Philly Brunch on a Budget
Cafe Lift
delicious brunch in a cool, chic, refurbished factory in the Callowhill area. Cafe Lift gives off a chill vibe with its exposed bricks and beams. The menu changes seasonly, but always offers meat, vegetarian, and vegan options with very fresh ingredients. My two personal favorites are the breakfast burrito and huevos rancheros. Their lemon ricotta pancake is also to die for. Major nomz!
$10 breakfast burrito -- scrambled eggs, roasted peppers, mushrooms, sweet onions & chihuahua cheese in a flour tortilla. Plated with housemate hot sauce and ancho chili sauce on top. $3 breakfast potatoes on the side (because let's be real, it's never a complete brunch without some amazing breakfast potatoes!)
$10 huevos rancheros -- toasted corn tortilla topped with refried beans, roasted peppers, cilantro, two fried eggs, housemade ancho chili sauce and housemade hot sauce. (And again, $3 potatoes on the side!)
Note: mexican pork chorizo and chihuahua cheese are a part of this dish, but I opted out to keep it more healthy and subbed it for fresh, raw tomatoes instead (for no additional fee).
They're open every day of the week from 8am to 3pm. Their busiest times are definitely the weekends between 11am-1pm. Expect to wait anywhere between 15-35 minutes, depending on your party size and arrival time. A con: they don't take reservations. A pro: they do deliver! (For those who are too lazy to wait, or too hungover to move.)
They also have for sale their own apparel line, gift cards, and even their famous sauce (sauce is only available in the cafe for purchase).
2. Rooster Soup Co.
a small space, a small menu, but a mighty yummy, and very unique, brunch experience. Rooster Soup Company has quite an interesting story. 100% of their profits go to support vulnerable Philadelphians through Broad Street Ministry’s Hospitality Collaborative. So you can indulge on a budget and not feel bad about spending the few bucks.
Some of my favorite dishes for brunch are the Denver Omelette, Egg and Cheese Sandwich (with or without meat), Fried Trout Sandwich, and Cauliflower Soup (for those cold days).
Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday ALL day long (10am-8pm). They have some boozy drinks too -- moscow mules, margaritas, and of course bloody mary's. They have an agreement with Titos that with every bloody sold, Titos donates an additional $2 to the Broad Street Ministry.
Oh and don't forget to satisfy your sweet tooth -- the banana cream pie and apple pie aren't messin' around.
Rooster Soup Co. doesn't have anything on the menu over $13 which is why this place makes the list!
3. Porta
welcome to the neighborhood! Porta is one of the newest restaurants in Philly and already a major fan favorite. They pride themselves on how they take care of their staff and customers.
Their name is from an old Italian proverb. "May the door always be open. May it never be closed to any honest person."
Their brunch menu has a lot to offer. From authentic Neapolitan pizza to a gourmet breakfast sandwich. Newest on their menu (we're talking like 10 days old) is their orange polenta pancakes. I have yet to try them, but they're certainly on my list! My most recent visit there I had eggs in purgatory, a side of fried potatoes, cinnamon sugar focaccia, and of course a bloody!
$6 Fried Potatoes -- with cherry pepper relish
$7 Bloody Mary -- Porta Bloody Mary mix, vodka, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, spices, a lime, and olives
$12 Eggs in Purgatory -- San Marzano tomatoes, poached eggs, ricotta salata, oregano, basil, chile flake (served with freshly baked bread)
$6 Cinnamon Sugar Foccacia -- cinnamon, butter, sugar, maple syrup, sea salt
We ordered the potatoes and cinnamon focaccia as sides to split with our egg entree, but truthfully, the potatoes were nothing special. I'd skip them next time I'm there. However, the sweet focaccia was delicious and perfectly baked. Tip to the chef - to take this dish to the next level -- ADD FRUIT! A tarte fruit like raspberries or Macintosh apples would have been perfect. Even bananas or blueberries for a sweeter taste would do, too!
Porta is open every day of the week for lunch and dinner, but only serves brunch Saturday and Sunday's 11am-2pm.
cheers to a trendy atmosphere, delicious pizza, and friendly staff!
