By Michelle Hornaday
A historic
Philadelphia neighborhood founded by Irish-Catholic immigrants, Fishtown is enjoying a revival similar to other warehouse districts due to an influx of young professionals and artists, according to the
New York Times travel section. Fishtown is welcoming a new wave of restaurants while appreciating established neighborhood favorites, all of which offer residents and visitors a myriad of dining options.
Bistro Juliana
Bistro Juliana's mission is to "serve fresh and exceptionally prepared food at a low price." Open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner and Tuesday through Friday for lunch, Bistro Juliana specializes in Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. For lunch, choices include appetizers such as seafood Spiedino, salads such as classic Caesar, and daily panini sandwich specials. For dinner, try grilled octopus with ceci beans as a starter, a tricolore salad, and house special pasta Farfalle Juliana with prosciutto and a vodka cream sauce. Other entrees include salmon, veal, steak, chicken and a daily fish special. Bistro Juliana is located just off the Delaware Expressway near the riverfront and Port Richmond.
Bistro Juliana
2723 E. Cumberland St.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 425-2501
bistrojuliana.com
Memphis Taproom
Located in the "Port Fishington" neighborhood on the border of Fishtown, the Memphis Taproom loves beer of all kinds and offers a "rotating list of American craft beers in addition to Belgian, German and English" brew, according to the restaurant's website. A full bar and wine list are available for those accompanying beer fans and a featured bar food dish is chef Jesse Kimball's Beer-Battered Kosher dill pickles served with horseradish sauce, as seen in "Philadelphia" magazine and on a local TV segment. Other hot food options include Pilsner-brined hot wings and beef-and-onion pasties, while cold dishes include Hefeweizen hummus and baby spinach salad. Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty of options including a veggie burger, a club sandwich with tofu, and melted leek mac-and-cheese. Memphis Taproom is located near Aramingo Square at the corner of Cumberland and Memphis streets.
Memphis Taproom
2331 E. Cumberland St.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 425-4460
memphistaproom.com
Ida Mae's Bruncherie
Ida Mae's Bruncherie serves breakfast and lunch daily using ingredients from local farmers, butchers, brewers and cheesemakers, according to the restaurant's website. Ida Mae's Irish specialties include Soda Farl with homemade soda bread, a Full Irish Breakfast and Irish oatmeal. The inclusive breakfast menu served all day also features Challah French Toast, Huevos Rancheros, Beans on Toast, and a Tofu Scramble. As of January 2010, lunch service begins at 11 a.m. and features salads and various sandwiches such as a Black Russian, a flank steak and a tuna melt. Ida Mae's opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, also as of January 2010, and is located on the corner of Tulip and Norris streets.
Ida Mae's Bruncherie
2302 E. Norris St.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 426-4209
idamaes.com
Resources
About the Author:
Michelle Hornaday lives in Edmonds, Washington and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Washington State University and a Master of Education from Northern Arizona University. She is currently a freelance writer for various websites.
