Brunch with Ben offers eggs and pancakes with a side of history

Brunch with Ben
Brunch with Ben kicks off this weekend at Red Owl Tavern.
PROVIDED / CHRISTOPHER DEVERN

If anyone ever wondered if Benjamin Franklin was a big brunch guy, Red Owl Tavern’s latest offering answers that question.

Brunch with Ben kicks off this Sunday, June 29, and will return for two additional dates throughout the summer (July 27 and Aug. 17). On those days, from noon to 1:30 p.m., locals will be able to indulge in different brunch specialties and cocktails at the Old City locale, while Benjamin Franklin (portrayed by one of the nation’s leading historical interpreters) will peruse around the two-story venue to chat with guests, cite historical facts, and take different photo ops.

Brunch with Ben
PROVIDED / CHRISTOPHER DEVERN

“Being located a stone’s throw from where the Declaration of Independence was signed is so special, and we want to make sure we’re always celebrating and honoring history here at Red Owl Tavern – which coincides with welcoming in our good friend Ben into the restaurant as his second home,” said Richard Ruth, Director of Food & Beverage at Kimpton Hotel Monaco. “Don your bifocals, grab your powdered wig (optional), and raise a mimosa to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Red Owl Tavern’s Chef Charles Vogt oversees the brunch menu, which includes picks like Eggs Benny, with pork roll ($21) or smoked salmon ($24), “1776 Fries” (aka Old City’s Take on Disco Fries, $16) with smoked brisket, Grafton cheddar mornay, cowboy candy, and chipotle BBQ, plus, Steak + Egg Chilaquiles ($25) crafted with carne asada, a sunny side egg, ranchero sauce, cotija, and crema.

The locale also recently launched a Mimosa Brunch Special ($25) to its list of offerings. The activation includes a chilled bottle of sparkling white paired with a choice of orange or cranberry juice with the purchase of any entrée. Brunch highlights for this activation span Chicken + Waffles ($23) Banana Bread ($11), a Strawberries + Cream Belgian Waffle ($19) Avocado Toast ($19) and more.

Brunch with Ben
PROVIDED / CHRISTOPHER DEVERN

Reservations for Brunch with Ben at Red Owl Tavern are strongly encouraged and can be made via OpenTable.  To find out more information on Red Owl Tavern (433 Chestnut St.), visit redowltavern.com