For a major East Coast city, Philadelphia has a surprisingly reasonable cost of living. That extends to our food scene. For every La Croix or Vetri, there’s a tucked-away ethnic snack shop or innovative food truck serving up delicious eats on the cheap.
With these factors in mind, PA Eats decided to set up a challenge. What are the best meals that a thrifty Philadelphian could get for $5 or less?
To structure this quest, we set up some arbitrary rules of engagement. These are:
- It has to be a full meal portion. It can be a small meal, but something clearly an appetizer or side dish wouldn’t count.
- $5 or less has to be the standard price. That means no happy hour special or early-bird deals.
- $5 was the strict price ceiling, not including any taxes or tip. A remarkable amount of wonderful food in this city is priced at $5.50 (looking at you, tacos al pastor at Los Gallos), but despite temptation we held fast to the limit.
- No repeating of cuisines. There are a lot of excellent slices of pizza under $5, for example, but it’s a more interesting article if we switch it up.
- We’re only including food the writer of this piece has actually eaten, so we can guarantee these meals are as delicious as they are cheap.
So without further ado, here’s the official Town Dish guide to Philadelphia’s best meals for $5 or less.
Beiler’s Donuts
What You’re Eating: Apple Fritter and a Large Coffee
What You’re Paying: $2.90
There’s a long-running debate in the donut world: cake or yeast? Federal Donuts is the local standard-bearer of the cake style. And for the best yeast donuts in the city (if not the world), you have to stop by Beiler’s. A Reading Terminal Market institution, Beiler’s has been serving freshly made, hand-rolled Pennsylvania Dutch style donuts for generations. While all of their donuts are phenomenal, the true knockout is the apple fritter. A giant hunk of dough laden with apples and a caramelized sugar glaze, it’s a truly remarkable feat of culinary engineering. It’s also a hefty enough treat that, when paired with a cup of joe, it serves as a superb—if decadent—breakfast. Can’t stand the crowds at Reading Terminal? You’re in luck: Beiler’s recently opened an additional outpost in University City. 51 N. 12th St., (215) 351-0735 or 3900 Chestnut St., (215) 921-5874
Fountain Porter
What You’re Eating: Cheeseburger
What You’re Paying: $5.00
The cheeseburger at South Philly haunt Fountain Porter is beautiful in its simplicity: a juicy beef patty, lettuce, tomato and American cheese on a potato roll. Plus you get pickles on the side! We recommend you wash it down with a beer from Fountain Porter’s extensive draft list. 1601 S. 10th St.
Lorenzo and Sons Pizza
What You’re Eating: Slice of Plain
What You’re Paying: $3.50
For years, hungry Philadelphians have finished up a night on the town with a giant slice of plain pizza from Lorenzo and Son’s. We specify plain because you actually can’t order any toppings unless you call ahead for an entire pie. Still, the basic cheese pizza is delicious enough that you won’t miss the frills. The cheese is wonderfully melty, the tomato sauce is the perfect amount of sweet and the whole thing is massive enough to curb even the biggest late-night appetites. 305 South St., (215) 800-1942
Fuh-Wah Mini Market
What You’re Eating: Tofu Banh Mi
What You’re Paying: $4.30
Hidden away in a humble West Philly bodega is a secret: you can find some of the best banh mi in the city here, made fresh to order. While the excellent meat options are a little more pricy (we particularly endorse the chargrilled pork option), the tofu banh mi is just our speed. Served on a lightly toasted hoagie roll, the flavorful marinated tofu is served with vinegary carrots, bright sprigs of cilantro, spicy jalapeno pepper slices and a savory mayo spread. The result? A perfectly balanced sandwich. 810 S. 47th St., (215) 729-2993
Miller’s Twist
What You’re Eating: Pretzel Roll-Ups
What You’re Paying: $2.50–4.50
At Miller’s Twist in Reading Terminal Market, Amish-style salty, buttery pretzels are home to a variety of delicious fillings. We think the regular pretzel dog is delicious, but more adventurous eaters can try the pretzel cheese dog, the cheesesteak dog or the broccoli rabe and sausage. There are even breakfast options, like the sausage, egg and cheese roll-ups. 51 N. 12th St., (215) 923-1723
And a Bonus … Bob & Barbara’s
What You’re Drinking: The Citywide Special
What You’re Paying: $3 (more if you tip)
This classic South Street dive is (in)famous for inventing one of Philly’s most sacred rituals: the Citywide Special. For just $3, you get a can of PBR and a shot of Jim Beam. Tip $1 to the bartender and another $1 to any musicians that are playing, and you’ve got a perfect Philadelphia night for just $5. 1509 South St., (215) 545-4511
- Beiler's and Miller's photos: Jordyn Kimelheim
- Pizza photo: Lauren Avellino Turton
