Restaurant Review – Family-friendly, calorie-conscious Pastore + Brunch in Lincoln Square

Swimsuit season has officially arrived! Happy second day of Summer, everyone. There are many reasons we like Lincoln Square’s Pastore + Brunch, including the quality of the ingredients, the innovative, Mexican-inspired breakfast, lunch and brunch options, and healthy selections. And in swimsuit season, you can keep track of every calorie you consume at Pastore + Brunch.

Yes, calorie counts on each item come with the menu. 

Take, for example, their signature brunch items. For a mere 348 calories, the Mexican Molletesbolillo rolls smothered with warm refried beans and melty Chihuahua cheese. And you can top them with their self-described “fresh, zesty” pico de gallo. Or their 1100-calorie Mexican-inspired Chicken and Mini Waffles, featuring a fresh, made to order, juicy chicken breast, which has been marinated in their special sauce (a house recipe,) accompanied with “a little waffles,” with your choice of ranch, honey mustard, or Buffalo dipping sauce. For just 447 calories (149 per slice,) you can indulge in their Lincoln Square Stuffed French Toast with three pieces of your choice of strawberries, Nutella, or sweet Ricotta cheese, which are topped with berries sauce, roasted marshmallow, and chocolate Pockys.

Their Lincoln Ave Frittata has thin slices of prosciutto, fresh wild mushrooms, roasted onions, roasted tomatoes and parmesan cheese on top for 470 calories, and their Mix Mex Frittata pairs chorizo, fresh pico de gallo, fire roasted poblano peppers, melted Chihuahua cheese on top for 520 calories.

Their appetizers are equally inspired. A favorite is the Mexican Street Corn, which comes covered with Hellmann’s mayonnaise, chile tajin and cotija cheese, and our choice of ‘on the cob’ or ‘plate’. All for a mere 240 calories! 

Another calorie bargain and specialty of the house is the P+B Burger. How is it possible that ahalf-pound of charbroiled cooked meat, pastor meat, grilled pineapple, grilled onions, and Chihuahua cheese, and waffle fries can clock in at 370 calories? 

Their signature P+B Tacos are served on double house-made corn tortillas (gluten-free). They note that all tacos and baos are available as a lettuce wrap, with your choice of lettuce and tomato, or cilantro and onions. Pastore + Brunch Fish Tacos come with red cabbage, pico de gallo, Valentina (hot) sauce, mayo, and lime wedge, all for 156 calories. Chicken Tacos come with a grilled chicken breast, pickled jalapeño, pico de gallo and queso fresco for 185 calories. Pastor Bao has shredded carrots, cilantro, and chipotle pineapple sauce for 190 calories.

And yes, there are salads! The 530-calorie P+B Spinach Berry Saladpairsbaby spinach and greens, which comes tossed with fresh strawberries, onions, blueberries, fresco cheese and yogurt dressing. Proteins like chicken or steak can be added for additional cost and calories. Their Cobb Iceberg Salad is served on a bed of romaine and iceberg lettuce, with bacon chips, fresh avocado, grilled chicken breast, fresh tomato, hard boiled eggs, and blue cheese, all for 630 calories.

A separate Kids Menu features kiddie-friendly favorites, like quesadillas and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, all for 500 calories and under.

Pastore + Brunch is BYOB and located at 4661 N. Lincoln Avenue. Their hours are Monday-Sunday, 7am-3pm. For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago