Philly’s Best Spring Eats

By: Gwendolyn Havern

It is springtime in Philadelphia! Meaning, we all have a perfect excuse to treat the senses to some delish seasonal delicacies while reveling in scattered showers and breezy sunshine. In this piece, I’m giving recs on where to eat, sip, and sprawl out with friends from now until the summer heat hits.

Have at home

Proceed with caution:

Before I share two of my favorite recipes, let’s look at your springtime grocery budget. With tariffs hitting tropical fruits, seafood, coffee, olive oil, chocolate and nuts, I regret to inform you that now is not the time for a charcuterie board. Unless you’re opting for the “snack board” type; a plate entrenched with 99 cent pretzels, potato chips, and other non-descript items from Dollar Tree (trusted and true). 

Make brunch with your friends: 

Items that are for the most part safe-ish include basics like milk, butter, eggs (sorta), yeast, and corn. So when my roommates and I decided to throw a Sunday brunch, I opted to make Bint Al Sahn, a flaky, honey-drizzled Yemeni pastry made with just those staples. To make Bint Al Sahn, you knead a super-soft dough, stretch it paper-thin by hand, layer it with butter, and bake it until golden before soaking it in honey. It was a crowd favorite for sure!

Count on corn: 

This Garden-Fresh Corn Salad has been a recent favorite of mine as well. Made with raw sweet corn cut straight from the cob, it features a colorful mix of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, green onions, fresh herbs, and jalapeño for a subtle kick. I topped mine using vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper, then finished with crumbled feta (or goat cheese). These are easily found at Fresh Grocer or Trader Joe’s.

Touch Some Grass

If opting to spend time out and about, here’s a guide (with pricing in mind) to the best springtime spots to eat and patron.

Cheap eats: For saving a buck without losing taste.

  • Haraz Coffee: Serving a vast menu of Yemeni coffee and elegant desserts, this new edition to University City is special. Currently, they close at 6 p.m., but the owners have expressed desire to extend closing time to 11 p.m. If you grab coffee and dessert here, plan on enjoying the weather close by at Blanche Park.

  • Devil’s Alley: Devil’s Alley, located on the corner of Chestnut and 19th,  is a classic for me. Their incredible Cuban sandwiches and drinks are perfect for a laid back happy hour with friends.  In the spring, they open up a cozy outdoor seating area right out front, complete with a TV, perfect for catching the Phillies game without missing a bite. 

  • Farmer’s markets: The warmer weather prompts the start of many lively outdoor markets, selling artisan eats. A few of my favorites to encounter here are Manna and Levain. Manna is a pop-up bakery with delightful sweet and savory pastries, utilizing flavors like rose, pistachio, Zatar, cardamom etc. Find him at mannabakery_philly on Instagram to see where the shop will set up! Levain specializes in cookies, they are not your average Crumbl or Insomnia. Located at 1518 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, they serve fresh bread and pastries daily.

Pastries, purchased from Manna Bakery at Richie’s Cafe

Best Atmosphere: For having a memorable (maybe pricey) time with friends, I asked other Temple Students where their favorite place to sit outside and dine were. Here’s my final list:

  1. Parc: Beautiful inside and out, don’t skip the bread basket.                                                                  (227 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19103)

  2. Aleksander’s: Tiny tables out front, perfect for gossiping and people-watching.                              (126 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19103)

  3. Harper’s Garden: Aesthetic garden pods make for dreamy outdoor dining.                                     (31 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19103)

  4. Darling Jack’s: Shady awnings + Midtown Village charm = ideal lunch spot.                                (104 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107)

  5. Café La Maude: North Libs brunch favorite, cozy with a touch of Middle Eastern and French cuisine. 

    (816 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19123)

  6. Café Caribou: Airy French café/bar, order a cosmo and stay awhile.
    (1647 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19130)

Spring in Philly brings plenty of solid options for eating well, whether you are cooking at home or meeting up with friends. From casual snacks to sit down spots with great outdoor seating, there is something to fit every mood and budget. Use this season as an excuse to explore a few new favorites or return to your go to’s with a fresh perspective.

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