Academy Cafe

Reviews

• Good A.

  star star star star star 1 June 2026

  One of LA Best Kept Secrets!
  
  This place is truly one of the most inconic restaurant in Los Angeles, walking inside the restaurant, you feel like you have just gotten off a time machine back to the 50s.  
  
  It is located inside the Los Angeles Police Academy, I've always thought this place was closed to only police officers, but after reading other reviews, its open to the public and parking is always free.  
  
  After walking in, I quickly realize that the time have stood still in this restaurant, it was like I walked into something from the past.  The horse shoe style diner arrangement and the many booths around the restaurant, who has booths anymore.  
  
  We were greeted by Lucy, who told us that she has worked here for the past 20 years, she was friendly and very attentive to our needs.  The menu had some really unique items and names to dishes that is unique to the LAPD.  We also noticed how cheap the prices were on some of the breakfast items, almost all the breakfast items were under $10, even steak and eggs.  
  
  We placed our order and the food was prepared and brought to our table within 10 mins, very fast service.  The food was delish and tasty, you can't really screw up breaksfast.  The pancakes were fluffy and the steak and eggs were prepared as ordered.  
  
  We noticed some police personnel eating at the location, and some tourist from Germany, but the cafe was kinda quiet in the morning.  After breakfast, we walked around the Academy a bit, saw a group of police recruits running around.  
  
  My final thoughts, the experience of eating at one of LA's oldest restaurant was definately an unique experience, it probably the safest restaurant to eat in LA as well.  The food and service were exceptional, prices are rock bottom, overall, a very positive experience.

• Trixie B.

  star star star star star 29 May 2026

  Took my 82 year old Aunt here for her birthday along with her 85 year old sister. We had a great time and they got to eat with cute cops. The food was delicious burgers, blts and pozole and delicious garlic fries. They brought an ice cream sundae for her birthday. parking is a tad confusing we did stop at the gate house and the directions to the cafe or not clear we had to ask twice and there are stairs. The gals managed it and it was a good pre lunch workout.
  
  don't miss a stop at their great gift shop when you're finished it's just next door. It's a great bit of LA history and the rock work is beautiful.

• Elizabeth T.

  star star star star star_border 20 May 2026

  I enjoyed a lovely breakfast this morning at the LAPD Academy's diner/cafe. Lucy was an absolute delight and made the experience so enjoyable. Although it was a rather empty morning apparently the diner can be pretty packed depending on the day. I ordered the Avocado Toast (that comes with cotija cheese, tomatoes, onions, chia seeds, seasoning and two poached eggs). It was unique, tasty and left me completely content and happy. The diner has been in operation for over 50 years now (according to Lucy). For those looking for a homestyle diner experience, this is a great spot.

• Vincent A.

  star star star star star 16 May 2026

  This is the best kept secret for breakfast and lunch.  There are some that believe, the LAPD Academy is a private venue.  Well it is.  They won't allow you to use the pistol ranges or the pool and workout rooms.  There are some off-limit areas.  The Cafe and Gift shop are open to the public.  How cool is that!  The prices in the Cafe are excellent and the food quality is superb.  Couple of hints.  The Cafe is located at the famous, Los Angeles Police Academy.  When driving up, do not pay attention to the Police Only Parking Sign smack in the middle of the road at the entrance.  The sign is there when there are Dodger games.  Do Not Park at the Academy during Dodger games.  You will be towed. Ha, ask me how I know.  There is never a wait and the cost for breakfast and lunch is outstanding.  There is an LAPD gift shop that sells Tshirts and trinkets.  Its a great place.

• Helper G.

  star star star star_border star_border 15 May 2026

  I hoping it's only opening week issues and kinks that need to get worked out.  One disappointing factor is that the staff that was here before did not get rehired as promised.   That's very upsetting because they were like family.  
  
  Some menu items have been changed. I had the opportunity to try the new egg salad sandwich with bacon which was very tasty.  Did not care to much for the garlic fries but the onion rings were delicious.  
  
  I will be back because, quite honestly, there is no where else to eat up on the hill.