Pat’s Topanga Grill is a popular Topanga restaurant where local artists, contractors, writers, activists, musicians, business owners and firefighters from Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Topanga Fire Station 69 dine together in a welcoming atmosphere. “The restaurant gives me an opportunity to make a difference in peoples’ lives. I intended it to be a place to sit down, relax and run into people with similar interests,” said owner Pat Burke.
Kathi and Pat Burke consider their regular customers an extended family. Newborn Topangans are routinely introduced to the community at Pat’s. “Pat is like an extra grandfather,” said one longtime customer with two young children.
Pat’s unique collection of paintings is displayed throughout the restaurant, and handcrafted surfboards hang from the ceiling. Burke also sells handmade Persian rugs by appointment. A “bragging wall,” as Burke calls it, is covered with photographs of celebrity regulars.
Juan Calles and the kitchen team prepare excellent American and Mexican cuisine, salads and sandwiches. Favorites are a fruit plate salad and fresh lox plate. Pat’s Special Breakfast is available all day. Calles prefers working to taking vacations, and Pat’s is open every day for breakfast and lunch except New Year’s, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Pat’s generous support of community organizations and activities has been acknowledged by the County of Los Angeles and the State of California. Kathi said she and her husband believe in “positive mutualism,” their way of giving back to the community that has supported Pat’s for twelve years.
Pat’s invites local musicians to play on a spacious outdoor deck which overlooks the surrounding canyons and hillsides of Topanga. Don’t be surprised if you see a neighborhood crow who has learned how to steal jelly packets from the outdoor tables. Blackie, a local canine who adopted Pat’s years ago, reclines outside the entrance to the restaurant. In his youth he loved to chase motorcycles as they departed from the restaurant’s parking lot.
Meeting at Pat’s for a meal during the holidays is a rewarding experience. There is no need to rush, as there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the company of friends and neighbors. Go with the flow at Pat’s and you will be sure to return.
Pat’s Topanga Grill, 1861 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, is located mid-way between Pacific Coast Highway and Woodland Hills, 310.455.0533, and is open seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
