Philadelphia, PA

Since I moved, I’ve been trying to take more trips in the East Coast. The northeast has the accessibility of trains. I took a day trip to Philadelphia on a Friday in late August of 2024 via Amtrak. Could I eat my way through the city while viewing some historic sites? Read on to find out.

Amtrak & Public Transportation

Philadelphia uses the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (aka SEPTA) system. The Amtrak ride to Philadelphia was relaxing, less than an hour and a half. I decided to take a late morning train so I could time my arrival with openings. I left from Moynihan Train Hall, which is connected to Penn Station in New York City. From William H. Gray III 30^th Street Station in Philadelphia, I took the subway toward Reading Terminal Market. Just like in Chicago, the subway and buses take contactless payment. I didn’t need a SEPTA Key Card.

LOVE Park

On the way to Reading Terminal, I passed by LOVE Park. Snap a photo under the iconic LOVE Sculpture by Robert Indiana. It’s located in John F. Kennedy Plaza (aka LOVE Park). It’s emblematic of Philadelphia, otherwise known as the City of Brotherly Love.

Reading Terminal Market

Pronounced red-ding (unlike what we do with books). Reading Terminal Market is a destination unto itself. The Market is open 8 am–6 pm. After researching the vendors in the website directory, I initially wanted to try the Dutch Eating Place for some Pennsylvania Dutch Fare. Knowing I had a full day of eating, I decided on something else. Understandably, the Dutch Eating Place was packed in the morning for breakfast when I arrived. But you can buy their baked goods for takeout as well.

Let me tell you about my favorites in Reading Terminal.

SAAMI SOMI

Khachapuri or cheeseboat from Saami Somi. This was my introduction to khachapuri and food from the country of Georgia. I was hesitant to start my adventure with such a carb-loaded meal, but when the steaming bread boat came out, my mouth watered. I was told to mix the raw egg and the cube of butter well with the different cheeses in the bread bowl. That bread was delicious on its own, it reminded me of sourdough bread with its crusty exterior. The idea is to break pieces of the bread and dip it into the oozing pool of cheese, which I happily did. I finished that cheeseboat and had no regrets.

Bassetts Ice Cream

Moose Tracks ice cream from Bassetts Ice Cream. Established in 1861, Bassetts is America’s oldest ice cream company. They have a line of workers ready to take your order. The Moose Tracks flavor is vanilla ice cream with Moose Tracks Fudge and peanut butter cups. I ate my double scoop after the cheeseboat. It fueled my walk to the historical sites in the city.

Termini Brothers

Pastry and sweets from Termini Brothers. Sad to say that I didn’t get to have their famous cannolis (wish they had a mini version). They pipe fresh ricotta into the cannoli when you order. I asked if the ricotta would last my train + subway ride home; I was regretfully told, “No” (I appreciated their honesty). I opted to try another of their sweet offerings, chocolate cups filled with almonds or macadamia. Termini Brothers’ cannoli will be at the top of my list the next time I visit Reading Terminal.

Be sure to use the restrooms at Reading Terminal Market before heading to the historical sites.

Independence Hall

Take a guided tour of Independence Hall, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reserve a time for $1 USD. See the green gray Assembly Room where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed, as well as the bisque-colored Supreme Court Chamber.

The steeple used to house the Liberty Bell, which has since been moved.

Liberty Bell

From Independence Hall, walk to the Liberty Bell, which is free to view. Stand in line through a security screening area. There are no restrooms at the Liberty Bell Center or Independence Hall. You’ll start at exhibits that show the history before being able to take a photo with the Liberty Bell itself.

South Philly Barbacoa

South Philly Barbacoa was the highlight of my day trip to Philadelphia. I took the bus from the Liberty Bell to South Philly (using contactless payment). Chef Cristina Martinez escaped violence and emigrated from Capulhuac, Mexico. She is a James Beard Award winner.

Barbacoa & Halal

Chef Martinez is known for her lamb barbacoa tacos. Barbacoa means slow-cooked meat. The restaurant became halal to be more inclusive of the local community, so they no longer serve pork. Halal means “permissible” or “lawful” in Arabic, referring to foods that Muslims can eat and prepared in a specific way (similar to the Jewish term “kosher).”

Lamb Barbacoa

The lamb was covered in banana leaves and kept in a clear glass case under lights, where a chef shredded the lamb for my taco order. Toppings are up to the customer to add. I just added diced raw onions, highlighting the lamb. I bit into my taco and let the lamb juices drip off my mouth and onto the plate.

South Philly Barbacoa accepts cash only, so come prepared and hungry. I would visit Philadelphia just for these tacos.

Cheesesteak from John’s Roast Pork

One can’t leave Philadelphia without trying a Philly cheesesteak. I read reviews online. Even though I was in South Philly, near Pat’s and Geno’s, I opted to go where some locals go. John’s Roast Pork had great reviews and photos of their cheesesteaks (I eat with my eyes).

Knowing a Philly cheesesteak would be filling, I decided to take it to go. My Philly cheesesteak was made with onions and sharp Provolone cheese (I was excited when they gave me a choice of cheese).

I ate half of the cheesesteak the next day. Although the photo above seems like it’s only meat in between the hoagie, I was happily surprised to taste the onions and the cheese once I bit into the sandwich (after heating it in the oven). Thinly sliced steak was juicy. Onions and cheese were seamlessly incorporated with the steak so I tasted all three in every bite.

Even two days after, which is when I ate the second half, it was still tasty. I can only imagine how much better it tastes when eaten outside their stand (they have outdoor seating).

Elfreth’s Alley & Betsy Ross House

From John’s Roast Pork, I took the bus back up north. In the late afternoon, I strolled Elfreth’s Alley (row of historic houses on a cobblestone alley designated a National Historic Landmark) and the Betsy Ross House. It was an enjoyable walk and a chance to digest.

Goldie

Ended my day with a Turkish Coffee Tehina Shake from Goldie (recommended by friends). Goldie is a falafel restaurant. Tehina or tahina is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. It has an earthy and nutty flavor. The shake was topped with halva (sweet confection like fudge).

Goldie has several locations. Walking back to the train station, I slurped my shake until my train arrived.

Fun day trip from NYC

Before heading back to the train station, I returned to Reading Terminal Market to buy more goodies to take back home. Definitely less people in the Market in the evening than in the morning.

I splurged a little extra to take the Amtrak Acela Express Train, which made less stops. Taking the 8 pm train, I rode it with people commuting back to NYC from Philadelphia.

There’s so much more to see and taste in Philadelphia. I’d gladly visit again. A day trip from New York City is certainly a worthwhile adventure in food and history.