LA's dynamic dining scene isn't limited to dinner hours. On weekend mornings, Los Angeles restaurants bustle with brunch patrons satisfying their cravings for omelettes, pancakes and a little hair of the dog. Whether you're looking for a hearty portion of classic diner fare or want to indulge in bottomless mimosas, start your weekend with one of LA's bargain brunches.
Philippe The Original
Although Philippe's is best known for their French dip sandwich, they open at 6 a.m. daily with a robust menu of breakfast classics hot off the griddle. For $5.25, you can fill up with two eggs, two homemade biscuits, roasted potatoes and a cup of coffee. You won't find a cheaper cup of coffee in town: a mug of the morning brew will only set you back 45 cents.
The Original Pantry Cafe
The Original Pantry Cafe is a Downtown Los Angeles landmark, serving heaping plates of diner fare 24 hours a day, seven days a week, since 1924. Don't expect molecular gastronomy here: the diner sticks to classic American fare like bacon and eggs. Most items are under $11, with a couple dishes under $5. The cafe is cash only, so stop by an ATM on the way.
The Park Restaurant
This intimate Echo Park date spot boasts the ambience and flavors of an upscale bistro without the hefty price tag. Most brunch items cost around $10, including their carnitas hash and fried egg sandwich. Don't miss their airy French toast topped with fresh strawberries and homemade strawberry sauce. Pair your meal with a mimosa for only $6.
Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles
What do Snoop Dogg and David Beckham have in common? A shared love for Roscoe's famous Southern fare. Although Angelenos swear by Roscoe's savory-sweet combination of chicken and waffles, the menu offers a wide variety of Southern classics like hot water cornbread and candied yams. Can't decide on an entree? Try the Country Boy Special (three chicken wings and a waffle), a favorite of President Obama.
Grub
Get your pancakes with a side of sass at Grub, helmed by Top Chef alum Betty Fraser. Most brunch items are under $10, getting you full without emptying your wallet. Try their Friggin’ Amazin’ French Toast (croissants coated with cinnamon vanilla batter served with maple syrup, pecans and raspberry butter) or make your own omelette. Although their menu is booze-free, you can bring your own alcohol for a corkage fee of $15.
Luna Park
When that weekend brunch craving strikes, head to Luna Park. The restaurant offers $15 bottomless mimosas and sangria until 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Their menu features a variety of elevated classics, including bourbon cinnamon French toast and a short rib hash.
Taste on Melrose
Taste on Melrose offers a brunch with sweet and savory items for whatever mood you're in. Their menu is also vegetarian-friendly, with options like a roasted vegetable and quinoa salad, and white truffle oil and mushroom mac and cheese. Save room for dessert -- you won't want to miss their chocolate brioche bread pudding with crème anglaise and vanilla bean gelato.
Toast Bakery Cafe
This hip Third Street restaurant draws a crowd for their all-day breakfast menu. Although they are known for their breakfast dishes, save room for their signature banana pudding topped with peanut butter cups. Toast's patio is dog-friendly, so you don't need to leave Fido at home while you try the huevos rancheros.
The Griddle Cafe
You won't want to count calories when you visit the Griddle Cafe in West Hollywood, known for their decadent red velvet pancakes. It's a great post-workout option after a hike at nearby Runyon Canyon. Locals love to visit this homey cafe for indulgences like graham cracker-crusted cheesecake French toast and hoagie omelettes. If you're not up to the challenge of eating three gigantic pancakes, the Griddle Cafe serves single pancakes upon request. Follow @thegriddlecafe on Twitter for secret menu items and frequent mimosa giveaways.
Overland Cafe
If you're looking for a bargain brunch, this Culver City hidden gem will fill you up without making a dent in your wallet. Overland Cafe offers an unbeatable brunch deal: unlimited champagne for $6.99 per person with the purchase of an entree from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Their menu includes classic American fare like breakfast sandwiches and cinnamon buns alongside Mexican staples like huevos rancheros.
Border Grill
Don't visit Border Grill Santa Monica's weekend brunch without a big appetite. For $29.99, diners enjoy unlimited small plates curated by celebrity chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, recent finalists on Top Chef Masters. Highlights include smoked bacon quesadillas, bread pudding French toast and beef brisket taquitos. Although the food is top-notch, the real bargains come from behind the bar: $10 bottomless mimosas!
26 Beach Restaurant
This Venice cafe is a local favorite for comfort food on leisurely weekend mornings. With 19 different types of French toast on the menu, 26 Beach could be considered the French toast capital of the beach cities. If you're not in the mood for a sugar rush, the cafe also offers a variety of savory options, including pasta scrambles and Hawaiian-style eggs over brown rice. The restaurant is located only 10 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), making it a convenient stop for a pre- or post-flight meal.
For more brunch menus featured at some of LA's top restaurants, read our guide to the Best Brunches in Los Angeles.
Info
26 Beach Restaurant
3100 Washington Boulevard, Marina del Rey, 90291
(310) 823-7526
www.26beach.com
Border Grill Santa Monica
1445 4th Street, Santa Monica, 90401
(310) 451-1655
www.bordergrill.com
The Griddle Café
7916 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90046
(323) 874-0377
www.thegriddlecafe.com
Grub
911 Seward Street, Los Angeles, 90038
(323) 461-3663
www.grub-la.com
Luna Park
672 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, 90036
(323) 934-2110
www.lunaparkla.com
The Original Pantry Café
877 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, 90017
(213) 972-9279
www.pantrycafe.com
Overland Café
3601 Overland Avenue, Los Angeles, 90034
(310) 559-9999
www.overlandcafe.com
The Park Restaurant
1400 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90026
(213) 482-9209
www.thepark1400sunset.com
Philippe the Original
1001 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, 90012
(213) 628-3781
www.philippes.com
Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles
1514 North Gower Street, Los Angeles, 90028
(323) 466-7453
www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com
Taste on Melrose
8454 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, 90069
(323) 852-6888
www.ilovetaste.com
Toast Bakery Cafe
8221 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, 90048
(323) 655-5018
www.toastbakerycafe.net