Everyone loves brunch, and everyone has their opinion on which place beats the rest. After hearing incessant praise for Green Eggs Café, I anxiously hoped it lived up to the hype. Evidently they’ve been having fun with the creation of their dishes, expertly exploring the depths of the perfectly stuffed French toast and the seemingly infinite ways to serve an egg.
I was welcomed by friendly service and a comfortable, but simple, ambiance. I started off with coffee and went with the intriguing, but pleasing, peanut butter latte ($4). On a warm day, this iced drink hit the spot, and I began the arduous task of refraining from ordering one of everything.
I don’t know who decided that sugarcoated, chocolate–chip–stuffed substances could be passed off under the subterfuge of breakfast—but I know that I love them. The notorious RVP (Red Velvet Pancakes, $15) are so addicting that I’m convinced the white powder generously sprinkled over the dish was more than just sugar. They were sweet—but not overpoweringly so—with creamy mascarpone that complemented them perfectly, topped with fresh strawberries.
Philly’s love for innovative French toast didn’t skip over the chefs here, with their Crème Brulee French Toast ($13) rivaling that of Sabrina’s. It’s a beautiful dish that looks more like a cake than anything, cloaked with a berry compote and Chantilly cream. The vanilla anglaise poured atop the fluffy challah bread almost tempted me to drink it straight.
As decadent as those dishes may sound, the chefs clearly understand the intricacies of balance. Things that sound like they could creep into the realm of overwrought somehow worked. While initially wary of the Chicken and Waffle Benedict ($13), fearing a dissonance of flavors, the first bite vanquished any dark thoughts from my mind. Delicate and harmonious, sweet and savory, the jumble of judiciously orchestrated flavors made every bite delicious.
On another note—is it still cool to be vegan? If so, Green Eggs has got you covered with an array of options: My favorite was the Quinoa Porridge ($9). Do not underestimate the berry–topped, nutty–noted, spicy goodness of this dish. I also tried the Vegan A.L.T ($13), but with so many more novel dishes available, I didn’t find myself going back to it.
Green Eggs does a not–so–traditional brunch just right with a whimsical menu that caters to the part of your soul that wants nothing more than to combine every craving into a single pretty dish. But be warned: Once you leave, you will be back (and not just because you need to run to the ATM when you find out they’re cash only).
Location: 212 S 13th St
@GreenEggsCafe
TL;DR: There’s a reason why everyone’s talking about it—with unique twists on brunch classics, you can’t go wrong with Green Eggs Café. The hundreds of people they serve daily are the proof.
Don’t miss: Chicken & Waffles Benedict ($13)
Skip: The basics. There are so many creative dishes to try—this is not the time for a sandwich.
When to go: Located in the heart of the Gayborhood, it’s a doable walk from campus when you have a weekend free. Or more likely, a fifteen minute cab ride away when you’re seeking the perfect hangover cure.
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