It’s Brunch-a-licious in Delco!

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 posit 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:

Photo courtesy of Tavola Restaurant + Bar

Tavola Restaurant + Bar

What caught our eye — and keeps us coming back — are the build-your-own bloody marys featuring the Tavola Garden Bloody Mary Blend, which earned a People’s Choice Winner 2014 from Food Network’s Chopped (as “Best Bloody Mary in America Perfected by Absolut”). The fare is fine as well, and the cost includes a mimosa! Choose from seasonal fruit, eggs Benedict, chicken and waffles, hand-carved prime rib, veggie selections, smoked salmon, gourmet desserts — the works! Fun fact: Kids under 3 eat free! Brunch is served Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

400 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield, (610) 543-2100.


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. Bonus: Kids under 3 eat free! Open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

217 W. State St., Media, (610) 566-4750.


Photo courtesy of House

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.


Photo courtesy of Terrain

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.


Concordville Inn Restaurant

Relax at this family-run restaurant that’s steeped in history, yet boasts comfy and current dining rooms, a bar and grill, and seasonal rooftop alfresco dining. We enjoy the wide selection of salads, from the Two Chef’s Salads of the Day to Arcadian House Salad with assorted toppings, to a classic Caesar and Seafood salad. Don’t worry — there’s plenty of traditional fare, too, including French toast, eggs Benedict, a made-to-order omelet and waffle station, and so much more. Why do we love salads here? So we can indulge in the gourmet dark chocolate fountain! Dipping delights may include pineapple, strawberries, pretzels, marshmallow, freshly made cookies — the works! Open for brunch on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

780 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, (610) 459-2230.


Photo courtesy of The Brickhaus

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.




Photo courtesy of The Hearth

The Hearth

Irish-inspired and hearty, this bruncherie that includes a homey hearth just happens to serve breakfast all day, too. We recommend the traditional Irish breakfast — rasher (bacon), banger (sausage), Hearth home fries, scrambled eggs, black-and-white pudding, sauteed mushrooms, baked beans, toasted wheaten bread and Kerrygold butter — did we say hearty? If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, try the veggie-stuffed omelet, avocado toast or a salad. Nice kids’ menu, too! Bring champagne and make your own mimosas. This BYOB is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

1901 E. Darby Rd., Havertown, 484-454-3176.



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.



Photo courtesy of The Radnor Hotel

The Radnor Hotel 

The contemporary dining room and breathtaking alfresco dining are home to The Radnor’s award-winning champagne brunch. It’s a simple, elegant buffet offering next-level twists on standard buffet options, such as omelets, Belgian waffles, French toast and a carving station, but also an irresistible mashed potato bar (give us all the toppings!), seafood specialties including gravlax (cured salmon!), seemingly endless sweets, including a chocolate fountain, and two complimentary champagnes or mimosas per adult. Good news: Kids under 5 are free. Reservations are highly suggested. Open every Sunday for brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

591 E. Lancaster Ave., St. David’s, (610) 341-3188; parties of 11 or larger should call (610) 341-3145.


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

Feature photo: Tavola Restaurant + Bar