Cookies get more attention, but who doesn’t love a good brownie? Artisan bakeries have become more prominent in L.A. Many of them offer brownies, and they’re far from afterthoughts. My favorite Los Angeles brownies are gooey and decadent, like fudge. Or maybe they’re melt-in-your-mouth, with powdered cocoa coats. A thin, crackly crust provides a nice textural counterpoint. Salted caramel or sea salt flakes are also welcome flourishes. Crushed nuts add flavor and crunch. Chocolate chips are another fun addition. Rye seems to be the most fashionable grain with bakers these days, and I’m on board, though I know that flavor isn’t for everyone. Apparently I enjoy a lot of different brownie styles, as long as they’re not dry. I also love blondies, this baked good’s paler cousin, but they don’t belong in this guide. As I learned, a bar or square better contain chocolate or it’s just a wannabe brownie. Find several of my favorite Los Angeles brownies.

Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery Rye Brownie – Pasadena ↓

Bianca Chocolate Brownie – Culver City ↓

Big Sugar Bakeshop Peanut Butter Brownie – Studio City ↓

Clark Street Bread Dark-Rye Brownie – Brentwood, Echo Park + Larchmont Village ↓

Colossus Bread Brownie – Long Beach + San Pedro ↓

Cookbook Rye Brownie – Echo Park, Highland Park + Larchmont Village ↓

DeLuscious Cookies Red Velvet White Choolate Brownie – Hollywood ↓

Flouring Meringue Topped Fudge Brownie – Chinatown ↓

Friends & Family Caramel Chocolate Brownie – Thai Town ↓

Ggiata Delicatessen Sea Salt Brownie (Seasonal Special) – Highland Park, Melrose Hill + West Hollywood ↓

Hail Mary Pizza Chocolate Rye Brownie (Available Seasonally Beginning Each Fall) – Atwater Village ↓

Lodge Bread Chocolate Caramel Brownie – Beverlywood, Culver City + Woodland Hills ↓

Republique Brownie – Mid-City ↓

Tommy & Atticus Chocolate Fudge Brownie – Redondo Beach ↓