Local Brunch with Orchard Views at Luci’s

The Place: Luci’s at the Orchard
The Location: 7100 N. 12th Street, Building Two, Phoenix
The Hours: Monday – Sunday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Dish: Funky Monkey French Toast and Mimosa
By: Jessica Cowan

While Arizona is considered the “desert oasis” of the Southwest, Phoenix has its own little oasis in Luci’s at the Orchard. Luci’s is a marketplace/restaurant located at 12th Street and Glendale Avenue with a diverse menu and inviting atmosphere. With a retail section, all-day breakfast menu, gelato counter, and dog-friendly patio, this is the perfect spot for anyone looking for a little sunshine, nature, and a diamond-in-the-rough location.

While parking may be limited and the ordering line quite long, these minor inconveniences are worth enduring for the opportunity to indulge in Luci’s fabulous menu. In fact, the restaurant offers an array of fun, locally produced merchandise ranging from springtime journals to coffee mugs to funky socks, giving guests plenty of items to peruse while waiting to order. The L-shaped restaurant maintains the feel of a modern marketplace, with indoor seating surrounding the retail section and coffee bar. There is also counter seating available that overlooks the courtyard outside, where humans and their furry friends can enjoy each other’s company. During our 10 to 15 minute wait, we heard many customers assuring their friends that the food at the end of the ordering line was worth it. After sampling it ourselves, we couldn’t agree more.

Luci’s all-day breakfast menu offers delicious classics, such as biscuits and gravy, parfaits, omelets, and flapjacks. During our visit, we were intrigued by the Funky Monkey French Toast which was served with powdered sugar, plenty of butter, and warm syrup ($9.29). When ordering, the cashier offered to include berries or nuts on the French toast, and their menu even offers a gluten-free version for just $1 extra. The French toast was every bit as good as the menu’s description, with plenty of cinnamon and thick slices of “pull-apart bread.” The French toast was a clear favorite, especially when coupled with a strawberry-garnished mimosa ($7).

If mimosas are not your style, Luci’s also offers “brewmosas” ($7), Bloody Marys ($7), beer, and, for healthier options, juices and smoothies ($10-$12). Coffee is also available for purchase, as are specialty drinks from the marketplace, including sparking water, juices, teas, and bottled beer. In fact, if brunch or breakfast is not your favorite meal of the (but how could it not be?!),the menu offers an array of items for lunch-lovers, such as fresh salads, burgers, and sandwiches. There is also a kids’ menu, which includes a child-sized version of the Funky Monkey French Toast.

The gelato counter greets you as you enter, with several different flavors to choose from, and their menu boasts an array of alcoholic floats, including the ‘Not Your Father’s Root Beer Float’ ($8), complete with vanilla gelato, NYF’s Root Beer, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup.

Outside, the patio seats dozens of happy guests, welcomes furry friends, and overlooks the small, but beautiful orchard. Citrus trees line the property and block any major views of the busy street, giving customers a chance to pretend that they are enjoying brunch in the countryside, rather than in a busy metropolis. The courtyard is perfect for hosting events (there was even a baby shower during our visit!), and a splash pad is available for summer fun.

Although this location is ideal for family gatherings and brunch dates with friends, Luci’s also caters to the individual by providing a Little Free Library, where guests can grab a book to read during their visit. Are you in a rush or on-the-go? Don’t worry—Luci’s even offers a drive-thru to pick up all menu items. Come enjoy a sunny morning or restful afternoon at Luci’s at the Orchard and take in the delight of a relaxing atmosphere with great food, family, and friends.

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