Sun pours through the front windows by 9 a.m., and a steady murmur of conversation fills the room as the first plates of the morning hit the pass.
Set in Los Angeles, CA, Philippe The Original has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
The chicken and waffles plate hits the table looking like a magazine cover and tastes even better than it looks.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Philippe The Original. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Breakfast burrito with eggs, chorizo, beans, cheese, and salsa roja
- Veggie scramble with spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese
- Crab cake Benedict with old-bay hollandaise (regional specialty)
- Acai bowl with granola, banana, coconut, and honey drizzle
- House bloody mary with bacon, olives, and pickled vegetables
- Buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and warm maple syrup
- Avocado toast on grilled sourdough with chili crisp and a soft egg
- Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
It's a tight room, with maybe a dozen tables and a handful of counter seats facing the open kitchen, where you can watch the line cooks work.
Their breakfast burrito is the kind of thing locals order with eyes still half closed — eggs, chorizo, a scrape of refried beans, melty cheese, and salsa with real heat.
Bring cash if you can — splitting the check is faster, and a few items on the daily-special board are cash-only.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Los Angeles, Philippe The Original is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. It's the kind of brunch that reminds you why we made brunch a tradition in the first place.
Tips from the regulars
- Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
- Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Philippe The Original.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Su 06:00-22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Su 06:00-22:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Su 06:00-22:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Su 06:00-22:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Su 06:00-22:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Su 06:00-22:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Su 06:00-22:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Philippe The Original open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Su 06:00-22:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Philippe The Original take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Los Angeles are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Philippe The Original kid-friendly?
Yes — Philippe The Original welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Philippe The Original serve?
It's classified under american — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Los Angeles.
Is there outdoor seating at Philippe The Original?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 1001 North Alameda Street. Coordinates: 34.0597, -118.2369. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.