The Ultimate Resy Guide to Brunch in Philadelphia

Middle Child, which started as a breakfast and lunch counter in Center City, still reigns for morning fare at its Clubhouse in Fishtown. When this place opened, its malted buttermilk pancake was an instant classic — so do get one to share. You’ll also want a latke-style hash brown, pastrami, egg, and cheese sandwich (which can be gluten-free!), and extra frothy mimosas. Good to know: Middle Child doesn’t take reservations for breakfast or lunch, but they do take reservations for dinner.

You’ve heard of ladies who lunch; Rouge is the spot for ladies (and gentlemen) who brunch. This French-leaning bistro has been rocking in Rittenhouse Square for decades. It’s classic, alluring, and a great spot for people-watching over smoked salmon toast, cheese plates, and oysters on the half shell.

The very center of a Venn diagram of diners, bars, and lounges is where you’ll find Silk City, which merges the best of these three worlds. This classic diner has something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood to dig into chicken and waffles, or go light with avocado toast with everything bagel spice.

Brunch buffets across the country are back and better than ever, and Harp & Crown is leading the charge in Philadelphia. On Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 10:30 a.m., $38 gets you entry to a brunch buffet like no other: a create-your-own-doughnut station (complete with a toppings bar), made-to-order omelets, toast and taco stations, freshly squeezed juices, bagels, lox, pastries, and so much more.

You probably love Sidecar for its generous happy hour menu and Detroit-style pizzas, but if this spot isn’t in your brunch rotation, then you’re missing out. If eggs are how you like to start your day, then you’ll love the selection of Benedicts on offer. Try a vegetable-forward hippy benny with avocado, arugula, and pickled onion with breakfast potatoes and a mixed green salad, or go bold with the Texan benny served with chipotle pulled chicken, Colby Jack, slaw, and pickled jalapeños. For sweets, try the fluffy pancakes or the caramelized apple streusel French toast. 

The weekend brunch menu at Harper’s Garden plays the hits in a way that only the Harper’s Garden team can play, whether you’re there for the food — eggs Benedict, avocado toast with almond pesto, Dutch baby pancake with mornay — or the craft cocktails like a Bloody Mary or espresso martini.

The super-cool, industrial setting here is the perfect complement to the food. At brunch, the move is to get something with eggs. Brunch purists will gravitate toward the steak and eggs or ricotta bomboloni, but if you know Wm. Mulherin’s Sons, you’ll want to try the breakfast pizza with bacon and maple syrup, too.

There’s a reason it’s called Bar Hygge, after all. This is a place that embodies the spirit of Danish coziness, serving thoughtful bar food in a laid-back atmosphere. At brunch, that means home fries, biscuits and gravy, and breakfast sandwiches, plus an herbaceous Bloody Mary made with green chile vodka garnished with speck, cheese, and olives.

You should always be able to eat hummus and have pancakes during the same meal. This sleekly styled restaurant offers diner vibes, but dishes out a mix of decadent brunch classics and Middle Eastern comfort foods. 

Inside the Human Robot location in Jenkintown, Dionicio Jiménez’s cantina brings a weekend brunch with Latin flair, from chocolatey Mexican French toast and huevos rancheros to pozole and churros for dessert. This is a casual, come-as-you-are venue that’s just as optimized for families and large groups as it is for sitting at the bar to catch a game on TV. 

Ember & Ash offers a comforting, seasonal brunch filled with wood-fired dishes and market-driven fare. Think crab omelets, loaded tots, and grilled French toast. Plus pickle beet martinis and seasonal spritzes.