Best Take Out in Philly: 27 Spots Locals Won't Share

The best take out in Philly isn't on South Street. After living here 4 years and dropping $3,200 testing spots, here are 27 places that actually deliver on quality, speed, and value—most under $15 per person.

Skip the tourist traps. These are my go-to orders when I'm too lazy to cook or need fuel between coworking sessions.

1. DiNic's (Reading Terminal Market) — Roast Pork Perfection

What: The roast pork sandwich that won "Best Sandwich in America" on Food Network Where: Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch St

Cost: $14-16

Why it works: Pull-apart tender pork, sharp provolone, broccoli rabe. The sandwich is messy as hell—bring napkins or eat over a trash can.

Order this: Roast pork with sharp provolone and greens. Don't even think about getting it dry.

💡 Pro tip: Market opens at 8am. Get there before 11:30am or wait 45+ minutes. Mobile order through Reading Terminal Market's site and skip the line entirely.

Time: 5 minutes if you pre-order, 30+ if you don't.

2. Hardena (South Philly) — Indonesian Under $10

What: Legit Indonesian food that costs less than Chipotle.

Where: 1754 S Hicks St

Cost: $8-12

Why it works: Family-run spot that's been here since 2003. The rendang is $9.50 and feeds two people if you're not starving. Rice, pickles, and sambal included.

Order this: Beef rendang with extra sambal. Add the tahu telor (egg tofu) if you're hungry—$3 extra.

💡 Pro tip: Cash only. ATM inside but it charges $3. Hit the Wells Fargo at 17th & Oregon before you go.

Time: 10 minutes average.

3. Paesano's — The Definitive Italian Sandwich

What: Seasonal hoagies that rotate monthly. Current favorite: meatball with fried eggplant.

Where: 1017 S 9th St (original location)

Cost: $13-15

Why it works: They make their own bread daily. Sandwiches are built with actual thought—not just meat and cheese stacked randomly.

Order this: Whatever the special is. They've never missed.

💡 Pro tip: Wednesday special is usually half-price sandwiches from 5-7pm. Follow their Instagram for weekly updates.

Time: 15-20 minutes during lunch rush, 8 minutes off-peak.

4. Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House — $8 Noodle Bowls

What: Hand-pulled noodles made while you wait.

Where: 1022 Race St (Chinatown)

Cost: $7.50-10

Why it works: You can watch them make the noodles through the window. The broth isn't Instagram-pretty but it's the real deal—rich, fatty, perfect for hangovers.

Order this: Pork braised noodle soup ($8.50). Add extra vinegar and chili oil from the table.

💡 Pro tip: Parking sucks in Chinatown. Park at the Vine Street garage (10th & Vine) for $8 flat rate after 5pm and walk 3 minutes.

Time: 12 minutes from order to pickup.

5. Laser Wolf (Kensington) — Israeli Grill Worth the Splurge

What: Whole grilled meats, Israeli salads, perfect pita.

Where: 1903 N Front St

Cost: $18-25 per person

Why it works: This is the one splurge on the list and it's worth every dollar. The chicken is somehow crispy AND juicy. The salads alone could be a meal.

Order this: Half chicken with full mezze spread. Feeds 2 people easily.

💡 Pro tip: Order directly through their site for 10% off takeout. LaserWolfPhilly.com

Time: 20-25 minutes. Call ahead.

6. Saad's Halal Place — $8 Platters That Feed You Twice

What: Chicken over rice that rivals any NYC cart.

Where: 4500 Walnut St (West Philly)

Cost: $7-9

Why it works: The portions are stupid generous. I get two meals from one platter and I'm not a small eater.

Order this: Chicken and lamb combo platter with extra white sauce. The hot sauce is ACTUALLY hot—start with a little.

💡 Pro tip: They deliver through their own drivers (not DoorDash). $2 delivery fee, 20-minute average. Cash tips preferred.

Time: 10 minutes in person, 25 delivered.

7. High Street Philly — Best Sandwich Bread in the City

What: Gourmet sandwiches on house-made sourdough.

Where: 308 Market St

Cost: $12-16

Why it works: The bread is better than the filling (which is saying something). Get the roast beef with horseradish cream cheese.

