The restaurant 1885 has doubled in size. It now boasts a new wait space, shorter wait times and beautiful natural lighting. Recently, I sat down with the two Miguels behind the successful eatery to discuss three important things: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Let’s start with first things first
“We’re not trying to be a barista,” owner Miguel Morales is quick to point out. Since the closure of St. Elmo’s Pasha coffee house, Miguel says he knows folks miss a quick place to grab a cup of joe on their way to work. However, 1885 is trying to fill in the gap with its new morning hours. So now, Monday-Friday from 8-11 a.m., 1885 offers coffee and baked goods, which could mean muffins, scones and quiche. “I’m not sure yet,” Morales says.
Moving forward, 1885 wants your input and suggestions. Morales wants to know that you think is working and what is not. And that goes for lunch too.
Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1885 is introducing lunch. Morales calls the midday menu “very efficient.” That means the food is prepared fast to get you in and out.
Dishes will include soups, salads and sandwiches, like, for example, burgers, Cubans, fish sandwiches and a number of different salads with the option to add protein. Relax, the dinner menu that has been such a draw that the restaurant needed to expand, won’t be changing. Nor will brunch, offered Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both those menus have been so successful, the restaurant is often standing room only.
But 1885’s new space helps decrease that wait time. Managing partner Miguel De Jesus says that was the intention behind the expansion – “to loosen up the dining area and to lessen wait time.” In addition, to eliminate the need to stand while waiting, 1885 has opened a new lounge-like area in the back featuring tables and chairs where guests can order a cocktail and an appetizer. The Miguels are aware that more space and more seats mean more guests. They also know “St. Elmo has a bit of a parking problem,” Morales says. So they want to be sure you know about the parking situation.
Currently you can park on the street or in the gravel lots attached to the building. Now, after 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and anytime Saturday and Sunday, you can also park in Pro-Ad Sports’ and Glasscock’s lots located across the street.
The Incline’s public parking lot is also located within eyeshot. There is a $2 fee for all-day parking, but if you bring in your ticket and spend $10 or more at 1885, the Miguels will take two bucks off your bill.
Indeed, there are many ways to love 1885 this season, but the most important can be counted on three fingers: breakfast, lunch and dinner.