Dave D.
Yelp
Yo Adrian!!
We all were sure that Rocky was going to win that first bout with Apollo. He trained on the streets of Philadelphia ... he had everyone watching thinking he's gonna win but the count went against him even though he was the champ!
This visit had all the markings of a FOUR STAR rating ... but a left hook lowered it to the THREE STARS noted above ... not too shabby and a good eating experience but read on so you can discover the reasoning.
We are in South Philly, which to the initiated means you have entered a world where parking and obeying traffic signage is an afterthought. It is not easy to navigate the streets Rocky trained on ... they are narrow with one ways showing up out of nowhere plus the parking ... oh to find a place to squeeze your Lexus in can take hours. Those realities pull a star off of this classic city corner luncheonette's rating since many of you don't want to take on Rocky just to sit down to have breakfast or lunch.
That reality kept the four stars from this review that the eatery itself deserves because if getting there is a 15 round battle ... most of us will be worn down before awaiting the judges' decision.
But, if you get to this South Philly corner joint and walk in through Brunic's front door I guarantee that you will be treated like family! Lots of love talk abounds in these tight quarters. Dan working behind the register is also the grill man but he has tales of this very busy and very popular location that once summer is over becomes an all nighter for those pulling all night activities into their schedules.
Brunic's is not designed for a big gathering of the family. There are eight counter stools two with backs (I almost sat down in one but opted for a table with a view ... of the restaurant.) and three tables set for four each.
That's it ... city street corner eating simplicity and I haven't been called "sweetie" and "love" this many times over a meal in years (I thought Marlene might be hitting on me but then she shared the love with all of her other customers.).
The menu has prices that will make you smile all day long! Lots of great breakfast choices and sandwiches galore for lunch time ... I have a feeling their Philly Cheesesteak rocks!!!
I asked my waitress, the lovely Marlene, for the breakfast fav...she started a never ending list but with my arm around her I ask, "sweetie, what is your best seller?" She said the French Toast with a side of meat ... not the "new" sour dough but the classic. Get the grill goin' and add some spicy Italian sausage my breakfast is ready to be put together.
She smiles ... "you like powdered sugar love?" You bet!! Bring it on!
So, in all its simplicity I get a nice plate of sugary cinnamon flavored toast right off the griddle with a nice big slab of sausage. Brunic's isn't fancy ... it's not chef designed in a lab ... its good food in a classic corner spot where the radio noise and happy voices fill the air while the Tastycakes tease on the counter, and you know you will walk out feeling good.
Time to battle the cars with many dents speeding through signs that say stop but yo this is South Philly ... get over it!
THINK FOUR STARS if you don't mind the journey to this corner in South Philly ... more than likely you'll find a way back because Dan will be smiling and Marlene will be sweet talking you!