Spanning the area from Broad to 11th Street and Market to Spruce Street, this formerly defunct neighborhood (renamed Midtown Village a few years ago) has gone through an incredible revival. Now a haven for those seeking unique boutiques and chic independent restaurants, the area is friendly and energetic. It has the perfect atmosphere for shopping and terrific food. With the restaurant scene booming, there are plenty of places you’ll want to try. If the establishment is open, lunch can be an ideal time to visit. Many of the places will be less crowded during the workday, and there are midday deals that aren’t available during prime dinner hours. The specials listed here will have you calling to friends or coworkers, “Let’s do lunch!”
El Vez
121 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 928-9800
www.elvezrestaurant.com
With a low-rider motorcycle rotating above the bar, a “Day of the Dead” wall and an old-fashioned photo booth as just some of the unique components that make up the decor at El Vez, it’s no surprise that this Stephen Starr spot is a Midtown Village favorite for a good time. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the menu of classic and creative Mexican dishes is also incredible. Visit Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. to enjoy the “Poquito Dinero Lunch.” The two-course special includes your choice of tortilla soup, Mexican chopped salad or Mexican Caesar salad followed by your choice of braised short rib burrito, black bean enchiladas, chicken tacos or chicken torta with roasted hot peppers. The $14.99 meal also includes a soft drink.
Related: Top Burritos In Philadelphia
(Credit: Michelle Hein)
Indeblue Indian Cuisine Restaurant & Bar
205 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-4633
www.indebluerestaurant.com
Spinning off of the popular Indeblue BYOB in Collingswood, NJ, the Midtown Village location offers a menu combining Indian classics as well as updated versions of traditional Indian cuisine. The newer spot, however, also features an extensive wine and beer list as well as a full bar. The menu is divided into categories including savory snacks, beginnings, small plates, entrees, sample platters, accompaniments and bread. For the best deal, order the “Express Lunch Special” which includes your choice of one savory snack or beginnings and one entree. Veggie samosa, battered chicken wings, aloo makkai tikki, chicken madras and lamb rogan josh are just a few highlights. The two-course $15 lunch is available for dine-in or take-out and offered Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Little Nonna’s
1234 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-2100
www.littlenonnas.com
Little Nonna’s opened in 2013, making yet another great Midtown Village restaurant from the restaurateur duo of Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney. During lunch, Chef Turney offers a special of the popular spaghetti and meatballs for $14 ($2 less than the dinner price). The Italian comfort food favorite includes meatballs made with beef, veal and pork that are stuffed with Fontina cheese and served with braised pork marinara, basil and grated parmesan cheese. The portion size is generous and the pasta is delicious. If you have time for a longer lunch, go for the tasting menu. The three-course meal costs $20 per person. Lunch is served Monday through Saturday from 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
(Credit: Michelle Hein)
McGillin’s Olde Ale House
1310 Drury St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 735-5562
www.mcgillins.com
Open for over 150 years, McGillin’s Olde Ale House is incredibly proud to be the city’s longest continuously operating tavern. Since opening its doors in 1860, the Philly favorite has been run by only two families. The rich history and family tradition contributes to the relaxed, homey atmosphere that has made McGillin’s so successful over the years. Guests are welcomed like old friends, the drinks run freely and the grub is primarily of the comfort food variety. And it’s all very fairly priced. Visit during lunch and enjoy a free bowl of homemade soup from a big, old-fashioned self-serve kettle. It’s the perfect starter to meals like the lightly breaded crab cakes, fried shrimp or the always popular “Mile High Meatloaf.”
Opa
1311 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-0170
www.opaphiladelphia.com
The popular Opa is known for its stylish, cool decor and contemporary Greek-Mediterranean tavern food. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. While there is a full a la carte menu, the best options are the two lunch specials. The “Mediterranean Express” is $10 and includes a half sandwich (such as a crispy chicken panini or Greek roast pork) with house-cut oregano fries and soup or a half sandwich and half salad. The $15 “Mesimeri Special” is a two-course lunch including soup or salad and your choice of entree. All of the lunch specials include a soft drink.
Michelle Hein is the social media editor for a women’s fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn’t pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery…perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer husband would love to open.
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