Picnic Cafe
Silver Lake's charming cafe known for its extensive matcha menu, creative drinks, and mid-century modern vibe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Picnic Cafe
Best Time
Beat the weekend rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Silver Lake's charming cafe known for its extensive matcha menu, creative drinks, and mid-century modern vibe.
"This coffee shop is one of the best ones around right now. The ube was amazing here!!"
🎯 Extensive Matcha Menu
Explore a huge variety of matcha drinks, including unique flavor combinations.
✨ Cream Tops are a Must
Don't miss out on the delicious cream tops for your lattes and matchas!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ube Matcha Latte
Silver Lake
A creamy, vibrant purple delight that's a must-try for matcha and ube lovers.
Cream Top Lattes & Matchas
Silver Lake
Indulge in decadent cream tops on your favorite lattes and matchas for an extra treat.
Passion Fruit Puff Pastry
Silver Lake
A perfectly crispy, buttery pastry filled with a sweet and tangy passion fruit cream.
Mid-Century Modern Decor
Silver Lake
Enjoy the stylish, retro ambiance that makes this cafe a visually appealing spot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Matcha Magic & Vibe Check
Sweet Treats & Specialty Sips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Extensive Matcha Menu
Explore a huge variety of matcha drinks, including unique flavor combinations.
✨ Cream Tops are a Must
Don't miss out on the delicious cream tops for your lattes and matchas! +1
🥐 Pastry Perfection
Try the recommended Passion Fruit Kouign Amann for a delightful sweet treat.
🚶♀️ Grab-and-Go Friendly
Perfect for a quick coffee or pastry if you're on the move in Silver Lake.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Extensive Matcha Menu
Explore a huge variety of matcha drinks, including unique flavor combinations.
✨ Cream Tops are a Must
Don't miss out on the delicious cream tops for your lattes and matchas! +1
🥐 Pastry Perfection
Try the recommended Passion Fruit Kouign Amann for a delightful sweet treat.
🚶♀️ Grab-and-Go Friendly
Perfect for a quick coffee or pastry if you're on the move in Silver Lake.
🌿 Vegan Options Available
Many drinks can be made vegan; inquire about non-dairy milk and cold foam.
💰 Pricey but Worth It
Expect higher prices, especially for specialty drinks like the Vienna Latte.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Picnic Cafe is a highly-rated Silver Lake spot praised for its creative matcha drinks, delicious pastries, and charming mid-century modern ambiance. While many rave about the unique flavors and visually appealing offerings, some patrons have noted inconsistent service and higher price points. It's a popular destination for both grab-and-go and enjoying the relaxed vibe. +1
"Tried the Yuzu Matcha Tonic at Picnic on Sunset and loved it. Super refreshing—bright citrus from the yuzu, earthy matcha, and just the right amount of fizz. Light, not too sweet, and perfect for a warm LA afternoon. The vibe at Picnic is chill and minimal, with camp chairs outside and great people-watching. Definitely coming back to try more."
Matt Fukuda
"Don't get me wrong I absolutely loved Picnic I think their drinks are absolutely amazing and the atmosphere is nice. But as of lately they really lack when it comes to service. The last few times I have come I have been attended by the same person this very petite girl with very dark black hair and micro bangs, and every time she has assisted me shes been unpleasant, unkind, and just flat out rude. I have more than 130 points and with 100 points you are able to redeem a free drink and for some reason I always receive the same answer from her being oh you must just gotten those points with your purchase or you are supposed to redeem it on your end instead of actually trying to help me redden she always makes excuses for it. I mentioned how there was bug in the corner where I was sitting and her reaction was, "OMG I literally can't even" because I guess she was scared of the bug. But coming from someone that works in customer service that is definitely not a okay or professional way to handle that situation there was a literal bug and I hope this gets the attention of mangement if they have a bug problem."
Korie Mendez
"Just like its name, the venue did give that picnic vibe with array of seats outside, went along with the vibrant and bright colors venue. Very limited seats inside, but good thing was most people came and go briefly.
Plenty of unique-flavored pastries were there, and I tried their Passion Fruit Kouign Amann that the barista recommended as his most favorite from the showcase. I made the right decision following the suggestion as it's simple yet delicate. Crispy buttery texture, complemented by sweet and refreshing passion fruit cream. I did wish there's more of the cream, as it's just at the center top.
