The weekends are a time when students are free to do things: sleep in late, do homework, party and so on. But remember those times at home when someone would cook breakfast? Pancakes and sausage? How about bacon and eggs?

Well, find a weekend sometime soon. Keep the cereal in the cabinet, put down the Pop-Tarts and if you're in one of the residence halls, take a break from cafeteria food.

The Knick, 1030 E. Juneau, located not too far from campus and close to Lake Michigan, serves up a scrumptious breakfast on Saturdays and a delectable Sunday brunch. The weekend is the only time the restaurant serves breakfast, and after one meal, customers will be wishing they could visit daily.

Formerly the Café Knickerbocker — after the hotel right next door — The Knick has become a restaurant with the casual dining feel. It's a perfect place for a birthday brunch, a small get-together with friends or a meal for two.

The atmosphere reflects the fact that it is primarily a lunch or dinner restaurant and full-service bar at night. The Knick seems small, but that adds to its charm. The large bar area is to the right as soon as customers walk through the doors and the dining area is to the left. There are plain tables, but then there are swanky leather-clad booths that go through the middle of the room. The wavy line of booths adds to the retro-ish feel along with the clear triangle light fixtures hanging over the tables.

Since warmer weather should be hitting Milwaukee soon (hopefully), The Knick has an outdoor patio. You can sit and eat a meal with the lake in sight or have a scenic look at Juneau Park. The location is semi-secluded in an area near a few apartment buildings not too close to traffic.

But the most important part to The Knick is its food, and the breakfast/brunch menu choices shouldn't be missed. The plates are heaping, so come with an appetite or be ready to take your plate home.

The banana pecan pancakes are beyond delicious, rich and filling. The plate is filled with three large wheat pancakes topped with pecans and sliced bananas, on the side is maple syrup and whisky butter — which adds a tiny kick. The pancakes are filled with bananas and pecans which is a nice surprise to bite into.

The fruit smoothie is also rather tasty. It's made with yogurt and a choice of strawberry, banana or mango. The mixture of strawberry and banana is definitely pleasing.

The Knick provides a number of sides from fruit to breakfast, meats to bagels and toast. Unless you're starving or you're going to create your own meal, you most likely won't need to order any extras.

The Knick's brunch and breakfast choices will also not put a huge dent in your wallet. It's affordable, with dishes starting at $5.95 and the priciest item at $10.95.

The Knick is located at 1030 E. Juneau. Breakfast is served from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and brunch is served from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays. More information is available by calling 272-0011 or by visiting www.theknickrestau-rant.com.

This article appeared in The Marquette Tribune on May 5 2005.