Odys & Penelope has been open since January of 2015, and since then it has remained an LA dining “must”. They’re known for being another one of the brainchildren behind beloved culinary couple Quinn and Karen Hatfield, as well as for their one-of-a-kind “churrasco” style cuisine. What does that mean exactly? Outside of it meaning the restaurant smells heavily of wood and is seemingly grill centered, I wasn’t entirely sure. But I can tell you now that after a little internet research I was indeed correct and that’s about the gist of it! The Odys & Penelope M.O. is their open grill, their wood fired smoker, and their Brazilian churrasco. Alongside their beyond fantastic locally sourced cuisine is their stunning wood beamed, warm and inviting interior. Like “nap inducing” warm and inviting.
As of a few weeks ago Odys & Penelope has begun a brunch service which was undoubtedly worthy of investigating first hand. As with most “new” menus at any great LA spot, I was expecting good but not great. I’m forgiving like that. Fortunately for all parties involved, Odys & Penelope blew my expectations completely out of the water. The ambiance was just as wonderful during the day as it is at night, and the food, ALL of it, was outstanding. They clearly know what they’re doing no matter which meal service we’re talking about, and I suppose I’m not all that surprised – we are talking about the Hatfields after all! Next time you find yourself on La Brea or in the area on the weekend, don’t forget that Odys & Penelope is where you’re going to find the best brunch.
Yes. The best brunch on La Brea. Said it. Meant it!
Favorite Beverage | coffee + water + bellini, boom.
Must Order | MUST start with the “Warm Skillet Buns” with the maple brown butter glaze. They are so insanely good, they come out warm *in the skillet* and I personally loved them because they’re actually not TOO sweet, and they were great to dip in my coffee. If you don’t get the Warm Skillet Buns (or if you’re in need of a sugar high) make sure you at least get the “Yeast Raised Chocolate Chip Belgian Waffle” with whipped creme fraiche. Again this one was a little too easy to eat because it wasn’t intensely sweet! It was so well balanced, and those chocolate chips add the perfect little sumthin’ sumthin’. Outside of the sweets definitely order the “Smoked Pork Loin Sandwich” with carmelized onion, melted Swiss, quick pickles + shredded lettuce, hot mustard aioli on a Hawaiian style bun. But consider this to share because it’s pretty big. Outside of that it was one of the tastiest sandwiches on the planet, this was probably my favorite dish. A few additions to consider would be the Avocado Toast or the Trout Salad – also both outstanding! I really didn’t have anything that I’d even consider mediocre, so the odds are in your favor no matter what you order.
Perfect Spot For | dinner // brunch // drinks at the bar // a place to eat on La Brea // grilled meats // date night // a cozy interior // impressing an out-of-towner // something different // kids! (they have high chairs)
Fun Fact | The name Odys + Penelope pays tribute to the legendary couple, Odysseus and Penelope of Homer’s Greek epic.
BONUS Fact | Parking can be difficult depending on the time, but there is valet for $7 or there are two public parking garages – one of 1st and La Brea and one at 2nd and La Brea.
ODYS + PENELOPE // 127 S La Brea Ave.
HOURS
Mon – Thurs 6pm-10pm
Friday 6pm-11pm
Sat 10am-2:30pm and 5:30pm-11pm
Sun 10am-2:30pm and 5:30pm-9:30pm
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