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Categories: Coffee & Tea, Desserts, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
Neighborhood: Graduate HospitalMon-Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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Ever since I moved back from the bay area, I've been in search for a Berkeleyesque cafe -- Ants Pants Cafe did the job.
I had the creme brulee french toast and it was good. I had high expectations and was a bit disappointed... The flavors didn't pop like I thought they would, but like I said it was still good. The coffee was some of the best coffee I've had since I've been back from the west coast.
The backyard area is exactly what I've been looking for. There is nothing like have breakfast with nature.
You should most definitely get there before 10 if you don't want to wait forever.
I will definitely go back there soon!
My gf and I decided to try this place since its walking distance from our apartment. We arrived around noon today (Sunday), so seating and service were both slow. Somewhat forgivable considering the situation, but don't tell us it will only be 10 minutes, and try not to let our coffee/water cups go empty for so long while waiting patiently for our food. The ambiance was nice and we weren't in a rush, so it's wasn't a huge problem.
She had the creme brulee french toast with a side of turkey bacon, and I went for the dill eggs with salmon. To be honest, they were both ok, but not as good as we expected considering some of the fawning reviews on here. The french toast was on the dry side, and I wasn't a fan of the sour cream side. My egg scramble was good but not great. The coffee was very good, and the baked goods looked tasty (although we didn't partake).
We were both a little disappointed because we were hoping this could be a regular brunch spot for us, and the staff was pretty friendly.
Went to Ant's Pants today for a brunch and found it quite enjoyable. We got there at about 9:30, which I guess is a pretty good time because it wasn't crowded yet. (Although the outside tables were already filled!)
After looking at the menu, I had a tough time deciding between the Dill Scrambled Eggs with Feta or the Creme Brulee Battered French toast. I went with the french toast and had a side of turkey bacon. So did my bf.
I enjoyed my food. Definitely not as tasty as Sabrina's, but it would do nicely in a pinch. (Say, if Sabrina's had a long wait or something.) It was actually pretty good, just not big and fluffy like Sabrina's.
I think next time I will go for the eggs. They looked delicious and I'm curious about how the feta cheese tastes on scrambled eggs.
Long waits for our table/menus/food/the bill, plus tim-tams missing from the menu made the beautiful Sunday spent in the back courtyard at Ants Pants a little lackluster. Up your game!
At a time when there were no Tim Tams to be had in the whole of America, they were here, at Ants… Read more »
1. Elliott Smith on the stereo
2. Turkey bacon in the BLT
3. Fun overstuffed cushions on the benches
4. CREME BRULEE FRENCH TOAST (Phil R)
5. Adorable name
DONE.
Decent food, good service, awesome coffee. I never regret going here, but I'm never that enthused with my meal either.
I would love for this place to be a great brunch locale...especially because its across the street. But alas, Ants Pants, I can not give you more then 2 stars because the first time I ate here, you were out of...
(wait for it)
BREAD.
I mean REALLY?!?! Bread? First you were out of bagels, then when we ordered a grilled cheese for the vegetarian at the table, you were like, 'sorry dude, no white bread either.'
In the years since, I have at times begrudgingly gone back to you for brunch, mostly because proximity and connivence. And on a midweek morning, you have served up some OK meals. And I do love your homemade potato chips (which a really fries, but whatever).
2 Stars... Because you tried to give my dad Grilled Cheese on Honey Wheat.
Reasons I wish I lived closer to Ant's Pants:
1. The chips!! And sweet potato fries. But mainly the chips.
2. Our server was incredibly nice.
3. The bacon stack! (Although, the bread had a kind of stale texture.)
4. THE VIOLET CRUMBLE SHAKE.
The espresso is also pretty enjoyable and creamy. For a Sunday (july 4th) at noon, we only waited a few minutes. I'm sure it's worse when 90% of the town ISN'T nursing a hangover.
