After nearly 5,000 votes over 13 categories, readers have sounded off on their top picks.
Our team compiled local favorites from all over the region in various categories, considering everything from cuisine to price, neighborhood, quality of food, community impact, and overall experience. The restaurants represent the city’s vibrant culinary footprint.
From fried cornmeal-crusted fish and buttery grits in Chestnut Hill to rutabaga fondue in Center City, Philly’s dining scene is abundant, innovative, quirky and, most of all, cherished.
Learn more about the Readers’ Choice winners here.
Favorite Deli
Famous 4th St. Delicatessen
700 S 4th St
The corned beef Reuben sandwich at Famous 4th Street Delicatessen.TIM TAI / Staff Photographer There aren’t many delis in Philly where you can find overstuffed sandwiches almost as big as your face. At Famous, the platters are enormous; the cakes are tall and decadent; and the menu options are plentiful. Owner Russ Cowan, who bought the 99-year-old deli in 2005, cures huge piles of meat on site while desserts are baked in house. From bagels and bialys to matzo ball soup, the Famous offers classic Jewish deli tradition in a vintage-styled restaurant bustling with guests, from your neighbor to Adam Sandler.
Favorite Bakery
Isgro Pastries
1009 Christian St
Isgro Pastries cannolis from left to right: chocolate Italian cream, ricotta cheese, mascarpone, and vanilla Italian cream.MICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer This Italian Market institution has been making cannolis since 1904. It’s Philadelphia’s go-to bakery for those tubed-shaped pastries filled with sweet, creamy filling, along with ricotta cookies, sfogliatelle, biscotti and so much more. The family-run business makes each handmade batch with pastry precision, attention, and passion.
Favorite Coffee Shop
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
5445 Germantown Ave
The interior of Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books.ALEJANDRO A. ALVAREZ / Staff Photographer Head to this Germantown coffee shop and bookstore after a busy weekday to decompress (it’s open till 7 p.m. Tuesday to Friday) or a quiet weekend afternoon to relax. Marc Lamont Hill founded the shop in 2017 to provide underserved communities with a curated collection of books — and coffee. The sunny, homey shop invites you to order a cup of joe (or tea), pluck a book from a shelf and plop down on the couches and chairs. Keep an eye out for free author talks, workshops and other events.
Favorite Dive Bar (Tie)
Dirty Franks
1509 South St
Artist Christy O’Connor, as Marie Antoinette, interacts with patrons outside Dirty Franks on July 31, 2022.TOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer In Center City, there are two institutions that embody Philadelphia’s quirky, lovable energy. On the corner of 13th and Pine streets, Dirty Franks is a quintessential Philly bar that’s cash-only and covered in eclectic knickknacks and local art. The legendary bar has been open since 1933, with a reputation for being a regulars’ spot.
Favorite Dive Bar (Tie)
Bob and Barbara’s Lounge
1509 South St
Miss Lisa Lisa, a leader of the Philadelphia LGBT community, lip syncs to open the Thursday night Drag Show she has hosted for years at Bob & Barbara's Lounge. At Bob and Barbara’s Lounge, you’re always in for a show — whether that’s listening to jazz bands perform on Friday and Saturday nights or to witness Miss Lisa Lisa and her drag queens on Thursday nights. A reminder, as the painted sign at the South Street bar notes, “Respect Our Queens” when you dine and enjoy a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon — make it “The Citywide Special” with a shot of Jim Beam bourbon. The bar is also cash-only.
Favorite Local Brewery
Attic Brewing Co.
137 Berkley St
Attic Brewing Co. in Germantown had become a popular place to watch weekend sports with ample social distancing, roll-up garage door walls and lots of fresh beer, of course.Craig LaBan Whether you’re looking for IPAs, lagers, sours or stouts, you are sure to find a beer that’s right for you at this Germantown brewery. Offering a welcoming, inclusive space to enjoy your favorite drink is exactly what owner Laura Lacy, and her husband, Todd, envisioned when they opened in 2020. The woman-owned brewery took over the historic Blaisdell Pencil factory where head brewer Bogdan Lisachenko brews New England IPA, brown ale, cream ale, Russian imperial stout and more, including the Brave Noise Hazy Pale Ale. (A portion of proceeds for the ale is donated to the Coalition for Restaurant Safety & Health in Philadelphia.) There’s also wine, cider, cocktail and spirit options to sip on in the taproom — or the large beer garden behind it.
Favorite New Restaurant
Middle Child Clubhouse
1232 N Front St
The Crispy Chicken Caesar, Salt and Pepper Onion Rings, Salmon Crudo and Beef "In" Weck at Middle Child Clubhouse.MONICA HERNDON / Staff Photographer Date night? Grabbing a drink with friends kind of night? This sister spot of Matt Cahn’s innovative Center City sandwich shop, Middle Child, continues the modernity and creativity in Fishtown with Clubhouse’s impressive menu. Think house brioche with chocolate swirl and brown sugar butter for breakfast, roasted and pickled seasonal veggies with artichoke relish, creamy balsamic mayo, arugula, raw onion, stuffed into a seeded hoagie for lunch and a salmon crudo with caramelized coconut milk and smoked pineapple nuoc cham for dinner. No matter when and what you order, you can’t go wrong at this neighborhood hangout and all-day bar and restaurant. (Note: Breakfast and lunch is available until 2 p.m. and dinner service begins at 5 p.m. The kitchen is closed between 2 p.m, and 5 p.m.)
