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Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Juice Bars & Smoothies [Edit]
Neighborhood: Uptown
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There's not much I can say that hasn't already been said. But I like to put my two cents in anyway, so here goes. I'd go back in a heartbeat for the oatmeal shake and the garlicy, cheesy, potato goodness that was the breakfast potatoes. Heck, I don't even like oatmeal but I tried the shake based on all the rave reviews from other yelpers, and I slurped that thing down in like 5 minutes flat. I actually felt a little gluttonous that I finished it off so quickly, but whatever, it was goooood!
As others have stated, service was a little on the slow side. But I was there on a beautiful Sunday morning and we sat out on the cute little back patio. And since I was in no rush, I really did not mind.
Its my husbands birthday. He wanted breakfast. I wanted dim sum. It's his stupid birthday so he wins. Boo.
He Yelped breakfast places around our place and came up with Tiztal. I wish he had told me about the oatmeal shakes... I'm just finding out about them now.
Oh well.
Anyways, so when we walked in I thought it was a pretty room. Nice and cozy. We had menus and a drink order with our server pretty much right
away.
That's when it all fell apart.
I love it when places have big tea pots. I was pretty pumped when they sat that big hunk of shining metal in front of me. I plopped my teabag in... and nothing really happened. I touched the pot... tepid. After I flagged down our server to ask for hotter water, she took the pot and basically stood there in the corner looking helpless with it. She did this for a solid minute or so. Then she handed it off to another girl who stood there looking helpless. Then she handed it off to a dude... who stood there looking helpless. I finally got that pot back 10 minutes later with hot water. Thank goodness.
Food came. I had the three meat omlette, the Mr. had the country fried steak. Both were very good. I was a big fan of the potatoes. However, it wasn't until I was more than halfway done with the eggs that my English muffin finally came. Why bother at that point?
We never got water. The husband had to flag people down for coffee refills. I practically had to have a seizure to finally get our servers attention for the check.
Wowza. $26 for two breakfasts, coffee and tea? Plus tip? We had breakfast at Pauline's yesterday... similar meals... $7 cheaper... better service too.
We agreed to give it another go at a later date. I'm interested in trying the much discussed oatmeal shake. But if the service doesn't improve, the next time will be our last. There are too many delicious breakfast options around here to keep patronizing a place with such bad service.
I agree with Monica D.
Breakfast potatoes and oatmeal shake!
The only downfall to this place its that it is slooooooooow.
Great Sunday brunch and no waiting.
I'm amazed I haven't gone to this place for so long and I've lived around the corner from it for over two years! I finally went with my mom for brunch when she was in town and I'm so glad we went! She had the egg whites with feta cheese, tomatoes and mushrooms and I had a mushroom omelet with chorizo and cheddar cheese melted on top. Both of us loved our meals! We didn't have coffee but for one order of tea you got a whole tea pot that we shared which was nice. It was a very nice casual and comfortable experience - I recommend checking it out!
Get the chilaquiles and the oatmeal shake, but save a little room because you'll want to eat all those breakfast potatoes with real GARLIC! Oh, and the steak and eggs that come with the chilaquiles. I've never seen such a large plate of breakfast.
The whole time I kept telling myself: "I can't believe I've never had chilaquiles before" and "Holy hell these are so good, I should stop eating, but they're too good, keep going Yanyao, you can do it!"
Basically I ate myself to the point of exploding and ended up falling into a 5 hour coma nap when I got home.
The service was a little slow when we were in there, but I like a leisurely weekday brunch, and our waitress refilled out oatmeal shakes because she is wonderful. I also love how the iced tea comes in a giant goblet - very cool. I want to come back and try some of the chorizo items and eat more POTATOES... hopefully with a little more self-control.
You see I can't make waffles in my teeny tiny kitchen because there is barely enough room for myself in my kitchen. Just thinking about the mess waffles would make almost gives me a heart attack.Batter and waffle flour everywhere, plates hanging precariously on the edge of the counter and burnt waffles waiting to be thrown away, oh my! This little problem has led to many a waffle withdrawal.
This is where breakfast and brunch come in. You see a couple of amazing restaurants have decided their kitchens are big enough to make waffles and pancakes in and sometimes they offer these delicious treats through lunch time.
