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Southport Grocery & Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Southport Grocery & Cafe
8.2
Southport Grocery & Cafe is a long-running cafe-market hybrid where from-scratch brunch plates, preserves, and baked goods showcase local farms and producers. Bread pudding pancakes, seasonal hashes, and a grocery stocked with small-batch products make it an anchor for daytime farm-to-table brunch in Lakeview.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bread Pudding Pancakes, Breakfast Sandwich, Chorizo & Eggs
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A cafe-plus-grocery concept where from-scratch brunch and preserved goods highlight local farms and artisan producers.
Who should go: Brunch fans who want creative pancakes, daytime comfort food, and a browseable grocery.
When to visit: Weekday late mornings or early afternoons to sidestep weekend wait times.
What to order: Bread Pudding Pancakes, Breakfast Sandwich, Chorizo & Eggs with a side of hash.
Insider tip: Order a full plate plus a solo bread pudding pancake to share so you can taste the signature dish without overcommitting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Southport and nearby residential blocks; meters on the main strip and spots can be tight during peak brunch hours. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual daytime attire — jeans, sweaters, and brunch-casual outfits are standard.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at most weekday times, but can get lively during peak weekend brunch while still generally manageable for conversation.
Weekend wait: N/A — cafe operates primarily as a daytime/brunch spot and is not a dinner service restaurant.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait or short queue, especially outside peak midday rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good vegetarian coverage — several plates can be ordered meat-free, and rotating seasonal specials often include veggie-forward options.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but menus lean more egg- and dairy-centric.
Gluten-free options: Selective accommodation — some dishes and sides can be made gluten-free on request, but not a fully dedicated prep environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual daytime date — it feels cozy, local, and relaxed, especially on weekdays. Weekend peak hours are busier and less intimate, so aim for a late-morning or early-afternoon visit if conversation is the priority.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it operates primarily as a walk-in brunch café. Expect a wait during weekend prime hours; weekday visits are typically easier with quicker seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly environment with approachable menu items and a relaxed daytime vibe. Best suited for school-age kids and toddlers during earlier hours before peak brunch rush.
Best For
Better for: Daytime farm-to-table brunch with house-made baked goods, preserves, and seasonal comfort dishes in a neighborhood-market setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, reservation-only experience, a full dinner service, or an extensive vegan or gluten-free program.
Southport Grocery & Cafe
8.2
Southport Grocery & Cafe is a long-running Southport Corridor brunch spot where cupcake pancakes and deli-style plates draw lines every weekend. For gluten-free guests, their house-made GF cupcake pancake batter, clearly marked GF brunch items, and take-home mixes turn a legacy neighborhood cafe into a reliable, if sometimes crowded, brunch destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cupcake Pancakes made with gluten-free cupcake batter, Hash with roasted potatoes, veggies & eggs (GF), Chorizo & Eggs chilaquiles-style plate (GF)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Neighborhood brunch institution where gluten-free cupcake pancakes are a signature move.
Who should go: Gluten-free brunch fans willing to navigate a busy cafe.
When to visit: Weekday late mornings or early afternoons to avoid long lines.
What to order: GF Cupcake Pancakes, hash, chorizo & eggs marked GF.
Insider tip: Buy the gluten-free cupcake pancake mix to recreate their pancakes at home.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Southport and nearby side streets; metered in some zones and can be tight on weekends — allow extra time. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual daytime brunch wear; jeans, sweaters, and weekend-casual outfits are common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak brunch — conversation is possible but can require raised voices at rush times.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — this is a daytime café and typically does not operate dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait or quick seating outside of peak lunch/brunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian-friendly brunch plates, pastries, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few components and modifications, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — clearly marked GF items and house-made GF cupcake pancake batter; kitchen is mixed-use, so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual daytime or brunch date — it’s lively, approachable, and upbeat, but not ideal if you want a quiet, intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in. Expect lines on weekend mornings; weekday late mornings are the easiest for quick seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly atmosphere with kid-appropriate menu items; best for toddlers through early teens during earlier brunch hours.
Best For
Better for: Gluten-free brunchers who want signature cupcake pancakes, clearly marked GF options, and take-home mixes from a long-running neighborhood café.
Skip if: You want a quiet, spacious room, reservations, or zero-wait seating on weekends — peak brunch crowds can feel cramped and busy.