OC Restaurant Quest: Mother Handsome in Oak Park
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Aug. 22, 2024)
Oak Park, MI – Coffee shop in the morning, pizza bar later in the day, Mother Handsome in Oak Park is both. This big, beautiful space opened earlier this summer in the “Water Tower District” on 11 Mile Road, on the border with Berkley.
For those who like coffee, Mother Handsome has it in lots of ways, including fresh brewed, au lait, cold brew, espresso, mocha, cappuccino, cortado, latte and more.
There are also a selection of teas, and “not coffee” beverages like hot cocoa, lemonade, steamers, and bottled soda.
Breakfast burritos and pastries – like croissants, muffins, and danishes – are available all day.
A friend and I ventured in for pizza in the afternoon, enjoying a White Pie and a raspberry danish. The White Pie has ricotta, feta, red onion, tomato, jalapenos, house cheese blend, oil, and garlic on a thin, floury crust.
There are other pizza options as well.
Mama Said Knock You Out has hot Italian sausage, pepperoni, mild peppers, hot honey, red chili flakes, house blend cheese, and spicy marinara.
The classic pepperoni is called the Pep Talk, and the simple pie with marinara and cheese is the Cheesy Dad.
Mom’s House is the deluxe, with a plethora of classic toppings. And the Mother’s Brother’s BBQ Chicken is another of the options.
On the healthier side, Mother Handsome offers up packaged salads which are convenient to enjoy onsite or to go.
They also serve up adult beverages, like Espresso Martinis with names like Hot Madre, Whiskey Business, Dirty Chai, and S’Mores.
Their list of cocktails changes seasonally, including the Manfashioned made with Old Forester 86, sweet vermouth, simple bitters, cherry, and orange peel. Another fun option is the Prickly Pear Paloma made with tequila, grapefruit, prickly pear puree, simple, lime and soda.
The website shares the legend of Mother Handsome, a legendary tavern keeper in the 1800s who was known for quality food and service, with “top-notch hospitality and welcomeness,” though she lacked traditional beauty.
“Strong women make the world go round,” they say.
The cafe itself does embrace a beautiful aesthetic, with plenty of pretty details like floral murals on the wall and nook lined with retro style silhouettes. There’s also a gathering space available for meetings and events.
Mother Handsome is located at 14661 W. 11 Mile Road in Oak Park, with plenty of parking in back. You know you’re close when you see the Oak Park Watertower. Learn more at https://motherhandsome.com/.
Oakland County Times is on a QUEST to enjoy every local restaurant in Oakland County. This long-term project is a labor of love, supported by our friends at White Castle. White Castle is a family-owned company that is proud to be one of only 20 large employers to make the Fortune Best Places to work list in 2022. With steam-grilled sliders, crispy golden french fries, fantastic slides like onion chips or fried clams, and the best chocolate shakes, White Castle is a by far our top choice for a fast food meal. Check out their website at www.WhiteCastle.com.
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