Drink Before You Eat

Local 44 receives accolades where accolades are due: their beer list runneth over with gorgeous, frequently changing draft beers. Want a Belgian saison? Got it. A framboise? Awesome. Hoppy beer, local beer, gluten-free beer? It's all there in this comfortable bar that added a much-needed injection of drinking to West Philly. But, be warned: Local 44's food knows that beer is the focus, and it behaves accordingly. The veggie burger, while featuring a beautiful bun and coupled with great fries, was made elsewhere (or else Local 44 took great pains to form their veggie burgers into a dense, Morningstar-like patties). Similarly, the tofu tacos had brilliant elements, but didn't quite come together like they could have (and, actually, were quite adept at falling apart). Go forth and drink at Local 44, drink plenty and often. But if your stomach is grumbling for a dinner-full of pub food, consider going elsewhere.

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Nightlife • West Philly

Dirt Cheap

West Philly is supposedly on the up and up, except in the department of grocery stores. What appears sketchy on the outside just gets dodgier on the inside. The other day I watched a roach crawl across the bananas. Instead of hightailing it to the Whole Foods like the rest of the neighborhood, I decided I'd have blueberries on my Cheerios instead. Soft rock permeates the stale air as stock clerks rock out on their ipods to Spanish hip hop, which anyone within two aisles is privy to hearing. When you check out, some of the belts are broken so be prepared to slide everything down to the irritated cashier that hates her life and wants you to know it. The store manager is friendly enough, and I felt a twinge of guilt in complaining about the extra 50 cents I was incorrectly charged for my hummus dip. If you buy a lot, don't think about rolling your cart to your car as they are gated in the store. I guess these are the sacrifices to be made for a dirt (no pun intended) cheap grocery store.

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Supermarkets • West Philly

Over the Edge

This is single-handedly the best thing University City has going for it. True, the line is usually wrapped around the front door, and you will be guaranteed to dine next to a clan of collegiate girls gossiping about how one of their roommates didn't make it home last night. If you can overlook such matters you will be mightily rewarded with Greek goodness! I recommend the Greek Lady salad, which is so large a cow could graze on it for a week. As you wait for your food, you can watch the lamb rotate on the spindle or the brood of chickens sizzling on the grill. Oh yes, and if you have a sweet tooth, you can even purchase a slice of birthday cake even if it's nowhere near your zodiac sign.

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Restaurants • West Philly

Small Food for Big People

Congratulations, Philadelphia! You're Mexico! Wait... you're not Mexico? Then why is every third restaurant currently opening in this city a new Mexican place? There's the second Cantina in Northern Liberties, and just up the road from that, the people who own Bar Ferdinand are putting in a Mexican spot too. This isn't to mention the new Adobe Cafe location in South Philly and whatever else is opening up soon... but the biggest, most expensive badass of the recent Mexican wave is Distrito. This West Philly joint opened by celebrity chef Jose Garces is big enough to seat everyone who went to my high school (okay: there were only about 200 kids), and features a wall full of Mexican wrestler masks. The food is delicious (sushi-style tuna taco? Yes please!), but the prices make it pretty prohibitive to go there regularly. In the end, Distrito is like the Disney World of dining: expensive, huge, and just a little campy, but fun.

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Restaurants • West Philly

Titanically Terrible Thai

Despite the ominous outside, I decided to give this place a shot. The linen tablecloths and single cut flower on each table gave me hope that my dining experience would be enjoyable. I did not realize this place was a BYO so I thought I would detox and asked to see the tea selection. I was shocked to be offered Celestial Seasons and Lipton. It was like walking into a fine French restaurant and being offered Velveeta. I politely passed and stuck with my Skuykill punch. I ordered chicken satays to begin, but was disappointed when they were smothered in peanut sauce. 'Not good' would be an enormous understatement. I felt like I was at the dentist scrapping it away like tarter. I gave up after eating one. My Pad Thai entree was generously filled with shrimp and tofu. It was not the best I've ever eaten, but it was the most expensive at $16.95. It's just noodles, people! I don't think I'll be going back here, especially since there's two other Thai places within arms reach to fulfill my next curry craving.

