Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Sunday Brunch at The Gallows

The Gallows is at once thought provoking, unconventional and quirky meets comfortable and exciting. The versatile feats are present among every aspect of the experience, from the food and the cocktails to the ambiance, décor points and even the staff. What makes this spot a neighborhood hangout, one I'd surely frequent if I lived in the South End is its simple and welcoming presentation, void of any pretension. The unusual décor is subtle, if you didn't look up as you entered the vestibule you'd miss the mounted dinosaur head flanked by a swarm of bats. Same goes for the porcelain hand display parading overhead at the bar. Fists and wrists tied to thick knotted twine loosely carrying gold orbs front well appointed shelving where a single black crow (mascot?) sits mounted in the center. The mod lighting is the opposite of subtle, funky firecracker fixtures explode over the dim lit dining room and translucent globes shine down on the bar area. Following suit are some seriously awesome breakfast cocktails; simple in execution but ever-so-inventive, Adam and I had two rounds each and then proceeded to recreate them at home that afternoon! The Tounge Terror ($9) does just that. A glorified greyhound, in this reinvented classic zippy vodka and tangy grapefruit mingle with the added flair of cumin and a photogenic lime garnish. The extremely tart citrus fruit and powerful, aromatic spice combo indeed wreak subtle havoc on the tongue. Combining Pabst Blue Ribbon on draft and thirst quenching orange juice The Brass Monkey ($6) aka "poor man's mimosa" is surprisingly good. With its light body and carbonation on the heavy side, PBR gets the job done for less. It paired perfectly with Adam's Sunnyside Burger ($15) with a runny egg, bacon and American cheese goodness over a juicy flat patty. I ate some of his lightly crisped fries dipped in excess egg yolk and almost wished I had ordered the Sunrise Poutine ($15). Almost. I was persuaded by the Fried Chicken and Waffles ($14) and when I questioned the bartender she recommends them without a moments hesitation. The food comes out in no time. Surprise! Golden brown Chinese chicken fingers meet a similarly colored fluffy homemade waffle in this fun, kitschy brunch dish. I have a special affection for Chinese chicken fingers, (I would never order Chinese takeout without them!) so I thought this was really cool. They were exceedingly tastier and more refined than my takeout, though! Cradling crunchy walnuts in its defined squares and piled with sticky caramelized apples, the waffle base loaded with contrasting textures keeps each bite interesting. Warm syrup was drizzled with restraint, achieving an ideal balance of sweet to savory. (Mostly sweet, a little savory.)Definitely make it a point to get here for Sunday brunch! (Served from 10:30 am - 2:30 pm.) We were well attended and felt content to linger at the bar; with the sun streaming in from the windows overlooking Washington Street, it was bright and relaxing. Upon exiting, the host bid a cheerful goodbye as the dimly lit dining room beckoned me back for dinner.

1395 Washington St
Boston, MA 02118

25 comments:

  1. I love the Gallows but haven't made it there for brunch. I seriously adore their decor and their innovative cocktails!

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  2. I am drooooling. I love warm syrup, nothing better than that. I've noted this place down.

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  3. I loved my dinner at the Gallows so I can imagine their brunch is amazing! Great Review!

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  4. I have a gift certificate to the Gallows, and I can't wait to go. I thought I had settled on using it for dinner but after reading your review, I might just change my mind! That looks like such a comforting brunch.

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  5. The light fixtures are phenomenal!

    I'm so glad you tried the chicken and waffles so that we could see pics - it looks amazing. Who doesn't love waffley goodness?

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  6. Haven't been to the Gallows yet but have heard awesome things! I wanna try that sunnyside burger!

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  7. Sounds like a terrific brunch here, the waffles both savory and sweet look especially good.

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  8. I haven't been to the Gallows for brunch yet -- looks excellent!! I'm intrigued by both cocktails made with beer and cumin!

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  9. Your fried chicken and waffles looks awesome. That is my go-to brunch meal whenever it's offered (I love Chinese chicken fingers too and I can't even explain it). I also may have to recreate that cocktail. It looks so refreshing.

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  10. I've been meaning to get back to Gallows. That waffle looks amaaazing

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  11. I really like that they have a fun brunch cocktail menu. As much as I love a Bloody Mary, it's always nice to have a choice other than a mimosa. You have me very curious about the Sunrise Poutine!

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  12. Im so hungry bow. This is my kind of place. I love restaurants that dont try to be all uppity.

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  13. Love this place! I need to try the terrior drink next time I'm there. Yum!

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  14. Looks like a really interesting version of chicken and waffles. And those drinks sound great!

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  15. I've been wanting to check out a new place for brunch - this looks like a fantastically decadent meal!

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  16. The Gallows is great. I really enjoyed the food they made for the whiskey event I went to!

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  17. Oh...My...Word....seriously! Those chicken and waffles look INCREDIBLE! I am now starving looking at them! Love the Gallows- great review lady!

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  18. Great review! As South Enders, we love The Gallows and were so psyched that they recently did a Pop-Up night at our store. I'm still dreaming of the Pulled Pork Sandwich that they paired with an American Blended Whiskey that night. A-mazing!

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  19. i have been dying to go to the gallows. i have heard a lot of the dishes are super salty (which i probably wouldnt love) but i hear drinks are surburb!

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  20. Some co-workers once convinced me to try Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles (apparently it's famous). I didn't get it - not going to lie. Waffles and I can do. Chicken and maple syrup? Not so much.

    This looks like a very cool place though - love the decor.

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  21. Looks like a fun place to hang out. I would defintely go there for the cocktails, maybe not for the food as I tend to prefer lighter veggie style or more salads.

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  22. I've always wondered about the food at the Gallows. Thank you for the full report! Glad you were able to re-create the cocktails at home!

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  23. What a unique twist on chicken and waffles! Looks like a fantastic brunch spot.

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  24. omg at first glance i thought the apples on your waffles were peppers and i was perplexed and nervous. but as i write this im thinking if they were drizzled with honey or maple syrup that might not be that bad!

    i have always wanted to try chicken and waffles, i dont know if i would have been able to turn down a sunnyside burger though. tough!

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  25. A loyal fan is born. well which is what i feel after reading your post.

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