I recently hit up this chill little Aussie hangout for a smashing Saturday mid morning brunch, and I was definitely not disappointed. They not only had a fine assortment of of hot beverages (I had some Apple Tea), but they also had a pretty slammin sounding brunch menu. I was in the mood for something in the way of Eggs Benedict, but I saw the words Creme Brulee Batter French Toast. And I never looked back. My friend also ordered this...but I couldn't watch someone else eat that and then not eat that, right? I mean that would be insane. Hearing about how fluffy and delicious those thick slabs of French Toast were with there delicious Sour Cream Dipping sauce would have driven me mad. Sooooooo I'll have to hit up some Eggs Benedict at my next brunch.
We also had the ridiculously good potato chip fries (home made crunchy fries)...they also came with some classy ketchup in a metal container. All in all a fine way to start the day. Hit this place up.
We went here for a brunch, we really liked the food. The place is just a solid neighborhood brunch place, the service is fast, but little spacey. I always get the dill scrambled eggs with feta, it is off the hook. They have great coffee drinks, by the way their hand cut fries are a must order.
The only really annoying thing they push you to sit on their back counter which is nothing more than glorified IKEA shelf.
I actually plotted to go here after researching on yelp. I had a very early arrival in Philly on a Saturday, so I knew good breakfast options would be limited. This place was interesting enough and a pleasant walk from 30th Street Station.
The service is what I would call "slacker gracious", meaning they don't do anything super special, but they do support your right to hang out and slack. I was there right when they opened, so I'm sure it's a different story when they're busy.
I got the special french toast, which was caramelized pear and honey. YUM. It wasn't super sweet, and the bread was substantial without being too heavy.
There are two reasons, however, that I can't give them four stars. One: the French toast was good, but about $3 too much. Two: they served my cappuccino in one of those generic clear plastic water glasses. Um, since when does one drink a cappuccino from that kind of glass?
I am going to go back again and try that creme brulee French toast, though. It might be good enough to push my opinion to four stars.
Okay so bear in mind it was wednesday at 9am and not a bustling weekend and we had their best server.
My friend had the creme brulee french toast with sour cream sauce. The sauce is delish! The plate the french toast came on adorable....I wanted to steal it! I was feeling peckish so I had a croissant with cheese/tomato/bacon. Delicious, perfect and wonderful. We shared the chips/fries which were yum and our lovely waiter Mario sent them home with me in a box.
Our teas were also lovely! I had the lavender scented black tea and my friend had the green!
The outdoor seating is lovely and the setting is so delightful one forgets that you are in Philadelphia!
Free Wifi and Cash Ony ( but they have an ATM!)
p.s. Mario is an excellent flawless waiter. If every waiter was like him I'd be a nicer girl!
Cozy, affordable, nice staff, amazing coffee.
I had a salmon and bagel plate with a side of turkey bacon and a strong columbian coffee. Everything was fresh, fast, and great. Our server visited us every 5 minutes to make sure we were good and coffee topped off. Impressed how great the food was and how nice the staff was considering how cheap it is (most plates under $8).
OK - anyplace where I can get a Flat White and wedges with Thai sweet chili sauce and sour cream gets high marks. After living in New Zealand and Australia for a while, this place kinda feels like home... in a far away kind of way. (And yes Kiwi's, I know the difference between the two countries. I'm married to a Kiwi.) But since no Kiwi's have stepped up to the plate - I have to rely on an Australian establishment.
The food... Not mind blowing, but again... wedges. The eggs bennie are always great - eggs never over-done. I head out to Ants Pants about once a month for brunch. The servers are always pleasant and witty.
PS - Go for the coffee and Tim Tams. You won't regret it.
I think this place is a bit overhyped. Good coffee. Okay pastries. The food is either really good or less than satisfying. The service is great though. Most of these people are very nice.
Though, I am reluctant to give them my seal of approval because their inconsistancy in quality. Sorry, guys. I'll come back and gamble with you again. Don't worry.
Ants Pants is an Australian-theme bruncheon cafe. It's small but it's supposed to resemble the charm of authentic Sydney foodery. The name "Ants Pants" is actually Australian slang. When an Aussie finds something to be totally awesome they say "It's the ants in the pants!" If you ever visit Sydney and say this, they will be pleased you've heard of it.
