Nice little spot for brunch -- gets pretty packed on the weekends, so you'll probably be waiting a while for a seat if you show up after 10am. Very good service. Had the avocado omelet last time I went and it was stellar, plus the breakfast potatoes are perfection. Their dessert case is also sinfully spectacular with artfully created confections, but I'm always too full on the way out to get anything. I suggest if you go, pick out a dessert to take home before you dine!
(4)
Jim C.
If you want to get a sense of what this neighborhood was like prior to gentrification, here's your chance. The clientele are mostly older neighborhood people. The food's excellent, the portions generous. Easily the best place for lunch in the area. Vegetarians will relish "The Italian Market" sandwich or the soup & grilled cheese special. And then there's the service. If you find tiresome the thought of gum-snapping barristas or black-clad waitpersons projecting their ennui in every available direction, note that the Fitzwater Cafe will be a refreshing alternative to all that attitude.
(4)
C H.
The food is just ok. Menu is pretty straight forward. It's nice that they have parking right out front. The last time we came here, my friend had a nickel sized piece of plastic mixed in with her eggs. They took it off the check but how did it get in there?
(2)
M B.
No nonsense, straight forward breakfast/brunch -- great food on every visit (have been there no less than 20 times). Kind staff. My choice over hawthornes & sam's (esp bc of wait times).
(5)
Nicole S.
My new favorite brunch spot in Philly! Pros: every meal is prepared to perfection, not a long wait time, fresh-squeezed orange juice, you can bring champagne to make mimosas, private parking lot, outdoor seating, fresh pastries, and decadent coffee drinks. Cons: cash only (an ATM is 1.5 blocks away), and very tight/close/bunched seating.
(5)
Richard L.
Food is great. Menu isn't huge, but very good. The place only holds about 50 people with more outdoor seating.
(5)
Shawn H.
I like this place, mainly because its so close. Its really small place, expect to wait like 10 mins to sit . good food, good service.
(4)
Olga M.
After a handful of visits I feel I almost owe a review to Fitzwater Cafe. I love this place! The service is friendly, the food is consistently great. I always crave their french toast...simple and delicious. You cant go wrong with anything there though. One of the best in town, and the competition in Bella Vista/Queen Village is serious!
(5)
Kendrah R.
I have only eaten baked goods to go and not gotten a meal here. So this review is just of their bakery. Really good banana muffin. I don't usually think of banana muffins as anything special, but this one was above average. It had a slight coffee taste to it and was not dry. Their croissant is a whole other mess though. A step above what you would get at a Hampton Inn free breakfast bar. It was so bad I threw it out after three bites. Super dry, the dough just tasted like they must have forgotten half the butter. I should have known when the woman gave it to me with a packet of butter to go. The best croissants should be so damn buttery inside that you don't need to put anything on them. Disappointing for sure. But this will not stop me from trying breakfast or lunch there perhaps some day.
(3)
Jody P.
Overall the experience was pleasant, but nothing special. A bright, clean environment that looks french with all of the mirrors and woven chairs. My green eggs sandwich with pesto was too salty. My orange juice tasted fresh squeezed. I will revisit, and update my review for their baked goods which look impressive.
(3)
Meghana P.
This place is awesome!!! Cute restaurant - doesn't have a ton of seating but the place feels big with all the mirrors! Food came out fast (came around noon on a Friday) and our server was very friendly! Free parking is a plus! Came here for brunch and got three very tasty dishes: 1 - The tomato pesto mozzarella omelet (recommended by another yelper -Thank you!). Excellent combo of flavors and served with yummy potatoes and bread. Portion is generous! 2 - Creme Brule French toast - three huge pieces of yummy French Toast with berries and a sweet white sauce. They do not skimp on the whipped cream! Top it with some syrup and you will surely satisfy your sweet tooth for the day :) 3 - Saved the best for last: Grilled cheese with soup. I normally don't pick a dish that I can make at home but glad I did! The grilled cheese is made with Sarcone's bread and comes with a tomato remoulade which takes it to the next level. They gave us a large bowl of their seasonal butternut squash soup which was rich and packed with flavor. Great meal for a cold day! Definitely worth checking this place out of you're looking for a brunch venue in the Bella Vista area!
(5)
Jenn W.
In my Quest to find Great brunch places to go,this was definitely one to try! So on to Fitzwater Cafe we went. It was actually quite easy to get to, near South Philly, little pass South St area. For out of townees, they have a lot, plenty of parking around it. Right on corner of Fitzwater & 7th St(literally) So now to the food: As you walk in greeted by smile, quaint place, counter seating or tables.In the front there are cases with decadent pastries from fruit tarts, different cakes, croissants, muffins-My, my. Can we say, Moment on the Lips, Lifetime on the Hips!!! Why I'm at the gym 6 days a week. Yeah!!! Well, we determined it was good, coffee was Great!! They has savory foods like Heuvos Rancheros to omelets, Apple Pie French Toast, we split the Creme Brulee French toast-it was huge with fresh blueberries & strawberries. Loved how they got the crust of the bread to be crunchy-with a Vanilla sauce on it. Our service was Good, coffee was refilled all the time..Would I go back???!! What..that's a Given...HELL YEAH!!!! As a fellow Yelper @ Kristin W..I agree !! Whoo-hoo!!
(5)
Allison E.
Went on a Sunday morning around 10 am and was pleasantly suprised there wasn't a wait...at all (like Sabrinas, Morning Glory, or Green Eggs). We decided to sit at the bar area and were promptly given coffees THANK YOU. The wait staff was nice, efficient, and the food was solid. I would definitely reccomend this place to anyone looking for a good breakfast/brunch. CASH ONLY though. That's why I had to remove a few stars. Sorry, I don't like that. It's just cheap, and your prices aren't for the food you serve so if you don't expect us to be cheap, you shouldn't either!
(3)
Cherie C.
Went for the first time recently. Breakfast was good, but some parts were a bit salty. Even the cucumber and tomato were salted, which isn't to my taste. The sweet dishes (pancakes, waffles) looked like a better choice. Service was friendly and swift, especially considered the weekend crowd. The dining room was bright and clean. The hostess seemed to know most of the people coming through the door. Very much a neighborhood place. Try the fresh croissants or muffins!
(3)
Julie G.
This great cafe never disappoints. Brunch and dinner are both amazing. Definitely check this place out!
(5)
Dar S.
Pancakes are off the chain!!! Gloria was the best! Great omelette choices for those who like omelettes. My 1st choice over other "faves" in immediate area. Bonus: There's a parking lot... a rare find in S. Philly
(5)
Jen R.
Lots of good things about this place - friendly service, no wait on Sunday morning, standard brunch menu - but 1.) The spinach in my omelette was frozen. I mean, it was hot by the time it got to me, but it had clearly come from the frozen food aisle. and 2.) The ham sucked. It was circular. You know what I mean. I'll give it another shot 'cause it's in my neighborhood, but I will steer clear of vegetables and meat. The berry pancakes looked good.
(3)
Lea S.
The food is good and convenient for a quick lunch. It's more a place to go to eat then to go for a treat of food that you can not cook at home.
(3)
Lindsay T.
I haven't been here for brunch yet but ventured out to check out Ftizwater's newly offered dinner fare. I went here with my mom and my aunt on a Friday night ( I think they do dinners Weds - Sat) and had a delicious meal! Started off with the mussels in red sauce -- the sauce was amazing and I was basically licking the bowl clean. Ventured on to have the chicken parm - another wonderful note of the meal. Fresh mozzarella and parm cheese perfectly browned. Great, cozy BYO perfect for a causal but tasty Italian meal.
Favorite breakfast in Philly- breakfasts burrito with andouille sausage and FRESHLY squeezed OJ- cash only but worth the trouble
(5)
Nomi P.
This cafe is a rare gem. First, they are dedicated to salted caramel and pull it off well. Second, they have their own parking, which is pretty convenient. Third, this place accommodates children pretty well. Bottom line: the prices are reasonable and the food delicious. I have tried the salted caramel French toast, the French onion omelette, and blueberry pancakes on different occasions. All were delicious. Some slight inconveniences: cash only, and they don't really have child proof cups.
Delicous breakfast burrito and creme brulee french toast!! Explosion of flavors in your mouth:) Byob so bring your bubbles if you want mimosas with your brunch! Only reason why I didnt give it 5stars: it's cash only and this is not advertised. Once you know it, it's fine:)
Service was great - potatoes were great. The French toast was hard around the edges as if it were microwaved.
(3)
Meghan P.
Typical brunch food taken to the next level! My boyfriend had the best "French toast he's ever tasted" while I went for the prosciutto, lettuce and tomato sandwich. The pesto added a particularly amazing flat to the sandwich, and I'm excited to have the other half for lunch tomorrow! You can get a large portion of great food for your money here.
(5)
Jo L.
I like that they tell us we can sit where ever we want. My friend and I came here on a Tuesday morning so thankfully, it wasn't crowded like the time when the boyfriend & I tried to get brunch on a Sunday morning. I had the Breakfast Burrito with a side of potatoes. The potatoes came out looking burnt on one side but they tasted fine. The burrito was huge! It was pretty good and I actually liked the mushrooms. The bottom got a bit soggy from all the juice leaking out though. I brought the unfinished half home and even though it was cold, my brother still said it was pretty good; and he is a very picky eater. My friend ordered the 3 Egg Omelet choosing spinach, mushroom and caramelized onions. You get to choose 2, the 3rd is $1. The toast that came with her dish was pretty good. I like toast with the hard crust with nuts or something on them. I really liked Manuel's Breakfast Taco the last time I was here. I don't know if they still have it but if they do, I will go back for them!
Fitz Cafe is great for a diner style lunch. Don't expect anything fancy as it's definitely a traditional diner setup. But the foods good, portions are large and reasonably priced.
(4)
Kyle S.
Easily the best breakfast in the City! I have been to all of the other popular breakfast spots but none compare to this place. From the food to the waitresses, it's all great!!
(5)
Blanca C.
Best cafe I've been to in a long time!
(5)
Mike S.
Review is for service only. Waited about 30 minutes for table, have no problem waiting for tables. Got seated, after 5+ minutes of no one coming to ask us for coffee or water we noticed 3 tables near us who were seated after us already had drinks and had placed food orders. I asked the bus boy if he saw a waitress to ask her for 2 coffees. A female waitress came over and says "what's your problem?" I asked if we could just have 2 coffees and at the same time the male waiter came over and said he was our waiter and would take care of us. The waitress says to the waiter "apparently there is a problem". I informed them both there was no problem it was just that all the tables abound us were being taken care of and we were not. The short male waiter says back "what do you want me to do?" Thinking I misheard him I asked him to repeat it and he says "you aren't my priority not sure what you want me to do". Well Fitzwater won't be our priority either.
(1)
Ann A.
Delicious!! Love their coffee and their fresh squeezed orange juice. Pastries, omelets, French toast and award winning crepes like I had in the French Quarter in Canada!!
(5)
Kara H.
I had breakfast here during my trip to Philadelphia after reading through the many Yelp reviews. I ordered the oatmeal, blueberry pancakes with cinnamon-sugar and a side of bacon. The pancakes were delicious; large and I couldn't finish them. The bacon was also good, although a little crispy for me. My coffee was OK, although I wasn't desperate for a refill. One downside was that they only take cash, which I didn't know until I got there. There was an ATM about 2 blocks away that saved me. I really liked the waitress, and the ambiance was nice. If I lived in Philadelphia I would make a point to come back, although I don't think this would be my regular brunch spot.
(4)
Dana M.
All I can say is wow! We moved to this neighborhood a few months ago and have been meaning to try this place. We have definitely been missing out! The food was excellent! Probably the best French toast I've ever had (with Nutella and bananas). I would go back there in a heartbeat. Very friendly staff... Even got to have some fresh coffee while I waited for a table- which was not very long. Highly recommend this place!
(5)
Melissa Y.
I come here most of the time when I'm in the city. All I can say is I love it here! I always indulge myself in the creme bulee french toast because I have a sweet tooth. If anyone wants a pleasant brunch I suggest trying this place out. If you have a sweet tooth as well then try the creme bulee french toast. It's like heaven in your mouth.
My new favorite breakfast spot!!!! This place is absolutely wonderful. Adorable set-up, very nice staff and most importantly, delicious food! They have these two-level tables, which came very much in handy with all of the food we ordered! You could just slide your little side plate under the main table until you made room for it! Great idea for a small, corner cafe! Now, onto the food... Four of us went and we could not stop raving about the food! I had a special sandwich from the brunch menu- Eggs, potatoes and cheese on Sarcone's bread with a side of Turkey Bacon. If you've ever had Sarcone's bread, you'll understand why that helped my decision! It was SO GOOD! I will have a hard time trying anything else next time! Everyone else was very satisfied with their food as well- french toast (was raved about as the best french toast my friend had ever had), breakfast burrito and a good old eggs/bacon platter. Based on our breakfast experience, we are all very interested in going back for lunch sometime. This place does NOT accept cards, but they do accept personal checks with ID. Definitely check this place out if you want a great meal and great service!
(5)
Francis U.
Filling a void... Fitzwater Cafe is filling a void in the Philadelphia brunch scene; one which was created by the recent departures (of Cafe Estelle and Carmen's) from the city's brunch options. The first thing one may notice is the lack of pretentiousness about the place. This is a cafe in a traditional sense of the word: in size, ambience, and vibe. Fitzwater is pleasantly small, which helps to make it pleasantly quiet. The staff is attentive, but one is not rushed through one's meal; and it's a great spot to sit with a coffee and book without being bothered. I also had to award points for playing 'Kind of Blue'. Miles' opening line in 'So What' caught my ear immediately, and my short stack of blueberry pancakes tasted so much better with a little John Coletrane. We stayed well into 'Blue in Green'. Kudos. The food is simple, but good. The ingredients are fresh, and everything is made to order. With good site lines into the spacious and cleanly kitchen, one can feel confident about the quality of the meal. The french toast is above average, as are the pancakes. It's not as elevated as Sabrina's...but the price tag is literally half. It's also not as silly as Green Eggs. They don't offer "Red Velvet Pancakes", thank God. Just eat a cake for breakfast if that's what you want to do...no need to mascarade a birthday cake as a savory meal. The clientele is also easier to swallow than any of the other haunts (Sabrina's, Green Eggs, Chayya). No one is trying to be hip or sexy...we just want to fortify ourselves for the day with a decent bite. To recap: Miles instead of club music. Simple food done well, at a good price point, non-hipster clientele, good staff. Fitzwater Cafe just quietly earned four stars from the original F.U.
