Enjoy Philadelphia

Grace and I got married in the early-fall of 2019. I, shockingly, made the website for the wedding and included something I thought was fun: A food and drink guide for folks new or unfamiliar with Philadelphia. I was pleased to hear that a lot of folks who attended our wedding made choices off of the guide and did not regret them! I love this city and enjoyed sharing some of my favorite spots — so I ported the list over to here as well. I plan to keep it updated in the future and will point out what is new on it.

Last Updated: September 30, 2024 (Removals of Hello Donuts + Coffee and Martha — It doesn’t get sadder than this)

Fishtown, Kensington, and Northern Liberties

  • Càphê Roasters: Vietnamese specialty coffee shop in true Kensington with a mean banh mi and fries. Ⓥ

  • Fiore: A previously South Philly bakery and restaurant that is now just a bakery. There weren’t enough good bakeries in Fishtown/Kensington before. Ⓥ

  • The International Bar: A somewhat upscale bar with interesting cocktails and a healthy beer selection. Also great fries.

  • Kaiseki: Contender for some of the best sushi in the city.

  • Liberty Kitchen: As good as a hoagie you’re going to get in the land of hoagies. Ⓥ

  • Middle Child Clubhouse: If the Center City version was 10x as big and had delicious cocktails and dinner. Ⓥ

  • Meetinghouse: The best replacement for Memphis Taproom that I could ask for. A skinny menu with large ideas.

  • Mural City: A growing winery with natural wines in the heart of Fishtown.

  • Pietramala: A higher end plant based/vegan restaurant I am involved in that is fantastic for date nights and is BYO. Ⓥ

  • PIZZA Shackamaxon: A slice arguably worth the $5 cost.

  • Pizzeria Beddia: Mostly worth the hype. Make a reservation. Try the draft wine and leave room for the soft serve.

  • Pom Pom: Tasty veggie/vegan-friendly food from people that care. Ⓥ

  • ReAnimator Coffee: Your best coffee shop choice. In Fishtown, Kensington, West and South Philly.

  • Suraya: Upscale Lebanese in the heart of Fishtown. Your best option if you forgot to book Zahav on time. Ⓥ

Center City

  • 1 Tippling Place: Odd furniture and delicious cocktails.

  • Charlie was a sinner.: All vegan, can serve dishes without nuts, and features great cocktails. Ⓥ

  • Double Knot: Quick, cheap (though upscale), and delicious Asian food.

  • Goldie: The best falafel+ food you’re going to get in the city to go. Ⓥ

  • Middle Child: No-frills diner that serves the sandwiches of my dreams and eggs fluffy enough to be the pillow I fall asleep on.

South Philly

  • Essen Bakery: If you are looking for enjoyable bread products in South Philly, go here. 

  • Fountain Porter: Just one of the best bars ever. Ⓥ

  • Machine Shop: A fantastic bakery in the Bok Building. Ⓥ

  • Mighty Bread: One of my favorite bakeries and sandwich shops in Philly, and in a delightful space. Don’t sleep on their prosciutto sandwich. Ⓥ

  • Mr. Martino’s Trattoria: Hard to get into, but worth the challenge. Homemade Italian food from an old Italian woman, and her old husband. 

  • Neighborhood Ramen: Everyone’s favorite ramen in Philadelphia that knows. Ⓥ

  • Royal Izakaya: Superbly fresh and tasty sushi and other Japanese staples.

  • Square Pie: Here before the pizza wars of the early 2020’s, Square Pie makes exceptionally good pizza in a small, considered neighborhood location. Plus, it’s BYO!

West Philly

  • Allegro’s: The college pizza spot that actually has very good pizza. Get the Allegro slice. 

  • Local 44: A favorite bar/restaurant combo in the city. Ⓥ

  • Koch’s: A deli that makes you feel like you’re in a strange corner of Brooklyn.

  • The Woodlands: This is a cemetery. Food is not served here. Take a walk with a cup of tea or coffee with your significant others or with your AirPods and experience what I did on many solemn days at Drexel.

There are also things to do in Philadelphia that don’t involve drinking or eating, but you will not find recommendations to those things here.

 Ⓥ = Veggie/Vegan Friendly

Change Log

  • September 30, 2024: Removals of Hello Donuts + Coffee and Martha — It doesn’t get sadder than this

  • November 24, 2023: Additions of Fiore, Liberty Kitchen, Meetinghouse; Removals of Eeva, Lunar Inn, Merkaz, and Weckerly’s — may they all Rest in Peace

  • April 9, 2023: Additions of Càphê Roasters, Lunar Inn, Middle Child Clubhouse, Mighty Bread, Neighborhood Ramen, Royal Izakaya, Square Pie

  • May 18, 2021: Additions of Fitz and Startz, Kaiseki, Lost Bread Cafe, Mural City

  • April 5, 2020: Additions of St. Oners; Removal of Hungry Pigeon

  • December 23, 2019: Removal of Little Baby’s