With locations across the city, a menu with a little bit of something for everyone and a killer happy hour, this Israeli-inspired local chain with a nightly open bar and bottomless mimosas on the weekends is a go-to for many Angelenos, particularly for a boozy brunch. The Playa del Rey location features a breezy patio adjoining an itty-bitty dining room of polished cement floors and sleek industrial accents. My favorite items here are mujadara, a Levantine dish of lentils and basmati rice with roots in Syria; the glazed pork belly, topped with sesame seeds, lemon juice and green onions; and the medjool date cake topped with brown sugar caramel and crispy bacon.
Time Out tip: Manage expectations. The food here isn’t the best, per se, but the all-day hours and reasonable prices make Bacari a stellar option for large groups and those traveling on a budget.