Delilah's Southern Café
Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch
(215) 574-0929
Among the rows of food stands in the giant gourmet labyrinth of Reading Terminal Market sits Delilah's Southern Cafe, one of the city's top soul food offerings. It's also the ultimate destination for someone looking for good, old-fashioned comfort cooking served in heaping portions.
This low-key establishment puts the focus on the food. The succulent chicken is a sure bet. It comes fried or smothered in gravy, and both ways are exceptional. Other options include barbecued ribs, pork and fried fish (warning: vegetarian entrees are limited to one). Each platter is paired with Delilah's simple, but satisfying sides (collard greens, yams and mashed potatoes to name a few), creating a powerful ode to one's taste buds. And though Oprah herself declared Delilah's macaroni and cheese to be the absolute best, I remain unconvinced that it deserves that superlative. Regardless, it is pretty tasty and certainly makes for a good debate among friends.
Delilah's may not suit your individual tastes, but it's definitely one of the best eats around. So put down the calorie counter and chow down on some seriously good food. You can hit up Pottruck later. Besides, mashed potatoes count as a vegetable. right?
