The 'Eat Your Way Through Reading Terminal' Guide
From noodles and cakes to chocolate and crepes, Philadelphia's famous Reading Terminal offers a smorgasbord of delicious cuisine, all under one roof. We recommend you grab some Tums and start fasting now, because there's a feast in store for you inside this Center City landmark! –Chelsea Karnash
Chocolate by Mueller
www.chocolatebymueller.com
Mon – Sat, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Craving the sweet stuff? Stop by Mueller's, where you'll find chocolate molded into every shape, from noses and ears to the ubiquitous Philly cheesesteak. There's also more run-of-the-mill—but still delicious!—creations, like chocolate covered pretzels, fruit and truffles.
And FYI, even Bizarre Foods' Andrew Zimmern is a fan—despite having to munch on a chocolate covered onion (ugh!). See photos at the stand for proof.
DiNic's
215-923-6175
Sun & Mon, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Tue - Sun, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The line wraps around the entire market, you're starving and you only have a short time for lunch, but don't give up: the wait is so worth it. Order the Pork Italiano with provolone; the amazing combo will have you waiting in that long line over and over again.
Dutch Eating Place
215-922-0425
Wed, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Thu – Sat, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Two words: Apple Dumplings. This famous Pennsylvania Dutch eatery is known for their amazing ones, which are particularly delish drowned in heavy cream. And, insider tip, the french toast is also to die for (probably because it's drowned in enough butter to fell Paula Deen, but that's beside the point). Discard your diet and gorge, people.
Profi's Creperie
www.profiscreperie.com
Mon – Sat, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bonjour, Paris! Hit this spot for a sweet or savory taste of France. Whether you create your own combo or stick with the classics (Nutella Banana, mmm…), you really can't go wrong. And honestly, who's ever eaten a bad crepe?
Bassetts Ice Cream
www.bassettsicecream.com
Mon – Sat, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This is America's oldest ice cream company for a reason. Sidle up to the retro-fab Reading Terminal outpost, opened in 1863, and order up a cone or cup. Whether you're craving a classic combo like vanilla and chocolate or something more unique (say, cinnamon ice cream or champagne sorbet?), you won't be disappointed.
Down Home Diner
215-627-1955
Mon – Sat, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Indulge in some true SoCo at this yummy "diner." And no, not the drink; some homemade Southern-style cooking is what you're in for here. Sit back and relax while you nosh on cast-iron fried chicken or a perfect grilled cheese, all for what amounts to chump change.
Sang Kee Peking Duck
215-922-3930
Mon – Sat, 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dig into the same delectable Peking duck and noodle soups you order at Sang Kee's Chinatown location here in Reading Terminal. Portions are huge, food is consistently great and the prices are relatively low. Don't forget to ask for chili oil!
Flying Monkey Bakery
www.flyingmonkeyphilly.com
Mon – Sat, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Enjoy your Isgro's cannoli in the Italian Market; at Reading Terminal, it's all about Flying Monkey. And if staring into the glass case of goodies alone has you drooling, just wait until you bite into the actual sweets. Try the whoopie pies (pumpkin chai, lavender honey and Meyer lemon are just a few of the options) or a slice of the phenomenal Pumpple cake—apple and pumpkin pies baked inside vanilla and chocolate cakes and covered in vanilla buttercream. Oh. Em. Gee.
Reading Terminal Market is located at 12th & Arch Sts in Philadelphia. It's open Mon – Sat from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sun from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
