NIGHTHAWK: BREAKFAST BAR
SERVING BOOZY BREAKFAST ALL NIGHT LONG

I have to hand it to late night guru Jeremy Fall as he knows what people like and he’s persistent in giving it to them. When his late-night bar and restaurant Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar originally opened in Hollywood it was an immediate favorite and hipster hotspot. Serving breakfast at night the concept was a winner. But when the restaurant space closed, Fall didn’t let his idea fall by the wayside, instead he reopened in Venice Beach and the result is a new west side fave.

Serving elevated breakfast-themed fare and cocktails, the food menu is helmed by Spago-alum Chef Greg Schroeppel and includes items such as a breakfast banh-mi bowl, benedict fries, a duck confit hash, an award-winning breakfast burger, homemade brandy-infused French toast, and chicken and biscuits. The cocktail list includes spiked cereal milks, a slushy Bloody Mary, boozy floats, and alcoholic coffee drinks.

Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar was inspired by the iconic late-night rock 'n' roll breakfast. The vibe is lively and showcases a DJ playing a mix of nostalgic old school hip-hop on vinyl. Back when Nighthawk first opened, Fall shared his inspiration for his eatery.

“Breakfast is such an iconic staple in American culture and hospitality—it’s a social activity where people actually congregate authentically and have conversations that aren't forced by the societal pressures of going out at night. I wanted to take those comforting and familiar elements and rewrite them into nightlife."

Guests who will be enjoying breakfast for dinner are greeted with a complimentary newspaper and a free cup of coffee (nice touch). But I say any boozy breakfast needs to start with a cocktail and at Nighthawk it’s all about spiked cereal milk—cereal milk made into very tasty cocktails like Honey Nut Cheerios & Bourbon; Fruit Loops & Gin; and Reese’s Puffs & Cognac. The Slushy Mary is very nice as is the Bahn Michelada. These will make any breakfast a good time.

I think the Tower O’ Bacon with Tapatio candied bacon is a great starter to share. This is some of the best bacon I’ve ever had as it’s such a savory treat.

The “Benedict” Fries are another must-have. Hopefully you’re also sharing these bad boys otherwise I hope you’re just treating yourself because this is a definite diet buster. Hand cut fries, smoked ham, peppadew peppers, raclette cheese, smoked paprika hollandaise, and a fried egg make up this wonderfully over indulgent gem. This may be a stretch as far as “breakfast” goes but it’s so good. Talk about the ultimate late night buzz food.

Classic breakfast options include Drunken French Toast with crispy challah with pear brandy, red pear compote, mascarpone mousse, and maple syrup, and the Chicken & Biscuits with cheddar biscuits, buttermilk fried chicken and sausage gravy are the bomb. Damn! That’s all you can say about this decadent dish.

More adventurous breakfast options include the Banh Mi Bowl with braised pork belly, nuac cham potatoes, pickled daikon and carrots, cilantro, jalapeño, and a sunny side up egg. There are two duck dishes to choose from but the Duck, Duck Goose features foie gras so I say go with that. And if you’re really hungry then consider the Candied Bacon Breakfast Burger a must-have. Made with Niman Ranch grass-fed beef, arugula, white truffle cheese, crispy potato strings, candied bacon (oh yeah!), fried sage, fried egg, and peppercorn aioli, this is one hearty and heavenly burger.

While the Venice location doesn’t feel as clubby as it did in Hollywood, there’s more of a chill vibe here but then again that’s also how life at the beach is. They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, well, now you can enjoy it late night in a fun setting with boozy breakfast beverages. Weekends feature brunch and with this food and drink menu, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better brunch spot. Reservations are a must.

Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar is located 417 Washington Boulevard in Venice. Hours: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 12am; Friday 6pm to 1am; Saturday 11am to 1am; Sunday 11am to 12am. Call 424-835-4556.

Story and Photography by Jose Martinez

Some Photography Cortesy of: Nighthawk Breakfast Bar