When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
The Rising Sun Café & Bistro
Why The Rising Sun Café & Bistro is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Rising Sun Café & Bistro, located in the Historic Core of Los Angeles at 1356 Palmetto St #200, is a beloved Cajun and Creole restaurant renowned for its authentic Southern flavors, making it an excellent spot to meet up with friends and enjoy a vibrant dining experience. The café offers an inviting atmosphere that combines Southern Gothic charm with a casual, calm setting, ideal for socializing over meals. A key highlight is their weekend brunch menu featuring classics such as Chicken & Waffles, Bacon Egg and Cheese Sandwich, and the distinctive Sunrise Slider Trio. Popular dishes include the Breakfast Po’boy Sandwich with soft ciabatta bread and house-made remoulade aioli, and the hearty Cajun Breakfast Burrito filled with scrambled eggs, bacon bits, andouille sausage, and crispy Cajun tater tots. Complementing the meals are their signature warm and fluffy beignets dusted with powdered sugar, serving as the perfect sweet ending. To refresh, patrons often enjoy their iced dark chocolate mocha, a flavorful beverage favored by coffee and chocolate enthusiasts alike. Besides brunch, The Rising Sun Café & Bistro operates for dinner Thursday through Sunday, making it great for a full-day dining experience. The venue is 21 and over, enhancing its relaxed and mature ambiance. Their ordering system uses QR codes for convenience, and staff support is readily available. This combination of authentic Cajun cuisine, thoughtful service, and a welcoming environment makes The Rising Sun Café & Bistro a standout locale for friends seeking quality food and good company in Los Angeles.
Here's what people think of The Rising Sun Café & Bistro
As of recent, The Rising Sun Café & Bistro holds a 4.4-star rating based on 59 reviews.
The Rising Sun Café & Bistro holds a strong reputation with a 4.4-star average rating from around 59 reviews, reflecting generally positive experiences among patrons. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and authenticity of the food, especially highlighting the flavorful Cajun and Creole dishes like the Breakfast Po’boy Sandwich and Cajun Breakfast Burrito. Many guests appreciate the warm, fluffy beignets and the popular iced dark chocolate mocha, noting the high quality and distinctive taste of these offerings. The casual and calm atmosphere paired with efficient table service via QR code ordering enhances the dining experience, making it comfortable and convenient. Positive reviews emphasize the friendly and helpful staff, the enjoyable Southern Gothic ambiance, and the opportunity for both brunch and dinner visits, which suits various dining preferences. However, some negative feedback points to the restaurant's 21 and over age restriction as limiting for groups with younger members. Others have noted that the café's unclaimed status on platforms might occasionally cause minor information gaps or delays in online engagement. Despite these few critiques, the overall consensus is favorable, with many visitors recommending The Rising Sun Café & Bistro for its authentic cuisine and enjoyable atmosphere, marking it as a go-to destination for those seeking genuine Cajun flavors in Los Angeles.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Armando Sanchez
Very lowkey spot in the Arts District. Away from most other restaurants and seems unique. You seat yourself, order on your phone, and pick up your food from the counter. The beignets were delicious! I really enjoyed my chicken sandwich as well, very juicy. Very rich and full cold brew coffee as well. My main critique of the restaurant is they add 18% gratuity to your bill automatically. I always tip 20% but I don’t feel like it’s worth tipping when I place the order myself and I have to grab it at a counter myself as well. Who am I tipping? I mean I even bussed my own table. In total, I’ll probably be back, but maybe just for the beignets and coffee to go.
Heather S.
I really enjoyed the Nola vibes in the seating area on the side of the building. I was worried that the cajun seasoning on the tots would be spicy but it wasn't, and they were very good. I also had the chicken sliders without the hot sauce, and they were also good, but I wish they'd had more slaw on them. The Theves sweet tea was soooo good, I wish they sold it in gallon size!
Jasmine G.P.
First time for brunch and loved it. It was a little confusing where to enter but the outdoor seating is cute! The food is amazing; we ordered the Po’boy, chicken & waffles, beignets, and sweet iced tea. The price is decent for the portions, I can’t wait to go back!
J Kim
Unfortunately we had a terrible experience! We arrived at 11, ordered at 11:12 and didn’t receive our food until 12:15. (Mind you, it was tater tots and a chicken sandwich) When our food came out it was ice cold. No exaggeration, not like warm, not even a spot of warmth. COLD! There was only one server, which I understand is difficult in itself, but when we asked her what the issue was (she was very sweet and accommodating by the way) she said they only had one chef at the time. Many people were stopping the waitress asking about their food and everything just seemed completely unorganized and in disarray. I saw another customer open up the cabinet himself and restock the plastic cups for water because the waitress was so busy. Another customer had to be walked to the bathroom by the waitress because she couldn’t understand simple directions. So in the time the waitress should have taken everyone their food, she couldn’t because they were so short staffed. There should be a rule of thumb if chefs and staff can’t make it into work, maybe add a sign that states that, so people can decide if they’d like to waste their time that day or not. The atmosphere was also one of the first things we noticed. NO MUSIC. Not even soft jazz, we felt like we couldn’t talk to each other because it was so quiet we felt like we were in the library. Overall, 1/10 (a 1 simply because the waitress was kind!) don’t waste your time or money.
