Eggslut Review

By Michaeline Anderson

Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles has been a continuously operated open air market since 1917, offering everything from fresh produce to discount goods to diverse ethnic food stalls. Mirroring the diverse population of Los Angeles, the food stalls sell various cuisines from Salvadorian pupusas, falafel, tacos, Jewish deli staples, and wood fired pizza.

However, the busiest and most novel stall is Eggslut – one of Los Angeles premiere fast casual breakfast joints that prove an amazing, unique breakfast made with integrity doesn’t have to come with a huge bill. Eggslut offers a variety of sandwiches centered around the incredibly common, but often taken for granted, egg. Chef Alvin Cailan elevates he egg and the breakfast sandwich to a gourmet treat in a unique atmosphere.

If you come to Eggslut on a Saturday or Sunday be prepared to wait- at least 30 minutes, but it could be closer to an hour. My advice to grab a drink from G&B Coffee, I am a big fan of the iced latte, or a juice from Press Brothers Juicery to enjoy while you wait in line. Another thing to keep in mind when planning your trip to Eggslut is that Grand Central Market has no air conditioning so wear appropriate clothing and maybe bring a hand fan.

While you’re in line you can peruse over the laminated menus that often gets passed down the line or you can go to front to grab one. In order for the line to move as quickly as possible, please be ready to order when you get up to the cash register. When I visited Eggslut last weekend I ordered the Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich and my fiancé ordered the Gaucho Sandwich.

The Bacon, Egg and Cheese sandwich is the ultimate breakfast classic. The brioche bun is substantial enough to hold up to egg yolk and bacon grease, yet soft enough to prevent an overwhelming mouthful of bread. A runny yolk is not common in a typical breakfast sandwich and it demands care when eating by hand, but the luscious yolk combined with the melted cheese is absolute perfection. And bacon, you can’t forget the bacon. A generous portion of crispy bacon creates perfect contrast to the soft egg and contributes the perfect amount of salt and grease. The richness of the bacon, egg and cheese is perfectly balanced by tangy chipotle ketchup that adds the right amount of acidity.

The Gaucho sandwich is the perfect brunch sandwich as it combines the quintessential breakfast food: the egg, with steak. Wagyu tri-tip steak is cooked to a medium rare and becomes the center of attention of this sandwich. Eggslut is fantastic about balancing richness and acidity in their sandwiches, which is perfectly encapsulated in the Gaucho with refreshing chimichurri and red onions. The addition of peppery arugula rounds out the sandwich, which is also served on their perfect brioche bun. This updated version of the breakfast classic, steak and eggs, is an exceptional sandwich that will leave you satisfied, but not uncomfortably full.

To complete your meal at Eggslut you can order orange juice, soda in a glass bottle or cold brew coffee. Overall, Eggslut lived up to the hype (and the 45 minute way). I will definitely be back to try their other offerings. Not only is the food outstanding, but the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. Grand Central Market is a great space in Downtown Los Angeles to try new and exciting foods and you are guaranteed to find something special.