I'll be in Philadelphia this weekend and don't know the city very well. My fiance and I are looking for somewhere to have a nice Sunday brunch. We'll be staying at the Latham Hotel in Center City, but we'll have a car so could pretty much go anywhere. Any suggestions? Thanks!

If 'a nice Sunday brunch' is fine food, professional service, and an elegant atmosphere, you won't do better than the Four Seasons Hotel. It's a lovely way to spend a few hours...

You might want to combine brunch with a visit to the wonderful Philadelphia Museum of Art. The restaurant there is pleasant, serene, and quite good.

Perhaps some others will have recommedations for other places. More casual? Outdoor Seating? Old City? Rittenhouse Square?
Does anyone know if Meiji-En is still doing its jazz brunch? Is it good these days?

Welcome to Philadelphia!

Check out the Founders Room atop the Park Hyatt Bellvue hotel. It's a grand room listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Not sure about brunch, it may be served in the Barrymore Room, the twin of the Founders also at the top of the hotel. We had a very elegant breakfast at the Founders a couple of years ago at a very reasonable price. It's only a couple of blocks from the Latham.

By the way, we've stayed at the Latham, the location is tops but the hotel has seen better days. If you are paying less than $100 per night than stay with it. If you are paying more, there are better choices, like the Sofitel, Westin, Loews, etc. Enjoy your stay.

Thanks for the responses! And thanks too for the heads up on the Latham - I just cancelled that reservation and got one for almost the same rate at the Sofitel instead.

I'll definitely check out the Founders Room. Four Seasons would be lovely, but I can always do that at home in DC, so I'd love to have a more unique Philly experience.

Thanks again!

For a great brunch in downtown Philly try Opus 251 on 18th Street near Locust. Right on Rittenhouse Square across from the park. It's a lovely place - if the weather is good ask to sit in the garden! Excellent food, very good service at very good prices.

Another good choice is the Astral Plane. Decor is unique and beautiful. Top notch menu. It's on Lombard Street just off of 17th. A few blocks south of the Latham.

Enjoy your visit!

I'm quite partial to Judy's Cafe on 3rd Street below South Street. It usually gets a fun, funky crowd and is popular with the Gay/Lesbian community. Tasty, reasonably-priced brunches and a great Philly neighborhood feel.

Thanks so much for the recommendations. I made a reservation at Opus 251, and now I have a great list of other places to try on future trips. Have a good weekend everyone!

Cancel Opus! Striped Bass is the best brunch option in town--fixed price, great jazz and the most beautiful room in the city.

2 more nice brunch spots: White Dog Cafe up near University of PA (great gift shop next door), also in the Omni Hotel on Chestnut & 4th in historic area (buffet plus menu).