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The 15 Best Damn Sandwiches in Philly

The Ultimate French Toast of Philly

15 Essential Brunch Spots in Philly

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A top-down view of an array of food like french fries spilling onto the table, a falafel sandwich, condiments, and a drink
A best-value meal at Goldie.
Goldie

The Best-Value Restaurants of Philly

Great deals on pho, falafel, fried chicken, roast pork sandwiches, empanadas, and more

by Ernest Owens and Eater Staff Updated
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A best-value meal at Goldie.
| Goldie
by Ernest Owens and Eater Staff Updated

With one of the strongest sandwich games around and a diverse array of casual neighborhood spots, Philly is an eating destination even — and sometimes especially — for diners on a budget. It would be impossible to name all of the most affordable dishes that keep this city running, but to start, here are some of Philly’s best bets for pho, falafel, burgers, bánh mì, empanadas, and much more.

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Paladar Latin Kitchen

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Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner — most dishes at this Latin restaurant in King of Prussia is under $25. Their rum-glazed Cuban pork ($21), paldar gulf shrimp bowl ($19), and lamb burger with adobo fries ($17) are satisfying and reasonably priced simultaneously.

250 Main St, King of Prussia, PA 19406
(484) 965-9779
(484) 965-9779

Libertee Grounds

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This fun place for adults impressively have all of their entrées (including masala nachos, kimchi grilled cheese, Korean double smashed burger) for under $20. Even more worthwhile? Diners can add a round of mini golf for just $10.

1600 W Girard Ave Suite C5, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(267) 324-3487
(267) 324-3487

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Love & Honey Fried Chicken

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After getting Questlove’s seal of approval, Love & Honey was an instant Philly hit. For $10, enjoy 7 buttermilk-fried chicken tenders, or for $12.50, get a crispy Nashville hot chicken sandwich with slaw and sweet pickles. Sides include Nashville tater tots and Southern-style potato salad. The shop at the border of Northern Liberties and Fishtown only does takeout.

1100 N Front St #103, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 789-7878
(215) 789-7878

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Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House

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Come for the hand-pulled and -shaved noodles, served in soups or stir-fried dishes, in a number of combinations that should satisfy almost any taste — and then keep coming back to eat through the rest of the menu. Portions are bountiful and prices are affordable across the board, making Nan Zhou one of Chinatown's many must-tries.

1022 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 923-1550
(215) 923-1550

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Saad's Halal Restaurant

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It’s easy to see why Saad’s Halal Restaurant is a West Philly favorite, between its Middle Eastern halal dishes and student-friendly prices. The vegetarian side of the menu trends toward $9, while other items like hearty sandwiches (shawarma, kebabs, falafel, and more) mostly come in just above $10. Beyond falafel and kebabs, Saad's also makes a good cheesesteak.

4500 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19139
(215) 222-7223
(215) 222-7223

NAM Vietnamese Kitchen

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University City has been a haven for college students and diners alike who want a great deal while eating out. NAM Vietnamese Kitchen are serving up a $17 pho lunch special (that includes pho, a spring roll, and drink) and a $43 dinner special for two (that includes two street bites, two entrées, and the choice between drinks or splitting a dessert). All of their báhn mì hoagies are remarkably under $11 and pho under $17.

3816 Chestnut St Unit 8 Unit 8, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 921-9475
(215) 921-9475

Manakeesh Cafe Bakery & Grill

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Manakeesh is a Lebanese bakery and cafe specializing in, of course, manakeesh. The filling flatbread (which has a few spellings in English) comes with a choice of toppings at this West Philly halal eatery, like za’atar and labneh or spiced ground beef, with prices hovering around $10. You can round out a meal here with hummus, falafel, kebabs, sweet and savory crepes, pastries, and fruit smoothies.

4420 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 921-2135
(215) 921-2135

Jezabel’s

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At Jezabel Careaga’s eponymous cafe, diners fill up on empanadas, alfajores, and more Argentine delights. Try a variety pack of four crispy empanadas filled with the likes of spicy vegan lentils or chicken with olives for $18 or the breakfast pastry box, a chef’s selection of eight delicious pastries such as croissant-like vigilantes with custard and quince for $32.

206-208 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 554-7380
(215) 554-7380

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Fringe Bar

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For those looking for a great place to eat and watch a game — this hotspot has all of their entrées (such as their tasty crab linguine, and fried fish platter) under $30. With a range of bites that can be served as a small plate (such as deviled eggs, cheese curds, and fire-roasted tomato soup) or large (shrimp remoulade salad, Nashville hot chicken sandwich, and vegetable peanut curry), there’s something for everyone on a budget.

