Best Hidden Gems on Baltimore

uwishunu.com

Just a short walk from campus (Seriously, the walk is shorter than you think!) is an amazing hub of world cuisine on Baltimore Avenue, all between 40th and 50th street. One can enjoy authentic Laotian, Mediterranean, and Indian food in addition to American comfort foods like pizza and ice cream. So step aside, Fishtown: Baltimore Avenue, one of the most underrated areas of Philly’s food scene, is chock-full of hidden gems.

1. Clarkville

4301 Baltimore Avenue

Clarkville is right across the street from Clark Park and has the very best pizza near Penn’s campus. This cozy neighborhood restaurant and brewery serves unique pizzas like the Honey Pie (Brussels, Bacon, Cheese Blend, Shaved Red Onion, Sriracha Honey). Don’t skip out on side dishes like the Chestnut Babaghanoush.

2. Aksum

4630 Baltimore Avenue

This is one of the best spots for brunch in Philly. Aksum is a BYOB spot with a delicious Mediterranean twist on traditional brunch dishes. Some of the yummiest on the menu are the challah granola french toast, chicken and waffles, and Moroccan eggs. 

3. Desi Chaat House

42nd and Baltimore

Chaat is an Indian snack food (or a meal after you eat a huge plate of it!) made of veggies, crunchy toppings, spices, and sauces. Desi Chaat House has a massive menu of different types of chaat, like the amazing samosa chaat, as well as biryani, wraps, and a great mango lassi. 

4. Loco Pez

4631 Baltimore Avenue

Loco Pez is a fun taco spot that just opened on Baltimore following its successful original location in Fishtown. Head over during happy hour for awesome discounts, and maybe even follow Loco Pez on social media to take advantage of the sporadic taco specials they post about. The nachos and short rib tacos are especially tasty. Note that it’s cash only before you go!

5. Renata’s Kitchen

4533 Baltimore Avenue

Another Mediterranean BYOB spot, but absolutely worth the mention. Renata’s has amazing salads, shakshuka, and hummus and pita. It’s honestly worth visiting just for the hummus. 

6. Dahlak

4708 Baltimore Avenue

Ethiopian and Eritrean food is the best for having a family style experience and Dahlak makes you feel at home in their cozy space. The injera is delicious and so are the gomen wat and tofu wat dishes.

7. Vientiane Café

4728 Baltimore Avenue

Laotian food is the cuisine you didn’t know you were missing in your life. Vientiane serves super flavorful dishes like Panaeng curry and spicy Tom Yum soup. There are also great vegetarian and vegan options like the crispy Naam lettuce wraps and eggplant basil curry. 

8. Clark Park Farmers’ Market

4300 Baltimore Avenue

Okay, so this isn’t a restaurant but it’s definitely a gem on Baltimore Avenue! The farmers’ market at Clark Park is open every Saturday 10 am – 2 pm and is an amazing place to find local fruits, veggies, meats, baked goods, meats, and other awesome finds like the rotating food trucks and artisanal jam vendors.