It’s Brunch-a-licious in Delco in 2023!

We know why brunch is special: It’s our favorite breakfast and lunch foods … plus a few surprises … plus dessert … plus a signature cocktail (or other adult libation). But, what is brunch?

According to Smithsonian Magazine (how’s that for a history-lover’s source?!), “… the origins are a bit hazy. Some food historians think that the meal has its roots in England’s hunt breakfasts — lavish multi-course meals that featured a smorgasbord of goodies such as chicken livers, eggs, meats, bacon, fresh fruit and sweets.

Others post that Sunday brunch derives from the practice of Catholics fasting before mass and then sitting down for a large midday meal. And then there are those who look to New York’s abundance of dining spots when it comes to tracing the origins of classic brunch dishes from eggs Benedict to bagels and lox.”

Brunch is traditionally on Sunday, and sometimes Saturday, but we also found brunch-worthy service on other days of the week, too. Really: Can you have too much brunch?! One last thought before you head to brunch: The word itself. The blog says that “it’s a playful blend of ‘breakfast’ and ‘lunch’” and first appeared in print in an 1895 Hunter’s Weekly article. We feel satisfied in that research, but even more satisfied when we stop into one of these Delco favorites to get our brunch on:  

 

Kettle Cafe

There are so many delightful dishes to tuck into at Kettle, ranging from savory and sweet, and sure to satisfy any craving. The menu includes upgrades on standard breakfast dishes, like corned beef hash, nutella-stuffed French toast and breakfast burritos. You’ll also find signature items such as their smoked salmon platter, Kettle Rancheros and the Brookline Bully Burger.  The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with ample outdoor seating and friendly staff who are happy to help with any questions or special requests! Kettle Cafe is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed Monday. 1 Brookline Blvd., Havertown, (610) 446-1234.  

 

Taste Budz Café

Looking for a weekday brunch? Taste Budz has got you covered with a great breakfast/lunch menu every day of the week (except for Tuesday). There are so many great options, including Benedicts, omelets, pancakes, egg sandwiches, skillets and Belgian waffles. For a real treat, try their Cinnamon Bun French Toast, which is a fresh-baked cinnamon bun sliced, grilled and served with a cinnamon swirl and cream cheese drizzle. On the savory side, the New York strip steak with eggs doesn’t disappoint!  Taste Budz Café is open Wednesday through Monday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 4820 Pennell Rd., Aston, (610) 494-8062.  

 

Bierhaul

The kitchen at this European-style beer garden may be known for its craft brew-friendly bites, like German pretzels, gourmet pizzas and loaded sandwiches, but they also do Sunday brunch extremely well. We’re talking hot honey fried chicken with cornbread waffles, make-your-own frittatas, and Irish brekkie sando, and much more. A full bar means that if you enjoy adult libation, you’re in luck, with a multitude of beers and cocktails to choose from. Bierhaul is open Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 11 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from noon to midnight, and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. Brunch is only served Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. 341 Thornton Rd., Thornton, (610) 550-3440.

 

Azie

This award-winning brunch reminds us that our favorite meal is the best of breakfast and lunch. Enjoy an assortment of nigiri sushi and maki rolls, salmon ceviche and sea bass in sweet miso, which share the buffet table with pancakes, French toast, yogurt parfaits, salad, roast chicken, Kobe short ribs or meatballs, and a dessert table. Adults will love the bright, comfy dining room and the craft beer and mimosa selection, and kids will love chicken nuggets, crab and cream cheese spring rolls and the omelet station. Open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 217 W. State St., Media, (610) 566-4750.  

 

House

This cozy cafe’s motto, “Eat Local. Eat Fresh. Eat Good Food.” informs its refreshingly fun selections, such as the Baker Street skillet of potato, zucchini, roasted peppers, caramelized onions and fried eggs; Brisk & Eggs of braised beef brisket, roasted potatoes, poached eggs and hollandaise; breakfast panini of scrambled eggs, tomato and cheddar (add zucchini or meat for just $2); and an assortment of omelets, ben-addictions and kids’ choices. Order from the lunch menu if you prefer! House is BYOB — with no corkage fee. Open Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 110-114 S. Jackson St., Media, (610) 566-2505.  

 

Terrain BYOB

An airy, yet covered outdoors awaits when you tuck into this popular brunch venue. Sip cold drinks out of a Mason jar, any number of warm drinks and specialty drinks (La Colombe coffee!), and BYOB the rest. We’re addicted to the house-cut fries, and absolutely add truffle pecorino for $2, then indulge in a seasonal hummus board with cauliflower, carrots and flatbread crackers; brioche French toast with caramelized apples, vanilla creme fraiche and candied walnuts; or Moroccan poached eggs with braised tomato, sheep’s milk feta, crispy chickpea and sourdough. Check the soups, salads and generous add-ons. Really hungry? You win with the Terrain burger, Pennsylvania Angus beer, cheddar and balsamic onion jam on a brioche bun. Open daily for brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 pm. 914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, (610) 459-6030.  

 

The Brickhaus 

The menu says “breakfast” and “lunch” but this is one of our go-to brunch stops seven days a week! Top picks are the breakfast burrito stuffed with scrambled eggs, black beans, Monterey Jack cheese in a flour tortilla, served with salsa and sour cream (we add bacon for just $1.50 more), the vegan tofu scramble that’s pan-seared spiced tofu and black bean salsa, Franconia French toast made from signature Brickhaus French toast, local heirloom apples, cinnamon and sugar; and Alex’s all-American cheeseburger, Lancaster County grass-fed beef topped generously with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and pickles on a country bun. Open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 13 E. Hinckley Ave., Ridley Park, (610) 537-7351.

White Dog Cafe

Its sister (and original) restaurant in Philly put farm-fresh on the table well before farm-to-table was a thing. The tradition continues here in Wayne with locally sourced brunch seasonal favorites. Depending on the season, you may find savory Kennett Square mushroom soup or omelet, beet and arugula salad featuring Shellbark Hollow Farm goat cheese, or Green Meadow Farms creamed chipped beef, or a Locust Point Farm chicken sandwich and so much more. Sip into cocktails featuring all-local purveyors: Tyr the Baysil Bloody with The Revivalist Dragon Dance Spicy Gin, Philadelphia Distilling’s The Bay vodka, bloody mary, Inspired Brews Tomato & Basil Kombucha and basil. Open for brunch Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 200 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 225-3700.

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Find us at 1501 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA, 19063; (610) 565-3679 or online.

– Nina Malone