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City Cast Philly

Siani Colón

Cheesesteaks may be the first food that comes to mind when you think of Philly, but another sandwich deserves the spotlight just as much. Hoagies are a part of the city’s identity, so much so that they were once declared 

.” While there’s disagreement on how the name exactly came to be, two things are certain: Philly loves eating hoagies and 

. For National Eat a Hoagie Day, here are our recs for where to grab this classic sandwich.

Aside from “The Italian,” you can chow down on 

 — stuffed with fresh mozzarella, parma prosciutto, arugula, tomato, and lemon spritz — or “The Bucci,” served with Italian tuna, long hots, and sharp provolone. Keep an eye out for its weekly special.

Vegans can enjoy an animal product-free version of the sandwich at 

. “The Phoagie” includes eggplant, avocado, onions, cilantro, and pho sauce on a seeded roll.

Chef Anthony Bourdain featured this restaurant and its owner 

, saying: “Yeah, OK, he isn’t Italian, but he serves a mean sandwich here, most of them as batsh** crazy as he is.” This sandwich shop takes pride in its 

, including the “Daddy Wad” loaded with classic Italian meats. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the “Bolognese,” a lasagna-stuffed sandwich served on a hoagie roll.

Despite nearly 90 years in business, the grocery store L. Manusco and Son only started serving 

. Don’t let that deter you from trying this South Philly staple’s hoagies, which range from the “Old Italian Speciality Hoagie” to the “Dry Cured Capicola Hoagie” to the “Mixed Cheese Hoagie.”

This place went viral for its chicken cutlet sandwich, but there are plenty of other 

. You can order the “Vegan Jawn” (two versions), the “Jerk Chicken Salad Hoagie,” or the “Italian Salumeria.”

For those living northwest of the city, you don’t have to travel to the opposite side of Philly for a sandwich. Along with its regular menu, 

 including the “Ragin’ Cajun” with buffalo chicken and Cajun mayo, “Sweet Summer” with honey maple turkey, and the “Tony” with meatballs.

Whether you’re craving a classic Italian hoagie or a bold spin on the sandwich, these Philly restaurants have you covered.

Where To Eat the Best Hoagies in Philadelphia

Where To Grab a Hoagie in Philly

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Philadelphia. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Philly Food & Drink

Food & Drink

City Cast Philly staff

Philadelphia has one of the hottest food scenes in the country — just ask the Michelin Guide, which 

awarded three Philly restaurants a Michelin star

Since our culinary landscape is constantly growing and changing, we’re here to help you stay on top of it all. Here’s a recap of some of the Philly restaurants, bars, cafés, and other food spots that have recently opened.

Mixteca | 2113 E. York St. (East Kensington)

This New York agave bar and restaurant moved into the former site of Martha. 

 will serve agave interpretations of classic drinks as well as alcohol-free options. Though the New York site has a limited food menu, Philly’s will be extensive with dishes such as hamachi ceviche and Yucatan shrimp tacos. Patrons can dine at either the bar, lounge, outdoor patio, or private mezzanine.

Anh Em Bar & Kitchen | 1252 S. 21st St. (Point Breeze)

 is turning staple Vietnamese comfort and street foods into an elevated experience at its 45-seat restaurant. Dishes include seared octopus, baked lemongrass chicken rice platter, and bánh mì (think Vietnamese hoagie). The restaurant also serves vegan options such as bánh xèo, a savory, crispy crèpe.

Tien’s Cafe | 450 E. Wyoming Ave. (Feltonville)

Craving more Vietnamese food, but don’t live in South Philly? Check out 

, a family-owned sit-down restaurant in North Philly. Diners can warm up with a variety of rice noodle soups or cool off with Vietnamese black iced coffee. The cafe is open every day except Tuesday.

Bar Cicci | 1620 Sansom St. (Rittenhouse)

Restaurateur Ellen Yin’s latest venture is giving guests a taste of Italy. 

’s inspired by Yin’s trips to Northern Italy and the country’s casual drinking culture, which is why it has an all-day cafe and 

In Crust We Trust | 965 Frankford Ave. (Fishtown)

Inspired by Black culinary traditions, the pizza at 

 is not your typical slice of tomato pie. Each slice represents a different part of Philly, from the Uptown Crown (topped with oxtail, tomato, mozzarella, roasted peppers, collard greens, and tomatoes) to The Bottom (jerk chicken, jerk mozzarella, pineapple, hot honey). The food at this pizzeria is also halal.

