Think of this as a trip to Arnold's Drive-In on Happy Days, except everybody, in every booth, is carrying a badge and a gun. Your hamburger has never been safer. I have not been here for decades, it truly is a Los Angeles gem. Public welcome. You drive to the Academy and park in the lot next to all the black-and-whites, you go up the stairs and walk down to the café. Around lunchtime on a weekday they had more employees than customers, but they are so welcoming and nice. Really great service, I'll try to post some photos of the menu, ridiculously low prices. It's an experience. read more

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A friend brought me here for lunch and it reminded me of an old school diner with tons of cops and some firefighters. The cafe is located at the Police academy for LAPD. I parked in their parking lot and walk up the stairs, walk to the back towards the pool. The restaurant is on the right hand side. I ordered the Chinese Chicken salad which was really good and fresh. The portion size very generous and it could easily be split between 2 people. The service was super efficient and friendly. I would definitely come back and try other items. read more

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I went often to Academy Café, officially known as LAPRAAC Café, the acronym stands for Los Angeles Police Revolver & Athletic Club back in the 1990's. Mei the waitress at the time was fast, especially friendly, amiable, efficient. Open from 6am to 1pm, you can linger till around 1:30. It's a 1940's style American diner decorated with lots of LAPD memorabilia. The bar seats around the counters for those officers & recruits who want to just eat & leave still have clips for covers on back of the chairs. You can hear rounds of gun shots echoing from the rifle range outside. Now 30 years later, almost nothing seems to have changed. Richard F. who worked for LAPD and dined with me, vouched on that. Kristin, our waitress, is friendly, fast, efficient. One item I saw that was different from 30 years ago was the Beck Burger. Chief Beck, who was chief November 17, 2009 - June 27, 2018, must have leaned toward a gourmand approach to good eating since the ingredients had an air of culinary sophistication compared to the other burger selections. 1) Beck Burger has two meaty beef patties; good quality blue cheese; two thick not too overly cooked porky bacon; roasted tomato jam; chopped, sweet, caramelized onions. $12.95 Also added half an avocado $3. Standard hamburger bun. I ordered medium rare but unfortunately got it closer to well done. Since there were no fresh greens, I brought my own organic home grown Nira/Japanese garlic chives, Italian Arugula, Japanese Shiso, Greek basil, shredded cabbage to add an aromatic, vegetal freshness. Used a friend's Caesar Salad dressing as a complex Aïoli (ah ee oh lee) condiment. 2) French Fries: Asked for crispy and the request was honored. The unusual texture is airy, grainy, light at the same time. Fresh, sweet oil scent. Taste has a slight Umami that reminded me of frying in duck or beef tallow. 1-2) Ice Tea was "Lipton" Orange Pekoe style. The prices at the Academy Café hark back to pre-covid times. Great place to eat quality food and be steeped in LAPD history as well as seeing officers who keep our city safe. 4 stars read more

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Food is delicious. The country fried steak is tender and seasoned perfectly. The gravy and country potatoes were perfect. I need to eat here more often read more

It's weird how comforting the food is here considering how much anxiety some people feel being around so much Law Enforcement. As a tax paying, law abiding citizen I felt uneasy by the clientele, but also relaxed because of the neutral ground a diner is. The oldest in LA even. Like this place feels like it's been around since before the existence of cops. Not really. I think it's kept some of it's popularity down by it's location. I went with the The Force breakfast, pancakes could have been fluffier, but they were good sized. Probably should have gotten the french toast, another table got it and I was jealous. Syrup and taste was fine. Bacon they made extra crispy for me and the value was excellent. When i returned for lunch I was surpised they had salads as it's not typically what you would expect officers to be eating. I went with the classic reuben. I'd say normal sized and not deli sized, good flavor for everything except the meats. After seeing the meatball sandwich I should have gotten that (love that it comes on amorosso roll, but yet the philly didn't note that which was either a big error or probably another miss). Service was good, friendly, lots of locals.... Also in case you are wondering the staff are not off duty cops. I kinda thought there would be other departments, but didn't see 1 uniform from another department. Ambiance is classic diner, lots of copy photo's. I may have hidden some googly eyes on the premise. I was surpised by some of the food item names, like they totally could/should have used better pun names. I chuckled as I joked with my friend that I had to go blow up the bathroom, it gets better reaction when I'm at the airport. I kid, I kid. It's a good cafe, unique in every way. While I don't think it's such a great place for people to go out of their way to come here. It's certainly worth it if the detour is less than 20 minutes. read more

