Business & Tech

Winning Breakfast/Brunch: Nora B's in Elm Grove

Opened in spring 2010, Nora B's motto is "We can do that, just ask!" Seven specialty omelets are on the all-day breakfast menu plus many other offerings touted by loyal customers in Patch's Readers' Choice contest.

Nora B's in Elm Grove is no stranger to praise and awards.

But owner Nora Barton will need to make room for more after her two-year-old cafe won Patch's Best Brookfield Area Breakfast / Brunch spot.

Coming in behind Nora B's were , and First Watch, all in Brookfield.

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Barton opened Nora B's in spring 2010 after losing her job in IT support amid economic downsizing. She partnered with executive chef Executive Chef Christine Moshinski, who had worked at Mimma's on Brady Street but also found herself unemployed.

Almost immediately after opening, Nora B's developed a loyal customer base, as well as praise from JSOnline.com dining critic Carol Deptolla, who touted the fruit-filled pancakes, and a spot in Milwaukee Magazine's 2010 top 25 breakfast spots.

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Nora B's is located in the Village Court shopping center at 890 Elm Grove Rd. just north of Bluemound Road, open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Their menu is on their website and they are on Facebook and Twitter @NoraBsSpecials.

So what makes Nora B's so special? Here's what some readers said:

"Great steak and eggs breakfast, super Mexican omelet, the very very best cinnamon rolls. super great atmosphere, great wait staff, and cooks."

"They have the best pancakes, fresh bakery and excellent omelets!"

"I recommend the Spinach, Mushroom and Swiss omlette YUM!! .... Nora B's has the best Turkey Ruben followed with some Sweet Fries."

"The chef will customize anything for you. Chef Chris and Tom do a superb job in the kitchen!"

"Their corned beef hash has changed my life and I cannot eat anyone else's as a result. SO GOOD!

"Best potato pancakes I've ever had. Mmmmm."

Votes for runner-up Red Mill, which was a strong second-place in Patch's best fish fry contest, were a little surprising, given its lack of a breakfast menu. Maybe its customers were thinking more about a 11 a.m. early lunch / brunch.....

But the popularity of George Webb and First Watch was not surprising, both of whom serve breakfast all day. ("It's Always Breakfast Time," toutes Webb's menu.) George Webb is open 24 hours a day at 19555 W. Bluemound Rd.

First Watch, which debuted in April 2011, is open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Brownstones Shopping Center, 17550 W. Bluemound Rd.

"First Watch, hands down," wrote one Patch reader. "Great balance of protein packed and sweeter menu options. Humane and organically raised produce and eggs puts us at ease. Great prices!"

"Hands down the best place for breakfast, lunch or brunch in Brookfield!!" wrote another.

For now, Nora B's will enjoy bragging rights — as well as a winning Readers' Choice certificate from Patch. Thanks to all who voted and commented and stay tuned for more Readers' Choice contests.

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