Brunch, the delightful meal bridging breakfast and lunch, often sounds appealing in theory. However, the allure of a late night followed by a lazy morning frequently overshadows the best brunch intentions. Especially when local brunch options are less than inspiring. But the prospect of exploring the “Ultimate Hangover” brunch at Rush Street Culver City, complete with savory brats, refreshing beers, and a lively blogger crowd, proved to be the perfect motivation to reignite my brunch enthusiasm. And, of course, the promise of bottomless mimosas certainly sweetened the deal!
Patio seating area at Rush Street Culver City during brunch service
Inspired by the iconic Rush Street in Chicago, this Culver City gem seamlessly blends California cool with Midwestern charm. Rush Street Culver City boasts a spacious two-story layout, featuring dual bars, inviting patios, and a playful stripper pole, creating an atmosphere that is both fun and unpretentious. The vibe here is all about relaxed enjoyment and welcoming energy.
Rush Street Culver City has also become a popular gathering spot for Chicago sports enthusiasts and alumni. On the Saturday morning of our visit, the second-floor lounge buzzed with Northwestern University alumni, decked out in purple and passionately cheering on their team. The sight of spirited Northwestern fans celebrating college football evoked a touch of nostalgia, even prompting a fleeting wish that my own college hadn’t canceled its football program after my freshman year.
Every Saturday and Sunday, Rush Street Culver City presents a tempting brunch menu from 9 AM to 3 PM, designed to please any palate. The bottomless mimosas are a major draw at $20 (or $7 for a single serving), and for those seeking a bit more zest, the bottomless build-your-own Bloody Mary bar is also available for $20 ($10 for one). The DIY Bloody Mary station is impressively stocked with gourmet olives, pickled vegetables, a diverse array of ten hot sauces, three types of tomato juices, and all the traditional seasonings and garnishes you could desire. Both my companion, The Astronomer, and I opted for the classic and celebratory flute of mimosa to start our brunch experience.
Selection of gourmet fries at Rush Street Culver City brunch
While enjoying our mimosas on the front patio, we sampled a trio of exceptional fried potatoes – a true highlight. From left to right, we savored the sweet potato fries ($7), truffle asiago fries ($7), and barbecue dusted tater tots ($7). The truffle asiago fries, with their delicate truffle infusion and crispy shoestring cut, were particularly addictive and moreish.
Moving inside to the main dining room for the next course of our Rush Street Culver City brunch adventure, we joined forces with Anjali from Delicious Coma to share entrees, maximizing our exploration of the menu.
Anjali’s cinnamon pecan Belgian waffles ($12) arrived generously adorned with maple syrup and whipped cream. However, by the time I had a chance to taste them, the liberal amounts of cream and syrup had unfortunately softened the waffle. What was likely a crisp-edged and chewy waffle had transformed into a somewhat soggy sponge. A note for next time: syrup on the side is the way to go!
Cinnamon pecan Belgian waffles at Rush Street Culver City brunch
The Astronomer’s caramelized onion, pancetta, fig, and goat cheese pizza ($12) held great promise with its enticing flavor combination. Yet, the overall taste leaned a bit too sweet. While the individual flavors were appealing, the balance of ingredients needed a slight adjustment to emphasize the savory notes and create a more harmonious pie.
The standout dish of the morning, unanimously agreed upon by Anjali and myself, was the fried egg sandwich ($11). Served between two slices of perfectly toasted Parmesan-crusted sourdough, the fried eggs melded beautifully with a blend of melted cheeses, savory pancetta, and ripe tomatoes. This simple dish was executed flawlessly, showcasing the power of quality ingredients and skillful preparation.
After concluding our satisfying brunch at Rush Street Culver City, The Astronomer and I took a short walk to the nearby Museum of Jurassic Technology, located just a few blocks away. Despite the somewhat enigmatic name, we enjoyed exploring the museum’s quirky and intriguing exhibits, ranging from cat’s cradle and old wives’ tales to displays about mice on toast. Here’s a glimpse of what we encountered:
Chess pieces and letters exhibit at the Museum of Jurassic Technology near Rush Street Culver City
Formations exhibit at the Museum of Jurassic Technology near Rush Street Culver City
Mice on toast and mouse pie exhibit at the Museum of Jurassic Technology near Rush Street Culver City
Hairy human horn exhibit at the Museum of Jurassic Technology near Rush Street Culver City
Rush Street Culver City
9546 Washington Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232
Phone: 310-837-9546
Rush Street on Urbanspoon
Rush Street in Los Angeles on Fooddigger