Welcome to Philly’s Cheap Eats Revolution

Your guide to the city's new world of takeout

Photograph by Davide Luciano, styling by Claudia Ficca

Photograph by Davide Luciano, styling by Claudia Ficca

We’ll always ooh and aah over a bowl of hand-rolled pasta, always have sous-vide short ribs in our dreams, always bow down to the almighty tasting menu. But these days, the most exciting tastes in Philly are coming from the most unlikely of places: the takeout counter. As chefs turn their talents to elevating quick-serve food, something amazing has happened: The most pedestrian bites are suddenly fresher, more interesting and a whole lot better. Now, we dream about lunch. Here, 94 ways to join this fast-food revolution. 

25 Best Sandwiches in Philadelphia Right Now

House Roasted Turkey from Woodrow's Sandwich Shop | Photo by Davide Luciano, styling by Claudia Ficca

House Roasted Turkey from Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop | Photo by Davide Luciano, styling by Claudia Ficca

Since the beginning of time, there was the hoagie. But there’s a new world order in Philly’s sandwich scene: bold combos, quality ingredients, just-baked bread — and not a heap of chopped meat in sight. Read more »


Philly’s Tastiest Tacos — By Neighborhood

Tacos at Buena Onda | Photo by Davide Luciano, styling by Claudia Ficca

Tacos at Buena Onda | Photo by Davide Luciano, styling by Claudia Ficca

Quicker than a salad, healthier than a hoagie, and a canvas for completely crazy or totally traditional combos: there’s a reason tacos are the new “it” food. Read more »


The Philly Eater’s 2016 Bucket List

Photograph by Claudia Gavin

Photograph by Claudia Gavin

Have you been to Philly’s mac-and-cheese shop? Or the place that serves only dumplings? Here, the tastiest dishes from a slew of new, exciting eateries that take tastes to the extreme. Read more »


Philly’s Most Serious Salads

Daily Salad from Malvern Buttery | Photo by Davide Luciano, styling by Claudia Ficca

Daily Salad from Malvern Buttery | Photo by Davide Luciano, styling by Claudia Ficca

Move over, generic spring mix: Bowls of greens and plates of veggies are now just-cut, perfectly dressed, tossed to order — and totally worth waiting for in that crazy-long line. Read more »


15 Binge-Worthy Bowls at Philly Eateries

From top: Honeygrow's BBQ stir-fry, Poke Bowl's Poke Bowl, and Bryn and Dane's Acai Bowl | Photo by Davide Luciano, styling by Claudia Ficca

From top: Honeygrow’s BBQ stir-fry, Poke Bowl’s Poke Bowl, and Bryn and Dane’s Acai Bowl | Photo by Davide Luciano, styling by Claudia Ficca

This vessel holds endless possibilities for culinary wonderment, and clever eateries have figured out the perfect formula for making a complete meal: Start with a delish base, then pile on the goodies. Read more »

The Cheap Eats 2016 package first appeared in Philadelphia magazine’s October 2016 issue.