140 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 375-7744
(215) 375-7744

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Goldie (multiple locations)

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Goldie, the falafel spot from the team behind the award-winning Zahav, has a tight menu of sandwiches, fries, and some of the city’s coolest drinks: tehina shakes. The few flavors are delicious, dairy-free, and cost just $7. For under $20 you should be able to walk out of any of the mini chain’s four locations, including in Franklintown, Fishtown, University City, and Center City West. Another good Center City West option from the same owners is Dizengoff, where hummus is a full-on meal with meats and seasonal vegetables plus fresh-out-of-the-oven pita, Israeli pickles, and chopped salad.

3401 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(267) 239-0777
(267) 239-0777

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Hard Rock Cafe

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The majority of dishes (barbecue bacon cheeseburger, boneless wings, and steak salad) at this Center City mainstay is under $25 and they have a happy hour with even cheaper prices (such as wings, nachos, sliders, pretzels, and fries for only $8). From kid’s menu options to full course entrées, there’s plenty of affordable choices for diners.

1113 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 238-1000
(215) 238-1000

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Kilimandjaro/youma

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West Philly is a treasure trove of excellent eats, including flavorful fare from Ethiopia and parts of West Africa. Kilimandjaro, a Senegalese favorite in University City that has moved from Chestnut Street to join forces with Youma on Baltimore Avenue, serves whole grilled fish, rotisserie chicken, lamb chops, and more in portions that are much bigger than you’d expect for the cost.

4519 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 387-1970
(215) 387-1970

Giorgio On Pine

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All of the pasta (such as their spaghetti a la vodka, gnocchi, and bucatini) at this Midtown Village restaurant are under $20, with most entrées (such as their veal with prosciutto and stuffed chicken breast) under $25. As if things couldn’t get better, Giorgio On Pine is completely BYOB — so bring a bottle of fine wine to pair with these Italian classics.

1328 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-6265
(215) 545-6265

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Fountain Porter

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A great neighborhood bar is important. A great neighborhood bar that serves an outstanding $6 burger is indispensable. And the price tag at this South Philly gem is really just icing: For fans of classic backyard-style burgers, Fountain Porter’s is arguably the best in the city.

1601 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 324-3910
(267) 324-3910

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Stargazy

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Among the bounty of restaurants on East Passyunk Avenue sits this little British pie shop serving traditional savory pies. Keep it classic with beef and onion or try whatever filling chef-owner Sam Jacobson is making special for the day — just be sure to order a side of mashed potatoes in a parsley liquor. You can also get sausage rolls and sweets.

1838 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 309-2761
(215) 309-2761

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Paladar Latin Kitchen

250 Main St, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner — most dishes at this Latin restaurant in King of Prussia is under $25. Their rum-glazed Cuban pork ($21), paldar gulf shrimp bowl ($19), and lamb burger with adobo fries ($17) are satisfying and reasonably priced simultaneously.

250 Main St, King of Prussia, PA 19406
(484) 965-9779
(484) 965-9779

Libertee Grounds

1600 W Girard Ave Suite C5, Philadelphia, PA 19130

This fun place for adults impressively have all of their entrées (including masala nachos, kimchi grilled cheese, Korean double smashed burger) for under $20. Even more worthwhile? Diners can add a round of mini golf for just $10.

1600 W Girard Ave Suite C5, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(267) 324-3487
(267) 324-3487

Love & Honey Fried Chicken

1100 N Front St #103, Philadelphia, PA 19123

After getting Questlove’s seal of approval, Love & Honey was an instant Philly hit. For $10, enjoy 7 buttermilk-fried chicken tenders, or for $12.50, get a crispy Nashville hot chicken sandwich with slaw and sweet pickles. Sides include Nashville tater tots and Southern-style potato salad. The shop at the border of Northern Liberties and Fishtown only does takeout.

1100 N Front St #103, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 789-7878
(215) 789-7878

Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House

1022 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Come for the hand-pulled and -shaved noodles, served in soups or stir-fried dishes, in a number of combinations that should satisfy almost any taste — and then keep coming back to eat through the rest of the menu. Portions are bountiful and prices are affordable across the board, making Nan Zhou one of Chinatown's many must-tries.

1022 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 923-1550
(215) 923-1550

Saad's Halal Restaurant

4500 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19139

It’s easy to see why Saad’s Halal Restaurant is a West Philly favorite, between its Middle Eastern halal dishes and student-friendly prices. The vegetarian side of the menu trends toward $9, while other items like hearty sandwiches (shawarma, kebabs, falafel, and more) mostly come in just above $10. Beyond falafel and kebabs, Saad's also makes a good cheesesteak.

