Mable's Table - Brunch

There was a little neighborhood restaurant in Bucktown called Jane's that was located in a former bungalow.  It was very distinctive because the bungalow was painted pale blue.  I liked it and was sad when it closed.  Luckily, the location didn't stay closed for long.  It became a restaurant serving chef-driven comfort foods (similar to Jane's) called Mable's Table.  The building was painted and was changed from pale blue to off-white.  Walking into the space, it looked very similar to how it had with a large bar on the right side of the dining room that was connected to the kitchen and tables on the other side.  The walls on the inside are also brick, the floor is hardwood, and the furniture looked very rustic.  The large window in the front lets in natural light.  I am not sure if it existed when Jane's was open, but there is a second dining room connected to the first at the back of the room, near the kitchen.  This is where we dined.  Walking into this dining room, there is a second bar.  This room has some classic elements with a painted tin ceiling and the furniture using classic design, though the light not provided by the large window in the front was provided from hanging globes and the walls are mostly drywall/plaster with some wooden beams toward the front of the room.  The seating was both table and banquette seating (where we sat) with soft throw pillows sitting on the banquette.

The cocktails that Mable's Table serves are basically spins on classics.  They are different from the classics, though it is easy to see the similarity.  I ordered a drink that was a spin on a Moscow Mule, though I neglected to take note of what it was called.  It was served in a Copper Mug and used Vodka, Ginger, and Lemon, but it used sliced Ginger instead of Ginger Beer and used Cider to replace the liquid lost by not using Ginger Beer.  It had a sweet and spicy flavor from the vodka and ginger, but the cider added a bitter sweetness with an apple flavor.  It was also more dry than is a Moscow Mule, but it was very good and I would easily order it again.

While Mable's does have the usual sweet selections of French Toast and Pancakes, they are done in a cheffy way adding such things as Cheese Anglaise or Honey Butter.  They have nice selection of things on the savory side as well.  For my selection, I went with a Brunch Burrito with Scrambled Eggs, Porchetta, and Smoked Provolone that was served with Salsa and Sour Cream.  It was served with a side of what they called Hash Browns, but what I would call Home Fries.  In any case, they are Pan-Fried Sliced Potatoes.  I upgraded them to Hangover Cheesy Jalapeno Hash Browns with Jalapenos, Caramelized Onions, Melted Cheddar Cheese, and Crispy Potatoes.  It was all very good and hearty.

I really enjoyed brunch here and will have to return sometime again for brunch or dinner.  While Jane's will be missed, Mable's Table is a good replacement.