Cafe Pier One - Eclectic Cafe in University City
Cafe Pier One is the “other” coffee shop on Baltimore Avenue that the local hipsters have yet to discover. Owner Pamela Williams has created more than just a cozy, Afro-Beatnik joint for superb coffee, hot chocolate and tea it’s an excellent spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I happen to live right around the corner from Cafe Pier One. As of a week or so ago, I’d only had one item on their menu, the Bistro Salmon Salad. It is so awesome, I could eat it every day. A nice marinated salmon steak (or fillet, excuse me if I cannot recall this detail) atop of a bed of greens with apples, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, nuts AND the most amazing dressing, I don’t know what is in it but it’s tangy and terrific.
With that in mind, a friend and I decided to have a quick lunch before our downtown Christmas shopping. And I was determined to order something besides the Bistro Salmon Salad!
My companion ordered a veggie omelet with zucchini, spinach, tomato and onion with a side of home fries and turkey sausage. Let’s just say we could have split the plate, the proportions were so generous. The home fries are non-traditional in that they are not crispy but cooked just right and have a nice texture and flavor.
I opted for the Spinach Breakfast Bowl as I am crazy about any dish served in a single bowl. While the Bowl was smaller than I expected, I was ultimately pleased as my eyes turned out to be bigger than my stomach and the Bowl was a perfect size after all. The Spinach Bowl consists of layers of steamed spinach, cheese, sunny-side up eggs and hollandaise sauce on the top. Completely delicious and decadent!
The food here rivals any “hot” brunch spot in Philadelphia, so if you are looking for a great meal at a reasonable price, Cafe Pier One is worth your time.
If you are riding SEPTA, take the Subway Surface Green Line #34 to 45th & Baltimore Ave. You will not be disappointed!
Cafe Pier One 4505 Baltimore Ave Philadelphia, PA (215) 294-6914
TAGS: Philadelphia, West Philly, American Food, Cafe Pier One, brunch
