M Street Kitchen, Santa Monica

· 2000 Main St. Santa Monica, CA · 90405 · 310.396.9145 · Neighborhood: Santa Monica

The thing I love most about The M Street Kitchen is not it’s amazingly yummy, eclectic menu or that it’s got a great outside patio right on Main Street that’s perfect for people watching, or that it’s Cafe has the most delicious pastries and great to-go menu. It’s not even that they are dog friendly or serve Intelligentsia coffees. The thing I love most is the people that work there.

Though it’s not quite in my backyard, every time I’m in the Santa Monica area I look forward to going to the sleek yet beachy, M Street Kitchen. I am always happily greeted by the most knowledgeable and friendly folks who work in this joint. The servers are nice, the hostess is cool, and even the chefs look happy. I love that. So many places these days think that they can get away with weak customer service and that their food alone does the job. No way, Jose. There are TONS of great places to eat in LA and if a restaurant doesn’t have good people skills, I look elsewhere. This place has got the whole package and then some. Snap, Snap!

Formally known as Le Grande Orange, M Street Kitchen now touts newer management, but offers the same great breakfast/brunch/dinner menu. In April, the owner has expanded and opened up an adjoining wood-fired stone oven pizza place next door called Stella Rossa (pic below). If it is anything like it’s big sister next door I’m certain that it wont be long until this pizza-bar becomes a bumpin’ hangout.

Back at M Street, there’s a full-on Gluten free menu, a yummy looking Happy Hour Menu (avail from 4-6:30) featuring $3 beers and sushi rolls for $5-7 bucks among other goodies. And if you’ve got munchkins’ you should know that kids eat free from 4 to 7 off their kids menu.

Stand out items

Sunrise Breakfast Burrito: (pictured above) It’s not a traditional Mexican Burrito, it’s actually more like a wrap. It’s smaller than most burritos you might get (for instance at La Salsa) yet is super delicious. It’s an Americana twist, light and mild. It’s got jasmine rice, black beans, sliced deli-style ham and scrambled egg and a side of guacamole and a mild salsa. Good for when you want a light bite.

Nachitos: Huge, delicious and great to share!

BYB Tips: Breakfast is served from 8am until 4pm! (I love any place that lets me order pancakes in the afternoon!)

Muffins in the café drop in price to $1 after 4 pm.

Get there early on weekends. Brunch is often PACKED!

What’s your favorite pet friendly brunch spot? This little guy wants to know! Lemme hear your thoughts…