South Helm: A Farm-to-Table Eatery in South Philly

South Helm is a Philly farm-to-table restaurant specializing in unique and creative dishes, all made from scratch using seasonal, local ingredients. The talented chefs at South Helm have artfully created a simple menu with ingredients and flavors as the stars of the show.

On the menu, you'll find various small plates so that you can try a little bit of everything, from the Bucatini pasta, served with soft shell crab and pepperoncini, to the seafood fra diavolo, served with fava beans and basil. Other local favorites include the fried oysters and the quail made with wild mushrooms and hakueri.

You’ll find a laid-back vibe when you arrive, providing a comfortable atmosphere in which to enjoy your upscale meal, and South Helm is a BYOB, so grab your favorite wine or beer and some friends, and enjoy a memorable meal at this local Philly gem!

South Helm
100 Morris St
Philadelphia, PA 19148
www.yelp.com/biz/south-helm-philadelphia

The Little Lion: Contemporary Dining in a Historic Atmosphere

The Little Lion is a one-of-a-kind modern dining experience in a historical setting. Located in Old City, The Little Lion features a stunning open space with Revolutionary decor. This is a great place for dinner or, better yet, happy hour. From 5-7 p.m., you can take advantage of discounts on food and drinks. Burgers are $10 and oysters are $1 apiece. Drafts are only going to run you $3, so make sure you stop in before the dinner rush. And be sure to order the poutine!

If you don't make it in time, don't worry. Burgers, ribs, fish, and other coastal delicacies pack the dinner menu. You won't leave hungry, but you will leave happy you came. In fact, chances are you'll want to come back time and time again like so many already have.

The Little Lion
243 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(267) 273-0688
www.thelittlelionphilly.com

Have You Tried the Pickled Watermelon Rinds at The Living Room Cafe?

No place in the greater Philadelphia area does breakfast quite like The Living Room Cafe. This cozy little corner shop makes breakfast dishes that are almost too good-looking to eat! Muffins, oats, Belgian waffles, and French toast only make up half of the breakfast menu at this little cafe. While the cinnamon apple French toast comes highly recommended, you can also order fresh-farm eggs, bread baskets, and breakfast sandwiches. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, as well as a number of delicious jams.

For lunch, grab a salad or "chicken jawn" sandwich and take a jar of pickles or salsa home to snack on later. You must try the homemade pickled watermelon rinds if they are available. Ask about them when you order!

The Living Room Cafe
701 S Fifth St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 930-8388
thelivingroom.cafe

Dalessandro’s Steaks: Delicious Cheesesteaks in Roxborough

Regulars call Dalessandro's Steaks in Roxborough their favorite cheesesteak spot. The meat is freshly sliced to order, then coated in cheese wiz or American cheese, and mixed with delicious fried onions, mushrooms, or peppers. Chicken cheese steaks and other hoagies, as well as burgers and salads, are available. Tons of toppings are available for no extra charge like banana peppers, sweet peppers, raw onions, crushed hot pepper, and marinara sauce. Wash down your sandwich with a beer or soft drink. Dalessandro's offers a nice selection of domestic and imported beers as well as gourmet sodas. The service is very friendly and quick. Dalessandro's Steaks is popular so try calling ahead!

Dalessandro's Steaks
600 Wendover Street
Philadelphia, PA 19128
(215) 482-5407

www.Dalessandros.com
www.yelp.com/biz/dalessandros-steaks-philadelphia

Plan This Weekend’s Brunch at Café La Maude

With so many great places to eat in Philadelphia, it can be difficult to choose just one for your weekend brunch. If you’re having trouble deciding, consider adding Café La Maude to your list. This popular local favorite is always busy on the weekends, but it’s well worth the wait if you’re a fan of European-style dining and some of the best people watching in town.

The restaurant’s French decor features black-and-white cane chairs and bistro tables both inside and out, a striped, Parisian-style awning, and antique furnishings throughout the light-filled dining room, and although it feels quite upscale, the atmosphere is anything but pretentious. Start your brunch with a cappuccino topped with impressive latte art or bring your own champagne to make BYOB mimosas. Next, move on to decadent egg dishes like the Parisian Za, croquet madame, sweet potato eggs Benedict, and many others, all at very reasonable prices.

Café La Maude
816 N Fourth St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 318-7869
www.cafelamaude.com

Try the Eel Avocado Roll at Bubblefish in Chinatown

Do you have a taste for sushi? If so, Chinatown's Bubblefish is the place to dine.

