Palatte

I’m probably imagining half of the details in this review, and they’re a pastiche of three or four visits to Palatte, but whatever – here goes.
I arrive at 11:30am sporting shades and a mild hangover. The wait is twenty minutes, so my friends and I shuffle across the cobblestone and pebbles, under archways of roses and jasmine, scavenging for temporary seating.
My friends score the antique bench and plastic deck chair, and I resort to a tiny seat inherited from the haunted nursery school in Silent Hill. I make a diorama of Luke Skywalker and some Fisher Price people visiting the toy farm I find under the table. My friends rate my artwork with crayons on coasters. I silently begrudge them their comfy seating – until they bring me a double greyhound.
Once seated, it’s all uphill. I usually order one of the tarts (caramelized onion? triple mushroom?) and a fresh OJ, but I’ve tried people’s french toast too and it’s delicious. I don’t think they make anything poorly here. And yeah – you’re sitting under umbrellas in what looks like it was a plant nursery twenty years ago until they let it die and cut it back just enough to keep that secret garden feel. Neat place.

I have to give a little back story about what brought us to this fantastic Phoenix eatery. A group of friends and I formed a group called he Sunday Brunch Society, SBS for short, with the sole purpose to «strengthen our friendship through regularly scheduled meetings.» We diligently drafted bylaws and have been successful in our first two meetings. This was to be our third and it was my turn to choose the location. I had heard about this restaurant having excellent brunch on several different occasions, so I decided to give it a try. We were thrilled with the place and plan to come back soon.
There was a little wait for a table inside, but there were benches to use and we sat in an alcove of the outdoor courtyard. Despite the chill in the air, we had a pleasant chat while listening to the live music being played by a Bohemian looking gentlemen on a guitar. I would definitely recommend eating outside; just bring several layers of clothes if it is cold. You can sit at tables scattered along the side and front lawns or on the porch, each with its own perspective of the old house the restaurant inhabits.
We were seated near the front door, but the rush of people coming in and out from the small kitchen and coffee bar made me feel like we had come to the place where everyone wanted to be. Both Shaina and I had a mocha latte that was delicious and super frothy. The menu is limited, but we all had no problem in deciding that we were each going to try the sweet potato pancakes. Great choice! They were out quickly and steaming hot. The price was reasonable, but not cheap.
If you have the «urge,» walk back to the bathrooms and check out the artistic renditions on the walls and ceilings along with the rumpled metal stalls. They are a real work of art.

I had lunch with a large group during the week (Wednesday). The atmosphere of the restaurant was very nice. Outside dining with a nice court yard and patio was pleasant (some pigeons, but not many today). I ordered the rose infused lemonade, which was a bit tart, but good. I had the days special frittata which came with avacado, tomato and asperagus as well as a side of apples. The food was good and the feel of the restaurant was good. On the weekends during brunch I imagine it would be overcrowded and not enough seating. The properly is of good size and could probably expand the seating more to accomodate the larger weekend crowds, but during the week it is comfortable. I would go back.

Ok. So this was my second trip there. The first time was early on a Tuesday about a year ago, and I remember it being somewhat enjoyable. This time was about 2pm on a Sunday.
We wait about 5 mins for a table even though there seems to be plenty of seating.
First of all, our waitress must have been stoned. For her sake I hope she was not naturally that slow. We had plenty of time to look over our menus since there seemed to be only 2 people working. After telling her my order, included what I wanted as side, she informs me I have a choice of side and tells me my options. «Like I said, I’ll have the bacon.»
No water offered to start off with, had to request some water. No refills offered for our tea. WTF? Who sees a visibly empty glass on a table and does not offer a refill. The drink glass was tiny too. Like juice-​cup style.
The bacon sucked so bad. Hard, thin, no flavor (maybe I’m spoiled from Matt’s)
The portions were small. The waitress look flustered and although she was cute and trendy looking, I don’t go out to eat for trend watching.
I had the Sweet Potato pancakes. She forgot the maple syrup. Had to wait like 10 mins for her to come around so I could flag her down to bring some.
The «toast» was cold hard bread. The crust was so hard it hurt my mouth.
The people around us seemed to be having a nice time. Meanwhile I’m sitting there kinda disgusted actually with how everything is going down. Maybe we were being discriminated against because we didnt get all spiffied up to go to brunch? I had time to speculate…
The only positive thing I can say was that it was a beautiful day outside and they had an impressive tea selection.
I got the impression this place put more emphasis on looking «cool and hip» on paper than good service and execution.
If you want to have long conversations, browse periodicals, being outside on a nice day, and be seen this might be the place for you.
If you want prompt service, generous yummy portions, keen waitstaff that recognize you exist and the money you are about to drop there goes towards their paycheck, not the best choice.

