The heat is on and it’s time to spend your weekends lounging. Whether you’re looking to cool down with bottomless mimosas, eat lean with vegan quiche or find a poolside Mediterranean-inspired getaway in the heart of Downtown, here are a few of the city’s best new brunches. Do not go hungry into that August weekend.
Bluebird Brasserie
Sherman Oaks’ vegan-friendly, Belgian-inspired brewpub just launched brunch service, which means European-leaning dishes for all—even in some non-dairy varieties. If you’re a nibbler or a sharer, the Breakfast Board could do the trick, with its spread of baguette, shaved ham, chicken liver, soft-boiled egg, pickles and a sour-cherry mostarda, but if you’re in the mood to tackle a more substantial dish all by yourself, there are multiple styles of quiche (including a vegan variety), as well as tartines and breakfast sandwiches. For something sweet, the Liège waffles come topped with berries and whipped cream (also available vegan), while those looking to lighten up can opt for the handful of “brunch salads.” Wash it all down with fresh-juice cocktails, some blood-orange sangria or one of the Belgian beers made in-house.
Sat, Sun 10am–3pm
Hayden
Platform’s breezy wine bar is going all day long with its new brunch, expanding upon its regularly scheduled sandwiches, toasts, dips, charcuterie and waffles programming. On Sundays only, find earlier hours and new items such as the Hayden Benedict, made with creamed kale, soft eggs, bacon and sourdough; the crispy waffle with trout roe and crème fraîche; and the smoked fish plate with pickles, herbed cream cheese and toast—not to mention the return of the eggs in “nonna sauce,” a favorite comprised of eggs, tomato, feta and red chili that was featured on Hayden’s opening menu.
Sun 10:30am–7pm
The Henry
If you haven’t yet hit Robertson Plaza’s spacious new indoor-outdoor neighborhood spot, brunch is just the time to do it. The wraparound patio provides great people-watching, and there’s ample seating indoors, too, plus a full espresso bar and the occasional game on a flat-screen, while a rolling Bloody Mary and mimosa cart pours tableside drinks. The brunch menu is fairly straightforward—organic eggs in various scrambles and breakfast sandwiches, with some Greek yogurt, pastries, French toast, vegan options and chicken and biscuits for good measure—while you can also snag select dinner items from the New American menu: truffled cheese fondue, some short-rib potstickers, asparagus Caesar salads and a wagyu burger, among others.
Sat, Sun 9am≠3pm
Veranda at Hotel Figueroa
The newly revamped Hotel Figueroa feels like an oasis, a near-hidden Mediterranean escape tucked right next to some of DTLA’s busiest corners and the sprawling L.A. Live complex. During brunch at Veranda, the hotel’s new poolside restaurant, chef Casey Lane whips up shareable table-length flatbreads, burrata toast, Spanish omelletes, stone-fruit salads and other fare perfect for snacking and a mental escape from the city, all with a view of hanging lanterns, lush palm fronds and, of course, the pool. During Veranda’s new Buskers Brunch, held both Saturday and Sunday, enjoy it all with a side of live music.
Sat, Sun 11am–2pm
Photograph: Courtesy Wood & Water
Wood & Water
Circling back to Sherman Oaks, this New American spot—complete with romantic fire-pit feature—now offers a Sunday brunch that’s perfect for bottomless-booze enthusiasts: $24 bottomless rosé, $19 bottomless Aperol spritzes and $19 bottomless mimosas. Of course, even the most experienced brunchers cannot subsist on morning drinks alone, so please direct your attention to the menu of duck chilaquiles; a pork-belly Benedict on sliced brioche with jalapeño hollandaise; a farro and black-rice grain bowl featuring kale and poached eggs; Maine lobster rolls; and Kahlúa bananas foster French toast.
Sun 11am–3pm