"Middle Child’s fries have that double-crunch effect. They’re thin and crispy to begin with, but there’s an extra layer of starch that adds a super-satisfying bite. Dip them in the creamy malt vinegar mayo they’re served with, or any of the assorted sauces topping their sandwiches. On the weekends, attempt to be the first person to walk into the restaurant. Or, you can take an “emergency” day off from work and stop by on a weekday (when it’s less crowded)." - alison kessler
"This all-day American spot in Fishtown is one of the rare places that works for everything from a laptop lunch to a drunken night out. It's a little bananas inside: picture Princess Diana posters, toilet seats designed with Peanut Chews, pool tables, and bar seats. And the cocktails and spins on diner classics are just as thoughtful and fun. Come for a light, syrup-slicked stack of pancakes in the morning, reliable sandwiches for lunch, some of the city's best drinks all day, and a great burger at night. On the weekends, attempt to be the first person to walk into the restaurant. Or, you can take an “emergency” day off from work and stop by on a weekday (when it’s less crowded)." - candis mclean, alison kessler
"You’ve just had a feast of juicy burgers and latkes topped with trout roe. But picture this coming towards you: glistening scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream sitting in a rowboat of crispy, caramelized bananas, topped with thick dulce de leche and sprinkles. Oh, and there’s a blazing sparkler on top. Guess what? This isn’t a dream. It’s just another night at Fishtown’s Middle Child Clubhouse. Keep in mind that the sundaes here rotate—we love the strawberry cream cheese variety, too—so make a reservation, and don’t overdo it on the latkes. On the weekends, attempt to be the first person to walk into the restaurant. Or, you can take an “emergency” day off from work and stop by on a weekday (when it’s less crowded)." - candis mclean
"This Fishtown restaurant is in our Best Burgers, Best Brunch, and Last Meal In Philly guides. Okay, the last one was made up, but that’s how much we love Middle Child Clubhouse. The place combines creative cocktails, American comfort food, and pictures of Princess Diana in Eagles gear. And it just keeps getting better with age. Come solo for breakfast and eat some fluffy pancakes and pastrami-and-egg burritos, then bring friends back for dinner and split housemade pasta and peppery brick chicken. It’s that rare fun place that works for everything from a low-key morning to an exciting night out. And that’s why we (and most of the city) keep going back. On the weekends, attempt to be the first person to walk into the restaurant. Or, you can take an “emergency” day off from work and stop by on a weekday (when it’s less crowded)." - candis mclean, alison kessler
"There was a time when Middle Child was synonymous with sandwiches. But the Clubhouse makes a pancake so massive and pillowy, it may want to consider a re-brand. This malted buttermilk pancake has the perfect harmony of honey butter and fresh citrus, and despite its impressive size, remains light in the middle. One pancake is big enough for two, by two, we mean half for you now and half for you later. On the weekends, attempt to be the first person to walk into the restaurant. Or, you can take an “emergency” day off from work and stop by on a weekday (when it’s less crowded)." - candis mclean, alison kessler