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Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Lunch
A Weekend of Eating in Historic Philadelphia
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Reading Terminal Market is a must-visit for foodies
Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC
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Location:
Historic Philadelphia
Transportation:
Walking
Duration:
36 hours or so (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)
Philadelphia’s food renaissance began more than 30 years ago, and to many of Philadelphia's locals, it’s as exciting a part of the city's history as that other revolution in 1776.
Historic Philadelphia, in particular, is foodie heaven. Some of the most celebrated dining destinations in America are just steps from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
So here’s a step-by-step insider’s guide to history wiz with — a blissful weekend of eating, shopping, touring and eating again in Philadelphia.
Note: Calories didn't exist in the 18th Century, so you won't gain an ounce.
Friday
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6 P.M.
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First Friday in Old City
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
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If you arrive on the First Friday of the month, a party is waiting. Galleries and shops in Old City, the 19th-century loft district that wraps around the historic area, will be open for free tours and lively until around 9 p.m.
If a plastic cup of gallery white wine doesn’t quench your thirst, stop at Mulberry Market for water or beer to go.
Your nose will tell you that you’re near Tartes, a tiny hole-in-the-wall bakery with a walk-up window. Their pecan tart, in particular, is easy to eat while continuing on your tour of the neighborhood.
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7 P.M.
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2) We're Grazing, We're Walking
Next, take a walk to clear your palate.
Head south on 3rd Street, right onto Chestnut, and for the next four blocks, much of American history will be at your feet. Here’s Ben Franklin’s house, here’s the Second Bank of the United States, there’s Independence Hall, the old Congress Hall, the old Supreme Court and, finally, the Liberty Bell.
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9 P.M.
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Positano Coast
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
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3) Unwinding in the 21st Century
The menu here takes a Mediterranean, seafood-inspired spin — try the "Positano Harvest" selection of fresh seafood, and the lobster truffle accompanied by fresh edamame. They perfectly complement the Amalfi Coast-fused decor and will leave you feeling quite refreshed.
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11 P.M.
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For a quiet nightcap, order a flight of wines at Il Bar, located in the Penn's View Hotel on Front Street. The wine flights are organized by region, so every set is an education.
For a more riotous scene, head to Sugar Mom's. Their nostalgic menu is full of pierogies and fries, while a great selection of local beers is on draft — and for the kid in you, get cozy on over-sized couches and play pinball way into the wee hours.
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Saturday
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9:30 A.M.
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Reading Terminal Market
Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC
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No, you haven’t died and gone to heaven. You’re in Reading Terminal Market, a beloved farmers' market operating since 1893. Today it’s a foodie's United Nations with more than 100 vendors and farmers, the sort of place where you’ll find a veiled grandmother, a tattooed bike dude, a Penn Ph.D. and five tourists from Paris, all happily poking around in the same bin of tomatoes — for sale from an Amish girl in traditional dress.
For a sit-down breakfast at Reading Terminal, try the Dutch Eating Place or the Down Home Diner. Try some scrapple. What else do we recommend? Everything.
You can also take a guided tour of the market.
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11:30 A.M.
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6) Shopping, Eating, Learning in Old City
For lunch, you decide. Hungry hipsters swear by the tandoori at Café Spice, which serves up a generous Indian buffet in a sophisticated atmosphere. To keep it Philadelphia, stop by Campo’s for hoagies and Sonny’s for cheesesteaks, then grab a bench inside Independence Park.
Note: Don’t be intimidated by so-called experts who insist that you order your steak “with” or “Whiz wit'” (meaning Cheese Whiz). In the birthplace of the Constitution, you have every right to American cheese or provolone.
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2 P.M.
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Foster's Urban Homeware
Photo courtesy of Foster's
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7) Your Education Continues
Then take a walk around Foster's and find all sorts of culinary items you never knew you needed — like orange slicers, stemless martini glasses and collapsible colanders. Oh my!
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3 P.M.
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Blood sugar getting low? Visit Shane’s Candies, a living antique where they’ve been hand-making candy on those marble slabs for more than a century. Take home the almond butter crunch.
