Breakfast Restaurants in Los Angeles

Jerry’s Famous Deli has numerous locations, a particularly convenient one is located next to the Beverly Center in West Hollywood at 8701 Beverly Blvd. I spent a very long election night there in 2000 and never fail to see some lesser Hollywood light when I visit. The food is good but not outstanding, selection is abundant and prices moderate. There can be a wait for seating during peak periods but often times you are seated as soon as you walk in. Still, it has a franchise feel and non-descript waiters and service. Credit cards are accepted. Parking at this particular location is very limited and difficult to access.

If you crave the true deli experience, Nate & Al’s at 414 N. Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills is the must visit. The lines are always long though so go prepared to wait and don’t expect to be coddled. Listen for your name and make your way quickly when it is called or your booth will be given away. Also, absolutely no rubber necking for the first rank stars who often drop in for a meal or some over breakfast business. They’re on their home turf here and bothering them will make you persona non-grata. If you don’t get pickles and kraut when you sit down be sure to ask for them, they are a highlight. Like Jerry’s, the menu is vast and even though it’s not exotic, it is very, very good. Credit cards accepted. Parking during the week can be a problem and generally requires using the garage down the street but Sunday afternoon is a breeze. If this is your first visit to L.A., Rodeo Drive is just around the corner and don’t miss the lobby of the Regent Beverly Wilshire at 9500 Wilshire Blvd.

If you’re traveling with teenagers, try Fred 62 in Los Feliz at 1850 N. Vermont Avenue just down the street from the Dresden restaurant of “Swingers” movie lore. The food here is very good, the servers are young with attitude and early on a Saturday or Sunday it is all age family friendly. Not knowing how cutting edge it is considered, I stopped here just because I was intrigued by the sidewalk seating and ketchup bottles. My jaded son was appalled that I enjoyed the silly menu names so much but he enjoyed the food. If you want to see stars, make sure you take someone young and hip enough to point them out. Stop on the sidewalk for a view of the Griffith Observatory. Credit cards accepted. Parking is almost always horrendous.

If you want a greasy spoon full of politicos you won’t recognize, try The Original Pantry at 877 S. Figueroa. On weekend mornings the line can be literally down the block and around the corner. I always just go directly to the counter where watching the cooks handle mounds of hash browns and multiple skillets is entertainment in itself. I wouldn’t order a steak here but orange juice and scrambled eggs and a plate full of those hash browns will be a cheap breakfast. Near Staples Center and the Metro Rail is just up the street. Be sure and stop in to the lobby of the Figueroa Hotel. Take cash, no credit cards accepted. Metered parking is generally found within a couple of blocks.

Now for ambience, friendly service, moderate pricing and truly excellent food served in an uncrowded, leisurely atmosphere, visit the locally know gem of Santa Monica, Zabies, 3003 Ocean Park Blvd. Early on a Saturday or Sunday morning, you will be greeted warmly by the female half of the couple who owns the restaurant and her husband will make some of the best pancakes you have ever tasted; my favorites are the banana but you can’t go wrong with the blueberry or strawberry. The orange juice is fresh squeezed. Credit cards are accepted and weekend morning parking is never a problem.