Top 17 brunch in University City
Brunch in University City is a popular weekend tradition for students, faculty, and locals alike. This vibrant neighborhood in Philadelphia is home to a diverse range of brunch spots, from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants. Whether you're in the mood for classic breakfast fare or something more adventurous, brunch in University City has got you covered. From bottomless mimosas to delicious avocado toast, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your friends and head to University City for a delicious and indulgent brunch experience.
- 1. Booker's Restaurant & Bar
- 2. White Dog Cafe University City
- 3. Copabanana University City
- 4. Landmark Americana University City
- 5. New Deck Tavern
- 6. Louie Louie in University City
- 7. Cedar Park Cafe
- 8. Local 44 Restaurant & Bar in University City
- 9. Renata's Kitchen
- 10. Walnut Street Cafe in University City
- 11. Madis Coffee Roasters
- 12. Spread Bagelry
- 13. Knockbox Cafe
- 14. CO-OP Restaurant & Bar
- 15. The Board and Brew
- 16. Top Hat Coffee Lounge
- 17. Honeysuckle Provisions
1. Booker's Restaurant & Bar
Perfect spot for weekend brunch with a group of friends or family

Booker's Restaurant & Bar in Cedar Park is a must-visit for soul food brunch. They offer a variety of delicious dishes, including creamy grits served three ways: with shrimp, andouille sausage, or catfish. The Southern spot only serves brunch during the day, making it a great destination for a warm and comforting breakfast on a cold day.
Aside from their grits, Booker's Restaurant & Bar also offers other tasty brunch options. These include cheesecake french toast, fried chicken and waffles, a burger topped with cherry peppers and caramelized onions, and huevos rancheros. With such a wide selection of dishes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The service is excellent, and the atmosphere is great, making Booker's Restaurant & Bar a top recommendation for brunch.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
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2. White Dog Cafe University City
Farm-to-table ingredients, focus on sustainability and local sourcing

White Dog café is a popular dining destination, often crowded whether it's a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. On Sunday brunch, the place was packed, with not an empty belly in sight. Despite the tight seating arrangements, the café's food and service made up for it.
The menu at White Dog is varied, ensuring that there's something for everyone. During our visit for Sunday brunch, we found the food to be excellent, with generous portions that left us satisfied. The service was also commendable, with attentive staff members who made sure we had everything we needed.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
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3. Copabanana University City
Tropical-themed restaurant with a lively atmosphere

Brunch at Copabanana is a delightful experience, known for its diverse menu and generous portions. One of the highlights is the outdoor seating area, which provides a great ambience for dining. During a recent visit with friends, the Spanish fries stood out as a must-try dish, adding to the overall enjoyment of the meal.
The atmosphere at Copabanana is perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable brunch with friends. The menu offers a variety of options, with the Spanish fries earning a special recommendation. The ample portions ensure a satisfying meal for all. The outdoor seating area further enhances the experience, making brunch at Copabanana a must-visit destination.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
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4. Landmark Americana University City
Pet-friendly patio, Local art displays

The restaurant provides a nice atmosphere for a group breakfast or brunch, resembling an American diner with a more upscale feel. The servers are friendly and accommodating, although it can get busy on weekends, resulting in a wait before being seated.
This upscale sports bar offers amazing specials every day and is a great spot for brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm. The restaurant has a lively and entertaining atmosphere, making it a popular destination for sports fans and food lovers alike.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
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5. New Deck Tavern
Offers weekday happy hours and a spacious outdoor seating area

I had a fantastic brunch with friends at a wonderful location. The turkey club sandwich was a standout, with a generous serving of ingredients that made each bite a delight. The bread pudding, which we shared for dessert, was an absolute hit, with its rich and indulgent flavor.
The French Onion Soup and Chicken Quesadillas were also delicious, bursting with flavor in every bite. The service at the restaurant was friendly, enhancing our dining experience. Additionally, the cozy atmosphere made it the perfect spot to catch up with friends over a delicious meal. Overall, it was a wonderful brunch experience with excellent food and service.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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6. Louie Louie in University City
Known for their craft brunch cocktails and all-day breakfast menu

The brunch menu at this establishment is truly exceptional. The French toast is a standout dish, and the mimosas are perfectly crafted. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure a delightful dining experience, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere.
I had the pleasure of enjoying brunch here last weekend and was thoroughly impressed. The eggs benedict were cooked to perfection, and the coffee served was top-notch. I am already looking forward to my next visit to this establishment, which has undoubtedly earned my repeat business.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
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7. Cedar Park Cafe
Colorful decor, knowledgeable staff, and diverse craft beer selection

Breakfast at this establishment is highly recommended, with a variety of options available at reasonable prices. The grilled tilapia breakfast platter and the bacon and grits platter with two eggs are just two examples of the offerings. A casual and affordable option for a Sunday breakfast.
The breakfast is of good quality, particularly considering the cost. However, during our visit, there were a few miscommunications with our waitress regarding extra toppings for our dishes. My husband, who has experience working in the food service industry, was taken aback by the additional charges for cheese in his scrambled eggs and peppers and onions for our home fries. Despite this, the service was quick and courteous, and the food was delicious.
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8. Local 44 Restaurant & Bar in University City
Cozy atmosphere with live music on weekends

This establishment is a great location for gathering with friends and enjoying brunch. One popular menu item is the veggie burger, which was a big hit with the author's group. Additionally, the restaurant offers a wide selection of craft beers that are sure to impress any beer connoisseur.
In a separate brunch experience, the author found the restaurant to be an excellent spot for enjoying a vegan meal. The options for vegan dishes were plentiful, providing a wide range of choices for those following a plant-based diet. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, making for an enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
9. Renata's Kitchen
Cozy atmosphere with outdoor seating, Known for brunch menu

