Jazmin Li
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has a variety of dining options to choose from. From local favourites to national chains, there is something for everyone. For those seeking a taste of Philadelphia, there's Bud & Marilyn's, Sabrina's Cafe, and Chickie's & Pete's. Coffee lovers can enjoy La Colombe, a chain that originated in Philadelphia and is known for its draft lattes. The airport also offers a range of cuisines, including Mediterranean at Baba Bar, meaty comfort food at LOVE Grill, and sushi and noodles at Gachi House of Sushi & Noodles. For a quick bite, travellers can opt for Good 2 Go, and for a drink, Yards Brewing Company is a popular choice.
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What You'll Learn
Local restaurants vs. chains
Philadelphia International Airport offers a range of dining options, from local restaurants to chains, ensuring that travellers can find something to suit their tastes and preferences. With over 100 places to eat, drink, and shop, the airport provides a diverse culinary experience for those passing through.
One of the advantages of choosing local restaurants over chains is the opportunity to indulge in authentic, regional cuisine. Local favourites such as Tony Luke's, Chickie's & Pete's, and Geno's Steaks offer a taste of Philadelphia's culinary culture. Tony Luke's, a household name in Philly, brings the city's signature cheesesteak to the airport, allowing travellers to savour a true local delicacy. Chickie's & Pete's, a beloved Philly sports bar chain, offers a range of classic bar fare, including crab fries, crab cakes, wings, and surprisingly good bloody marys. Geno's Steaks, with over 40 years of experience, is another iconic cheesesteak destination, allowing travellers to sample one of the city's most famous sandwiches before their flight.
Local restaurants also provide a sense of uniqueness and individuality that chains may lack. Bud & Marilyn's, a retro-styled American comfort food restaurant, is named after the chef's grandparents and brings a touch of downtown Philadelphia to the airport. Sabrina's Cafe, a well-known Philly brunch spot, offers a delightful fusion of French toast and Lucky Charms matcha latte, a combination that captures the essence of the city's culinary creativity. These local establishments not only provide delicious food but also a glimpse into Philadelphia's culinary heritage and diversity.
On the other hand, chain restaurants offer familiarity, consistency, and convenience to travellers. La Colombe, a Philly-born coffee chain, provides a reliable coffee experience with its signature draft lattes and grab-and-go options, perfect for those in a hurry. Chains like Vino Volo, Smashburger, and Jamba Juice offer a range of familiar dining options, ensuring that travellers can find something to suit their tastes, especially if they are pressed for time. Chains often have multiple locations within the airport, making it convenient for travellers to access their favourite foods and beverages.
Additionally, some chain restaurants have been elevated by renowned chefs, offering a unique twist to their menus. Baba Bar, a Mediterranean restaurant by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov, showcases small plates of hummus, babaganoush, stuffed grape leaves, and kebabs. Bar Symon, a gastropub by celebrity chef Michael Symon, offers a delightful mix of pierogies, pulled pork sandwiches, and Fat Doug burgers. These chef-driven concepts bring a touch of culinary excellence and innovation to the airport dining experience.
In conclusion, Philadelphia International Airport offers a diverse dining landscape, with local restaurants providing a taste of the city's culinary soul, and chains offering convenience, familiarity, and, in some cases, elevated dining experiences. Whether travellers seek the comfort of a familiar meal or the excitement of discovering local flavours, the airport's culinary offerings cater to a wide range of preferences and tastes.
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Terminal-specific dining options
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has a wide variety of dining options across its seven terminals. If you're looking for a taste of Philadelphia, you can try the city's famous soft pretzels at Philly Soft Pretzels in Terminal A – East or the Philly Pretzel Factory in Terminal F. For another Philadelphia classic, try a cheesesteak at Geno's Steaks in Terminal B/C Connector, or Jim's South St. Famous Cheesesteaks, with a whole menu of variations and one of the best breakfast sandwiches at the airport. Chickie's & Pete's, a Philadelphia institution, offers its famous Crabfries at four different terminals. For a sit-down meal, try Bud & Marilyn's, a local restaurant with an outpost in the airport, or its sister restaurant, Good Luck Pizza Co. in Terminal E, for Neapolitan-style pizza. If you're looking for something quick, La Colombe, a small Philadelphia-based coffee chain, offers coffee, acai bowls, and bagels. For a unique dining experience, Sky Asian Bistro offers Cantonese cuisine like sashimi, ramen bowls, pad thai, and dumplings.
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Coffee spots
Philadelphia International Airport has a variety of coffee spots to choose from. If you're looking for a quick coffee to go, La Colombe is the place to go. With four locations in the airport, two of which are in Terminal B and Terminal C, you can easily grab a coffee and a quick bite to eat. La Colombe is a well-known Philadelphia coffee roaster, and while the coffee is aimed at the mass market, you can still get a smooth, drinkable cappuccino.
