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I should give this one star just so I can still get a table in a few months - but it's too good. I can't.
Staff: Awesome. They introduced themselves to us, and took our names too. They were attentive, but not clingy. Absolutely perfect.
Menu: Small and wonderful. Even though there were only four options for breakfast, each looked so amazing we still had trouble deciding.
Decor: Classic. Unlike anything we've ever experienced. Loved watching the care that was spent assembling the "truck table" out front. I could spend all day just looking at the walls in this place.
This place is a gem. My favorite brunch spot in Philly.
I totally understand why many have raved about the food at Carman's Country Kitchen. It's delicious, well cooked, and eclectic. My friend has am impeccably done Scottish salmon. yum. For an out-of-towner, I was initially very happy when some friends took me here for brunch, even though we had to wait 20 minutes for a table in the rain.
Nevertheless, I, like Michael, had the unfortunate experience of sitting next to the kitchen. Normally, it would be my favorite seat in the house - I love watching people cook. And Carman is impressive, cooking several meals at once and all to complete perfection. Like Michael and his crew, we were just done our meals, I was still nibbling at my half-finished french toast (hefty portions, you know), when Carman leaned over and told us to hurry up and get going!
Seriously? Your place has like 10 seats, but that shouldn't be a free ticket for rudeness, hun. Yah, it was a cool place, but not worth being spoken to like that. I left the rest of my french toast and went on my merry way.
A 1-star review flying in the face of all these 4s and 5s, what could possibly be my beef?
Well, it wasn't the food (that was decent) and it wasn't the waitstaff (they were friendly and accommodating). Carman, however, UNBELIEVABLY rude.
I recently went for my first outing, based on the recommendation of a friend. It was early Sunday afternoon, the place is tiny, & I hadn't called ahead, so I was okay with the 40 or so minute wait. Went for a stroll around the block and was seated soon after returning. The waiter introduced himself, asked for our names, and welcomed us once we sat down.
So far, so good, right?
The place is tiny, I mentioned that right? It's relevant because that meant that our table was literally within arm's reach of the kitchen. That becomes an issue in a moment.
While finishing our brunch, my companion & I both slowed down the rate at which we were eating but were by no means stopped & loitering. However, it seems we were not eating fast enough for Carman, as she actually leaned over and says to us...
"If you're not eating, leave, there are people waiting for that table."
Thinking back, I wish I'd had a retort ready to throw back but was awestruck by the sheer disrespect she was showing two paying customers.
I don't know what your problem is, Carman, maybe daddy didn't hug you enough growing up or you watched Seinfeld's "Soup Nazi" episode one too many times, but you don't have to worry about me occupying one of your precious tables ever again.
I'm never going back. And I'll be telling everyone I know the same.
From the time I first moved to South Philadelphia I had been hearing nothing but good things about this tiny breakfast place. People would rave nonstop about the decor and the woman behind the range who's smart as a whip. Frothing at the mouth, devotees of Carman's would praise the food saying it was near perfection. If god went to brunch, he'd eat here.
For this review, I'll be drawing from two trips to Carman's that I made about two weeks apart. One was a busy day, one was slow as molasses. The difference between the two was overwhelming. On both occasions I had pancakes with fresh fruit and bacon.
The size of the plates was great and the price was not bad considering the portion of the pancakes and quality of the bacon. The slow day produced a wonderful plate: hot, steamy and delicious. A sweet treat to say the least. The servers were great. They joked, made small talk and were generally congenial. I left feeling content. I had to sigh with pleasure. Ahhhh.
The busy day revealed that when pressed to the coals, the staff just didn't have what it takes to pull off a good brunch service. We hadn't called ahead so we had to wait for a few minutes which was no problem, but we were made to feel like we were an inconvenience. When we were seated we were pressed to order as fast as possible and our server appeared visibly stressed. Granted, the place was full, but then again there really isn't that many seats.
Even though we were rushed to order, our meals didn't arrive to our table until almost 25 minutes later. I think because Carman kept leaving the kitchen to gab it up with someone outside. My pancakes were as cold as ice, as was my bacon and the ginger ice cream had fully melted all over my plate. Total bummer.
I guess I would say that a slow day is your best bet. If the place is full when you walk by just keep walking. you'll be doing yourself a favor.
The french toast was overly sweet... Like mouth full of sugar. I was unable to make it even halfway through. My friend had the turkey dinner omlette. It was watery and definitely lacked a lot. On top of that, almost choked on a turkey bone in an omlette! Not really worth the $12... The only thing that I would rate with 4 stars is the service. Dissapointed....
Here's pretty much everything you need to know:
01) You're quite literally eating in somebody's kitchen.
02) She's a former wife of La Cosa Nostra and will not serve the police.
03) The menu changes often.
04) The seating is very limited, but sometimes you will have the option of eating at a table set up on the flatbed of a pick-up truck parked out front, which I can only assume is fun as I've never eaten on it (but I want to!).
05) She is a very, very, very good cook!
This is a phenomenal destination for those wishing to break their breakfast & bruch monotony at the usual spots. This is where I plan on taking my mother the next time she comes down to visit me.
Solid breakfast choices, but Carman's is quite small inside so come during the week and you won't have an insane wait.
I had the omelette with Ohio river turtle, which was quite tasty and unique. I imagine each day brings some sort of special which is unlike anything you've had for brunch in the northeast.
I would have given it 4 stars but they lose an entire star for serving tropicana orange juice out of a bottle. The water in Mason jars is authentic (like my grandma used to do on the farm!) but pre-packaged OJ? Too much cognitive dissonance for me.
3 stars.
Some people clearly don't get Carmen's, which is just about my favorite place for breakfast in the whole wide world (ok, it is tied with Morning Glory Diner and Matt's Big Breakfast) or Carmen herself, who is a peach and has never behaved in any way other than friendly and down-home (what's YOUR problem Michael F. - probably a stick up your butt).
Every day Carmen has four specials, based upon what she's managed to find fresh at the market the day before. Every time it is hard to choose just one. You'll never be disappointed - not in the food or the decor (dildos abound), or the servers (usually heavily tattooed, always friendly), or Carmen, a lovely gal with the soul of an angel.
Try to make it during the week if you can - you'll avoid the wait. And steer clear of the dog.
Carman's is a fun & funky brunch experience. Walking up to the building I noticed a bright red pickup parked at the curb. It took a few seconds before I registered the group of people brunching at a table set up in the truckbed. I knew already this was going to a meal to remember.
Once you finish admiring the curbside "chef's table", you may notice the cute little dog chained up outside the diner beneath a sign warning" Beware of Dog." Other reviewers have discussed the crazy dog and they're right: I saw her snarl and bark like crazy at several people who got too close. Gennifer told us she'll bite you if you try to touch her.
Another sign that this isn't your typical restaurant: the headless mannequin standing on the front stoop. That day she was wearing a cute black & white print dress.
The interior is tight, with a small counter and a few little tables. Gennifer took our names and told us it'd be about 20 minutes. My friend and I grabbed some of the Sunday paper from a pile near the door and sat out on the front stoop to wait. In a few minutes, Thomas came outside and asked if we'd like some coffee. Yes, please! He asked how we took it and was back in a flash with two hot, steaming, mismatched ceramic mugs. This is some seriously good coffee. I think I drank six or seven cups (and I'm not really a coffee drinker). I couldn't sleep a wink that night but it was worth it--that coffee is great.
Thomas came out with the dry erase board featuring the day's menu and explained the choices to us. I was tempted by the pancakes and french toast but decided to go for the omelet (If I eat something sweet in the morning I'll eat nothing but sugar all day long). Shortly after, he returned to let us know they were ready for us inside. We sat at the counter where Gennifer took our orders and gave us more wonderful coffee along with water in jam jar glasses.
The food:
I had the omelet stuffed with turtle, broccoli, white beans, Gouda and probably one or two other things I can't remember. I got a side of bacon, potatoes, and white toast. My friend had the meat loaf and eggs, potatoes, and wheat toast. Both of us thought the food was decent. This isn't four start cuisine, but if that's why you're coming to a diner you're on the wrong track anyway. Carman's food is home cooking: filling, irregular, tasty. My omelet's filling was a bit muddy and watery but the eggs were fluffy. I found a large bone in it, I assume from the turtle. But, like I said, this is home cooking--it's not perfect--so I just put it on the side of my plate and dove back in. Toast was meh but the delicious fig jam made up for it. My bacon was a disappointment. I like nice crispy bacon, but this serving was a coil of limp, wet fat. I just left it--Lord knows I had more than enough other food to eat. I tried a bite of the meatloaf--I found it well-seasoned and pleasantly moist.
