Philadelphia

Before I blogged I lived in Philly for a year.  As you can see from the places listed below, I was already a foodie in the making…

Here are my recommendations:

Fine Dining

• Alma de Cuba * – went here many times, every ceviche dish is awesome
• Buddakan – my first meal in Philly (ever!)
• The Continental / Continental Midtown * – I frequented the midtown location, shoestring fries are a must order
• pod – super chic asian fusion
• El Vez – good Mexican on the East Coast is hard to find
• Blackbird Pizzeria (v) – daiya pizza, seitan, and more
• Vedge (v)
• Fountain Restaurant – part of the Four Seasons
• amada – tapas creating Spain flashbacks (warning: veggie options minimal)
• bliss
• The Farm and Fisherman – a fresh market focused menu from former chef de cuisine at Blue Hill at Stone Barns
• le bec-fin – apparently it’s closed right now?
• Meritage  – vegan friendly
• zama – sushi

Yes, I know I’m a Stephen Starr whore, but I loved every one of his restaurants I tried.  The rest are probably just as wonderful, so click here for the full list.

Casual Cafes/Eateries

• Sabrina’s Cafe & Spencer’s Too * – best. vegan. brunch. ever.
• Marathon * – love this chain
• hip city veg (v) – a new vegan place in the Rittenhouse area
• White Dog Cafe
• Corner Bakery Cafe – vegan friendly
• fork
• the American Pub – veggie burgers and cute sliders
• Cafe Estelle – a brunch hotspot
• Loving Hut (v)
• circles – thai
• Mexican Post – a super fun mexican joint

Bakeries/Sweets

• Sweet Freedom Bakery (v) – allergy friendly baked goods
• Grindcore House (v) – all vegan coffeehouse

Quick Takeaways

• saladworks
• Cosi – such awesome bread
• Au Bon Pain
• Panera
• Old Nelson – ready-made vegan goods
• Wawa – not much better than 7/11, but c’mon, it’s a Philly institution
• The Fresh Grocer – grocery store with yummy prepared foods

Bars/Nightlife

• McFadden’s – oh the memories…
• Tir Na Nog – your typical Irish Pub
• West Tavern & Restaurant
• Cooperage Wine & Whiskey Bar
• Finnigan’s Wake
• Landmark Americana
• fado – another Irish pub
• McGillin’s Olde Ale House
• Elephant & Castle Pub & Restaurant
• Nodding Head Brewery

Other

• Reading Terminal Market * – I went here bi-weekly, if not more (too hard to pick favorite stands)
• Italian Market – on 9th street between Christian and Washington
• Geno’s vs. Pat’s – if you’re into cheesesteaks

(v) = exclusively vegan/vegetarian

(*) = hippie fave