With the fountain running and the iconic LOVE statue illuminated by lights, few places in Philly scream “romance” more than Love Park (1599 JFK Blvd). Looking west down the Ben Franklin Parkway to the looming façade of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, it’s hard not to feel a little sappy.
Start at La Colombe Torrefaction (1414 S. Penn Square). This too–cool–for–a–menu coffee shop is the perfect place to warm up. Options include drip and siphon coffee as well as classic espresso drinks, and don’t miss out on their pastries, baked in–house. Try the double–egg–glazed challah, but get there early in the day before the baked goods run out. Sit and enjoy the romantic vibes, or order your drinks to–go and stay warm with your coffee in one paw and your lover’s hand in the other.
Next, head to Tria Café (1137 Spruce St). It’s a few blocks away but well worth the walk, especially now that your coffee has your insides all steamy! The low lighting and wooden furniture contribute to the generally lovey atmosphere, and the reasonable prices are as sexy as your date. The small plates are delicious and perfect for sharing. If you’re loking for a snack, try the spicy jumbo crab–stuffed peppers with parsley–garlic oil ($7.00) and the housemade lamb sausage with white beans, piquillo pepper and mint–feta sauce ($6.50). Bruschetta comes two to an order; we recommend the sauteed broccoli rabe with tomato pesto and parmigiano–reggiano ($4.50).
End your Lunch of Love or Dinner of Devotion with dessert at Audabon Bakeshop (Arch St. between 16th and 17th streets). Owned by a Penn alum, this charming bakery is the birthplace of the delicious French macaroons sold at WilCaf and in Rodin. Traditional flavors like lemon cream and German chocolate cake never fail to disappoint. If you’re feeling adventurous try the Asian–inspired flavors like matcha red bean or lime–basil sriracha ($1.50 each).
We promise: after taking this walk, the lovin’ you’ll get will be anything but brotherly.
