Brunchfaced: Wakin’ Bakin’ makes eating your veggies totally worth it
Wakin’ Bakin’ is one of those places you hit up when you’re looking for a full on breakfast - like the kind your mama or grandmama would cook on a Saturday morning
by Angelique Dyer
June 17, 2019
I am a recovering non-morning person. I go to sleep at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning (thanks, sleep training!). But it’s hard to actually… get out of bed.
But if there’s coffee and brunch on the other side of my feet hitting the floor – I’ll get to moving.
And I’ll get to moving for brunch at Wakin’ Bakin’. This breakfast/lunch/definitely brunch spot has two locations, one on Prytania (where they sell DRANKS, y’all!) and one in Mid City, on Banks Street. You honestly can’t miss it, for Wakin’ Bakin’ is the brightest thing on Banks Street. With its walls painted a bright Tiffany blue and red and yellow umbrellas providing shade on the sidewalk, it’s sure to wake you up in the morning.
Wakin’ Bakin’ is one of those places you hit up when you’re looking for a full on breakfast – like the kind your mama or grandmama would cook on a Saturday morning while Stevie Wonder plays on the radio. Grits and eggs, biscuits and bacon, sausage and ALL THE THINGS.
The folks behind the counter and in the kitchen are as sweet as the Blue Dot donuts they sell, and in my personal experience, the ones that tell my adult self to order more veggies.
I ordered the queso burrito and I had a choice of lots of fixin’s in the cheese and egg burrito. As I stared at the menu like my answer would magically appear and the man behind the counter smiled and said, “take your time. But get some veggies, trust me.”
I smiled back and just started rattling off all the veggies I wanted in there – tomatoes, spinach, avocado – and I even got some meat in there; a bacon confit. The bacon confit was delicious and packed with tender bacon cooked down and gave the burrito a flavor out of this world!
My brunch buddy ordered the breakfast bowl, topped with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, the same bacon confit, hash browns, AND black beans. I took one bite (or maybe like three, it was for science) and squealed at each bite of the black beans that tasted as if they were simmered with love, care and all the seasonings.
And because I can be a bit ravenous in the morning, I also ordered a hot, buttered biscuit and a bowl of fresh fruit – and they were the perfect way to round out a quick brunch on a Saturday.
My plan for the next time I drink lots of rosé on Friday and feel it on a Saturday, I’m going to wake up and head over to Wakin’ Bakin’ and try the pancrepes I eyed on someone else’s plate. Paired with a cup of coffee, I’m sure it’ll be the thing that brings me back to life. And the way my Fridays are set up this summer, I’ll definitely be back for a Saturday brunch!
More Local Stories
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Sanford
On this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando explore what’s new in the Northern part of town. Sanford has a plethora of breweries, bars, and delicious dining options to choose from.
Hometown Tragedy: The Pike County Massacre
On this episode of Hometown Tragedy: Missing in Milwaukee, we’ll explore what happened to Jerica Banks, her children, and how it impacted their community.
Six New Orleans parks that are perfect locations to celebrate 4th of July
Head to one of these six New Orleans parks to celebrate Independence Day in the city.
Cheap Date Orlando: Punk Rock & Pooches
Two Orlando couples shop vintage, search for the perfect slice, visit a post-apocalyptic saloon, and take the stage on blind dates in Orlando.
Fit and Fab: Free summer workouts in Boston
Cover photo courtesy Getty Images Looking to get fit for the summer? Still wary of COVID-19 or just looking for some sunshine while you sweat? Here are some Boston free summer workouts across the city so you can keep moving all season long! Seaport Sweat May 2 to Sept. 29 Boston’s biggest free workout series…
What’s On the Menu?: Farm-to-table
The farm-to-table movement brings locally grown foods to your plate. Not only will enjoying farm-to-table meals allow you to indulge in fresh, nutritional, seasonal dishes, but farm-to-table dining helps the environment and supports the local economy. Check out these delicious farm-to-table restaurants in Greenville, South Carolina on the latest episode of What’s On the Menu?. …
A guide to some of the best Black-owned brunch spots in NOLA
Gather the crew together, make those reservations, and celebrate all things Black at brunch.
A guide to Pittsburgh’s summer events must-do list
Check out our roundup below for the can’t-miss events happening in the city over the next few months.
Eat Play Stay Orlando: Tarpon Springs
In this episode of Eat Play Stay Orlando you’ll be transported to a thriving Greek community nestled on Florida’s gulf coast. From sponge diving to flaming cheese to a Greek bakery that supplies a ginormous amount of baklava to the entire country, you’re sure to fall in love with Greek culture in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
Dorchester doughnuts that pack a paczki
These traditional Polish pastries are the real deal.
A guide to some of the best Black-owned brunch spots in NOLA
Gather the crew together, make those reservations, and celebrate all things Black at brunch.
Queen Trini Lisa’s Ascension to New Orleans’ Caribbean Soul Food Throne
Lisa Nelson didn’t plan on being a chef. She didn’t anticipate becoming a queen either, but true to the most beloved of royalty, the people made her one.
A grab-and-go food guide to the MSY New Orleans terminal
Time. Most of us don’t have a lot of that. Even less so when we’re rushing to make a flight. There are still plenty of tasty options for the less leisurely travelers among us, though it helps to know where to find them.
Chef Dee Lavigne expands the only Black-owned cooking school in New Orleans
Deelightful Roux School of Cooking is the only African American-owned cooking school taught by a New Orleans native, and her class is a guide to New Orleans’ food culture.