Nodding Head
1516 Sansom Street
We’ve all been there before – in fact, we’re all there every
other week. You know the one; the week
you don’t get paid. And as much as we
would love to channel our inner Carrie Bradshaw and roll out of bed to meet up
with our best gal pals for brunch, reliving the chronicles from the night
before between every delectable bite...we just can’t. Some weeks, you just need to lay low, take a
breather from the constant gluttony, and enjoy brunch for the broke.
This week’s brunch for
the broke is focusing on a local watering hole, usually known for its funky
décor and super hip brewskies. You know the one – Nodding Head. Nodding Head is home to a treasure trove of beers
and bobbins. Normally, this second floor
dive is home to the ultra-hipsters and beer connoisseurs of Philadelphia, all
fighting for a spot at the bar at the happiest hour of the day. Nodding Head has been a hidden champion among
the beer lovers in our fair city.
The select six beers that Nodding Head features on tap,
rotate to fit the season or mood. Nodding
Head is recognized by its interesting and lesser known brews. Their six “chosen ones” rain down like frothy
nectar from the Beer Kings of olde.
Constantly updated and always cold, Nodding Head has just what the
doctor ordered (so long as your doctor prescribed a healthy dose of hops).
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Stephanie, this is
supposed to be about BRUNCH FOR THE BROKE” and rest assured, my fine foodie
friends, we’re getting warmer.
Brunch for the Broke
all began when Michael and I decided we would
quit lounging around the house and grab a spot of grub. Michael, realizing that it was the “broke week”,
and me realizing that my acting career meant that every week was a “broke
week”…….well we put our heads together and came up with a fun game. Thus, brunch
for the broke was conceived. We knew
it had to be cheap, tasty, and preferably within walking distance. Being an adventurous pair, we set out on our
quest for a not-quite-breakfast and a not-so-much-lunch.
BANG - we almost smacked our noggins on the Nodding Head
sign. We glanced at the menu in the
window and decided to make the climb to the second floor where we found the
same bar known to many and loved by all…it just looked different in the light
of day. A haze of morning-ness seemed to
wash over the entire joint, even the bobbins seemed to slow in their usual,
bouncy routine.
Nodding Head’s nostalgia and charm still impressed us, but
it wasn’t just the atmosphere that we craved on that chilly morning. Mike and I were hungry…and ready to begin our
morning with some Grog, on tap! Mistakenly, our hopes were a little low. The light crowd and the cold morning air
seemed to discourage us. But our
expectations were shamefully cast aside as our brunch rolled out.
Grand Marnier French Toast the size of a small nation,
topped with warm and googy caramelized apples couldn’t be shoveled into my
pie-hole fast enough. Their crunchy
crust leading the way to a soft and doughy middle seemed too good to be true.
But, Mike’s breakfast sandwich really was the star of the meal. A salmon, egg, and bacon three-way of joy,
this breakfast sandwich was UNBEATABLE.
The bun was lightly grilled and the ingredients were fresh and
snapping. Potato fritters accompanied
this gorgeous dish to the flavor prom, where they won King and Queen.
Through the mist of morning and the fog of food coma, we saw
four wise men with their musical instruments – a musical gift to all those
brunchers who dared to ascend the steps.
If the amazingly unexpected food and favorite beers weren’t enough,
Nodding Head wowed us again with their upbeat live music! Now, you know as well as I do that in
Philadelphia, “live music” either means “pay this expensive cover fee” or
“enjoy our local high school band”. But
Nodding Head just could not be stopped.
Their excellent band serenaded us all through breakfast. As we bopped our heads to the tunes, we
started to resemble the sleepy figurines lining the glass cases.
The whimsical atmosphere, the fascinating beers, the bouncy music
and the unbelievable food – ALL for just about thirty five dollars (don’t
forget to tip your waitresses). Nodding
Head seemed like the underdog in our culinary dining experience; however it
quickly rose to the top. So, next
weekend, when you’re feeling a little “poor girl chic”, be sure to check out
this tucked away gem for an eye-opening display of classic (yet twisted)
recipes with fresh ingredients; just be sure to grab a couple of beers so
you’ll feel free enough to bop along to the band.
-SNW
