Julie Harrison, a clinical psychologist in South Jersey who works with children who have experienced abuse, received a letter from Rowan University: Notice of Layoff.
Her position as a teacher, researcher, and provider in Camden County would be eliminated “due to the loss of state appropriation funding,” the May 12 letter said. Harrison works for the Rowan-Virtua Child Abuse Research Education and Service Institute (CARES), which provides evaluation, treatment, and other services to children who have experienced abuse in South Jersey, and conducts research on the subject.
The notice came after Gov. Mikie Sherrill proposed slashing the $1.85 million line item in her state budget plan for the program.
CAREShas offices in Stratford in Camden County and Vineland in Cumberland County. The Vineland location, which opened two years ago to provide better access to families in deeper South Jersey, is shutting down due to the anticipated cuts.
“With Mikie Sherrill being in office, we had a lot of hope because she really was pretty loud about wanting to help kids, wanting to help families, wanting to really champion mental health services, and so we were pretty surprised about this budget,” Harrison said in an interview.
The clinician ispregnant with twins and her job prospects are uncertain as the clock ticks until her final day at CARES. But she is mostly concerned about the impacts the funding cuts will have on children facing trauma in South Jersey, and the workers caring for them.
The South Jersey program serves more than 1,500 children across more than 4,000 visits in both locations. Though just about 200 families use the more rural Vineland location, that is where these types of services can be the most critical, Harrison said.
“It’s a pretty resource-dry community,” she said. “There’s not a ton of public transportation to get around. … The amount of services that are available to these families generally is much lower than other parts of New Jersey.”
Harrison is one of about 20 people whose jobs are being impacted by the anticipated funding cuts across both office locations, according to union members. The majority of those are layoffs, and some employees had their hours dramatically reduced to the point they lost their healthcare benefits, according to union members.
Ali A. Houshmand, president of Rowan University, said in a May 11 email that Sherrill’s proposed cuts forced the child abuse care center to pull back its services beginning July 1. He announced the closure of the Vineland office without saying it outright.
“CARES will consolidate its work into our Stratford campus offices and will continue to fulfill its mission there: delivering high‑quality evaluations and treatment, supporting partner agencies across the region and educating the next generation of physicians and health professionals,” he said in the email.
Joe Cardona, a Rowan University spokesperson, said the program also receives $3 million from other state agencies that will not be cut. He said the program’s goal is to offer the same services but reduce the quantity of care.
“The exact outcome, of course, is to be determined,” he added.
What is clear is that the closing of the Vineland center will have a domino effect on Stratford.
“It’s creating an environment where people who are already doing multiple roles, performing multiple jobs, are going to be asked to do more,” Harrison said. “It’s just that horrible ‘do more with less.’”
Harrison said she was just days away from submitting a grant application to start a food pantry out of the Vineland office when she heard the news. Her team did not submit the application after learning about the cuts and Vineland’s planned closure.
CARES is one of four legislatively mandated diagnostic and treatment centers through the New Jersey Department of Children and Family, though it provides more expansive medical and mental healthcare than legally required. The center champions trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, an internationally recognized model that was developed by the South Jersey program’s codirector.
The program has tried to keep waiting lists for trauma care to under three weeks, but it has now grown to 10 to 12 weeks and the wait for care will probably get longer, Harrison said.
“There is a high cost to what untreated trauma can look like for medical, mental health, all those services down the road if trauma isn’t treated early on,” she said.
Dr. Ali A. Houshmand, president of Rowan University, speaks to students and staff at a fundraising event in September 2025. Erin Blewett / For The Inquirer
‘Tough choices’
Sherrill championed improving mental health for young people on the campaign trail and in her budget proposal by allocating $33 million to expand mental health services for students with high needs in K-12 schools, $500,000 for a new social media research center focused on young people’s mental health, and $125,000 for the newly created New Jersey Office of Youth Online Mental Health Safety and Awareness.
Her office did not respond to a request for comment on her proposal to decrease funding for CARES.
In response to a request for comment for an earlier Inquirer story about Sherrill’s decision to cut all state funding for Rowan’s brand-new veterinary school, an administration official cited the governor’s “blanket cut to all legislative add-ons.” These items refer to funding allocations legislators secure for their district that are sometimes criticized as “pork” or “Christmas tree items.” They can range from improvements for a local park to community services, like CARES.
Sherrill, in her budget address, spoke about making “tough choices” in order to have “the most fiscally responsible budget that our state has seen in years.”
The state budget is a negotiation between the governor and legislative leaders due June 30, so it is unclear how much funding these programs will get in the end. But Rowan has moved forward as if the money for CARES is not on the table.
This is not the first time the program has been at risk as part of the budget dance.
Former Gov. Phil Murphy proposed cuts to the program last year, citing “belt-tightening,” but legislators were able to get the money back in the budget.
This year, Harrison said, people are not optimistic because CARES is one of so many programs Sherrill struck a pen through.
Dio Tsitouras, the executive director of the American Association of University Professors Biomedical and Health Sciences union, said he hopes Sherrill allocates more money to CARES because more state revenue has been identified since her budget proposal. But state officials have still warned of financial uncertainty on the horizon.
“The CARES program is invaluable to protecting our state’s most vulnerable children,” Tsitouras said.
On July 4, 1965, gay activists Frank Kameny of Washington, D.C., Craig Rodwell of New York, and Barbara Gittings of Philadelphia gathered 40 of their LGBTQ brethren in front of Independence Hall to demand equality.
Dressed in three-piece suits, dresses, pumps, and spit-shined tie-ups, the marchers protested discriminatory policies that allowed gay people to be fired from government jobs and to be denied entry into military service.
Their slogan: “We don’t dodge the draft … the draft dodges us.”
Artist Jen Proacci’s sculpture features . historic photographs of a Remberance Day event rendered as a high-resolution print, paired with a vibrant rainbow sky that symbolizes the LGBTQ+ community’s ongoing pursuit of equality, protection and freedom.Jenn Proacci
Held four years before the Stonewall Uprising in 1969, the march made history as the country’s first gay rights demonstration. That 1965 march became an annual protest, now known as the Remembrance March.
The first gathering in 1965 will be celebrated at Philly Pride Visitor Center on Saturday, one of Philadelphia Historic District’s weekly firstival celebrations. Each week in 2026, the Historic District is throwing a day party honoring important events that happened in Philadelphia before anywhere else in the nation and often the world.
“They were the only 40 to 100 people willing to get on the picket line for gay rights for those five years for the entire nation,” said Mark Segal, editor of the Philadelphia Gay News, who was a teenager in 1965.
Picket at Independence Hall, Philadelphia. July 4, 1965. Randy Wicker (L), Barbara Gittings (R)Inquirer archives, photo by Kay Tobin Lahusen
“It was the one and only march of its kind, and it was national,” he said. “People came from Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco. If you were someone involved in getting equality for homosexuals at the time, then you were there.”
Remembrance Marches predated Stonewall but they didn’t lead to Stonewall, Segal added.
The Philadelphia demonstrators in the late 1960s were out of the closet but were still very conservative.
“We were fighting for federal employment,” Kay Tobin Lahusen, the first openly gay American photojournalist, and Gittings’ partner, told The Inquirer in 2007 after Gittings’ death. “We wanted to look employable.”
That conservative energy largely excluded young people at that time, including Segal.
“I wasn’t allowed to march in the Remembrance Marches because I was too young. I didn’t want to wear a suit and tie. I wanted to protest in my jeans and my T-shirts. As a Philadelphian, I loved my city. I appreciated the marches and respect these brave people. But we were ready to smash invisibility.”
Early photos of Philadelphia-based Gay Pride marches part of a collage in the Philly Pride Visitor Center.Kristopher Lawrence/Philly Pride Visitor Center
That sentiment bubbled across the nation.
Early in the morning of June 28, 1969, LGBTQ protesters led a series of demonstrations against police raids at the now historic gay bar, Stonewall Inn, in New York City’s Greenwich Village.
As a contrast to the more conservative Remembrance Marches, the Stonewall Riots, which Rodwell also participated in, were more disruptive and intersectional. Trans women of color, like Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson, would eventually go on to become key figures in the uprisings.
Philadelphia’s last Remembrance March took place the following week.
The following June, East Coast Regional Conference of Homophile Organizations, also known as ERCHO, adopted a resolution in Philadelphia ending Remembrance March.
“We went from 40 to 100 people in Philadelphia to more than 15,000 in New York,” Segal said.
“The Remembrance Days are important,” echoed Kristopher Lawrence, Philly Pride Visitor Center’s supervisor. “We were all trying to get to the same place, but we had different views on how we thought it should be done.”
This week’s Firstival is Saturday, June 20, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Philly Pride Visitor Center, 1139 Locust St.
Take our quiz and find your new favorite restaurant
Published
In case you missed it, The 76, The Inquirer’s annual list of the most essential restaurants in the Philadelphia area, returned in October 2025 for its second year.. The new list looked a little different , with more than half of the restaurants changing from the previous year. It’s still just as comprehensive, so we forgive you if you don’t know where to start.
That’s why we’re here to help you narrow down your favorites. Answer the questions below and we’ll recommend a few spots based on your preferences.
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Reporters: Beatrice Forman, Craig LaBan, Earl Hopkins, Emily Bloch, Evan S. Benn, Evan Weiss, Hira Qureshi, Jake Blumgart, Jasen Lo, Jenn Ladd, Julia Duarte, Kiki Aranita, Max Marin, Michael Klein, Ryan Briggs, Tommy Rowan, and Ximena Conde
Photo Editing: Jasmine Goldband
Food Photography: Alejandro A. Alvarez, Caean Couto, Tom Gralish, Jessica Griffin, Monica Herndon, Heather Khalifa, Yong Kim, Joe Lamberti, Elizabeth Robertson, Tim Tai, Isaiah Vazquez, Tyger Williams
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House”,slug:”oyster-house”,q1:”price$$$”,q2:”shareable, notsharing”,q3:”centercity, philly”,q4:”social, date”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Pera Turkish Cuisine”,slug:”pera-turkish-cuisine”,q1:”price$$”,q2:”notsharing, shareable”,q3:”philly”,q4:”social, family”,q5:”byob”},{name:”Pho Ga Thanh Thanh”,slug:”pho-ga-thanh-thanh”,q1:”price$”,q2:”notsharing”,q3:”philly”,q4:”family, social”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Pietramala”,slug:”pietramala”,q1:”price$$”,q2:”shareable, notsharing”,q3:”philly”,q4:”social, date”,q5:”byob”},{name:”Pizza West Chester”,slug:”pizza-west-chester”,q1:”price$”,q2:”shareable, notsharing”,q3:”other”,q4:”family, social”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Puyero Venezuelan Flavor”,slug:”puyero”,q1:”price$”,q2:”notsharing”,q3:”centercity, philly”,q4:”family, social”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Radinu2019s Delicatessen”,slug:”radins-delicatessen”,q1:”price$”,q2:”notsharing”,q3:”nj”,q4:”family, social”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Reading Terminal Market”,slug:”reading-terminal-market”,q1:”price$”,q2:”notsharing, shareable”,q3:”centercity, philly”,q4:”social, family”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Restaurant Gamarjoba”,slug:”restaurant-gamarjoba”,q1:”price$$”,q2:”notsharing, shareable”,q3:”philly”,q4:”social, family”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Saadu2019s Halal Restaurant”,slug:”saads-halal-restaurant”,q1:”price$”,q2:”notsharing”,q3:”philly”,q4:”social, family”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Sagami”,slug:”sagami”,q1:”price$$”,q2:”shareable, notsharing”,q3:”nj”,q4:”social, date”,q5:”byob”},{name:”San Lucas Pizzeria”,slug:”san-lucas-pizzeria”,q1:”price$”,q2:”shareable”,q3:”philly”,q4:”social, family”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Sang Kee Peking Duck House”,slug:”sang-kee-peking-duck-house”,q1:”price$$”,q2:”notsharing, shareable”,q3:”centercity, philly”,q4:”social, family”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Scannicchiou2019s”,slug:”scannicchios”,q1:”price$$”,q2:”notsharing, shareable”,q3:”philly”,q4:”family, social, date”,q5:”byob”},{name:”Sophie’s Kitchen”,slug:”sophies-kitchen”,q1:”price$”,q2:”shareable”,q3:”philly”,q4:”social, family”,q5:”byob”},{name:”Southeast Asian Market”,slug:”southeast-asian-market”,q1:”price$”,q2:”notsharing, shareable”,q3:”philly”,q4:”social, family”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Sulimayu2019s”,slug:”sulimays-restaurant”,q1:”price$”,q2:”notsharing”,q3:”philly”,q4:”social, family”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Tabachoy”,slug:”tabachoy”,q1:”price$$”,q2:”notsharing, shareable”,q3:”philly”,q4:”social”,q5:”byob”},{name:”The Original Clam Tavern”,slug:”the-original-clam-tavern”,q1:”price$$”,q2:”notsharing”,q3:”other”,q4:”social”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Tierra Colombiana”,slug:”tierra-colombiana”,q1:”price$$”,q2:”notsharing, shareable”,q3:”philly”,q4:”social, family”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Vedge”,slug:”vedge”,q1:”price$$$”,q2:”notsharing, shareable”,q3:”centercity, philly”,q4:”date”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Vernick Fish”,slug:”vernick-fish”,q1:”price$$$$”,q2:”notsharing”,q3:”centercity, philly”,q4:”date, social”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Vetri Cucina”,slug:”vetri-cucina”,q1:”price$$$$”,q2:”setmenu”,q3:”centercity, philly”,q4:”date”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Vientiane Cafe”,slug:”vientiane-cafe”,q1:”price$$”,q2:”notsharing, shareable”,q3:”philly”,q4:”social”,q5:”byob”},{name:”Villa di Roma”,slug:”villa-di-roma”,q1:”price$$”,q2:”notsharing, shareable”,q3:”philly”,q4:”social, date”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”White Yak Restaurant”,slug:”white-yak”,q1:”price$$”,q2:”shareable”,q3:”philly”,q4:”social, date”,q5:”byob”},{name:”Zahav”,slug:”zahav”,q1:”price$$$$”,q2:”notsharing, shareable, setmenu”,q3:”centercity, philly”,q4:”social, date”,q5:”nonbyob”},{name:”Zeppoli”,slug:”zeppoli”,q1:”price$$$”,q2:”setmenu”,q3:”nj”,q4:”date”,q5:”byob”}],recs:[{slug:”al-baik-shawarma”,name:”Al-Baik Shawarma”,description:”Al-Baik Shawarma & Grill offers a generous spread of Middle Eastern dishes with standout items like lamb chops, beef kebabs, and hummus. Their platters, like the Al Baik Family platter, provide a variety of grilled meats and kebabs served over rice with fresh bread, salad, and sides like baba ganoush. The restaurant is known for its flavorful offerings and large portions.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/DT73DTRQB5EKJODJGZ6OAH5YRU/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Middle Eastern”,priceRange:”$,$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$u2013$$”,region:”Northeast Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”3217 Willits Rd”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/al-baik-shawarma”,location:”philly”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”3217 Willits Rd”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Al-Baik Shawarma, 3217 Willits Rd, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”267-703-8000″,phoneLink:”tel:(267-703-8000)”,instagramValue:”albaikshawarmaandgrill”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/albaikshawarmaandgrill”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”},{slug:”alice-restaurant”,name:”Alice”,description:”Chef Dave Connu2019s casually elegant Italian Market bistro is built around a large charcoal-fired oven which lends crispy textures and smoky flavors to a menu reliably stuffed with seasonal ingredients and worldly dishes. The demarcation between entrxE9e and appetizer appears less relevant at Alice, observes critic Craig LaBan, replaced with u201Ca free-flowing collection of variously sized plates that slide seamlessly from carpaccio and crudo to large format sharing platters.u201D Diners typically order two to four plates at this evenings-only spot, and can expect to taste influences from Asia, Mexico, and Europe. Still, Alice isnu2019t all fancypants; LaBan says the burger u2014 u201Ca thick patty of dry-aged beef with the smoky savor of a backyard cookoutu201D and topped with barbecue sauce and caramelized Vidalia onions u2014 is u201Cnext level.u201D”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/JJKERXCG35DYRHQSKAFFYZFEAY/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Modern American,Tasting Menu”,priceRange:”$$$,$$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$u2013$$$$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”901 Christian St.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/alice-restaurant”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social, date, family”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”901 Christian St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Alice, 901 Christian St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 798-6766″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 798-6766)”,instagramValue:”alice.philadelphia”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/alice.philadelphia”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/alice”,websiteValue:”alicephiladelphia.com”,websiteLink:”https://alicephiladelphia.com”},{slug:”amsale-cafe”,name:”Amsale Cafe”,description:”West Philly has several excellent Ethiopian spots u2014 Tedla Abrahamu2019s long-standing neighborhood restaurant and bar, Abyssinia, offers doro and kik wots, lamb alicha, and gomen, all served family-style till 2 a.m. u2014 but thereu2019s nothing quite like Amsale Cafe, or its magical injera. The spongy breadu2019s elasticity and strength make all the difference in soaking up every immaculately spiced plate, including chef Gomege Achamyelehu2019s deliriously good rendition of kitfo, a traditional dish made with raw minced beef. Order the meat and vegetarian combos and her husband, co-owner Bellew Asfa, will neatly assemble the two combos into an enormous round platter, perfect for sharing inside this 28-seat BYOB.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/E3OCDA6W3FEFRAHQCE2STRN6BU/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Ethiopian,BYOB”,priceRange:”$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$”,region:”West Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”4817 Walnut St.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/amsale-cafe”,location:”philly”,vibe:”family”,byob:”byob”,addressValue:”4817 Walnut St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Amsale Cafe, 4817 Walnut St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 397-4420″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 397-4420)”,instagramValue:”cafeamsale”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/cafeamsale”,reservationValue:”Call for reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”amsalecafe.com”,websiteLink:”https://amsalecafe.com”},{slug:”amys-pastelillos”,name:”Amyu2019s Pastelillos”,description:”Amyu2019s Pastelillos is a Fishtown spot that turns the comforting Puerto Rican hand pies into something to get excited about. Their pastelillos come in flavors like shredded chicken, guava BBQ pork, ground beef picadillo, and vegan versions all wrapped in a flaky, crimped crust. They also offer sides like rice and stewed beans, sweet plantains and plenty of dipping sauces to complement the main event.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/ANEZKJNIM5FCPMZCVZ4SGUERHI/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Puerto Rican”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”Fishtown/Kensington”,streetAddress:”2001 Memphis St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/amys-pastelillos”,location:”philly”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”2001 Memphis St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Amy’s Pastelillos, 2001 Memphis St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:””,phoneLink:””,instagramValue:”amys_pastelillos”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/amys_pastelillos”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”amyspastelillos.com”,websiteLink:”https://amyspastelillos.com/”},{slug:”andiario”,name:”Andiario”,description:”Tucked into a buzzing stretch of West Chester otherwise lined with pubs and generic New American restaurants, Andiario signals fine dining, with white tablecloths and a careful wine list. The kitchen accommodations u2014 crates of tomatoes on the windowsill, bunches of fresh oregano drying over the dining room, a larder filled with ferments and preserves u2014 reveal just how dedicated chef Anthony Andiario is to culinary experimentation. With ample portions and rustic plating, you wonu2019t find microgreens or kitchen tweezers here, but the cooking, which is underlined by whole animal butchery, handmade pasta, and bread fresh from its own bakery, is precise and sophisticated, and easily warrants the hour-plus drive from Center City.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/T2DYTLFBQNEHLFPXJMMMVERIXM/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Italian,American”,priceRange:”$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$”,region:”Chester County”,streetAddress:”106 West Gay Street”,city:”West Chester”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/andiario”,location:”other”,vibe:”date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”106 West Gay Street, West Chester”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Andiario, 106 West Gay Street, West Chester”,phoneValue:”(484) 887-0919″,phoneLink:”tel:((484) 887-0919)”,instagramValue:”anthonyandiario”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/anthonyandiario”,reservationValue:”Tock”,reservationLink:”https://www.exploretock.com/andiario”,websiteValue:”andiario.com”,websiteLink:”https://andiario.com/”},{slug:”bad-brother”,name:”Bad Brother”,description:”Nestled in a corner rowhouse so nondescript you could walk right by, this understated Fairmount gastropub turns out bar fare that would make it the envy of any neighborhood. There are a few artfully executed mainstays: the sell-out sausage roll (housemade Mangalica chorizo in a seeded Carangi roll drizzled with queso), the lavishly dressed Caesar salad showered in grated Parm, and the towering pile of wings drenched in sriracha-buffalo sauce. The reason Bad Brother is packed by 5:30 p.m., though, is chef Justin Koenig’s ever-shifting entrees, like a grilled bone-in pork chop served over a peach glaze with confit potato and braised kale, or squares of polenta cake nestled in vegan creamed corn and topped with slabs of smoked trumpet mushrooms that are dead-ringers for crispy bacon. Add to that a long list of intriguing cocktails u2014 a pink peppercorn gimlet, a Fruity Pebbles-infused milk punch, a Tahitian vanilla-spiced u201Csaz-araku201D u2014 and you’ll be plotting a return trip before you’ve even signed the check.