Wait until you hear the specials! This Bella Vista Cafe is as good as it gets for breakfast and lunch. I go here at least once a week and they never fail to exceed expectations. Nicole and Sally are extremely attentive wait staff during the week. PRO TIP: Go on days when "Mom" is cooking and the portions are slightly larger and the cup of soup is the equivalent of a bowl anywhere else. All the salads are solid, and they all come with delicious pesto toast that is extremely addictive. Prosciutto sandwich is great with sharp provolone. The daily specials are all great, and extremely varied, from jumbo lump crab and pasta to chicken salad, you cannot go wrong with any of the specials.
(4)
John C.
Great, no fuss neighborhood place for a tasty, simple breakfast. Basic eggs and omelets, pancakes and more. Rotating specials. I'll echo a lot of the other reviews which mention the lack of pretentiousness, which is refreshing among the Philly brunch scene.
(4)
Lauren B.
I am going to round up to a 4 star review, but really this is a 3.5 star review. The ambiance of this place is adorable. You feel like you're eating in a quaint Parisian cafe that has been dropped into Bella Vista. The food isn't bad, but I'm not over the moon about it. The omelet option is only 2 fillings, and everything else is an upcharge. The potatoes always taste a little...underdone. Something about them is just off, and there's little to no flavor. The thing that I love the most about Fitzwater Cafe (other than the decor) is the warm spinach salad. I would get it every time I went there, but sometimes they do not have it. I know they get their ingredients fresh, so I'm assuming that sometimes the spinach at the market doesn't look great so they don't have that salad. Which is always a bummer when it's not available. Overall, my boyfriend and I frequent this place (about 2x a month) and it's good. I know he loves the Cafe breakfast, which is french toast, eggs, breakfast meat and potatoes (he also works out a LOT more than me and can afford to eat that much first thing in the morning. lol). So for that I rounded up to the 4. Once they improve their potatoes this place will sky rocket into one of my favorites.
(4)
Melanie A.
This is the best neighborhood spot ever!! Awesome omelettes and pancakes and French toast. They have a dish I think is phenomenal: the pesto, tomato, mozzarella omelette. Delicious. Cash only. And you'll probably have to wait a bit being that its very small inside.
(5)
Angela E.
Met a couple friends for brunch here and we all had a great time. The restaurant is nice, the staff are friendly, and the food is great. I got a delicious loaded-with-all-kinds-of-goodies omelette and it was great. BIG. Delicious. They had a reasonably priced menu, too, which is sometimes hard to find for brunch in this city! Wish they accepted credit/debit, but that's okay, it keeps the patrons from overrunning the place!
(3)
Alissa L.
Had the three egg omelette(pesto and spinach) with toast and potatoes. Delicious! Their potatoes were extra tasty because they use some type of seasoning or extra herbs on them. I couldn't quote pin point it. The service was good and getting a parking spot In front of the entrance made the entire experience all the more enjoyable. Sampled a friends French toast and it was also tasty. Will definitely be going back.
(5)
Kathryn S.
Dinner service, too! Awesome Italian food as a BYOB several eves per week. So few even know this due to "0" advertising. I only figured it out from some evening runs, surprised to see it open with candles on tables. Check it out on Friday or Saturday night. Call in advance for table or to check on other eve openings. Order chicken parm, any pasta and you won't be disappointed. Everything I have had here has been superb.
(4)
Walter K.
I'm glad that Yelp has arisen as an alternative to CitySearch. I used CitySearch a lot but hated the bloated and clunky website. Still, the article on CitySearch about the best brunch places turned me onto my all time fav, Carmen's, so it can't be all bad. Fitzwater Cafe was one of the last spots on the list I had never visited. I finally made it out here last weekend. The cafe in tucked in on the corner of 7th and Fitzwater, and has a long bar with a small dining area. The decor in this place is cute and quaint; it really looks like a cozy neighborhood spot. Rachel and I took a seat at the bar and looked over the menu. Overall, the menu is pretty limited. It contains a few different omelets, some sweet breakfast options like pancakes and waffles, and other small items like granola and yogurt. Despite the limited menu, I ordered a veg omlet that sounded right up my alley. Rachel ordered an omelet made with pesto, and it was served up looking the part; totally green. The food came out really quickly, and we were drinking the cafe's excellent coffee while we were waiting. The service was below average. We had empty coffee cups half the time while we were there, and I had to walk over to the waitress to pay the check. She was just talking to another customer for a long time while we were waiting. The servers seem nice, but that doesn't make up for poor service. On the up side, the food was good. The omelets come with toast and great home fries. Bottom Line: Within a few days, I forgot that I ever stopped in here. It's nice that this place is open at 7am on the weekdays, and it would be a great place to grab a quick cheap meal during the week. But I don't live close and I won't be doing that. It's a lot like a South Philly version of Ida Mae's.
(3)
Julie N.
We stopped in to Fitzwater Cafe for brunch on Saturday, mostly because I was craving french toast and was too lazy to make it myself. Although there was a wait for a table, we were seated immediately when we opted for the counter. Service was mediocre - glasses of water and menus were given to us right away, but it must have been 10 minutes or so until someone came to take our orders. We both had the Cafe Special: French toast, eggs, and sausage. Plus we had a side of bacon too. Everything was just okay for me. The plate looked too big for the dish, so I felt like I wasn't getting much for $13. This is almost irrelevant but the french toast was sliced diagonally, but the diagonals were very asymmetrical and it really bothered me - it was almost not worth slicing diagonally if you know what I mean. It all tasted like something I could have simply made at home, but ya know, it's a diner-type of place so maybe that's the point. The bacon though -- it was slightly undercooked in the middle sections... I'm talking soft and pink, and not cool. We didn't even bother to eat it. Overall, the bill, for two specials, a side of bacon, two coffees, and an o.j. was about $45 including tip. Next time I'll just make brunch myself and save $45.
(3)
Allison B.
After eating at Fitzwater Cafe for the first time this weekend, I can confidently say I've found my new brunch go-to for the Queen Village area. I know I've raved about Kennett in the past, but Fitzwater is perfect if you're craving a breakfast that's a little more traditional and super budget-friendly. The omelets are huge. A friend and I shared the veggie omelet and subbed goat cheese for American. Excellent idea, if I do say so myself. Asking for a side order of potatoes (no charge!) made the portion sizes perfect between the two of us, and we left not too stuffed but absolutely satisfied. The potatoes are IT, man. Fresh, well-cooked, covered in real pieces of rosemary and garlic. They were delicious. The only thing that was lacking from my plate was adequately toasted bread. It was still soft when it reached my mouth (that's what she said!) See you there Saturday morning, around 11? Great, it's a date.
(4)
Kristin W.
After reading all the wonderful reviews about brunch, I was a little nervous about going for dinner...could Fitzwater Cafe live up to its daytime glory? Absolutely! I started with the Beet Salad, which had a nice portion of beets, but wasn't the most interesting dish. My entree was the Campanelle (which means "bell" in Italian), which was a beautiful pasta as well as a delicious one. The cream sauce was light and had phenomenal flavor. For dessert, the Fruit Tart was incredible with a burst of fresh fruit and a slightly sweet tart - a nice light option to top off a delicious meal.
(5)
Julie H.
I really enjoyed this place. The menu is perhaps not as creative as Sabrina's or Morning Glory, but they have the staples and they do them well. We got the creme brulee french toast and the breakfast burrito, which were both gigantic, delicious, and well worth the $10 we paid for each. Service was friendly and prompt and the space was really bright, lively and comfortable. And they have a parking lot!
(4)
Vinny P.
For what it is, it's hard to beat this place in location, offerings and price. Being from Jersey, I appreciate a good diner. Hell, I feel like that diners are something that I actually know about. While this will not be a diatribe on what a diner is and is not, one thing we can all agree on is that diners are cheap. So is Fitzwater Cafe. There are many breakfast establishments in Philadelphia that cater to all kinds of demanding appetites. Fitzwater excels in its simplicity. I was able to take my father here for a simple breakfast one day and he's been raving about it ever since. He then took my mom here and now they both rave about it. My parents know approximately 3 places in Philadelphia and Fitzwater Cafe is one of them. Based on their feedback, it's hard to find that level of quality for such a good price at such an approachable place. You can go other places for your juevos rancheros or challah bread french toast. This is your spot when you want your basic (albeit very well prepared) breakfast foods.
(4)
Paul A.
I listened to my fellow yelpers out there, who claimed this place was good, but I was sorely, sorely disappointed. Sabrina's is far better in almost every way. Sabrina's has better coffee, better atmosphere, they accept credit cards, and most importantly their food is far superior. Seriously, avoid Fitzwater Cafe
(2)
Dan F.
urgent cheesecake alert. the strawberry cheesecake at fitzwater cafe will edge you directly to your personal niagra falls and keep you there long past the point of civility. whisper-thin angel tears of strawberry rest sentimentally atop the most delicious cheesecake this new yorker has ever known. have it served with perfect coffee by that shockingly hot south philly named joey who works the room in magic black pants and you will understand why i am positively cap locked, which yelp converts to lowercase, but trust me -- i'm capping off the rooftops. also comes in plain and chocolate chip. also starring: chocolate ganache bells, coconut cake, carrot cupcakes, each deserving of a yelp full court press. best cakes in philadelphia. but business seems slow. so if you want this amazing experience in your life, my direction to you: go, go, go! important caveat: i dislike the new dinner menu intensely. eggplant skins?! this bizarre ingredient infests many entrees and anyway that's the least of it. as long as they maintain the veal parm, you're good to go. otherwise, stick with dessert and coffee, or get breakfast. they would be well smart to get someone in there who knows how to put together a solid menu. (not to mention one with prices that more realistically reflect the quality.)
(4)
J. S.
I do not understand any of the previous comments about the pricing being too high! I get french toast with an optional add-on of fresh berries for under $10. We go often, enjoy great brunch fare and always marvel at how they keep their prices low. If you go during the rush, be prepared to wait for a table. But once you're seated, the service is swift and efficient and the kitchen works well to send out all your food still piping hot. I love the sweet stuff and my husband goes for savory and we are always happy. Coffee flows freely and the food tastes great. My kinda place for a morning meal. And we've stopped in to pick up cake/pastry as a special dessert a few times.
(5)
Tiffany G.
What a refreshing place for brunch. Great coffee and fresh squeeze orange juice is only the beginning. Everything tastes homemade and the atmosphere is adorable and so comfy. Its like you're eating at home in your beautifully lit dining room or kitchenette. The people are also so nice! Just a heads up - there tends to be a line on Sundays! But - there is a line for a reason! Think of it as a good thing and a sign that you are in the right place! It's a short wait worth every minute.
(5)
Sara G.
My family tried four different meals and each was delicious and amply portioned. I would highly recommend for a leisurely lunch or breakfast!
(4)
Cccc B.
YUMMY! I've been here a handful of times for breakfast and I'm never disappointed. Although it's always crowded, I feel it's worth the wait. They've got some really delicious menu items, like the pesto omelette, nutella/banana french toast, and delicious home fries. For being so delicious, the prices aren't bad either. If you go on a Saturday or Sunday for breakfast/brunch, expect to wait, and expect to eat a great meal!
(4)
Tony M.
This place is one of the 3 best breakfast places in the city. I rank them here, Sabrina's (both Sabrina's) and Green eggs (that order).
(5)
Anandi B.
what an adorable place to have brunch. a little pricey, cash only...but it was a nice place to go with the roommates for sunday brunch. good service. great food. fresh squeezed orange juice to accompany your breakfast. breakfast for champions i say.
(4)
Brian S.
Had breakfast tacos for lunch...most excellent! So many items on the menu looked good, plus they have daily specials. I think you could run through the entire menu and then start all over again. Great service, professional staff.
(5)
Noheli T.
This place really deserves 3.5 stars but 4 is just fine. For a traditional breakfast Fitzgerald is the place to go but it was not overwhelmingly special. I ordered the omelette, which turned out as expected and my friend ordered the burrito, which he said was delicious! I only have two things to complain about, which are the lack credit card acceptance and the attitude of one of the servers. It would be great if they had an ATM inside instead of having to walk some blocks to find one. I also felt like one of the servers was on edge and just wasn't very friendly. Other than that it was a nice place with great prices.
(4)
Joanne D.
Love for Sunday Brunch! Always friendly and delicious.
(5)
Mary D.
I tried Fitzwater Cafe this past Saturday and although my friend who goes there all the time told me the wait is never over 20min for 2 people, we waited for approximately 45 minutes and we ended up sitting on the counter because we couldn't wait any longer. The food was amazing! I definitely recommend this place. Their 3-egg omelette was delicious (I had it with ham, provolone and mushrooms)! My friend had their special french toast with apples and syrop and it was delicious (I tried some!). My only comment is that because I am a foodie, I expected the portions to be slightly larger. It was definitely enough for most people, but I am used to the huge portions that Sabrina's or Green Eggs usually have. Next time I'm trying the creme brulee french toast!
(4)
Allie H.
"Wait, isn't kind of an old people restaurant?" "What? Ok so it appears there are a lot of grandmothers here, but the reviews are great!" Thankfully, we didn't let hipster snobbery get in the way. Had a fabulous brunch at this family restaurant on a recent Saturday morning after stumbling upon it during a walk around our neighborhood. There was no wait for a table for two (despite the packed house) and our waiter quickly brought over two cups of hot coffee. Definitely recommend trying any of the weekly specials -- my "caprese" omelet with plenty of fresh pesto, mozzarella and cherry tomatoes was divine. My boyfriend's special omelet with sausage, red pepper and broccoli rabe was equally good. Fitzwater Cafe reminds me of a beloved New Jersey diner, but plunked in the middle of Bella Vista. You've got the same quiet clientele, decor, giant gleaming dessert case, but without the hassle of RT 130. Plus, you won't have to wait an hour for a table. I thought prices were a tad expensive, though no more than other popular brunch places in the area. It's cash only, FYI.
(4)
Perry H.
This is my favorite ole standby in the Bella Vista/Queen Village for brunch. There's nothing outrageous or innovative about the menu, just standard breakfast/brunch classics done perfectly. There is always a steady crowd for brunch so be sure you arrive early, are okay with sitting at the counter, or are okay with a wait. Oh and be sure to bring cash...its cash only. Prices are a bit on the expensive side for the fare, but when its executed this well, I have no issues paying. I look forward to trying them for dinner sometime as I can imagine its quit tasty.
(4)
raquel s.
