Beyond Coffee and Croissants at The Rumor Mill

It's easy to drive by the obscure little coffeehouse The Rumor Mill on West Washington Boulevard and not even realize it's there. Here’s a hint on how to find it: Look for the large pop art sign of a woman’s face that says “coin laundry” just west of McLaughlin Avenue. The Rumor Mill is right next door.

The coffeehouse and the laundry share a swinging door inside, and for those who need to do their laundry, The Rumor Mill provides a great way to pass the time while waiting for your clothes to dry.   

The Rumor Mill is a unique venue with a cool, laid back vibe and is more than just a coffeehouse. As you walk in, you’ll notice the eclectic decor: a few metal sculptures,  colorful artwork and photographs hanging on the walls by local artists that change monthly. There are also a few computers lined up along the back wall that patrons can use.

After perusing the menu, written in chalk on blackboards, I was tempted to order one of the breakfast items, the Veggie Breakfast with scrambled eggs, a grilled veggie patty, cheddar cheese and secret sauce on an English muffin, but I opted for the goat cheese wrap instead. Made with sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, fresh tomato, red onion, aioli and a touch of balsamic, it was wrapped in a warm and toasty grilled tortilla that was appealing to bite into. The flavors blended together perfectly.

The wraps and sandwiches come with chips or a simple mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. I chose the salad, which was only lettuce, but it was fine since the wrap had plenty of flavor. Besides, sandwiches and salads, The Rumor Mill also offers a few egg dishes, quiche, crepes and even quesadillas.

I also ordered the spinach quiche (also served with salad), which was nicely browned. The filling was fairly dense but delicious, and the crust was buttery and flaky.

My friend ordered the Mediterranean chicken wrap (vegetarians can order it without the chicken) and thought it was very tasty. Hummus, pepperoncinis, tomato, onions and lettuce were tucked inside the warm, toasted tortilla.

We shared a piece of zucchini bread to finish off our meal. The bread was moist and had a nice spice (cloves, perhaps?) that added an extra flavor hit. I skipped the coffee this time, though a variety of great espresso drinks are available.

Service was a little slow, but the friendly staff made up for it. There are plenty of papers, books and community boards to read while waiting.

I look forward to returning to The Rumor Mill and checking out one of the bands that perform every Saturday night from 7:30–10 p.m.

The Rumor Mill, 11739 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066, 310-397-5400.

Hours: Mon.– Fri. 6:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat. 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 6:30 a.m.–8 p.m.