Philadelphia has long outgrown its reputation as a simple cheesesteak town. Bustling, tiny kitchens helmed by ingredient-obsessed chefs with serious pedigrees are now the norm in the City of Brotherly Love.
Yet when they aren’t slaving over the stove, these chefs yearn to be as far away from heirloom greens as possible, unwinding with pints and hefty pork sandwiches instead. We asked 12 of Philly’s best which under-the-radar joints we’ll find them in when they are off the clock.
Jose Garces
Chef/owner, Garces Group
Favorite under-the-radar spot: Cherry Street Tavern (129 N 22nd Street, 215-561-5683, cherrysttavern.com)
Garces says: “The bar is a real throwback; over 100 years old. I always order the roast-pork sandwich with provolone and hot peppers.” (Photos: Jason Varney, philly.thedrinknation.com)
Adam Leonti
Chef de cuisine at Vetri
Favorite under-the-radar spot: Kanella, 1001 Spruce St (215-922-1773, kanellarestaurant.com)
Leonti says: “It’s unique to find Greek Cypriot food here, so I bring out-of-towners to Kanella. I love so many dishes there, but I come specifically for the moussaka and the hazelnut date cake.” (Photos: Courtesy Vetri, kanellarestaurant.com)
Michael Santoro
Executive chef at The Mildred
Favorite under-the-radar spot: The Abbaye, 637 N 3rd St (215-627-6711, theabbaye.net)
Santoro says: “Surprisingly, I order the spicy vegan wings made of crispy seitan. Paired with a beer and one of their huge beef burgers with bacon, cheese, onions, and BBQ sauce, I’m pretty much happy as can be.” (Photos: Courtesy The Mildred, Yelp)
Joe Cicala
Executive chef at Le Virtù
Favorite under-the-radar spot: Los Gallos, 951 Wolf St (215-551-1245, losgallosphilly.com)
Cicala says: “I do a lot of takeout due to my grueling work schedule, and Los Gallos satisfies my Mexican craving. It’s always good—I like the cemitas poblanos and tacos a la plancha—affordable, and it’s right around the corner.” (Photos: Courtesy Le Virtù, phillyphoodie.com)
Nick Elmi
Chef/owner at Laurel
Favorite under-the-radar spot: Zeppoli, 618 Collings Ave, Collingswood, New Jersey (856-854-2670, zeppolirestaurant.com)
Elmi says: “Joey Baldino does some of the best pasta I’ve ever had, with my favorite being a simple lemon tagliatelli with bottarga. He’s also one of the nicest people I’ve met.” (Photos: Bravo, Zagat)
Michael Solomonov
Executive chef at Zahav and co-founder of CookNSolo
Favorite under-the-radar spot: Street Food Philly, 33rd and Arch (@StFoodPhilly)
Solomonov says: “This is the best bánh mì going in Philly. It’s got the right ratio of pickled veg to pâté, and enough jalapenos to cut the richness.” (Photos: Michael Persico, Philly)
Eli Kulp
Executive chef at Fork and High Street on Market
Favorite under-the-radar spot: Kim’s, 5955 N 5th St (215-927-4550)
Kulp says: “The banchan at this Korean BBQ restaurant are the best I’ve ever had. The live charcoal they use makes all the difference; no gas here.” (Photos: Jim Graham, Yelp)
Peter Serpico
Chef/co-owner at Serpico
Favorite under-the-radar spot: Royal Tavern, 937 E Passyunk Ave (215-389-6694, royaltavern.com)
Serpico says: “The people are nice, the food is great, and it’s perfect for after work because they serve food until 1am. I love their simple, classic bacon cheeseburger.” (Photos: Courtesy Serpico, Facebook)
Erin O’Shea
Executive chef/co-owner at Percy Street Barbecue
Favorite under-the-radar spot: Valley Shepherd Creamery-Meltkraft, Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch St (valleyshepherd.com)
O’Shea says: “The handmade mozzarella braids here are so fresh—literally made less than an hour ago and never refrigerated. You can get ridiculous grilled cheese sandwiches here, too.” (Photos: Courtesy Percy Street Barbecue, Valley Shepherd Creamery)
Eli Collins
Chef at Pub & Kitchen
Favorite under-the-radar spot: Tired Hands Brewing Company, 16 Ardmore Ave, Ardmore, PA (610-896-7621, tiredhands.com)
Collins says: “I have two small children, so I don’t get out much. When my wife and I do get a rare night out we like to keep it local. We live in a small town, Narberth, and in Ardmore, the neighboring town, this nano brewery serves super-fresh beer they brew in-house. The food is a small but well-curated selection of local cheese, charcuterie, and housemade pickles. It’s a great place for date night. With cool, interesting beers and a cheese plate we don’t need much more.” (Photos: Courtesy Pub & Kitchen, Tired Hands)
Jason Cichonski
Chef/owner at Ela
Favorite under-the-radar spot: Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar, 1200 E Passyunk Ave (215-365-1169, thehappybirthdaybar.com)
Cichonski says: “I don’t even know the address, just that it’s right near Pat’s and Geno’s. We usually head there late night, after a few drinks and grabbing cheesesteaks. For friends’ birthdays it’s a must because you get free shots. The fact that it’s cheap whiskey is not even important at that point.” (Photos: Courtesy Ela, cantabpublishing.com)
Justin Bogle
Chef at Avance
Favorite under-the-radar spot: Pho Xe Lua, 907 Race St (215-627-8883)
Bogle says: “My love of pho began here, so I have to stay loyal. Broth is just right and they are not shy with the garnish.“ (Photos: Courtesy Avance, Zagat)