LA Marathon brunch spots — must-try meals along the 2026 route

A Guide to Breakfast and Brunch Spots Along the L.A. Marathon Route

If you’re running or cheering at the L.A. Marathon this Sunday and spot a large, ceramic, pink pig near Mile 2, don’t be alarmed. You’re in the vicinity of Nick’s Cafe, a local favorite known for its exceptional ham and waffles. The restaurant has been serving up great meals since 1948 and opens at 6 a.m., making it an ideal stop before or after the marathon.

Nick’s Cafe is located just off the course near the early Chinatown miles, and it’s within walking distance of the marathon’s Chinatown stop. You can enjoy their signature “Nick’s Famous Ham n Eggs” and still catch the first wave of runners passing through the Chinatown Dragon Gate a few blocks south.

The L.A. Marathon route 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 there will be plenty of street closures. However, if you’re planning to head out anyway and are looking for a good place to eat, here’s a list of breakfast and brunch spots along or near the route that open early.

Chinatown

Nick’s Cafe

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.

Address:
1300 N Spring St.

Flouring

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.

Address:
932 N Hill St.

Philippe The Original

Philippe is 500 feet from the course near Mile 2, close to the Chinatown/Union Station.

Address:
1001 N Alameda St.

DTLA

Antojitos Puebla

Antojitos is directly on the route along Los Angeles Street as runners pass through downtown around Mile 3.

Address:
435 S Los Angeles St.

Grand Central Market

You can get front-row seats to the route at Grand Central Market. The course runs directly past the Broadway entrance around Mile 3.

Address:
317 S Broadway

Moonlark Dinette

Runners pass Moonlark just after the Mile 4 marker as they head south toward the 110 Freeway crossing.

Address:
1060 S Broadway

Girl & the Goat

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.

Address:
555 Mateo St.

Echo Park / Silver Lake

Levant Bistro + Bake Shop

Levant is right at the Mile 6 mark as runners begin the long stretch up Sunset.

Address:
2112 Sunset Blvd.

Breakfast Republic

Breakfast Republic is directly on the route just before the Mile 6 marker.

Address:
1918 Sunset Blvd.

Maury’s

Maury’s is two blocks south of the route near Mile 7 and within walking distance to the course.

Address:
2829 Bellevue Ave.

Millie’s Cafe

Millie’s Cafe is directly on the route between Mile 7 and Mile 8.

Address:
3524 Sunset Blvd.

Los Feliz

Cafe Los Feliz

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.

Address:
2118 Hillhurst Ave.

Hollywood

The Griddle Cafe

The Griddle is a prime viewing spot near Mile 13, right before the course turns south toward West Hollywood.

Address:
7916 Sunset Blvd.

The Butcher’s Daughter

About half a mile south of the route, you’ll find The Butcher’s Daughter. Runners will be on Santa Monica Boulevard (Mile 15-16), making it about a short 10-minute walk from here to see them.

Address:
8755 Melrose Ave.

The Henry

Like Butcher’s Daughter, The Henry is just a quick walk up to Santa Monica Boulevard to catch the action.

Address:
120 N Robertson Blvd.