What can we say? We’re brunch people. So when Mortar & Pestle – Lakeview East’s newest breakfast/lunch/brunch spot – opened up a few months ago, we could NOT contain our excitement. It has hit the neighborhood with a splash (of mimosas) and has received tons of positive word-of-mouth from our customers. So naturally, we had to check it out (with bubbly in hand).
We were not disappointed. The whole atmosphere is super inviting and light. With harvest tables, mismatched chairs and rustic flatware, the decor is straight out of a hipster’s Pinterest paradise. And we want to move in.
Food
Brunch is every day. Let us repeat that: BRUNCH IS EVERY DAY. No more waiting until the weekend for your French toast fix or pile of pancakes. They got you covered Monday through Sunday. The food is globally-inspired American fare. What does that mean? It means they truly have something for everyone. From flaky beignets and scrambled eggs, to oysters shooters and patty melts, to pita and zaatar. It’s fair to say they have the globe covered. Their top sellers are the biscuits and gravy, the avocado toast and their foie gras french toast (Sauternes, anyone?).
Another thing to note is that they carry Big Shoulders coffee. What does that mean? It means get the coffee. Big Shoulders is Chicago-made and –owned, with their headquarters just off the Chicago blue line stop. It’s amazing.
We had more of a traditional meal when we were there: French toast (some of the best we’d ever had), sausage (made in-house), scrammed eggs and the most incredible muesli. Nothing like the stuff we used to buy for 2 Euros when we were studying abroad/surviving on the cheap in Germany.
Wine
They have all the mixin’ fixin’s for Bloody Mary’s and mimosas, so just show up with your pick of bubbly/spirit and they will help you make your favorite breakfast cocktail. Oh and there’s NO CORKAGE FEE. #hooray
Some of our top mimosa-making wine suggestions would be Prosecco, a semi-sec Cava, or a Cremant from Alsace. If the bubbles are a little too much for you, try a nice Grüner Veltliner, a still rosé (dry) or a citrusy Sauvignon Blanc. Because they also serve heavier meats and sandwiches there, you could also do a fruity Pinot Noir or a New World Cabernet Franc (like from New York!). Oh and by the way, we carry a killer vodka (from Geneva, Illinois!) that would be awesome in a Bloody. Just sayin’.
In conclusion, don’t walk, run!
Word to the Wise:
Get there before 3pm - they only serve breakfast, lunch and brunch!
Mortar & Pestle | 3108 N. Broadway | (773) 857-2087