Overview

Nestled in the vibrant Arts District of Los Angeles, Zinc Café & Bar offers a warm, inviting space that beautifully balances casual comfort with a refined culinary approach. Located at 580 Mateo St, this restaurant is ideal for a relaxed brunch, a casual lunch meeting, or simply enjoying quality food in a thoughtfully designed environment.

Zinc Café & Bar shines with its diverse menu, blending wholesome breakfast classics and inventive dishes. The avocado toast on gluten-free bread is a standout for those seeking a healthy start, while sweet-tooth seekers will appreciate the French toast served with orange butter and maple syrup. For those craving savory indulgence, the bacon gruyere omelet and truffle French fries deliver satisfying, rich flavors. Noteworthy too is their breakfast burrito bowl, a hearty and flavorful choice that echoes the café’s knack for comfort food with a sophisticated twist.

What makes Zinc truly exceptional is the balance between classic and contemporary offerings. The salad bar caters well to vegetarians and health-conscious visitors, featuring fresh mixed greens complemented by zinc vinaigrette. The evolving menu under new ownership has introduced meat options alongside its previously all-vegetarian lineup, broadening the appeal without losing its welcoming vibe. Despite some changes, loyal patrons still find favorites like the carrot ginger soup and a satisfying cheeseburger that resonate with the café’s approachable culinary style.

Beyond the food, Zinc Café & Bar provides a well-thought-out atmosphere. Its spacious indoor and outdoor seating with natural light makes it a preferred spot for informal work meetings or leisurely weekend brunches. Attentive yet unobtrusive service paired with a laid-back soundtrack enhances the experience, inviting guests to linger comfortably. Accessibility features such as a wheelchair lift reflect attention to inclusivity, though some customers suggest enhancements like QR codes for independently viewing menus.

For beverage lovers, the café’s iced coffee selection is impressive—unique offerings like the salted rosemary latte and a cleanly balanced Arnold Palmer provide refreshing options. Juices and smoothies, including the signature Zinc Sunrise, bring vibrant, fresh flavors to each sip. The café’s hot chocolate earns particular acclaim for its rich warmth, a cozy complement to any meal.

Zinc Café & Bar caters to a varied audience, from local professionals and creatives seeking a relaxed yet engaging environment to families and friends looking to enjoy honest, well-crafted dishes. Whether you come for the beloved brunch staples or the evolving lunch menu filled with both veggie and meat options, Zinc stands out as a gathering place that values both quality and community.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy-hour drinks
Healthy options
Late-night food
Private dining room
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy

What Customers Say

Thanushka Chandradasa
Apr 13,2026
5/5
Warm cozy and amazing food. Possibly the best hot chocolate in LA. Breakfast food was wholesome and delicious. Eggs with their orange yorks were amazing.
Jen Sanchez
Apr 13,2026
4/5
Great spot for work meetings, and has plenty of spots to sit. There’s a nice healthy selection of vegetarian dishes. The veggie burger (a house made burger) is always a hit with my friends. The mac, and cheese was good but a little dry for my liking. The Angel hair pasta was perfect for what I was wanting. Not too heavy, and a good bread to pair.
Barnum Angelique
Apr 13,2026
4/5
Been here before when it was under different owner, all vegetarian. It’s since been bought and new owner Anna meat has been added to the menu. Still has a great vibe and outdoor area, but the beloved veggie burger patty is gone. So if you’re looking forward to that, so sorry. Maybe we can pursuade the new ownership to bring it back. Lunch was still delicious, loved the carrot ginger soup, warm and yummy! My friend got the cheeseburger and loved it. Oh, and the bathrooms were perfectly clean :)
Lachi Music
Apr 13,2026
5/5
= has a wheelchair lift, would love if it had a QR code for blind folks to view the menu independently. ⭐= I really enjoyed the laid vibe, especially at the outdoor seating, the music was great and laid-back, the service was attentive but not invasive. My meal was decent, I got the eggs benedict, too many scallions for my liking, but they gave me extra hollandaise sauce which was fun! My hot drink was a little too hot, and my sweet drink was a little too sweet, but they both had a good amount of alcohol in it, so can you really complain? I went with my dude, who was gluten free and he loved the gluten-free pizza, and he hates sweet ciders, and they had a really nice dry cider for him.
Mark Takeichi
Apr 13,2026
4/5
Came here for lunch and got in with no reservations on a Saturday. Sat outside on a warm sunny LA day. Food was good. Order the fries they are so good.
Richard Lopez
Apr 13,2026
4/5
Food was good, had the chilaquiles and asparagus/mushrooms omelette. I like my chilaquiles spicy, these were not, although they had good flavor. The chai latte was delicious
Amy Parker
Apr 13,2026
5/5
I really like the vegetarian pizza they got. Their atmosphere is very relaxing. I really like the service!
G Whizz
Apr 13,2026
4/5
Spacious and bright restaurant featuring both tables and booths, plus a relaxing open-air courtyard adorned with olive trees and equipped with outdoor heating. The atmosphere is inviting, though the music might be a bit loud for a breakfast setting

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Friday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Saturday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Sunday 07:00 AM - 09:00 PM