Zocalo: Upscale Mexican Cuisine in a Cozy Authentic Atmosphere
Posted by Samantha Lazar on February 24, 2010
Mexican restaurant Zocalo has been sitting on the corner of 36th and Lancaster for over twenty years now. A couple years ago, though, it made the shift from “contemporary” Mexican food to more authentic dishes, under the new leadership of Mary and Greg Russell. Though you might not guess it from their name, the Russells’ experience with Mexican restaurants goes back decades, and they even met in Zocalo, serendipitously, when Greg was working in the kitchen under a different owner. They’ve redecorated the space, re-tooled the menu, and re-vamped the concept, and Zocalo now manages to be simultaneously bright (note the hand carved and vibrantly painted chairs), cozy, and traditional, while exuding the warmth of a family-run endeavor.
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Related Destination: Las Tarascas en Zocalo »
Related Categories: Dining + Food, Nightlife + Bars
Elena’s Soul: YOUCIE Karaoke in Baltimore Avenue’s Soul Food Mecca
Posted by Samantha Lazar on February 12, 2010
Elena’s Soul, described as a “showcase lounge and café” is a mix between a dark bar, a chill lounge, a hip café, a glowing den, and a raucous party – all with soul food thrown in. The place (for lack of a better term) is on 49th and Baltimore, and is filled with regulars seemingly every night of the week. One of the times it comes alive most, though, is Wednesday evenings when DJ Kev busts out the karaoke machine.
Karaoke at Elena’s Soul is a unique West Philly event, making it the perfect spot for the next YOUCIE event. YOUCIE is University City’s young friends group, and they regularly hold events throughout the year for young professionals and over-21 students to mix, mingle, and enjoy what the area has to offer. The event will be Wednesday evening, February 17th, and the bar will be running happy hour specials the whole time. But, even better, if you RSVP (address below), you’ll get your first drink free! ...
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Related Destination: Elena's Soul - Showcase, Lounge & Cafe »
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Welcome to Campus: The Northside Dining Terrace at Drexel
Posted by Samantha Lazar on February 8, 2010
After construction that lasted through the summer and fall, the Northside Dining Terrace is officially open at Drexel. The 5,000 square foot modern building is on Race St. between 33rd and 34th, right in the heart of the residential northern part of campus. It’s a welcome addition for students with late-night cravings (most of its retailers are open until 1 a.m.) or for those simply sick of cafeteria food.
The metal and glass structure was built with environmental sustainability in mind, and the interior feels sunny and open. Once warmer weather comes through you’ll also be able to take advantage of outdoor dining space. It houses franchises selected by a campus-wide vote. There’s the ever-popular Subway and Chik-fil-A, as well as a Currito (delicious burritos) and Southern Tsunami, which makes fresh sushi on site. There’s also a small market to pick up essentials like milk, cereal, and toilet paper. ...
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Related Destination: Northside Dining Terrace »
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The Best House Pizzeria: the Answer to Late Night Cravings
Posted by Samantha Lazar on February 4, 2010
Back when it first opened in 1939, The Best House Pizzeria was called “Wurst House” and was known for serving German meats like bratwurst. By the time I first discovered it the shift had been made to pizza, but the name was the same. A few years ago it changed hands, though, and the new management cleverly switched the name to “Best House” (har har har).
It’s still the go-to pizza place for the eastern end of Baltimore Avenue, especially late at night – it’s open until 1 a.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends. The pizza is your standard pie, with a thin crispy crust, and will hit the spot if you’re not looking for something fancy. There’s also a huge menu of steaks, sandwiches, pastas, sides, and even breakfast platters. Their new Asian-inspired menu is definitely worth trying, including their Chinese Pizzas which come slathered in your favorite Chinese food sauces, like General Tso’s, Sesame Garlic, and Orange Ginger. ...
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Sang Kee: Noodles in the House!
Posted by Samantha Lazar on January 22, 2010
Every campus needs a noodle house. Lucky for Penn, Sang Kee has taken up residence next to the Sheraton at 36th and Chestnut Streets. The noodle house is the newest Sang Kee endeavor – you might know about the famous Sang Kee Peking Duck House in Chinatown. The menu at the noodle house offers many of the tried-and-true favorite dishes from the Peking Duck House, but the real focus is on (surprise, surprise) noodles!
