Post by Erica Minutella
The day after a big move, before the kitchen is setup and after the initial stress has dissipated, few things work better as a pick-me-up than going out for a big breakfast with the family. If you’re lucky enough to have made the move to South Philly, prepare yourself for a local wonderland of colorful bakeries, coffee shop hideaways, and friendly neighborhood diners.
To make your post-move-in experience as easy as possible, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite local breakfast spots.
Photo by Carissa Gan on Unsplash
Café Chicco, 2532 S. Broad Street
Before you enter this unassuming café on South Broad, take a moment to prepare yourself. The space will probably be empty as you walk inside. The wait time for your food will seem unendurable. But as your order of breakfast sandwiches arrives from the back of the shop, the smell will hit you in the face, steaming its way out of the tin foil wrap that protects the sandwich’s inner heat from escaping. That alone convinces you the wait was worth it. Your first bite – and every bite after? Bliss. Some things are worth waiting for. Did we mention the breakfast sandwiches are also GIGANTIC?
Penrose Diner, 2016 Penrose Avenue
Few rivalries run as deep as the battle to be best local dinner. While Melrose and Oregon diners have their proponents, our vote goes to Penrose. The place is always buzzing with family chatter, the staff full of familiar faces, and the food affordable and scrumptious. After you’ve had your fill of omelets and coffee, stop by the baked goods counter before you leave. The cakes and pies are to die for.
Black ‘N Brew, 1523 E. Passyunk Avenue
If the mosaic on the walls outside isn’t enough to draw you inside, the daily specials menu will do the trick. Breakfast quesadillas, Belgium Waffles, anything is possible here. It’s also one of the last places where you can get a deliciously cheap cup of coffee, thanks to Happy Hours every weekday from 3-5 pm. That’s $1 for your favorite hot or iced caffeine boost.
Café y Chocolate, 2100 S. Norwood Street
Best for those frigid winter moves, this tiny Mexican café in the heart of South Philadelphia will warm you up again in no time. With everything from hearty breakfast burritos and hot chocolate drinks to choose from, be sure to come hungry. A note to newcomers: the restaurant is cash only.
Photo of Sweet Waffle courtesy of The Dutch.
The Dutch, 1527 S. Fourth Street
Of course, you can’t forget the local BYOB when factoring in your breakfast plans. This quaint, quiet spot is much more than your average brunch spot, thanks to a Dutch menu served up by the owners of Philly’s other popular Dutch restaurant, Noord.
Feeling hungry for more local cuisine? Reach out to Christina Briglia (267.231.5484 or phc(dotted)christina(at)gmail(dotted)com) anytime for recommendations.
Be sure to check out our most recent South Philadelphia listing at 1345 S. Colorado Street.