Brunch Worth Trying in LA
By: Hannah Skinner ‘23
Los Angeles has an impressive brunch scene, and no, it’s not just avocado toast. If you are looking to try some good brunch food but are overwhelmed with options, don’t worry! I’ve recently tried five new brunch spots in LA so you don’t have to. From vegan restaurants to coffee shop-brunch hybrids, any one of these will satisfy your brunch cravings.
Café Gratitude
Closest location: Downtown (~3.5 miles from campus)
Café Gratitude is a plant-based restaurant with an amazing concept. Each menu item comes with its own affirmation, like “I am nourished,” “I am open-hearted,” and “I am lively.” When the food comes out, you can say the affirmations with the server. I found it a very uplifting and refreshing moment – a way to affirm my good qualities, which I don’t do often, and be grateful for the food. Which, by the way, was delicious. The oat waffle and smashed potatoes were my favorite.
Verve
Downtown (~3.3 miles from campus)
At its core, Verve is a coffee shop. There's a big coffee bar, a display of pastries, and shelves of coffee beans and accessories to buy. The space is very open and casual, and lots of people come here to do work on their laptops. However, this is not to discredit their amazing food menu. They have everything from acai bowls to breakfast sandwiches to burritos. Verve is ideal if you want to go alone to work or with others for a casual brunch. Be sure to try their pumpkin spice latte before it goes off the menu. It’s really good!
MillCross Coffee Bar and Kitchen
Culver City (~7.2 miles from campus)
This popular brunch spot might be my personal favorite on this list. Everything on their menu looks so good you won’t even know what to order. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, the “MC House Waffle” pictured above is topped with matcha, raspberry, and vanilla creams. The cherry on top is their incredible coffee. My personal favorite is their lavender sage latte. MillCross has indoor, outdoor, and sidewalk seating, which is perfect to enjoy before the weather gets too chilly!
H Cafe
Koreatown (~2.5 miles from campus)
H Cafe is located on a cute street corner in Koreatown as part of the H Hotel. It has a chic interior filled with hanging and potted plants and a slightly higher price point than the other places on this list. Pictured above are the Strawberries and Cream Stuffed Brioche French Toast and the Spicy Burrata BLT, both of which I recommend. Their menu also contains some heavier brunch food with more meats and richer flavors.
Urth Caffé
Closest location: Downtown (~3.2 miles from campus)
Urth Caffé takes the top prize for the largest menu yet. If you come before they stop serving breakfast (1 pm on weekdays and 2 pm on weekends), you’ll have the option to choose anything off their breakfast menu or lunch menu, and they have an all-day brunch menu too. This is the place to go with your group of friends who all have different tastes. Not to mention that Urth Caffé is well known for its pies and large coffee drinks. There is something at Urth Caffé for everyone!
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