Hey Y’all –
I consider Philadelphia a second home. I go there multiple times a year and I know my way around pretty well. It’s gotten to a point now where I have my favorite stores and favorite restaurants. Philly is one of my favorite places to travel to because it is so diverse and I have NEVER had a bad meal. I am going to give you a quick list of some of my favorite spots in the city of brotherly love (and some newly discovered spots). Don’t forget to check my Instagram ( @potatoesandpearls ) for more food and travel pics!
Pod (https://podrestaurant.com/)As of 2022 Pod has been replaced by KPOD (similar cuisine)
Whenever I come to Philly this is normally the first place I come. It is a modern Asian-style restaurant. If you are into sushi this is the place for you! I have never had a sushi roll or appetizer from here I didn’t love. During this particular trip, a friend and I went to happy hour and had the most delicious lemon drink I have ever had in my life (with a lemon foam on top). Located in University City – this place is a can’t miss (even if you just go for the decor!)
- Cafe Lyft (https://www.cafelift.com/)
I have been to Cafe Lyft for lunch multiple times. It’s for sure my breakfast favorite. You can’t make reservations but any wait you have is worth it (if you get there by 11 the wait tends to be a little less). I like this place so much that I have a mug and tee shirt from here. It is BYO – Champagne which is awesome. They provide you with either cranberry juice or OJ to make your own mimosas. This time around I had a very filling breakfast crepe with perfectly cooked potatoes. If you are a fan of brunch this is the place. The very laid-back vibe and the staff is always chill. Heads up they have one bathroom…. it’s not a huge place but sometimes you may have to wait to use the bathroom so be prepared.
- The Continental Midtown ( https://continentalmidtown.com/ )
Four words: French Onion Soup Balls. The whole menu is good but whenever I go here my focus is always on appetizers. The French Onion Balls are so good – it is the best part of the soup in ball form. They have shoestring potato fries that need more than 2 people to eat them (or you will be eating them for days). And, their salads are great portions. But, my favorite part…..the swing chairs. They are only for parties of 2 so bring a good friend and check them out. (I would recommend a reservation as every time I have gone they are pretty packed.
- Cooperage Philly (http://cooperagephilly.com/)
A great bar spot in a kind of hidden location. I had never heard of this place before but I was told about this place by a friend of a friend. When the Uber driver pulled up we almost missed it because there was no real street sign. When had to go into what looked like an office building to get in but once we sat down I was so glad it came recommended. So much whiskey and so much wine. I had a wine flight of any wines of my choosing for a flat rate. We had already eaten and were quite full when we came but I couldn’t turn down the cheese plate and my friend had to get the dessert tacos. I almost got the nachos to go as they looked tempting but I decided against it one more bite of food would have probably made me sick. But when I go back to Philly I will be grabbing these. I promise you won’t be disappointed with this bar spot. (Their drink menu was printed on a whiskey and wine bottle)
- James (http://jamesphiladelphia.com/)
They refer to themselves as a modern American tavern. Located in Logan Square – we went here for brunch. The day we went they were catering to the Irish parade crowd. A very chill spot but still had a classy vibe. Word of warning, the pancakes are huge. Which every type of pancake you order you just need one for the table. I normally judge a restaurant on how well they can make a bisque and they passed. This is a new brunch spot I will be adding to the list and may even check out their bar one night.
