DTLA: Brunch at Mas Malo

When Mas Malo opened earlier this year, it became an instant hit with the DTLA crowd. With a beautiful restaurant serving Mexican-American food from an Eastside perspective, many go to Mas Malo for bites before or after an evening out at local bars.

I have gone to Mas Malo for lunch and it’s often easier to get a table than in the evening. Although they don’t have a happy hour per se, their Ceviche Hour is a clear winner with folks lining the bar to get a taste of fresh ceviche served with a good beer. And starting in June, DTLA residents get 15% off Sunday through Wednesday (just show your ID).

I was happy to accept an invitation to try out brunch at Mas Malo. I remember my brunch at Malo quite fondly. I found the brunch menu at Mas Malo to be heartier and perhaps much more my speed. I like to have a good breakfast to start my day. And of course a good cocktail wasn’t unwelcome. I wanted a mimosa and the restaurant surprised me with a pineapple version with a chunk of pineapple in the flute. I’m calling it the pina-osa.

I decided to get a couple of tacos; shrimp and bacon as well as the lobster tacos first. I loved the shrimp and bacon. It was the perfect combination of the sea, bacon and crunchy taco shell.

I’m glad I got my seafood fix in early. I was so jealous of Jennie’s breakfast burrito! Jennie from the Happy Hour Tour reviews Mas Malo here.

When I visited Mas Malo’s Tequila Vault, bar manager Fred Warner, mentioned how much he loved the pozole with egg. I knew this was the dish I had to order at brunch.

This dish was a surprise. It came in a cast iron dish with the tortillas nearly hidden under a mound of shredded chicken, poached egg and sauce. It was a bit like a deconstructed enchilada.

Brunch is served at Mas Malo on both Saturdays and Sundays. It would be a great place to go in Downtown if you’re looking for a brunch with flair. I recommend anything seafood!

Mas Malo

515 W 7th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014 – (213) 985-4332