The portions are ENORMOUS. If you've got some hard labor like ditch digging scheduled for the afternoon, this is the place to go for breakfast. I'm a big eater but I stopped about halfway through my plate. I didn't even want to think about food again until late that evening.
Carman's is worth coming to as a unique dining experience. The service is stellar and the atmosphere is priceless. Eating at Carman's is like hanging out at your cool, funky friend's house while she cooks up a meal for you.
Price: Our bill came to $32. A bit pricey but you'll having so much fun while you're there that you'll happily fork over the cash (and it is cash only, please).
Would I visit again? Heck, yes! But I'd probably steer clear of the omelet and go for some pancakes or that challah french toast.
Ever wish you could eat breakfast next to a stuffed animal with a giant schlong (hmm never spelled schlong before. Maybe it's "shlong"..?)?? Well, now's your chance, kiddo. In addition to the quirky surroundings (read: boobie cream dispenser/pickup truck-turned-breakfast-table/naked George W Bush magnets), the food and the people were delightful.
The food: My husband got an Ohio River Turtle omelette, AND meat loaf (who doesn't want meat loaf at 10:30 a.m.), and applewood smoked bacon, and I got a crazy coconut waffle with pineapple, blueberries and strawberry rhubarb. The meatloaf made me want to name my first kid Carman (which works nicely since a boy or a girl could swing it). The turtle omelette... was good.. but I kept thinking about my pet turtle, Gramps, from college... so it was kinda weird. But everything ruled (my andouille sausage was spicy and delish), seriously, and the portions were way generous.
The people were my favorite... Just so welcoming and literally made you feel like you could hang out with the whole bunch after you're done eating. I would 100% sit with any of the staff on my loveseat at home and it wouldn't be awkward.
But my favorite thing about Carman's -- The whole joint smelled like buttered toast. 'Nuff said.
This place is the tops as far as atmosphere and food go. As has been said here already, you get things the way Carman wants you to - and you'll like it (really, you will). Sometimes the combos she whips up aren't a direct hit, but still pretty darn good. I also quite like what I'm almost certain are homemade jams - pear and cranberry on my last visit.
About that last visit - a couple sits down. As soon as they sit down and are told about the specials the lady immediately starts asking about substitutions. She is told there are no substitutions allowed. This leads to a "well, then I guess we'll just split something" as Carman walks by after stepping out of the kitchen. Carman turns to guy working and says "I don't have time for this". They are told they both have to order something. Couple gets up and leaves, goes to wait in line for someplace lamer than Carman's. I like this attitude in a business owner.
Make sure to read the articles (like the one in the bathroom or on the walls) about her and the place while you're there.
"Often replicated, never duplicated" is probably the best way to describe Carman's. Those who enter are slammed with a quirky-yet-cozy-ambiance -- framed and unframed pictures of patron/family, ice water served in jam jars, and signs that read "Carman's puts the 'c*nt' back in country" all bring a charmingly and distinctly Philadelphian edge to this hole-in-the-wall diner.
I tried Carman's on a mid-morning Monday, and this place was still pretty much full (3x4person tables, 4-seater bar, albeit there were pairs and singles at each table). Carman brought me a coffee right away, and then proceeded to run through the four menu items with a detailed description of each dish. I tried the challah french toast with peaches, blueberries, yogurt on top, and sausage on the side--delicious! My favorite part of the dish was the fruit--peaches were fresh and firm (not canned and mushy) served with the skin on, and the blueberries were 'UGE.
The driving force behind this establishment is Carman. She knows all the patrons by name, inquires about their mothers and children, and sits down for a good chat when it's not too busy. She makes the big city of Philadelphia seem like a small-town, homier community than it is, and that in and of itself is something you'll be hard pressed to find elsewhere.
P.S. Take the day off from work tomorrow morning and go have brunch at Carman's. It won't be the same if you go on a crowded weekend, even if you do have a reservation. C'mon, you deserve it!
I have a friend who's been to every "cool/unique/off the beaten path" spot in Philly. So, while I can impress my less in-the-know friends with random urban discoveries, this one buddy keeps me on my toes. I finally one-upped her at Carman's. It was actually the first time I'd been there too.
