How PS 214 Is Redefining Dallas Brunch

Photo Credit: Marye Audet

A few weeks ago we got an email inviting us to experience the new brunch menu at Public School 214 in Uptown. They didn’t have to ask twice – our response was a hearty, instantaneous “Yes!”.

To be honest that brunch reservation was the only thing that tempted us to brave the torrential downpour Dallas experienced on Saturday, knowing that once outside perfectly straightened locks would immediately become a halo of frizz. A little side note here — no amount of Aveda Control Force can compete with a real Texas gully-washer.

Photo Credit: Marye Audet

However, someone had mentioned bottomless mimosas and so we soldiered on.

Public School 214 is one of the most popular gastro-pubs in the area, and with good reason. It’s located on McKinney right in the midst of everywhere you want to go, the decor is adorable, and the food is fantastic. PS 214 scores high for the people watching factor as well with lots of big windows and a covered patio for eating al fresco.

When we arrived we were greeted immediately, our reservation was checked, and we were whisked off to a comfy table by one of the windows. Looking around we saw world globes, science books, and a couple of microscope diagrams that spoke to our inner steampunk. Cloth napkins thank-you-very-much, menus that look like old fashioned copy books, and old-school light fixtures created the fun feeling of being in a mid-century public school. Loved it.

Although the dining-room was filling up it wasn’t noisy at all and we were able to have a relatively quiet conversation while we watched the rain. Our server appeared quickly and took our drink orders. When she returned we had reluctantly decided on the plates that we wanted. This is no easy task because everything begs to be ordered and you find yourself saying, “I want that…no, I want that… wait… I think I want that.” We strongly suggest closing your eyes and pointing at the menu. You really can’t go wrong.

Photo Credit: Marye Audet

A very short time later a plate of fluffy French Toast stuffed with Chocolate and Peanut Butter Mousse found its way to the table along with a sizzling iron skillet filled with the Chicken Sausage and Cheddar Grits. The French Toast was dietary hell but so very delicious (we suggest having the French Toast and allotting and extra hour at the gym — totally worth it). The bread was thick and light, perfectly made but the mousse was the star of the show. Light, creamy, silky — the foodgasm is real. Be prepared to wait for a few minutes before digging into the Chicken Sausage and Cheddar Grits. It stays scorchingly hot for an agonizing amount of time as the aroma wafts around you creating a serious drool problem. It is a combination of  two fried eggs, bacon, blistered tomatoes, grilled corn, smoky greens, and a beer-blanc sauce that can’t be explained, only experienced.

Photo Credit: Marye Audet

Once our plates were mostly empty and we felt like we couldn’t take one more bite we were offered the pumpkin coffee cheesecake with a toasted marshmallow on top. It is a dessert that won’t be denied. Save room for it because it is worth every calorie.

And bottomless mimosas? They’re for real.