After a couple of glasses of the free-flowing champagne, the Big Boys Dixieland quartet will get you out of your seat and on your feet, singing and dancing along as they work the room. The Dixieland brunch, on Sundays, is $16.95 for the buffet; another $6 gets you unlimited champagne.
The House of Blues
8430 Sunset Blvd.,
West Hollywood
(323) 848-5100
The draw: Roadhouse revival
The legendary Gospel brunch at the House of Blues keeps the crowds rolling in twice each Sunday for its happy-clappy R&B gospel spectacular. The show is a must-see for out-of-towners (and Angelenos who have managed to miss it) for the sheer quality of the performance. Be prepared, though: The brunch spread is notoriously mediocre and champagne service abysmally slow -- it's all about the show. Tickets are $35 (they can be booked for weeks).
Showstopping
Samba
207 N. Harbor Drive,
Redondo Beach
310) 374-3411
The draw: Eggs with a quiver
Turn up the heat at this fun Brazilian brunch that serves up skewered meats carved tableside as well as semi-clad samba dancers who gyrate from table to table in Vegas showgirl costumes. Oh, plus a stunning view of the harbor. Sunday brunch, with salsa shows at 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. At $19.95, including grilled meats, buffet and unlimited champagne, this just might be the best brunch bargain in town.
Renaissance Restaurant
Church of Scientology
Celebrity Centre
5930 Franklin Ave., Hollywood
(323) 960-3100
The draw: A peek behind the gates
This Sunday buffet lets the uninitiated onto the sumptuous grounds of Scientology's Hollywood estate -- without having to take a personality test. Hint: The $25 brunch does not include champagne and can be discounted to $20 with a coupon from www.celebritycentre.org.
Sagebrush Cantina
23527 Calabasas Road, Calabasas
(818) 222-6062
The draw: Kitschy buffet bonanza
Sagebrush's Sunday brunch is the lovechild of a carnival and Olvera Street. A persistent mariachi band serenades the willing (and less than) with tunes including "Who Let the Dogs Out" and Santana medleys. Not a bad way to ease into a menu offering caviar and vodka shots, Dodger Dogs and Mexican specialties. Oh yeah, there's an omelet station too. $22.95 covers it all, including plastic cups of champagne.
Arty
Soul Folks
613 Imperial St., Los Angeles
(323) 839-3380
The draw: Loft party vibe
This art space with an at-home vibe heaps on plates of healthy soul food for local artists and downtown explorers. Guests feel as if they're walking into proprietress Yealang Smith's home rather than a restaurant, surrounded by colorful African American art and funky furnishings. Her pancakes are exactly how she describes them -- "orgasmic." Hint: This is one of those places that's so hip there's no sign, so make sure you bring a friend to navigate the confusing streets of L.A.'s industrial district.
Restaurant at the Getty
1200 Getty Center Drive,
Los Angeles
(310) 440-7300.
The draw: Best visuals
Both the panoramic city views and the museum's art collection enhance a sophisticated Sunday brunch menu. Hint: The parking's a nightmare, so allow yourself an extra 35 minutes and take advantage of the wait to wander through a gallery.
Hip Crowd
The Griddle Cafe
7916 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles
(323) 874-0377
The draw: See and be seen
This is Sunset Strip's trendiest hangover cure: The brick-walled hipster hangout still draws lines out the door (be prepared to wait an hour). Dishes include Frisbee-size pancakes and six kinds of chili that can be put atop practically anything on the menu. What to wear? Whatever you wore to the club last night will do fine -- it's dress to impress, but the price is right. Hard to top $25, unless you drink too many bloody sakes.
Toast
8221 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles
(323) 655-5018
The draw: Young Hollywood
One of the few Sunday brunch spots where cellphones and BlackBerrys don't take a day of rest. Be prepared to wait up to an hour with slim and stylish Juicy Couture-clad up-and-comers salivating for a delicious and healthy salad.
Hotel Splurge
Hotel Bel-Air
701 Stone Canyon Road,
Los Angeles
(310) 472-1211
The draw: Most beautiful setting
Everyone is treated like royalty at this exquisite hideaway. Brunch is served on the terrace, which overlooks the lavishly landscaped gardens complete with a footbridge and the hotel's own Swan Lake. The garden tour is a must afterward. If you're lucky, they'll serve an amuse bouche of poached quail's egg, caviar and lobster bisque on a jaunty, antique cast iron rabbit. This is a spot for special occasions; $48 per person including a glass of champagne.
Beverly Hills Hotel
9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills
(310) 276-2251
The draw: Old Hollywood
