I stopped in here for brunch with a friend. We arrived quite early on a Sunday and as a result had no problem getting a table. (I had called ahead but there are no reservations. However, the server indicated that before 10 or so there should not be a problem.) We sat at one of the two marble tables near the window which was surprisingly warm for that day. There is 1/2 booth-1/2 chair seating along the wall and mostly table seating in the rear (where there is limited natural light). The place has that "cool vibe". Black and white are the primary colors here with pictures of puppies along the wall in the front. There are almost too many choices on the menu. (I peeked before we came and still had problems choosing.) One is better than the next. On the breakfast all day, there is a mix of French and Middle Eastern (specifically Lebanese) influences. We sipped coffee as we struggled with decision and this is the first time I knowingly drank LaColombe coffee. It is rich and robust, and was very fresh. We finally decided on the Croque Madame and the Parisian Za. The latter was suggested by the server as it is one of their more popular selections. This was overall a well balanced plate with a bit of fruit, a bit of salad, what was to be brioche but tasted like croissant with caramelized onion, ham, and goat cheese - I am a sucker for goat cheese - and two eggs over easy. These eggs were perfectly cooked in butter with no signed of browning as a result of the eggs being dropped into an overheated pan. Overall, this was winner. Service was a bit overzealous. We were asked at least 5 times by three different people how things were. In the middle of the meal, a person we had yet to encounter decided to rearrange plates and cups for us (square plates do not work very well on small round tables). Once, I get my plate or coffee cup, please don't touch it until I'm done with it. It is a pet peeve of mine. Once we were done, we were asked if we wanted anything else. Of course, the question was, "What else do you have?" after we had been sitting and staring a dessert case of croissant, cookies, and mmmmmmmmmmmmmacarons. The server started naming the flavors and we stopped her at salted caramel. We each had one and these were the perfect foil for the coffee. By this time the place was filled and we were getting that strong hint to leave. I wanted to stop in the restroom before we left and as I walked to the rear a waitress, without my asking said, "All the way in the back to the right." I mention this only because as I approached the back of the place I saw these curtains framing an open area to the left and started moving in that direction only to find myself slamming into a floor to ceiling mirror. The woman waiting to get into the single bathroom giggled, and said, "I did the SAME thing the first time I was here." So fellow Yelpers, watch out for the mirror all the way in the back on the left. When I arrived back at the table they had taken my dining partner's coffee cup, but I wasn't leaving mine behind. Two quick gulps, and we were gone. There is a sign posted to let you know that this is not the place to bring your laptop or iPad and work as you drink the great coffee. Eat, pay, and go. This is understandable but also very obvious. Food is 5 stars. Service 4. Parking here is challenging as this is strictly a residential neighborhood with plenty of residential garages and the driveways eliminate street parking at the driveway apron of the garage. There is no commercial lot in sight. So come with someone with a small car or be prepared to walk a bit, but it is definitely worth the effort.
(4)
Giuliano P.
If I need to make the drive then this is my go to. The owner sat us outside and made sure we were comfortable. We had our puppy with us so we sat outside. The owner brought her water which was so nice we didn't have to ask. The food is incredible. Everything we had was great especially the yogurt and granola. Now I know when you read the menu some of the combinations are gonna throw you off. But the wORK! I promise you would never expect certains things to go together!
(5)
Robert D.
This is hands-down the best brunch in Philadelphia. The owners are fantastically nice and the menu created by the wife is unique and tasty. There's really no point in saying much more. Every single dish is fantastic.
(5)
Julia D.
The food was pretty good. Coffee weak and not very satisfying. The staff was very rushed and impolite. Was seating by a smelly bathroom and not attended to very often
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
P E.