I've noticed, from both reading reviews and from eating here, the consistent comments on the excellent service. Servers in the Fitzwater Cafe remember you. They don't push the "family" feel, because it is a little more professional than that, but I would definitely say there is a friend vibe going around. They are always happy to see you, to welcome you, to get to know you. That is why people comment about the servers noticing a hangover and brining extra potatoes, or noticing someone wanting French Toast and brining a sample.. they pay attention to you. I always get carmelized onions and mushrooms in my egg white omlette. The onions are very flavorful and lend some to eggwhites, which can be somewhat bland sometimes. I almost never get bread anywhere when I eat out, but I would never consider skipping the multigrain toast here. It really is that good. You would think I would like to know where I could buy it, but I don't need to, because my favorite place to have breakfast serves it.
(5)
Britt G.
I love this place! The food is great. I've ha almost all the breakfast items, from the pancakes to the omelets and I'm a huge fan. The only thing I'm not so fond of is the wait. Be for a longgg wait if you try to go here on a weekend! If it's nice outside, it's not too bad but there's not much waiting room inside, so be prepared!
(4)
Nadia S.
Great food! Great prices($6-$10)! Great service! Only complaint, it gets very busy for Sunday brunch, but who can blame the crowd... My friend and I were contemplating the french toast but really wanted eggs and ended up ordering omelettes, delicious of course! And to our surprise, an order of French Toast appears with our waitress saying "You have to try this, its that good" (the waitress spoke, not the french toast). Well, It was that good! I'll be going back.
(4)
Jenny T.
Fitzwater Cafe has been one of my favorite brunch places for years. Great family run business. An omelet with broccoli rabe, italian sausage and provolone is one of my usuals, accompanied with the croissant (when they're not sold out).
(4)
Tahira M.
Good for breakfast, ok service
(4)
Yuri R.
Best brunch in the city. Period. How often will you hear someone say, "even the toast is delicious..."? I can't tell quite how they do it (making breakfast is something at which I'm no slouch myself). But no place embodies the principle that even the simple things can be made exquisitely well better than Fitz Cafe. Fluffy eggs, fresh ham, gorgeously green spinach, and on and on.... Usually lots of tempting specials, too. Sparkling clean and beautifully decorated down to the posters, a la French bistro in Manhattan, Fitz Cafe's former service station interior is a bit tight on a morning after; but way less so than its Italian Market competitor - and there's a spacious counter if you aren't fixed on tables. So don't spread it around too much lest us locals can't get a seat - but this is my pick, hands down, for best brunch in Philly. Or QV, anyway.
(5)
J M.
I'm with Paul A... Gave Fitzwater a try with my wife today, and was not impressed. There was nothing terribly wrong outside of their pricing. Perhaps my expectations were skewed from reading the 4- and 5-star reviews on Yelp. Fitzwater was clean and the service was OK -- no problems, but not memorable. The menu offered options from breakfast through brunch, some variety in choices but nothing unique. In the Fitzwater trend of falling short of expectations, the prices on the menu (which were on par with pricing at Sabrina's) promised outstanding, exemplary food, but the plates my wife and I ate were mediocre at best. The food at Fitzwater calls to mind greasy spoon diner food -- just fine for what it is. However, the diner-esque food was not available at diner prices... if the Fitzwater subtracted $4 or $5 from the prices, I'd be much happier about my breakfast. I had a special frittata and my wife got the Fitwater Breakfast (similar to a hungryman breakfast at a diner, but priced at over $10 -- I think it was $11 or $12). Our plates were at our table within 5 minutes of placing our order. Speed is nice, but I cook and I know a fresh-made frittata takes more time than that. This was more of an open face omellette than a frittata -- bland toppings piled on a round baked egg. My wife's french toast was kind of burnt. The potatoes were fine; again, nothing to write home about and maybe a fraction better than diner homefries (if better at all). Again, overall, the food was just "OK" -- not bad enough to upset me, but bad enough to disappoint me considering the price. Living in Philly, we're all food spoiled with the great restaurants in this town. I'm not sure how people consider FItzwater to be 4- or 5-star against the competition (maybe 3-star), but to each their own. For me, I'd rather hit a diner and get the same quality of food for much less money. Otherwise, there are infinitely superior restaurants nearby within the price range of the Fitzwater Cafe.
(2)
Beth R.
This was my first visit, and I would def go back. Major points for flexibility - they let my friend and split one of the gigantic breakfast platters (2 eggs, a stack of french toast, sausage, and breakfast potatoes), which was nice. The french toast was an A+. Ridiculously good. It's bright inside, and the service was cheery. The wait for a table of 4 was around 30 minutes when we showed up at noon. Of the brunch spots that I've hit in the last year, here's how I'd rank them (based on food and ambiance, but not wait time) from "most awesome" to "don't bother": Jones Honey's Fitzwater Cafe Sabrina's (original) The Cafe (next to the Bards) London Grill St Stephen's Green Sabrina's on Callowhill Continental
(4)
Lauren H.
Came here with the girls for Sunday brunch. There was a bit of a wait for a table, but once we were seated, things progressed speedily. I ordered one of the omelet specials, which was quite good, but it was served with 6 pieces of breakfast potatoes, which was odd. Why even bother at that point? They tiny pile looked rather sad. Two of my friends were allowed to split a plate, which was nice. The Cafe does have a parking lot, if you're diving, but like the restaurant, the lot was jam packed the entire time we were there. It's cash-only and I thought a little on the pricey side - I would have rather seen my omelet come it at $8/9 rather than $10. It's got a pleasing decor, and it's in the neighborhood, so I'm sure I'll back.
(3)
Tom M.
Had a really great breakfast here. There was a decent-sized crowd waiting, but since I was solo, I slotted in at the end of the counter (the advantages of being a loner are many). It's a pretty small place that takes advantage of the spacial perception advantage that mirrors give. Diner waitress - a sweet middle-aged, gravelly-voiced woman who was extra nice. Diner coffee - not the finest of caffeines, but it's familiar and gets the job done. Diner menu - but much much higher quality. I had a mixed fruit bowl, which pleasingly was not the usual cantaloupe and grapes in a cup. Bananas, mixed berries, tangerines, etc. It was fruit. In a bowl! Just as advertised. Main part of the meal was the Tomato Pesto Mozzarella Omelet. So good! The eggs were fluffy, the flavor was great, and they use small tomatoes, which are the best kind of tomatoes. Sides were home fries - flavorful and not greasy (!!!) and wheat toast. You know, warmed up stale wheat bread. Excellent!
(4)
Fritz P.
Two words: Italian eggs. Seriously, Italian eggs. This is one of my top 3 meals of all time. So deliciously simple, yet amazing every time. After coming here a few times for brunch over the past few months I can safely say that this is one of my top spots for a Sunday bite. The food has been top notch, the service has always been quick and attentive, and I've never had to wait for a table. Why would you put yourself through the stresses of waiting for a table at Sabrina's or Morning Glory when this hidden gem is hiding right around the corner? Actually, I take that back. Keep going to those places. I don't want any competition for a table.
(5)
anne l.
Delicious food, friendly service, and an atmosphere accepting of children - this makes it one of my favorites! The cooking here is clearly from scratch, and I get the same sort of vibe I might at the home of a friend who is a really wonderful cook. They want you to enjoy your meal, and are happy to make any accommodations you want. That applies to the decor and attitude towards children too - it's nothing super high end or creative, just very comfortable so there's no glaring at a child running down the aisle to check out the pastries - people here understand what it's like to be part of a family and accept it! I truly love this place! Love the parking too! Just tip please!
(5)
ELliot L.
Best French Toast ever. They also have some of the most well prepared home fries ever. I'm not sure what they do to those potatoes, but they rock. Also try the breakfast tacos. I've only ever done breakfast here. The prices are great. Friendly, south Philly staff. Same crew every time we are there. We live across the street, go here all the time, and still love it as much as when we first started going 2 years ago.
(4)
Gerry D.
Breakfast! Then dont think too much, just go here.. For you live around south street, this place is best for having breakfast. I got myself omelet with pancakes.. So delicious and the prices is cheap, waiter services is so friendly and the store location is convenient. Really recommended for you to start your day.
(4)
Jenna D.
Nutella banana french toast. Need I say more? This is a neighborhood gem. Fitzwater all day!
(5)
Arthur B.
Spectacular. Fresh sandwiches, homemade ravioli (the best, usually not advertised so ask!), soup, service, price, and fresh squeezed oj. My family has been going for years and I go every time I come to Philadelphia!
(5)
Roger F.
"They're not a hipster brunch place, they were doing brunch before it was cool!" The Fitzwater Cafe is a South Philly/Queen Village staple; a perennial favorite of my grandmother's. The food is good, traditional brunch fare, and the waitstaff are great... Grandma goes head over heels for Jorge. As a suburbanite, parking is really easy; as an urbanite it's not bad to get to by bike. The place is tiny- about 10 or so tables. I usually go during the weekdays but I imagine the brunch lines on the weekends would be tough. It's now open until 3 PM (a few years ago it used to close at 2). Grandma & I both got Eggs Benedict, which had an amazing cheddar hollandaise sauce that left me wiping up the remnants with my spare potatoes. We also got 3 English muffins instead of 2. The eggs were done just right, and the English muffin was very enabling of the rest of the dish. I come here occasionally, but it's great to know that they have managed to keep on making consistently good food, just like they have for years.
Went there this morning while visiting my daughter who lives a few blocks away. Excellent breakfast .Very crowded but the lines moved quickly. Wait staff very attentive, always filling your coffee or water. Always coming over and asking if you needed anything. Food was delicious , Big portions .Cash Only
(4)
Fran S.
This place continues to be wonderful and just never disappoints. I am happy to say we are now considered regulars and can not go into the city without stopping by. There are always specials to augment the already varied and wonderful menu staples and the service simply enhances the meal and just makes going to the Fritzwater cafe a lovely respite in your day.
(5)
Vade Mecum B.
Quaint place, but food quality is inconsistent. Last time, my blueberry pancakes were undercooked. The omelets & potatoes are good.
(3)
Phanna P.
Free parking, kinda small inside. Had brunch on a Monday morning. Breakfast/brunch was affordable. My friends and I ordered the cafe breakfast included with 4 slices of french toast, 2 sausage patties, 2 eggs your way, and potatoes for $13. I only finished half with 2 cups of coffee. The menu had the usual breakfast items, nothing exciting compared to Green Eggs Cafe or Sabrina's. My friend doesn't eat meats so he substituted with tuna salad and egg whites. It was nice they compromised. I definitely would go again. I'm afraid of the weekend and if there is a long line. I would come again.
(4)
Mallory D.
I seriously contemplated not writing this review, so as to not turn any more people on to what is now my new favorite brunch spot in the city. Thankfully I kinda like you guys, so here I go. I stumbled upon Fitzwater Cafe whilst eating my way through my city dining card deck. When I told my husband it was in South Philly,I was met with much opposition regarding the parking situation. However, we were both delighted to find that Fitzwater has a parking lot! That's worth a couple stars alone right there my friends. Although the cafe is exceedingly small, we were thankfully seated right away by a lovely waitress. My husband ordered some sort of breakfast sample situation, and I the breakfast burrito. Both were simply phenomenal. The french toast was unreal-like no french toast I have ever tasted before. As other reviewers have mentioned, the potatoes were spot on. My burrito was delicious...the avocado, mushrooms, sausage and everything else in there was just so fresh. This is definitely my new hot spot for brunch in the city. I am in love!
(5)
Rachael K.
My boyfriend and I try to come here for breakfast/lunch/brunch as much as we can because we absolutely love it. It's clean, it's friendly, it's cute and cozy, and it's not pretentious. It's mostly a neighborhood-y joint, which, to me, translates to awesome food. Unfortunately, its strong sense of community means it fills up fast for breakfast/brunch on the weekends. Luckily, we've found a way around this problem: since the Fitzwater Cafe is frequented by mostly working class locals, we've noticed that if you come for breakfast/lunch during the week (which they offer and I greatly appreciate), you will be seated immediately! One of my favorites is the Prosciutto sandwich. It comes with the perfect ratio of pesto, greens, tomato, and meat on a satisfyingly crispy Sarcone's roll (which I am always a sucker for). I also add some fresh mozzarella to put it over the top. You get your choice of a side salad or homefries (both of which are worth trying). I always pretend that I'm only going to eat half of the sandwich and save the rest for later, but I always give in and devour the entire thing.
(5)
Rob S.
Went on a Sunday for brunch. Hawthorne's had an hour wait and I was glad to go to a quieter place with no wait. Nice, sunny interior. A bit of a classier diner feel. The menu has a nice selection of brunch items. I'm a sucker for omelettes and I had difficulty choosing. They had some tasty sounding Italian inspired omelettes like a pesto/mozzarella/tomato omelette and a prosciutto omelette. I ended up getting the avocado/bacon omelette. Comes with toast and a (tiny) side of breakfast potatoes. The omelette itself was tasty. A bit runny/watery for some reason. They had Tobasco on the table which is nice, but a tastier hot sauce would have been nice. The potatoes were good, but the portion was small. The main issue for me was service. Our waitress was friendly, but as she spilled a bit of coffee she announced, "It's my ditzy hour. The last hour of my shift." I'm not sure about ditzy, but we didn't see her again until she brought the food and then brought the check. People at our table were dying for coffee and I was so dehydrated for want of water that I could only muster up 3 stars for this place.
(3)
Lucky K.
Great food and the wait is not as long as green eggs. More lively atmosphere and plenty of parking, which is nice in philly. OJ is a little too expensive though
(4)
Elizabeth O.
Went in around 10 am on a Saturday morning for breakfast and sat at the bar instead of waiting for a table. The price was right and the portions were just enough. My french toast was piping hot with crispy brown edges and tasted like buttery powdered sugared goodness. I got it with sliced bananas on top and a great cup of coffee. My dad got the eggs and toast breakfast and ended up trading me half way to get in on the french toast. Only let down is its cash only. I'll definitely be coming back for breakfast here more often.
(4)
hilary m.
Best breakfast on the planet. I usually have the avocado omelette. the ingredients are always fresh and the food is always clean tasting. they can also make a proper espresso and cafe latte etc. the wait staff is very friendly and together. If you are not from Philadelphia and are visiting definatly have a visit.
(5)
Erin W.
Fitzwater Cafe is def a solid brunch spot, but it's my back-up to Morning Glory. You can usually get a table at Fitzwater a little easier, but I don't dig the vibe as much. Def good food though. So many good brunch options, its hard to choose!
(4)
Catherine F.
