Monday, February 15, 2010

Morgans Restaurant, Wynwood



Morgans Restaurant is the kind of unpretentious place that you'd find while riding your fixed-gear bike in Portland or Austin. It's probably a dime a dozen out there in the land of farmer's markets and lesbian bookstores but here it's downright exotic. The place is casually elegant and has a lot in common with Mandolin, another folksy newcomer fifteen blocks north in Buena Vista. Both are situated in restored Old Miami homes and offer modest, well-priced menus in cozy environs. Both are also developing loyal local followings based on positive word of mouth. It's all very grass roots and refreshingly PR-free.
Morgans is located in a sprawling 1930's house that the owners have outfitted with with mod white chairs, paper lanterns and polished concrete floors. There's a huge wrap-around porch with more seating and large wooden communal tables perfect for big parties. There's free wifi and relaxed service.

The food is simple, honest and satisfying.


They call is "modern homestyle" cooking which, depending on your mood, could mean a pulled pork sandwich on brioche or panko-crusted tofu with a sweet apricot soy sauce.



There's an effort to source local, seasonal produce.  The eggs are organic, the chicken is free-range and the beef is grass-fed. The flatbread dough is made in house, as are all the desserts. Which brings us to the pecan praline bread pudding and how you should order it if you're there. It's the love child of pecan pie and French toast.


See the menu here.
28 NE 29th St, 305-573-9678.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

A little pricey considering they are located in Wynwood and not paying Sobe or event Design District rents...

sara said...

Can't speak for the dinner prices since I have yet to try that portion of the menu but the lunch and brunch items seem quite fair - no more than $12 for most sandwiches (and they all come with tasty fries). Considering the caliber of the ingredients and the generous portion sizes I'm okay with the prices. Plus, it ain't cheap opening a restaurant, no matter the neighborhood. The owners mentioned they had been working on that build out for two years...

Anonymous said...

Your bottom link is the dinner menu. In these tough times I don't see a lot of people driving to what most people (not myself) consider the hood to pay $8 for a lentil soup, $20 for manicotti and $5 for a side. Even at lunch the tuna sandwich is $17. Just being realistic, hope the best for them, looks like a nice interior.

Sara said...

Also, they're doing a weekday breakfast special for 6.99 that includes coffee or juice.

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SteveBM said...

Anon, I think you have to look at quality vs price. I'm with you in that it's somewhat bothersome to pay $12 (plus tax & tip ends up around $15-$16) for a sandwich and fries no matter where the restaurant is located. However, consider your alternatives... You could go to Panera Bread and pay $8-$9 (tax incl, no tip) for a sandwich but youre getting a much lower quality product with bland flavor.

I've yet to try Morgans but I've heard many favorable reviews about the food itself without mention of costs so it sounds to me like they are doing something right. As with everything, time will tell.

Elad said...

Thanks so much for the recommendation, Sara. We went last night and had a delicious time! We took an out of town friend and we were all very impressed, especially with the lemon and herb crusted chicken. Oh, and the Bread Pudding of the day was an apple and caramel blend of awesomeness.

Not cheap, but very generous portions.

sara said...

Cool, Elad. I'm glad it worked out. One of the owners used to run Blu Dog Bakery and is amazing with the pastries. Sounds effing delicious.