I never paid much attention to breakfast as anything more than just cereal and milk or eggs and toast. But for the last few years, it has, as it should, become my most important meal of the day. On weekends specially, I like waking up late to a lazy Southern California morning and heading out for a good brunch. Here are my five faves in Los Angeles:
Uncle Bill’s in Manhattan Beach
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House is a family owned establishment and has been around for a long time. Steps from Manhattan Beach, this is the ideal place for a weekend breakfast or brunch. They serve breakfast or lunch till 2:30p so be aware that it is not open in the evenings.
Food is great. My favorites being JD’s French Toast and Mitch’s Scramble. Orange Juice is fresh. Prices are very reasonable too.
This place is so popular that anytime you go on weekends, you will encounter long lines outside. And they don’t take reservations, so when you get there, put your name on the wait list and go for a walk on the beach.
Blu Jam Cafe
Blu Jam Cafe is a very unique spot for breakfast. Located in Beverly Hills off Melrose Ave, Blu Jam is another privately owned joint run by owner Kamil Majer who also happens to be the chef.
The decor is casual and fun with brick walls and dark wood furniture. Service is fast and friendly and the place is relatively inexpensive. Expect to spend about $35 for two.
As for the menu, the French Brioche Toast with Yogurt, Blackberry Jam, banana and strawberries is perhaps the best French toast you will ever have. The Eggs Florentine will also tickle your taste buds.
Jinky’s Cafe
Jinky’s has a huge menu and it gets confusing at times. Once you figure out what works for you though, they are consistent and you will find yourself returning often. They have 3 locations in SoCal (Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks and West Hollywood) so you can head to the one closest to you.
While I have found service to be a little slow, they have great stuffed pancakes with bananas and blueberries stuffed inside the pancakes. It comes very hot and goes great with a little syrup.
Jack n’ Jill’s
This place is really good. It is slightly expensive, but considering it is smack in the middle of Beverly Hills (there is also a location in Santa Monica) with a view of the finest cars outside its windows, it is perfectly reasonable.
The food is amazing. Specially the Beverly Frittata and the Cinnamon Croissant French Toast. Portions are large so you might be able to share with friends.
Service is quick, but the wait is long. Be ready to put your name down and go for a walk. Expect to run into some of the Hollywood elites at this place too.
Free 2 hour parking is available up the street on Beverly Drive.
Toast Bakery and Cafe
Toast is a bakery and cafe in the heart of Beverly Hills, a few blocks east of the Beverly Center.
First, parking was a pain. They have valet parking but it is quite expensive ($5.50) given that I went for breakfast.
I was surprised to find it was so busy for breakfast even during a weekday but fortunately, we were seated after 10 minutes.
We ordered the eggs florentine, which came on bread rather than the usual english muffin, but it was creamy and delicious. It had extra emphasis on the spinach so you know what to expect.
We also ordered the Stuffed French toast which is apparently one of their specialties, and while the banana pudding and the sliced bananas were great, the french bread itself was a little dry – needed to be a little moist.
Overall, a good place for a Sunday afternoon brunch.
Happy brunching!
