by Brent Miller

Then the Morning Comes

I’ve never been to the infamous White Party, however I have been known to throw back a drink or two should the opportunity present itself. Whether you’re hung over or simply feeling a little out of it, here are a handful of guilty pleasures to indulge in that have been known to be a key ingredient to a fast recovery.

Due to the vast variety of tolerance levels out there, I’ve categorized the list of restaurants accordingly.

What’s open this late?
This is the individual who is smart enough to eat something prior to going to bed. Rather than hitting up the obvious chains, such as Norm’s, Denny’s and IHOP, try some of the other Los Angeles favorites like Swingers, Mel’s Diner or,

a personal favorite, the 101 Coffee Shop. Located just beneath the Hollywood Hills on the corner of Franklin and Gower—and in conjunction with an old school Hollywood motel—lies this late-night favorite. Although the menu is slightly predictable, the quality of food is surprisingly better than average. Breakfast is served until 3 a.m., and the “Soda Fountain Specialties” are the perfect nightcap.

I drank too much! I shouldn’t have driven home.

Clearly you were lucky enough to make it home last night without having endangered yourself or, more importantly, an innocent victim. Chances are you’re feeling a little panicked, maybe guilty and probably all too relieved and in need of some comfort food. Snug Harbor in Santa Monica has a back patio to take the edge off while you lose yourself in the menu. Along with an extensive list of omelets, they also provide a nice selection of carbohydrates to soak up the liquor. Although they can’t compete with the Griddle on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, they still offer a nice selection of pancakes, French toast and crepes. Speaking of the Griddle, it is arguably one of the best places in the city to find pancakes, however the portions are so large it is best to share. If you’re not feeling sick from the night before, the act of gluttony by eating an entire portion will surely take a toll on your stomach.

Thank God I took a taxi—I don’t even remember the ride home.

This person usually requires a little alcohol first thing in the morning to “have a little hair of the dog that bit ya.” The Abbey in West Hollywood or the Sidewalk Café in Venice is a good place to start, however you need to keep control or you’re going to find yourself back where you started the night before. Remember, the key word is a “little” alcohol. Both places offer a full bar, but the Sidewalk Café has a much larger menu and the ocean breeze to soothe the headache.

Where am I?

Just hit a drive-thru and head back home to hibernate for the day. McDonalds, Wendy’s, In-N-Out, Burger King or KFC—you choose: the greasier the better. French fries are essential. Go back to bed and when you wake up, call for a pizza and swear you’ll never party like this again.

The Details

101 Coffee Shop
6145 Franklin Ave.
Hollywood

The Abbey
692 N. Robertson Blvd.
West Hollywood

The Griddle
7916 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood

The Sidewalk Café
1401 Ocean Front Walk
Venice

Snug Harbor
2323 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica

Brent Miller has more than 10 years experience—nationally and internationally—in the special event and food and beverage industries.