PEZ CANTINA
WEEKEND BRUNCH WITH NO BOUNDARIES

People who know me well know that I’m a big fan of quality day drinking. Relax, no intervention is necessary, I just like a long, lazy day spent with damn fine cocktails. And when you can combine that favorite pastime of mine with a quality meal, well, now you’re talking about brunch! And one my new favorite Downtown LA brunch spots is Pez Cantina with its bottomless fun.

Let’s be honest, the word “brunch” implies that you will be drinking. Brunch without cocktails is just a late weekend breakfast or a boring lunch. No, my friend, brunch means there will be some drinking going on. Standard brunch libations include mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. In Westwood, boozy brunch at Tuck Room Tavern includes bottomless Moscow Mules, and at Pez Cantina it features all-you-can-drink margaritas.

Saturday Brunch at Pez Cantina features bottomless mimosas and draft beer for $20 with purchase of an entrée, or bottomless margaritas, mimosas and draft beer for $30 with purchase of an entrée.

At Sunday Brunch, we’re talking buffet and for $50 that includes bottomless margaritas, mimosas or draft beer or a $40 buffet including bottomless mimosas and draft beer.
Be aware that a 15% auto-gratuity will be included.

In case you’re unfamiliar, Pez Cantina was founded by former Patina Executive Chef and co-founder of Milk Ice Cream Parlor, Bret Thompson. Located on Bunker Hill in Downtown Los Angeles, walking distance from MOCA, Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Broad Museum, Pez Cantina is a sustainable Coastal Mexican-style restaurant and bar serving fresh sea-to-land dishes. Inspired by his travels to Loreto, a sleepy fishing town in Baja California, Mexico, and his marriage into a Mexican family, Chef Bret captures the complexity and spirit of the food he has developed a strong love and passion for. Pez Cantina’s menu focuses on dishes from the many distinct regions of Mexico—from Baja to Oaxaca to the Yucatan Peninsula. 

During our recent visit for Sunday Brunch, we feasted on a fine assortment of Mexican favorites, including ceviches and cocteles (seafood cocktails), Horchata French Toast as well as pancakes, enchiladas, chilaquiles, pozole, eggs, guacamole, and rice and beans. Dessert options include fresh fruit, tres leches flan, arroz con leche crème brulee, pastries (cookies, brownies) and bread pudding. No need to pick just one, have them all!

Believe me, you will be satisfied and stuffed. And slightly sloshed if you’re not careful. This is the kind of weekend brunch where car service is a good idea—no need to worry, just have a good time. Let’s brunch responsibly people.

Pez Cantina is located at 401 S. Grand Avenue. Saturday Brunch 11am to 2:30pm. Sunday Brunch 11am to 3pm. Call 213-258-2280. Parking rates $7.50 with validation for 2 hours before 5pm and 3 hours after 5pm.

Photography Courtesy: Pez Cantina

Story By: Jose Martinez