“Focus” is a bit of an understatement, though. Rather, Sang Kee raises the humble noodle to a true art form. And it definitely caters to the college crowd, with its affordable, heaping portions and laid-back vibe. Noodle soup seemed to be what most of the diners were chowing down on, and for good reason. Filled with slippery thick noodles, vegetables, tasty broth and all sorts of meat, the massive bowls of soup make a great meal. Try the Tender Rib Noodle Soup for a hearty, soothing bowlful. If you’re not in a soup mood, no worries. Tuck into a plate of the crowd-pleasing Beef Chow Fun, the unique Needle Noodle, or (my favorite) the Roasted Duck with Stir Fried Udon Noodles. It gets a subtle kick from its special XO sauce. There are also tons of choices for health fiends and vegetarians. A platter of Baby Bok Choy is to die for, with a garlicky sweetness and gentle crunch. Since they’re currently still waiting on their liquor license (oh, Pennsylvania!), wash it all down with a delicious fruit smoothie or bubble tea....
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What’s All the Hubbub About? Delicious Coffee, That’s What.
Posted by Samantha Lazar on January 18, 2010
What’s big and red, rolls around, and serves up some of the best coffee in Philadelphia? If you live or work in University City, live a caffeinated lifestyle, and haven’t discovered it yet, you’re in for a treat. 26-year-old Penn grad Andrew Crockett first parked his big red HubBub Coffee truck on 38th Street in late October, and his brews have been steadily developing a loyal following.
Coffee from a truck may dredge up images of watered-down battery acid, but the stuff HubBub brings for sale is no ordinary cup o’ joe. The truck is outfitted with fancy coffeemakers and a La Marzocco espresso machine handmade in Italy. It gets its beans from the highly acclaimed Stumptown Coffee, and independent roaster based in Portland, Oregon. HubBub serves everything from your humble drip coffee to specialty fancy-pants drinks, as well as a few baked goodies (try the upscale rice crispy treats). ...
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Related Categories: Dining + Food, Coffee Shops
Taglio: A True Italian Pizza Experience
Posted by Samantha Lazar on December 15, 2009
We all know American pizza – that perfect midnight snack and college student staple that you can get at Allegro, New Style, College Pizza, and plenty of other places around Penn’s campus. What you may be less familiar with is real authentic Italian pizza – backed in a rectangular deep-dish pan, slathered with a smorgasbord of toppings, and sold by weight. Step into Taglio, and with a little imagination you’ll think Spruce Street was a small cobblestone alley in the heart of Rome or Naples.
“Al Taglio” means “by the cut,” which is how this kind of pizza is served in Italy. You simply decide what kind (or kinds) or pizza you want and how big a slice you can handle. It’ll then be cut right in front of you with a pair of sheers and tossed into the 2,500 pound Verona-imported oven. After a minute or so the gooey and piping hot pizza will be slid onto a scale, and you pay by weight ($8.50 or $11.50 per pound, depending on the toppings). The newest creation by Penn alum Marco Lentini (also the owner of Gia Pronto next door), Taglio is already a huge hit, to which the bustling lunchtime crown can attest. People love the ability to customize their lunch to their hearts’ content – a big slice of plain Pizza Margherita, perhaps? Or how about five different small slices, each topped with an array of exotic ingredients? Since you’re paying by the weight of your lunch, anything goes....
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Bridgewater’s Pub, a Commuter Haven
Posted by Samantha Lazar on December 2, 2009
Someone should tell Bridgewater’s Pub that it’s in a busy train station. The delightful gastropub seems to be under the impression that it’s located in an English hamlet or a small German town. As soon as you walk through its wrought iron façade, the fact that the pub is nestled inside 30th Street Station’s food court seems to melt away. This makes it a go-to destination for travelers, commuters, and even savvy locals who pop by once the crowds dissipate.
