Cafe Lift

Cafe Lift

1124 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, United States

+1 215-922-3031

American restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Brunch restaurant, Restaurant
(2021)
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About This Place

Situated in the heart of Philadelphia’s vibrant Spring Garden neighborhood, Cafe Lift offers a distinctly elevated American dining experience that shines brightest at breakfast and brunch. With a menu brimming with both classic comforts and inventive twists, this beloved local spot continues to deliver consistently satisfying meals that enchant both longtime regulars and first-time visitors alike.

From the moment you step inside, Cafe Lift welcomes you with a warm, bustling atmosphere that captures the essence of a modern neighborhood cafe. The bi-level space is bright and inviting, perfect for catching up with friends over a leisurely meal or fueling up before a busy day. The attentive, friendly staff add an extra layer of hospitality, ensuring each visit feels special and personal, even during the lively weekend brunch rush.

The menu is a masterclass in thoughtfully prepared American favorites with standout dishes that frequently earn rave reviews. Start your day with their signature Huevos Rancheros, where perfectly cooked eggs are paired with vibrant, spicy ranchero sauce and fresh accompaniments that awaken the palate. Or savor the creamy richness of the Eggs Benedict, expertly balanced by silky hollandaise atop tender poached eggs and bright English muffins.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Cannoli French Toast is a dazzling choice—light, fluffy slices of French toast layered with luscious ricotta and chocolate chips, finishing with a dusting of powdered sugar that melts on the tongue. The Breakfast Burrito is a filling, flavor-packed option, brimming with savory ingredients that make every bite a delight, even without added protein.

Cafe Lift’s creativity truly shines through in dishes like the Mushroom Toast and Veggie Benedict, showcasing seasonal ingredients with vibrant flavors and beautifully balanced textures. Fans of bold, wholesome meals rave about the Chicken Cutlet Sandwich, praised for its impeccable harmony of crispy breading, savory meat, and perfectly matched toppings and seasoning. And for a taste of Philly with a twist, the Egg Cheesesteak sandwich, stacked with shaved ribeye, caramelized onions, and a fried egg on a pretzel bun, offers satisfying indulgence in every bite.

No brunch is complete without a thoughtfully brewed cup of coffee, and Cafe Lift’s selection is equally compelling. Whether you prefer the smooth clarity of their Forever Coffee Drip or the bold kick of a Cold Brew, the coffee here perfectly complements the robust flavors of the dishes. Seasonal drinks such as the Candy Cane Mocha and the fragrant Lavender London Fog infuse a comforting, aromatic touch to your meal.

Sides at Cafe Lift are more than just accompaniments—they’re integral to the experience. The Lemon Ricotta Pancake enlivens the palate with bright citrus notes and creamy texture, while the locally sourced Pork Roll or Fennel Sausage add savory depth. Fresh salads like the Lift Salad, with crisp greens, tart apples, walnuts, and vibrant dressing, offer a refreshing counterpoint to heartier plates.

Customers consistently praise Cafe Lift for its unwavering quality and flavorful dishes. Jenny Nguyen celebrates the perfect balance of crisp and moisture in her meal, while Alexis Brown proudly calls it a “10/10” brunch destination that never disappoints. Michelle Liu’s enthusiasm for the breakfast burrito highlights the satisfying and bold profiles that keep guests coming back. The welcoming service and welcoming vibe frequently receive heartfelt commendations, cementing Cafe Lift as a true neighborhood gem.

Whether you’re craving a rich crab bisque, a decadent strawberry rhubarb French toast, or a perfectly crafted espresso, Cafe Lift delivers every time with passion and precision. It’s not just a meal; it’s a weekend ritual, a cozy retreat, and a flavorful celebration of American brunch culture — all waiting for you at 1124 Spring Garden Street.

