So you're tired of standing in the brunch line at Sqirl, waiting 45 minutes for a table at Gjelina, and wondering why everyone is taking so long to finish their French toast at EAT. Real problems, guys. Thankfully, there are a couple new brunches—boozy or otherwise—in town, and their newbie status likely means shorter wait times. Check out these five restaurants where you can now score an eggs Benedict, some quality pancakes and a much-needed mimosa.
1. Hinterland (Santa Monica): The Santa Monica restaurant Hinterland has already received plenty of buzz (Joe Jonas is a minority partner), but you can avoid the crowds—at least for the time being—by popping in during their new brunch service. You'll find all the hits (French toast, omelets, a cheeseburger) plus some more colorful items (baked eggs with smoked bacon tomato sauce, a fried egg and pastrami sandwich). Sat & Sun 11am-3pm
2. Barrel Down (Downtown): The new DTLA watering hole is now open for brunch, offering boozy beverages along with banana pudding French toast, soyrizo chilaquiles, the Barrel Down breakfast sandwich and more. Wash down your order with a couple of beer cocktails—the Dark N Hoppy features light and dark rum, lime, agave and Firestone 805 Blonde—or a spiked ice coffee that's sure to cure any hangover from the night before. Sat & Sun 11am-4pm
3. Forma (Santa Monica): It's not all cheese wheels at Forma. The Montana Avenue newcomer is now offering weekend brunch, with dishes that range from brioche French toast to calabrese (two eggs cooked in tomato sauce with Hawaiian sausages). Ricotta pancakes, nutella bread pudding, and pizza & eggs are also available, which you can pair with fresh squeezed juices, mimosas and sparkling flutes of Cava. Sat & Sun 11am-3pm
4. Leona (Venice): Chef Nyesha Arrington has been making waves with her new restaurant Leona, and she's added a solid brunch menu to the mix. Come for brown butter pancakes topped with whipped coconut; a California Benedict with soft shell crab; and Maui Wowie flatbread made with chorizo, pineapple, scrambled eggs and cilantro pesto. Did we mention that there's a Korean latka? There's a Korean latka. Sat & Sun 10am-2pm
5. Preux & Proper (Downtown): Sure, we'll take a three-piece jazz band with our brunch. The New Orleans-inspired restaurant is getting in on the brunch game with Creole classics and moonshine cocktails—think fried chicken and pancakes, fried oyster & bacon po'boys, and a Moonshine Mary made with shine and green tomatoes. Even better is the band, which will travel between the two floors to provide some lively accompaniment to your plate of eggs. Sun 10am-3pm
Need more brunch ideas? Check out all the best brunch spots here.