Brunch at SPRING in Downtown LA

A charming outdoor brunch setting actually inside

Having Brunch at Spring in Downtown LA is like removing yourself from actual LA. Stepping inside magically transports you to a simple, pretty Bistro in the South of France. And in that setting, it’s hard to believe you’re actually on the corner of 3rd and Spring, at the base of the Douglas Building in the Historic District, a short walk from the iconic Last Bookstore.

It helps that though it’s a clean and simple space, it is also clear that the owners paid attention to fine details like leather-bound menus, colorful florals, a trickling fountain (I found it so peaceful) and a sparkling atrium.

The Chef is respectful of his ingredients, using fresh, local products. This is most apparent in their absolutely perfect pastries – it’s a must-order plate that comes with croissant, pain au chocolat, baguette and delicious, seasonal house made preserves. (At the end of our meal, we happened by the prep area with plates and plates of these pastries. It took everything in me not to put some of them in my purse.)

The Lobster Benedict is also a fresh, savory meal — the lobster itself is just so yummy! They serve it up with Spinach, which is not my thing, so I’ll pass on that next time. All I need is that shellfish, that sauce and those English muffins. I would also advise to try the little side salad. It seems rather like a throw-away but in fact serves as a perfect counter-balance to the richness of the Benedict.

We couldn’t imagine ordering something else but it seemed a shame not to try some pancakes. They were simple, fluffy, buttermilk pancakes but we didn’t need more more than that after the heavy dishes.  I don’t know that if I returned I could pass up all the other more unique options (for example, the Steak Benedict with Bearnaise sauce? YES.) on the menu to have pancakes, but if you’re the person who craves pancakes for breakfast, these will do, I promise.

The other thing high on my list to try next time I go? The smoked salmon tartine on country bread toast with horseradish spread, smoked salmon, capers, arugula, dill. And perhaps the croque madame, if only so I can compare it to the croque madame at The Church Key, which I am obsessed with, and see how it compares! And even though I am a brunch devotee, I am dying to go back to Spring for dinner because the menu looks absolutely incredible.

When we were there, my friend and I remarked that Spring is also a perfect “girls night out” restaurant. So if you’re a female friend and you’re reading this, you oughta drop me a hint, hint in the comments so I invite you when I plan this.

Before we part ways, one more tip. There are several public parking lots in the area and truthfully, it’s not a part of town I am comfortable walking around by myself in, so I snagged the first, closest lot I could. I would even challenge you to leave some extra time and find parking on Spring St. if you can. They did not have a valet when I was there but it may be something they’ve since added — and I would use it if you are able.

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