El Fuerte de Loreto

When people ask us where to get a good Mexican breakfast, we immediately go through our mental Rolodex of taco spots (and taco spots only). That’s until we had the huevos rancheros, dulce de leche French toast, and cheesy molletes experience at Passyunk Square’s El Fuerte de Loreto. The colorful BYOB is Mexico through and through—the walls are lined with the flag’s colors, Luis Miguel blasts through the speakers, and the agave paintings remind you that you need to water your succulents when you get home.

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO

They’re open daily (and until 10pm Wednesday-Saturday) and get insanely crowded on the weekends (FYI—that’s when it’s cash-only). The dinner menu—full of options like chicken fajitas and quesabirria—is pretty forgettable. But their brunch is worth running to. From the high-quality ingredients in the peppery chilaquiles (like the housemade tortillas) and omelets big enough for three to the pillowy heaven that are the pancakes drenched in a strawberry compote, it’s a breakfast spread that you’ll crave daily. Stop by on a morning when you want an irresistibly fruity smoothie, deserve more than sad eggs wrapped in a store-bought tortilla, and don’t mind waiting for it.  

Food Rundown

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO

Huevos Rancheros

The spicy roja salsa spills out over the edges of the crispy tortillas; the fried eggs are layered with slices of avocado and refried beans. Much like “Dreaming of You” by Selena, there’s nothing we would change about the huevos rancheros here. Each bite is a balancing act of creaminess, peppery heat, and crunch.

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO

Chilaquiles

This is one of our favorite dishes on the menu. The eggs are cooked beautifully and the salsa has just the right amount of spice. Plus, the way the housemade tortillas stay crunchy while soaking up the avocado, queso, and sour cream is pure magic. Order it—it will make us sad if you don’t.

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO

Mexico City Omelet

You have a few options for omelets here (six, to be exact), but we’ll make your choice easy—this is the one to get. Packed with crumbled chorizo, jalapeños, caramelized onions, and pico de gallo, it’s not overly spicy and has some crispness thanks to all of the tender veggies disbursed from edge to edge.

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO

El Fuerte Toast

If you’re not in the mood for eggs or anything cheesy, this might be the ideal meal to kick-start your day. Each inch of French toast soaks up the rich, buttery, and chocolatey goodness of their “Abelita Sauce.” The chunks of fresh strawberries tossed throughout the dish don’t hurt either.

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO

Dulce de Leche Toast

These soft triangles of joy are topped with fresh peaches, whipped cream, and a sweet cajeta sauce (think a creamier caramel sauce). Our favorite part of the dish are the toasted almonds sprinkled on top that give each bite a delicious crunch.