Where to find Philly’s best brunches
A word coined in Britain in 1895, brunch crossed the pond to become an American tradition. And why wouldn’t it? Sleeping in and then enjoying a hearty meal with family and friends is a great idea.
In Philadelphia, every type of food is brunch-worthy: pancakes or French toast, eggs, pasta, sliced meats, fruits and vegetables. You name it, you can have it. Sit back and enjoy these Philadelphia favorites.
Assembly Rooftop Lounge
Come for the meal, stay for the view. The rooftop lounge at the Logan Hotel began serving weekend brunch earlier this year, offering small plates, cocktails and sweeping panoramas of the Parkway and Logan Circle. The sweet and savory menu features 10 selections such as sweet toast (banana bread with Nutella and nut crunch) and a chef’s special charcuterie plate as well as a drink menu with assorted wines and brunch cocktails.
1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 215.783.4171; assemblyrooftop.com
Café Lift
Brunch at this historic, refurbished factory in the Callowhill neighborhood has been a seven-day affair since 2003. The menu changes according to the season and features hyper-local ingredients—all the food is sourced from responsible growers. Nutty Monkey Crespele, delicate Italian crepes with sweet bananas and Nutella or specials such as fried eggplant benedict keep the palate engaged.
428 N. 13th Street, 215.922.3031; cafelift.com
Lacroix at the Rittenhouse
Indulge yourself at one of the oldest and fanciest brunches in the city. Located in the Rittenhouse Hotel, the Sunday brunch buffet is literally a journey through the restaurant—salad, appetizer, raw bar (including caviar), breakfast, lunch, carving, charcuterie and dessert stations wind through the middle of the restaurant into the kitchen. Of course, this is not your ordinary buffet so fine-dining attire is recommended.
210 West Rittenhouse Square, 215.790.2533; lacroixrestaurant.com
Rex 1516
Prepare for a taste of the South on South Street. In a homey, rustic setting—wooden furniture and exposed brick—the cuisine is anything but. Rex 1516 is the place for shrimp and grits, bananas foster French toast and chicken & waffles Benedict, and the food is meant to be washed down with a Hurricane, julep or sazerac.
1516 South Street, 267.319.1366; rex1516.com