“Oh!” is not a very good approximation of the sound that I made upon trying the guacamole at Café y Chocolate, but I can’t think of one that better captures my amazement and sheer joy at the salty, savory, green bowl of heaven that I picked at throughout the meal, often neglecting the rest of my food. The guac was unexpectedly tomato–heavy, which I found surprisingly delightful.
The excitement of the guacamole discovery is, perhaps, emblematic of Café y Chocolate itself. Tucked away in West Passyunk, the Mexican restaurant is a hidden gem, known for its breakfast dishes and inventive coffee drinks. The restaurant is small and quiet, aside from the steady stream of music by Mexican artists on the television—your eardrums will be blessed with mariachi beyond your wildest dreams. There’s a general homeyness about the place—you know going in that you’re in for some top notch Mexican food, but there are echoes in the decor to the classic diners or delis of your youth. I ventured over there for an early (8 a.m.!) brunch with a friend. We got a table right away and began examining the extensive menu while regulars lined up to grab morning coffees before work.
I had the namesake café y chocolate to drink, a version of Mexican hot chocolate with enough espresso to perk you up for the rest of the meal. The coffee was warm, hot, and rich, in some contrast to the icy, cinnamon–forward horchata that my happy dining companion enjoyed. Both were plenty sweet enough to wash down the aforementioned guacamole (did I mention that I liked the guacamole?) with tortilla chips.
We chose some brunch staples to focus on for the main course, sampling the huevos rancheros (eggs smothered in a very fortunate amount of salsa verde) and huevos revueltos migas—a sort of deconstructed omelet scrambled together with tortilla chips and cheese. The huevos revueltos migas wasn’t quite my cup of tea, but the serrano peppers stood out and added an unexpected bite. However, the contrast between the tangy, spicy salsa verde and the creamy, perfectly–cooked eggs made the huevos rancheros a standout. Both were accompanied with perfectly salty, garlicky refried beans; one classic way to try these is layered on Portuguese bread in Café y Chocolate’s molletes dish.
Ultimately, my deep regret of the meal was that I was too full to try more dishes. The menu is packed with flexibility—nearly any dish can be made vegetarian or with a protein of choice, including infinite twists on eggs. The menu ranges from its expansive list of mouthwatering beverages, to traditional dishes, brunch–y American–inspired items, and even a dessert menu, which I promise to save room for one of these days. If anything, take the opportunity to visit Café y Chocolate as one in which you try something new—I assure you, there is some unique brunch combination of eggs and spice that is certain to delight.
Based on some previous dining experiences, I’d hasten you to consider Café y Chocolate for dinner as well as brunch. If you’re frustrated with the only options for Mexican food near University City being restaurants whose specialty dish is the margarita, it’s the alternative that you’ve been looking for. My first visit there involved some mind–blowing mole that was a far leap from the bite–sized, over–priced tacos that are so abundant at the restaurants close to campus. Instead of a pitcher, prepare to get drunk on the dopamine rush of truly awesome food.
The most satisfying part of the meal may have been right after we paid the check. I packed up the rest of my food for later (portion sizes have the stamp of approval) and drained the rest of my coffee cup. I noticed the rim read “barriga llena, corazón contento” or “full belly, happy heart.” Amen to that, sister.
TL;DR: Spice up breakfast with a tasty cup of coffee and a new take on eggs at Café y Chocolate.
Location: 1532 Snyder Ave.
Hours: 8 am. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays
Price: $
