If brunch is one of your favorite meals of the day, you’re in luck: The Ruby Slipper Café, located at 100 N. Royal Street in Mobile will fit the bill nicely.

With other locations in cities such as Destin, Pensacola, New Orleans, and Orange Beach, The Ruby Slipper Café has definitely perfected brunch. Their varied menu includes seasonal offerings such as berries and other fresh produce. With their slogan being “Brunch Born in New Orleans,” you will feel as though you are a guest in the Big Easy as you enjoy their beignets, bayou shrimp, fried green tomatoes, and more. What might be difficult is choosing from all their menu offerings.

We went to brunch on a Wednesday and were delighted by the café's whimsical décor, housed in what used to be an old bank. You can get your Eggs Benedict here in many ways, and if you can’t decide, you can order a combination. We tried their Berry Chantilly Stuffed French Toast (you won’t be hungry for the rest of the day) and also enjoyed their soon-to-be-world-famous biscuits and gravy, which was as delicious and homestyle as my grandmother makes. The dish came with crispy Applewood smoked bacon and two eggs (and not every place gets “over medium” right, but their chef certainly did).

Their offerings include gluten-free and vegan dishes, such as breakfast tacos and a BYO omelet (you can order it with just about anything in it). 

For the diner leaning toward more traditional fare, their menu also includes buttermilk pancakes, classic breakfast sandwiches, and, for those counting calories, diners can choose from such options as a Cobb Salad, Avocado Toast, an egg white omelet, and more. 

It was a working lunch for my friend and me, so we passed on the mimosas, which looked enticing, and instead enjoyed their half-and-half tea and lemonade.

The restaurant welcomes little ones and can accommodate larger groups with advance notice. 

Finally, The Ruby Slipper Café was more than reasonable, especially for the economic times we’re in. We both agreed that we would definitely be back! 

The Ruby Slipper Café offers catering, but they don’t accept reservations. Instead, you can call (251.620.5700) or go online (rubybrunch.com) and request to be waitlisted. Trust me, it’s well worth it!  Their hours are 7-2 Mon-Fri and 7-3 on weekends.