Man were we lazy in Philadelphia. I almost skipped writing about it all together, because we didn’t even make it to the Liberty Bell, let alone Independence Hall. We didn’t even make it to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to get a shot of G running up those famous steps like Rocky.
We just ate donuts.
I’m so embarrassed.
But I do feel it’s my patriotic duty to confess our shortcomings and move on, since our foodie friend Emily went out of her way to send us quite a comprehensive list of some of the best spots to eat in this charming town. If you find yourself here anytime soon, please utilize Emily’s fabulous list, she knows of what she speaks.
Her words below (with a few of my comments in italics):
DINNER
I love any and all of Marc Vetri’s restaurants for amazing Italian dinners — hand made pastas, pizzas and other beautifully made Italian dishes and great Italian wine:
Osteria, is the place of his that I always go to when I am in town. It’s just divine. Not too fancy. G would be welcome.
(We did actually go here for my birthday and I ate suckling pig and it was remarkable…if that’s your thing.)
He also has Amis, which is more trattoria style, so just a hair more casual.
And then there’s Vetri, which is high end amazing, and kind of a romantic anniversary dinner date place. In an old cozy town house. One of the top places in the country. You’ll spend a lot of money and it’s a fixed menu.
Zahav — you must go there (I didn’t). Fresh baked Laffa bread, hummus, and lots more. The chef is inspired.
Amada — Spanish tapas. Chef is Jose Garces, who is an Iron Chef and has a bunch of lovely restaurants in town.
Fork — suggested by my friend who is a Philly native foodie.
BURGERS
Village Whiskey — gets crowded at lunchtime. Old fashioned masculine place with a long bar and booths. Huge delicious build-your-own burgers and other yummy sides and snacks. And a huge whiskey menu.
(We did go here. A charming, tiny place with charming staff. They only had room for me to stand at a marble bar to eat lunch, but they let G sit on the bar in a window nook. He was thrilled. The burgers were delicious, the fries were made with duck fat, plus they pickle everything—and if you watch Portlandia that will make you giggle.)
SANDWICHES
DiNics: famous, in Reading Terminal, which you must visit anyway, because there are lots of places to eat and lots of stalls to shop for trinkets and kitchen supplies and chocolates.
(Did not make it to DiNics, but the Reading Terminal is a must. It’s like a food and trinkit bazaar. Great for little ones to run through.)
GUTBUSTERS:
Tony Luke’s — My personal favorite Philly cheesesteak.
Sweet Elizabeth’s. For wonderful cupcakes. Of course!
Federal Donuts — they make Coffee, Fried Chicken and Donuts.
(and all we needed was for this place to be around the corner from our hotel room to simply do us in…)
If you’re heading to Chicago any time soon, be sure to check out the Cheezeborger, Cheezeborger post for some more of Emily’s (and Dad’s) inspired food recommendations.
I think donuts were a fabulous choice….sometimes that is just what we need! cheers!
Not sure we needed SO MANY though.