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/OF5CIPAJJFCMFBNMM6FFSKJ5GM/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Gastropub,Modern American”,priceRange:”$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$”,region:”Fairmount”,streetAddress:”726 N 24th Street”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/bad-brother”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social, date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”726 N 24th Street”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Bad Brother, 726 N 24th Street, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 235-2460″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 235-2460)”,instagramValue:”badbrotherphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/badbrotherphilly”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/bad-brother”,websiteValue:”www.badbrotherphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.badbrotherphilly.com/”},{slug:”barclay-prime”,name:”Barclay Prime”,description:”With a reputation for dining excellence among athletes, dignitaries and visiting celebs, and a staff that just wonu2019t quit u2014 literally, several of its servers are lifers, with 15-plus years of continuous service u2014 this busy boutique steakhouse in Rittenhouse Square has been in the u201CBest Philly Steaku201D conversation going on two decades. According to Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan, Barclay Prime serves the cityu2019s gold standard for dry-aged luxe prime rib eye, and its other meats, fishes, sides and desserts ainu2019t half bad either. (Barclay is also, quite famously, the home of the $140 wagyu cheesesteak topped with black truffle, foie gras and cooper sharp, and served with a half-bottle of champagne. Itu2019s a gimmick, but a delicious one.)”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/XMWQX65E6VFDTODE6PY4H42ZEA/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Steakhouse”,priceRange:”$$$,$$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$u2013$$$$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”237 S 18th St.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/barclay-prime”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:”date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”237 S 18th St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Barclay Prime, 237 S 18th St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 732-7560″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 732-7560)”,instagramValue:”barclayprime”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/barclayprime”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/barclay-prime?”,websiteValue:”barclayprime.com”,websiteLink:”https://barclayprime.com/”},{slug:”bobs-diner”,name:”Bobu2019s Diner”,description:”Bobu2019s Diner in Roxborough has been serving quintessential breakfasts and comfort food for decades. The menu sticks to classics like pancakes, omelets, and sandwiches, all made to order. Itu2019s a neighborhood staple that keeps people coming back.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/AAMKUSVK2VCD5C2U7WH5ME675M/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”American,Diner”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”Roxborough/Manayunk”,streetAddress:”6053 Ridge Ave”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/bobs-diner”,location:”philly”,vibe:”family”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”6053 Ridge Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Bob’s Diner, 6053 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”215-483-9002″,phoneLink:”tel:(215-483-9002)”,instagramValue:””,instagramLink:””,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”www.bobsdinerphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.bobsdinerphilly.com/”},{slug:”bolo”,name:”Bolo”,description:”Philly has one of the largest and longest-established Puerto Rican communities outside of San Juan and plenty of neighborhood places for a traditional meal of chuletas, mofongo, and chicharrxF3n. Nowhere puts Boricua flavors on a pedestal quite like Bolo. In a beautiful bi-level space in Rittenhouse Square filled with Puerto Rican art, chef Yun Fuentes celebrates his San Juan roots and Latinx cooking from across the Caribbean with polished takes on everything from bacalaitos to ceviche and vaca frita. Go for one of the set menus, like the traditional lechon asado feast of roast pork with black beans and rice, mofongo, and a garlic orange mojo. Or try one of the seasonal tastings, which explore creative fusions that pay homage to Fuentesu2019 long career in a variety of other genres, like duck arepas with foie gras or black bean dumplings in chili crunch. Pair it with a tropical drink from the excellent rum bar u2014 a La Floridita or Coco Bolo u2014 then wrap up with a strong cafe Cubano and a dessert of hot buxF1uelos bathed in dulce de leche.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/U7SN2RMYMRDY7EI3GRFT76XYWE/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Puerto Rican,Caribbean,Tasting Menu,Latin American”,priceRange:”$$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”2025 Sansom St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/bolo”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:”social, date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”2025 Sansom St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Bolo, 2025 Sansom St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(267) 639-2741″,phoneLink:”tel:((267) 639-2741)”,instagramValue:”bolo_phl”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/bolo_phl”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?restref=1371397&lang=en-&corrid=29b49a4a-2026-455b-b923-19093107edc1″,websiteValue:”bolophl.com”,websiteLink:”https://bolophl.com/”},{slug:”cafe-cuong”,name:”Cafe Cuong”,description:”Cafe Cuong introduced the city to its now full-blown passion for Vietnamese hoagies in 1989, moving from Dung Kim Nguyen and Chinh Lamu2019s home into its current Eighth Street storefront some three decades ago. The sons have largely taken over, but the semi-retired Nguyen still makes the secret house mayo and the pickled daikon and carrots. Built with the perfect balance and layering of meats, veggies, herbs, jalapexF1o rings, and sauce, these sandwiches are the handcrafted standard by which all others are measured. For the classic bxE1nh mxED thit nguoi u201Cregular,u201D delicately crusted Sarconeu2019s rolls, baked two blocks away, get a light toasting, then are stuffed with Vietnamese cold cuts, liver patxE9, and mayo. Even better is the BBQ pork shoulder bxE1nh mxED or the braised chicken filling, seasoned with a sweet lemongrass marinade.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/QYVNWO3ORJEXNNC74PMSYPXTHU/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Vietnamese,Banh Mi,Southeast Asian”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”811 S 8th St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/cafe-cuong”,location:”philly”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”811 S 8th St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Cafe Cuong, 811 S 8th St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 574-0527″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 574-0527)”,instagramValue:”cafecuongphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/cafecuongphilly”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”},{slug:”cafe-la-maude”,name:”Cafe La Maude”,description:”CafxE9 La Maude in Northern Liberties brings a Lebanese twist to the classic French cafxE9, with a menu thatu2019s equal parts hearty and buzzing with energy. Plates range from spiced shakshuka to sweet baklawa pancakes, alongside eggs, shawarma, and fresh breads. Open through the afternoon and a BYOB, itu2019s a destination brunch spot where you’ll definitely want to come back to.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/G2U2UZ7ITVHPZKACGKE6GF37VA/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”French,Lebanese,Brunch”,priceRange:”$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$”,region:”Northern Liberties/Spring Garden”,streetAddress:”816 N 4th St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/cafe-la-maude”,location:”philly”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”816 N 4th St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=CafxE9 La Maude, 816 N 4th St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”267-318-7869″,phoneLink:”tel:(267-318-7869)”,instagramValue:”cafelamaude”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/cafelamaude”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”cafelamaude.com”,websiteLink:”https://cafelamaude.com/”},{slug:”castellinos-italian-market”,name:”Castellinou2019s Italian Market”,description:”Cara Jo Castellino and Matthew Barrowu2019s Italian market, which opened in Fishtown in 2016, quickly developed a reputation for being what critic Craig LaBan calls u201Cone of the high practitioners of mindful hoagie art.u201D Mindful is right: Every item on these sandwiches, created on Lisciou2019s rolls, is sliced to order, while oil is swiped on the roll side to side, not lengthwise, to minimize sogginess in the roll’s hinge. Thereu2019s clever flavor play at work, too, like the sweet-and-salty duo of fig jam and prosciutto on the Fig Pig, and an uncharacteristic boldness to the mayo-less spicy tuna salad on the Aunt Lucy. And whou2019d think to spread bacon jam on the roll for a turkey and cheddar sandwich? There are other top hoagie shops u2014 and you may have your favorite u2014 but we give the edge to Castellino’s for its studiousness.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/7C3ZHEFMOJCUNGBZXVCDKVIWUA/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Sandwich,Italian,Deli”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”Fishtown/Kensington”,streetAddress:”1255 E. Palmer St.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/castellinos-italian-market”,location:”philly”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1255 E. Palmer St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Castellinou2019s Italian Market, 1255 E. Palmer St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 416-1187″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 416-1187)”,instagramValue:”castellinosco”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/castellinosco”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”castellinos.square.site”,websiteLink:”https://castellinos.square.site”},{slug:”chateau-rouge-restaurant”,name:”Chateau Rouge”,description:”ChxE2teau Rouge is a BYOB in Graduate Hospital that blends Cameroonian heritage with French technique in lively, soulful dishes. The menu features peppery suya wings, tender lamb skewers, grilled fish, and sides like plantains or rich stews. The flavors are bold and expansive, carried by a warm hospitality from the staff.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/VUENWF7VGJEDBLFKE7Q5RKGQ3A/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”West African,French”,priceRange:”$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”2108 South St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/chateau-rouge-restaurant”,location:”philly”,vibe:”date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”2108 South St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Chateau Rouge, 2108 South St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”445-223-4110″,phoneLink:”tel:(445-223-4110)”,instagramValue:”chateaurouge.philly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/chateaurouge.philly”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/r/chateau-rouge-philadelphia”,websiteValue:”chateaurougephilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://chateaurougephilly.com/”},{slug:”china-gourmet”,name:”China Gourmet”,description:”A touchstone for Northeast Phillyu2019s growing Chinese community, China Gourmet is Philadelphiau2019s preeminent Cantonese dim sum hall u2014 perhaps in part because the cavernous space can seat 400 at its lazy Susan-topped round tables. Seven days a week, morning to afternoon, rolling carts crisscross the dining room to offer more than 50 types of dim sum, all prepared according to strict Cantonese culinary orthodoxy. The cha leung u2014 rice rolls wrapped around crispy fried dough and drizzled with sweet soy sauce u2014 is exemplary, while the peppers stuffed with fish cake is an only-in-Philly dish, incorporating that cherished local staple, the long hot.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/CTWSOLFKSZFEHD3KMHCHT3YCCI/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Chinese,Cantonese,Dim Sum”,priceRange:”$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$”,region:”Northeast Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”2842 St Vincent St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/china-gourmet”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social, family”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”2842 St Vincent St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=China Gourmet, 2842 St Vincent St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 941-1898″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 941-1898)”,instagramValue:””,instagramLink:””,reservationValue:”Call for reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”phillychinagourmet.com”,websiteLink:”https://phillychinagourmet.com”},{slug:”cily-chicken-rice-thai-food”,name:”Cily Chicken Rice and Thai Food”,description:”On Race Street in Chinatown, Cily Chicken Rice & Thai Food keeps it simple but memorable. The star is their namesake chicken and rice, poached or fried, always tender and with a sauce that pulls it all together. The menu also branches out with Thai favorites like pad kee mao and tom yum, but itu2019s that balance of comfort and flavor that makes this little spot stand out.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/5KZWTJVNK5F2NND7I2NBL7K4H4/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Thai”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”933 Race St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/cily-chicken-rice-thai-food”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:”family”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”933 Race St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Cily Chicken Rice and Thai Food, 933 Race St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”215-982-1113″,phoneLink:”tel:(215-982-1113)”,instagramValue:””,instagramLink:””,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”cily-chicken-rice.restaurants-world.com”,websiteLink:”https://cily-chicken-rice.restaurants-world.com/”},{slug:”cjd-trenton-pies”,name:”CJ & Du2019s Trenton Tomato Pies”,description:”Don’t be fooled by the name. CJ&Du2019s Trenton Tomato Pies is found not in New Jersey, but inside Cartesian Brewing in South Philadelphia. If it’s Trenton style tomato pie you’re looking for, no need to cross state lines. Expect crispy crusts with cheese on the bottom and sauce on top. Their menu has included the classic tomato pie, the Nonna, with crushed tomatoes and garlic, and a white pie featuring mozzarella and ricotta with spinach.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/CZJDBILCUBF2JNWWB5XWUH2HOQ/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Pizza”,priceRange:”$,$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$u2013$$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”1326 E. Passyunk Ave”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/cjd-trenton-pies”,location:”philly”,vibe:”family”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1326 E. Passyunk Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=CJ & Du2019s Trenton Pies, 1326 E. Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:””,phoneLink:””,instagramValue:”cjdtomatopies”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/cjdtomatopies”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”},{slug:”corinnes-place”,name:”Corinneu2019s Place”,description:”This Camden institution is a 2022 James Beard Award Winner and for good reason: Its menu of no-frills Southern platters is homey in all the right ways, with spot-on fried chicken, barbecue ribs that fall right off the bone, and ultra-thin fried catfish cutlets that are simultaneously crisp and tender. The side dishes are stars in their own right: Though founder Corinne Bradley-Powers is a lifelong Camden resident, her baked mac-n-cheese and collard greens recipes wouldn’t feel out of place in a Southern kitchen. Corinne’s is mostly a takeout joint, but if you eat in the all-pink dining room, you’ll be treated to a complimentary piece of warm cornbread. Be warned: Naps are recommended after this one.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/E24ECZ72MRCAXOOKOHDBSY5NSU/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Soul Food,Fried Chicken,BYOB,American”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”Camden County”,streetAddress:”1254 Haddon Ave”,city:”Camden”,state:”NJ”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/corinnes-place”,location:”nj”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”byob”,addressValue:”1254 Haddon Ave, Camden”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Corinneu2019s Place, 1254 Haddon Ave, Camden”,phoneValue:”(856) 541-4894″,phoneLink:”tel:((856) 541-4894)”,instagramValue:”corinnesplace”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/corinnesplace”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”corinnesplace.com”,websiteLink:”https://corinnesplace.com”},{slug:”dante-and-luigis”,name:”Dante & Luigiu2019s”,description:”Dante & Luigiu2019s is a time-tested Bella Vista Italian restaurant thatu2019s been around since 1899. It leans into old school tradition, with sauces made from scratch, generous portions of comfort classics like lasagna and osso buco, and a full wine list to match. Stepping inside feels like entering a timeless Italian home. It’s all about solid food, a welcoming staff, and recipes that have stood the test of time.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/AW4R6FHR5RDNPAJGZ65OO6E3FQ/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Italian”,priceRange:”$$,$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$u2013$$$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”762 S 10th St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/dante-and-luigis”,location:”philly”,vibe:”date, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”762 S 10th St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Dante & Luigi’s, 762 S 10th St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”215-922-9501″,phoneLink:”tel:(215-922-9501)”,instagramValue:”danteluigis”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/danteluigis”,reservationValue:”Call for reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”danteandluigis.com”,websiteLink:”https://danteandluigis.com/”},{slug:”dara-philly”,name:”Dara”,description:”Dara brings Thai flavors to the heart of Philly with a menu that balances bold spice and richness. From stir-fries to curries, every plate is lively and thoughtfully made. Itu2019s a BYOB spot that feels laid-back and full of flavor, with dishes like the drunken noodles and crispy duck curry standing out among other favorites”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/E3QPXD3DCFBIBNMMU5X65GELEE/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Thai”,priceRange:”$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”1221 Walnut St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/dara-philly”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:”date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1221 Walnut St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Dara, 1221 Walnut St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”267-876-8107″,phoneLink:”tel:(267-876-8107)”,instagramValue:”daraphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/daraphilly”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/dara-pa?seats=2&date=2025-10-03″,websiteValue:”www.daraphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.daraphilly.com/”},{slug:”dolsan-korean-bbq-and-sushi”,name:”Dolsan Korean BBQ”,description:”Dolsan KBBQ and Sushi combines the energy of a Korean barbecue house with the precision of a sushi bar under one roof. Guests can grill meats like ribeye, galbi, and pork belly at the table, then mix it up with fresh rolls and sashimi. Add in classic banchan and sides, and itu2019s a spot made for big, shareable meals.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/OA5LQFFPJVFCDHN54C6BI73TEY/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Korean,Sushi”,priceRange:”$$,$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$u2013$$$”,region:”Burlington County”,streetAddress:”3747 Church Rd”,city:”Mt Laurel Township”,state:”NJ”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/dolsan-korean-bbq-and-sushi”,location:”nj”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”3747 Church Rd, Mt Laurel Township”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Dolsan Korean BBQ and Sushi Restaurant, 3747 Church Rd, Mt Laurel Township”,phoneValue:”856-372-2751″,phoneLink:”tel:(856-372-2751)”,instagramValue:”dolsankorean”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/dolsankorean”,reservationValue:”Reserve online”,reservationLink:”https://www.yelp.com/reservations/dolsan-korean-bbq-and-sushi-restaurant-mount-laurel-township?social_id=bY2sWvBhFzPuPwcRk2jG2w”,websiteValue:”dolsanbbq.com”,websiteLink:”https://dolsanbbq.com/”},{slug:”doro-bet”,name:”Doro Bet”,description:”Ethiopian fried chicken isnu2019t really a thing in Ethiopia, but it definitely is in West Philly, thanks to sisters Mebruka Kane and Hayat Ali (who also owns the nearby Alif Brew, which offers traditional Ethiopian coffee service with fresh-roasted beans). Doro Bet, a fast-casual spot just a few blocks west of Clark Park, serves up beautifully crispy, teff-coated fried chicken, spiced with either berbere or milder lemon turmeric. The teff means that all the chicken served is gluten-free, and there are also falafel wraps and teff-flour fried mushrooms for the vegetarian and vegan set. The tiramisu, built around ladyfingers soaked in excellent Ethiopian coffee, is a particularly lovely way to finish your meal.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/CE56K7JXZNB5ZL6CXY3UO5TMU4/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Ethiopian,BYOB,Halal,Fried Chicken”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”West Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”4533 Baltimore Ave.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/doro-bet”,location:”philly”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”byob”,addressValue:”4533 Baltimore Ave.