17 Best Brunches From the Main Line to Atlantic City

We picked the crème de la crème of Saturday and Sunday brunch spots not only on the Main Line but also in Philadelphia and Atlantic City.

On the Main Line…

​Azie on Main 

The menu at Azie includes a buffet selection of Asian dishes like miso soup, spring rolls, fried rice, chicken teriyaki and sushi rolls. For traditionalists, there are croissants, eggs, waffles and more.

Sunday 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 217 W. State St., Media; (610) 566-4750.

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Mendenhall Inn 

The Mendenhall Inn’s champagne Sunday brunch is a great off-the-beaten-path choice. A large appetizer-and-salad buffet includes New Zealand mussels and a vast cheese-and-fruit selection. Entrées range from meat and seafood dishes to French toast and eggs Benedict (go for the $3.50 filet mignon upgrade). Kids will love the dessert buffet, with its cobblers, pies, cakes and chocolate fountain.

Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 323 Kennett Pike (Route 52), Mendenhall; (610) 388-1181.

Paramour 

This isn’t your normal brunch buffet, but the extravagantly stocked chef’s appetizer bar at the Wayne Hotel’s new restaurant will tide you over until your entrée arrives. Salads, flatbreads and a variety of omelets are available, along with more substantial offerings like salmon, steak frites, chestnut ravioli, Kobe sliders, and a lobster-roll trio. And did we mention the build-your-own Bloody Mary bar?

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Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 139 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 977-0600.

Radnor Hotel 

Save your appetite if you plan on indulging at the Terrace Room’s Champagne Sunday Brunch. Great for adults and kids, the buffet has everything from fresh-baked pastries and made-to-order omelets to hand-carved meat and savory sides. Be sure to give a cream puff or strawberry a whirl under the Belgian chocolate fountain.

Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 591 E. Lancaster Ave., St. Davids; (610) 341-3188.

Station Taproom 

We were on board with just the One Village French-press coffee, sparkling-wine cocktails and Bloody Mary offerings. But what sealed it was the signature breakfast burger, made with locally sourced ground meat, bacon, cheddar and a fried egg. The stuffed French toast is a winner, too.

Sunday from 11 a.m. 207 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown; (484) 593-0560.

Styer’s Garden Café

Always inspiring and never disappointing, this garden oasis is the prettiest dining backdrop we know of—and chef Keith Rudolf’s seasonal, locally minded dishes are sublime. The artisanal cheese board is a great way to begin. First-course selections include a roasted-beet salad and a buttery mushroom tart. Other highlights: the short-rib sandwich and the pumpkin pancakes.

Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Terrain at Styer’s, 914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills; (610) 459-2400.

Teresa’s Next Door 

A favorite neighborhood locus for craft-beer drinkers and foodies alike, this reputable Wayne eatery also serves a fantastic Sunday brunch. Behold the “Hangover Sammy”—eggs, bacon, ham, avocado, queso fresco, hot sauce, a fried potato pancake and steak sauce, all piled into a roll. For the “Morning Mess II,” a hot sugar waffle is topped with a fried potato pancake, bacon, a fried egg, maple syrup and seared foie gras (if you choose). Fun names aside, the food speaks for itself.

Sunday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 124-126 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne; (610) 293-9909.

White Dog Cafe 

Along with the delicious coffee and morning cocktails, chef Zach Grainda’s seasonal dishes are thoughtful and inspired. If you find yourself chowing down on the steak-and-egg rancheros, be sure to get an order of caramelized-apple French toast for the table.

Sunday 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 200 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 225-3700.

 

In Philadelphia …

Lacroix 

Once you’ve eyed up the raw bar, appetizer station and picture-perfect dessert table at this Rittenhouse Hotel hot spot, wander into the kitchen for hot dishes served by the chefs themselves. Everything is refined and inventive, approachable and indulgent. For the unmatched quality, selection and ambiance, this is one of the best brunch options around.

Sunday 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia; (215) 546-9000.

Mica 

This we know: Chip Roman is a master of elegant dinner fare. As for brunch at his cozy eatery nestled in the quaint, cobblestoned streets of Chestnut Hill, it’s homey, familiar and exceptional. A small but potent menu boasts dishes like cream of steel-cut oats with spiced pears and Marcona almonds, a “toad in a hole” egg-and-brioche option, plus steak and eggs with short ribs and white grits.

Sunday 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 8609 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia; (267) 335-3912.

Morning Glory Diner 

Any place that serves us hot coffee while we wait for a table is A-OK in our book—though be prepared to hang around awhile on weekends. You’ll forget all about the delay when you take a seat at this small corner eatery, which has all the irrepressible energy of a city diner. Once your Gardenkeeper Frittata—or perhaps a steaming pecan waffle with whipped butter—emerges from the kitchen, all is right with the world. You absolutely must try a homemade biscuit … or three. Just how do they get them so fluffy?

Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 10th and Fitzwater streets, Philadelphia; (215) 413-3999.

 

In Atlantic City …

Atlantic City Country Club 

When the Boardwalk won’t do, this all-inclusive brunch may be just the thing. Omelet and carving stations are favorite stops, as is the chocolate pastry display—the largest in South Jersey. There’s live entertainment, making it a great option for families and larger groups.

Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. One Leo Fraser Drive, Atlantic City; (609) 236-4465.

The Borgata 

The brunch spread at the Borgata Buffet is for serious eaters. For $27.95, you can go as decadent or minimal as you choose. Sushi, Chinese dishes and carving stations are plentiful, but there are still plenty of breakfast items to dig into. The dessert display deserves a few trips alone.

Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m. One Borgata Way, Atlantic City; (609) 317-1000.

The Continental 

Follow up one of those famed Continental cocktails with some cinnamony-sweet monkey bread and Mexican-style eggs nestled in soft tortillas. You’ll also find everything you love from Stephen Starr’s Philly locales—burgers, sandwiches, salads, waffles, pancakes and some serious egg dishes—plus the swanky-fun atmosphere.

Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Pier Shops at Caesars, One Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City; (609) 674-8300.

Maria’s Luncheonette 

Breakfast is served all day long at Maria’s, with countless breakfast wraps and sandwiches, omelets, pancakes and French toast variations.

Saturday 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 2319 Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City, (609) 347-9300. 

Teplitzky’s 

The Chelsea offers a fantastic “Rise and Shine” brunch in its energetic, chic, diner-inspired eatery. Start with a Bloody Mary or a berry smoothie, then dive right into a bacon waffle, huevos rancheros, an omelet or a juicy burger. “The Teplitzky” is not for the faint of heart, but it’s certainly worth the $20.

Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 111 S. Chelsea Ave., Atlantic City; (609) 428-4550.

See also “10 Best Breakfasts on the Main Line.”


This post was originally published in February 2012 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

Teresa’s Next Door gets our vote for the most unorthodox

brunch creations. The “Morning Mess II” heaps a fried

potato pancake, bacon and a fried egg onto a sugar waffle,

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covering the whole thing in maple syrup//Photo by Jared

Castaldi

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