Hoping to avoid the pub’s busiest hours (rush hour and lunchtime), I decided to check it out for dinner on a Saturday. There were still people filling up its tables and lounging at the bar, but a calm, relaxing feeling dominated as laid-back regulars watched the football game and a smattering of people stopped by for bites and brews. Bridgewater’s beer selection is formidable, with a lengthy list of fancy drafts and bottles, many imported from Germany (the influence and expertise of their German bar manager is apparent!). Unsure of what to go with, I told the knowledgeable waitress what I was in the mood for and she picked out the perfect beer for me....
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Related Destination: Bridgewater's Pub »
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World Café Live: Live Music and Tasty Food – a Perfect Combination
Posted by Samantha Lazar on November 24, 2009
World Café Live is a gem of a music venue. Just barely on our side of the Walnut Street bridge, it’s close enough to Center City to draw in a varied assortment of people (including those ignorant types who think anything west of the Schuylkill is a hike), and its proximity to 30th Street Station makes it possibly the most accessible venue in the city.
Always bustling, World Café is a two level music venue, the home of WXPN, and a fabulous restaurant all rolled into one. Their programming is varied and prodigious (check out the full upcoming schedule here), with shows playing almost every day of the week. They bring in local acts as well as big name stars, and the shows are usually aimed at adults (you won’t find many screaming teens in attendance, though you’ll probably spot a few people pushing sixty). ...
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Related Destination: World Cafe Live »
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30th Street Station: More than a Train Depot
Posted by Samantha Lazar on November 18, 2009
30th Street Station is awash with travelers at all hours, and you probably know it as the behemoth of modern transportation that it is – Amtrak, Septa, NJ Transit, PATCO, and countless buses (including our own LUCY) rumble through its labyrinths every day. In fact, after New York’s Penn Station, it’s the second busiest rail terminal in the country. But have you ever paused to look at the hub as more than just a quick stop en route somewhere else?
The station was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad around 1930 to serve the bustling city of Philadelphia, replacing the old “West Philadelphia Station” that was a couple blocks farther from Center City. The art deco style main concourse (in case you’ve never opened your eyes when passing through) is almost the size of a football field, with gorgeous marble floors and a soaring coffered ceiling. And of course you’re familiar with the exterior’s eye-catching ...
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Related Categories: Dining + Food, Nightlife + Bars, Goods + Services, Culture
Bubble House: a Restaurant, Tea Room, and Bar All in One
Posted by Samantha Lazar on November 3, 2009
Bubble House has been one of my favorite University City spots for years. On the adorable 3400 block of Sansom Street, next to New Deck and White Dog, Bubble House is perfectly located and cozy as can be. It’s great to pop in for a fancy cup of tea on a cool fall day or a bubble-filled iced tea if the weather’s warmer. It’s also a great spot for a relaxing drink later in the evening, as their full bar serves up regular drinks as well as sakes, liqueurs, and a wide range of uniquely delicious spiked bubble teas. And, of course, it’s a restaurant! The kitchen cooks up pan-Asian fare for lunch and dinner, and always has a nice mix of students, professors, and locals filling up its tables.
I stopped by for dinner recently, intent on sampling the best of their menu. I started off with a Bubble Tea cocktail to sip while deciding on the food. The special cocktails are a reasonable $8 and come hot or cold. I couldn’t resist a ...
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MidAtlantic Restaurant and Tap Room
Posted by Samantha Lazar on October 27, 2009
Ever since hearing the news of Daniel Stern’s new restaurant coming to University City, I’ve been anxiously awaiting its opening. Well, the wait is over - and it was worth it. MidAtlantic Restaurant and Tap Room is up and running at 38th and Market, blending the feel of a cozy neighborhood bar and a sleek modern restaurant that reaches back to Philly’s roots. The fare is heavily influenced by Pennsylvania Dutch traditions, and is a locavore’s delight. Inspiration is also drawn from the eastern coast’s specialties (as the name would suggest), creating a winning combination.