For a more sit-down experience, Le Bus is a great choice. Their homemade bread is known beyond the airport, and they also offer a killer latte made with espresso from local roasters La Colombe.
If you're in Terminal F, you might want to check out Wawa, a popular coffee spot with short lines and good customer service. They offer a range of food options to go along with your coffee, including sandwiches and croissants.
Lastly, if you're looking for a unique coffee experience, Brian's Coffee Spot is a great option. While it's not located in the airport, it's worth checking out if you have some time to spare. They offer a variety of coffee options and a more personalised experience.
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Local specialities
Philadelphia is known for its diverse cuisine, influenced by its history and the many ethnicities that have contributed to its food culture. Here are some local specialties to try when you're in the City of Brotherly Love:
Cheesesteak
The cheesesteak is an iconic Philadelphia dish. It originated in the 1930s when South Philly Italian-American brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri put grilled beef on a hot dog bun and later started serving it on an Italian roll. The sandwich was cemented in local culture when one of their cooks added melted cheese. Try it at Geno's, Jim's, Dalessandro's, Philip's, or Steve's Prince of Steaks.
Roast Pork Sandwich
This regional specialty, popularized by Italian immigrants, consists of tender oven-roasted pork shoulder, melted provolone cheese, and garlicky broccoli rabe, all served on a sesame seed roll. John's Roast Pork and DiNic's are award-winning spots to try this sandwich.
Hoagie
Declared the official sandwich of Philadelphia in 1992, the hoagie is a hearty combination of meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions on an Italian roll. Nearly every neighbourhood has its own beloved hoagie shop, and local chain Primo Hoagies has over 40 shops in the region.
Soft Pretzels
Soft pretzels are a signature snack in Philadelphia and can be enjoyed any time of day, especially for breakfast with your morning coffee. They are typically firm on the outside and soft in the middle. Auntie Anne's offers soft pretzels, but for the true Philly-style experience, head to one of the many local spots like Miller's Twist or Federal Donuts.
Water Ice
Water ice, pronounced "wooder ice," is a frozen treat similar to Italian ice. It's a combination of fruit or syrup with finely shaved ice and is the perfect refreshment during Philadelphia's hot summers. Try it at John's Water Ice, Rose's Real Italian Water Ice, or Rita's Water Ice, which has nearly 100 locations in the city.
Other Local Specialties
Philadelphia also has other iconic foods, including Texas Tommy (a grilled, split hot dog with bacon and cheese), tomato pie (a cheeseless pizza served cold or at room temperature), and the city's take on the classic American breakfast, which includes a side of pork roll or a slice of pound cake from Termini Bros. Bakery.
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Grab-and-go options
Philadelphia International Airport has a variety of grab-and-go food and drink options. Good 2 Go, for example, offers bottled drinks, snacks, and pre-made salads and sandwiches. Similarly, Gachi House of Sushi & Noodles serves packaged sushi, sashimi, and hot Japanese entrees to go.
If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, consider grabbing a soft pretzel from Philly Soft Pretzels in Terminal A – East or Philly Pretzel Factory in Terminal F. You can also find pre-made sandwiches and salads at La Tapenade, which offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes like panini sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, and hummus.
For coffee lovers, La Colombe is a national coffee chain that started in Philly and offers a variety of grab-and-go options, including iced coffee and draft lattes. If you're looking for something more substantial, try the Grab-and-go options at Yards Brewing Company, one of Philly's most popular craft breweries.
In addition to these options, Philadelphia International Airport also has various other grab-and-go spots, including Jamba Juice for smoothies and juices, and Currito Burrito for fusion burritos, salads, and smoothies that cater to different dietary restrictions.
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Frequently asked questions
La Colombe is a national coffee chain that originated in Philadelphia. You can find several of their outposts in the airport.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has made efforts to include more locally-focused restaurants. Some local spots include Bud & Marilyn's, Sabrina's Cafe, Chickie's & Pete's, and Jim's South St. Famous Cheesesteaks.
Yes, there are several grab-and-go options at the airport. Good 2 Go offers bottled drinks, snacks, and pre-made salads and sandwiches. You can also find grab-and-go options at La Colombe, Boule Cafe, and La Tapenade.
Baba Bar offers Mediterranean fare, including hummus, baba ganoush, stuffed grape leaves, and roasted veggies. You can also find healthier options at Currito Burrito, which is similar to Chipotle but with more roasted vegetables and quinoa.
Yards Brewing Company is a popular craft brewery located in the airport. For a sports bar experience, Chickie's & Pete's is a local chain that serves crab fries, crab cakes, wings, and sandwiches, along with a range of drinks.