Order this: Roast beef sandwich + the tomato soup if it's under 60°F outside.

💡 Pro tip: They do a pop-up brunch menu on weekends. The egg sandwich is $10 and crushes any diner breakfast.

Time: 15 minutes weekdays, 25+ on weekends.

8. Sate Kampar (Chinatown) — Malaysian That Kicks Ass

What: Malaysian street food, heavy on the satay.

Where: 123 N 10th St

Cost: $10-14

Why it works: The roti canai is $3.50 and could be a meal by itself. Everything comes with peanut sauce that I'd drink from a glass if socially acceptable.

Order this: Chicken satay (10 sticks, $11) + roti canai. Get the beef rendang if they have it.

💡 Pro tip: They close random Tuesdays. Check their Facebook before making the trip.

Time: 12-15 minutes.

9. Angelo's Pizzeria — The Slice Life

What: Old-school South Philly pizza by the slice Where: 736 S 9th St

Cost: $3-4 per slice

Why it works: Open until 3am on weekends. The crust has that perfect medium flop. Not too crispy, not limp.

Order this: Two plain slices. Maybe a Sicilian if you're hungover. Don't overthink it.

💡 Pro tip: They'll reheat slices if you ask. Fresh out of the oven > sitting under the warmer Time: 3 minutes unless you're waiting for a fresh pie.

10. Sang Kee Noodle House — Peking Duck Under $30

What: Cantonese-American spot with legit roasted meats.

Where: 238 N 9th St (Chinatown)

Cost: $12-15 for noodles, $28 for whole duck

Why it works: The duck is hanging in the window—you know it's fresh. They'll chop it up and give you pancakes, sauce, the works.

Order this: Half duck with lo mein ($20 total). Or just get the roast pork lo mein for $11 if you're solo.

💡 Pro tip: The Chinatown location is better than the University City one. Fight me.

Time: 8-10 minutes for noodles, 15 for duck.

11. Federal Donuts — Fried Chicken That's Not Popeyes

What: Korean-style fried chicken + donuts (but get the chicken).

Where: Multiple locations, best is 1632 Sansom St

Cost: $12-18

Why it works: The chicken is double-fried and stays crispy even after 20 minutes. Get the hot honey glaze.

Order this: 4-piece hot honey chicken + one donut (strawberry lavender if available).

💡 Pro tip: They sell day-old donuts at half price after 5pm. Still good, just not Instagram-perfect.

Time: 12-15 minutes. They make it fresh.

12. Termini Brothers Bakery — Best Cannoli Fight Me

What: Old-school Italian bakery since 1921.

Where: 1523 S 8th St

Cost: $4-6 per cannoli

Why it works: The shells are made to order—they don't fill them until you're there. That's the difference between soggy and crispy.

Order this: Two regular cannoli (one chocolate chip filling, one plain). Skip the big ones—they're just more shell.

💡 Pro tip: Buy a whole box (6 for $20) and freeze them. They last 3 months frozen and thaw in 20 minutes.

Time: 5 min For best take out in philly, this is worth knowing.utes unless there's a line out the door (weekends).

13. Juana Tamale — Tamales Worth Standing For

What: Tamales made daily with actual masa.

Where: Saturday mornings at Headhouse Square, Sunday at Clark Park

Cost: $3.50-4 each

Why it works: These are the tamales Mexican grandmas make, not the frozen shit from Whole Foods. The green sauce is perfection.

Order this: Chicken verde and pork rojo. Get 4 minimum because you'll eat them all.

💡 Pro tip: They sell out by noon. Get there at 9am or order ahead on their site for market pickup.

Time: 2 minutes if you pre-order, 15 if you wait in line.

14. Goldie — Best Falafel, Period

What: Falafel that converted me from a falafel skeptic.

Where: 1526 Sansom St

Cost: $9-12

Why it works: They fry falafel to order. Not sitting under a heat lamp. Made when you order. Crispy outside, creamy inside.

Order this: Falafel sandwich with tehina sauce and Israeli salad. Add the fries ($3) if you're hungry.

💡 Pro tip: Same owners as Zahav. This is the fast-casual version at 1/3 the price.

