OC Restaurant Quest: Mother Handsome in Oak Park
(Crystal A. Proxmire, August 22, 2024)
Oak Park, MI – A cafe in the morning and a pizza joint later, Mother Handsome in Oak Park is both. This big, beautiful shop opened earlier this summer in the Water Tower District on 11 Mile Road near the Berkeley border.
For those who love coffee, Mother Handsome offers it in many varieties including fresh brewed, au lait, cold brew, espresso, mocha, cappuccino, cortado, latte and more.
There is also a selection of teas and “non-coffee” drinks such as hot chocolate, lemonade, steamers and bottled lemonade.
Breakfast burritos and pastries – such as croissants, muffins and danishes – are available throughout the day.
A friend and I went out for pizza in the afternoon and had a white pie and a raspberry pastry. The white pie consists of ricotta, feta, red onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, homemade cheese blend, oil and garlic on a thin, floury crust.
There are other pizza options too.
Mama Said Knock You Out contains spicy Italian sausage, pepperoni, mild bell peppers, hot honey, red chili flakes, house cheese blend and spicy marinara.
The classic pepperoni sauce is called “Pep Talk” and the simple pie with marinara and cheese is called “Cheesy Dad”.
Mom’s House is the deluxe option with a plethora of classic toppings. And Mother’s Brother’s BBQ Chicken is another option.
If you’re more health conscious, Mother Handsome offers pre-packaged salads that you can conveniently enjoy on-site or to-go.
They also serve alcoholic drinks like espresso martinis with names like Hot Madre, Whiskey Business, Dirty Chai and S’Mores.
The cocktail menu changes with the season and includes the Manfashioned with Old Forester 86, sweet vermouth, bitters, cherry and orange peel. Another great option is the Prickly Pear Paloma with tequila, grapefruit, prickly pear puree, bitters, lime and soda.
The website tells the legend of Mother Handsome, a legendary 19th-century tavern owner who was known for quality food and service, as well as “first-class hospitality and warmth,” even if she lacked traditional beauty.
“Strong women move the world,” they say.
The cafe itself has a beautiful aesthetic with lots of pretty details like floral paintings on the walls and a corner with retro-style silhouettes. There is also a gathering room for meetings and events.
Mother Handsome is located in Oak Park at 14661 W. 11 Mile Road, with ample parking in the back. You’ll know you’re close when you see the Oak Park Watertower. For more information, visit https://motherhandsome.com/.
Oakland County Times is committed to enjoying every local restaurant in Oakland County. This long-term project is a labor of love and supported by our friends at White Castle. White Castle is a family-owned business that is proud to be one of only 20 large employers to make Fortune’s Best Places to Work list in 2022. With steam-grilled sliders, crispy golden-brown fries, amazing sliders like onion chips or fried clams, and the best chocolate shakes, White Castle is by far our top choice for a fast food meal. Visit their website at www.WhiteCastle.com.
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