Philadelphia Armchair Eating: Fishtown
Fishtown, a newly gentrified section of Philadelphia, may have the best cheesesteak in the city—which is saying something—as well as a fine bacon-wrapped meatloaf (Serious Eaters do love their bacon-wrapped meatloaf). The New York Times takes a look at food options in the neighborhood:
Johnny Brenda's: Gastropub, goat cheese, watermelon, and arugula salad, $8. 1201 N. Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19125; 215-739-9684; johnnybrendas.com
Ida Mae's Bruncherie: Irish breakfast, $9. 2302 East Norris Street, Philadelphia PA 19125; 215-426-4209; idamaesbruncherie.com
Hot Potato Cafe: Bacon-wrapped meatloaf, $12. 529 East Girard Avenue,
Philadelphia PA 19125; 215-425-0905; hotpotatocafe.com
Johnny's Hots: Hot sausages on a fresh, crusty Italian torpedo roll with "the works" (mustard, relish, and pepper hash), $3.25; hot sausage with a fish cake smashed on top, $5.25; cheesesteak named best cheesesteak in Philly by Philadelphia magazine. 1234 North Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19125; 215-423-2280; johnnyshots.com
My first stop would certainly be Johnny's Hots for a sausage with the works and a cheesesteak. Next would be the Hot Potato Cafe for its bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
Any Serious Eaters been to any of these places?
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4 Comments:
I've been to Johnny Brenda's several times. They have a great selection of local microbrewies. And I had an excellent linguini with clams when I was last there.
mandybrown at 2:35PM on 01/13/08
> Old-timers, however, prefer a crazy Philadelphia concoction — hot sausage with a fish cake smashed on top ..
Crazy to a new yorker.
It's a nod to Philadelphia Surf and Turf - which is a hot dog and a fish cake smashed on top made popular in the past by the now defunct Levi's. His variation is using sausage.
The best cheesesteak in the area - rather than a Philadelphia zip code is from Chick's deli in Cherry Hill, NJ. I'd rather have a roast pork Italian from TL, John's or DiNic's anyday though.
rockhopper at 4:28PM on 01/13/08
Rockhopper's right, Chick's in Cherry Hill for the best cheesesteaks (if you can find the place - it's in an alley) and DiNic's for their roast pork (or beef). I didn't eat at Johnnie Brenda's, but it's a great place to see a concert.
mhgatti at 9:58PM on 01/13/08
I live in Fishtown! I've reviewed Ida Mae's actually: http://therealpotato.wordpress.com/2007/09/29/ida-maes-bruncherie-not-just-for-brunch-anymore/ They recently discontinued dinner service, but that might change after a Times write-up. How exciting!
The neighborhood is gentrifying, but still kind of rough. Brenda's is a hipster paradise-- great music venue too. I like the fact that all of their beer is local, and they're great about taking care of their gluten-free customers. Get the steak sandwich.
I would have added the Rocket Cat Cafe for coffee and breakfast, and Paddy's Well for excellent ribs.
therealpotato at 2:52PM on 01/14/08