I stopped in here for brunch with a friend. We arrived quite early on a Sunday and as a result had no problem getting a table. (I had called ahead but there are no reservations. However, the server indicated that before 10 or so there should not be a problem.) We sat at one of the two marble tables near the window which was surprisingly warm for that day. There is 1/2 booth-1/2 chair seating along the wall and mostly table seating in the rear (where there is limited natural light). The place has that "cool vibe". Black and white are the primary colors here with pictures of puppies along the wall in the front. There are almost too many choices on the menu. (I peeked before we came and still had problems choosing.) One is better than the next. On the breakfast all day, there is a mix of French and Middle Eastern (specifically Lebanese) influences. We sipped coffee as we struggled with decision and this is the first time I knowingly drank LaColombe coffee. It is rich and robust, and was very fresh. We finally decided on the Croque Madame and the Parisian Za. The latter was suggested by the server as it is one of their more popular selections. This was overall a well balanced plate with a bit of fruit, a bit of salad, what was to be brioche but tasted like croissant with caramelized onion, ham, and goat cheese - I am a sucker for goat cheese - and two eggs over easy. These eggs were perfectly cooked in butter with no signed of browning as a result of the eggs being dropped into an overheated pan. Overall, this was winner. Service was a bit overzealous. We were asked at least 5 times by three different people how things were. In the middle of the meal, a person we had yet to encounter decided to rearrange plates and cups for us (square plates do not work very well on small round tables). Once, I get my plate or coffee cup, please don't touch it until I'm done with it. It is a pet peeve of mine. Once we were done, we were asked if we wanted anything else. Of course, the question was, "What else do you have?" after we had been sitting and staring a dessert case of croissant, cookies, and mmmmmmmmmmmmmacarons. The server started naming the flavors and we stopped her at salted caramel. We each had one and these were the perfect foil for the coffee. By this time the place was filled and we were getting that strong hint to leave. I wanted to stop in the restroom before we left and as I walked to the rear a waitress, without my asking said, "All the way in the back to the right." I mention this only because as I approached the back of the place I saw these curtains framing an open area to the left and started moving in that direction only to find myself slamming into a floor to ceiling mirror. The woman waiting to get into the single bathroom giggled, and said, "I did the SAME thing the first time I was here." So fellow Yelpers, watch out for the mirror all the way in the back on the left. When I arrived back at the table they had taken my dining partner's coffee cup, but I wasn't leaving mine behind. Two quick gulps, and we were gone. There is a sign posted to let you know that this is not the place to bring your laptop or iPad and work as you drink the great coffee. Eat, pay, and go. This is understandable but also very obvious. Food is 5 stars. Service 4. Parking here is challenging as this is strictly a residential neighborhood with plenty of residential garages and the driveways eliminate street parking at the driveway apron of the garage. There is no commercial lot in sight. So come with someone with a small car or be prepared to walk a bit, but it is definitely worth the effort.
(4)Giuliano P.
If I need to make the drive then this is my go to. The owner sat us outside and made sure we were comfortable. We had our puppy with us so we sat outside. The owner brought her water which was so nice we didn't have to ask. The food is incredible. Everything we had was great especially the yogurt and granola. Now I know when you read the menu some of the combinations are gonna throw you off. But the wORK! I promise you would never expect certains things to go together!
(5)Robert D.
This is hands-down the best brunch in Philadelphia. The owners are fantastically nice and the menu created by the wife is unique and tasty. There's really no point in saying much more. Every single dish is fantastic.
(5)Julia D.
The food was pretty good. Coffee weak and not very satisfying. The staff was very rushed and impolite. Was seating by a smelly bathroom and not attended to very often
(3)Meg T.
After only one visit I knew that THIS place was the go-to spot in town. The place where, from here on out, every family member or friend who comes to visit me will now be brought here to enjoy what everyone has already decided they love! It's no secret that this is the top spot (and the line during a sunday brunch time slot will tell you) but everyone should go see for themselves. Funny enough my boyfriend were on our way to Honey's but after seeing THAT line we were detoured down the block to Café La Maude and THANK GOD we were! Yes the wait was about 10-15 minutes- it was Sunday, it was high brunch time, we weren't surprised. If anything we were pleased with how quickly the wait went. I believe the man who took our name was the owner (HUGE plus by the way) and one thing that I noted overall was that he made it a point to REMEMBER my name on our way out. It's the little things that we remember and this was definitely one of them. He didn't have to say "take care Meghan, have a great day!"...he could have left out my name but boy oh boy when he said my name, I felt like we were old pals and I was part of a secret club! Silly but it's true! All of that aside (along with the great décor and the ethnic vibe with great staff), the food is something that should be illegal! I have two words for you: FRIED CAULIFLOWER. I have NEVER tasted anything so sublime in my life. It is my new obsession and I am spending tireless hours in the kitchen trying to mimic to no avail. The coffee is out of this world and the hot apple cider was something that I wish I could replicate every day for the rest of this cold winter. The cappuccino was perfect as well. AND THE FOOD! The food was incredible. My boyfriend had the N Liberties and he had a tough time eating the plate if you know what I mean. He practically licked the remnants off of it and wish it never ended! My daily special was incredible French toast with tons of yummy delicious surprises along the way- tasted fresh and perfect! Overall, AMAZING experience and CANNOT wait to go back!! Love this place- top brunch experience in the city!
(5)