Rosario Dowling
Mother's Day breakfast was delicious! The waiter was courteous and patient. The kitchen was 10 minutes away from closing to prep for the next menu, and they still cooked our food. Great waiters. Delicious breakfast sandwiches. Check out the pictures. Also, get a load of "Pickles the Clown" in the parking lot! 😄
How to reach The Rising Sun Café & Bistro
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Why The Rising Sun Café & Bistro may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Rising Sun Café & Bistro with your friends? This charming eatery offers a welcoming and lively atmosphere ideal for gathering with friends or family. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to catch up over coffee, a casual place to enjoy a hearty brunch, or an energetic venue for evening drinks, The Rising Sun Café & Bistro fits the bill perfectly. Rated 4.4 with nearly 60 reviews, it strikes a balance between high-quality food and a friendly, relaxed ambiance. The café’s inviting décor and warm service make every visit memorable, encouraging guests to linger and enjoy their company. It is a place where friendships are celebrated over delicious meals and thoughtfully crafted beverages, enhancing the social experience. The location is accessible and convenient, adding to the ease of gathering groups of all sizes. Plus, its versatile menu caters to diverse tastes and dietary preferences, making it suitable for varied groups. Choosing The Rising Sun Café & Bistro means choosing a place that values connection as much as cuisine, making it an excellent hub for bringing friends together.
What activities make The Rising Sun Café & Bistro perfect for a group meetup? Besides offering exceptional food and drink, The Rising Sun Café & Bistro provides a variety of activities and a setting that encourages social interaction and enjoyment. For morning meetups, their weekend brunch is renowned for vibrant energy, offering classics like fresh beignets, gourmet burgers, and specialty coffee drinks that serve as perfect conversation starters. The menu’s diversity ensures everyone finds something to delight their palate. For groups looking to extend their gatherings into the evening, the café transitions into a lively bistro with a Cajun-inspired menu and signature cocktails, setting the stage for a festive atmosphere. The ambience blends casual comfort with a hint of sophistication, encouraging relaxed yet upbeat socializing. Additionally, the venue’s layout supports both intimate chats and larger group celebrations, with seating arrangements that accommodate parties big or small. Whether it’s sharing plates, sipping cocktails, or simply enjoying the backdrop of great music and comfortable surroundings, The Rising Sun Café & Bistro fosters a dynamic meetup environment. This makes it not just a spot to eat but a destination for making memories with loved ones.
How does the atmosphere at The Rising Sun Café & Bistro enhance group experiences? The sensory environment of The Rising Sun Café & Bistro significantly enhances the experience for groups. The ambiance is designed to be both inviting and stimulating—bright yet warm lighting, tasteful yet casual décor, and a carefully curated music playlist that strikes a balance between energizing and unobtrusive. This thoughtful atmosphere encourages groups to feel at ease while also inspiring lively conversations and laughter. The staff contribute to this vibe by providing attentive, friendly service that makes every group feel welcomed and valued. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a casual weekend brunch, or a spontaneous weekday gathering, the atmosphere adapts to support the mood. The flexible seating arrangements cater to comfort and convenience, with cozy booths for close-knit groups and larger tables for bigger parties. The café often buzzes with a community feel, where guests might chat with neighbors, creating a sense of belonging. All these elements come together to craft an environment perfect for communal sharing and making every meetup special.
What food and drink options cater to group preferences at The Rising Sun Café & Bistro? The Rising Sun Café & Bistro excels at offering a diverse menu that satisfies a wide range of group preferences. Their food selection includes traditional favorites like gourmet burgers, fresh salads, and Cajun-inspired dishes, ensuring there is something for everyone. For the brunch crowd, items like beignets and artisan coffee provide a sweet and refreshing start to the day, perfect for casual, morning meetups with friends. The evening menu offers a robust selection of cocktails and beverages that complement the flavorful dishes, supporting social drinking occasions. The kitchen can accommodate dietary needs with options suitable for vegetarians, gluten-free diners, and those seeking lighter fare, making it an inclusive spot for varied eating preferences. Sharing plates and customizable orders also make it easy for groups to try multiple items, creating a shared dining experience that encourages interaction. The combination of thoughtfully prepared food and expertly mixed drinks contributes to an enjoyable and satisfying outing with friends or family.
Why is The Rising Sun Café & Bistro’s location and accessibility beneficial for meetups? Situated in a convenient and easily reachable area, The Rising Sun Café & Bistro supports hassle-free group gatherings. Its central location means that attendees coming from different neighborhoods or areas of the city can congregate without the stress of complicated travel. Ample parking options and proximity to public transportation further simplify logistics, allowing everyone to arrive smoothly and on time. The café’s opening hours accommodate different group schedules, offering early morning brunch to late evening dinners and drinks, so meetups can happen at any time that suits the group. This flexibility makes it suitable for both weekday catch-ups and weekend celebrations. Its accessible location also encourages repeat visits, as groups can rely on the venue as a consistent and convenient go-to spot for socializing. This geographical advantage complements the café’s atmosphere and offerings, enhancing its appeal as a prime destination for memorable group experiences.
How do the customer reviews reflect the quality of experience at The Rising Sun Café & Bistro? With a strong rating of 4.4 based on nearly 60 reviews, The Rising Sun Café & Bistro clearly resonates well with its patrons. Customers consistently praise the friendly and attentive service, the quality and flavor of the food, and the inviting atmosphere that makes gatherings enjoyable. Reviews highlight the café’s ability to cater well to groups, noting the accommodating seating and the lively yet comfortable setting. Some customers appreciate the balance the café strikes between casual dining and a bistro experience, which makes it suitable for a wide range of social occasions. The positive feedback reflects a place where not only the food but also the entire social experience meets expectations. Any minor critiques tend to revolve around peak hours, suggesting that planning visits slightly outside busy times can elevate the experience further. Overall, the collective customer sentiment reinforces The Rising Sun Café & Bistro’s reputation as a prime venue for group meetups where quality and conviviality come together seamlessly.