Blackbird Cafe ***3.5/5 stars

This review on Blackbird has been a long time coming. And they're lucky that I waited, because there are a few major things that bug me about this place. I've been to Blackbird several times for brunch and dinner and have walked away on more than one occasion with a bone to pick. But there are always redeeming qualities, and after my last visit, the bird is alive and well.

The first chalk-up to Blackbird is the killer interior design. Beautiful corner location with large windows, high ceilings and funky found items arranged neatly on the walls. Feels warm, inviting, energetic. And a literal chalk-up to the chalkboard menus. Love.

Second "ching" is the graphic design. The logo, the signage, the menus...Super fab. Good morning.

Bone #1. In a neighborhood where you mostly expect to find tacos, enchiladas and cervezas on the menu, BB apparently has something against black beans. While they serve several Mexican-inspired dishes, not one includes my most favorite breakfast accompaniment aside from mixed greens. Donde esta frijoles? This is a huge nicht nicht in my book... Sorry, my high school didn't have a Spanish teacher, so I took German, which I will probably never use for any real purpose other than to drunkenly sing German folk songs with my sister at stateside Octoberfests, and in cases like this, where my Ganglish overrides my Spanglish.

Oh fer cute. Each table is personalized with mid-western flair. The lamps really enhance the lighting scheme...and the tabasco.

The mimosas here are great. I know it doesn't seem like it should take a mixologist to make one, but these are good, and priced right @ $5 per. (FYI, beer and wine only...sigh.) Those are the swedish pancakes with cranberrys and currents. They were the special and they were magically delicious. BB usually has great daily specials with fresh and/or local ingredients. Bone #2 - prices here are more on the fat side of the wallet.

This is the Oxtail Hash. A staple favorite.

This was another special - corned beef hash with brussel sprouts. Dang good.

Now I have to say I'm an idiot, because I got the veal sweetbreads benedict and forgot to take a photo! It may sound adventurous to many, but I assure you, it was really tasty. The sweetbreads were crisp and salty and complimented the dish amazingly.

Mirror wall. I wonder if that is good feng shui? Google check: Yes, mirrors bring energy into a room. But don't face two mirrors or you'll get trapped in a vortex...or something like that.

Shout out to my dad, Rick, shed hunter extraordinaire, who would love all the antlers in this place. This rack above the dining room is very impressive.

So yeah, Blackbird is pretty great, despite their bean racism and lack of hard liquor. Put on your fancy pj pants and hit it up!

Tschüss bis spater!