When the phrase "hidden jem" or "best kept secret" were coined, they very likely were based on Academy Cafe. Located at the very historic Los Angeles Police Academy, this cafe is near perfection for me: great food, great service, great price, great location. The cafe is frozen in authentic mid-century design. It's immaculately clean and well cared and you can see the pride in everyone who works there, and even the patrons. They have very traditional toast bacon egg choices, and healthier options as well. Something for everyone. Be sure to check out the historic images on the walls, walk around the gardens and don't miss the gift shop!! Pay attention to the hours because Academy Cafe doesn't cater to the weekend brunch crowd. I'm just sorry I missed out on Academy Cafe during my first 25 years in LA. I promise the second 25 will be different. Waffles anyone?!! read more

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THE OLDEST DINER IN LOS ANGELES Came here for their famous and unique menu items. This place has been here for almost 100 years, just mins away from DTLA. I ordered their secret menu item Meatball and Sausage sandwich for us. Since I was on Keto, the owner/Richard, said No Problem, I will make it as close to keto for you.... He the explained to me that they source their bread from Philadelphia, which I thought was super unique. The bread is definitely the star of the sandwich, it's soft and at the same has substance to it. Compared to Eastside Deli, Academy roll was superb. The meatballs and sausage combo is off menu item, you will have to ask for it with secret hand shake. It comes with the best seasoned fries or fruit for $13.95. Best deal in the 213/323. The service was outstanding as always, very attentive staff, always filling your water and napkins, since the sandwich is very messy with the sauce. Overall, it's a great dining experience at the oldest diner in the Los Angeles. read more

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Excellent food with 70s diner vibes, smack in the middle of the Police Academy. Good service and very reasonable prices. If you're interested in Los Angeles history, definitely go check it out. Don't be nervous about all the LAPD walking around, it's a fun hang and great food. Check hours tho. It closes early. read more

Went there with Good Times Travem Group. Excellent food--chicken and salmon, mashed potatoes, asparagus, salad and fruit tart. What a treat!

What a great place for breakfast! Definitely a hidden gem. The service was amazing, the food delicious, and the ambience is so nice! Everyone was so friendly. It was well worth the drive from Orange County! I would definitely go back again. read more

Love it!! Great food, great service and AMAZING prices!!!! It's hidden for sure but such a delicious place. Also, for added fun, you can get a great view of Dodger Stadium as you leave. read more

Unique and nostalgic atmosphere. Best tater tots and bacon I've ever had. Great dinner style food with plenty of menu variety, generous servings and friendly staff. read more

Academy Cafe - Chicken parmesan sandwich and the best tater tots around. - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Came here really quickly before my brother's police academy graduation. Just stopped in with some family to get some hot tea and sourdough toast to go. Service was fast and friendly and the atmosphere was like a classic American diner. Even though we didn't stop in for that long, it was nice warming up in here and relaxing before sitting outside for my brother's graduation. The sourdough was tasty and a nice light breakfast. read more

The safest restaurant in town. We went on a weekday during Thanksgiving break. My little guys want to be police officers and there is always at least one officer that will give them badge stickers. Different LEO come to this restaurant. There were sheriffs, some leadership, SWAT officers, and as we were leaving about 10-12 K-9 handlers were having a breakfast meeting. I went with my sister and her kids. The restaurant has an extensive menu and they serve generous portions. Friendly and attentive service. The restaurant is decorated with pictures dating back the the early 1900s. Almost a mini-museum. Safest restaurant in town. read more

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The Academy Cafe is a convenient place for a decent meal. It's located on at the iconic Los Angeles Police Academy. The interior of the cafe feels like any normal cafe, but the decor on the walls takes you back in time! You can see old historic pictures of what LA City used to look like during simpler times. The workers are friendly and you can see everyone working hard. The service is fast and you're probably in the safest care in the city as it's filled with police and firemen. It truly is LA's best kept secret. read more

