Well, faithful SPMers, this is it: the last Brite's Bites. And so to end, I would like to start at the beginning: breakfast.
Harlow's (1021 W. University Drive) is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a homemade breakfast, especially as a break during the dreaded finals weeks. I'm sure all of you, like myself, procrastinate on studying and writing those last essays until the night before. So after pulling an all-night study session, head to Harlow's - which opens at 6 a.m. on weekdays - for a hearty meal and a cup of coffee to jumpstart your day.
I went to Harlow's one recent morning after procrastinating all night when I was supposed to be writing this column. The outside of the restaurant looks completely run down and a little sketchy, so as I headed there bright and early, I had to second-guess my decision. But inside, the service was extremely friendly, and I immediately felt more comfortable.
The inside decor makes Harlow's look like it could be a rest stop restaurant somewhere in west Texas. The brown plastic booths and similarly colored walls and ceilings look absolutely hideous. The yellow-tinted lights at the booths only added to the mediocrity of the place.
But the food completely made up for the decor, and halfway through the meal, I began to appreciate the laidback, friendly atmosphere a little more.
My fellow procrastinator and I ordered the French toast and the biscuits and gravy. The food was warm, homemade and delicious. It took me back to the days in high school where I stayed up all night - procrastinating of course - and my mom made French toast for breakfast and sent me off to school, Coca-Cola in my hand. The biscuits were warm and fluffy, and the sausage gravy, I am told, was absolutely creamy and delicious. We both ordered a glass of orange juice, which tasted like no-pulp Minute Maid straight from the carton - just like Mom would've served. Who needs that fresh, home-squeezed stuff? My friend also ordered a cup of coffee. It was good, he said, but a small cup costs $2.
Harlow's is only open for breakfast and lunch (lunch isn't served until 11 a.m.), so after a night of studying, you'd better get there quick for a laidback atmosphere and homestyle meal.