While Philadelphia is an excellent place to experience culture, learn more about history and even raise a family, the heart of Philly lies in the local restaurants.
Philadelphia is one of the best rising culinary hotspots of the country — and of the world — thanks to the likes of these restaurants in the Fishtown neighborhood.
Fette Sau — which means “fat pig” in German — is the result of a collaboration that brought a beloved New York eatery to Philadelphia. Although you’ll find beef brisket, pulled pork, ribs and traditional accompanying side dishes on the menu, Fette Sau is more than a standard barbecue restaurant. This Frankford Avenue eatery uses locally sourced meats, which they dry-rub using espresso grounds and smoke on the premises. As you indulge in the expertly prepared fare, you can get to know your neighbors over a glass of bourbon at one of the communal picnic tables.
The menu at Fette Sau rotates regularly, so you have a chance to sample everything the Fishtown, Philadelphia, restaurant has to offer.
Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop on Girard Avenue is the second location of this Philly staple, but Fishtown locals can’t get enough. The restaurant began as a small mom-and-pop shop in the northeast part of the city, but its reputation for serving one of the best cheesesteaks in town made it a hotspot eatery. Joe’s Steaks has been using the same recipe for more than 60 years, and people can’t agree on which part of the sandwich makes it so irresistible. Some say it’s the juicy, seared-to-order ribeye steak. Others claim it’s the combination of the steak with the high-quality bread. Either way, Joe’s continues to top many of Philadelphia’s “best cheesesteaks” lists.
Of course, you can’t try an authentic Joe’s cheesesteak without opting for a side of fries. Fry flavors include favorites like Old Bay, buffalo and honey mustard. End your meal with a cream soda, egg cream or classic milkshake.
Stroll along East Norris Street, and you’ll find one of Fishtown’s favorite neighborhood joints — Loco Pez. The place has a reputation for their affordable taco menu, priced to encourage diners to try as many of the 10 flavors — including chorizo and potato, seitan and spinach and classic Mexican flavors — as possible. In addition to tacos, choose from burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas and chimichangas. Or, order from what Loco Pez calls the “cowboy menu” — a section of Tex-Mex-American favorites, like hot dogs, burgers, waffle fries and a fried chicken sandwich.
In the mood for brunch? Loco Pez offers a Mexican spin on traditional brunch favorites, like chicken and waffles with chorizo gravy, fajita omelets and breakfast tacos topped with habanero mayo.
Keep an eye out for one of their famous dollar nights and try as many dishes as you can — just don’t forget your cash, as the restaurant does not accept card payments.
When you think of the perfect neighborhood hangout, you likely picture ample seating, beautiful surroundings and all-day menus — or, if you’re a Fishtown local, you think of Front Street Cafe.
Front Street Cafe starts serving breakfast at 8 a.m. until it switches to its lunch, afternoon and dinner menus throughout the day. The restaurant prides itself on offering locally sourced farm-to-table foods and using organic ingredients whenever possible. Breakfast favorites include Front Street Benedict, chicken bites served with maple syrup and barbecue sauce, blueberries and cream hotcakes and wholesome takes on porridge and acai bowls. Wash it down with fresh drip coffee, an espresso beverage, a cortado or tea. You can also order fresh juice blends or a smoothie if that’s your preference. If you stop in when the cafe is serving cocktails, be sure to try the cinnamon margarita.
The atmosphere at Front Street Cafe is one of the main reasons it’s one of the best restaurants in Fishtown. The interior is a two-level industrial-chic space, while the outdoor promises a gorgeous garden patio with plenty of room for everyone.
There are a lot of tasty places to grab a slice in Fishtown, but Pizzeria Beddia on North Lee Street is a can’t-miss destination. It’s the same pizza place that Bon Appetit listed in 2015 as the best pizza in America, Esquire called one of the best eateries in the country and Time noted as one of the top 19 places to eat in the entire world.
That’s a lot of praise — and it’s well-earned. What started as a two-person operation in a small shop handmaking enough dough for 40 pizzas a day has since expanded into a full-service restaurant, complete with dine-in-only service, a bar and the famous Hoagie Room, which offers guests a private, two-hour hoagie dining experience. There aren’t many pizzas on the menu, but that’s because the options available offer something for everyone. Whether it’s a simple pie topped with tomato, whole-milk mozzarella and Royer Mountain or a dandelion green and roasted red pepper slice, one thing is certain — you won’t leave Pizzeria Beddia disappointed.
Many consider Kensington Quarters on Frankford Avenue one of the best Fishtown restaurants, and the owners have a mission to support local farmers in as many ways as they can. That’s why you’ll find whole animals, heritage grains, produce, locally sourced dairy and artisanal items present in each item offered. Supporting the local community has never been more delicious, either — not with a diverse menu of rotating dishes like Parisian gnocchi, 30-day dry-aged NY strip or maple and kombu ice cream with sweet potato chips and espresso.
This cozy industrial space began as a butcher shop before growing into one of Fishtown’s favorite spots. In a nod to their heritage, Kensington Quarters still offers a butcher menu with things like eggs, bacon, sausage and scrapple, and frequently holds on-site butcher classes. Whether you’re looking for your next date-night spot or want to sample the true flavors of Fishtown, Kensington Quarters is the place to go.
The City of Brotherly Love is full of exciting neighborhoods like Fishtown, and each has a unique history, atmosphere and dining destinations. If you’re ready to make one of them your home and sample these Fishtown, Philly, restaurants for yourself, Streamline Philly is here to help!
We are Philadelphia’s leading homebuilder and specialize in buying, building and helping homeowners find both single- and multi-family residential homes. To learn more about the services we offer — including our virtual reality home design feature — contact a Streamline Philly representative today.
