Pre-Show Fuel: Quick and Casual Options
You’ve got your tickets, you’re buzzing with anticipation, and the night promises a killer performance at Union Transfer. But before the first chord strikes or the encore brings the house down, there’s a crucial question: where to eat? Union Transfer, that beacon of Philly’s music scene, sits in a neighborhood brimming with culinary delights. From quick bites to savor before the show to indulgent feasts to celebrate a fantastic night, the area around Union Transfer has something to satisfy every craving. So, before you lose yourself in the music, let’s explore some of the best food near Union Transfer, ensuring your pre- or post-show experience is as unforgettable as the performance itself.
Time is often of the essence before a concert. You want to grab something delicious without missing a single opening act. Fortunately, Union Transfer is surrounded by establishments offering quick and tasty options. Forget settling for stale snacks; these spots deliver flavor and convenience, ensuring you’re energized and ready to rock.
Love & Regret
First on the list is *Love & Regret*. This popular spot offers wood-fired pizzas and a wide selection of craft beers. Their pizzas are known for their crispy crusts and creative toppings. With a relatively low price point and its location being close to Union Transfer, *Love & Regret* is a great choice for a meal before the show. Be sure to try their “Hot Mess” pizza with spicy soppressata and hot honey, if you’re feeling bold!
Middle Child Clubhouse
Next up, check out *Middle Child Clubhouse*. While technically a bit of a walk (though still easily manageable), the sandwiches at *Middle Child Clubhouse* are worth the extra steps. Expect a line, but know that it moves fast, and the reward is a creatively constructed sandwich that will fuel you for a night of dancing. It’s a favorite among locals, known for its playful atmosphere and commitment to quality ingredients. The “Rizzler” sandwich is a local favorite – a perfectly balanced blend of flavors that’s both satisfying and unique. Plus, it is not expensive, making it an ideal choice to enjoy tasty food near Union Transfer.
Goldie
Finally, *Goldie* is another excellent choice if you’re looking for food near Union Transfer. A local favorite, *Goldie* specializes in falafel, fries, and tehina shakes. The falafel is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the tehina shakes are a must-try – a truly unique and delicious treat. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, making it perfect to grab a bite before heading to a concert.
Sit-Down Dining: Restaurants Near Union Transfer
Perhaps you have more time, or you’re looking for a more relaxed dining experience. Maybe you want to celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy a leisurely meal before the music begins. In that case, several sit-down restaurants near Union Transfer provide the perfect setting for a memorable pre-show dinner.
Cafe Lift
Let’s start with *Cafe Lift*. This Italian-American restaurant has a comfortable atmosphere, making it perfect for a group. With a moderate price range and being only a short walk from Union Transfer, *Cafe Lift* is a good option if you have some time to sit down and relax. Their menu features pasta dishes, sandwiches, pizzas, and more, with many options to choose from. A local favorite is the ricotta gnocchi with brown butter and sage, the creamy gnocchi are a comforting delight that will leave you satisfied.
La Chinesca
Next on the list is *La Chinesca*, a Mexican restaurant. *La Chinesca* blends traditional Mexican flavors with Asian influences in its cooking, creating some unique and tasty dishes. The restaurant boasts colorful murals, contributing to the fun atmosphere. Patrons recommend the birria ramen, made with slow braised beef, making it perfect for a cold night. Although moderately expensive, it’s worth the visit.
Double Knot
Finally, you can dine at *Double Knot*. At daytime, *Double Knot* is a coffee shop, but when the evening rolls around, it turns into a sushi restaurant in the basement. Patrons praise *Double Knot’s* high quality sushi and creative cocktails, making it a very popular spot. The price range is on the higher side, but if you want high-quality food near Union Transfer, *Double Knot* is worth a visit.
Late-Night Bites: Options After the Show
The final encore has faded, the lights have come up, and you’re riding high on the energy of the performance. But suddenly, hunger strikes! Luckily, even after a late show, several options near Union Transfer are ready to satisfy those post-concert cravings.
Joe’s Pizza
First up, *Joe’s Pizza*. This no-frills pizzeria offers classic New York-style slices that are perfect to quell a late-night hunger. It’s open late, and the pizzas are known for their thin crust and simple, satisfying toppings. It’s also relatively cheap, making it appealing for many college students looking for food near Union Transfer.
Reading Terminal Market
For a different flavor profile, *Reading Terminal Market* is open until eight pm on some days. There are many options to pick from and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the market. If you’re coming from out of town, *Reading Terminal Market* is a must visit to taste all of Philadelphia’s popular food. Some examples include roast pork sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and other tasty treats.
Pizza Brain
Finally, if you’re still craving a slice of pizza, *Pizza Brain* is a good choice. This quirky spot offers delicious pizzas, as well as the world’s first pizza museum. While the museum itself may not be open late, the pizza is certainly worth the visit. Be sure to try their “Forbes Waggensense” pizza, which has caramelized onions and ricotta cheese.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Beyond the well-known spots, the area around Union Transfer boasts some hidden gems and local favorites. These are the places that truly capture the neighborhood’s character and offer something a little different.
Laser Wolf
*Laser Wolf*, an Israeli restaurant, is considered to be one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia. Located on the rooftop of the *Fishtown* neighborhood, *Laser Wolf* is relatively new compared to the other restaurants. Many people have praised their hummus and pita, saying it is one of the best, so be sure to try it out.
Pizzeria Beddia
*Pizzeria Beddia* is known as one of the best pizza places in America. The unique thing about this pizzeria is that it only has one pizza on its menu: tomato pie. However, the pizzeria rotates weekly with new options for its menu. It is an iconic spot that many Philadelphians recommend, so it is a great place to grab a bite and enjoy some quality food near Union Transfer.
Conclusion
From quick bites to fuel up before the show to relaxed dinners and late-night snacks, the food near Union Transfer offers a diverse range of culinary experiences. Whether you’re craving pizza, sandwiches, sushi, or something entirely unique, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your hunger and enhance your night at Union Transfer.
So, the next time you’re heading to UT for a show, don’t forget to explore the surrounding culinary landscape. Step outside the venue and discover the flavors that await you. This guide is just a starting point; there are countless other delicious options waiting to be discovered. Explore, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy the food near Union Transfer!
What are your favorite spots to grab a bite before or after a show at Union Transfer? Share your recommendations in the comments below and help fellow concert-goers discover even more delicious options!
