It’s the holidays. Families and friends come to visit but you don’t want to be married to the stove. You’ve taken a couple of days off during the week to enjoy that time. You have expensive dinner with a movie plans in the evening but don’t want to spend a lot of moola during the day. What do you do in that case? Starbucks is everywhere and you want something that will be an LA experience, a local hangout your guests haven’t done in The City of Angels. You’ve been to brunch on Sunday at Toast, Four Seasons Los Angeles, Shutters on The Beach and The Standard. Well, pile them into the Los Angeles chariot (we call it a gas-guzzling SUV) and take them to one of my favorite places for breakfast. The food is good. Simple. Easy. Tried and true. I selected these because they are close to an attraction but also because they are fun, inexpensive, delicious grub and a good place to bring a family with children, your LGBTQ best friend, the Caucasion folks, the mixed race peeps, etc.
Quality on 3rd (Los Angeles): This is one of the great independents on Third. My feeling is that it’s been there for almost 20 years. Astounding buttermilk biscuits and phenomenal Corned Beef Hash.
Nate & Al’s (Beverly Hills): I love diners, old movies and matzo ball soup. Mario Batali’s eateries have never been painted by Edward Hopper. Hopper’s “Diner” is a portrait of old-time diners. Decent food. Cheap. Cigarette-smoking waitresses (then) named Esther…asking if you want another cup of joe. I love this place because it reminds me of New York City. Ribald waitresses still take your order but without the tobacco. If you close your eyes, Bogie and Bacall walked in. Located in Beverly Hills since 1945 and still counting.
Jan’s on Beverly Boulevard: Another throwback for me as it reminds me of the Greek deli restaurants that used to be on every corner in Manhattan. Then, in NYC, they would serve up these big omelettes cooked in butter-flavored oil and hash browns that were sliced potatoes and cooked in bacon fat. That was then, this is now. Simple, easy food…a throwback without a fancy price tag. I can get that anywhere.
Good Neighbor Restaurant (Studio City): Good Neighbor is located across the street from NBC/Universal Studios. Good place for people watching. Another good independent family restaurant with really great service and friendly smiles. Stunning hash browns…if you go…go for the hash browns. They have these great white board mural which showcases the waitstaff and owners.
Farmer’s Market at Fairfax and Melrose (Dupar’s, Charlie’s, Short Order) Lastly, the Farmer’s Market at Fairfax and Melrose. Besides, the restaurant it hasn’t really changed that much in the 18 years I’ve lived in LA. It’s a super cool place where you have some great butchers, seafood mongers, bakeries and places to hang your hat like Dupar’s that make yummy pies, Charlie’s where you can go and get a really great breakfast burrito for under $5 bucks and then there is Short Order where you can get a Verve coffee and a pastry for about $20 bucks. …kidding…expensive but good…and it’s not Starbucks…but that’s there too.
