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ZipPicks Awards
Best Sandwiches in Sawtelle Japantown
Master Critic Review
Churros Calientes
7.7
An evening-only churrería that fries organic Spanish churros to order and pairs them with thick, European-style hot chocolate — a narrow menu executed with enough discipline to hold a 4.5 Google rating across 650+ reviews. The sidewalk patio on Santa Monica Blvd sets a low-key after-dinner tempo that fits the Sawtelle strip, and the 6:30 PM open means street parking is usually painless. Best used as a deliberate dessert stop rather than a browse-and-decide situation — pick your churro variant, grab a bench, and let the simplicity do the work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Churros con Chocolate, Dulce de Leche Churros, Guava Churros
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Evening-only churrería serving fresh-to-order organic Spanish churros with European-style hot chocolate on a cozy sidewalk patio.
Who should go: Late-night sweet-tooth seekers and churro purists
When to visit: Friday or Saturday evening for the full late-night window
What to order: Start with classic churros con chocolate to taste the base, then try a filled churro like dulce de leche or guava — desserts like tres leches come with four bonus churros.
Insider tip: Order the European-style hot chocolate as your dipping sauce instead of the standard chocolate — reviewers call it a standout.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on Santa Monica Blvd — no dedicated lot. Metered spots in the strip; usually manageable on weeknights since they open at 6:30 PM after rush hour clears
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Vegetable soup, Caesar salad, and Sherry salad on the menu alongside churros with various sweet toppings
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — this tiny, charming café has a romantic European coffeehouse feel with Spanish-inspired decor, string lights on the patio at night, and Latin-inspired background music. It's ideal as a late-night dessert date spot rather than a full dinner date. The intimate size makes conversation easy. Grab churros and hot chocolate on the heated patio for a memorable, low-pressure evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes — this is a counter-service café, so walk-ins are the norm. However, expect a line during peak weekend hours (Friday and Saturday nights), as the space is very small with limited seating. They're open evenings only (Wed–Sun, starting around 5:30–6:30pm, closing 11:30pm–midnight). Arriving right at open or on a weeknight gives you the best chance of grabbing a table without a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids — the menu of churros, hot chocolate, and simple sandwiches is naturally appealing to children. The casual atmosphere is forgiving of noise. However, the space is tiny, so navigating with a stroller would be difficult. High chairs and a dedicated kids menu are not confirmed — call ahead at (424) 248-3890 if you need these. Best for kids who can sit at a regular table and enjoy a dessert outing.
Is it good for groups? Difficult — the space is consistently described as tiny with only a handful of tables inside and on the patio. Parties of 4 are manageable, but anything larger than 6 would be a squeeze. No private dining is available. For larger gatherings, they do offer catering with 48 hours' notice, which may be a better option. Call ahead if your group exceeds 4.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — a street-side patio on Santa Monica Blvd with outdoor heaters and string lights at night. The patio creates a warm, inviting atmosphere for evening visits. Whether it's fully covered is not confirmed, so plan accordingly in rainy weather. The outdoor space is small but pleasant, and it's the best spot for a date-night churro session.
Best For
Better for: Late-night churro cravings — open until midnight Fri-Sat with outdoor patio seating in a cozy, intimate setting. Perfect post-dinner sweet stop on the Westside
Skip if: You need elbow room — tiny shop with an L-shaped layout that gets shoulder-to-shoulder when busy, very limited indoor seating
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday6:30pm - 11:30pm
Thursday6:30pm - 11:30pm
Friday6:30pm - 12am
Saturday5:30pm - 12am
Sunday5:30pm - 11:30pm