CC Sunday Brunch Suggestions

**Reds** · 06-13-2012, 09:40 AM

I have some out-of-town friends staying at the Westin this weekend and we'll be meeting for brunch on Sunday. I do brunch often in the city, but I tend to stick to the places on the outer edges--like throughout E Passy, SWCC, N Libs, Fishtown, etc. as opposed to center city proper. I'm trying to think of some good options that are in close proximity to the Westin (which basically includes Rittenhouse), but I'm at a loss. It won't be a large group (just 4 adults), no kids, with no real preferences other than that we'd prefer not to spend a fortune and of course since these are friends from elsewhere I'd like to impress them with a memorable sample of Philly's excellent food scene. With or without alcohol is fine. Any suggestions?

**BarryG** · 06-13-2012, 09:54 AM

Kanella has an awesome brunch, one of the best restaurants in the city. Maybe the edge of walkable, but worth it. Make a reservation. A lot of other CC places I feel are overpriced and mail in the food.

**DocAwesome** · 06-13-2012, 10:09 AM

Ants Pants is further south (on south), but 'tis my favorite brunch spot. Also, the walk there is pretty.

**#1MetsFan** · 06-13-2012, 10:37 AM

Continental is decent for brunch.

**eobrien** · 06-13-2012, 10:52 AM

If money is no object, I would highly recommend Lacroix in the Rittenhouse Hotel.

**Neb** · 06-13-2012, 10:56 AM

We went to Square 1682 once and it was excellent.

**BenDee** · 06-13-2012, 11:09 AM

Green Eggs Cafe at 13th & Locust. Was there two weeks ago, it was fantastic!

**BarryG** · 06-13-2012, 12:03 PM

With due respect to all other posters, those places are good, but if you really want "a memorable sample of Philly's excellent food scene" Lacroix and Kanella are the only options I'd consider. Lacroix is not necessarily unique the overall experience is fantastic. Kanella is the kind of chef-driven BYOB that identifies our food scene, and Cypriot food is not commonly found.

**Neb** · 06-13-2012, 12:14 PM

I'm glad this thread was started. I never considered going into Center City for brunch before. I will definitely be trying out some of these places.

**CountFunkula** · 06-13-2012, 01:27 PM

I'm with BarryG on this one - Kanella is awesome.

Supper has a nice brunch too on South Street.

Parc is ok as well.

**radiocolin** · 06-13-2012, 02:49 PM

Day By Day on 21st and Sansom or National Mechanics at 3rd and Market

**DocAwesome** · 06-13-2012, 03:06 PM

Kanella has great food, but the atmosphere is pompous and distinctly unphiladelphian in that way imo.

**Reds** · 06-13-2012, 03:14 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions. I agree that Kanella is among the best spots in the city altogether and I'm leaning more towards that both for price point and quality. I thought it might be a tad on the far side, but now I'm thinking that since Sunday will be a nice morning weatherwise, it'll be a good excuse to get the visitors out and about through Center City one last time before they head home.

My BF lives around the corner from Ants Pants and while that's our go-to brunch spot when we're up early and aren't craving bloody marys, I'm thinking something with a little more unique pizzaz, if you will. Lacroix probably is not in the price range. (I wouldn't quite say "money is no object"--my property taxes are about to increase by 400%, after all!) And Parc is in the same range, no?

Square 1682, Green Eggs and Day by Day are all great suggestions--I'll keep them in mind if they decide that being closer to the hotel is a priority.

Keep 'em coming!

**Reds** · 06-13-2012, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by DocAwesome

Kanella has great food, but the atmosphere is pompous and distinctly unphiladelphian in that way imo.

Really? I was there with a huge crowd for a party, but I didn't get that vibe at all.

**BarryG** · 06-13-2012, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by Reds

My BF lives around the corner from Ants Pants and while that's our go-to brunch spot when we're up early and aren't craving bloody marys, I'm thinking something with a little more unique pizzaz, if you will. Lacroix probably is probably not in the price range. (I wouldn't quite say "money is no object"--my property taxes are about to increase by 400%, after all!) And Parc is in the same range, no?

Um, no, Lacroix is $65 per person. But it's an extravagant all you can eat buffet. It's worth the money and a Philly dining experience you should do at least once. Check the menu, it's nuts.

http://www.lacroixrestaurant.com/men...runch_Menu.pdf

Parc is great if you can get an outside table, otherwise the food is pretty weak and way overpriced IMO (with the exception of the bread, which is awesome).

**BarryG** · 06-13-2012, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by DocAwesome

Kanella has great food, but the atmosphere is pompous and distinctly unphiladelphian in that way imo.

I've found the hostess pompous and bitchy, but once you get past that, I've only had warm servers and great experiences.

**Reds** · 06-13-2012, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by BarryG

Um, no, Lacroix is $65 per person. But it's an extravagant all you can eat buffet. It's worth the money and a Philly dining experience you should do at least once. Check the menu, it's nuts.

http://www.lacroixrestaurant.com/men...runch_Menu.pdf

Parc is great if you can get an outside table, otherwise the food is pretty weak and way overpriced IMO (with the exception of the bread, which is awesome).

Yeah, none of us wants to pay $65 plus tip and I don't think anyone needs an all-you-can-devour extravaganza. But I'll certainly keep that in mind for a special occassion or some time that I plan to eat once and not again for another 4 days.

I've never been to Parc for brunch but have for dinner, and I agree that it's really nothing exceptional and tends to be very overpriced.

**nifer** · 06-14-2012, 12:30 PM

I really like Tinto for brunch

http://tintorestaurant.com/pdf/tinto_brunch.pdf

**philly57** · 06-14-2012, 03:31 PM

Hate to state the obvious but uhhh... nobody's mentioned Sabrinas. Unless 19th and Callohwill is too far out.

Lacroix looks amazing but $65 is pretty steep. The least they could do is offer a complimentary mimosa or something.

**palvar** · 06-14-2012, 04:51 PM

Lacroix is amazing, but only for a very special occasion. I like Ants Pants a lot - but their staff is so stoned that it takes forever to order and pay.

I say Kanella.