Last Friday, my co-workers and I went to lunch at the newly-opened Sabrina’s Café and Spencer’s Too (1802 Callowhill St., 215-636-9061). Living up to the hype of the original Sabrina’s Cafe in the Italian market is bound to be impossible–people are rabidly devoted to that place–but I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised. In fact, I much preferred my dining experience at S.C.&S.T. to the past three visits to the original café where my omelet was rubbery and my meatloaf weighed at least several pounds. In the restaurant’s defense, it must be nearly impossible to produce perfect food when the brunch line is at least two hours long.
At Sabrina’s Café and Spencer’s Too, we encountered no wait and our party of eight was sat almost immediately. The place was full but not too noisy and I enjoyed the ambiance of its lovely tiled walls, diner counter, and semi-open kitchen. Owner Robert De Abreu was even working on the line, giving me confidence that whatever I ordered was bound to come out well. The menu is virtually identical to that of the original restaurant, which means that Art Museum and Fairmount residents can now indulge in the signature offerings that have made Sabrina’s Café a must visit on any foodie’s list in their own backyards.
Not only is the menu the same, but so are the portions, which could easily feed two healthy eaters. My burger with avocado and bacon with sweet potato fries arrived on a double-wide plate, accompanied by a crisp mixed cabbage salad. The burger was perfectly cooked and melded nicely with the smooth avocado slices and crispy bacon. My co-workers were similarly satisfied with their meals, sharing bites between plates. With cooking and ambiance this good, it seems that Sabrina’s Café and Spencer’s Too might have a very good chance of improving upon what many already consider to be perfection.
