By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Aug 24, 2018 at 11:06 AM

Last week, we spilled the beans that Kompali, the taqueria at 1205 E. Brady St. would be launching brunch service on both Sundays and Mondays.

Of course, after reading through the menu, it sounded so good, we decided to try it out for ourselves. That was a very good decision. Not only are the brunch options delicious, they’re also incredibly affordable.

Let’s start with the bloody maria. This take on the classic bloody mary starts with a flavorful housemade mix (not a doctored up bottled mix) featuring tomato juice, cilantro, jalapenos and a secret blend of spices. Of course, that’s kicked up a notch by a liberal dose of tequila. And yes, in true Milwaukee fashion, it also includes a mini meal of garnishes (bacon, cheese, an olive, a pepper... it was just enough to hold us over until our food came).

I ordered mine extra spicy, and it was pretty fantastic. I'd go so far as to say it might be one of my new favorites. Bonus: they’re just $5. Now we wish we’d have tried the tequilamosas as well (you can get yours for $7).

Among the Mexican specialties is a breakfast huarache featuring fresh masa that’s been flattened and fried before being topped with a deliciously fresh combination of beans, lettuce, tomato and salsa roja. Then it’s topped with two sunny-side-up eggs, which were perfectly cooked ($9). I didn't, but you can add ham or housemade chorizo for $2.50, if you’d like to gild the lily.

Similarly, you’ll find housemade gorditas. At Kompali, this classic Mexico City street food is served taco-style. The corn masa flatbread is stuffed with scrambled eggs and cheese and topped with crisp lettuce and tomato. You also get rice and beans on the side (and those refrieds are delicious). It’s $8 and, again, you can add ham or chorizo to the mix for $2.50.

Then there’s the colorful huevos divorciados, which features two sunny-side-up eggs, each with their own distinct personality. One is served in a pool of salsa verde and the other in ranchera sauce, neither the least bit bland. They’re separated by a trail of ultra crispy bacon and served with black beans and rice ($7.50).

We also split an order of horchata pancakes… because who wouldn’t want ultra fluffy pancakes infused with the delicious flavors of vanilla and cinnamon? These are good. Their texture is light and fluffy -- and maybe a bit like coffee cake -- and they’re drizzled with a sweet horchata syrup, which underscores their flavor ($8). 

If you love your pancakes doused in liquid, these might not be your jam; but if you enjoy something just a bit sweet to nosh along with your coffee, you might enjoy this new take on a brunch staple.

At the end of it all, all three of us were relaxed, full and ready for a nap. We'd each enjoyed a bloody maria and a touch of coffee along with the dishes you see above. Now do the math. Brunch for three people for less than $60... it's a deal. 

Kompali offers brunch on both Sundays and Mondays (hear that, industry folks?) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor

As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.