Brunching at The Southern

Brunch. The word conjures up images of cocktails, plates overflowing with amazing food, and a table filled with friends. I am always on the lookout for new places to try and, of course, any deals available in my area. Luckily for me, I recently found a deal for The Southern, a great restaurant located in Wicker Park, Chicago.

The Vibe

The Southern is as laid back as the South and you can pick up on this vibe instantly when you walk in. Fresh flowers decorate each table. They have three dining spaces: the outside patio, the main dining area, and an upstairs bar and dining room (which can be open air in the warmer months). I have eaten at both the upstairs and downstairs dining rooms and both were comfortable and chill with wooden tables, some low with chairs and others high with stools. It definitely is reminiscent of the south with the extensive selection of bourbon and whiskey behind the bar. With the three dining areas it is the perfect place for brunch or dinner with friends!

Quick tip: Make sure to make a reservation! They are popular and fill up quickly.

Dining room at The Southern / Photo from thesouthernchicago.com

Patio of The Southern / Photo from thesouthernchicago.com

The Food

With our deal (weekend brunch for two), we each got to order either a mimosa or a Bloody Mary and a brunch entree. As the name implies, the food at The Southern is inspired by southern staples. They pride themselves on using local farmers and sustainable sources for ingredients to conjure up comfort food that is not only tasty but beautiful to look at before you take that first bite.

The delicious entrees we enjoyed on the menu were the brunch burger and the crepes. My boyfriend chowed down on the burger which came with two patties (made from grass-fed beef), smoked bacon, a fried egg, pimento cheese all on a brioche bun with fries on the side. It was massive and he somehow managed to fit it all in his mouth and make it disappear. In the tiny nibble that I had (I can't unhinge my jaw in quite the same way as my boyfriend) I discovered that the meat was juicy, the bacon perfectly crispy, the fried egg and cheese the perfect toppings for the double stack.

I myself order the crepes which came topped with apricots, lemon ricotta, candied ginger, almonds, mint, and lavender honey. The latter is what piqued my interest the most – lavender honey?! Yes, please. And guess what? It was amazing. The combination of the honey with the apricots and ginger was divine. I would order it again in a heartbeat.

While I dined during their weekend brunch hours, they are also open for dinner. For dinner, The Southern is also well known for its Macaroni and Cheese and Shrimp and Grits, both southern comfort food at its best. Check them out at your earliest convenience – especially with Fall creeping in… warm yourself up with their food or some whiskey cocktails!