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Doro Bet, 4533 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 921-6558″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 921-6558)”,instagramValue:”dorobet_wphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/dorobet_wphilly”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”www.alifamilyrestaurants.comdoro-bet”,websiteLink:”https://www.alifamilyrestaurants.com/doro-bet”},{slug:”el-chingon”,name:”El ChingxF3n”,description:”Baking has always powered El ChingxF3n, from the swirl-topped sesame cemita rolls that help Carlos Aparicio recreate his favorite overstuffed Puebla sandwiches (get the clxE1sica with Milanesa), to the daily concha roll flavors stuffed with ganache for dessert (love the canela-scented corn pinole!), or even the sourdough tang that infuses flour tortillas for the fantastic xC1rabes tacos sliced off a trompo spit. It is Apariciou2019s creative spirit, however, that makes this cheerful all-day cafe and BYOB Phillyu2019s most exhilarating Mexican kitchen, with a steady flow of elegant aguachiles (smoked bay scallops and hominy) and seasonal wonders, from chiles en nogada to crispy soft-shell crabs with pickled plum salsa over tortillas tinted green with cilantro. The ever-changing ice creams, flavored with burnt tortillas or mezcal with orange zest, offer vivid surprises that keep me eager to return.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/IHHY5MXYDZBXVBDAACJ43I4O2M/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Mexican,BYOB”,priceRange:”$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”1524 S 10th St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/el-chingon”,location:”philly”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”byob”,addressValue:”1524 S 10th St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=El ChingxF3n, 1524 S 10th St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(267) 239-2131″,phoneLink:”tel:((267) 239-2131)”,instagramValue:”elchingonphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/elchingonphilly”,reservationValue:”Reserve online”,reservationLink:”https://tables.toasttab.com/restaurants/33da33dd-982e-4055-b26c-cd35b21be048/reserve?partySize=2&dateTime=2025-09-11T23:00:00.000-04:00″,websiteValue:”www.elchingonphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.elchingonphilly.com/”},{slug:”el-mictlan-restaurant”,name:”El Mictlan”,description:”El Mictlan is a family-run spot in South Philly focused on authentic West Coast Mexican cuisine. Their menu features dishes like quesabirria tacos, shrimp al ajillo, creamy nopalito soup, and seasonal specials that lean bold and fresh. Every plate feels thoughtfully made, marrying tradition with a touch of contemporary flair.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/Y2HJHYX5HFEYNEHD3QXVOXD2QA/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Mexican”,priceRange:”$,$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$u2013$$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”2053 S Beechwood St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/el-mictlan-restaurant”,location:”philly”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”2053 S Beechwood St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=El Mictlan Restaurant, 2053 S Beechwood St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”267-876-7012″,phoneLink:”tel:(267-876-7012)”,instagramValue:”el.mictlan.mx”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/el.mictlan.mx”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/booking/restref/availability?lang=en-US&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafaAQjMWPCaBMDJdiafcu1g5QJo_CVIGsfVRZfPGORzEuuP9elV35uw-_qaNQ_aem_vsWugRzuvOWVACULkSlXgA&correlationId=f0a18bec-9236-401c-9609-db15dc1341c7&restRef=1438981&otSource=Restaurant%20website”,websiteValue:”www.elmictlanrestaurantpa.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.elmictlanrestaurantpa.com/”},{slug:”emmett-restaurant”,name:”Emmett”,description:”Emmett in Philadelphia reimagines Mediterranean cooking with a modern, adventurous edge. Plates highlight bold spices and fresh herbs as dishes move tactfully from seafood to lamb to bright vegetable preparations. The bar keeps pace, pouring inventive cocktails, like a saffron martini or a lamb fat-washed rye that all complement the food rather than compete with it.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/VBG4OBFW5VCXVDN7IAPYWMIU3I/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Mediterranean”,priceRange:”$$$,$$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$u2013$$$$”,region:”Northern Liberties/Spring Garden”,streetAddress:”161 W Girard Ave”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/emmett-restaurant”,location:”philly”,vibe:”date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”161 W Girard Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Emmett, 161 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”215-207-0161″,phoneLink:”tel:(215-207-0161)”,instagramValue:”emmettphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/emmettphilly”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”opentable.com/booking/restref/availability?restref=1368322&lang=en-US&ot_source=Restaurant+website”,websiteValue:”www.emmettphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.emmettphilly.com/”},{slug:”freddy-and-tonys-restaurant”,name:”Freddy & Tonyu2019s”,description:”Freddy & Tonyu2019s has been a North Philly staple for decades, serving Puerto Rican comfort food that pulls you in from the first bite. Among the star dishes is the pernil, low-roasted until tender, with crispy edges that hit all the right notes. Pair it with arroz con gandules or a side of mofongo and youu2019ve got a plate that feels like a celebration. Itu2019s generous, soulful cooking that keeps people coming back.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/AAIA2RFQXBCBPBHNYZE3U7GD6Q/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Puerto Rican”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”North Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”201 W Allegheny Ave”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/freddy-and-tonys-restaurant”,location:”philly”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”201 W Allegheny Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Freddy and Tony’s Restaurant, 201 W Allegheny Ave, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”215-634-3889″,phoneLink:”tel:(215-634-3889)”,instagramValue:”freddyandtonys”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/freddyandtonys”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”freddyandtonys.com”,websiteLink:”https://freddyandtonys.com/”},{slug:”friday-saturday-sunday”,name:”Friday Saturday Sunday”,description:”This intimate townhouse restaurant off Rittenhouse Square is still basking in the glow of being named Americau2019s u201COutstanding Restaurantu201D by the James Beard Foundation in 2023. Owners Hanna and Chad Williams havenu2019t let up: They refreshed the upstairs space with plush butterscotch-colored velvet banquettes, fewer seats, and better lighting for diners indulging in the eight-course tasting menu. The seasonally changing plates also continue to thrill, melding Euro techniques with Caribbean, Southern, and soul food influences for stunning dishes like tortellini stuffed with Bentonu2019s country ham over collards splashed with smoky potlikker, or jerk-spiced quail with fresh coco bread. The downstairs bar, reserved for walk-ins only, remains a gem for xE0 la carte favorites (octopus and beans!) and the most original cocktails in town.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/4RRPTZR62NHX5OHBAUJMUBMD24/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Modern American,Tasting Menu”,priceRange:”$$$,$$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$u2013$$$$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”261 S 21st St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/friday-saturday-sunday”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:”date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”261 S 21st St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Friday Saturday Sunday, 261 S 21st St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 546-4232″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 546-4232)”,instagramValue:”friday.saturday.sunday”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/friday.saturday.sunday”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/friday-saturday-sunday?date=2024-09-19&seats=2″,websiteValue:”www.fridaysaturdaysunday.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.fridaysaturdaysunday.com/”},{slug:”gabriellas-vietnam”,name:”Gabriellau2019s Vietnam”,description:”For chef Thanh Nguyen, showing u201Cthe world what real Vietnamese food isu201D has meant producing a repertoire of vividly flavored regional specialties while leading the way for a new guard of Phillyu2019s Vietnamese restaurateurs. A basket of tiny water fern dumplings cradling shrimp and pork cracklins is an essential starter, along with the beef carpaccio topped with crunchy shallots and passion fruit vinaigrette. The bxFAn u0111u1EADu mu1EAFm txF4m vermicelli platter with blood sausage, pork patties, and the fermented pop of shrimp paste dip is another Hanoi-inspired stunner. Flounder with vermicelli and herbs is my favorite entree, but Nguyenu2019s sizzling catfish, fragrant with turmeric, dill, and a pineapple-anchovy sauce, is a sleeper hit. Gabriellau2019s also happens to make the best shaking beef in town. And now this former BYOB has teamed up with Five Saints distilling for cocktails infused with perilla leaves, shrimp salt, and Vietnamese coffee, which prove Nguyen’s vision of Vietnamese food has evolved beyond a series of already memorable dishes into an even more complete experience.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/JPM7L7Y6LBA7FB4CCXHAMLAS3A/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Vietnamese,Southeast Asian”,priceRange:”$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”1837 E. Passyunk Ave.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/gabriellas-vietnam”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social, date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1837 E. Passyunk Ave.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Gabriellau2019s Vietnam, 1837 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(272) 888-3298″,phoneLink:”tel:((272) 888-3298)”,instagramValue:”gabriellasvietnam”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/gabriellasvietnam”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/gabriellas-vietnam”,websiteValue:”gabriellasvietnam.commenu”,websiteLink:”https://gabriellasvietnam.com/menu”},{slug:”geronimos-peruvian-cuisine”,name:”Geronimou2019s Peruvian Cuisine”,description:”Geronimou2019s Peruvian Cuisine in Ambler serves bold, flavorful dishes inspired by traditional Peruvian cooking. Favorites include the pollo a la brasa, made with fresh ingredients and bright seasonings. Itu2019s a cozy spot where every plate feels vibrant and full of character.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/JISLUDL4YJHQZOCLHYKMKKVZ54/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”South American”,priceRange:”$$,$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$u2013$$$”,region:”Montgomery County”,streetAddress:”131 -A E Butler Ave”,city:”Ambler”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/geronimos-peruvian-cuisine”,location:”other”,vibe:”date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”131 -A E Butler Ave, Ambler”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Geronimo’s Peruvian Cuisine, 131 -A E Butler Ave, Ambler”,phoneValue:”215-641-0900″,phoneLink:”tel:(215-641-0900)”,instagramValue:”geronimos_ambler”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/geronimos_ambler”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/booking/restref/availability?lang=en-US&correlationId=53f451f2-8c57-4133-adb8-1ba63bd7e5f5&restRef=1214998&otSource=Restaurant%20website”,websiteValue:”www.geronimosambler.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.geronimosambler.com/”},{slug:”gilda”,name:”Gilda”,description:”Sunny in both disposition and physical footprint, Gilda u2014 named for chef-owner Brian Matterau2019s grandmother, itu2019s pronounced Jill-Dah u2014 is the quintessential cafe for 2024 . The drinks skew fun (the Mazagran consists of cold brew, honey, fresh lemon, and mint), while the distinctive Portuguese fare can fit the bill from filling breakfast (see: the Antonio sandwich, with housemade linguixE7a) to breezy lunch (tinned sardines, or the piri piri chicken) to craveable treat (the rightly famed pastxE9is de nata, along with whatever else might be lurking in the pastry case). Of course, these days no cafe is worth its weight in Instagram followers without two other things: hype merch and a persistent line.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/O2DSCNPODJCDTAQPG6MBBZ3M2E/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Portuguese,Breakfast,Sandwich,BYOB,Cafe”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”Fishtown/Kensington”,streetAddress:”300 E. Girard Ave.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/gilda”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social, family”,byob:”byob”,addressValue:”300 E. Girard Ave.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Gilda, 300 E. Girard Ave., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:””,phoneLink:””,instagramValue:”gildaphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/gildaphilly”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”www.gildaphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.gildaphilly.com/”},{slug:”ginger-restaurant”,name:”Ginger”,description:”Ginger Restaurant in Northeast Philly is an avant-garde restaurant pushing the boundaries of French cuisine. The menu features dishes using locally sourced ingredients for plates like their tuna tartare, truffle fries, and beef cheeks, each full of flavor. With a modern, stylish interior and inventive cooking, itu2019s a place for a memorable meal.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/65I6EUM5HZGVHO5FP2K6OPYFWY/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”French,Central Asian”,priceRange:”$$,$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$u2013$$$”,region:”Northeast Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”744 Red Lion Rd”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/ginger-restaurant”,location:”philly”,vibe:”date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”744 Red Lion Rd”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Ginger, 744 Red Lion Rd, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”445-444-0028″,phoneLink:”tel:(445-444-0028)”,instagramValue:”add.ginger”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/add.ginger”,reservationValue:”Call for reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”ginger-restaurant.restaurant”,websiteLink:”https://ginger-restaurant.restaurant/”},{slug:”gou-restaurant”,name:”Gou”,description:”Gou Restaurant in Old City shines a spotlight on Haitian cuisineu2014think griot, rasta pasta, and hearty stews packed with spice and soul. Itu2019s a BYOB joint, so you get that relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe around warm, wooden tables. More than just food, itu2019s a place that feels like community in every bite.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/4ITFQNAFKNAPJHACFUWGTTMW6E/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Caribbean”,priceRange:”$,$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$u2013$$”,region:”Olney/Oak Lane”,streetAddress:”5734 Old 2nd St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/gou-restaurant”,location:”philly”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”5734 Old 2nd St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Gou, 5734 Old 2nd St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”267-335-4176″,phoneLink:”tel:(267-335-4176)”,instagramValue:”gouphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/gouphilly”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”},{slug:”ground-provisions”,name:”Ground Provisions”,description:”Ground Provisions in West Chester is an all plant-based restaurant built around a multi-course tasting menu that changes regularly. The bar keeps things lively with natural wines, craft cocktails, and local brews, making the pairings part of an immersive experience. Meanwhile, a more casual lounge area offers walk-in snacks and smaller plates for those not doing the full tasting.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/KOKYXPDG6ZDWNOUKFFWDT4OS6A/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Vegetarian,Tasting Menu”,priceRange:”$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$”,region:”Chester County”,streetAddress:”1388 Old Wilmington Pike”,city:”West Chester”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/ground-provisions”,location:”other”,vibe:”date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1388 Old Wilmington Pike, West Chester”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Ground Provisions, 1388 Old Wilmington Pike, West Chester”,phoneValue:”610-355-4411″,phoneLink:”tel:(610-355-4411)”,instagramValue:”groundprovisionspa”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/groundprovisionspa”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://www.groundprovisionspa.com/reservations”,websiteValue:”www.groundprovisionspa.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.groundprovisionspa.com/”},{slug:”heavy-metal-sausage”,name:”Heavy Metal Sausage Co.”,description:”Whether you crave a lieberwurst sandwich on housemade bread, fresh country pxE2txE9 to go, or a blowout multicourse dinner, Heavy Metal Sausage Co. has you covered. No culinary corner handcrafts more u2014 or with nerdier ambition u2014 than this South Philly storefront run by chef Patrick Alfiero and Melissa Pellegrino. A dozen deli meats, from smoked turkey to finocchiona, are used for the distinctive sandwiches (try the Poppe with zungenblutwurst and leek relish on marbled rye). The trattoria dinners, meanwhile, have evolved into some of the most adventurous meal tickets in town, with two seatings for a dozen diners to savor creative plates inspired by local ingredients spun through an Italian lens and ever-changing themes. A recent all-goat menu, which bounded from a charcuterie platter with goat mortadella to a goat tartare with chiles and peaches, pasta with braised goat ragxF9, and goatu2019s milk gelato for dessert, was among the yearu2019s most memorable meals.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/SW6WNC5YMRC2ZPZBI5QSQ3R3PQ/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Modern American,BYOB,Sandwich,Tasting Menu,Italian”,priceRange:”$,$$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$/$$$$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”1527 W Porter St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/heavy-metal-sausage”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social”,byob:”byob”,addressValue:”1527 W Porter St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Heavy Metal Sausage Co., 1527 W Porter St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:””,phoneLink:””,instagramValue:”heavy_metal_sausage215″,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/heavy_metal_sausage215″,reservationValue:”Reserve online”,reservationLink:”https://book.squareup.com/appointments/y6ta8309sw5itk/location/L1J8J59BPG4WB/services”,websiteValue:”www.heavymetalsausage.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.heavymetalsausage.com/”},{slug:”her-place”,name:”Her Place”,description:”Going on four years now, Amanda Shulmanu2019s one-time Sansom Street pop-up is deeply ensconced in its jewel box restaurant phase, and its ever-changing menus are reliably fantastic. At $95 for five courses, this is a value for a meal where seasonal spontaneity and a chefu2019s distinctive style u2014 sophisticated but never fussy u2014 are always in harmony. u201CNobody likes our food any more than we do,u201D Shulman says.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/N56DZRFTTBEP5FSPAKQUF6ZWNA/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Modern American,Tasting Menu”,priceRange:”$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”1740 Sansom St.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/her-place”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:”date, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1740 Sansom St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Her Place, 1740 Sansom St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:””,phoneLink:””,instagramValue:”herplacesupperclub”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/herplacesupperclub”,reservationValue:”Tock”,reservationLink:”https://www.exploretock.com/herplace/”,websiteValue:”herplacephilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://herplacephilly.com”},{slug:”high-street”,name:”High Street”,description:”After an extended pandemic-related hiatus, this Old City favorite has been reborn in Washington Square West with more seating, a glassed-in showcase pastry kitchen and a 14-seat bar. Itu2019s a more ambitious venue for Ellen Yin and company, but theyu2019re sticking to the simple-yet-elegant High Street game plan: baked goods in the morning; sandwiches, salads, and house-made breads for lunch; and a full-service restaurant at dinner. Brunch too, of course. Chef Christina McKeoughu2019s menu is anchored by small comfort-food options like pizza and pasta, built with locally sourced grains and flour.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/QGASTJON2JEHNGBTGRYGTKV4XQ/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”American,Bakery,Brunch”,priceRange:”$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”101 S 9th St.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/high-street”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:”date, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”101 S 9th St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=High Street, 101 S 9th St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 625-0988″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 625-0988)”,instagramValue:”highstreetphl”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/highstreetphl”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/r/high-street-restaurant-and-bar-philadelphia?”,websiteValue:”highstreetonmarket.com”,websiteLink:”https://highstreetonmarket.com/”},{slug:”honeysuckle”,name:”Honeysuckle”,description:”Itu2019s been a pop-up, a residency, a grocery store a supper club and more over its first five years, but you could say that the Honeysuckle idea u2014 celebrating the culture and foodways of the Black diaspora and their influence on American cuisine u2014 has endured. In 2025, chefs Omar Tate and Cybille St.Aude-Tate seem to have arrived at Honeysuckleu2019s final form, a fine-dining restaurant on North Broad with walls of windows, a warm interior defined by wood and earth tones, and a four-course prix fixe dinner that includes items like Haitian spaghetti, barbecued sweet potato, and red drum fish with mojo sauce and scallop foam.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/4676UU7BGZENDNWEHPX4VFJ3JA/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”American,Brunch”,priceRange:”$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$”,region:”Northern Liberties/Spring Garden”,streetAddress:”631 N Broad St.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/honeysuckle”,location:”philly”,vibe:”date, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”631 N Broad St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Honeysuckle, 631 N Broad St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 307-3316″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 307-3316)”,instagramValue:”honeysuckle_restaurant”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/honeysuckle_restaurant”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/r/honeysuckle-philadelphia?”,websiteValue:”www.honeysucklephl.