The bar features six drafts, along with a cider and a root beer always on tap, and the local brews (think Yards, Dock St., and PBC) are supplemented by a lengthy list of bottles. Stern has also created a bunch of signature cocktails for the classy tippler, including “The Standpipe,” which is kind of like a more interesting version of the classic rum and coke, but with root beer instead (“an adult version of a root beer float,” as the bar tender describes it). There’s also the exciting “Rumpringa,” which created a pleasant feeling of ...
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Marigold Kitchen: New Life for One of West Philly’s Favorite Restaurants
Posted by Samantha Lazar on October 15, 2009
Marigold Kitchen, an inconspicuous BYOB tucked into a cozy Victorian row house on the corner of 45th and Larchwood, just off of Baltimore Avenue, has been a West Philly favorite for several years. It’s changed hands a couple of times, and its newest incarnation is only two months old. But its charm hasn’t changed a bit, and the funky new metal and glass kitchen-inspired sculptures on the marigold-colored walls are a great touch. Executive chef Rob Halpern creates a menu that changes monthly, with only a few favorites carried over.
I decided to check it out as a special treat when my brother came to town, and trust me – he’ll be back to visit again soon! Sipping our wine from over-sized wine glasses, just reading the menu seemed like an exotic experience. I was a little dismayed ...
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Related Destination: Marigold Kitchen »
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Milk & Honey Market: Bringing the Best of Local Goods to Baltimore Avenue
Posted by Samantha Lazar on October 5, 2009
Ah, the long-awaited Milk & Honey Market has finally opened! West Philly has been anxiously awaiting its opening for months now, and everyone seems excited that the paper is off the windows, its shelves are stocked, and its sandwich presses are pressing. The shop, on the corner of 45th and Baltimore, is something of a market meets café meets up-scale deli, and is quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite.
The market’s ethos is that everything must be local, which works both to support Philly’s businesses, as well as to bring the best of Greater Philadelphia to the West Philly community. There’s the requisite fresh milk and organic honey from local farms, of course, as well as specialties from all the big names in town – ice cream from Bassett’s, cheese from Di Bruno Brothers, Breads from Metropolitan...
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Related Destination: Milk & Honey Market »
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New Style Pizzeria
Posted by Samantha Lazar on September 28, 2009
New Style Pizzeria has been dishing out doughy delights on the corner of 41st and Chestnut for going on 18 years. But now they’re true to their name – a few months ago the place underwent a total renovation, and now it’s as appealing to eat-in as it is to grab take out or order up a delivery. It still looks like your typical pizza joint, but one that’s well-lit, with a glass front, spacious open kitchen, and cheery orange walls.
The food, of course is the same as it’s been – that is to say, delicious. The prices are great too: I haven’t seen too many places serving up small pies for less than $6 in a long time. And any pizza place that sells white pizza for even less than the classic plain pie gets a gold star in my book. In addition to the staples, New Style also has a long list of specialty pies (the super-loaded “New Style Special” is a big crowd pleaser), stuffed pizzas, hoagies/sandwiches/wraps, salads, steaks, soups, paninis, wings, strombolis, calzones, appetizers, burgers, platters, pastas...
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Related Destination: New Style Pizzeria »
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Cavanaugh’s: Penn’s Favorite Sports Bar
Posted by Samantha Lazar on September 21, 2009
Cav’s has been a favorite University City hangout since it first opened at 39th and Sansom 25 years ago. Which is exactly why owner Brian Pawliczek decided it needed a facelift; the well-loved and well-worn bar just completed renovations and is ready to show off its new look.
The renovations feature a brand spanking new bar, as well as tons of booths, so you and all your friends can watch the game in comfort. Which game? Any game – or any 7 different games, simultaneously! The walls are literally lined with TV sets, so whatever showdown you’re after – professional, Big 5, or anything else – is bound to be playing.
Thanks in part to its spaciousness, Cav’s manages to cater to the sports crowd without overwhelming the people who are just looking for a cold pint and some grub. In fact, the beer list and menu are ...
