Blue Bird Bistro
Even though there were a few snafus on the morning we reviewed, I still think that Bluebird has the best breakfast/brunch in town. The menu is creative and fresh and the quality is excellent. The blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup alone is a good reason to go there. And, if I have to sacrifice stellar service to get them, well, so be it… I will definitely return! Besides, I love the old-world European charm.
Atmosphere
The first time I walked into Bluebird about 5 years ago I immediately fell in love. Something about the old mosaic-tile floors, high tin ceilings, and intimate bistro tables reminded me of Europe, and I felt I could sit at one of those tables all day, drinking lattes and reading the paper. I still get that feeling every time I go there. It's at once cozy, sophisticated, and bohemian- a true original.
In the back there is a smaller dining room with tall windows, skylights, wood floors, exposed brick, and ever-changing art, for those who prefer a sunnier, more contemporary feel.
In both seating areas wood tables are simply-set with silverware, white linen napkins, and a lone wildflower in a jar, a perfect example of the mix of casual and sophisticated that this restaurant exemplifies.
In the back there is a smaller dining room with tall windows, skylights, wood floors, exposed brick, and ever-changing art, for those who prefer a sunnier, more contemporary feel.
In both seating areas wood tables are simply-set with silverware, white linen napkins, and a lone wildflower in a jar, a perfect example of the mix of casual and sophisticated that this restaurant exemplifies.
Service
On the day we went I have to admit our service was not that great. First, when we were seated, we were taken to a small, crowded two-top in the middle of the back room, even though most of the restaurant was empty. When we asked to sit in the window we got the obligatory eye-roll, which I not only notice, but hate!
During service, our waitress was friendly enough though not very efficient. Our coffee cups were empty most of the time, and no one came to check on us after our food was delivered. When we needed something we had to chase her down. The worst thing? She didn't seem busy at all.
During service, our waitress was friendly enough though not very efficient. Our coffee cups were empty most of the time, and no one came to check on us after our food was delivered. When we needed something we had to chase her down. The worst thing? She didn't seem busy at all.
Food
Whenever I read those lists about the best breakfasts in KC I am always shocked and surprised that Bluebird is not listed. Then again, the restaurant on the top of the list right now is Hardy's so, there you go…
But, seriously, Bluebird has the greatest breakfast/brunch around! Maybe it's that people think organic food is too upscale for them, or that it won't taste good if it's good for you, I don't know. But not only is the menu creative and interesting, everything is fresh and made from local, organic ingredients! And, it is not any more expensive than any other upscale breakfast place in KC, think Classic Cup or ReVerse, on the Plaza.
For our breakfast, we chose several different options so we could try a lot of things. I had the eggs benedict ($11), poached cage-free eggs on an organic English muffin, with local cheese, natural bacon, and hollandaise sauce. Although the eggs were a bit cold, (truth be told, all of our food was a little cold…) the dish was delicious; the hollandaise was excellent and the bacon was incredible.
My boyfriend had a made-to-order omelet ($7.50 for 3 ingredients) with spinach, cheddar, mushrooms, and bison sausage ($1.50 extra) which was very good. The sausage, especially, was amazing. The omelet also came with home-fried potatoes which were great, and a house-made wheat biscuit which was a little dense but really good with apple butter. We also split a side order of an organic white-wheat flour pancake with blueberries. The pancake was slightly underdone but the blueberries were plump and juicy. The pancake was served with organic butter that tasted good but was too hard to actually put on the pancake (or biscuit) and real maple syrup, which was so good I could've had it as a beverage!
Again, all of our food was a little cold. I'm not sure if that was the waitress' fault or the kitchen's but all-in-all the food was excellent. We definitely cleaned our plates.
And, as a note, in the many times I have been to Bluebird, in fact I take all my out-of-town guests there, this was the first time the service was questionable or the food was cold. So, not to excuse them for either, I will still give them the benefit of the doubt.
But, seriously, Bluebird has the greatest breakfast/brunch around! Maybe it's that people think organic food is too upscale for them, or that it won't taste good if it's good for you, I don't know. But not only is the menu creative and interesting, everything is fresh and made from local, organic ingredients! And, it is not any more expensive than any other upscale breakfast place in KC, think Classic Cup or ReVerse, on the Plaza.
For our breakfast, we chose several different options so we could try a lot of things. I had the eggs benedict ($11), poached cage-free eggs on an organic English muffin, with local cheese, natural bacon, and hollandaise sauce. Although the eggs were a bit cold, (truth be told, all of our food was a little cold…) the dish was delicious; the hollandaise was excellent and the bacon was incredible.
My boyfriend had a made-to-order omelet ($7.50 for 3 ingredients) with spinach, cheddar, mushrooms, and bison sausage ($1.50 extra) which was very good. The sausage, especially, was amazing. The omelet also came with home-fried potatoes which were great, and a house-made wheat biscuit which was a little dense but really good with apple butter. We also split a side order of an organic white-wheat flour pancake with blueberries. The pancake was slightly underdone but the blueberries were plump and juicy. The pancake was served with organic butter that tasted good but was too hard to actually put on the pancake (or biscuit) and real maple syrup, which was so good I could've had it as a beverage!
Again, all of our food was a little cold. I'm not sure if that was the waitress' fault or the kitchen's but all-in-all the food was excellent. We definitely cleaned our plates.
And, as a note, in the many times I have been to Bluebird, in fact I take all my out-of-town guests there, this was the first time the service was questionable or the food was cold. So, not to excuse them for either, I will still give them the benefit of the doubt.
Cleanliness
Though not one of those new, shiny-type places, Bluebird is always clean and organized looking. They have great bathrooms with nice hand lotion, and you can see in the kitchen as you walk from front to back. The kitchen seems very small, but also clean and together.
Pros
The food here is good and good for you! The prices are reasonable for what it is, and the atmosphere has an old-world European charm that I love.
Cons
On the morning we went the service was not very attentive and the food was a little cold. This was the first time I experienced anything like this here, I hope it is not a trend.