The Best Restaurants on Washington Avenue
With its tacos, Vietnamese classics, and sandwiches worth journaling about, Washington Avenue is easily one of Philly's greatest dining hubs.
A hoagie from Breezy’s Deli & Market. / Photograph by Scott Campbell
While Washington Avenue isn’t a neighborhood, it is a demarcation point in the city. Head north, and you’ll hit Center City, with all its tall buildings and summer Sips anarchy. Go south, and you’re headed into Point Breeze, Passyunk and Pennsport — South Philadelphia neighborhoods full of grit and personality.
Along Washington Avenue, though, you’ll find Indonesian and Vietnamese classic establishments, excellent Mexican fare, and a sandwich spot with pork cracklings that will change the way you think about them. All of these spots warrant a trip on their own. But bundle a couple together, and this guide will come in handy the next time you’re planning a food crawl.
Breezy’s Deli and Market
Porco’s owner Chad Durkin recently brought us a new deli to satisfy all hoagie cravings, from classic (Italiano) to cheffy (smoked trout and cheese) and an eggplant-based vegan option. 2235 Washington Avenue.
Martabak Ok
Martabak Ok is a testament to the breadth of Philly’s food scene — not only do we have great Indonesian food, but we have a whole cafe dedicated to martabak. Get a variety of these stuffed pancakes, which come in savory and sweet (with options to try individual minis or full helpings in both cases). 1801 Washington Avenue.
Porco’s porchetta sandwich | Photograph courtesy of Porco’s Porchetteria/Small Oven Pastry Shop
Porco’s Porchetteria/Small Oven Pastry Shop
What can we say about Porco’s that we haven’t already said? Their sandwiches, which come piled with juicy porchetta and crunchy skin, are among the best in the city, and they also sell bite-sized desserts and rainbow cake. Make sure to check out their weekly-changing soft-serve flavors while you’re at it. 2204 Washington Avenue.
Phở 75
Phở 75 is one of the busiest phở spots in a city for a reason: the phở is excellent, the service is fast, and there are plenty of tables. Nothing more and nothing less. Phở 75 is exactly what we need it to be and it hits the spot every time. Be sure to tap the MAC before you go — they’re cash only. 1122 Washington Avenue, unit F.
Nam Phuong
Unlike Phở 75 — which only serves phở — this long-standing Vietnamese spot has an extensive menu of harder-to-find dishes like bánh cuốn, steamed rice rolls filled with pork. 1100 Washington Avenue.
Nasi bungkus at Sky Cafe / Photograph by Michael Persico
Sky Cafe
There’s no wrong way to approach a meal at this Indonesian restaurant. But if you’re a first-timer, know that the nasi lemak ayam goreng is our favorite — it’s sweet from the coconut rice, sour and crunchy with assorted pickles, and salty from a big hunk of fried chicken and anchovies standing by for support. 1122-38 Washington Avenue, unit B.
Wokano
South Philadelphians don’t necessarily have to go to Chinatown for dim sum. Instead, make a beeline for Wokano’s dining room, where you can get cart service every day at lunchtime and Cantonese classics like pork buns, fried bean curd, and clams in sticky-thick black bean sauce. 1100 Washington Avenue.
Photograph courtesy of Cafe Ynez
Cafe Ynez
Cafe Ynez has a menu that includes all the necessities of a neighborhood Mexican spot: tacos, burritos and quesadillas. But we’re particular fans of the half roasted chicken, which comes with two sides — and easily feeds two people — for around $20. Follow it up with a beer at Dock Street for a casual date night that costs roughly $35 in total. 2025 Washington Avenue.
Chick’s
Chick’s is the neighborhood bar of Washington Avenue — ideal for watching the game, eating a burger, and maybe sharing a couple of pizzas. 1807 Washington Avenue.
Plaza Garibaldi
If you require drinks with your Mexican food, Plaza Garibaldi has them, alongside a long and varied menu with everything from tacos and burritos to huaraches and a small menu of mariscos. 935 Washington Avenue.
Photograph courtesy of Dock Street Brewery South
Dock Street Brewery South
This industrial stretch of Washington Avenue is a surprising location for a brewery and pizza spot, but there’s really nowhere in Philly where great beer and great pizza (and in the mornings, great coffee) aren’t appreciated. It’s a spacious spot that’s great for group hangs and parties. 2118 Washington Avenue.
Ba Le Bakery
A Philadelphia staple for all kinds of bánh mì plus iced coffee, desserts, and pre-made Vietnamese specialties. 606 Washington Avenue.
Sophie’s Kitchen
Papaya salad, deep-fried chicken wings, and shaking beef are on the menu at Sophie’s Kitchen, a cozy dining room that serves all manner of Cambodian dishes. 522 Washington Avenue.
