Dining out in Philly requires some serious decision-making. Among your choices: gourmet glamour at a celebrity chef-ed restaurant, culinary crowding at a BYOB, cocktail-infused noshing at a refined mahogany bar, Italian-American feasting at a mom-and-pop red gravy trattoria, cheesesteak-sinking into at street-side table — and much, much more. Some dining rooms are made for special occasions: Vetri, the Fountain, Lacroix, even little Bibou. Other, more casual standouts — Garces Trading Company, Famous 4th Street Delicatessen, Sarcone’s, Tacconelli’s — are so good, diners travel from miles around to nosh there.
The top spots for casual but creative, first-come, first-served breakfast? Sam’s Morning Glory at 10th and Fitzwater, near the Italian Market, serves coffee in cool metal cups, yummily topped frittatas, focaccia egg sandwiches, deservedly famous pancakes, and roasted potatoes with homemade ketchup. Up in Northern Liberties at the corner of 4th and Brown, Honey’s Sit ‘N’ Eat is another comfortably cozy spot for potato pancakes, huevos rancheros, free-range omelets, homemade veggie burgers, and limeade. In both Bella Vista and Fairmount, eaters gladly wait hours for the cream-and-fruit-stuffed French toast, Greek salad, and mega portions at both locations of Sabrina’s (www.sabrinascafe.com). Then again, if it’s even the quirkiest fare and atmosphere you’re after, you absolutely must squeeze into South Philly’s Carman’s Country Kitchen, a wee corner luncheonette that charms with a capricious little menu that could include conch fritters, cheddar pancakes, lima bean omelets, and more oddly delicious combinations dreamed up by Carman, the oddly delicious chef-proprietress.
For a Sit-Down Meal
Fork — Take a client here, and you’ll score points. Other polished Old City restaurants serve lunch. This one does it quietly and seamlessly.
Le Castagne — The Sena family brings classy Italian west of Broad with this spare bistro. Order the gnocchi.
Butcher & Singer — This former brokerage house is the perfect place to schmooze without getting interrupted, while tucking into all-American steaks and sides — and some excellent salads and sandwiches, too.
For a Casual Meal
Continental — Sure, it’s a martini bar. But this Old City hot spot is decidedly cooler (and calmer) in the daytime, and its salads, sammies, and availability of booths make it much more comfortable. Plus, a martini at lunch can be fun.
Devil’s Alley — This laid-back spot gets crowds at noon for its comfort food. Pizzas, burgers, and, if it’s been that kind of day, a beer are best bets.
Giwa — This always-packed quick Korean eatery is so comfortingly formulaic, it feels like there should be more of them. (Hopefully there will be, soon.)
Good Dog — The blue cheese-stuffed burgers are famous at this always-packed, three-floor gastropub. The calamari salads and grilled cheeses are good, too.
Eat In or Take Out
Di Bruno Bros. — This outpost of a South Philly cheese shop has an upstairs counter for ordering quick and delicious lasagna Bolognese, balsamic chicken, and eggplant Parmesan, plus soups, salads, and panini.
El Fuego — With two locations, one on the edge of Washington Square and another a few blocks from Rittenhouse, this stylish little build-your-own burrito (or taco, or quesadilla) joint does Mexi-Cali right, with fresh basics and fast counter service.
Picnic — Just across the Walnut Street Bridge, this cheerful spot sends you home with awesome salads, savory dips, yummy sandwiches, and chocolate pots de crème. They’ll also assemble a complete picnic to-go — in a vintage picnic basket.
Philadelphia boasts more bring-your-own-bottle restaurants per capita than any other American city, mainly because the region’s post-Prohibition laws limit the city’s number of liquor licenses. BYOBs, or BYOs as most locals call them, generally fit into the bistro category. They’re often small and most serve only dinner. Many are cash only. Some accept reservations; some are first-come, first-served. Below are some of my favorites, but others include Lee How Fook, Marigold Kitchen, Bindi, Fond, Bibou, Koo Zee Doo and Modo Mio.
