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Philadelphia Dining
The first question for most visitors to the City of Brotherly Love is not "Where's the Liberty Bell?" Instead, tourists want to know the best place for a Philly Cheesesteak--a hot topic of debate among the locals.
According to legend, Pat Olivieri created the first cheesesteak on his hot dog griddle after getting bored with the same old lunch. His new sandwich became so popular that he opened Pat's King of Steaks in South Philadelphia. As with any good idea, competition quickly rose with the opening of Geno's Steaks on the opposite corner. When the craving for a cheesesteak hits, natives head down Passyunk Avenue.
Ordering your steak is almost as important as paying for it, so be sure to scrutinize the instructions at the order window before getting into line. Any hesitation and you'll be expelled to the back (either by the staff or the patrons behind you). Toss a coin and take your pick--both eateries serve up a fantastic sandwich and an entertaining crowd, 24 hours a day.
With thick bread, sharp provolone and juicy sliced beef, the cheesesteak at Tony Luke's Old Philly Style Sandwiches is definitely in the running for the city's best. Unlike many of its steak-peddling brethren, this restaurant also serves a variety of equally tasty items, including a sinful roast-pork sandwich and even a few vegetarian offerings. This is one of the few steak shops with indoor seating; service is quick and surprising friendly. Check out the "Wall of Stars" to see who else dropped by for an Old Philly-style sandwich.
When the locals want a good beer and a great burger, they go to Good Dog Bar & Restaurant. The burger--stuffed with Roquefort cheese and topped with caramelized onions--is not for the faint of heart. Service is exceptional, and the menu is one of the most reasonably priced in Center City; people-watching is a bonus. Here you'll see the after-theater crowd mixing with tattooed Gen-Xers in a kitschy setting. Try out the Internet jukebox, or come on a Thursday night to share your knowledge of trivia during a game of Quizzo.
After a long day at work, young professionals flock to Tria for a world-class beer or a selection from an extensive list of wines by the glass. For a quick bite or a full dinner, the tapas menu features fresh salads, decadent cheeses and scrumptious desserts. Soulful music, a genial staff and candle-lit décor lend to an unpretentiously cool atmosphere in trendy Rittenhouse Square. Reservations aren't accepted; expect a half-hour wait on weekends.
With a spectacular view of the Square and an equally spectacular menu, LaCroix at the Rittenhouse is one of the area's most acclaimed restaurants. The staff is cordial while maintaining the service standards expected of a formal dining establishment. Every course is a visual work of art, with imaginative flavors to tempt the palate. At the chef's table, guests have a first-hand view of how a gourmet kitchen works. The inexpensive weekday brunch is a great way to enjoy one of the city's best culinary experiences--for a steal.
Since entrepreneur Stephen Starr added Barclay Prime to his dazzling string of local restaurants, the acclaim from critics and patrons alike has been lavish. If you're looking for the most expensive cheesesteak in Philadelphia--$100, featuring Kobe beef--you'll find it at this gem on Rittenhouse Square. The combination of formal dining and mouthwatering steaks and chops makes Barclay Prime the perfect choice for a night on the town. For a cost-effective sampling of the menu, the Lunchbox includes soup or salad, an entrée, a side dish and dessert. On any given Friday night at Pasion!, you'll see couples gazing soulfully into each another's eyes--passion is always in the air (and on the menu). The waitstaff will gladly guide you through the Nuevo Latino specialties, which include a variety of ceviche dishes created by Guillermo Pernot, who literally wrote the book on ceviche. For an unforgettable evening, snag a seat at the chef's table and watch as your meal is prepared.
Le Bec-Fin sets the gold standard for fine dining in Philadelphia. The intimate, elegant dining room is appointed with ornate fabric wallcoverings, carved gilt moldings, silver chandeliers and fresh floral arrangements. There's no reason to be intimidated by this luxury establishment; the warmth and charm of the waitstaff creates an ease to be envied by other restaurants. The star here is clearly the food; the sumptuous prix fixe dinner has been drawing crowds for more than three decades. For diners on a budget, come for lunch to sample French delicacies from the a la carte menu.
Asian fusion reigns supreme at Susanna Foo, a favorite on Center City's Restaurant Row. Chinese food with a French influence gives the menu its distinctive and imaginative flair. After you've sampled the best dim sum south of Manhattan, try the wild-mushroom and chicken dumplings, Hundred Corner crab cakes and beef tenderloin satay. Desserts are rich without being heavy; the Asian mango crème brûlée shines as a highlight. A knowledgeable, well-trained staff enhances the elegant, semi-formal ambience.
