The Ultimate Saturday in LA: Brunch, Day Drinking, and an Epic Night Out
- By: Julianne Elise Beffa
12 Hours in LA…
Some Saturdays just have that magic about them—the kind where the sun hits just right, the breeze carries a hint of salt from the ocean, and the city itself hums with an electric buzz that promises endless possibilities. This was one of those Saturdays. The kind where you wake up already knowing it’s going to be a day for the books. My friend Amber and I had been manifesting this weekend since Monday, texting each other potential brunch spots, debating outfits, and making a mental checklist of all the places we absolutely had to hit before the night was over. Now that the moment had arrived, we were ready to dive headfirst into an unforgettable LA adventure.
How to start the perfect Saturday in LA? Nokia by Drake, an iced coffee in hand, and enough outfit changes to make a fashion influencer sweat. My bedroom was an absolute war zone—dresses draped over the bed, shoes scattered across the floor, and an overwhelming number of accessories thrown into the mix. A tennis skirt and tee? Too predictable. Leather pants? Too hot for this weather.
After at least three rounds of outfit roulette, I settled on the perfect look: a black and white bubble minidress, an oversized black blazer (because you can take the girl out of NYC, but you can’t take the NYC out of the girl), and silver jewelry that would catch the sunlight just right. Amber, always effortlessly cool, rocked a white cropped top, cargo pants, and chic white sneakers. With our looks finalized and confidence levels soaring, we called an Uber and set our sights on the first stop of the day—Venice Beach.
Brunch at Belle’s Beach House: A Slice of Paradise
Brunch in LA isn’t just a meal; it’s an event. A carefully curated, highly anticipated, hours-long indulgence that sets the tone for the rest of the day. And Belle’s Beach House? Chef’s kiss. Hidden just off the Venice boardwalk, it’s a dreamy blend of Hawaiian-inspired decor, effortlessly cool patrons, and a menu that makes you question if you accidentally teleported to a private island.
The moment we walked in, we knew we had chosen correctly. Think: woven rattan furniture, oversized plants swaying gently in the ocean breeze, and the faint hum of tropical house music setting the perfect mood. The crowd was a mix of beachy surfer types and West Hollywood escapees like us, all looking for a taste of weekend bliss.
We wasted no time diving into our order—two espresso martinis (because brunch without a little buzz is just breakfast), a crispy rice sushi platter that was almost too pretty to eat, and a burger with fries so good we briefly considered ordering a second round. As we sipped, laughed, and let the sun kiss our shoulders, it was easy to forget we were just a few miles from home. With every bite, every sip, every perfectly curated song on the playlist, the city faded into the background, and for a moment, it really did feel like we were on vacation.
24 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Make reservations here!
Next Stop: The Waterfront Venice
Brunch may have been winding down, but our day was just getting started. After a post-meal stroll along the Venice boardwalk—where we shamelessly admired the ridiculously attractive basketball players and watched roller skaters glide by like real-life Barbie and Ken—we met up with the rest of our crew at The Waterfront Venice. I heard a lot of chatter about The Waterfront Venice from my it-girl friends, and I couldn’t wait to see what all the hype was about.
If Belle’s Beach House was tropical and serene, The Waterfront was its wild, energetic cousin. By the time we arrived, the place was already packed, and the energy was next level. The crowd? A perfect blend of trendy LA creatives, off-duty models, and effortlessly cool beach locals who seemed like they just stepped out of an A24 movie. The style here was immaculate—girls in baggy jeans and tiny tops, guys in vintage tees and well-worn Vans.
We grabbed a round (or two) of drinks and found a prime spot near the DJ booth. Within minutes, we were deep in conversation, covering everything from upcoming travel plans to dissecting the latest Hollywood gossip.
The DJ had the perfect mix of house beats spinning, and soon enough, we were dancing like we had the place to ourselves. By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, our sobriety was questionable, our feet slightly sore, and our spirits at an all-time high. The Waterfront Venice will be my new go-to spot, and P.S., it definitely lives up to the hype.
05 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
Make reservations here!
Wardrobe Change & West Hollywood Glow-Up
If there’s one rule to an LA Saturday, it’s that the day and night versions of yourself should look like two entirely different people. So, after a quick Uber ride back to West Hollywood, we embarked on our next challenge: the rapid wardrobe change.
Soho House was celebrating its 15-year anniversary that night, and if there was one place to be, this was it. Naturally, our daytime looks wouldn’t cut it. Cue another round of outfit debates. In the end, we settled on sleek, all-black ensembles—Amber in crop top, leather skirt and kitten heels, and me in a barely-there mesh dress that sparkled under the light with thigh-high boots. Hair touched up, perfume spritzed, and Uber called. Showtime.
Soho House: 15 Year Anniversary Party
Walking into the Soho House 15 Year Anniversary Party felt like stepping onto a movie set. The music pulsed through the air, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses blended perfectly into the atmosphere, and everywhere we turned, there was someone impossibly chic and important.
The cocktails? Strong. The crowd? Immaculate. The energy? Completely unmatched. We spent the night dancing, meeting new people, and soaking in every glamorous, intoxicating second. At one point, we found ourselves out on the rooftop, staring at the glittering LA skyline, just taking it all in. There’s something surreal about moments like these—when you realize you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be, with the exact right people, living out the kind of night you’ll talk about for years.
The Perfect Ending
By the time we finally Ubered home—heels in hand, hair a mess, voices hoarse from laughing and screaming along to the DJ’s final set—the reality of our perfect Saturday fully set in. It was everything we had hoped for and more. A day filled with good food, strong drinks, and even better company. A reminder that sometimes, the best days are the ones where you let the city take the lead and just go along for the ride.
Until next weekend, LA. We’ll be ready for round two.
