Home to dozens of family-owned vendors and local institutions, the historic Reading Terminal Market has been feeding hungry visitors for more than a century. Check out these foodie spots the next time you’re exploring Philadelphia.
Dutch Eating Place
For a true taste of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, grab a stool at this well-loved breakfast counter. Family-owned for decades, Dutch Eating Place serves hearty Amish-inspired comfort food with a homemade touch. The move? Order a breakfast sandwich on their famous blueberry pancakes instead of bread. Before you leave, save room for the apple dumpling – a flaky, buttery classic topped with whipped cream.
Uncle Gus’ Steaks
Skip the tourist crowds and head straight for one of the market’s most underrated sandwiches at Uncle Gus’ Steaks. Philadelphia is packed with cheesesteak shops, but this counter keeps things refreshingly simple. Thinly sliced ribeye, melted Cooper Sharp cheese, and a seeded roll from Angelo’s Baking Company are all this no-frills stand needs to win over locals.
Tambayan Filipino Food
Need a break from cheesesteaks and roast pork? Tambayan delivers Filipino comfort food packed with bold, satisfying flavors. Start with the ube pandesal, served warm and stuffed with cheese, then move on to smoky-sweet barbecue pork skewers. Portions are famously generous, making this a great stop if you’re sharing (or planning on leftovers later!).
Saami Somi
Georgian cuisine is one of Reading Terminal’s best hidden gems, and Saami Somi is the place to try it. Their signature cheeseboats arrive bubbling hot with melted cheese, eggs, and savory toppings tucked inside fresh-baked sourdough. The handmade dumplings are just as impressive, especially the oxtail version; sip the rich broth out of the top before taking a bite.
Tommy DiNic’s
Few sandwiches are as iconic in Philadelphia as Tommy DiNic’s roast pork. Piled high with juicy pork, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe, it’s earned a loyal following and plenty of national recognition. Not feeling pork? The brisket sandwich is equally satisfying. Arrive early if you can; the line moves quickly, but popular items often sell out.
Bassetts Ice Cream
Serving scoops since 1861, Bassetts is America’s oldest ice cream company and a Reading Terminal institution. The menu features more than 40 flavors, ranging from salted caramel pretzel to fresh peach and peanut butter swirl, and the milkshakes are just as popular as the ice cream. Portions are famously generous, making it easy to share – or not.
Beiler’s Doughnuts
The line at Beiler’s Doughnuts is often one of the longest in the market, but one bite explains why. Fresh doughnuts are made throughout the day in dozens of flavors, from maple bacon and salted caramel to harvest apple filled with cinnamon-spiced apples. Grab a mixed box if you can’t decide – you really can’t go wrong here.
Hershel’s East Side Deli
Hershel’s brings classic Jewish deli traditions to the heart of Reading Terminal Market. The pastrami sandwich is the highlight (and maybe the best in Philadelphia), stacked high with tender, flavorful meat on fresh bread. Add a bowl of matzo ball soup, and you’ve got the type of comforting meal that keeps regulars coming back week after week.
Miller’s Twist
Follow the smell of hot baked pretzels, and you’ll end up at Miller’s Twist. Here, Amish-style soft pretzels are hand-rolled right in front of you, then transformed into everything from cheesesteak-stuffed creations to cinnamon-sugar treats. The line can look intimidating, but it moves quickly. Regardless, the warm, chewy pretzels are well worth the wait.
Termini Brothers Bakery
A Philadelphia landmark, Termini Brothers has been satisfying sweet tooths for generations. Their cannoli are filled to order with velvety ricotta, guaranteeing every shell stays perfectly crisp. Beyond the cannoli, you’ll find tiramisu, cheesecake, éclairs, and other Italian bakery classics. Pick up a pastry for now and a box for the road (you’ll be glad you did).
