Willie Jane

There are two ingredients to every successful brunch: (1) good food and (2) good company.  Most of the time, the latter is easily satisfied, but the former can be so elusive.  Once in awhile, though, you'll be lucky to stumble across a place that brings that welcomed smile to your face.  

Hello, Willie Jane.

People rave about the biscuits. If you're a biscuit person, you may hold them to higher scrutiny, but if you're like me and just love a buttery, flaky biscuit without feeling like you're eating straight lard, WJ's biscuits will make your heart skip a beat (in only the good way).  The buttermilk biscuits are fabulous accompanied by the homemade honey butter or eaten as is.  

Hello, biscuit. So nice to have met you.

Slathered with burnt orange honey butter.

Mimosa - me gusta. (Go Bottomless for $15).

Smoked Salmon with Poached Eggs-- with lightly roasted potatoes and garden greens -- $14

Top view.

Vegan Soyrizo & Eggs with Corn Tortillas and Hot Sauce -- $12

Shrimp & Grits with a side of soft-scrambled eggs and bacon and slices of red bell pepper -- $17

Top view.

Mary's Fried Chicken & Waffles -- with spicy slaw and chile maple syrup --$16

Top view.

This ain't Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles, but boy, do they cook up a mighty good chicken & waffles dish. And whoever Mary is, God bless her.  Unlike Roscoe's, however, the chicken is in the form of chicken tenders (no bones).  The batter has the just the right amount of salt and spice.  The sweetness from the syrup pairs so well with the savory flavors of the chicken and the slaw.  The waffles, cut into quarters, contain the right amount of crisp and chewiness.  It's a bit pricey, but I was thoroughly impressed with the taste, and sometimes, it's worth shelling out extra cash for great quality.

Other notes: Great interior design, but the back patio is where you want to sit.  With natural sunlight (without needing to squint through your meal), the patio provides a nice "bungalow," beachy vibe.  I'm sure Willie Jean transforms into a more trendy spot for dinner, but during the day on Sundays, it's casual without pretension.

Get: Fried Chicken & Waffles; Shrimp & Grits; BISCUITS.





cuisine: American
location: Venice, CA
hours: T-Sat: 4pm - midnight; Sun: 11:30am - 9pm.
websites: { WJ | yelp | facebook | twitter | instagram }
attire: Casual
parking: Street meters or nearby free street parking (read the signs!).
other reviews: { J. Gold }