Academy Cafe - Hot pursuit Burger with coleslaw - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Had a meal here. I had pancakes. They tasted like donuts. Manager said they put brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla in the mix. Very good. Good service. Hubby had chili size and fries which he enjoyed. read more

Took my 82 year old Aunt here for her birthday along with her 85 year old sister. We had a great time and they got to eat with cute cops. The food was delicious burgers, blts and pozole and delicious garlic fries. They brought an ice cream sundae for her birthday. parking is a tad confusing we did stop at the gate house and the directions to the cafe or not clear we had to ask twice and there are stairs. The gals managed it and it was a good pre lunch workout. don't miss a stop at their great gift shop when you're finished it's just next door. It's a great bit of LA history and the rock work is beautiful. read more

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Great value, great service, great food, and surrounded by the finest people in one of the most noble professions on earth. What more could you ask for in a fantastic lunch spot? read more

Nice cafe with vintage photos. Nice portions at a decent price. Most importantly the food tastes great. read more

Academy Cafe - Double cheeseburger with bacon and season fries - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Thank you Cody! Great service delicious breakfast and tasty coffee. It was my first time visiting today and I will be back soon. read more

Food is great and the service is even better. Great old time diner. Breakfast and lunch hit the spot.

An excellent little diner. Great, friendly staff and the customers are usually smiling & friendly too. I love the burgers here. I'm a big fan of bacon and I'm sooo happy when they bring my burger and there is enough bacon for me to snack on first (and still have enough left on the burger). Breakfast and lunch only (they close at 2pm). As others have mentioned, I suggest stopping in the gift shop for L.A.P.D. shirts, hats or a badge for the kids. The diner & gift shop make a great stop for out of town guests. read more

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A drive in Elysian Park is always pleasant. Ending the drive with a lunch stop at the LA Police Revolver & Athletic Club Cafe was the perfect ending to this drive. I came here mainly to see the place. I had a bowl of clam chowder, one of the soups always served on Mondays. It was hearty and very flavorful. The atmosphere was great! Police memorabilia everywhere. Service was quite good and my server was very friendly and efficient. She was a gem! It was interesting to see the private and semi-private dining areas. Nearby is the gift shop and you can get LAPD shirts or other apparel. It was funny when I drove into the parking lot and saw an LAPD officer writing a parking ticket for someone who had illegally parked. Not the right place to make an illegal parking stop. :-) read more

Academy Cafe - A private dining/meeting room off the main dining area. - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great food, great prices and safest clientele. Steak and eggs are the best. Norms has nothing on them. The staff is very polite. Just be patient when they are busy. read more

Great breakfast and lunch menu. The service outstanding. The food and portion size is excellent. The place hasn't changed much since I was a LAPD recruit back in 1972. read more

Great location, very good menu and great food. Service is friendly and efficient. They get busy at breakfast, but very easy to get seated and served. read more

Good food and good service. Enjoyed their special of the day which was the Chicken Pesto Wrap, with a side salad. The wrap was huge with nice chunks of chicken breast. Very filling. A cup of their Chicken Noodle Soup hit the right spot. It was tasty, and it made me wished I had ordered a bowl, instead. An order of Hash Browns on the side was not put in with the kitchen by my server. However, another followed up with that for me and apologize for the oversight. My server, himself, came over later and apologized for the oversight as well. Since I was already done with my lunch I asked her to box it with an order of their Turkey Avocado Club Sandwich to go, which she did. The club sandwich was good. Just wished the bacon was cooked more to a crisp to give it that nice crunchiness to the sandwich plus that added saltiness. Parking for the public is limited to outside on Academy Road unless you have a handicap placard, then you're able to park in the lot directed in front of the entrance to the building where the cafe is located (1st floor to the rear of the building). read more

Got the Bacon mushroom bbq cheeseburger with garlic fries, what a feast! Everything tasted delicious and portion size to cost is great value! read more

Academy Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I hoping it's only opening week issues and kinks that need to get worked out. One disappointing factor is that the staff that was here before did not get rehired as promised. That's very upsetting because they were like family. Some menu items have been changed. I had the opportunity to try the new egg salad sandwich with bacon which was very tasty. Did not care to much for the garlic fries but the onion rings were delicious. I will be back because, quite honestly, there is no where else to eat up on the hill. read more

