Guide to Philadelphia Food Halls and Public Markets

Set below a former railroad terminal that’s now a National Historic Landmark building, Center City’s 126-year-old Reading Terminal Market serves as both a dazzling tourist destination and a source for fresh produce, seafood, meats and cheese for locals. Dozens of restaurants dish up breakfast and lunch daily, with the choices spanning from Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine to Thai curries to fancy corndogs. Retail merchants sell housewares, jewelry, linens and more.

Not quite a food hall by the strictest definition, this outdoor Mache has always hosted restaurants in addition to merchants. These days, the choices are just as likely to be Southeast Asian and Mexican as Italian, with plenty of cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches thrown in for good measure.

Ardmore’s well-heeled Suburban Square treats its shoppers to a diverse fast-eats destination. The spread includes Middle Eastern, seafood, sushi, Thai, baked goods, Saxbys coffee, a full array of DiBruno Bros. made-to-order and grab-and-go items and flowers (to ensure a perfectly set table, of course).

In downtown Kennett Square, a 10,000-square-foot indoor market houses a smorgasbord of treats. Among the selections: burgers, breakfast sandwiches, shakes, tacos, pizza and even wine and cider by the glass, courtesy of Paradocx Vineyard.

The Historic District’s circa 1895 commodities exchange has transformed into a delicacy-filled artisan market in the style of Chelsea Market and so many other prime examples. The burnished, Victorian-era member of the National Register of Historic Places across the street from Independence Mall was most recently a food court. Now, Bous la’s new incarnation delivers an experience befitting Philadelphia’s current and centuries-old reputation as a city of makers — and eaters. Among the 27 tenants in the mix: LALO (Filipino), Mighty Melt (grilled cheese), Scoop de Ville (ice cream), Bluebird Distilling (spirits), Prescription Chicken (soup), Chaat and Chai (Indian) and Chocodiem (chocolate).

This two-story hub houses cuisines from Korea to Cambodia with an emphasis on fun and stylish street food. It’s not just a lunchtime spot, however — the Kare stays open until well after midnight with nighttime cocktails and karaoke.

La food hall on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus keeps a local focus, with DK Sushi, Pitruco (pizza), Goldie (vegan falafel), KQ Burger, High Street on Market (sandwiches and baked goods) and The Juice Merchant all representing serious Philly flavors. The food hall seats 175 people in a cafeteria-style setting and offers breakfast through dinner options.