6 New Places to Curb Carb Cravings This Winter in Philly

Loading up on carbs is the perfect way to weather Philly’s brutal winters. Luckily, the city has a plethora of timely comfort food options rolling out over the next few weeks. Indoor dining remains on hold until at least Friday, January 15, but many carb-centric arrivals are well-equipped for takeout, delivery, and outdoor dining out of the gate.

Here are six brand new options for bagels, pizzas, pastries, cheesesteaks, creative cakes, and more. For reliable comfort food dishes in Philly right now, go here.

Down North

What: North Philly just welcomed chef Kurt Evans’ anticipated square pie spot Down North, a mission-driven venture that exclusively employs formerly incarcerated individuals. The Strawberry Mansion newcomer, two years in the making, specializes in hefty Detroit-style pies and wings dressed with honey chipotle and its housemade Buffalo sauce. Evans, the founder of the End Mass Incarceration dinner series, plans to add hand-cut French fries and milkshakes to the menu.

Where: 2804 W. Lehigh Avenue

When: Preorder for pickup Friday to Sunday, 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Lost Bread Cafe

What: James Beard-nominated pastry chef Alex Bois is almost ready to unveil a Rittenhouse Square West cafe and retail outpost of Lost Bread Co., the artisanal bakery he runs with Avram Hornik and Four Corners Management. Lost Bread Cafe slides into the high-profile space that formerly housed beloved cafe Res Ipsa. Lost Bread will operate daily for takeout and delivery to start (7 a.m. to 3 p.m.) with the addition of nighttime service starring pizza made with fresh milled flour. There’s also bagels baked fresh on-site daily, sandwiches, and seasonal sides starring produce from local farms. The cafe will also debut a new line of whole grain pastries and new “waffle egg pockets,” with outdoor dining available when weather permits. A second location is already in the works for mid-2021.

Where: 2218 Walnut Street

When: Mid-January

Bagels & Co.

What: Glu Hospitality’s takeover of Northern Liberties continues with the opening of the nightlife company’s first-ever cafe, bakeshop, and sandwich shop. Bagels & Co. slides into the space formerly occupied by Saige Coffee, which closed before the pandemic. The daily menu calls for bagels, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, pizza bagels, and baked goods, along with coffees and teas. Ordering options will include counter service, delivery, takeout, and indoor dining when it returns, along with a sprawling outdoor cafe and dining area tucked under the covered piazza. Glu’s neighboring portfolio includes Anejo, Set NoLibs, Germantown Garden Grille, and Germantown Garden.

Where: 1001 N. 2nd Street Suite E

When: January/February

Lamberti Pizza & Market

Lamberti Pizza & Market/official photo

What: This incoming Center City addition to the Aldo Lamberti family of restaurants is way larger than Lamberti’s Pizza Fresca, which closed in June 2020. Slathered in sleek white and red decor, Lamberti Pizza & Market will offer pizzas, salads, sandwiches and pasta for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. The new location will also debut a prepared foods section for pastas, sauces, breads, salads, appetizers, desserts, and snacks for pickup.

Where: 707 Chestnut Street

When: Late January or February (to coincide with the return of indoor dining)

Second Daughter Baking Co.

What: Culinary Institute of America grad Rhonda Saltzman and her sister Mercedes Brooks turned a side baking hustle into a full-blown business during the pandemic, launching their own website to sell gorgeous layer cakes, gourmet cookies, and fudge brownies. The Delaware County siblings recently secured their own South Philly commercial kitchen space in the Bok Building that’s prepared to take orders soon. Other creative offerings include everything-spice sourdough focaccia, fruity streusel muffins, cardamom snickerdoodles, and sweet potato tarts.

When: Accepting orders starting Tuesday, January 12 (1901 S. 9th Street)

The Dutch x Fond Pop-Up

What: Chef Lee Styer’s The Dutch and Fond join forces this winter for a weekly comfort foods pop-up outside of Fond. On Wednesdays through Fridays (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), The Dutch chef Kevin Watters serves chicken quesadillas, breakfast sandwiches with two eggs, meat, and cheese, Reubens on marble rye, and a side of potatoes to go along with mimosas and Bloody Marys. On Thursdays and Fridays (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.), Styer mans the street-side takeover with cheesesteaks, sausage sammies, and homemade soups. Sips like Cigar City Brewing beers, spiked mulled cider, and more can be enjoyed around its roaring fire pits.

Where: 11th and Tasker outside of Fond

When: Starting Wednesday, January 6

Fond/official photo