Alas we have come full circle and now you see why I have such love for Titzal. Yeah, yeah, yeah so most people talk about the oatmeal shake or the fresh squeezed juice (which makes my mouth water just thinking about it) but really their food needs to get more attention. The eggs were cooked wonderfully and the waffle was light and fluffy. My friend's chilaquiles with eggs looked like a kids vomit but she assured me it tasted like anything but and since she's literally 5'1" and 90 lbs soaking wet I'm going to assume it was delicious because she all but licked the plate clean.
One of these days I'll return for another waffle and possibly an oatmeal shake but definitely for a waffle!
I'm the 130th review for this place? Yes please!
We refer to it as Titzal because it's more catchy...
I wanted to visit Tiztal a couple times before I reviewed it, thus the tardiness of this review. It's probably the best brunch option in Uptown. Chilaquiles, country fried steak, pancakes, etc. are all good. And I like the fact that they don't serve you mass amounts of food--I'll take quality over quantity any day.
We tried a sample of the Infamous Zomg Oatmeal Shake. It was tasty but I thought it was very rich and am not sure I could finish an entire shake, although I would probably try.
It gets crowded during peak brunch hours so I recommend avoiding it at these times.
Ill keep this one brief -
BREAKFAST POTATOES
OATMEAL SHAKE
Since the first time I have been there (opening day) and the many times after I have not been able to recreate the potatoes at home. I cook a lot and for some reason something as simple as a breakfast potato has escaped me...these are DIVINE!
The oatmeal shake is something I hadn't tried until going with a friend and I am so glad I did...the only mistake was splitting it...dumb.
Rosemary is a delight - always friendly and always remembers you. That's a big plus in our hood!
My rating would be a definite 4.5 if it weren't for the total bill price. A little high for breakfast but in the long run worth every penny for those potatoes...what is in those!!!
What am I missing here? The service was more abominable than that snowman I built back in '87 that came to life and gave me a wedgie. The shakes and potatoes were very good, but the chilaquiles that everyone seems to love here were completely flavorless. I got steak with mine and it was Totes McNasty. Once again, I was burnt by trying to eat somewhere near mixteco without actually going to mixteco. It's a recipe for failure, which sucks, because I hate making failure!
Confession: I ate ice cream for breakfast, Ma. But it's OK, don't be mad...there was oatmeal too!
Yep, I'm fully on the oatmeal shake bandwagon...a little late to the game, but whatever, I'm there, I'm with the cool kids now.
Chorizo in eggs? Yes please. Raisin bread toast with REAL butter? My ass is growing with that thought, but at this point I don't care. Top this all with some of those frickin' AWESOME potatoes, and you've got a damn awesome breakfast.
Oh yeah, we split a pecan waffle too. Don't hate, we like to eat.
(P.S. Sorry, Mom, for saying "damn" and "ass", but I will never be sorry for having an oatmeal shake for breakfast! Viva l'adulthood!!!!)
We had brunch here today based on reviews I had read, and OMG, we were not disappointed. If this place were 5 blocks further north there would be a line to get in. (I'm glad there was no line).
We split an oatmeal shake. I had never heard of it before, but all I can say is YUM!!!!! For my brunch, I had the Tiztal Chorizo Scramble. It was delicious.... imagine this.... 2 scrambled eggs with chorizo, topped with tomato, onions, cilantro, shredded cheddar and side of sour cream. There is a 4 egg version, but I could not eat that much. Now, the cocky among you might say you could make this yourself just as well ... perhaps, but babies, the Tiztal breakfast potatoes.... I think not. They are beautifully garlicky with a bit of crunch and yet moist. I'd go back again just for them taters!!!!!
The hubby had the Salsa Verde Omelet which consisted of eggs, filled with green peppers and chihuahua cheese topped with home made salsa verde. He normally is not an egg person, but he ate every bit and it was huge!! That also came with the taters . He loved it all.
What I really loved about this place is the attention to detail and the good service. For example, the water is served with a hint of lemon, the toast is quality bread, the jam on the side is Dickinson, not some generic jelly you see in so many places. The interior is clean and attractive and there is nice artwork on the walls. The waitress came around with the fruit smoothie samples, which is a nice touch.
