Top 11 Philly Eateries From 'Diners, Drive-Ins, And Dives' (Slideshow)

Good Dog Bar

Although Good Dog modestly pretends to be just your run-of-the-mill crowded and loud bar, this reliable haunt actually offers an extensive menu with seasonal changes. From summer scallops and fish tacos to winter lamb loin and root vegetables, the people at Good Dog Bar know exactly what they're doing. 

Average Plate: $13

Must Try: The Good Dog Burger — Half a pound of house-ground sirloin comes stuffed with Roquefort cheese and topped with caramelized onions, all served on a toasted brioche bun.

224 S 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa.

(215) 985-9600

Geechee Girl Rice Café

Named for the West African peoples who were brought to the Carolinas and nearby regions as slaves, Geechee Girl honors their cultural influence with a menu of both classic Southern and traditional African cuisine. Geechee Girl is also vegan-friendly and BYOB!

Average Plate: $20

Must Try: Fried Chicken — Geechee Girl's fried chicken special with potato salad and coleslaw is only available in the summer during Fried Chicken Wednesdays, so plan accordingly. And don't forget to end your meal with Netta's sour cream pound cake for dessert!

5946 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa.

(215) 843-8113

Honey's Sit 'n Eat

With a simple directive, Honey's offers enormous breakfast, brunch, and Southern plates in an inviting restaurant that feels not unlike a bustling summer camp cafeteria. In case that's not enough for you, Honey's Frito platter with brisket, and their locally beloved matzo ball soup combine Southern goodness with Jewish touches.

Average Plate: $10

Must Try: Honey Christo — Challah French toast with Lancaster Country double-smoked ham and Swiss cheese, topped with two sunny side eggs. It's both multicultural and beautiful.

800 N 4th St., Philadelphia, Pa.

(215) 925-1150

Memphis Taproom

Along with an excellent beer selection, Memphis Taproom's new American menu has great options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike; however, even carnivores rave about Memphis' vegetable-heavy mac and cheese dishes (celery, asparagus, Swiss chard, and cauliflower).

Average Plate: $12

Must Try: Smoked coconut club — This vegan version of the classic club sandwich is by far the most reviewed and raved-about menu item on Memphis Taproom's Yelp page, probably  because this amazing sandwich makes tofu taste like bacon. It's "unnatural, yet prolific," says one Yelp reviewer

2331 E Cumberland St., Philadelphia, Pa.

Phone number (215) 425-4460

Percy Street Barbecue

Although Percy Street's website teases "Gourmet fried chicken, doughnuts, and. coffee all under the same roof," the real star of the show is, of course, Percy's beautiful barbecue menu. With options like shrimp and grits, smoked brisket, pork belly, and a pork and lobster sausage, you should expect to leave Percy's with a serious case of "the itis."

Average Plate: $15

Must Try: The Lockhart — For $19 per person, you and your loved ones can enjoy a family-style spread of brisket, chicken, and pulled pork, along with appetizers of pinto beans, collard greens, German potato salad, and coleslaw.

900 South St, Philadelphia, Pa.

(215) 625-8510

Silk City Diner

Silk City's diner car was originally built in 1952 in Paterson, NJ, and installed next to a cocktail lounge in Philadelphia two years later. After being purchased by a new owner in 2006, Silk City reopened as a vintage diner "where everything old is new again." In addition to classic diner fare, Silk City offers frequent menu additions within a given week so the menu is always fresh and exciting. 

Average Plate: $12

Silk City Diner's buttermilk fried chicken — With sides of mashed potatoes, bacon braised collard greens, and a jalapeño corn muffin with honey-chili butter, this funky chicken is soulful with just the right amount of spice.

435 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, Pa.

(215) 592-8838

The Jamaican Jerk Hut

Specializing in authentic Caribbean food, The Jamaican Jerk Hut makes island classics like oxtail, fried plantains, and of course, jerk chicken. The Jerk Hut is BYOB, but they prefer that you stick to Red Stripe.

Average Plate: $12

Must Try: The jerk chicken platters, served with rice and peas, Jamaican cabbage, and fried plantains, will never fail you. That said, don't miss out on the stellar appetizer options, like Caribbean seafood seviche and saltfish fritters with Jamaican herb dipping sauce.

1436 South St., Philadelphia, PA

(215) 545-8644

The Sidecar Bar and Grille

The Sidecar offers an ever-changing list of beers on tap, weekend brunch, and a dinner menu that includes small plate options, like carnitas and pretzel-crusted chicken bites, burgers, seasonal salads, and "serious stuff" like their Carolina pulled pork and country-style meatloaf.

Average Plate:  $12

Must Try: Open-faced Chicken and Biscuit Sandwich- A crispy chicken breast on a homemade buttermilk biscuit, covered in sausage gravy, and topped with an egg, sunny side up. Bright and inviting, the chicken and biscuit sandwich will put you in a good mood as soon as you see it.

2201 Christian St., Philadelphia, Pa.

215-732-3429