PHLGuide
The Best Pop-Ups In Philly Right Now
photo credit: Mike Prince
Perhaps you’re sick of being boxed in by one cuisine or want a mash-up between some of the city’s best chefs. Or maybe the idea of anything that’s limited-time-only is too good to resist. Whatever your reason, there are some exciting new collaborations that you need to know about. These are the best pop-ups right now, each offering a fresh, creative, and adventurous dining experience in Philly. We’ll be updating this guide throughout the month.
April 1- April 30
photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO
Liberty Kitchen @ Superfolie / April 23, 4-10pm
One of our favorite hoagie, tomato pie, and overall places to eat in the city is linking up with a spot where we can't stop drinking wine. Liberty Kitchen has a spread of "frenchie hoagies," ice cream sandwiches, tomato pies, and small plates, and they're bringing it to Rittenhouse. Superfolie will be taking care of the drinks, of course.
photo credit: Mike Prince
Couch Cafe @ Forîn / Fridays and Saturdays in April
For mussels and nduja, a stromboli dog, lamb cappelletti, and other unique Italian dishes, check out Couch Cafe at Forîn in Kensington. Titled Reggio Calabria, the $65 per person pop-up from the former Fiorella chef has limited walk-in seats at the bar, but you can reserve a spot online for the dining room.
photo credit: Mike Prince
Emmett @ Paffuto / April 24-25, 5:30pm & 8:30pm
Emmett will be bringing a dinner menu to one of our favorite Bella Vista shops. There will be two seatings each night and a spread of seasonal plates like beef agnolotti, cappelletti verde, and 14-day dry age Rohan duck.
photo credit: Mesona
Mesona @ Taco Heart / Throughout the month
There are few fine-dining Mexican options in Philly, but Mesona is hoping to change that. The BYOB community table experience is offering a six-course tasting menu for $110 a person. Bring a few friends and a bottle you like, and dive into plates of asparagus and peas in pipian roja sauce and duck confit in a peanut sauce, all in Taco Heart’s colorful East Passyunk space.
photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO
Sweet Amalia Kitchen @ Liberty Kitchen / April 19, 6-9pm
Trends like hot chicken sandwiches and red velvet cake come and go, but Sweet Amalia oysters on most of the city's menus is something you can depend on. This month, the Jersey spot will be at Liberty Kitchen showcasing a menu of shrimp scampi pasta salad, a tuna niçoise hoagie, clam pie, and oysters with hoagie relish cocktail horseradish.
Chibanos @ Jiggy Coffee / April 12, 5-7pm and April 13-14, 12-3pm
If you’ve ever wondered what a roast pork sandwich would taste like with Chinese pickles, we have a pop-up for you. Chibanos, which mixes Chinese and Cuban flavors, will be at Jiggy Coffee for a few days this month. Head to the Washington Square West shop for a menu of pressed pork, chicken, and braised jackfruit sandwiches packed with Chinese broccoli, spicy black bean chili spread, and more.
photo credit: GAB BONGHI
La Otra Bar Takeover @ Middle Child Clubhouse / April 13, 5pm
The crew from La Otra, a neighborhood cocktail bar in Aberdeen Township, NJ, will take over cocktail duty at Middle Child Clubhouse in Fishtown. No reservations are required— it’s first come, first serve for drinks like the Garden State martini with tomato water, gin, manzanilla, and strawberry white balsamic.
photo credit: Kerry McIntyre
Tutu Mary’s @ Hale & True and Tattooed Mom / Throughout the month
A Hawaiian pop-up will be taking over the kitchens at Tattooed Mom and Hale & True, which are both off South Street in Bella Vista. Head to either when you want a spread of teriyaki spam, teri beef sandos, shoyu garlic chicken, and sweet haupia bars.
Angie’s Vietnamese Cuisine @ Young American Hard Cider / Sundays, 11am-2pm
Does a bánh xeo waffle or tender oxtails with grits and hoisin gravy sound like a dream feast to you? If so, head to Young American Cider in Germantown for a brunch menu from Angie’s. From candied bacon and báhn mí-inspired eggs benedict to breakfast sesame noodles, there are a few dishes $15 and under that sound worth getting out of bed for.
