Lunch near HUP on Thursday

[stillnotdon]

I need a place for lunch Thursday near the u of p hospital. Have been to La terrasse (awful) . Will eat anything. I just want it to be good!!! Should I just stick to White Dog Cafe. It'll be a long morning and something fun would be nice.

[Boognish]

Just for the sake of searchability, the South Street Bridge will reopen next month, Resurrection Ale House will be a quick shot over there. Some of the bet pub grub I've had in a while. It gives Pub & Kitchen a run for its money, IMO. It's still not far to go over the 38th st. Bridge, but it'll be much more convenient once the bridge reopens.

[athena877]

If you want to go a little further outside the campus (maybe a 10-15 min walk), Marigold Kitchen is incredible! It's in the first floor of an old house, with great service and yummy food.
http://www.marigoldkitchenbyob.com/

I am also a fan of Distrito, but it can be expensive for the amount of food you get. However, I maintain that their "El Fuerte" dessert (chocolate cake, caramel and chocolate sauce, pretzel crumbs) is one of the BEST desserts I've ever had, and I'm a serious dessert person :)

[urbanfabric]

I don't think marigold is open for lunch during the week.

[stillnotdon]

thank you for great suggestions. My appointment got rescheduled, but am looking forward to Distrito and gelato next month!!!

[bonappetite]

oh good,i agree, skip white dog---not what it used to be. If you're up to the walk/drive(never had trouble finding parking) Distrito is the best bet. And Bobby's burger place is right there if you're in the mood for a burger.

[andrewlee]

RX was also good in the Hood (44th and Spruce - now replaced by Local44 - worth checking out, I'd say).

POD - I'm not a fan -- it's very high concept + changing light colors + not relaxing IMHO if you're looking for a break from HUP. White Dog - agreed - a has been, and very uninspired, traditional fare at best.

Midatlantic just opened at ~33rd on Market + might also be worth checking out. Otherwise - yup I'd have to agree Distrito is your best bet in this neck of the woods.

[bonappetite]

Went to MidAtlantic about a month ago with a group from work. While I would be willing to give it a second chance and fine place for drink/snacks........None of us were wowed. Very slow service, mediocre food.

[barryg]

Rx is still there, it's at 45th & Spruce. Best scrapple I've ever had in Philly.

[phillybakingqueen]

Oh, White Dog is a has-been -- may have been good when you were a student, but now it's coasting on its past reputation....

[barryg]

And an annoying emphasis on buzzwords like organic and local instead of food quality. The original owners sold it a little while ago.

[phillybakingqueen]

Top choice: Distrito -- great food, great drinks, and a fun vibe. Distrito is not in the heart of "campus", but it's only a couple of blocks away.

Far from fine dining, but really good:
Bobby Flay's Burger Palace on 40th and Walnut
Beijing on 37th and Spruce -- the new "healthy" menu is mighty tasty and better for you than the usual Chinese fare
New Delhi Indian Restaurant on 40th and Chestnut

Save room for: Capogiro for awesome gelato -- right near Bobby's Burger Palace on Walnut between 39th and 40th

IMO, Pod is mediocre at best.

[urbanfabric]

How far are you willing to go? Distrito is a little farther than that row of Sansom Street you're referring to, but would be a fun lunch. Pod is a little closer, that might work too.

[barryg]

These are probably the two best restaurants in that area. A lot of people like the pub food at New Deck on Sansom Row. I don't really like it but if you want a burger and beer or wings you can do a lot worse.