Six Spots for a Southern Sunday Brunch in L.A.
After a hike at Runyon the other Sunday, a couple of my old co-workers and I sat parked along the street trying to figure out where we would go to eat. We referred back to an Instagram post I’d sent prior, and as beautiful as the Black-owned Sunday brunch spots list was, it wasn’t functional for us in that moment because only one allowed you to eat there (My 2 Cents — which is where we’d just eaten our previous Sunday linkup; plus, one of the girls wanted mimosas and that’s not something they offer). All of the other places were only doing to-go.
We’re tired of ordering to-go. We want to eat out! And, at these places, you can… literally eat out.
Los Angeles County still has quite the restrictions in place, but businesses are finding a way to stay strong during this debilitating public health crisis. From lining tables along the sidewalk, to turning parking lots into full-blown dining “rooms”, some restaurants have figured out a way to allow their guests to dine onsite with them while still following public health guidelines.
Southern brunch is like soul food for breakfast.
It’s filling, rich, and warm. These ain’t no avocado toast type joints. We’re talking thick, creamy grits. We’re talking alcoholic beverages and not worrying about it being 5 o’clock somewhere. We’re talking sweets; dessert isn’t reserved to dinner in this culinary category. (My diabetes-ridden family has me slightly paranoid and playing it safe with this one, but occasional indulgence won’t have me pricking my finger anytime soon, hunh?) We’re talking bacon-fat-cooked anything. Who’s tossing out good grease after a single use?! (Remember, soul food was born out of American descendants of African slaves using leftovers from what they had prepared for the master’s meal). Whew, don’t get me off on a tangent. Let’s get into this list!
My 2 Cents
5583 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90019
You see, I’m going to be completely honest; their shrimp and grits is absolutely mouth-watering (my mouth is watering as I type this, no joke); it’s one of my favorites, but I’m still hungry after I finish them. The serving size is small. Maybe it’s only my little fat self, but I’d say you have to order something to accompany them, like maybe some biscuits, if you want to feel full. But wait, this is L.A., where people are more health-conscious than where I’m from, so someone who’s interested in lighter fare while still getting to enjoy that savory Southern cuisine may opt for this menu item.
I have been here multiple times with different friend groups, where we all order various meals and I’ve not heard one single complaint. If I haven’t ordered it myself, I’ve nibbled off of someone else’s plate (which I’m good for doing) and everything has been tasty. Their menu doesn’t confuse you with two many options, and you really can’t go wrong no matter what you choose.
Stevie’s Creole Cafe
5545 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90019
If the two sisters, daughters of Mr. Stevie, that run this place, don’t know my name, they definitely know my face. It’s hard not to become a regular after eating their food. It’s so good that when I met Mr. Stevie, I had to ask him where he’s from. He told me he’s from Los Angeles, but he must’ve done some mighty good research because his Louisiana Creole-inspired fare is rather convincing. It’s not my Teedie’s, but it definitely satisfies my cravings for comfort food while in Los Angeles.
If you’re anything like me and can always make room for dessert, add an order of beignets when you visit. Baby when I tell you, they’re worth every single calorie, they’re worth it! Go bike or hike it off later ☺
Delicious at the Dunbar
4229 S Central Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90011
The name “Delicious Southern Cuisine”, the location in the historic Dunbar Hotel (which was once the heart of Black Los Angeles), and articles about the restaurant that focus on talking points such as a “promise to return to South LA decadence,” could easily lead one to believe that this is a Black-owned establishment. It is not. (It’s the only one on this list that isn’t.) Let’s hope those characteristics are only coincidental, and weren’t intentional to seem Black-owned in hopes of getting more of the Black dollar. I digress.
The executive chef immigrated to Los Angeles from Puebla, Mexico when he was 20 years old. He started off washing dishes at a spot in South Central LA where Civil Rights leaders would meet, went on to work at other long-standing soul food restaurants, and eventually worked his way up to Cook, then built his own foundation, that he was able to pass along to his daughter. (That’s the story I much rather hear.)
This Latina-owned restaurant boasts Southern cuisine with a Mexican-Angeleno twist. I haven’t yet ventured into the menu items with a Mexican flare, but if it’s prepared as well as any of the other dishes I’ve had, I’m sure they’re good too. For brunch, I’m stuck on the french toast because it’s crispy then a tad gooey in all the right places. Yum!
Now these next three are on my list for my next available Sundays. Though I haven’t visited yet, I personally called each one and confirmed that they are indeed offering Sunday brunch and that patrons are able to dine onsite.
BlaqHaus NoHo
11671 Victory Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91606
According to the raging reviews, this place is poppin’! Out in one of the valleys surrounding L.A., this restaurant offers all of your brunch classics, including mimosas! It’s giving bourgeoisie and down-to-earth vibes at the same time. This looks like a spot where it’s totally appropriate to arrive all dolled up.
Yes, sis, go get cute and sip your bubbly in their open-air patio dining area!
Serving Spoon
1403 Centinela Ave
Inglewood, CA 90302
This spot gives me “hey, baby, come on hea, sit down and eat you some food.” They hashtag their posts with #AintNoBetterBreakfast. And a scroll thru their feed also shows they’ve had quite some notable guests over the years, from L.A. Clippers’ Paul George to soon-to-be Vice President (we hope) Kamala Harris. It’s not some fancy smancy place that people would go to only for the look, so the actual food itself must be pretty darn good!
M’Dear’s
2450 E Carson St
Lakewood, CA 90712
A visitor to Los Angeles said in an Instagram post, “it’s like mama’s kitchen.” This little diner can make you feel at home and fill up your belly.
Gather your girls and go have brunch!
(But don’t gather too many, because even in open air spaces, Los Angeles County is still only allowing restaurants a party maximum of six; so if you show up with more than six people, they’re required to split your group into separate tables.)
Save this for later!
Who knows how long these restrictions will remain in place?! And even when they’re lifted, this is still a great list to choose from because you’ll know these spots have been in operation, even through the tough times.
All of the restaurant names in large font are links that you can click to go directly to their website, if you’d like to check out their menu or more about them.
Maybe you’re reading this and it’s not Sunday yet, or you aren’t in L.A. at the moment, or you already have plans for this upcoming Sunday… Just save this Instagram post, retweet this article, or share it on Facebook to easily come back to it when your ready to have a yummy Southern Sunday brunch in Los Angeles!
