People Watching Restaurants

The tale of the Texas Weiner began in 1923, when a Greek immigrant named Stephanos Mandrohalos came to America with a dream; a dream, and a secret sauce. This spicy sauce was compared to chili sauce and added to the hotdogs he made in his small shop, thus the Texas Weiner. For 80 years, this sauce has been kept a secret, safeguarded from large corporations and conglomerates to maintain its integrity and to keep it a part of this special, family-run eatery. Since then, the sauce has been added to the burgers and sausages served at the restaurant to bring …

Resting unassumingly on a hill amid the Society Hill Towers, Zahav has given traditional Israeli street food a makeover. Celebrated Chef Michael Solomonov has gone to great lengths to transport the multiethnic flavors of his homeland to Philadelphia. He calls the food “Modern Israeli,” and each small plate is equal parts passion, execution, and rustic goodness. The open kitchen gives a professional demeanor to the 100-seat room, while the smell of roasting lamb and warm glow of the hearth offer a homey contrast. Zahav is Hebrew for “Gold,” and its chefs are alchemists, transforming and elevating simple flavors and ingredients …

Get your spice on at Distrito Modern Mexican—a colorful, hip Mexican restaurant and cantina. Keeping it traditional with their house specialties of Ceviches, Sopas, Tacos, Los Moles, and more—but keep it kitschy and fun with their retro-inspired décor, fit with colorful pink neon lights and a mesh of upscale and decidedly tacky design. Chef Jose Garces, a master of Latin cuisine, aims to create culinary creations that fuse traditional dishes with a modern interpretation. With options for lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch, plus cocktails and finger food, Distrito Modern Mexican is a one-of-a-kind place to dine.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse creates a world apart from the rest of Philadelphia’s big name steakhouses by infusing the dining experience with Old-World elegance and glamour. From the cloth-draped columns to sky-high ceilings, one step inside the restaurant showcases how majestic a meal can be-- given the right chef and a commitment to fine dining. Serving up premium steaks and seafood is always done with the utmost quality. Leaving no corner of steakhouse cuisine untouched, Del Frisco’s explores classic American fare with a passion for excess and delivers an unforgettable evening in the comfort of its plush surroundings.

Although located in the quaint, suburban town center of Media, Azie restaurant is hardly rural. This study in globalization brings a very urban vibe to this “small town.” Executive Chef Takao Iinuma and Chef de Cuisine Kazuyuki Mitsui, both formerly of Morimoto, present Japanese inspired cuisine with a refined blend of flavors from cultures around the world. Using top-notch ingredients and traditional Japanese cooking philosophies, Azie showcases fusion cuisine. Dishes like Rock Shrimp Tempura sit side-by-side with Salmon and Yellow Tail Ceviche, Whitefish Carpaccio and Pan Roasted Halibut. French Champagnes and Italian reds are available, but you can share the …

Chef Peter Woolsey uses his know-how and talent to create classic French dishes that can be found across various regions in France at Bistrot La Minette. The elegant flair and friendly wait staff give the restaurant a warm and luxuriously casual atmosphere. Try such dishes as the Magret de Canard au Cassis, a pan-roasted duck breast, grilled white asparagus, potato confit, and black currant sauce, or try the Gateau L’Opera, a multi-layered almond sponge cake with chocolate ganache, coffee butter cream, and crème Chantilly. Give Bistrot La Minette a chance—your taste buds will thank you!

Conveniently located on Mayanunk’s main drag, Bourbon Blue brings a little bit of the Big Easy to Philadelphia. Not only does Bourbon Blue serve new American cuisine with a New Orleans twist, but the restaurant serves up a New Orleans-style late night as well. Chef Mark Ziebis prepares food inspired by the French Quarter, utilizing new ingredients that he infuses into classic dishes. The voluminous building invites guest in with its beautifully decorated canal front and keeps them coming back with interesting spices and an impressive cocktail menu. Or, if an energetic nightlife is more your style stop by to …

Stella Blu is an inviting destination for locals and newcomers alike. Be it a romantic dinner, a relaxing drink after work, or an evening of live entertainment, this smart and sophisticated West Conshohocken bistro sparkles. Bask in the glow of the exceptional customer service, including valet parking, a welcoming ambiance, and the newly expanded Star Bar. The extensive international menu includes such favorites as Lobster “Mac & Cheese and Wild Mushroom Ravioli. The food is heavenly, the décor is celestial, and the customer is always the star at Stella Blu.

Tequilas shows the highbrow side of Mexico’s popular elixir. Soak in a margarita at the outdoor tables, perfectly situated for watching well-put-together Rittenhouse folk cross the corner of Locust and 16th. Inside, a high-ceilinged space provides an elegant backdrop for Owner David Suro’s classic vision. He brought the fruits of his homeland to Philadelphia in 1986, establishing a Mexican presence in the city’s culinary spectrum. Other spots around town have since twisted Mexican fare into a modern adventure, but chef Claudio Soto’s plates continue to showcase a brute traditionalism that brings diners to the root of it all.