Ok...so by the looks of my reviews, it appears that I only eat breakfast, but what can I say...I find breakfast/brunch cathartic. I have been driving, riding, and walking past the cafe for over two years now and for some reason have always forgotten to go there. Finally one morning I drove past it with a friend and yelled WAIIIIITTTTT! After a quick loop around the block we parked in the lot( yes a parking lot in the city...hooray!) and happily waited only about 5 minutes for a table. I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of a wait on a Saturday morning at 10am. We were seated and promptly greeted by a super cute and friendly waitress with coffee in hand. What more can I ask for with my coffee than a cute girl in awesome boots? Their menu is small, but I appreciate that in a restaurant. To me, this means that they know what they are making and they do it damn good! I had an omelet with avocado and swiss, yummy homefries( the big chunky kind), and probably the second best multi-grain bread in the city(aside from metro). The omelet was a great size and I only ate half. It was priced at 10 dollars which seems about right against comps. The bread is made fresh on premises, as are the pastries. I grabbed a banana muffin to go because they had been staring at me the whole time. It was one of the best muffins I have ever had. It was chock full of bananas that caramelized from baking and they were insanely cake like and indulgent. That thing about only having a 5 minute wait...yeah that quickly changed. As we were nearing the end of our meal the line was starting to go outside and was becoming a 30 minute wait. I have to say though, we were never rushed out. Even after we had received our check and the line was growing, we were offered more coffee. Although we declined in order to free up our table, the offer was really appriciated in this city. The one negative I will mention is that they don't have room for strollers inside and you are asked to leave them outside. There were a few angry parents who were forced to leave their 1000 orbit stroller outside. So word to the wise...grab your sling and strap the kids in. So yeah, don't go to morning glory walk a few blocks east and head to this quaint and lovely cafe.
(4)
Christopher S.
I will eat at the Fitzwater Cafe over Sabrina's or Morning Glory any weekend morning. It is super clean with a bright decor and the food is really fresh. At those other places, the food tends to be grimy, greasy, and over priced. Here it's just a good old fashioned breakfast: eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. The service is quick and very professional with a smile (another plus over "Crapina's" and "Morning Gonna-wait-til-I'm-ready-to-serve-you"). I have never waited for a table, but have seen a line form around 9:30 on a Saturday. I recommend the French toast with bananas and the fresh squeezed OJ.
(4)
Rob R.
This was my first time here for brunch, after being dejected by a 2 hour wait at Sabrina's we decided to try this place out. I was delighted by the fact that we were told our wait was only 20 minutes, which seemed impossible based on the crowd that was waiting...20 minutes turned into 1 hour, and that seemed to be a common theme here. Waiting aside, the actual food was great, I had the breakfast cafe, 2 eggs, french toast, sausage, potatos for like $11. I would consider coming back, but if i'm going to wait 1+ hour i'd probably go to Sabrina's instead.
(3)
Bridget N.
I always forget that this place exists which is strange because the food is excellent and its ridiculously close to my house. I came here for brunch last week with a friend from high school who I haven't seen in years. The Fitzwater Cafe is situated smack dab in the middle between our two houses so we decided to meet there for our reunion meal. We met at noon on a Thursday afternoon and the place was oddly packed and were told we'd probably have to wait a little as everyone was just seated. An employee (I think) who was sitting to have his break overheard this and offered to give up his table to sit at the counter, which was awesome. Since it was noon I wasn't sure to go the breakfast or lunch route and was debating between a Prosciutto sandwich and the French Toast. We all know my issues with brunch and having an egg infested menu but these two options sounded equally delicious. I chose the French Toast which came complete with fresh berries and about enough food to feed a village. Nathan devoured the Prosciutto sandwich and although I was envious I was getting wayy too full with my own meal to ask for a taste. I ate about half of mine, got a doggie bag and waddled home.
(4)
Carey G.
I tried this restaurant for brunch today and did not find it very appealing. It resembled a "slop house" diner to me. I found the service non-attentive and a bit slow. The croissant breakfast sandwich tasted bland and was smothered in cheese. The croissant did not taste fresh, rather like the frozen variety. Believe me.... pass this place up for a better breakfast spot like Sabrina's!
(1)
Ellen R.
Wonderful food! The breakfast tacos are fantastic. Cozy atmosphere with very friendly staff. Long waits are the only downside.
(4)
Moe W.
This is my FAVORITE breakfast/lunch place in the center city area. The food, service, and ambiance are superb!!! I went there 4 times this week during a STAY-cation - and it transported me to a resort atmosphere. Try the Italian Eggs...yummmmm!
(5)
Rachel B.
I really like this place! The pancakes are really good and the coffee is decent as well. I usually get pancakes, latte and bacon. My husband tries all the different menu items. They also have muffins and other pastries at the counter you can buy to go! The downside? It's rather small and you sometimes have to wait awhile for a table. Also, cash only.
(4)
John C.
Ordered a specialty sandwich... The Hart Sanwich or something, it was really, really tasty. It was extremely spicy whic lead to the flaw of this place, the service was no where to be found. I had a single glass of water the entire time and had to literally track down the waitress on foot for a second one.
(3)
Caitlin C.
I stumbled into this small, flower-covered cafe while looking for a quick lunch. There are only a handful of tables, so usually there is a wait to sit on the weekends. When I came for breakfast I had the best breakfast sandwich ever: a huge crispy croissant with scrambled eggs and gooey cheese. Their breakfast is exactly what you are looking for on Sunday morning: fresh squeezed juices, creative omelette's and fluffy French toast. This little cafe feels very Parisian, but offers some great Italian items too. Like their fresh ravioli's, which you can buy to take home and pretend you made. Of course they also have great desserts like tiramisu. You can even order homemade pies during the holidays.
(4)
Josh P.
Best eggplant parm in the city. Great service, once they learn your name, they'll never forget it. And the desserts are heavenly.
(5)
veronika p.
I've been wanting to check out the Fitzwater Cafe ever since I moved to Bella Vista 2 years ago, but just never got the chance until this past weekend. Truth be told, it wasn't exactly what I thought it was - I was thinking it would be more casual, eggs and bacon kind of place. Instead, it was a fancy brunch kinda-deal (think over the top waffles and omelets). The wait wasn't too bad, about 15 minutes - you can choose first available and risk sitting at the counter, or get one of the very few tables. I really liked the decor - simple and bright. The bill for 2 was about 25 bucks. The chocolate chip muffins are delicious - ask for yours toasted.
(3)
Nilette G.
My bf and I do Sunday brunch almost every weekend and end up going to the same places. However with the help of my trusty yelp app, we found the fitzwater cafe. We drove by and it seemed pretty crowded, which is expected on a Sunday at 11am but I called and the girl who answered ensured it wasn't a long wait. We came in and she offered us to sit at the counter if we didn't want to wait for a table, which was nice. Service is very friendly here and when one of the machines was down, our server came over and explained the situation and apologized for the wait for our food. Very much appreciated bc most places never apologize for long waits on busy times. Now onto the food. I will join the consensus and sing praises for the creme brule French toast. I ordered the short stack version and it was perfect. It comes out looking like diabetes on a plate but it has the perfect balance of sweetness and cinnamon. Even my bf who doesnt like sweets very much stole more than few bites from my plate lol he got an avocado omelet for himself and it was huge and tasty. Coffee is strong and very good as well. I'm very glad we found this place- made my Sunday :)
(4)
Lauryn Z.
This morning was my fifth visit to Fitzwater Cafe and the first time I've gotten around to writing a review. This is probably one of my favorite places to go in philadelphia for a good solid breakfast- I'd choose it anyday over Sabrina's or Morning Glory. The place is small and usually not too crowded. My boyfriend and I usually end up getting omlets- this morning was provalone cheese, pesto and tomato served with potatoes and multi-grain bread- all delicious, and I especially love the multi grain bread they serve here. The portions are just the right size, and the food has been consistantly good every time I have visited. Service has been prompt. Also, it's byo which is a plus. Will definately be returning again soon.
(4)
Dema B.
Our waitress called our hangovers like she saw them...and secured extra homefries for our table's speedy recovery. That's good service! Everything was great...the portions were a really fair size considering how inexpensive everything is...and their muffins really are baked from scratch and delicious!! I will be back with or without my hangover:)
(4)
Rick W.
Checking out he scenes in Philadelphia last week and stopped in to check out the menu for lunch. Small with a limited menu I wasn't sure if we made the right stop. Well glad we did. Terrible for not remembering a waitresses name (or any name for that matter). very pleasant and helpful with the menu. An Italian bean soup with a tomato base look interesting and ordered a bowl and my wife a cup. Excellent. Good amount of beans carrots. Broth tasted like tomato soup with cream or milk. What ever it was it was the right combination.. Lite eaters we asked if we could order one sausage and cheese sandwich. Pleasantly surprised it was brought out on two plates for us to enjoy. Great sweet sausage and tasty fried onions and pepper mix with mozzarella cheese. Bread was outstanding. I thought more french than Italian hard bread we are used to in Atlantic City. Whatever it was again excellent. Only suggestion is to ask for small side of marinara if you like sauce on your sandwich. Also ask for sprinkle cheese and hot peppers if you want them on the table. A very good experience and will return. Prices are very reasonable.
(4)
Bill G.
One of my regular Sunday morning spots. The Soft Tacos are my favorite, fresh with a little bit of spice against the eggs. The French Toast is thick and tasty, pancakes are stacked high, and the omelets come mixed with great ingredients (my girlfriend is a big fan of the spinach and feta). The waitresses at the counter are friendly and remembered us after going in just for a couple of Sundays (always a big plus for me). Prices are reasonable, if not cheap. My only complaint, and it's a nature of the beast thing, is that they are always packed for breakfast. I mean, people sitting on the curb outside packed. As long as tables are moving along (we watched a guy slowly work through half an omelet over a half hour period after his friends had finish) the tables flip in a hurry, but don't expect to get seated right away. My suggestion would be to take a counter spot...more fun that way anyway. Great food, good service. It's unfortunate it's not bigger, because they could fill it up.
(4)
Tia L.
This really is becoming one of my favorite brunch places. I never have to wait long to get a seat, the staff is always friendly, and while the menu is not the most "original," it's a feel-good, reliable place to get brunch.
(5)
Clare T.
Fitzwater Cafe has friendly atmosphere where you immediately get a sense that the owners value their customers. I came around 12:00 today(Sunday) and was able to get a parking spot outside in their lot and a table within 10mins. Although the menu is not extensive their food is prepared just the way you want it. I recommend the Vegetarian Sandwich(on Sarcone's Bread!) French Toast or Goat Cheese Omelet. Food came out fast as did coffee and waters.Love this spot!
(4)
ezekial f.
this place is usually so crowded that i've never gotten to go before, a popularity like that usually ensures you're getting something good, but then again, hundreds of thousands of people voted for bush, right? well in this case, i think it may be worth it, though i would only go for three and a half stars if it were an option. we were seated at the counter and could see all of the food being made, all of which looked good, the selection struck me as small but they do cover most of the bases. i had french toast,home fries, sausage and eggs over easy, which they nailed! to be perfectly honest their french toast was one of the best ive ever had. they were a bit understaffed and though they didnt seem to struggle too much, it was a little harried. good coffee too. i would go back but i wouldnt wait in line, so i'll probably be at the royal next week.
(4)
Marnie N.
not just for brunch anymore! dinner was declicious. they bring out the white napkins for the dinner crowd, but still very casual. service was excellent, food was delicious. had beet salad app and chicken milanese with some sort crazily tasty sauce underneath-fresh and lemoney arugula salad. hubby had bean soup (so yummy and filled with fresh vegetables) and salmon that even my four year old devoured. daughter obsessed with the red velvet cupcake she saw in the case as soon as we walked in the door, lovely server put it aside and gave it to her on the house. LOVED!
(4)
matthew l.
Italian-Americans who are open minded about the food of their youth, if that is possible, will have to admit that the tomato sauce here is as good as any and better than many of the precious red stuff of their memory. It is different too! Not long simmered but fresh with the basil still barely green and not black from hours in the pot, not that there's anything wrong with that. The homemade spinach ricotta ravioli alone are worth the trip to Seventh & Fitzwater, light and none much better even in Italy. Breakfasts are spectacular. Service is no nonsense efficient though friendly. Attractive room with the exception care given to fit and finish clearly evident.
Michelle R.
Nice little spot for brunch -- gets pretty packed on the weekends, so you'll probably be waiting a while for a seat if you show up after 10am. Very good service. Had the avocado omelet last time I went and it was stellar, plus the breakfast potatoes are perfection. Their dessert case is also sinfully spectacular with artfully created confections, but I'm always too full on the way out to get anything. I suggest if you go, pick out a dessert to take home before you dine!
(4)Jim C.
If you want to get a sense of what this neighborhood was like prior to gentrification, here's your chance. The clientele are mostly older neighborhood people. The food's excellent, the portions generous. Easily the best place for lunch in the area. Vegetarians will relish "The Italian Market" sandwich or the soup & grilled cheese special. And then there's the service. If you find tiresome the thought of gum-snapping barristas or black-clad waitpersons projecting their ennui in every available direction, note that the Fitzwater Cafe will be a refreshing alternative to all that attitude.
(4)C H.
The food is just ok. Menu is pretty straight forward. It's nice that they have parking right out front. The last time we came here, my friend had a nickel sized piece of plastic mixed in with her eggs. They took it off the check but how did it get in there?
(2)M B.
No nonsense, straight forward breakfast/brunch -- great food on every visit (have been there no less than 20 times). Kind staff. My choice over hawthornes & sam's (esp bc of wait times).
(5)Nicole S.
My new favorite brunch spot in Philly! Pros: every meal is prepared to perfection, not a long wait time, fresh-squeezed orange juice, you can bring champagne to make mimosas, private parking lot, outdoor seating, fresh pastries, and decadent coffee drinks. Cons: cash only (an ATM is 1.5 blocks away), and very tight/close/bunched seating.
(5)Richard L.
Food is great. Menu isn't huge, but very good. The place only holds about 50 people with more outdoor seating.
(5)Shawn H.
I like this place, mainly because its so close. Its really small place, expect to wait like 10 mins to sit . good food, good service.
(4)Olga M.
After a handful of visits I feel I almost owe a review to Fitzwater Cafe. I love this place! The service is friendly, the food is consistently great. I always crave their french toast...simple and delicious. You cant go wrong with anything there though. One of the best in town, and the competition in Bella Vista/Queen Village is serious!
(5)Kendrah R.