We walked into this diminutive diner (there's bar seating for about 4-6 people -there's no liquor though- and a few tables) and were seated right away. Our server came over, asked for our names and proceeded to rattle off the specials. I can't remember exactly what they were, but I got the feeling that Carman's the type of woman who goes shopping the day before and buys whatever's fresh. Figuring out what to make with it seems like an afterthought. Somehow she manages to pair the most unlikely items together and keep it delicious.
There's subtle penis iconography strewn throughout the diner. It doesn't come off as tasteless though. While I was sitting at the table, I remember looking out the window and glancing over a little plush piggie. How darling! Upon closer inspection, his little bits were hanging out.
"Carman puts the C U N(ext) T(uesday) back into country." That's what the sign reads, folks.
Oh! You can call in advance and have your name put on the waiting list. There never seems to be too long of a wait though.
If you're looking for just a normal/everyday type of meal, Carman's isn't the place to go. From the decorum--to the service--to the food--- this place offers an off-the-beaten path type of dining experience. The place itself is very small (only a few tables and very cramped at that) so unless you make reservations on a Saturday morning, you could have a long wait. The server's are personable and friendly and take the time to explain the menu to you in detail.
When we went to Carman's for breakfast a few weeks ago, they had four menu choices and since there were four of us there together, we decided to get all four meals and share them. I'd really recommend doing this--we all enjoyed the variety of flavors and having shared all of it, it also focused the conversation around our food experience. Every dish we tried was fantastic...
You should go and experience it for yourself.
I hadn't said a word, but I was handed a coffee as soon as I walked in. Heaven.
Best brunch in Philadelphia, hands down. Menu changes every saturday with bold and daring ingredient combinations that always pay off.
Be aware, Carman uses her kitchen to proudly display her collection of phallic kitsch. That's right - penises everywhere.
"What should I give it, a 5-er?"
"Maybe a 4, just cause, I dunno, whatever"
True story.
-Wesley and Christopher, 17:01, August 1st, 2009.
Carman's is one of those places I just can't wrap my finger around. I want to be in love with the place, and I was until my second visit, but something just doesn't sit right. With a whiteboard and an ever-changing menu, I'd expected to be in heaven.
Getting a 5-star gluten-free brunch is a hell of an ordeal. Hearing rave reviews of mango, apricot, & mascarpone French toast or chocolate-peanut butter-banana Belgian waffles is torture. Living a stone's throw from the arsenal of aromas that march out of Isgro's every morning ain't exactly heaven, either. But I love brunch, and am determined to find the best damn brunch spot in the city. Especially for those of us condemned to only be able to eat half the menu.
My first visit was with siblings and cousins. I'd heard of the place and was excited to try it out. I had an omelet where Carman somehow managed to marry Brussel sprouts, tomato, fresh mozzarella and orange wedges into some sort of flavor carnival. Was not expecting that to taste nearly as good as it did.
Second trip - Striped bass with eggs over easy and home fries. My cousin got the same. Let down. Not bad, just not fantastic, which is what I'd hyped Carman's up to be over the year since I'd been there. Tasted like fried white fish. Bummer.
But like they say, third time's the charm. Seared scallops over cheesy shrimp grits. With over easy eggs and potatoes. Wow. I don't like grits. I always had to eat them growing up because I couldn't eat other breakfast starches and I've resented them over the years. Damn. Those were some good grits. Pink, as though she'd pureed the shrimp into the grits, but then added some chunks for good measure. And the scallops came out a perfect med. rare, light caramelizing on the edges. Raised the bar again, Carman.
Can't wait to see what you have in store next time.
My boyfriend and I have been wandering past Carman's for years. We always wondered what the deal was with the "dog will bite you sign" outside. We came by a card for the establishment stating "She puts the CUNT back in Country" and I knew some day we would have to check this place out.
Today was that day.
The food took about 25 minutes ( I believe she makes everything fresh, it certainly tastes like she does) but it was worth every minute. While waiting we helped ourselves to the magazines by the front door. The guy at the counter (Lex?) Introduced himself to us, and asked our names. it didn't seem like any restaurant I'd ever been too. It felt more like sitting in your grandmothers kitchen. (albeit with a lot more penis sculptures, but hey everyone's Gramma is different. ) I recognized at least 3 kitschy items from my own childhood in the decor. The atmosphere is very laid back, i almost felt like i should help wash dishes!
