Saturday morning brunch suggestions

**phillyaggie** · 12-13-2011, 12:01 PM

I realize there are tons of places in almost every neighborhood around Center City, Univ City, and South Philly that serve weekend brunch. But what's a good bet for a fine brunch for someone's special birthday this weekend? For a party of 8 to 10.

All the popular places don't take reservations, but you generally call the morning of and show up an hour or so later and they generally can make room for you if you can get there before or after the peak brunch hour. I've not had huge issues with getting a table at Green Eggs (South Philly location), although Sabrina's in Italian Market is almost always a tough job to snag a table especially for a bigger party.

Kanella's is good but likely not the choice for this group. How is Farmicia in Old City? Heard it's pretty great for brunch, but I'm not sure. How is Ants Pants Cafe in G-Ho?

Any suggestions welcome. Just want easy access to the space for two people coming by car and others who will likely be walking or taking transit... which is why I'm thinking perhaps West Philly may be better, also perhaps bigger space that can easily accommodate parties of 10+...

Thanks in advance!

**BarryG** · 12-13-2011, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by phillyaggie

I realize there are tons of places in almost every neighborhood around Center City, Univ City, and South Philly that serve weekend brunch. But what's a good bet for a fine brunch for someone's special birthday this weekend? For a party of 8 to 10.

All the popular places don't take reservations, but you generally call the morning of and show up an hour or so later and they generally can make room for you if you can get there before or after the peak brunch hour. I've not had huge issues with getting a table at Green Eggs (South Philly location), although Sabrina's in Italian Market is almost always a tough job to snag a table especially for a bigger party.

Kanella's is good but likely not the choice for this group. How is Farmicia in Old City? Heard it's pretty great for brunch, but I'm not sure. How is Ants Pants Cafe in G-Ho?

Any suggestions welcome. Just want easy access to the space for two people coming by car and others who will likely be walking or taking transit... which is why I'm thinking perhaps West Philly may be better, also perhaps bigger space that can easily accommodate parties of 10+...

Thanks in advance!

Ants Pants is a no-go for 8-10 people, its very small.

How about Cantina? The have a nice sized round table for a group that size. They don't usually take reservations but if you called ahead they would probably hold it for you. Close to subway and street parking will be fine for brunch.

Possibly out of your price range, but Parc or Dandelion would be good for a group like this.

**gren** · 12-13-2011, 12:08 PM

Tashan has brunch. I've never been and it might not be what you have in mind but it seems fancy enough for a special occasion and I imagine they take reservations. Since I don't know the group it's hard to say if Desi brunch will be appealing.

**Marc** · 12-13-2011, 12:29 PM

Pharmacia brunch is good and should be able to accommodate your party. Have you considered Beau Monde at 6th & Bainbridge?

**phillyaggie** · 12-13-2011, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by Marc

Pharmacia brunch is good and should be able to accommodate your party. Have you considered Beau Monde at 6th & Bainbridge?

yes! that's on the list to call and find out more info... thanks for backing up that idea!

thanks on the Ants Pants no go as well.

didn't know about Cantina...will look it up. thanks! Same for Tashan.

**PBSusan** · 12-13-2011, 01:04 PM

Not sure what the price range is, but if it's not too big an issue, might want to check out Cuba Libre. Their "brunch without borders" is $25 per person and includes unlimited dishes from their menu. I've been a few times - it's really fantastic, and it's never been crowded. I would think they'd be able to get you a table the size you need without too much problem if you call ahead.

**phillyaggie** · 12-13-2011, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by gren

Tashan has brunch. I've never been and it might not be what you have in mind but it seems fancy enough for a special occasion and I imagine they take reservations. Since I don't know the group it's hard to say if Desi brunch will be appealing.

I'm the only desi dude in the group, so no, desi brunch is not the way to go for this group. the person we're celebrating birthday of a is a friend's wife-- both of them are into steam punk and other such stuff, she likes French things too so Beau Monde was an option.