All the food is fresh, tasty, and served piping hot. For such a cramped place with huge crowds, especially weekends and most the college kids from University City, who will have a difficult time now that the South St. bridge will be closed for years to come for a new bridge. So they will have to detour across Walnut to get to the Ants Pants but it's worth the hike. Even just the simple eggs and toast has a kick that really is the ants in the pants. The only Aussie-based foods that you'll find here are two items.
1. Vegemite- a peanut butter-like spread that is used on mainly toast along with butter. Sometimes you'll find vegemite mixed with butter but a true Aussie puts puts butter first followed by the vegemite.
2. Iced Coa Coa Milk- Basically it's a glass of chocolate milk but with ice and a scoop of sweet vanilla ice cream, close to a milk shake but presented differently and just as delicious, if not even better.
Well there you have it! You won't leave with ants in your pants but you will leave with a satisfied grin.
Most of the seating for this Australian-themed brunch place is tucked behind the kitchen, so I wasn't impressed when first I walked in. There is window bar-style seating which is kind of diner-ish. Once seated, however, I loved the warm, simple IKEA-esque decor and the friendly but not fussy staff.
The quality of the ingredients is excellent and healthy (i.e. unprocessed). I recommend the egg dishes for breakfast. Ants Pants is only open until 4pm, but they do breakfast and lunch very well. The clientele seemed nice, too, some people studying, some families. The menu is unique but simple, complete with Australian touches like regional slang and trivia about koala bears (they are marsupials, NOT bears!).
Free internet with password, which I couldn't get to work. Cash only; parking is probably not fabulous for those not within walking distance, but this is Philly, so I think most places are within walking distance.
They're crowded on the weekends with the slept-in-after-a-fun-evening set, lots of young couples and very congenial. Lunch items are mostly salads and sandwiches, but with some Australian touches I'd never heard of.
The guy next to me was so excited about how good his freshly-squeezed orange juice tasted that he exclaimed "This makes my week!"
Mine too. Oh, and you can get food to go, or as the Aussies say, "take away."
So, I'm sad to have to write this but I have officially written off Ants Pants. Which is particularly saddening as I just moved two blocks away and now refuse to go there. As you can see from my past review this was my favorite place for brunch. It's unassuming, quaint sweet environment with endearing servers and good simple ingredients won over my heart (dramatic I know). But about a month or so ago my usual trips turned into seriously dissapointing meals. As someone who thirves off a good weekend brunch it breaks my heart and ruins my morning to have sullen waitresses (the waiters are always sweet) and mediocre food (at best). Where Ants Pants was once my go-to spot and suggestion for everyone asking - I now choose anywhere else and refuse to suggest it to other for fear that they will have the same experiences I've had the last THREE times (not once, not twice, but three in a row crappy experiences).
Oh Ants Pants, how I loved thee...
Everything here is phenomenal. The food is always amazing, not matter what you order...seriously.… Read more »
I was expecting a fresh brunch experience on the level of "honeys" what we got was a crowded sand which shop, where no thrills; usually a way to describe quality simplicity, meant nothing was thrilling. Dry bread sandwiches, not exactly overflowing with anything really, pasta salad which was seven pene with diced carrots and green pepper. I was less than impressed, my friends were actually unsatisfied. i am surprised by how positive the reviews are for this spot, seems like you could whip up a better brunch with whatever in your fridge. Also you get to wait 20 minutes, after your told just a few. Should not have.
I can't imagine what this place is like when it's crowded. If you weren't looking for it, you would most certainly miss this little hidden gem. We decided to go here for breakfast since it was listed as a place that was good for kids.
I'll admit, when I first walked in, I was a little skeptical, just due to the size of it. When it's crowded, I'm sure no one would care if your kid was making a racket, but it was after the breakfast crowd and before the lunch crowd, so we got pretty lucky.