I have only eaten baked goods to go and not gotten a meal here. So this review is just of their bakery. Really good banana muffin. I don't usually think of banana muffins as anything special, but this one was above average. It had a slight coffee taste to it and was not dry. Their croissant is a whole other mess though. A step above what you would get at a Hampton Inn free breakfast bar. It was so bad I threw it out after three bites. Super dry, the dough just tasted like they must have forgotten half the butter. I should have known when the woman gave it to me with a packet of butter to go. The best croissants should be so damn buttery inside that you don't need to put anything on them. Disappointing for sure. But this will not stop me from trying breakfast or lunch there perhaps some day.
(3)Jody P.
Overall the experience was pleasant, but nothing special. A bright, clean environment that looks french with all of the mirrors and woven chairs. My green eggs sandwich with pesto was too salty. My orange juice tasted fresh squeezed. I will revisit, and update my review for their baked goods which look impressive.
(3)Meghana P.
This place is awesome!!! Cute restaurant - doesn't have a ton of seating but the place feels big with all the mirrors! Food came out fast (came around noon on a Friday) and our server was very friendly! Free parking is a plus! Came here for brunch and got three very tasty dishes: 1 - The tomato pesto mozzarella omelet (recommended by another yelper -Thank you!). Excellent combo of flavors and served with yummy potatoes and bread. Portion is generous! 2 - Creme Brule French toast - three huge pieces of yummy French Toast with berries and a sweet white sauce. They do not skimp on the whipped cream! Top it with some syrup and you will surely satisfy your sweet tooth for the day :) 3 - Saved the best for last: Grilled cheese with soup. I normally don't pick a dish that I can make at home but glad I did! The grilled cheese is made with Sarcone's bread and comes with a tomato remoulade which takes it to the next level. They gave us a large bowl of their seasonal butternut squash soup which was rich and packed with flavor. Great meal for a cold day! Definitely worth checking this place out of you're looking for a brunch venue in the Bella Vista area!
(5)Jenn W.
In my Quest to find Great brunch places to go,this was definitely one to try! So on to Fitzwater Cafe we went. It was actually quite easy to get to, near South Philly, little pass South St area. For out of townees, they have a lot, plenty of parking around it. Right on corner of Fitzwater & 7th St(literally) So now to the food: As you walk in greeted by smile, quaint place, counter seating or tables.In the front there are cases with decadent pastries from fruit tarts, different cakes, croissants, muffins-My, my. Can we say, Moment on the Lips, Lifetime on the Hips!!! Why I'm at the gym 6 days a week. Yeah!!! Well, we determined it was good, coffee was Great!! They has savory foods like Heuvos Rancheros to omelets, Apple Pie French Toast, we split the Creme Brulee French toast-it was huge with fresh blueberries & strawberries. Loved how they got the crust of the bread to be crunchy-with a Vanilla sauce on it. Our service was Good, coffee was refilled all the time..Would I go back???!! What..that's a Given...HELL YEAH!!!! As a fellow Yelper @ Kristin W..I agree !! Whoo-hoo!!
(5)Allison E.
Went on a Sunday morning around 10 am and was pleasantly suprised there wasn't a wait...at all (like Sabrinas, Morning Glory, or Green Eggs). We decided to sit at the bar area and were promptly given coffees THANK YOU. The wait staff was nice, efficient, and the food was solid. I would definitely reccomend this place to anyone looking for a good breakfast/brunch. CASH ONLY though. That's why I had to remove a few stars. Sorry, I don't like that. It's just cheap, and your prices aren't for the food you serve so if you don't expect us to be cheap, you shouldn't either!
(3)Cherie C.
Went for the first time recently. Breakfast was good, but some parts were a bit salty. Even the cucumber and tomato were salted, which isn't to my taste. The sweet dishes (pancakes, waffles) looked like a better choice. Service was friendly and swift, especially considered the weekend crowd. The dining room was bright and clean. The hostess seemed to know most of the people coming through the door. Very much a neighborhood place. Try the fresh croissants or muffins!
(3)Julie G.
This great cafe never disappoints. Brunch and dinner are both amazing. Definitely check this place out!
(5)Dar S.
Pancakes are off the chain!!! Gloria was the best! Great omelette choices for those who like omelettes. My 1st choice over other "faves" in immediate area. Bonus: There's a parking lot... a rare find in S. Philly
(5)Jen R.
Lots of good things about this place - friendly service, no wait on Sunday morning, standard brunch menu - but 1.) The spinach in my omelette was frozen. I mean, it was hot by the time it got to me, but it had clearly come from the frozen food aisle. and 2.) The ham sucked. It was circular. You know what I mean. I'll give it another shot 'cause it's in my neighborhood, but I will steer clear of vegetables and meat. The berry pancakes looked good.
(3)Lea S.
The food is good and convenient for a quick lunch. It's more a place to go to eat then to go for a treat of food that you can not cook at home.
(3)Lindsay T.
I haven't been here for brunch yet but ventured out to check out Ftizwater's newly offered dinner fare. I went here with my mom and my aunt on a Friday night ( I think they do dinners Weds - Sat) and had a delicious meal! Started off with the mussels in red sauce -- the sauce was amazing and I was basically licking the bowl clean. Ventured on to have the chicken parm - another wonderful note of the meal. Fresh mozzarella and parm cheese perfectly browned. Great, cozy BYO perfect for a causal but tasty Italian meal.
(4)Amy R.
The service was great and the food was phenomenal!! Creme brûlée French toast......wow!! No syrup needed. Loved it. Definitely a must when you're in the area.
(5)Ashley V.
Favorite breakfast in Philly- breakfasts burrito with andouille sausage and FRESHLY squeezed OJ- cash only but worth the trouble
(5)Nomi P.
This cafe is a rare gem. First, they are dedicated to salted caramel and pull it off well. Second, they have their own parking, which is pretty convenient. Third, this place accommodates children pretty well. Bottom line: the prices are reasonable and the food delicious. I have tried the salted caramel French toast, the French onion omelette, and blueberry pancakes on different occasions. All were delicious. Some slight inconveniences: cash only, and they don't really have child proof cups.
(4)Liza K.
Having tried Fitzwater Cafe twice for brunch now, I can say that I'm a fan. They have shorter lines than Sabrina's Cafe, and yet the food is just as delicious. Large windows mean lots of sunlight and a nice diner style seating area. Their Crème Brulée French toast is to die for! It comes with berries and a light sauce that compliments the sweetness of the crème brulée. It's a huge portion, so this time we split it and were still very full. The Breakfast Burrito was also delicious, and very filling. They were very cheesy and came with a side of potatoes. Next time, I'd share it as just half is plenty of food. Great service, nice sunny setting and huge portions. What's not to love? Some tips: They only take CASH. There's also a few parking spots for customers if you prefer to drive
(5)Anthony F.
This is the first place that I have ever been able to give 5 stars. And it's due to the amazing creme brûlée French toast! Absolutely delicious. It was the best French toast that I have ever and probably will ever have. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for a solid tasty breakfast with great prices, then this is an excellent place to go.
(5)Jessica B.
Delicous breakfast burrito and creme brulee french toast!! Explosion of flavors in your mouth:) Byob so bring your bubbles if you want mimosas with your brunch! Only reason why I didnt give it 5stars: it's cash only and this is not advertised. Once you know it, it's fine:)
(4)Lashonda T.
This place was awesome. The wait was 30 minutes the waitress was fabulous. The Creme Bruleé French was to die for !!! Yummy
(4)Brennan D.
Service was great - potatoes were great. The French toast was hard around the edges as if it were microwaved.
(3)Meghan P.
Typical brunch food taken to the next level! My boyfriend had the best "French toast he's ever tasted" while I went for the prosciutto, lettuce and tomato sandwich. The pesto added a particularly amazing flat to the sandwich, and I'm excited to have the other half for lunch tomorrow! You can get a large portion of great food for your money here.
(5)Jo L.
I like that they tell us we can sit where ever we want. My friend and I came here on a Tuesday morning so thankfully, it wasn't crowded like the time when the boyfriend & I tried to get brunch on a Sunday morning. I had the Breakfast Burrito with a side of potatoes. The potatoes came out looking burnt on one side but they tasted fine. The burrito was huge! It was pretty good and I actually liked the mushrooms. The bottom got a bit soggy from all the juice leaking out though. I brought the unfinished half home and even though it was cold, my brother still said it was pretty good; and he is a very picky eater. My friend ordered the 3 Egg Omelet choosing spinach, mushroom and caramelized onions. You get to choose 2, the 3rd is $1. The toast that came with her dish was pretty good. I like toast with the hard crust with nuts or something on them. I really liked Manuel's Breakfast Taco the last time I was here. I don't know if they still have it but if they do, I will go back for them!
(4)Eileen T.
This is another place we've passed while riding our bikes. We finally tried it today with our son and his girlfriend. We started with coffee: salted caramel and cococcino. (Not sure if I have the coffee names correct.) the caramel was fine, but the cococcinos tasted watery with little flavor. We had expected something rich and flavorful; we were sadly mistaken. We added half and half to the mugs but still the coffee was disappointing. After the coffee, the meal was a surprising delight. Creme brûlée French toast was excellent, the bread light and flavorful, the custard sauce perfectly made. Eggs Benedict were excellent, the yolks soft and runny and the whites firm but not at all rubbery, with a smooth and creamy hollandaise. My husband ordered his usual eggs over easy, sausage and potatoes. After eating it he pronounced Fitzwater Cafe as his new favorite brunch place. I had the frittata with cheese, sausage, spinach and potatoes. The dish was very good, but it wasn't a frittata; it was a round open-faced omelet with the other items on top. Delicious, but not a frittata. Overall it was a very pleasant meal, and I'm sure we will return many times. Just, please - make the cococcinos without so much water!
(4)Roberta G.
Average diner food. I went for breakfast with my sister. She ordered a breakfast sandwich that she was happy with but after being told they were out of everything bagels despite being there at 8 am. They were also out of scrapple. The omelet I order was slight over cooked and a bit dry. Too bad they put the mushrooms in with seasoning and sautéing first. The coffee is just okay. I like strong coffee but this tasted a little bitter like reheated coffee. My toast was okay on one side but almost burnt on they other. Just not bad enough to send back. All and all there are better breakfast places.
(3)John F.
Just a solid breakfast spot. Nothing crazy... but it is a good option for the neighborhood when you don't need to take people to Sabrina's.
(4)Gary G.
A pretty good 4 star joint. Nothing crazy on the menu. Just a solid breakfast / brunch sport that serves good food.
(4)Melissa C.
Best breakfast place in my neighborhood. Everything I've had there is v good (I regularly crave either the Crème Brûlée French Toast or the Breakfast Croissant), waits are minimal, staff is friendly, service is good.
(5)Adam N.
Fitz Cafe is great for a diner style lunch. Don't expect anything fancy as it's definitely a traditional diner setup. But the foods good, portions are large and reasonably priced.
(4)Kyle S.
Easily the best breakfast in the City! I have been to all of the other popular breakfast spots but none compare to this place. From the food to the waitresses, it's all great!!
(5)Blanca C.
Best cafe I've been to in a long time!
(5)Mike S.
Review is for service only. Waited about 30 minutes for table, have no problem waiting for tables. Got seated, after 5+ minutes of no one coming to ask us for coffee or water we noticed 3 tables near us who were seated after us already had drinks and had placed food orders. I asked the bus boy if he saw a waitress to ask her for 2 coffees. A female waitress came over and says "what's your problem?" I asked if we could just have 2 coffees and at the same time the male waiter came over and said he was our waiter and would take care of us. The waitress says to the waiter "apparently there is a problem". I informed them both there was no problem it was just that all the tables abound us were being taken care of and we were not. The short male waiter says back "what do you want me to do?" Thinking I misheard him I asked him to repeat it and he says "you aren't my priority not sure what you want me to do". Well Fitzwater won't be our priority either.
(1)Ann A.
Delicious!! Love their coffee and their fresh squeezed orange juice. Pastries, omelets, French toast and award winning crepes like I had in the French Quarter in Canada!!
(5)Kara H.
I had breakfast here during my trip to Philadelphia after reading through the many Yelp reviews. I ordered the oatmeal, blueberry pancakes with cinnamon-sugar and a side of bacon. The pancakes were delicious; large and I couldn't finish them. The bacon was also good, although a little crispy for me. My coffee was OK, although I wasn't desperate for a refill. One downside was that they only take cash, which I didn't know until I got there. There was an ATM about 2 blocks away that saved me. I really liked the waitress, and the ambiance was nice. If I lived in Philadelphia I would make a point to come back, although I don't think this would be my regular brunch spot.
(4)Dana M.
All I can say is wow! We moved to this neighborhood a few months ago and have been meaning to try this place. We have definitely been missing out! The food was excellent! Probably the best French toast I've ever had (with Nutella and bananas). I would go back there in a heartbeat. Very friendly staff... Even got to have some fresh coffee while I waited for a table- which was not very long. Highly recommend this place!
(5)Melissa Y.
I come here most of the time when I'm in the city. All I can say is I love it here! I always indulge myself in the creme bulee french toast because I have a sweet tooth. If anyone wants a pleasant brunch I suggest trying this place out. If you have a sweet tooth as well then try the creme bulee french toast. It's like heaven in your mouth.
(5)Meghan W.
My husband and I come here for brunch fairly regularly. Even though there are a ton of decent brunch places in our neighborhood, we can't resist jumping in the car and driving over here (added bonus is that they have a parking lot, although street parking isn't a problem). The portions are enormous and the food is delicious. I'd love to say I've tried more than one thing on the menu, but since the creme brûlée French toast is so out of this world good, I can't bring myself to order anything else. My husband gets the 'cafe breakfast,' which he loves as well. Fresh squeezed OJ. Service is always top-notch. FYI - cash only!
(5)Colleen S.
My new favorite breakfast spot!!!! This place is absolutely wonderful. Adorable set-up, very nice staff and most importantly, delicious food! They have these two-level tables, which came very much in handy with all of the food we ordered! You could just slide your little side plate under the main table until you made room for it! Great idea for a small, corner cafe! Now, onto the food... Four of us went and we could not stop raving about the food! I had a special sandwich from the brunch menu- Eggs, potatoes and cheese on Sarcone's bread with a side of Turkey Bacon. If you've ever had Sarcone's bread, you'll understand why that helped my decision! It was SO GOOD! I will have a hard time trying anything else next time! Everyone else was very satisfied with their food as well- french toast (was raved about as the best french toast my friend had ever had), breakfast burrito and a good old eggs/bacon platter. Based on our breakfast experience, we are all very interested in going back for lunch sometime. This place does NOT accept cards, but they do accept personal checks with ID. Definitely check this place out if you want a great meal and great service!