Service options
Kerbside pickup Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great coffee Great tea selection Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Healthy options Quick bite Spirits Vegan options Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Catering Counter service Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Gender-neutral toilets Toilet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Lively Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Locals Tourists University students
Planning
Usually a wait Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Paid parking lot Paid street parking Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
  • Thursday
    08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
  • Friday
    08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
  • Saturday
    08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
  • Sunday
    08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Jenny Nguyen (Jenny.Puff)
    2 week ago

    Kudos to the chef! Everything was simply delicious! The grapefruit mimosa was refreshing, and the crepe was a perfect blend of savory and sweet! The potatoes had a perfect amount of crisp and moisture! We will definitely be back! I also enjoyed the crab bisque.

  • Alexis Brown
    3 week ago

    Cafe Lift is guaranteed quality food and a great experience! I’ve been coming to this cafe since their last location and I am more than pleased to know that a new location has not changed the quality of their food. This food is a 10/10 everytime - so much so that this is our routine stop for our weekend brunches. We’ve tried many of the dishes and the flavors are outstanding! As much as I would love to keep this place to myself, I encourage you to visit and taste their deliciousness! Also, I appreciate being remembered by the staff and how accommodating they are. Honorary mention for the cucumber lemonade, focaccia, the fruit tart French toast (our newest try) Seriously, just thinking about eating here makes me happy.

  • Michelle Liu
    1 month ago

    I cannot get enough of this place. I inhaled the breakfast burrito. It was so filling and flavorful even without adding a protein. They have many great items on the menu — my friend loves their Lift Dip Panino which I’ll definitely be trying next

  • Ping Regis
    1 month ago

    Listen y'all! I know it's a brunch spot. I know the brunch food is divine (I promise I've sampled around the menu) but this chicken cutlet sandwich is a star in my books. The balance of protein to breading to toppings and seasoning?? YUM! Staff are always super sweet, informative, and attentive no matter how busy it gets. The inside is bi-level and can get louder depeneding on peak hours, but whenever it isn't it's a chill spot. Would I wait 20+ minutes for a table if I were on a schedule? nah. But if it's less than that you can get a decent walk in around Callowhill to build your appetite~

  • Nichell Logue
    1 month ago

    We had an incredible brunch at Cafe Lift! We ordered the mushroom and leek frittata with cider salad, the apple crumble French toast, and the cheesecake sandwich on a pretzel roll, along with some lattes. Every dish was beautifully prepared, full of flavor, and absolutely delicious. The frittata was light and savory, the French toast was the perfect balance of sweet and cozy, and the cheesecake sandwich was such a fun and unique treat. The lattes paired perfectly with everything. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Service was warm and attentive without being rushed. Highly recommend Cafe Lift if you’re looking for a memorable and tasty café experience. We’ll definitely be back!

  • Kevin Mesquita
    1 month ago

    Had a great brunch at Cafe Lift and would definitely come back. The vibe is super chill-cool industrial space with local art on the walls, and it just feels like a comfortable spot to hang out. It was definitely packed when we got there, but luckily there was no wait, which was a nice surprise. I ordered the Egg Cheesesteak and it was awesome-really flavorful, cheesy, and filling. A little messy to eat, but in the best way. We also tried the breakfast Poutine, which was just as good-savory, crispy, and perfect for brunch. You can tell they really care about the food and keep things fresh. It's the kind of place that works for everything-brunch with friends or bringing the family. Cozy atmosphere, great food, and friendly staff. Highly recommend if you're in Philly and want a solid brunch spot.

  • Jay Bla (BebeJayy)
    2 month ago

    Talk about indie coffee house vibes ! Fell in love with it as I was walking by looking for a latte ended up ordering a whole meal! Love the options and prices let’s be honest! I recommend the avocado toast never had that with chilli crisps until I met Cafe Lift, how tasty! Also the Leomn Ricotta Pancake is decadent without overwhelming portion! Left full and belly happy highly recommend if you’re in the area or looking to switch up your cafe.

  • Bobbi B
    3 month ago

    Instantly became a favorite - you can’t order anything bad here. The food and place feel made with love. It is a bit on the pricier side, but you’re paying for high quality and very well executed food & drink.

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