SPOONED: Sabrosa Cafe & Gallery

Ever wanted to put a restaurant in your pocket? I would like to do that with this place.

I had heard about it and wanted to go, but never got around to it. This blog forced me to move my feet.

Nestled comfortably in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood, which runs the gamut of dive bars to the upscale, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It's a Mexican brunch spot which is also new territory for me.

Sabrosa is understated. Pale yellow walls. A small photo, of presumably the owner’s family, hangs atop the entrance to the kitchen. It’s like a friend’s house. But with better stuff.

We were greeted by the chef who told us about the specials, one of which was the carrot cake bread pudding.

Hmmm.

We were quickly directed to our seats (read: a miracle for Milwaukee’s brunch scene on a Saturday morning).

I scanned the drink menu and decided to stick to what I know.

Old fashioned, whisky, sweet, please.

The food menu had lots of offerings, and I wanted to try something sexy, but being mindful of my wallet and my waistline, I opted for the Southern Breakfast Bowl—which is a “fried ham biscuit sandwich set in a bowl of creamy cheddar grits, layered with roasted apples, bourbon-glazed bacon, and poached egg garnished with green onions, chile pequin, and spiced honey.”

You had me at cheese grits.

Upon the first bite I was transported to my grandma Helen’s backroom where as kids, after dodging the rogue badger in her backyard, my sisters and I would flop on the guest bed tired yet full of something we didn’t quite have the name for.

This dish will surely lull you to sleep whether you’re ready or not. Halfway through brunch I was ready to plop right into the bowl—despite copious amounts of coffee.

I gazed at my brunch date in a happy haze. I contemplated buying the cocktail cherries in mason jars or maybe it was staying there the whole day. Perhaps both.

I decided then I would return. Again. And again.

Don’t just take my word for it. Try it yourself. And get the carrot cake bread pudding to go.

See you at the table.

Sabrosa Cafe &Gallery

3216 S. Howell

Spoon rating: 5/5

Edit: The restaurant has a commuter menu, too. Perfect for when you need a quick bite.