FIVE QUIRKIEST RESTAURANTS IN PHILLY

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The theme of our magazine this fall is out-ofthe-box, unorthodox, and unconventional, and I can’t think of a food scene that embodies these characteristics more than Philly’s. We’re all foodies here, but I fancy myself a bit of a Philly restaurant connoisseur. My limited free time is spent researching new restaurants and trying them out myself. Now that I’ve asked you to trust me, here is my list of the top five quirkiest restaurant concepts in Philadelphia, some of which I’ve tried and the others I’m dying to try:

1. Cheu Fishtown

Brisket ramen. Rabbi roll. Everything salmon handrolls. Draft whisky highballs. Everything about this restaurant is quirky in a cool way. Cheu is a noodle bar focusing on Japanese-inspired soups and small plates with a Jewish flare. Located inside an old firehouse, the exposed brick, lanterns hanging from the ceiling, and cat figurines hiding in random corners create a casual yet fun and exciting atmosphere. Everything is meant to be family-style, so come with a group and sample as many dishes as you can! The brisket ramen, rabbi roll, spicy tuna rice crackers, and land + sea roll are not to be missed. I’ve already been twice and can’t wait to go back.

3. Juana Tamale

Chef and former Top Chef contestant Jennifer Zavala, famous for her tamale pop-ups, recently opened a permanent home in South Philly that quickly became a foodie hotspot. The vibes are loud in the best way, from the bright walls to the crooked picture frames to the neon counter and chairs. The staff is super friendly, and the highlight here is the birria ramen, featuring noodles in a spicy red birria broth with a beef and cheese taco for dipping. However, you can’t go wrong with any taco or tamale on her ever-changing menu.

2. Bar Bombón

For the vegans reading this, this one’s for you! Located in Rittenhouse just steps away from the square, Bar Bombón turns classic Puerto Rican recipes into plantbased, healthier meals. All dishes are made with plantbased ingredients and all proteins come from non-GMO soy and organic grains, but Bar Bombón still stays true to classic Latin cooking by making all of their tortillas inhouse. This is a super popular spot for a margarita-filled happy hour, a casual dinner, or a nice long lunch to catch up with your friends. If someone wants to take me for chips and guac this weekend, I’m available!

4. Abe Fisher

This well-known Midtown Village spot puts a modern and experimental twist on traditional Jewish food from different cultures around the world to highlight the cultural exchange within cuisine. The space looks like an upscale ‘70s diner, with diner-style stools at the bar, leather booths, and checkered floors, with a modern twist from the dark lighting and high factory-like ceilings. The menu features everything from borscht tartare to latke fries to rye-crusted cod, but Abe Fisher’s most known for their heavenly Montreal smoked short ribs, which they sometimes run out of if you don’t call ahead. They also have special menus for the Jewish holidays, so I know where I’m getting catering from for my next Hanukkah party.

5. Middle Child Clubhouse

Everything about this newer Fishtown spot is the definition of fun and versatile. An offshoot of the famous Midtown Village sandwich shop, this modern-day diner and bar offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast you can get anything from chocolate french toast to an egg sandwich with the fluffiest mound of scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese. Clubhouse serves Middle Child’s famous Shopsin and Surfer clubs at lunch, and a robust dinner menu of small plates, clubhouse classics and their now famous cheeseburger. They serve creative drinks all day, from blueberry spritzes to seawater margaritas. Come in the morning for a life-changing breakfast sandwich and stay until the evening for a crowded dining room with blasting music and bar games like pool. There are even pictures of Beyoncé and Princess Diana in Eagles gear!