Locals Only: South Bay of LA Brunch Guide

Just south of LAX is a paradise called the South Bay.

It’s the most un-LA area in all of LA. Mega clean beaches. Block after block of family-first households. Locally owned businesses. Friendly faces.

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If you have a weekend layover in LA and want to experience some California sunshine...

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...skip the Hollywood sign clogged with tour buses and the Santa Monica Pier where someone will inevitably shove their python, mix-tape, or fishing rod in your face.

Better yet,

if you’re a LA local who is tired of the asphalt (or same 'ol B.S. at The Bungalow.)

Come on down. Water is warm (and more friendly)!

 

Below are my top Beach Cities breakfast stops.

No chains. All locally owned. after all, This is the South Bay.

 

side note: It's low key already summer in the South Bay. 

all heart eyes on these suits

1. Love & Salt:

Modern, Italian-inspired menu, a foodie’s paradise

Best cup of French Press coffee in the South Bay by far.

  • Menu recommends:

    • Lemon ricotta pancakes

    • Duck egg pie (perfect to share!)

    • Pumpkin bread (seasonal): freshly baked with a homemade whip that will knock your socks off

    • $20 bottomless mimosas and sangria (that will REALLY knock your socks off).

2. Two Guns Espresso

For the lovers of quality coffee & everything smothered pesto.

  • Menu recommends:

    • Their Americanos are heaven (and jet fuel).

    • Stan-wich: a prezel bun, pesto, eggy local favorite

    • Veggie frittata: fresh, light, flavor packed, no-guilt

3. Brother's Burritos 

Not your average burrito stand manned by the friendliest faces in the South Bay.

  • Menu recommends:

    • B. Avocado

    • Jackie O

    • Skip the tortilla and put your burrito in a bowl over spinach, beans, or brown rice.

4. The Strand House

Best ocean-view in the South Bay (In fact: this is where the USC football team takes all their football recruits)

  • Menu recommends:

    • Super yummy coffee

    • Eggs Benedict

    • Stuffed French Toast

5. Rock’N Fish 

Known for their Navy Grog pre-games, not known for their breakfasts. Shhh… don’t tell!

  • Menu recommends:

    • Rock’N Breakfast Sandwich: their sourdough is where it’s at!

    • Cobb salad is bomb... sub chicken for wild caught salmon makes it even more money

6. The Kettle

24-hr diner a block from the water.

While most locals visit it after last call at Shellback, their food is no joke. DEFINITION SOUTH BAY.

  • Menu recommends:

    • Muffins!!!! They are made fresh every day, served warm and renowned. Must taste: Bran, Orange Zest, Blueberry

    • California potato skins

    • French onion soup (not really brunch… but this one is worth it at any time of day!

7. MB post

Tappas heaven For those who love to share and taste alllll the things.

  • Menu recommends:

    • - Cheddar bacon biscuits

    • - Tell your server a little about your palate and then ask him to order for your table. Trust me!

8. Terranea Resort

our local luxury resort

a bit of a drive and a lot over-priced, but the drive's views makes it worth it.

  • Menu recommends:

    • The waffle Bar at "Sea Beans" on the weekend is epic and pretty affordable.

    • Mimosas by the pool will beat any brunch in the restaurant (you can pay a day pass!)

    • Pro tip: Do not valet. There is a free lot to your left right before you roll up to valet.

9. Palmilla

Lots of Latin flavors and the perfect place for a boozy bday brunch!

  • Menu recommends:

    • $15 bottomless champagne or mimosas. No brainer! Literally cheaper than one mimosa at most LA restaurants!

    • A local favorite to host birthday parties.

10. Martha’s 22nd Street Grille

No-nonsense, no- frills breakfast spot right on The Strand where the born and raised South Bay-ers have their weekly neighborhood breakfasts.

  • Menu recommends:

    • Sweet corn omelette is mega underrated!

    • Any of the pancakes and omelets are solid and exactly what you'd expect

11. gum tree 

Husband and wife owned Austaralian cafe & home boutique in Hermosa beach.

  • Menu recommends:

    • Avocado toast (duh!)

    • Any of their panini's

12. R10

Right on the wharf and the perfect place to sail or paddle board afterwards! Real good people own & work this joint.

  • Menu recommends:

    • Cheese boards

    • Anything with seafood in it. Super, super fresh!

13. Tower 12

This is my second home. brunch. dayger. dinner. closing it out at the end of the night. it's all good #yew

  • Menu recommends:

    • Their skinny marg is everything (I know... not brunch)

    • Literally everything on their menu (and in general at this place) is bomb.

14. ABIGAILE

brewery meets brunch on crack. bros will be stoked & you will be full for days. 

  • Menu recommends:

    • Lemon pancakes are legit the size of your head, and mega yummy.

    • Mcabigail is a classic breakfast sandwich... on steroids.

    • LBC: chicken and waffles... you can’t go wrong with this one.

CaliforniaDanielle PriceSoCal