An afternoon at Bernie’s

Whether we like to admit it or not, college students tend to have a love for the oddly timed meal that falls between breakfast and lunch fondly known as brunch. 

Just seeing the word “brunch” mentioned in your group chat when the weekend approaches makes your heart rate increase.

I had an idea this past summer that every Sunday I would go to brunch alone and try out as many places as I possibly could. Now that I am an expert brunch-er, I want to assist you in finding the best brunch place for the afternoon you and your pals are looking for. 

I am here to help you find a place that fits your personalities, your cocktail cravings and most importantly, your desire for delicious food.  

The first stop on this brunch journey is Bernie’s Restaurant & Bar in University City.

Bernie’s is located on Sansom and 34th Street at the end of a row of about five other restaurants.

There was a good atmosphere when I went there alone this summer, but I could tell this was a place that was better for groups to have a boozy brunch or couples on a Sunday morning date (i.e. not me). 

I decided to go a second time to have a different experience, so I gathered a group of friends and took the short train ride to University City to experience Bernie’s the right way — no book and more friends.

We went around 11 a.m. and it was pretty empty. We sat down in the back of the restaurant where there was an open area with an abundance of tables. It was an aesthetically pleasing set up with a lot of open space and interesting decor, making it a perfect place for your instagram story.

We were slightly confused at first, because we had no menus and our waiter was not telling us anything.

Finally, we looked to our right, and there was a buffet full of fruit, donuts, shrimp, corned beef hash, mac and cheese, bacon, sausage, fried chicken, an omelet station, a pancake/french toast station, brisket, potato salad and so much more (I know you’re getting hungry reading this list).

And for those who are 21, along with the buffet, there was the jackpot when it comes to brunch: bottomless mimosas. The mimosas and the buffet all came to $25 (without tip), a price everyone was more than willing to pay.

The coffee, delicious and smooth, was also bottomless after the first pour, which is all I ask for in a restaurant.

Brunch runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., leaving plenty of time to taste everything in the buffet. The crowds started coming in around 1 p.m., so if you want to go at a peak time, go later rather than earlier.

I recommend this place if you are trying to find a fun brunch place with a group of friends and have time to sit and hang out for the afternoon to take full advantage of the buffet. 

The atmosphere is playful, and the staff was generous and fun to talk to. 

If you are not 21 quite yet, it may not be as fun or as good of a deal because you won’t be able to get the mimosas. However, if you try to get your money’s worth with the buffet, there is more than enough. 

One of the downsides to Bernie’s was having to pay to take the train to 30th Street Station, but if you make a day of it in Center City, you won’t be disappointed.

If you and your friends are looking for a quality day of brunch-ing, Bernie’s is the place for you.