Grub Suggestions
Philadelphia Grub!
Hungry? Date? Business Meeting? I’ve put together this list of our personal preferences in all price scales. Check out the map, as we’ve included suggestions that are within walking distance and some that are further out. We update it regularly as we discover new spots. Some of the suggestions are touristy and mainstream, others are hidden gems off the beaten path. Hope these help you experience the iconic and popular aspects of Philadelphia, and if you want a more authentic experience, some of our unique and local essence.
Relaxed New American cafe with a devoted following for its breakfast & brunch offerings. Sabrina’s finds itself in the heart of the Powelton Village nestled in a historic Victorian manor with a enclosed wrap around porch. Serving up comfort food. Vegan and vegetarian friendly Sabrina’s is a great place to meet up with friends over some good’ol home style cooking.
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Sabrina's Cafe
227 N 34th StRelaxed New American cafe with a devoted following for its breakfast & brunch offerings. Sabrina’s finds itself in the heart of the Powelton Village nestled in a historic Victorian manor with a enclosed wrap around porch. Serving up comfort food. Vegan and vegetarian friendly Sabrina’s is a great place to meet up with friends over some good’ol home style cooking.
There’s a lot to like about Barcelona Wine Bar. The food is good, the wine list is better, and the outdoor patio sets it apart from most other restaurants on East Passyunk. They serve mostly tapas, which makes it a perfect spot to go with a bigger group of people, and they’ll even split the big paella dishes by however many people you’re with. Stop by for a glass of wine before bar hopping around the neighborhood, or just make a night of sitting outside here.
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Barcelona Wine Bar
1709 E Passyunk AveThere’s a lot to like about Barcelona Wine Bar. The food is good, the wine list is better, and the outdoor patio sets it apart from most other restaurants on East Passyunk. They serve mostly tapas, which makes it a perfect spot to go with a bigger group of people, and they’ll even split the big paella dishes by however many people you’re with. Stop by for a glass of wine before bar hopping around the neighborhood, or just make a night of sitting outside here.
Vibrant and authentic Mexican restaurant doling out traditional fare in a cozy restaurant. The food is great and fair priced. Staff are really nice. You can order in English or Spanish.
Mole Poblano
1144 S 9th StVibrant and authentic Mexican restaurant doling out traditional fare in a cozy restaurant. The food is great and fair priced. Staff are really nice. You can order in English or Spanish.
The self-proclaimed "inventor of cheesesteak" offers classic versions of Philly's favorite sandwich.
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Pat's King of Steaks
1237 E Passyunk AveThe self-proclaimed "inventor of cheesesteak" offers classic versions of Philly's favorite sandwich.
Dutch cuisine is showcased in a minimal-chic, white-tablecloth cafe known for house-made dishes.
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Noord
1046 Tasker StDutch cuisine is showcased in a minimal-chic, white-tablecloth cafe known for house-made dishes.
Boisterous doggy-themed restaurant serving eclectic fare made with local & organic ingredients.
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White Dog Cafe
3420 Sansom StBoisterous doggy-themed restaurant serving eclectic fare made with local & organic ingredients.
The brick-&-mortar outpost of the popular Honest Tom's food truck serves up tacos & burritos.
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Honest Tom's Plant Based Taco Shop
261 S 44th StThe brick-&-mortar outpost of the popular Honest Tom's food truck serves up tacos & burritos.
Contemporary counter-serve cafe serving vegan burgers, sandwiches & salads, plus smoothies.
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HipCityVeg
127 S 18th StContemporary counter-serve cafe serving vegan burgers, sandwiches & salads, plus smoothies.
Contemporary counter-serve cafe serving vegan burgers, sandwiches & salads, plus smoothies.
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HipCityVeg
127 S 18th StContemporary counter-serve cafe serving vegan burgers, sandwiches & salads, plus smoothies.
All-day vegan cafe/bakery with gluten-free & organic dishes & sweets, a rustic feel & outdoor space.
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P.S. & Co.
1706 Locust StAll-day vegan cafe/bakery with gluten-free & organic dishes & sweets, a rustic feel & outdoor space.
Hip counter-serve spot for locally sourced salads, stir-fries & fruit-honey desserts. Several of these in the city. Use google maps to find other locations.
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honeygrow
169 E City AveHip counter-serve spot for locally sourced salads, stir-fries & fruit-honey desserts. Several of these in the city. Use google maps to find other locations.
Straightforward cheesesteak specialist also offering hot dogs, fries & combo meals.
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Jimmy G's Steaks
Straightforward cheesesteak specialist also offering hot dogs, fries & combo meals.
