Top Places for Lunch Near the Liberty Bell

Open seasonally (April through October), Independence Beer Garden features an approachable menu packed with crowd pleasers like pigs in a blanket, al pastor tacos and strawberry shortcake. Kids of all ages love playing shuffleboard or Ping-Pong out back, while the 40 beers on tap give adults plenty of options.

Originally serving as the country’s first commodities exchange, The Bourse Food Hall is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The building houses a modern indoor food court with many delicious food and drink options from more than 25 different eateries and purveyors.

On the ground floor of Hotel Monaco, Red Owl Tavern adds a dose of modernity to the classic tavern experience with a menu that includes smoked chicken wings, mussels, salads and more. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere appeals to solo diners, families and groups, and shaded outdoor seating situated across the street from Independence Hall lets guests eat with views of some of the country’s most historic sites.

Tucked inside the Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown, this elegant bistro satisfies afternoon crowds with classic American fare like a baby spinach salad with spicy pecans and blue cheese crumbles, deviled eggs with crispy pork belly bits, and the Poor Richard’s Club, which piles turkey breast, smashed avocado, smoked bacon and veggies on a sourdough roll. The coffee bar serves fresh-baked Au Fournil pastries from La Colombe coffee.

In addition to an approachable menu of classic American favorites, Jones features a bi-level space and retro-chic decor. The design-your-own-salad is a popular menu choice, as are the alcoholic milkshakes and specialty cocktails.

The distinctive Asian fare at Buddakan includes family-style dishes like dumplings, salad, lamb chops and lobster fried rice. The lunch menu features a popular bento box, which comes with three courses and an option to add dessert.

Patrons enjoy sit-down lunches or opt for take out at High Street on Market, which has consistently ranked among the city’s best restaurants since it opened in 2013. Be sure to sample the fresh-baked pastries and buzzed-about breads alongside menu items like Rival Brothers Coffee, artisanal sandwiches, salads and sides.

Open for lunch Monday through Friday, this high-design restaurant from renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto serves an assortment of fresh sushi, appetizers and noodles. The elegantly prepared Japanese dishes pair well with the selection of creative specialty cocktails from the bar.

The self-dubbed “Original Falafel Restaurant” packs in hungry patrons with an array of Middle Eastern grub that satisfies vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Sandwiches are made with pita bread that’s stuffed with ingredients like falafel, smoked eggplant, lamb and hummus, and then served with a salad and plenty of tahini sauce for drizzling. Patrons can also choose from a selection of kebobs, salads and a combo platter that lets you try a bunch of goodies on one plate.

Jose Garces serves Andalusian-style Spanish cuisine at Amada, where the authentic decor includes hams hanging from the ceiling and wine barrels lining the walls. Open for lunch on weekdays and brunch on weekends, the tapas-based menu is a perfect choice for groups who want to sample several of the restaurant’s mouthwatering items.

Popular for its wide selection of sustainably and locally sourced dishes and cocktails, FARMiCiA features several distinct spaces within its restaurant, including an airy dining room and the Farm Bar, where solo diners can grab a seat for lunch. The eatery also offers outdoor seating, floor-to-ceiling windows and a kids’ menu to keep little ones happy.

Located a couple blocks from Independence Hall, FRIEDA serves up delicious breakfast and lunch fare — think salads, avocado toast and a variety of quiches — in a bright, welcoming atmosphere. Those looking for a quick fuel-up can nab a cup of coffee along with one of the decadent French pastries on display. May we suggest the almond croissant?

Sonny’s Famous Steaks serves up popular, made-to-order cheesesteaks (with a variety of cheeses and toppings) as well as rib-eye burgers, cheese fries, onion rings and more. Large parties can reserve tables in advance, making Sonny’s a convenient and affordable option for group dining.

In between sightseeing, partake in another essential local leisurely pursuit by enjoying an authentic Philly cheesesteak or hoagie at Campo’s. The popular spot, which originally opened in 1947 as a small grocery store and luncheonette, sources its rolls from Sarcone’s, the celebrated bakery in South Philly.

Stroll from the Historic District through Washington Square to Talula’s Daily, a casual café from the team behind the well-known dinner destination Talula’s Garden (located next door). Patrons can enjoy a selection of fresh pastries, salads, sandwiches and gourmet items in the quaint dining room or take their food to go for an al fresco picnic in the park.

Lunch at Revolution House is a perfect complement to a busy day of sightseeing in Historic Philadelphia. The corner eatery hat-tips its historic surroundings with rustic accouterments repurposed from Pennsylvania materials, such as concrete tables inlaid with vintage skeleton keys, an American flag crafted from reclaimed Lancaster County pine and wainscoting made from old Philadelphia school doors. Guests find internationally influenced comfort food on the menu — think wood-fired pizzas, juicy burgers and pulled-pork sandwiches — and eight craft beers on draft from local brewers. On warmer days, the rooftop terrace is the place to be, with its views of Old City landmarks like Christ Church and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

Settle into one of the plush booths in this stylish, retro diner-inspired bistro to enjoy a plentiful selection of salads, sandwiches and entrees inspired by cuisines from around the globe. Salads are particularly bountiful here, and hearty sandwiches, like the Asian shrimp po’ boy and veggie “cheesesteak,” will surely fill you up for an afternoon of sightseeing. For an ultimate treat-yourself experience, have the bartender shake you up one of the 10 martinis on the menu. They’re some of the best in town.

CNN and Anthony Bourdain have sung the praises of this buzzing Sichuan food house located in the historic Corn Exchange Building in Old City. Afternoon patrons find a lengthy menu of contemporary Chinese fare on the lunch menu, including dry pepper-style fish and chicken, eggplant with garlic sauce and mapo tofu. The dan dan noodles and spicy crispy cucumber are particular crowd pleasers on the appetizer menu.

Stellar, handcrafted beers draw crowds to this lively brewpub in Old City, which serves nearly a dozen types of suds brewed onsite. Popular pub fare from around the world shows up on the menu in the form of poutine, beer-battered fish and chips, and house-made pretzels served with fondue and black garlic brewers mustard.

A well-stocked raw bar, charcuterie and an array of French-inspired entrees and sandwiches are on the menu at this cozy eatery helmed by Top Chef winner Nick Elmi. Settle in to a table seat and enjoy a classy lunch spread that includes jumbo shrimp cocktail, blue crab Louis and the divine Boucherie burger, with bacon, American cheese and truffle mayo.

Franklin Square, one of Philadelphia’s original five public squares, is home to a mini-golf course, a carousel and SquareBurger, a burger shack selling BBQ pulled pork, fries, salads and more. The signature Cake Shake blended with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets is a highlight.

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Peru at this trendy dining room and bar on busy 2nd Street in Old City. Begin with one of five ceviches made with anything from octopus to marinated lobster to shrimp before making your way to the lomo saltado, a traditional and no-nonsense Andean dish that pairs seasoned steak with a hefty pile of fries.

Drink and dine as Founding Fathers did at City Tavern, which recreates the food, drink and ambiance that comforted the framers of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution as they argued over the documents late into many nights. Look forward to colonial haute cuisine, costumed waitstaff and colonial-era desserts and drinks.

Beautifully prepared sushi rolls and sashimi are in ample supply, but raw offerings only scratch the surface of what’s available at this chic Japanese restaurant in Old City. Patrons looking for cooked fare can choose from five noodle- and rice-based dishes, donburi with pork or ginger tofu, and lobster fried rice.