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ZipPicks Awards
Best Sandwiches in Highland Park
Best Brunch in Highland Park
Master Critic Review
Kitchen Mouse Cafe
8.2
Kitchen Mouse is a vegetarian, gluten-free cafe that treats sandwiches with the same care as its bowls and brunch plates, from the tempeh Reuben to stacked breakfast sandwiches on griddled gluten-free bread. Bright, cozy interiors and a leafy patio draw steady lines of families, veg-forward eaters, and neighborhood regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tempeh Reuben Sandwich, Jo's Breakfast Sandwich, Avocado TLT
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A health-conscious cafe where gluten-free, vegetarian sandwiches actually feel indulgent.
Who should go: Gluten-free diners and veggie-forward brunch lovers.
When to visit: Late morning on weekdays to avoid peak brunch crowds.
What to order: Tempeh Reuben, Jo’s Breakfast Sandwich, and Avocado TLT.
Insider tip: Put your name in, then browse nearby shops while you wait for a table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Figueroa and neighboring residential streets; meters can be tight on weekends but usually manageable on weekdays. No valet or lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfy — activewear, jeans, and brunch-ready fits all work.
Noise level: Moderate — lively brunch chatter but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — the café closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Short waits of 5–15 minutes; often no wait before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian.
Vegan options: Several strong options, plus dishes that can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Excellent — dedicated gluten-free menu and careful preparation since the whole café is GF-friendly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the sunny patio and cozy interiors feel warm and low-pressure, perfect for a casual daytime date with great food that doesn’t feel heavy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Expect lines on weekends; add your name to the list and explore the surrounding shops while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — spacious seating, a family-friendly crowd, and gentle flavors make it ideal for toddlers to tweens. High chairs are typically available.
Best For
Better for: Creative gluten-free and vegetarian sandwiches that taste indulgent, plus a bright brunch atmosphere that outshines most GF-focused cafés.
Skip if: You want a quiet, long dinner or need meat-heavy options — it’s daytime-only and fully vegetarian.
Hours
Monday8am - 4pm
Tuesday8am - 4pm
Wednesday8am - 4pm
Thursday8am - 4pm
Friday8am - 4pm
Saturday8am - 4pm
Sunday8am - 4pm