Walk in on a Saturday around 10 and you will find regulars at the counter, families clustered around tables, and a host quietly working the wait list.
Set in Los Angeles, CA, Ten Forward Coffee and Tea Lounge has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
The hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Ten Forward Coffee and Tea Lounge. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Veggie scramble with spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese
- Crab cake Benedict with old-bay hollandaise (regional specialty)
- Acai bowl with granola, banana, coconut, and honey drizzle
- House bloody mary with bacon, olives, and pickled vegetables
- Buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and warm maple syrup
- Avocado toast on grilled sourdough with chili crisp and a soft egg
- Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
- Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
Light streams in through tall windows, jazz plays at a sensible volume, and the espresso machine hums in the background like a third instrument.
If you only order one thing, make it the shakshuka — a bubbling cast-iron pan of tomatoes, peppers, and softly poached eggs, served with warm pita for sopping.
Solo diners should head straight for the counter — the cooks will keep you entertained and the line moves fastest there.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Los Angeles, Ten Forward Coffee and Tea Lounge is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. By the time you walk out, you'll already be planning a return visit — and probably a long walk to work off the second cup of coffee.
Tips from the regulars
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
- Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
- If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Fr 6:45-23:00; Sa 9:00-23:00; Su 9:00-22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Fr 6:45-23:00; Sa 9:00-23:00; Su 9:00-22:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Fr 6:45-23:00; Sa 9:00-23:00; Su 9:00-22:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Fr 6:45-23:00; Sa 9:00-23:00; Su 9:00-22:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Fr 6:45-23:00; Sa 9:00-23:00; Su 9:00-22:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Fr 6:45-23:00; Sa 9:00-23:00; Su 9:00-22:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Fr 6:45-23:00; Sa 9:00-23:00; Su 9:00-22:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Ten Forward Coffee and Tea Lounge open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Fr 6:45-23:00; Sa 9:00-23:00; Su 9:00-22:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Ten Forward Coffee and Tea Lounge take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Los Angeles are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Ten Forward Coffee and Tea Lounge kid-friendly?
Yes — Ten Forward Coffee and Tea Lounge welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Ten Forward Coffee and Tea Lounge serve?
It's classified under cafe — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Los Angeles.
Is there outdoor seating at Ten Forward Coffee and Tea Lounge?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 1635 Vine Street. Coordinates: 34.1008, -118.3269. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.