Things to Do in West Philadelphia
The Woodlands
A large historic cemetery across the street (give or take a block) from my old apartment. Certain graves are cultivated as raised beds, typically in flowers. We like to walk around here.
Green Line Cafe
Our coffee shop, much loved. The iced coffee is very good; the turkey croissant is excellent. The bagels are fine, but don’t get an egg sandwich. There’s another location on 45th and Locust, if that’s more convenient for you.
Clark Park Dog Bowl
The portion of Clark Park south of Chester Avenue is dominated by a divot: the “dog bowl.” In this divot, the dogs run free. It’s pleasant to watch them from a park bench while enjoying a beverage. Note: there is a playground in this area, too!
Clark Park Farmers’ Market
Runs from 10 AM to 2 PM on the block of 43rd St. between Baltimore Ave. and Chester Ave. Make a beeline for the fruit sellers: late June is berry season, and the berries are *good*. The other vendors are also nice.
Manakeesh Cafe Bakery & Grill
Incredible Lebanese food. I highly recommend the falafel wrap, the potato-eggplant wrap, the babaganoush, the fatteh, and the cheeseburger (the *cheeseburger*! Just trust me), but I have never been served bad food at this restaurant. Sometimes a long wait, especially if you order something sit-downy. The cashew baklava from the attached bake shop is rich, sweet, and not very syrupy. So, too, the other baklavas— but the cashew is my favorite.
Carbon Copy Pizza and Brewery
Truly the platonic ideal of a gastropub-type pizzeria (this sounds like an insult but isn’t). The crusts are crisp and burnished! The beer is cold and quaffable! They serve tinned fish and green salad with savory crumbs of toasted quinoa and vanilla soft-serve drizzled in blood orange olive oil! I could say more. A perfectly executed concept.
Fu-Wah Mini Market
Delicious banh mis. We like the chargrilled pork, but they're all good, including the tofu. Hot tip: when praising the sandwiches from Fu-Wah, you should always be sure to note that these are not the best banh mis in Philadelphia, because the best banh mis in Philadelphia are from South Philly generally and [Ba Le/Artisan/the gone-but-never-forgotten Nam Son bakery] particularly. It's important to talk about your delicious sandwich in this way.
The Abyss Bar
A tiny second-floor bar that feels like a secret even though it isn’t. Take the stairs up from Locust, or you’ll have to walk through an Ethiopian restaurant (although maybe this is a “threatening you with a good time”-type situation). The vibe is sort of disheveled; the cocktail and beer selections are both excellent.
Milkcrate Cafe
Good coffee and baked goods, a nice selection of records to peruse, warm and mellow vibes. I come to Milkcrate after church most weeks and order a pork roll, egg, and cheese, which is overpriced, delicious, and the only quick egg and cheese sandwich on Baltimore Ave (east of Cedar Park Cafe, at least).
Dahlak
A divey Ethiopian bar with a big backyard. A good place to drink 2-3 gin and tonics, or, if you’re nasty, a “Bahama Mama.”
Cedar Park Cafe
Not quite a diner, but close. Good for a fast, competent sit-down breakfast. Sometimes hard to get a table on the weekends. You could order some scrapple, if you wanted... it couldn’t hurt.
Royal Pizza
This is where I go for a cheesesteak. Is it Philadelphia’s best? I’m not sure that’s ever the right question to ask. A cheesesteak should come from around the corner when you need it most. In the dinnertime of desperation, the sandwich is your comforter.
Loco Pez West Philly
Kid-friendly Mexican joint with tasty margaritas. The last time we went here they were playing Columbo on the TVs. I wish you the same and better.