Ah Shade. A much needed asset to the crazy Houston heat. An adorable Heights cousin to Canopy and Woodbar. One of my first brunches in Houston. One of my first *real* mimosas–blood orange juice is a total game changer. And one delightful addition to the Houston restaurant scene.

I rarely repeat brunch spots. Especially on Sundays with #BrunchKlub who have been with me since the beginning on our never ending trek to try all of the brunches in Houston. But with Shade I made an exception because if you didn’t Instagam Snapchat blog about it did it really count? Answer no. I mean yes. But, like the blog didn’t exist back then and, well you get the idea. Shade is totally worth the redo.

Nestled into the quaint and historic 19th Street in the Heights, Shade offers a modern touch to the traditional neighborhood. Sunday at 11:30, the place is packed and I’m glad I made a reservation for 5 so we could get seated immediately. Inside are mostly fresh, white tables and booths with a few seats at the bar. Outside, bright orange patterned canvas cover a small alleyway with a couple of tables for two–potentially a good idea for a late evening drink (note to self: come back for date night), but not brunch at high noon in the middle of the Houston summer.

Obviously, the meal started off with a pitcher of blood orange mimosas. They waiter said it served 5. He lied. It was more like 10. LIE TO ME AGAIN. Obviously, we were quite pleased because the wine glasses were huge as well.

The brunch menu was delightful and it was honestly had to decide between the salads, sandwiches, sides like Brussels sprouts, mac and cheese and asparagus soup and actual brunch items. I ended up going with the BLFGT – B + E (that’s a Bacon Lettuce Fried Green Tomato – Bacon + Egg) served with a kale slaw. I probably could have done without the egg, but it was delicious and wildly filling nonetheless.

Others at the table noshed on the eggs benedict, homemade quiche, and made to order omelets with side salads, breakfast potatoes and fresh fruit. All the brunch basics you could ever want! I recommend Shade brunch for your girlfriends (duh), also your mom (it’s cute and feminine), and out of town family (location is prime for some post-brunch site seeing and antiquing).