Hillcrest’s Great Maple

The former Brian’s Eatery turns over a new leaf as Great Maple.

Echoing a stylish European dinette with rustic touches, seasonal plates and plenty of pie, Great Maple is a spunky new hangout housed in the former Brian’s Eatery. Much like owner Johnny Rivera’s other successful Hillcrest haunts (the Tractor Room and Hash House a Go Go), Great Maple offers a similar “urban hunting lodge” flair and well-crafted comfort food. It’s an upscale diner that doesn’t try too hard, with a crowd that varies from couples on casual dates to handfuls of friends catching up to solo diners grabbing a quick bite. The menu is broken down by small plates, a selection of mostly organic salads, plus burgers, sandwiches, seafood, pasta and flatbread pizzas. Standouts include the Mini Beef Wellingtons and the Prosciutto di Parma Pizza topped with white truffle oil and a farm egg. Chase it with the Johnny’s One-Armed Mary, adorned with an octopus tentacle. 1451 Washington St., Hillcrest. 619.255.2282. thegreatmaple.com