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.
Mt. Airy is a lovely and diverse neighborhood northwest of downtown Philadelphia. In addition to some beautiful and large old houses and lush, tree-lined streets, Mt. Airy has some great boutiques, excellent taverns and a wide variety of food options. Below are some you should check out!
ETHNIC:
Bacio Italian Restaurante: (Italian) “For real home made Italian dinners, lots of seafood, steaks and vegan foods. Gluten free per request. My grandmother made food from love, she never left the kitchen; come and see us cook for you in our open kitchen and taste the love.”
Mi Puebla: (Mexican) “Authentic Mexican Cuisine in the heart of Mt. Airy.”
Avenida: (Latin American) “We invite you to indulge your taste buds in the bold Latin American flavors and tantalizing cocktails that we serve at Philadelphia’s award-winning restaurant, Avenida. Set in a historic Mount Airy home built in the 1700s, patrons will sit by the stone fireplace or on the romantic outdoor porch sipping margaritas and sampling Chef Edgar’s signature guacamole with homemade tortilla chips and salsa. Stop by for dinner tonight to sample the award-winning delicacies that he and wife and partner Chef Kim Katz Alvarez have prepared.
Tiffin: (Indian) “Fresh, healthy and nutritious Indian and Asian food delivery to the location of your choice. The service has been modeled after the famous meal delivery service of Mumbai, India. Eat in BYOB as well”
Jyoti Bistro: (Indian) “Over thirty years ago, working in her home kitchen, Jyoti and her husband Vijai Gupta, dreamed of bringing the taste of fresh Indian cooking to homes across America. Using all natural ingredients, they soon started Jyoti Natural Foods which quickly became one of the first companies to make Indian cuisine for grocers nationwide and bring their kitchen flavors to your cupboard. Weaver’s Way Co-Op became one of the first grocers in Greater Philadelphia to carry their products. Having developed a robust variety of ready-to-eat for retail sale at stores including Whole Foods, as well as vegetarian entrees for several major airlines, Jyoti was ready to bring her recipes to the restaurant world. Today, that taste comes to Mt. Airy with Jyoti Indian Bistro. Jyoti Indian Bistro offers fresh and healthy Indian foods—with many gluten-free and vegan choices—every day with a rotating set of weekly specials. Eat-in or take-out or take home enough in our 32 oz. containers for a house party!”
PIZZA / CHEESESTEAKS:
Earth Bread + Brewery: (Tavern) “Flatbread pizza baked in a wood burning oven. Four house drafts along with seven ‘guest’ taps. Great selection of wines by the glass, including wine on draft.”
Mt. Airy Deli: (Deli / Sandwiches) “Mt. Airy Deli has been a staple in the Mt. Airy community for nearly 15 years. At the early age of 14 the founder Abdul–Raheem Thomas knew that he wanted to create a sandwich that was so good people would say that’s the best sandwich I ever had. Abdul put his dream to the side while working for various other companies in the food service industry. One day Abdul decided to pursue the dream he had 20 years earlier to open a hoagie and steak deli and that’s exactly what he did. With the blessing of his family Abdul took a leap of faith and opened Mt. Airy Deli at 7AM on August 8th, 1995 right in the heart of Mt. Airy (on the corner of 7200 Devon Street). Since that morning Mt. Airy Deli has been making the best hoagies and steaks in Mt. Airy. And if you don’t believe it you should give it a try.”
MISCELLANEOUS:
McMenamin’s Tavern: (Tavern) “Ever so “loud” “when the Eagles are on TV”, this old-school Mt. Airy hang is a “true neighborhood pub” that’s flexible enough to work for “getting together with colleagues”, “a date” or “just relaxing in the early afternoon” over a pint and a “casual meal”; it’s “not the place to go to if you’re into decor”, but it is worth patronizing if you appreciate “polite” service and a “friendly” crowd.”- Zagat.
Chef Ken’s Café: (Southern / Soul Food) “Fantastic Soul Food.”
Wine Thief: (American Eclectic) “Wine Thief’s seasonally inspired menus feature local products from neighboring farms and vendors including grass fed beef and fresh produce from Lancaster county and a selection of local wines and beers from as close to home as Fort Washington. The bar uses fresh juices and produce creating signature as well as classic cocktails that stand apart. We strive to provide an exceptionally comfortable, affordable, and delicious dining experience for all ages and every occasion. Style of service is casual while being professional. ”
Trolley Car Diner: (American Eclectic) “Welcome to the Trolley Car Diner. Slip into a booth. Get comfy. Turn around and check out our regulars. Guys by the name of Elvis, Frank and Jackie. And gals like Audrey, Grace & Ella. Yes, it’s always the 1950s in our magical little part of the world. But you don’t have to be an old-timer to enjoy our delicious milkshakes and succulent burgers. Just bring a sense of fun, and some of your favorite people. And leave the rest to us.”
Geechee Girl Rice Cafe’: (American Eclectic) “Geechee Girl Rice Café is inspired by traditional southern rice delicacies with world influences. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
Valley Green Inn: (American Eclectic) “Looking for a brunch or dinner spot to please your relatives from 7 to 70? This is it. The charming historic inn is not only a one-of-a-kind within city limits, but it is also one of Philly’s most painted buildings. The menu focuses on regional and seasonal American, farm-raised and free-range meats and fowl, and locally grown vegetables when possible.”
Umbria: (American Eclectic) “New American BYOB with seasonally inspired, local fare.”
Goat Hollow: (Tavern) “Mt. Airy has taken kindly to the resurrection of this long-dormant pub, now transformed into a friendly American brasserie. Chef Adam Glickman, previously at Monk’s Cafe, is serving a variety of salads, sandwiches, burgers, mussels and mains to the Northwest Philly eaters who crowd the cozy dining room.”
Little Jimmie’s Bakery Cafe: (Diner / Bakery) “Little Jimmie’s Bakery Café in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia is serving up breakfast, lunch, and southwestern specialties along with all homemade bakery goods.”
High Point Cafe: (Diner / Cafe) “High Point Cafés are small neighborhood cafes, serving only the highest quality handmade patries and desserts created daily, along with made-to-order crepes and the best espresso in town.”
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!
