From the outside this South End spot may look like a bakery, bustling with locals who are grabbing a quick baked good and a coffee before heading to work. But if you venture to the lower level, you will find a quaint dining room bustling with people enjoying a full-service meal.

My visit to the South End Buttery was on an early Sunday morning. After walking through the cafe, towards the bar and down a couple of steps to the dining room, I was surprised to see only a couple of empty tables. My boyfriend Richie and I sat at a corner table next to the fireplace, and our waitress promptly greeted us. It was early and I was not caffeinated, so before asking for suggestions I ordered a latte.

I do not normally start my day with Nutella stuffed fried goods, but the ricotta fritters were an excellent way to break my personal rule. Warm, crispy, sugar-coated fritters that were stuffed with a moderate amount of Nutella instantly spiked my blood sugar levels and my serotonin levels. I could actually feel a smile stretch across my face as I tried to eat faster than Richie so that I could have even the tiniest bit more than him (I can not be the only one who does this).

I really wanted another serving of the ricotta fritters but also needed some balance. I decided on the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. Richie ordered the buttery pancakes, and we decided on some home fries and bacon on the side.

Don’t worry, drinks were ordered as well! I started with the wild hibiscus royal. It was served with an edible hibiscus flower that I had to take a bite out of after finishing. Overall, there was a sweet taste from the touch of syrup. I wish I could have captured the beauty of the glass in an image, but you will just have to order one for yourself to see it in all its glory. Richie went with his usual – a mimosa – but surprised me when choosing the blood orange option. There was a slight blood orange flavor but not so much that it masked the bubbly.

The comfortable, chill vibe of the dining room created such a wonderful atmosphere to start the week. Everyone I encountered was so friendly and warm. The eggs Benedict was served on a biscuit and once I popped the egg yolk, I let it soak in for a couple of seconds. I am a fan of all carbs and will never discriminate between English muffins and biscuits, but I appreciate how much weight a biscuit can hold!

The side of home fries was a great suggestion from our waitress. They were crisped on the outside and steamy and soft on the inside. Richie did not have to ask for more ketchup, so if you are a condiment lover you probably won’t have to pause your meal to order more.

The buttery pancakes included three medium-sized pancakes and were topped with various berries and whipped butter. These pancakes were made with love and obviously created from scratch. The whipped butter melted evenly between each pancake, and the warmed syrup was served on the side. The bacon had crispy edges and an audible crunch.

The Buttery is full of surprises. After our meal, I was walked over to their market! I did not realize that they also offer take-home meals, full-sized cakes, catering, and local packaged goods. I love that in addition to getting a great meal, a strong caffeinated drink, and a beautiful cocktail, you can also bring home lunch and/or dinner for the week. I am sure the market is utilized during the busy holiday season, and I plan on stopping by when I need to bring something to the office for a potluck. I want to thank the team for inviting me in to experience a portion of what they have to offer.

The bitches say: four champagne flutes

There are plenty of reasons to stop by the South End Buttery; a strong coffee, some cocktails, or an intimate meal. Choose yours and enjoy!

The South End Buttery is open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cafe is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.