Craving a truly authentic Mexican breakfast experience? In Madison, Wisconsin, a culinary gem is redefining the morning meal. While tacos and enchiladas are easy to find, the world of Mexican breakfast options has been surprisingly limited. This gap in the market sparked an exciting venture, leading to the birth of MEXLI Mexican Breakfast, a vibrant spot founded by Jennifer Osuna and Israel Fuerte.
Located just off West Beltline Frontage Road, near Todd Drive, MEXLI's colorful exterior immediately grabs your attention, standing out from its surroundings. Inside, the spacious dining area bursts with life, painted in sunny yellows, oranges, pinks, and blues. "The colors represent Mexico," Osuna explains, "They represent the places we’re from."
Fuerte, who brought his culinary expertise from Mexico City in 2006, teams up with Osuna, a Madison native who spent years in Guanajuato. This partnership results in a menu that masterfully blends tradition with innovation, offering a diverse array of Mexican creations with a modern twist.
But here's where it gets interesting... MEXLI has already celebrated nearly two years in business, a testament to its popularity. In that time, the restaurant has evolved significantly, including a rebranding with a new name and focus. Initially, they offered breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, the owners soon decided to concentrate solely on breakfast. "We wanted to get back to the reason we started this," Fuerte shares. "Fewer items meant we could focus on making everything perfect."
The menu features familiar breakfast staples like omelets and burritos, but these are far from ordinary. The omelette campestre, for instance, is a delightful mix of sauteed cactus, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, serrano peppers, salsa verde, queso fresco, and avocado. The huevos divorciados presents fried eggs with two house-made salsas, while the omelette poblano combines sweet corn, poblano pepper strips, and cream cheese with a bacon and spinach omelet.
For those with a sweet tooth, Osuna's hotcakes (pancakes in Mexico) are a must-try. She elevates this classic with unique Mexican-inspired syrups, including tres leches and jamaica (hibiscus). "We wanted to make them original, modern, and fun without losing the traditional elements," says Osuna.
And this is the part most people miss... The menu continues to evolve, reflecting Osuna's ongoing creativity. She and Fuerte aim to create a welcoming space where diners can start their day in a cozy, home-like atmosphere.
Chilaquiles: A Customizable Classic
MEXLI's signature dish, chilaquiles, perfectly embodies the blend of tradition and personalization. This classic Mexican breakfast features crispy, fried tortilla chips bathed in warm salsa, topped with sour cream, queso fresco, and onions. MEXLI dedicates half of its menu to chilaquiles variations. The "favorites" list includes chilaquiles with mole and various other salsas, plus proteins ranging from breaded chicken breast to chicharrónes (fried pork rinds). For those feeling adventurous, the build-your-own option lets customers create their perfect dish by mixing and matching salsas, proteins, and extras.
MEXLI Mexican Breakfast | 2705 W. Beltline Highway | Facebook: MEXLI Mexican Breakfast
What do you think? Does MEXLI's focus on breakfast make you want to try it? What are your favorite Mexican breakfast dishes, and how do you feel about restaurants specializing in specific meal times? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