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Restaurants • West Philly

A Cornpone Place

It's just easy here. On a nice day you can grab a shaded outdoor seat and catch up on reading or chat with a friend you haven't seen since Hyper-color t-shirts. There is no waiting in a long line to order, worrying that you are sporting your Sunday frumpies and someone is going to notice, being bombarded with an obnoxious side conversation or some sad do-gooder pestering you to register to vote. This place just doesn't give a rat's ass and that is what makes it such a perfect escape. Your pet will probably think so too, since there is even a designated canine area. Aside from a myriad of coffee blends, which can be sipped without grimacing, you can munch on muffins, bagels, etc. NPR is a refreshing change from the typical dismal, slit-your-wrists music that drones in the background of most coffee shops. If you are lucky, you'll experience the owner's sense of Southern hospitality, as occasionally you'll be offered a free refill for the road.

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Coffee • West Philly

Hot, Steamy Culinary Luxury

Let's be honest; when you think West Philly, four-star dining does not immediately come to mind. But with Marigold Kitchen, located in a stately Victorian home, diners can't help but be impressed, until they walk in the front door and think for a hot second that they've mistakenly entered a sauna. How could a properly functioning central air system have been overlooked? Suddenly all veneration of the majestic digs dissipates and you're found begging for the modern creature comforts of an Applebee's. If you are going to be dining in the dead of summer, I recommend going naked. This is a BYOB, so come prepared with a few chilled bottles because the food is delicious and I suggest staying for at least three courses. The portions are minuscule so most likely you'll need to anyway, in order to feel satisfied. Although the wait staff is attentive, our waitress must have been practicing for the role of Blair Waldorf, and smiling could only lead to premature wrinkles. On Sundays the restaurant offers a $30 prix fixe, which is a perfect excuse to trek across the Schuylkill. Feeling adventurous? Take the 34 trolley.

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Restaurants • West Philly

A Line Worth Living For

Although this is not news to anyone who lives in West Philly, Green Line's taking over. I'm not talking about the trolley. Known for its strong neighborhood communities (and sub-cultures), West Phillyites rightfully mope about the lack of restaurants and other establishments in their 'hood. Although Vietnamese hoagies and pastries aren't a huge leap for mankind, the new Green Line on Locust has a larger meeting place that is out of its other shops' usual orbit. All the sun streaming in the large windows and reflecting back from flawless hardwood floors still can't combat the somewhat "industrial" vibe this new shop carries. But the space is larger and has potential to be a future venue for art shows and other events that the smaller, older Green Line babies can't accommodate. We are excited.

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Coffee • West Philly

Thriftin' for a Good Cause

As thrift stores go, this one isn’t gigantic; so you’ll probably have to make a few visits to find something you want. On the other hand, there’s new stuff all the time and you can learn all kinds of stuff about the neighborhood from Rev. Larry Falcon, the guy who runs the place. And when you do find something you like, it’s a steal. Aldo shoes for $6.50 for example. Makes you almost want to buy the wrong size. Oh, and if the bargains aren’t enough to bring you in, Toviah is actually a way to help Larry provide services for kids in the neighborhood. So you can get good shoes cheap, and feel good about it. Speaking of which, don’t get any size 10 brown dress or dress casual shoes. I need them.

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Shopping • West Philly

And for the Sino-Centric Set...

Well, of course, you can buy soy sauce anywhere. But what about soy sauce from China, black bean sauce, rice wine and rice noodles? Not to mention rice flour. Sure, I’ve never had to use rice flour, and neither have you most likely. But you never know. So, ok, forget the rice flour. If you’re looking to buy local, and do actually use hard-to-find ingredients, check out Eak Chuong’s. Some things may have a heavy coating of dust, but hey, that’s just the outside of the packaging. I’ve eaten their stuff and, so far, no problems. I mean, it’s not like you’re buying toys from Matell. And if you want some adventure, buy something with only Chinese writing. What’s in it? Find out. Of course if you read Chinese, you’re missing out on the fun. For others, invite your friends over and enjoy.

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Shopping • West Philly

Stop 'n Save!

