Sunday Brunch Tours - Hopcat

I saw a post this week on Hopcat’s Instagram, that they are now serving brunch, and of course I had to go right away.

My husband had plans for the day, so I made it a solo trip. I have also never been to their Knapp’s Corner location, and despise trying to find parking downtown, so I headed to the Beltline.

This Hopcat location is in a spot that has struggled in the past. It’s been through many restaurants, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that they invested in the look of the place, in order to make it uniquely Hopcat.

I sat at the bar and almost started drooling as I saw the beautiful beer-cap mural covering the back wall. It was gorgeous and shiny, and everything a drink photographer ever dreamed of.

I love Hopcat, and it was definitely past noon, but I challenged myself to stay on the “Brunch Menu” while ordering.

I started with a French Spritz and got to work showing off that perfect backdrop. The drink itself was well balanced. I was surprised that it had grapefruit without that abrasive sour after-taste that grapefruit drinks tend to have. Definitely something I would choose over a mimosa any day.

French Spritz - $9: St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Aperol, grapefruit juice & soda water. Served over ice.

For brunch I ordered the “Egg in the Hole” and it was delicious, but I was wishing my husband had come with, because then I would have gotten to sample something else. It wasn’t as “breakfast-y” as I wanted it to be. It felt a little bit more like a burger with an egg on top then a decadent brunch dish. I think it would have been greatly enhanced if they turned it into a fork and knife dish with some delicious hollandaise or béchamel. BUT it was delicious, and probably more of an ordering mistake than a bad option.

I also befriended one of the nice bartenders and asked her to make me something pretty. As a result, I got this beautiful Raspberry Mojito (pictured below). It wasn’t too sweet and gave me a chance to show off the reflective bar.

Egg in the Hole - $10: Fresh custom blend beef patty, rye bread, egg, hickory-smoked bacon, garlic aioli, stout caramelized onions & Swiss. Served with breakfast potatoes & arugula salad.

Raspberry Mojito - About $9 (Not on the Menu)

The staff was the perfect amount of attentive and friendly for someone dining alone, and I appreciate it so much. The employees were great about reminding everyone that Hopcat has a rewards app, and you get a free appetizer the first time you sign up. You also get points for every time you eat there, just give the code to your server!

Overall I will visit this specific location again. For a Sunday afternoon it wasn't;t overwhelmingly busy, and it still has that downtown Hopcat feel. Next time I will try a more “brunch-y” meal, but Hopcat never disappoints in the drink department.

Where should we go for brunch next?

If I make this a regular thing would you read it?

Just putting some feelers out there!

It's Called Dunch not Linner - River North Public House

There are few things my husband (Caleb) and I enjoy more than a long brunch on a Sunday afternoon. This Sunday I was desperate for a nap so I slept well past brunch and was fully into Linner (or Dunch) territory, and that turned out to be a great thing.

My friend Chelsea (chelseamichalart) posted about River North Public House this morning and their menu was enticing enough to make it our choice for the day.

As some of you may remember when it used to be Citizen, the parking situation is a little confusing, but there are plenty of spots behind the restaurant, and the walkway to the front door is fun enough that it felt like a runway (see below).

Not pictured, the many DABs that occurred, corresponding with the Kanye West music blasting from the speakers. .

Not pictured, the many DABs that occurred, corresponding with the Kanye West music blasting from the speakers. .

As we walked in, I felt right at home. The decor is all out, and it feels like the kind of place I could hang out all day (but I’m partial to the gold and navy combo).

The staff was debriefing from a great brunch service when we arrived, and we had the place to ourselves, which couldn’t have been more perfect. They were so friendly and excited about their jobs, and I felt like we were old friends by the end of our meal. Everyone we talked to was excited about the new vision of the restaurant, and we felt genuinely welcome to stay as long as we liked.

They also had happy hour when we arrived, so some beer was priced at a stay-all-day price.

For our appetizer we got the chicken wings. They were dry rubbed with a smoky seasoning that was good on its own, but the dipping sauces put them over the edge. I’m trying to avoid dairy, and the blue cheese ranch was worth a taste for sure!

Pictured above:

$1 Naturday by Natural Light

Drink service.

Chicken Wings: $9

House special dry rubbed, with buffalo blue cheese ranch and chipotle soul sauce

The appetizers came with our first round of drinks specially chosen for us by the staff. We ended up getting the Unicorn Rum Punch and a custom made Cherry Limeade (with vodka of course).

Pictured above:

Unicorn Rum Punch - $8: Spiced Rum, Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice, Blue Curacao.

Cherry Limeade - Not on the menu

For dinner we had the Riverside Burger, which accidentally had cheese on it, but #worthit, and the Beer Battered Cod. They came with the most incredible waffle fries. Usually, in my mind, waffle fries are soggy and disappointing, but these were crispy and perfectly seasoned. Honestly, I would stop by just for an order of fries and to socialize with the staff, and I just might in the future. The portion sizes were definitely enough to fill you up, which is always a win in my book.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that the ketchup they serve is incredible. My Illinois native husband said, “I don’t normally eat Ketchup, but this stuff is so good.”

Pictured Above:

Riverside Burger - $13: Steak Burger, White Cheddar, Bacon Jam, Beer Battered Onion Rings, Fried Egg

Beer Battered Cod - $13: Cedar Springs Beer Battered Cod, True North Fries, Lemon Dill Aioli

78 Red All Natural Ketchup

For dessert we got an extra special treat, a visit to the kitchen. We ordered the Apple Fritters, and I got to watch them made and talk to the chef. Katelynn Hale works her butt of with the owner to create a wonderful food experience for all, and her passion for what she does really shines. Like the rest of the staff, she really sees the vision and potential this restaurant and owner have, and she is completely on board.

Dessert came with a final round of drinks and another quote from my hard to impress husband.

“That was Yum. “

Pictured above:

Apple Fritter Bites - $8: Fried Apple Fritter Bites, Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce.

Katelyn Hale - Head Chef and her Sous Chef

Blushing Sangria - $7: House made with Rose´ and fruit.

“Rainbow Paradise” - Not on the menu

Overall, we will definitely back and you should try it out. I am the queen of positive, but even my husband was super impressed. Any mistakes that may have happened were covered up with excellent service and the positive passion of the staff.

Now, have a picture of my husband, because it’s not a blog post unless I make him uncomfortable ;)