If you’re out running or watching the LA Marathon this Sunday and you find yourself face-to-face with a large, ceramic, pink pig near Mile 2, don’t panic. You’re outside Nick’s Cafe.
Nick’s has been serving some of the best ham in LA since 1948. Their waffles are also quite good. The restaurant opens at 6 a.m. and is within walking distance of the marathon’s Chinatown stop. So you could gobble down their signature “Nick’s Famous Ham n Eggs” and still catch the first big wave of runners through the Chinatown Dragon Gate a few blocks south.
The LA Marathon runs from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica Boulevard and Avenue of the Stars in Century City, following the “Stadium to the Stars” course. This means plenty of street closures. But if you’re heading out anyway and looking for a decent spot to eat, we got you.
Inspired by Nick’s, we’ve put together a list of good breakfast and brunch spots along or near the route that open early.
Chinatown
Nick’s Cafe
1300 N Spring St.
Nick’s sits just off the course near the early Chinatown miles. The marathon runs a few blocks south along Sunset Boulevard and the lower stretch of Spring Street, so you can walk from the restaurant to the action.
Flouring
932 N Hill St.
Just off the route, Flouring is a short walk from where runners pass between Mile 1 and Mile 2 as they head through the Chinatown Dragon Gate.
Philippe The Original
1001 N Alameda St.
Philippe is 500 feet from the course near Mile 2, close to the Chinatown/Union Station.
DTLA
Antojitos Puebla
435 S Los Angeles St.
Antojitos is directly on the route along Los Angeles Street as runners pass through downtown around Mile 3.
Grand Central Market
317 S Broadway
You can get front-row seats to the route at Grand Central Market. The course runs directly past the Broadway entrance around Mile 3.
Moonlark Dinette
1060 S Broadway
Runners pass Moonlark just after the Mile 4 marker as they head south toward the 110 freeway crossing.
Girl & the Goat
555 Mateo St.
About 1 mile east of the route, you’ll find Girl & the Goat. It’s a bit of a trek from the race path, but it’s a good option if you want to step away from the crowds for a bit.
Echo Park / Silver Lake
Levant Bistro + Bake Shop
2112 Sunset Blvd.
Levant is right at the Mile 6 mark as runners begin the long stretch up Sunset.
Breakfast Republic
1918 Sunset Blvd.
Breakfast Republic is directly on the route just before the Mile 6 marker.
Maury’s
2829 Bellevue Ave.
Maury’s is two blocks south of the route near Mile 7 and within walking distance to the course.
Millie’s Cafe
3524 Sunset Blvd.
Millie’s Cafe is directly on the route between Mile 7 and Mile 8.
Los Feliz
Cafe Los Feliz
2118 Hillhurst Ave.
If you want to go a bit off the beaten path, head to Cafe Los Feliz, about 1.5 miles north of the route between Mile 8 and Mile 9.
Hollywood
The Griddle Cafe
7916 Sunset Blvd.
The Griddle is a prime viewing spot near Mile 13, right before the course turns south toward West Hollywood.
The Butcher’s Daughter
8755 Melrose Ave.
About half a mile south of the route, you’ll find The Butcher’s Daughter. Runners will be on Santa Monica Blvd (Mile 15-16), making it about a short 10-minute walk from here to see them.
The Henry
120 N Robertson Blvd.
Like Butcher’s Daughter, The Henry is just a quick walk up to Santa Monica Blvd to catch the action.