Ok, so I WAS going to give this place 4 stars, maybe even 5, but after having a great b-​fast there last week I thought I would take all of my family who is in town this week, to b-​fast there this Sunday. When I called to make reservations for 8 people, I was told they don’t take reservations on the weekends, As if, you would need them any other time. So I kindly told the guy on the phone, well– you’re loosing my business. He, of course, had no reponse. He is the same guy who wonders why at 30 hes working at a restaurant.
and i seriously don’t want to hear THIS local business WHINE about the bad economy making them close. I will tell them to SHUT UP b/​c they just turned down 8 people who drink a ton of alcohol and give good tips.
I can guarantee they’ll whine anyway, and then close, and then wonder what happened. Everyone will be shocked but me. It might not be this year, but trust me with that kind of customer service – people will go elsewhere.

There is honestly not a single, solitary thing I can think of that I dislike about Palatte so Instead I will list what I adore:
I love the story of the building and the Cavness House itself.
I love the passion & vision of the owners.
I love that it can let you feel carefree and a little self-​indulgent for a couple hours.
I love the outdoor seating and the billowy curtains.
I really love the bathrooms – a lot.
I love that they have switched to waiter service.
I love the big picnic table for groups or stragglers.
I crave the sweet potato pancakes & I would bathe in the banana porridge.
I have pretty much had it all. and like I said… wonderful, delicious & blissful every bite.

I finally talked my husband, the picky eater, into going to Palatte for breakfast.
I was pleased to discover that they now have a wait staff to come to your table and take your order. Well, I was pleased until I got my food. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t anywhere near as good as I remembered from my first visit. My husband’s scrambled eggs were slimy and my potato mish mash had a puddle of uncooked egg slime underneath. The side of potatoes was barely browned, if at all, and my bread seemed a bit dried out and not toasted.
I’m wondering if the owner’s had to forego quality in the kitchen to appease the whiners who didn’t want to stand in line. If so, I say get rid of the waiters, I’d gladly stand in line for better quality food.
At least the prices are still decent.

I understand Palette went to table service and I was happy to hear that until I had table service. I think I like the other way better. It seems quicker and easier. Our table service was awkward and slow. They may need more practice– that may be the case. 5 meals were ordered and 2 of them were wrong. Not a good impression. The worst may have been my pregnant friends breakfast who asked for her eggs to be cooked to thru and both times they brought them, they were not.
We went early and that was good because it got really busy around 11am. We wanted to leave but it was taking a long time to get our check and our table wasn’t cleared until we were getting up to leave. That is kinda annoying, I notice this at some other valley restaurants– they don’t clear the table until you leave. I would think it would make for better and quicker turnaround to clear as soon as people are done eating. The table just gets cluttered and messy looking.
I will go back to Palette and try it out again and see if the table service improves and if not, then I guess I’ll need to find a different breakfast joint.
I believe the owner did come around to tell us about First Fridays and he was very nice and friendly. All the staff was friendly, I like that about Palette.

Each time I visit, I tell myself I’ll come here more often, yet I’ve only been here three times since it’s opened. First two times I had the sweet potato pancakes with mascarpone-​brown sugar pecan topping. Mmm!. The pancakes were partially-​cooked the first time, but were tasty enough for me to order a second time, and I’m glad I did, as they were perfectly-​executed.
I took my Mom with me on my third visit– she had an omelette with potatoes, feta (or was it blue-​cheese?), and black beans, and I had the berry whole-​grain French toast with crème-​anglaise. Oh. My. Goodness! As I think back as to what I was tasting and how I felt throughout that experience, I see bursts of color… just like fireworks! As you can tell by now, I have a sweet-​tooth, but I also had a few bites of my Mom’s omelette, and the savory flavors were just as appetizing as my sweet dish.
The owners have done away with the gift shop that was located in the middle of the restaurant, which is a shame as the food takes awhile to reach the table. However, it’s just as pleasurable to take a few minutes to visit the quaint restrooms to freshen up and arrive back to the table with some designing ideas for the home.
I am definitely looking forward to my next trip to Palatte!

