By Caroline Dalton And Sarah Wolak By Caroline Dalton And Sarah Wolak | March 14, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guide, Guides,
From a French petit déjeuner with croque madame to a mimosa-packed Sunday morning brekkie, Philly’s brunch scene is a diverse and delightful treat.
Barcelona Wine Bar’s jamon benedict
BARCELONA WINE BAR
Barcelona’s take on brunch involves charcuterie, shareable tapas and, of course, plenty of wine and specialty mimosas. The wide-ranging menu boasts bites like olive oil pancakes, torrija and serrano eggs benedict. 1709 E. Passyunk Ave., barcelonawinebar.com
BUD & MARILYN’S
Cozied on the corner of 13th and Locust streets is Bud & Marilyn’s. Known for its simple take on homestyle comfort food, this Midtown Village spot offers American brunch favorites that are sure to please any palate. Indulge in brioche French toast, chicken ‘n waffles, sausage and biscuits with gravy and Nashville hot chicken buns. 1234 Locust St., budandmarilyns.com
Darling Jack’s Tavern’s malted pancake
DARLING JACK’S TAVERN
The early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the milk buns, at Darling Jack’s Tavern. Run to 13th Street and secure these delectable treats before they run out. While the buns are worthwhile, have no fear, for the rest of the menu featuring a breakfast sandwich, veggie frittata and potato pizza is equally delicious—especially when paired with Jack’s Bloody Mary or the Midtown Mimosa. 104 S. 13th St., darlingjacks.com
THE DUTCH
Nestled on the corner of 11th and Tasker Streets, The Dutch offers a fresh and seasonal menu with sweet, savory and veggie Dutch Babies, traditional omelets, specialty plates, sandwiches and more. Sip a gin grapefruit Collins while enjoying the Uitsmijter with two dippy eggs, gouda, country paté, pickles and marble rye. 1537 S. 11th St., thedutchphilly.com
FORSYTHIA
After you wake up with a La Vie En Rose—a mix of gin, Lillet, rose, lime thyme cordial and luxardo bitter—prepare to feast on chef/proprietor Christopher Kearse’s French contemporary plates. The yeasted waffle, citrus-cured salmon benedict, stuff ed crepes and foie gras French onion soup are just some of our favorites. 233 Chestnut St., forsythiaphilly.com
HAWTHORNES
Brunch all day? Count us in. At Hawthornes, Philadelphians can enjoy items like the apple pie french toast, bella vista omelet, Belgian waffle and breakfast “sammie” from open to close. Compliment your plate of choice with a side of biscuit and preserves, shoestring fries or candied walnuts—you won’t regret it. 738 S. 11th St., hawthornecafe.com
HIGH STREET
Whether you prefer a sweet or savory start to your day, High Street has got you covered. From an assortment of daily pastries, avocado toast with a jammy egg, a roast pork sandwich and gourmet pizzas, their menu ensures your week ends on a delectable note. 101 S. 9th St., highstreetonmarket.com
K’FAR
K’Far, which means “village” in Hebrew, is a traditional representation of an Israeli bakery and social cafe. Their breakfast menu specializes in Israeli-style baked goods like marzipan challah Danish and bagel sandwiches topped with smoked salmon, scallion cream cheese and pickled red onions. For sweet tooths, pistachio sticky buns and lemon cheesecake babka pastries grace the pastry menu. 110 S. 19th St., kfarcafe.com
LMNO
This Fishtown hot spot is more than just a vibrant restaurant—it’s a lounge, book store, art gallery and energetic brunch spot. Offering Mexican-inspired fare, the menu has everything from tacos and tostadas to birria benedict. If you’re craving a morning cocktail, order the sparkling Glitter Bombed with gold-glitter vodka, ginger liqueur, pineapple and buzz button electric dust from the neon-lit bar. 1739-1749 N. Front St., lmnophilly.com
Loch Bar’s crab devilied toast.
LOCH BAR
Who says you can’t start your day with a lobster roll? Not Loch Bar, who offers this buttery New England classic topped with chives and celery leaf, starting at 11 a.m. Yellow tuna fin poke, buttermilk fried jumbo shrimp and grits and even a seafood tower also dot the menu. End the meal on a sweet note by sharing their bananas foster brioche french toast or lemon ricotta buttermilk pancakes. 301 S. Broad St., lochbar.com
THE OLDE BAR
In case you forgot, nothing compares to brunch at The Olde Bar. The indulgent experience begins with customizable cocktails: Mimosas and Build Your Bloody. Top your bloody with chilled shrimp or bacon-wrapped bay scallops. If you still have room for more, order the smoked salmon galette with sherry truffle vinaigrette or Shrimp N’ Grits. 126 Walnut St., theoldebar.com
PARC
French-inspired dishes and brasserie classics take the reins on this Philadelphia bistro’s brunch menu: Think an egg white omelet with ratatouille and goat cheese, quiche lorraine and buttermilk pancakes. To get your Sunday smoked salmon fix, try the tartine, complemented by notes of horseradish crème fraîche, eggs, capers and red onion. 227 S. 18th St., parc-restaurant.com
Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti
POSITANO COAST BY ALDO LAMBERTI
From themed brunches to events, this Center City spot is a weekend staple. Whether you’re craving more lunch-focused bites like spicy calamari and the brunch burger or breakfast items such as French toast with Grand Marnier, Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti has you covered. 212 Walnut St., 2nd Floor, positanocoast.net
THE PULLMAN
Elevate your next Sunday brunch with creative American bites at the historic Bryn Mawr Train Station. Those craving the classics can indulge in the Pullman English breakfast with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon and breakfast potato, while those hungry for lunch favorites can savor lobster bites, moules frites and more. Pair each plate with a bloody mary or mimosa. 39 Morris Ave., Bryn Mawr, thepullmanrestaurant.com
Rosalie Wayne’s brunch menu features pizzas, sandwiches and more.
ROSALIE
Located in Wayne, this chic yet rustic restaurant revolves its dishes around Italian soul food. Begin brunch with one of Rosalie’s aperitivos, like the formaggi made with local and Italian cheeses and brioche. From Sunday gravy shakshuka to mushroom gnocchi, this brunch has no shortage of unforgettable flavors. 139 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, rosaliewayne.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRAND; ATLAS RESTAURANT GROUP; ADRIANO MARTINO; COURTESY OF BRAND; ALEXANDRA TRINGALI