Best Brunch Philadelphia: Special Spots That Locals Love

Editor: Suman Pathak on Apr 09,2025

 

If Philly loves anything, it's brunch. If you're craving the fluffiest pancakes, a classic plate of eggs benedict, or just plain wallowing in one of the many cute cafes in the city, Philly has a brunch spot for you. With old-school diners and trendy new bistros, the city overflows with delicious weekend grub just waiting to be discovered.

In this guide, we’re sharing the best brunch Philadelphia has to offer. These spots are loved by locals for their tasty menus, friendly vibes, and perfect weekend atmospheres. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting for the weekend, these brunch places are sure to impress. Let's explore!

1. Sabrina’s Café: A Neighborhood Favorite

In a few locations throughout the city, Sabrina's Café is one of Philadelphia's brunch staples. Famous for its enormous portions and playful seasonal specials, this small cafe is the ideal place for a Sunday morning or afternoon brunch.

Try their pancakes, piled high and bursting with flavor, or one of their hearty breakfast sandwiches. Something for everyone on the menu, sweet or savory. It's very busy on weekends, so don't expect to get in and out quickly—but it's worth the wait.

What to order: Stuffed Challah French Toast, Huevos Rancheros, or their Eggs Benedict special of the season.

stuffed-challah-french-toast

2. Green Eggs Café: For the Love of Breakfast

This popular brunch eatery is a Philly institution with several locations throughout town. Green Eggs Café boasts an environmentally friendly menu filled with fresh, tasty offerings. Their spin on breakfast staples is creative and tantalizing.

Their pancakes are among the town's fluffiest, and the kitchen does not skimp on toppings. And if eggs are your love, their eggs benedict plates are always a favorite, with creative twists that change seasonally.

Must order: Red Velvet Pancakes, Short Rib Benedict, or the Breakfast Burrito.

3. Café La Maude: A French-Lebanese Brunch Gem

Hidden away in Northern Liberties, Café La Maude takes your Saturday or Sunday brunch a world cuisine. The café blends French and Lebanese cuisine within a warm, Parisian-flavored setting, which locals love.

Here, the food is elegantly plated, and they taste as good as they look. Their eggs benedict has a pinch of Mediterranean touch, and fresh juices complement well the rich flavor of the food. It's ideal for that one who wants to treat himself or herself to something new in his or her weekend brunch.

Must-try: Croque Madame, Lamb Benedict, or Labneh & Za'atar.

4. The Dutch: Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired brunch

In South Philly, The Dutch combines traditional American breakfast with Dutch and Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. It's tiny, intimate, and ideal for a relaxed brunch with friends or family.

Their menu includes innovative offerings such as Dutch Baby pancakes and scrapple, as well as more traditional fare such as omelets and toast. And don't skip their eggs benedict—house-smoked meats and freshly made hollandaise sauce, too.

What to get: Savory Dutch Baby, Apple Butter Pancakes, or Smoked Salmon Benedict.

5. Suraya: A Stunning Lebanese Brunch Experience

If you want to level up your brunch, Suraya in Fishtown is where you must head. The surroundings are beautiful, the service is friendly, and the food is bursting with passion and flavors. It's not an everyday typical cozy cafe, but it is still so inviting and perfect for a leisurely long meal.

Suraya's brunch dish is an infusion of Lebanese spice and typical breakfast staples. All their egg dishes, breads, and spreads are exemplary. Even if they do not have typical pancakes, their pastries and flatbreads are well worth it.

Order these: Manousheh (Lebanese flatbread), Lamb Kofta, or the Shakshuka.

6. High Street Philly: Where Bread is the Star

High Street is situated near Old City and renowned for its hand-baked bread and thoughtful menu. This is among the best Philadelphia brunch restaurants for anyone who loves a slice of well-made toast or sandwich.

It has a warm, bakery-café-meets-bistro atmosphere that makes it the city's go-to cozy café. Their pastry is just fantastic, and the rest of their menu isn't less impressive. While their eggs benedict is somewhat unorthodox in technique, the end product is always delectable.

Must Order: Pastrami & Egg Sandwich, Mushroom Toast, or the Biscuit Benedict.

7. Honey's Sit 'n Eat: Homestyle and Hearty

It is a Southern and half Jewish homestyle restaurant in a Northern Liberties and Center City location with casual atmosphere, perfect for weekend morning breakfasts, and enormous portions.

Their pancakes are thick and golden and topped with fresh fruit or chocolate chips. They serve comfort staples as well, including matzo ball soup and brisket. It's that kind of place where everyone will know your name, even if it's your first time there.

What to Order: Challah French Toast, Banana Pancakes, or the Country Benedict.

8. Morning Glory Diner: A Classic with a Cult Following

This retro Bella Vista diner is a no-frills, low-key affair. Morning Glory is cash only and may be crowded—but locals rave about food and congenial service. Why it's one of the best brunch Philadelphia events for those seeking the real deal and the real thing and down-to-earth is the ambiance.

They dish out humongous plates of breakfast goodies at any hour, and their legendary homemade ketchup. Not fancy to look at, but huge flavor.

Must Try: Frittatas, Biscuits, and Gravy, or their daily Benedict special.

9. Front Street Café: Healthy Meets Hearty

Front Street Café in Fishtown provides a mix of comfort food and health food. The cafe is open, airy, and filled with plants, which makes for a calming atmosphere. It's one of the coziest cafes where you can spend a weekend morning.

Their menu is also healthy, with numerous vegan, gluten-free, and veggie options in addition to their more typical brunch items. They can be ordered in the traditional sense or substituted with plant-based counterparts, making them ideal for parties with a variety of tastes.

Must Order: Avocado Toast, Vegan Pancakes, or the Smoked Salmon Benedict.

10. Hawthornes: A Brunch Cafe and Beer Boutique

Hawthornes is a bottle shop and a brunch house, so it's the ideal spot to spend the weekend hanging out. This Bella Vista cafe is relaxed and has plenty of character. They've got this enormous breakfast menu, and they've got one of the best craft beers in town.

Whatever your craving -- a mimosa, hot coffee, or ice-cold IPA -- they've got you. Their food is hearty, with both sweet and savory offerings, including standout pancakes and rich eggs benedict.

Try this: Brisket Hash, Blueberry Pancakes, or the Benedict Trio.

Why Brunch Matters in Philly?

Philadelphia brunch is not just a meal—it's a Saturday and Sunday tradition. It's a moment to unwind, connect with friends, and dine on delicious food in a casual atmosphere. From clandestine gems to vibrant hot spots, the city's brunch scene comes together in shared plates and exceptional coffee. Whether you desire sweet, savory, or a little of both, there is a place just for you. Philly brunch is truly a homey romance.

Final Thoughts

Philadelphia is a city that takes its brunch seriously. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect pancakes, a bold take on eggs benedict, or just want to unwind in one of the city’s many cozy cafes, there’s something here for you.

These are more than brunch eateries — they're weekend traditions, neighborhood treasures, and the kind of restaurants the locals will continue to return to. So go ahead and forego that bowl of cereal next weekend and visit one of these best brunch restaurants instead.


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