In the heart of Center City's Asian district, Lakeside Chinese Deli focuses on food, not décor--and thank goodness for that. This family-run restaurant features one of the most affordable menus in the city, with options ranging from traditional dim sum to such exotic items as frog, cold jellyfish and beef tripe. Service is fast and helpful, and the staff is even more gracious to first-timers. Payment is cash-only, but you can enjoy a full meal for less than $10.
With a clean and comfortable atmosphere, Vietnam Restaurant is popular with everyone from college students to the crowd from city hall. A wide variety of noodle dishes, vegetarian options and an unexpectedly large appetizer menu only add to the appeal. This Center City favorite serves beer and wine, with a decent list at fair prices. Reservations are not accepted, but those in the know are more than willing to wait. For a memorable sunset view, ask for a seat on the third floor.
An imposing gilded statue of Buddha greets patrons at Buddakan, a modern and decadently designed establishment in Olde City. A communal 22-seat table glows at the center of the restaurant, affording its guests a view of the stylish, well-dressed crowd. Start out the night with a shared pitcher of Zen-gria or any of the bar's ever-changing cocktails. All the Asian fusion dishes are large enough to share--a blessing when the menu includes so many creative and flavorful choices. The signature dish is Angry Lobster, served in a nest of mashed potatoes with wok-charred vegetables and coconut curry sauce. Desserts are works of Zen art, sculpted into gravity-defying shapes.
Modern art, neo-Japanese cuisine and pop culture come together to create the experience that is Morimoto. TV's "Iron Chef" Masaharu Morimoto has brought his innovative Japanese cuisine to this sleek, modern space near Independence National Historic Park. Deciding on Kobe beef, black cod miso or an extensive selection of sushi and sashimi can be daunting, which is why many patrons order the Omakase, a multi-course guided tour through the day's specialties.
For the best in underground dining (a new category in food reviews), don't miss Ristorante La Buca. The name means "cave" in Italian. Decorated with warm colors and frescoes of the owner's native Tuscany, this space hardly feels like a basement. Philadelphians know they'll never have a bad meal here, especially with a fresh seafood selection. After an enjoyable afternoon at Washington Square Park or historic Independence Hall, you're only a short stroll--and a long flight of stairs--away from a hearty Tuscan meal.
If you're in South Philadelphia but not in the mood for cheesesteak, try the Mediterranean fare at Dimitri's. The meals are delicious, the portions are large, and savory smells from the open kitchen will make your mouth water. This small Queens Village restaurant is BYOB (take along your own wine or spirits). Dimitri's has a devoted following and doesn't accept reservations, so count on a wait, especially on weekends. Put your name on the list and enjoy a drink at a local bar, or make a run to an ATM for the cash-only tab.
Another of Philadelphia's many BYOBs, Matyson offers American bistro fare. Come on a weekday for the fabulous prix fixe five-course meal. This Center City restaurant is known for its flawless combinations of savory and sweet flavors, so it would be a sin not to have dessert (especially the bittersweet chocolate s'mores).
In a neighborhood full of African restaurants, University City's Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant stands out with its quality ingredients and hospitable staff. The authentic Ethiopian platters of meats and vegetables are perfectly prepared, and the heat of these deliciously spicy dishes can be adjusted to suit your taste. Fans of the ethnic restaurants in the Adams Morgan district of Washington, D.C., will feel at home in Abyssinia.
A standout for years in the Northeast, Blue Ox Brauhaus is one of the area's few restaurants serving hearty German food and beer. The building dates from the 1600s, with an interior tastefully adorned in rich wood and Bavarian memorabilia. An accordion player often frequents the dining room, playing traditional German tunes to set the mood. The romantic atmosphere is popular with couples, though the staff always gives ample attention to the young ones. Reservations are recommended for parties of five or more, as seating is limited.
The line on a Saturday afternoon is worth the wait at Nifty Fifty's, a top pick for budget-conscious diners in Northeast Philadelphia. The entire family will love this '50s-style restaurant and its self-proclaimed "World's Largest Soda Fountain" (with more than 100 drink flavors). All menu items are made with fresh ingredients, and service is surprisingly quick and friendly. You're here for the experience--no thought of calories--so go ahead and enjoy the Spicy Fries, Texas Tommy Dog and Butterfinger Milkshake.
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