What can you say about a supermarket like Supreme Shop-n-Bag? Actually, I can say two important things: 1) it’s open until 12:00 a.m. 2) you have to check out the international food aisle. It’s not your ordinary tacos-made-in-America supermarket, it actually has food from, you know, other nations (mostly South and Central America). And it has a whole aisle of international food. And excepting a pharmacy, it’s got everything else you’d expect. True, it’s got long lines at busy times and checkers who may scowl at you one day and smile at you the next. But let’s face it, for a supermarket, it’s pretty kick ass.

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Supermarkets • West Philly

50 Pound Bag of Rice Central

You know the Indian and Pakastani grocery, Rice and Spice on Chestnut and 42nd next to Kabobobeesh? Well, this one is different. It’s on Walnut and 42nd. OK, it’s a little bigger too. In any case, you’ll find food here you can’t find anywhere else in the city (besides Chestnut and 42nd)—paneer, gram flour, pickled mangos. I’m not completely ignorant when it comes to Indian food, but I could fill a good size bag with stuff from this place and not have the slightest idea what it is. Now that’s a good grocery. Plus, I know you’ve been looking to add to your Bollywood DVD collection. Not to mention clothes, (saris and such), incense, and other odds and ends including fresh samosas. Oh, and in case you’ve ever wanted to buy your rice in 50 lb. bags, they’ve got you covered. I’m thinking of making a couch out of a bunch of those things. The perfect place to eat my samosas.

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Shopping • West Philly

Fiume

If you live in West Philly, there’s really only one bar to know about and that’s Fiume. This is one of those places you won’t know is there unless you know it’s there. It’s located on the floor above Abyssinia. You can go in from the Ethiopian bar on the first floor, or you can go in the unmarked side door on Locust. Upstairs you’ll find a small bar and less than a dozen tables in a large-apartment sized room. There’s an excellent choice of bottled beers and the bartenders make killer drinks. I read a review in one of the weeklies that boasted of the diversity of the crowd—they aren’t just anarchist students from Penn, the crowd also has anarchist students from Drexel! It’s actually slightly better than that, but you get the idea. In any case, the music is usually great, and it’s more diverse than the crowd. You can’t beat the private ambiance, and you’ll look about as hip as can be when you lead your friends in to this place. If you’re not sure what to wear, go with, ummmmm, black.

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Nightlife • West Philly

Kaffa Crossing

For weeks after I moved to University City I told friends about this place called “Kafka Crossing.” OK, so I read the sign wrong, let it go. Kaffa Crossing is either a really good Ethiopian restaurant disguised as a coffee shop, or a good coffee shop disguised as a restaurant. It’s Ethiopian either way. As a coffee shop, it’s great for drinks (the coffee is good and the smoothies will put a dreamy smile on your face) although it is light on eats from the counter. They do have vegan cookies and muffins, and, my favorite, injera bread lentil wraps; but that’s about it. Ah, but then Kaffa is a restaurant too. The service is sometimes pressed but a) the food’s inexpensive ($6-11 for entrees) and b) a friend with a more discerning palate than mine proclaimed his veggie dish “the best Ethiopian food I’ve ever had!” So there ya go. The food’s really good. Plus, it’s BYOB with the occasional singer/songwriter on Saturday nights. Evenings also often draw community group meetings. So go, eat, drink, groove.

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Coffee , Restaurants • West Philly

FIT Gym

This is a neighborhood gym, not a Health Club. Let me explain the difference. When I signed up I went in there to get a special deal which they still have going—6 months for $99. I ask the guy behind the desk if there are any catches. He says no, no catches, “that’s the deal. And this is the gym;” he sweeps his hand to cover the room. There are a lot of free weights, the usual machines, and about a dozen sweaty people, many with big, cut muscles working out in jeans. No dragged out tour to point out the obvious and deliver a sales pitch. See the difference? FIT ain’t Bally’s. So, happily, folks in college mingle with folks living near a college; although the latter might like the music more. FIT also regularly offers a tough spin class and a boxing class (not kick boxing, boxing). No yoga “yet” I’m told, and only an occasional pilates class. It’s not loaded up on cardio machines and a couple of the bikes have seen better days. Want to see if it’s for you? Take the tour.

