The Brunch Blogs are back! After exploring Brunch Blogs: San Diego, we are now taking on Brunch Blogs: Los Angeles. In this case, Burbank, the “Media Capital of the World”. Burbank maintains a homey, small-town feel in the rush of LA by prioritizing local businesses. Whether you live in the Valley or are passing through from the Burbank Airport, here are the top cafes to try around town. My favorite part – I can always find a seat and never have to worry about parking.
All locations, including more of my favorites, can be found on this Brunch Blogs: Los Angeles Map.
#1 Olive & Thyme
3821 Riverside Drive; Mon-Sat 9a-3p
Olive & Thyme is by far my favorite Brunch spot in Burbank! It is my go-to for family, friends, and even coworkers.
It is a clean, modern farmhouse aesthetic with a ton of natural light. The farm also comes to life in the farm-to-table food that is never frozen and made fresh daily. There are indoor tables, bar seats, and a patio. The cafe also includes a small marketplace selling stationery, candles, and the owner, Chef Melina’s, very own cookbook.
I usually go in the morning or early afternoon and enjoy the Poached Egg Toast. If I go in the late afternoon for lunch, I enjoy the Salmon Miso Bowl.
If you are looking for something more filling, Olive & Thyme just opened a second, lunch-focused location on Olive Ave that has more seating, including a conference room. The Rigatoni Alla Vodka is incredible.
#2 Coffee Commissary
3121 W Olive Avenue; daily 7a-6p
As a self-proclaimed coffee snob, I can always appreciate a company that roasts its own beans! Coffee Commissary roasts its beans locally in Los Angeles and sells them in-store, too. There is limited indoor seating, but a decent patio. The decor is artsy and fun for local creatives, and the food options are substantial.
Additional locations in the Beverly Center, Del Rey, Fairfax, Glendale, Palms, and Santa Monica
#3 Republik Coffee
136 E Palm Avenue; daily 730a-6p
In the heart of Downtown Burbank there is Republik Coffee. I like to stop here before the Farmer’s Market, or before a trip to the mall.
Republik Coffee has a wide range of food options including pastries, plates, and sandwiches. My favorites are the Croissant Sandwich and the Lox Bagel.
Indoor seating can be a challenge but there is a large, covered patio.
Additional locations in Pasadena and Monrovia
#4 Romancing the Bean
3413 Manolia Blvd; daily 8a-6p
The brick walls, gold frames, and crystal-like chandeliers are romantic, elegant, and modern. It’s almost giving Gatsby. Romancing the Bean is my favorite brunch spot to work from and there is wifi available.
My go to sandwiches are the Chicken Curry or the Brie and Apple.
Fun fact, the owner, Chef Kerry Krull,also owns the “New Deal”, a 30’s retro-themed restaurant across the street.
#5 The Ugly Mug Coffee House
3112 Burbank Blvd; daily 8a-5p
The Ugly Mug holds a feeling of nostlgia and familiarity. Perhaps it is the vintage toys or maybe it’s just the cozy, cottage core vibes.
Their logo, the horseshoe, is an ode to the owner who is the son of a horseshoe maker. The Ugly Mug works directly with coffee farmers around the world to source their beans.
Along with their cups of fresh coffee and espresso classics, they offer seasonal lattes and a variety of pastries. One of the most popular items is the Banana Chai Latte!
#6 The Palm Coffee Bar
2922 Magnolia Blvd; daily 7a-5p
The Palm Coffee Bar is by far one of most photoworthy in Brunch Blogs: Los Angeles! Although the retro phone is no longer on display, the pink flooring and disco balls are sure to spark cretivity and be instaworthy.
Similar to the Commisary, these beans are locally roasted here in Los Angeles. It is woman owned and managed – both of whom are excellent!
Although the food selection is limited, the pastries they offer are organic and they have a good variety of Vegan and Gluten Friendly options.
#7 Three Sisters Coffee & Tea
1706 Magnolia Blvd; daily 8a-3p
The dark wood and plant wall draw you in for a very warm and earthy vibe.
The signature Three Sisters Latte is an herbal blend of lavender and rose. It is one of my favorite lattes in Burbank.
This is the newest of the cafes in this list and is named after the owner’s three daughters, the three sisters. Three Sisters does an excellent job of colloborating and supporting other small businesses. They often host classes or services such as a hair tinsel salon.
Food selection is limited to pastries, but their chocolate croissant never misses.
#8 Alfred Coffee
171 Maple Street; daily 630a-5p
Alfred Coffee has 2 dozen coffee shops across Los Angeles, with the slogan, “But First, Coffee”. This only ranked so far down for the Burbank location specifically, which is just a grab and go walk up shop without an indoor cafe.
Alfred Coffee is most known for their Vanilla Latte, crafted with a house made syrup.
The Studio City location, bottom left, is a favorite of mine and would have ranked higher – but that’s for my next Brunch Blogs: Los Angeles. The LAX location, bottom right, is by the delta wing and is my go-to before every flight.
#9 Kaleido Coffee
2120 Magnolia Blvd; daily 8a-3p
Kaleido Coffee is a coffee cart outside of Tansy. They are small, but mighty and even develop all of their own syrups! My favorite is the Toasted Hazelnut Latte in winter, and during the warmer months I enjoy the Iced Lychee Tea.
I love grabbing a quick drink here before exploring Tansy, a local plant shop with a variety of tropical and somewhat rare plants
#10 Black Elephant Coffee
940 Lima Street; daily 8a-5p
Fun fact, Elephants are community driven animals, and Black Elephant Coffee is a community driven coffee shop. What makes this shop unique is the interesting latte flavors such as chaga mushrooms, turmeric, charcoal, peanut butter and more! Although they have food available, I prefer to stick to just stick to the coffee.
Additional location in Atwater
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