Breakfast in Bella Vista: Morning Glory Diner
There are a lot of good breakfast places in Philadelphia and today I visited one of them, South Philly’s Morning Glory
Diner. I won’t argue that this spot is better known than some (awards cover the front door like a rash), but I think that the menu offers a good blend of traditional and California-style favorites (think scrapple + breakfast burrito).
Located on the corner of 10th and Fitzwater Streets, Morning Glory is unpretentious and comfortable. The restaurant is fairly large and includes a dining room, a counter with stools plus an outside dining area - often used for those waiting for tables on the weekend. Flying solo, I bypassed the dining room for a prime spot at the counter where I could watch the line cooks work their magic. To my left, one guy was inhaling a burrito, while on my right two guys were being confronted by mountainous fresh fruit waffles and a rasher of breakfast meats.
Armed with coffee, I found the menu to contain updated versions of breakfast faves plus items that will appeal to veggies; the Specials Menu offered some particularly interesting choices. In an effort to prevent “paralysis by analysis,” I chose Challah French Toast stuffed with Mascarpone cheese and fresh Peaches. I’m normally not big on really sweet stuff for breakfast, but it sounded good.
Waiting for my meal, I watched as the kitchen produced some tasty-looking dishes. As each became ready, the single waitress whisked them away. Soon it became my turn. Now, I realize “it’s just French Toast,” but it looked damn good and even had a vertical thing goin’ on. (Like, it takes a lot to put a piece of French Toast on its end?!). Fortunately, the taste lived up to its promise; the toast was lightly crisp and the Mascarpone cheese filling was remarkably light and enjoyable. If the peaches were fresh, they were “fresh from the can,” but it wasn’t enough to blow up the entire meal. Furthermore, the service was prompt and the cost was fair ($13 including tip).
My experience at the Morning Glory Diner was a good one. This is a good local spot that is within walking distance of the 
Italian Market and Washington Square. The staff comes without attitude and if you sit at the counter, you may even get to “chew the fat” with the cooks. I understand that the weekends are busy, so be prepared to wait for a table.
The Morning Glory Diner is located at 735 S. 10th St. Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 413-3999. www.morningglorydiner.com
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TAGS: Philadelphia, South Philly, American Food, Morning Glory Diner
Tanya D on 23 Oct 2007 at 12:40 pm #
I don’t love that they serve hot beveratges in the tin cups, but damn it they have some fine biscuits, and seasonal gingerbread pancakes. and the sage sausage is really good, beware they use homeade ketchup. and you will most likely wait for a seat on the weekends.