Every Friday, our editors compile a trusty list of recommendations to answer the most pressing of questions: “Where should I eat?“ Here are four places to check out this weekend in Los Angeles. And if you need some ideas on where to drink, here’s our list of the hottest places to get cocktails in town.
For cakes, pies, and next-level chocolates made on site: Valerie Confections in Glendale
Breakfast turnover. Mona Holmes
Watching a celebrated chocolatier launch a line of chocolates in 2004, then an Echo Park shop in 2013, and a second 5,000-square-foot outpost in Glendale in 2022 has been a literal treat for longtime Angelenos. Valerie Confections’ Valerie Gordon prepares toffees, petit fours, pies, and an outstanding and signature coffee crunch cake. The Glendale shop has an adorable and covered patio to enjoy any of these things, but also check what Gordon prepared for the daily specials, like quiche or breakfast hand pie. Flaky salt and pepper crust gets filled with herby scrambled eggs, ham, and melted Swiss cheese. Order one, plus a slice of pie for after, and your breakfast is complete. One of the many great things about dining at Valerie Confections is that you get to take something home that will make the trek worthwhile. 1936 W. Glenoaks Boulevard, Glendale, CA, 91202 — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
For sausages and fluffy Belgian fries: Wurstküche in the Arts District
Sausages and fries at Wurstküche. Kat Thompson
Sitting on the sidewalk dining area of Wurstküche with a large order of fries, sauerkraut-topped sausages tucked into soft rolls, and a crisp soda on a weekend just feels right — especially when it’s over 70 degrees out, which it will be this weekend. I love the casual vibe of dining here and the extensive selection of fruity beers and sausages alongside ample amounts of mustard; make sure to try all the squeeze bottles of grain, Dijon, and honey mustard available. My favorite links are the Hungarian heat, which combines smoky paprika and white pepper with the sweetness of brown sugar, and a classic and spicy Louisiana hot link. Exotic sausages made from rattlesnake, rabbit, and duck are available, too. 800 E. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. — Kat Thompson, audience editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
For hot chocolate and hedonistic people-watching: Max & Helen’s in Larchmont
Hot cocoa at Max & Helen’s. Nicole Fellah
Now that the comical waits have calmed slightly, it’s probably a good time to go to Max & Helen’s, the new celebrity-owned vibe-dining destination cosplaying, glamorously, as a diner in Larchmont. Going on the weekend will still risk a long wait, but if you can bear it, it could be worth the pilgrimage to try the ultra thick, velvety, torched marshmallow–topped hot chocolate; massive omelets (order the Popeye-approved Florentine with a spinach, leek, and Parmesan medley inside); deli classics like matzo ball soup; and pure, unadulterated people-watching in a dining room with intentionally vintage flourishes. Likely, partners Phil Rosenthal and Nancy Silverton will be holding court with family and friends at separate tables inside (they were on my visit), but you can’t blame them for the slow turn in seats. People just like to be here, even if it costs them time. Yes, the bagels are from Courage, but you would wait a long time to eat those anyway, right? 127 N. Larchmont Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90004. — Nicole Fellah, Eater editorial manager
For Burbank Airport-adjacent breakfast: Coffee Commissary in Burbank
Smoked salmon toast at Coffee Commissary. Rebecca Roland
After an early morning drop-off or pick-up at Burbank Airport, the first thing on your mind is probably getting breakfast and caffeine as soon as possible. Luckily, Burbank’s Coffee Commissary, which has been open on the corner of Alameda and Olive since 2013, remains a loaded institution for egg-laden breakfast plates, cold brew, and classic drip coffee. Breakfast brings smoked salmon toast with avocado and fried capers, as well as a brisket-filled breakfast burrito with pico de gallo. Lunch adds a few more options to the menu, including a fried chicken sandwich, a kale Caesar, and tater tots. There are usually a handful of seats available indoors, but on nice days, head out to the verdant patio. 3121 W. Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA 91505. — Rebecca Roland, deputy editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest