It is quite possible to miss this inconspicuous eatery as The Porter Junction rests in an area that may be out of place. The 10 East onramp is perpendicularly located from The Porter Junction. Surrounding businesses are a hodge podge of manufacturing, garment, auto body shops and anything else you can think of. That being said, it behooves me when I consider who are their prospective patrons. The highly populated blue-collar Latino and Southeast Asians laboring in this area tend to BYO lunch or purchase food from the catering truck that parks in front of the pallet company. Lo and behold, there are a few artsy folks and shop workers that patronize The Porter Junction. I come to the realization that The Porter Junction is a sort of an oasis in the midst of a concrete jungle.
Parking is an issue but not entirely impossible. There are sporadic available curbside spots.
There is a lack of artistic value from the eatery's exterior, but as you enter, you'll notice the brick walls leading up to bare wooden high ceilings and a gorgeous turquoise Tiffany Blue wall canvasing several art pieces portraying coffee cups and freeway/interstate road signs. There are also the fun square shaped leather neon orange chairs. The atmosphere is really nice. And the people running the shop even nicer. The facility is clean as well as their restroom.
I was greeted by Annette as I walked in. She was preparing food for another patron at the moment, granting me a moment to digest the simple menu.
My decision was fairly easy as I chose a 2% Caffe Latte, "Breakfast of Champions" Croissant Sandwich, and an Oatmeal with Strawberries & Bananas.
2% Caffe Latte: 3/5
Your milk options are whole milk, 2%, and skim. My expectations couldn't have been as high as a coffee house as Urth or Intelligentsia. The Porter Junction is not cannot be placed in that category. Their latte is actually on par with something you would have at Starbucks. I found my espresso beverage to be a bit too milky and a tad bitter...exactly like Starbucks.
"Breakfast of Champions" Croissant Sandwich: 3.5/5
A buttery sweet croissant is the foundation of this sandwich containing a slice of Black Forest Ham, Scrambled Eggs and Swiss (or your choice of cheese). This was a pretty delicious sandwich. Regrettably, the serving of ham is lacking, but you certainly cannot expect much for a $4 sandwich.
Oatmeal with Fresh Strawberries & Bananas: 4/5
Hearty oats mingling with sliced banana and strawberries. Add sugar to taste. Although this was a standard oatmeal, it does beat what you would get from McDonald's or Starbucks.
Final thoughts: The Porter Junction is a nice change of pace for anyone working in this part of LA. Their hospitality and personal touch is attractive and they prepare your food and beverages with TLC. I am glad The Porter Junction is located where it is. They bring a touch of class to a very 'hard' area. Best wishes to this new business.
3.75 stars (rounded up) read more