For me, one of my favorite things in life is brunch on a summer Sunday morning with my girlfriends. To be able to sit outside, enjoy the sun, along with a cocktail, which you are allowed to have before noon because it's brunch. Old Oak Tap in Ukrainian Village is a great choice for such an activity. While the inside is rustic and cozy, including a fireplace, the outside seating area offers the same, but with the added pleasure of sunshine on your face.
The prime real estate conducive to catching some great rays is in the middle of the patio. Wrought iron tables with wicker chairs fill this center, while around the perimeter are weathered wood benches with earth colored plush cushions. The benches also offer a little bit of shade, as their are rafters hanging slightly over on one side, where the sun can still filter through. On the other side there is a full canopy, along with a beautiful painted mural of oak trees.
Ok, about the good stuff, the cocktails and food. Bellinis and Mimosas for $3. Although not outstanding, they certainly did the trick. The Pomegranate Sea Breeze was very refreshing as well. That'll cost you a little bit more. Also part of the list-a bloody mary that could be a meal in itself with the skewer of meat, cheese, pepperoncini and pickles that garnishes it.
The brunch menu is more extensive than I thought it would be, offering the usual pancakes and french toast, but also Vanilla Apple Fritters, which sound quite yummy-I'll have to try those next time. You can choose from three different types of skillets, and we tried the Santa Fe-with chorizo, onion, jalapeno, cotija cheese, avocado and sour cream served on a bed of hash browns. So, so good, and the jalapenos give it just the right amount of heat. Med-with spinach and feta, and Farmers-with asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes and bacon complete the trio. Also available are a few different versions of eggs benedict, or Bennys as they call them, along with Sammys (self-explanatory). We tried the sammy of Fried Chicken sliders too, and they were everything fried chicken should be, slapped between two buttermilk biscuits. Hot sauce and garlic aoli completed the flavorful sandwich. Salads and some other odds and ends finish the menu, like chilaquiles and breakfast corn dogs. They have a kids menu, too.
Drinks were good, food was incredibly good, and the girls and I had a blast enjoying both al fresco. I can't wait to come back in the fall, maybe for dinner and enjoy that fireplace and a great glass of wine.
2109 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
773-772-0406
Hours: Sunday 11:00AM - 2:00AM
Monday 5:00PM - 11:00PM
Tuesday - Friday 11:00AM - 2:00AM
Saturday 11:00AM - 3AM
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