On the way out we met the owner, a charming woman who told me that all the waitstaff are her nieces and nephews. We promised to come back soon and we will. next time i want to try one of the savory crepes.
As it is hotter than hades today we did not check out the patio, but will get to that too, very soon.
My boyfriend doesn't have very strong spoken opinions. "Pretty good" from him is a five-star review from the average person. Somehow, this place has managed to attain one of the two "pretty good"'s in what I think are a neighborhood of awesome's. So I guess that's saying something?
Stick with bkfst though - I had a burger not too long ago and was a little disappointed.
I think I'll just use this space to mimic what everyone else has said:
Great food. Nice service. A…
Read more »
What a little gem in uptown. Tucked away on Clark, this place served some amazing breakfast.
I ordered the chorizo scrambled, comes with this garlic potatoes and a side of fruit, delicious !
If you're in the area, don't feel like waiting forever for breakfast at some other popular place, give them a try.
The milkshake brings all the boys to Tiztal.
And they're like,
it's better than yours.
Damn right. It's better than yours.
The oatmeal shake lived up to everything I have been hearing about it. I looovveee oatmeal. This was pure frothy goodness in a glass.
Add a bowl of fresh fruit to complete my breakfast. Perfectamente.
Parking was super easy. Pulled up right to a meter in front. $.25 for one hour! WHOA! I am used to Oak Don't Park prices where $.25 buys 20 minutes. I guess I can't complain about the Chicago meters anymore...
Yes, yes I see all the rave reviews. So with that and the excellent brunches enjoyed by my lovely company, I will give them a second chance to wow me. Wow me . Wow me, a bit more. Two things that struck a nerve was the initial wait and my entree.
I explain now.
Due to the reviews I went for my favorite brunch, Eggs Benny. AH! They overcooked the eggs and when I asked the waiter why, he simply responded that, they always cook their Eggs Benedict this way. WTF? No one eats this dish with overcooked eggs. Waiting for a new one would've taken way too long. We'd already waited twenty five minutes for this food. The fact that my eggs were hard and not runny only means that it was overcooked or, that and it sat too long. And then the hollandaise was extremely salty. Ugh. What saved the experience for me was the flavor and attitude of the "Belgian beauty". My company was enamored by the beauty. So, I'm calling it three stars for now, till next time.
The tab looks to be calculated by hand or some archaic calculator. So, I'm wondering if it was added up correctly. Lastly, the wait before our order was taken and getting the food. They were waiting on a possible large group which took over an hour to arrive. We were seated and told many times they would take care of us and they dropped the ball. Simply annoying when you are starving for a meal. I may go back and try it again.. we'll see.
The place has cute decor, alternating colored walls and I'm guessing local artists. The art is nature stuff, I liked that. They have outside seating out back, which is accessed from a thin walkway between buildings or through the restaurant.
Lawd....I just had the chilequiles with grilled chicken and scrambled eggs, and hot sauce and salsa verde and onion, and I feel so delightfully satisfied. Their patio is open but we sat inside for the A/C.
The pics on this review site just don't do the inside of this place justice. Very nice interior and great service. Open for breakfast and lunch.
Hubby's hamburger looked yummy. He said it was yummy, and I believe him. Hooray to Tiztal. Well done.
All I can say is...mmmmmmm. My friend and I popped over here on a late Sunday morning. The beer garden area is laid back and beautiful, with sunlight peeking through the overhanging trees on either side. We each had the oatmeal shake, which is fantastic and well worth the price. I topped this with a side of their garlic potatoes...heaven. The service is relaxed, but we didn't feel like we had to wait long for our food. My only regret is that I don't live closer...I've been dreaming about that shake ever since!
Perhaps from all the raves the bar was just set a bit too high. I'd like to give a 3.5 but I rounded down like a curmudgeon. I did order and enjoy the much-touted oatmeal shake, but the fact of the matter is it's made with ice cream, so I think it would be pretty difficult for it not to taste good. Also I would've preferred it with cinnamon, which, if it did contain it, was in a quantity so small that I couldn't taste it.
I split Chilaquiles with my dining companion and (prepare yourself for blasphemy again) to me they were just OK and personally I prefer the eggs all mixed in, traditional style. Perhaps it's the chorizo that makes them stand out to others (we had them with just eggs and cheese.) The potatoes served with the Chilaquiles were very good (unfortunately I'm supposed to avoid them and other nightshades...arghh...but I dont hold that against Tiztal.)
