Dine on a Dime: Oddfellows Café

Quality ingredients, simple food, and beautiful plates exude the spirit of Capitol Hill.

At first glance, many might stamp a “hipster scene” label on the joint. At least that was my mistake when I sauntered into the bright and cozy Oddfellows Café for the first time. The DIY atmosphere is beyond trendy, but the mismatched chairs and repurposed furnishings are also a deliberate demonstration of Oddfellows’ commitment to environmentally sustainable practices.

The staff appears to be ahead of the curve, well seasoned in egg making, and friendly to boot! You can tell by the occupied tables of studious laptop users, and newspaper readers that this place has its share of regulars. Oddfellows is a great place to bring your out-of-town visitors for a quick taste of Capitol Hill spirit.

While they are well known for their savory lunches and strong late-night cocktails, I am partial to their reasonably priced weekend brunch menu, which is served from 9am-3pm Saturday and Sunday.

Meal Steals: Oddfellows’ three best brunch plates under $10

The homemade biscuit and eggs ($8) is exactly what you want a biscuit and eggs to be: the eggs are scrambled to perfection with gruyere cheese, and the biscuit is buttery, flaky and moist. (It’s also the only breakfast food that is served every day until three-o’clock). I asked for a side of jam, which I did not regret. What the menu doesn’t mention is the side of mixed greens. Add bacon or ham for $2.

One of their most popular – and most photographed – dishes is the baked eggs ($8). Served in an individually sized skillet with ham, gruyere and spinach, this one is a crowd pleaser and a belly-filler.

For days when you really just want to indulge at the breakfast table, the brioche french toast ($8) is going to be your best bet. The fluffiness of the toast is impressive, and they serve it under seasonal fruit – anything from strawberries, blackberries, or pears – a dollop of mascarpone, and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. Syrup is a given.

Go to the counter to order your breakfast, grab a cup of Stumptown coffee or latte art, and enjoy your meal in the outdoor seating area while the weather lasts.

Oddfellows Café|1525 10^th Ave., Seattle | (206) 325-0807