Favorite Takeout
Tiffin
1100 Federal St
Various dishes at Tiffin Indian Cuisine in South Philadelphia.TIM TAI / Staff Photographer Ordering saag paneer or biryani with a side of cool, savory raita to go fits owner Munish Narula’s vision for his restaurant chain. At Tiffin, takeout is 80% of the business. It’s modeled after Mumbai’s dabbawala, which accurately ferries tiffins (metal canisters) from homes to offices and back again, reporter Jenn Ladd previously reported. The restaurant has various locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. With their own drivers and an easy ordering system, you can get your chicken vindaloo and other Indian classics in the comfort of your home.
There are multiple locations.
Favorite Breakfast Spot
Breakfast Boutique
8630 Germantown Ave
The salmon croquettes are moist and full of fresh fish at the Breakfast Boutique.Craig LaBan Nestled in Chestnut Hill, perfectly fried cornmeal-crusted fish, buttery grits, unforgettable salmon cakes and sweet blueberry waffles wait for you. Owners Desiree and Robert Pollard’s bruncherie is all about elegant charm and Southern hospitality. As critic Craig LaBan wrote, Breakfast Boutique offers “North Philly morning tradition” in a “quaint black-and-white” decorated space with “a Luther Vandross-soulful vibe.”
Favorite Specialty Shop
Di Bruno Bros.
930 S 9th St
Sande Friedman, wine manager at Di Bruno Bros. at the latest Di Bruno Bros in South Philly.JOSE F. MORENO / Staff Photographer Walking into any Di Bruno location, the smell and sight of cheese is instantaneous. Mixed with the hustle and bustle of shoppers looking for accompaniments for their charcuterie board — think salty, sweet prosciutto, fig and acacia honey jam and garlic crostini — the cheese emporium is a local icon offering gourmet products since 1939, its footprint firmly planted in South Philadelphia. Along with your brie and gouda, the store also has round cheese boards, aged balsamic, candles and boska girolle (cheese curler) for gift-giving — all $50 or under.
There are multiple locations.
Favorite Ice Cream
Franklin Fountain
116 Market St
Blueberry ice cream at Franklin Fountain.Courtesy The Franklin Fountain Waffle or sugar cone? Or maybe you prefer a quart of your favorite flavor in an original Franklin Fountain takeout box. In Old City, Franklin Fountain scoops out sea salt caramel, vanilla bean, rum raisin, green tea and more in the vessel of your choosing. The ice cream shop is known for its homemade batches and soda treats, so there’s plenty to choose from if you’re in the mood for something more. Think hot fudge sundaes, milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, soda floats and more.
Favorite Vegetarian/plant-based
Vedge
1221 Locust St
The Mushroom Pot Roast at Vedge.TYGER WILLIAMS / Staff Photographer This vegetable-forward landmark by James-Beard-nominated chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby opened in 2011 as a modern plant-based dining experience showcasing local, seasonal produce. Rutabagas are transformed into a fondue for pretzel dipping. Lions Mane mushrooms are paired with celery root fritter, grilled celery salad and smoked remoulade. Spicy dan dan noodles arrive with Sichuan pepper, creamy sesame and black vinegar-glazed trumpet mushrooms, while the Campfire Carrot comes with barbecued black lentils, carrot mustard, and pickled carrot slaw. Don’t miss produce-centric cocktails, craft beers, and wine.
Favorite Hometown Classic
John’s Roast Pork
14 Snyder Ave
Owner John Bucci Jr. prepares cheesesteak orders on the grill at John's Roast Pork. As you bite into a roll, thinly-sliced pork commingle with garlicky sauteed spinach and provolone. Looking for one of the city’s best roast pork sandwiches? You’ll find it at South Philly’s John’s Roast Pork, in operation since 1930. Of course, you could also order John’s 12-ounce cheesesteaks — but that’s up to you.
Favorite Scene
Bok Bar
800 Mifflin St
A view of Philadelphia from the BoK Bar.YONG KIM / Staff Photographer What do you get when you host a rotating roster of brilliant chefs paired with rooftop views spanning Jersey all the way to West Philly? You get Bok Bar, the buzzy destination atop the refurbished and repurposed vocational school serving up inventive cocktails, craft beers, wine and zero-proof options. The crowd is see and be seen, and later, if you feel like exploring, check out the rest of the building which has studios occupied by artists, makers, nonprofits, and small businesses, including a coffee shop, bakery and other restaurants.
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Staff Contributors
- Editing: Jamila Robinson & Joseph Hernandez
- Photo Editing: Rachel Molenda, Danese Kenon, Frank Wiese, David Maialetti
- Design & Development: Sam Morris
- Digital Editor: Evan Weiss
- Video: Astrid Rodrigues, Jenna Miller, Lauren Schneiderman, Kristen Balderas