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With the constant climb of New York City’s living expenses, young professionals hoping to start families are fleeing in droves for the nearest urban center: Philadelphia. Long known for greasy cheesesteaks and the Museum of Art steps climbed by working-class (yet fictional) hero Rocky Balboa, the recent explosion of spendable income has rebirthed Philadelphia as a world-class and multi-ethnic dining destination. In no particular order, here are 15 places you shouldn’t miss, none of which even existed 10 years ago.
This might be the only “laundromat” in town that will turn away your business for showing up with wrinkled clothes. To call the bouncers at Hop Sing Laundromat “difficult” is an understatement. With strict rules on wardrobe, and their outlawing of cellphone use and photography, Hop Sing has earned a reputation for being a difficult place to drink at. If it weren’t for Lee’s excellent cocktails, that reputation would surely fail this unmarked speakeasy on the edge of Chinatown. Ring the bell outside and then wait in the lobby to be instructed on the rules. You’ll be guided to your table where knowledgeable waiters will help you pick your poison. Just be warned, even one phone call or photograph will likely get you booted back to the street.
MUST ORDER: A Cuban missile crisis (Jameson Gold, El Dorado 21-year-old rum, with lemon twist and orange peel). The off-menu Tequila Old Fashioned.
With flavors like Red Hot Mango Chile Pepper and Mayan Chocolate, CIA-trained pastry chef Jeane Chang deliver original popsicles that are sure to keep you cool in Philly’s muggy summer days. Creamier flavors include a Caramel Custard pop and Goat Cheese with Cherries. Chocolate lovers shouldn’t miss the Chocolate with Salted Caramel and Brownie. Be warned that Lil’ Pop Shop will occasionally shutter its doors in the deadest weeks of winter, but this seasonally driven popsicle stand is worth a visit for anyone considering a dessert outing.
MUST ORDER: Check the chalk-board, flavors change regularly.
Los Gallos Mexican Taqueria & Market
As an Angeleno, I wasn’t expecting to find much Mexican food worthy of writing about in Philadelphia, but Los Gallos’ bone-in costilla (short rib) taco with nopales (cactus) would hold its own amongst even the best LA has to offer. This bodega on a dilapidated corner at “Calle 10th and Wolf” is home to one of the best huitalocoche quesadillas I’ve ever had. Expect the massive crispy tortillas to ooze tasty black juices on to your plate. Don’t be too shy to mop it up with the tortillas from your Alambre Especial, then whip together a self-made taco of bacon, peppers, onions, pork and steak all smothered in Chihuahua cheese.
MUST ORDER: Huitalcoche Quesadilla, Alambre Especial, Costilla Taco
Hand-cut noodles with with lamb neck, pickled mustard greens and dates take top prize at Cheu Noodle Bar.
With the Jewish flourishes on the menu and the tiny space, it’s hard to not imagine yourself in New York, when eating at this tiny not-so authentic Asian style noodlery. Start your meal with some of their daily dumplings, as well as the broccoli served with Vietnamese sausage, peanuts and soy. Then try an excellent rendition of miso pork ramen or the brisket ramen with matzo ball. The real noodle winner however is the hand-cut option. Go early and beat the crowds, you’ll be happy you did.
MUST ORDER: Hand cut noodles, broccoli, brisket & date dumplings
With Chef Aimee Olexy’s famous Talula’s Table (another gourmet market/kitchen) all the way out in Kennett Square, Philly is lucky to now be home to sister restaurant Talula’s Garden. Teaming up with restaurateur Stephen Starr, this Washington Square restaurant is home to some of the finest food in Philly. In the summer, grab a table in their garden. The herbs used by the kitchen grow right there on the walls, and the smell is perfect at sunset. Order a cheese plate and an “Artist,” Talula’s play on a Bellini, made with grapefruit. Or on a rainy day sit at the bar order yourself a Beekeeper, their version of a dark and stormy. Then enjoy a dessert of honey soaked ricotta doughnuts, served with cayenne scented granola and toasted almond crème.
MUST ORDER: Menu changes regularly, if available: Handmade Orecchiette w/ Wild Caught Mussels, The Muscovy Duck Breast w/ Crisp Confit, Mashed Root Vegetables. For dessert try the honey soaked ricotta doughnuts or old fashioned butterscotch pudding.
Adam Karp is a dropout of New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. He now writes television shows for companies like Universal and BBC Worldwide Productions. You can find him most days holding office hours at a gelato shop in West LA.
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