We also shared a half order of French Toast that was solid, not spectacular. And I decided to get an order of cinnamon raisin toast and was glad I did, because I enjoyed it the most out of everything, and it's a steal at $2.
In sum, if I'm around I'd go back for some cinnamon raisin toast and a shake if I'm craving it, and to linger in a nice, warm setting. But this isn't quite the breakfast nirvana I was expecting.
A great gem hidden amidst the wholesalers and other assorted crap along this stretch of Clark St.
The staff was incredibly friendly and flexible and brought us a little taste of fruit smoothie when they had some extra from another order. I enjoyed my french toast in a big way and the garlic potatoes were phenomenal in a serious way.
Went here for Saturday brunch after a long run with my running team. Staff is really friendly and accommodated our huge group of 20+ people. We took over their small but charming patio. Since our group arrived at different times, they were gracious enough to split the bill into like 4 tabs. They also brought out samples of their now famous oatmeal shake for our group to try as well as full sized pineapple shakes for a few random and lucky members of our group.
Food was good and reasonably priced. They have a small but interesting selection of omelettes, which they stuff with everything from chorizo to feta. My friend and I split the feta, tomato and onion omelette and french toast. The omelette was served with garlicky diced potatoes, which were amazing! We split the dish before I tasted anything otherwise I might've kept more of those on my plate! The omelette itself was very good and one of our friends who had the chorizo omelette was raving about his. The French toast was only ok though.
All in all, a good experience. I would return in a heartbeat. Parking was easy and the wait was next to none. It seems like one of Uptown's well-guarded secrets...for now.
I'm going to burst the love bubble for Tiztal. This restaurant is either a hit or a miss.
My favorite is the chilaquiles, but sometimes they are lukewarm and a little blah. The cinnamon raisin bread is always good and so is the oatmeal shake, but everything else on the menu is mediocre in an "I could have made this at home" kind of way.
Chilaquiles are amazing....who knew that this poor man's dish could be transformed into such refinement. I wasn't even considering ordering it (until the waitress suggested it) because from my experience, chilequiles were mediocre in taste, but at Tiztal Cafe, I was proven wrong. It was delicious, I would have preferred it to be spicier, but it was fine. The first time I went here, I ordered the chilequiles with steak, second time, with chorizo. Both were good, but I would recommend the chorizo over the steak.
I also tried their infamous oatmeal shake and it tasted better than I expected. It did taste like a creamy horchata with pieces of oatmeal in it. Who knew an oatmeal shake could taste so good....I fell in love. A bit on the expensive side, but totally worth it.
One thing I would have to say, though, is that I found a short gray hair buried in my chilaquiles. I wasn't too grossed out though because the dish was so good and because dining in third world countries has made me a bit immune to things like that.....gross, yeah, but, will it kill you? Nope!
I'll definitely be back over and over again. I'll bring my family members and friends here so they can taste how delicious it is.
AGAIN, I am still SO lucky to have friends that live right next to this place!!!! I ordered takeout....HOT DAMN!!!! The Zephyrs Omellette....w/ the cheesey potatoes??? Wha??
While waiting at their bar to pick up my order, they made my oatmeal shake, my friends strawberry shake, & another friends banana shake, then took the remains in each blender & put it all in 1 cup, parked it right in front of me & said, "Here, while you're waiting, try this!"
All the strawberry, banana, oatmeal goodness....Woo-hoo!!!! Free Shake!!!! Soooooogooood, but it is filling....
So the service, food, everything.... RIDICULOUS!!!! I am sooooo coming here again, & again, & again.....BYOB!!!!
I got the chorizo scramble because all their egg dishes come with the potatoes that everyone here was raving about. I was definitely underwhelmed. The oatmeal shake was by far the tastiest part of the meal. I split it with a friend and that was the way to go. I think after reading all these rave reviews, I had higher expectations for the food. It wasn't bad, but it certainly wasn't amazing. Would I go back? Maybe. Oh yeah, and the service is nothing to write home about.
Absolutely!