As I was craving for hot coffee, I opted for their Spanish Latte. I initially requested them to make it without cayenne as it's called out as one of the ingredients, but they told me it's just very little that you might not even taste it. It was surely true, I loved how my Spanish Latte wasn't overly sweet, perfected by the hint of cinnamon, and I could have it with almond milk for free substitution!"
JG
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Picnic Cafe is located at 3116 1/2 W Sunset Blvd in Silver Lake, Los Angeles. It's accessible by car, though parking can be challenging in the area. Public transportation options are also available, with bus stops nearby. +1
Parking in Silver Lake can be competitive. Street parking is available but often limited. Consider ride-sharing services or public transport if you're concerned about parking.
Look for the distinctive mid-century modern exterior on Sunset Blvd. It's a bit of a 'if you know, you know' spot, often described as a hole-in-the-wall gem. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required for Picnic Cafe. It's a walk-in coffee shop.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their social media or website for the most up-to-date information. They are often busy during peak hours.
There is no admission fee to enter Picnic Cafe. You pay for your food and drinks.
Picnic Cafe is primarily a grab-and-go spot with limited indoor seating and some outdoor seating. Reservations are generally not accepted.
🎫 ☕ Coffee & Drinks
The Ube Matcha Latte is a standout, as are their specialty lattes with cream tops. They also offer unique options like the Yuzu Matcha Tonic. +2
Yes, Picnic Cafe is highly praised for its matcha, with many calling it some of the best in LA. They offer a wide variety of matcha drinks. +1
Many drinks can be made vegan with non-dairy milk substitutions. The vegan Vienna with non-dairy cold foam is a popular choice.
Specialty drinks, like the Vienna Latte, can be on the pricier side, often around $7.50.
The Vienna Latte at Picnic Cafe is a specialty drink, often featuring a sweet cream topping and spices, offering a rich and indulgent flavor.
🍽️ 🍰 Food & Dining
They have a selection of unique pastries, with the Passion Fruit Kouign Amann being a highly recommended item.
While they offer some delicious pastries, it's best to inquire directly about specific gluten-free or vegan options available on the day of your visit.
Picnic Cafe focuses on coffee, matcha, and pastries. It's more of a cafe experience than a full-service restaurant.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The cafe boasts a cute mid-century modern decor, vibrant drinks, and appealing pastries, making it a popular spot for photos. +1
The exterior with its unique signage, the interior with its retro charm, and of course, your beautifully crafted drinks and pastries are all great photo opportunities.
Yes, the outdoor seating area with its camp chairs and the cafe's facade offer charming backdrops for photos, especially during the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful that the cafe can get busy, especially on weekends, so a weekday visit might be more relaxed. Parking in Silver Lake can also be a challenge, so planning your arrival or opting for ride-sharing might be beneficial.
💰 Budget Travelers
To get the most value, consider focusing on one signature drink or pastry to share, or look for any potential loyalty programs or specials.
☕ Coffee Connoisseurs
Pay attention to their specialty lattes with cream tops, which add an extra layer of indulgence.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Matcha Experience at Picnic Cafe
Beyond the standard matcha, the cafe excels at adding delightful twists. Their signature cream tops on lattes and matchas are a popular indulgence, adding a luxurious texture and flavor.
For the dedicated matcha lover, Picnic Cafe presents an opportunity to explore a wide spectrum of flavors and preparations. The sheer variety on the menu ensures that repeat visits are rewarded with new discoveries.
Vibe and Ambiance: A Silver Lake Gem
The ambiance is generally described as chill and minimal, contributing to its popularity as a grab-and-go spot for those on the move.
This combination of stylish decor and a laid-back vibe makes Picnic Cafe a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It offers a refreshing escape and a visually pleasing backdrop for enjoying specialty coffee and pastries.
Navigating Service and Value
In terms of value, Picnic Cafe's specialty drinks, such as the Vienna Latte, are on the higher end of the price spectrum, often costing around $7.50.
Despite these occasional drawbacks, many visitors still find the unique flavors and the cafe's charming ambiance to be compelling reasons to return.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit