Hip Trips With Cheldin:

Brunching In Philly

If there’s anything that I like, it’s getting to sleep in on the weekend, and then going to one of my favorite brunch spots in Philly. There’s nothing like starting your day with a plate full of Southern goodness from Relish or having a tropical Mimosa at Cuba Libre for brunch.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to surprise your mom to a delish brunch with the family. Or, toss on some Jackie O’s, grab some girlfriends, and get some quality girl time in over slammin’ food and drinks.

There are a lot of brunch spots in the city. Here are some of my top picks.

Insider tip/disclaimer: Bring your appetite.

Brunch Picks:

Cuba Libre

10 S. 2nd Street

Philadelphia, PA

Get ready to go tropical for brunch at this Philly hot spot for its Weekend Tropical Brunch. Everything on the menu has Cuban flare, including the Torta de Cangrejo Benedict and their Mimosa Rojo.

Insider tip: Treat your Madre to a tropical brunch for Mother’s Day. Brunch begins at 10:30 a.m.

El Vez

121 S. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA

When I’m looking to spice things up, El Vez is one of my first choices. Located on 13th Street, El Vez offers a totally different type of brunch experience by providing guests with an authentic Mexican cuisine in a fun, lively environment. If you want to abandon the traditional Eggs Benedict and surrender to dishes with Latin flare, El Vez is the ideal brunch location for you.

FARMiCiA Restaurant

15 S. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA

FARMiCiA is the ultimate brunch destination with its simple décor and cheerful staff.  It is definitely not a struggle to enjoy yourself on any given Saturday or Sunday as you select from their vast menu of brunch offerings.

Insider tip: My favorite item is their Brioche French Toast—simply amazing. Also, try their Barn Burner Bloody Mary.

Honey's Sit-N-Eat

800 N. 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA

Honey’s always offers great menu items fusing Southern and Jewish food. Honey’s is Philadelphia’s answer to the ultimate question: Where should we go for breakfast? At Honey’s you can get a little bit of everything.

Insider tip: Honey’s is a popular breakfast/brunch spot and fills up quickly, so you might want to start your brunch a bit earlier.

Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant

4120 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA

Manayunk is a dining mecca and located in the heart of this trendy neighborhood is the Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant. The Brew Pub (as many people call it) offers a great brunch in a relaxing riverside setting, and its fixed menu offers brunch specific options and budget-friendly morning cocktails. Who doesn’t love a chilled Mimosa during a relaxing Sunday brunch--especially if it is only $3.50! And, make sure you stop by the omelet station. Trust me on this.

Moshulu’s Champagne Brunch

Penn’s Landing

401 S. Columbus Boulevard

Philadelphia, PA

The Moshulu is the must stop brunch spot for the champagne lover. They have unlimited champagne over their three-course Sunday brunch. Who’s ready for some bubbly over eggs?

Nineteen (XIX)

200 S. Broad Street
19th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 

If you’re looking to step it up with an upscale brunch experience, try Nineteen (XIX).  Sitting on the 19th floor of the Bellevue, you’ll be dining with some of the best views of the city. My favorite XIX brunch feature is its “café table” menu options. They offer a café table full of tasty selections, which can be paired with items from their brunch menu.

Insider tip: XIX will be offering a special $65 buffet style brunch menu from 11am-4pm on Mother’s Day.

R2L

50 S. 16th Street
Philadelphia, PA

Be one of the first folks to stop by and enjoy their new brunch menu, as well as one of their spicy Bloody Mary’s. The R2L brunch runs from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Sunday. Stop by and feel free to settle in for awhile, as they will be leaving their bar open all day to service guests between brunch and dinner (which starts at 4 p.m.).

Insider tip:  Chef Daniel Stern will have a three course, prix fixe brunch menu for Mother’s Day. 

Relish Restaurant

7152 Ogontz Avenue
Philadelphia, PA

If modern Southern cookin’ is more of your style, Relish Restaurant is the brunch spot for you. Located in Northern Philadelphia, Relish offers the ideal Sunday morning retreat. Their doors open at 11 a.m. so make a trip up North to get your Southern grub on.

Sabrina's Café

910 Christian Street
Philadelphia, PA

and

1804 Callowhill Street

Philadelphia, PA

Creativity is the name of the game at Sabrina’s Café when it comes to their menu items. So creative in fact that reading the menu could be considered one of your Sunday Funday activities. The menu includes brunch specials such as the “DJ and Steve Spanish Study Session Special,” as well as the “Joey’s Cut-It-Out Omelet.” It is never a dull moment at Sabrina’s Café.

Insider tip: If you’re looking for a drink to go with your brunch, Sabrina’s is a B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Bottle).

Warmdaddy's

1400 S. Columbus Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA

From Chicken and Waffles to Mango-Glazed Salmon, Warmdaddy’s will definitely hit the spot.  I warned you in the disclaimer, but you better bring your appetite to this place. Once you try the food, you will go up for seconds, thirds and fourths.

Winnie’s LeBus Bakery

4266 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA

Another Manayunk neighborhood brunch staple is Winnie’s LeBus. Visit LeBus for 6-grain pancakes and their Thai turkey salad or a classic Eggs Benedict. LeBus also offers sidewalk seating so guests can enjoy scenic Main Street and people-watch the day away.

Insider tip: Brunch is really their thing, so they keep it going longer than most places. Brunch happens on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.