Chilaquiles! Chilaquiles! Chilaquiles! Mind blowing! the flavor and texture is an experience that everyone will get lost in! Coupled with those Potatoes, who knew you could do that with potatoes, amazing they are crisp on the outside, covered in a flavor of onion and greasy goodness with a smooth creamy inside they are just outstanding!
If all that happiness leaves you less then tickled how about a mound of eggs and chorizo that seems never-ending both in quantity and flavor...OH SO GOOD!
I have been several times now and the ladies who run and serve in this place are the only thing better then the food!
and yes you must try an oatmeal shake!
change up your boring mimosa and mix some pineapple apple mango juice with your champagne next time-a bubbly concoction that will take you there...Where ever there is..Don't forget to bring your own bubbly this is a BYOB which rocks!
I just noticed that I used 'absolutely' in my last two reviews, so I promise to diversify the adverbs from now on!
Tiztal cafe is awesome! I went with three friends on Saturday and we very happy with the food and service. I had the chilaquiles, yuuummmy! Tasty fresh juices, nice atmosphere, not too crowded for a Saturday morning.
I'm so happy that this place exists! It would deserve four stars, except they seem to put toooo much cheese on everything. Other than that, their smooth tunes, clean, bright and friendly restaurant is a much needed brunch spot in the neighbourhood.
The green salsa on the chilaquiles is incredible. Really. I quite enjoyed the chilaquiles as a whole; the chorizo/egg scramble on the side, with the onions, cheese and salsa--as well as chips--really hit the spot. I didn't love the potatoes, but mine weren't the same as my boyfriend's, for some reason, and his were really good. Very odd. He had the Benedict (he's new to Benedict, so doesn't have much to compare it to), and enjoyed it very much, though he thought the eggs were slightly too soft for his taste. If you like your eggs a bit harder, I'd order them so. Boyfriend also had a smoothie, and it was fresh and tasty as well.
The only thing I can say against Tiztal is that the food is slightly slow to come out. We were on a strict schedule, and as it wasn't crowded (at all, I mean, really), we figured it'd be no problem. But we did end up having to bolt our food down, because the service was just a little too slow. So budget some extra time, but I do think the wait is worth it. I'd like to try one of the scrambles, and the waffles as well. We'll probably pop in from time to time to try new things, as the mood strikes us.
Definitely an eclectic little joint. Odd breakfasty menu that is a mix of fruit, Mexican omelettes, and other traditional breakfast foods. It also has some lunch stuff too... presented on two separate menus. Well oddness aside the chorizo quesadilla was pretty good, and the service was definitely attentive. I don't find myself in this area very often, but I'd definitely eat there again if I was.
I like Tiztal. The food is good and the employees are friendly. My only gripe is the atmosphere and this is by no means any fault of Tiztal. I guess my gripe is more directed toward the "brunch culture" as a whole. Come on, don't you ever just want to have a tasty meal without the group of 12 "close girlfriends" sitting next to you raving over the "most delicious grilled cheese." They're so loud and obnoxious. Not to mention, they take up most of the seating, because there are always several of these kinds of groups. So yeah, the restaurant is dominated by "OMG, I got so drunk last night at --insert any Wrigleyville Bar here-- and "Gee I can't wait for the Cubs game," type conversations.
And then, let's not forget, those moms and their SUV strollers. For some reason, after procreating, these women have the need to drive their huge SUV stroller into the modest-sized Tiztal. Nevermind, that there really isn't any space for that monstrous baby carrier on wheels. They don't care.
I'm not bitter, I'm really not. But, geez, these folks are turning Tiztal into another Toast or Orange, which are both extremely crappy (see my other reviews.)
I'm sure there are people out there who agree with me.
Dear Tiztal,
Congratulations on earning my 100th review. I was hoping it would be a fiver, and you are. You have impeccable timing.
Your lovely owner Rosemary was running a busy, busy lunch on Thursday when I came in like a purple tornado. You're walking distance from my abode, but this day I had a car. I'm a terrible driver and parker, so I had no driver's side mirror. The broken screws where the mirror used to be was distracting to me but I recognized you instantly as the oatmeal shake place I had read so much about on Yelp. So I pulled a U-y (that's what drivers call it), nearly taking out a few fully mirrored vehicles. (Must be nice, fancypants!) I needed this oatmeal shake to shake my driver's nerves and also to maybe eat a non-oat meal.