The ice cream at The Franklin Fountain, a few doors down, is also homemade. You’ll see a lot of Dr. Dovey's Classic Banana Splits, made from the original 1904 recipe, but there’s usually an offbeat flavor with indie appeal; ask your friendly servers for their favorites.
While you’re digesting, shop for music to eat by (AKA Music) and pottery to eat from (the Clay Studio). Then swing by City Tavern and take home a six-pack of beer brewed locally with Washington and Jefferson’s own recipes.
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5 P.M.
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Delicious sangria at Amada
Photo by S. Lagato
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9) Fusion Drinks and Dinner
One is Morimoto, the near-legendary Japanese restaurant where the ambiance is as dazzling as the food. Walls curve, benches glow, lights shift. And yes, that’s Morimoto as in “Iron Chef.” The restaurant’s followers recommend omakase — just place yourself in the chef’s hands for a multi-course meal.
Another choice is Buddakan, the Asian fusion restaurant that’s been a hot spot for ten years now. It’s partly the scene, partly the environment (shimmering waterfall, gilded Buddha, glowing tables) but mostly the food. Avoid arguments by ordering the beef and seafood, then share.
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8:30 P.M.
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If you’re looking for a great night on the town, Old City should be your one-stop shop. Starting at Market Street, walk down 2nd Street to encounter one of the most thriving social scenes on the East Coast.
Stop into The Tin Angel for a candlelit serenade session by renowned folk musicians, and sit down at adjoining restaurant Serrano to enjoy their rainbow trout or chicken pot pie. And if a vegetarian meal is more your style, try Serrano’s selection of meze dishes: vegetarian small plates accompanied by pita bread.
For one of the city’s best new bars, head to National Mechanics on 3rd Street. You can order a delicious burger (veggie or no) to go with one of 32 beers on draft, or you could go for a quirky choice like the “Frito Taco Extravaganza.”
And just on the edge of the Old City scene is Race Street Café. The locals swear by their burger, though the buffalo chicken sandwich is what makes this intimate spot famous. Catch a few bites and your last cocktail and call it a night.
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Sunday
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9:30 A.M.
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11) The Best Part of Waking Up
You might have a muffin here, or take a short walk to the longer menu at Fork Etc., the casual arm of Fork Restaurant. They bake artisan breads here every day, and there’s a big square table where you can chat it up with the friendly locals.
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11:30 A.M.
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Headhouse Square
Photo by M. McClellan
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12) Fresh Air, Fresh Produce
Buy one of everything and dig in, the peach juice dripping down your chin as you bask in the sunshine on the cobblestones. And what you can’t eat, take home.
And keep Head House Square in mind during your Saturday stroll — the market has been so successful, it's now open throughout the weekend.
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Hotels + More
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Transportation
If you're traveling from New York, New England, DC, Baltimore, Harrisburg, etc., Amtrak is easy. And you can get 50% off a companion fare when you use the special discount code: V454. Book online at Amtrak or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Driving
If you drive here, stash your car off-street until you leave. Though you might enjoy an occasional cab, trolley or carriage ride, most of these places can be reached on foot. Parking regulations are strictly enforced in the historic area, and you may find yourself getting towed with un-municipal efficiency.
Accommodations
You can’t get much closer than the Holiday Inn Philadelphia :: Historic District, which is right in the thick of everything (distance: 0 miles) and has a sunny rooftop pool with a view.
The Sheraton Society Hill Hotel is just four blocks from Independence Hall and a block from Penn’s Landing in beautifully restored Society Hill. It has a bit more greenery than most city hotels and a heated indoor pool.
The Hyatt Regency is one of the historic area’s newest hotels, a tower right on the Delaware River. Sit at the outdoor bar and listen to the creak-creak of moored boats.
The Philly Overnight® Hotel Package is a popular getaway — and a terrific deal. It’s available throughout the year (and throughout the week) and gives you free parking (worth $50 or more) and several special offers. Click here to check out the package, then pick your favorite hotel.
More food and drink, please!
Of course, this itinerary is just a sample of the amazing range of food and drink in Philadelphia. Take a closer look at our Dining and Nightlife opportunities and chart your own course across the city!
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