Attention everyone considering Palatte for Brunch…
Don’t listen to these haters. Palatte has great food and excellent atmosphere. It can be congested on weekends, but if you’re prepared to take it easy, Palatte is a great option for brunch.
This being said, Here’s the reason it’s not a 5 in my book:
Pigeons (yes, pigeons.) Unfortunately the pigeons found palatte in a previous life when they were slow to bus tables and are as hooked on the deliciousness as we are. Short of creating a new mascot (dead pigeon) and hanging it above the entry way, there really is no way to completely eradicate the pigeons, but they do a great job of pre-​busing tables so there are far less pigeons than before. I had the Bev and French Toast this morning and only saw 2 pigeons. Way to Go Palatte!

Nothing like waking up at 5:30 am the day after an OYE… (not fun, and boy was I exhausted!)
The good thing about taking Colleen C to the airport bright and early this morning was that I planned ahead and scheduled a breakfast meeting at Palatte. And now, after a couple of cups of coffee and an incredible breakfast, I feel like a new person.
I definitely recommend Palatte on a weekday morning — no wait, fast, attentive service, and yummy food! I’m actually still hanging out here working as the atmosphere is perfect for just that — hanging out!
I had a chance to chat with Ed and Christine, the owners, and fell in love with Palatte even more this visit than last time. I think they are still ironing out the kinks as it’s only been 3 weeks since their transition to full table service, but they are kicking ass so far. I can tell they get plenty of regulars, and I would be one also if I lived in the hood. The house they are located in is fabulous — comfortable, welcoming, and homey — tons of character which is sometimes hard to find in this city.
The Bev (sauteed spinach, tomato slices, and avocado) is what I ordered — and I love that they do it with egg whites for only $ 1 extra. I chose whole wheat toast and fruit and it was exactly what the doctor ordered this morning!
I can’t wait to come back for lunch sometime soon, as their sandwiches, salads and tartes sound awesome from their menu descriptions, but it will be hard to tear myself away from the many breakfast items that are oh so amazing. I guess I’ll just have to come back again and again to make my way through the variety of selections.
A few more tidbits I noticed while hanging at Palatte today:
**the bathroom is CLEAN! So much so that I noticed…
**with the check, you are given Bazooka bubble gum — who doesn’t love Bazooka?!
**they are planning some cool wine /​cheese /​live music events for upcoming first and third Fridays.
****Note to self (and to all of you): Palatte is closed on Monday! (I guess Ed and Christine need a day off also).

Birthday Breakfast with my roommates. I had never been to Palatte, only heard of its greatness. I must say, it did not disappoint.
I’m usually not a big out-​to-​eat breakfast person. I don’t like to eat heavily in the mornings and figure that any meal that I am dressed for that occurs at or after 10am falls into the category of lunch (which is probably why I got a sandwich – the skinny sandwich, delicious vegetarian sandwich with seemingly on-​site made potato chips and fresh fruit).
At first, my roommates and I were confused as to how we were supposed to order, and worried that we weren’t «cool» or «hip» enough that early in the morning (9am=early for a Sunday) to function at this hipster French cottage amongst the clearly hipster crowd complete with lone young guitarist in sunglasses singing a cover of «Viva La Vida» and Johnny Cash songs.
We later determined that it was because we looked to cool and hipster like (right) that no one directed us as to how to order… assuming we frequented this delightful spot located in an old house in downtown Phoenix. Just grab a menu (in metal folders at the door) and order at the counter. The cash register will compliment you, the staff was friendly and tentative to our tap water needs (usually not found in order-​at-​the counter places).
The setting was cozy (we sat inside at an oversized farm kitchen table), but when I went to find the bathroom, I discovered how expansive the property really is. There are at least three rooms inside in which to eat and the whole house is surrounded by patio and garden space for those who enjoy eating outside.
I recommend ordering just about anything on the menu. Everything I tasted (between my roommates and I and the sweet potato pancakes we got for the table) was immaculate.
The whole place was relaxed, not too crowded, and although there definitely was a hint of Phoenix ‘Of course I know where all the cool spots in the valley are. don’t you?’ crowd there, it was without snobbery and there was definitely a variety of patrons (from young to old and style-​wise).
My roommates appreciated the deliciousness. Jill, who once lived in France thought it was comparable to some of the country places she had breakfasted there (but of course in the middle of a major metropolitan area).
I can’t wait to bring people here for a good brunch or lunch experience.