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Gyms • West Philly

LARPers in Clark Park

These kids in the photo to the left are dead. Many more (not pictured) are doing a similarly bad job of being dead. And several others taunt the fallen, reminding them that they are dead for AT LEAST sixty seconds. This was not exactly the scene I expected when I heard that every Saturday there were LARPers (Live Action Role Players) fighting each other in Clark Park with homemade foam things. Sadly, friends, this doesn’t offer much compelling drama a la Darkon to the passersby. Most of the players are under the age of ten, saying things like, “Aw! I wanted to be the first one to make a helmet!” and while I enjoyed the 20 or so minutes spent of my life watching kids hit each other, and took pleasure in the delicate duct tape filigree laid into the handles of foam lances, there ain’t no heroes here.

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Landmarks • West Philly

Green Line Café – Powelton Village

Drink your coffee black. It's the only way you can ever know what a good cup of coffee tastes like. Honestly, how can you define taste if all you do is dump sugar and milk into coffee's dark goodness? I drink my coffee black. Which is why I can tell you about the amazing brew at Green Line Cafe in Powelton Village. Along with the coffee, they boast friendly service, tasty food, interesting art, and hip music chosen by the barista. Not only that, but the place abides by a lot of socially conscious things so you can feel good about what you're buying, hippie. So go buy a cup, drink, and enjoy. If it's not to your taste...I'm sorry but you don't like coffee. You like sweet milk with caffeine in it.

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Coffee • West Philly

Slought Foundation

Feeling smart these days are we? Been reading non-fiction, going to cultural events, thinking about art and politics? Lovely! Sounds like you’re ready to nestle down and spend some time in the corners of the cultural consciousness with the Slought Foundation. Slought (like ‘slaw-it’) Foundation is dedicated to presenting new futures for contemporary life. (um, what?—exactly.) To place the mission into actualized term—one current exhibit consists of turning the space itself into a giant camera obscura, to well, obscura reality and get you imagining. Check out their website for an array of events (often free)—lectures, concerts, discussions, and projects—that challenge the political and artistic climate of the present by projecting, reinventing, and basically turning the truth on its head to make a truer version. Slought may be heavy, but it’s not without a sense of levity and joy. The space itself (an old bank, complete with functioning vault) is very cool—truly worth a look-see.

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Landmarks • West Philly

Saad’s Halal Restaurant

Eight o'clock on a Saturday evening and the glowing, neon-framed windows of Saad's “all Halal, all the time,” reveal a diverse clientele bedecked in burkas, Penn-popped collars, in both hipster-tight thrift and precariously-baggy jeans; the scene speaks to the practically universal appeal of a well-made falafel sandwich. Saad's functions as a West Philly falafel factory, churning out consistently scrumptious chickpea-based goodness. (Yeah, they make lots of other stuff too. I'm just stuck on the falafel cause it so rocks.) Saad's welcomes its diverse customer base by maintaining an atmosphere of droll bizarreness that everyone can experience with equal bemused confusion. A carpeted fast(ish) food restaurant, replete with carpets as wall hangings (I think Saad must really love to use the steam vac); a constant din of conversation and laughter against a backdrop of 'no cell phone usage' signs—yep, this place is one-of-a-kind—friendly, funny, delicious, and cheap as hell.

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Restaurants • West Philly

Abyssinia

Here’s an etiquette dilemma: you and your slightly-stuff, kind-of-sneezy date go to a restaurant. You order. Your food is brought; before you sits one giant platter covered in a thin layer of moon bread (more on that later) heaped with piles of enticing veggies, meat, and spices. You look for a fork but alas. Then you watch as your date digs in with his man paw. What do you do?? If such angst-ridden social encounters are your cup-a-tea, it’s time to take a ride on the culinary adventure train to West Philly. Abyssinia Restaurant serves up Ethiopian cuisine, and Ethiopian cuisine serves up social angst for the anxious and communal bonding for the secure. (Hmm, can we guess where I fall?) If you’re able to overcome the mental obstacle of hands-on feeding, you’ll find yourself scooping up delicious bites of concoctions you can’t identify but decidedly enjoy. Ethiopian cuisine acknowledges the concept of utensils in bits torn from the communal plate of moon bread (squishy, porous, mildly cold—obviously lunar). So hey—why not? Put down the sushi—it doesn’t count anymore—get back on the train, and go on a real adventure in dining to Abyssinia.

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Restaurants • West Philly