(5)Francis U.
Filling a void... Fitzwater Cafe is filling a void in the Philadelphia brunch scene; one which was created by the recent departures (of Cafe Estelle and Carmen's) from the city's brunch options. The first thing one may notice is the lack of pretentiousness about the place. This is a cafe in a traditional sense of the word: in size, ambience, and vibe. Fitzwater is pleasantly small, which helps to make it pleasantly quiet. The staff is attentive, but one is not rushed through one's meal; and it's a great spot to sit with a coffee and book without being bothered. I also had to award points for playing 'Kind of Blue'. Miles' opening line in 'So What' caught my ear immediately, and my short stack of blueberry pancakes tasted so much better with a little John Coletrane. We stayed well into 'Blue in Green'. Kudos. The food is simple, but good. The ingredients are fresh, and everything is made to order. With good site lines into the spacious and cleanly kitchen, one can feel confident about the quality of the meal. The french toast is above average, as are the pancakes. It's not as elevated as Sabrina's...but the price tag is literally half. It's also not as silly as Green Eggs. They don't offer "Red Velvet Pancakes", thank God. Just eat a cake for breakfast if that's what you want to do...no need to mascarade a birthday cake as a savory meal. The clientele is also easier to swallow than any of the other haunts (Sabrina's, Green Eggs, Chayya). No one is trying to be hip or sexy...we just want to fortify ourselves for the day with a decent bite. To recap: Miles instead of club music. Simple food done well, at a good price point, non-hipster clientele, good staff. Fitzwater Cafe just quietly earned four stars from the original F.U.
(4)Nick D.
Great breakfast option. I had a western omelet that was really good. It came with multigrain toast and chunks of potatoes seasoned and roasted, both were good as well. I really like the place itself, it really feels like a café. So many places are named ABC café, but are just regular restaurants. There is a really cool, long counter where you can sit. Tons of coffee options (the coffee is very good by the way) and the interior is decorated with intricate moldings and woodwork. As I said, it really had that café "feel." Oh and bonus, it has it's own FREE parking lot. How many places in the city have that?
(4)Russ R.
Wait until you hear the specials! This Bella Vista Cafe is as good as it gets for breakfast and lunch. I go here at least once a week and they never fail to exceed expectations. Nicole and Sally are extremely attentive wait staff during the week. PRO TIP: Go on days when "Mom" is cooking and the portions are slightly larger and the cup of soup is the equivalent of a bowl anywhere else. All the salads are solid, and they all come with delicious pesto toast that is extremely addictive. Prosciutto sandwich is great with sharp provolone. The daily specials are all great, and extremely varied, from jumbo lump crab and pasta to chicken salad, you cannot go wrong with any of the specials.
(4)John C.
Great, no fuss neighborhood place for a tasty, simple breakfast. Basic eggs and omelets, pancakes and more. Rotating specials. I'll echo a lot of the other reviews which mention the lack of pretentiousness, which is refreshing among the Philly brunch scene.
(4)Lauren B.
I am going to round up to a 4 star review, but really this is a 3.5 star review. The ambiance of this place is adorable. You feel like you're eating in a quaint Parisian cafe that has been dropped into Bella Vista. The food isn't bad, but I'm not over the moon about it. The omelet option is only 2 fillings, and everything else is an upcharge. The potatoes always taste a little...underdone. Something about them is just off, and there's little to no flavor. The thing that I love the most about Fitzwater Cafe (other than the decor) is the warm spinach salad. I would get it every time I went there, but sometimes they do not have it. I know they get their ingredients fresh, so I'm assuming that sometimes the spinach at the market doesn't look great so they don't have that salad. Which is always a bummer when it's not available. Overall, my boyfriend and I frequent this place (about 2x a month) and it's good. I know he loves the Cafe breakfast, which is french toast, eggs, breakfast meat and potatoes (he also works out a LOT more than me and can afford to eat that much first thing in the morning. lol). So for that I rounded up to the 4. Once they improve their potatoes this place will sky rocket into one of my favorites.
(4)Melanie A.
This is the best neighborhood spot ever!! Awesome omelettes and pancakes and French toast. They have a dish I think is phenomenal: the pesto, tomato, mozzarella omelette. Delicious. Cash only. And you'll probably have to wait a bit being that its very small inside.
(5)Angela E.
Met a couple friends for brunch here and we all had a great time. The restaurant is nice, the staff are friendly, and the food is great. I got a delicious loaded-with-all-kinds-of-goodies omelette and it was great. BIG. Delicious. They had a reasonably priced menu, too, which is sometimes hard to find for brunch in this city! Wish they accepted credit/debit, but that's okay, it keeps the patrons from overrunning the place!
(3)Alissa L.
Had the three egg omelette(pesto and spinach) with toast and potatoes. Delicious! Their potatoes were extra tasty because they use some type of seasoning or extra herbs on them. I couldn't quote pin point it. The service was good and getting a parking spot In front of the entrance made the entire experience all the more enjoyable. Sampled a friends French toast and it was also tasty. Will definitely be going back.
(5)Kathryn S.
Dinner service, too! Awesome Italian food as a BYOB several eves per week. So few even know this due to "0" advertising. I only figured it out from some evening runs, surprised to see it open with candles on tables. Check it out on Friday or Saturday night. Call in advance for table or to check on other eve openings. Order chicken parm, any pasta and you won't be disappointed. Everything I have had here has been superb.
(4)Walter K.
I'm glad that Yelp has arisen as an alternative to CitySearch. I used CitySearch a lot but hated the bloated and clunky website. Still, the article on CitySearch about the best brunch places turned me onto my all time fav, Carmen's, so it can't be all bad. Fitzwater Cafe was one of the last spots on the list I had never visited. I finally made it out here last weekend. The cafe in tucked in on the corner of 7th and Fitzwater, and has a long bar with a small dining area. The decor in this place is cute and quaint; it really looks like a cozy neighborhood spot. Rachel and I took a seat at the bar and looked over the menu. Overall, the menu is pretty limited. It contains a few different omelets, some sweet breakfast options like pancakes and waffles, and other small items like granola and yogurt. Despite the limited menu, I ordered a veg omlet that sounded right up my alley. Rachel ordered an omelet made with pesto, and it was served up looking the part; totally green. The food came out really quickly, and we were drinking the cafe's excellent coffee while we were waiting. The service was below average. We had empty coffee cups half the time while we were there, and I had to walk over to the waitress to pay the check. She was just talking to another customer for a long time while we were waiting. The servers seem nice, but that doesn't make up for poor service. On the up side, the food was good. The omelets come with toast and great home fries. Bottom Line: Within a few days, I forgot that I ever stopped in here. It's nice that this place is open at 7am on the weekdays, and it would be a great place to grab a quick cheap meal during the week. But I don't live close and I won't be doing that. It's a lot like a South Philly version of Ida Mae's.
(3)Julie N.
We stopped in to Fitzwater Cafe for brunch on Saturday, mostly because I was craving french toast and was too lazy to make it myself. Although there was a wait for a table, we were seated immediately when we opted for the counter. Service was mediocre - glasses of water and menus were given to us right away, but it must have been 10 minutes or so until someone came to take our orders. We both had the Cafe Special: French toast, eggs, and sausage. Plus we had a side of bacon too. Everything was just okay for me. The plate looked too big for the dish, so I felt like I wasn't getting much for $13. This is almost irrelevant but the french toast was sliced diagonally, but the diagonals were very asymmetrical and it really bothered me - it was almost not worth slicing diagonally if you know what I mean. It all tasted like something I could have simply made at home, but ya know, it's a diner-type of place so maybe that's the point. The bacon though -- it was slightly undercooked in the middle sections... I'm talking soft and pink, and not cool. We didn't even bother to eat it. Overall, the bill, for two specials, a side of bacon, two coffees, and an o.j. was about $45 including tip. Next time I'll just make brunch myself and save $45.
(3)Allison B.
After eating at Fitzwater Cafe for the first time this weekend, I can confidently say I've found my new brunch go-to for the Queen Village area. I know I've raved about Kennett in the past, but Fitzwater is perfect if you're craving a breakfast that's a little more traditional and super budget-friendly. The omelets are huge. A friend and I shared the veggie omelet and subbed goat cheese for American. Excellent idea, if I do say so myself. Asking for a side order of potatoes (no charge!) made the portion sizes perfect between the two of us, and we left not too stuffed but absolutely satisfied. The potatoes are IT, man. Fresh, well-cooked, covered in real pieces of rosemary and garlic. They were delicious. The only thing that was lacking from my plate was adequately toasted bread. It was still soft when it reached my mouth (that's what she said!) See you there Saturday morning, around 11? Great, it's a date.
(4)Kristin W.
After reading all the wonderful reviews about brunch, I was a little nervous about going for dinner...could Fitzwater Cafe live up to its daytime glory? Absolutely! I started with the Beet Salad, which had a nice portion of beets, but wasn't the most interesting dish. My entree was the Campanelle (which means "bell" in Italian), which was a beautiful pasta as well as a delicious one. The cream sauce was light and had phenomenal flavor. For dessert, the Fruit Tart was incredible with a burst of fresh fruit and a slightly sweet tart - a nice light option to top off a delicious meal.
(5)Julie H.
I really enjoyed this place. The menu is perhaps not as creative as Sabrina's or Morning Glory, but they have the staples and they do them well. We got the creme brulee french toast and the breakfast burrito, which were both gigantic, delicious, and well worth the $10 we paid for each. Service was friendly and prompt and the space was really bright, lively and comfortable. And they have a parking lot!
(4)Vinny P.
For what it is, it's hard to beat this place in location, offerings and price. Being from Jersey, I appreciate a good diner. Hell, I feel like that diners are something that I actually know about. While this will not be a diatribe on what a diner is and is not, one thing we can all agree on is that diners are cheap. So is Fitzwater Cafe. There are many breakfast establishments in Philadelphia that cater to all kinds of demanding appetites. Fitzwater excels in its simplicity. I was able to take my father here for a simple breakfast one day and he's been raving about it ever since. He then took my mom here and now they both rave about it. My parents know approximately 3 places in Philadelphia and Fitzwater Cafe is one of them. Based on their feedback, it's hard to find that level of quality for such a good price at such an approachable place. You can go other places for your juevos rancheros or challah bread french toast. This is your spot when you want your basic (albeit very well prepared) breakfast foods.
(4)Paul A.
I listened to my fellow yelpers out there, who claimed this place was good, but I was sorely, sorely disappointed. Sabrina's is far better in almost every way. Sabrina's has better coffee, better atmosphere, they accept credit cards, and most importantly their food is far superior. Seriously, avoid Fitzwater Cafe
(2)Dan F.
urgent cheesecake alert. the strawberry cheesecake at fitzwater cafe will edge you directly to your personal niagra falls and keep you there long past the point of civility. whisper-thin angel tears of strawberry rest sentimentally atop the most delicious cheesecake this new yorker has ever known. have it served with perfect coffee by that shockingly hot south philly named joey who works the room in magic black pants and you will understand why i am positively cap locked, which yelp converts to lowercase, but trust me -- i'm capping off the rooftops. also comes in plain and chocolate chip. also starring: chocolate ganache bells, coconut cake, carrot cupcakes, each deserving of a yelp full court press. best cakes in philadelphia. but business seems slow. so if you want this amazing experience in your life, my direction to you: go, go, go! important caveat: i dislike the new dinner menu intensely. eggplant skins?! this bizarre ingredient infests many entrees and anyway that's the least of it. as long as they maintain the veal parm, you're good to go. otherwise, stick with dessert and coffee, or get breakfast. they would be well smart to get someone in there who knows how to put together a solid menu. (not to mention one with prices that more realistically reflect the quality.)
(4)J. S.
I do not understand any of the previous comments about the pricing being too high! I get french toast with an optional add-on of fresh berries for under $10. We go often, enjoy great brunch fare and always marvel at how they keep their prices low. If you go during the rush, be prepared to wait for a table. But once you're seated, the service is swift and efficient and the kitchen works well to send out all your food still piping hot. I love the sweet stuff and my husband goes for savory and we are always happy. Coffee flows freely and the food tastes great. My kinda place for a morning meal. And we've stopped in to pick up cake/pastry as a special dessert a few times.
(5)Tiffany G.
What a refreshing place for brunch. Great coffee and fresh squeeze orange juice is only the beginning. Everything tastes homemade and the atmosphere is adorable and so comfy. Its like you're eating at home in your beautifully lit dining room or kitchenette. The people are also so nice! Just a heads up - there tends to be a line on Sundays! But - there is a line for a reason! Think of it as a good thing and a sign that you are in the right place! It's a short wait worth every minute.
(5)Sara G.
My family tried four different meals and each was delicious and amply portioned. I would highly recommend for a leisurely lunch or breakfast!
(4)Cccc B.
YUMMY! I've been here a handful of times for breakfast and I'm never disappointed. Although it's always crowded, I feel it's worth the wait. They've got some really delicious menu items, like the pesto omelette, nutella/banana french toast, and delicious home fries. For being so delicious, the prices aren't bad either. If you go on a Saturday or Sunday for breakfast/brunch, expect to wait, and expect to eat a great meal!
(4)Tony M.
This place is one of the 3 best breakfast places in the city. I rank them here, Sabrina's (both Sabrina's) and Green eggs (that order).
(5)Anandi B.
what an adorable place to have brunch. a little pricey, cash only...but it was a nice place to go with the roommates for sunday brunch. good service. great food. fresh squeezed orange juice to accompany your breakfast. breakfast for champions i say.
(4)Brian S.
Had breakfast tacos for lunch...most excellent! So many items on the menu looked good, plus they have daily specials. I think you could run through the entire menu and then start all over again. Great service, professional staff.
(5)Noheli T.
This place really deserves 3.5 stars but 4 is just fine. For a traditional breakfast Fitzgerald is the place to go but it was not overwhelmingly special. I ordered the omelette, which turned out as expected and my friend ordered the burrito, which he said was delicious! I only have two things to complain about, which are the lack credit card acceptance and the attitude of one of the servers. It would be great if they had an ATM inside instead of having to walk some blocks to find one. I also felt like one of the servers was on edge and just wasn't very friendly. Other than that it was a nice place with great prices.
(4)Joanne D.
Love for Sunday Brunch! Always friendly and delicious.
(5)Mary D.
