Philadelphia has always been a world class city. For many years it has thrived in the areas of arts and culture, historical significance and architecture. However, until recently, Philly has never been known as a culinary hotbed. Sure, there were a few heavy hitters, but nothing like it’s current offerings. These days, it seems Philadelphia gives cities like Chicago, New York and San Francisco a run for their money in edible excitement. We are a city of neighborhoods filled with BYOB’s, Iron Chefs and Ethnic Delicacies. First stop, FISHTOWN:
ETHNIC:
Ekta: (Indian) City Paper 2013 Reader’s Choice Awards Best Indian Restaurant.
Eatalia: (Italian) A small, inexpensive BYOB located in Philadelphia specializing in Northern Italian cuisine in a warm romantic atmosphere.
Jovan’s Place: (Eastern European) Jovan’s Place is a hidden gem of Fishtown/Nothern Liberties in Philadelphia. Family-run and Eastern-European, the pub dishes up home-cooked meals like schnitzel and stuffed cabbage. The smells wafting from this corner bar are divine.
Loco Pez: (Mexican) Loco Pez in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia near Northern Liberties is a dive bar and taqueria serving LA-style street food.
The Pickled Heron: (French) The Pickled Heron is a small BYOB in the heart of Fishtown. It is owned and operated by chef partners Todd Braley and Daniela D’Ambrosio. We are passionate about promoting local and seasonal products, staying in touch with the farms and farmers that supply us and producing artisanal breads and charcuterie to enhance the dining experience.
M Room: (Greek) This music venue / dive bar has a little known Greek menu. Best place for a quick Gyro, Souvlaki or Spanakopita.
Frankford Hall: (German Beergarden) Stephen Starr’s outdoor oasis in Philadelphia’s neighborhood is a deceptively simple concept – take a traditional German “biergarten” and give it a modern edge.
GASTROPUB:
Memphis Tap Room: Memphis Taproom has: 10 draft beers, a seriously killer menu, a beer garden hot dog truck, two beer engines, a genuinely friendly staff and one amazing bottle list choc-a-bloc with vintage bottles that will inspire you to skip all the other events on your personal Beer Week agenda.
Johnny Brenda’s: This music venue and gastropub is one of the very first in Fishtown, and still one of the finest.
East Girard Gastropub: Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood. Chef Rob Holloway creates seasonal, American cuisine of fresh, local ingredients for a savory, dining experience. The bar features microbrews, hand-picked wine selections, specialty cocktails, cozy hot-toddies, and a variety of stellar wine, beer and drinks.
Kraftwork: Food is the common block in community – and Chef Brian Lofink and his team have created an eclectic American menu with choices from small plates and shared boards to delicious entrée salads and sandwiches.
Lloyd: Lloyd boasts an extensive list of whiskeys (upwards 0f 70, though always changing), priced to encourage guests to try them all, in an environment free of pretension or stuffiness. Also featured are 8 local drafts and 15 bottled/canned beers, and a drink list featuring original house-crafted cocktails, while all classics are expertly made as well.
Bottle Bar East: The Bottle Bar East offers the largest selection of craft beer bottles and cans for take out or imbibing at the bar. We also boast a delicious menu that pairs wonderfully with a brew.Not only a take-out retail shop, BBE is also a place to hang out with other locals and beer fans. With an 8-tap bar, growlers, and a wall of coolers for take-out or drink-in, you can’t go wrong. On the mezzanine you will also find a dart board and foosball table. Bring your friends!
Interstate Draft House: Great selection of beers and hearty food menu and daily specials.
Fishtown Tavern: Neighborhood dive bar with some surprising (and very tasty) menu items.
Cedar Point Bar and Kitchen: Great beer list, southern comfort food with many vegetarian and vegan options!
PIZZA:
Fishtown is ground zero these days for new and exciting Pizza shops. Below are some highlights of what is available:
Pizzeria Beddia: Open Wednesday-Saturday, No Phone, No Slices. Info updated on a Twitter Feed. Amazing Pizza.
Pizza Brain: Pizza Brain is an American pizza culture museum and pizzeria, and home to the world’s largest collection of pizza memorabilia and collectibles.
Art of Pizza: Stone brick oven pizza and an impressive list of sandwiches.
Franco’s Pizza: Old school Fishtown neighborhood pizza shop. Nothing fancy, but a solid slice.
Pizza Hub: Boardwalk style thin crust pizza.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Sketch: (Burgers) Philly’s award winning burger restaurant, complete with veggie and vegan options.
Fette Sau: (BBQ) Stephen Starr’s Philly by way of Williamsburg, Brooklyn BBQ restaurant.
Barcade: (Casual Dining) Another Brooklyn staple with a philly satellite. 80’s arcade games, craft beer and a solid menu.
Ida Mae’s Bruncherie: (Diner) Funky, old-school Fishtown brunch spot.
Sulimay’s: (Diner) A true Fishtown original. Solid diner food and low-key atmosphere.
Mugshots: (Diner) Shiny, traditional Diner in the 2424 E. York Street Building.
Coffee House Too: (Coffee Shop) Homemade sandwiches, salads and soups.
Whipped Bake Shop: (Dessert) Gourmet Cupcakes and Cookies.
Soup Kitchen Cafe: (Soup + More) Bagels, Breakfast, Sandwiches and, of course, soup!
There are also dozens of coffee shops, sandwich shops and other food options in Fishtown too numerous to list, and many new restaurants pop up almost daily. Bon Appétit!
