Apr 4, 2025

Cafe Lift Philadelphia

The best French toast

""Cafe Lift" makes my perfect Philadelphia weekend brunch. They are famous for their Cannoli French toast but the hearty eater will enjoy the Lift Burger..."

When it comes to dining out, I find no meal more appealing than the weekend brunch. The relaxed atmosphere, the fresh coffee and the conversation with good friends all serve to make brunch a special time. When I’m given the choice between sweet and savory, sweet usually wins the day. If that also describes you, you must try the Cannoli French toast at Café Lift.

Located on 13th street in the Callowhill section of Philadelphia, without a keen eye, Café Lift is easy to miss. From the outside, the building housing the restaurant seamlessly blends in with the surrounding warehouses. A small red café sign hangs on the front wall pointing you into the restaurant. The décor of Café Lift is industrial, as many of their tables are smartly attached to a system of pipes that allow the tables to slide creating seating for almost any size party.

They are famous for their previously mentioned Cannoli French toast, but their imaginative menu features many other delicious dishes including mushroom toast, lemon ricotta pancakes and their dish for the hearty eater, the Lift Burger. It features two beef patties, cheddar cheese, bacon, onions, cabbage slaw and an over easy egg. Wow! There is outdoor seating if the temperature is right but be prepared for a possible wait on the weekends. No matter the wait, you will find it is well worth it.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

About this spot

North 13th Street 428

French toast:

USD

12

+1

2159223031

Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Philadelphia guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Philadelphia

The Percy Street Project

An electric light mural

"The Percy Street Project" is a public art installation in Philadelphia planned to span the entire 1300 block. Come at night to see 'The Electric Street'.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Holly

Miller

Apr 28, 2025

Nunu

Creative Asian fusion food and cocktails

"Nunu" is an Asian fusion bar/restaurant in Philadelphia. I love it best on a cold day when I'm craving a cocktail and warm snacks. Perfect for dates!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Holly

Miller

Apr 28, 2025

Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion

FUN

My favorite thing about the "Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion" by far is that it's very community-focused: I was toured by a local 4th grader!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Holly

Miller

Apr 28, 2025

Vault & Vine

Cafe, greenhouse, handmade gifts

"Vault & Vine" in Philadelphia is a cafe inside a greenhouse. Whoever came up with this idea is a genius. I come here almost every weekend with my pug...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Holly

Miller

Apr 28, 2025

Suraya

Exquisite Levant-inspired dining & market

"Suraya" just might be the best restaurant in Philadelphia right now. If you love the flavors of the Levant, that you're going to love it, too...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Holly

Miller

Apr 28, 2025

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Pop-up summer park

"Spruce Street Harbor Park" is a true gift of the city of Philadelphia to its citizens, an ode to summer itself... I'll be there in a hammock!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
017-plant-1
Relaxing
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Apr 27, 2025

Navy Yard Food Truck Lineup

Food trucks

The "Navy Yard Food Truck Lineup" in Philadelphia appears every Tuesday & Thursday, come rain or shine! Great opportunity to try a few of them at once...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Apr 27, 2025

Interstate Draft House

New American/Southern

"Interstate Draft House" is a Philadelphia neighborhood bar. I highly recommend ordering the Fishtown Tea cocktail there, similar to a Long Island Ice Tea.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Apr 27, 2025

Lloyd

Whiskey, cocktails, & fine fare

"Lloyd" Philadelphia is my bar of choice when I need a stiff scotch (80+ types) or a finely crafted cocktail. The style definitely makes me feel at home.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Apr 27, 2025

Tuna Bar

Japanese raw bar in Old City

Tuna Bar near the Ben Franklin Bridge is my go-to raw bar in the Old City in Philadelphia for exciting sushi rolls and Japanese-style appetizers!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Holly

Miller

Apr 25, 2025

Long in the Tooth Record Store

High fidelity

"Long in the Tooth Record Store" in Philadelphia is a family-owned business that reminds me of one of my favorite films, High Fidelity...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Bronwyn

Lepore

Apr 18, 2025

Abstract Mural Callowhill

Artist Tim McFarlane

Philadelphia’s Mural Arts has helped create literally thousands of gorgeous murals all over. I'm in love with the new abstract mural by Tim McFarlane...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Bronwyn

Lepore

Apr 18, 2025

Heading to Philadelphia?

156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

156 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Philadelphia

Our team loves Philadelphia

Get to know our other Spotters from Philadelphia

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7307
Filters