My 2 Cents

My 2 Cents arrives in the first sentence as a restaurant that foregrounds Californian soul food in Los Angeles, mixing Southern technique with the city’s seasonal produce. The dining room opens into a steady rhythm of service, voices and plated warmth; the kitchen turns slow-braised meats, hand-torn greens and fried panko crusts into instantly recognizable comfort. In this busy Los Angeles landscape, My 2 Cents cuts a clear line between casual pleasure and precise cookery, making every taco, sandwich and dessert feel purposeful. The menu reads like a short love letter to technique and mood: slow braises, crisp fried coatings, and a handful of vegetal preparations that show restraint.

The restaurant’s heritage and vision come from the partnership of sisters Alisa Reynolds and Theresa Fountain, who opened My 2 Cents in 2013. Reynolds leads the savory program with training and instincts that favor long braises and bold finishing sauces, while Fountain handles desserts with an equally deliberate approach. In 2024 the LA Times ranked My 2 Cents #71 on its 101 Best Restaurants list, a recognition that highlights consistent local acclaim. The kitchen’s philosophy centers on comfort made with care: classic Southern preparations rethought through California sourcing and seasonal simplicity. That balance—familiar textures with fresh produce—defines the restaurant’s view of modern comfort food.

The culinary journey at My 2 Cents is anchored by a handful of signature plates. The Oxtail Tacos are braised for six hours until the meat is slack and nearly spreadable, folded into warm corn tortillas with roasted tomatoes, curly kale and raw red onion, then finished with a drizzle of whiskey reduction that lifts each bite. The Turkey Meatloaf Burger is inventive: a thick slab of meatloaf coated in panko, fried until a golden crust forms, and placed between two slices of Texas toast with fresh shaved apple for a bright counterpoint. For dessert, Theresa Fountain’s Vegan Sweet Potato Pound Cake arrives moist and warmly spiced, a reliable ending even after a filling lunch. Seasonal plates rotate regularly, drawing on local farms for vegetables that may be charred, roasted or simply dressed to show peak flavor. What should you order? Start with the oxtail tacos, share the turkey meatloaf burger, and leave room for the sweet potato cake.

Ambiance and design emphasize warmth and focused service without formality. The room supports close table conversation and clear service rhythms; staff move with attentive pacing and explain dishes with direct, confident descriptions. Lighting and finishes are chosen to feel inviting and relaxed rather than ornate, creating a comfortable environment for midday or evening meals. Service style is table service with shared-plate sensibilities: many dishes arrive ready to pass and compare, which encourages a communal, unpretentious meal. The pace allows for leisurely courses without long waits, and staff can guide wine or cocktail pairings when requested.

For essential information, note that My 2 Cents opened in 2013 and earned a spot on the LA Times 101 Best Restaurants list in 2024 (ranked #71). Lunch and dinner service are both common, so midday visits can be ideal for those wanting to sample desserts without a long evening commitment. Dress code is smart casual; diners typically wear polished daytime attire or relaxed evening clothes. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekend evenings and for larger parties.

My 2 Cents in Los Angeles makes a clear promise: familiar techniques executed with care and seasonal California ingredients presented in a friendly, energetic setting. Whether you seek a slow-braised oxtail taco, a clever fried meatloaf sandwich, or a reliably comforting vegan pound cake, My 2 Cents delivers food that tastes of intention. Reserve a table and experience the combination of Southern soul and Californian clarity that has kept locals coming back year after year.