"Rustic Root does hearty and well-executed southern dishes (think bourbon-glazed pancakes) alongside California brunch staples, like excellent chilaquiles that have just a whisper of heat in their salsa verde. We also go for the banana pancake parfait, which is airy, mildly sweet banana mousse layered over mini buttermilk pancakes and topped with fresh berries. The dining room’s clashing plaid printed walls and floral tile is chaotic, but fun to take in over blood orange sangrias or the dirty cola (whiskey and oat milk), while there’s also a covered, outdoor patio if your dog is your plus one." - candice woo, cora lee, ligaya malones