4500 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19139
(215) 222-7223
(215) 222-7223

NAM Vietnamese Kitchen

3816 Chestnut St Unit 8 Unit 8, Philadelphia, PA 19104

University City has been a haven for college students and diners alike who want a great deal while eating out. NAM Vietnamese Kitchen are serving up a $17 pho lunch special (that includes pho, a spring roll, and drink) and a $43 dinner special for two (that includes two street bites, two entrées, and the choice between drinks or splitting a dessert). All of their báhn mì hoagies are remarkably under $11 and pho under $17.

3816 Chestnut St Unit 8 Unit 8, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 921-9475
(215) 921-9475

Manakeesh Cafe Bakery & Grill

4420 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Manakeesh is a Lebanese bakery and cafe specializing in, of course, manakeesh. The filling flatbread (which has a few spellings in English) comes with a choice of toppings at this West Philly halal eatery, like za’atar and labneh or spiced ground beef, with prices hovering around $10. You can round out a meal here with hummus, falafel, kebabs, sweet and savory crepes, pastries, and fruit smoothies.

4420 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 921-2135
(215) 921-2135

Jezabel’s

206-208 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

At Jezabel Careaga’s eponymous cafe, diners fill up on empanadas, alfajores, and more Argentine delights. Try a variety pack of four crispy empanadas filled with the likes of spicy vegan lentils or chicken with olives for $18 or the breakfast pastry box, a chef’s selection of eight delicious pastries such as croissant-like vigilantes with custard and quince for $32.

206-208 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 554-7380
(215) 554-7380

Fringe Bar

140 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106

For those looking for a great place to eat and watch a game — this hotspot has all of their entrées (such as their tasty crab linguine, and fried fish platter) under $30. With a range of bites that can be served as a small plate (such as deviled eggs, cheese curds, and fire-roasted tomato soup) or large (shrimp remoulade salad, Nashville hot chicken sandwich, and vegetable peanut curry), there’s something for everyone on a budget.

140 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 375-7744
(215) 375-7744

Goldie (multiple locations)

3401 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Goldie, the falafel spot from the team behind the award-winning Zahav, has a tight menu of sandwiches, fries, and some of the city’s coolest drinks: tehina shakes. The few flavors are delicious, dairy-free, and cost just $7. For under $20 you should be able to walk out of any of the mini chain’s four locations, including in Franklintown, Fishtown, University City, and Center City West. Another good Center City West option from the same owners is Dizengoff, where hummus is a full-on meal with meats and seasonal vegetables plus fresh-out-of-the-oven pita, Israeli pickles, and chopped salad.

3401 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(267) 239-0777
(267) 239-0777

Hard Rock Cafe

1113 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

The majority of dishes (barbecue bacon cheeseburger, boneless wings, and steak salad) at this Center City mainstay is under $25 and they have a happy hour with even cheaper prices (such as wings, nachos, sliders, pretzels, and fries for only $8). From kid’s menu options to full course entrées, there’s plenty of affordable choices for diners.

1113 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 238-1000
(215) 238-1000

Kilimandjaro/youma

4519 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143

West Philly is a treasure trove of excellent eats, including flavorful fare from Ethiopia and parts of West Africa. Kilimandjaro, a Senegalese favorite in University City that has moved from Chestnut Street to join forces with Youma on Baltimore Avenue, serves whole grilled fish, rotisserie chicken, lamb chops, and more in portions that are much bigger than you’d expect for the cost.

4519 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 387-1970
(215) 387-1970

Giorgio On Pine

1328 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

All of the pasta (such as their spaghetti a la vodka, gnocchi, and bucatini) at this Midtown Village restaurant are under $20, with most entrées (such as their veal with prosciutto and stuffed chicken breast) under $25. As if things couldn’t get better, Giorgio On Pine is completely BYOB — so bring a bottle of fine wine to pair with these Italian classics.

1328 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-6265
(215) 545-6265

Fountain Porter

1601 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148

A great neighborhood bar is important. A great neighborhood bar that serves an outstanding $6 burger is indispensable. And the price tag at this South Philly gem is really just icing: For fans of classic backyard-style burgers, Fountain Porter’s is arguably the best in the city.

1601 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 324-3910
(267) 324-3910

Stargazy

1838 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148

Among the bounty of restaurants on East Passyunk Avenue sits this little British pie shop serving traditional savory pies. Keep it classic with beef and onion or try whatever filling chef-owner Sam Jacobson is making special for the day — just be sure to order a side of mashed potatoes in a parsley liquor. You can also get sausage rolls and sweets.

1838 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 309-2761
(215) 309-2761

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