It’s about time I share 5 more amazing brunches in downtown Los Angeles, am I right? The first post I wrote (5 Amazing Brunches in Downtown Los Angeles) did so well (thank you!) that I knew I had to start trying new places and documenting all the worthy ones. And now, here we are!
I’m introducing Aloha Cafe, Zinc Cafe & Market, Jist Cafe, Nickel Diner and Nick’s Cafe in this post, all located in downtown Los Angeles!
Aloha Cafe
(410 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012)
We’re such a huge fan of Aloha Cafe in Little Tokyo! We always walk there since it’s fairly close to where we live, even though they do have parking. I know, shocking! Aloha Cafe is located in the Honda Plaza which is basically a little strip mall, so there’s parking. They’re a small family owned and operated Hawaiian cafe with a simple but delicious menu. A few of our favorites: the French Toast (made with Hawaiian sweet bread!), the Loco Moco (classic!) and Komae’s Big Breakfast (comes with Portuguese Sausage, Vienna Sausage, Spam, eggs, corned beef hash and rice). Don’t forget to grab POG juice if it’s available (Passion Fruit, Orange and Guava) and definitely coffee (love Hawaiian coffee!).
Pro tip: if you drive there before 10AM, there’s no attendant so the parking is free. If you go after, just let the attendant know you’re eating at Aloha Cafe and you’ll be charged a discounted price of $3.
Zinc Cafe & Market
(580 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013)
It’s a good thing we gave Zinc Cafe a try without knowing it was vegetarian (although they don’t advertise themselves as that) because I would never voluntarily go to a vegetarian restaurant…and I would have seriously missed out! Zinc Cafe is also one of our favorite go-to’s for breakfast or brunch. First of all, the interior and atmosphere is what I would describe as peaceful, Arts District chic. That’ll make more sense once you go there. Our favorite dishes: the Steel Cut Oatmeal (sounds basic but they do an amazing job), French Toast and the Burrito Bowl (comes with vegetarian sausage but you can substitute them for breakfast potatoes for an additional charge). Oh and they have a full espresso bar using Intelligentsia Coffee which is delicious!
Pro-tip: If you’re there early enough, there’s plentiful street parking. This changes drastically as the day progresses. If you’re not lucky enough to grab street parking, there’s a couple of parking lots within a block or two but they’re not cheap! If you can, Lyft.
Nick’s Cafe
(1300 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012)
I love Nick’s Cafe, I do. But only when I feel like I deserve a hefty breakfast or brunch because it’s a lot of food and can get heavy. Nick’s Cafe has been around since 1948 (!!!) and is the most classic diner with a horseshoe counter and a seriously old-school Coca Cola fridge. There’s some outdoor seating as well (dogs are welcome!) in addition to the indoor counter. On weekends, the wait could be pretty long so beware of that. Their menu is pretty big and it’s easy to get overwhelmed but to be honest, you won’t be sorry ordering whatever it is you end up with since their food is drool-worthy. Feeling breakfast-y? There’s 2 pages worth of breakfast on the menu. Feeling lunch-y? They have great sandwiches, burgers and my diner favorite: patty melt! No but really, their egg dishes are to die for and don’t forget the chicken apple sausage.
Pro-tip: CASH ONLY! They have an ATM inside but avoid the surcharge and bring cash.
Nickel Diner
(524 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013)
The Nickel Diner is a new addition to our list of favorite brunch spots and I’m mad at myself for not eating there sooner! Hands down one of the best brunches in downtown Los Angeles, friends! A historical diner that’s been featured in several foodie shows, they’ve maintained the old-school diner feel which is absolutely the most cozy. I can’t say much about their lunch menu since I haven’t had lunch there but if it’s anything like their breakfast/brunch and dinner, I’m comfortable vouching that it’s delicious. A few favorites: Cameron’s Puppy Pile (chicken apple sausage sandwiched between 3 buttermilk pancakes, topped with a fried egg), French Toast (made with their house-made cinnamon swirl brioche), Butter Ball Biscuit (just order it and thank me later), Puff Pastry (it’s their house-made Pop Tart; also order it thank me later) and honestly any of their pancakes.
Jist Cafe
(116 Judge John Aiso St, Los Angeles, CA 90012)
Located in Little Tokyo, the Jist Cafe is a family owned restaurant of over 70 years! Originally a Chashu Dumpling joint, it’s evolved into more of a Japanese/Asian-inspired diner of sorts. One look at the menu and you’d agree. They have such a fun and unique menu it’s hard to just pick one thing! Favorites: Ginger Mochi Pancakes (yes it has candied ginger and mochi in the pancake mix!) and the Chicken & Pigs (scrambled eggs with chicken apple sausage, hickory ham, maple bacon, all over a bed of tater tots). Definitely one of the best brunches in downtown Los Angeles!
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