My boyfriend is the fussiest eater. ever. seriously. The only thing he wanted was Hallah French toast, so he ordered it with the fruit on the side, and I ordered the fried chicken with potatoes scrambled eggs and toast. Wow. The chicken was delicious, not so much "fried" but more like grilled, I didn't mind not receiving a big greasy piece of breaded meat. even the mundane potato and eggs seemed to have a little extra something to them. My boyfriends french toast was HUGE it almost seemed like half a loaf of bread. I ate his fruit (a mixture of fresh peaches, raspberries and black berries with some kind of jam and cream mixture) all the fruit tasted as if it were just pulled off a tree! So fresh! The entrees were $12 a piece, which in my opinion is well worth it.
I can't wait to bring my out of town friends to this place. In my opinion it far surpasses Sabrina's and Black and Brew. (if only for the many penis' throughout the establishment)
People have already given a good idea of what the Carmen's Country experience is like. Let's just say, she DOES put the CUNT back into COUNTRY. We had an amazing hallah french toast with fresh fruit and real sausage and an omlette with jersey green tomatoes, corn, okra and pepperjack cheese. Good portions. Delicious. Friendly service. Ended up being about $20 per person with coffee tax and tip. Not cheap, but well worth it for the quality. My only qualm was that I didn't get to eat in the pickup truck outside. Regardless, 5 stars.
I was pretty excited to try Carman's food 'cause she got so many great reviews on Yelp, but ended up being disappointed.
I decided to try the omelet and, well... sigh. It was watery and undercooked. All of the ingredients that sounded so yummy at first did not go well together: dates, seeds of some sort, lamb sausage? maybe? (forgive my awful memory, please!) and a lot more. Everyone that went with something other than the omelet seemed super pleased, so I'm hoping that I just had one of her failed experiments. I'd really like to go back and try another dish ... I've not lost faith in ye, Carman.
I have been dying to get to Carman's for a while. It was a great little locally owned brunch place. It can fit about 11 people. Total. 6 more if the picnic-table-in-the-truck is available.
We were served by Alexis at the counter. I got the Challah french toast with pears, blueberries and a dollop of peach ice cream with a mint leaf. There were more ingredients but it's so hard to remember. It was quite tasty but didn't seem especially french toasty. It was more like big bread with a bunch of stuff on top. I was a bit disappointed with the maple syrup - it was really runny.
He had orange juice (a little Tropicana bottle) and scallops and grits with scrambled eggs and toast. According to him, "it was yummy".
I probably should have ordered the pancakes/waffles that had some interesting combination with sweet onions and some other lovely additions.
I certainly plan to go back and try out whatever's up there!
I left my first brunch at Carman's feeling really full and really happy!!
Carman's is a cozy eatery, complete with un-matching mugs and plates. It really feels like you're in her home! And from where we were sitting, we could see Carman herself, cooking our brunch. (She even came out to chat with some regulars).
The food was FANTASTIC. My friend and I shared an authentic kielbasa and pancakes with mango chutney on top. It was the best brunch I've had in ages and totally unique.
I would recommend going here with a friend or a very small group and definitely bring your appetite!
Carman's is great. Every week a different menu. You never know what she is going to whip up. My only suggestion is that you make a plan to skip work and go on a week day. It is way more fun if you have the time to talk to Carman while she is cooking. Then you will learn how she puts C#nt into Country.
I like places that are so tiny as to be not only eponymous and operated likewise but feature extra seating in the back of a pickup truck in decent weather. If you don't eat in the truck be prepared for a phallic bombardment. Not in a culinary sense (gross?), it's the theme for the decor, done in an almost kitchsy manner.
Good food, nothing life changing but very very good. Make sure to chat up Carman while you're there but don't pet the dog, its not too friendly.
Best breakfast spot in the city. There, I said it.
