When Montrose staple Bocados closed in April, the owners announced that had leased the property to Brick & Spoon, a rapidly growing Louisiana chain that serves breakfast and lunch. The new restaurant, which opened today, seems poised to join Blacksmith and the Eatsie Boys Cafe as casual, comfortable restaurants that cater primarily to morning and afternoon dining.
However, Brick & Spoon sets itself apart from those restaurants and the obvious chain competitors in one important way — with a cocktail menu that features a full array of different mimosas and other breakfast booze. Frankly, too few places in town offer weekday breakfast with beer, wine and cocktails (among the exceptions are Down House, Katz's Deli and La Mexicana, a third shift staple for the all-important combo of breakfast tacos and margaritas). The addition of a new option is worth celebrating.
The menu offers something for everyone: soups, salads, omelets, sandwiches and burgers.
General Manager Jeff Robertson tells CultureMap that the Lafayette location is near three hospitals and, despite only being open since May, has already become a hotspot for doctors and nurses. Between Brick & Spoon's proximity to the Texas Medical Center and the University of St. Thomas, it could develop a similar following in Houston.
"Our executive chef takes a lot of pride in the menu," Robertson says. "He wants the food to be perfect."
The menu offers something for everyone: soups, salads, omelets, sandwiches and burgers. Robertson emphasizes that the restaurant, which is open for breakfast and lunch only, attempts to source ingredients locally and has already reached out to Plant It Forward about purchasing herbs from its Montrose farm.
During a morning visit, my French toast sliders ($10.50) had a crispy exterior and gooey interior that managed to avoid being overly sweet despite a fruit topping. The cucumber-infused vodka in a "Wild Mary" ($8) provided a subtle complement to the tomato juice, although those who like really spicy Bloody Marys should reach for the Tabasco bottle.
Robertson describes the atmosphere as "quiet and quaint." Wood floors and breakfast-themed artwork provide a homey feel.
Although Brick & Spoon only launched in May, Houston is the chain's third location, along with Lafayette and Orange Beach, Ala. Robertson says the company is already looking for a place in New Orleans. He acknowledges that "four stores in a year is a lot," but says that the response from diners has been "exactly what we hoped for."
Looks like people enjoy a restaurant that serves well-made breakfast options. Especially with cocktails.
Brick & Spoon opened in the former Bocados space on West Alabama.