I could totally swing something with Parc or La Croix but not for the overall group...best to keep overall tab per person at about $20-25.

I even suggested the friend could take his wife separately to take her to something like Four Seasons' $75 brunch with view of Swann fountain...albeit it's turned off by now.

**phillyaggie** · 12-13-2011, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by PBSusan

Not sure what the price range is, but if it's not too big an issue, might want to check out Cuba Libre. Their "brunch without borders" is $25 per person and includes unlimited dishes from their menu. I've been a few times - it's really fantastic, and it's never been crowded. I would think they'd be able to get you a table the size you need without too much problem if you call ahead.

besides myself, a couple others are also vegetarians and they're mot picky than me... my experience with Cuba Libre was that it didn't have much veggie options, not sure about their brunch though...that's certainly a cool venue and something fun for this event... will put on the "to call and find out" list. thanks!

**bluecuracao** · 12-13-2011, 02:28 PM

Khyber Pass Pub has brunch on the weekends now, and they offer vegetarian and vegan items.

**Alley** · 12-13-2011, 02:31 PM

We tried Khyber Pass Pub this past weekend for brunch. It was good you would be fine there. I would also recommend Farmicia.

**thoth** · 12-13-2011, 04:44 PM

Unfortunately, West Philly doesn't have a lot of solid brunch places, although they did recently open a Sabrina's on Drexel's campus. I bet it's not as busy as the Italian Market location, and it's a little closer to the el I guess.

**BeckyJ** · 12-13-2011, 05:04 PM

There's Sabrina's on Callowhill too. But you do need to get there by 9:30 or after 11 or so, especially for a big group.

**Reader** · 12-13-2011, 07:06 PM

I love brunch at North 3rd. Unique space & decor, yummy food (I'm a vegetarian, husband's not, we both love it). They can be a little tricky for a group that large but can accommodate it. I don't think they do reservations but you could call ahead to check.
n3rd

Also a fan of Devil's Den Devil's Den - Home for good veggie and non-veggie food choices. And they have a fire place, which I love.

Neither of these places are super fancy but have good food and reasonable prices.

**Marc** · 12-13-2011, 07:17 PM

I forgot to mention Hawthornes before...not sure about reservations, but yummy brunch with some space to accommodate, beer + BYOV.

**hubba1** · 12-13-2011, 07:48 PM

And SPTR has some large seating areas in the back... again, good food, not crazy priced...

**newmarlig** · 12-14-2011, 06:37 PM

Valanni now has Saturday brunch. It was very nice this past Saturday.

VALANNI

**five apples** · 12-15-2011, 07:15 PM

Farmacia has a very good brunch.

**jettore** · 12-15-2011, 09:36 PM

I like Green Eggs in Northern Liberties. They could probably get your group in.

Sabrinas near Drexel is a good bet too since they are not nearly as crowded as the other 2.

Edit: having fully read your post I recommended 2 places you already know about.

I like Farmacia also, but I'd bet they are booked already for Saturday.

**phillyaggie** · 12-15-2011, 10:25 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions!! I'm going to use this thread for future reference (if I can remember to search for it!). Add more ideas if you'd like to share your favorite brunch spots around town, please!

The venue was decided and Beau Monde was picked. I'm looking fwd to it.

But one of these days I'm going to have to try Farmicia for sure, with so many reces.

**phillyaggie** · 12-15-2011, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by gren

Tashan has brunch. I've never been and it might not be what you have in mind but it seems fancy enough for a special occasion and I imagine they take reservations. Since I don't know the group it's hard to say if Desi brunch will be appealing.

looked at Tashan's menu... wow! i'm going to have to go there sometime soon. Also, just goes to show how out of touch i've been recently (or just too busy enjoying Philly cultural scene with friends to notice anything else)-- I didn't realize this is the name for the new indian place on 777 S. Broad.