Pennsylvania: Shorty’s Sunflower Cafe

Shorty’s Sunflower Cafe is a hidden gem in one of many boroughs of Eastern Pennsylvania. The people who work there and/or own the place are some of the most friendly people you will meet in the area; always a warm smile on their face and a full pot of coffee in their hand. I have been going there for at least six years now. The food is always filling and delightful, never once have I left disappointed. The prices are great too. The one downside is that they are closed Monday and Tuesday and accept only cash.

Usually, I order the yummy Southwestern Omelet, but on this visit I wanted to try something new. I ordered the Texas Eggs in a Hole: 2 eggs cooked in Texas Toast topped with jack cheese, salsa, and sour cream on top of their home fries. I did not know that “Texas Toast” is an actual type of bread and not just a gimmicky name. Texas toast is packaged bread that is pre-sliced at double the thickness. Contrary to the name, it has not been toasted. It is typically used for French toast or fondue. For this plate, it literally sat on top of the has browns, had 2 holes in it where the eggs were placed, and covered with the cheese, sour cream, and salsa. As you can see in the picture, they do not waste their holes, but instead put the circular pieces on top for decoration. The home fries are basically seasoned potato cubes sprinkled amongst a few other vegetables and salsa.

I did not think eggs were going to be enough protein for me, so I took a chance and ordered Scrapple with Apple Butter. Scrapple is best known in Pennsylvania, Delaware, South Jersey, and Maryland. If you don’t know what scrapple is, then prepared to be disgusted because it does not sound as great as it tastes. Scrapple is a conglomeration of pork scraps and trimmings (think hog offal; head, heart, and liver) that are combined with cornmeal and flour to make a mush that is then formed into a loaf like shape and fried. The meat is finely minced and so ground up that it does not take much effort to chew in your mouth. The taste differs depending on what seasonings are added and omitted, but there is no doubt that it is distinct and acquired. People in Pennsylvania generally enjoy it with apple butter, a concentrated form of apple sauce that is more of preserve in texture and shelf life. I found the scrapple with apple butter to be delicious and fulfilling. However, I do not think I could eat it everyday or live off of it. My brother and I also shared a piece of the best cornbread found in the East coast. Every bite is accompanied by a wonderful corn and buttery sweet taste that will leave you wanting more. In fact, before I had it at Shorty’s, I did not enjoy cornbread at all and still am always hesitant to eat it at different locations. So if you know a place with great cornbread in Los Angeles, let me know!

Shorty’s Sunflower Cafe

1494 N Charlotte St
Pottstown, PA 19464

Get Directions(610) 970-5111