The space formerly known as Sonoma was recently revamped by dynamic chef and owner Derek Davis. The result is Derek’s, a casual contemporary lounge serving sophisticated comfort food in a family atmosphere. Whether opting to order from their sweeping wine list or to BYO with no additional corkage fee, casual wine drinkers and enthusiasts alike are sure to feel at home. The menu is no less welcoming and offers thoughtful small plates and regular portioned entrees made from sustainable and seasonal ingredients. Sidewalk seating is ideal in the warmer months and conveys a European joie de vivre you’ll be hard-pressed …

Positano Coast, an Aldo Lamberti restaurant, was created to reflect the ambiance, energy and traditions of the Amalfi coast and it has done just that. With a modern twist on classic Italian dishes, Chef Pippo Lamberti brings a quiet sophistication to Philly’s Old City District. Positano Coast has a sleek and progressive open-air design with a cobalt blue floor, dramatically white walls and floor-to ceiling windows. The restaurant is located on the 2nd floor and offers two patios and a terrace for al fresco dining. Positano Coast’s Sopra Lounge is a comfortable and stylish place to enjoy a tasty concoction …

Brought to you by the Dilworthtown Inn, the Blue Pear Bistro delivers the same high quality food and service in a more casual environment. This self-proclaimed “hip-storic” bistro offers small and medium plates of playful and inventive comfort foods. Housed in the former Dilworthtown Inn General Store, the location has been revamped to unveil a quiet sophistication. A split-level restaurant, the Blue Pear Bistro’s blue and amber color scheme promotes a laid-back atmosphere. With small plates of Tuna Tartare or Chicken Nuggets with White-Truffle Honey Mustard, and medium plates of Braised Veal Breast and Pan Seared Sea Scallops, guests can …

Located only three blocks away from the infamous Liberty Bell and the Independence Visitor Center, Campo’s Deli serves authentic Philadelphia food—more notably their notorious Philly Cheese steaks and Philly Hoagies. Campo’s has been serving Philly with their award-winning, signature sandwiches since 1947. Dedicated to quality service and selection, this deli was first opened as a neighborhood grocer, but their sandwiches made Campo’s the most memorable deli in the city. Rated as one of the top places in Philadelphia by City’s Best, Zagat, and the Food Network, Campo’s is a sandwich that you won’t forget.

Awarded Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly” in 2008, owners Louis Sarcrone Jr. and Anothony Bucci have had a huge success since their opening in 1997. The deli is located just 50 feet from the bakery where all of the award winning bread is made. Campo’s Deli has a variety of daily specials and soups you can choose from. They are well known for their “Hoagies” filled with top Italian meats in their signature fresh baked bread. They are located on South 9th Street with comfortable indoor seating. If you’re looking for a great casual home style sandwich, come to Sarcone’s.

Located inside the large Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Field House is an upscale sports bar with a modern and contemporary twist. Known for their Events Calendar of live music and ever-updated Sport Schedule, The Field House offers a full bar of options to choose from while one can watch the game on one of their 50 large plasma televisions, gracing the walls of their exceptional and extremely spacious interior. Their menu, featuring a combination of American pub dishes and snacks, has traditional favorites like nachos and French fries, but kicks it up a notch with fine dining inspired dishes like …

After a successful battle and victory of Food Network Challenger Bobby Flay, Tony Luke has cemented his place as the “Philly Cheese Steak” guru of Philadelphia—and his restaurant has surprises at every turn. At Tony Luke’s Beef and Beer Sports Bar, you can find mouthwatering options for Cheese Steaks, Roast Pork, Chicken Cutlets, and Roast Beef, all of which are succulent, choice cuts of meat, but they also offer breakfast and brunch items for the early birds as well. This hometown bar is a favorite to locals and tourists alike, with large televisions and their infamous Cheese Steaks keeping fans …

Situated on Manayunk’s busiest street in town, The Bayou Bar and Grill is the oldest bar on Main Street with a reputation for being an upscale yet tavern-inspired favorite. Aside from their signature Creole and Cajun cuisine, The Bayou boasts their “Best of Philadelphia” buffalo chicken wings—signifying a kick of flavor with every bite. The Bayou has also won “Philadelphia’s Best Sports Bar” by ESPN.com, ensuring this hot-spot as a one stop destination for watching the game. With over 25 televisions, three bars and every cable sports game package that you can think of, The Bayou guarantees spicy, flavorful food …

Established in 1999, The Black Sheep has quickly risen to the top as a favorite Irish pubs in Philly. This tavern has a rather historic feel due to its antique fireplace, bar, and three story colonial house located near Rittenhouse Square. The Black Sheep serves a wide variety of food and drinks alongside traditional Irish fare and house specialties. With entrees ranging from Guinness Braised Beef Stew to the Crab Cake Sandwich, this place guarantees a unique dining experience. The Philadelphia landmark also hosts private events and invites guests to stop by for a lunch, dinner, happy hour, drinks, or …

Gluten-free? Sugar-free? Vegan? Dairy-free? No problem! At Sweet Freedom Bakery, quality baking meets health conscious alternatives—it’s a place where those with a sweet tooth can get their sugar fix knowing that all products are mindful of food allergies and health conscious individuals. With a philosophy that ensures premium product and a guarantee that everyone can get something sweet, Sweet Freedom Bakery sells a treat for everyone that walks through the door. Whether you’re picking up something small, or ordering cakes, cookies, or doughnuts by the dozen, Sweet Freedom Bakery doesn’t turn any stomach away.

Looking for an authentic Irish pub in Philadelphia? Search no further than Fergies on Sansom Street. Open until 2:00am nightly, this neighborhood tavern presents live music and a great selection of food and drinks. Fergies serves a variety of classic bar appetizers like nachos and wings along with custom burgers, tasty entrees, salads, and comfort food-style sandwiches. This pub often hosts events like their annual St. Patrick’s Day, Half Way to St. Patrick’s Day, and Halloween celebrations. The bar’s wooden flooring, brick exterior, and signature Celtic motif throughout pays homage to the enduring traditions of the Irish.