As many others have said, the place is tiny, and also very cramped. You can maybe fit 30 people in here, and that may be over estimating. The decor is hippish. Modern retro. Very inviting. The staff are completely laid back, and friendly. Very low key, which I loved. Also? They are very cool, and here's why:
They got wind of us wishing our two year old a happy birthday, and they brought his french toast out with candles, which I thought was very cool.
There's also a few toys and some books for kids to keep themselves occupied with as well, which was nice, because there really isn't anywhere for anyone to go.
Another thing I loved was that they make fresh juice for you, which was kind of the highlight of our trip. Fresh green apple juice, and it was really good. Food is also decent. We all got the creme brulee dipped french toast. The sour cream dip that it came with was awesome.
I wish I lived closer to this place. It's a great place to become a regular and just hang out.
Oh and one thing that I didn't realize, which might be worth mentioning, is that they only accept cash. I know it's listed in the additional info, but I didn't even think to check. So if you're going to stop by, make sure you have some cash.
this review in a haiku
Ants Pants for brunch
hipster service, hipster scene
chip fries steal the show
Great place! I am glad they changed the name of the "Hungry Man" breakfast to "The Lot". I feel less cheesy ordering it now. Those lattes are fan-tastic. The staff is nice too. Only thing lacking is they should have some reference to the Road Warrior films, given the odd Australian theme.
A friend of mine introduced me to this place a few months ago. I have only been there for brunch, but I loved it! The atmosphere and servers have that cool and quirky flare which I have never managed to achieve myself. Their "Dill scrambled eggs with feta" and the "creme brulee battered french toast" send me to breakfast-food heaven.
The place is relatively cost-effective with a total of around 11ish (with coffee, which is also very good.) I am a breakfast food-o-phile in that I could eat breakfast food 24/7. When I say I really like this place, I mean it! Only downside-it's cash only, so stop by the ATM!
I love this place. From the service to the food to the cozy atmosphere to the yummy flat whites... All of it. ALL OF IT.
The only complaint I have (that I don't think warrants losing a star over, since it's not really something they can easily fix) is the lack of seating. While it makes it more charming in some ways, it also makes the wait ridiculous at times.
Regardless, this place is two blocks from my house, and I couldn't be happier.
I love Ants Pants.
The Food is AMAZING - the Bacon Stack (add Avocado to create a near religious experience) changed my Life. All of their Food is to Die for, and they have some of the most innovative specials to come out of any cafe in the City.
Their Coffee Rocks. But they have one up on any other coffee purveyor in the City - The Australian Coffee. This consists of an Iced Coffee made with Vanilla Ice Cream instead of Ice & Espresso or Chocolate - but being me I combine the two for an extra scrumptious treat. All of this yummitasticness is topped off by the fact that this joint Busts Your Gut without Busting Your Wallet. A Bagel with Cream Cheese and Nova Lox is $3 ($9 anywhere else).
I would call it Intimate as opposed to small, and it is best to take the attitude of Love Thy Neighbor, as you will be sitting very close to them! As with any place, there are better times to stop by and if you go during the meal rush, you will wait. If course, you can always do Take-Out (yet Another bonus). The Outdoor seating in the back is refreshing and partially shaded, which is nice especially in the heat of the summer. As long as it isn't during the rush, they don't mind people stealin their internets while sipping on coffee. The staff is incredibly sweet, and keep me coming with their friendly attitude. This is a place that values its neighborhood & its community, and hat helps elevate both through its charm & goodwill.
Final Thoughts: Yummy, Cheap, and Friendly!
On the whole, Philly is a steal, for those of us from New York.
Ants Pants is no exception. If I lived here I come here all the time.
But next time i would pick a differnet seat. The one we got out back was sunny and next to the garbage. Spoiled Milk is not a brunch odor of choice.
The menu offered delicious food, good prices, an aussie twist and appropriate portion size. The food was filling, but there wasn't so much of it you felt daunted when it arrived. I had the dill eggs, my friend had the sandwich.
next time: violet crumble milk shake!
ps get there early, the line got long!