At the counter with my coat still on, I started to say "I have heard so much about the shakes here..." and your Rosemary said "oh, the oatmeal shake? Everyone loves it." Oh baby waby! We're finishing each others' sentences already!
I started thinking aloud about food and was urged to try the chilaquiles. The conversation and music was great so I finally just asked for a cup of coffee, called my office, took off my coat and stayed parked on my stool. I had one of those great-things-are-happening-and-not-because-I'm-plo tting-my-Yelp-review moments. I could feel myself starting to unwind and enjoy the moment. I think I love you.
I had never had chilaquiles before and I can safely say it's the best food on the planet. Chips and green salsa, mixed with chihuahua cheese and baked together into a savory crumble. If you don't believe me, ask Wikipedia. It's actually a very good description. They're served with eggs and meat, and at Tiztal, spicy amazing potatoes. How did I not know about this? They must be for drivers. Tears are welling up in my eyes just thinking about yours! My food was ready in like two seconds, despite how busy it was in there.
You're scaring me a little. I'm afraid that I will never try anything besides the chilaquiles and oatmeal shake. That means I'll never get to the caramel waffle sundae or my former fave eggs benedict. But on this, our anniversary, why mess with tradition?
Happy 100th my love. I'm so glad you moved to my neighborhood. This is going to make moving in together so much easier, me being a pedestrian and all.
Very truly yours,
me + u 4evs,
KB
Yeah....what everyone else said and:
The most awesomest freaking Chiliquiles in my life were eaten here. Not in Mexico, not in California, in freaking Uptown, Chicago.
Get them with chorizo! You'll thank me later.
PS, the people that work here are the best!
"Friend, will you do me a favor?"
"Yes, Jo?"
"Will you call all my friends and tell them to make plans to come to my funeral? Because I just died and went to heaven."
It's true.
I came here this morning for a late breakfast with my friend before he flew back to NYC. I arrived before him, and took a seat at one of the tables with the wooden bench by the window. The woman working there (who I assume was the owner, Rosemary) got on her hands and knees under my table and plugged in a space heater. "It gets chilly by the window, this should keep you warm," she said. How sweet is that?
While I waited I had the opportunity to just relax. I really like this space - it's small, but decorated tastefully, and I love the ceilings and the chandeliers. Very cozy. At the time I was the only customer in there, but over the next hour a couple people trickled in and I could tell they were regulars. At one point the chef came out to talk to one of the regulars, and ladies - he is VERY easy on the eyes. Why isn't he on the menu?
When my friend arrived, we both perused the menu. I was STARVING, as I had not eaten the day before because I wasn't feeling so hot. So I was ready to put away some serious food. I was torn between pancakes and french toast, and ultimately ordered the french toast. And eggs. And bacon. Oh what's that, Rosemary? It's cheaper to get your famous garlic potatoes with the eggs? Sure, throw those in too. My friend looked at me, and I just smiled. He ordered the french toast. And that's all. Wimp.
She brought the french toast first, and my eyes got wide and I thought perhaps I should have just stuck with the french toast... A huge plate of 6 thick half slices sprinkled with powdered sugar, with a sliced up strawberry as a garnish. I didn't even wait for the rest of my food and dug in. Mmmm... SO GOOD. A couple minutes later she brought out my other plate of food. Another huge plate with my eggs, bacon, and potatoes. She set it down in front of me, and I just laughed at the amount of food that laid before me. But my stomach was happily ready to take on the challenge.
I ate bite after delicious bite of food, all while trying to keep my head from exploding so I could carry on a conversation with my friend. Finally, I was full. Ugh. It was a good fight, but I was unable to finish it all... Though I had saved those potatoes for last, and they were goooood, so I had to tell myself to stop.
Rosemary came over to take our plates and asked me if I wanted to take home the remaining potatoes and french toast. "Tempting," I said. "But I'd rather have an oatmeal shake to go."
What, you thought I was going to leave without trying one of these, even though I had just stuffed myself silly?
So Rosemary whipped me up an oatmeal shake to go, and then brought over two cute glass mugs filled with the leftovers. "A free sample," she said. I took a sip... and sighed happily. It really is like an oatmeal cookie in shake form. YUM. My friend had been skeptical about the oatmeal shake, but he quickly inhaled his because it was so good. I love it when I'm right and he's wrong.
