Sabrina's Cafe

05/06/2008 Posted by cdphilly

I’ve been to this location once, and the second Sabrina’s location at 18th and callowhill three times. Each time the food has been great, although the French toast options that people rave about are actually a little too sweet and gooey in such big portions. The plain pancakes are some of the best I’ve had, and the chicken noodle soup is homemade delicious. My main issue is with their call-ahead “system” of seating. It worked fairly smoothly at the South Philly one, and the host there was nice. But each time I’ve tried the 2nd one, it has been a disaster. 1st time – didn’t know to call-ahead, after calling for reservations and being told they didn’t take them, five of us showed up as a walk-in and were told ½ hour wait. As we watched many parties seated before us, we kept checking with the host, who finally explained about calling ahead, but still told us we’d be seated soon. 1 hr 45 min later, we were seated. 2nd time – now we knew to call ahead, we did so and were told 1 hr. Two of my party showed up quite early and were told our table was ready, but they were going to give it away because we weren’t all there. We ended up literally running down the street to be seated. 3d time – 3 of us called ahead, showed up on time, checked in a few times with the host as we waited and were told he had us, and continued to wait. After a whole list of people were seated, including 3 who just walked up, we checked in again and were told, “oops, I missed you. We’ll get you the next one.” He did not stop the party he’d just called and tell them there was a mistake, he instead seated them and left us waiting for another 25 minutes until the next table was free. When I challenged the host I was told, and I quote, “This is not normally my job, so it’s not my fault I missed you.” We never got an apology or acknowledgement of error. Despite the good food, it is not worth facing a “system” that doesn’t work and unprofessional staff who can’t run the “system”. We won’t be back.

Pros: yummy pancakes and chicken noodle soup, cozy inside

Cons: ineffective, inefficient seating system and rude staff

11/01/2007 Posted by ihadpaisleys1st

whether you live in philly or you're in town for the weekend Sabrina's Cafe should absolutely be part of your breakfast/brunch/lunch/dinner agenda. a lot of impatient folks will complain about the wait or about their policies regarding reservations. here's a tip-call ahead and get your name on the list. this will cut down your wait time since they don't take reservations. as well they shouldn't! a place with that much turn over cannot possibly operate with every reservation showing up late or not at all (which is ALWAYS the case). Anyhow. onto what's important--the food! The portions are astounding--especially for the price. You will never finish your plate (and if you do it will be your only meal for the day!) The menu itself is incredible-combinations you couldn't dream up on your own but are absolutely worth trying. Locals can't ever get bored with the menu, either, since their long-list of specials make the decision process the hardest decision of your week! If you're picky, don't worry! I am too, and I've never been disappointed and have always gotten something different (and delicious!) They have an incredible tea selection which I would recommend letting any one of the friendly servers pick at random because they're all great! And another thing about the staff--it's the best in the city!!! Especially considering how hard they're working! The atmosphere is eclectic and fun and has a totally positive, uplifting vibe. When you go to Sabrina's you're guaranteed to have a good time and be in a good mood for the rest of the day!!! If your friends or family are visiting Philadelphia bring them here and it'll be the only thing they remember from their trip! A+ (writing this review made me hungry).

Pros: Cheap Eats, HUGE Portions, Friendly Staff, Cute Date Spot, BRUNCH!

Cons: sometimes the wait is rough-but totally worth it!