Around the time of my mother’s birthday, we decided to treat her to brunch at a place called Blondie in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia, PA. It’s a place that we hadn’t been before, but we’d heard pretty good reviews about their food, their ambiance, and just their overall experience there, so we thought it would be the perfect place to take my mom for her birthday. Before I get into what our experience was like, let me share a little about the history of the restaurant.
About Blondie
According to their website, Blondie is described as “a neighborhood bistro serving craft cocktails & American classics with a twist,” and based on its menu items, I’d say that is pretty accurate. Blondie serves up classic dishes like French toast, pancakes (including a Cinnamon Roll one, which was heavenly), avocado toast, egg benedicts, sandwiches, deviled eggs, and more. Whether you’re going for a weekend brunch or dining inside for dinner, there seems to be something on the menu for everyone.
The Ambiance:
As someone who loves pretty interiors, this place did not disappoint. If we ever opened a restaurant or cafe, the decor would look similar to Blondie’s interior design. When you first walk in, past the green exterior of the restaurant, you’re greeted by a hostess at a green and gold desk. To the left of it, you see a gorgeous bar area with what looks like some sort of brick that’s been painted green with a glossy finish and marble countertops. It has elements that remind me a little of a French cafe with its French bistro chairs and black and white tiled flooring with modern elements that add a pop of color, such as the green accents on the side of the bar and the gold ceiling. Some of the smaller tables have marble tops, and it makes the space feel elegant.
I could go on and on about the interiors of this space, but if you do decide to visit, there are some things we’d recommend you do or keep in mind before you go.
What to Know Before You Go
Park at The Lot on Main & Green Street or at Main and Levering:
I am sure this goes without saying, but while you can sometimes snag a spot on Main Street if you’re fortunate enough to, street parking is a challenge. There’s a large parking lot a couple of blocks down that we’d highly recommend because it’s within walking distance from the restaurant, and you don’t have to worry about driving around the narrow streets of Manayunk, hoping to find a spot.
Going for Brunch? Make a Reservation Ahead of Time:
This may also go without saying, but there are some restaurants you can walk right into and expect a table. If you’re going to brunch, you may want to make a reservation ahead of time to ensure that you have a table. It’s a restaurant that is growing in popularity on TikTok, so you already know how that goes when it comes to what happens if places begin to go viral. That said, you can still find a table, but if you’re hoping to get one without having to wait for it during their popular times, I’d recommend reserving online or calling ahead to make sure they can accommodate your party.
Order the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes:
As I alluded to above, the Cinnamon Roll pancakes are a dish I’d highly recommend. Although I ordered something else, I got to sample some of my dad’s, and it was probably one of the best pancakes I’ve had in a while. Each piece had just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar, and the pancake itself had a nice consistency to it as well. Even if you just order it for the table and order something else for yourself, it’s something that is certainly a must-order in my opinion.
Monday Through Wednesday, They Open Later at 4 PM:
This is the case for a number of restaurants, but it’s worth noting that they aren’t open every day at the same time. During the week until Thursday, probably the days when folks are less likely to dine in for brunch, they’re closed until 4 PM. If you’re looking to enjoy their breakfast or brunch, you would need to visit on Thursday through Sunday.
THE FOOD IS DELICIOUS
Is the food worth the hype? I would say so! The portion sizes were larger than I expected, which left us feeling full for practically the entire day after brunch. I will say that next time, instead of getting the crab benedict (although delicious), I’d likely get the pancakes that my dad had because those were incredible. I hope they keep those on the menu.
My mom ordered the crab omelet, which she said she liked, and my brother got the shrimp and grits if I remember correctly. Everyone had good things to say about the meals and drinks they ordered, which is always a good sign.
Overall, I would visit again and possibly even for dinner because their dinner menu items sounded good as well. The ambiance is nice and the service is great. Our server was attentive and patient, despite it being crowded the day that we went.
To see more of the pictures that we took during our visit there, feel free to click the link below!
Have you ever been?
