life and puppies

AO and I had been hearing rave reviews about the revamped Tip Top Tavern on the north side for months now, but I admit that it took me by surprise when he suggested we dine there on Sunday. My mom had gifted us a Saturday and most of Sunday Bear-free so that we were able to get a number of errands done, see a movie and take a nap. On Sunday, after completing the Craigslist sale of her Badger tickets at the east side Home Depot, we bought a huge haul of clothes for all three of us at Old Navy. We live exciting lives. After that, with time running out on our kid-free lifestyle, I suggested we eat a meal out on the town. And AO brilliantly suggested it be at the TTT. After a circuitous and construction-laden route to said tavern, we arrived.

Its unassuming exterior makes the inside all the more delightful.

The back bar is super pretty with some sort of navy blue with gold stars wall treatment. The ceiling tiles are creamy goodness. And I don’t usually call creamy things ‘good.’

We were offered a small brunch menu and directed towards the coffee bar. I love get-your-own-coffee places because you don’t have to wait for refills. I ordered a bloody mary, which Aaron dubbed ‘strong’ and I deemed ‘delicious.’ It came with a generous PBR chaser. Also of note: the lone tv was off (I assume this would have been different had the Packers been playing) and some mellow music was coming out of the Bose speakers above the bar. It was a really nice atmosphere.

And the food? Taste-a-licious. I got the rooster, which is a BLT with a fried egg and some sort of “special sauce,” which I requested be omitted. You know how I feel about sauces in general. Adding the word ‘special’ to the sauce makes me all the more worried. Anyway, the sandwich was amazing. I told myself I’d just eat half, but I lied.

The potatoes – a surprise – were crispy and yummy. AO had the pastrami hash, which he wished were a little more hashy (meaning more chopped and diced), but he declared it very good.

All in all, a great looking place, great service and great food. A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.