I like Ants Pants. It's a tight squeeze of a spot, but if you go on an 'off' day you can sit down. They have seating out back which is nice, but there isn't really anything very 'special' about that area. It's basically just a small enclosed back patio. Usually, whenever I go I sit by the front window because it's fun to watch people walk by.
The food is pretty good. Not as good as Honey's or Sabrina's...but it's still tasty and worthy enough to bring your out-of-towner friends for breakfast. They have pretty good menu full of some souped-up basics as well as new specials that they write on the chalkboard. The iced chai lattes are killer. I haven't found a better one in the city but have found a whole bunch of worse ones.
The servers are all really nice. I've never had attitude from anyone and no one makes you feel uncomfortable to be hanging out and eating there. It's a pretty chill laid back spot. While it's not my favorite place for breakfast or brunch, I rate it high because the food is consistent and the servers are all consistently pleasant.
I live around the corner from this place and as such, it's one of my "go-to's." That being said, it didn't achieve "go-to" status simply by having the good fortune of deciding to situate itself near my humble abode. After all, there are plenty of other options in the same vicinity.
This is how it achieved "go to" status. For starters, I'm big on bacon, egg, and cheese. Well they do it right. In the words of Ants Pants all-star server Mario (you'll know him if you see him), (to paraphrase) bread is the critical delivery vehicle which brings the savory flavors of your food to your mouth (ok captain obvious). Ants Pants has a multitude of delivery vehicles that bring those eggs, cheese, and bacon to your taste buds....what I particularly enjoy is this interesting powdery roll they use; I have never really had a bacon, egg, and cheese like this at any other establishment I've visited throughout the continental United States...and that's saying something folks.
In addition to the great breakfast options (yes, they have great fruit cups, yogurt, sweet potato fries, eggs benny too), I hereby declare Ants Pants' coffee as second best in the city (losing in a hotly contested bought with defending heavyweight champ La Colombe). Very hard to put into words, but just the perfect level of roasting, perfect darkness, and I feel like it's never scalding hot.
Outside of typical breakfast fare, I just applaud Ants Pants for its originality. There are myriad options of unusual sandwiches that I've not experienced elsewhere (maybe I am not as experienced as Jimi Hendrix was asking me)..but my lunchtime "go to" on this menu is the #7, which came recommended by All Star server Mario (the guy knows his menu and is extremely affable, helpful, and relaxed). Let me tell you about #7 - You choose the toast, throw on lettuce, cooked turkey, AVOCADO, honey mustard, BRIE, and ask for bacon too...this is served alongside a little bit of salad w/ Balsamic. If you don't like this sandwich, I'm convinced you just might have no soul. There are various other good bites on the menu, but I can't get enough of the #7. It's just super fresh and delectable. And by the way, get this...if you aren't in the mood for soda, coffee, water, or some sort of juice or tea, this place does MILKSHAKES. I mean that's some decent originality given what you'd expect upon entering and checking out the menu.
The only reason this place gets 4 stars is it can be a little slow at times behind the counter...but that typically shouldn't be an issue since we're becoming a more casual, European society anyway ("What's the rush?"). But the counter speed is more than offset by really friendly workforce and quality eats.
Ants Pants is cute as a button! Though very small, the place is cozily decorated with fun cushions and bright colors. I've only been once but will surely return for rich hearty coffee and delicious sweet potato fries.
I also appreciate the Australian pride running throughout the menu. (Veggiemite---aaah!) Doesn't Philadelphia need a little bit of Aussie? I think so.
After overhearing some people rave about Ants Pants in my pilates class, I checked it out last Sunday with a friend for brunch. At 12:30pm on Sunday, the wait for 2 people was roughly 20 minutes, a bit more if you want to sit at a table and not at the bar seats. It's a tiny place, so a short line to wait can still take some time.
The menu has a small but fun brunch menu with good egg-y options as well as a decent sandwich menu for lunch offerings. The signature iced coffee drinks are a must if you want some caffeine as they are topped with the biggest dollop of sweet cream ever.
