Rise and Dine: DTLA’s Top Breakfast Hangouts for Hipsters

#1 – Eggslut: where eggs take center stage

First up, the egg-centric haven that’s on everyone’s bucket list – Eggslut. It’s the Disneyland of breakfast joints, but with eggs instead of roller coasters. The lines are equally outrageous but don’t panic just yet: no express passes are needed, as the chefs move faster than you can say “yolk”.

Omelette you finish, but Eggslut DTLA definitely lives up to the hype. Why scramble for other options when you can just scramble your eggs?

The Menu

So you’re at place where eggs more than just the sidekick. What should you be getting? These are my 3 personal favorites.

1. The Slut
   A glass jar filled with a smooth potato purée, a slow-cooked egg, and a sprinkle of salt to take it to the next level. Dip your toasty baguette soldiers in there, and you’ll feel like royalty. This is the kind of egg dish that makes you question why you ever bothered with cereal. Don’t be fooled by the cheeky name because the dish is pure elegance.
   
   
2. The Fairfax Sandwich
   a brioche bun cradling soft scrambled eggs, chives, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and sriracha mayo. One bite, and you’ll understand why they call it “The Fairfax Cure.”
   
   
3. The Gaucho
   Wagyu tri-tip steak, chimichurri, red onions, and an over-medium egg in a warm brioche bun. It’s breakfast with a carnivore’s twist, and it’ll have you rethinking your morning routine.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of other options on the menu. Apart from a host of burgers, Eggslut also serves truffle hash browns, house-made buttermilk biscuits and an array of fresh juices, coffee and tea.

The Venue

Eggslut DTLA is located in the Grand Central Food market, a bustling warehouse in the heart of Los Angeles. It’s a foodie playground, accommodating more than 13 vendors serving local & international food. And it’s a vibe.

There’s both indoor and outdoor seating but it’s not the place you’re going to spend a quiet morning. If you’re in the mood for a quick bite and want to get on with your day, this is your best bet.

_{ADDRESS
317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
HOURS
08:00 AM – 02:00 PM daily}

#2 – Poppy + Rose: quality food by quality people

This place is impressive in more than one way. Poppy + Rose was established in 2014 by dynamic husband-wife duo Michael Reed and Kwini Reed. In recent years, they’ve collected a number of awards, including ‘Best Breakfast in LA’, ‘Best Chicken Sandwich in LA’ & ‘Best Chicken & Waffles in LA’.

Michael & Kwini are quality people, frequently giving back to the community, supporting hospitals, children’s organizations and more through financial assistance and meal donations.

The Menu

Poppy + Rose serves comfort food with a Southern twist. You could also get a salad, but why would you?

1. The Avocado Benedict
   A mouthwatering masterpiece in which poached eggs meet flaky biscuits smothered in hollandaise sauce. It’s so good it should come with a warning label, because this dish “may cause breakfast addiction.”
   
   
2. Fried Chicken + Waffles
   Brace yourself because this is not your average fried chicken and waffles. It’s crispy, fluffy, and so good that it’s almost suspicious. The secret? A drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of hot sauce. It’s a taste sensation that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha-cha.
   
   
3. Pulled Pork Hash
   A brick hash, topped with barbecue pulled pork, two eggs and crème fraîche. It sounds simple, but this dish tastes – and looks – like a masterpiece.

Poppy + Rose serves up all the seasonal classics and then some. They have multiple variations on their dishes, making sure there are plenty of veggie-friendly alternatives. The best vegetarion option? Their cocktails and mimosa’s, including the Rose Mojito, Lavender Wine Spritzer or the Spiked Limeade.

The Venue

Poppy + Rose is nestled right in the heart of the Flower District, a six block floral marketplace consisting of nearly 200 flower dealers. If you want to walk off the calories after breakfast, this would be a good starting point.

The restaurant itself has plenty of indoor seating and recently expanded with the Poppy Patio, an outdoor – and thankfully shaded – rooftop area. This is the place to be on a sunny day!

_{ADDRESS
765 Wall St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, United States
HOURS
09:00 AM – 03:00 PM daily}

#3 – Pitchoun Bakery: family-owned pastry paradise

Pitchoun truly is the pièce de résistance on this list. This quaint pastry shop brings the Parisian charm to the streets of DTLA – and it tells a family story: Frédéric and Fabienne Souliès are both French nationals who moved to the US with the intent of sharing their best family recipes. The name “Pitchoun” is a French term meaning “kiddo”, referring to the couple’s three “pitchouns”.

I’m European and I love my bread so there was no way I was going to wrap up this list without featuring a bakery. But let’s talk bread. Trust me when I say you haven’t truly experienced bread until you’ve savored the delight of a perfectly crafted baguette. And right here is the closest you’ll get to that Parisian perfection. So, don your beret, practice your “oui” and head over to pastry heaven.

The Menu

While you’re here, I would recommend getting 2 pastries per person. Your best bet is to order a few more to sample with your group, so your taste buds are free to explore.

1. Chocolatine
   Let’s start with the OG chocolate roll. This is my litmus test in every bakery around the world. Flaky, buttery and downright addictive – Pitchoun’s chocolatine is like a warm hug from your French grandma (even if you don’t have one). Pair it with a latte, and you’re officially living your best breakfast life.
   
   
2. Éclair
   These beauties are practically art pieces. They’re like the runway models of pastries – tall, slender, and dressed to impress. Imagine delicate choux pastry filled with velvety cream and topped with a flavorful glaze. This might be my favorite pastry ever. #OohLaLa
   
   
3. Cannelé de Bordeaux
   Try pronouncing that without feeling a little fancy! This little darling is the cool cousin of the cupcake – it’s flavored with rum and vanilla, has a tender custard center and a thick caramelized crust. And did I mention the rum?

Pitchoun also serves breakfast plates, sandwiches and parfaits. But while you’re here, I recommend focusing on the real delights on offer: French pastries prepared by a French chef. You can’t possibly go wrong!

PS – sometimes Pitchoun serves the Supreme Croissant (a filled cylindrical croissant). If this one is on offer, it is a NO-BRAINER.

The Venue

Pitchoun is located in the Financial District, right by Pershing Square. The offer plenty of indoor & outdoor seating, but pastries are particularly great for breakfast on the go. If you’re pressed for time, just grab some treats and get walking.

_{ADDRESS
545 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
HOURS
08:00 AM – 03:00 PM daily}