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I’ve passed by the 64-year-old Brite Spot diner in Echo Park numerous times, usually on the way to Dodger Stadium. I never thought much about it other than noting the sign was pretty cool. But when I heard that Dana Hollister, owner of One-Eyed Gypsy and Villains Tavern in the Arts District downtown and Cliff’s Edge in Silver Lake, had recently remodeled the restaurant and revamped the menu, I was intrigued.

My interest was validated when I sat down for brunch. With a seasonal menu and house-made goodies including granola and pastries, Brite Spot is a tasty option for your morning meal. Start your meal with a cup of Stumptown coffee and the baked-in-house granola with plain yogurt and fresh berries, or a wedge of Cowboy Coffee Cake, a moist sour cream cake swirled with chocolate, pecans and cinnamon streusel served with a side of warm butter. (This cake was so good, I may have to go back for a slice of the buttermilk whiskey pie — you know, for research purposes.)

Granola and yogurt, Cowboy Coffee Cake

If you’re a hash brown fiend like I am, Brite Spot will satisfy that craving. These potatoes are buttery and crisp, just like they’re supposed to be. And don’t overlook the buttermilk biscuits, which are made with cracked black pepper — a genius move.

Hash browns, fried egg sandwich

Cracked black pepper buttermilk biscuit

When it comes to mains, the fried egg sandwich (above) is a solid choice. With two fried eggs over medium, applewood-smoked bacon, greens, tomato and basil mayo on grilled sourdough, you can’t really go wrong. There are also a couple of really decadent items on the winter menu that are sure to help you recover from any hangover. The Burger for Breakfast, a ground turkey patty stacked with hash browns, applewood-smoked bacon, sharp cheddar cheese and a fried egg slathered with maple mayo on a buttered brioche bun, is reminiscent of McDonald’s McGriddle sandwiches with its sweet-and-savory combo but way better. And then there’s the Southern Decadence, a stack of country sausage gravy, fried chicken, a cracked pepper buttermilk biscuit, applewood-smoked bacon and sharp cheddar cheese topped with a sunny side-up egg. ‘Nuff said.

Burger for Breakfast

Southern Decadence

One dish that was a bit of a disappointment was the Brussels & Bacon Hash with Brussels sprouts, potatoes, applewood-smoked bacon, shallots, garlic and herbs topped with two poached eggs. It sounded delicious, but it actually lacked the flavor I thought it would have. It was just missing something — too bad.

Brussels & Bacon Hash

Overall, I would revisit Brite Spot if I were ever in the area, which isn’t often. I may even make a special trip for that coffee cake and those biscuits!

Note: This meal was hosted.

Further reading:

Rise and Shine: Breakfast at Echo Park’s The Brite Spot by LAist

Q&A: Dana Hollister on Her Brite Spot Revamp, Silver Lake’s Official Hipsterdom by Los Angeles magazine