Sunday, January 1, 2012

Scenic Scene: Axis Cafe's Bland Brunch

I love taking brunch suggestions so even when I have somewhere in mind to brunch, if someone says "you've got to try this place," I usually have to try that place. This was the case with Axis Cafe & Gallery. A quick Yelp scan didn't dissuade me, the nebulous 3.5 rating zone always leaves me curious about a place -- it might be good or at worst completely unremarkable.

Axis Cafe is, by all appearances, the perfect brunch spot.
 The high ceilings and spacious seating make it a great place to go with a friend for a long conversation. Or there's no shame in bringing your laptop to Axis and working over brunch in one of the comfortable chairs.

Then comes the food. And, by all appearances, the food looked good but unlike the venue it was less than memorable.


The menu has some intriguing sounding dishes like Smoked Salmon on Broccolini Pancakes with Lemon Aioli, as well as some comfort food sides like Mac & Cheese, both of which we ordered.  The pancakes cold, the garnish wilting and the soft boiled egg slightly congealed made the Salmon dish completely unremarkable, but for $9 there wasn't too much to complain about.The hostess and waitress were a high point -- the polite and quick service made the out-of-the box flavor of the mac & cheese bearable.

I can imagine Axis being a neighborhood favorite because there isn't too much competition for brunch in the surrounding few blocks, the price point isn't too high, and the atmosphere and service are simply lovely. However brunch for under $40 dollars for two people isn't impossible to find anywhere else, so even for all that's good I don't think I'd bother to be back to Axis Cafe for the food.


All the details:
Axis Cafe & Gallery 
1201 8th St between Wisconsin St & Irwin St


Mon-Fri 8 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 10 am - 3 pm



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