LIVE IN UNIVERSITY CITY
At once international and local, University City’s appeal transcends its proximity to the greatest educational, medical, and professional institutions in Philadelphia. The area enjoys great public transportation, lovely tree-lined streets, and a uniquely Philadelphia selection of restaurants and bars.
The Restaurants
West Lofts is located in vibrant University City — noted for its diverse array of restaurants and bars that are regularly featured on "best of Philly" lists. A few of our favorites are listed below:
Savory and authentic Ethiopian cuisine. The native Tusker Lager beer complements tasty vegetarian and meat.
Daleng is a local gem serving Vietnamese food as interpreted by the matriarch of the family business.
Tasty and affordable authentic Yemeni food.
Serves a menu not only good for your body and spirit. Specializing Vegan and Raw food they also serve perfectly prepared salmon dishes. Basically, where you need to go if you want to you live forever.
French delicacies in an Italianate courtyard at the Walnut Hill Culinary Institute – worth a visit.
Celeb chef Bobby Flay is behind this counter-serve chain offering burgers & shakes in mod digs.
Convivial hangout featuring comfort food menu featuring lobster, shrimp and crab mac and cheese, Creole vegan jambalaya and country fried chicken & weekly live jazz.
An oasis in West Philly, which we feel is already kind of an oasis. It also boasts a beautiful farmers market from 10am-2pm every Saturday year-round, and on Thursdays from 3 pm-7 pm June-November. Pick up your fruits & veggies, goat cheeses, fresh cut flowers, and more from the local vendors.
This New American tavern offers 60-plus craft beers & brick-oven pizzas, plus an outdoor terrace.
An A-plus West Philly hang out serving a full complement of wine and beer on tap, plus snacks.
Exotic Ethiopian & Eritrean specialties served family-style. Tuesday nights, Dahlak is also a destination for West Philly karaoke fans looking to get loud. One of Philadelphia Magazines' best bars.
Celebrity Chef Jose Garces’ hip, modern cantina with pink walls & a karaoke room featuring “signature margaritas, over 250 tequilas and beer towers festooned with sugar skulls holding over 128 ounces of beer”
Brewpub in a century-old firehouse on Baltimore Avenue. Since then, it’s been serving gourmet wood-fired pizzas, char-grilled sandwiches, salads, and a half-dozen unfiltered draft selections, brewed just steps from the bar in a classic German copper brewhouse.
Philly Magazine says "Don Barriga just might be the source for great tacos, burritos, and barbacoa we on the other side of the Schuylkill have been waiting for." Regulars know that weekends are for lamb barbacoa and consommé.
A small Café with indoor and outdoor seating and a cozy atmosphere where you can sit have coffee checking your email with their free wifi or just chatting with friends. They even have open mic nights every 3rd Thursday of each month.
If you’re a serious beer nerd or dedicated whiskey drinker, you already know all about Fiume. - voted one of the best bars in Philadelphia by Philadelphia Magazine.
Fresh, locally bought ingredients make up the soups, salads and sandwiches at this cozy cafe. Neighbors come here for the hearty breakfast dishes and homemade desserts.
Colorful bi-level restaurant & bar with outdoor tables offering Ethiopian chow plus pool & sports on TV.
Contemporary plant-based fast-food café serving vegan burgers, sandwiches & salads, plus smoothies.
A West Philly institution. Great coffee, everything from vegan fare to donuts, and our favorite Gunpowder Green tea. Also wifi and plenty of comfortable chairs.
Two sister entrepreneurs took a leap on faith with their amazing gourmet sauces and landed in the “shark tank” – part II - the restaurant!
Injera, hummus & other Ethiopian eats in a colorful setting along with coffee & smoothies.
Argentine Café serving coffee, empanadas & pastries in a lovely European bistro / Tea House / Boutique for the home / Cooking Classes - a totally unique culinary experience.
Neighborhood craft beer bar with tasty chow and a killer little Bottle Shop. Their words but true.
West Philly Mexicana neighborhood taqueria & bar serving LA-style street food.
Father-daughter restaurateurs Marty and Sydney Grims bring luxe and French-inspired Louie Louie Bistro & Bar to University City. The restaurant menu is made up of French-leaning comfort food such as caramelized onion tarts, tuna Niçoise tartines, and mussels in white wine and garlic broth.
Bubble tea (ok “milk tea”), cappuccino, wifi and a front-row seat to Walnut Street. It also appears to be the name of their French Bulldog.
The community-owned grocery store in West Philadelphia offering fresh, local and organic items.
We eat here at least twice a week. Delicious Lebanese cuisine conjoined with a café serving smoothies, Lebanese deserts – especially baklava - and coffee.
A great spot for coffee, snacks, and sandwiches.
Sushi bar offering specialty rolls & Japanese favorites.
Regulars swear by the chaat—of which there are 34 versions—and the friendly service at twin Indian/Pakistani operations, where the takeout is popular and the shaved ice is to die for.
Pizzeria offering an extensive selection of specialty pizzas & sandwiches.
Modern Thai standby near the Penn campus with a huge menu.
Don’t let the modest exterior fool you. Home to some of the best Ethiopian fare.
Local micro coffee roasters share brews & expertise in a sleek & airy hangout with brass accents.
Café specializing in breakfast fare.
OK, we are sharing this with you because you’re a friend. This is the best middle eastern at a very reasonable price behind a very modest façade. Saad himself is there everyday with a warm greeting.
The name pretty much says it.
An intimate Korean/Japanese cuisine which Yelp reviews often start with some version of “ I feel I should let everyone l know about this treasure but I selfishly want to keep it a secret…”
A zen ramen haven.
University City’s version of Chinatown’s popular Vietnam Restaurant—both owned by the Lai family—offers sleek décor, traditional Vietnamese fare, warm atmosphere, and friendly service.
Quick pit stop for fried chicken & other American comfort food in a simple, wood-decked space.
Quick pit stop for fried chicken & other American comfort food in a simple, wood-decked space.
Relaxed Laotian-Thai BYOB spot serving curries, noodles, salads & soups in an intimate setting