My absolute favorite breakfast spot in Philly!! The most delish food, friendly service, & lovely atmosphere. I’ve tried something different every time I’ve come, & it’s never disappointed. Today we got the tots, Italian sausage sweet potato hash, blueberry pancakes with lemon curd, & special carrot cake pancakes. Everything was 10/10 & also reasonably priced! Very good coffee drinks too.
Overview
Ants Pants Cafe at 2212 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146, offers a delightful experience for anyone in the mood for hearty comfort food, freshly brewed coffee, and a cozy yet lively atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, this diner-style café is a favorite for locals and tourists alike, and it’s not hard to see why. From the moment you walk through the door, the welcoming vibe and warm staff make it feel like home.
One of the first things that stand out about Ants Pants Cafe is its eclectic menu, which features a blend of classic American diner favorites and innovative dishes with a twist. Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious breakfast or a filling lunch, there’s something for everyone. The café offers a wide range of choices, from traditional pancakes and omelets to unique offerings like the “Ants Pants Benny,” a fresh take on eggs benedict, or the “Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich,” which has become a fan favorite.
What really sets this spot apart, though, is the atmosphere. The rustic yet charming décor invites you to settle in and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed. With large windows that let in the light and cozy seating, it’s the perfect place to relax or catch up with friends over a cup of coffee. If you’re looking for a more vibrant experience, there’s always a buzz around the café, with lively conversations and the aroma of freshly made food in the air.
When it comes to the quality of the food, Ants Pants Cafe excels. Each dish is crafted with care, and the ingredients are always fresh, making every bite a flavorful experience. One of the must-try dishes is their signature French toast, which is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, paired with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and served with real maple syrup. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a go-to choice for many.
The café’s coffee is another highlight. Known for its rich, robust flavor, it pairs perfectly with any dish on the menu. If you’re someone who enjoys a strong cup of coffee to start the day, this is the place to be. Their lattes, brewed from locally roasted beans, are consistently praised for their smooth texture and perfect temperature.
Not only is Ants Pants Cafe a great spot for breakfast or brunch, but it also offers a diverse lunch menu that includes salads, sandwiches, and wraps. The “Veggie Supreme Sandwich,” made with fresh roasted vegetables and creamy hummus, is a great option for those looking for a lighter, healthier meal. And for those craving something a bit more indulgent, the “BBQ Pulled Pork” sandwich is a crowd-pleaser, with tender, flavorful pork smothered in tangy barbecue sauce.
In terms of service, Ants Pants Cafe stands out with its friendly and attentive staff. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu and always happy to make recommendations based on what you're in the mood for. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you’ll always feel like you're treated with care and respect.
For those living in or visiting Philadelphia, Ants Pants Cafe is an essential stop for anyone who appreciates delicious, home-style cooking in a relaxed and welcoming environment. With its laid-back vibe, great food, and excellent service, it’s no wonder this café has earned its spot as a local favorite. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick breakfast before work or enjoying a leisurely lunch with friends, you're sure to have a memorable experience every time.
Plus, the café’s location on South Street puts it in the heart of one of Philadelphia’s most vibrant areas, making it easy to combine a meal with some sightseeing or shopping. Whether you're a local or just visiting the city, Ants Pants Cafe offers a cozy retreat that’s perfect for any time of day.
Good to know
From the business
âś“ Identifies as women-ownedService options
âś“ Kerbside pickup âś“ No-contact delivery âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great tea selectionPopular for
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Lunch âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toilet âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entranceOfferings
âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Quick bite âś“ Vegetarian optionsDining options
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Gender-neutral toilets âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-Fi âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ University studentsPlanning
âś“ Usually a wait âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Cash onlyChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairsParking
âś“ Paid street parking âś“ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 545 reviews
We really enjoy ants pants cafe, having been locals who come approximately once every month or two for the past few years. We highly recommend their buffalo chicken wrap, the sweet potato fries (with the sauce and sour cream), the breakfast sandwich specials, their lattes, and their salads. Very nice staff and owners.
Had friends in town and went here for brunch on a Sunday as it accommodated all of our dietary needs. We didn’t get there until after 2pm but were able to get seated right away. The server let us know the kitchen would be closing soon, but gave us time to figure out our meals and drinks. I ordered the tofu scramble with hash instead of French fries. My friends ordered the Brie stuffed French toast and Eggs Benedict. I had a carrot and orange juice mix, one had a hot chocolate and the other had a coffee. The food was tasty. I finished my tofu scramble, but they both were able to take half of their meals to go. The French toast was yummy and my friend said the raspberry puree was delicious. She was scooping it up to put in her to go container. The Eggs Benedict was also good. There were no complaints and our bellies were full. The place is small and cozy. There is like one outside table in the front of the restaurant. a small main dining room and then a dining area in the back.
Stopped in after yoga for breakfast and it was amazing. I had a delicious caramel iced latte, the hashbrown benedict which has smoked salmon, and a single pancake to try. Portions were generous and pricing was reasonable to me. I appreciated the fresh fruit that came with my entree. The hashbrowns were so crispy and everything was full of flavor! Chill little place, good pop hits from different years. I sat in the back, which is kind of an enclosed patio with lots of natural lighting. Service was attentive and prompt. I can’t WAIT to come back here with friends so I can taste more items, because a lot of this stuff sounded amazing! Their special menu items were so creative.
We've been going to Ants Pants since 2013 and the food has been consistent and delicious, in a welcoming atmosphere with great staff (especially Paul!) who makes us feel taken care of. Anytime people come from out of town, we recommend this place for its veggie hash, maple bacon sandwich, and the specials! We LOVE Ants Pants
Their Aussie Ice Chocolate drink with whipped cream was a sweet, refreshing treat! We enjoyed a weekday brunch at this cozy cafe with a friend. The service was friendly and attentive. We'd recommend their French toast with fruit as well as the egg breakfast combo plate. Note that this is a cash-only restaurant, but there is an ATM outside if needed.
Local neighborhood joint with a great menu selection. I got the avocado turkey sandwich and the sandwich itself was SO good! One of the best I’ve had in a while. Unfortunately, the fries were completely lifeless… not a single bone in them. RIP. The house omelette was delicious, so was the sourdough toast. Service was fast and attentive.
I was hoping to like this place a bit more than i did. The bree french toast was good but also a little dry and thick for being able to get it in one bite. It had a nice sauce that I could have used more of. For an established restraunt, im surprised they used plastic cups for their water. The meal itself was pretty decent and I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.