605118 Thu Mar 19 15:03:52 -0700 2009 20 2 Los Angeles Area 0 4520335 I just started working in Eagle Rock, and so far the only place I've been to for lunch is Auntie Em's, which - at the risk of annoying some die-hard fans - I think is a bit overpriced. Usually I either bring my own food or meet friends in Pasadena or Glendale, but I'd rather stay closer to work. I haven't tried Casa Bianca yet, but I don't think they're open for lunch. What are some other good (and on the cheaper side) places for lunch around here? I'm open to pretty much any type of food, as long as it's tasty (which is why I'm here, obviously). Thanks! Thu Mar 19 15:03:52 -0700 2009 129829 hbsmithie 1 4520386 Head down York to My Taco in Highland Park. Or for that matter, explore other Mexican options in HP, such as El Huarache Azteca. Thu Mar 19 15:21:53 -0700 2009 4520335 174303 Vaya Con Carne 2 4545193 I have had great food every time I have gone to The York, including last night. Fri Mar 27 17:48:50 -0700 2009 4520386 13235 lotta_cox 1 4520390 The Oinkster Spitz Brownstone Pizza Senor Fish Thu Mar 19 15:22:52 -0700 2009 4520335 12460 Chowpatty 2 4520401 I completely and wholeheartedly second the Oinkster. Thu Mar 19 15:25:46 -0700 2009 4520390 198245 a213b 3 4547322 The only thing good at Oinkster is the fries. The burger is okay, but can definitely get a better one and the pastrami is bland and disgusting. The BBQ is horrible as well, especially for the price they charge. Sat Mar 28 18:01:12 -0700 2009 4520401 254809 A5 KOBE 4 4547733 The burger I had was delicious; one of the better ones I've had in the city. The fries, as you mentioned, were outstanding. And they at least get the sauce right for a North Carolina-style Pulled-Pork Sandwich, though the one I ate there was pretty tasty in general. Sat Mar 28 21:32:57 -0700 2009 4547322 198245 a213b 5 4547803 I cringe at the thought of spending another eight dollars on a pastrami or pulled pork sandwich of that caliber. The only thing I get there is the cheeseburger and fries. But if you like, I can't argue with that. I'll travel to Gardena and get my pulled pork fix at Jaybee's. hahaha Sat Mar 28 23:00:57 -0700 2009 4547733 254809 A5 KOBE 2 4520485 I recently tried Brownstone in Pasadena, and I'll respectfully disagree if it's similar to teh Pasadena location. I don't know how similar the two branches are, but while I enjoyed the ultra-thinness of the crust, I found Brownstone's pies to be curiously devoid of flavor. They didn't taste bad; they just had no flavor whatsoever. Not in the sauce, not in the cheese, not in the sausage topping. Oinkster, on the other hand, is a definite yes! Thu Mar 19 15:57:17 -0700 2009 4520390 11553 Jack Flash 3 4520631 I've never tried the one in Pasadena but the one in Eagle Rock surprised me in the exact opposite way... a thin pizza with so much flavor. I wonder if the preparation/proportions are different between the two locations. BTW, Brownstone now offers (some of the best, IMHO) calzones that are off the menu but available for order. HIGHLY recommend their calzones as I was floored at how light but flavorful their's is. In any case, I recommend Brownstone as well as the Coffee Table which is right up the street from there as well. Dave's Chillin' and Grillin' is good, not great, but the guy is so passionate about what he does that it's worth patronizing the place. Thu Mar 19 16:45:27 -0700 2009 4520485 118060 mrshankly 3 4545132 Jack, I tried the Brownstone in Pasadena today and you are right. It is noticeably different and lacking in flavor. Really a disappointment compared to the flavor and texture of the Eagle Rock branch (which I personally love). Fri Mar 27 17:25:02 -0700 2009 4520485 118060 mrshankly 4 4545165 It's good to know that (a) I'm not the only one who found it lacking and (b) other branches are different. I'm now interested in trying