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When you think of Los Angeles, a lot of things come to mind: celebrities, palm trees, beaches, traffic and most importantly, superb brunch spots perfect for Instagram photo ops that will blow your taste buds out of your mouth.
Although eating at every restaurant establishment in LA is an impossible task (Tripadvisor says LA has 8,596 restaurants) I have discovered my favorite brunch spot in LA so far. I’ve been back to this place a handful of times for a further appreciation of the menu.
Grub, a cute 1920’s bungalow house turned restaurant, is tucked away in the heart of Hollywood. This place is not located on a big main street, which adds more allure and charm to it. If you don’t know about this place, you will easily miss it in the blink of an eye. It is odd to see the combination of 1920’s bungalows in the area and the movie studio production complexes that take up one block.
Some of the best things about Grub are their creative menu and condiment bottles, which bring a playful attitude to your eating experience. You will also see how they advertise their signature in-house made “crack bacon” and French toasts. Unfortunately, I don’t eat bacon, but reading the reviews I guess that it is heavenly.
Just upon your entrance, you will find yourself on the patio, which is super comfy and inviting with succulents and flowers. The interior of the duplex 1920’s bungalow consists of eclectic kitschy artwork, hardwood floors and wooden tables and chairs. The atmosphere is very charming and cozy. When you step inside, you’ll immediately feel a sense of familiarity from the staff as well as their genuine love of food!
…now let’s get to the good stuff!
MENU
Here are a few of the items I tried and a few of their most popular meals that I thought were worth mentioning.
I would suggest researching the restaurant on Instagram or on their website to give you a better understanding of their extensive menu. There’s just way too many options, which if you’re super indecisive like me, can be a nightmare.
My first time there, I had their mac-n-cheese but I didn’t feel adventurous enough to customize it. Yes, you can add all sorts of toppings, including their mega-popular crack bacon. Either way, it was delicious and the salad was one of the best I’ve ever had in a restaurant (I rarely eat salads when I go out as I’m a little picky with the dressings).
Their tuna sandwich was named “the best tuna melt in LA” by LA magazine. The photo doesn’t do any justice!!
This is hands down the best hot chocolate I’ve had in LA. Ghirardelli chocolate with delicious homemade whipped cream (yes you read it correctly, homemade whipped cream) and sprinkles on top. I love hot cocoa and it is my drink of choice during the cold months but this was absolutely perfect! Do you know how hot chocolate is usually just way too intense? This one has the perfect flavor of milk chocolate without being too overwhelming or thick to drink. If you go during breakfast hours, they bring you a complimentary basket with a mix of different classic cereal.
Carnival Pancake
A huge pancake with Froot Loops cereal in it. Don’t let the size of it intimidate you because it’s super thin. This pancake was featured on Discoverlosangeles.com as one of the best pancakes in LA! They do have an array of pancake options, but this one is their signature.
I saw this on their Instagram… their “Big-ass ice cream sandwich” features 8 giant slices of Neapolitan ice cream. You can also get the “half-ass” or the “quarter-ass” which is $5.75 and comes with two pieces. These names crack me up! I didn’t dare to try it when I was there but I probably will on my next visit with friends. Unless you’re starving, the portions won’t allow any room for dessert!
Besides their scrumptious dishes and selection of beverages, what really stands out about this place is the staff. You won’t see any pretentiousness here. They’re so laid-back, friendly and accommodating —- they can modify the dishes if you have allergies or are simply super picky. The 1930’s style house dress on the manager, a super sweet blonde middle-aged woman, made me feel like I was elsewhere in the country.
What a creative black pepper bottle to spice up your food! (get it?) 😄
If you’re looking for a new brunch spot or to simply indulge in high-quality comfort food on your cheat day, you must add Grub to your list. I’ve been to a lot of brunch spots in LA and Grub definitely surpassed my expectations. Their hearty portions, their creative and humorous menu, the ambience, the graciousness and attentiveness of the staff and the chirping birds outside will all make you forget you’re in the heart of Tinseltown for a moment. Grub’s decor slightly reminded me of Aroma Café in Studio City (see my post about it here).
Cons? Parking can be a nightmare (watch out for street cleaning, read the signs!) and they close at 3 pm every day, which impedes the enjoyment of a nice meal under the strings of lights on the patio. However, I saw some photos of the restaurant at night with these lights on during the summer, so hours may vary as we approach the summer season. (I hope so!)
Grub’s address is 911 Seward St, Los Angeles, CA 90038
For more details regarding the history of the place, hours and write-up links, click on the photo down below.
What are your favorite brunch spots? Even if you don’t live in LA, don’t be shy! Share your recommendations!
