Best Brunch

Just as Philadelphians are famous for their disputes over who makes the best cheesesteak, the best hoagie roll, the best water ice, and the best cannoli, each neighborhood has its own ongoing debate for "best brunch." Here are some of the contenders:

Azure (931 N. 2nd St., Northern Liberties. 215/629-0500) is hard to pin down, but that's what makes brunch here so fun (not to mention the four-dollar brunch cocktails). On the menu: baked brie in puff pastry, French toast stuffed with peanut butter and banana, and Monte Cristo sandwiches (a turkey, ham, and swiss sandwich dipped in egg wash, grilled, and served with maple syrup). Vegans and vegetarians will find lots to eat here.

Mixto (1229 Spruce St., Center City. 215/592-0363) mixes Latin American and Caribbean cuisine in an airy, two-story space a few blocks below Broad Street. The food is plentiful and slightly greasy, and Latin music sets the mood for mimosas.

Sabrina's Cafe (910 Christian St., South Philadelphia. 215/574-1599) is a cozy former bakery around the corner from the Italian Market that often has two-hour waits for its Sunday brunch. Here's what they're waiting for: apple and sharp cheddar omelets, homemade granola, and stuffed and caramelized challah French toast with vanilla bean maple syrup.

Valanni (1141-43 Pine St., Center City. 215/790-9494) is a hip lounge-restaurant in the evening. Some of those revelers show up late morning to order some of the chef's new twists on old favorites, like lemon ricotta pancakes with fresh berries and blueberry-mascarpone crepes.