A lot of restaurants make you feel rushed in and out of the door so that they can serve more people. Not at Bubblefish! The service is top notch and the wait staff are polite and make you feel completely comfortable in their establishment. Another great quality to the Bubblefish dining experience is the portioning you receive. Many of their dishes come with sizable helpings so you'll eat great and leave full.

So what do you get as a first timer? Well, if you haven't had sushi before, try a spicy crab roll or a salmon roll. If you're feeling adventurous, it's the Eel Avocado Roll you'll want to try. It's surprisingly delicious.

One of the main draws to Bubblefish are the teas, of which there is a massive selection. You're bound to find a favorite!

Bubblefish
909 Arch St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(267) 930-7634
www.yelp.com/biz/bubblefish-philadelphia-2

Stop By Loco Pez For Tacos, Burritos And Margaritas in Fishtown

Deep in the heart of Fishtown is Loco Pez, a taqueria that serves up major flavor in the form of burritos, tacos, enchiladas, nachos, taco salad, and icy-cold margaritas.

Loco Pez is open daily for lunch and dinner (during the weekdays) and brunch and dinner (during the weekends). The most popular night perhaps is $1 taco night, which is announced weekly on the restaurant's Facebook page. On a select night of the week, the restaurant offers $1 deals on all of its tacos, which range from vegan-friendly bites (soy chorizo, seitan, and spinach) to tacos for meat lovers (carne asada, shrimp, and chicken).

Note that Loco Pez is cash only, but there is an ATM in the restaurant. The restaurant also offers a take-out beer fridge and take-out tacos and burritos!

Loco Pez
2401 E. Norris St
Philadelphia, PA 19125
www.locopez.com

Rex 1516 Brings Southern Fare Flavors to South Street

Rex 1516 is a bar and restaurant in Graduate Hospital that's inspired by the flavors of the American South. This bustling eatery is largely known for its brunch menu, which is offered on both Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dishes include chicken and waffles Benedict, award-winning huevos rancheros, biscuits and gravy, bananas foster French toast, and shrimp and grits.

Like its brunch menu, dinner at Rex 1516 doesn't disappoint. The Southern cooking can be smelled throughout the restaurant, while dishes like fried chicken and the pimento cheeseburger bring Southern warmth right to Philadelphia!

Behind the bar, bartenders pour an array of local beers, wines, and spirits with an emphasis on Southern-inspired cocktails, like the sazerac and prescription julep.

Rex 1516
1516 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(267) 319-1366
rex1516.com

Zama: It’s Sushi Magic

Zama is a top-notch Japanese restaurant that has been wowing Philly diners since it opened for good reason: they truly get the beautiful simplicity of Japanese cuisine. Chef Hiroyuki Tanaka has been one of the leading lights in the food scene here for years, and when the news broke that he was opening his own restaurant, there was a predictable stampede for reservations. Things have calmed down a bit, but diners here always go away satisfied by the clever, perfectly-prepared food on offer. Some of the menu’s highlights include the market fresh nigiri plate, composed by the chef each day of the best of the fishmonger’s offerings – you’ll be presented with some new taste experiences here, but it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone. Zama's rolls are also excellent, with diners recommending the Bronzizzle – a cucumber and avocado inside-out roll with branzino and yuzu-soy sauce. It’s a unique creation that will wow your palate.

Zama
128 South 19th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 568-1027
www.zamaphilly.com
www.yelp.com/biz/zama-philadelphia

New American Fare Shines at Vernick Food and Drink

The menu at Vernick Food and Drink may not be massive, but accolades from the likes of Zagat, Bon Appetit, and Food & Wine speak to the strength of the carefully curated list of dishes. Vernick Food and Drink makes it easy to piece together a meal from tapas, starting with ingredients "on toast" such as Maryland crab, broccoli and bacon jam, or the popular beef tartare with fresh horseradish.

You can also dive into your meal with a few plates from the raw menu, such as Island Creek oysters in a ginger-citrus dressing, tuna poke with sweet soy sauce, or sea urchin with a side of scrambled eggs. Then there are a few veggie-based apps, as well as a list of bonafide small plates that includes everything from veal sweetbreads to grilled heart of romaine with figs and aged cheddar. But if you're feeling extra hungry, opt for a full-sized entree such as grilled black sea bass or lamb rack and belly.

Vernick Food and Drink
2031 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 639-6644
www.vernickphilly.com
www.yelp.com/biz/vernick-food-and-drink-philadelphia

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