This was the first time we had been to Aretha Frankensteins since they rebuilt after the fire. It really looks the same. If you’re coming from Frazier Avenue, you have to really watch for it, because it sits back on a hill hidden by other buildings at 518 Tremont Street. The parking is terrible! There just isn’t any.
They were busy, busy, as they always seem to be. We had an approximate 20-minute wait. There were tables and stools outside, but as you can imagine, it was HOT! We were able to get a seat at the inside counter.
One thing about Aretha’s is that it is very laid back. If you are in a hurry, you best move on and wait until you have plenty of time to sit back and enjoy it. According to their menu, “Aretha’s is not fastfood. Everything is prepared to order in our tiny kitchen. Please understand, on Saturday and Sunday brunch, or other busy times, waiting 30 minutes or more for your food is not uncommon.”
While you’re waiting, there are quite a few items hanging on the walls that will hold your attention to pass the time.
Something I like about the place is that you can get breakfast anytime! I love that. We were there on a Sunday around lunch time, and we both went with a breakfast menu. We didn’t get one of the large biscuits, as the particular items ordered were not served with bread.
We both decided to order pancakes, so we ordered the Slim Stack (two buttermilk pancakes - $4.95) and split it. These are nice, thick, delicious pancakes with a bit of crispness around the edges. We agreed they were definitely worth ordering again. Wayne ordered eggs ($.95 each) over medium and Applewood Bacon (three pieces $2.75). I ordered sausage (two pieces $2.75) and grits ($1.50). Wayne always enjoys Applewood Bacon, as do I, and the sausage was good, but the grits were wonderful. They were cheesy and it seemed to me there was a hint of “heat.” I would not pass these up in the future.
Aretha’s also offers full breakfasts with eggs, fried potatoes (with onions and jalapenos), several meats, burritos and omelettes – and don’t forget the Waffle of Insane Greatness ($5.50). If you want gravy, they have it, along with biscuit “sandwiches.”
The lunch menu features quesadillas, burritos, sandwiches and salads. Some of the sandwiches sound inviting – The Tremonster – scrambled eggs with grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms and cheese served in a steaming baguette ($6.25). I can only comment on breakfast as every time I’ve gone there, I must have breakfast, no matter what time it is.
They do serve specialty coffee drinks, soft drinks and beers (both bottled and on tap). I noticed in the cooler was Fat Tire, among others.
Hours for Aretha Frankensteins are everyday from 7 a.m. until midnight.
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