Brunch at Renata's Kitchen is a popular choice, known for its great mimosas and excellent dishes. The chicken shawarma wrap is a standout option, and on a recent visit, the falafel bowl also proved to be a delicious choice. However, there was a delay in the service which was less than ideal.
Despite the slow service, the food at Renata's Kitchen during brunch is certainly worth the wait. The chicken shawarma wrap is a consistently delicious choice, and the falafel bowl was a pleasant surprise during a recent visit. If you don't mind waiting a bit for your meal, then brunch at Renata's Kitchen is a great option.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Affordable Nightlife
- Hidden Gems
10. Walnut Street Cafe in University City
Seasonal ingredients, locally-sourced products, outdoor seating

The speaker recently celebrated their birthday and used the occasion to ask their friends to be bridesmaids. One of their friends brought a cake to the celebration, and the host or manager of the venue kindly provided a candle and cut the cake for them. The brunch location offered stunning views of the city, with soft jazz playing in the background.
The service at the venue was exceptional, with staff going out of their way to make the visit special. The food served during the brunch was delicious, including a steak and eggs dish that the speaker enjoyed. The host and staff even took the extra step of providing a candle for the birthday cake, making the day even more memorable for the speaker.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
11. Madis Coffee Roasters
Family-owned with directly sourced coffee beans.
Madis is a charming coffee shop with ample seating, although it can become very crowded. The drinks are on the pricier side, yet the cost reflects the high-quality coffee and inviting atmosphere. During my visit for brunch, I appreciated the lively and cozy ambience.
One of the drinks I sampled was the iced soy latte, which had a pleasant taste but came at a premium due to the additional charge for alternative milks. For a light and enjoyable brunch, I recommend the avocado and hummus toasts.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Happy Hours
12. Spread Bagelry
Freshly baked bagels, variety of toppings, friendly service

The restaurant Spread offers high-quality breakfast options, such as the Nova, which features eggs with salmon cream cheese, and the Standard, featuring bacon, eggs, and cheese. The wood-fired bagels are a standout, and while the prices are a bit high, the delicious food makes it worthwhile. The staff is friendly, which adds to the overall positive experience.
Spread is a top-notch restaurant location in University City, with an additional location on 20th street. The food is consistently amazing, and the atmosphere is modern and inviting. The restaurant is a must-visit for anyone in the area seeking a delicious and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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13. Knockbox Cafe
Cozy ambiance, Local art displays, Outdoor seating available

The brunch spot offers a fantastic selection of dishes that are sure to satisfy any appetite. The breakfast sandwich, which comes with egg, turkey sausage, and fresh veggies on a Philly muffin, is a standout option. It is delicious and filling, making it a great choice for those who want a hearty meal.
In addition to the delicious food, the brunch spot also boasts a great atmosphere. The coffee is bold and full-bodied, and pairs perfectly with the fresh pastries that are available. For those who prefer to dine al fresco, the outdoor deck is a lovely spot to relax and enjoy a meal while soaking up the sun. Overall, this brunch spot is a great choice for anyone looking for a delicious and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
14. CO-OP Restaurant & Bar
Known for their sustainable and locally sourced ingredients

This restaurant is a great place to enjoy a boozy brunch with friends, offering a variety of delicious dishes and drinks. If you're a fan of smoked salmon, the Smoked Salmon Bagel is a must-try and the Deviled Eggs are also a standout. The Eggs Benedict and Avocado Toast are also highly recommended for their fresh and bold flavors.
The restaurant has a beautiful ambiance, with big windows allowing for natural light and a friendly server who contributes to the welcoming atmosphere. Overall, it's an excellent spot for a relaxing and satisfying brunch with friends or family.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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15. The Board and Brew
Cozy atmosphere with a variety of board games
For breakfast, I chose to dine at a restaurant outside of our hotel. The food was freshly cooked in a small kitchen and tasted delicious. Despite the large number of customers, the service was friendly and attentive. However, there was a delay in receiving our orders, which consisted of simple dishes.
The Board & Brew is an excellent spot for food and board games. During a visit to Drexel University, my friends and I decided to stop by for a quick lunch. The café offers a variety of board games, including old school classics, making it an ideal place to socialize and unwind with friends.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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16. Top Hat Coffee Lounge
Cozy atmosphere, community events, live music
Top Hat is a café located in Philadelphia's University City area, known for its freshly made and delicious Belgian Waffles. The café offers a variety of creative food options and an Arduino espresso machine that adds to its unique atmosphere. The staff is friendly and funny, making it a welcoming environment for customers.
When ordering drinks, it's important to note that some are served in smaller sizes by default. It's recommended to confirm with the barista to ensure you receive your desired drink size. Overall, Top Hat is a golden spot in the University City area, offering excellent food and drink options, and a lively and entertaining atmosphere.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
17. Honeysuckle Provisions
Seasonal ingredients, farm-to-table dining, emphasis on sustainability

The kitchen is known for serving breakfast items all day, featuring handmade hot pockets filled with soft scrambled eggs and the rich, smoky flavor of collard greens cooked for an extended period. Another popular item is the blueberry pop tarts, which often sell out before lunchtime.
Honeysuckle Provisions is a food establishment that brings a fresh viewpoint to food systems, broadening the concept of Afrocentricity in food. They achieve this by redefining the boundaries of a restaurant and honoring the legacies and recipes of their food ancestors.
TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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