Welcome to Santa Monica, loves!

Okay, just kidding – we’re still in Chicago over here (boo!), but in the midst of the super freezing weather sometimes I like to pretend I’m somewhere a little warmer and way more sunny. And on those days – I make the pilgrimage to Summer House Santa Monica in Lincoln Park, where it actually feels a little more like California too – and tastes like it too!

I first came to Summer House Santa Monica a few years back after moving into my condo in Lincoln Park {of course, in the middle of January on the coldest day of the year}. I trudged through the snow down to Summer House on a whim, and the moment I walked inside the door I got a huge smile on my face. It actually felt like I stepped into a completely new world – full of sunshine, actual living plants and cookies topped with rice krispie treats. I was 99% sure this was what haven was like…

Since that day, Summer House Santa Monica has become my favorite place to go on for weekend brunch {you already know I’m a little obsessed!}. Last time I went with Jimmy, I brought my camera just so I could take you on a little virtual tour, because we all need a little sunshine in the middle of winter. If you’re a Chicagoan, I highly suggest you make the trip in real life too {and friends outside of the city, I suggest you swing by on your next trip!}

The Ambiance: 

Calming, sunny, green and full of gorgeous natural light. These are what dreams are made of in the Vitamin D room {aka my favorite place to escape winter!}

The Food:

Obviously I’ve talked a big game about the ambiance, but the food never disappoints either. Every dish I’ve had has been more delicious than the last, but I have a few favorites you should probably know about if your looking to swing by!

For starters, their coffee game is STRONG. I’m a big fan of their Havana latte and their Mexican mocha {it has a little peppery kick to it, which definitely helps a gal wake up!} If coffee’s not your thing, Summer House Santa Monica also serves up an amazing freshly squeezed oj that’s seriously crave-worthy. I usually double fist with oj in one hand and a latte in the other!  Summer House Santa Monica has a delicious mix of traditional breakfast dishes as well as some Mexican inspired favorites too. I love anything with one of their giant English muffins, so I typically go for a breakfast sandwich with turkey or avocado – mmmm… You can also get a side of an English Muffin too with butter and preserves if you like a little carbs with your carbs like I do 😉  Another breakfast favorite that i get over and over again is Summer House’s breakfast tostadas. There’s nothing better than fresh guacamole, an egg over-easy and the most delicious tostadas you’ve ever tasted. I could be getting a little carried away, but just look at that thing! They also have pretty insane waffles and pancakes if you’re more of a sweet breakfast person. I’m savory all the way, but the sweet dishes I’ve tried are pretty tempting too.

Desserts:

When it comes to treats, I consider myself a seasoned expert, so I don’t take my cookie reviews very lightly. But Summer House’s bakery clearly passes the test, and I’m a big fan of their cookies, muffins and breads that they make fresh daily.  If you’ve never had a cookie covered in rice krispie treats, you’re seriously missing out! I usually snag one on my way out for later. 

Alright, enough of my blabbering – go check out Summer House Santa Monica for yourself pronto! Any other favorite brunch recommendations {Chicago or beyond?} You know I’m always down for a taste test. xx