I tried Fitzwater Cafe this past Saturday and although my friend who goes there all the time told me the wait is never over 20min for 2 people, we waited for approximately 45 minutes and we ended up sitting on the counter because we couldn't wait any longer. The food was amazing! I definitely recommend this place. Their 3-egg omelette was delicious (I had it with ham, provolone and mushrooms)! My friend had their special french toast with apples and syrop and it was delicious (I tried some!). My only comment is that because I am a foodie, I expected the portions to be slightly larger. It was definitely enough for most people, but I am used to the huge portions that Sabrina's or Green Eggs usually have. Next time I'm trying the creme brulee french toast!
(4)Allie H.
"Wait, isn't kind of an old people restaurant?" "What? Ok so it appears there are a lot of grandmothers here, but the reviews are great!" Thankfully, we didn't let hipster snobbery get in the way. Had a fabulous brunch at this family restaurant on a recent Saturday morning after stumbling upon it during a walk around our neighborhood. There was no wait for a table for two (despite the packed house) and our waiter quickly brought over two cups of hot coffee. Definitely recommend trying any of the weekly specials -- my "caprese" omelet with plenty of fresh pesto, mozzarella and cherry tomatoes was divine. My boyfriend's special omelet with sausage, red pepper and broccoli rabe was equally good. Fitzwater Cafe reminds me of a beloved New Jersey diner, but plunked in the middle of Bella Vista. You've got the same quiet clientele, decor, giant gleaming dessert case, but without the hassle of RT 130. Plus, you won't have to wait an hour for a table. I thought prices were a tad expensive, though no more than other popular brunch places in the area. It's cash only, FYI.
(4)Perry H.
This is my favorite ole standby in the Bella Vista/Queen Village for brunch. There's nothing outrageous or innovative about the menu, just standard breakfast/brunch classics done perfectly. There is always a steady crowd for brunch so be sure you arrive early, are okay with sitting at the counter, or are okay with a wait. Oh and be sure to bring cash...its cash only. Prices are a bit on the expensive side for the fare, but when its executed this well, I have no issues paying. I look forward to trying them for dinner sometime as I can imagine its quit tasty.
(4)raquel s.
I've noticed, from both reading reviews and from eating here, the consistent comments on the excellent service. Servers in the Fitzwater Cafe remember you. They don't push the "family" feel, because it is a little more professional than that, but I would definitely say there is a friend vibe going around. They are always happy to see you, to welcome you, to get to know you. That is why people comment about the servers noticing a hangover and brining extra potatoes, or noticing someone wanting French Toast and brining a sample.. they pay attention to you. I always get carmelized onions and mushrooms in my egg white omlette. The onions are very flavorful and lend some to eggwhites, which can be somewhat bland sometimes. I almost never get bread anywhere when I eat out, but I would never consider skipping the multigrain toast here. It really is that good. You would think I would like to know where I could buy it, but I don't need to, because my favorite place to have breakfast serves it.
(5)Britt G.
I love this place! The food is great. I've ha almost all the breakfast items, from the pancakes to the omelets and I'm a huge fan. The only thing I'm not so fond of is the wait. Be for a longgg wait if you try to go here on a weekend! If it's nice outside, it's not too bad but there's not much waiting room inside, so be prepared!
(4)Nadia S.
Great food! Great prices($6-$10)! Great service! Only complaint, it gets very busy for Sunday brunch, but who can blame the crowd... My friend and I were contemplating the french toast but really wanted eggs and ended up ordering omelettes, delicious of course! And to our surprise, an order of French Toast appears with our waitress saying "You have to try this, its that good" (the waitress spoke, not the french toast). Well, It was that good! I'll be going back.
(4)Jenny T.
Fitzwater Cafe has been one of my favorite brunch places for years. Great family run business. An omelet with broccoli rabe, italian sausage and provolone is one of my usuals, accompanied with the croissant (when they're not sold out).
(4)Tahira M.
Good for breakfast, ok service
(4)Yuri R.
Best brunch in the city. Period. How often will you hear someone say, "even the toast is delicious..."? I can't tell quite how they do it (making breakfast is something at which I'm no slouch myself). But no place embodies the principle that even the simple things can be made exquisitely well better than Fitz Cafe. Fluffy eggs, fresh ham, gorgeously green spinach, and on and on.... Usually lots of tempting specials, too. Sparkling clean and beautifully decorated down to the posters, a la French bistro in Manhattan, Fitz Cafe's former service station interior is a bit tight on a morning after; but way less so than its Italian Market competitor - and there's a spacious counter if you aren't fixed on tables. So don't spread it around too much lest us locals can't get a seat - but this is my pick, hands down, for best brunch in Philly. Or QV, anyway.
(5)J M.
I'm with Paul A... Gave Fitzwater a try with my wife today, and was not impressed. There was nothing terribly wrong outside of their pricing. Perhaps my expectations were skewed from reading the 4- and 5-star reviews on Yelp. Fitzwater was clean and the service was OK -- no problems, but not memorable. The menu offered options from breakfast through brunch, some variety in choices but nothing unique. In the Fitzwater trend of falling short of expectations, the prices on the menu (which were on par with pricing at Sabrina's) promised outstanding, exemplary food, but the plates my wife and I ate were mediocre at best. The food at Fitzwater calls to mind greasy spoon diner food -- just fine for what it is. However, the diner-esque food was not available at diner prices... if the Fitzwater subtracted $4 or $5 from the prices, I'd be much happier about my breakfast. I had a special frittata and my wife got the Fitwater Breakfast (similar to a hungryman breakfast at a diner, but priced at over $10 -- I think it was $11 or $12). Our plates were at our table within 5 minutes of placing our order. Speed is nice, but I cook and I know a fresh-made frittata takes more time than that. This was more of an open face omellette than a frittata -- bland toppings piled on a round baked egg. My wife's french toast was kind of burnt. The potatoes were fine; again, nothing to write home about and maybe a fraction better than diner homefries (if better at all). Again, overall, the food was just "OK" -- not bad enough to upset me, but bad enough to disappoint me considering the price. Living in Philly, we're all food spoiled with the great restaurants in this town. I'm not sure how people consider FItzwater to be 4- or 5-star against the competition (maybe 3-star), but to each their own. For me, I'd rather hit a diner and get the same quality of food for much less money. Otherwise, there are infinitely superior restaurants nearby within the price range of the Fitzwater Cafe.
(2)Beth R.
This was my first visit, and I would def go back. Major points for flexibility - they let my friend and split one of the gigantic breakfast platters (2 eggs, a stack of french toast, sausage, and breakfast potatoes), which was nice. The french toast was an A+. Ridiculously good. It's bright inside, and the service was cheery. The wait for a table of 4 was around 30 minutes when we showed up at noon. Of the brunch spots that I've hit in the last year, here's how I'd rank them (based on food and ambiance, but not wait time) from "most awesome" to "don't bother": Jones Honey's Fitzwater Cafe Sabrina's (original) The Cafe (next to the Bards) London Grill St Stephen's Green Sabrina's on Callowhill Continental
(4)Lauren H.
Came here with the girls for Sunday brunch. There was a bit of a wait for a table, but once we were seated, things progressed speedily. I ordered one of the omelet specials, which was quite good, but it was served with 6 pieces of breakfast potatoes, which was odd. Why even bother at that point? They tiny pile looked rather sad. Two of my friends were allowed to split a plate, which was nice. The Cafe does have a parking lot, if you're diving, but like the restaurant, the lot was jam packed the entire time we were there. It's cash-only and I thought a little on the pricey side - I would have rather seen my omelet come it at $8/9 rather than $10. It's got a pleasing decor, and it's in the neighborhood, so I'm sure I'll back.
(3)Tom M.
Had a really great breakfast here. There was a decent-sized crowd waiting, but since I was solo, I slotted in at the end of the counter (the advantages of being a loner are many). It's a pretty small place that takes advantage of the spacial perception advantage that mirrors give. Diner waitress - a sweet middle-aged, gravelly-voiced woman who was extra nice. Diner coffee - not the finest of caffeines, but it's familiar and gets the job done. Diner menu - but much much higher quality. I had a mixed fruit bowl, which pleasingly was not the usual cantaloupe and grapes in a cup. Bananas, mixed berries, tangerines, etc. It was fruit. In a bowl! Just as advertised. Main part of the meal was the Tomato Pesto Mozzarella Omelet. So good! The eggs were fluffy, the flavor was great, and they use small tomatoes, which are the best kind of tomatoes. Sides were home fries - flavorful and not greasy (!!!) and wheat toast. You know, warmed up stale wheat bread. Excellent!
(4)Fritz P.
Two words: Italian eggs. Seriously, Italian eggs. This is one of my top 3 meals of all time. So deliciously simple, yet amazing every time. After coming here a few times for brunch over the past few months I can safely say that this is one of my top spots for a Sunday bite. The food has been top notch, the service has always been quick and attentive, and I've never had to wait for a table. Why would you put yourself through the stresses of waiting for a table at Sabrina's or Morning Glory when this hidden gem is hiding right around the corner? Actually, I take that back. Keep going to those places. I don't want any competition for a table.
(5)anne l.
Delicious food, friendly service, and an atmosphere accepting of children - this makes it one of my favorites! The cooking here is clearly from scratch, and I get the same sort of vibe I might at the home of a friend who is a really wonderful cook. They want you to enjoy your meal, and are happy to make any accommodations you want. That applies to the decor and attitude towards children too - it's nothing super high end or creative, just very comfortable so there's no glaring at a child running down the aisle to check out the pastries - people here understand what it's like to be part of a family and accept it! I truly love this place! Love the parking too! Just tip please!
(5)ELliot L.
Best French Toast ever. They also have some of the most well prepared home fries ever. I'm not sure what they do to those potatoes, but they rock. Also try the breakfast tacos. I've only ever done breakfast here. The prices are great. Friendly, south Philly staff. Same crew every time we are there. We live across the street, go here all the time, and still love it as much as when we first started going 2 years ago.
(4)Gerry D.
Breakfast! Then dont think too much, just go here.. For you live around south street, this place is best for having breakfast. I got myself omelet with pancakes.. So delicious and the prices is cheap, waiter services is so friendly and the store location is convenient. Really recommended for you to start your day.
(4)Jenna D.
Nutella banana french toast. Need I say more? This is a neighborhood gem. Fitzwater all day!
(5)Arthur B.
Spectacular. Fresh sandwiches, homemade ravioli (the best, usually not advertised so ask!), soup, service, price, and fresh squeezed oj. My family has been going for years and I go every time I come to Philadelphia!
(5)Roger F.
"They're not a hipster brunch place, they were doing brunch before it was cool!" The Fitzwater Cafe is a South Philly/Queen Village staple; a perennial favorite of my grandmother's. The food is good, traditional brunch fare, and the waitstaff are great... Grandma goes head over heels for Jorge. As a suburbanite, parking is really easy; as an urbanite it's not bad to get to by bike. The place is tiny- about 10 or so tables. I usually go during the weekdays but I imagine the brunch lines on the weekends would be tough. It's now open until 3 PM (a few years ago it used to close at 2). Grandma & I both got Eggs Benedict, which had an amazing cheddar hollandaise sauce that left me wiping up the remnants with my spare potatoes. We also got 3 English muffins instead of 2. The eggs were done just right, and the English muffin was very enabling of the rest of the dish. I come here occasionally, but it's great to know that they have managed to keep on making consistently good food, just like they have for years.
(4)Sammy S.
I very much enjoyed this restaurant, it had a comfortable atmosphere and good food for a diner. It was not the best food I have ever had, but very good. I had the creme brûlée French toast which was amazing. The servers, who were certainly attentive, brought out the food very fast, which was nice. The other people at my table were happy but not as happy as me. I also shared a sandwich with someone at my table it had eggs, turkey bacon and cheese. I thought this was good but not great. However, I hold egg sandwiches to a very high expectation because I eat them a lot. Overall very good experience, but not the best I have had.
(4)Barbara P.
Went there this morning while visiting my daughter who lives a few blocks away. Excellent breakfast .Very crowded but the lines moved quickly. Wait staff very attentive, always filling your coffee or water. Always coming over and asking if you needed anything. Food was delicious , Big portions .Cash Only
(4)Fran S.
This place continues to be wonderful and just never disappoints. I am happy to say we are now considered regulars and can not go into the city without stopping by. There are always specials to augment the already varied and wonderful menu staples and the service simply enhances the meal and just makes going to the Fritzwater cafe a lovely respite in your day.
(5)Vade Mecum B.
Quaint place, but food quality is inconsistent. Last time, my blueberry pancakes were undercooked. The omelets & potatoes are good.
(3)Phanna P.
Free parking, kinda small inside. Had brunch on a Monday morning. Breakfast/brunch was affordable. My friends and I ordered the cafe breakfast included with 4 slices of french toast, 2 sausage patties, 2 eggs your way, and potatoes for $13. I only finished half with 2 cups of coffee. The menu had the usual breakfast items, nothing exciting compared to Green Eggs Cafe or Sabrina's. My friend doesn't eat meats so he substituted with tuna salad and egg whites. It was nice they compromised. I definitely would go again. I'm afraid of the weekend and if there is a long line. I would come again.
(4)Mallory D.
I seriously contemplated not writing this review, so as to not turn any more people on to what is now my new favorite brunch spot in the city. Thankfully I kinda like you guys, so here I go. I stumbled upon Fitzwater Cafe whilst eating my way through my city dining card deck. When I told my husband it was in South Philly,I was met with much opposition regarding the parking situation. However, we were both delighted to find that Fitzwater has a parking lot! That's worth a couple stars alone right there my friends. Although the cafe is exceedingly small, we were thankfully seated right away by a lovely waitress. My husband ordered some sort of breakfast sample situation, and I the breakfast burrito. Both were simply phenomenal. The french toast was unreal-like no french toast I have ever tasted before. As other reviewers have mentioned, the potatoes were spot on. My burrito was delicious...the avocado, mushrooms, sausage and everything else in there was just so fresh. This is definitely my new hot spot for brunch in the city. I am in love!
(5)Rachael K.
My boyfriend and I try to come here for breakfast/lunch/brunch as much as we can because we absolutely love it. It's clean, it's friendly, it's cute and cozy, and it's not pretentious. It's mostly a neighborhood-y joint, which, to me, translates to awesome food. Unfortunately, its strong sense of community means it fills up fast for breakfast/brunch on the weekends. Luckily, we've found a way around this problem: since the Fitzwater Cafe is frequented by mostly working class locals, we've noticed that if you come for breakfast/lunch during the week (which they offer and I greatly appreciate), you will be seated immediately! One of my favorites is the Prosciutto sandwich. It comes with the perfect ratio of pesto, greens, tomato, and meat on a satisfyingly crispy Sarcone's roll (which I am always a sucker for). I also add some fresh mozzarella to put it over the top. You get your choice of a side salad or homefries (both of which are worth trying). I always pretend that I'm only going to eat half of the sandwich and save the rest for later, but I always give in and devour the entire thing.
