If you live on the Westside, you know the best spots aren’t always the ones getting all the attention and hype—they’re the ones your neighbors quietly recommend, and that have built a loyal following. Two of those places, right here in our back yard, are T.C. Organic and KC’s Crepes Cafe.
Tucked into Playa del Rey on Culver Blvd., T.C. Organic has built a dedicated fanbase since opening in 2022. The focus here is simple: organic ingredients wherever possible, consistently delicious food, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe that feels very much part of the neighborhood. T.C. Organic has a varied menu to accommodate meat-eaters and vegans alike, as well as those craving comfort food or something more on the healthy side; you can bring your whole crew without worrying if there’s something they’ll like.
I ordered the huevos rancheros with carnitas, which were flavorful, satisfying, and made with fresh ingredients you can taste. The carnitas are tender and well-seasoned, and the whole dish feels hearty without being over the top. My friend went with the traditional breakfast burrito, a classic done right. Packed generously with cheese, eggs, avocado, black beans and pico de gallo, she said it was one of the best breakfast burritos she’s had in recent memory. Everything was savory and well-seasoned, with the egg-to-cheese ratio bordering on perfection. While she went for a veggie version, you also have your pick of protein with chorizo, bacon, sausage, chicken or asada.
The menu offers a variety of breakfast options, whether you’re in the mood for something savory like tacos dorados, chilaquiles or avocado toast; or have a sweet tooth and are ready to order up one of their five types of pancakes or a waffle. Locals swear by the cinnamon roll pancakes—a decadent, hearty way to start any morning, especially after a long night out.
Drinks here are not an afterthought. I ordered the cafe mocha, which was smooth, strong, and delicious—not overly sweet, just a well-crafted coffee made with quality ingredients. My friend’s horchata was equally memorable: refreshing with an expert blend of cinnamon and vanilla and clearly housemade with care. Beyond that, T.C. Organics is known for its lineup of organic fresh smoothies and juices, offering plenty of choices for anyone looking to keep things light and energizing.
A short drive up the road, KC’s Crepes Cafe serves the community from its spot right along Lincoln Boulevard in Westchester. They also have a location in Marina del Rey at Fisherman’s Village. The Westchester location is easy to overlook, but it’s one of those places that once you stumble upon it, you add it to your regular rotation.
It’s a straightforward, no-frills takeout spot, but the food speaks for itself. I enjoyed the breakfast crepe—with eggs, cheese, and bacon—it was simple and really well executed. The crepe is thin and light, letting the ingredients shine without feeling heavy.
You can order a breakfast or a lunch-style crepe any time of the day. My daughter went with the chicken pizza crepe (yes, even in the morning), a thin crepe filled with pizza sauce, cheese and grilled chicken. She said it has all the flavors of pizza without the heaviness of the traditional crust. We also ordered a Nutella crepe, one of their most popular items, and it was everything you want in a treat-yourself-type sweet treat: a delicate and slightly crispy shell filled with the melty, heavenly hazelnut spread and topped with housemade whipped cream.
In a community like Westchester/Playa, it’s places like these that help define the neighborhood—reliable, unpretentious, and rooted in quality. If you haven’t been in a while, or haven’t stopped in yet, T.C. Organic and KC’s Crepes Cafe are both well worth a visit. Don’t just drive by a local spot you’ve never tried before; stop in, order a new dish, and become a regular customer to keep our small businesses thriving.
T.C. Organic is located at 333 Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey. Check out their menu at tcorganic.com. KC’s Crepes is located at 8320 Lincoln Blvd. #101B in Westchester.
Join the Conversation
I want to hear from you! What is your go-to local dish—the one you’d tell a new neighbor they have to try? Drop a comment, send me a message, or say hi if you see me at the market. Let’s keep swapping favorites! Email me at birkettcory@gmail.com.
Cory Birkett is a foodie, and admin for the “Quarantine Cooking-Westchester & Silicon Beach” Facebook Group. When she’s not trying new recipes or checking out local restaurants, she spends her days as a real estate agent and long-time community volunteer, which includes serving on committees for the Westchester/Playa Neighborhood Council.
By Cory Birkett