The busy brunch and dinner spot on Main Street features comfort food such as burgers and waffles. But it also bravely serves a handful of less traditional meals like shakshouka, which is lamb sausage covered with spicy tomato sauce, feta, and eggs, popular in the Middle East.
Wood beam ceilings, dim lighting, and an open kitchen give the eatery a modern feel. The Wallace boats of a full bar and a daily happy hour from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with limited bar seating. Beer is sold for $6 including peanut butter stout and Kolsch-style ale. Cocktails and wine are available for $9. Foods like pork belly sliders and fried tacos are $6-8.
Nearly every table was occupied on the covered patio in front when we visited on a Saturday afternoon. The heat lamps surrounding the tables would be a welcomed sight on a cool evening.
We were quickly greeted and seated indoors by the host at a butcher-block style table for two. Long tables for large parties or for those who prefer communal dining were unoccupied as well. A carafe of water was brought to our table and came in handy when the server was across the room and couldn’t be flagged down.
The market greens salad we ordered from the brunch menu was a worthwhile choice. It consisted of bite-sized pieces of squash, fennel, and Yali pears, commonly known as Asian pears. Bits of feta cheese were mixed throughout and sprinkled with toasted, finely-chopped pecans for added texture. Light and tart cranberry vinaigrette pulled everything together nicely. Salmon or chicken could be added for $6-$7 more.
Zagat describes the five-year-old venue as “an adventure for your palate” with “farm-to-table fare.”
Brunch begins at 11 a.m. and much of the menu selections sound tempting. Cinnamon rolls with cream cheese glaze, Belgian waffles with roasted apples and French toast sticks were at the top of the menu along with three salads and over a dozen savory items such as salmon gravlax, pork belly tartine, and at least one vegan item.
Drink offerings include bottomless mimosas served on Saturday and Sunday until 2 p.m.
The Wallace is open for dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The hours on Sunday are 5:30pm-9pm.
Be aware that there is a 3% charge added to all checks but upon request may be removed. Parking can be found on at two nearby parking structures on Watseka and Cardiff streets and at meters on Main Street.
