Middle Child Clubhouse

"You could move into this Fishtown restaurant and you’d be covered when it comes to food—the all-day spot is a top choice for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and post-dinner drinks. And since they’re really good at everything they do, vegetarian options like Olivia’s Big Pancake, the completely vegan Phoagie, and grilled maitake with creamy soy and crispy egg are no exception. FYI—almost every sandwich on the lunch menu and lots of snacks on the dinner menu can be made vegetarian. 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

"With some of the best pancakes and breakfast sandwiches in the city, Middle Child Clubhouse is one of the rare restaurants whose a.m. offerings match their dinner menu. Come for Olivia’s Big Pancake — the massive eight-ounce, single malted buttermilk pancake that’s loaded with honey-butter and fresh citrus. Stay for their classic breakfast sandwich that’s made with the fluffiest eggs, sharp American cheese, arugula, and potato bread." - Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme, Eater Staff

"We love Fishtown’s Middle Child Clubhouse for the great burger and fries and a game of pool. But when you want to take the fun up a few notches—like on your big day—head to the back for the Thousand Island Lounge. There’s a disco ball, TV with Nintendo 64, and a sound system where you can play DJ during your all-night hang in the private dining space. Inside you can share casual plates like burgers, chicken sandwiches, bottomless fries, or jumbo shrimp with a tangy bravas aioli and shishito peppers. It's a fun space to have some cocktails, wine on tap, and spend your birthday listening to your favorite songs and playing Super Mario. 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’ll need both hands to hold Middle Child Clubhouse's mega-sized sandwiches, and the casual layout is perfect for getting work done or hanging out with friends while sipping on morning beet cocktails (and ignoring all responsibilities). We always get the breakfast burrito with pastrami as well as the fluffy pancakes, which are made with whole-grain flour milled by Lost Bread and then drenched in sweet citrus syrup with a pat of smiley-face-shaped butter on top. 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

"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