Scrambled Southern Diner

Located at 2417 Spring Garden Street in Greensboro, Scrambled Southern Diner offers innovative, locally sourced Southern fare for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Breakfast items are offered until closing, and there are rotating specials and a full bar. Outdoor seating is available.

I was an admirer of – albeit an infrequent visitor to – Josephine’s, the upscale eatery that used to occupy this space. When Josephine’s owners rebooted the establishment as a breakfast/lunch concept last year, I was skeptical that a restaurant on Spring Garden that closed at 3 p.m. would be able to stay afloat. If my first visit was any indication, my skepticism was misplaced.

To say that Scrambled does brisk breakfast business is a massive understatement. The compact confines fill quickly, and if lunch is anywhere close, there is no reason to worry about Scrambled going under any time soon. One look at the menu, and you’ll understand the bustle. From burritos and benedicts to pancakes and waffles, Scrambled covers many morning favorites. Come past 11 a.m. and you can also take in a sandwich or the daily blue plate special.

On versatility alone, however, the breakfast scrambles are the real stars: two eggs scrambled, over easy or in an omelet with grits or hash browns, toast or a biscuit, and a bevy of creative toppings all served in an apropos cast iron skillet. For my first visit, I went with the Mariner (crab, lobster, spinach, tomato, scallions, and sherry fondue) while my fiancée tried the Green Eggs and Ham (chorizo, scallions, queso fresco, salsa verde, chile lime crema). Both dishes were generously portioned, colorfully plated, and tasted every bit as good as they looked. The Mariner’s rich, creamy sauce, combined with bites of seafood, called to mind a good lobster bisque while the Green Eggs and Ham had a nice, spicy kick. Biscuits came with a choice of very good housemade jams. The hash browns were rather salty, but they added a great crunch to my skillet.

Given the high volume of patronage, service was surprisingly warm and attentive. There is definitely a more relaxed vibe here than when this place was Josephine’s, but a few constants remain. For starters, the décor (maroon walls and lots of overhead ductwork) remains unappealing. You’ll also continue to pay a pretty penny for eating here. My scramble ran $13.30, a lot to spend on a breakfast dish, but not unreasonable given the ingredients and honestly worth every cent. In all fairness, most of the other scrambles and several of the lunch offerings are in the $10 to $11 range.

Against expectations, Scrambled successfully combines the friendly boisterousness of a Southern diner with the high-level execution of the space’s previous concept. Don’t let the appellation “brunch spot” drive you away: there is something here to please just about everyone.

8.25/10