Where to Stop for Food Near the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia
Refuel from your rides and runs with these delicious and nutritious spots located just off of the Schuylkill River Trail.
Exiting at the South Street Bridge is just one option to score some food near Schuylkill River Trail. / Photograph by Caroline Cunningham
It’s no secret that the Schuylkill River Trail is Philadelphia’s most popular multi-use trail. In fact, it was even dubbed the best urban trail in the nation in 2015. So, since we’re all schlepping up and down the SRT pretty much allll the time, we saw it fitting to round up some places to eat just off of the trail, end to end in the Philadelphia section, for fuel along the way.
Because hanger interrupting your fitness or mileage goals is a real buzz kill, keep this list handy for suggestions on where to find the best healthy food near the Schuylkill River Trail. Organized by different trail landmarks in the Philadelphia area, read on for the 4-1-1 on where to score some healthy and filling meals to fuel your Schuylkill River Trail workout.
If you’re near the South Street Bridge …
Honey’s Sit ‘N Eat
Where: 2101 South Street, Graduate Hospital
What: A bagel with lox scramble from this cash-only joint is fabulous fuel for a ride on the SRT from end to end.
Ants Pants Cafe
Where: 2212 South Street, Graduate Hospital
What: This Australian transplant fast-casual spot serves a reasonably priced brunch and lunch menu full of healthy options like the vegetarian sweet potato hash or the oatmeal, but their egg sandwiches would also make a hearty pre-run breakfast. Note: Ants Pants is also cash only.
If you’re near the Art Museum …
La Calaca Feliz
Where: 2321 Fairmount Avenue, Fairmount
What: This is perhaps a better option for after your run or ride so you can fully commit to the righteous guacamole. For a lighter option, go for the cauliflower tacos or, if you’re there at dinnertime, the mahi mahi version.
Whole Foods
Where: 2101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Center City
What: With options like Goldie, Dizengoff, Royal Izakaya, AND a hot bar and salad bar — Whole Foods might be the best unexpected spot for a healthy bite in the area.
Hickory Lane American Bistro
Where: 2025 Fairmount Avenue, Fairmount
What: A vegan-friendly veggie burger catches our eye, as does the beet and goat cheese salad. Both are available during brunch and dinner service.
If you’re near the Falls Bridge …
In Riva
Where: 4116 Ridge Avenue, East Falls
What: Nestled right across the street from the trail, In Riva is best known for its pizzas, but the bistro’s dinner menu also features veggie-packed salad options, including the broccolini Caesar, which features pistachios, pecorino, and prosciutto.
Trolley Car Cafe
Where: 3269 South Ferry Road, East Falls
What: With a lovely outdoor patio boasting a view of the trail you just hopped off of, Trolley Car Cafe is a trustworthy spot for lighter bites like smoothies and salads as well as interesting takes on sandwiches, like the salmon cheesesteak.
LeBus East Falls
Where: 4201 Ridge Avenue, East Falls
What: Ample veggie-friendly options are scattered throughout this clearly labeled menu. For a healthy brunch bite, a vegetable frittata or zucchini fritters are both prime options. As for lunch and dinner, there are salads galore and veggie wings made of asparagus, cauliflower, and crimini mushrooms.
If you’re passing through Manayunk …
The Couch Tomato Café
Where: 102 Rector Street, Manayunk
What: Serving primarily organic, local, and antibiotic-free produce and meats, the Couch Tomato is a prime healthy option for delicious salads, sandwiches, and artisanal pizzas — many of which are vegan- or gluten-free-friendly. If your run or ride is over, head upstairs to the bistro, where alcohol is served alongside a slightly different menu.
Winnie’s
Where: 4266 Main Street, Manayunk
What: This is a spot that’s used to feeding local runners and cyclists. Its brunch menu boasts berry oatmeal with cinnamon agave, and you can even build your own omelet. Plenty of seafood and salad options make for a healthy dinner option as well.
The Juice Merchant
Where: 4330 Main Street, Manayunk
What: This eatery has juices, smoothies, and açaí bowls galore as well as avocado toast.
If you’re passing through the Wissahickon …
Trolley Car Diner
Where: 7619 Germantown Avenue, Mt. Airy
What: Not to be mistaken with the Trolley Car Cafe, this eatery features lots of diner classics, but you can still find healthy staples like spinach salads and veggie omelets.
Valley Green Inn
Where: Valley Green Road at Wissahickon Valley Park
What: Providing beautiful scenery for your dining experience, this historical Wissahickon spot serves some fairly healthy brunch options — like oatmeal and eggs — as well as lighter lunch and dinner options such as seafood, salad, and a veggie burger.
The Cedars House
Where: 200 West Northwestern Avenue, Chestnut Hill
What: Great for breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and La Colombe coffee, the Cedars House is a solid stop before heading back toward downtown.
Additional research by Mary Clare Fischer
