Breakfast/brunch near Playa del Rey

[judybird]

Two of us Pasadenans want to treat a third friend to a birthday breakfast near Playa de Rey on Sunday morning. Not fancy, not upscale, no champagne needed, since the b'day girl doesn't drink - just someplace comfy and casual with good food, outdoor seating a plus. We're from the unfashionable East Side, are not at all familiar with that part of town.

[Fru]

I was in your shoes a couple of weeks ago....
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/800294

[ElissaInPlaya]

Picnic in Playa Vista

[Servorg]

Place Link for Piknic.

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Piknic Restaurant
13020 Pacific Promenade, Playa Vista, CA 90094

[bulavinaka]

I haven't heard anything about Picnic after some luke warm comments on the board as well as a co-worker who tried it soon after they opened. It seems like a nice enough place to have a meal with the park across the street and that kinda casual urban Playa Vista feel.

[ElissaInPlaya]

It's not Mozza, but I like it. Easy parking, comfortable seating, nice menu, full-bar, relaxed vibe, usually no-wait, nice outdoor space, great service, delicious desserts, and fancy coffee drinks. I like 26 Beach, but Piknic's salads and brunch items (ricotta pancakes!) are nearly as tasty in a more relaxed environment.

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26 Beach
3100 Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292

Piknic Restaurant
13020 Pacific Promenade, Playa Vista, CA 90094

[Servorg]

Sauce on Hampton in Venice. Open everyday at 8 AM

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Sauce On Hampton
259 Hampton Dr, Venice, CA 90291

[westsidegal]

although i absolutely love the food at Sauce on Hampton, their tiny tables and crowded space can sometimes be off-putting, especially on a weekend.
also, the last time i was there on a sunday, the head guy (whose name escapes me) was taking the day off and the whole operation was zig-zagging in a bad way both in terms of service and food.

[Servorg]

I always go early and have had no issue with table size, crowding or service. YMMV

[westsidegal]

that must make all the difference.
i never eat before 10AM
still, the tables don't change size. maybe early AM they will be more amenable to letting you spill over onto the next table. . .

[wienermobile]

Gjelina in Venice does a good brunch starting at 9am. Nice patio in back in addition to the great food.
http://www.gjelina.com/Menus/brunch.pdf

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Gjelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

[westsidegal]

26 beach cafe in venice.
i believe that they open at 8am on weekend mornings.
http://www.26beach.com/

[bulavinaka]

+1 on westsidegal's rec. No outdoor patio per say, but there's a completely enclosed patio area that's kind of kitschy-chic - feels like a garden room sans all the plants. If you're willing to drive into Venice, 3 Square on Abbot Kinney has a patio area and it's nice in the morning. The food is solid, the prices are reasonable enough and the bake counter next door might interest you folks as well.

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3 Square Cafe
1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291