Manna Bakery | 110 W Berks St. (Fishtown)

You may have seen this pop-up at farmers markets around Rittenhouse and Headhouse Square, with lines wrapped around the block. Now you can pick up its Levantine and Palestinian-inspired pastries at 

’s new brick-and-mortar shop. Signature menu items include herby cheese fatayer, creamy Basque cheesecake with seasonal flavors, and pistachio passion fruit cookie tarts.

Burrito Feliz | 4403 Chestnut St. (Spruce Hill)

 grew into a fleet of bright green trucks spreading Mexican cuisine around the city. Now the taqueria has found a permanent home in West Philly, where it serves favorites such as beef birria tacos, baja shrimp tacos, and chicken tinga.

Sister Robert’s Coffee | 2015 N 63rd St. (Overbrook)

, a new coffee shop and bookstore. Munch on sandwiches such as “Aching For Bacon” served with bacon, eggs, and melted cheese on a waffle; “The Fairmont” served with provolone cheese, grilled chicken, pesto, red peppers, and mayo on focaccia; or the “Chiwaffle Genesis," a classic chicken-and-waffles combo. The cafe is also looking for musicians to host events at no cost in its space now through September.

Chibanos | 1127 Pine St. (Washington Square West)

 is another pop-up that’s finally found a permanent home after much anticipation. This shop serves Chinese-Cuban sandwiches, inspired by the owner’s family recipes. Chibanos serves breakfast all day, with a variety of sandwiches and sweets for sale. Grab either the signature “Chibano,” which brings Señora Fong’s roast pork, ham, Swiss, haam choy, and mayo, or the “Chikibano,” with braised chicken, Chinese broccoli, and douchi garlic mayo.

Vegans Are Us | 1016 Race St. (Chinatown)

This New Jersey-based restaurant is bringing its vegan twist on soul food to Philly. 

 has moved into Chinatown Square, introducing customers to plant-based options like the “Ultimate Beast Mac & Cheese Burger,” “Philly V-Steak, and “Double Spicy Chicken Stacker.”

Blue Warbler | 8001 Germantown Ave. (Chestnut Hill)

From coffee to cocktails, this restaurant serves diners all day long. The 

brainchild of Chestnut Hill’s Fred Mogul

, the menu combines Mediterranean, Jewish, Persian, Balkan, and American cuisines to create casual yet unexpected combinations of pescatarian, vegan, and vegetarian dishes.

Café Tinto | 1701 N Front St. (Fishtown)

Do you ever get a midday craving for breakfast? Well 

 serves it through the afternoon. Specializing in Colombian food and coffee, you can order empanadas and guayaba pastries IRL or have them delivered via DoorDash.

Officially open for regular dining with a 

winery downstairs and a restaurant upstairs

, this spot allows diners to pick their preferred vibe. Maybe you're in the mood for a tasting of small-batch wines, or perhaps you prefer to hang out with a signature cocktail and seasonal plate? All are options.

The Garden at City Tavern | 138 S 2nd St. (Old City)

 City Tavern was closed for around six years. Now 

 its yard for outdoor dining, drinks, and colonial history programming.

Winners Ice Cream | 1610 South St. (Graduate Hospital)

Created as a place to celebrate the wins in life, 

takes on South Street with small-batch ice creams in flavors like MVPeanut Butter Crunch and Summer Slam Strawberry. If you swing by, make sure to write your successes on a sticky note and add it to the 

Soufiane at the Morris | 225 S 8th St. (Washington Square West)

Combining a Parisian brasserie with Moroccan influences gets you 

, you can order dishes like escargot and bone marrow.

