If there’s one thing that Santa Monica residents are better at than body building and beaching, it’s brunching. Here are our top picks for the best brunches in Santa Monica, where unlimited mimosas, build-your-own bloody maries, and killer brunch fare abound. The only plan you’ll want to make after this kind of Sunday morning indulgence is a Sunday afternoon nap.
Guide to the Best Brunch in Santa Monica
Huckleberry
Huckleberry has been a Santa Monica must since opening in 2009. Owner Zoe Nathan and chef Erin Eastland collaborated on delicious signature dishes like the fried egg sandwich with sunny-side up egg, the brisket hash, and Zoe’s special maple bacon biscuits. Huckleberry: 1014 Wilshire Blvd.; 310-319-3111
Hinterland
Smack dab in the middle of Main Street, Hinterland quickly gained fame in its first days open, when boy-band heartthrob Joe Jonas stopped in for a bite. Try the shrimp and grits, or for something a little sweeter, the bourbon caramel crisp brioche french toast—it’s a delicious mouthful. Hinterland: 2917 Main St.; 310-399-0805
M Street Kitchen
This casual American restaurant and bakery prioritizes locally sourced ingredients, and simple, tried-and-true flavors. For brunch, pair a mezcal mary with “The Original”—scrambled eggs, avocado, tomato, chipotle mayo, and your choice of meat on a house-made sourdough english muffin. Heaven. M Street Kitchen: 2000 Main St.; 310-396-9145
Brick + Mortar
Serving bottomless mimosas and build-your-own-bloodies every Saturday and Sunday from 10AM-3PM, Brick + Mortar is a great place to go if you’re looking for a little party with your breakfast. Regulars rave about the chicken and waffles, and the braised carnitas burrito. Brick + Mortar: 2435 Main St.; 310-450-3434
Rudy & Hudson California Diner
This new spot from chef Joe Miller (previously at the much-missed Joe’s in Venice) has turned a former IHOP into a stylish retro-chic (see photo above) addition to Santa Monica’s brunch offerings. We love house-smoked bacon and the ricotta brioche french toast, but for true diner fare, order the pastrami reuben. Rudy & Hudson California Diner: 1920 Santa Monica Blvd.; 424-581-6444
Photo courtesy of Rudy & Hudson California Diner.
