This past Saturday, my friend Amanda D'Angelo took me to to the best pancake joint I've ever eaten at. It's called "The Griddle" on Sunset, just West of Fairfax. We each had a decaf, vanilla latte (divine), a side of egg-whites and we split the "Black Magic".
(Description taken from the menu:)
Disbelief will possess you as you're pulled under the spell of our crushed Oreo-filled flap-jacks! Topped with hwipped cream and Oreo cookie pieces (Reality or illusion?!)I had such a delicious nosh-experience this led me to reminisce about other amazing breakfast/brunch places. Nothing is better than a leisurely Saturday afternoon with coffee or mimosa and some delish breakfast food. Below is a list of my favorite spots:
HOLLYWOOD
The Griddle 7916 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90046 (On the corner of Sunset and Fairfax)http://www.thegriddlecafe.com/
Description: Loud and Crowded. Bored, attractive waiters squeeze through the small cafe packed with tables as they dish out gigantic portions of the most decadent home cooking you've seen. Be prepared to stand on Sunset Blvd for a minimum of 20 minutes while you wait for a table. Locals and tourists alike enjoy this delish spot.
Angela's Recommends You Order: Vanilla Latte and Black Magic Flapjacks
SILVERLAKE
The Cliff's Edge3626 Sunset BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90026http://www.cliffsedgecafe.com/
Description: Charming, and hard-to-find. I recommend you sit outside, on the Cliff's Edge (where the restaurant gets it's name). This spot is completely un-marke (situated just set off Sunset Blvd, behind a local Taco stand. Wear big sunglasses and look tragic. The brunch crowd is mostly hung-over Silverlake hipsters. Great service, friendly staff, pricey menu; but well worth it!
Angela's Recommends You Order: Mimosa and Poached Eggs on Sour Dough Toast w/ Prosciutto & Arugula
SANTA MONICA
The Omelette Parlor2732 Main St.Santa Monica, CA 9040 Description: A family-oriented locals place, located on Main Street (right in the midst of several hot boutiques and inexpensive nail salons) where you can build the omelette of your dreams....or pick among the many delicious options on the menu. They serve regular and decaf coffee in great amounts (every time you blink, your mug is being refilled).
Angela's Recommends You Order: Coffee (I take mine decaf with cream and sugar), OJ and the Lox Scramble with Egg whites. If you are more of a sweet breakfast person, my pilates teacher swears by their Chuck and Lee Love Our Waffles (with hot banana-walnut topping)!
Urth Caffe - Santa Monica2327 Main StreetSanta Monica, CAhttp://www.urthcaffe.com/
Description: Beautiful, indoor/outdoor location full of too-cool Westsiders. You'll see a range of Yogaworks yogis, post-class, mixed with young, 20-somethings sporting Ella Moss Dresses and L.A.M.B. bags. You order at the bar and then scout madly to find a seat (they are almost always packed). I recommend the front patio. Great people watching, if you can get a table. All the food, coffee and tea are organic and super fresh.
Angela's Recommends You Order: Japanese White Pearl Tea and an Urth Organic Granola Bowl (with fresh fruit). The egg sandwich is also excellent (I usually order one of their giant chocolate chip cookies to nibble on while I wait for my order).
MANHATTAN BEACH
The Koffee Kart1104 Highland Ave.Manhattan Beach, CA 90266Description: This tiny hole-in-the-wall always sports a small crowd of families and dogs clambering outside to get one of the few tables or booths inside (the whole restaurant seats approx 40 people.) Menu is simple, but always good. Friendly staff. Walking distance from the stunning Manhattan Beach Pier.
Angela's Recommends You Order: Coffee & the Demolition Omelette (sausage, bacon, cheese, mushrooms, onions, tomato, sour cream and guacamole). If you are feeling a bit healthy I'd recommend the Guacamole Omelette, substitute eggwhites and select fruit and wheat toast as your sides.
Uncle Bill's Pancake House1305 Highland Ave.Manhattan Beach, CA 90266Description: Another Manhattan Beach Local's favorite. The line outside starts as early as 9am. Like many places in M Beach, Uncle Bill's has been around a long-time. Friendly, beach-diner local with friendly waitresses who know their regulars by name. Hint: Put your name in, then walk down the street and grab some Starbucks while you wait. If you want to skip the line altogether, ask to sit at the counter.
Angela's Recommends You Order: Hot Chocolate and the Body Builders Power Breakfast (three banana nut buckwheat pancakes and five eggwhites). Bring a friend and share a side of the Potatoes Stronganoff (hash browns sauteed with crumbled bacon and melted cheese, topped with sour cream).
