We met friends for brunch down in Georgetown today. Georgetown is a really funky, industrial neighborhood just south of Seattle. It has several cool bars and restaurants, including our favorite summertime pub, Smartypants. Although it is a pretty hip place right now, Georgetown still has a really sleepy atmosphere, and that’s part of the reason why we love it. We have never had to wait for a table at Smartypants; there are always just enough easygoing patrons in the place to keep the equally laid-back wait staff moving, but it is never packed (a refreshing change from the loud, ever-crowded pubs of Capitol Hill.)

We were originally planning to meet today at Smartypants, but, since it is technically a bar, our friends’ little 6-month old wasn’t allowed in. They suggested that we try Hangar Cafe a few blocks down instead. Hangar Cafe opened several months ago. It is located in a little brick house and is very cute inside, with only a handful of tables and a small counter where you order and pay for your meal. There are also some tables outside in the front yard (outdoor seating in Seattle - yay!)

The regular menu at Hangar Cafe is pretty small and basic, but their specials board today had about 10 or more really inventive and delicious-sounding offerings. I chose the asparagus and mushroom omelet casserole which was served with “potato balls” on the side. The omelet was tasty but a tad on the overcooked side. The potato balls were certainly the unexpected highlight of the meal. They were big, round croquettes of peppery smashed potatoes, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I’ve never seen anything like this on a breakfast menu before. I love potatoes and this was a really great way to have them. Slices of nutty wheat toast and a nice selection of sliced fruits rounded out the meal.

Hangar Cafe is a place that I am looking forward to going back to. If not for the food and the homey atmosphere, then I will definitely return in the summer for the outdoor seating (complete with a front row view of the planes screaming into Boeing Field next door!) Hangar Cafe is located on the corner of 13th Ave S and Albro St. and is open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 4:00pm, Saturday from 7:30am to 3:00pm, and Sundays from 8:00am to 3:00pm.