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Renata’s Kitchen

Rise and Shine: Here’s Where to Eat Breakfast in Philly

Bagels, egg sandwiches, doughnuts, and more early morning options

by Caroline Coral and Tayler Bunge Updated
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by Caroline Coral and Tayler Bunge Updated
Renata’s Kitchen

Big, indulgent brunches are great and all, but they’re not for every day. Luckily, here in Philly, casual weekday breakfasts aren’t hard to come by, whether the morning calls for sit-down dining or a quick bite on the go.

Here are 20 of the best breakfast spots in Philly, featuring cafes, greasy spoons, diners, delis, and even a few stand-out brunch destinations that are also open weekdays (when it’s easier to score a table). Looking for the newest weekend brunches in town? Those are here. Are bagels the only breakfast you’ll accept? Find a selection of the best here.

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Sulimay's Restaurant

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Fishtown diner Sulimay’s has been slinging diner classics since 2002 with breakfast options like waffles, omelets, scrapple, and biscuits smothered in sausage gravy. The eggs start frying at 8 a.m. on weekdays.

632 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 423-1773
(215) 423-1773

Front Street Cafe

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A gorgeous, brick-accented garden patio is the true hero of Fishtown’s Front Street Cafe, a quiet and industrial-chic neighborhood favorite. Vegans and carnivores alike can find something to love, and their New American spin on breakfast includes classic huevos rancheros (with a vegan cheddar optional) and a vegan scrapple breakfast sandwich. Breakfast starts at 8 a.m., Wednesday through Monday.

1253 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 515-3073
(215) 515-3073

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Cafe La Maude

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Open daily from 8 a.m., Cafe La Maude is a legendary destination that brings the energy of a Parisian hideaway to Northern Liberties, with its beloved menu of French-Lebanese influenced dishes. They don’t take reservations, but any wait is worth it for a shakshuka on their heated patio.

816 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 318-7869
(267) 318-7869

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Honey's Sit 'n Eat

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There’s always a wait on weekends for cash-only Honey’s in Northern Liberties, but snag a weekday table with ease as early as 8 a.m. The kitchen whips up a fun mix of creative brunch favorites like asparagus Benedict and enfrijoladas.

800 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 925-1150
(215) 925-1150

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Cafe Lift

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Photogenic breakfasts are a highlight at Cafe Lift, a vibey coffee-forward spot in a refurbished industrial warehouse by the rail park. Beginning at 8 a.m. daily, breakfast is sourced locally and sustainably, serving up Benedicts, toasts, and indulgent crespelles, or Italian-style crepes.

428 N 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 922-3031
(215) 922-3031

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Sabrina's Cafe - University City

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When you’re craving classic, hearty fare, Sabrina’s Cafe is a sure bet for that homey, capital-B Breakfast. Open daily from 8 a.m., Sabrina’s in University City serves a menu of solid breakfast staples (alongside some lunchtime sandwiches) and is one of two fan-favorite outposts in Philly.

227 N 34th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 222-1022
(215) 222-1022

Heung Fa Chun Sweet House

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This tucked-away Chinatown favorite opens bright and early at 6:30 a.m. daily, serving up a breakfast menu of sweet and savory topped tofu alongside warming pints of congee and freshly fried crullers. Every item is as authentic as it is flavorful at this modest storefront with street cart prices.

112 N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 238-8968
(215) 238-8968

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Dutch Eating Place

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Scoring a stool at the cramped counter of the Reading Terminal stalwart often requires a bit of patience, but once seated the breakfast menu never fails to please. Homey, hearty Pennsylvania Dutch fare like egg platters and hotcakes are made on decades-old griddles, and pricing is of another era. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m.

51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-0425
(215) 922-0425

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Federal Donuts

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The menu at Federal Donuts used to be limited to doughnuts and fried chicken, but then this local treasure expanded into breakfast sandwiches. Starting at 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. (depending on the location), get an egg and cheese sandwich on a Martin’s potato roll to enjoy alongside hot, fresh donuts in classic or “fancier” varieties. The blueberry vanilla bean doughnut will keep you coming back.

