A Full Plate, Philadelphia PA

Everything that I’ve ordered from A Full Plate has been quite good. Most offerings have more than a hint of a southern flare, which is a bit surprising given how many vegan/veg friendly items show up on the menu; the words “Southern food” and “vegan” do not usually go hand-in-hand. The décor is busy and funky. As one brunchmate put it, “I’m not sure if I’m hip enough to eat here.”

On my most recent visit (one where unfortunately I forgot to take photos), I order the Vegetarian Sausage w/Biscuits and Gravy ($10), served with a heaping pile of home fries. The fries are a mix of regular and sweet potatoes, which is a nice surprise. The sausage is properly spiced, and thoroughly smothered in a delicious onion-gravy. The biscuits are good, but they could stand to be a bit flakier.

A brunchmate orders the Toads in a Hole ($10), multigrain bread filled with scrambled eggs, either turkey or veggie sausage, onions, peppers, mushrooms and cheddar cheese and also served with home fries. Delicious and filling, it’s a twist on the traditional English dish.

While I would like to give A Full Plate a full endorsement, my brunchmates have not always fared quite as well as I. It could be a matter of taste, but it seems that the menu itself is a bit of a hit or miss.

The Vegan French Toast ($10), is exceedingly bready and, while the granola crust is a nice touch, it could use a little help in the flavor department. Perhaps some berries or a vegan cream-cheese filling?

The pancakes are so dense that they "taste vegan.” Which, unfortunately in this case, is not a compliment. Vegan pancakes can be fluffy, it’s not impossible!

And while not unlikable, both the Hush Puppies ($3.50) and the Fried Pickles ($3.50) would be much improved with a little less grease.

On the upside, the Fried Green Tomato Salad ($7.50) offers a fantastic mix of flavors, combining Southern-style friend tomatoes with an Italian-style caprice salad of basil and fresh mozzarella.

While it is not always on the money, A Full Plate is one of the best choices in town when you’re trying to please a wide variety of palates. There are enough options that both your rib-eating uncle and your vegan best friend will be satisfied. Just make sure that your uncle doesn’t order the Brussels Sprout Salad ($7.50) and that your friend stays away from the Catfish Po’ Boy ($8).

If you go:

• 1009 N. Bodine St (On Liberties Walk), Philadelphia PA 19123
• Phone: (215) 627-4068
• Be sure to stop in the bathrooms where you can leave your mark on the walls (in chalk).
• A Full Plate