Paisano Plus rating: 4/5
Brunch is the best thing since sliced bread. Typically served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., brunch is a hybrid of breakfast foods and lunch fare. Even if you enjoy sleeping in, you can still enjoy breakfast items such as ham, eggs, and hash browns without sacrificing your beauty rest. For others, brunch means drinking mimosas at 11 a.m. without shame.
Upon entering Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar, you’re instantly greeted into a rustic, farm-house aesthetic as dimly lit bulbs create a warm and cozy setting. Walking through the door you’ll find empty soda bottles used as pots for a multitude of herbs and plants.
Located in The Shops at La Cantera, Whiskey Cake is only a short ride for UTSA students. Whiskey Cake prides itself on being a “from-scratch only” kitchen with fresh ingredients from local vendors. Even though it is located inside a mall, Whiskey Cake tends to a garden in front of the restaurant.
The restaurant has a bit of an industrial vibe with a lot of wooden furnishings and accents that make it seem like a cozy oasis. The dim lighting, wide windows and funky seating options make you feel like you are eating at a friend’s place rather than at a restaurant. While quite large, the restaurant is often crowded, but the staff and ambiance still manages to be welcoming and open.
If you are visiting anytime during weekend, expect a 15-30 minute wait — especially during brunch. The brunch menu is diverse, including common breakfast items such as Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes to more exotic lunch dishes like Pork Belly Ramen. If you’re not feeling adventurous, Whiskey Cake’s signature dishes include the Chicken & Waffles, French Toast Switch-up, Kale & Pomegranate Salad, and their OMG (Onions, Mushrooms, and Goodness) Burger.
The prices are considerable for the typical college student, ranging between $10-$22 for an entrée and $9-$12 for a brunch cocktail. Though pricey, the extensive selection of beer, wine, and whiskey is impressive.
For frugal foodies, Whiskey Cake offers a variety of $5 brunch treats including Cheddar & Jalapeno Drop Biscuits, yogurt parfait, fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs and mimosas.
The mimosa’s mix of crips champagne with freshly squeezed orange juice makes for a fresh, sweet taste. Whiskey Cake also offers non-alcholic freshly squeezed juices all priced at $5.
The Cheddar & Jalapeno Drop Biscuits are a decent pick, but leave more to be desired. As it crumbles in your mouth, the biscuit has a fresh, soft taste that pairs well with gravy. However, the taste of cheddar is little to nonexistent. The biscuit could contain more freshly sliced jalapenos instead of limiting one per biscuit.
The popular Chicken & Waffle entrée is a waffle infused with bacon slices, topped with syrup, chicken tenders, and sausage gravy. The chicken is juicy and tender with a crisp breading alongside sweet waffles, creating a classic combination of savory and sweet. Ordering the sausage gravy and syrup on the side might be a good idea if you are a slow eater who’s not a fan of soggy waffles.
Overall, Whiskey Cake has a lot to offer patrons — a wide drink selection, comfortable ambience and classic food with a dash of eccentricity. The prices are steep for the typical college student, but it is perfect to #TreatYoSelf.
If you want to stay on a budget, Whiskey Cake offers a weekly happy hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., “Whiskey Thursdays” from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and “Girls Wine Wednesday” from 4 p.m. to midnight.