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.honeysucklephl.com/”},{slug:”indo-spice”,name:”Indo Spice”,description:”Indo Spice in South Philly brings Indonesian cooking to life with bold flavors and plenty of heart. Plates range from smoky pork satay to aromatic rice and noodles, each dish carrying depth and warmth. Here, spice feels familiar yet exciting, turning every meal into a small adventure.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/LEST6LJE6VDW3IHEEED46VBINI/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Indonesian”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”1421 W Passyunk Ave”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/indo-spice”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1421 W Passyunk Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Indo Spice, 1421 W Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 515-3939″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 515-3939)”,instagramValue:”indospicephilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/indospicephilly”,reservationValue:”Call for reservations”},{slug:”johns-roast-pork”,name:”Johnu2019s Roast Pork”,description:”For most of its 94 years, John’s Roast Pork was an off-the-radar lunch shack by South Phillyu2019s railyards and docks, rightfully known for its namesake sandwich u2014 a two-fisted Italian roast pork drenched in garlicky juices on a seeded roll served u201CItalianou201D style, with aged provolone and spinach. It was third-generation operator John Bucci Jr. who, two decades ago, turned it into a nationally renowned cheesesteak pilgrimage site (and James Beard Americau2019s Classic). It serves an elite classic steak, with a healthy portion of fresh beef griddled to a ribbon-chopped sear with caramelized onions and molten flows of cheese (America or provolone; Whiz is not available) packed into a roll that can contain the juice. Try it Milano-style, with grilled tomatoes, and take in the skyline view from one of its picnic tables. John’s chicken steak, cooked from fresh breasts, and the gravy-soaked meatballs are also excellent. Ironically, as Johnu2019s became a cheesesteak touchstone, its stellar pork sandwich has become a sleeper hit.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/B27NZBAH7VFQ7NHIDQWQI6VUCM/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Sandwich,American,Cheesesteak”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”14 E. Snyder Ave.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/johns-roast-pork”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social, family”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”14 E. Snyder Ave.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Johnu2019s Roast Pork, 14 E. Snyder Ave., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 463-1951″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 463-1951)”,instagramValue:””,instagramLink:””,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”johnsroastpork.com”,websiteLink:”https://johnsroastpork.com/”},{slug:”johnnys-pizza”,name:”Johnnyu2019s Pizza”,description:”Johnnyu2019s Pizza in Bryn Mawr offers both round and square pies topped with hand-crushed tomato sauce, mozzarella, charred pepperoni, ripped basil, and Pecorino-Romano shavings. The 12-ounce, house-cut rib-eye cheesesteaks are as popular as the pizzas, and the playful upstairs seating area is furnished with booths, arcade games, and walls designated for doodling with provided Sharpies.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/F4LBLRRM35FLRO7PDT7ZCE7OBY/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Cheesesteak,Pizza,Sandwich,Italian,American”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”Montgomery County”,streetAddress:”1025 West Lancaster Ave.”,city:”Bryn Mawr”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/johnnys-pizza”,location:”other”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1025 West Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Johnnyu2019s Pizza, 1025 West Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr”,phoneValue:”610-525-4811″,phoneLink:”tel:(610-525-4811)”,instagramValue:”johnnyspizzabrynmawr”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/johnnyspizzabrynmawr”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”www.johnnyspizzabrynmawr.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.johnnyspizzabrynmawr.com/”},{slug:”june-byob”,name:”June BYOB”,description:”The elegance of classic French cuisine shines on at this Collingswood BYOB, where Richard u201CToddu201D Cusack draws diners with the turning crank of his duck press and the three-course u201Cvoyageu201D tasting for two, which includes the tableside flambxE9e theatrics of crxEApes Suzette. There are rabbit rillettes and foie gras, beef Wellington, and Bordelaise-splashed escargots made to a recipe handed down from Pierre Calmels, the former owner of Bibou, where Cusack was his sous chef. This is the regionu2019s most faithful descendant of the Le Bec-Fin lineage (where Calmels was one of the final chefs and Cusack also worked), but Juneu2019s menu isnu2019t stuck in the Escoffier past, with modern expressions like crudos, vegan dishes, and summer scallops with Jersey corn risotto. Along with gracious service, this intimate gem has evolved into one of the areau2019s loveliest restaurants for a celebratory meal rooted in classic Gallic style.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/L3CA3K3KDZF5TFB7BA2OA7ICVA/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”French,BYOB”,priceRange:”$$$,$$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$u2013$$$$”,region:”Camden County”,streetAddress:”690 Haddon Ave”,city:”Collingswood”,state:”NJ”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/june-byob”,location:”nj”,vibe:”date”,byob:”byob”,addressValue:”690 Haddon Ave, Collingswood”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=June BYOB, 690 Haddon Ave, Collingswood”,phoneValue:”(856) 240-7041″,phoneLink:”tel:((856) 240-7041)”,instagramValue:”junebyob”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/junebyob”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/collingswood-nj/venues/june-byob-collingswood?seats=2&date=2024-09-19″,websiteValue:”junebyob.com”,websiteLink:”https://junebyob.com/”},{slug:”kalaya”,name:”Kalaya”,description:”Is there a more exciting restaurant in Philadelphia than Kalaya? Chutatip u201CNoku201D Suntaranon, the James Beard-winning chef, cookbook author, and Chefu2019s Table subject, makes the case for Southern Thai flavors in the soaring, palm-fringed space of a converted Fishtown warehouse that she opened with the partners behind Suraya and Pizzeria Beddia. Her signature dumplings, shaped into blue flowers and tiny birds, are musts to start, as are the crisply fried mustard chive gui chai cakes. If the uncompromising heat starts to settle in between the chile-fired duck laab and deeply earthy goat and lamb curry, balance your meal with a grilled chicken brushed in sweet coconut-tamarind glaze or a lemongrass-tanged soup (tom yum or poh taek). There are new tasting menu options now, too, that provide perfect examples of how to order a balanced Kalaya meal. Grab a tropical cocktail kissed with galangal, then head for a giant orb of shaved ice drizzled with Thai iced tea and guava syrup, which is like diving into a snowbank for dessert.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/VFWGHFQCL5HXNJUZXV6OZN3KP4/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Thai,Southeast Asian”,priceRange:”$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$”,region:”Fishtown/Kensington”,streetAddress:”4 W Palmer St.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/kalaya”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social, date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”4 W Palmer St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Kalaya, 4 W Palmer St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 545-2535″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 545-2535)”,instagramValue:”kalayaphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/kalayaphilly”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/kalaya”,websiteValue:”kalayaphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://kalayaphilly.com/”},{slug:”karachi-kafe”,name:”Karachi Kafe”,description:”Karachi Kafe puts a modern spin on Pakistani street food with a menu full of bold flavors. From chicken malai kabab and beef nihari to chaat, rolls, fresh naan, and more, the dishes balance spice and comfort. Itu2019s a spot that celebrates classic flavors in a fresh, approachable way.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/HAPCOB4UMBH6TPJTEDB7ZADMKE/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Pakistani,Halal”,priceRange:”$,$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$u2013$$”,region:”Camden County”,streetAddress:”2999 E Evesham Rd Unit 12″,city:”Voorhees Township”,state:”NJ”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/karachi-kafe”,location:”nj”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”2999 E Evesham Rd Unit 12, Voorhees Township”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Karachi Kafe, 2999 E Evesham Rd Unit 12, Voorhees Township”,phoneValue:”833-544-5233″,phoneLink:”tel:(833-544-5233)”,instagramValue:”karachi_kafe”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/karachi_kafe”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”karachikafe.com”,websiteLink:”https://karachikafe.com/”},{slug:”li-beirut”,name:”Li Beirut”,description:”Genial host and owner Tony Massoud works every table in Li Beirut’s breezy dining room while wife Patricia Massoud cooks the cuisine of her youth at their bustling Lebanese BYOB on the ground floor of a century-old house in Collingswood. Itu2019s impossible to order incorrectly here, no matter whatu2019s in the colorful ceramic bowls of mezze or on the platters of charcoal-grilled dishes u2014 but youu2019d be ordering especially right if you wind up with the lamb chops or kafta kebab sausages. Or, instead of having to choose at all, you could just get the Taste of Lebanon, a prix-fixe extravaganza that allows you to run the menu and enjoy one of the best values in the region.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/F3EXKIIIMVANPAUYP3VQL65QH4/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Middle Eastern,BYOB,Halal,Mediterranean,Levantine,Lebanese”,priceRange:”$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$”,region:”Camden County”,streetAddress:”619 Collings Ave.”,city:”Collingswood”,state:”NJ”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/li-beirut”,location:”nj”,vibe:”social, family”,byob:”byob”,addressValue:”619 Collings Ave., Collingswood”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Li Beirut, 619 Collings Ave., Collingswood”,phoneValue:”(856) 477-2105″,phoneLink:”tel:((856) 477-2105)”,instagramValue:”libeirutnj”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/libeirutnj”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/collingswood-nj/venues/li-beirut?date=2024-09-19&seats=2″,websiteValue:”libeirutnj.com”,websiteLink:”https://libeirutnj.com/”},{slug:”little-walters”,name:”Little Walteru2019s”,description:”From the neon pierogi glowing golden in the window to the campfire aroma of the wood-fired hearth, Michael Brenflecku2019s homage to Polish flavors at Little Walteru2019s in East Kensington is clearly a departure from the traditional Polska kitchens that were once ubiquitous in nearby Port Richmond (and are now best represented by Dinner House). The ownership debut for this Allentown native, who spent years cooking Mexican (La Calaca Feliz) and Mediterranean (Spice Finch), is a heartfelt reflection on family flavors updated with handcraft, seasonality, and creative touches, from the hauntingly smoked kielbasa to pierogi filled with farmeru2019s cheese and mushrooms. The wood-fired range lends a rustic note to rye-crusted chicken cutlets cooked in cast-iron pans and a deep savor to rotisserie pork rubbed in caraway and mustard u201CShabaskyu201D spice. A robust pickling program bolsters the bar, where pickle juice martinis, house krupnik, and the Urbanista, a bison grass vodka riff on the Citywide (alongside u017Bubr lager), keeps this next-gen Polish party rolling.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/MKSN46I7MBCPTCM2KVUTVS3ZXI/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Polish,Eastern European”,priceRange:”$$,$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$u2013$$$”,region:”Fishtown/Kensington”,streetAddress:”2049 E Hagert St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/little-walters”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social, date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”2049 E Hagert St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Little Walteru2019s, 2049 E Hagert St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(267) 239-2228″,phoneLink:”tel:((267) 239-2228)”,instagramValue:”littlewaltersphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/littlewaltersphilly”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/little-walters”,websiteValue:”littlewaltersphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://littlewaltersphilly.com/”},{slug:”m-kee”,name:”M Kee”,description:”M Kee on Race Street serves classic Cantonese barbecue, with roast duck, pork, and chicken hanging by the window and sliced to order over rice or noodles. The congee is well-balanced, with options like roasted duck or pork with preserved egg.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/4SHZQQXYBBEHHMS4CIOFMTVMCY/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Chinese”,priceRange:”$,$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$u2013$$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”1002 Race St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/m-kee”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:””,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1002 Race St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=M Kee, 1002 Race St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 238-8883″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 238-8883)”,instagramValue:””,instagramLink:””,reservationValue:”Call for reservations”},{slug:”madness-of-masala”,name:”Madness of Masala”,description:”MAdness of MAsala brings North and South Indian cooking to life with dishes rooted in tradition. The kitchen serves everything from fluffy idli and crisp dosas to rich curries and spicy chicken that showcase the heat and depth of regional spices. Itu2019s a place where each dish feels both daring and deeply familiar, built on spice blends imported from home that meet a lively table.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/PFQ7UUF6PNCCHJHCEZOQBWZUTE/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Indian”,priceRange:”$,$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$u2013$$”,region:”Montgomery County”,streetAddress:”2851 Ridge Pike”,city:”Trooper”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/madness-of-masala”,location:”other”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”2851 Ridge Pike, Trooper”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=MAdness of MAsala, 2851 Ridge Pike, Trooper”,phoneValue:”484-235-8003″,phoneLink:”tel:(484-235-8003)”,instagramValue:”madnessofmasala”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/madnessofmasala”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”madnessofmasala.com”,websiteLink:”https://madnessofmasala.com/”},{slug:”mawn”,name:”Mawn”,description:”Phila and Rachel Lornu2019s intimate Bella Vista BYOB has become one of the cityu2019s hottest reservations because of its delicious tributes to the Cambodian cooking of Philau2019s family. The pan-Asian menu goes well beyond its description as u201Ca noodle shop with no rulesu201D to present crispy soft-shell shrimp glazed in fish sauce caramel, refreshing Burmese salads, stellar whole fish in hot ginger-scallion oil, and an u201CAll-Star seafood riceu201D jeweled with uni, crab, scallops, and roe. The most memorable dishes, though, lean toward Philau2019s Khmer roots, from the banh chow crepe salad with u201CSunday fish sauceu201D to steak and prahok, oysters with minty rau ru0103m and Cambodian black pepper mignonette, and specials like the prawn crudo in chili oil, which show this kitchen is still evolving in the most exciting way.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/H67VBNIEMJFPTC5NPGLHCPARRQ/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Cambodian,BYOB,Southeast Asian”,priceRange:”$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”764 S 9th St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/mawn”,location:”philly”,vibe:”date”,byob:”byob”,addressValue:”764 S 9th St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Mawn, 764 S 9th St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:””,phoneLink:””,instagramValue:”mawnphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/mawnphilly”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/r/mawn-philadelphia”,websiteValue:”mawnphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://mawnphilly.com/”},{slug:”middle-child-clubhouse”,name:”Middle Child Clubhouse”,description:”A blinking neon martini glass and coffee mug sign, a poster of Princess Diana in her iconic Eagles varsity jacket, and a conspicuously positioned pool table lean into ad-man-turned-sandwich-guy Matt Cahnu2019s penchant for inventive twists on classics and aspirations to create a timeless brand. But itu2019s the clever takes on American standards coming out of Middle Child Clubhouseu2019s kitchen u2014 as well as sandwiches from the original Middle Child u2014 that have everyone hanging around for hours. From crudos with smoked pineapple nuoc cham to strawberry swirl pixF1a coladas to fluffy malted milk pancakes topped with a smiley knob of whipped citrus butter, a stop any time of day u2014 or night u2014 will leave you rethinking what Americana-centered dining can be.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/F2K6JIRYUJCZJMNFXL6KVG6CC4/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Modern American,American,Gastropub,Breakfast,Sandwich”,priceRange:”$,$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$/$$$”,region:”Fishtown/Kensington”,streetAddress:”1232 N Front St.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/middle-child-clubhouse”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social, date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1232 N Front St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Middle Child Clubhouse, 1232 N Front St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(267) 858-4325″,phoneLink:”tel:((267) 858-4325)”,instagramValue:”middlechildclubhouse”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/middlechildclubhouse”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/middle-child-clubhouse?date=2024-09-19&seats=2″,websiteValue:”middlechildphilly.comclubhouse/visit/”,websiteLink:”https://middlechildphilly.com/clubhouse/visit/”},{slug:”mighty-bread”,name:”Mighty Bread”,description:”Mighty Bread Company in South Philly is a neighborhood bakery known for its sourdough loaves, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries that change with the seasons. Everything is made with care, from crusty semolina bread to sweet morning buns. Itu2019s a place that keeps baking simple but memorable, with flavors that feel both fresh and familiar while executing at a high level.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/4GEMQBLRK5GALOFNLAW5KVQQIY/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Bakery,Cafe”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”1211 Gerritt St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/mighty-bread”,location:”philly”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1211 Gerritt St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Mighty Bread, 1211 Gerritt St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”215-607-3205″,phoneLink:”tel:(215-607-3205)”,instagramValue:”mightybreadco”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/mightybreadco”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”www.mightybreadco.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.mightybreadco.com/”},{slug:”niki-echo-cafe”,name:”Niki Echo Cafe”,description:”Niki Echo Cafe in South Philly is host to homestyle Indonesian food in a lowkey neighborhood setting. The menu highlights comforting dishes like ayam penyet, tahu and tempe, the lele catfish, or coconut rice, along with snacks like their kaya toast and veggie spring rolls. Drinks range from bubble tea to iced coffee and tropical smoothies.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/O2GP4FEZZVDWFODUS4M6OKZM2U/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Indonesian,Southeast Asian”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”2223 S 7th St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/niki-echo-cafe”,location:”philly”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”2223 S 7th St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Niki Echo Cafe, 2223 S 7th St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”267-239-2008″,phoneLink:”tel:(267-239-2008)”,instagramValue:”niki_echo.phl”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/niki_echo.phl”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”},{slug:”oasis-haven”,name:”Oasis Haven”,description:”Oasis Haven brings Yemeni and broader Middle Eastern flavors to Philly with a menu full of deep stews, grilled meats, and creative specials. Favorites like mandi lamb, qillabah chicken, and roasted chicken anchor a menu that moves between comforting and celebratory. Small plates like hummus, tabouleh, falafel round out the table, all in generous portions.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/ZTLKRU36B5D7NAZ6DQS4YT36O4/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Middle Eastern”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”Northern Liberties/Spring Garden”,streetAddress:”901 W Girard Ave”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/oasis-haven”,location:”philly”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”901 W Girard Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Oasis Haven, 901 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”215-765-5000″,phoneLink:”tel:(215-765-5000)”,instagramValue:”oasis.haven1″,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/oasis.haven1″,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”www.oasishavenmenu.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.oasishavenmenu.com/”},{slug:”oba-mediterranean-grill”,name:”Oba Mediterranean Grill”,description:”Oba Mediterranean Grill in Collingswood serves Turkish cooking thatu2019s vibrant and full of character. The kitchen dishes out smoky kebabs, crisp pide, fresh salads, and spreads like hummus and baba ghanoush that are meant for sharing. Itu2019s a spot where bright flavors meet a relaxed table, making every meal feel both abundant and inviting.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/QR6POOR6DZAYVB7DIEC7QV7IHI/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Mediterranean,Turkish”,priceRange:”$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$”,region:”Camden County”,streetAddress:”563 Haddon Ave”,city:”Collingswood”,state:”NJ”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/oba-mediterranean-grill”,location:”nj”,vibe:”social, date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”563 Haddon Ave, Collingswood”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Oba Mediterranean Grill, 563 Haddon Ave, Collingswood”,phoneValue:”856-858-6666″,phoneLink:”tel:(856-858-6666)”,instagramValue:”obamediterraneangrill”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/obamediterraneangrill”,reservationValue:”Tock”,reservationLink:”https://www.exploretock.com/oba-mediterranean-grill-collingswood/search/”,websiteValue:”www.oba-restaurant.