The Philadelphia metropolitan area is home to roughly 215,000 Jews, according to a 2009 study sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. To serve the culinary tastes of this dynamic Jewish population center (one of the largest in America), the area boasts a number of restaurants that serve foods that are traditionally Jewish and/or prepared according to kosher dietary law.
Located in the Bucks County community of Huntingdon Valley, just a short distance north of the Philadelphia city line, this popular eatery serves all the traditional deli favorites—from matzo ball and kreplach soup to overstuffed corned beef and pastrami sandwiches—as well as a broad selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings. Also available here are some heart-healthy selections.
Ben & Irv’s Delicatessen & Restaurant
1962 County Line Rd.
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
(215) 355-2000
http://www.benandirvs.com/
The roots of this delicatessen can be traced back to the early 1920s. Although the restaurant is no longer in the hands of its founding family, the current owners uphold the high culinary standards and traditions that were established decades ago. While the deli still operates at its longtime 4th Street location, a newer branch has been opened at 38 S. 19th St. In addition to the usual deli fare, the Famous 4th St. offers such traditional dinner entrees as boiled beef flanken, roast chicken and stuffed cabbage with kishka and potato pancakes.
Famous 4th St. Delicatessen
700 S. 4th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 922-3274
http://famous4thstreetdelicatessen.com/
Located in center-city Philadelphia, this restaurant offers dishes with Israeli and Turkish origins as well as an array of vegetarian dishes. A wide selection of kabobs shows the restaurant’s Turkish influences, while other dishes, such as hummus, falafel, baba ghanoush, lahmacun and bourekas, are popular throughout much of the Middle East.
Hamifgash Glatt Kosher Grill
811-13 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 925-3550
http://www.hamifgashkosherrestaurant.com/
In the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia, this restaurant has established its reputation by serving Southern comfort food with a Jewish touch. It is rare when can you enjoy both matzo ball soup and chicken fried steak in the same sitting. If you’ve got a hankering for a deli-type sandwich, Honey’s Reuben, made with one pound of corned beef, pastrami or turkey, is sure to fill you up.
Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat
800 N. 4th St. (corner of Brown St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 925-1150
Established by the Barson family in the late 1930s, this popular deli not only serves diners on the premises, but also has a large-scale takeout and catering operation. The suburban location in nearby Montgomery County makes it convenient to both Philadelphians and suburbanites as well. Hymie’s has been given high marks by Zagat’s as well as Philadelphia and Main Line magazines.
Hymie’s Delicatessen
342 Montgomery Ave.
Merion, PA 19066
(610) 668-3354
http://www.hymies.com/catering.html
This center-city Philadelphia restaurant is a branch of the original award-winning Cherry Hills, N.J., eatery of the same name. Both offer the full spectrum of deli favorites, including overstuffed sandwiches, smoked white fish, nova, potato pancakes, kugels and knishes. You can eat in the restaurant itself or phone ahead to have your order ready for pickup.
The Kibitz Room
1521 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 735-7305
http://www.kibitzroomphilly.com/
