Now that school is back in session big breakfasts on a weekday aren’t exactly practical – it’s all you can do to get them up and dressed, slurping a gogurt or smoothie in the car. But that doesn’t mean pancakes are now strictly for Sundays. Just wait till the sun sets and break up your routine with a little breakfast – for dinner. Here are a few stellar spots that are serving up breakfast all day long.
photo credit: Krishann Briscoe
Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles
Locals and tourists can’t resist the savory and sweet dish á la chicken and waffles, and while that’s what they’re known for, it isn’t the only thing on the menu at Roscoe’s. For a more traditional breakfast offering you can request eggs, chicken sausage and a waffle.
What to get: For first timers, the Obama Special (also known as the Country Boy), is a popular selection with three wings and a waffle.
Multiple locations including Pasadena, Long Beach and Hollywood.
Online: roscoeschickenandwaffles.com
photo credit: Juanita D. via yelp
Mel’s Drive In
Nostalgia and good food go hand in hand at this fun diner. Kids will swoon over the Cinnamon French Toast. They’ll also get a kick out of the décor complete with a stool counter and jukeboxes at tables – a nod to the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.
What to get: At this blast from a past, poodle skirts are optional but pancakes are a must.
Multiple locations including Sherman Oaks, West Hollywood and Hollywood.
Online: melsdrive-in.com
Jerry’s Famous Deli
There’s a reason there’s a “famous” in “Jerry’s Famous Deli.” With tons of menu offerings there’s sure to be something dine-worthy for every member in your family. Whether you’ve got a taste for a California Omelet (Chicken, Avocado and Monterey Jack cheese), your kiddo wants PB and J with sliced bananas or you’re in need of a gluten free selection, you’ll find it at Jerry’s.
What to get: Whatever you like – with 100’s of menu selections, you’re guaranteed to find the right thing for even the pickiest of eaters.
Multiple locations including Studio City, Woodland Hills and Marina Del Rey.
Online: jerrysfamousdelicalifornia.com
photo credit: Dave L via yelp
House of Pies
As the name suggests, pies are their forte, but that’s not the only thing cooking over at the family owned and operated House of Pies Coffee Shop. According to their menu “At House of Pies anytime is breakfast time!”. That means Belgian waffles and crepes for dinner is a real possibility. They also serve up “liquid sunshine” in the form of tomato, apple, grapefruit or cranberry juice.
What to get: A side of pie, of course! Pie is perfect breakfast food.
1869 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz
Phone: 323-666-9961
Online: house-of-pies.net
photo credit: Gabriella A. via yelp
Pann’s Restaurant
Restaurant goers like the at home vibe of Pann’s. Pann’s is known for having great service and food, as well as large portions, something parents with hungry little ones can appreciate. One of the best hearty options is the “Uncle Bud’s Mississippi Cheese Eggs” that comes complete with a buttermilk pancake.
Fun fact: Do you have déjà vu when you step foot in the restaurant? Yes, you have seen it before, in movies like “Pulp Fiction”.
6710 La Tijera Blvd., Los Angeles
Phone: 323-776-3700
Online: panns.com
Doughboys Café & Bakery
This spot serves up larger portions (great for those who like leftovers) and fresh made foods. Breakfast Quesadillas, Rice Krispy Pancakes topped in marshmallow cream (for those who like breakfast to have a little crunch), Black and White Pancakes with chunks of dark and white chocolate, Pigs in a Blanket and a grilled sandwich made with peanut butter, bittersweet chocolate and banana are just a few of the fun and flavorful options available here.
What to get: Pretty much anything and everything you order. It’s like the menu was written by a 6 year old. Your kids will be in heaven, we promise.
8136 W. Third Street, Mid-City LA
Phone: 323-852-1020
Online: doughboysbakeryla.com
photo credit: GE K. via yelp
FOOD
Want to grab a bite to eat and a few items to help you with dinner prep for the rest of the week? FOOD offers the best of both worlds. FOOD is a café, market and they cater. Each day they offer specials using seasonal “farmer’s market offerings” and their “morning food” is served all day as a healthy option. Menu options include tofu scramble, organic eggs and their pancakes of the day. On some lucky days this is ricotta pancakes, with bananas and fresh berries. This place is both hip and healthy.
What to get: The pancake of the day is always fabulous, and the tofu scramble is a great way of getting heart healthy protein into kids. Sneaky, mom.
10571 Pico Blvd., West LA
Phone: 310-441-7770
Online: food-la.com
Crave Cafe
If your children are craving hearty breakfast food and bedtime is just a few hours away visit Crave Cafe in the San Fernando Valley. Kids love having the option of building their own crepe. Both sweet and savory crepes have a place on Crave’s menu. Another must try item — the breakfast pizza! (Though that one is actually more fun to eat at morning breakfast time.)
Locations in Sherman Oaks and Studio City.
Online: cravecafes.com
photo credit: James Emery via Flickr Creative Commons
The Kettle
What’s more fun than breakfast food by the beach? Dine inside or take advantage of the view and fresh air by eating outdoors. Around since 1973, The Kettle offers unique menu options such as Bananas Foster French Toast (cinnamon raisin French toast, bananas & walnuts sauteed in brown sugar cinnamon butter) and Breakfast Fried Rice.
What to get: The kids will love the french toast. But you’ve got to try the Crab Cake Benedict.
1138 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach
Phone: 310-545-8511
Online: thekettle.net
Jack n’ Jill’s too
Whether your kiddo likes their eggs solo, scrambled in a Panini or rolled into a burrito, Jack n’ Jill’s too offers flavorful fare inspired by Louisiana. Both blueberry and strawberry oatmeal pancakes make an appearance on the menu.
What to get: If all these heavy pancakes are too much at the end of the day, try the Healthy & Happy Breakfast Crepe, filled with non-fat yogurt, fruit and nuts.
8738 W. 3rd St., Mid-City LA
Phone: 310-858-4900
Online: jacknjillstoo.com
-Krishann Briscoe
Where do you go to get the most important meal of the day, at the end of the day?
