For me, 2024 was a big year for Amtrak. It’s called that because you Am on the Trak.
In my jaunts across the pond (Hudson River and subsequently the Schuylkill River), it made sense to bring my Burger Diva sensibilities to the City of Brotherly Love. Diva of Burgerly Love. I’ve done better!
Since I can’t partake in the cheesesteak of it all, getting burg’d up seemed like the next best thing. Without further ado, here’s three burgers I hit (and ultimately recommend) in Philly, Go Birds.
Philadelphia Distilling
25 E Allen St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
The first burger I ate on my mission was at Philadelphia Distilling, a craft distillery churning out Bluecoat Gin among other spirits.
Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, I went to this one because it was right next to The Fillmore and we were seeing Fontaines D.C. that night. The burger was also recommended to me, described as “fuego,” so I had to confirm.
The toppings for the burger rotate with the seasons. At the time of publication, it’s served with king oyster mushrooms braised in demi-glace and dijonaise. When I cozied up to the bar a few months back, mine was topped with a slice of red onion, a hearty tomato, shredded romaine, crinkle cut pickle slices and a black pepper aioli. All of this went along with a bun made in hoouse and a thick patty with beef sourced from Lancaster County. The PD meal was a certified BBB: Big Bite Burger™, the kind where you kind of have to unhinge your jaw to consume.
The proportions were nearly perfect but I wish the onion was sliced a hair thicker - the thin cut lent itself to some sandwich slippage, not dissimilar to the Corner Bar bite. I also would’ve loved bit more of a kick in the sauce and to have more of it! For $16, it’s a pretty solid option to hit before submitting yourself to Beer Jail at a big gig.
Middle Child Clubhouse
1232 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
On my most recent trip to Gritty’s house, we all celebrated my friend Melissa’s 30th birthday. She also was present for all three of these meals, shout out queen!
Since we were at a party, things were a little different: instead of the burgers coming out dressed we were…I’d say gifted with giant bowls of sliced white onion, paper-thin sour pickles and squeeze bottles of their cherry pepper mayo.
So while I can’t speak to how these burgers would come out on a normal night of service, I can say I was having a field day toppings-wise. The MCC burger is $12, $16 for a double and an extra $2 for bacon, which I didn’t get but everyone who did raved about.
Next time I swing by, I’ll be sure to get that added on and treat myself to a lower cook temp too, alongside their jazzed up latkes (seriously everything here is so good).
Fountain Porter
1601 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Last but certainly not least was the Fountain Porter burger. I dipped down to East Passyunk to hit up this comparatively much more low-key spot before heading to a party. My friends that live in South Philly are constantly raving about this burger so it’s been on my radar for a bit. The best part: it is six whole American dollars.
The patty was well salted with a nice crust, served some iceberg lettuce, tomato and crinkle cut pickle chips, with ketchup on the side. It was a juicy bite but not too messy and just rich enough to merit a martini with a twist as a side (the $4 fries were also nice to have).
Philly folks sound off: where should I hit next? Lucky’s? Royal Tavern? Let me know!
second district in south philly next!! Their burger slaps
middle child clubhouse>>>