Talia Gray, Features Editor
Talia’s Tastes is a food and lifestyle column that highlights the various experiences available in the Greensboro area.
In this issue of Talia’s Tastes, I will be taking a quick break from our bars to visit in Greensboro series to highlight what has become one of my favorite brunch spots in the city, The Sage Mule. Frequent readers of this column may recall my coverage of Dame’s Chicken and Waffles, as well as the closure of their Greensboro location earlier this year. Since losing one of the most notable brunch spots in the city, I have been on the hunt to find a suitable alternative to share with you all, and I think I have finally found it. The Sage Mule is located conveniently where Battleground Avenue and the downtown area intersect, positioning it as an ideal first stop for a day out on the town.
The Sage Mule is a casual, family-friendly eatery with all of the features one might look for in a weekend brunch outing. Upon arriving at The Sage Mule, its outdoor seating is a prominent indicator of the restaurant’s overall vibe. It’s laid back, homey, and built for folks to socialize over a good meal. Once you walk inside, you’ll notice the counter showcasing a plethora of baked treats that you may see at a café or a bakery. If you turn to your right, you’ll be met with a vibrant and colorful dining area, oftentimes full of lively chatter from patrons. The friendly waitstaff are there to help and make recommendations.
As lively as the restaurant feels every time I’ve visited, the menu is just as flexible and evolving. That being said, I recommend going to The Sage Mule with an open mind, prepared to try a new spin on a breakfast staple. I’ll share some of the food items that I have found particularly tasty when I’ve visited and make note of items that may no longer be available (but may make a comeback or have a similar alternative available).
One item that seems to be an ever-present staple is The Blue Plate Special. The Blue Plate Special features “two eggs your way, neese’s sausage or applewood bacon, toast or biscuit, hashbrowns.” This option is perfect for folks looking for a classic breakfast experience. There’s really no wrong way to order this item, but I’ll share that I typically opt for two scrambled eggs, sausage, hashbrowns and a biscuit. If you order a meal that comes with toast or a biscuit, I encourage you to ask about their specialty house-made jam because it is delicious.
A much more Southern classic breakfast featured on their menu is the Shrimp and Grits. Based on their Instagram account, it seems that this item is not offered year-round, so if you notice it’s available order it while you can. Their take on this Southern breakfast classic is impeccable. The dish features large, sautéed shrimp, sausage, and Cajun gravy on top of a creamy bowl of grits with cheese. The dish has a great balance of flavors and spice from the grits, proteins, and gravy. It is a wonderfully hearty meal for those looking for a savory breakfast.
Photo Credit: The Sage Mule Instagram
Stepping away from familiar classics, my personal favorite menu item at The Sage Mule is the Chopped Cheese Hash. The Chopped Cheese Hash includes “Cooper American cheese sauce, ground beef, peppers, onions, tomatoes, crispy home fries, and mule burger sauce, topped with two eggs your way and crispy onion straws,” according to The Sage Mule website. This is an elevated approach to the classic hash brown bowls served at contemporary American eateries. The Chopped Cheese Hash is a delightful middle ground between eating a lunchtime burger and a traditional egg and hashbrown breakfast, making it the ideal meal for a midday brunch outing. I would venture to say that any and all savory breakfast lovers would enjoy this dish as much as I did. Unfortunately, the last time I visited The Sage Mule in September, they were no longer offering this dish, but they did have a seemingly similar alternative with the Bulgogi Hash. If you visit and feel adventurous, I’d encourage you to give the Bulgogi Hash a try, based on how good the Chopped Cheese Hash is.
Now, you may have noticed that all of my recommendations have been on the savory side thus far. Admittedly, I have a strong preference for savory breakfast meals over sweets like waffles and pancakes. However, I do love a good cinnamon roll, and The Sage Mule offers freshly baked cinnamon rolls as well as a variety of other baked goods like scones, muffins, and macarons alongside sweet breakfast entrees.
Overall, if you’re searching for a lively casual brunch spot to visit with family and/or friends, The Sage Mule should be at the top of your list.
Do you have a favorite spot you want to see featured in The Carolinian? Are you a business owner looking to promote your brand? Please fill out this form: https://go.uncg.edu/taliastastes. Check back each week to see if your recommendation made the paper!
Headline image from The Sage Mule Facebook