At first, I was hesitant to go...all the way to South Philly? For breakfast? But what the heck...lets do it. And it was SO worth it. For starters, as noted, the place is very, very small...three tables (I think) and a few spots at the counter. Thats it. One cook, one server. Somehow we lucked out and got there when the counter was empty (on a Sunday, no less) so we didn't have to wait. But, apparently, that can happen often. The server, Alexei (sp?), was incredibly warm and inviting, and we were seated with large mugs full of coffee/tea right away. No menu, save for what is on the board...4 choices, I believe. Somehow choosing from 4 dishes is harder than choosing from 40...not sure how that works.
Anyway, I went with the omelette. Stuffed with steamed broccoli, onions, goat cheese, and some other tasty tidbits I can't recall (oh yea, it was BIG), it was served alongside potatoes, toast, and lamb sausage. Fresh preserves, too. Simply divine all around. I ate every last bite, and didn't need to eat again for almost 12 hours. This is not a cheap breakfast place (the bill for 2 was slightly north of $30), but worth every penny.
Also, as previously noted, the decor is totally unique (and totally South Philly). Hard to describe, other than to say you need to see it for yourself. Won't find this in Center City (or any other city), that is for sure. I hope to return, soon, and dine in the pickup truck parked outside (yep...pickup truck). Lots of friendly conversation will be had (as everyone in the place is within normal talking distance), as well.
If you are a picky eater, and/or the sort who always has to tweak something, you might want to think twice about coming here...Carman don't take no guff. But I hope picky eaters don't read Yelp, so this warning will likely be unwarranted.
Finally, people, its CarmAn. Not CarmEn. And bring cash.
I don't know what there is to say about Carman's that hasn't already been said. The food and the service were both exceptional. I had the challah french toast with a peach, plum, and cinnamon syrup. My wife had the coconut-infused pancakes with pineapples, berries, and a whole lot of other fruit on top. They were every bit as good as they sound. Of course, the menu at Carman's changes weekly and there are only ever 4 items on it so your experience is likely to be entirely different (although I would expect equally as satisfying).
Don't go if you're not willing to try something new or different. Don't go if you have a predetermined breakfast meal in mind. Whatever you get, it will be delicious.
Carmen's serves water in mason jars, coffee in all kinds of silly mugs. When you are seated, the staff of 3 is introduced to you, and you introduce yourselves to them. Chances are, you will be remembered next time! The friendliness of the staff encourages the small place to be friendly and communicative. It is a wonderful atmosphere.
You will have a choice of 3 brunch options. The combinations are interesting, you probably wouldn't have thought of them yourself, which is the best part! My waffle had berries and bananas mixed into the batter, I don't remember everything I ate, but it was all good, and sausage too! My friend had pork and potatoes and eggs.
Coffee, meal, and meat side is about $20 and totally worth it.
My boyfriend and I ate at Carman's on 7-25-09 when we were visiting Philly. He'd been here before and glowed about the awesome food and fun/friendly atmosphere. It definitely did not disappoint. We were staying with a friend who's a frequent visitor to Carman's and recommended we call ahead, which we did before leaving the house and they reserved a table for us (actually two bar stools, but we were happy). I'd definitely recommend calling ahead since the place is so small.
As others have stated there are usually only about 4 menu items, but it doesn't seem like you can go wrong. I went for the omelet which had tomatoes, onions, avocado, mozzarella, herbs and a splash of lime juice. Came with home fries & toast, and I got a side of Carman's homemade sausage. BF got the special which was striped bass with a relish made with all sorts of exotic fruits & jalapenos, and served with two eggs, home fries & toast. The french toast & pancakes also looked great.
Huge portions that kept us full most of the day, and everything was delicious. Each dish was $12 and $2 for sides of sausage/bacon. Wasn't exactly fast, but we weren't in a rush and went there for the experience. After all, it's just Carman herself making the food to order.
I only wish I lived closer to Philly...I'd be coming here often!
SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPLALIDOCIOUS is as unique as Carman's Country Kitchen who claims in her business cards that she is putting the ____ back into the country. I will leave the full phrase to your imagination.
I would recommend to have reservations which means call ahead that morning and decreases the chances of a wait. Regardless the pleasant, perky, pleasing personnel will make sure that a mug of freshly brewed hot coffee lands on your hand will you wait.
The staff will introduce themselves to you be ready to do the same. It is polite and they want you to do so.
The seating area constitutes of an L shaped bar and there are several small tables available. They will make everyone in your table to get cozy and cram together for space constraints. I find that this makes it intimate. The small place is infused with mismatching decorations including a picture of Carman not too long ago.
