After a hard work week, it’s nice to enjoy a brunch with friends. I like suggesting brunch because menus include both breakfast and lunch items. Eater LA recently posted their 15 Hottest Brunch Spots in LA and All Time was on the select list. The write-up for All Time seemed interesting and so I invited a couple of friends and dined there recently.
All Time is located on busy Hillhurst Ave. in Silverlake. They have a tiny parking lot on the corner that is limited to approximately four cars. Also built on the lot is a small building which houses a flower shop. Residential parking is almost non-existent, but we lucked out by finding a metered space across the street.
Customers line up at the counter and when we arrived, the line extended outside. The restaurant is set up for table turn-over. Rules such as no squatting on tables are posted on a sign and menus are provided so that diners in line can select what they want before they reach the counter. Fortunately, someone offered us coffee while we waited.
There are two different experiences at All Time. The inside is quite noisy because music is playing and the acoustics are quite live. Despite being on Hillhurst Ave., the patio was quite serene. Tables are placed to maximize seating and you have to exercise care to walk by without accidentally colliding into one of the staff.
One of my friends selected the Cheesy Eggs on Toast. Scrambled eggs on toast seem rather pedestrian, but All Time prepared them so that they were delicately soft and fluffy. You could taste the freshness of the eggs and the fresh sliced avocado, chopped chives, and white cheddar added nice elements to the taste.
My other friend selected the daily hash. That day it was made with a lamb sausage patty and served with a medley of fresh vegetables topped with two fried eggs. My friend enjoyed both the taste and the unique textures presented. He seemed to be quite happy with his selection.
The B.O.A.T. or Best of All Time, appealed to me because it was similar to a huevos rancheros. It included two fried eggs, black beans, tortillas, avocado, and plantains. Ingredients-wise, it was similar to huevos rancheros and I really liked the addition of plantains. I was happy that they weren’t greasy.
All Time is extremely popular with the locals and my friend really enjoyed the quality and taste of his coffee. Coffee refills are free but are self-service. Don’t expect anyone to come by your table with a hot pot of steaming coffee.
A dinner menu is handwritten on the walls and includes items such as a Whole Branzino, a 68 day aged Rib-Eye for two, Housemade Cavatelli, and Fried Artichoke with Cauliflower and Whipped Feta.
The food and presentation at All Time is top notch. They use fresh quality ingredients that are prepared well. Given how small the restaurant is, I was surprised to see how much attention they place to the presentation of each dish.
All Time is a great place to enjoy an excellent brunch. Due to the crowds, don’t expect to spend a lot of time conversing with your dining partners.
All Time, 2040 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
alltimelosangeles.com