Since the late 19th century, Philadelphia has been home to some of the country’s most iconic food destinations. On Thursday, November 15, 2018, The Philadelphia Bourse, a new artisan food hall in an 1895 Victorian commodities exchange, joins the ranks of Philly’s 125-year-old Reading Terminal Market and century-plus 9th Street Italian Market. The Bourse’s debut is both deliciously dramatic yet completely natural for a region where such foodie spots thrive. Here are some of the region’s top food halls and markets:
Food Halls:
- Chinatown Square – 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 Square stays open until well after midnight with nighttime cocktails and karaoke. 1016-18 Race Street,
(267) 758-6118, chinatownsq.com - Franklin’s Table Food Hall – The new food hall on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus keeps a local focus, with DK Sushi, Pitruco (pizza), Goldie (vegan falafel), KQ Burger, Little Baby’s Ice Cream, High Street on Market (sandwiches and baked goods) and The Juice Merchant all representing serious Philly flavors. The food hall seats about 170 people in a cafeteria-style setting and offers breakfast through dinner options. 3401 Walnut Street
- The Philadelphia Bourse – The circa 1895 commodities exchange within view of Independence Hall now serves as an artisan food hall in the style of Chelsea Market. The new incarnation of the burnished, Victorian-era member of the National Register of Historic Places offers an experience befitting Philadelphia’s current and centuries-old reputation as a city of makers. Among the 30 tenants in the mix: Mighty Melt (grilled cheese), Lalo (Filipino), Bluebird Distilling, Prescription Chicken (soup), Pinch Dumplings (Chinese), Ka’moon (halal Egyptian) and FreeByrd Chicken (Southern). 111 S. Independence Mall East, (215) 625-0300, theboursephilly.com
Markets:
- 9th Street Italian Market – Not quite a food hall by the strictest definition, this outdoor market 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. 9th Street between Wharton & Fitzwater Streets, (215) 278-2903, italianmarketphilly.org
- Ardmore Farmers Market – 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, Saxby’s 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). 120 Coulter Avenue, Ardmore, (610) 896-7560, suburbansquare.com
- The Market at Liberty Place – In downtown Kennett Square, a 10,000-square-foot indoor market houses a smorgasbord of treats. Among the selections: burgers, tapas, breakfast sandwiches, tacos, pizza, ice cream and even wine and cider by the glass, courtesy of Paradocx Vineyard. 148 W. State Street, Kennett Square, (610) 925-3411, themarketatlibertyplace.com
- Reading Terminal Market – Set below a former railroad terminal that’s now a National Historic Landmark building, Center City’s 125-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. 12th & Arch Streets, (215) 922-2317, readingterminalmarket.org
VISIT PHILADELPHIA® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.
On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.
