Philadelphia, PA Restaurant Guide
When we think Philly, we think LOVE. Philadelphians love a night out on the town. They love to be active around the city. And they LOVE food. And not just Philadelphia Cheesesteaks, either. Philadelphia is a culinary capital in the US thanks to talented chefs from Philly and the mid-Atlantic region, along with its proximity to culinary talent from NYC. No matter where you dine in Philadelphia, your meal is going to be handled by a PRO.
Of course, we should start with the Philadelphia Cheesesteak. While it’s true that you can get varying levels of quality throughout the area, it’s nonetheless incredible that a bite known around the world is named after the City of Brotherly Love. Whether you love it whiz wit or prov witout, you won’t have to travel far in Philly to find, at worst, an average cheesesteak, and at best, a life changing sandwich.
If Will Smith didn’t make it clear in the 90’s, most of the neighborhoods in Philly are oriented by direction – there’s a West Philadelphia (born and raised as the song goes..), North Philly, South Philly, Northwest Philly, Lower Northeast Philly and Far Northeast Philly (but no East Philly). We cover everything from Center City moving outwards in our Philly restaurant coverage, with a focus on a handful of neighborhoods within these larger neighborhoods, like Fishtown, South Street, East Passyunk, Northern Liberties, Old City, Chestnut Hill and more.
In addition to a diverse number of neighborhoods, modern-day Philadelphia is a cultural hub, featuring immigrants from Asia, Latin America, Africa and other parts of the world. Whether you’re discovering great dim sum, keeping your eyes peeled for delicious Cuban, or booking it for the best biryani you can find – it’s all in Philly. You can typically find a bit of all of these at Philly’s multiple great food halls (in addition to the famous Reading Terminal Market, of course) – places like Chinatown Square, Franklin’s Table Food Hall and more.
If you’re a sports fan, then you know Philadelphia fans are some of the most passionate in the country, whether they’re rooting for the 76’ers on the court, the Eagles on the field, the Union on the pitch, or the Phillies on the diamond. Join up with them on game night at any of the great dining options near the stadium, or check out some of Philly’s incredible local microbreweries and catch a game on TV. They’ve got more than Yuengling in this region of the country – microbreweries like Yards Brewing, Iron Hill, and Evil Genius have gotten distribution all across the East Coast. Plus they have up and comers like Urban Village, Crime and Punishment, and Brewery ARS – all with great menus so you can fill up in more ways than one.
Finally, we can’t talk about Philly without mentioning how many great institutes of higher education lie in the city limits – and how many great restaurants you can find near all of them. Whether you’re in the suburbs by Bryn Mar and Villanova, or in-town by UPenn and Drexel, there are dozens of options for your next meal, college-budget and up! Colleges like these keep Philadelphia young, vibrant and primed for the next great restaurant – and we’ll be ready to cover them all. Discover the best in Philadelphia restaurants – no matter what your budget is – with our guides below!
The Fairmount Neighborhood Dining Guide in Philadelphia, PA
When you’re wandering around the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia and ready to eat, you’ll find lots of great choices. Whether you’re searching for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even a hearty mid-day snack, we’ve got the inside scoop on some of the top places. One thing is for sure – you’ll eat well any time you visit Fairmount. Check out our Fairmount neighborhood guide in Philadelphia for all the best eats around.
First Date Ideas That Aren’t Totally Boring in Philadelphia, PA
A good first date can set the foundation for a great relationship. That usually means getting a table at the right spot. Need some help picking out a good restaurant for a first date in Philadelphia? Check out these eight first-date ideas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Unmissable Speakeasies in Philadelphia, PA
“Fun” is the secret word at Philadelphia’s iconic and eclectic speakeasies. Offering the thrill of the secret saloons of yesteryear, modern Philly speakeasies serve up high-concept experiences under low lighting. We recently had the pleasure of checking out several speakeasy bars in search of cocktails that defy time. Here’s a look at the eight best speakeasies in Philadelphia, PA.
The Best Fishtown Restaurants in Philadelphia
Located along the Delaware River in the Northeastern part of Philadelphia, Fishtown offers a diversely rich, charming, and even brotherly community of bicoastal and rich cultures. Fish Town restaurants are quite diverse, as cuisines and cultures are intertwined in this town. Here are some food recommendations worth trying during your next visit.
The Best Cheesesteak Sandwiches in Philadelphia
Whiz wit? Prov witout? Whether you’re from Philly or just visiting, everyone has an opinion on cheesesteaks. Does it have to be an Amoroso roll? Is cheese wiz better than provolone? We’ve compiled a list of what we think are the Best Cheesesteak Sandwiches in Philadelphia!
The Best Bagels in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is one of the great all American cities. This city has a long and proud history that extends back many centuries. One of the best things about the community is the chance to enjoy lots of wonderful food. Over the years, the region has developed an incredible array of diverse places to eat. Residents and visitors alike can take advantage of this fact. Bagels make an ideal meal. They are fast, easy to eat and lend themselves to many varied toppings. If you are looking for bagels in Philadelphia, you’ll find lots of incredible possibilities.
The Absolute Best Restaurants Near Temple University in Philadelphia, PA
When you find yourself near Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, we have some incredible options. We’ve found highly acclaimed restaurants as well as those that are off-the-beaten-path, all for you to explore and enjoy! When you’re around Temple and wanna go out to eat, check out our list with some of the best options.
Top Girl’s Night Out Spots in Philadelphia, PA
Ladies, let’s get in formation! It’s time to get together with the girls and enjoy all that Philadelphia has to offer. We love Philly’s nightlife and have compiled a list of spots that we’re sure you’re going to love during your next girl’s night out.
Where to Find the Absolute Best French Fries in Philadelphia, PA
Crispy, curly, waffled, salty. We all have our own definition of what the “best” French fries are. They’re an irresistible side dish, and sometimes, they’re an entire course of their own. Philadelphia, PA is home to some amazing restaurants, and many have claimed that they have mastered frying a potato for your nibbling pleasure. Check out our list of where to get some of the best fries in Philly.
Check Out Some of the Oldest Restaurants in Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has more history than just the Liberty Bell. You’ll want to explore the food scene where there are some hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. There’s certainly more waiting for you in the City of Brotherly Love than just Philly cheesesteaks, though you’ll find plenty of those, too. If you’re a history buff and also a foodie, we’ve put together a list of some of the oldest restaurants in Philly for you to check out.
The 10 Best Places to Try Scrapple in Philadelphia, PA
When in Philly, there are certain places you HAVE to go and foods you HAVE to try that are iconic to this historic city of brotherly love. The Liberty Bell, Statue of Rocky, and Philly cheesesteaks are just a few of these must see and have items for you to check off your list. But did you know that scrapple is another popular fare? Scrapple is a unique dish made from pork meat, cornmeal, and various spices, and it’s way more delicious than it sounds! Check out this article to be in the know on the best places to get scrapple.
The Very Best Food Halls in Philadelphia
Eating out can be tough for a number of reasons–picky eaters, dietary restrictions, or people who are just plain difficult, you know how it goes. *Enter food halls!* Not much beats a good food hall. They’re quick, fun, casual, and *everyone* can get something that they’ll enjoy. For a delicious array of good eats, check out our list of food halls in Philly.
Do you LOVE vibrant, walkable cities with young people and students nearby? Do you LOVE experimental microbreweries with a great atmosphere? Do you LOVE food halls with dishes for any craving? Do you LOVE a city with character, history and enough size to discover something new every day? Then you’ll LOVE the City of Brotherly Love.