1526 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 665-1101
(215) 665-1101

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Renata's Kitchen

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Renata’s on Baltimore Avenue, a West Philly go-to, opened a bigger location at the 40th Street trolley portal. Renata’s serves brunch starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. on weekends, offering a mix of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and American breakfast dishes, like shakshuka, omelets, and avocado toast.

3940 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(267) 275-8254
(267) 275-8254

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Middle Child

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Open only for breakfast and lunch, the original Middle Child in Washington Square West serves eggs, hand-rolled bagels with house-cured lox, sandwiches (go for the short rib Reuben on rye), and Elixr coffee, starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. Friday through Sunday. 

248 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(267) 930-8344
(267) 930-8344

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The Breakfast Den

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This South Street addition to Philly’s breakfast scene offers the best of two worlds with a menu that brings together Vietnamese and American morning eats, served from 8 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Behind the unassuming name are eye openers that include bacon chocolate chip pancakes and brioche French toast sticks, and those seeking something savory will find a lineup of rice based breakfast bowls and breakfast banh mi.

1500 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
(267) 758-6008
(267) 758-6008

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Sam’s Morning Glory Diner

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Opened 20 years ago, Sam’s Morning Glory takes pride in existing before the brunch scene was a scene. The cash-only Bella Vista spot serves upgraded diner breakfasts — eggs, smoked fish, waffles, sausage, and scrapple daily from 8 a.m. Add a fluffy biscuit to any order.

735 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 413-3999
(215) 413-3999

Famous 4th Street Delicatessen

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Open daily from 9 a.m., this Philly staple has a long and legendary history. Along with its extensive list of classic deli items, it also serves breakfast all day long. Don’t be intimidated by the photos of visiting celebs on the wall — Famous 4th Street lives up to all of their well-earned press with plates that are a huge and as notable as their famous guests.

700 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 922-3274
(215) 922-3274

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Pho Ha

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A list of Philadelphia breakfasts wouldn’t be complete without at least one bowl of the Vietnamese morning time staple. At Pho Ha, steaming bowls of beef broth and rice noodles are served with various meaty additions like rare steak brisket and beef balls and plenty of fresh herbs and chiles. Don’t sleep on their Cafe Sua Da (Vietnamese Coffee). Doors open at 9:30 a.m. daily.

600 Washington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 599-0264
(215) 599-0264

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The Tasty

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Unlike most diners in town, this place is totally safe for vegans (and still delicious for their omnivorous friends). Get there at 8 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday (full menu at 9 a.m.) to order some meat- and dairy-free goodness, including tofu scrambles, breakfast burritos, and pancakes.

1401 S 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 457-5670
(267) 457-5670

Also featured in:

The Dutch

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Brunch favorite The Dutch also serves breakfast Wednesday through Sunday, beginning at 8 a.m. The cozy eatery offers fair prices on Pennsylvania Dutch food, serving Dutch Baby pancakes cooked in cast iron, a crispy Lebanon bologna omelet, and the Strammer Max: sunny-side up eggs, gouda, and Canadian bacon over rye bread.

1527 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 755-5600
(215) 755-5600

Korshak Bagels

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If you’ve seen Korshak Bagels in the news lately, you’re not alone. Before Philip Korshak began holding legendary bagel pop-ups in Philly, there was a notable lack of poetry-enamored bagel-makers in the city. Now that Korshak’s first storefront is officially open near East Passyunk, the unlikely combination of poetry and bagels is finally a reality, with Gemini bagels (half poppy seed, half sesame seed) on offer and hand-scrawled poems taped to the door. Open at 8 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday, weekdays are your best bet — on weekends, expect lines.

1700 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148

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Café y Chocolate

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Nobody does desayuno like this Mexican breakfast spot on Snyder. Classics like huevos a la Mexicana and molletes are on the menu alongside breakfast nachos, tofu scramble burritos, and chilaquiles. True to its name, Cafe y Chocolate has an extensive menu of Mexican influenced espresso drinks. Breakfast starts at 10 a.m. daily.

