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Sweet Maple
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Sweet Maple
8.3
Home to the world-famous Millionaire's Bacon, this breakfast powerhouse elevates American morning classics with Asian flourishes. Thick-cut bacon caramelized with brown sugar and spicy pepper has achieved legendary status among brunch enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire's Bacon, Blueberry Pancakes, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Millionaire's Bacon put them on the global food map
Who should go: Breakfast lovers and bacon fanatics
When to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid weekend lines
What to order: Millionaire's bacon, blueberry pancakes, breakfast burrito
Insider tip: Order bacon to-go as a perfect beach snack
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, arrives early on weekends for spots. 2-hour meters, free before 8am
Dress code: Casual beach vibe, athletic wear and flip-flops welcome
Noise level: Bustling and energetic - expect lively brunch chatter
Weekend wait: Not applicable - closes at 3pm
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min during peak 11am-1pm rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie scrambles, pancakes, and breakfast sides
Vegan options: Very limited - oatmeal and fruit, ask for modifications
Gluten-free options: Some options - eggs and bacon dishes, no dedicated prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual morning dates - low pressure, great conversation starter with the famous bacon, and beach walk nearby
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, just walk in. Weekends arrive before 9am or expect 30-45 minute waits. No reservations taken
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids love the sweet bacon and pancakes. High chairs available, casual atmosphere welcomes families
Best For
Better for: Indulgent bacon dishes and hearty portions at budget prices - beats pricier brunch spots for value
Skip if: You want healthy options or a quiet atmosphere - try Gjusta or Gjelina instead for lighter fare
Sweet Maple
8.7
Home of the world-famous Millionaire's Bacon, this Asian-fusion brunch spot elevates American classics with innovative twists. The thick-cut bacon caramelized with brown sugar and spicy peppers has set the bar for bacon worldwide, while bottomless mimosas flow freely on weekends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire's Bacon, Grand Marnier French Toast, Korean Galbi Benedict
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Millionaire's Bacon slow-cooked for hours to chewy perfection.
Who should go: Bacon lovers and bottomless brunch enthusiasts
When to visit: Early weekend mornings to avoid wait
What to order: Millionaire's Bacon, omurice, mimosa flight
Insider tip: 90-minute free parking validation in building
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free 90-min validation in building garage, street parking scarce on weekends
Dress code: Casual brunch attire, athleisure to sundresses all work
Noise level: Loud during peak brunch - expect lively group energy
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 90 min for larger groups
Weekday lunch: Walk-in friendly, 10-15 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several egg dishes, pancakes, and Asian veggie options
Vegan options: Limited - can modify sides and salads, ask server
Gluten-free options: Some options - rice-based dishes work, no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for third date onwards - it's loud, boozy, and bacon-forward. The bottomless mimosas and group vibe make conversation challenging for getting to know someone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, weekends risky. Join the waitlist on Yelp before heading over, or arrive before 9:30am on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes until noon - high chairs available, kid's menu with silver dollar pancakes. After noon becomes more of a boozy brunch scene.
Best For
Better for: Bacon obsessives and Instagram-worthy dishes - no one else does bacon like this, and the presentation beats typical brunch spots
Skip if: You want intimate conversation or healthy options - try Gjelina or Huckleberry instead for lighter, quieter brunch
Sweet Maple
8.4
Sweet Maple brings their famous San Francisco brunch magic to Santa Monica, with signature Millionaire's Bacon that's been caramelized with brown sugar and spices for hours. The Asian-fusion touches elevate American breakfast classics, from Korean galbi benedicts to Japanese omurice, all served in a bright, modern space just blocks from the beach.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire's Bacon, Galbi Benedict, Grand Marnier French Toast
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: World-famous Millionaire's Bacon slow-cooked to sweet-savory perfection
Who should go: Brunch enthusiasts seeking elevated comfort food
When to visit: Weekends for bottomless mimosa specials
What to order: Millionaire's Bacon, Galbi Benedict, bottomless mimosas
Insider tip: Arrive before 9am weekends to avoid hour-long waits
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on side streets, metered on Main St ($2/hr), nearby public lot at 2030 Main St ($5 flat rate weekends)
Dress code: California casual - anything from athleisure to sundresses, beachy vibe welcome
Noise level: Lively buzz - can hear your party but energetic weekend brunch crowd
Weekend wait: N/A - closes at 3pm daily
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min walk-in typically, reservations recommended
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - creative options like kimchi fried rice, veggie benedicts, açai bowls
Vegan options: Limited - can modify dishes, tofu scramble available, ask server
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF pancakes and toast available, most egg dishes naturally GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for a casual daytime first date - bright, lively atmosphere takes pressure off, Instagram-worthy dishes are great conversation starters, and who doesn't bond over Millionaire's Bacon?
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes if you arrive before 11am, weekends extremely difficult - expect 60-90 min waits after 10am. Best bet is joining the Yelp waitlist remotely before heading over.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes but better for older kids (8+) who appreciate creative food - no kids menu, portions are generous for sharing, highchairs available but space is tight on weekends.
Best For
Better for: Unique fusion brunch dishes you won't find elsewhere - if you want Korean galbi on eggs benedict or Japanese-style pancakes, this beats traditional spots like The Griddle Cafe
Skip if: You want quick, simple breakfast or need to eat after 3pm - try Jinky's or Snug Harbor for all-day options with shorter waits