Best of Food In Philly

          As we persevere another year here at Phila U, something needs to keep us going. And what better escape there might be than comfort food. While exploring what Philadelphia had to offer last year, I tried some new things and new dishes from all over the world (all packed into one city!) Whether it be the late night deliveries or the weekend date nights, keep reading and you’ll find out some great new places to check out, dine out, or just plain gorge yourself ;)

            The Philly Cheesesteak has been one controversy after another with who has the BEST in the city. Geno’s? Pat’s? Jim’s? You’ll have to taste test them yourself so I don’t offend anyone who believes my side otherwise. I strongly advise you to eat them one after another (especially with Geno’s and Pat’s, since Pat’s is on South St.). It’s an experience you’ll never forget. Geno’s is “the Best” while Pat’s is “the King” of Philly Cheesesteaks. Which is better? Being the best or being king??

            For those of you who pull those late night design projects or just plain procrastinate, food definitely keeps people going throughout the good times and the bad. So where is there to go at 2am? No restaurant is open to just waltz right through and order the chicken special at this hour. What to do! The most popular and heavily dialed number on campus is All Star Pizza. Conveniently located on Ridge Ave, your order will be processed and delivered within 45 minutes. They have anything and everything on their menu from pizza to an array of sandwiches to the usual chili cheese fries side orders. My personal fav? Chicken fingers with BBQ sauce and onion rings…mmmm!

            Feeling slightly Eastern Asian? Try the Chinese take out restaurants that will satisfy your craving. For a good price and plenty of good selections, No. 1 Taipei & Tokyo is an excellent choice. From front to back, the menu is satiated with choices with the most common egg rolls to the slightly involved sushi entrees.

            Need to type that paper but want to get away from the dorm and campus setting? Manayunk Diner is a picturesque diner easily located on the beginning of Main St. in Manayunk right next to the movie theatre. The restaurant is open 24 hours on Fridays and Saturdays and closes at 2am every other night. Complete with WiFi, Manayunk Diner is the place to be for good times and an excellent atmosphere to keep your head clear and get an A+ on that research paper!

            Done with design for the week? Want an escape with a date? Try some of these excellent restaurants first handedly taste tested by yours truly.

            Looking for something exceptionally nice and exceptionally priced? Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant is the perfect place. I’ve been there several times and each time was an admirable experience.  Manayunk Brewery serves all sorts of dishes from the land to the sea, some pasta and also sushi. If you want to try superb fish, I highly recommend the Tilapia which is one of my most favorite dishes. Some nights they have random entertainment. The last time I was caught eating there, a magician came up to our table to show us some sweet card tricks…make sure to tip your entertainer! At the Brewery there is constantly live jazz music played on the upper level of the building. So for some pretty chill times and good eats, at a convenient location, Manayunk Brewery is a definite place to check out.
           

            Center City has more restaurants than one can imagine. Some you find by looking in restaurant guides, some you find by word of mouth or like most times, you’ll be walking who knows where and BAM! A new restaurant to try for you and your pals!!

            For a wonderful Italian feel, Maggiano’s Little Italy is the closest thing to Italy. With lavish proportions and an extensive menu selection, you will seriously be taking a to-go box home. You will find the cute restaurant on the corner of 12th and Filbert. A good suggestion for this restaurant is to call in advance and make a reservation considering this place fills up quick. After taking your order, the salad is the first to come trickling down to your stomach; then some fresh rolls and finally your meal. If any of you are like Garfield the cat, lasagna is something to seriously consider. After eating and enjoying the nice atmosphere, you might want to save some time and room for dessert. Might I highly suggest the tiramisu? The desserts are colossal which are good for two to share (awe).

            Want to try French cuisine but don’t have the time or money for a plane ticket? Caribou Café on Walnut St. was voted the Best of Philly French Restaurant in 2004. Complete with outside seating or intimate ambience inside, this restaurant has a vintage feel to it with the golden flapper- esque statues at the bar and the vintage posters on the orange walls. Caribou Café has a plethora of beers and liquors from all over the world that you cannot find anywhere else in Philly. The food is excellent and crepes are especially good for dessert.

            Looking for a day out on the town and to just eat somewhere not as fancy? Exploring what Rittenhouse Square has to offer is one of the best places to relax and enjoy a nice day out. On a nice hot spring day last semester my friend Alyssa and I went shopping all over Center City. We needed something to eat that would be healthy yet temptingly delicious. We came across Pad Tai Shack on S. 18th St. A small yet adorable little place to eat; we both could not resist the first item on the list: pad tai. Alyssa got the chicken pad tai and I of course got the tofu pad tai. We sat on the high stools which were placed in front of the window and we ate our delicious food and watched the people as they passed. Closely located is Rittenhouse Square Park so you can easily take your food and sit in the park.

            Want just plain American with a chain restaurant comfort? There is always Hard Rock Café immediately above the Market Street Station. Excellent cob salads, scrumptious burgers, and of course amazing brownie fudge sundays fit for 10 (haha). But no really ;)

            So if you are sick and tired of going to WaWa for the same snacks, try some of the countless number of restaurants Philadelphia has to offer. For researching and exploring your own restaurants in the Philly area, check out citysearch.com or gophila.com for some new and exciting bites!