A FINE PRADERA BRUNCH

THE SPANISH “PRADERA” IS A MEADOW, A PRARIE, A GRASSLAND. The English/American “brunch” is a portmanteau word of breakfast/lunch. And, specifically, SoCal’s Pradera restaurants (there are two, the original in Baldwin Park, the other in Costa Mesa) are true to their word: Brunch is served Monday-Friday 7 a.m.–3 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 7 a.m.–4 a.m.

Recently, kin Giselle (aka “Zellie”) visited from Northern California, and what better place for Daughter Suz and I to take her and her SoCal friend Chessie than Pradera Brunch.

The Predera Brunch mission is to “bring the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your breakfast and brunch table. Our journey began with a passion for authentic Mexican cuisine and a desire to create a unique dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary.”

And they surely do exceed in this. From a multi-vibrant cow residing outside, to colorful murals within to its highly imaginative cuisine served by charming waitstaff, Pradera Brunch is a hoot, a happy place to enjoy a meal. What’s more, after dining, there’s touring the adjacent Mercado Gonzalez Northgate Market, with shops a’plenty offering everything from just-prepared carnitas to a seemingly infinite variety of peppers to the freshest tortillas to just-fried churros.

Ah, those churros. I’ve yet to sample Pradera Brunch’s dessert selection because the churros are only a few steps away.

Since 1935, El Moro has “stood as the pinnacle of churro excellence…. The Costa Mesa opening marks a new era in churro indulgence.” No hype here; just straightforward truth. 

Here are tidbits (and happy snaps) gleaned from our recent visit. 

Zellie, me, and bovine pal. We withheld tipping until later; to our waitress, not of the cow.

Zellie’s favorite mural within Pradera Brunch.

Another pal ringing a welcome.

Our table was near the entrance to this room and its artful chandelier. Image from the Pradera Brunch website.

Pradera Brunch provides separate chandeliers for the ladies’ handbags.

Of course I share my licuado with Daughter Suz. Thoughtfully, the sack has two straw holes. Yum.

Suz’s Smoked Brisket Benedict is an artful presentation.

Zellie’s Tres Leches French Toast is a tasty variation on a familiar theme. She has the wisdom to order up a side of Pan Seared Pork Belly for the table. (We dividded them up before the photos….)

Chessie’s Enchilada Suiza de Pollo is surely more elaborate than the ones in my freezer at home.

My Breakfast Burrito Mojada arrived with Red Salsa, Sausage and Bacon, and a Sunny Side Up Egg (shared with Daughter Suz). A Shrimp Ceviche Tatemado, shown immediately below, is my contribution to table nibbling.

Our Post-Prandial Tour of the Mercado. What fun! Arts and crafts interspersed with the necessities for Mexican feasts made in one’s own kitchen.

A great time was had by all. I wonder what are the last calls at 3:00 a.m Sunday mornings? ds

© Dennis Simanaitis, SimanaitisSays.com, 2026