Brunch is becoming the meal to beat in this food-obsessed city. From the classic to the creative, these Philadelphia brunch restaurants stand out from the crowd. (While some of these spots only offer brunch on weekends, most of these eateries have a brunch nosh every day. Call in advance.)
High Street on Market
Head to Executive Chef Eli Kulp’s darling for early morning fare for sandwiches such as pastrami and spiced hash and The Hickory Town, loaded with Lancaster bologna and egg, and topped with horseradish mayo on a house-made Kaiser roll. 308 Market St., Phila., 215.625.0988
Noord
Brunch at East Passyunk’s Northern European gem Noord means thick deep-fried toast with brandy sauce and tender braised goat with Sunny-Side-Up Eggs. 1048 Tasker St., Phila., 267.909.9704
Chhaya Café
Chhaya Café on East Passyunk Avenue just doubled its dining space, but that doesn’t affect the venue’s intimacy or its homey, interesting brunch fare. The southern-style sausage gravy and cornbread waffles is a standout take on comfort food classics. 1818 E. Passyunk Ave., Phila., 215.465.1000
Strangelove’s
With offerings like vegan chilaquiles, biscuits and gravy and burgers topped with fried eggs, it’s no wonder this Washington Square West craft beer destination is continually bringing in the brunch accolades. No matter what the French toast of the day is, you know it’s going to be tasty. 216 S. 11th St., Phila., 215.873.0404
Ida Mae’s Bruncherie
Ida Mae’s Bruncherie in Fishtown makes a mean huevos rancheros, but its specialty is American-Irish fare, like the house-made soda bread and beans on toast. Come hungry and bring cash—this cozy joint is cash only. 2302. E. Norris St., Phila., 267.259.6493
Seafood Unlimited
Tuck into cheesy shrimp and grits, crabmeat Benedict on tasted brioche or a smoked salmon platter with a bagel and herb cream cheese at this Rittenhouse Square local favorite. Plus, endless mango Bellinis, mimosas and house-made Bloody Marys are perfect for washing it all down. Need I say more? 270 S. 20th St., Phila., 215.732.3663
The Garage
Few-and-far-between restaurants offer Skeeball and pinball, but that’s the thrill behind this South Philly eatery-and-drinkery that features a roster of guest chefs. On Sundays Chef Rebecca O’Brien is the laser focus of The Garage’s brunch menu and she’s doing quirky variations on usual themes such as creamed chip beef on hot dogs and bacon as well as thick, veggie sausage sandwiches—all to pair with a fine craft beer selection. 1231 E. Passyunk Ave., Phila., 215.278.2429