In Philly, “Sabrina’s” is as synonymous with brunch as “mimosas” or “pancakes”. Maybe, in part, it’s because they’re everywhere: near the Art Museum, your weird cousin’s house in Collingswood, and even tucked in a terminal at PHL. But maybe it’s also because the University City location combines its excellent brunch with a buzzy, comfortable atmosphere—even when it’s filled to the brim on the weekends. The place itself is a Victorian mansion and an aged campus hall-hybrid. So you might merrily inhale perfectly puffy lemon ricotta pancakes on the covered veranda while living a Gilded Age fantasy, or sip on a caffeine-charged pick-me-up in the main dining room that feels a bit more like your freshman cafeteria. Like all great brunch places, they cover everything on the sweet-to-savory spectrum. You’ll want the buttery waffles topped with golden-fried chicken until the scent of lime crema with the peppery huevos rancheros hits. If you want a big breakfast spread, the brioche french toast and pillowy pancakes (with every fruit-topped variation) are all worth coming back for. And the lunch-leaning parts of the menu—think massive burgers or chicken sandwiches with a cheesy finish—hit all of the right “I’m out of commission until dinner” notes. They don’t take reservations, so if you can’t stand a wait, it’s best to come by during the week. But if you do find yourself lining up on the foliage-filled lawn for a table, a brunch here is well worth it.
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