Since the late 18th century, there has been a debate over small businesses versus large chain corporations in America. A prime and local example of this is Havertown’s newest addition: Nudy’s Cafe. 

Nudy’s Cafe is a breakfast and lunch attraction with thirteen different locations across Pennsylvania. Renowned for its exceptional service and reasonable prices, Nudy’s has gained traction in Havertown. In all the times I have passed Nudy’s Cafe, I note the full parking lot and bustling atmosphere surrounding it. Seeing as it’s the neighbor of an ancient collectible shop and an empty construction sight, it stands out.

However, it would be imprudent to not address what I feel is Nudy’s biggest competitor: Kettle. Kettle is also a breakfast and lunch attraction in Havertown. Sitting on the corner of Darby and Brookline, Kettle is a quaint breakfast spot. It’s known for its cleanliness and exceptional food, regardless of its small floor plan. Kettle, being locally owned, is a prime example of suburban charm.

I decided to compare the two and end the debate once and for all: big or small? Corporate or local? Nudy’s or Kettle? 

Nudy’s 

Admittedly, I walked into Nudy’s with a slight bias towards Kettle. For years, my family and I have enjoyed and frequented Kettle. Nonetheless, my accompaniment encouraged me to discard any bias I had towards Kettle and experience Nudy’s with a fresh, open mind. 

Driving up to Nudy’s, we first noted its parking. The customer parking was adequate but tight. Although Nudy’s wasn’t crowded the second we arrived, parking would definitely be a problem if it was busy.

Entering Nudy’s, the atmosphere was lively. You could hear and smell the kitchen in the back, and constant chatter roamed the room. The walls were covered with quotes, and the wood floor was polished, emitting a local kitchen feel. We were greeted by a hostess who had recently transferred from a different location of Nudy’s. This only reminded me that this was a chain restaurant and not a local kitchen. 

For nine o’clock on a Sunday morning, Nudy’s was busy. It was clearly a family spot, but there were teenagers and seniors here and there as well. 

It was my understanding that Nudy’s was renowned for their pancakes. So, you may be able to predict my order. My companion, however, ordered an omelet with potato fries and sausage. 

Throughout the entire breakfast, the service was incredible. We received several refills of coffee without asking. We were checked on multiple times, and it took roughly six minutes after ordering to receive our food. 

When we were given our food, I was immediately impressed with the presentation. Not mine, but my partner’s. His omelet lay on a bed of potato fries. Two sausages sat beside a fluffy omelet with cheese oozing out of its contents. When I looked back at mine, there were two chocolate chip pancakes with powdered sugar on them. Nothing special, but nothing to be berated. 

He described his omelet as “steamy, hot, and fresh.” The presentation was impeccable, but the egg itself was phenomenal. He was specifically attracted to the potato fries, appreciating the fact that they did not add any peppers or onions of any kind, which most establishments add without question. He finished his meal with no notes. 

I also enjoyed my breakfast. The pancakes were acceptable, but not exceptional. I found that the chocolate got lost in the batter. Nonetheless, they were very filling. Honestly, my family makes pancakes just as good, if not better. For such a ‘renowned’ dish, I was underwhelmed. 

The prices of both dishes were reasonable and affordable. This is one of the reasons Nudy’s has attracted so many younger customers. Kettle is a small, local, business, and therefore must charge more for their food. Nonetheless, by the time I walked out of Nudy’s Cafe, I was still not convinced that it would surpass Kettle’s food. So, the following weekend I decided to visit Kettle for a fair comparison. 

Kettle 

Kettle has always been a hit in Havertown. Their food is sensational, their service is excellent, and their atmosphere allures many. So, you can imagine my excitement walking into Kettle for breakfast. 

My partner and I mapped our morning perfectly, timing our arrival just right. Kettle, due to their small floor plan, tends to fill up quickly. Luckily, we were seated immediately. I took note of the staff. Most of them were high school students, while others had worked at Kettle for years. It only amplified the local charm of Kettle to know that those working there were people I knew personally. 

Within minutes, we received service. Ensuring a fair comparison, my companions and I ordered similar, if not the same things from Nudy’s: an omelet with potato fries and bacon and a stack of chocolate-chip pancakes. 

One thing I took away from my experience at Kettle was the service. It was constant. Our server checked on us at least two times before we had gotten our food and five times in all. We both received several refills of coffee. 

We received our food in just under ten minutes. Kettle had considerably larger portions than Nudy’s. One pancake at Kettle was nearly the size of two at Nudy’s–which I appreciated. 

My companion’s food looked exquisite, as expected. The egg was fluffy, and, as he claimed, “flavorful.” He again appreciated the fact that Kettle gave him the option to not add peppers and onions and to replace his toast with an English muffin. He was amazed by the bacon, which Kettle is particularly acclaimed for. It was crispy, but not burnt. Fragile, but not crumbling. Perfect. Overall, he thoroughly enjoyed his meal. 

I immediately sliced through my pancakes. Although they lacked chocolate, they were abundant in flavor and consistency. However, I must say I prefer Nudy’s sausage to Kettle’s sausage, as it was far less greasy and far more crispy. 

For two people, our breakfast at Kettle was reasonably priced. Kettle is definitely affordable for younger customers and a few were in attendance while we were there. 

The Verdict

Although both breakfast spots had amazing food, it was the atmosphere that was the deciding factor. 

Nudy’s was very corporate. Everything seemed to shine, but it all seemed plastered on. Kettle was very homey. It had imperfections but maintained a hallmark-like feel. 

Perhaps it’s because my family and I have been eating at Kettle for years, but I would choose Kettle over Nudy’s any day.