Palatte makes me dislike Phoenix a little bit less each time I go. I’ve been here probably 6 or 7 times in my year here in Phoenix.
I’ve sampled their quasi-​omelette dishes, the oatmeal, the yogurt, the scones, and always their coffee. I’m continually impressed by the level of food they provide at Palatte. Based on the exquisite patio and renovated historic home, I’d expect a much pricier menu… but am always glad to find fairly reasonably priced food and drink… and incredibly freshness and taste.
My favorite here is the steel cut oatmeal with caramelized bananas in it. Absolutely fabulous. The coffee is really good as well.
I’ve eaten both in and outdoors and had really relaxed and comfortable experiences doing both. The servers were always very attentive with bringing more water, clearing plates, etc… no matter where I was sitting.
I don’t know that it’s a downside… I kind of like it for being what it is… but this is a breakfast and lunch place only. They are open Tues — Sun 7am — 3pm. So get there early! And if you need a bite to eat for dinner I’d recommend popping over to Cibo which is right behind them!

seth, ted & graham (and all others w/​less than 4 stars) must’ve gone to Bizarro Palatte. I’ve got nothing but rave reviews for this place.
After moving in to downtown, I’ve been exploring different restaurants every chance I get, and Palatte is one of the best I’ve been to. I went during the week with my family and everyone walked away full and pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, and the fact that the owner made time to talk to us. I can see where some might get upset at not being waited on hand and foot, but lower overhead is the reason the owner’s are able to bring such high quality foods to us for such a great price (Econ 101). Sure, you could go to Matt’s and wait in line for an hour, just to get bad service and greasy foods, but I’ll stick with quality.
I’ll be there again this weekend to sample some of what my Mom had (The Bev) along with a side of the Steel Cut Porridge that my sister wouldn’t share with me.
Great job Ed & Christine!

After suggestions from the ladies at Made, Bunky Boutique, and Sage, we had to check out Palatte. One word: WOW!
It’s an old house converted into a restaurant with a gorgeous, large outdoor eating area. The staff is friendly, courteous, and more than willing to offer up suggestions for and explanations of things on the menu.
You order at a little window into the kitchen inside the house, and they bring your food out to you. The food id good. Correction: The food is great. Correction of the correction: The food is really freakin’ awesome.
We just wish we could have made it back here to try the lunch before we had to head back home.

After reading a few reviews, I’m beginning to wonder if I even dined in the same place as some of you?
Upon entering I got a strangely reminiscent feeling that I’d been here before… Aaahhh Yes I’ve got it… Palatte is the reincarnation of the Hippie Commune called the «Brotherhood» that I was born in/​at. Seriously! My Dad delivered me in a room full of Hippies.
I can’t believe no one has mentioned this kind of correlation.
I’m really surprised that everyone wasn’t barefoot. The staff scuttled around like drones, I saw flowers, feathers and grizzly beards. This is definitely not what I expected.
You order at the counter, take a number, sit on chairs that might fall apart, at tables older than your great grandma. Food is dropped off, that’s it. There is no «SERVICE» here. You get?
If your into the whole hippie dippie, artsy fartsy, grandmas yard sale garden type of feel then you will most likely enjoy it here, not to say that I didn’t enjoy it, I was just picturing something completely different and felt mildly out of place, so there for I was disappointed in that aspect.
The Food, it was good not spectacular, no oooing and aaaahing over every bite.
I got the Potato Mish Mash (scrambled eggs with potato, bacon, spinach, caramelized sweet onion, Gouda and Monterrey Jack) with the raisin, cranberry walnut toast and fresh fruit. (see pics)
The eggs were a little wet, but over all had a good flavor, toast was good, fruit was soggy browned apple slices, not so good!
My Ice tea was cinnamon apple flavor… I wish I would have known… not very good for ice tea.
My husband got The Dolores (with no salsa) two fried eggs, corn tortillas, black beans, queso fresco and avocado.
It was also just OK,
The eggs were cooked over hard, the beans were dry and the cheese was in unmelted chunks.
His OJ was fresh squeezed and sweet that was nice, too bad it was served in a very small child’s glass.
OK food, needs to work on a better system, should have waiter service, if you eat outside most tables are coffee table height so you will be hunching over, other than that I guess it’s all about the Charm.
Peace and Love!