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.oba-restaurant.com/”},{slug:”octopus-cart”,name:”Octopus Cart”,description:”Center City is full of food carts, but the Octopus Cart is one of a kind. A business district lunch standby for more than 30 years, its charcoal-fired grill sends seductive plumes of smoke across the intersection of 20th and Market Streets, where devoted customers wait half an hour or more for whatever $20 Mediterranean platter is being cooked that day by Konstadinos u201CGusu201D Christis (who also sometimes goes by u201CKostasu201D). No, he doesnu2019t serve octopus; the name is a tribute to his Greek heritage. The specialty here is the char-kissed chicken breasts tinged red with paprika and saffron that, on my visit, came tangled with house-extruded turmeric spaghetti in garlic sauce. And that was just the base. Add deep-green falafel (my vote for Phillyu2019s best), apple-cabbage slaw, blanched asparagus and yes, a handful of ripe cherries, and youu2019ve got appetizer, entree, and dessert all piled into a 2xBD-pound mound of shareable garlicky goodness. Total chaos in a clamshell? Perhaps. But what a singular feast.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/7Q6JOIAAWJBHHCTXWUZW5NDNUI/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Mediterranean,Food Cart”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”Southeast corner of 20th and Market Streets”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/octopus-cart”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:””,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”Southeast corner of 20th and Market Streets”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Octopus Cart , Southeast corner of 20th and Market Streets, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:””,phoneLink:””,instagramValue:””,instagramLink:””,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”},{slug:”ogawa-sushi-kappo”,name:”Ogawa Sushi & Kappo”,description:”Led by young but skilled head chef Carlos Wills, the $200 omakase experience at Ogawa is top-notch, offering 23 ever-changing courses of raw and rare delicacies served in a traditional, minimalist style. This includes food cooked (like the Wagyu torched before your eyes until it glistens with fat) and otherwise (i.e. the pristinely cut sashimi plate and nigiri draped over vinegar-tanged rice). The younger sibling of a sushi and kappo mainstay in D.C., this Old City spot represents a down-to-earth Philly rebuke to the obnoxious u201Cbromakaseu201D clichxE9: relaxed, convivial and full of colorful surprises in the form of seasonal catches from Tokyo Bay.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/QSKFHZDFCZFMDBPXLD3BWKXADY/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Japanese,Sushi”,priceRange:”$$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”310 Market St.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/ogawa-sushi-kappo”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:”date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”310 Market St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Ogawa Sushi & Kappo, 310 Market St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 238-5757″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 238-5757)”,instagramValue:”ogawaphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/ogawaphilly”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/r/ogawa-sushi-and-kappo-omakase-philadelphia”,websiteValue:”www.ogawaphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.ogawaphilly.com/”},{slug:”oyster-house”,name:”Oyster House”,description:”Oyster House is the last of Center Cityu2019s great fish houses, a genre that once dominated Philadelphia. Tradition is safe with third-generation owner Sam Mink, who oversees the white room hung with antique oyster plates and a lively raw bar where regulars spoon through creamy chowder and, in winter, sherried snapper soup; slurp the best-shucked oysters in town with crisp martinis; and feast on steamy lobster clambakes and the quirky Ye Olde Philly lunch delight of fried oysters and chicken salad. Oyster Houseu2019s continued allure with younger generations, though, relies on its ability to evolve, with a stellar happy hour, support for the nascent local oyster industry, and a kitchen that can also deliver compelling modern plates. A Szechuan-inspired tuna tartare and branzino with chile-corn sauce were recent highlights, while the classic butterscotch pudding u2014 a dessert dating to this locationu2019s 1976 debut u2014 proves some classics donu2019t need updating.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/JSVLQDXUJJFTFOGFJJKGJRFZHA/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Seafood,American”,priceRange:”$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”1516 Sansom St.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/oyster-house”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:”social, date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1516 Sansom St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Oyster House, 1516 Sansom St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 567-7683″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 567-7683)”,instagramValue:”phloysterhouse”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/phloysterhouse”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/r/oyster-house-philadelphia”,websiteValue:”oysterhousephilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://oysterhousephilly.com/”},{slug:”pho-75″,name:”Pho 75″,description:”Pho 75 on Washington Ave keeps things simple: big bowls of steaming broth, tender cuts of beef, and all the fresh herbs and sprouts you could want on the side. The menu is short, the service is quick, and the focus is always on the pho u2014 rich, aromatic, and satisfying from the first sip to the last.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/T4TXQQOSNJHWVIUT7ESU76SC2M/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Pho,Vietnamese”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”1122 Washington Ave”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/pho-75″,location:”philly”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1122 Washington Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Phu1EDF 75, 1122 Washington Ave , Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”215-271-5866″,phoneLink:”tel:(215-271-5866)”,instagramValue:”pho75_washingtonave”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/pho75_washingtonave”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”phillypho.com”,websiteLink:”https://phillypho.com/”},{slug:”puyero”,name:”Puyero Venezuelan Flavor”,description:”After the Phillies celebrated their World Series Game 3 victory in 2022, only one post-game meal would suffice for pitchers Ranger SuxE1rez and JosxE9 Alvarado, both Venezuelan natives: cachapas, arepas, and other classics from Puyero, the fast-casual Venezuelan spot in Society Hill. Puyero offers up party boxes of tequexF1os by the dozen u2014 either hot and ready to eat or frozen with reheating instructions (a pro-move for your upcoming Eagles watch party) u2014 as well as comforting favorites, including pabellxF3n criollo, a national dish featuring shredded beef and plantains. Breakfast service, offered on weekends from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., retools hits like the arepas but folds new characters, like eggs and bacon, into the mix.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/EXX5KPMOV5D2XMCDGTMWG6NDAI/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Venezuelan,South American,BYOB,Latin American”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”524 South 4th Street”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/puyero”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”byob”,addressValue:”524 South 4th Street”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Puyero Venezuelan Flavor, 524 South 4th Street, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(267) 928-4584″,phoneLink:”tel:((267) 928-4584)”,instagramValue:”puyeroflavor”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/puyeroflavor”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”puyeroflavor.com”,websiteLink:”https://puyeroflavor.com”},{slug:”radins-delicatessen”,name:”Radinu2019s Delicatessen”,description:”The sass and schmaltz of old-time New York Jewish delis live on in a bright Cherry Hill strip mall under fourth-generation pastrami-slinger Russ Cowan, whose acolytes have followed him into South Jersey from his previous long stop at Famous 4th St. Delicatessen. Quality and quantity coexist in the overstuffed sandwiches of house-made meats (pastrami, corned beef); softball-size matzo balls; portioned-for-two breakfast and lunch platters; and big-as-your-head desserts, all schlepped to the table by waiters who care. Itu2019s the complete experience: lox, stock, and (pickle) barrel.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/M67CHCRIHBCBTIYNWUKIY5KS5I/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Deli,Sandwich,Breakfast”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”Camden County”,streetAddress:”486 Evesham Rd”,city:”Cherry Hill”,state:”NJ”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/radins-delicatessen”,location:”nj”,vibe:”family, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”486 Evesham Rd, Cherry Hill”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Radinu2019s Delicatessen, 486 Evesham Rd, Cherry Hill”,phoneValue:”(856) 509-5492″,phoneLink:”tel:((856) 509-5492)”,instagramValue:”radinsdelicatessen”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/radinsdelicatessen”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”radinsdelicatessen.com”,websiteLink:”https://radinsdelicatessen.com”},{slug:”reading-terminal-market”,name:”Reading Terminal Market”,description:”This nationally recognized and historic market beneath the former Reading Railroad train shed is the Philly region in a delicious nutshell. Its aisles upon aisles of stands u2014 a collection of fresh-food vendors from Pennsylvania Dutch country and prepared foods from a wide variety of communities u2014 include seating areas to enjoy your culinary spoils, although snagging a table can be a sport in its own right. Come for the Filipino hand pies and longsilog breakfast platters with garlic rice at Tambayan, or a coffee-flavored scoop of Guatemalan ripple at Bassetts, the nationu2019s oldest ice cream company. There are sandwiches galore, from juicy roast pork with broccoli rabe at DiNicu2019s to steamy pastrami on rye cut to order at Hershelu2019s East Side Deli. Chicken fans can get it fried soul food-style at Ma Lessieu2019s or slow-roasted the Amish way at Dienneru2019s Bar-B-Q. There are stellar gluten-free options with pupusas from Central American-themed El Merkury, cheese curds and poutine from Fox & Sons Fancy Corn Dogs, and the Pakistani-Indian steam table at Naneeu2019s Kitchen. Check out the creative twists on Georgian khachapuri cheese boats at Saami Somi then prepare to wait in the line at Little Thai Market: Its grilled-to-order salmon platter with coconut curry is one of the most coveted dishes in the market.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/EHXFWYQVUFEJ3JCIIXUBSWUMAQ/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Market,Filipino,Deli,Indian,Thai,American,Central American,Soul Food,Fried Chicken,Eastern European,Breakfast,Latin American,Sandwich,Southeast Asian”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”1136 Arch Street”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/reading-terminal-market”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:”social, family”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1136 Arch Street”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Reading Terminal Market , 1136 Arch Street, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 922-2317″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 922-2317)”,instagramValue:”rdgterminalmkt”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/rdgterminalmkt”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”readingterminalmarket.org”,websiteLink:”https://readingterminalmarket.org”},{slug:”restaurant-gamarjoba”,name:”Restaurant Gamarjoba”,description:”The best of Philly’s Georgian spots, this Northeast Philly restaurant and beer garden has become a destination for specialties from this Eurasian country in the Caucasus Mountains. Start with the cold eggplant rolls stuffed with walnut sauce, then go for the excellent khachapuri Adjaruli, a cheese boat topped with an egg yolk thatu2019s mixed-in tableside for added richness. The chicken and lula kebabs are reliably juicy, while the purse-shaped khinkali dumplings are bursting with broth and meat (go for the lamb). There are powerful flavors here, too: The ostri beef stew is subtly layered with aromatic fenugreek and cast-iron pans bring shqmeruli cornish hens basking in garlicky milk. Pair it all with Georgian wines, shots of chacha brandy, and lagers in frosty mugs, then head to the front rooms featuring live music on weekends, and dance the Europop night away beneath spinning disco balls.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/VNBTQLGH6NC65LLF4535RP423U/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Georgian,Eastern European”,priceRange:”$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$”,region:”Northeast Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”13033 Bustleton Ave”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/restaurant-gamarjoba”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social, family”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”13033 Bustleton Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Restaurant Gamarjoba, 13033 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 677-6070″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 677-6070)”,instagramValue:”gamarjoba_restaurant”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/gamarjoba_restaurant”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/r/restaurant-gamarjoba-philadelphia?ref=1068″,websiteValue:”gamarjoba.usmain-menu/”,websiteLink:”https://gamarjoba.us/main-menu/”},{slug:”river-twice”,name:”River Twice”,description:”Known for its harmonious blend of gastronomic preciousness and rustic oomph, this modern American fine-dining spot on East Passyunk earned a semifinalistu2019s nod from the James Beard Foundation in 2024. The menu at River Twice is seasonal and subject to the whims of restless (some have said u201Cmercurialu201D) chef Randy Rucker, who favors upscale, strikingly plated reimaginings of downhome dishes. From a perch at the chefu2019s counter, you may observe him and his crew performing feats of molecular modernism, or arranging sprouts with tweezers, to a Southern rock soundtrack. At the time of this writing, River Twice is open for four-course dinners, from Friday to Monday, and the menu includes the likes of raw hiramasa, jimmy red corn grits, and scallops from Hokkaido. Who knows what theyu2019ll have cooking by the time you read this.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/3JJZIWSM4JDRNIDLHO6AD4KV2Y/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”American,Modern American,Seafood”,priceRange:”$$,$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$u2013$$$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”1601 E Passyunk Ave.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/river-twice”,location:”philly”,vibe:”date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1601 E Passyunk Ave.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=River Twice, 1601 E Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(267) 457-3698″,phoneLink:”tel:((267) 457-3698)”,instagramValue:”rivertwicephl”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/rivertwicephl”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/river-twice?”,websiteValue:”www.rivertwicerestaurant.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.rivertwicerestaurant.com/”},{slug:”saloon”,name:”Saloon”,description:”If there was a reality show set in a Philadelphia restaurant u2014 our very own Vanderpump Rules u2014 it would have to center on Saloon. This Italian chophouse, bedecked in historic paraphernalia, some extremely questionable, is cobbled together from several buildings in South Philly. Itu2019s been open since 1967; you can ignore the signs that indicate separate entrances for ladies and gentlemen. Yes, you could come here for the steak, the bone-in veal parmesan, or the clams pavarotti, and you would walk away satisfied. (Donu2019t bother with the pasta.) But real ones know that what Saloon serves up best is a good time, thanks to its gently raucous atmosphere, performatively hot servers, and generously sized cocktails finished with a dollop of water ice, courtesy of an affiliation with Johnu2019s down the block. Any night you grab a table or a bar spot here, youu2019ll run into people celebrating, whether it’s a bachelor party, a birthday, or just seeing a good friend at the end of a rough Thursday.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/TP7PTH6JI5C3NDHP2XRG2TPDSE/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Italian,Steakhouse”,priceRange:”$$$,$$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$u2013$$$$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”750 S. 7th St.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/saloon”,location:”philly”,vibe:”date, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”750 S. 7th St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Saloon, 750 S. 7th St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 627-1811″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 627-1811)”,instagramValue:”thesaloonrestaurant”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/thesaloonrestaurant”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/saloon-restaurant”,websiteValue:”saloonrestaurant.net”,websiteLink:”https://saloonrestaurant.net”},{slug:”sego-food-truck”,name:”Sego Truck”,description:”Sego is a Philly food truck serving bold Indonesian flavors near City Hall. Their signature Sego Platter comes with jasmine rice, your choice of protein, like beef rendang or chicken satay, sambal, pickled veggies, and a side salad. Sego is open weekdays from 11am-4pm, making it a go-to spot for a quick, flavorful lunch.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/ZVR5CBBDMZAEHHGJ24WZBW54YQ/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Indonesian,Food Truck,Halal”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”1600 Market St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/sego-food-truck”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:””,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1600 Market St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Sego, 1600 Market St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”267-559-1656″,phoneLink:”tel:(267-559-1656)”,instagramValue:”sego.philly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/sego.philly”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”},{slug:”sophies-kitchen”,name:”Sophieu2019s Kitchen”,description:”Thereu2019s a reason the Cambodian ambassador to the United States recently brought their counterparts from six other Southeast Asian countries from Washington, D.C., to Phillyu2019s Washington Avenue for lunch. Thatu2019s because Sophieu2019s Kitchen, a BYOB run by chef Sophia Neth and husband Danny Duk, is turning out some of the best traditional Cambodian cooking on the East Coast in a charming bi-level space that has ceilings illuminated by a purple glow, turning fans, Khmer art, and plants blooming from every corner. An order of prahok kteah u2014 the classic dip of ground pork jazzed with aromatic spice and fermented mudfish paste served with cruditxE9 u2014 is non-negotiable. Donu2019t forget the crunchy, sour and chile-pounded threads of green papaya salad (bok lahong); stir-fries fragrant with lemongrass (cha kroeung) or sweet chunks of kabocha (cha lu2019pau); one of the iconic sour lemongrass soups like somlaw machu kroeung; or the crispy chicken wings encrusted with lemongrass paste.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/6DXGPL54GNGXXN3MSWQO3XTJKQ/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Cambodian,BYOB,Southeast Asian”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”522 Washington Ave”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/sophies-kitchen”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social, family”,byob:”byob”,addressValue:”522 Washington Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Sophie’s Kitchen, 522 Washington Ave, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 271-0888″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 271-0888)”,instagramValue:”sophieskitchenphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/sophieskitchenphilly”,reservationValue:”Call for reservations”},{slug:”southeast-asian-market”,name:”Southeast Asian Market”,description:”The aroma of lemongrass beef sticks sizzling over charcoal grills will lead you to this open-air, warm-weather market in South Phillyu2019s FDR Park, which began in the 1980s with a Lao couple making papaya salad and chicken wings and has since expanded into a major weekend destination for food and community, with nearly 80 vendors drawing some 200,000 visitors between spring and the seasonu2019s closing. The Southeast Asian Market is one of the most vibrant examples of Philadelphiau2019s immigrant experience, serving as one of the few public food spaces for members of the Lao and Cambodian communities, many of them refugees, along with vendors from Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. It is a feast for the senses, from the pok! pok! sounds of pestles pounding papaya salads with chilies and salted crabs, to the scent of sausage-stuffed chicken wings on the grill. There are piles of crunchy-sweet deep-fried bananas and the hum of motors crushing sugarcane into refreshing cups of sweet juice. Grab a heaping plate of stir-fried lort cha noodles from the u201CStir Fry Lady,u201D a Cambodian-flavored cheesesteak with fried pepper chips at Sahbyy, and a grilled bamboo stuffed with sweet purple sticky rice for dessert, then settle in for an al fresco feast.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/CL63BPTTW5CDDAJ7ERI65TGJZ4/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Market,Southeast Asian,Vietnamese,Cambodian,Indonesian,Malaysian,Thai,Lao”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Ave”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/southeast-asian-market”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social, family”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Southeast Asian Market, FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:””,phoneLink:””,instagramValue:”seamarket_fdrpark”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/seamarket_fdrpark”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”www.fdrseamarket.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.fdrseamarket.com/”},{slug:”tabachoy”,name:”Tabachoy”,description:”With just a handful of tables, a neon dancing pig on the wall, and a counter thatu2019s always packed, Tabachoy serves up a great aura with chef-owner Chance Aniesu2019 spin on Filipino food. There are solid versions of classics like lumpia, pork adobo, and sisig, but Anies shines brightest at this BYOB with his personal riffs on dishes, like the coconut-braised broccoli rabe, the sausage-flecked pancit, and the increasingly hyped Tabachoy Caesar, which subs in napa cabbage mixed with shaved duck egg yolk, chili oil, and a dressing infused with bagoong (fermented Filipino fish paste). Just make sure to save room for dessert, like the pleasingly purple ube soft-serve sundae, dished up with coconut caramel, and a pandan-infused Basque-style cheesecake wrapped in banana leaf.