Rather than my usual egg-inclusive brunch, I opted for the bagel/smoked salmon platter with dill cream cheese, tomatoes, capers, and onions - yum! The sweet potato fries were also great. I didn't try enough to really know how they fare in some of their other staples, but overall everything else looked delicious.
Final thoughts...
Cute, quirky Australian cafe in Graduate Hospital area worth checking out for brunch or lunch as long as you're not in a hurry and don't mind small spaces. Oh, and if you are in a rush, the to-go options seem pretty good too.
Ok. Philadelphia needs a place like this every few blocks. Now this is proper breakfast!!!!! Kick Marathon to the curb and come here!
I was looking for a delicious sandwich and I found it at Ants Pants Cafe. The #7 Smoked Turkey, Avocado and Brie on Brioche was a stellar sandwich.
I want to come back for brunch and try the Creme Brule French Toast.
I went today for the first time and had the dill scrambled eggs and feta. Coffee was superb, food was very good and fairly priced, and the staff was very nice and attentive. The feel was also much better feel than the traditional Rittenhouse options (Marathon, Continental, etc).
On the downside I had to wait about 20 min for a table, but I did go at 1pm on a Sunday, the height of brunch I suppose. Regardless, it is great to have a nice brunch spot on this end of the city without having to troop to Sabrina's each week. I will definitely be going back!
I think this is a great little place! The staff is great! They are funny and friendly and not too high strung or on some kick where they have decided they are above the customers.
I haven't done brunch here yet...but this Sunday could very well be the one!
I know I love the pastries and the most important part...THE COFFEE TASTES FREAKING AWESOME!
Not the mention....what a cute name! It's a great and very welcomed addition to the neighborhood!
Probably my favorite cafe in the city. Awesome food for breakfast, super friendly staff, cool customers, good coffee / tea - what more do you need?
i really like the creme brulee french toast and the dill scrambled eggs with feta! A great way to start your day!
Try to get a table out back, there's a nice little yard with a few tables.
EDIT: you MUST try the violet crumble milkshake. end of story.
I like like like this place.
I've only been here once but that was such a relaxing enjoyable breakfast.
Reward your hard working taste buds; go here.
BYO.
Philly hipster breakfast - - and I mean that in the best way possible. The staff was really nice, the atmosphere was cozy, great music and awesome eggs. The eggs with dill, feta and toast was really awesome. Would recommend it with the salmon uncooked on the side as it tends to get sort of cooked when mixed with the eggs.
I went during the week but can imagine this place going crazy over the weekend. Great for breakfast during the week.
I was here to meet a friend for coffee, I arrived early, he arrived late. They let me linger, standing until I felt comfortable to sit. Which is nice, it wasn't crowded on a weekday afternoon and they were very attentive. My friend ended up showing up, we had coffee and I ate a grilled cheese, which was good but not great. They accommodated my soy milk drinking and brought out a little pitcher for me. The atmosphere is cute, bright, and Australian themed. They also sell some Australian goods, like cherry ripes. I would hang out here if I lived in the area.
A wonderful way to pop off a Sunday morning. I'm not a brunch person per se, but Ants Pants is a great spot in the 11-1 o'clock hours, given good company.
It's kind of squished in the seating area, which I think brings out its charm. Ants Pants has the best coffee on South Street, and a menu that satisfies breakfast and lunch tastes. Everybody speaks highly of their unique recipe for French Toast.
A great New York City-like cafe, that's low priced, hip, and worth returning to. Note: They're closed Tuesdays, which I think is great... though it's easy to forget.
Been here a few times for brunch and never been disappointed. Slight variations on your usual favorites, fresh juice, and a nice laid back friendly atmosphere. It's a tight squeeze so there can be a wait, and it can be a little uncomfortable on a humid day. They have some interesting sandwiches but when I tried to go for a late lunch we got there just as they were closing, so maybe better luck next time.
Philadelphia, PA
Category: Breakfast & Brunch
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Callowhill
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: Desserts
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