Sunrise Bistro Xpress – Start Your Day Right with Fresh Ingredients and a Smile

By Mark A. Leon

Sunrise Bistro Xpress is located at 116 A Spring Street.  Located in the heart of the re-birth of Spring Street, this is the offspring of one of John’s Island’s favorite dining spots (As well as one in Summerville, SC).  Serving breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday, Sunrise Bistro Xpress offers a uniquely intimate dining experience.  This small and cozy restaurant is donned with fresh vegetable and spice plants in the windows, post modern art on the walls and a fresh aroma of dark roast coffee in the air.  With a beautiful outdoor area on the side of the building, a cozy bar and six indoor tables, you will feel as though you are a family dinner.

Before we delve into some specific menu items, it is important to mention that no breakfast is complete with the fresh herb homemade bread.  These squares of heavenly delight give Sunrise a unique edge.  Prepared with a rich blend of spices including rosemary and complimented with olive oil, the bread alone is enough to make you want to return.

Though it is a side addition to a number of the breakfast items, it can be used to make an exceptional breakfast sandwich.  Though the tomato melt is traditionally served with a bagel, we chose to have it served on the herb bread and it was exceptional.  It was the type of breakfast sandwich you eat in small bites and savor.

Shrimp and grits.  This is a tricky topic as it is a fan favorite in Charleston.  Sunrise, will not disappoint.  I would even be so bold as to place it in the top ten.  Their three meat shrimp and grits is a hearty combination of sausage, ham, bacon, shrimp, onions and peppers in a bed of grits made in a secret house sauce.  Without flaw a breakfast masterpiece.  We shared this memorable dish.  It isn’t an overwhelmingly large portion, but the portion of proteins make it a filling experience.  As you can see from the picture, the shrimp are jumbo and ready to please.

The open face omelets are a special offering from Sunrise.  Why do all omelets have to be folded or wrapped like a blanket?  Sunrise does not feel that way.  All their omelets are served open faced (If you feel passionate, you can get it prepared rolled).  It is like a breakfast pizza and who doesn’t love pizza.  There are seven options or a customized omelet, but we recommend the Jessica Ann and the Smoked Salmon with capers and onions.  With fresh basil, onions, tomato and feta cheese, the Jessica Ann omelet is a mild and delicious way to enjoy breakfast/brunch.  If you love smoked salmon, this omelet will leave you so satisfied.  By going light on the egg and providing a healthy topping of smoked salmon, onions, capers and cheddar cheese, each bite is to be savored.

We want to give a personal acknowledgement to the staff.  Their careful spirit, considerate customer attention and service with a smile was a comforting bonus to our visit.  With such small quarters, that can be tricky to please guests, maintain wait list and keep providing attention with a smile.

If breakfast isn’t in the cards, enjoy one of the fresh sandwiches that are prepared with fresh local ingredients.  From the Basil Grilled Cheese to the Cajun Shrimp Wrap, Sunrise Bistro offers winning options for lunch as well.

You have many choices when you think about breakfast and lunch in the Charleston area.  If you travel just a bit out of the way, go to Spring Street and take in one of the best small breakfast and lunch spots on the peninsula.