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/HFSEUCO35NB5BLUTU3YBMIEZVU/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Filipino,BYOB,Southeast Asian”,priceRange:”$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$”,region:”South Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”932 South 10th St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/tabachoy”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social”,byob:”byob”,addressValue:”932 South 10th St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Tabachoy, 932 South 10th St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 315-8720″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 315-8720)”,instagramValue:”tabachoyphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/tabachoyphilly”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/tabachoy”,websiteValue:”www.tabachoyphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.tabachoyphilly.com/”},{slug:”talulas-table”,name:”Talulau2019s Table”,description:”Talulau2019s Table in Kennett Square combines a cozy market and cafxE9 by day with an intimate eight-course tasting experience by night. Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients shape each menu, making every meal feel fresh and unique. With just a few seats available each evening, itu2019s a special destination for a memorable night out. However, if you’re opting for the tasting menu at this stunning BYOB, you’ll need to reserve a seat about a year in advance.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/HWXVZJ7IBVA73MKCQWEWFI3XQ4/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”American”,priceRange:”$,$$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$/$$$$”,region:”Chester County”,streetAddress:”102 W State St”,city:”Kennett Square”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/talulas-table”,location:”other”,vibe:”date, social, family”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”102 W State St, Kennett Square”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Talulau2019s Table, 102 W State St, Kennett Square”,phoneValue:”610-444-8255″,phoneLink:”tel:(610-444-8255)”,instagramValue:”talulastable”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/talulastable”,reservationValue:”Call for reservations”,reservationLink:”https://talulastable.com/available-reservations”,websiteValue:”talulastable.com”,websiteLink:”https://talulastable.com/”},{slug:”taqueria-la-michoana”,name:”Taqueria La Michoacana”,description:”Taqueria La Michoacana in Norristown is a lively Mexican spot that’s got a homey vibe that’s full of spirit. The chilaquiles, quesabirra, and carne a la tampiquexF1a are standouts, while the pozole and menudo soups bring a real comfort. The plates here are generous, the salsa is always fresh, and the everyone is sure to leave happy.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/LFK5GGSNH5GDLKYOXW4GTOWKSQ/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Mexican”,priceRange:”$”,priceRangeLabel:”$”,region:”Montgomery County”,streetAddress:”301 E Main St”,city:”Norristown”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/taqueria-la-michoana”,location:”other”,vibe:”social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”301 E Main St, Norristown”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Taqueria La Michoacana, 301 E Main St, Norristown”,phoneValue:”610-292-1971″,phoneLink:”tel:(610-292-1971)”,instagramValue:””,instagramLink:””,reservationValue:”Call for reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”lamichoacana.orderexperience.netlamichoacana/menu/5f400964505ee9a9097b23e6″,websiteLink:”https://lamichoacana.orderexperience.net/lamichoacana/menu/5f400964505ee9a9097b23e6″},{slug:”la-jefa”,name:”Tequilas / La Jefa”,description:”La Jefa is a Mexican-inspired all-day cafe and nightlife spot in Philly that bridges flavors from Guadalajara and local flare. The menu ranges from chilaquiles to aguachile, with plenty of bold, regional flavors. Drinks lean toward agave spirits with creative twists, while the Milpa lounge in the back offers a more intimate space for cocktails.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/QCO7RSW4VVBYPI2QIWK33WNSP4/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Mexican,Bar,Cafe”,priceRange:”$,$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$u2013$$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”1605 Latimer St.”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/la-jefa”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:”date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1605 Latimer St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=La Jefa, 1605 Latimer St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 475-5500″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 475-5500)”,instagramValue:”lajefaphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/lajefaphilly”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/la-jefa”,websiteValue:”lajefaphilly.comnuevo/”,websiteLink:”https://lajefaphilly.com/nuevo/”},{slug:”the-original-clam-tavern”,name:”The Original Clam Tavern”,description:”A candy-stripe lighthouse on the roof guides you to this modest Delco corner bar with a clapboard facade and porthole window in the front door. The 1960s kitsch u2014 complete with an aquarium running the length of the dining room u2014 is only the cover for Tony u201Cthe Clamu201D Blancheu2019s sterling suburban seafood destination, with food that’s as lively as the salt-of-the-earth staff serving it. Chuckle at the 1962 menu with its $1.50 price tag for a basket of steamed clams and 40-cent clam chowder, then feel some relief that by 2024 standards, the prices remain reasonable. Whatever you order, you really can’t go wrong here, be it fried or broiled. Just get the clams.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/E6G345OMAJED7IMHFDNOM572FY/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Seafood,American”,priceRange:”$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$”,region:”Delaware County”,streetAddress:”339 East Broadway Ave.”,city:”Clifton Heights”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/the-original-clam-tavern”,location:”other”,vibe:”social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”339 East Broadway Ave., Clifton Heights”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=The Original Clam Tavern, 339 East Broadway Ave., Clifton Heights”,phoneValue:”(610) 623-9537″,phoneLink:”tel:((610) 623-9537)”,instagramValue:”clam_tavern”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/clam_tavern”,reservationValue:”Call for reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”clamtavern.net”,websiteLink:”https://clamtavern.net”},{slug:”vernick-fish”,name:”Vernick Fish”,description:”A cushy seat beneath the glowing pendant lights of chef Greg Vernicku2019s sleek modern fish hall in the Comcast Technology Center has become the table of choice for power diners who desire something more dynamic than the usual steakhouse. Thatu2019s because this sequel to the chefu2019s beloved original, Vernick Food & Drink, is so much better, with a stellar raw bar basking in global flavors (yellowtail crudo with watermelon aguachile); tuna rice bowls dressed in XO vinaigrette and kimchi; and massive fried shrimp pou2019boys for lunch. Dinner is exceptional for seafood luxuries, too, like house spaghetti with crab, pea leaves, and nori, or meaty whole turbots roasted in copper pans then fileted tableside with a piccata sauce glaze. The service is reliably meticulous, as is the bar, which serves all those CEOs, celebs, and visiting luminaries Phillyu2019s priciest cocktails u2014 but delivers with fresh ideas and gold-plated quality.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/3OD3SGK4WVHP7MTU3E34VMHE7E/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Seafood,Modern American”,priceRange:”$$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”One N 19th St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/vernick-fish”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:”date, social”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”One N 19th St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Vernick Fish, One N 19th St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 419-5055″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 419-5055)”,instagramValue:”vernickfish”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/vernickfish”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/r/vernick-fish-philadelphia”,websiteValue:”www.vernickfish.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.vernickfish.com”},{slug:”vetri-cucina”,name:”Vetri Cucina”,description:”After 25 years, the classic pasta split u2014 spinach gnocchi in sage brown butter and truffled almond tortelloni u2014 is no less magnetic. u201CItu2019s so beautiful I almost donu2019t want to eat it,u201D cooed the movie mogul celebrating an anniversary at the table beside us before devouring it along with a greatest-hits album of Vetri Cucina favorites, including a salt-baked branzino. The standbys, including the truffled sweet onion crepe, smoked baby goat with polenta, and molten pistachio cake, would be enough to keep this elegant Spruce Street townhouse on a list of fine-dining splurges, bolstered by smooth, veteran service and top-notch Italian wines. While newer menu items can be less consistent, Iu2019m glad Vetriu2019s kitchen keeps pushing, because they score more often than not, especially with seasonal pastas like crab-filled culurgiones, masa orecchioni with wild boar mole ragxF9, or the butterfly-shaped scarpinocc with artichoke crema.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/6TRWETUAYREN3CAYL7YNNVTBOU/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Italian,Tasting Menu”,priceRange:”$$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”1312 Spruce St”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/vetri-cucina”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:”date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”1312 Spruce St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Vetri Cucina, 1312 Spruce St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 732-3478″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 732-3478)”,instagramValue:”vetricucinaphl”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/vetricucinaphl”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/r/vetri”,websiteValue:”www.vetricucina.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.vetricucina.com”},{slug:”vientiane-cafe”,name:”Vientiane Cafe”,description:”This Cedar Park standby, decorated with shimmery Lao tapestries and ornate masks, is the original of two locations owned by this mother-daughter duo. (The second, a bistro in Kensington, is a neighborhood favorite). Both deliver bold renditions of Lao cuisine, from the khao poon u201Cking soupu201D and soulful tom saap braised beef hot pot to crunchy rice naam salad with lettuce wraps. I can’t resist the snappy lemongrass-infused links of grilled house sai gawk sausage served with sticky rice, or the shredded papaya salads pounded with a chili-fired lime juice dressing. Definitely go for the optional salt-fermented crabs to give that papaya salad a tidal glow. Double bonus: The Panthavong family also makes some of the most flavorful Thai food in Philly, and is excellent with gluten-free options.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/PZFU6XRNJ5H7ZHTF2S45JM7BT4/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Southeast Asian,Lao,BYOB”,priceRange:”$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$”,region:”West Philadelphia”,streetAddress:”4728 Baltimore Ave”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/vientiane-cafe”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social”,byob:”byob”,addressValue:”4728 Baltimore Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Vientiane Cafe, 4728 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 726-1095″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 726-1095)”,instagramValue:”vientianecafe”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/vientianecafe”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”www.vientiane-cafe.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.vientiane-cafe.com”},{slug:”white-yak”,name:”White Yak”,description:`The momos u2014 whether they’re the tongue-tingling chili variety, the carefully pleated Himalayan dumplings, or the moneybag-shaped fried firecrackers dressed in a tangy sauce u2014 merit a trek to this Tibetan BYOB, appropriately nestled high on the hills of Roxborough. Chef-owner Treley Parshingtsang has many other tricks up her sleeve, including a spicy glass noodle salad, coins of handmade Tibetan sausage that melt in your mouth, “Shangri-La style” zucchini in a sweet-and-sour sauce, and thenthuk: hand-pulled noodles swimming in a gingery, tomato-infused beef broth. The experience is enriched by the soft-spoken, attentive service in the cozy golden dining room adorned with candle-lit windows.`,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/ZO3MUYMFTBFIZBGBR5F2FRO6PA/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Himalayan,BYOB,Tibetan”,priceRange:”$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$”,region:”Roxborough/Manayunk”,streetAddress:”6118 Ridge Ave”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/white-yak”,location:”philly”,vibe:”social, date”,byob:”byob”,addressValue:”6118 Ridge Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=White Yak Restaurant, 6118 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 483-0764″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 483-0764)”,instagramValue:”whiteyakrestaurant”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/whiteyakrestaurant”,reservationValue:”Reserve online”,reservationLink:”https://whiteyakrestaurant.com/page/reservations”,websiteValue:”www.whiteyakrestaurant.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.whiteyakrestaurant.com”},{slug:”zahav”,name:”Zahav”,description:”The parade of excellence that emanates from Zahav’s kitchen starts with the tried-and-true salatim (the tehina-coated beets and Moroccan carrots reliably make converts of the root vegetable-averse), a cavernous bowl of hummus, and puffy, oil-slicked laffa bread. You might think that after 16 years, the Zahav experience could get stale, but after that classic first course, the kitchen dishes out one magical surprise after the next: local figs with slices of veal, dehydrated watermelon with pickled rind, warm dates stuffed with Marcona almonds, duck kofta cupped around cinnamon sticks. It’s all peppered into a feast of showstoppers that includes savory smoked trout with spicy grilled cukes, dry-aged duck with a duck fat pilaf so mesmerizing it rivals the trademark crispy Persian rice, and a delicate, kataifi-sprinkled labneh cheesecake that will vanish in moments. Youu2019ll see many of these moves u2014 grilled meats, airy hummus, detailed service u2014 at other CookNSolo spots, of course, but the perpetual inventiveness and flawless execution make Zahav the brightest gem in the bunch.”,image:”https://interactives.inquirer.com/secondbank/arc/MMQMT4PKC5DZROMXSCCMS2AKLU/900×600.webp”,cuisine:”Israeli,Mediterranean”,priceRange:”$$$$”,priceRangeLabel:”$$$$”,region:”Center City”,streetAddress:”237 St James Pl”,city:”Philadelphia”,state:”PA”,url:”https://inquirer.com/food/restaurants/zahav”,location:”centercity, philly”,vibe:”social, date”,byob:”nonbyob”,addressValue:”237 St James Pl”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Zahav, 237 St James Pl, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 625-8800″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 625-8800)”,instagramValue:”zahavrestaurant”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/zahavrestaurant”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/zahav”,websiteValue:”http:/zahavrestaurant.com”,websiteLink:”http://zahavrestaurant.com”}],sheet3:[{slug:”al-baik-shawarma”,addressValue:”3217 Willits Rd”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Al-Baik Shawarma, 3217 Willits Rd, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”267-703-8000″,phoneLink:”tel:(267-703-8000)”,instagramValue:”albaikshawarmaandgrill”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/albaikshawarmaandgrill”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”},{slug:”alice-restaurant”,addressValue:”901 Christian St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Alice, 901 Christian St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 798-6766″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 798-6766)”,instagramValue:”alice.philadelphia”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/alice.philadelphia”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/alice”,websiteValue:”alicephiladelphia.com”,websiteLink:”https://alicephiladelphia.com”},{slug:”amsale-cafe”,addressValue:”4817 Walnut St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Amsale Cafe, 4817 Walnut St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 397-4420″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 397-4420)”,instagramValue:”cafeamsale”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/cafeamsale”,reservationValue:”Call for reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”amsalecafe.com”,websiteLink:”https://amsalecafe.com”},{slug:”amys-pastelillos”,addressValue:”2001 Memphis St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Amy’s Pastelillos, 2001 Memphis St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:””,phoneLink:””,instagramValue:”amys_pastelillos”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/amys_pastelillos”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”amyspastelillos.com”,websiteLink:”https://amyspastelillos.com/”},{slug:”andiario”,addressValue:”106 West Gay Street, West Chester”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Andiario, 106 West Gay Street, West Chester”,phoneValue:”(484) 887-0919″,phoneLink:”tel:((484) 887-0919)”,instagramValue:”anthonyandiario”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/anthonyandiario”,reservationValue:”Tock”,reservationLink:”https://www.exploretock.com/andiario”,websiteValue:”andiario.com”,websiteLink:”https://andiario.com/”},{slug:”bad-brother”,addressValue:”726 N 24th Street”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Bad Brother, 726 N 24th Street, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 235-2460″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 235-2460)”,instagramValue:”badbrotherphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/badbrotherphilly”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/bad-brother”,websiteValue:”www.badbrotherphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.badbrotherphilly.com/”},{slug:”barclay-prime”,addressValue:”237 S 18th St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Barclay Prime, 237 S 18th St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 732-7560″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 732-7560)”,instagramValue:”barclayprime”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/barclayprime”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/barclay-prime?”,websiteValue:”barclayprime.com”,websiteLink:”https://barclayprime.com/”},{slug:”bobs-diner”,addressValue:”6053 Ridge Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Bob’s Diner, 6053 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”215-483-9002″,phoneLink:”tel:(215-483-9002)”,instagramValue:””,instagramLink:””,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”www.bobsdinerphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.bobsdinerphilly.com/”},{slug:”bolo”,addressValue:”2025 Sansom St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Bolo, 2025 Sansom St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(267) 639-2741″,phoneLink:”tel:((267) 639-2741)”,instagramValue:”bolo_phl”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/bolo_phl”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?restref=1371397&lang=en-&corrid=29b49a4a-2026-455b-b923-19093107edc1″,websiteValue:”bolophl.com”,websiteLink:”https://bolophl.com/”},{slug:”cafe-cuong”,addressValue:”811 S 8th St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Cafe Cuong, 811 S 8th St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 574-0527″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 574-0527)”,instagramValue:”cafecuongphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/cafecuongphilly”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”},{slug:”cafe-la-maude”,addressValue:”816 N 4th St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=CafxE9 La Maude, 816 N 4th St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”267-318-7869″,phoneLink:”tel:(267-318-7869)”,instagramValue:”cafelamaude”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/cafelamaude”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”cafelamaude.com”,websiteLink:”https://cafelamaude.com/”},{slug:”castellinos-italian-market”,addressValue:”1255 E. Palmer St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Castellinou2019s Italian Market, 1255 E. Palmer St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 416-1187″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 416-1187)”,instagramValue:”castellinosco”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/castellinosco”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”castellinos.square.site”,websiteLink:”https://castellinos.square.site”},{slug:”chateau-rouge-restaurant”,addressValue:”2108 South St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Chateau Rouge, 2108 South St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”445-223-4110″,phoneLink:”tel:(445-223-4110)”,instagramValue:”chateaurouge.philly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/chateaurouge.philly”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/r/chateau-rouge-philadelphia”,websiteValue:”chateaurougephilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://chateaurougephilly.com/”},{slug:”china-gourmet”,addressValue:”2842 St Vincent St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=China Gourmet, 2842 St Vincent St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 941-1898″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 941-1898)”,instagramValue:””,instagramLink:””,reservationValue:”Call for reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”phillychinagourmet.com”,websiteLink:”https://phillychinagourmet.com”},{slug:”cily-chicken-rice-thai-food”,addressValue:”933 Race St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Cily Chicken Rice and Thai Food, 933 Race St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”215-982-1113″,phoneLink:”tel:(215-982-1113)”,instagramValue:””,instagramLink:””,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”cily-chicken-rice.restaurants-world.com”,websiteLink:”https://cily-chicken-rice.restaurants-world.com/”},{slug:”cjd-trenton-pies”,addressValue:”1326 E. Passyunk Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=CJ & Du2019s Trenton Pies, 1326 E. Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:””,phoneLink:””,instagramValue:”cjdtomatopies”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/cjdtomatopies”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”},{slug:”corinnes-place”,addressValue:”1254 Haddon Ave, Camden”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Corinneu2019s Place, 1254 Haddon Ave, Camden”,phoneValue:”(856) 541-4894″,phoneLink:”tel:((856) 541-4894)”,instagramValue:”corinnesplace”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/corinnesplace”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”corinnesplace.com”,websiteLink:”https://corinnesplace.com”},{slug:”dante-and-luigis”,addressValue:”762 S 10th St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Dante & Luigi’s, 762 S 10th St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”215-922-9501″,phoneLink:”tel:(215-922-9501)”,instagramValue:”danteluigis”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/danteluigis”,reservationValue:”Call for reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”danteandluigis.com”,websiteLink:”https://danteandluigis.com/”},{slug:”dara-philly”,addressValue:”1221 Walnut St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Dara, 1221 Walnut St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”267-876-8107″,phoneLink:”tel:(267-876-8107)”,instagramValue:”daraphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/daraphilly”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/dara-pa?seats=2&date=2025-10-03″,websiteValue:”www.daraphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.daraphilly.com/”},{slug:”dolsan-korean-bbq-and-sushi”,addressValue:”3747 Church Rd, Mt Laurel Township”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Dolsan Korean BBQ and Sushi Restaurant, 3747 Church Rd, Mt Laurel Township”,phoneValue:”856-372-2751″,phoneLink:”tel:(856-372-2751)”,instagramValue:”dolsankorean”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/dolsankorean”,reservationValue:”Reserve online”,reservationLink:”https://www.yelp.com/reservations/dolsan-korean-bbq-and-sushi-restaurant-mount-laurel-township?social_id=bY2sWvBhFzPuPwcRk2jG2w”,websiteValue:”dolsanbbq.com”,websiteLink:”https://dolsanbbq.com/”},{slug:”doro-bet”,addressValue:”4533 Baltimore Ave.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Doro Bet, 4533 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 921-6558″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 921-6558)”,instagramValue:”dorobet_wphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/dorobet_wphilly”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”www.alifamilyrestaurants.comdoro-bet”,websiteLink:”https://www.alifamilyrestaurants.com/doro-bet”},{slug:”el-chingon”,addressValue:”1524 S 10th St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=El ChingxF3n, 1524 S 10th St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(267) 239-2131″,phoneLink:”tel:((267) 239-2131)”,instagramValue:”elchingonphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/elchingonphilly”,reservationValue:”Reserve online”,reservationLink:”https://tables.toasttab.com/restaurants/33da33dd-982e-4055-b26c-cd35b21be048/reserve?partySize=2&dateTime=2025-09-11T23:00:00.000-04:00″,websiteValue:”www.elchingonphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.elchingonphilly.com/”},{slug:”el-mictlan-restaurant”,addressValue:”2053 S Beechwood St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=El Mictlan Restaurant, 2053 S Beechwood St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”267-876-7012″,phoneLink:”tel:(267-876-7012)”,instagramValue:”el.mictlan.mx”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/el.mictlan.mx”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/booking/restref/availability?lang=en-US&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafaAQjMWPCaBMDJdiafcu1g5QJo_CVIGsfVRZfPGORzEuuP9elV35uw-_qaNQ_aem_vsWugRzuvOWVACULkSlXgA&correlationId=f0a18bec-9236-401c-9609-db15dc1341c7&restRef=1438981&otSource=Restaurant%20website”,websiteValue:”www.elmictlanrestaurantpa.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.elmictlanrestaurantpa.com/”},{slug:”emmett-restaurant”,addressValue:”161 W Girard Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Emmett, 161 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”215-207-0161″,phoneLink:”tel:(215-207-0161)”,instagramValue:”emmettphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/emmettphilly”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”opentable.com/booking/restref/availability?restref=1368322&lang=en-US&ot_source=Restaurant+website”,websiteValue:”www.emmettphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.emmettphilly.com/”},{slug:”freddy-and-tonys-restaurant”,addressValue:”201 W Allegheny Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Freddy and Tony’s Restaurant, 201 W Allegheny Ave, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”215-634-3889″,phoneLink:”tel:(215-634-3889)”,instagramValue:”freddyandtonys”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/freddyandtonys”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”freddyandtonys.com”,websiteLink:”https://freddyandtonys.com/”},{slug:”friday-saturday-sunday”,addressValue:”261 S 21st St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Friday Saturday Sunday, 261 S 21st St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 546-4232″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 546-4232)”,instagramValue:”friday.saturday.sunday”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/friday.saturday.sunday”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/friday-saturday-sunday?date=2024-09-19&seats=2″,websiteValue:”www.fridaysaturdaysunday.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.fridaysaturdaysunday.com/”},{slug:”gabriellas-vietnam”,addressValue:”1837 E. Passyunk Ave.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Gabriellau2019s Vietnam, 1837 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(272) 888-3298″,phoneLink:”tel:((272) 888-3298)”,instagramValue:”gabriellasvietnam”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/gabriellasvietnam”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/gabriellas-vietnam”,websiteValue:”gabriellasvietnam.commenu”,websiteLink:”https://gabriellasvietnam.com/menu”},{slug:”geronimos-peruvian-cuisine”,addressValue:”131 -A E Butler Ave, Ambler”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Geronimo’s Peruvian Cuisine, 131 -A E Butler Ave, Ambler”,phoneValue:”215-641-0900″,phoneLink:”tel:(215-641-0900)”,instagramValue:”geronimos_ambler”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/geronimos_ambler”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/booking/restref/availability?lang=en-US&correlationId=53f451f2-8c57-4133-adb8-1ba63bd7e5f5&restRef=1214998&otSource=Restaurant%20website”,websiteValue:”www.geronimosambler.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.geronimosambler.com/”},{slug:”gilda”,addressValue:”300 E. Girard Ave.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Gilda, 300 E. Girard Ave., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:””,phoneLink:””,instagramValue:”gildaphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/gildaphilly”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”www.gildaphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.gildaphilly.com/”},{slug:”ginger-restaurant”,addressValue:”744 Red Lion Rd”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Ginger, 744 Red Lion Rd, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”445-444-0028″,phoneLink:”tel:(445-444-0028)”,instagramValue:”add.ginger”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/add.ginger”,reservationValue:”Call for reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”ginger-restaurant.restaurant”,websiteLink:”https://ginger-restaurant.restaurant/”},{slug:”gou-restaurant”,addressValue:”5734 Old 2nd St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Gou, 5734 Old 2nd St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”267-335-4176″,phoneLink:”tel:(267-335-4176)”,instagramValue:”gouphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/gouphilly”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”},{slug:”ground-provisions”,addressValue:”1388 Old Wilmington Pike, West Chester”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Ground Provisions, 1388 Old Wilmington Pike, West Chester”,phoneValue:”610-355-4411″,phoneLink:”tel:(610-355-4411)”,instagramValue:”groundprovisionspa”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/groundprovisionspa”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://www.groundprovisionspa.com/reservations”,websiteValue:”www.groundprovisionspa.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.groundprovisionspa.com/”},{slug:”heavy-metal-sausage”,addressValue:”1527 W Porter St”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Heavy Metal Sausage Co., 1527 W Porter St, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:””,phoneLink:””,instagramValue:”heavy_metal_sausage215″,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/heavy_metal_sausage215″,reservationValue:”Reserve online”,reservationLink:”https://book.squareup.com/appointments/y6ta8309sw5itk/location/L1J8J59BPG4WB/services”,websiteValue:”www.heavymetalsausage.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.heavymetalsausage.com/”},{slug:”her-place”,addressValue:”1740 Sansom St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Her Place, 1740 Sansom St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:””,phoneLink:””,instagramValue:”herplacesupperclub”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/herplacesupperclub”,reservationValue:”Tock”,reservationLink:”https://www.exploretock.com/herplace/”,websiteValue:”herplacephilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://herplacephilly.com”},{slug:”high-street”,addressValue:”101 S 9th St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=High Street, 101 S 9th St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 625-0988″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 625-0988)”,instagramValue:”highstreetphl”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/highstreetphl”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/r/high-street-restaurant-and-bar-philadelphia?”,websiteValue:”highstreetonmarket.com”,websiteLink:”https://highstreetonmarket.com/”},{slug:”honeysuckle”,addressValue:”631 N Broad St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Honeysuckle, 631 N Broad St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 307-3316″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 307-3316)”,instagramValue:”honeysuckle_restaurant”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/honeysuckle_restaurant”,reservationValue:”Open Table”,reservationLink:”https://www.opentable.com/r/honeysuckle-philadelphia?”,websiteValue:”www.honeysucklephl.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.honeysucklephl.com/”},{slug:”indo-spice”,addressValue:”1421 W Passyunk Ave”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Indo Spice, 1421 W Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 515-3939″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 515-3939)”,instagramValue:”indospicephilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/indospicephilly”,reservationValue:”Call for reservations”},{slug:”johns-roast-pork”,addressValue:”14 E. Snyder Ave.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Johnu2019s Roast Pork, 14 E. Snyder Ave., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 463-1951″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 463-1951)”,instagramValue:””,instagramLink:””,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”johnsroastpork.com”,websiteLink:”https://johnsroastpork.com/”},{slug:”johnnys-pizza”,addressValue:”1025 West Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Johnnyu2019s Pizza, 1025 West Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr”,phoneValue:”610-525-4811″,phoneLink:”tel:(610-525-4811)”,instagramValue:”johnnyspizzabrynmawr”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/johnnyspizzabrynmawr”,reservationValue:”Doesn’t take reservations”,reservationLink:””,websiteValue:”www.johnnyspizzabrynmawr.com”,websiteLink:”https://www.johnnyspizzabrynmawr.com/”},{slug:”june-byob”,addressValue:”690 Haddon Ave, Collingswood”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=June BYOB, 690 Haddon Ave, Collingswood”,phoneValue:”(856) 240-7041″,phoneLink:”tel:((856) 240-7041)”,instagramValue:”junebyob”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/junebyob”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/collingswood-nj/venues/june-byob-collingswood?seats=2&date=2024-09-19″,websiteValue:”junebyob.com”,websiteLink:”https://junebyob.com/”},{slug:”kalaya”,addressValue:”4 W Palmer St.”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Kalaya, 4 W Palmer St., Philadelphia”,phoneValue:”(215) 545-2535″,phoneLink:”tel:((215) 545-2535)”,instagramValue:”kalayaphilly”,instagramLink:”https://instagram.com/kalayaphilly”,reservationValue:”Resy”,reservationLink:”https://resy.com/cities/philadelphia-pa/venues/kalaya”,websiteValue:”kalayaphilly.com”,websiteLink:”https://kalayaphilly.com/”},{slug:”karachi-kafe”,addressValue:”2999 E Evesham Rd Unit 12, Voorhees Township”,addressLink:”https://maps.google.com/?q=Karachi Kafe, 2999 E Evesham Rd Unit 12, Voorhees 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After a week of heated conflict that left both sides looking worse for wear, the race to become the Democratic leader of Mount Airy’s 22nd Ward came down a tie.
Philadelphia City Councilmember Cindy Bass and her progressive challenger, Octavius Price, each received 27 votes from their fellow committeepeople in the initial rounds of voting during Wednesday night’s redo of the race for ward leader, an influential party position in one of the most voter-rich neighborhoods of the city.
A series of closed-door meetings followed, including a one-on-one meeting between Bass and Price.
Ultimately, Price agreed to allow Bass to remain as ward leader as part of a power-sharing agreement in which he will become ward chair, the No. 2 position. They also agreed to elect a joint slate of officers to fill out the ward’s executive committee.
“We both had supporters who weren’t here today, so we would have just kept tying, essentially,” said Price, a fiber optic engineer and a member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. “And because I’m committed to the ward, I decided to take a position that was not necessarily a ward leader, but still gives me the time and the capacity to work with my constituents.”
Bass described the outcome as “a win.”
“We’re looking forward to working with everybody,” Bass told reporters. “We’ve got some new members who have joined the ward, and we’ve got some other folks who will be the staples of the organization who can help keep it going.”
The drama began on the evening of June 8, when Bass declared herself the victor of the ward leader race after a divided voice vote of committeepeople during a meeting at the Germantown Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Inquirer published a video of the meeting showing Bass refusing requests to hold a roll-call vote that could have clarified the results, prompting the Democratic City Committee to order a redo of the race.
Both sides spent the ensuing week attempting to win over committeepeople for the rerun.
On Wednesday morning, progressive activist Nate Holt visited committeeperson James Harrison at his home and offered him money while encouraging him to vote against Bass, videos of the encounter obtained by The Inquirer show.
Octavius Price, a fiber optic engineer and member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, ran for 22nd Democratic Ward leader. (Photo courtesy of Octavius Price)Sean Walsh
Price condemned Holt’s behavior and said he had “cut all ties with him” in a statement Wednesday evening before the vote.
Holt has not responded to questions about why he offered money to Harrison, but said in a statement he did not court committeepeople at the direction of any ward leader candidate.
As it happens, Harrison’s vote could have been decisive. But he did not attend Wednesday’s meeting.
Additionally, one committeeperson who did show up abstained, declining to vote for either candidate.
Another key vote came from former Councilmember Derek S. Green, a committeeperson in the ward who briefly considered running for ward leader and said he abstained during the initial vote last week, ultimately sided with Bass.
Green said the incident with Holt and Harrison swayed his vote.
“I learned about the video,” Green said, explaining his decision. “I’ve never seen that in the history of politics.”
The redo election took place Wednesday night at party headquarters. The party’s organization committee, which is made up of other ward leaders and chaired by former Councilmember Sharon Vaughn, oversaw the election.
Bass is often at odds with progressive activists in her Northwest Philadelphia-based 8th Council District. She narrowly won reelection in 2023 and likely faces another stiff challenge in next year’s Council race.
Ward leaders and committeepeople, the front-line workers of the party, are charged with getting out the vote for party-endorsed candidates and fielding constituent services requests.
Control of the voter-rich 22nd Ward could play a big role in next year’s Council race.
The 22nd Ward was one of three elections the party ordered to be rerun Wednesday night. In both other races, the candidates who won the initial votes also prevailed in the redos.
In North Philadelphia’s 14th Ward, Valerie Williams defeated the incumbent, Arthur Green, in a 10-8 vote.
And in an open race for the Northwest Philadelphia-based 17th Ward, Tyrone Barge beat Melissa Schley, a former ward leader.
Barge said that his race did not involve significant ideological differences. Instead, committeepeople supported him because he promised “hard work” and increasing efforts to drive turnout for Democrats.
“We’re gonna do some exciting things in the ward,” Barge said in an interview. “It’s gonna be different.”
The results put an end to a dramatic party election cycle that saw longtime Democratic City Committee chair Bob Brady reelected to an 11th term with a new roster of lieutenants led by Vaughn, the party’s new first chair.
Brady said after Wednesday’s election that party leaders at one point considered deciding the race through a coin toss.
“We didn’t know what to do with it. And then the two got together and made an agreement and made life a lot easier,” Brady said. “The best thing can happen is those two factions that they had all agreed on this … and the two are going to work together, and I told them I would come and work with them.”
Shelly Gaither, 51, of Cheltenham, makes sure her three sons, ages 6, 9, and 18, get their meals while she manages with whatever is left over — if anything ever is.
“Oh, my God, groceries are too expensive,” said Gaither, a former data analyst who suffers from a disability that makes working difficult. She visits a food pantry regularly to make sure her kids eat chicken when they can. Her monthly SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits were reduced from $400 to $200 earlier this year because of changes to the programunder President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
“I don’t think there’s hope,” she said. “I feel guilty for bringing children into a world that doesn’t want them to exist because the government makes cuts that take away their food and their healthcare.”
For people like Gaither throughout the United States, levels of food insecurity have seen a “remarkable” rise since the pandemic in 2020, according to a national survey taken earlier this year and released in late May by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Around 10% of 1,300 heads of households polled in February reported a lack of enough food and said their children were missing meals, according to the survey. Nearly 16% relied on food donations. Among families taking in less than $50,000 a year, almost 20% reported being forced to skip meals or go without.
In 2020, when the federal government stepped in to help families at the height of the pandemic, just 4% of households reported missing meals, including less than 7% of families earning less than $50,000 a year, according to the survey.
At that time, temporary supplemental unemployment benefits, expanded SNAP payments, and direct government relief payments helped stave off hunger among Americans. Food insecurity increased after COVID-19 relief expired, according to the Urban Institute.
But the recent surge in hunger has also been attributed to the sweeping law Trump signed last year, whichreduces SNAP benefits and other safety net programs to help pay for his tax cut.
Findings in the bank’sreport also reflect Gaither’s sense of despair, a pessimism about personal finances and the overall economy among people with low incomes. That same group exhibits diminished expectations for finding a job and declining levels of consumer confidence, the survey says.
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According to thereserve bank’s report, non-white Americans have been especially hard hit. The number of such households that reported missing meals increased from 4% in 2020 to 19% in February. At the same time, the number of non-white people receiving SNAP benefits jumped from 14% to more than 26%.
Overall, the survey found food insecurity was particularly acute among lower-educated and lower-income households, as well as households with young children. Many families are experiencing financial stress due to the high cost of living, persistent inflation, and high interest rates, even as the stock market has been steadily rising, according to the survey.
Pantries struggle to keep up with demand
More people are flocking to food pantries, but they are not equipped to take up the slack of reduced SNAP benefits.
“Pantries across the state are in perpetual crisis mode,” said Stuart Haniff, CEO of Hunger-Free Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh. Add to that the advent of summer, when kids are no longer receiving free breakfast and lunch at school. “Families must now provide those 60 to 80 meals a month,” Haniff said.
In Norristown, “immense need” has increased the number of people frequenting Martha’s Choice Marketplace, the largest food pantry in Montgomery County, by 100% since 2022, said Patrick Walsh, director of programs. “And I don’t expect things to get better.”
Food prices are also up 3.2% this spring over last, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture figures,exacerbating the issue.
In South Jersey, “we are seeing record numbers at our food distributions,” said Jane Asselta, president and CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey, in a statement to The Inquirer. “Life is getting harder to afford for more and more people.”
Matt McDevitt (left) and Michael Hickey load their vehicle at the Food Bank of South Jersey Thursday, June 11, 2026. The men are volunteers at the Temple Lutheran Church in Pennsauken and their food bank is open from 5-6 p.m. every Thursday.Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer
Asselta said the Federal Reserve Bank’s report “mirrors” what her organization has observed through its network of 300 community partners.
“Hunger has never been higher,” said Pastor Sonita Johnson, who runs the food pantry at St. John’s Pentecostal Outreach Church in Salem City, Salem County. “Food prices are high, and the lines you see you would not believe — a 50% increase in people just over the last two months.”
Nationwide, between January 2025 and January 2026, SNAP rolls decreased by more than 4 million people — from 42 million to 38 million — according to USDA figures.
Between last September and April of this year, nearly 90,000 Pennsylvanians lost SNAP benefits due to new eligibility requirements stipulated by the Trump administration, according to an analysis by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS).
And between December 2025 and last month, more than 32,000 Philadelphians lost benefits, DHS figures show.
In New Jersey, SNAP participation has fallen by more than 50,000 individuals between March 2025 and March of this year, New Jersey Department of Human Services figures show.
