Soho: Northeast Ohio's best weekend brunches, breakfasts

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Our brunch and breakfast series continues as we check out Soho. Here's a look at what to expect:

Location + hours: Soho is at 1889 W. 25th St., in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood, 216-298-9090. Brunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Park behind West Side Market.

Menu or buffet? Menu.

About the place: This place resembled a fun night out rather than a sleepy brunch spot. Great energy. You might want to call for reservations. It was packed by the time we left on a recent Saturday. And afterward, you can hit your choice of breweries in the neighborhood.

About the menu: It's a chicken and waffles kind of place, with shrimp and grits, hush puppies and gravy and other Southern fare.

About the food: Beignets - served with two jams - were great, and just as good as leftovers the next day. They came with dippable chocolate and jam. A Benedict with poached eggs was served with quality fingerling potatoes - crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. A zesty hollandaise with tabasco was just spicy enough but not over the top. Country ham rounded out the dish.

Nice touches: Our server brought out biscuits we thought were a misplaced appetizer. Nope, SOP at Soho. Apple butter was a tasty accompaniment. Oh, and the cream for coffee comes in a little old-fashioned pitcher.

Don't miss: Shakshuka. Tomato gravy topped with baked eggs and sweet potatoes, hominy (a great Southern base not seen often enough on menus), black beans, feta cheese and long crisp thick pieces of toast. It's different, works for dinner as easily as brunch, and delicious with all the varying textures. Even if you don't order it, it's fun to say.

Note: The restaurant occasionally shuts down for private events (Saturday, Oct. 20, for instance.) Check availability.

Have a brunch spot you've wondered about and want us to visit? Email me.

Previous eats: Northeast Ohio breakfast-brunch spots we've tried:

111 Bistro - Medina

35 Brix - Green

Akron Family Restaurant - Akron

Alley Cat - Cleveland

Bay Diner - Bay Village

Beau's on the River - Cuyahoga Falls

Big Al's Diner - Cleveland

Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern - Twinsburg

Blue Door Cafe - Cuyahoga Falls