Run (Don't Walk) to John O’Groats Encino!

So here it is: my first-ever restaurant review for “Eat When You’re Hungry” readers. I don’t know if I’ll do more reviews or not, but I am so excited about this new-to-the-valley restaurant that I can’t contain myself any longer. In fact, I’m so in love with said restaurant that I’ve put off writing this post because I didn’t think my words would do justice to the place.

Since I just can’t wait any longer, and without further adieu, here goes: my review of the fabulous, scrumptious, gem of a restaurant where the owner knows your name after your first meal there: John O’Groats.

If you’re familiar with John O’Groats, no doubt you’ve been to the one on Pico Boulevard in West L.A. It’s been a staple there for decades and grew out of the equally fabulous (so I hear) Bit O’ Scotland restaurant. It’s a family-owned eatery, and the owner Paul, who went to Cornell’s hotel management school, understands how to run a restaurant like few people can. The West L.A. location is known for it’s amazing food including everything from comfort food classics and sophisticated scrambles, to O’Groats creations like huevos rancheros on their famous biscuit dough. John O'Groats is also popular because of its equally addictive atmosphere (the owner really will get to know you and ask about details you forgot you’d shared with him the last time you were there). Some people go to the restaurant for the biscuits alone because they are just that good.

Anyway, when I found out that John O’Groats opened in Encino, I was cautiously thrilled. The West Los Angeles location has a personality that I figured couldn’t be recreated in a new location. Well, my caution was for naught because John O’Groats nailed it in the new spot. I almost think it’s better than the original restaurant. Let’s start with décor. It’s updated and sophisticated, yet the entire restaurant reminds you why you love the original one so much. They even incorporated the famous (at least “famous” to regular patrons) U-Shaped counter that is so loved in the West L.A. location, where you can watch all the action or simply sit back and read the paper over a good cup of coffee.

Plus, gift of all gifts – the restaurant is equipped with personal PURSE HOLDERS! That’s right: every table has a little hook under it to hang your purse. All restaurants in America should take note and follow suit. For that reason alone, you should go to John O'Groats Encino and personally thank the owner for thinking of this.

I should also note that by the time I’d been to the restaurant twice, the owner and the manager (two different people) already knew me and my entire family. Speaking of family, despite occasional trepidation at taking four-month-old Emily to meals in restaurants, I’ve always felt totally comfortable bringing her to John O’Groats in Encino. There is a changing table in the Ladies’ Room, plus two back rooms where you don’t feel abandoned by the restaurant staff, and yet feel okay if your baby decides to break out in sobs because she’s hungry (or wants to be held, or needs a diaper change, or just feels like exercising her lungs).

And the food is scrumptious! I tend to keep it simple with bacon, eggs and fresh-from-the-oven biscuits served with butter and jam. They also have the best steel-cut oatmeal in the city, in addition to sophisticated omelets, scrambles, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and yes, pot pie. (Note: The lunch and dinner menu is just as good as the breakfast one, so don't be misled by the pictures of biscuits and french toast on the restaurant's website)

If you want a treat this weekend, run (don’t walk) to John O’Groats in Encino. Introduce yourself to the owner, Paul. And let me know what you think!