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Tastebuds
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tastebuds
8.0
Family-run café turning out Southern-leaning brunch plates like shrimp & grits and chicken & waffles. Lively on weekends with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp & Grits, Chicken & Waffles, Corned Beef Hash
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Soul-food brunch flavors served with friendly, hands-on hospitality.
Who should go: Hearty-brunch crowds
When to visit: Before 10:30am or after 1pm to skip rush
What to order: Shrimp & grits; chicken & waffles; corned beef hash
Insider tip: Order mains and coffee together—kitchen moves fast on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clement and 6th can fill quickly; side streets open up after 2pm. No valet or lot nearby.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and tees fine; locals often dress relaxed for brunch.
Noise level: Lively and social on weekends; moderate enough for conversation but not ideal for quiet chats.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closes by late afternoon.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait except peak lunch hours 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several choices including veggie omelet, pancakes, and side grits.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify avocado toast or salads on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—omelets and grits are gluten-free; no dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or second dates—vibrant atmosphere and hearty plates spark easy conversation but not intimate ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only; arrive before 10:30am weekends or after 1pm for fastest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—welcomes families with high chairs and space for strollers; best before noon for a calmer scene.
Best For
Better for: Southern-style comfort brunch and generous portions with genuine service.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet, fine-dining brunch or vegan-focused menus.
Tastebuds
8.0
Family-run café serving Southern-leaning brunch plates like shrimp and grits and chicken & waffles. Laid-back service and a friendly room keep weekends lively.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp & grits, Chicken & waffles, Corned beef hash
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Soul-food brunch favorites done with warmth and solid technique.
Who should go: Hearty-brunch crowds
When to visit: Open to 10:30am or after 1pm to skip rush
What to order: Shrimp & grits, chicken & waffles, corned beef hash
Insider tip: They pour quickly—order mains and coffee together to save time.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Clement and side streets; meters on weekends fill fast after 10am, no dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual—comfortable brunch attire fits right in; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Lively and conversational—expect background chatter but still manageable for groups.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; weekends between 10am–1pm can reach 30–45 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several egg dishes, pancakes, and salads can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for custom sides like grits, toast, and veggie hash.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some dishes like shrimp and grits or omelets are naturally gluten-free; no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for relaxed brunch dates than romantic ones—energetic vibe and hearty plates create a casual connection point.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only, but best to come before 10am or after 1pm on weekends to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—booths and high chairs available; friendly staff and quick service make it ideal for families with kids 4+.
Best For
Better for: Comfort-driven Southern-style brunch plates served with personal warmth and generous portions.
Skip if: You’re after quiet, refined brunch settings or extensive vegan options.
Tastebuds
8.3
Neighborhood brunch-and-lunch cafe where fried chicken shows up crisp, well-seasoned, and built for waffles or biscuit-and-gravy plates. Locals come for generous portions, friendly service, and a short-but-focused menu that keeps turnover high.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken & Waffles (buttermilk waffle + syrup), Fried Chicken Plate with biscuits & gravy, 5th Ave Salad with fried chicken
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Brunch plates centered on crisp, well-seasoned fried chicken.
Who should go: Weekend brunchers and chicken-and-waffles fans
When to visit: Arrive at opening to avoid late-morning lines
What to order: Chicken & waffles; biscuit-and-gravy plate; fried chicken salad
Insider tip: Order first, then grab the patio tables when the weather cooperates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Clement and 6th Avenue is usually available before 10am; fills up fast by late morning. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—think brunch attire. Jeans, sneakers, and light layers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during brunch rush; quiet enough for conversation outside of peak hours.
Weekend wait: Closed by dinner—focuses on breakfast and lunch service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; 10–15 minutes after 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several salads, sides, and non-chicken brunch plates available.
Vegan options: Limited - avocado toast and some side dishes qualify; no dedicated vegan entrees.
Gluten-free options: Partial - can sub fries or salad for biscuit/waffle; no dedicated fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a relaxed, daytime meetup than a formal date. The cozy space and upbeat staff make it approachable but not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Tastebuds doesn’t take reservations. Arrive early on weekends or after 1:30pm for shorter waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High chairs available, staff are accommodating, and the menu works for all ages. Families tend to visit before 11am.
Best For
Better for: Fried chicken brunch plates—especially chicken and waffles—served hot, crisp, and fast without pretension.
Skip if: You’re looking for dinner service or a quiet, date-night atmosphere; Tastebuds is all about casual daytime comfort.