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Delilah's
The Top List of Best Buy Restaurants - Philadelphia, PA
My absolute favorite restaurant in Philadelphia also offers one of the best buys in the city.
by Cindy Epstein
When in Philly, you can be sure to find good eats at a good price. Whether you choose Italian, Chinese, Indian, French, Jamaican, Tex-Mex, or All-American, there are many great buys in the city. Wander around the many ethnic neighborhoods or the infamous non-stop party on South Street and you'll find lots of great little treasures tucked among the shops and rowhomes.
SOUTH STREET SOUVLAKI
509 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 925-3026
Hours: (Mon-Thu) 11:30 am- 9:30 pm; (Fri-Sat) 11:30 am- 10 pm;
(Sun) 11:30 am- 9 pm
My absolute favorite restaurant in Philadelphia also offers one of the best buys in the city. Fabulous Greek food, authentically prepared, is served in a casual, laid back taverna atmosphere. The food is consistently good and the place is always full of smiling people having a great time. The traditional Greek music helps to set the light-hearted tone. Whether you have the peasant salad with big chunks of fresh feta, tomatoes, and cucumbers, the creamy chickpea hummus laden with garlic and served with warm, soft hunks of pita bread, or the veal shanks in tomato sauce your meal will fill you up and not break the bank. Try a glass of the traditional Retsina, a white resin-y Greek wine or nibble your way through a bowl of yummy kalamata olives and a pile of dolmades. If you're a regular (and it's definitely worth becoming a regular if you like Mediterranean cuisine), the friendly waitresses will remember your name.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $17 - $25
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open for Lunch, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Closed
READING TERMINAL MARKET
51 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-2317
Hours: (Mon-Sat) 8 am- 6 pm; (Sun) Closed
One of the most fantastic farmers' markets you'll visit on this side of the Atlantic is found in the heart of Philadelphia. Right next to the sprawling Convention Center is the heart and soul of food in Philadelphia. A favorite spot for foodies and tourists alike, the market offers a wide and varied selection of every kind of food you can imagine. It's a great place to go and graze your way through the expansive indoor market, trying nibbles at a number of vendors. You can also dine at a number of places or linger at the café tables getting each course from a different vendor. You'll find many of the city's local merchants offering everything from apple cider to Zanzibar dates. The market also has a superb catering department.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $10- $15
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open for Lunch, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Closed
DALESSANDRO'S STEAKS
600 Wendover Avenue, Roxborough, PA 19128
(215) 482-5407
Hours: (Mon-Thu) 11 am- 12 midnight; (Fri) 11 am- 1 am; (Sat) 11 am- 12 midnight; (Sun) Closed
Philadelphia has made an art form of cheesesteaks, and the city has become famous for them. Delassandro's has had a lot to do Philly's cheesesteak reputation. It ain't called "Philly's King of Cheesesteaks" for nothing! Be prepared to wait in line for your sandwich here, but the wait will be worth it. You'll smell the sautéing onions and sizzling steak before you reach the front door. In addition to Philly's finest cheesesteaks you'll find a whole menu of hoagies also. Everyone seems to remember Dalessandro's being in the neighborhood forever. Let's hope it stays that way for a long time to come.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $7 - $9
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
TAJ MAHAL
1903 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19103
(215) 575-1199
Hours: (Mon-Thu) 11:30 AM- 3 pm & 5 -10 pm; (Fri-Sat) 11:30 am- 3 pm & 5-10:30 pm; (Sun) 12-9 pm
This casual Indian restaurant in Center City is a great stop when you're craving a spicy curry or a mellower biryani. They also offer a number of vegetarian entrees as well as a great, and remarkably low-priced, weekday buffet. The food is well prepared and the Indian staff is always most gracious and accommodating. They have a great assortment of freshly baked Indian bread including nan (leavened bread baked in a clay oven), roti (round whole wheat bread), paratha (multi-layered wheat bread), and various vegetable and meat-stuffed options. If you like your food spicy, try the Chicken or Lamb Vindaloo.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $10- $15
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open for dinner only, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
CREPERIE BEAU MONDE
624 South Sixth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 592-0656
Hours: (Sun) 10 am- 10 pm; (Tues- Fri) 12 noon- 11 pm; (Sat) 10-am - 11 pm
The folks at Beau Monde ("beautiful world") have taken crepes to a new level. Crepes have a history from the Middle Ages where they were enjoyed in France, especially in the northwest region of Brittany. The dinner menu has an extensive list of selections including crepes with Swiss, ham and toasted almonds; grilled chicken breast, broccoli, and cheddar; and scallops, tomato, and herb butter. And, of course, you must have dessert. The only problem is each crepe sounds better than the next. Try the toasted coconut or the white chocolate crepe for a real delight. Beau Monde is also a great place for a first date-- the cozy atmosphere is perfect for romance--especially in the cooler weather when the fireplace lights the room with a rosy glow.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $20 - $25
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open for Lunch, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
JAMAICAN JERK HUT
1436 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 545-8644.
