10 best breakfasts in LA

Southern California’s known the world over for its culinary scene. From fine dining crafted by celebrity chefs, to setting trends in dining concepts, SoCal offers a vast variety of epicurean delights to satiate every palate—including a vibrant breakfast scene. Here are the 10 best places in the Southland for bacon, eggs and so much more.

1. Du-Par’s: Fairfax

Photo courtesy of Du Par’s

This restaurant in the Original Farmers Market is legendary! Hailing from a bygone era, this 1930’s mainstay continues to be a favorite for those who enjoy Du-Par’s famous and extremely buttery pancakes with all the trimmings (think eggs, bacon, etc.), available 24/7. As it’s just down the street from CBS Television City, you’ll get the feeling that Hollywood of yesteryear has been immortalized in this restaurant which continues to be frequented by countless celebrities. One thing we love about Du-Par’s: They don’t skimp.

2. Original Pantry Cafe: DTLA

Original Pantry Cafe | Flickr photo: Sam Howzit

Much like Du-Par’s, the Pantry hearkens to a time when food was simple, inexpensive and downright tasty. This historic cafe (currently owned by a former Mayor of Los Angeles) prides itself on bringing the community together through non-pretentious food. The breakfast menu includes typical diner fare, but look out—the portions are large! So bring your appetite and be prepared to wait in a line because you won’t be the only one looking forward to great coffee and a affordable meal, available 24/7. Cash only.

3. Sqirl: Silver Lake

Photo courtesy of Sqirl

For those who take a more vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free approach to breakfast, you will be right at home at Sqirl. This nearly 7-year-old restaurant is known for their eclectic, organic offerings. So, yes, you can have the healthful Green Eggs & Jam, Brown Rice Porridge and Braised Chickpeas along with a side order of bacon or sausage (if you choose). And yes, you can order the trendy Avocado Toast, which reigns supreme at Sqirl! Order at the counter, snag a table and let the people watching begin.

4. Bea Bea’s Cafe: Burbank

Photo courtesy of Bea Bea’s

Quality and variety are truly the theme at Bea Bea’s. This hidden gem (nestled within a street-level shopping plaza) offers one of the largest menu selections for breakfasts in SoCal—and each menu item hits the mark. With over 40 egg dish selections (along with a separate “create your own” egg dish offering), 10 types of waffles, 10 types of crepes, over 20 types of pancakes and 18 types of waffles, you are certain to reach a brand new level of dining satisfaction with the flavors and generous portions (at a fair price).

5. Jongewaard’s Bake-N-Broil: Long Beach

Upon entering this cozy diner, you’ll get the sense that someone finally perfected old-meets-new. While the restaurant’s been open since 1965, the decor and the centerpiece counter speak “a modern day coffee shop done right.” Prepare yourself for a mouthwatering dining experience. Bake-N-Broil is known for their specially crafted baked goods, so if you’re in the mood for a great cup of coffee and one of their signature coffee cakes or muffins (and there are many to choose from), this is where you need to be. Bake-N-Broil also has a daily quiche offering  that always comes highly recommended.

6. Pacific Dining Car: Santa Monica and DTLA

There’s only one word for the breakfasts coming out of the kitchens at Pacific Dining Car: rich. Even though this eatery is replete with rich wood paneling, fresh pressed table cloths, crystal glassware and related accoutrements, they serve anyone—any time of the day—with no dress code.  Even though this is the priciest restaurant on this list, don’t let that intimidate you. Once you experience breakfast at Pacific Dining Car, you’ll agree that it’s worth the expense. Everything is cooked to perfection and the quality of ingredients is apparent in every bite.  Even their hot chocolate is an event!

7. Red’s Flavor Table: Hyde Park

Located just 15 minutes east of LAX, Red’s Flavor Table is the place to go if you’re hankering for an authentic Southern breakfast while in Los Angeles. All of the traditional Southern breakfast favorites can be found here: shrimp and grits, peach cobbler French toast, breakfast combos that include fried catfish, salmon croquettes, hot links, etc., and, of course, biscuits! One thing about Red’s Flavor Table: It’s a community favorite and it is poised to become even more widely known once the brand new LA Rams stadium opens in nearby Inglewood in a few years.

8. Café Laurent: Culver City

Photo courtesy of Cafe Laurent

Just a stone’s throw from Sony Pictures Studios, you can get a genuine taste of France without sacrificing that great SoCal weather. Café Laurent is authentically Parisian with delightful offerings that include Croque-Madame, Croque-Monsieur, Pain Perdu and a wide selection of crepes. Yes, there are croissants, too (both of the butter and chocolate varieties). Additionally, the selection of coffees and teas are very impressive and complement the baked items beautifully (especially the Triple Berry Muffin)!

9. M.B. Post: Manhattan Beach

Photo courtesy of M.B. Post: Manhattan Beach

LA County’s beach cities have quite an impressive roster of impressive breakfast dining establishments, but the one that’s an absolute standout is M.B. Post (housed in a former post office). Its open floorplan keeps the dining experience lively and just slightly communal. Don’t be surprised if the party sitting at the next table strikes up a conversation about the dishes ordered. MBP’s daily brunch is an absolute triumph: From the egg dishes to the bacon cheddar buttermilk biscuits, MBP will have you coming back for more, and often! Fun fact: Their bacon cheddar buttermilk biscuits are so popular, they have their own website.

10. Hugo’s: Studio City

Hugo’s stands out in that it is a true Gluten-free focused restaurant – that doesn’t lack creativity or flavor. From their Almond Energy Pancakes, to their Lox, Eggs & Latkes, you will be impressed with their offerings and certain to become a repeat customer.