Best Breakfast Sandwich in the City

Cake and the Beanstalk

Who doesn't love a good breakfast sandwich? My favorite in the city is from my favorite local cafe, Cake and the Beanstalk. 

My sister, Catherine and I went because she wanted to come here one last time since she moved out of Philly for a new job. She is truly going to miss everyone at Cake and the Beanstalk! 

The reason why we love this sandwich so much is because of the roasted red pepper. It really brings a nice flavor to the meal other than your typical bacon, egg and cheese.

You can get this breakfast on either a bagel, croissant or toast. I got the croissant this time and enjoyed it very much. It was the perfect fuel to start the day! 

Thank you as always, Cake and the Beanstalk! 

Wood-Oven Bagels

Spread Bagelry

Yes, you heard me correctly, wood-oven bagels! Spread Bagelry located in Rittenhouse is a great local find to go to for breakfast and lunch. My mom and I discovered this place a while ago and we are so glad that we did! They offer Montreal-style wood-oven bagels, sandwiches, coffee, brunch drinks and artisan sodas.

What are Montreal-style wood-oven bagels? They are bagels are hand-rolled, boiled in honey water and baked in a custom built wood-fired brick oven. Spread Bagelry also offers homemade spreads to accompany the bagels. My  favorite is their peanut butter and Amish Jam.

My mom and I went here after my annual CHOP doctor’s appointment for lunch because we were craving a comforting lunch! We both got the “Inside Out Sandwich” which is their version of a grilled cheese. The bagel is served inside out with Swiss cheese, tomato and bacon! It was definitely the perfect and comforting meal for a cold day. I want to go back to try breakfast sandwiches!

Home-Cooked Meal Out

Schlesinger’s Deli

This Center City deli is one of the best places to go for an authentic meal. This deli’s traditional dishes including home-cooked meals, cured meats and fresh pastries that will have you coming back for more. This staple to Philly is one of my sister, Catherine and mine’s favorite restaurants to go for a good, comfort meal.

I had the chocolate chip pancakes that were very filling and comforting.It came with three big pancakes. Catherine had the potato pancakes because she said she hasn’t had them in a while. She loved the consistency of flavor in them.

What’s great about Schlesinger’s is that they have work week breakfast specials on Monday-Friday, 7-10:30 AM. They include:

     The Harvey – 2 Eggs, Home Fries, Toast & Coffee 4.50

     The Smokey – 2 Eggs with Turkey Bacon or Turkey

     Sausage, Home Fries, Toast & Coffee 5.95

     Nova, Eggs & Onions – with Home Fries, Toast or Bagel &Coffee 8.95

     Peter’s Pancakes – with Coffee 5.95

I recommend coming here for a relaxing, home-cooked meal that you can sit back and indulge before starting a long day at work!

Eat Clean

Pure Sweets & Co.

Wednesday came, so you readers know what that means- my weekly breakfast tradition with my sister, Catherine! We went to Pure Sweets & Co. because we both have been meaning and wanting to try it.

Pure Sweets & Co. is located in Rittenhouse two blocks away from the park. It is an all-day vegan, kosher parve café/bakery with gluten-free and organic dishes and sweets. They specialize in healthy and delicious food by using unrefined ingredients. Pure Sweets & Co. allows their customers to eat clean and feel good about what they’re consuming.

To start off we both ordered coffee which is from Philly’s own, Green Street Roasters. At the “coffee bar” and milk station, you can choose Brazilian Nut Milk and/or Coconut Sugar to accompany your coffee. A unique taste and way to spice up your morning rituals of coffee!

To eat, Catherine ordered the Vegetable Quiche which consisted of three layers: vegetable, egg and sweet potato. My sister loved the sweet potato flavor because you are not used to seeing that food item in a quiche.