1532 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
(267) 639-4506
(267) 639-4506

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Frangelli's Bakery

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Is 6 a.m. too early for a doughnut ice cream sandwich? Because that’s when Frangelli’s Bakery opens Tuesday through Saturday. For 74 years, the South Philly spot has been churning out fresh cookies, cakes, and doughnuts that are all cut by hand. It’s best known for the cannoli cream–filled and ice cream–stuffed versions, but try a sticky bun if you’ve got an appetite.

847 W Ritner St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 271-7878
(215) 271-7878

Also featured in:

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Sulimay's Restaurant

632 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

Fishtown diner Sulimay’s has been slinging diner classics since 2002 with breakfast options like waffles, omelets, scrapple, and biscuits smothered in sausage gravy. The eggs start frying at 8 a.m. on weekdays.

632 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 423-1773
(215) 423-1773

Front Street Cafe

1253 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122

A gorgeous, brick-accented garden patio is the true hero of Fishtown’s Front Street Cafe, a quiet and industrial-chic neighborhood favorite. Vegans and carnivores alike can find something to love, and their New American spin on breakfast includes classic huevos rancheros (with a vegan cheddar optional) and a vegan scrapple breakfast sandwich. Breakfast starts at 8 a.m., Wednesday through Monday.

1253 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 515-3073
(215) 515-3073

Cafe La Maude

816 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

Open daily from 8 a.m., Cafe La Maude is a legendary destination that brings the energy of a Parisian hideaway to Northern Liberties, with its beloved menu of French-Lebanese influenced dishes. They don’t take reservations, but any wait is worth it for a shakshuka on their heated patio.

816 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 318-7869
(267) 318-7869

Honey's Sit 'n Eat

800 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

There’s always a wait on weekends for cash-only Honey’s in Northern Liberties, but snag a weekday table with ease as early as 8 a.m. The kitchen whips up a fun mix of creative brunch favorites like asparagus Benedict and enfrijoladas.

800 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 925-1150
(215) 925-1150

Cafe Lift

428 N 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

Photogenic breakfasts are a highlight at Cafe Lift, a vibey coffee-forward spot in a refurbished industrial warehouse by the rail park. Beginning at 8 a.m. daily, breakfast is sourced locally and sustainably, serving up Benedicts, toasts, and indulgent crespelles, or Italian-style crepes.

428 N 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 922-3031
(215) 922-3031

Sabrina's Cafe - University City

227 N 34th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

When you’re craving classic, hearty fare, Sabrina’s Cafe is a sure bet for that homey, capital-B Breakfast. Open daily from 8 a.m., Sabrina’s in University City serves a menu of solid breakfast staples (alongside some lunchtime sandwiches) and is one of two fan-favorite outposts in Philly.

227 N 34th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 222-1022
(215) 222-1022

Heung Fa Chun Sweet House

112 N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

This tucked-away Chinatown favorite opens bright and early at 6:30 a.m. daily, serving up a breakfast menu of sweet and savory topped tofu alongside warming pints of congee and freshly fried crullers. Every item is as authentic as it is flavorful at this modest storefront with street cart prices.

112 N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 238-8968
(215) 238-8968

Dutch Eating Place

51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Scoring a stool at the cramped counter of the Reading Terminal stalwart often requires a bit of patience, but once seated the breakfast menu never fails to please. Homey, hearty Pennsylvania Dutch fare like egg platters and hotcakes are made on decades-old griddles, and pricing is of another era. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m.

51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-0425
(215) 922-0425

Federal Donuts

1526 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

The menu at Federal Donuts used to be limited to doughnuts and fried chicken, but then this local treasure expanded into breakfast sandwiches. Starting at 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. (depending on the location), get an egg and cheese sandwich on a Martin’s potato roll to enjoy alongside hot, fresh donuts in classic or “fancier” varieties. The blueberry vanilla bean doughnut will keep you coming back.

1526 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 665-1101
(215) 665-1101

Renata's Kitchen

3940 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Renata’s on Baltimore Avenue, a West Philly go-to, opened a bigger location at the 40th Street trolley portal. Renata’s serves brunch starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. on weekends, offering a mix of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and American breakfast dishes, like shakshuka, omelets, and avocado toast.

3940 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(267) 275-8254
(267) 275-8254

Middle Child

248 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Open only for breakfast and lunch, the original Middle Child in Washington Square West serves eggs, hand-rolled bagels with house-cured lox, sandwiches (go for the short rib Reuben on rye), and Elixr coffee, starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. Friday through Sunday. 

