Sam’s Morning Glory Diner – Philadelphia’s Finer Diner

I would normally be upset if I reserved a room at a bed and breakfast only to find out there was no actual breakfast being served but over the weekend, the lack of breakfast at my B&B prompted me to eat at Sam’s Morning Glory Diner in South Philadelphia and I am thrilled about it.

Morning Glory is housed in a small unassuming place on the corner of 10^th and Fitzwater Streets that serves breakfast and lunch during the week and brunch on the weekends.

Blueberry Pancakes

The hip energy hit me as soon as I entered the restaurant. The staff is younger, fun and eclectic. There are several tables and a long diner-style counter overlooking the bustling kitchen. The kitchen entails a fryer, a griddle / flat top, a grill and a small prep area. The staff makes incredible use of the small kitchen area and efficiently handles his/her station.

Foccacia Sandwich

Here are 5 things I loved about Morning Glory:

1. Homemade jam and butter displayed over ice at each table.
2. Perhaps the most important after a night of wine over-indulgence, was the steaming hot mug of high-quality coffee served in tin cups. My coffee was hot from the first sip to the last and I praise the person who cleverly bought these mugs.
3. The grill person carefully searing fresh asparagus and heirloom tomatoes for the various dishes.
4. The diverse mix of people. From the elderly couple in Eagles jerseys to the much tattooed and pierced line cook to the parents with a couple babies in tow to folks like me craving carbs, coffee and bacon, there is just no “standard” type of person at Morning Glory. Everyone there seems to…fit in.
5. The food. Although Morning Glory had me at hot, strong coffee in tin mugs, the food is incredible. The blueberry pancakes ($7 for three hubcap-size cakes) were perhaps the best I have had and were served with real maple syrup. The side of bacon was smoked with a perfect mix of quality meat and fat. The Foccacia Breakfast Sandwich ($4.50) consists of a fried egg with cheese and a side of seasoned red-skinned potatoes. There is an option to add meat to the sandwich for $1.50 more. Some of the other tantalizing brunch items are the Monkey French Toast ($9) made from Challah bread that is stuffed with caramelized bananas and mangoes and topped with caramel sauce and whipped cream – brilliant! There are also several frittatas I will be sampling on my next visit.

Sam’s Morning Glory Diner is cozy and there was a line of hungry people waiting when we left so go early and savor some of the best breakfast grub in Philly.

PS: Grab a homemade muffin on your way out!