Chainsaw
Chainsaw — photo 2
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Chainsaw

5022 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA

★★★★★4.6(46 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

Chainsaw is a beloved Venezuelan café on Melrose where Chef Karla's authentic arepas and bold, homemade flavors have created the neighborhood gathering spot LA was missing. The bright, welcoming space strikes that perfect balance between cozy coffee shop and sit-down restaurant, with staff who genuinely make you feel like part of the family and wifi for those lingering afternoon hours. Whether you're after a perfectly crafted specialty drink, traditional Venezuelan fare, or just a place where people actually know your name, this is where Melrose comes to slow down and savor.

What to expect

Slow sitLight foodSpecialty drinksTraditional drinksFamily friendlyMeetingsPastriesWifiSignature drinks

Google Reviews

Pierre Beaufrand K
★★★★★2 months ago

Chain Saw Cafe – A Hidden Gem in Melrose Such a charming spot with authentic Venezuelan specialties and unique, bold flavors. Cozy vibe, delicious coffee options, and truly a great surprise in Melrose. Definitely a must-visit!

Trevor Brown
★★★★★2 months ago

Chainsaw is the best thing to happen to Melrose Ave - Chef Karla brings quality, care, and huge flavor. Grateful to have another go-to restaurant in LA, 10/10 don’t miss this!

Paige Murtaugh
★★★★★3 months ago

This is the café LA needed. It’s like the Venezuelan Cheers- a neighborhood spot to unwind where everybody knows your name and is glad you came. All the staff are sweetie pies and you can tell they’re passionate about what they do. The food always hits! Best pies you’ll ever have in your life and I could eat an arepa from here everyday (and I do). Don’t sleep on the quesillo latte and they serve some damn good matcha. I love all the unique flower arrangements and abundant produce hanging everywhere it’s just a feast for the eyes. Chef Karla and the team deserve the world. Chainsaw forever!

S R
★★★★★4 months ago

Best arepa I’ve ever had in my life. Got the ham and cheese. Cant wait to go back and try more! Also the space and environment are so lovely and welcoming and bright and warm. So lucky to have in the neighborhood!

Isabella Martinez-Aleman
★★★★★4 months ago

I am so grateful to have dined at Chainsaw Cafe! I heard about a new Venezuelan spot opening in LA and had to go check it out. I was blown away. Each dish was a childhood favorite of mine — Arepas, empanadas, French fries! — but made totally unique. It's like a Mexican and Venezuelan couple had an LA baby who grew up in Thai Town. Somehow that's the best way to explain it LMAO. Go & Enjoy the beautiful plating, drinks, and dessert on top of the antojos. Chef Natalia

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