Brunch at Redlight Redlight
I have a complicated relationship with Brunch. On the one hand, I love breakfast foods and fun brunch concoctions that allow me to indulge in an array of carbs on any given Sunday so intensely that it becomes the only meal I have to consume all day.
On the other hand, I am not a "brunch" person in terms of loud music, drunk people, or sloppy shenanigans that come to mind when people think about a weekend brunch outing in any city in 2023. You will never see myself and a carafe of bottomless mimosas in the same place. I want to eat good food in a chill setting and be on my way.
With that said, you wouldn't think I would find my desired brunch ambiance in a bar, but that's exactly where my new favorite brunch spot is right now.
If you haven't been, Redlight Redlight is a popular and vibrant craft beer haven in Audubon Park. Renowned for its eclectic and ever-changing selection of craft beers, this establishment has become a destination for beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers. The bar's warm and inviting ambiance recently got a long-anticipated upgrade - a full-service kitchen. Here, local Chef Jes Tantalo is serving up some beautiful brunch dishes that I can’t eat and claim I could have made this at home.
These are some of the items I ordered:
Folded Egg Sandwich - Bacon or Sausage, American cheese, Radish top and Scallion mayo on Focaccia $12
Turnips & Bacon - Lentils, Seminole Pumpkin Puree, Cumin Mustard Vinaigrette $13
Breakfast Pasta - Fusilloni, Beurre Monte, Soft Egg, Everything Seasoning $12
Seasoned Crispy Potatoes with a side of Parmesan sauce $7
Jalapeno Cheddar Grits - Creamy Stone Ground Grits, Jalapeno drizzle, white cheddar $6
Brulee Grapefruit $6
Each item was satisfying. I especially loved the crispy potatoes and the Turnips and Bacon, and I also loved that they weren’t exactly the standard brunch items you see on every menu around town. Also, we did order a lot of food on our first visit, but the prices of the dishes are quite affordable, so this isn’t a brunch that has to be a $100 outing.
Of course, Redlight’s full craft beer menu is available, but they also have a non-bottomless mimosa option and Lineage coffee.
There is outdoor seating, or you can enjoy full service inside at the bar and tables. Order with the staff, and they will wait on you. We had great service on our visit, but remember this is a new layer to normal operations for Redlight Redlight, so as they acclimate to being more than your neighborhood craft brewery, be patient with them.
If brunch isn’t your thing at all, kitchen hours at Redlight are also 5-9pm Wednesday- Saturday and Sunday 12-8.
Brunch with Chef Jes on Sundays from 12-3 is something locals should absolutely try.