Hours: (Mon -Thu) 11 am-10 pm.; (Fri- Sat) 11 am-11 pm; (Sun) 5-10 pm
Want to remember your last trip to the Caribbean? Nicola Shirley's Jamaican Jerk Hut is the place to do it. Chef/owner Shirley, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, serves authentic "jerk." Jerk refers to the traditional method of cooking the meat over an open fire. The meat is first rubbed with a special combination of homemade jerk seasoning. Although her exact ingredients remain a secret, jerk contains ginger, thyme, allspice, onions and soy. The result is tangy, spicy, smoky, and outrageously delicious. Although you have to go through a rather dingy, overgrown lot, in the summer you can dine on a covered patio dotted with hibiscus, palms, bamboo, and brightly colored tablecloths. Another very special offering of this island hide-away is their all-natural fruit drinks, which according to Jamaican folklore have "special healing qualities." Definitely try the homemade ginger beer. Its fresh, snappy ginger zing is good for whatever ails you.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15 - $20
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
IMPERIAL INN
146 North 10th Street, Philadelphia 19107
(215) 627-5588
Hours: (Sun-Thu) 11am -12 midnight; (Fri- Sat) 11am -2am
This long-standing traditional Chinese restaurant in the heart of Chinatown is favored for its dim sum, which is served seven days a week between 11 am and 3 pm. The small dim sum dishes are under $2.00, but the slightly larger ones are a little more expensive. The waiters scurry by with steaming stainless steel carts filled with a variety of Asian selections. One cart might have soups, another shrimp, chicken, or vegetable dumplings, another a variety of rice dishes or roasted pork buns or spare ribs. The selection seems endless. (Don't miss the cart with the shrimp spring rolls.) When you select a dish, your server adds it to your tab. Although none of the dishes are more than five dollars, they do add up. The atmosphere has the typical hustle bustle feel of so many Chinese restaurants as families and groups make up a large portion of the diners. No matter when you get a craving for Chinese, you're in luck. They're open 365 days a year.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $18 - $23
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open, New Years Eve-Open
COPABANANA
344 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Hours: Daily 11:30 am-2 am. Open for all holidays.
Great burgers and fries, Tex-Mex and beers, and the absolute best margaritas this side of the border is what you'll find at the Copa. It's great for people watching and bartender watching, as you stand at the bar and watch that sweet, tart, and lively drink get mixed. Only freshly squeezed lime juice here. Another great drink is the Copa Lemonade- regular or pink. Made with freshly squeezed lemons, sugar, and vodka, it is utterly refreshing on a hot summer's day. Although it's too noisy, usually crowded, and sometimes crazy, that's part of the allure of this late night hang out on South Street. Make sure you order the Spanish fries with jalapeños and onions. All the more reason to order that margarita.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15 - $20
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
MARRA'S
1734 E. Passayunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 463-9249
Hours: (Tue-Thu) 11:30 am- 11 pm; (Fri-Sat) 11:30 am- 12 midnight;
(Sun) 2 - 11pm; (Mon) Closed
No best buy restaurant list would be complete without a down-home Italian joint. South Philly, where pizza is king, is home to this family-owned brick oven pizzeria/restaurant. You'll get a guaranteed delicious thin crust pie here. Your waitress will deliver that magnificent pizza oozing melting cheese right from the oven to your table. And she'll even call you the ever endearing "hon." The atmosphere is pretty much non-existent, but the place does a very brisk business. If you're not up for pizza, try the calamari or the lasagna even if they tell you, "Yo, yous gotta get a pie here. They're really good."
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $15 - $20
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
PINK ROSE PASTRY SHOP
630 South Fourth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147.1-800-ROSE-383
Hours: (Mon-Thu) 8 am-10:30 pm, (Fri) 8 am-11:30 pm, (Sat) 9 am-11:30 pm, (Sun) 9 am-10:30 pm.
Okay, so your mom said you can't have a giant slice of chocolate fudge cake for dinner, but who's watching? So if you decide to dive right into dessert, this is the place to do it. Only one problem: the Pink Rose is the hardest place in Philly to decide what you're going to order because you'll want one of everything. All the more reason to stop in often when your sweet tooth calls. Will it be their famous éclair, sour cream apple pie, chocolate midnight cake, or the chocolate raspberry mousse tart? How about a key lime tart, the Hepburn brownie, or a slice of the strawberry cream cake? Need a warm comforting breakfast? Try Joe's Illegal Sticky Buns, the Budapest Coffee Cake, or Jewish Apple Cake. The magnificent cakes and fresh fruit tarts--not to mention the rich, chocolate brownies and the outrageous pastries will amaze you. You can complement your pastry with coffee, tea, espresso, or juice. Lunch is served from 11 am - 4 pm with an assortment of homemade soups, salads, and chili with cornbread. The restaurant is cozy and pleasant and always filled with comfort smells like cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate-all those heavenly smells that are reminiscent of childhood. Indulge in a luscious dessert, and take another home for later.
Estimated cost per person for dessert and coffee = $4 - $10
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
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