the one in Eagle Rock; it's not too far away. Fri Mar 27 17:39:23 -0700 2009 4545132 11553 Jack Flash 1 4520403 Senor Fish, Oinkster, Spitz (those are just off the top of my head, so to speak, and are "tasty") Thu Mar 19 15:26:14 -0700 2009 4520335 217737 oldiebutfoodie 2 4520618 The Bucket (great burgers - and I mean great) Dave's Chillin' & Grillin' (sandwiches & smoothies from a guy who cares) Folliero's (NY style pizza a couple of minutes away in Highland Park) Polka (Polish - more reasonable lunch menu) Coffee Table (excellent salads and sandwiches - and a not too bad burger) Camilo's (a little more formal, but I believe they have salads & sandwiches at lunch) Lemongrass (good Vietnamese I like the bahn mi) Panang (decent Thai) Sicha Siam (ditto) Mediterranean restaurant in the CVS/Super A shopping center is pretty okay La Fuente (some CH'rs love it) OK Chinese (same strip mall as La Fuente - surprisingly decent fast food Chinese - always a line at dinner) Stoney Point (on the Eagle Rock/Pasadena border - similar to Camilo's) Sorrentino's on the Eagle Rock/Pasadena border Finally - Fresh & Easy has good prepared sandwiches that are ridiculously cheap if you want to grab something quick. Think these might be a good start? FWIW - BIG yes to My Taco & Senior Fish. You also have the York on York (duh), for some very decent, but pricy bar food). IMHO, Oinkster is NOT the second coming (Dave's C&G has better sandwiches and he works harder to please). I agree about Brownstone - not terrible, just meh. Thu Mar 19 16:41:09 -0700 2009 4520403 11135 Briggs 1 4520561 Armon's Pete's Tommy's O.K. Chinese Classic Thai Mediterranean Triangle L&L Hawaiian Dave's Chillin and Grillin Jerry's Mexican Grill Thu Mar 19 16:22:07 -0700 2009 4520335 243008 eeka 1 4520635 All great suggestions! Also, the Glendale Zankou is really quite close to E.R.-- just head West on Colorado and you're there in 5 minutes. Thu Mar 19 16:47:28 -0700 2009 4520335 16019 jotoll 1 4520637 You gotta try Oinkster. Great food, kind of crowded sometimes. If you go, get the pastrami. Nice choice. Oh, and the alioli is great with the fries. Tommy's ain't bad either. If you want a gatropub, go to The York, on York. It is near the border of Highland Park and Eagle Rock. Thu Mar 19 16:48:54 -0700 2009 4520335 259583 ohdaylay 2 4545152 At Oinkster, I suggest the Royale burger: a patty, pastrami, bacon, cheese and chili!!! It's huge (obviously), it costs less than eight bucks and they'll cook it as rare as you want. Downside: You'll probably go into a food coma once you get back to work. Fri Mar 27 17:33:46 -0700 2009 4520637 278004 ihrtfud 1 4520714 Almost forgot, Eagle Rock Bakery for good sanwiches Thu Mar 19 17:12:42 -0700 2009 4520335 243008 eeka 2 4546183 Great call. Eagle Rock Bakery has the best sandwches in L.A. and for two reasons. First, they bake the best sandwich rolls this side of NYC. The crust is perfect, the tug could not be better and the chew is also a true east coast quality.The bread sticks by the front door are great also. If the OP takes some of those back to the co-workers it will crreate friends for life. On Saturday morning try the pizza bread -- OMG!. Second, they have a great selection of deli meats.and cheeses. They will make a custom sandwich for you or you can buy the bread rolls and other stuff to make your own. I have bought a couple rolls, a peperoni stick and some cheese and that is a picnic for two just waiting to happen. Directly accross from Tommy's. Take a ticket, wait in line, make your order and wait again. It is these waits, which pay off with great food at the end of the wait, which add to the NYC feel of the place. Sat Mar 28 08:36:25 -0700 2009 4520714 90917 JeetJet 1 4545177 You must go to Polka. Wonderful pork schnitzel and a lovely, friendly place to lunch. Fri Mar 27 17:42:44 -0700 2009 4520335 10240 Bob Brooks