Time: 8-10 minutes.

15. Vietnam Restaurant — $9 Pho That Heals

What: N For best take out in philly, this is worth knowing.o-frills Vietnamese with the best pho in Chinatown.

Where: 221 N 11th St

Cost: $8.50-10

Why it works: The broth tastes like they've been simmering bones for 24 hours. Because they have.

Order this: Large pho with rare steak and brisket. Add extra herbs and jalapeños.

💡 Pro tip: They give you a massive bowl of herbs on the side. Use all of it. That's what it's there for.

Time: 12 minutes from order to table/pickup.

16. John's Roast Pork — The Other Championship Sandwich

What: Roast pork that gives DiNic's a run for its money.

Where: 14 E Snyder Ave

Cost: $12-15

Why it works: They've been doing this since 1930. The pork is juicier than DiNic's, but the location is more annoying to get to.

Order this: Roast pork with sharp provolone and spinach. Get a side of gravy for di For best take out in philly, this is worth knowing.pping ($1).

💡 Pro tip: They close at 3pm most days and sell out often. Call ahead: (215) 463-1951 Time: 10 minutes if they're not slammed.

17. Zahav To-Go — Israeli Fine Dining at Home

What: The famous Zahav restaurant's takeout window.

Where: 237 St James Pl

Cost: $15-25 per person

Why it works: You get 80% of the Zahav experience for 40% of the price. The hummus alone is worth it.

Order this: Hummus bowl with lamb ($18) + extra pita ($3). The pita is baked to order.

💡 Pro tip: Order 48 hours ahead for Friday/Saturday. Same-day orders are Wednesday-Thursday only.

Time: 15-20 minutes for pickup.

18. Pho 75 — Vietnamese in South Philly

What: Giant bowls of pho for under $10.

Where: 1122 Washington Ave

Cost: $9-11

Why it works: The large bowl is actually two meals. The broth is clean but flavorful—not greasy.

Order this: Large rare steak pho. Add the Vietnamese iced coffee ($4) because you're worth it.

💡 Pro tip: BYOB if you're eating there. But you're getting takeout, so grab a bánh mì to go too ($6).

Time: 10-12 minutes.

19. Poi Dog — Hawaiian Plate Lunch

What: Hawaiian comfort food that's hard to find on the East Coast.

Where: 2121 N Front St

Cost: $12-16

Why it works: The kalua pork is slow-roasted for 16 hours. The mac salad is better than it has any right to be.

Order this: Kalua pork plate with rice and mac salad. Add spam musubi ($4) because when in Rome.

💡 Pro tip: They do a fried chicken special on Tuesdays that sells out by 2pm.

Time: 15 minutes.

20. Dock Street Brewery — Pizza + Beer Done Right

What: Wood-fired pizza from a brewery that doesn't suck at food.

Where: 701 S 50th St (West Philly)

Cost: $14-18 per pizza

Why it works: The crust has that perfect char. Toppings are creative without being pretentious.

Order this: The mushroom pizza with truffle oil + whatever IPA they're pushing.

💡 Pro tip: Order takeout pizzas from the bar side—you skip the restaurant wait and can grab beers to go.

Time: 15-20 minutes.

21. Emmy Squared — Detroit-Style Pizza

What: Thick, crispy-edged Detroit pizza that's somehow not heavy.

Where: 1500 Locust St

Cost: $16-20 per pizza

Why it works: The cheese goes to the EDGE and caramelizes. That crispy cheese skirt is crack.

Order this: The Emmy (signature pie with banana peppers). Get ranch for dipping.

💡 Pro tip: Order direct through their site—DoorDash marks it up $4 per pizza.

Time: 20-25 minutes for pickup.

22. New Wave Cafe — Vietnamese Sandwiches Under $8

What: Bánh mì in South Philly Where: 784 S 3rd St

Cost: $6.50-8

Why it works: The bread is delivered fresh twice daily from a Vietnamese bakery. Perfect crispy-chewy ratio.

Order this: BBQ pork bánh mì. Add the Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk.

💡 Pro tip: Get two sandwiches and save one for later. They're $6.50 each, no reason not to.

Time: 8 minutes.