The Trump administration’s SNAP changes include an expansion of work requirements for people who receive SNAP benefits and increased documentation requirements “designed to make maintaining eligibility increasingly difficult,” according to the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), the largest anti-hunger lobby in the United States.
Deputy White House press secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement that Trump signed the changes to strengthen SNAP and to ensure that it is “sustainable for future generations.” She added that Trump was “elected to eliminate runaway spending across the federal government.”
William Meo works on the loading dock at the Food Bank of South Jersey Thursday, June 11, 2026. Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer
For people like Shelley Gaither, how her reduced SNAP benefits could be seen as part of “runaway spending” is tough for her to figure, given her needs. To survive this precarious moment, Gaither said, she will do whatever she can.
“We eat more vegetarian meals and I don’t buy my kids cookies or snacks,” she said. “If I drink enough coffee, maybe I just need one meal a day. This is our existence now. This is how we live.”
The City Council chambers looked as they always do: a sea of slacks and blazers, votes and debates, bills and budgets. The only difference? Every Council member was ateenager.
Around 100youths entered Philadelphia City Hall on Wednesday to take part in the Greater Philadelphia YMCA’s Government Youth Summit. The event, hosted by the YMCA for the first time, gave teens from Philadelphia and the surrounding area a hands-on way to learn about their city government.
“This is our first shot at it. I think it’s been real successful,” said Shaun Elliott, president of the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. “And there’s two things we want to do: teach kids about civic government and how it works, but also help them develop the competencies of leadership.”
At the beginning of the day, the participants were presented with a bill on spending and initiatives during the FIFA World Cup, which they then discussed, debated, and reshaped in line with their roles.
Sitting alongside teens representing other districts, Justina Ndebhleh, 17, who was representing the Sixth District in Lower Northeast Philadelphia, led a discussion on SEPTA funding.
“We’re talking about whether increasing SEPTA prices will be beneficial or not,” Ndebhleh said. “Because we know increasing the fare would be a regressive tax since lower-income communities do take SEPTA on a daily basis.”
Students hold discussions after meeting with City Council President Kenyatta Johnson.Joe Lamberti / For The Inquirer
Between debates and meetings, teens were given the chance to speak with Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and City Council President Kenyatta Johnson.
Lindsay Doyle, director of youth civic engagement for the YMCA, said she hoped the participants left understanding that their opinions matter and that they can help make change.
“It’s really incredible to see them in these spaces,” Doyle said, “and have them interact with City Council members, and have those elected officials reinforce the idea that their thoughts … and their beliefs really matter, and they can utilize those to change the entire city, state, and nation.”
Kailey Reinboth, 18, from Boyertown Area Senior High School, said the experience gave her a better understanding of what it means to be an engaged citizen, especially at a young age.
“I believe that it is really [giving] me insight into my roles and responsibilities as a citizen and being someone that needs to be civically engaged,” she said. “You are the change, ultimately. And being … the change that you want to see, not just in the future, because, you know, they talk about the youth being the future — the youth aren’t the future. They are the present, and we really need to enforce that in making sure that we’re not making change in the future. We are making change now.”
Elliott said he hopes to see the program grow in future years, providing more teens with the experience to learn about local government.
“We have 100 young people here. So how about 200 or 250 next year?” he said.
Angel Okeke, a junior at the Academy at Palumbo in Philadelphia, wanted to make sense of the loss of her best friend’s brother to a tragedy spurred by gang violence.
Isadora Pendygraft, an eighth grader at Welsh Valley Middle School in Narberth, felt pulled to explore how restorative justice could reshape the criminal court system.
Avigail Wus, a junior at Pennsbury High in Fairless Hills, hoped to examine how the public, the media, and courts interact with survivors of sexual assault.
They are among a group of students who spent nearly a year thinking, researching, and writing about changes they want to see in Philadelphia. This month, their work culminated in professional performances of their original plays.
“It’s freaking amazing,” Okeke said.
The possibility of performance
The student work is part of What Now: 2026, a new arts festival marking the country’s Semiquincentennial. When the festival was in the planning stages, Madeline Charne, director of education and programs for Philadelphia Young Playwrights, said sheknew youth voices ought to have a place.
That is how PYP’s Civic Theater Project was born.
(L-R) Actor Raymond Ingram rehearses as (seated) Palumbo civics teacher Charlie McGeehan, Philly Young Playrights director of education and programs Madeline Charne, students Abigail Wus, Isadora Pendygraft, Angel Okeke, and Harmonee Summers look on during rehearsal at the Drake Theater in Philadelphia earlier this month.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
Charne said she wanted students “thinking about how theater itself can create social change, not just be about social change.” She prompted students to imagine Philadelphia 25 years in the future, to dream about what should be changed, and to see their work as the beginning of that shift.
“Creativity and art and performance — that’s what has the possibility to make people actually listen,” said Charlie McGeehan, a Philadelphia School District civics teacher who worked as a PYP teaching artist.
Kids thought so, too. For every spot PYP had in the process, it received roughly five applicants. Eventually, five young people signed on: Okeke; Wus; Pendygraft; Harmonee’ Summers, who attends Springside Chestnut Hill Academy; and Maroua Benfadhla, a student at Science Leadership Academy.
The young playwrights had to commit one day a week to their work — researching and refining ideas, interviewing change makers around the city, committing to their eventual topic, writing, editing, critiquing one another’s work, andeven casting their plays.
The works the five eventually produced were a revelation, McGeehan said — powerful, smart, and character driven. They were presented in staged readings at the Louis Bluver Theatre in Center City.
The right rooms, the right resources
On a sweltering Wednesday this month just before the students’ work debuted, they gathered at the theater for a final run-through.
The playwrights sat in chairs, eyes fixed on the actors in front of them. The actors performed the plays without sets or costumes, just reading scripts on music stands and allowing the audience to take inthe power of the young people’s words.
The moment Summers first heard professional actors reading words she had written, it stopped her cold.
“It is so cliche to say it’s magical, but it feels different when your words are literally jumping off the page‚” said Summers, whose play is called The Double K Show. It chronicles two young women’s rise to stardom and the effect substance use has on their lives, and was shaped by events Summers observed growing up in North Philadelphia and attending an elite private school.
Part of the students’ process was finding resources that might help with the issues they tackled — from recovery and housing assistance organizations to groups that support survivors of sexual assault.
(L-R) Actor Raymond Ingram rehearses as Palumbo civics teacher Charlie McGeehan, Philly Young Playrights director of education and programs Madeline Charne, students Abigail Wus, Isadora Pendygraft, Angel Okeke and Harmonee’ Summers look on during rehearsal at the Drake Theater in Philadelphia earlier this month.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
Pendygraft, whose mother, Letitia Stein, is an editor at The Inquirer, is a PYP veteran and the only middle schooler in the group. The playbill lists Pendygraft’s author name as Rut, a nickname. She said she was inspired by The 57 Bus, a book she had read about the ripple effects of a crime committed by one teenager against another.
“The criminal court has a long history of being complicated and a little corrupt and biased,” Pendygraft said, but restorative justice — the theme of her play — would go a long way toward repairing harm.
Wus said she used the motif of the Salem witch trials as “a critique about the way stories of sexual assault have been commodified into entertainment.” It wasa powerful exercise in using her voice, she said, made stronger by the magic of real performers.
“These actors, they’re the people you see on TV — they are so talented,” Wus said. “Hearing my words out loud has allowed me to make revisions to make my script feel more real. It’s probably one of the best writing experiences I’ve ever had.”
Okeke, who wrote Echoes Beyond Shut Doors about the loss of Naim Castleberry, her best friend’s brother, said she struggled for a time with the idea that her ideas would go nowhere.
“It felt very daunting to tackle such big issues. Often, I feel like I feel small as a young person in Philly. I have this doubt, ‘how much of an impact can I really make?’” Okeke said. But she powered through, with words — and the experience was transformative.
“Us youth really have good things to say if we’re put in the right rooms with the right resources,” she said.
If you’re in a church and the ceiling starts pulsating and streaks of lightning splinter down the walls, it’s usually a good sign that more than the homily is about to go down.
But at Luminiscence, it’s all part of a new immersive experience that uses light to alter one of Philadelphia’s most famous altars — at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.
On select evenings through August, Luminiscence brings the interior walls of the 164-year-old mother church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to life with 25 high-definition projectors, 360-degree video mapping, and accompanying performances by a live choir and orchestra on select dates.
The orchestra plays during the June 11 premiere of Luminiscence at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
This sacred space where two popes have celebrated Mass, countless Philadelphians have been laid to rest, and the remains of a saint are enshrined is now host to a visual and auditory odyssey that tells the history of the cathedral as high-definition lights trace every nook and cranny of its walls.
Think of it as a laser light show for the digital age and mature palette. Instead of spacing out with Pink Floyd in a planetarium, you’re basking in bright lights with Bach in a basilica.
“We really wanted to see the building come alive and be featured in ways that it hasn’t ever been seen before, together with music that really illuminates the soul,” said Clayton Ferguson, executive producer and general manager for Banijay Americas Live, the media and production company behind show.
Guests watch the opening night performance of Luminiscence at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul on June 11.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
‘Respecting the cathedral’
Father Dennis Gill, rector of the Cathedral Basilica, said he was approached about hosting the production a little less than a year ago.
“They were very impressed by our cathedral building and they thought it would be a wonderful place to highlight with light,” he said. “It took some convincing. My primary concern was respecting the cathedral. The primary ministry of the cathedral is the worship of God and I wanted to make sure Luminescence would protect and promote that.”
Luminiscence events — which are specifically designed for cathedrals and basilicas — began in France, where Banijay Americas Live parent company, Banijay Entertainment, is headquartered. Philadelphia is only the second U.S. city to host a production. The first was held at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis last year.
People watch the opening night performance of Luminiscence on June 11.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
“It’s about sacred spaces, but it is not a faith-driven show, so it is absolutely for all audiences,” Ferguson said. “I wouldn’t say that it’s a secular story or a religious story. I think that it is about beauty and hope and creativity.”
This isn’t the first time projection mapping has been used to transform an iconic Center City building. For years, Philadelphia’s own Klip Collective brought the exterior of City Hall to life during the holidays with its free Deck the Hall Light Show. But Luminiscence is the first time an immersive experience like this has been done in the Cathedral Basilica, or in any Catholic church in Philly.
Gill said he had three reasons for agreeing to participate.
“My first reason was it would highlight the architectural beauty of our cathedral. Second, it would draw people to church, and my third reason was it would bring us some financial assistance,” he said.
A portion of the ticket sales goes to the Cathedral Basilica, but Ferguson declined to detail how much.
A purpose
Last week, entry lines snaked around the building as people packed the pews for the first performance. Prior to the start of the show, the basilica’s domed ceiling was bathed in a dark cerulean light dotted by hundreds of stars. Human silhouettes walked slowly and methodically along the walls high above the crowd.
Joseph Blanch of Havertown watches the opening night performance of Luminiscence on June 11. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
Ferguson and Gill offered brief opening remarks, with the latter also offering a blessing.
As I sat listening in a pew, I tried to think of the last time I was in the basilica. Was it really 11 years ago when Pope Francis was in town? I often visit churches in Europe just for their beauty and architecture, but not those in my own backyard. Maybe I feel like I need a purpose when it’s so close to home.
Luminiscence at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul on opening night on June 11. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
“Talking it through, everybody kind of understood how it would really, really help get more people through the doors,” Ferguson said. “I mean, this building is stunning. It’s incredible. How many people have maybe walked past it over all of the years and not even had a chance to walk inside?”
‘Goosepumps’
The show began with a narration welcoming us to “prepare to board on a timeless journey.” Over the next 45 minutes, the basilica was transformed into a night sky, a golden palace, an architect’s drawing board, a stormy sea, stained glass, a garden of falling petals (that defied the laws of gravity and rose upward), a kaleidoscope, a cloudy sky filled with angels, and, for a brief moment, a black-and-white scene that looked straight out of a Tim Burton movie.
“Wow!” and “Oh my God!” I can hear myself saying on my video recordings (probably should have rethought that last exclamation in a Catholic church).
“Goosepumps” I wrote in my notebook (hey, it was dark).
The opening night performance of Luminiscence on June 11.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
The visuals were stunning and the live orchestra and choir of local musicians sounded lovely, even if I only recognized a few of the pieces of classical music being performed, like “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.
I did struggle to follow along with the narration and tenuous storyline though, which mostly focused on the creation of the Cathedral Basilica but also tried to tie in the founding of the United States and Philadelphia. Ferguson called it a “poetic love letter to Philadelphia and the cathedral.”
Crystal Safford of Philadelphia and Luminiscence executive producer Clayton Ferguson talk after the opening night performance.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
“It’s really about less is more,“ he said. ”We try to use as few words as possible to elevate the senses along the way.”
God and the church feature prominently in the narration, which perhaps is to be expected, given the setting, but it also makes the program feel less than secular. I didn’t find it off-putting, but I can see how some people may.
Faith and wonder
The strength of this show lies firmly in its visuals, which helped me to see one of Philadelphia’s most storied edifices in a new way — alive.
But it’s always alive, every day, with people and services. That was one of the biggest difficulties Ferguson and his crew faced when setting up Luminiscence.
The opening night performance of Luminiscence lights up the interior of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia on June 11. Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
“One of the hardest challenges is how do we kind of disappear so people don’t see speakers everywhere,” he said. “So that’s actually our biggest challenge — staying out of the way.”
If you’ve been staying out of the way of the Cathedral Basilica (or have never visited), Luminiscence is a great excuse to step inside. I’ve felt wonder in grand places of worship over the years — the Sagrada Familia in Spain, the Cao Dai Temple in Vietnam, and the Basilica of San Clemente in Italy — but it’s been a long time since I’ve felt wonder in a church on my own soil. Luminiscence gave me that.
“It’s a very positive, beautiful, uplifting experience and it’s able to be both about faith and about wonder,” Gill said.
People watch the opening night performance of Luminiscence on June 11.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
Know before you go
Three types of shows are available: with a live choir and orchestra, with just a live choir, and with an audio recording.
Adult ticket prices are $29 to $85 depending on the type of show, your chosen seating, and the day of the week. Tickets are available through Feverup.com.
Shows start late, with the earliest beginning at 8:15 p.m., to limit external light during performances.
For the best views, sit as far back as possible.
Do not, like me, bring your leftover dinner from Urban Farmer or you will be forced to throw it away, even if you promise you have no intention of eating mac-and-cheese in a church.
You will be looking up a lot, so if you suffer from neck issues maybe bring an airplane pillow?
Photos and videos are permitted, but limit yourself for your own enjoyment and for those around you. Nobody wants to watch the show through your phone.
A Point Breeze rowhouse, now available for rent, offers residents a chance to live with a one-of-a-kindwork of art — the only Keith Haring collaborative mural that is still intact and in its original location in the world.
The three-bedroom home at 2147 Ellsworth St. is adorned with the acclaimed street and pop artist’s We the Youth . The mural, painted on the building’s facade, has stoodon the corner of 22nd and EllsworthStreets for almost 40 years.
“Keith believed that art was for everyone and that art should be accessible, so to have this mural still at this location for nearly 40 years is historically and culturally significant,”said Jane Golden, founder and executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia.
The muralfeatures an array of Haring’s trademark dancing figures filled with bright colors and patterns. Italso has a small garden next to it, affectionately called “Haring Park,” which has been tended by neighborhood residents since the 1980s.
Keith Haring, who died in 1990, with his painted carousel.
Haring, who was born in Reading in 1958 and raised in Kutztown, drew the mural over a few days in September 1987, coinciding with the U.S. Constitution’s bicentennial. The title of the mural pays homage to the Constitution’s opening lines.
Its location was important to Haring.
He did not want the mural to be in a more upscale, trendy part of the city, one of the mural’s student collaborators, Rita Martello, told online art marketplaceArtsy in 2022.
“He wanted to put it in an actual urban neighborhood,” Martello said to Artsy.
Invited by two nonprofits that worked with youth, CityKids NYC and Brandywine Workshop, Haring worked with 14 students. While some of the dancing figures are solid colored, others feature unique patterns and symbols, all contributed by the students.
“Wherever [murals] are, they provide a foundation where change can begin,” said Golden. “They are a vehicle through which important stories are told, and they allow Philadelphia to maintain its status as a global leader in the arts and culture arena.”
Presently about 1,000 murals are displayed on the sides of residential homes in Philadelphia through partnerships with Mural Arts.
Erica Bryant mimics a figure from the Keith Haring mural on the Point Breeze house she and her husband own. It is the only mural Keith Haring made with community groups that is still intact.MICHAEL S. WIRTZ / Staff
Haring, whose preferred medium was chalk, often created works that were not meant to be permanent. We the Youth too was not immune to decay over time.
In 2013, after Erica and Lucas Bryant of St. Paul, Minn., bought the house, Mural Arts undertook a massive restoration of the piece, adding several layers of paintand a protective coating against the sun, entirely replacing damaged sections, and replacing the chain link fence.
“Philly is very proud to have a Keith Haring mural and especially one embedded in the community that was done in such a collaborative manner,” said Golden.
Haring, who started making chalk drawings in the New York subway, first wanted to paint We the Youth on a garbage truck but was refused by the Philadelphia Sanitation Department.
He diedin 1990, from AIDS-related complicationsat age 31.
“You can be the only person in the world who livesin a Keith Haring art piece!” boasts the OCF Realty listing for the three-bedroom, 2 ½ bathroom apartment.
The 1,797-square-foot, three-story rowhouse was renovated in 2020and has a backyard patio andaroof deck. The property, managed by OCF Realty, rents for $3,295/month.
It’s not just the Chicago Cubs who have a history with ivy.
On June 15, 1926, as the senior class president, future Los Angeles Dodgers executive Walter O’Malley delivered thesalutatory address to his classmates during the University of Pennsylvania’s 170th commencement.
He was his junior and senior class president. And at the Weightman Hall ceremony he was awarded the “Spoon Man” honor, which is voted on by the senior class. The award, a wooden spoon, is a bigger deal than it sounds. It reflects the winner’s leadership and popularity.
After Penn, he earned a law degree from Columbia. He became associated with the Dodgers when they were still in Brooklyn in 1932. He took over as team president and majority owner in 1950, and he made the controversial decision to move the team to Los Angeles in the mid-1950s. He ran the club until 1979.
O’Malley would go on to become the first Penn alumnus to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. And he never even played a game.
He was inducted posthumously into the Hall of Fame in 2008. He is one of only 16 owners among the 354 inductees.
“Walter O’Malley was as great an executive talent as I have seen,” MLB Commissioner Bowie Kuhn said in 1979. “While baseball was his medium, his skills would have flourished in any walk of life.”
