Laura Cooks - Arlington

I visited for the first time today around 11:30 AM and ordered the Santa Fe wrap. I requested extra sauce on the side, but I was told it wasn't possible because they didn't have any containers. I’ve never been to a café that didn’t have small containers for sides. The wrap itself was okay, but the meal came with a Diet Coke that had expired in December 2021—it's almost April 2022! If they're not checking their inventory to ensure that drinks aren't past their expiration date, it makes me question the quality of everything else. I won't be returning.

I ordered a breakfast sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and onion for $10. It was just a basic sandwich—nothing special. The average price advertised for breakfast sandwiches is $5.79. Overall, it was a disappointing experience.

The food here tastes like your mom's home cooking, but with a professional touch. The hygiene rating is exceptional, as you can see on their Yelp page. You can tell that a lot of care goes into every dish. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable. My new favorite breakfast dish is the corned beef hash, especially when you add onions (and maybe hot sauce). Pair it with hazelnut coffee for a perfect morning. The eggs are always cooked exactly how I like them. This has become my go-to spot to start my day at 6 AM, especially since there aren't many good restaurants open at that hour. A few of my favorite items include her creamy grits, the Thursday biscuit, and the special spicy pork bulgogi on Wednesdays. After enjoying these, I definitely don’t feel guilty!

What a fun neighborhood joint. Good people that welcome you and make you feel you're part of the neighborhood doesn't hurt to have cheap a sandwiches that are bomb as well. Had both a pastrami reuben and chicken cheesesteak the other day. Definitely appreciate the effort they went through searing every component bit by bit on the flat top a huge difference when a reuben gets heated that way vs a toaster. Even got to add hot peppers on both my sandwiches no charge. Chicken cheesesteak was already super melty and delicious plus green peppers and mushrooms included for a sub $10 is almost unheard nowadays. Next time I need a quick solid bite and I'm in the Ballston area, Laura's gonna be on the map.

I have been ordering Laura's breakfast burritos (with bacon) for the past year. It is the best and most consistent breakfast burrito in Arlington! Laura has been nothing but friendly to me and my food is always piping hot. Check her out!