A couple weekends ago, I had brunch at American Sardine Bar in Philadelphia. Located on the corner of 18^th and Federal in the Point Breeze neighborhood, the quirky building has a giant metal sardine can above the entrance, beckoning patrons. The interior pops with a black-and-white checkered tile floor, large mirrors behind the bar and brightly colored walls. The restaurant boasts an impressive beer list and a variety of brunch options. With sweet, savory and vegan dishes, American Sardine Bar has something for everyone.

While deciding on food, I ordered a screwdriver with fresh-squeezed orange juice. I had enough time to study the menu while the bartender juiced the oranges on an old-fashioned machine behind the bar.

After some serious deliberation, we decided to split Jen Carroll’s Deep Fried Sandwich and breakfast fries. The decadent sandwich includes roasted chicken, pimento cheese and pickled green tomatoes between two slices of thick bread, beer-battered and deep fried. For brunch, the diner can top the sandwich with a fried egg — we did. The fresh-cut fries are covered with sausage gravy, hollandaise, caramelized onions, Tabasco, bacon and a fried egg all served with a side of marble rye toast, naturally. The sandwich and fries were incredible! If our brunch choices sound too heavy, sample from the small plates, including potato tacos, pickled eggs, kale salad and Brussels sprouts. Our friend opted for the sweeter route, ordering peanut butter and jelly French toast. He was kind enough to let me sneak a bite.

Anthony Bourdain visited the gastropub on the Philadelphia edition of his Travel Channel Show, The Layover. Between the fantastic food and drinks and The Layover coverage, I predict a bright future for American Sardine Bar.

— Katie Skrzek, digital media manager