Maza is a well known Middle Eastern word (famous in Lebanon) for the incredible, tasty, well presented combination of every appetizer served at great restaurant. Taza simply means fresh (bread, meats, ingredients, and everything edible Together, Maza Taza brings you the best of Middle Eastern food!
Maza Taza
1517 Spring Garden StMaza is a well known Middle Eastern word (famous in Lebanon) for the incredible, tasty, well presented combination of every appetizer served at great restaurant. Taza simply means fresh (bread, meats, ingredients, and everything edible Together, Maza Taza brings you the best of Middle Eastern food!
Charming coffee shop with a secret izakaya in the basement offering sushi & robatayaki meats.
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Double Knot
120 S 13th StCharming coffee shop with a secret izakaya in the basement offering sushi & robatayaki meats.
Sophisticated New American cuisine that includes a popular brunch served amid sleek modern decor.
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Fork
306 Market StSophisticated New American cuisine that includes a popular brunch served amid sleek modern decor.
Two chefs cooking simple all-day fare in an artsy, brick-walled corner storefront.
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Fitz and Starts
743 S 4th StTwo chefs cooking simple all-day fare in an artsy, brick-walled corner storefront.
Eco-friendly design serves as a backdrop for organic, gluten-free New American cuisine.
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Fare
2028 Fairmount AveEco-friendly design serves as a backdrop for organic, gluten-free New American cuisine.
Belgian & other craft beers plus mussels & hearty bar fare in a quirky space with outside seating.
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Cooperage: A Wine & Whiskey Bar
123 S 7th StBelgian & other craft beers plus mussels & hearty bar fare in a quirky space with outside seating.
Diehards line up 24/7 for the cheesesteaks served up at this no-frills veteran spot.
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Geno's Steaks
1219 S 9th StDiehards line up 24/7 for the cheesesteaks served up at this no-frills veteran spot.
Counter-serve sandwich chain dishing up Philly cheesesteaks & other subs, plus burgers & fries.
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Tony Luke's
39 E Oregon AveCounter-serve sandwich chain dishing up Philly cheesesteaks & other subs, plus burgers & fries.
A South Philly staple since the '60s for filling diner fare served 24/7 in a booth-lined setting.
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Oregon Diner
302 W Oregon AveA South Philly staple since the '60s for filling diner fare served 24/7 in a booth-lined setting.
Fine Mexican fare, potent margaritas, a lively vibe & outdoor seating make this a popular hangout.
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Cantina Los Caballitos
1651 E Passyunk AveFine Mexican fare, potent margaritas, a lively vibe & outdoor seating make this a popular hangout.
Jose Garces serves tacos, quesadillas & margaritas at this taqueria inspired by the Baja Peninsula.
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Buena Onda
1901 Callowhill StJose Garces serves tacos, quesadillas & margaritas at this taqueria inspired by the Baja Peninsula.
Japanese restaurant & bar serving ramen & more in a contemporary, wood-filled space.
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Ramen Bar
4040 Locust StJapanese restaurant & bar serving ramen & more in a contemporary, wood-filled space.
Mexican bites & potent margaritas flavor this hip, modern cantina with pink walls & a karaoke room.
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Distrito
3945 Chestnut StMexican bites & potent margaritas flavor this hip, modern cantina with pink walls & a karaoke room.
Reading Terminal Market, dating from 1890, is a top spot for foodies.
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Reading Terminal Market
1136 N 12th StReading Terminal Market, dating from 1890, is a top spot for foodies.
Casual restaurant serving square cheese-under-sauce pizzas & other Italian fare since 1959.
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Santucci's Original Square Pizza
901 S 10th StCasual restaurant serving square cheese-under-sauce pizzas & other Italian fare since 1959.
Casual restaurant serving square cheese-under-sauce pizzas & other Italian fare since 1959. Also have a location in South Philly.
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Santucci's Original Square Pizza
901 S 10th StCasual restaurant serving square cheese-under-sauce pizzas & other Italian fare since 1959. Also have a location in South Philly.
This 2-story spot spot offers Pan-Latin food, margaritas, outdoor dining & festive decor.
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Mixto Restaurante
1141 Pine StThis 2-story spot spot offers Pan-Latin food, margaritas, outdoor dining & festive decor.
From the same people responsible for lauded beer bar Monk’s, The Belgian Cafe maintains a selection of cool and interesting beers on tap, as well as an extensive selection of mussels. You may order take-out.
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Cooperage: A Wine & Whiskey Bar
123 S 7th StFrom the same people responsible for lauded beer bar Monk’s, The Belgian Cafe maintains a selection of cool and interesting beers on tap, as well as an extensive selection of mussels. You may order take-out.
