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Banter
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Banter
8.1
An Australian-style café on Sullivan Street known for avocado-laden plates, ricotta hotcakes, and all-day brunch standards. It’s a favored stop for lighter-feeling, produce-forward breakfasts that still eat like a full meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smash avocado toast, Banter Big Breakfast, Ricotta hotcakes
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Aussie brunch hub balancing indulgent plates with fresher, veg-forward options.
Who should go: Brunch regulars chasing avocado, good coffee, and wifi.
When to visit: Weekday late mornings to avoid peak weekend waits.
What to order: Smash avo toast, Banter Big Breakfast, ricotta hotcakes.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter for faster solo seating when the list is long.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally tough on Sullivan Street after 9am. Best luck on adjacent residential blocks before brunch peak.
Dress code: Casual and café-friendly; athleisure, denim, and relaxed layers all common.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is easy at off-peak hours but buzzier during weekend brunch.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; closing hours are earlier and traffic is brunch-focused.
Weekday lunch: Typically a short wait or immediate seating before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—most bowls, toast plates, and hotcakes are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—customizable bowls and avocado-focused plates can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Several GF-friendly items including bowls and protein plates; no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime dates—bright room, quick service, and lighter plates keep the meal easy and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Banter operates largely walk-in. Arriving before 11am on weekends or around 10:30–11:30am on weekdays minimizes wait times.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for toddlers and older; high chairs are limited and space is tight, but service is welcoming and menu flexibility helps.
Best For
Better for: Produce-forward brunch, lighter Aussie-style plates, and solo seating with strong coffee.
Skip if: You want a long, celebratory brunch with cocktails or need large-group space—try bigger-format cafés nearby instead.
Banter
7.8
Banter is an Australian café where all-day brunch plates share space with a few sturdy sandwiches and coffee drinks. It’s a polished room that works as well for a quick chicken sandwich at the bar as it does for a lingering, slightly healthy-feeling brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Sandwich, Banter Big Breakfast, Smash Avo Toast
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Aussie café where brunch plates and a proper chicken sandwich meet.
Who should go: Brunch-focused groups wanting coffee, cocktails, and a sandwich.
When to visit: Weekday late mornings; weekends see long waits by midday.
What to order: Fried Chicken Sandwich, Big Breakfast, Smash avo toast.
Insider tip: Solo diners should grab counter seats to skip the longer table waitlist.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; expect limited availability on Thompson and adjacent blocks, especially after 10am. Paid garages within a 5–7 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; brunch crowds lean polished but jeans and sneakers fit in.
Noise level: Moderate—steady café buzz but still workable for conversation at smaller tables.
Weekend wait: Dinner isn’t a peak service here, but expect 15–25 minutes due to ongoing brunch flow.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; typically seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong coverage—multiple brunch plates, toasts, and sides can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 modifiable dishes; core sandwiches are not fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Partial support—gluten-free bread available for sandwiches and toasts, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual daytime date—bright room, friendly service, and easy-to-share brunch plates. Less ideal if you want privacy or a slower, evening-leaning atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Weekdays are easy; on weekends expect a waitlist after 11am. Solo diners can bypass most of it by taking the bar counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally suitable for kids 6+ during quieter weekday mornings. Limited stroller space and no dedicated kids’ menu, so peak weekend crowds may feel cramped.
Best For
Better for: Polished Aussie-style brunch with lighter, café-driven plates and a reliably good fried chicken sandwich—ideal when you want something fresher and more modern than classic diners.
Skip if: You want heavy, deli-style sandwiches, zero-wait seating on weekends, or expansive vegan options—other spots in the area will be more specialized.