248 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(267) 930-8344
(267) 930-8344

The Breakfast Den

1500 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146

This South Street addition to Philly’s breakfast scene offers the best of two worlds with a menu that brings together Vietnamese and American morning eats, served from 8 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Behind the unassuming name are eye openers that include bacon chocolate chip pancakes and brioche French toast sticks, and those seeking something savory will find a lineup of rice based breakfast bowls and breakfast banh mi.

1500 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
(267) 758-6008
(267) 758-6008

Sam’s Morning Glory Diner

735 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Opened 20 years ago, Sam’s Morning Glory takes pride in existing before the brunch scene was a scene. The cash-only Bella Vista spot serves upgraded diner breakfasts — eggs, smoked fish, waffles, sausage, and scrapple daily from 8 a.m. Add a fluffy biscuit to any order.

735 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 413-3999
(215) 413-3999

Famous 4th Street Delicatessen

700 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Open daily from 9 a.m., this Philly staple has a long and legendary history. Along with its extensive list of classic deli items, it also serves breakfast all day long. Don’t be intimidated by the photos of visiting celebs on the wall — Famous 4th Street lives up to all of their well-earned press with plates that are a huge and as notable as their famous guests.

700 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 922-3274
(215) 922-3274

Pho Ha

600 Washington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147

A list of Philadelphia breakfasts wouldn’t be complete without at least one bowl of the Vietnamese morning time staple. At Pho Ha, steaming bowls of beef broth and rice noodles are served with various meaty additions like rare steak brisket and beef balls and plenty of fresh herbs and chiles. Don’t sleep on their Cafe Sua Da (Vietnamese Coffee). Doors open at 9:30 a.m. daily.

600 Washington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 599-0264
(215) 599-0264

Related Maps

The Tasty

1401 S 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Unlike most diners in town, this place is totally safe for vegans (and still delicious for their omnivorous friends). Get there at 8 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday (full menu at 9 a.m.) to order some meat- and dairy-free goodness, including tofu scrambles, breakfast burritos, and pancakes.

1401 S 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 457-5670
(267) 457-5670

The Dutch

1527 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Brunch favorite The Dutch also serves breakfast Wednesday through Sunday, beginning at 8 a.m. The cozy eatery offers fair prices on Pennsylvania Dutch food, serving Dutch Baby pancakes cooked in cast iron, a crispy Lebanon bologna omelet, and the Strammer Max: sunny-side up eggs, gouda, and Canadian bacon over rye bread.

1527 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 755-5600
(215) 755-5600

Korshak Bagels

1700 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148

If you’ve seen Korshak Bagels in the news lately, you’re not alone. Before Philip Korshak began holding legendary bagel pop-ups in Philly, there was a notable lack of poetry-enamored bagel-makers in the city. Now that Korshak’s first storefront is officially open near East Passyunk, the unlikely combination of poetry and bagels is finally a reality, with Gemini bagels (half poppy seed, half sesame seed) on offer and hand-scrawled poems taped to the door. Open at 8 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday, weekdays are your best bet — on weekends, expect lines.

1700 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148

Café y Chocolate

1532 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145

Nobody does desayuno like this Mexican breakfast spot on Snyder. Classics like huevos a la Mexicana and molletes are on the menu alongside breakfast nachos, tofu scramble burritos, and chilaquiles. True to its name, Cafe y Chocolate has an extensive menu of Mexican influenced espresso drinks. Breakfast starts at 10 a.m. daily.

1532 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
(267) 639-4506
(267) 639-4506

Frangelli's Bakery

847 W Ritner St, Philadelphia, PA 19148

Is 6 a.m. too early for a doughnut ice cream sandwich? Because that’s when Frangelli’s Bakery opens Tuesday through Saturday. For 74 years, the South Philly spot has been churning out fresh cookies, cakes, and doughnuts that are all cut by hand. It’s best known for the cannoli cream–filled and ice cream–stuffed versions, but try a sticky bun if you’ve got an appetite.

847 W Ritner St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 271-7878
(215) 271-7878

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