Seafood seasoned with fresh lemon & Mediterranean plates served in a small space with a chill vibe.
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Dmitri's
795 S 3rd StSeafood seasoned with fresh lemon & Mediterranean plates served in a small space with a chill vibe.
Modern farm-to-table dishes served alongside classic cocktails in a handsome tavern setting.
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Southwark Restaurant
701 S 4th StModern farm-to-table dishes served alongside classic cocktails in a handsome tavern setting.
The Dutch in Pennsport, Philadelphia, where Joncarl Lachman and Lee Styer Team up to serve breakfast and brunch, Dutch style.
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The Dutch
1537 S 4th StThe Dutch in Pennsport, Philadelphia, where Joncarl Lachman and Lee Styer Team up to serve breakfast and brunch, Dutch style.
It might look like the average neighborhood bar at first, but Era distinguishes itself by offering an Ethiopian menu full of traditional dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check out the dorowat chicken slow-cooked in a flavorful red pepper sauce; or kitfo, steak tartare flavored with traditional berbere spice.
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ERA
2743 Poplar StIt might look like the average neighborhood bar at first, but Era distinguishes itself by offering an Ethiopian menu full of traditional dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check out the dorowat chicken slow-cooked in a flavorful red pepper sauce; or kitfo, steak tartare flavored with traditional berbere spice.
Still a relatively well-kept neighborhood secret, cozy corner BYOB. Figs dishes out Mediterranean food in a Moroccan setting.
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Figs
2501 Meredith StStill a relatively well-kept neighborhood secret, cozy corner BYOB. Figs dishes out Mediterranean food in a Moroccan setting.
The menu changes frequently at this neighborhood fave, which uses in-season ingredients for lunch, dinner and brunch, but with Chef Matt Zagorski — who gained local fame for the Rouge burger — in the kitchen, guests can be sure to find a burger on the list. Those craving quick bites or leisurely meals are equally pleased at Hickory Lane.
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Hickory Lane American Bistro
2025 Fairmount AveThe menu changes frequently at this neighborhood fave, which uses in-season ingredients for lunch, dinner and brunch, but with Chef Matt Zagorski — who gained local fame for the Rouge burger — in the kitchen, guests can be sure to find a burger on the list. Those craving quick bites or leisurely meals are equally pleased at Hickory Lane.
Set in a 19th-century firehouse — the fireman’s pole is still standing — Jack’s has been serving innovative American cuisine, along with impressive whiskey and scotch selections, to neighbors and visitors for more than 20 years.
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Jack's Firehouse
2130 Fairmount AveSet in a 19th-century firehouse — the fireman’s pole is still standing — Jack’s has been serving innovative American cuisine, along with impressive whiskey and scotch selections, to neighbors and visitors for more than 20 years.
Sibling of Fort Washington’s Cantina Feliz and boasting muraled walls, La Calaca Feliz, a highly praised and brightly colored spot, dishes out modern Mexican cuisine and pours a few dozen tequilas. The carnitas tacos are a must-try.
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La Calaca Feliz
2321 Fairmount AveSibling of Fort Washington’s Cantina Feliz and boasting muraled walls, La Calaca Feliz, a highly praised and brightly colored spot, dishes out modern Mexican cuisine and pours a few dozen tequilas. The carnitas tacos are a must-try.
Father and son teamed up to share their passion for food at this sandwich-centric cafe. Rybread’s sandwiches, made with fresh ingredients, are loosely based on the son’s seven-week “unemployment opportunity” road trip across the U.S., and pictures of his journeys adorn the walls.
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Rybread
1711 Fairmount AveFather and son teamed up to share their passion for food at this sandwich-centric cafe. Rybread’s sandwiches, made with fresh ingredients, are loosely based on the son’s seven-week “unemployment opportunity” road trip across the U.S., and pictures of his journeys adorn the walls.
Family-owned and -operated, the greenhouse-inspired Rose Tattoo serves American cuisine in four romantic dining areas, including a balcony with plants and flowers.
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Rose Tattoo Cafe
1847 Callowhill StFamily-owned and -operated, the greenhouse-inspired Rose Tattoo serves American cuisine in four romantic dining areas, including a balcony with plants and flowers.
This isn't just a great vegan restaurant — it's one of Philly's best restaurants, period. (It doesn't hurt that Eater critic Bill Addison deemed it the best vegan restaurant in the country.) Tofu and seitan, staples of many other vegan restaurants, play minor roles here; rather, the focus is on vegetables, treated with reverence and sophistication and served in a refined, cleanly designed space. If the tables are all booked up (which is likely), try to snag a seat at the bar and order a veggie-kissed cocktail, like the Life of Poblano with tequila and rhubarb.