(5)Rob S.
Went on a Sunday for brunch. Hawthorne's had an hour wait and I was glad to go to a quieter place with no wait. Nice, sunny interior. A bit of a classier diner feel. The menu has a nice selection of brunch items. I'm a sucker for omelettes and I had difficulty choosing. They had some tasty sounding Italian inspired omelettes like a pesto/mozzarella/tomato omelette and a prosciutto omelette. I ended up getting the avocado/bacon omelette. Comes with toast and a (tiny) side of breakfast potatoes. The omelette itself was tasty. A bit runny/watery for some reason. They had Tobasco on the table which is nice, but a tastier hot sauce would have been nice. The potatoes were good, but the portion was small. The main issue for me was service. Our waitress was friendly, but as she spilled a bit of coffee she announced, "It's my ditzy hour. The last hour of my shift." I'm not sure about ditzy, but we didn't see her again until she brought the food and then brought the check. People at our table were dying for coffee and I was so dehydrated for want of water that I could only muster up 3 stars for this place.
(3)Lucky K.
Great food and the wait is not as long as green eggs. More lively atmosphere and plenty of parking, which is nice in philly. OJ is a little too expensive though
(4)Elizabeth O.
Went in around 10 am on a Saturday morning for breakfast and sat at the bar instead of waiting for a table. The price was right and the portions were just enough. My french toast was piping hot with crispy brown edges and tasted like buttery powdered sugared goodness. I got it with sliced bananas on top and a great cup of coffee. My dad got the eggs and toast breakfast and ended up trading me half way to get in on the french toast. Only let down is its cash only. I'll definitely be coming back for breakfast here more often.
(4)hilary m.
Best breakfast on the planet. I usually have the avocado omelette. the ingredients are always fresh and the food is always clean tasting. they can also make a proper espresso and cafe latte etc. the wait staff is very friendly and together. If you are not from Philadelphia and are visiting definatly have a visit.
(5)Erin W.
Fitzwater Cafe is def a solid brunch spot, but it's my back-up to Morning Glory. You can usually get a table at Fitzwater a little easier, but I don't dig the vibe as much. Def good food though. So many good brunch options, its hard to choose!
(4)Catherine F.
Ok...so by the looks of my reviews, it appears that I only eat breakfast, but what can I say...I find breakfast/brunch cathartic. I have been driving, riding, and walking past the cafe for over two years now and for some reason have always forgotten to go there. Finally one morning I drove past it with a friend and yelled WAIIIIITTTTT! After a quick loop around the block we parked in the lot( yes a parking lot in the city...hooray!) and happily waited only about 5 minutes for a table. I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of a wait on a Saturday morning at 10am. We were seated and promptly greeted by a super cute and friendly waitress with coffee in hand. What more can I ask for with my coffee than a cute girl in awesome boots? Their menu is small, but I appreciate that in a restaurant. To me, this means that they know what they are making and they do it damn good! I had an omelet with avocado and swiss, yummy homefries( the big chunky kind), and probably the second best multi-grain bread in the city(aside from metro). The omelet was a great size and I only ate half. It was priced at 10 dollars which seems about right against comps. The bread is made fresh on premises, as are the pastries. I grabbed a banana muffin to go because they had been staring at me the whole time. It was one of the best muffins I have ever had. It was chock full of bananas that caramelized from baking and they were insanely cake like and indulgent. That thing about only having a 5 minute wait...yeah that quickly changed. As we were nearing the end of our meal the line was starting to go outside and was becoming a 30 minute wait. I have to say though, we were never rushed out. Even after we had received our check and the line was growing, we were offered more coffee. Although we declined in order to free up our table, the offer was really appriciated in this city. The one negative I will mention is that they don't have room for strollers inside and you are asked to leave them outside. There were a few angry parents who were forced to leave their 1000 orbit stroller outside. So word to the wise...grab your sling and strap the kids in. So yeah, don't go to morning glory walk a few blocks east and head to this quaint and lovely cafe.
(4)Christopher S.
I will eat at the Fitzwater Cafe over Sabrina's or Morning Glory any weekend morning. It is super clean with a bright decor and the food is really fresh. At those other places, the food tends to be grimy, greasy, and over priced. Here it's just a good old fashioned breakfast: eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. The service is quick and very professional with a smile (another plus over "Crapina's" and "Morning Gonna-wait-til-I'm-ready-to-serve-you"). I have never waited for a table, but have seen a line form around 9:30 on a Saturday. I recommend the French toast with bananas and the fresh squeezed OJ.
(4)Rob R.
This was my first time here for brunch, after being dejected by a 2 hour wait at Sabrina's we decided to try this place out. I was delighted by the fact that we were told our wait was only 20 minutes, which seemed impossible based on the crowd that was waiting...20 minutes turned into 1 hour, and that seemed to be a common theme here. Waiting aside, the actual food was great, I had the breakfast cafe, 2 eggs, french toast, sausage, potatos for like $11. I would consider coming back, but if i'm going to wait 1+ hour i'd probably go to Sabrina's instead.
(3)Bridget N.
I always forget that this place exists which is strange because the food is excellent and its ridiculously close to my house. I came here for brunch last week with a friend from high school who I haven't seen in years. The Fitzwater Cafe is situated smack dab in the middle between our two houses so we decided to meet there for our reunion meal. We met at noon on a Thursday afternoon and the place was oddly packed and were told we'd probably have to wait a little as everyone was just seated. An employee (I think) who was sitting to have his break overheard this and offered to give up his table to sit at the counter, which was awesome. Since it was noon I wasn't sure to go the breakfast or lunch route and was debating between a Prosciutto sandwich and the French Toast. We all know my issues with brunch and having an egg infested menu but these two options sounded equally delicious. I chose the French Toast which came complete with fresh berries and about enough food to feed a village. Nathan devoured the Prosciutto sandwich and although I was envious I was getting wayy too full with my own meal to ask for a taste. I ate about half of mine, got a doggie bag and waddled home.
(4)Carey G.
I tried this restaurant for brunch today and did not find it very appealing. It resembled a "slop house" diner to me. I found the service non-attentive and a bit slow. The croissant breakfast sandwich tasted bland and was smothered in cheese. The croissant did not taste fresh, rather like the frozen variety. Believe me.... pass this place up for a better breakfast spot like Sabrina's!
(1)Ellen R.
Wonderful food! The breakfast tacos are fantastic. Cozy atmosphere with very friendly staff. Long waits are the only downside.
(4)Moe W.
This is my FAVORITE breakfast/lunch place in the center city area. The food, service, and ambiance are superb!!! I went there 4 times this week during a STAY-cation - and it transported me to a resort atmosphere. Try the Italian Eggs...yummmmm!
(5)Rachel B.
I really like this place! The pancakes are really good and the coffee is decent as well. I usually get pancakes, latte and bacon. My husband tries all the different menu items. They also have muffins and other pastries at the counter you can buy to go! The downside? It's rather small and you sometimes have to wait awhile for a table. Also, cash only.
(4)John C.
Ordered a specialty sandwich... The Hart Sanwich or something, it was really, really tasty. It was extremely spicy whic lead to the flaw of this place, the service was no where to be found. I had a single glass of water the entire time and had to literally track down the waitress on foot for a second one.
(3)Caitlin C.
I stumbled into this small, flower-covered cafe while looking for a quick lunch. There are only a handful of tables, so usually there is a wait to sit on the weekends. When I came for breakfast I had the best breakfast sandwich ever: a huge crispy croissant with scrambled eggs and gooey cheese. Their breakfast is exactly what you are looking for on Sunday morning: fresh squeezed juices, creative omelette's and fluffy French toast. This little cafe feels very Parisian, but offers some great Italian items too. Like their fresh ravioli's, which you can buy to take home and pretend you made. Of course they also have great desserts like tiramisu. You can even order homemade pies during the holidays.
(4)Josh P.
Best eggplant parm in the city. Great service, once they learn your name, they'll never forget it. And the desserts are heavenly.
(5)veronika p.
I've been wanting to check out the Fitzwater Cafe ever since I moved to Bella Vista 2 years ago, but just never got the chance until this past weekend. Truth be told, it wasn't exactly what I thought it was - I was thinking it would be more casual, eggs and bacon kind of place. Instead, it was a fancy brunch kinda-deal (think over the top waffles and omelets). The wait wasn't too bad, about 15 minutes - you can choose first available and risk sitting at the counter, or get one of the very few tables. I really liked the decor - simple and bright. The bill for 2 was about 25 bucks. The chocolate chip muffins are delicious - ask for yours toasted.
(3)Nilette G.
My bf and I do Sunday brunch almost every weekend and end up going to the same places. However with the help of my trusty yelp app, we found the fitzwater cafe. We drove by and it seemed pretty crowded, which is expected on a Sunday at 11am but I called and the girl who answered ensured it wasn't a long wait. We came in and she offered us to sit at the counter if we didn't want to wait for a table, which was nice. Service is very friendly here and when one of the machines was down, our server came over and explained the situation and apologized for the wait for our food. Very much appreciated bc most places never apologize for long waits on busy times. Now onto the food. I will join the consensus and sing praises for the creme brule French toast. I ordered the short stack version and it was perfect. It comes out looking like diabetes on a plate but it has the perfect balance of sweetness and cinnamon. Even my bf who doesnt like sweets very much stole more than few bites from my plate lol he got an avocado omelet for himself and it was huge and tasty. Coffee is strong and very good as well. I'm very glad we found this place- made my Sunday :)
(4)Lauryn Z.
This morning was my fifth visit to Fitzwater Cafe and the first time I've gotten around to writing a review. This is probably one of my favorite places to go in philadelphia for a good solid breakfast- I'd choose it anyday over Sabrina's or Morning Glory. The place is small and usually not too crowded. My boyfriend and I usually end up getting omlets- this morning was provalone cheese, pesto and tomato served with potatoes and multi-grain bread- all delicious, and I especially love the multi grain bread they serve here. The portions are just the right size, and the food has been consistantly good every time I have visited. Service has been prompt. Also, it's byo which is a plus. Will definately be returning again soon.
(4)Dema B.
Our waitress called our hangovers like she saw them...and secured extra homefries for our table's speedy recovery. That's good service! Everything was great...the portions were a really fair size considering how inexpensive everything is...and their muffins really are baked from scratch and delicious!! I will be back with or without my hangover:)
(4)Rick W.
Checking out he scenes in Philadelphia last week and stopped in to check out the menu for lunch. Small with a limited menu I wasn't sure if we made the right stop. Well glad we did. Terrible for not remembering a waitresses name (or any name for that matter). very pleasant and helpful with the menu. An Italian bean soup with a tomato base look interesting and ordered a bowl and my wife a cup. Excellent. Good amount of beans carrots. Broth tasted like tomato soup with cream or milk. What ever it was it was the right combination.. Lite eaters we asked if we could order one sausage and cheese sandwich. Pleasantly surprised it was brought out on two plates for us to enjoy. Great sweet sausage and tasty fried onions and pepper mix with mozzarella cheese. Bread was outstanding. I thought more french than Italian hard bread we are used to in Atlantic City. Whatever it was again excellent. Only suggestion is to ask for small side of marinara if you like sauce on your sandwich. Also ask for sprinkle cheese and hot peppers if you want them on the table. A very good experience and will return. Prices are very reasonable.
(4)Bill G.
One of my regular Sunday morning spots. The Soft Tacos are my favorite, fresh with a little bit of spice against the eggs. The French Toast is thick and tasty, pancakes are stacked high, and the omelets come mixed with great ingredients (my girlfriend is a big fan of the spinach and feta). The waitresses at the counter are friendly and remembered us after going in just for a couple of Sundays (always a big plus for me). Prices are reasonable, if not cheap. My only complaint, and it's a nature of the beast thing, is that they are always packed for breakfast. I mean, people sitting on the curb outside packed. As long as tables are moving along (we watched a guy slowly work through half an omelet over a half hour period after his friends had finish) the tables flip in a hurry, but don't expect to get seated right away. My suggestion would be to take a counter spot...more fun that way anyway. Great food, good service. It's unfortunate it's not bigger, because they could fill it up.
(4)Tia L.
This really is becoming one of my favorite brunch places. I never have to wait long to get a seat, the staff is always friendly, and while the menu is not the most "original," it's a feel-good, reliable place to get brunch.
(5)Clare T.
Fitzwater Cafe has friendly atmosphere where you immediately get a sense that the owners value their customers. I came around 12:00 today(Sunday) and was able to get a parking spot outside in their lot and a table within 10mins. Although the menu is not extensive their food is prepared just the way you want it. I recommend the Vegetarian Sandwich(on Sarcone's Bread!) French Toast or Goat Cheese Omelet. Food came out fast as did coffee and waters.Love this spot!
(4)ezekial f.
this place is usually so crowded that i've never gotten to go before, a popularity like that usually ensures you're getting something good, but then again, hundreds of thousands of people voted for bush, right? well in this case, i think it may be worth it, though i would only go for three and a half stars if it were an option. we were seated at the counter and could see all of the food being made, all of which looked good, the selection struck me as small but they do cover most of the bases. i had french toast,home fries, sausage and eggs over easy, which they nailed! to be perfectly honest their french toast was one of the best ive ever had. they were a bit understaffed and though they didnt seem to struggle too much, it was a little harried. good coffee too. i would go back but i wouldnt wait in line, so i'll probably be at the royal next week.
(4)Marnie N.
not just for brunch anymore! dinner was declicious. they bring out the white napkins for the dinner crowd, but still very casual. service was excellent, food was delicious. had beet salad app and chicken milanese with some sort crazily tasty sauce underneath-fresh and lemoney arugula salad. hubby had bean soup (so yummy and filled with fresh vegetables) and salmon that even my four year old devoured. daughter obsessed with the red velvet cupcake she saw in the case as soon as we walked in the door, lovely server put it aside and gave it to her on the house. LOVED!
(4)matthew l.
Italian-Americans who are open minded about the food of their youth, if that is possible, will have to admit that the tomato sauce here is as good as any and better than many of the precious red stuff of their memory. It is different too! Not long simmered but fresh with the basil still barely green and not black from hours in the pot, not that there's anything wrong with that. The homemade spinach ricotta ravioli alone are worth the trip to Seventh & Fitzwater, light and none much better even in Italy. Breakfasts are spectacular. Service is no nonsense efficient though friendly. Attractive room with the exception care given to fit and finish clearly evident.
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