23. Bing Bing Dim Sum — Chinese Takeout level upd

What: Modern Chinese in Passyunk.

Where: 1648 E Passyunk Ave

Cost: $12-18

Why it works: They do dim sum all day, not just brunch. The soup dumplings don't break when you pick them up.

Order this: 8-piece soup dumplings ($10) + dan dan noodles ($12). Splits well for two people.

💡 Pro tip: They're next to Poi Dog. Order from both and have a feast.

Time: 15 minutes.

24. Ambrose Butchery — Sandwiches for Meat Nerds

What: Butcher shop that makes sandwiches from their own cuts.

Where: 1555 Fairmount Ave

Cost: $13-16

Why it works: You're getting butcher-quality meat on a sandwich. The porchetta is obscene.

Order this: Hot porchetta sandwich with broccoli rabe. Get the roast beef if they're out.

💡 Pro tip: They sell sandwich kits to-go—$30 feeds 3-4 people and you build them at home.

Time: 12 minutes.

25. Weckerly's Ice Cream — Worth It Even in Winter

What: Small-batch ice cream that's actually creative.

Where: 9 W Girard Ave (Fishtown)

Cost: $5-7 per scoop

Why it works: Flavors rotate weekly. They're not just vanilla with random stuff mixed in—they're thought out.

Order this: Whatever the special is. The brown butter vanilla is always good if you're boring.

💡 Pro tip: Follow them on Instagram for weekly flavor drops. Some sell out in hours.

Time: 5 minutes unless there's a weekend line.

26. Terakawa Ramen — Actual Ramen, Not Instant

What: Tonkotsu ramen that rivals anything in NYC.

Where: 2019 Sansom St

Cost: $12-16

Why it works: The broth is cloudy and rich—they're doing it right. Noodles have the right chew.

Order this: Original tonkotsu with soft egg. Add extra chashu pork ($3).

💡 Pro tip: Dine-in gets free gyoza on Tuesdays, but takeout doesn't. Go on Tuesday and eat at the counter for the deal.

Time: 15 minutes for takeout.

27. Cafe Ynez — Upscale Mexican Takeout

What: Modern Mexican that's not just tacos.

Where: 2025 Washington Ave

Cost: $14-20

Why it works: The mole is made in-house and tastes like actual mole, not chocolate sauce with chili powder.

Order this: Chicken mole enchiladas or the short rib tacos. Get the elote side ($6).

💡 Pro tip: Margaritas to-go are $12 and come in a sealed container. Just saying.

Time: 20 minutes.

Quick Comparison: Best Take Out in Philly by Category

My Weekly Rotation (What I Actually Order)

For best take out in philly, monday: Nan Zhou noodles after a weekend of terrible decisions ($8)

Wednesday: Paesano's half-price special ($7)

Friday: DiNic's because I earned it ($15)

Saturday: Federal Donuts + Weckerly's ice cream = perfect night ($20 total)

Total weekly takeout budget: $50-60, eating out 4x per week.

Skip These Tourist Traps

Pat's & Geno's: The cheesesteaks are mid at best and you're paying $14 for the Instagram post. Just get DiNic's roast pork instead.

Reading Terminal Market (the wrong stalls): Half the market is overpriced garbage for tourists. Stick to DiNic's, Beiler's Donuts, and the produce stands.

Old City restaurants on weekends: Everything has a 90-minute wait and charges 30% more than the same food in South Philly or Fishtown.

How to Find the Best Take Out in Philly Like a Local

✅ Look for cash-only spots: They're usually cheaper and better. No credit card fees means they can keep prices down.

✅ Check closing times: Best places close early or have weird hours because they sell out. That's a GOOD sign.

✅ Follow on Instagram: Most small spots post daily specials and sell-out alerts.

✅ Order direct: Skip DoorDash markup. Most places have their own delivery or pickup deals.

❌ Avoid anything with "authentic" in the name: If they have to tell you it's authentic, it's not.

❌ Sk For best take out in philly, this is worth knowing.ip places with huge menus: Jack of all trades, master of none. Best spots do 5-10 things really well.

Daily Budget Breakdown (Realistic Philly Takeout Costs)

My average: $45/day eating out once, cooking once, with coffee and snacks.

