It’s me B
This place is amazing! You absolutely have to check it out when you’re around, and it’s definitely worth the trip if you’re not already. The atmosphere is like southern comfort, and the staff is so friendly and welcoming. We got the XXL Cookhouse Chicken Biscuit with Eggs and the Fluffy Brown Butter Buttermilk Pancakes. Dominique was fantastic with his recommendations. Thanks! The biscuits were a bit spicy, but they were so good. The pimento cheese added a creamy touch that matched the flaky crust of the fried chicken thigh and biscuits. The over medium eggs also made the creaminess to crispy ratio even better. The Yukon potatoes were flaky on the outside and buttery soft on the inside. The pancakes are big enough to share, and they don’t skimp on the portions here. The pancakes have a taste and texture that remind me of French toast, but with a less gritty sweet cornbread feel. I recommend letting the syrup soak into the center to really enhance the flavor.
… moreJodi Bailey
Every bit of this brunch was The spiced cider with bourbon was warm and perfect for the cold day! (My friend had the Alpharetta fog which was pretty, warm AND yummy). We shared the XXL chicken sandwich with pimento cheese spiced chili sauce along with the giant and delicious cinnamon roll topped with toasted pecan cream cheese frosting (if I were to do it again I’d ask if they could warm it up- not sure if that’s an option but worth a shot!) it tasted good as it was but woulda been even better warmed. Environment with hanging plants was fresh. Go experience Hen Mother Cookhouse!!
… moreSir Retired Slim
We had such a great time at this brunch spot that we were eager to explore another location! Hen Mother Cookhouse offers a truly unique, friendly, and spacious dining experience.
First off, the Alpharetta location is much larger than the Johns Creek one. According to the sign, it started in 2018, long before the pandemic, and right when downtown revitalization was all the rage. We were absolutely captivated by the renovated house with its enormous heated patio—it was amazing! The star of the patio was the flooring, made from all-weather material. The lunch noise level was pleasant, so you didn’t have to shout.
The service was nice, but it felt a bit distant. Our server was constantly moving between the patio and the inside. Some might think his attention was slow, but we were fine with the pace.
The owner was there on this day and was very friendly with the regulars. She smiled at us, but her request was quite demanding, like booking a Swift concert.
As always, the food is the highlight. I got the Caesar salad with a fried chicken thigh, and my wife had pancakes and bacon. My salad was delicious, and the brined fried chicken on top was fantastic. However, the two pancakes were huge, the size of two frisbees—yes, both in circumference and depth. The flavor was still like an old-fashioned house pancake, but the size was overwhelming. Just imagine a skillet cornbread popping out as a pancake that took 20 minutes to cook—I wouldn’t recommend it. The bacon was good, but I think you should offer Waffles and Bacon instead of just Chicken and Waffles, as not everyone enjoys that combination. Also, the owner charged me $0.65 for a side Caesar dressing—come on, really?
Even though I wouldn’t say I’d “simply” recommend Hen Mother Cookhouse for the food, I’d definitely suggest it for the experience. The menu is gourmet and definitely worth checking out. But, to be honest, the food is good, but the prices are a bit steep; it took me two visits to decide. We spent $55 on two pancakes, bacon, and a Caesar salad, and that’s without drinks. I really love the history and her story—chef to owner—but not allowing any flexibility with your menu is subtle arrogance and sadly you’re paying for “Lululemon when Costco sells the same leggings!” With that said, Oy!, J Christopher, Snooze, Flying Biscuit, and First Watch are still my top 5.
… moreIsabel Yanes
This brunch spot is INCREDIBLE! I enjoyed everything I ate here and cannot recommend it enough if you’re in the mood for high quality breakfast food in a cute location. I visited on a Thursday around 11am and found it about half full, as you would expect during the week, however my friends have been here on weekends and say it gets very busy, especially since they don’t take reservations. The drink cart outside is adorable and allows people to sip away as they wait for a table. Genius!
We sat outside on the patio surrounded by trees, far enough away from the street to feel secluded. Our server was very kind and had extensive knowledge of the menu. Of all the items we tried, the Oat Hot Cakes stole the show. I loved the crispy outside contrasted with the fluffy inside, and various seeds and grains that make it a hearty and healthier option. The poached blueberries and maple syrup were great, but I also recommend spreading their jam in between the layers for an added kick of flavor. This dish is massive, so be prepared to split with someone and take home the leftover. They reheat really well!
Another high praise item was the house brined and crispy fried chicken thigh. I loved the thick seasoned batter and crispy texture. Reminded me of an elevated Kentucky fried chicken. The breakfast tacos were also pretty good, but they would taste better with cilantro. I also tried their chai and was unfortunately disappointed because it lacked the deep spice flavor you expect out of this Indian tea. Instead it tasted like lightly seasoned warm milk or pumpkin spice latte. Regardless, I still recommend visiting, especially with a group of 4 to enjoy the atmosphere and well crafted dishes.
… moreRaven A
I’m back in ATL so that means it’s time for another food review! Today, I visited Hen Mother with my bestie and her babies. The line was out the door! When you walk up, there is someone serving their cocktails at a bar cart. Once seated, we quickly ordered our food. And when I say it was delicious!! I had the chicken biscuit and it was phenomenal! 10/10 recommend. The chicken was well cooked and seasoned. The potatoes served on the side were crunchy on the exterior and soft like butter on the inside. The pancakes are huge!! I had one of the cocktails and it was as strong as it was flavorful. The service was great and the music was great. We sat outside on the patio because it was such a beautiful day. 10/10 recommend and I will definitely return on my next trip.
… moreJamie Kim
Had a brunch on a Tuesday morning and got sat right away. The place was still busy, but the tables turned over pretty quickly. We ordered the breakfast tacos and the chicken and waffles. The food was good, and I can’t complain about anything. Both dishes were definitely better than average. The server kept forgetting things, but was still friendly. The interior was cute and partioned off since it seemed like an older home. Would come back but also just 5 min from my place so convenient!
… moreYolinette Crespo
Nick made our experience awesome and easy going with a big group of 9! All of our food and drinks came out perfect. Highly recommend the poutine hash, chicken Caesar melt and peppermint mocha !
… moreSonogirl
This restaurant is cute and we sat kind of near the front. There were small bistro tables for intimate seating. The wait staff was great and very attentive. I had ordered a lavender cappuccino which was good but not very hot. I ordered the chicken and waffles which was very good. The chicken was very crispy and flavorful and the waffle was thick, fluffy and tender. My son has Celiac so we told the waiter and he helped him order. He ordered the soft scrambled eggs with bacon and the biscuit that comes with it wrapped up and in a bag to take home for dad to eat! His eggs were very good. He also ordered an Earl Grey tea which they brought in a cute tea pot-though it’s was a flowered design and kind of resembled something that you would see at your grandma’s house. It was ok though, the tea was good.
All in all we had a nice time and I would recommend giving it a try. Not the most adventurous choice but good solid food.
… moreVictor Fettes
Great place to enjoy a delicious breakfast. The portions are huge and everything we have eaten was delicious. The restaurant is hoping and so it is a little loud and the waiters can get very busy, but I highly recommend it.
… moreLauren Owens
We stopped in today from out of town and had a great experience. Our server, Dom, was so helpful in suggestions and explanations. We got the seasonal quiche, market hash, chicken biscuit, breakfast tacos and the hot cakes- it was all amazing!!! Highly suggest this place.
… more