A Glimpse into Cafe Tropical: A Silver Lake Institution
Local establishment Cafe Tropical, revitalized by the community in LA.
Nestled on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of Silver Lake, Los Angeles, Cafe Tropical stands as a cherished community hub. With its vibrant purple facade and Cuban-inspired cuisine, the cafe has been a local favorite for 50 years.
The cafe's interior, adorned with minty banquettes, green awnings, and concrete floors, exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. Bustelo coffee tins are repurposed as utensil holders at the counter, adding a touch of authenticity to the space.
Cafe Tropical is renowned for its reasonable prices, with a breakfast sandwich costing just $10. The menu features its greatest hits, including the Cubano, a sandwich that is served piping hot, with thin, salty sheets of smoked ham and pulled lechon (pork) balanced by a smear of mustard, melted Swiss, and pickle. The cafe also offers flaky guava paste-filled puff pastry and pastelito.
The cafe's friendly owners and staff are a significant part of its appeal. They interact warmly with customers, creating a welcoming environment. Menu items are even named after the team members, such as "Danny's Breakfast" and the "McManny" sandwich.
The community rallied together to save Cafe Tropical, with Danny Khorunzhiy, Ed Cornell, and Rene Navarrette stepping in as the new owners. These former customers are committed to maintaining the cafe's neighbourly ethos, hosting events such as summer block parties and introducing new ice cream flavors.
Cafe Tropical also extends its community involvement by providing pastries wholesale to surrounding cafes and partnering with local non-profit Feed the Streets to fundraise and provide kitchen space to make meals for the hungry. The cafe is especially active during times of need, such as the January fires, when it played a significant role in serving the Eastside community.
Silver Lake's coffee scene is crowded, with seven other cafes within a three-block radius. However, Cafe Tropical remains a popular spot, not just for its coffee and cuisine, but also for its dog-friendly atmosphere. Many dog walkers grab a cafecito to go from the cafe.
Cafe Tropical is located at 2900 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026, and is open Tuesday-Sunday, 7am-3pm. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Cafe Tropical is a must-visit destination in Silver Lake.
The cafe extends its involvement in the community by providing pastries wholesale to nearby cafes and partnering with local non-profit Feed the Streets for fundraising and providing kitchen space to make meals for the less fortunate.
Visitors to Silver Lake can find a variety of businesses that cater to their lifestyle needs, including Cafe Tropical, known for its dog-friendly atmosphere and Cuban-inspired food-and-drink, as well as home-and-garden essentials in the neighborhood's vibrant markets.