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Related Destination: Cavanaugh's Restaurant »
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Honest Tom’s Taco Shop: A Food Truck Like No Other
Posted by Samantha Lazar on August 31, 2009
Honest Tom’s is a unique food truck for two reasons: firstly, the food is AWESOME. There’s not a bad thing on the menu. And that leads us to the second reason: the menu is SHORT! There are only about 3 things on it, but you won’t mind – it would be hard to ever get tired of food so delicious.
The fare is Mexican (tacos – what a shocker!), and the proprietor is true to his name: such a nice, down-to-earth, honest guy. The fish, meat, veggie, and sweet potato tacos are all fabulous (as the occasionally long lunchtime lines can attest), and all the toppings are as fresh as can be. ...
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Related Destination: Penn Food Trucks »
Related Category: Dining + Food
Rx: A Prescription for Deliciousness
Posted by Samantha Lazar on August 24, 2009
Rx is widely known as the best brunch place west of the Schuylkill, but is often overlooked as a fabulous dinner destination. Open since 2001, Rx (so named because the building is a former pharmacy) has a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere and has been steadily garnering a reputation for serving exceptional and lovingly-prepared food. During the summer months sitting outside on the tree-lined sidewalk is a pleasure, and when it’s colder out you can delight in the old-fashioned pharmacy knickknacks that decorate the interior. The chefs use only seasonal ingredients, and everything is fresh and local, with an eye towards sustainability.
Dining on a summer evening, I chose an outdoor table, popped open my bottle of wine (it’s a BYO, of course), and ordered up the Beet Salad and PEI Mussels to start. ...
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Related Destination: Rx »
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Tampopo 3: A Philly Favorite Opens in U. City
Posted by Samantha Lazar on August 20, 2009
Tampopo, the Korean/Japanese brainchild of Temple grads, just opened its third branch, this time in University City. Rejoice! The new restaurant at 44th and Spruce has just about everything you could ask for: delectable Korean and Japanese dishes (not fusion – rather, the classic cuisines of each culture sit side by side on the menu), it’s clean and inviting, fresh, and CHEAP, with nothing on the menu over $10! They do everything they can to keep the price down – it’s self-service, so no need to tip the waiter: place your order at the counter and pick it up when it’s ready. It’s also a BYO (the place is brand new, so it’s still fancying itself up, but once it’s done it’ll be a great low-key date spot). And, it may be the only BYO Bowl in town: bring your own bowl, and get a fifty cent discount!...
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Related Destination: Tampopo Japanese Restaurant »
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Food Trucks: Fine Dining on Wheels
Posted by Samantha Lazar on August 15, 2009
Okay, so you won’t find any linen napkins here, but the quality and dizzying array of dishes served up by University City’s food trucks rivals the fare of many restaurants and can’t be beat for a quick lunchtime bite. Food trucks line streets all over the area, most densely between 33rd Street and 40th from east to west and Spruce and Arch from south to north. The most popular of these restaurants on wheels serve up Chinese, Mexican, American, and vegetarian delights, but you can also find Middle Eastern trucks, Indian trucks, fruit salad trucks… the list goes on and on.
Service is usually quick and friendly, even if some trucks’ lunchtime lines seem daunting – that’s just because their food (and their prices!) are awesome. Whenever I need a snack ...
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Related Destination: Penn Food Trucks »
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Earth Cup Café: Coffee in its True Form
Posted by Samantha Lazar on August 12, 2009
University City has no shortage of cute cafés, but I’ve found a new favorite: Earth Cup (formerly Sam’s Place), at 45th and Pine. Sam’s place was a neighborhood institution, serving up coffee, bagels, and ice cream to generations of West Phillyites for over 25 years. When it was preparing to shut its doors in 2008, long-time customer Natasa Borcanin swooped in to save the day. A professional barista who is truly passionate about coffee (as are all the super-friendly staff), she gave the shop a makeover, turning it into Earth Cup and specializing in organic, fair-trade custom blends.
Earth Cup’s mission is to showcase coffee in its true form, and all their grounds are as fresh as can be – nothing in your cup will ever be a week past its roast date....