Philly Surf Club | 699 N. Broad St. (West Poplar)

, Beverage Director Nico Diaz and Culinary Director Natalie Maronski laid down permanent roots with this 

 in the Divine Lorraine building. All drinks are inspired by different beach towns from around the globe. I'll be getting my cocktail with a rubber toy on top when I order 

South Philly Barbacoa at Triple Bottom Brewing | 915 Spring Garden St. (Poplar)

The widely recognized Chef Cristina Martinez is expanding her South Philly Barbacoa concept to 

 on Spring Garden Street. After selling her authentic Mexican lamb tacos and sweet tamales at pop-ups at the brewery (which City Cast Philly 

highlighted for its apprenticeship program)

, the collaboration is becoming official with a 

Mr. Edison | 200 S Broad St. (Rittenhouse Square)

The newest restaurant coming from big-time restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow is the Thomas Edison-inspired supper club, 

 with a Ferris wheel-adorned bar, you can expect extravagant meals with live music.

Love City Brewing & Sophie’s BBQ | 4323 Main St. (Manayunk)

The taproom and BBQ joint have joined forces to be your one-stop shop for beers and brisket inside the former Fat Lady Brewing. 

 offers everything from BBQ sliders to smokehouse nachos. 

 has an extensive drink menu, with plenty of non-alcoholic options as well, and leans on Philly-centric naming. City Cast Philly producer Abby Fritz recommends trying the smoked chicken sandwich.

Mod Spuds | 1424 South Street (Graduate Hospital)

 to make its grand return, but in the meantime, Chef Ange Branca is introducing us to her latest concept, 

. Originally a one-month residency at Comfort & Floyd, Branca’s Philly and Malaysian spin on the classic loaded jacket potato took off. The new brick-and-mortar features the Mod Spud (baked beans, chili con carne, scallion), Philly Spud (cheesesteak, pepper relish), and a build-your-own-spud option.

Universal Bread Bakers | 2921 E. Thompson St. (Port Richmond)

Romanian chef Andrian Sulea is your new source for freshly baked bread in the morning. 

 for French baguettes, rye bread, and other baked goods.

 finally has a full food menu. Munch on charcuterie and housemade pastas with seasonal ingredients and wash it all down with a selection from the downstairs winery.

Ciddiany’s Coffee & Bakery | 116 W. Wyoming Ave. (Feltonville)

 has expanded with a larger, sit-down, pretty pink cafe with a full food menu perfect for brunch. Menu items include ceviche, pasta, fresh pastries, and of course tres golpes (“the three hits”) — a classic Dominican breakfast consisting of mashed green plantains accompanied by salami, cheese, and eggs, topped with pickled red onions.

Dawn Cafe | 2237 Grays Ferry Ave. (Graduate Hospital)

Philly’s cafe scene just got bigger. The 

 offers your standard espresso and coffee drinks, as well as sweet and savory pastries and sandwiches.

Bar Ilu | 2118 E. Dauphin St. (East Kensington)

Spanish-inspired corner bar and restaurant

 is serving up croquettes, grilled shrimp, and calamari bocadillos. For drinks you can choose from drinks like “Lifetime Ban,” “Remember the Alimony,” or a zero-proof passionfruit tonic.

Karak Cha House and Kabobeesh | 3748 Lancaster Ave. (University City)

This is your one-stop shop for halal Pakistani food in West Philly. From 

, you can sip on traditional or fruity teas, refreshers, and shakes. Highlights include brown sugar cardamom cha, rooh afza refresher, and a mango shake. If you’re looking to fill your stomach, 

 is serving up kabobs, curries, and sandwich rolls with daily specials including lamb kabobs, fried fish, and tandoori chicken. Both businesses can be found in the same building.

 recently expanded to its second Philly location. Promising a menu that’s both healthy and accessible, The Juice Pod sells cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, and açai bowls.

Mr. Fries Man | 2313 Frankford Ave. (Fishtown)

Locally owned and operated by the team behind 

, this L.A. street vendor-turned-chain is hopping coasts with its new location. 

’s menu focuses on loaded fries, including honey garlic with shrimp and bacon cheddar. Coming soon exclusively to the Philly location: cheesesteak fries.

Rougarou Baking | 526 S. 4th St. (Queen Village)

Philly’s local culinary scene is constantly growing and changing. Here’s a recap of some of the restaurants, bars, cafés, and other delicious spots that have opened since 2024. Check them out! 