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Vedge
1221 Locust StThis isn't just a great vegan restaurant — it's one of Philly's best restaurants, period. (It doesn't hurt that Eater critic Bill Addison deemed it the best vegan restaurant in the country.) Tofu and seitan, staples of many other vegan restaurants, play minor roles here; rather, the focus is on vegetables, treated with reverence and sophistication and served in a refined, cleanly designed space. If the tables are all booked up (which is likely), try to snag a seat at the bar and order a veggie-kissed cocktail, like the Life of Poblano with tequila and rhubarb.
It might seem unnecessary to approach Jewish deli foods from a new point of view — but buying into that notion might mean missing out on Abe Fisher, which would be a damn shame. The simple-sounding "chopped liver" is one of the finest, most appealing mousses diners are likely to encounter, and the Montreal smoked short rib could keep any pastrami lover happy for days. The decor at this Center City restaurant is a sophisticated twist on a classic deli.
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Abe Fisher
1623 Sansom StIt might seem unnecessary to approach Jewish deli foods from a new point of view — but buying into that notion might mean missing out on Abe Fisher, which would be a damn shame. The simple-sounding "chopped liver" is one of the finest, most appealing mousses diners are likely to encounter, and the Montreal smoked short rib could keep any pastrami lover happy for days. The decor at this Center City restaurant is a sophisticated twist on a classic deli.
The salted caramel budino at Barbuzzo, from the neighborhood-reviving team of Marcie Turney and Val Safran, more than lives up to the hype, with its sour-ish cream and sea salt balancing out the sweetness of the vanilla caramel and dark-chocolate crust. But since society dictates dinner must come before dessert, there are plenty of solid Mediterranean choices to start with, from the orange-tinged olives to the cheese board to the delicate, melty, pan-seared gnocchi.
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Barbuzzo
110 S 13th StThe salted caramel budino at Barbuzzo, from the neighborhood-reviving team of Marcie Turney and Val Safran, more than lives up to the hype, with its sour-ish cream and sea salt balancing out the sweetness of the vanilla caramel and dark-chocolate crust. But since society dictates dinner must come before dessert, there are plenty of solid Mediterranean choices to start with, from the orange-tinged olives to the cheese board to the delicate, melty, pan-seared gnocchi.
The chair cushions are worn through, the floor sags, and the service is leisurely, but it all adds to the comfortable charm at Abyssinia, where locals know they can find some of the best Ethiopian food in Philly. The stew-like dishes — including several vegetarian and vegan options — are scooped up with perfectly thin, spongy, slightly sour injera bread, used in place of utensils. Up a narrow staircase from the dining room is Fiume, a thimble-sized dive bar with an enviable whiskey list.
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Abyssinia Restaurant
229 S 45th StThe chair cushions are worn through, the floor sags, and the service is leisurely, but it all adds to the comfortable charm at Abyssinia, where locals know they can find some of the best Ethiopian food in Philly. The stew-like dishes — including several vegetarian and vegan options — are scooped up with perfectly thin, spongy, slightly sour injera bread, used in place of utensils. Up a narrow staircase from the dining room is Fiume, a thimble-sized dive bar with an enviable whiskey list.
This popular brunch spot serves eggs, salads & sandwiches until mid-afternoon & also offers catering.
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Day by Day | Restaurant & Catering
2101 Sansom StThis popular brunch spot serves eggs, salads & sandwiches until mid-afternoon & also offers catering.
Ambra is the low-key fine dining Italian restaurant you want to tell your New York friends about. Chris D’Ambro and Marina de Oliveira’s tiny — 16 seats! — special occasion dining room (attached at the hip to Southwark) has each guest feeling like a superstar, like they’re celebrities who deserve all those extra courses in addition to the six guaranteed to them at the beginning of the meal. And while it’s, very much, a hospitality-first restaurant, D’Ambro’s gutsy modern-Italian menu is what seals the deal.
Ambra Restaurant
705 S 4th StAmbra is the low-key fine dining Italian restaurant you want to tell your New York friends about. Chris D’Ambro and Marina de Oliveira’s tiny — 16 seats! — special occasion dining room (attached at the hip to Southwark) has each guest feeling like a superstar, like they’re celebrities who deserve all those extra courses in addition to the six guaranteed to them at the beginning of the meal. And while it’s, very much, a hospitality-first restaurant, D’Ambro’s gutsy modern-Italian menu is what seals the deal.