I ordered the pancakes with shitake mushroom “bacon”. This dish came with three   quinoa   pancakes that were the perfect amount and size. Since Pure Sweets & Co. is vegan, the pancakes were served with a side of shitake mushroom “bacon” that were crisp and a substitute for actual bacon.  Everything from the presentation of this breakfast to the flavors was incredible.

The two things that I look for whenever I am trying a new café, restaurant or bar is the atmosphere and helpfulness of staff and this café passed the test! The atmosphere is very homey and relaxing. It portrays as if you are sitting on the patio of your backyard and you’re pulling the fresh vegetables from your own garden. The space was very comfortable and spacious. The staff is very helpful and friendly by bringing your meal right out to you.

Everything looked so good to eat! Inside there is a “to-go” case if you are on the go, or if you would like to dine in, you are more than happy to do so. Pure Sweets & Co. also specializes in cold-pressed juices, smoothies, soups, salads and snacks! Be sure to stop in for a healthy treat! Catherine and I will definitely be back!

A New Take On Breakfast

Toast

My sister, Catherine and I have a weekly tradition together when we meet for breakfast every Wednesday before work. It’s a great thing to look forward to and be the highlight of our weeks. We always choose one of our favorite, local spots to go to. This week, we chose Toast Philly.

Toast is located right in Midtown Village, on 12^th and Spruce Street. This contemporary cafe features coffee & tea drinks plus specialty sandwiches for breakfast & lunch. They are most known for their “egg toasts” which are poached eggs on top of a homemade English muffin served with a side salad.

Catherine and I have been here numerous times, but we each wanted to try something different. She got the Mushroom, Shallot and Thyme Egg Toast and she loved the combination of flavors between the portobello mushrooms and thyme. I ordered the Avocado Egg Toast which included: roasted tomatoes and sprouts. I loved the freshness of ingredients and how healthy I felt eating it. The side salad served with both egg toasts has fresh fruit such as blackberries, blueberries and strawberries and fresh vegetables in a balsamic dressing that is just refreshing!

Toast Philly has a great, relaxing atmosphere if you want to share with company or to go and get work done. The staff is knowledgeable of their coffee and products and is generous by bringing your coffee and food out to you. Toast is great to go during any time of day: breakfast, lunch or weekend brunch : )

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

Down Home Diner

There aren’t many classic diners here in Center City, Philadelphia. So when you do find one, it is a nice treat! Before my sister and I took the train home the other day, we treated ourselves to Down Home Diner, which is located right in the Reading Terminal Market!

Reading Terminal Market is one of the biggest tourist attractions here in Philly, so you know anything inside of food will be amazing! Down Home Diner offers country recipes of breakfast lunch and dinner. They are particularly known for their traditional breakfast items and most importantly...scrapple!

For my start of the day, I ordered the Bacon & Tomato Scram with Cheese and it was the most comforting meal! It was served with fruit, home-fries and a choice of breakfast meat. I got bacon of course! Everything was so delicious and fresh tasting. And the best part of it all is that you get all this food for only $6.99! That is pretty good for the city.

My sister, Catherine built her own scram with cheese and onions and got a side of cheesy grits! Catherine said it was one the best grits she’s had so far.

Visit Down Home Diner if you’re looking for a classic breakfast! There is something on the menu for everyone! I will definitely be back for the Philly Cheesesteak Scram!

Toast Philly

Toast

Toast has always been one off my favorite places to go to for either breakfast or brunch. Toast is a cozy cafe that offers local roasters, breakfast and lunch in Midtown Village. I love it here and will always return.

When I come here, I usually have one of their Egg Toasts, which is what they are mostly known for. All egg toasts include a homemade English muffin,  hollandaise sauce and poached eggs served with a side salad that typically has fresh fruit in it. 

I wanted to change it up though this time and I got the french toast topped with mixed berries because I love french toast. This meal was very comforting and the fruit  was very fresh! I definitely will be back to try more variations because you can get french toast with caramelized bananas or apple cinnamon! 

  Toast has great coffee and lattes too,  so if you are a big coffee drinker, you won't be disappointed!