Academy Cafe - The Academy Diner has reopened. I'm expecting great things. - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The cafe is ok. Typical greasy spoon [see photos]. I had a tuna sandwich on wheat with potato salad and an ice tea. All was good. The real reason you come here is to wander around the police academy. First, it looks a bit intimidating walking by the guard shack (no guard) http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/IhySYsjjnzanhZzxKtOjWA?select=utFh4Te4c6VW_dRuMxMkNQ and hearing gun fire across the multiple ranges (shooting range, rifle range and combat range). http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/IhySYsjjnzanhZzxKtOjWA?select=mRl5DAS12msOXWGlozfdaQ Keep walking and on the right you will see a open area with a building that says dining head that way and down a couple steps to the cafe. Afterward do check out the rock garden and hike up to the top right hand side to see great views of Dodgers Stadium. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/IhySYsjjnzanhZzxKtOjWA?select=BE48-KRv0aLtTWepRzSMhA read more

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It's a cafe diner hidden inside the Police Academy in Elysian Park. The food is ok normal cafe food. But it's just so cool to be eating with cops and cop trainees, it's the safest cafe in the Los Angeles metropolitan area! Haha If you like guns, there's a gun store down the hallway and also a gift shop that sells LAPD tshirt, jackets and souvernirs. Coolness factor is unbeatable. I hear they are demolishing the building to put in a new one, so go soon if you don't want to miss out on this one of a kind diner. read more

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One of LA Best Kept Secrets! This place is truly one of the most inconic restaurant in Los Angeles, walking inside the restaurant, you feel like you have just gotten off a time machine back to the 50s. It is located inside the Los Angeles Police Academy, I've always thought this place was closed to only police officers, but after reading other reviews, its open to the public and parking is always free. After walking in, I quickly realize that the time have stood still in this restaurant, it was like I walked into something from the past. The horse shoe style diner arrangement and the many booths around the restaurant, who has booths anymore. We were greeted by Lucy, who told us that she has worked here for the past 20 years, she was friendly and very attentive to our needs. The menu had some really unique items and names to dishes that is unique to the LAPD. We also noticed how cheap the prices were on some of the breakfast items, almost all the breakfast items were under $10, even steak and eggs. We placed our order and the food was prepared and brought to our table within 10 mins, very fast service. The food was delish and tasty, you can't really screw up breaksfast. The pancakes were fluffy and the steak and eggs were prepared as ordered. We noticed some police personnel eating at the location, and some tourist from Germany, but the cafe was kinda quiet in the morning. After breakfast, we walked around the Academy a bit, saw a group of police recruits running around. My final thoughts, the experience of eating at one of LA's oldest restaurant was definately an unique experience, it probably the safest restaurant to eat in LA as well. The food and service were exceptional, prices are rock bottom, overall, a very positive experience. read more

I enjoyed a lovely breakfast this morning at the LAPD Academy's diner/cafe. Lucy was an absolute delight and made the experience so enjoyable. Although it was a rather empty morning apparently the diner can be pretty packed depending on the day. I ordered the Avocado Toast (that comes with cotija cheese, tomatoes, onions, chia seeds, seasoning and two poached eggs). It was unique, tasty and left me completely content and happy. The diner has been in operation for over 50 years now (according to Lucy). For those looking for a homestyle diner experience, this is a great spot. read more

Academy Cafe - Avocado Toast - cotija cheese, tomatoes, onions, chia seeds, seasoning and two poached egg on whole wheat toast - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This is the best kept secret for breakfast and lunch. There are some that believe, the LAPD Academy is a private venue. Well it is. They won't allow you to use the pistol ranges or the pool and workout rooms. There are some off-limit areas. The Cafe and Gift shop are open to the public. How cool is that! The prices in the Cafe are excellent and the food quality is superb. Couple of hints. The Cafe is located at the famous, Los Angeles Police Academy. When driving up, do not pay attention to the Police Only Parking Sign smack in the middle of the road at the entrance. The sign is there when there are Dodger games. Do Not Park at the Academy during Dodger games. You will be towed. Ha, ask me how I know. There is never a wait and the cost for breakfast and lunch is outstanding. There is an LAPD gift shop that sells Tshirts and trinkets. Its a great place. read more

