Opening just a few weeks ago, the classy and cool Gold Standard Café (from the former owners of its namesake, the Gold Standard Restaurant, and Abbraccio) is a welcome addition to West Philly. Its prime location at the 5-way intersection of 48th and Baltimore makes it super convenient as well as perfectly situated for people-watching. The casual outdoor tables are just in time for summer iced coffee sipping, but you can also grab a seat in the front room at a high table or in front of the giant windows.

The café is open every day, and offers up well-prepared comfort food alongside your typical deli items. The bacon cheeseburger, with its side of hearty steak fries, is tough to beat. The Rueben sandwich is a favorite as well, and all of the deli salads in the case (chunky chicken salad, colorful fruit salad, and classic Greed salad) look particularly fresh and tasty. If you’re feeling more eclectic, opt for the marinated flank steak sandwich or the parmesan wings. I was in the mood for something healthy, so choose the falafel, which was warm and crisp in a whole wheat pita, and came with an unusually fancy side salad.

The Gold Standard’s not just for breakfast and lunch, though - as versatile as can be, Gold Standard also has a cozy back room with full table service at dinner time. Dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday, with an eclectic menu that is set to rotate monthly (BYOB, by the way!).

Already generating a ton of well-deserved buzz, the Gold Standard Café is destined to become a favorite local hangout and a chill place to grab a tasty bite.

Gold Standard Café
4800 Baltimore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19143
215.727.8247
www.thegoldstandardcafe.com