What began as a literal shed operation outside a Home Depot has since evolved into a brick-and-mortar success, spawning a first location in Cypress and now a second spot in Orange.
LJ’s Lil’ Cafe, a breakfast-lunch spot noted for its breakfast burritos and sandwiches, officially opened in Orange on Friday, Nov. 21.
The independent eatery gained traction for its girthy breakfast burritos stuffed with crispy tater tots, fluffy scrambled eggs, meats and cheese. Iterations include the OG breakfast burrito, a spicy breakfast burrito (hot Italian sausage, grilled jalapeños), a chorizo breakfast burrito (Chori-man red pork chorizo, grilled onions and Oaxaca cheese), a queso breakfast burrito (hot Italian sausage and hatch chile ground beef queso) and a veggie breakfast burrito (grilled pepper, onions and tomato and jalapeño)
Sauces and salsas, like creamy cilantro crema spicy habanero, are also available.
In addition to its A.M.-hour burritos, the new spot will offer new coffee options and sandwiches, including a breakfast sandwich with white American cheese, choice of meat and eggs on a brioche bun; a chicken salad sandwich, a pastrami sandwich and a queso Philly cheesesteak. Sides include queso-topped tater tors, regular tater tots, Vern tots (mixed with cheese, grilled onions and bacon) and potato chips.
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LJ’s Lil’ Cafe took off shortly after husband-wife co-founders Lydia and John Clarke opened their Home Depot operation, a shed structure affixed to the facade of the chain store, getting the attention of Eater LA in 2022. Three years later, the couple chose Orange as their second spot on Chapman Avenue.
“As two people who had never owned a restaurant, starting out in a shed felt like the perfect way to dip our toes in,” said John Clarke, in a written release. “It gave us the chance to learn, grow, and watch our business come to life right in front of our eyes. We’re so thankful for the community’s support in helping us reach this next milestone. LJ’s has always been about connection, family, and good food, and we’re thrilled to now share these values with more of the Orange County community.”
Holmes, who grew up in Cypress, and Clarke, who hails from Santa Margarita, met over a decade ago while working at the same South Coast Plaza restaurant, Seasons 52. Inspiration for the breakfast burritos comes from Lydia’s mom, who, well before they became a SoCal culinary staple, would make them for Lydia as a child.
Open daily from 6:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Find it: 3070 W. Chapman Ave., ste C, 657-282-0027