Whenever I’m at any of our locally owned places like FEZ, Switch, Cibo, Lost Leaf, etc, I feel so proud of what is happening here, and so excited to be here as it’s beginning. Palatte really embodies all of this. It’s wonderful to see places like this (and the others I mentioned) that are so obviously and truly labors of love, where you just can’t miss the thought and dedication that go into them.
Anyway, taking my nose out of downtown Phoenix restaurateurs’ bums and on to the actual review:
YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! I am a pancakes and bacon girl, and oh my, did Palatte deliver! Delicious pancakes (and in a reasonable portion, not some absurd stack of pancakes that weighs more than me), and the bacon was perfect too. A help-​yourself coffee bar is a great idea, and it’s good coffee, too. Dave also got something called a «marshmellow muffin»… I have no idea what that means, but it was sticky and gooey and good.
Throw in the sweet and cozy inside that oozes warmth and the beautiful patio, and I’m hooked. Can’t wait to try some of the sandwiches and other breakfast items (although I bet every time I go, I’ll cave and get the pancakes again).

Awwwhhh, I LOVE this place!
Part of what I love about Unilocal and being a part of the Unilocalyness is discovering little places off the beaten path. Sure, I will occasionally get my McDee’s Sausage McMuffin on or even crack for the Endless Shrimp deal at Red Lobster, but what I love more than anything are the little mom and pop’s, the hole in the walls and places like Palatte.
When we headed over here today, I honestly thought my friend got lost. Hey, it’s her town and what do I know, I am just visiting, so you will hear no backseat driver antics out of me. Finally we pulled up to this little house in the middle of a residential area and voila… brunchtastic fun at its finest.
I don’t even want to venture a guess at how crowded this place must get on the weekends judging by how busy it was at 11:30 on a Friday, but if you have the patience, definitely stop in here. The atmosphere is great, the people working here are super cool, the cooks have tats (yay!) and the food is awesome!
I ordered the Potato, which basically translates to eggs, bacon, caramelized onions, gouda cheese and fresh fruit and yummy lightly buttered sourdough toast. It was just like something you’d make at home… if you were a really good chef and awesome :) Tasty, filling, but didn’t have me feeling that after breakfast lull like most brunch places can.
If I lived in Phoenix this would be a must stop and quite often. Definitely check this out! You will love it!

Perhaps it was because I had skipped breakfast or perhaps it was love at first sight, but food that would have normally tasted average to me, suddenly became delicious!
We gobbled up the overcooked brussel sprouts with bland slivers of bacon and inhaled the roasted sweet potato pancakes ($ 8 including choice of bacon or sausage) which were the furthest thing from fluffly. But it didn’t matter because love is blind or, in this case, taste-​blind. We fell in love with the cuteness of this place as soon as we walked in.
We went for lunch on a Friday at peak hour and had to wait in line for almost 15min to place our order. That was quickly forgotten when we managed to snag some comfy couches outside under the shade of a giant sun umbrella.
Our food was brought to us quicker than our wait in line. (FYI, you’re given a number on a stand which you put on your table. This is brilliant because it allows you to sit anywhere you want after you place your order.)
Even more brilliant is the way they put together the tarts. Instead of baking them ahead of time, they only bake the crust ahead and cook the fillings to order — this cuts down on wastage at the end of the day and speeds up cooking time. Our mushroom tart was creamy and decadent ($ 9.50 includes choice of pear salad or brussel sprouts — salad was much better).
The café au lait ($ 2) was unfortunately on the watery side but the slim mint tea ($ 2.50) which comes in a large pot was delicious.
They’re open 7am-​3pm everyday except Monday and have recently stayed open into the evening for First Fridays.

This place needs a sixth star.
The most romantic place for breakfast in all of Phoenix … outdoor and indoor dining … it’s self seating … but before you select your table you place your order on the supplied clipboards … you then you turn them in and pay and they give you a number to place on your table. A waitress supplies water and your drinks … but you serve yourself coffee (all of which works out PERFECTLY).
Bar none this the (new) best breakfast place in town …
I had the pancakes which were out of this world.
We sat outside with a picturesque view of downtown all while a guitar player played … just AMAZING …
Yet again another incredible independent business playing a huge roll in the amazing resurrection of Downtown Phoenix.
Go here … seriously … you WILL thank me (no need, really)!