Top Boozy Brunches In Philadelphia
There's nothing wrong with day drinking, especially if it's combined with some delicious food. With the weather starting to warm up, it's time to hit the town in search of the perfect drink and dine special for those weekend days. Lucky for us, Philadelphia has a number of "boozy brunches." Here are some of the best.
Bar Ferdinand
1030 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 923-1313
www.barferdinand.com
This Northern Liberties restaurant focuses on Spanish and modern-day tapas. However, when you come in for brunch on a Saturday or Sunday (from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), you'll be amazed to learn that classic mimosas and bloody marys are only $3. For a dollar more, try a fancier mimosa, like the "sangrada" or "la paz." The food is quite good as well, with many tapas including pan con tomate, oysters and churros con chocolate. And for $6, you can enjoy two eggs any style or try the pancetta coca with baked egg and garlic for $12.
Distrito
3945 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 222-1657
www.philadelphia.distritorestaurant.com
Distrito is a lively two-story restaurant run by Iron Chef Jose Garces that's based in West Philly and modeled off of the "Distrio Federal" in Mexico City. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and during it, you can find such delights as "kegs and eggs" in which you choose a beer and an entrée for only $10. Also, for $21 per person, you can choose two courses from a range of options -- steak and eggs, tortilla soup and huevos rancheros are just some of them. Distrito also has a full tequila bar, and a bloody mary with El Jimador Blanco Tequila is is only $8.
Kanella
1001 Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-1773
www.kanellarestaurant.com
It wouldn't be a boozy brunch list in Philadelphia without a fantastic BYOB. Save your drink money at Kanella and bring in all the wine, beer, liquor or champagne you want, as this Washington Square restaurant cooks a mean brunch every Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Specializing in hearty Greek fare, a good pick at Kanella is the full Cyprus breakfast – olive oil fried eggs, halloumi lountza and delicious bread. Follow that up with the Cyprus crepe filled with Manouri cheese and topped with carob syrup for something sweet.
National Mechanics
22 S. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 701-4883
www.nationalmechanics.com
National Mechanics in Old City has one of the finest bloody mary bars in town -- think over 50 ingredients including many different hot sauces, peppers, A1 sauce, onions and even bacon. If you don't trust your bloody mary-making skills, the bartender will mix one up for you, and if you're here to eat, the brunch menu isn't bad either. Enjoy a wide array of breakfast and lunch food like pancakes, French toast, eggs benedict, omelettes and sandwiches served every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Vallani
1229 Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 790-9494
www.valanni.com
For $5, diners and drinkers at Vallani can build a mimosa that consists of the usual champagne and OJ, but you can also choose from three different flavors for your drink: blood orange, raspberry or white peach. If you'd prefer, order the bloody mary pitcher for your group or try one of Vallani's specially made cocktails. As for food, you really can't go wrong with choices like strawberry and cream stuffed French toast, a farmers omelet and lobster eggs benedict. If you're in the mood for lunch, try one of its panini or wraps. Brunch is every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.