City Tap House: Grab a Drink and a Bite at This Beer Lover’s Haven

Boasting one of Philadelphia's most extensive beer lists, the City Tap House is a true haven for beer lovers. The selection of beers—including 60 in-house taps—features rare and hard to find brews, so if you've got an adventurous thirst you're bound to find something exciting and new. Sleek urban design meets handcrafted rustic aesthetics in the décor, which mirrors the menu of well-crafted yet classic New American pub fare. Come in for brunch, lunch, or dinner and enjoy your food or drink outside amid the spacious patio seating.

City Tap House
3925 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 662-0105
www.citytaphouse.com

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

Butcher and Singer: Fresh Cuts in Center City

If you’re ready to treat yourself to a truly spectacular steak, get a table at Butcher and Singer. This Rittenhouse Square institution is a tribute to the days of old Hollywood glamour and intrigue, with dark wood walls, mood lighting, and plenty of privacy afforded to diners, whether they be dining romantically or hashing out business deals. The cocktails are creative and well-composed, and the wine list is quite impressive. But, of course, you go here for the steaks, and they don’t disappoint. A variety of cuts are available cooked to perfection, no matter how rare or charred you want it. Where other steakhouses offer a variety of sauces or toppings, Butcher and Singer prefers to let the meat speak for itself. If you’re not feeling like a steak, the menu offers a variety of seafood options as well, including a great swordfish filet in herb butter. Sides are uniformly excellent, with special praise going to the classic creamed spinach.

Butcher and Singer
1500 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 732-4444
http://www.yelp.com/biz/butcher-and-singer-philadelphia

Wedge and Fig: One of Philadelphia’s Secret Treasures

This cute little bistro has become one of Philadelphia’s secret treasures, and one meal here will make you a fan. Opened by Kirk Nelson and Lisa Ruff with the assistance of chef Rebecca Torpie, the restaurant is beautifully designed, comfortable, and stylish. The menu, as you might expect, is heavily cheese-centric. Some of the prime dishes on the menu are the bacon lattice macaroni & cheese – it’s essentially a rich, decadent macaroni & cheese made with a house blend of cheeses and topped with a crispy, smoky lattice of bacon, kind of like a pie. The sandwiches are all excellent, with some favorites including the Betty Draper (truffled egg salad, cucumber, and lemon salt, served with a side of candy cigarettes) and the Blue Figs (fourme d’albert blue cheese, prosciutto, and sweet fig preserves). The Panini of the day is almost always worth ordering as well. Wedge and Fig's dessert menu is also exceptional.

Wedge and Fig
160 N. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 238-1716
http://www.yelp.com/biz/wedge-and-fig-philadelphia

The Capital Grille: Sensational Steaks in Philadelphia

Located on Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, the Capital Grille is an old-fashioned steakhouse with respect for tradition. The steakhouse experience is a quintessentially American one – big slabs of beef, carefully-selected sides, and an atmosphere of power and respect are all mandatory. The Capital Grille delivers on all three ably. This is a high-end restaurant that is perfect for a splurge, so come prepared to shell out serious coin in exchange for amazing food. Service is absolute perfection, with knowledgeable, attentive waiters at your beck and call. Start the meal with a cocktail from the fantastic bar and then peruse the menu. Obviously the big draw here is the steaks – dry-aged and cooked to order, they’re among the best steaks in Philadelphia. But there’s plenty of other good stuff on the menu as well. The Kobe beef carpaccio is incredible, as is the lobster bisque. Fans of surf & turf will find a lot to love here as well. If you still have room for dessert, don’t miss the flourless chocolate espresso cake.

The Capital Grille
1338 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-9588
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-capital-grille-philadelphia

Kraftwork: Precision Dining

This outstanding gastropub in the heart of Philadelphia's Fishtown has rapidly become a local favorite. One reason is the incredible visual design of the space – Kraftwork's interior was completely conceptualized by local sculptor Andrew Jevremovic, it’s a feast of unusual materials that fuse together effortlessly into a stylish and comfortable eatery. Chef Brian Lofink matches that style with awesome dishes from the kitchen. Some favorites include the astounding beer can chicken sandwich, which takes incredibly tender, flavorful poultry and pairs it with sharp Provolone and fried peppers and onions, as well as the great mussels in a garlic Pilsener broth, served with crisp, delicious French fries. The food is bar classics elevated to a new level, and regulars love it. Kraftwork's bar also boasts an exceptional selection of beers and cocktails. The entire staff seems incredibly happy and motivated to be working here, which is key to Kraftwork’s popularity with Philadelphia diners.

Kraftwork
541 E. Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 739-1700
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kraftwork-philadelphia

Little Fish: Big Flavors

If you’re a seafood fan, book yourself a table at Philadelphia's Little Fish. This exceptional restaurant does miracles with fish, boasting a tightly-composed menu with fresh, seasonal fare that brings out miraculous flavors. Some of the best dishes on the menu at Little Fish include the lobster served with foie gras, miso, trumpet mushrooms, and tofu, as well as the raved-about black cod. Because the catch changes week to week, the menu can change radically in between visits, but it’s all very high quality. If you can’t make a decision, Little Fish's prix fixe menu is one of the best deals in town. At just $33 for five excellent courses, you’ll leave full and happy. Portion sizes are very fair. The space is fairly tiny, so making a reservation is a must. Little Fish is also BYOB, so pack a bottle of wine for dinner. Get a seat near the open kitchen so you can watch the chefs do their magic.

Little Fish
746 S. 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 455-0172
http://www.yelp.com/biz/little-fish-philadelphia

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

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

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