New Philadelphia Restaurant Openings, August 2026

Your Guide to New Restaurants, Bars & Cafés in Philly

Marie Albiges

If your ideal Saturday includes drinking espresso and inspecting monsteras, congratulations: You've found your people. Here are our favorite Philly spots where you can get your caffeine fix and your plant fix in one trip.

Sitting at the busy intersection of Main Street and Green Lane in Manayunk underneath the iconic Green Lane Bridge, Artesano has an expansive space distinguished by its iron and metalworks interspersed among the plants and coffee. Starting Aug. 8, Artesano will be offering 

weekend breakfast and brunch table service

. Artesano also recently transformed a section of its space into a bar, open on weekends and serving signature cocktails and small plates.

Founded by a mother-daughter duo in 2020, this West Philly boutique shop has everything from low maintenance and pet-friendly plants to seeds and supplies. On the coffee side, I highly recommend the 

, a creamy, sweet latte made with chaga mushrooms that is packed with antioxidants. Plant and People also offers 

temporary plant rentals, plantscaping, and plant consultations

The women-owned coffee, gifts, and plant store has a collaborative, community feel, with an entire second floor of open seating and a children’s play area. In addition to plants and coffee, the shop sells locally-made jewelry, soaps, candles, art, stationery, drinkware, and honey. Vault + Vine carries beans from 

Yes, Manayunk has not one but two plant stores that also sell hot beverages, although they are on the opposite ends of Main Street. This boutique nursery carries a variety of houseplants, ceramics, and home decor, and its café offers a wide selection of loose leaf tea and pastries. Its 

has a selection of exotic, hard-to-find plants that can be purchased online or in-store.

Billed as an outdoor lifestyle garden center and café, Terrain has several locations in the suburbs worth the drive. Started by Urban Outfitters co-founder Dick Hayne (and still owned by its parent company URBN), each sprawling Terrain location also serves as a 

 that can be used for gorgeous, nature-inspired celebrations.

Here are our favorite Philly spots where you can get your caffeine fix and your plant fix in one trip. 


The Only Thing Better Than Coffee? Coffee With Plants

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Long before she owned two plant-and-coffee shops, 

co-founder Michelle Miller had more than 100 houseplants at home and was a self-proclaimed “serious plant enthusiast.”

Miller said the same thing of her co-founder Molly Kiriacoulacos. Miller, who was consulting for the owners of a multi-use brick building on North Second Street in Norris Square during COVID-19, thought that a plant-and-coffee shop would be perfect for its corner unit. Then she and Kiriacoulacos decided they should be the ones to open it.

The Ground was born in 2022, and the two entrepreneurs opened their second location on 18th Street in Rittenhouse in 2023.

The plants are mostly sourced from small, independent growers located within 100 miles of Philadelphia, which tends to result in healthier plants. Inside both locations, you’ll find a variety of tropical houseplants with diverse light options.

On the coffee and restaurant side, The Ground’s beans are from 

 in South Philly. Signature drinks include a chocolate-covered strawberry latte made with Ghirardelli cocoa and a rose pistachio latte topped with dried rose petals.

But what Miller is especially proud of is The Ground’s

. Almost every dish is made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Miller, who is half-Korean, has added Korean influences to some of The Ground’s newest menu items, including a Bulgogi cheesesteak quesadilla made with thin-sliced beef ribeye, Cooper Sharp cheese, and a charred scallion crema.

The Ground also has an in-house baking program with rotating pastries, including a gochujang banana bread made with a Korean fermented red pepper paste that mixes saltiness, heat, and sweetness.

“Bringing some of those flavors to our menu has been really big for me, and I think it’s resonated well with a lot of our clients,” Miller said.

Inside both locations of The Ground, you’ll find a variety of tropical houseplants with diverse light options.


This Plant and Coffee Shop Serves One of Philly's Most Unexpected Menus 

Rooftop bars are a great way to watch those 

 and get a bird’s-eye view of the city. See the beauty of Philly’s skyline at these local bars, and stick around for their special programming that keeps the party going through the evening.

 is your source for rooftop tacos and cocktails. For 

 tomorrow, enjoy tequila tastings and a special cocktail menu. Throughout the season, El Techo hosts its “Summer Sessions” series with monthly music programming. Upcoming dates are 

, Aug. 16, and Sept. 27. General admission tickets are $25, with light bites available for pre-purchase. The fun doesn’t end after the summer. El Techo has a retractable roof, keeping it open year-round.

