Middle Child — Restaurant in Philadelphia

Although this is stretching the concept of a cafe, Middle Child has been recommended to me in comments from my other cafe reviews as well as suggested to my niece. So…we paid them a visit.

If given the chance, I always try to check out the menu ahead of time. This menu raised an eyebrow as the ingredients were - different? BUT they serve locally roasted Elixir coffee, so they must be doing something right.

There were two sandwiches we couldn’t decide on. So we ordered both and swapped half with each other. Here is what I thought:

Shopsin Club - (House turkey, cranberry miso mayo, sweet pickles, bacon, avocado, bibb, ciabatta) I am not a pickle person and was hesitant of this combination, but I wouldn’t change a thing. My tastebuds were VERY happy!

Surfer - (House turkey, melty Swiss, blueberry chutney, duke’s mayo, arugula, ciabatta) We tried this one second and probably should have cleansed our pickle palate as it was delicious but lacked a “kick”. My niece took the rest of hers home to add some pickles.

Next, the atmosphere is fun and retro. Staff was incredibly helpful, cheery, and friendly. Seating is limited, but available both inside and outside. We opted to go sit in the park. One of my favorite perks when eating in the city.

I love the name of this cafe (deli/diner). When I think of a middle child, Jan Brady always comes to mind. Hence, at least to me, the retro vibe here definitely fits the bill.

If you like to challenge your tastebuds and happen to be near center city in Philly, give Middle Child a try. I plan to go back this week - Shopsin Club all the...

Update: i finally went and got the seasonal BLT on a Friday around lunch time. The line wasn't long to order but expect to wait a while (they were saying about 25-30 minute wait) especially if you get the BLT. I think if you aren't getting a blt and the website is online(they shut it off when it's especially busy) you should order ahead since most online orders seemed to be in and out real quick.

I subbed avocado for the bacon since i usually don't eat pork or beef, and it was tasty. I know then it's not technically a BLT at that point but it's how it is on the menu. they don't really allow substitutions for most of their menu but I'm really happy to have a vegetarian option for the blt.

i walked home but the sandwich, while maybe a little soggier 15 mins late, was still really good. I will say expect the tomatoes to be really juicy and for the liquid to just gush out everywhere. it probably isn't very park friendly eating lol so grab napkins if you don't have a sink handy.

The BLT was listed as 13.50, i think after what i assume tax plus a good sized tip I spent 17-18$. it isn't something id get everyday at that price but also these tomatoes are top notch.

I think I'll continue trying other sandwiches, one "blt" per season i think is enough for me lol.

Earlier review:

I got the breakfast sandwich for takeout (ordering online is the way to go). Oh boy does this place do an amazing job making sandwiches. This is not a light breakfast by any means (I mean... look at that fluffy egg) and my friend and I weren't hungry for a...

Our sandwiches were honestly delicious. But it took almost an hour to make two egg sandwiches. Got there after the time it said our order was ready, and we were told it will be another 10 minutes. We waited over 10 more minutes. People do have a job and are on time limits, it would be nice if the food is ready when we are told it will be. I get you are busy, but with that many workers you need to tell them to pick up the pace. Seriously. Limeade is a waste of money, fake ingredients, absolutely no fresh lime juice whatsoever, it is disgusting. Hash brown would have been much better if it wasn't drenched in old nasty oil. Dill pickle is a half of a dill pickle, not a whole. You do have to understand the space is very small, lots of people working hard together and it's extremely busy. I applaud the workers there because it was ridiculously busy, but they were extremely lagging- I watched how slow they were going. Pick up the pace=more tips. Also, you will smell like grease if you are picking up or eating in. The ventilation is either broken, really horrible, or they don't have one. We will order sandwiches again for delivery, but never will we go back to the actual place again. Also, for the love of God, make some actual real lime juice. It's not that hard to squeeze fresh lime or lemon. 3 stars...