Smile Cafe

Some restaurants are built for dinner. Others are built for brunch. This one falls firmly in the second camp.

Set in Philadelphia, PA, Smile Cafe 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.

The eggs Benedict here is a study in restraint: a properly toasted English muffin, paper-thin Canadian bacon, and a hollandaise that's lemony enough to cut through the richness.

Menu highlights

Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Smile Cafe. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.

• Single-origin pour-over coffee from a local roaster
• Two eggs any style with thick-cut bacon and crispy hash
• Brioche French toast dusted with powdered sugar and seasonal berries
• 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

Light streams in through tall windows, jazz plays at a sensible volume, and the espresso machine hums in the background like a third instrument.

The hash deserves attention: crisp-edged potatoes, caramelized onions, peppers, and a runny egg on top, with hot sauce on every table.

Vegetarians and vegans are well taken care of — at least three plant-forward mains anchor the menu, not just an afterthought side of fruit.

Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Philadelphia, Smile Cafe 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

• Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
• 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.

Hours

Frequently asked questions

What time does Smile Cafe open for brunch?

Posted hours are: Mo-Th 11:30-14:30,17:00-21:00; Fr 11:30-14:30,17:00-22:00; Sa 17:00-22:00; Su off. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.

Does Smile Cafe 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 Smile Cafe kid-friendly?

Yes — Smile Cafe 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 Smile Cafe serve?

It's classified under thai — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Philadelphia.

Is there outdoor seating at Smile Cafe?

Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.

Location

Located at 105 South 22nd Street. Coordinates: 39.9521, -75.1769. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.