A visit to the local market can be one of the best ways to get the most out of a city’s food scene. Philadelphia, in addition to housing some of the most historic landmarks and museums, happens to be home to one of the oldest and greatest indoor markets in the United States.
Read on for the best things to see and eat in Reading Terminal Market.
Reading Terminal Market is open year round 7 days a week and can be found at the 12th and Arch Street intersections. It’s entirely indoors which makes it enjoyable rain or shine, year round. The great big neon sign and the mouth-watering smell of freshly baked food seeping out from its inner walls makes this hard to miss.
This market is really easy to access thanks to the local train system that runs throughout Philadephia. (Septa). If you are coming in from the airport or staying anywhere near the Septa line, a short 25-30 minute train ride will take you right into the heart of the city. If you are staying downtown Philly, you can walk or take a taxi right to the market.
Pro Tip: This place offers free, unlimited wi-fi which makes this spot perfect for working lunches!
With over 100 merchant and food stalls, this market can seem downright endless. It is the epitome of a food lover’s paradise with an unbelievable selection of artisan cheeses, spices, poultry, fish, baked goods, produce, and food stalls. Other merchant shops include coffee stalls, clothing, flowers, books, herbal shops, and many other odds and ends. Feeling lost or unsure of where to start? Grab a map inside and check out the list below of my absolute favorite merchants and food stands:
The Tubby Olive
If cooking is your jam, this place will send you into an absolute high. With over 20 infused olive oil and aged balsamic reductions on tap, recipe inspirations are on overflow. The best part? They provide tasting cups and sample recipes for each oil and balsamic sauce. A personal favorite was the 18 year aged sweet balsamic. Of course you can’t go wrong with the basil infused and garlic infused olive oils. You can also buy mini variety sets – a perfect gift purchase for the chef in the family. Traveling by air or unable to make a stop in? Just order online here and receive your goods delivered right to your doorstep.
Bee Natural
Bee Natural is great if you like all natural products. They sell organic honey and some of my favorite travel accompaniments, “honey sticks”. Honey sticks are a portable pixi-stick like snack versions of honey, just perfect for tea drinkers. They have tons of samples of their infused honeys and the larger jars available as well. They also have a variety of other natural products, my favorite of which is the huge collection of scented wax candles. For only 6$ per candle these are a serious steal and great addition to any room in the home.
The Herbiary
I haven’t quite gotten into the essential oil fad yet, but I do know a good herbal shop when I see one. This market is chalk full of just about every kind of essential oil you could ever dream of, boasting a fully holistic approach to healing. They have a entire wall dedicated to loose leaf teas all individually mixed and labeled. Each one has specific healing strengths for any undesirable symptoms you may be experiencing. The Herbiary also offers a plethora of skin and facial products completely free of any harmful or artificial chemicals, parabins, dyes, and scents. They have another location in Ashville, NC and again can be found right here on the World Wide Web.
DiNic’s Pork and Beef
Let’s talk about food. The first time I came to this market, I had full intentions to find an authentic and locally praised Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. I like to get my food advice from the locals (because they know best) so I asked around for suggestions. Surprisingly, I found myself at DiNic’s Pork and Beef stand. I was a little hesitant as this place achieved national fame from the travel channel, but everyone I asked seemed to be adamant that I go here. So, I gave the Roast Pork and Broccoli Rabe sandwich a go. You can read about this sandwich pretty much anywhere online but until you experience it for yourself, you just won’t fully understand. I’m not one to usually go for things like this, but let me just say it was pretty dang mouthwatering.
Old City Coffee
If you are a coffee junkie, you won’t want to pass up this 100% locally made coffee stand. They have several styles and flavor profiles and roast in small batches to ensure quality. Nothing is commercialized here, just good clean local coffee and some great baristas to help you out with any questions. If you can’t make a stop by, you can also order online HERE.
By George Pizza, Pasta, and Cheesesteaks
The second time I visited Reading Market, I decided that I absolutely had to have a Philly Cheesesteak. My coworker was intrigued by the incredibly fresh baked lasagna peering out from behind the counter here at By George’s. They happened to also serve cheesesteaks, so I decided to give it a whirl and go split-skies with him on the lasagna. I went traditional all the way and struck up a conversation with another local waiting for his sandwich.
I learned that the popular vote for the best cheesesteak in Philly is Jim’s Steaks on the south side. He let me in on the secret though that By George’s is arguably better. The difference here is the finely chopped up the meat grilled in with the onions and white cheddar cheese. Satisfied with my decision, I sank my teeth into the most flavor packed cheesesteaks I think I will ever have in my life.
This thing is literally a game changer (I’m salivating just thinking about it). Oh, and that lasagna? Equally to die for. They even ask if you want extra sauce, cheese, and hot peppers to which I obviously replied, YES I WANT IT ALL!
Termini Brothers Bakery
The Termini Brothers Bakery rein-stills my faith in good Italian desserts. The hand-made and stuffed cannolis are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the elephant ears are light and airy and have the perfect touch of cinnamon. Their biscotti pairs perfectly with the local Old City Coffee a few stands away. Wether you have a sweet tooth or prefer french fries over cake, make a stop here. I’m confident you will find a new favorite at this Italian joint.
Philly really kicked up it’s game with this place
There’s such a variety to choose from that you can essentially visit a hundred times and never have the same meal. I highly recommend checking this place out before heading over to visit some of America’s top historical sights nearby such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Who knows, you might even find yourself heading right back over for dinner!
Have you been here to visit? What are some of your favorite spots? What are some of your other favorite marketplaces to visit? Share in the comments below!