Takeout Foods to Include in Your Perfect Philly Picnic
Sun's out, buns out (and cheese and pastries!). Elevate your Philly park hang with these gourmet goodies.
The lobster roll kit from Oyster House / Photograph by Michael Persico
As Philly warms up and the parks fill with loungers and lunchers, there’s no better time to plan a picture-perfect picnic. We’ve already given you some suggestions for where to go, but what will you be packing in your basket? Whether you’re headed to Rittenhouse Square, Clark Park, or your favorite secret spot under the trees, the key to an unforgettable al fresco spread is all in the goodies.
From fresh-baked baguettes and artisanal cheeses to sweet treats and coffee to-go, Philly is full of spots ready to pack your picnic basket with flair. Here’s where to stock up before you hit the grass.
Rittenhouse Square
Lobster Roll Kit from Oyster House
Want to really level-up your picnic? This one will take a little planning ahead, since it requires 24 hours notice, but it’s luxe AF. For $168, you get all you need to make six lobster rolls: buns, fresh Maine Lobster meat, dressing, and clarified butter. Call (215) 567-7683 to order. 1516 Sansom Street.
Bread from Parc
Let’s start with the basics. Parc’s crusty baguettes are iconic for a reason. Perfect for tearing and sharing, or pairing with cheese and spreads, they add an instant upgrade to your blanket setup. And they’re super easy to acquire, since Parc has a window just for takeout bread! Add on some butter, or mix things up with their bread du jour like Herbes de Provence focaccia and currant-oatmeal swirl. 227 South 18th Street.
Cheese from DiBruno Bros.
Grab a pre-made tray or — better yet — ask the cheesemonger to help you build a picnic-perfect board personalized to you. Add on accoutrements like jams, charcuterie, candied nuts, and more. 1730 Chestnut Street.
Pastries from Metropolitan Bakery
A box of cookies, a flaky croissant, anything from this neighborhood-favorite cafe will make your spread a little sweeter. 262 South 19th Street.
Hummus from Goldie
Rich, creamy, and accompanied by seasonal salatim, this is not your average grocery store hummus. Bonus: It comes with fresh-baked pita. Still hungry? Throw in a “Bag of Balls” (six pieces of falafel with dipping sauce). 1911 Sansom Street.
Penn Treaty Park
Pastéis de nata at Gilda. / Photograph by Michael Persico
Pastéis de nata from Gilda
These sweet, eggy delights sell out quickly, so start your picnic venture early. If they’re out for the day, though, take some solace in some excellent all-day breakfast sandwiches. 300 East Girard Avenue.
Hummus and mezze from Suraya
The Lebanese market and all-day cafe has a lot to offer, but your picnic is just crying out for some fluffy pita, pomegranate-laced baba ganoush, creamy hummus, and even creamier labneh. 1528 Frankford Avenue.
Slices from Pizza Shackamaxon
Some of the best pizza in the city comes out of that little window, looking all charred and perfectly cheesy. And while you’ll probably want to eat it on the sidewalk along with everyone else, perhaps you resist for a few blocks and enjoy on your blanket instead. 115 East Girard Avenue #3907.
Ice cream sandwiches from Weckerly’s
Finish up your meal with something sweet: a few freshly made $6 seasonal confections from Weckerly’s, wrapped just right with that satisfying cookie crunch. 9 West Girard Avenue.
Washington Square
Samgak kimbap at Cafe Walnut / Photograph courtesy of Ashley Lee / Photo courtesy of Ashley Lee
Samgak Kimbap from Cafe Walnut
These delicious little triangles were made for on-the-go eating, so they’re the perfect picnic food. Wrapped in nori and filled with rice and your choice of kimchi, spicy tuna, or chicken, they’re little and fun enough to try ’em all. 703 Walnut Street.
Coffee from Thank You Thank You
This cozy coffee window is perfect for a grab-and-go cold brew or iced latte to sip while you lounge under the trees. 700 Sansom Street.
Cheese tray from Talula’s Daily
Right on the square, this market-cafe hybrid offers curated cheese boards with all the trimmings. Plus, vibrant seasonal salads, bread to go with, and an ever-expansive coffee menu. 208 West Washington Square.
Bread from High Street Bakery
Freshly baked daily, High Street’s bread selection warrants its own storefront next to its parent restaurant. The Epi Baguette pulls apart for easy picnic snacking, and the garlic-rosemary boule is so good you won’t be impolite for chaotically tearing at it like a raccoon on the porch. There’s something for everyone, is what I’m saying. 101 South 9th Street, suite 350.
Clark Park
Empanadas from Jezabel’s / Photograph by Chloé Pantazi-Wolber
Empanadas from Jezabel’s
Pre-order a box to-go of your favorite varieties — from vegetarian to meat-filled delights — and maybe also throw in some chocolate alfajores for a little something sweet. 206-208 South 45th Street.
Fried chicken from Doro Bet
I mean, how can you not? The beloved Ethiopian chicken spot is right there, and it’s arguably the best and most unique fried chicken in the city. Go for the Alicha fried chicken, all lemony and spicy, and get extra for later. 4533 Baltimore Avenue.
Injera wraps from Alif Brew & Mini Mart
Spongy, freshly made, and bursting with flavor, these wraps are the perfect self-contained meals. 4501 Baltimore Avenue.
Pastries from Four Worlds Bakery
Just a short walk away, this low-key gem has some of the best croissants in the city, with interesting flavors like pistachio cream swirl and even the savory spinach-ricotta. They’ve also got chocolate and almond varieties for the purists. 4634 Woodland Avenue.
