Watkins Drinkery: Not Your Typical Bar Food

Located off-the-beaten-track in South Philly, Watkins Drinkery differentiates itself from being just another neighborhood bar by offering a varied, unique menu. South Philly residents will certainly lean toward making Watkins a regular spot, with its Saturday Happy Hours, friendly bartenders, and amusements like game screenings and pool. But food enthusiasts from around the city, especially the carnivorous ones, will be drawn in by Watkins’ exotic offerings, such as the venison nachos, wild game chili, and smoked alligator sausage sandwich. Bring visiting friends and family to Watkins for an authentic ostrich cheesesteak! And don’t worry: less adventurous taste buds can still enjoy fish and chips or a farmhouse burger.

Watkins Drinkery
1712 S. 10th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 339-0175

Café L’Aube: Crepes And More

This lovely Fairmount restaurant has become a local favorite for a number of reasons. When owners Jean-Luc and Rachel emigrated to the United States, they began to miss the simple, flavorful street food of Europe. In 2008, they decided to do something about it and opened the doors at Café L’Aube. The restaurant quickly built up an impressive collection of regulars who rave about the high-quality coffee and delicious crepes. If you’re hungry, the Complete is one of the best savory meals in town – filled with bacon, eggs, and Emmenthaler Swiss cheese, it’s great for breakfast or lunch. The Normandy, stuffed with turkey, Camembert fondue, and caramelized apple, is also a must-try. Diners with a sweet tooth rave about the fresh-baked muffins. There is plenty of comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi internet if you want to make a day of it, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Prices are reasonable.

Café L’Aube
631 Wallace Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 235-2720
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-l-aube-philadelphia-3

Fish: Very Seaworthy

Philadelphia isn’t as famous for seafood as some of its East Coast neighbors, but this restaurant shows that talented chefs do have a flair for the fruit of the ocean. Opened in 2009, Fish has been winning raves from the press since with their exciting menu and excellent service. Chef Mike Stollenwirk has been awarded the opportunity to present his cuisine at the exclusive James Beard House, one of the greatest honors that can be given to any kitchen jockey. Sit at one of the stools around the open kitchen and order from the extensive raw bar, featuring oysters from both coasts, clams and a variety of crudo, or go deeper into the menu. The “snacks” are spectacular takes on seafood prepared unconventionally – try the addictive skate chips with Parmesan powder. Try the char-grilled octopus with a breaded and fried egg yolk for an appetizer. Entrees are uniformly great, but the one standout has to be the skate wing in Parmesan broth.

Fish
1234 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-9600
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fish-philadelphia

Barbuzzo: Jewel of the Mediterranean

Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney are the power couple responsible for transforming 13th Street into a Philadelphia destination – with a total of six restaurants and boutiques spread over a few blocks, they’ve put their stamp on this part of the city. One of the best is Barbuzzo, a stylish and comfortable wine bar and restaurant that draws flocks of delighted diners every night. The appetizers here are top-notch – get the “pig popcorn,” made from house-smoked pork rinds with apple cider vinegar powder, piment d’espelette, and horseradish aioli. The wood-fired pizzas are also splendid, cooked to crispy, chewy perfection and topped with market-fresh ingredients. Cheese boards are curated amazingly, with the goat cheese drawing special raves. The sheep’s milk ricotta is also a must. The menu is filled out with a number of pasta dishes and spectacular desserts. Sit at the bar by Barbuzzo's kitchen to watch the chefs work their magic.

Barbuzzo
110 S. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-9300
http://www.yelp.com/biz/barbuzzo-philadelphia

Amuse: A Philadelphia Favorite for French Cuisine

This fantastic Penn Center restaurant has become a Philadelphia favorite for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the ambience at Amuse is spectacular. The rooms are heated by large, impressive fireplaces and decorated beautifully. Service is discreet and attentive as well. But the real reason that Amuse is excelling is because of the food. A toothsome combination of French bistro classics with some new influences, the menu is top-to-bottom great. Some of the most popular dishes include the great steak frites, the salad of baby lettuces, and the house-made charcuterie plate. Go for the French onion soup if you want a decadent treat to start your meal – made from three types of onions and an Emmenthaler Swiss gratin, it might be the best in the city. Desserts are also great – try the deconstructed take on coffee & donuts with a donut bread pudding and house-made Illy coffee ice cream. Amuse's prices are very reasonable for such high-quality food.