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Summer Session at Dock Street Brewery & Restaurant
Posted by Samantha Lazar on August 10, 2009
If you live in West Philly, you know Dock Street. If you live anywhere else in Philly, you’ve probably heard of it - and if you haven’t been there yet, you should get to the brewery/restaurant ASAP to check out their awesome food and indulge in some award-winning suds.
Dock Street is a microbrewery that’s at the forefront of America’s craft-brewing renaissance. And it’s Philly born and bred: founded over 20 years ago, it was named after Old City’s Dock St., which was the revolutionary-era brewing centre of the city. It recently moved into its awesome space in the old firehouse at 50th and Baltimore, and has been drawing in the locals as fast as its 10 tanks can transform fermenting ingredients into liquid gold....
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Related Destination: Dock Street Brewery and Restaurant »
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Powelton Pizza, a Neighborhood Institution
Posted by Samantha Lazar on August 6, 2009
Every college student loves pizza: I’m pretty sure that, by the transitive property, that means that every Drexel student loves Powelton Pizza. But it’s not just nearby hungry students with late-night cravings that flock to this pizza joint near the intersection of Lancaster and Powelton Ave.’s – locals seem enamored by it as well, developing its status as a neighborhood institution.
The place just moved into a brand new renovated space a couple of doors down from its previous location on Lancaster Ave. Since it’s nice weather now they have tables set up on the sidewalk for al fresco dining, but you can always grab a seat inside instead and take in some Jerry Springer lunchtime entertainment (a guilty pleasure…). The menu is long and comprehensive, featuring lots of specialty pizzas and chicken dishes, as well as steaks, seafood, hoagies and wraps. Their standard pizza is perfect: thin, crispy crust with just the right balance of sauce and cheese. ...
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New Kid on the Blockley
Posted by Samantha Lazar on July 30, 2009
The Blockley Pourhouse, a new bar and music venue at 38th and Ludlow Streets on the edge of Penn’s campus, is a welcome and much-needed addition to the neighborhood. It takes its name and aesthetic from the Blockley Almshouse, an old West Philly Insane Asylum that suffered a great fire in 1885, and closed shortly thereafter.
The Blockley’s tagline is “Drinking Institutionalized,” and they certainly do take their beers seriously. There’s a long list of brews on tap featuring a bunch of local favorites, and they also run some awesome specials including $2 Lionshead bottles all day everyday, and $5 pitchers of Bud Light and $1 well drinks on Thursday nights. ...
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Related Destination: The Blockley Pourhouse »
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Jose Garces made my day
Posted by Samantha Lazar on July 28, 2009
Wow. I don’t know why I didn’t visit Distrito sooner. Probably because Mexican food isn’t really my thing. But famed Philly chef Jose Garces (also the culinary brains behind Amada, Tinto, and Chifa) has completely changed my mind and awakened my taste buds with Distrito’s surprising, exciting, and unbelievably delicious modern Mexican cuisine.
Just walk into Distrito, at the corner of 40th and Chestnut Streets, and your mood will instantly be buoyed up to fiesta level – the pink and green plaid décor, the paisley-like tabletops, and a solid wall of Lucha Libre masks combine to create a restaurant environment that seems inspired by a trippy siesta dream. ...
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Related Destination: Distrito »
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Demetri's Pizzeria and Mediterranean Cuisine
Posted by Samantha Lazar on July 10, 2009
University City can always use another BYO. And another diner, and another pizzeria, and another family-friendly joint, and another classy Mediterranean restaurant. Where do all of these things meet? At 45th and Chestnut, apparently: get psyched about Demetri's, a new restaurant that’s all this and more (they also do catering, take out, and delivery!)....
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Related Destination: Demetri's Pizzeria and Mediterranean Cuisine »
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Sprucey Juice
Posted by Kelly White on July 7, 2009
They've got only one beer in a bottle. It's the draft list you'll have to study at Local 44, for a serious rundown of lagers, ales, and casks. There's even a gluten-free beer, to further up the beer game at 44th and Spruce's own happy hour haunt. Owners Brendan Hartranft and Leigh Maida popped open this space shortly after the success of their first pub, the Memphis Taproom in Fishtown. What's different out west? There's a mix of no-frills eats like Cuban sandwiches, double-decker veggie burgers, and a chicken & french toast special. Energy for the late-night walk up Spruce Hill, perhaps....
