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.
Though the large medical institution that gave this south-of-Center City swath its name is no longer in operation, Graduate Hospital — or “G-Ho,” to fans of brevity — has solidified a reputation independent of its common moniker. South Street West is the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare; it’s clean, well-lit and extremely pedestrian-friendly thanks to a vibrant entrepreneurial energy coming from the neighborhood’s restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and more. Characterized by a mix of single-family homes new and old and thriving places of worship, it’s a remarkably kid-friendly place (just look at the stroller-filled sidewalks), but Graduate Hospital also has the distinction of possessing some of the best neighborhood bars in the area, from long-running institutions to gastropubby newcomers. (Visit Philly)
ETHNIC:
Balkan Express: (Eastern European) “Mediterrenean grilled dishes and slow cooked stews. Breads and desserts are baked in house.”
Fortune: (Chinese) ” Fantastic Chinese food for a hungry crowd! Try classic dishes like General Tso’s Chicken or something new like Chicken with Black Bean Sauce.”
Jamaican Jerk Hut: (Jamaican) “Along with its delicious menu, one of the popular reasons for visiting the Jerk Hut is its amazing outdoor dining area. During seasonal weather, there is an awesome, 60-seat, semi-secluded outdoor seating area around the side of the restaurant that will practically transport you to Jamaica. Bright tablecloths, blooming hibiscus and bamboo plants, candle-lit pathways and reggae music playing softly in the background set the mood. There is a covered veranda area plus additional seating for groups around circular picnic tables for true under-the-stars dining. In Jamaica, “jerk” refers to the traditional method of cooking spiced meat over an open fire. At the Jerk Hut, the meat is cooked over a charcoal pit in the kitchen. The homemade jerk seasoning — with ginger, thyme, all-spice, onions and soy and rubbed onto the meat before cooking — creating a delicious tangy, spicy and smoky flavor.”
Kidari: (Sushi) “Kidari” refers to a man who is warm- hearted, handsome, and tall. “Yatai”, a wheeled snack bar on the street, is a food culture that emits a heart-warming feeling. We intend to put our heart and 23 years of experience of making sushi to serve you. We will always serve you with fresh food and do our best to become “kidari sushi” that satisfy our customers. ”
My Thai: (Thai) “Traditional Thai food on 22nd and South Sts. Solid Pad Thai”
Roberto Cafe: (Italian) “Experience a true taste of Italy. Friendly atmosphere and great food.”
PIZZA / CHEESESTEAKS:
Kermit’s Bake Shoppe: (Bakery / Pizza) “Imagine if a pizzeria and a bakery had a baby… a place where classic cakes and chocolate-everything fill cases alongside pizza pies topped with pepperoni, sausage and veggies. These are the grown-up versions of the recipes we grew up with. We use the first and freshest ingredients, and we’ve adapted to healthier times with whole-wheat crusts and gluten-free options. ”
Lazaro’s Pizza:(Pizza) “Lazaro’s Pizzeria & Grill has been serving Philadelphia, PA and the surrounding communities with the best pizza in town for over 10 years. We offer an inviting atmosphere perfect for the entire family. Our comfortable dining room and friendly staff create the perfect setting for a family dinner or a special date. Our selection of lunch and dinner choices range from thick, juicy cheeseburgers to mouth – watering gourmet pizza. With options including side salads, buffalo wings, calzones and Stromboli, there is no second guessing where you should be having dinner tonight. So come on by and indulge in our famous 18” steak, delicious seafood or a hearty club sandwich. But be sure to save room for dessert! We’re famous for our 26” jumbo pie!”
MISCELLANEOUS:
Ants Pants Cafe: (Eclectic) “Australia-inspired cafe. Coffee, brunch, dinner and sandwiches.
Govinda’s: (Vegetarian) “Great vegetarian and vegan entrees”
La Va Cafe: (Cafe) “In 2005, Liron and Victor Agiv saw an opportunity to transform a building on the corner of 21st and South Streets from a vacant shell of what was formerly South Street Blues Bar into a bustling neighborhood cafe. Since 2006 La.Va has been the premier cafe of the Graduate Hospital neighborhood. With La Colombe coffee, a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, and free wireless internet, La.Va Cafe has become a popular place for locals to frequent to do work as well as meet new friends and get to know their neighbors.”
Pumpkin: (BYOB) “Impressive farm-to-table BYOB ”
Sidecar Bar and Grill: (Eclectic) “Cool brews, smokin’ good food and an atmosphere that warms the soul and cures what ales ya.”
Ten Stone: (Eclectic) “Located on the corner of 21st and South Streets, Ten Stone Restaurant and Bar is a neighborhood favorite because of our food, our atmosphere our outstanding beer selection and our staff. Connoisseurs of quality draught beers visit Ten Stone because we constantly rotate our selection of 16 imported and domestic micro brews and beers on tap. Our food style is “fine light fare”, reasonably priced and well portioned. You will feel comfortable in our English Pub atmosphere boasting warm woods, eclectic art and a cozy fireplace.”
Pub and Kitchen: (Eclectic) “Pub & Kitchen combines the sophistication of contemporary European cuisine with the comfort and warmth of an authentic neighborhood tavern. With a frequently changing menu created by Chef Eli Collins and an extensive list of spirits, beer and wine, Pub & Kitchen is a casual and energizing space where well-crafted food & drink happily go hand-in-hand.”
Rex 1516: (Eclectic) “REX 1516 offers quality Southern food in a comfortable, though elegant, setting.”
Magpie Artisan Pie: (Bakery) “We offer a variety of sweet pies with fresh whipped cream and savory pies with a side of homemade pickled vegetables. Magpie pies are one-of-a-kind. We take the classics and add new twists, develop unexpected flavor combinations and create pies that you have never tasted before. We can’t stop creating or baking; so don’t be surprised to come in and see new pies on the menu.”
Honey’s Sit n Eat: (Eclectic) “Excellent Brunch and heaping portions of tasty comfort food.”
There are also dozens of coffee shops, sandwich shops and other food options too numerous to list, and many new restaurants pop up almost daily. Bon Appétit!
