ella cafe

Nancy's Take:

Atmosphere: * * * *

I feel like I should be going to Ella more often than I actually do. The food is delicious and the interior is cute. It's a coffee shop in front with a clean modern feel, and a small room of tables in the back with waitress service. One major plus with Ella is the large waiting area. This is a combination of people ordering on their own in the front for the coffee shop section, and people waiting to be seated at a table. There's a long wooden bench that accommodates a good number of people, plus a pretty decent amount of free space to stand. In contrast, the tables in the back room are crammed pretty close together. I think our waitress was taking care of the entire back room, and so we were fairly patient with her. She seemed a little overwhelmed.

Food: * * * * *

I ordered the organic spinach & kielbasa omelet with cheddar cheese, and it was ever-so-satisfying. It's a tough decision when you look at the menu, especially knowing that breakfast is served all day but the lunch items look just as tempting. I need to go back for their jalapeno fish tacos!

Drinks: * * * * *

We were biding our time before reviewing Ella. Until recently there was no alcohol served, and we get pretty cranky without our brunch booze. Now they have mimosas, and delicious ones at that. They came in a generously sized wine glass and I couldn't have been happier.

Becca’s Take:

Atmosphere: * * * *

I love Ella because it's cozy and cute without trying to be something that it's not - it's an organic kitchen with big helpings and hearty options. I love the outside dining patio at Ella in the summertime because it has just enough awning to cover your from the sun, but it still evokes all the fun of season. I've always had pleasant servers at Ella, but the one downside is that this place is always busy. I've never been there when it is quiet, and since they keep late-ish hours (till 10 p.m.), I've been there at all times of day. It's also kid friendly, which may be good for you but sucks for me. :(

Food: * * * * *

I am honestly wild about everything on the menu at Ella. There are plenty of vegetarian options, and I purposely over-ordered during this brunch just to be able to take some soup home. I had the three-cheese omelette, which is large, in charge and packed with cheese. They served it with fresh-cut fries because they were out of homefries, which was a bit of a bummer, and a small salad. I opted for the butternut squash soup as an additional side, and it was thick, creamy and full of flavor. I could live off that soup - and that omelette!

Drinks: * * * * *

Now that Ella serves a variety of wines and champagne drinks, I am one happy camper. The mimosa was a great size for the price ($7), and it was served in a large, round glass. The OJ was frothy, which made me assume it was fresh-squeezed, but I don't have any proof of that. I do have proof that it was delicious and gave me the perfect buzz to start my inevitably boozey day. :)

Stats:

Ella Cafe

177 Bedford Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11211

(718) 218 - 8079

Breakfast served all day and night (specials until 11:30am weekdays)

Brunch menu weekends until 3pm