July hits different at Vanilla Cafe. The temperatures climb, the patios fill up, and the menu shifts to match the season — lighter, brighter, and built for long summer afternoons.
Whether you’re coming in for a first visit or you’ve been a regular since we opened, here’s a look at what’s new on the summer brunch menu and what you should be ordering this month at our Philadelphia and New Hope locations.
Summer brunch culture in Pennsylvania has evolved. People aren’t just looking for eggs and toast anymore — they want an experience. Something photogenic, something fresh, something worth making a reservation for.
At Vanilla Cafe, July is when our menu leans into the season. More cold drinks. More lighter starters. Dishes that feel made for the weather rather than fighting against it.
Our Tuna Tartare has been getting a lot of attention lately — fresh, bright, and an easy conversation starter at the table. If you’re debating between that and the Avocado Toast, know that they’re built for very different moods. The tartare is the bolder choice; the toast is the reliable crowd-pleaser.
Both are available at our New Hope location and make a strong opening to a long summer brunch.
Our core brunch menu is all-day by design — breakfast sandwiches, fresh salads, and bakery staples served from open to close. In summer, we lean into the lighter end of that range. Fresh-pressed juices move faster, the seasonal pastry rotation shifts, and the cold brew program expands.
The bakery counter in July reflects what our team is excited about. Expect fruit-forward croissants and seasonal dessert cups alongside our staple mango mousse cups, tiramisu, and handcrafted pastries. The counter turns over quickly on weekends — if something catches your eye, don’t wait.
Cold brew is the move in July. We chill ours overnight, full-immersion, and the result is something smoother and less acidic than most cafe cold brews you’ll find in Pennsylvania. We also offer iced lattes, iced mochas, and our house-style iced espresso for those who want something a little stronger.
11903 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia — Open daily 9 AM to 9 PM. Reservations: (215) 613-5946.
Northeast Philly summers are busy, and weekend brunch tables at our Philadelphia location fill up fast. Walk-ins are welcome on weekdays; calling ahead is smart on Saturdays and Sundays.
41 N Main St, New Hope — Open daily 9 AM to 9 PM. Reservations: (215) 983-1211.
Summer in New Hope means foot traffic from visitors coming in for the art scene, the river, and the historic downtown. Our N Main Street location is right in the middle of it all — and yes, it fills up on summer weekends without much warning. Book ahead.
A.1 Yes. While our core all-day brunch menu stays consistent, we rotate seasonal pastries, desserts, and specialty drink offerings throughout the year. Summer is one of our most active seasons for fresh additions.
A.2 Most seasonal items are available at both locations, though the New Hope menu occasionally features a few location-specific additions. Calling ahead to confirm availability for specific items is always a good idea.
A.3 Yes. One of the things people appreciate most about Vanilla Cafe is that brunch runs from open to close — you don’t have to race the kitchen clock to get what you want.
A.4 Yes, fully. Everything served at Vanilla Cafe — across both locations, including all summer additions — is halal.