Where to Go for Summer Brunch in Los Angeles to Make Almost Anyone Happy
The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and we’re officially knee-deep in summer fun. Wondering what a people-pleasing guide to Summer Brunch in Los Angeles is? Well, roll up your pants because you’re about to find out where to go to put a smile on the faces of even the most brunch-discerning critics.
Best for Social Gastronomists
Often you have to choose between a great chef or a great vibe, but at these spots, you don’t need to give up on either!
KA’TEEN (Hollywood)
Vacation vibes are heavy at this Yucatán Peninsula-inspired restaurant from Chef Wes Avila. The restaurant has an indoor/outdoor flow that makes you feel like you’re eating in a lush tropical oasis.
Menu musts include Horchata French Toast, Flan Brulee Pancakes, and the Plato del Mar with fresh shrimp, ceviche, and scallops. Also not to be missed are the cocktails like the KA’TEEN Margarita with passionfruit or guava.
Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Damian (DTLA Arts District)
The menu at Damian from Chef Enrique Olivera offers Michelin-star Mexican dining infused with California ingredients in a super trendy warehouse space. The Duck Carnitas during dinner are world-famous, but somehow, the chef has managed to make an entirely new menu for brunch with dishes that almost outdo them.
Be sure to try the Tuna Tostada, the Fried Chicken with pickled cucumbers, and the Lamb Birria. Finish with the Hibiscus Meringue for dessert, which is an L.A. twist on the famed NYC Corn Husk Meringue.
Also perfect for summer is the Frozen Yuzu Margarita. It’s on my Best of Summer Cocktails list.
Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Best for Sunday Funday
Bar Next Door (West Hollywood)
Something new is “dropping” at Bar Next Door as they kick off their Summer Brunch Series with “Calabama at Bar Next Door” in collaboration with Cara Nicole Haltiwanger of Calabama.
For those who don’t remember, Calabama was famous for one of the hottest breakfast sandwiches in town – that came from a Hollywood window and was dropped several stories down in a bucket.
Dates for the brunch are Sunday, July 9th; Sunday, July 23rd; Sunday, August 6th; Sunday, August 27th; and Sunday, September 3rd. Menu items include the famous Breakfast Sandwich ($14), Breakfast Potatoes ($6), and Bar Next Door’s Special Craft Cocktails. Calabama Hot Sauce will also be available for purchase.
Brunch runs Sundays (dates above) from 11 a.m. until they run out.
Soulmate (West Hollywood)
Soulmate in West Hollywood serves modern Spanish-style food like Chorizo Hash and Pork Belly Benedict, but if you’re visiting on the weekend, chances are you are there for the fiesta. Never Ending Libations feature Bottomless Mimosas or Rosé plus a live D.J. Bottle service and brunch platters from Chef David Joyce, are available, like the Soulmate Smashburger with Papas Bravas and the Hangover “bocadillo”— ideal for a party of three to four amigos.
See More – Best Bottomless Mimosas in Los Angeles
Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from Noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Pink Taco (West Hollywood)
With a name like Pink Taco, you know things are going to be a little cheeky, and their location on Sunset Boulevard is perfect for making new friends to end up at happy hour with.
Weekends are reserved for their Hangover Brunch, which includes goodies like Mexican Bread Pudding French Toast and Tomatillo Marys or Fro-Mosas.
Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Best for Horticulturists: Lady Byrd Cafe (Echo Park)
If you long for a brunch served in a personal greenhouse surrounded by lush plants, then Lady Byrd Cafe is the spot for you. Favorites include the Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes made with ricotta and topped with jam, whipped cream, and honey and the Pork Benedict over brioche with a citrus hollandaise. You can wash all that down with a carafe of Mimosas split among friends.
Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. on. Reservations are not available so expect a short wait.
Best for Neighborhood-Gem Miners: Bar Moruno (Silverlake)
You might think you’ve hit every hot spot in Silverlake, but have you been to Bar Moruno in the daytime?
This Spanish-inspired restaurant from Chef Chris Feldmeier has wonderful brunchy dishes like Roasted Grapefruit with Earl Grey Yogurt for wellness lovers and Fried Chicken or Fish Sandos for the rest of us.
As for drinks, there’s a Nitro Negroni and some hair of the bull if you need it. The Bull Shot is made with vodka, sherry, and bone broth for that extra boost.
Brunch runs Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Best for Last-minute Decision Makers that Still want a Good Meal: Terra (Century City)
Located on the top floor of the Eataly complex in the Westfield Mall, Terra is a rooftop restaurant specializing in wood-fired meats and hand-cut pasta. Reservations are easy to snag the day of, and you’ll still feel like you’re enjoying a trendy brunch with incredible views and inventive cocktails. Must-have menu items include the Tonnarelli Alla Carbonara with housemade guanciale and the Via Nizza Negroni.
Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Best for Beach-Goers and Dog-Lovers: Tallula’s (Santa Monica)
Located just a stone’s throw away from the beach in Santa Monica, Tallula’s is the perfect spot to visit on your way to or from the beach. Dogs are always welcome, and usually, they have special dishes for fur babies on the menu.
Popular items include Chilaquiles and a Tres Leches French Toast. On the cocktail side, you’ll want to go with a Bloody Maria while you savor life on the outdoor patio.
Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Best for Foodies that want Dinner for Brunch: LA Cha Cha Chá (DTLA Arts District
The only difference between dinner and brunch at LA Cha Cha Chá is the appearance of more espresso-based cocktails like the Carajillo with licor 43 and baked goods like a Chapulin Croissant.
Being able to enjoy savory dishes like a Fideo Seco pasta as early as 11 a.m. on a Saturday makes this one hot brunch. The expansive outdoor patio doesn’t hurt, either.
Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Best for Impressing your Fiancé’s Parents: The Polo Lounge (Beverly Hills)
The Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel has been an institution since its inception in 1941. Named initially El Jardin, it was dubbed The Polo Lounge for Walt Disney, Spencer Tracy, and the other “polo-playing” friends of the former owner Hernando Courtwright.
History aside, the air in The Polo Lounge is electric! Share in the sizzle with the jazz brunch. This $105 three-course brunch is not for the faint in the wallet, but at least you always know what you’re getting into when the bill comes.
Brunch begins with your choice of specialty beverages like Sangria or a Bloody Mary. Formerly, it was a Pink Gin Fizz, so maybe if you ask nicely they will still make it for you :).
Next, you’ve got a slew of starters! Choose between a House-Smoked Lox & Bagel or an Ahi Tuna Tartare among many others. Entrées include Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, a Lobster Rolls Royce, and the signature McCarthy Salad. Lastly, you’ve got desserts like the Pavlova or Milk Chocolate Mousse.
Brunch runs on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Did this people-pleasing summer brunch guide make you want to get the group together?? Repin the image below as your official invite!
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