r/PhiladelphiaEats

What’s the best. Not from this area, not super familiar with what’s out there. Taking someone who has never tried it. Looking for amazing tearjerking pho, the salty broth, perfect noodles, if you know you know sort of what I’m describing.

Thank you for your input.

I’ve been hearing some pretty concerning things through the grapevine about Bastia at Anna & Bel since the hotel went independent and brought in some weird hospitality dude who became their asset/project manager.

I also saw a post on here saying the hotel had essentially been bought out by some “finance bro VC” types, which made me curious about what’s actually been happening behind the scenes.

The reports I’ve heard include longtime employees allegedly going without raises, promises about promotions and owed PTO not being honored, severe understaffing, and longtime employees being pushed out after new operational leadership came in.

More concerning are reports that someone with publicly documented allegations involving children from previous work at a New York private school was hired. Employees reportedly raised concerns, but say they weren’t properly addressed.

There are also claims that people who spoke up faced retaliation.

Curious if anyone else has heard about this or has firsthand experience with what’s been happening there.

So, today marks the first of my many reviews of the Philadelphia Taco Bells

I was in Center City today visiting my doctor, so i decided to check out the location at 1037 Chestnut St

My order for every store will be the same: 1x Hard Shell Taco, 1x Steak Quesadilla, & 1x Bean Burrito

I will be grading each item on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the best) on 3 counts: Quality if Ingredients, Preparation of the meal, & Overall Taste

Hard shell taco

This is a picture perfect hard shell taco. The shell had enough flexibility to not shatter as i bit, but wasnt soggy or stale. It had a decent amount of lettuce and cheese, and the lettuce was quite fresh. The meat was also quite juicy, but sadly not too flavorful. This is likely due to it being too juicy as some of the meat did fall out of the shell due to being too wet to hold shape and that added moisture content prevented the flavor from being concentrated.

Ingredients 4/5

Presentation 4/5

Taste 4/5

Steak quesadilla

Simply perfect. I dont think ive ever had a steak quesadilla at a taco bell that was this good. The steak was so soft it was almost a brisket, the cheese, while not thuroughly melted, was moist and soft and could easily be mistaken for a grilled cheese. And the sauce was very strong. There was no skimping on any ingredients here. If i had any real complaint to make, it would be that the slices were not evenly spaced and i do wish all of the cheese had been 100% melted

Ingredients 5/5

Presentation 4/5

Taste 5/5

Bean burrito

This... brought me back down to earth. This was clearly reheated. The beans were clearly dry and overcooked in some parts. Theres a lot of cheese but i cant taste ANY enchilada sauce (the best part of the taco bell burrito imo), and because the cheese flavor is so strong, i cant even make out the taste of the onion, even though i can still crunch into it

Ingredients 2/5

Presentation 3/5

Taste 1/5

The place clearly specializes in the quality of its cheese. Theyre practically giving it away with how much of it they use. But this is for better AND worse as it results in the best quesadilla in the world and a burrito that only tastes like melted cheese.

I do recomend this location if only to try out their utterly perfect Quesadillas, but if you dont go to taco bell for the cheese (such as prefering a crunchwrap, burrito, etc), i can't really recommend this location

There is also the noted downside of location, as being in Center City means you can't access this place by car and so there is no drive through. If you have medical concerns and dont want to stand inside making your order, or you dont like public transportation, this will rank lower for thise of you.

Today, I’m tired of Monin and Torani. Which coffee shops are making their own syrups for fall drinks?

Drop the shop below. I'll compile everything into one list and post it back here for anyone building a menu or hunting for a good cup.

I'll start: Herman's Coffee.

I’m planning my anniversary in Philly and hoping to find a nice restaurant in Chinatown or nearby. Does anyone have any recommendations for intimate, upscale restaurants?

Where do you all go for fluffy, yummy waffles?

Can be as basic as a mom+pop american-style diner or as fancy as whatever they're doing for brunch in CC lol

Ideally looking for something walkable from the B or along the Girard trolley line, but tbh willing and able to drive anywhere for a spot with good reviews!

A special person is turning 30 and I want to be sure to treat them to a nice breakfast this weekend :)

Thanks!!

Looking for recommendations for tonight within walking distance of the theater of living arts. Down for anything! TIA

Any recommendations for Chinese food take out
Specifically South Philly or Queen village area!

I had a decent time at the bar here. Drank a good glass of pinot grigio & the food -- watermelon salad, a pork chop & key lime pie for dessert-- was actually quite good. Bartender was friendly & quick.

That said, it was a ghost town in the dining room. The hostess, servers & (I assume the manager) all looked like they were glued to watching the clock. With a menu spanning multiple continents & prices up to $100 for surf & turf, there's no way their food costs can afford to be dead as a door nail on a Wednesday evening around 7PM. Yeah there were a few folks at the bar but there wasn't a soul sitting at the tables.

Has anyone else been here yet?

Hey does anyone know a good place for Banana whips (different from banana pudding). Years ago I had some delicious banana whip from a truck at night market but they are open now (they got a physical building but I think are closed for the season.). And if not banana whip, something wrong but dairy free please🫂

Anyone know of a place that sells tamales? Looking to grab like 2 or 3 for around $6 price point wise, let me know thanks!

Fellow Roxborough residents and eaters, you are hopefully aware of the halal cart drama at Leverington & Ridge. Arbaz & Sohail are getting worn down over this interloper taking their spot of 8 years and it couldn't be happening to people who deserve it less.

They are showing up at the police station across from Wawa at Ridge & Cinnaminson to talk it through tomorrow at 11:00 - Friday October 2. I don't know what can actually be done but those guys work hard and have made me countless cheap delicious meals so I intend to find out. I'll be there to vouch and stand alongside. Join us!