LaVa Cafe, Philadelphia PA

On a recent Sunday morning I join two brunchmates at LaVa Cafe. More coffee shop than typical brunch spot, LaVa offers a nice variety of options at prices that work in today's economy. A relaxed environment with the slogan “Get to know your neighbors,” LaVa offers both table and sofa seating.


I order the vegetarian soup of the day ($3.50) and hot apple cider. The cider is nicely spiced and slightly foamy. The perfect drink on a very cold day.


The soup is advertised as lentil but they ran out and I receive a bowl of vegetable soup. This is fine by me because it looks so good that a brunchmate decides to order one as well!



Filled with chunks of carrots, celery, and other veggies, the soup tastes like a very good traditional chicken-noodle soup (minus the chicken and the noodles). It is served with fresh bread.

One brunchmate orders the Caramel French Toast ($4.85). Made with Brioche bread and served with fresh berries, this is a delicious, "buttery, pillowy goodness" of a bargain despite the containers of fake maple syrup that it is served with.




Another brunchmate orders the Egg & Cheese Sandwich ($3.65), which is served on some fantastic looking bread. The cheese is "creamy in a very good way."




As we're about to leave, we see that LaVa makes Jachnoon –“Rolled dough baked overnight. Served with fresh grated tomato & hard boiled egg” ($6.50). Alas, this pretzel-like treat is only served on Saturdays.


If you go:

• 2100 South Street, Philadelphia PA 19146 (the corner of 21st and South)
  
• Phone: (215) 545-1508
• They accept credit cards with $10 minimum.
  
• LaVa Cafe Website