There are so many interesting things about Food Fight’s Bassett Street Brunch Club. First, the name: Brunch Club? Also the fact that it’s located inside the new Hampton Inn & Suites, since we have so few restaurants in hotels in Madison.
I liked the concept and feel a lot. To get there by car, you enter the hotel parking ramp–there’s otherwise no nearby parking. Then, you’ll walk through a contemporary lobby where you may see non-hotel guests, especially students, hanging out. Finally, you’ll find large windows inside the restaurant that let you watch traffic on busy Johnson Street. I mention all these things because they’re so unique.
The food could use some work. Many items were on the cusp of being great save for a few faults. Take the Tempura Fish Tostadas ($11.95) of the entree selections, for example. The fish itself was dry but topped by the flavorful and spicy chipotle salsa. Meanwhile, I felt like I was eating mostly bread in the Sausage Bahn Mi ($9.95) of the sandwich selections. The sausage was decent but there was so little of it–just look at the photo to see what I’m talking about. I chose the tater tots as my side, and I liked that they were crispy and topped with a sprinkle of cheese.
The Fried Chicken and Donuts ($5.95) among the appetizers also was a mixed bag. The fresh and perfectly sweet dough balls clashed with the way-overcooked chicken. Speaking of doughnuts, you’ll find a varied selection each day. I had a strawberry glazed ($1.50, half-off after 8:30 p.m.) that could have been more strawberry in flavor.
I did enjoy the Shrimp & Grits ($11.95) off the “Brunchy Items” menu, which was rich, creamy and topped with an egg, a nice addition. The Savory French Toast ($8.95) was well-battered (with Parmesan and herbs) and moist, and I would definitely get it again.
The restaurant also has a sizable drink menu. The Brunch Club Bloody ($6) is quaffable–I liked the pickles it came with–but it was average otherwise. I would recommend the Mimosa ($5), the B.C. Old Fashioned ($7) for its hazelnut-infused bourbon and the B.C. Julep ($7).
Bassett Street Brunch Club is open every day. It has happy hour in the morning, when you can get $3 mimosas.
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See more photos on our Flickr set.