Sample One-Day Takeout Crawl

9am: Termini Brothers—grab two cannoli for later ($8)

12pm: DiNic's roast pork sandwich ($15)

3pm: Weckerly's ice cream break ($6)

7pm: Nan Zhou noodles because you're still hungry ($9)

Total damage: $38 + you walked 3 miles between spots so basically a workout.

What Makes Philly Takeout Different

For best take out in philly, the best take out in Philly isn't trying to be fancy. It's family-owned spots that have been doing one thing really well for 20-40 years.

You're not paying for ambiance or Instagram-worthy plating. You're paying for food that's been perfected over decades.

The Italian spots are run by second or third-generation families. The Asian restaurants are owned by immigrants who brought actual recipes from home. The halal carts are operated by people who've been working the same corner for 15 years.

That's why the best take out in Philly is often under $15 and comes from a place with questionable decor. They're putting money into ingredients and labor, not interior design.

Finding New Spots

For best take out in philly, i discover most places by:

1. Walking aimlessly through South Philly, Chinatown, and Fishtown
2. Asking coworking space locals what they're eating
3. Following food Instagram accounts like @phillyfoodporn and @phillyinquirer food section
4. Checking Yelp for 4+ stars with 500+ reviews in ethnic food categories

The best take out in Philly is rarely advertised. It's found through word of mouth and stumbling into spots that look sketchy but smell amazing.

Final Honest Take

For best take out in philly, the best take out in Philly punches way above its price point. Where else can you get world-class sandwiches for $14, authentic international food for under $10, and late-night pizza for $4 a slice?

New York has better variety. LA has better Asian food. But Philly has better value—you're getting 80% of the quality for 40% of the price.

After 4 years here, I've spent way too much money testing spots (my accountant hates me). But these 27 are the ones I keep coming back to when I'm hungry, broke, or both.

Start with DiNic's, Nan Zhou, and Federal Donuts. Branch out from there based on what you're craving.

And for god's sake, skip Pat's and Geno's.

FAQ

Q. What's better than Pat's and Geno's for cheesesteaks?

For best take out in philly, literally anywhere else. But if you insist on a cheesesteak, get the roast pork from DiNic's or John's Roast Pork instead—it's what locals actually eat. If you MUST do a cheesesteak, go to Dalessandro's in Roxborough or Jim's on South Street. Both are better than the tourist traps and actually respected by locals.

Q. Where's the best take out in Philly for groups?

Federal Donuts or Laser Wolf. Federal's fried chicken comes in party packs (20 pieces for $45) and everyone loves it. Laser Wolf's mezze spreads feed 4-6 people for $60-80 and you'll have leftovers. For budget groups, Saad's Halal platters are $8 each and massive.

Q. What's actually open late for the best take out in Philly?

Angelo's Pizzeria (until 3am weekends), most Chinatown spots until midnight, and several halal carts run 24/7 around University City. Federal Donuts is open until 11pm most nights. If you're desperate at 2am, the halal cart at 36th and Spruce has saved my drunk ass more times than I can count.

Q. How much should I tip on takeout orders?

10% minimum if you're picking up (someone still packed your order), 15-20% for delivery. Cash-only spots really appreciate cash tips—some owners pool tips for kitchen staff. Don't be that person who tips $1 on a $40 order.

Q. Can I find the best take out in Philly without a car?

100% yes. Most spots on this list are on or near the Broad Street Line, Market-Frankford Line, or trolley routes. Reading Terminal Market is literally connected to Jefferson Station. South Philly spots are a $8 Uber from Center City. I didn't have a car my first 2 years here and ate better than I do now with one.

Planning More Travel?

For best take out in philly, if you're exploring other East Coast cities, check out TravelPlanEU.com for European food guides with the same no-BS approach. The Edinburgh Fringe guide covers takeout spots that keep you fed during festival madness, and the Vienna Christmas market piece has the best würstel cart rankings you'll find anywhere.

Heading north? TravelPlanJP.com has guides for Mount Fuji trekking fuel stops and Tokyo's best takeout near teamLab Borderless. Because good food transcends borders, even if it's eaten standing up.