Federal Donuts: The Sweetest Treats Around

If you’re looking for a sweet treat in Philadelphia, locals rave about Federal Donuts. This amazing shop stocks a carefully-curated selection of fresh, hot, delicious donuts that will tantalize your palate. The Indian cinnamon is exceptional, fragrant, and enticing. The “fancy” donuts might be even better – locals rave about the awesome grapefruit and brown sugar glaze, which combines sweetness and acidity perfectly, and the s’mores donut is a gooey, overwhelming treat. But the big draw here is the chicken. Federal Donuts makes some of the best rotisserie chicken in the entire city, seasoned with spicy, crispy harissa or glazed with an incredible chile-garlic concoction. This chicken is incredibly addictive and cheap to boot. Federal Donuts is one of those kind of places that gets by on the business of devotees – maybe it’s time for you to become one? Go early, because once they sell out, Federal Donuts closes up shop for the day.

Federal Donuts
1219 S. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 687-8258
http://www.yelp.com/biz/federal-donuts-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

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

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

Sugar Philly Truck: Mobile Sweetness

Food trucks are one of the hottest things in the eating world right now, so it’s no surprise that Philadelphia has a number of great ones. Recently voted one of the 20 best food trucks in the United States, the Sugar Philly Truck brings sweet treats to appreciative eaters five days a week. Chef Daniel Tang sets up shop in a former mobile post office to knock out some astonishing gourmet desserts. The biggest draw here are Sugar Philly's spectacular French macaron cookies – these amazing sandwich cookies are light but very flavorful. The everyday options include a decadent chocolate ganache and a subtle, comforting “milk & honey” flavor, but the real stars are the daily specials. Show up on Monday for a salted caramel macaron that will blow your mind. The Thursday green tea is also great. And at just $1.50 apiece, prices are extremely competitive. The menu also offers a few other treats that change based on the availability of seasonal ingredients.

Sugar Philly Truck
38th & Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(267) 940-7473
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sugar-philly-truck-philadelphia

Nifty Fifty’s: Philadelphia’s Old Fashioned Diner and the World’s Largest Soda Fountain

Nifty Fifty's offers a 1950s diner-style establishment for parties, casual meals, or a quick roadside stop. With the world’s largest soda fountain serving 100 different handcrafted flavors—from birch beer to bubblegum, honey dew lemon to vanilla peach—the restaurant specializes in old fashioned American diner food. Morning breakfast options include several filling platters, omelets, and egg sandwiches, while specialty sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and burgers are up for order throughout the day. Homemade chili, hefty salads, and plenty of sides (onion rings, fries, thick milkshakes, yum!) round out a menu of pure comfort food.

Nifty Fifty's
2491 Grant Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19114
(215) 676-1950
www.niftyfiftys.com

Green Eggs: A Friend of the Earth

No, Dr. Seuss doesn't live here. But Green Eggs means a tasty, eco-conscious dining experience. With locations in South Philly and Northern Liberties, this cozy little cafe creates a warm atmosphere with its friendly waitstaff. The morning fare will appeal to vegetarians and breakfast buffs alike: dishes like Philly Style Eggs Benedict, served on a toasted pretzel roll with cream cheese, and the Creme Brulee French Toast run from $8 – $10. Perhaps best of all, the menu is stuffed with local vegetables and sprinkled with herbs grown on the cafe’s rooftop garden. The lunch menu is also reasonably priced and is full of comforting sandwiches and fresh salads. They don't take reservations, so come early and bring your wallet – cash only!

Green Eggs
www.greeneggscafe
.net

1306 Dickinson Street
215.226.EGGS (3447)

719 North 2nd Street
215.922.EGGS (3447)

Pod: Shapes and Tastes

A popular spot for Wharton alums, Pod seems to cater to a high-end clientele. A Steven Starr restaurant, Pod has a sleek, streamlined interior that sets the tone for its modern take on Asian cuisine. Under pulsating, circular lights, guests are seated at a variety of geometric shapes: stools circled around a bar, square-shaped booths, and cubby holes with circular openings. The menu consists of the typical Asian fushion offerings of potstickers, spring rolls, dumplings, and hibachi. Vegetarians and pescatarians will be pleased with Pod's culinary variety. The sushi selection at Pod includes the usual standbys — Dragon and Rainbow — along with inventive originals like the Seattle and the Rio Grande.

Pod
3636 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 387-1803

Tria: Good Things Come in Threes

Tria specializes in offering the enticing trinity of wine, cheese, and beer. With locations in Rittenhouse Square and Washington Square West, Tria’s makes it easy to visit their inviting space. Tria's got a strictly walk-in policy and casual dress code, encouraging newcomers to stroll in and discover a new favorite wine or beer. The friendly, knowledgeable waitstaff helps guests wade through its extensive, daily-changing wine, beer, and cheese lists. Yes, "cheese lists" — offering numerous cheeses of many varieties. Tria also serves up a menu of sharable and modestly priced dishes like bruschetta, salads, and sandwiches. Stop by Tria on a Sunday to sample selected beverages and cheese or go the extra mile and enroll in a Fermentation School!

Tria
1137 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 629-9200

Philly Restaurant Week Is Coming Up!

Hey fellow foodies! 

Restaurant Week is officially January 22nd through 27th and January 29th through February 3rd, 2012.  That's twelve days of delicious food with discounts that allow even college students to afford it!  Over 100 restaurants in the city are offering three course meals ranging from $20.00-$35.00.  

To find out what restaurants are participating and make reservations, click here!

Hope to see you out and about!

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