Academy Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This cafe is every single girls dream, to enjoy food while guy watching. Perfect place to go up to that guy and say "I like your guns" lol...I had the half rotisserie chicken (food 4 less is better) with onions rings (i dont know if i was starving but damn they were good and extra crispy) and my bf got the chipotle chicken hamburger. Average diner with lots of history. I just wish they opened on weekends and had later hours during the weekdays. read more

Academy Cafe - Rotisserie chicken, onion rings, jalapeno cornbread, mashed potato and half of a chipotle chicken burger (yes, I enjoy ketchup) - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This place is very old-LA. Like you fell into a film noir. To get there, head up towards Dodger Stadium from the 5. Just before you hit the Dodger's gate, take a left to the Academy and park. Head past the guard shack and up the stairs. Pass the pool to find the Cafe. Order some delicious breakfast or lunch. They are only open until 2pm Monday through Friday. Food that we have had that was particularly good was the rib special, the patty melt, and the malts. Check out all the various uniforms of the patrons ! Before you leave, checkout the Gift Shop and pick up a nice LAPD trinket. read more

Academy Cafe - Ribs! - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Tri-tip meal was amazing. The tri tip melted, the collared greens and mashed potatoes had tons of flavor. Overall, great meal for $8.99 read more

Academy Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I've always loved this place. It's simple, classic American lunch/dinner menu is easy to navigate and has breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. It closes early, 2PM, unless there is a special event going on. Recommendations: Any of the breakfast items. Any of the burgers. For those watching the waistline, the High Protein plate is a good option. The staff is always friendly and takes good care of you. Come here for a unique lunch prior to an early weekday Dodger game, or breakfast after running the hills of Elysian Park. read more

First off this place is open to the public. Yes it is on LAPD's historic Elysian Park Academy. If you are not at the academy on official business then you are there to take a stroll through the park, visit the credit union, or to shop at the LAPRAAC store. (some of the best prices on guns in so cal) On to the cafe itself. It is open M - F 6 am to 2 pm. The dining area inside is small compared to more commercial places. They have individual tables and U shaped counters for customers. Lots of historic LAPD memorabilia decorate the walls. The food itself is consistent and filling. I have tried the breakfast items, salads, and sandwiches and all the items have been decent if not better. Breakfast is all day, but they stop serving pancakes and waffles after 11am. Prices are comparable to other places as well. Just be sure to tip your server and pay at the register. Cash or credit. The clientele? Well it is a police academy and not surprisingly the vast majority of customers will be law enforcement. Many are regulars and will speak to the wait staff on a first name basis. During lunch time it gets packed. Large parties will definitely have to wait. If you don't mind sitting at the counter among strangers then you have a better chance of finding a seat at the counter. Parking here can be tricky. The lot is only for authorized vehicles, which means law enforcement only. There is curbside parking on the driveway but unless you are here before 7 am don't count on finding a spot. There is curb parking on the street of Academy Drive. Just make the trek to the inside gate and walk up the stairs. Apparently the area can be rented for special occasion gatherings. It is very lush and green and the historic old setting may appeal to some. read more

I almost don't want to review this place because I don't want anyone to find out about it. It is blessedly hipster free for now and somehow I think that won't change anytime soon. I believe their idea of heaven is not eating piles of meat while surrounded by dozens of cops and detectives sporting shoulder holsters with loaded pistols. Lucky for me, I don't mind at all. This place has probably the best "bang for you buck" breakfast in Los Angeles. I had spent years searching for a place where you could get a perfectly prepared diner breakfast for around $5 and I finally found it here. I've also had the "Bratton Burger" which is basically a patty melt and it was well above average. The servers are in excellent spirits as well and it shows in their sunny professionalism. I'd be happy too if I was making city union wages on top of tips. Our regular waitress told us to check out the rock garden in the back the first time we went. It was amazing! Built in the 20's, it is really incongruous to find an 80 foot tall labyrinth of rock, plants and waterfalls behind a cop shop's rifle range. Oddly peaceful as you listen to officers practice killing people. read more