MELROSE UMBRELLA CO.
STANDOUT BAR NOW SERVING BRUNCH

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of drinking and noshing at Melrose Umbrella Co., the little bar on Melrose Avenue that’s known for serving very creative and stellar cocktails. But now it has upped its game and really given imbibers a reason to day drink with the addition of an impressive brunch menu.

The bar, which opened in early 2014 in the former Foundry space on Melrose Avenue, pays homage to the history of the post-prohibition era and in particular the almighty cocktail. The brainchild of childhood friends (since the age of ten) Austin Melrose, yes, his real surname is Melrose, and Zach Patterson, Melrose Umbrella Co. is a daring, forward-thinking bar built by bartenders and its fine fare is prepared by former Foundry owner Chef Eric Greenspan. The menu has always featured solid sandwiches and even poutine, but now breakfast, available at 11am (coffee and pastries are available daily at 9am), really makes this gem a place to be all day long.

With pastries by Farmshop and a brand new coffee and espresso brewing program serving single origin coffees, there’s more than just cool cocktails to enjoy at the old umbrella company. During our recent visit for Saturday brunch we started with some hot java. And while I’m not the biggest coffee person, it’s impressive to see these guys put the same amount of energy and detail to their coffee program that they do to their cocktails.

Eating family style, we started with the Bad Moon Rising, a fried egg sandwich served on sourdough with white cheddar, red onion, avocado, arugula and sriracha aioli. This is one satisfying breakfast sandwich that will really get your day going. It is so flavorful and so Eric Greenspan, the master of grilled cheese sandwiches.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, the Lox of Love with smoked salmon, rye crostini, cream cheese and appropriate vegetables is a solid choice. If you want something a little heartier, the Cinnamon French Toast with your choice of Brioche or gluten free bread served with soft butter and real maple syrup fits the bill.

Now if you really want to go over the top, and this is just classic Greenspan, the Build-Your-Own-Browns is the way to go. You pick the veggies, cheese, and meat. We had our hash browns with beef short ribs (you can also choose pulled pork or fried chicken) and they were out of this world. Have this bad boy breakfast beast for brunch and you won’t eat again until dinner. And you’ll be thoroughly satisfied all day long.

And since you’re at Melrose Umbrella Co., one of this town’s leading handcrafted cocktail bars, you’ll want to drink. During the day they serve cocktails on draft, such as the French Prince of Bel-Air with coffee-infused Aperol, watermelon juice, Camus VS Cognac and Pamplemouse. This is such a refreshing drink just perfect for day drinking.

Another solid day drink also on tap is the Melrose Mule with ginger and cinnamon brown sugar. These guys just get their drinks right. The daytime tap drinks are made to keep things simple as the full bar staff doesn’t start until 5pm but rest assured these drinks are top notch and will make your boozy brunch (if that’s what you want) first rate. 

Melrose Umbrella Co. is located at 7465 Melrose Ave. Open daily at 9am. Call 323-951-0709.

Story by Jose Martinez

Some Photography Courtesy of: Melrose Umbrella Co.