The kitchen is in the back where you can see Carman preparing the meals. You can say hi. She does not bite, and is very personable.
Remember: Do not expect to have a long conversation with her since she is cooking brunch. Get it. OK! Move along now.
In the summer she has seating in a concerted van, truck or whatever you want to call it.
If you are afraid to break a nail, do not want to sit on a patio or collapsible chair, needs structure in everything this is not the place for you. I personally enjoy it not only for it's excellent food but also for it's flair.
The menu is based on several main brunch dishes that alternate their composition based on what she finds in season. She also has great marmalade my favorite is the one with Rhubarb.
There are salty menu items like the omelet and sweet items like the waffles. Listen for the sausage of the day.
Do not plan to eat anything else for the rest of the day.
Like everyone said, the place is small. The bar fits about seven people and there are three tables inside that can fit about four people each. Since the weekends are popular, I suggest calling in ahead of time to indicate when you plan to arrive; theyll make every effort to have a spot availble for you when you arrive.... that or be prepared to wait about 20 minutes.
Staff is gregarious and always smiling; they will introduce themselves and expect you to introduce yourself as well. Again, its a small place, so they are not swamped with names.
Water is served in glass jars and they have an ecclectic collection of mugs that look like they were salvaged at garage sales. Adds to the charm of the place, I suppose.
The white board behind the bar listed the menu. Very simple. Only four choices: pancakes/waffles, challah french toast, omelette, or a roasted chicken dish. Each of these entrees was priced at $12 and sides (turkey bacon, sausage, etc...) was an additional $2.
My friend and I ordered the omelete, and while mine was okay, my friend found her omelette too runny for her liking.
What else can I say that hasn't already been said? I guess all I can do is share what was on the menu on my first visit.
We rolled in just after noon on a Sunday, following a late night or rather an early morning out on the town. We were informed there would be a 45 minute wait. Fully expecting this I was prepared to wait, but the rest of the crew weren't so enthusiastic about it. After a little reasoning and persuasion (we're just going to stand around waiting someplace else), we put our name in and killed some time on 9th st.
When we returned we were promptly seated in a tight little table by the front door. After pouring a round of mud our server gave us a quick rundown on the specials of the day. They included savory baked bean and smoked cheese pancakes or belgium waffles paired with andouille turkey sausage, challah french toast topped with cantaloupe, raspberries and fig served with lavender/lemon zest syrup, an omelette packed with lima beans, jersey tomato, onions and the like with breakfast potatoes and an option of bacon on the side, and a london broil with onions and peppers with potatoes.
My roommate and I opted for numero uno, pancakes for him and waffles for myself and our lady friends both chose the omelette. My roommate was a bit wary of the unorthodox batter additions and our friend Sarah quipped how she wasn't fond of lima beans, but I assured everyone they were in good hands.
Eyes wandering in between coffee curls we became aware of the phallic centric theme about, interspersed with mammary knick knacks and brick-a-brack procured from Carman's travels.
After a few chuckles our waiter came over with our orders. Each plate was as satisfying as anyone could have hoped for. Maple syrup linked up perfectly with the baked beans in my waffles, which were crisp on the outside and fluffy in between. The sausage was pleasantly spicy and flavorful. The omelettes rivaled the waffles in fluff factor and were bulging with big fat chunks of ripe tomatoes, lima beans and slop sinks, and the potatoes were among the best I've ever had. Portions are itis inducing but It wasn't too much to ask of us to clean our plates considering how delicious everything was.
I suppose the only reasonable excuse you could provide for still reading this is Carman's ain't open right now. Because if it is you should already have your name down for a table.
Carman, I love you. Your little slice of heaven in South Philly makes me miss San Francisco so much. Just please do me a favor and smile a little more. It would really make my day.
I'm probably going to be the lone patron that awards Carman's with a mere 3 stars. The establishment is fun, cute, captivating and very warm and welcoming. With 3 small tables and bar seating, you feel as though Carman is your own personal chef. There's definitely a novel charm to it [ie, the 6-8 person picnic table in the bed of a pickup truck on the street].
Although the food was very filling, fresh, tasty and inventive, I don't think Carman's is going to rank on the top of my list for awesome food in the city. There are so many places that compete for the best brunch though, it's really hard to declare any one better than the other - nor do I feel the need to make such a statement to myself or anyone else.
