Top Spots For Graduation Brunch In Philadelphia
Brunch with family and close friends after a busy graduation weekend or a morning graduation ceremony is a popular way to mark the special occasion. With an array of delectable dishes, sides, desserts and beverages to choose from, planning is a snap. Simply choose the venue and let everyone know where to meet. Many restaurants that serve brunch are able to seat walk-in groups with no problem, but it's best to call ahead and make a reservation to be assured that your entire party can be seated together. Philadelphia is home to a number of top brunch destinations, including these five.
Derek's
4411 Main St.
Philadelphia, PA 19127
(215) 483-9400
www.dereksrestaurant.com
Derek's Restaurant in Manayunk serves brunch every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu has something for everyone. Those of legal drinking age can toast the guest of honor with a $3 Bloody Mary or mimosa, or a glass of wine, which is half off during brunch hours. Brunch menu items, served in two courses, include a number of choices, from baked French onion soup, spring rolls, salad, or fried calamari. Other items include the Brunch Burger, which is crafted from prime ground sirloin or turkey that's served topped with fried egg and bacon. A favorite at Derek's is the Bananas Foster, featuring bananas sautéed in dark rum, brown sugar, butter and whipped cream. Make sure to plan ahead, as Derek's is known to book up in advance.
Farmicia
15 S. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 627-6274
www.farmiciarestaurant.com
Old City's Farmicia is an easy choice if you want to enjoy a sophisticated brunch menu to mark that special occasion. Locally grown, organic fare is served both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Farmicia's brunch menu includes a wide array of tasty dishes from starters like salads, granola, cheeses, nachos and more. The entrees range from traditional breakfast favorites to lunchtime sandwiches, clubs and more. Bruch is a la carte rather than all-you-can-eat, and reservations are accepted. The brunch menu includes a happy hour that runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features half-priced beer, cocktails and wine by the glass.
Jones
700 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 223-5663
www.jones-restaurant.com
Stephen Starr's Jones is a popular spot with the Philadelphia area brunch crowd and reservations are recommended, especially if you have a large group. Jones is known for serving up delicious comfort foods like baked mac and cheese, meatloaf, grilled cheese, and the popular tater tots. The brunch menu at Jones is stuffed with delicious breakfast-themed foods including the fat and fluffy French toast, chocolate chip waffles, and buttermilk pancakes.
Warmdaddy's
Riverview Plaza
1400 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 462-2000
www.warmdaddys.com
Nothing is indicative of a party like live music and great food. Warmdaddy's Sunday Jazz Brunch is the perfect setting to celebrate your graduate's special achievement in a memorable way. This riverfront eatery puts on a spread that's rivaled by few in the City of Brotherly Love. For under $25 per person, you'll enjoy an assortment of breakfast and lunch fare, garnished with live jazz to round out the experience. The menu includes a build-your-own omelet station, a pancake station, a bread bar and a dessert bar that will leave you and your guests wondering where to even begin.
XIX Nineteen
Hyatt at the Bellevue
200 S. Broad St. #19
Philadelphia, PA, 19102
(215) 790-1919
www.hyatt.com
XIX Nineteen, the restaurant atop the Hyatt at the Bellevue, is known as much for its stunning views as it is for its equally impressive menu. When you and your guests manage to tear yourself away from the sweeping views of the city, you'll be treated to a three-course buffet that includes an assortment of salads, seasonal fruit, granola, scrambled eggs, and much more. Smoked bacon and an assortment of sausages and traditional cereals are served, as are regional cheeses, meats and fresh baked goods. Entrees change on a weekly basis and the selection of pastries, cookies and sweets will delight even the most discerning sweet-tooth. A special brunch cocktail menu and raw bar round out this first-class dining experience for a truly special graduation celebration. Sunday brunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $35 per person.
Christy Ayala covers sports, recreation, the outdoors, and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. She earned a masters degree in recreation administration from George Williams College and managed programs in the Midwest, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
