There is a particular kind of quiet that settles over a good brunch room — the gentle clatter of cutlery, the hiss of the espresso machine, the soft pop of a champagne cork.
Set in Philadelphia, PA, Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
Their breakfast burrito is the kind of thing locals order with eyes still half closed — eggs, chorizo, a scrape of refried beans, melty cheese, and salsa with real heat.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Breakfast burrito with eggs, chorizo, beans, cheese, and salsa roja
- Veggie scramble with spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese
- Crab cake Benedict with old-bay hollandaise (regional specialty)
- Acai bowl with granola, banana, coconut, and honey drizzle
- House bloody mary with bacon, olives, and pickled vegetables
- Buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and warm maple syrup
- Avocado toast on grilled sourdough with chili crisp and a soft egg
- Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
The decor is part diner nostalgia, part modern bistro — vinyl booths, ceramic mugs, and small ceramic vases of fresh flowers on every table.
Order the pancakes and you'll get a stack tall enough to make you reconsider lunch — fluffy, lightly tangy from buttermilk, and finished with a generous pour of warm maple syrup.
Their breakfast cocktails are no joke. The bloody mary comes garnished with everything but the kitchen sink, and the bottomless mimosa option has a strict 90-minute window.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Philadelphia, Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. Save room for one of the pastries on the way out — they bake everything in-house, and the morning buns are legendary among regulars.
Tips from the regulars
- If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.
- Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
- Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Fr 07:00-19:00; Sa 07:00-20:00; Su 07:30-17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Fr 07:00-19:00; Sa 07:00-20:00; Su 07:30-17:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Fr 07:00-19:00; Sa 07:00-20:00; Su 07:30-17:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Fr 07:00-19:00; Sa 07:00-20:00; Su 07:30-17:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Fr 07:00-19:00; Sa 07:00-20:00; Su 07:30-17:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Fr 07:00-19:00; Sa 07:00-20:00; Su 07:30-17:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Fr 07:00-19:00; Sa 07:00-20:00; Su 07:30-17:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Fr 07:00-19:00; Sa 07:00-20:00; Su 07:30-17:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Philadelphia are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House kid-friendly?
Yes — Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House serve?
It's classified under coffee_shop — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Philadelphia.
Is there outdoor seating at Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House?
Yes — outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.
Location
Located at 903 South 9th Street. Coordinates: 39.9389, -75.1578. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.