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Related Destination: Local 44 »
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Tangled Up In Blue
Posted by Kelly White on July 5, 2009
Lovers are pink. Madmen are blue. At least that's what the chalkboard designates at University City's latest coffee lounge. Fans of specialty coffee roasters Counter Culture were foaming at the mouth waiting for Lovers & Madmen to let them in. Set across the street from the vibrant pinkness of Distrito, the coffeeshop beckons with a blue exterior....
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Clark Park Farmers’ Market
Posted by Samantha Lazar on July 2, 2009
Sick of hibernating all winter, eating canned food and potato after potato? Hopefully your wintertime culinary experience wasn’t that bad, but no doubt you’re thinking fresh now that summer is upon us. Swing by the Clark Park Farmer’s Market to satisfy that yearning for fresh, healthy and organic local goodness....
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Related Destinations: Clark Park », Clark Park Farmers' Market »
Related Categories: Dining + Food, Clark Park, Parks, Goods + Services
Brunch At White Dog
Posted by Kelly White on June 30, 2009
Brunch at White Dog is a rite of passage if you live, work, or further your education in University City. Once you fuel up on cage-free eggs in the sunny crack of Sansom Street, you can't go back to whatever diner you grew up on in quite the same way. You're a changed bruncher.
From now on, you'll expect your french toast to come crusted with grown-up cereal, on top of vanilla custard and brulee'd to a crisp surface of candied almonds and juicy berries. ...
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Related Destination: White Dog Cafe »
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Sassy Mango Lassi
Posted by Samantha Lazar on June 27, 2009
Desi Village, on 45th and Baltimore, is a true neighborhood eatery – when I stopped in for dinner at 7 on a Friday, the small restaurant was already packed with a convivial assortment of families, couples, and friends kicking back and chowing down.
The comprehensive menu includes all your favorite Indian standards, as well as a long list of vegetarian specialties, and everything is very reasonably priced. I started off with a Mango Lassi drink, which was the most delicious and refreshing blend of yoghurt and mango that I’ve ever tasted – I would have had refill after refill if I wasn’t trying to save room for everything else! ...
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Madrid Café
Posted by Samantha Lazar on June 25, 2009
If you’re in the neighborhood of 45th and Locust and looking for a place to grab a quick breakfast or lunch, or to sit and get some work done or chat with friends, think of Madrid Café. The small café opened just a few months ago and is pretty bare-bones, but it gets the job done.
I was told that people come in mostly for breakfast, but I stopped in for lunch instead and was pleasantly surprised. ...
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Related Categories: Dining + Food, Coffee Shops
Capogiro Gelato
Posted by Samantha Lazar on June 24, 2009
After living in Italy for a year, American ice cream just doesn’t do it for me anymore. Not even a pint of Haagen-Dazs or Ben and Jerry’s can compare to just one bite of the rich, creamy, fresh, flavor-infused ambrosia that is Italian gelato. I used to think there was something about the air in Italy that made their gelato (don’t call it ice cream!) taste so delicious. But I was wrong – Capogiro, which just opened a new branch on 39th and Walnut, makes gelato that’s every bit as transcendent as what you find in the gelaterias of Italy....
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Related Categories: Dining + Food, Nightlife + Bars, Coffee Shops
Gold Standard Café
Posted by Samantha Lazar on June 22, 2009
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....
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Related Destination: The Gold Standard Café »
Related Categories: Dining + Food, Coffee Shops
Naked Chocolate Café
Posted by Samantha Lazar on June 20, 2009
A picture is generally worth a thousand words, but when the subject is the Naked Chocolate Café, a picture is worth at least five thousand. But even a photo essay wouldn’t do the chocolate shop and café justice – to get a real sense of it, you truly need a whiff and a taste. Stop by the Naked Chocolate Café, which opened its University City branch at 3421 Walnut St. last November, and judge for yourself....
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Related Destination: Naked Chocolate Café »
Related Categories: Dining + Food, Coffee Shops
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