The top level of this former South Philly high school has become a summer staple with 

, rooftop fitness, and sunset drag. If you’re hungry, Bok Bar rotates its menu each month. For July, Gabriella’s Vietnam is serving dishes such as crispy catfish and fries, meat skewers with bao buns, and Vietnamese banana ice cream. For drinks, sip on “Tami-Miami,” “Time After Thyme,” or “Bird’s Eye View” — appropriate for the venue.

You may be thinking “that’s not a bar, that’s a theater.” While you’re not necessarily wrong, that means you’re missing out on one of this venue’s unique features. The 

 is a summer-only pop-up at the Kimmel Center. Admission is free with food and drinks between $6 and $9. Guests also have a chance to win tickets for performances through Ensemble Arts. The pop-up runs through Aug. 26.

For an upscale experience, head to The Logan. On the hotel’s ninth floor, 

 provides guests with views of Logan Square and Philly’s great cultural institutions. The bar has a happy hour special Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with deals on a rose gold margarita, frosé, and select dishes.

If you’re looking for waterfront views, you can find it on all three levels of 

. Forget the flight to Hawaii; this summer you can visit Liberty Point’s pop-up bar, 

. The restaurant and bar regularly hosts live music and community events. On Aug. 1, the venue is hosting its third annual 

, celebrating Puerto Rican culture with salsa lessons, cultural performances, and food.

Want more opportunities to drink outside? Check out our 

Take advantage of the late-evening sun this summer and party on these Philly rooftop bars.

Best Rooftop Bars in Philadelphia

Catch the Best Views in Philly at These Rooftop Bars

With high temperatures becoming the norm this summer, we’re looking to stay cool. So what better way to beat the heat than with a scoop of chilly, delicious ice cream? National Ice Cream Day is on July 19, and several local ice cream shops have sweet treats (and even sweeter deals) to celebrate.

 is a family-owned business located inside the Reading Terminal Market. Originally opened in 1861, it’s the oldest operating ice cream company in the United States. Pick from over 30 ice cream flavors including coffee & cookies, Irish potato, and Moose Tracks. Vegan ice cream is available in cookies & cream, strawberry, and vanilla.

Weckerly’s uses a traditional French-style custard base for its ice cream and makes everything in-house, from its sauces to cones, at its production shop in Frankford. At its ice cream shops in either 

, select flavors such as Italian Summer (which includes lemon olive oil cake pieces), blackberry cheesecake, and banana bread. Several scoops, pops, and sandwiches are also vegan-friendly, using a coconut cream and cocoa butter base.

 first opened in Northern Liberties in 1889 and continues to make sweets at its current location in Chestnut Hill. Its 

 is open daily, treating patrons to ice cream, sundaes, ice cream cakes, and water ice. On July 19, Bredenbeck’s is running a 

. Winners just arrived in Graduate Hospital, and is leaning into its positive theme with flavors like victory vanilla, sweet success s’mores, and cheer up churro. Come for the treat of champions and leave with a pep in your step.

If you’re having an ice cream emergency and have no time to walk in, not to worry. 

Pick from over 20 hard ice cream flavors. Its soft-serve has a few dairy-free options, including pineapple Dole Whip and mango Dole Whip.

 is celebrating its first anniversary on July 18, just in time for National Ice Cream Day. The first 50 customers who stop by will receive a free single scoop or cone. The 

 include ube brownie, green tea matcha, and vegan Vietnamese coffee. The toppings feel endless, with choices like Pocky, boba, and mochi.

 Ice cream is the perfect summertime treat. Cool down with classic flavors to innovative twists at these parlors.

food

Where To Grab a Hoagie in Philly

Your Guide to New Restaurants, Bars & Cafés in Philly

The Only Thing Better Than Coffee? Coffee With Plants

Latest articles

Where To Grab a Hoagie in Philly

Your Guide to New Restaurants, Bars & Cafés in Philly

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This Plant and Coffee Shop Serves One of Philly's Most Unexpected Menus

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Where To Celebrate National Ice Cream Day in Philly

America’s Oldest Confectionery

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