We sat and relaxed and chatted for a while, until Rosemary finally brought over the check. The damage for his meal and my trip to heaven? $23. Totally not bad.
As we left, Rosemary bid us farewell and said, "I hope to see you again!"
I laughed. "Oh, I think you're going to be sick of me soon."
WOW.
This is as good as it gets.
"The best breakfast I've ever had in my life."
Ever.
Eggs Benedict and oatmeal shake.
If this place was next door to Simon's, I'd be in a lot of trouble. For now, I'll settle for the short trek down Clark to have a seat at one of my new favorite brunch spots.
Being a chorizo fan, I opted for the 2 egg chorizo scramble. I'm glad I didn't order the 4 egg because my dish was a perfect size! And the potatoes...oh, the potatoes. Lots of garlic and cooked just right. Tiztal, you've easily created my new favorite brunch food. Sorry, Hamburg Inn (Iowa City people...hear this!), your home fries are now a long-forgotten memory.
I had heard so much Yelp chatter about the oatmeal shake, I needed to try it. After a sample from our server, I knew I had to have one of my very own. So tasty and worth every second I had to wait!
I love it here! I'll be back again and again. My next meal will simply be potatoes, coffee, and an oatmeal shake. I might even drag along a bottle to take advantage of the BYOB option. Just roll me out the door and push me north, will you?
The place is cute and quaint. But, nothing truly amazing here. I ordered the potatoes and a plain waffle. The potatoes were pretty good, not your average run of the mill. However, it took 20 minutes for me to get my waffle.... way too long. I was able to get a table, as it was in the middle of the day. But, the service was to be desired a little too informal for my taste. I was a bit disappointed after reading 3-4 of the reviews. My expectations can be pretty high, maybe they were having an off day... it was too hot outside... mayor Daly privatized the parking meters... one of the waitresses quit...etc.
All in all, not sure if I will spend my hard earned cash here again. The food wasn't bad, but customer service is very important to me. And frankly, Tiztal missed the target.
Two words - oatmeal shake. OMG. I will admit it - after reading all these Yelp reviews about this infamous shake, I was determined not to like it. I mean, oatmeal in a shake? Gross. Doesn't even sound good to me. Sounds too earthy crunchy healthy. And - what - no mention of chocolate in it? No, thanks.
But today, fellow Yelper Michele L and I had the most wonderful scrumptious relaxing breakfast at Tixtal Cafe. Chorizo and eggs....steak chilaquillas...cinnamon toast....and those potatoes! Oh, god, I am a tatohead and these tatoes were scrumdillyicious - cooked to perfection, seasoned just right with garlic, and not a green pepper in sight.
This was my first time at Tixtal and Michele has been here many times but never had the oatmeal shake. We asked to sample one...and the rest is history. From now on, I will never go there and NOT get one.
Thank you to all you hip and happenin' Yelpers who have raved about this place. And to Yelp itself - I raise an oatmeal shake in your honor, for thanks to you, I spent a whopping five hours on a cold winter day in a cozy comfortable cafe, eating fantastic food, drinking a bottomless cup of coffee - and have found a new friend.
I've been on the lookout for good brunch places. Noticing that Tiztal has gotten pretty solid reviews on Yelp, I decided to give it a try. I am glad to say that it did live up to my expectation.
Tiztal offers brunch with a Mexican twist. I ordered the chorizo scramble and the chorizo chilaquiles. Having tried chilaquiles from a couple of different places, I really enjoyed Tiztal's version, which is served with a tomatillo sauce, as opposed to the standard tomato sauce. Its tanginess was mellowed out by the cheese, soupy yet crunchy at the same time. The chorizo scramble was well seasoned (chorizo dishes can sometimes be too salty).
I also tried to oatmeal shake, which I highly, highly recommend.
Decor wise, Tiztal cafe appears to be remodeled very recently. There are not many seats inside, so I can see it being filled up very quickly during peak brunch hours (though they do have a patio outside).
Overall, it was a very pleasant experience. I will certainly be back.
Went there for brunch the other day and it was delicious. You have to have the potatoes, they are amazing. One a nice day enjoy the patio around back.
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