Café Lift, Philadelphia

For two permanently hungry people, we're not very good at planning in advance, carrying food with us, or thinking about the consequences of our easily-too-low energy levels (grumpiness, silence, and feet-dragging). So  after a super sunny run up the Rocky Steps and along boathouse row on a beautiful Saturday Philly morning, and a quick, ice cold shower at home, we headed for the nearest possible café offering breakfast. And that place, luckily for us, was not Starbucks, but Café Lift.

Just 45 minutes after opening we got one of the last tables in this packed out café in the middle of an uber quiet neighborhood. Our first cup of our unlimited coffee allowance was poured, and, at typical Philly pace (which takes some getting used to after being trapped in NYC, but when you do get used to it it's relaxing, and calming, and fabulous), our order was finally taken and, after yet another cup of coffee, huge plates of breakfast followed.

For two hungry runners, plates piled high with eggs and carbs being placed in front of us was like an angel descending from heaven. It seems that this local café, which simply serves brunch all day, every day, was so much better than we could have possibly hoped for. My avocado toast was enough to feed a small family: A huge slice of sourdough bread topped with ramp butter, smashed avocado, two over easy eggs, arugula, and Piment d'Espelette. With a pile of roasted potato squares on the side too, just in case that mountain of brunch wasn't enough. 

B ordered huevos rancheros - because the best breakfasts need cheese and chorizo. Toasted tortillas were topped with beans, chorizo,  roasted peppers, cheese, and two fried eggs. Eggs should always be served in twos. No more of this single egg serving nonsense which seems to be so common here please.

After just one more cup of coffee we skipped out the doors, ready for a day of exploring, walking, and more eating in beautiful Philadelphia.

Café Lift, 428 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123