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Breakfast by Salt's Cure
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Breakfast by Salt's Cure
8.4
Breakfast by Salt’s Cure is a compact West Hollywood offshoot from chef-owner Chris Phelps focused almost entirely on oatmeal-based griddle cakes. The order-at-the-counter format keeps things moving while locals and out-of-towners work through rotating flavors and a short list of savory plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
OG Oatmeal Griddle Cakes, Banana Nut Griddle Cakes, Breakfast Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Pancake-focused spot where oatmeal griddle cakes are cooked to order and come in multiple flavors.
Who should go: Pancake fans who like focused, no-frills menus
When to visit: Opening hours on weekends before the queue stretches outside
What to order: OG Oatmeal Griddle Cakes, Banana Nut Griddle Cakes, Breakfast Sandwich
Insider tip: Share one sweet order and one savory item so you can sample more without overloading on sugar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Santa Monica Blvd and the surrounding residential blocks; it can fill quickly during peak brunch hours, so allow extra time.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; activewear, jeans, and weekend attire all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate during peak weekends with steady chatter; still manageable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — the restaurant operates primarily as a breakfast/brunch spot.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, especially before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian griddle cakes and savory items are available.
Vegan options: Limited — most griddle cakes contain dairy, but a few sides and modifications can work depending on restrictions.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free griddle cakes; cross-contamination is likely, so gluten-sensitive diners should exercise caution.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meet-ups than formal dates. The counter-service setup and compact space make it ideal for a relaxed, low-pressure morning date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations. All seating is first-come, first-served, and lines move quickly because the menu is streamlined.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the simple menu and quick service work well for families, though strollers may be tricky due to the tight indoor space.
Best For
Better for: Exceptional if you want uniquely textured oatmeal griddle cakes and a focused, quick-service breakfast with consistent execution.
Skip if: You prefer traditional fluffy pancakes, need robust gluten-free options, or want a long, sit-down brunch with cocktails.
Breakfast by Salt's Cure
8.3
Breakfast by Salt’s Cure is a counter-service brunch spot built almost entirely around oatmeal griddle cakes, served alongside eggs, sausages, and hash browns. Since opening its West Hollywood outpost in 2017, it has become a destination for crisp-edged, deeply caramelized pancakes and unfussy daytime plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
OG Oatmeal Griddle Cakes, Banana Nut Griddle Cakes, Breakfast Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Chef-driven oatmeal griddle cakes with a cult following and a tight, focused daytime menu.
Who should go: Pancake fans prioritizing flavor over table-service frills
When to visit: Opening hours on weekends before the line wraps outside
What to order: OG Oatmeal Griddle Cakes, Banana Nut Griddle Cakes, Breakfast Sandwich
Insider tip: Share one stack and add sides so you can sample multiple flavors without over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Santa Monica Blvd and side streets; spots turn over quickly in the morning but become tight after 11am. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—athleisure, tees, and weekend wear are all common.
Noise level: Moderate during peak brunch hours due to the small dining room and steady line; quieter on weekdays.
Weekend wait: N/A – breakfast and brunch only.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait if you arrive before 12:30pm; quick counter-service flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pancake flavors, sides, and customizable plates can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—pancakes contain dairy; vegans may rely on sides like fruit or hash browns.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal—oatmeal griddle cakes contain gluten traces and there is no dedicated GF version.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a casual morning date if you’re both brunch people, but the counter-service format isn’t ideal for long conversations or lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Arrive early on weekends to avoid the long line; weekdays are much easier.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with younger kids; the menu is simple and portions are shareable, though the tight interior may feel cramped during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Crave-worthy, caramelized oatmeal pancakes and fast, efficient daytime service without full-restaurant fuss.
Skip if: You want expansive brunch menus, vegan flexibility, gluten-free assurance, or a sit-down environment where you can stay for a long meal.
Breakfast by Salt's Cure
8.0
Breakfast by Salt’s Cure in West Hollywood focuses on a tight morning menu anchored by their signature oatmeal griddlecakes, which are naturally gluten free and cooked on their own dedicated surface. It’s a compact, counter-service spot with serious attention to ingredients and a menu that works especially well for gluten-free brunch focused on pancakes and eggs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oatmeal Griddlecakes (gluten free), Breakfast Sandwich with gf bun option, Biscuit and eggs plate (verify gf availability)
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Small breakfast shop built around gluten-free oatmeal griddlecakes and a short, tightly executed menu.
Who should go: Gluten-free pancake obsessives and early-rising brunch fans.
When to visit: Right at opening on weekends to snag a table and avoid lines.
What to order: Original oatmeal griddlecakes, eggs and bacon, breakfast sandwich with gf adjustments.
Insider tip: Confirm with staff which items share the griddle and fryer with gluten; the oatmeal cakes are the safest bet for strict celiac diets.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Santa Monica Blvd and surrounding residential streets; spots turn over fairly quickly in the morning but tighten by late morning on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; workout gear, jeans, and morning errand outfits all fit in.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly counter chatter and light music, making it easy to hold conversations.
Weekend wait: N/A – breakfast and brunch only.
Weekday lunch: Short to moderate waits depending on time; typically 5–15 minutes during peak late-morning rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetarian-friendly items like griddlecakes, egg plates, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited – core dishes rely on eggs and dairy, though a few sides may work for plant-based diners.
Gluten-free options: Excellent – signature oatmeal griddlecakes are naturally gluten free and cooked on a dedicated surface; staff can guide on cross-contact for other items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the vibe you're after is casual, quick, and low-pressure. It's more counter-service cozy than sit-down romantic, so better for easy morning meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – they don’t take reservations. Arriving early, especially on weekends, gives you the best shot at immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – simple menus, quick service, and sweet griddlecakes make it easy for young kids, though tight seating means strollers are better left folded or outside.
Best For
Better for: One of the strongest gluten-free pancake experiences in the neighborhood thanks to the dedicated griddle and focused breakfast menu.
Skip if: You want a long, sit-down brunch with cocktails or a wide-ranging menu; this is a fast, compact, breakfast-first spot.