University City Restaurants: A Culinary Guide for Penn and Drexel
Forget the stereotypical image of college students subsisting on instant noodles. The University City neighborhood in West Philadelphia, home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, boasts a vibrant and diverse dining scene that caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets. From quick lunches and happy hour spots to upscale restaurants perfect for a visit from the family, University City offers a plethora of culinary experiences.
Quick Bites and Casual Eats
For students and faculty on the go, University City offers numerous options for a fast and satisfying meal.
Manakeesh Cafe Bakery & Grill
This all-purpose Lebanese restaurant is an excellent choice for a quick coffee and Middle Eastern pastry, a refreshing fresh-pressed juice or smoothie, or a full brunch featuring crepes, omelets, and waffles.
Nafi Food Cusine
Nafi Food Cusine is a halal food truck in West Philly that serves some of the best Indian food in town. The menu has hits like grilled lamb, veggie biriyani, and smashed eggplant, all for under $8. And they even have a light and peppery chicken salad that’s most certainly an upgrade to whatever you meal-prepped for the week.
Pitruco Pizza
Pitruco Pizza has a food truck in Mt. Airy, but their University city location at Franklin’s Table has tons of seating, just in case you want to sit down while enjoying a slice. They usually have six rotating pizzas on the menu with things like radicchio, mushroom, and spicy garlic, but the one you want is the margherita. A handful of basil and mozzarella is scattered over a smooth tomato sauce that’s held in by a golden crust. You can add more toppings if you want, but there’s no reason you should-especially when you taste the the velvety mozzarella.
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Loco Pez
The Loco Pez in University City is basically the same as the one in Fishtown. It has the same great al pastor, carnitas, and shrimp tacos, and if you come during Happy Hour, the margaritas drop to $6. The location near Penn’s campus, though, feels much less divey and is somewhere you wouldn’t feel weird bringing your in-laws to.
Cafes and Bakeries
Need a caffeine fix or a sweet treat? University City has you covered.
Jilly’s Cupcake Bar & Café
Yes, Jilly’s has some of the best gourmet cupcakes around. But the menu also offers cake, ice cream, and a full lunch menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Kaldi’s
The metro area’s largest third-wave coffee roaster serves up a range of hand-brewed, drip, and espresso coffee drinks and teas, alongside a tasty selection of breakfast and lunch items.
Renata’s Kitchen
The Mediterranean menu has everything from peppery shakshuka to fluffy pumpkin french toast that will give you just enough energy to make it back to your apartment for your next nap.
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International Flavors
University City's diverse population is reflected in its wide array of international cuisines.
Asian Kitchen Korean Cuisine
It’s best known for 15-plus banchan (side dishes) that come with each entrée. Equally impressive are the varieties of bibimbap, which rival those of our favorite restaurants in L.A.’s Koreatown.
Doro Bet
Doro Bet on Baltimore Avenue. The Sami Dan music they play has infiltrated our dreams, the bright wall covered in African art is now our lock screen, and we’re thinking of proposing to the chefs after eating a plate of doro wot. This Ethiopian spot serves pillowy mac and cheese, smothered wings, and teff flour fried chicken. It’s a great option for a quick lunch or casual weeknight meal when we’re craving peppery stewed chicken that falls off the bone.
Vientiane Cafe
It’s a Lao BYOB that’s great for a casual date or group dinner and serves big portions of noodle and curry dishes. The best things, though, are Lao specialties, like the BBQ Cornish game hen and the pan-seared tilapia wraps. Just know that it’s small and cash only, so call ahead for reservations and hit the ATM before you go.
Abyssinia
Abyssinia, an Ethiopian spot right around the corner from Penn’s campus, has a lot of different vegetarian dishes. Your best bet, though, is the $17 Vegetarian Combination, which includes six of their most popular vegetarian dishes-like split lentils in berbere sauce and spicy sauteed collard greens-served on top of spongy injera. You can probably split one plate between two or three people because the servings are so big, or just get one for yourself and bring home the leftovers.
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Han Dynasty
Han Dynasty in University City checks two important boxes-it serves some of the best Sichuan food around, and it’s a full-on sports bar to watch whatever game happens to be on TV. We love the spicy dan dan noodles with pork (but if spicy isn’t for you, they can bring down the heat). There are countless other delicious items on the menu, like dumplings in chili oil, scallion-style lamb, and tender ginger shredded duck. Order a bunch to enjoy while you watch the Flyers lose.
Vietnam Cafe
If you’ve been to the original Vietnam Restaurant in Chinatown, then you already know it has incredible dishes like vermicelli rice noodle bowls, papaya salad, and lime chicken. Plus, the Polynesian cocktails are way stronger than they taste. The Vietnam Cafe in University City has pretty much the same food and drink situation, but it’s larger than the Chinatown location, and there’s always a table open-even if you show up with your entire Chem 101 class.
American Cuisine
For those seeking classic American fare, University City offers a variety of options.
White Dog Cafe University City
Since 1983, White Dog Cafe University City has been a destination in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania's campus for dining, libations, and celebrations in a trio of Victorian brownstones. The charming brownstones were completely renovated, providing a variety of dining rooms with whimsical dog decor, fixtures, and stunning artwork. Dine in the vibrant Living Room or the casual and airy Porch with reclaimed wood and birdhouses. The noble Parlor, or intimate Tea Room with plush seating and a lively ceiling. The Oak Room features a massive marble table for ten, and the Den boasts wall-lined dog portraits. Downstairs is the Wine Cellar, which features a wall of wine barrels, hanging corkscrews, and regal dog portraits, perfect for private parties. Executive Chef Jay Ralston's menus change every season, reflecting the finest ingredients available.
Walnut Street Cafe
Walnut Street Cafe is an all-day cafe right near 30th Street Station that has floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides-we wouldn’t blame you for mistaking it for a home you saw on Pinterest. Head here for the steak frites or burger dripping with porcini truffle aioli. They also have good Happy Hour snacks, like fried mozzarella and parmesan garlic chips with a peppery crème fraîche dip 4-8pm on Tuesday through Saturday. If you want something a little more substantial after the Acela, try the fried chicken sliders and three $5 beers.
A Note on University City Dining Days
University City Dining Days is UCD’s popular restaurant promotion where diners can enjoy three-course meals at fixed price points of $20, $30, or $40 from dozens of West Philadelphia restaurants for eleven days every July. Menu prices exclude tax and gratuities.
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