Echo Park: The Bright Spot Gets Better

Drunk, ravenous and too late for anything else. For years, all three conditions had to be met for me to brave The Brite Spot. But, it’s a new day, and the classic Echo Park diner recently received a makeover by owner and habitual restaurant revamper Dana Hollister (she’s also behind renovations at Villain’s Tavern, 4100 Bar and Cliff’s Edge). The update brings new outside seating, a slightly more sparkly interior, fresher ingredients and an updated menu.

Breakfast is how I like to judge diners, so we decided to try out the new Brite Spot on a busy weekday morning. Chicken & Waffles, Brussels & Bacon Hash (yes, brussel sprouts) topped with poached eggs, and The Hangover, a scramble Chicken Andoullie sausage, potatoes and habanero pesto, all intrigued. However, we took one for the team and ordered the A Burger for Breakfast special—a turkey patty, hash browns, bacon, and fried eggs all crammed between a maple-aioli-smeared brioche bun. It was as tasty as it was ridiculous.

Eggs Benedict can be kept simple or spruced up with grilled tomato, spinach and avocado. Pancakes also come in a couple of different varieties, including traditional buttermilk, Lemon Souffle Blueberry, and Oatmeal Banana Nut. We tried the seasonal Pumpkin Pancakes, which didn’t have the strong pumpkin taste that would have excited, but they did have that ever important can’t-stop-eating quality. In fact, the baby couldn’t get enough of them:

Vegetarians weren’t forgotten by the new menu. For those who like control, there’s a build-your-own-omelet option, with lots of veggies, cheese and a few vegan meats to choose from while the Soyrizo Scramble and Sloppy Tofu Hash allow for a little indulgence. As do the Cowboy Coffee Cake and outrageous Peanut Butter Pie that you won’t believe you’re finishing.

It should be noted that I’ve heard mixed reviews about the service at The Brite Spot, but I didn’t experience anything out of the ordinary. The food, though, was decidedly fresher, more flavorful and better prepared than it ever was on previous visits. And I swear I was totally sober.

-Valentina