The Trails

The Setting

The cafe sits at 2333 Fern Dell Drive, where several popular trails converge near the southern entrance to Griffith Park. You’ll spot the rustic wooden structure as soon as you pull up. There’s no indoor seating—just a walk-up counter where you order, then grab a spot at one of the concrete picnic tables scattered under a thick canopy of oak trees. The shade here stays cool even on hot days. Squirrels dart between tables. You can hear the creek when it’s running. A playground sits across the street, so families can let kids burn energy while parents finish their coffee.

This is casual, outdoor dining at its most straightforward. You order at the window, wait for your name to be called, then find a table. The vibe is relaxed and unhurried: people linger, dogs sprawl under benches, hikers study trail maps while eating.

The Food

The Trails specializes in house-baked goods made fresh each day. The lavender shortbread cookies get mentioned in nearly every review—soft and buttery with just enough lavender to be interesting without tasting like soap. Seasonal pies rotate but often include strawberry rhubarb, apple, and chocolate cream. The scones come in flavors like lavender chocolate chip and blueberry almond.

For savory options, the avocado sandwich has a devoted following: thick slices of avocado, tomato, sprouts, and tempeh bacon on whole wheat bread. It’s simple but done well. The Snake Dog (an all-beef hot dog wrapped in puff pastry and served with fresh berries) appeals to kids and adults alike. Other menu items include quiche, frittata, grilled cheese, and a chickpea salad sandwich.

Coffee comes from quality beans, and they offer loose-leaf teas. Expect to pay café prices, but portions are generous. The menu includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

What to Expect

Lines form quickly, especially on weekend mornings and after lunch. The cafe has a small staff working a single counter, so service moves at a measured pace. If you arrive at 10am on a Saturday, plan to wait 15-20 minutes. Early mornings (right when they open at 8am) or weekday afternoons see fewer crowds.

The menu is limited compared to a full restaurant, which is the point. They focus on doing a few things well rather than offering everything. If you’re looking for elaborate breakfast plates or a full lunch menu, you’ll be disappointed. This is a grab-and-go operation that happens to have nice places to sit.

Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, making this a popular stop for people hiking with their pets. You’ll see water bowls scattered around. The staff is friendly to four-legged visitors.

Making the Most of Your Visit

Come hungry if you’re hiking. The baked goods provide good fuel, and the sandwiches are filling enough to power a trek up to the Observatory. If you’re visiting the playground across the street with kids, the cafe makes a convenient snack stop.

The location puts you steps away from Fern Dell Trail, which winds through fern gardens and follows a small creek. It’s an easy, mostly flat walk good for young children or anyone wanting a gentle stroll. More ambitious hikers can connect to trails leading up to Griffith Observatory. It’s about a 20-minute climb with steady elevation gain.

Try the lavender shortbread if available. It’s become a signature item for good reason. The avocado sandwich earns its reputation too. If you’re there with kids, the Snake Dog is a safe bet.

Street parking along Fern Dell Drive is free but can fill up on busy days. Griffith Park itself is open from 5am to 10:30pm, giving you plenty of window to explore before or after your cafe stop.