Monday, June 27, 2011

Brunch at Deagan's

Our first time dining at Deagan's Kitchen & Bar for brunch was the Sunday of the Cleveland Marathon. And I'm pretty sure that the staff at Deagan's felt like they had run their own marathon when the day was over. The place was packed, and the entire staff (including the owner) were scurrying around trying to keep up. Clearly, they had not planned on hosting such a large post-race crowd. In my opinion, it's all in how you handle the situation thrown at you and Deagan's couldn't have handled it any better from what I could see.

We grabbed two available seats at the bar, and I think this gave us a vantage point to witness the hustle of the staff and direction from their leader. Sure, our menus took quite some time to find us at the bar, we didn't get coffee or order for a solid 15 minutes, and the experience took much longer than anticipated. But...the staff was REALLY moving, they still took time to smile, and apologies were given. That's all you can ask for in times like this, and I walked away being really impressed with how they handled the day.

Now, the food I wasn't quite as impressed with so I'd love to go back soon and try another main dish. We started with an order of the Housemade Donuts ($4).They were pretty darn good, and rivaled Light Bistro's. I didn't even need the house-crafted berry preserves served with them.

"R" tried the Monte Cristo sandwich, and he seemed content with his meal. I ordered the 3 Egg Omelet with local eggs, pork belly lardons, sharp cheddar, green onions, and home fries ($9).The omelet was prepared well, but it just lacked flavor in my opinion. It was a little bland, and the pork lardons were cut a little thick for me. They ended up being pretty chewy bites. I think I expected the sharp cheddar and green onions to give it a little more punch on the palate. The home fries were nice and crispy while retaining a soft potato center, just how I like them.

So we left feeling really good about Deagan's staff, wanting to try more dishes from their brunch menu, and craving a mimosa (they always offer several playful flavors) or Bloody Mary (build your own). We'll be back for sure.

Deagan's Kitchen & Bar
14810 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 767-5775

10 comments:

Alicia at Poise in Parma said...

When we went for brunch a few weeks back, I left feeling the same way you did. Hans got an assortment of sides when I expected him to order something from the mains section of the menu. I ordered their seasonal omlette which was good, but I wish I came with a heartier appetite. I really wanted to order the oatmeal and ice cream combo!! I'm hoping to take my dad there for a belated Father's Day brunch some time soon.

Green Dog Wine said...

As someone who waitressed for 10+ years - I could kiss you for saying this: But...the staff was REALLY moving, they still took time to smile, and apologies were given. That's all you can ask for in times like this, and I walked away being really impressed with how they handled the day.

So many people don't get it (patrons AND servers alike!) :)

Hmmm I'm thinking we need a Late July Sunday Funday early morning Bloody Mary Happy Hour. Thoughts? :)

Deagan said...

That was a hell of a day. It didn't occur to me that Tremont was basically closed for the marathon and that everyone in Cleveland decided to have brunch that day;-) I appreciate that you recognized that we were doing our best under the circumstances. Like Allison said, most people don't notice that.

I agree with you that the 3 egg omelet doesn't live up to our expectations. We're in the process of revamping the Brunch menu and that's getting an overhaul. When I had it, I thought the main problem was the pork lardons. I thought they were way too big and hard. It made eating the omelet unenjoyable. I think we're going to sorta combine the omelet with the frittata by using the mahon cheese and serrano ham to the omelet and removing the frittata from the menu.

Thanks for coming in and writing your blog post. I appreciate it and hope to see you again soon.

Bite Buff said...

Alicia- I'm glad to hear that it wasn't just me, or just that day. Because I continue to hear wonderful things about their brunch! I certainly plan on heading back there soon to give it another try. I've been impressed with both lunch and dinner service.

Allison- ANYTIME! I'm seriously excited to try some of their fun mimosa flavors. Let's plan it.

Deagan- I appreciate your comment on my post. You served us yourself that day with a smile and apologies. You guys were working so hard! It was a learning experience, I'm sure, but you guys all handled the situation very well. I'll be back in soon to try it again!

Heather said...

I'm so glad you wrote this because I thought I was the only one! I'm joining you and Allison for bloody mary's, though. I can't pass up drinks! :)

CLEgal @ Why CLE? said...

I've been there twice for brunch. I recommend the Amish chicken and waffle or the lobster mac 'n cheese (not that breakfasty, but very good). And the house-made Bloody Mary mix is to die for!

Bite Buff said...

Thanks for the suggestions, CLEgal! It's always nice to know what others enjoyed.

Unknown said...

I have yet to try Deagan's for brunch but can always be sold on a bloody mary bar or mimosa. Gotta love hungry post race runners too :)

Alana said...

If you like chicken wings, Deagan's Amish wings are to.die.for. I still need to get up there for brunch...Deagan once told me their french toast is the best on the planet!

Ben said...

We've never been to Deagan's for brunch--kind of out of the way for being in Cleveland Heights--but we did get there for lunch once. The smoked salmon club is the best smoked salmon menu item I've ever ordered, and it would be great on a brunch menu. The combination of flavors--two smoked meats (!)--and soft / crunchy textures is wonderful. Even the onions on the sandwich were really good.