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Old Town Social, Chicago

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Old Town Social Brunch

We moved to Old Town two months ago, and one of our favorite things to do on weekends is to explore neighborhood brunch spots. Recently we went to Old Town Social, a large bar/restaurant with a hint of rustic Southern Charm and an eclectic menu. The restaurant is right on North Avenue, and just a couple of blocks from the Sedgwick Brown Line stop. It’s easy to get to, the restaurant is large enough that there usually isn’t a wait for a table, and the food includes well executed classics with creative twists. It’s the type of restaurant that is easy to like, and I am sure we will be back soon.

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Old Town Social has several different spaces. There is a large area of sidewalk seating surrounded by flowers, and the interior of the restaurant is divided into several distinct spaces: a large bar, a parlor with couches, a raised seating area behind the bar with big booths and tvs, and a section of smaller tables in front of the bar. We chose to eat in the parlor because we hadn’t before.

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The parlor feels like an antique shop, and I felt like it was the perfect place for our lazy Sunday breakfast. (See Charles in the corner?) It would also be an ideal location for a cozy wintertime cocktail.

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The brunch menu has Southern and French influences. Biscuits & Gravy, Beignets, and Croque Madame are all options. Modern brunch classics like Chilaquiles are on the menu too. It’s a fun menu, which is why I am looking forward to returning. I ordered the Croque Madame, something my husband was unfamiliar with. When our food arrived his eyes widened when he saw my meal and (perhaps with a hint of jealously) asked what I had ordered. Croque Madame is essentially a grilled cheese, with ham, that is covered with mornay sauce (the same type of sauce used in macaroni and cheese) and topped with an egg. It’s a delightfully decadent breakfast. It was rich and filling, I loved how the egg yolk mixed with the mornay sauce, and I wish I could have eaten every bite but it was quite the challenge.

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Charles had the BLT Benedict. He is on a BLT kick lately.  This dish was a creative combination of two classics, Eggs Benedict and a BLT, one might even call this a Frankenfood. The poached eggs were served with buttermilk biscuits, pork belly, arugula, and a tomato hollandaise. I love when restaurants put a twist on their benedicts and this was a successful play on the classic.

Old Town Social is located at 455 West North Avenue. I think their brunch is a bit of a secret – the food is really great but the restaurant isn’t crowded. Have you had brunch at Old Town Social yet? As I wrote this post I have already decided that I want to return next weekend.

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