4 minute read

AL FRESCO at RAPPAHANNOCK OYSTER BAR

Can't make it to brunch on the weekend? Set sail for RappBarDTLA where brunch is served seven days a week.

This lively Downtown establishment fringes of the borders of the city within Diners and embraces the carefree ambiance of a waterfront day, even though it's surrounded by over 32,000 acres of industrial concrete.

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Whether you choose to dine indoors and catch a glimpse of RappBar’s master Oyster Shucking techniques or partake in the great outdoors near a magnificent fig tree, a brunch at RappBar keeps DTLA in a state of relaxation, akin to a minivacation.

Chef Wilson Santos offers Diners a delightful blend of brunch classics infused with a Mexican twist. Begin your brunch journey with zesty Oyster Tacos, tantalizing Lobster and Shrimp Quesadillas, and the most tantalizing oysters for miles around.

We like to indulge in a variety of specialty cocktails that complement the offerings of the DTLA Outdoor lifestyle mall. It's one of the few places where you can savor a delicious brunch and embark on a tipsy shopping spree all within the same location.

FIGHTING FIRES at ENGINE CO NO 28

Downtown LA boast the most fantastic architectural landmarks in the world. If dining inside a page of history is your thing, Engine Co No 28 is the perfect choice for brunch offering a unique experience in a 100-year-old building where firemen once gathered.

Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays, complete with table-side Mimosas and spicy-hard Bloody Marys.

There's something heartwarming about enjoying a delightful plate of chicken and waffles topped with mixed berries against the backdrop of rich mahogany wood, high ceilings, majestic pillars, and original brass fireman's pole where brave souls used to slide down and come save you.

Savor the perfection of ENGINE'S WAGYU BURGER, two prime beef patties topped with crispy bacon, melted cheese, a delectable house spread, the freshness of lettuce and tomato and a lone egg, sunny side up!

Natural light shines on this mouthwatering delight enjoyed with choice of a soft brioche bun or a toasted English muffin reminding the dinner it’s an early meal.

We recommend the FIREHOUSE COBB SALAD with its mix of satisfying crisp romaine lettuce, tender chicken breast, savory bacon, creamy avocado and ripe tomato.

Engine Co No 28 offers expertly crafted cocktails. The drinks here are some of the most potent and well-made libations we've ever enjoyed. And we’ve enjoyed lots of libations, here in the DT.

In addition, Engine Co No 28 has made a name for its business lunches as well.

IN THE GARDEN at LADY BYRD CAFE

Eating brunch in a wondrous outdoor garden is always fantastic. The only thing more fantastic is you being a part of the garden.

That’s how it feels when dining for brunch at Lady Byrd Café located in downtown adjacent, Echo Park, known for its delightful outside garden setting, which places diners inside tiny greenhouses of their very own to sit back on assorted iron rod seating adorned with handmade pillows and watch their enjoyment grow.

Owner Misty Mansouri began enhancing the outside of her midsized coffee shop as a necessity to keep the cafe alive during COVID.

What grew from the idea of Al Fresco became a garden maze of collectibles, tiny eating hubs and overgrown foliage, filled with the sounds of sweet hints of jasmine and the sounds of tiny birds filling the air.

At Lady Byrd, delicious brunch plates are paired with red and white wines and Soju-based cocktails. We recommend their tender, beautifully decorated signature coffees brought to life with lavender syrups, adorned with the tiny flowers that grow throughout the garden.

Misty told DT Weekly, diners gravitate towards the Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes, made with lemon ricotta, homemade jam, whip cream, and honey. We recommend the Salmon Benedict with smoked salmon, spinach, spicy Hollandaise, served with a side of potatoes or mixed greens.

And no brunch at Lady Byrd Cafe would be complete without a bowl of their Creamy Shrimp Pasta loaded with perfectly cooked shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, Aleppo pepper, and parsley topped with Parmesan in a creamy Alfredo sauce.

MANLY SPORTS BRUNCH at SMOKE CITY CHAR BAR

When Smoke City Char Bar first opened roughly a year ago in the Arts district, they didn't serve brunch. Instead, they focused on what they did best—serving some of the most delicately prepared BBQ brisket Downtown had ever had the pleasure of enjoying.

Alongside barbecue favorites chicken, baby back ribs and tri-tips magnificence, they offered an array of delectable sides like corn on the Cobb, watermelon salad, mac & cheese, and their signature musthave—the mouthwatering fresh corn riddled cornbread brought to Downtown by master Chef Omari Williams.

Since then, Smoke City Char Bar has undergone some exciting new changes. Chef Omari moved on to helm The Palms restaurant as Executive Chef in South Park, leaving behind his trusted sous chef George Huynh to carry on Smoke City’s culinary legacy. And boy, did George take it to the next level with a brunch menu that is nothing short of absolute BBQ mastery.

These days, brunch at Smoke City Char Bar is a perfect blend of sports, hearty meats, and robust cocktails. If diners are in the mood to catch a game, they’re in luck—big screens are strategically placed above the bar, ensuring they won't miss one exciting moment.

But let's talk about the drinks. This isn't your ordinary brunch with delicate sips; here, diners find robust and adventurous cocktails like the Mamba, that elevate your experience beyond the obvious choices like Mimosas and the customary Bloody Mary.

Now, let's dive into the heart of this manly brunch—the food. Chef George Huynh has taken the reins, ensuring BBQ perfection in every bite. We’re talking Beef Tri-Tip Steak & Eggs, Buttermilk Pancakes, Avocado Toast, and Smoked Brisket Hash. But the real legend on the menu is the Buttermilk Shortbread Biscuit—an absolute Southern style masterpiece.

If there’s room, patrons may order generous servings of their BBQ meats complete with a flight of BBQ dipping pools, ready for each succulent plunge. The combination of smoky flavors, tender meat, and tangy sauces is a true delight for any barbecue aficionado.

The portions were so generous that to-go boxes most likely fill with brunch, lunch and dinner.