Where to Brunch In Highland Park, California

Vegans and vegetarians will rejoice at Kitchen Mouse. Here they can enjoy a delicious vegan version of the usually meat-laden Reuben sandwich, packed with vinegary sauerkraut and cashew cream – though a true Californian will probably get the Avocado TLT (tempeh, lettuce, and tomato). Although the menu is primarily vegetarian and gluten-free, the cafe’s brunch menu does include several tempting egg options, too.

Everything is better topped with an egg, and no place takes this principle more seriously than Italian restaurant Maximiliano, where you can find breakfast pizza topped with a fried egg. Other savory favorites include salmon benedict and beef short-rib hash, but if you’re in the mood for something sweet, indulge in their brioche French toast with Nutella, caramelized bananas and pecans.

All the best neighborhoods have a legendary hole-in-the-wall taco joint. With its sunny-yellow walls and brightly colored chairs, My Taco has fulfilled this role in Highland Park since the ’90s. My Taco’s carne asada fries are the perfect antidote for Sunday-morning hangovers, while the exceptionally reasonable prices make this relaxed eatery the ideal spot for a pre-payday Highland Park brunch.

If you’re looking for a Highland Park brunch spot with a little extra crunch, bite into the crispy huaraches (masa dough and beans) at Huarache Azteca. This is authentic Mexican cuisine at its best. From nachos and the Popeye quesadilla stuffed with white cream sauce to the house-special fajita platters, there are options to satisfy almost every craving. Be sure to finish the brunch right with a serving of Huarache Azteca’s deep-fried ice cream.

To visit a true Highland Park favorite, head out to the family-owned Mexican-Salvadoran restaurant Las Cazuelas Pupuseria. This diner-style eatery is known for its pupusas, packed with generous portions of beans, cheese or meat. Be sure to stop by during happy hour, which runs from 4 to 7pm daily.

Serving everything from breakfast burritos to gourmet fried chicken and loaded vegan sandwiches, Monte 52 is a charming deli and sandwich shop hidden away inside La Tropicana Market. When you enjoy brunch from Monte 52, you can be confident your meal has been made using organic ingredients of the highest quality. You can even attempt to recreate your brunch at home, thanks to the deli section of the store.