No doubt I enjoyed my meal and the experience that is Carman's. I just don't find is as exciting as some of the other reviewers. It was a decent, slightly over priced meal that I could have gotten at any number of places in the city. It's the staff that really set this place apart from the rest.
I feel deliciously enriched for having only experienced Carman's once. I promise myself that I'll be back for more, although I'm on a kick of my own to make the perfect frittata in my own tiny ass kitchen.
But Carman can whip you up something that you've most certainly never had before, like an omelet containing everything except the kitchen sink. And somehow, you can still appreciate all the individual flavors. The homefries are quite like my mom's which I'm sure doesn't coincide with everyone's review, but it was like being home on a Saturday morning...if my mom actually had penis shaped salt and pepper shakers at the kitchen table, that is. However, the food is hearty, flavorful, and served in large quantities. You get your money's worth!
Obviously there are rules embedded in your brain after even one visit to Carman's, i.e. Don't attempt to pet Carman's dog or you'll get your arm removed. Get there early or expect to wait, due to the small, yet charming, seating space. Cashola only, peeps. Other than that, sit back, relax, and listen to Carman as she talks to you and her staff about everything from foreign affairs to Jerry Springer. And she'll cook everything solo style...in heels, no less.
If you're prepared for the price, have the cash, and have a reservation, this is a fantastic brunch option. Quirky, local, homegrown, about as original as it gets.
Carmen always has 4 items on the menu, which changes weekly and is determined by what she can get in the nearby market. Usually 1 is pancakes or waffles and one is an omlette. All are delicious, amazing, inventive, and unusual. All are $12, meat costs extra. Super friendly staff, lots of coffee refills, and a fun time playing "find the porn" in the decor.
I've been back here several times since I wrote my last review. Each time I am impressed and receive confirmation of my favorite brunch spot being full of awesome.
I've been here a few times, four or five, and it seriously lives up to my claim as my favorite… Read more »
Carman's is BY FAR my favorite brunch spot in Philly, and there's lots of great brunch in Philly! This place is totally zany, and ALL the food is fantastic. Every detail is covered: homemade jam on every table, freshly brewed tea and coffee, carrot creme fraiche topping the carrot-pomegranate waffles, and of course, Carman in the kitchen wearing knee-high stiletto boots.
if you can afford it (a plate + side + coffee runs about $20) this place is totally worth it. make a reservation. the menu varies according to season and availability at the local market. usually an omlette, pancake, waffle and some other random option. the country sausage is AWESOME! wait staff is super nice.
and, carmen is hottie.
I'm not a big fancy brunch person, I like my standard eggs and toast and homefries, so Carmen's wasn't really my thing. That being said, the food was pretty good. The options were:
- omelet with all sorts of weird veggies you'd never think of putting in an omelet.
- duck (do people eat this for breakfast?)
- mint-chocolate-strawberry-almond-otherstuff waffles with whipped cream and more stuff on top.
I got the waffles, and they were decent, but not worth 12 bucks.
I liked the decor of Carmen's, there are tons of pervy knick knacks everywhere and she serves the food and drinks on mismatching dishes.
She doesn't take credit cards, so make sure you bring cash with you. The police station across the street has an ATM that only charges you 50 cents.
You walk in to this tiny, crowded corner rowhouse fitted with an old-timey curvy countertop and a random assortment of two-person tables with patio chairs. Sooooooooo much to look at and listen to (colors, art, kerchiefs, a wonderfully eclectic cast of servers and customers), it takes a while to find the blackboard menu at the center of it all...but once you do....WHOA! BRUNCH!! (And it's different every day!)
On this day:
1. pan fried cod with brussel sprouts, fried eggs, hash browns, chicken/mushroom sausage from Martin's (fresh from the market at the center of town)
2. waffles with strawberries and coconut and M&Ms and ricotta mixed right in
3. challah bread French toast with pear/almond/ginger sauce
We loved it all. We guzzled coffee, and tried not to knock over other customers with our overly-animated eating. And we congratulated ourselves over and over again for remembering to call ahead.
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Callowhill
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Bella Vista
Category: Breakfast & Brunch
Neighborhood: Graduate Hospital
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Category: Southern
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