Brunch at the Alter House was no sacrifice

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When it comes to brunch, I love all the options in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

There’s something about a quaint brunch after Sunday Mass that makes me feel complete.

Last week, Oscar and I decided on the Alter House Restaurant & Bar, 926 Lackawanna Trail, in South Abington Township, a farm-to-table style restaurant that I’ve heard rave reviews about since it opened in 2018.

Still, I’d never eaten there, despite seeing the parking lot packed anytime I’ve passed during normal business hours.

I didn’t realize they were open for Sunday brunch. I knew it was a fancy spot for fabulous dinners, as friends and relatives attested to the amazing steak and food made on the woodfire grill.

We heard they were open for Sunday brunch, made a last-minute reservation and ended up having a truly exceptional experience.

It was so good that I wanted to devote today’s whole column to the Alter House.

Oscar and I dined there last Sunday afternoon and couldn’t have been happier.

The atmosphere is elegant, yet relaxed. The space is chic, comfortable and classy with impressive light fixtures, half booths and a beautiful, long bar.

The drinks are what you’d expect for brunch: mimosas, bellinis and bloody marys. I especially appreciated the mocktail menu and ordered a yuzu garden spritz, which is a combination of Seedlip Garden non-alcoholic spirit, honey simple syrup, fresh local mint, Fever-Tree sparkling lime and yuzu.

There are all sorts of cocktails, mocktails, craft beers and wines from which to choose.

For food starters, we ordered the bruschetta, which was made in the spirit of the season. Instead of the usual toppings, this bruschetta was adorned with summer fruit, white balsamic and chevre (goat) cheese.

For an entrée, we both picked off the special Sunday menu. Ham benedict for me and the chicken sandwich for him.

Neither were comparable to any other we’d had before. Both dishes had special extras that elevated the flavor.

The ham benedict consisted of local farmer’s poached eggs, Hillbilly Ham, Endless Roots Farm greens, fresh asparagus, an English muffin and house made Hollandaise.

The chicken sandwich was on a house aioli brioche bun with house made pickle, crispy local leaf lettuce and smoked potato salad on the side.

As if we hadn’t had enough, we ordered dessert (at my suggestion, but who’s judging).

The peaches and crème crepes were on the entrée menu, but our waiter said it could make a nice dessert, too. So we did.

No word of lie, I could have eaten both crepes on my own, but was glad we split it.

The peaches and crème crepes were made with cinnamon butter, house made local peach preserves and cannoli crème.

While we were there, I saw couples and friends gathering at the bar, as well as families dining and dressed in their Sunday best.

This is a place where you can count on having an exceptional meal in a modern atmosphere. Check it out at summitalterhouse.com.

Family members and friends have recommended Alter House for dinner as well, so I see a nighttime stop in our near future.

We’ll definitely visit again.

Mike McGinley is a Times Leader columnist who is often called a man about town. Email him thoughts at [email protected].