that you’ll want to book your reservations at least one month in advance. 6610 Melrose Avenue.
- Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant, Long Beach
Kris B./Yelp
Serg M./Yelp Expect a wait at Enrique’s, especially on a weekend night. It’s well worth the wait, though…this is some seriously good Mexican food. 6210 E Pacific Coast Highway.
- Goshi Japanese Restaurant, Paso Robles
Sherry C./Yelp
Reehawk/TripAdvisor Fresh, authentic Japanese food. The sushi is so artistic that it’s a shame to eat it…but trust us, you can’t resist. 722 Pine Street.
- The Lark, Santa Barbara
The Lark/Facebook
The Lark/Facebook The Lark fills up quickly every evening - get there early for the best patio seating. Everything here is fresh and delicious (pictured above is the Harissa & Honey Glazed Jidori Chicken). 131 Anacapa Street.
- Lucha Libre Taco Shop, Two Locations in San Deigo
Jonathan K./Yelp
Danny S./Yelp The line at Lucha Libre often goes out the door and all the way around the corner, especially on a Saturday. You’ll see why when you get a taste of their tacos and burritos. Two locations: 1810 W Washington Street, and 3016 University Avenue.
- Phil’s BBQ, San Diego
Mohammad P./Yelp
Miss H./Yelp Once you get a taste of these ribs, you’ll understand why the wait time is sooo long. Even with three locations (plus one at the airport), you’ll want to plan on waiting a minimum of one hour.
- Pink’s Hot Dogs, West Hollywood
4GTravels/Trip Advisor
4GTravels/Trip Advisor It’s definitely touristy, but it’s also an iconic West Hollywood institution. There’s always a line, but they move you through pretty fast, and the dogs are delicious! 709 N La Brea Avenue.
- Schooner or Later, Long Beach
Cesar R./Yelp
Crystal P./Yelp This brunch spot is always hopping, so plan on a long wait. Once you sit, though, you’re rewarded with some of the best brunch food in the state. Try the crab and avocado Benedict. 241 N Marina Drive.
- Trois Mec, Los Angeles
Trois Mec/Facebook
Jennifer B./Yelp Yes, we know that the sign in the photo says “Raffalo’s Pizza” - that’s part of the mystery surrounding this incredible French restaurant. First, you have to know that Trois Mec is really hidden behind the old pizza shop facade. Next, you have to become a registered user in order to purchase tickets online (and you’d better get on the site at 8:00 a.m. every other Friday morning). Finally, don’t expect to dine on Saturday or Sunday night - they’re closed. After all of that hassle…you’ll find that the food is absolutely worth it. 716 N Highland Avenue.
Have you ever eaten at one of these restaurants? Tell us about your experience!
Business Owner/Yelp
Jarrelle B./Yelp
This restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but the breakfast is so amazing that people just line up and wait - for up to an hour on weekends! Get there early (7:00 a.m.) to get these Oreo pancakes. 2730 University Avenue.
Eric C./Yelp
Joseph A./Yelp
It’s all about the meat at Chi SPACCA. Tomahawk porkchops is one of their specialties. This cozy little restaurant is so popular that you’ll want to book your reservations at least one month in advance. 6610 Melrose Avenue.
Kris B./Yelp
Serg M./Yelp
Expect a wait at Enrique’s, especially on a weekend night. It’s well worth the wait, though…this is some seriously good Mexican food. 6210 E Pacific Coast Highway.
Sherry C./Yelp
Reehawk/TripAdvisor
Fresh, authentic Japanese food. The sushi is so artistic that it’s a shame to eat it…but trust us, you can’t resist. 722 Pine Street.
The Lark/Facebook
The Lark fills up quickly every evening - get there early for the best patio seating. Everything here is fresh and delicious (pictured above is the Harissa & Honey Glazed Jidori Chicken). 131 Anacapa Street.
Jonathan K./Yelp
Danny S./Yelp
The line at Lucha Libre often goes out the door and all the way around the corner, especially on a Saturday. You’ll see why when you get a taste of their tacos and burritos. Two locations: 1810 W Washington Street, and 3016 University Avenue.
Mohammad P./Yelp
Miss H./Yelp
Once you get a taste of these ribs, you’ll understand why the wait time is sooo long. Even with three locations (plus one at the airport), you’ll want to plan on waiting a minimum of one hour.
4GTravels/Trip Advisor
It’s definitely touristy, but it’s also an iconic West Hollywood institution. There’s always a line, but they move you through pretty fast, and the dogs are delicious! 709 N La Brea Avenue.
Cesar R./Yelp
Crystal P./Yelp
This brunch spot is always hopping, so plan on a long wait. Once you sit, though, you’re rewarded with some of the best brunch food in the state. Try the crab and avocado Benedict. 241 N Marina Drive.
Trois Mec/Facebook
Jennifer B./Yelp
Yes, we know that the sign in the photo says “Raffalo’s Pizza” - that’s part of the mystery surrounding this incredible French restaurant. First, you have to know that Trois Mec is really hidden behind the old pizza shop facade. Next, you have to become a registered user in order to purchase tickets online (and you’d better get on the site at 8:00 a.m. every other Friday morning). Finally, don’t expect to dine on Saturday or Sunday night - they’re closed. After all of that hassle…you’ll find that the food is absolutely worth it. 716 N Highland Avenue.
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