Relish: Lining up for the Breakfast Klub

By Tim Pawul & Mimi Arnold     10/22/09 7:00pm

Do you feel that your breakfast is getting to be too predictable, too boring? Has the monotonous routine of servery eggs, limp bacon and tepid toast turned into a tasteless and mindless waste of your time? If so, don't give up faith just yet: The cure for your breakfast blues is just down the street.The Breakfast Klub, located on the corner of Travis and Alabama streets, is one of Houston's best breakfast experiences and will undoubtedly rejuvenate your spirits. When you arrive, you cannot help but notice a massive line of people in front of the yellow building's front door, all of whom know exactly what we're about to tell you: Breakfast Klub is really, truly, undeniably that good.

Ambiance

All great things come with a cost, and the cost of eating at the Breakfast Klub is the wait. However, the restaurant often brings inner-city dance squads, children's games and vendors from nearby local markets to entertain those waiting in line. Once you get inside the building and take your seat, the sounds of jazz and R&B, sometimes performed live, provide a comfortable atmosphere.

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Recently, the interior of the restaurant has been renovated with the addition of three flat-screen televisions and an impressive collection of art on the walls. The clientele runs the gamut, from families brunching, significant others getting lost in each others' eyes and professionals gathering for lunch.

Service

The line may be slow on weekends, but time spent waiting is made up for by the quick service. We have also found the owner, Marcus Davis, to be extremely personable, often going table to table to chat with customers and show his gratitude for their patronage.

A visit to the restaurant makes it clear the number of loyal customers who have developed relationships with the staff. The staff's credentials speak for themselves: They have been nominated for several restaurant awards, including a 2006 Pinnacle Award for entrepreneurial excellence, and have been published in numerous newspaper and magazine articles, such as Urban Style Magazine and Travel + Leisure's "Best New American Restaurants 2004."

Food

If you're not afraid to enjoy some greasy goodness, you will find that the quality of the Breakfast Klub's dishes - such as French toast or eggs - is as good as it gets. They also boast a wide variety of unique, tasty Southern soul food. Some of the most popular dishes are Green Eggs and Ham, Katfish and Grits, and Wings and Waffles, the last of which has become their staple in the Houston community. Be forewarned, however: This menu lacks a "health food" selection.

Price

Relative to other breakfast locales, the Breakfast Klub is a bit pricey, but considering the quality of the food and the generous portions, it's a good deal. In addition, Rice students can score a 15-percent discount by flashing their Hedgehopper cards. A breakfast generally costs $10 to $12 per person.

Tim's recommended dish:

Wings and French. This meal is an enormous amount of food, comprising six fried chicken wings and four pieces of French toast. If you are willing to step outside the box, I recommend dipping the wings into some hot syrup for that extra kick.

Mimi's recommended dish:

Katfish and Grits. This dish is Southern soul food at its best. The platter contains two eggs, grits, toast and fried catfish, enough to satiate even the loudest of appetites.

Tim Pawul is a Sid Richardson College junior and Mimi Arnold is a Wiess College senior. Relish is a new series that will be reviewing restaurants and eateries both close by and in the Houston area.

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