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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
