Revival Social Club ( 1133 W. Granville Ave.; RevivalSocialClub.com ) is one of the more intriguingly named restaurants in Chicagobut it begs the question "What exactly is the place trying to revive?"
Affable owner Alan Stoll had an answer for Windy City Times, saying, "It's about what revives US, whether it's coffee, being social or something else."
And this place WILL revive you in some aspect. Being there for summer brunch ( 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on the weekends ), the cuisine, bottomless mimosas or even the quaint patio may do the trick.
For me, it was the formerand I haven't encountered a better way to start a brunch than with Revival's monkey bread ( sometimes known as "pull-aparts" ). I've encountered this dish at very few spotsand this is probably the best version I've had: cinnamon-and-sugar dough served in a cast-iron skillet with caramel drizzle and vanilla ice cream.
However, there are other enticing items as well. The tamale cakes will prove to be filling, and there are other selections such as chilaquiles, eggs Benedict, various pancakes ( including banana nut ) and even a red quinoa vegan bowl. However, for me, the breakfast sandwich ranks up there with the monkey bread; the cabatta bread, scrambled eggs, ham, Swiss, tomato, avocado cilantro aioli and mixed greens with balsamic made for an incredibly delightful meal.
And Revival has its drinks as well, including bottomless mimosas and an impressive list of cocktails.
Revival Social Club is the perfect place for everyone. ( Despite the "Club" in its name, kids are more than welcome. ) It's convenient ( steps from the Granville Red Line stop as well as the 36 bus ), brightand has some very attractive menu items.