Little Sparrow

Went for the Sunday brunch last Sunday and the food was delicious! I got the eggs Benedict and the eggs were cooked perfect. Not only was the food good but the service was excellent I never had to ask for a refill of coffee or water. They anticipated our tables needs.

Housed in a little diner on the corner of Main St., the Little Sparrow offers a small menu of takes on comfort classics in a light airy space with a spot for craft cocktails in the back.  

American (New)

I was in the area and thinking I might take another stab at bringing back a cocktail at lunch and headed into the Little Sparrow.  The Sparrow eschews the dark wood for light as well as white tile work and white paper globe lights littering the ceiling.  I've seen more places like this popping up, so I imagine it's just as much a trend as the styling before, even a reaction, but a welcome, refreshing one.  It is clean and welcoming.  I'm sure somewhere along the way Pinterest or Restoration Hardware is taking credit.  

Lunch is served 'counter style first, full service after that,' a message the staff repeats constantly as they've had trouble conveying such a message with a sign and indeed were discussing where to put a sign when I was there.  Everyone was charming and helpful -- help them out and put a sign somewhere because the alternative is that they just have to talk over everyone.  

Chicken sandwich, any chance you have fries? (No.) I'm guessing I can't get a cocktail in the middle of the day (Nope.).  OK, an Abita then.  

The fried chicken sandwich ($10) was simple with a slaw atop and a sauce with a bit of spice, but done incredibly well.  I usually worry about places like this that I'm going to leave... hungry.  Not so! This sandwich had big, remarkably juicy chunks of chicken.  Good.  The pastrami looked hearty as well.  The side salad was a pile of rocket so lightly dressed with an uncontroversial vinaigrette as to be almost misted.  I would have rather have had fries...

The cocktail bar in the back is styled similarly to the front, although taken up a bit as though it's taken some cues from the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas (baroque couches, pink things, etc.)  

There were no cocktails, however.  This is somewhat reasonable, I'm not sure people need to encourage others to drink midday, but I would have liked to try them out.  

I was happy with the Little Sparrow.  Simple, genuine -- the food and the atmosphere.  I would have liked to try some of the specialty drinks (being listed as a cocktail bar even on Yelp) and maybe to see more in the way of sides, but I would definitely come back.

Came to Little Sparrow at the recommendation of a nice fellow that lives in the area and knows all the places there. My husband and I were not dissappointed. We sat in the bar/lounge area. Joe, is the perfect bartender/mixologist! Not only is he friendly and extremely knowlegeable about drinks, but he truly enjoys his job and it shows!! We had a variety of drinks at his recommendation. We weren't disappointed! We also shared a burger with fries and the onion rings. It was delicious and they fries were the best I've ever had. Bruce, the owner, is also welcoming and friendly and came to speak with us. I hope he continues this, as it makes for a special and unusual experience for Orange County where everyone usually keeps to themselves. The decor/atmosphere is unique and subdued with a great vibe. My only recommendation (being a bit of a music snob) would be to change up the music that plays in the lounge. We will certainley be back, as this is one of the best places I have encounetered, being a long time resident here.