Amuse
1421 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 422-8222
http://www.yelp.com/biz/amuse-philadelphia

Fountain Restaurant: One of Philadelphia’s Finest Restaurants

One of the most lauded restaurants in Philadelphia is the Fountain, opened inside the Four Seasons Hotel in 1983. The recipient of scores of awards, the Fountain has brought exceptional fine dining to local palates with great consistency. The décor is gorgeous, with glass art, comfortable booths, and soundproof dividers for comfort and privacy. Cuisine is contemporary American with heavy French influences, and the menu abounds with must-try appetizers and entrees. Keep in mind that a jacket is required for gentlemen dining here. Brunch here draws a sizable crowd, with the brioche French toast a particular favorite. Pancakes with huckleberries and Ricotta cheese are also amazing. Dinner is exceptional – one of the most decadent entrees is the whole deshelled lobster in cognac our bourbon sauce. Sea bass is also cooked to perfect tenderness and seasoned deliciously. Get the chocolate soufflé for dessert. Prices are, of course, high, but the Fountain is an experience that’s worth it.

Fountain Restaurant
The Four Seasons
1 Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 963-1500
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fountain-restaurant-philadelphia-2

Doma: Splendid Sushi

If you have a hankering for top-flight Japanese cuisine in Philadelphia, stop into Doma and have your tastebuds tantalized with exceptional sushi and more. With a vibrant, modern design, Doma captures the trendy style of Tokyo while remaining respectful of the country’s food traditions. The menu is extensive, featuring not only sushi but other Japanese dishes and even some Korean fusion concepts. The fish is sourced fresh and cut to perfection by the well-trained sushi chefs, and regulars rave about the awesome rolls. Some favorites include the pachinko roll, made with shrimp tempura, avocado, and cucumber wrapped in a rainbow of thinly-sliced fish, as well as the Korean-style bibimbap roll with seasoned vegetables, kochujang paste, and sesame oil. The triple spicy double tuna roll also wins raves from heat-obsessed diners. Hot entrees include a delectable Scottish salmon teriyaki and Korean kalbi short ribs, both of which are sure to satisfy. Doma's prices are very reasonable as well.

Doma
1822 Callowhill Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 564-1114
http://www.yelp.com/biz/doma-philadelphia

The Belgian Café: Flemish Fantasia in the Heart of Philadelphia

This exceptional bar and restaurant has won raves from Philadelphia locals for its powerful dedication to the art of beer. The Belgian Café boasts a well-curated selection of a dozen drafts as well as over 200 bottled varieties. Located on a bright, tree-lined corner near Philadelphia's art museum district, The Belgian Café has both inside and outside seating. The food is just as much of a draw as the beer – regulars rave about the absolutely spectacular mussels, harvested off of Prince Edward Island and cooked in one of two different beer broths. Served with fresh-cut Belgian frites and bourbon aoli, both are worth trying. The rest of the menu is equally strong, with diners praising the moist, juicy burgers as well as the copious vegetarian and even vegan options. The brunch menu is also a lot of fun, with incredible French toast one of this place's most popular picks.

The Belgian Café
21st & Green Street
Philadelphia, PA 19176
(215) 235-3500
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-belgian-caf%C3%A9-philadelphia-2

Pub & Kitchen: Your New Secret Spot

This cozy, off-the-beaten track spot feels like visiting a friend's house for dinner. Except for the price, that is. Pub & Kitchen is fairly expensive: appetizers run $7 – $14 and entrees run  $11 – $22. The menu changes slightly from month-to-month, featuring seasonal specialties, but reliable standbys include slow-roasted pulled pork sandwiches and grilled hanger steak. Many locals swear the Churchill Burger ($18) is the best in town. And the kitchen stays open late to satisfy late-night cravings. Along with food, Pub & Kitchen offers a well-curated beer list, wine, and inventive cocktails.

Pub & Kitchen
1946 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 545-0350
www.thepubandkitchen.com

Modo Mio: A Gustatory Ride

Great Italian food isn’t hard to find in Philadelphia – the City of Brotherly Love has long embraced the cuisine, and locals argue ferociously about the best in town. One serious contender would have to be Modo Mio. Step in the door and you’ll be transported to a family dining room in Sicily. Modo Mio's dining room is small and homey and you won’t be able to avoid overhearing the conversations at adjoining tables. It’s a testament to the stellar quality of the food that you won’t mind – this place gets it all right. The menu is extensive and easy to browse, with a number of standout entrees garnering raves from diners. The bucatini Amatrician with pancetta in a spicy tomato sauce is excellent, the veal Parmigiano elevates the Italian standard to a new level, and the veal ravioli in sage butter melts in your mouth. Modo Mio is a real find that any eater would be pleased to check out.

Modo Mio
161 West Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 203-8707
www.modomiorestaurant.com/home

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