Tampopo
I’ve only ever gotten the spicy veggie bowl with chicken and only ever will. Side of avo when I’m feeling ~indulgent~ (or need to make the delivery minimum).
Location: 269 S. 44th Street and 104 S 21st Street
Who to bring: Anyone that thinks Beijing is the best Asian food in the neighborhood.
Honest Toms
Upperclassmen will roll their eyes at this because duh, where else we go for a breakfast burrito from heaven? Freshman, make the trek and be the cool kid in your hall who introduced everyone to the best food coma they’ll ever have.
Location: 261 S 44th Street
When to go: When you wake up Sunday morning hungover AF.
Photo: @fomofood
Sitar
Welcome to the Indian Buffet BYO of your dreams. While dinner pushes the limit at $12.95, there is a student discount and lunch makes the cut at $9.95.
Location: 60 S. 38th Street
Who to bring: Your freshman hall (the all you can eat buffet will bring back bittersweet memories of Hill brunch).
Koch’s Deli
Step inside this unassuming classic Jewish delicatessen for the fattest and most beautiful deli sandwich you ever did see.
Location: 4309 Locust Street
When to go: When you are broke and want to get a few meals for the price of one.
Photo: @thefoodmonstah
Shake Shack
I don’t eat red meat, but I ate a Shake Shack cheeseburger during NSO and it changed my life. Highly recommended.
Location: 3200 Chestnut Street and 2000 Sansom Street
Who to bring: A friend who will actually eat french fries.
Dizengoff
My personal favorite restaurant in all of Philadelphia. Get ready to stuff your face with the best hummus you’ve ever had in the most amazing pita known to Philadelphians. The menu changes every day so you’ll always get to try something new.
Location: 1625 Sansom Street
Who to bring: Your Jewish friend who just got back from Study Abroad in Israel and is sad about it.
Photo: Jill Golub
Honeygrow
DIY stir-fries and salads, coming to Penn (next to Pottruck) in the next month!
Location: 110 South 16th Street (for now)
When to go: Between class (once you can!)
Photo: @thefoodmonstah
Dim Sum Garden
Go with a bunch of friends so you can try everything. Don’t be afraid to over–order: you will enjoy it, you will finish it and it will be astonishingly cheap.
Location: 1020 Race Street
When to go: When you need a break from your usual BYO at Banana Leaf.
Agno Grill
A Mediterranean, healthier version of Chipotle, with a pistachio rice pudding that will make you actually crave rice pudding.
Location: 2104 Chestnut Street
When to go: When you need a break from Hummus.
Pat’s/Geno’s
Get the true Philly experience and make a bold statement by declaring the superiority of a sandwich.
Location: 1237 East Passyunk Avenue and 1219 South 9th Street, respectively
Who to bring: Any of your senior friends who still haven't been—don't let them graduate without it!!
