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Make a Liberty Kitchen hoagie the anchor of your next Philly picnic.
Liberty Kitchen

Build an Enviable Picnic Basket With These Portable Foods From Philly Restaurants

9 picnic-ready foods to pick up at Philly restaurants

by Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme
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Make a Liberty Kitchen hoagie the anchor of your next Philly picnic.
| Liberty Kitchen
by Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme

Sitting in the middle of the street outside a Philly restaurant is fine, but it’s got nothing on the original outdoor dining experience: the picnic. With so many restaurant expanding their takeout options, there’s never been a more delicious time to set up a picnic blanket and lay on the grass with a couple of snacks. The best picnic food eats well at any temperature, doesn’t mind getting a little smushed inside a backpack, and comes ready to travel in a tightly bound package.

A number of Philly restaurants have resumed outdoor dining, and indoor dining is scheduled to start September 8. For updated information on coronavirus cases, visit the City of Philadelphia website. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio and sidewalk dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.

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Della casa hoagie from Liberty Kitchen

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There’s no picnic food more Philly than a hoagie. Many neighborhood spots make good ones, but Liberty Kitchen ups the game by using the highest-quality, freshest-tasting ingredients in all its sandwiches. The della casa hoagie stands out with hand-stretched mozzarella and gabagool (also known as capicola) from 1732 Meats. Call to order or use Caviar for delivery.

1244 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 309-2241
(215) 309-2241
row of submarine sandwiches Liberty Kitchen

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Lobster and chanterelle quiche from Darnel’s Cakes

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Any meal can be a picnic, even (especially!) brunch, which is why quiche is a great idea for an outdoor meal. Open containers are still illegal in Philadelphia, so skip the mimosas, but orange juice and coffee will make a good accompaniment to this rich brunch item from the new Darnel’s in Old City. Order online from the takeout shop, which is only open Fridays and Sundays. On Saturday, find Darnel’s at the Lansdale Farmers’ Market.

444 N 3rd St Lobby, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 608-8471
(215) 608-8471

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Nasi bungkus from Sky Cafe

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Sky Cafe’s nasi bungkus is a banana leaf stuffed with all the components of the Indonesian restaurant’s tabletop nasi padang feast: rice, beef rendang, curried jackfruit, collard greens, fried potato patties, egg, cucumber slices, and green sambal. As the steam from the hot food builds inside the banana leaf, the flavors mingle and everything becomes even more delicious. Call to order.

1122 Washington Ave B, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 271-1983
(215) 271-1983

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A selection of savory snacks from Di Bruno Bros.

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Local chain Di Bruno calls itself the house of cheese, but a better name would be house of snacks. All of the locations are packed to the gills with the makings of a satisfying build-it-yourself snack board, from crackers and nuts to fresh fruits and vegetables, and yes, plenty of cheeses and cured meats. Wine, beer, and cocktails are available too. Call or order online, or shop in store.

1730 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-9220
(215) 665-9220

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Spicy peanut noodles from Stock

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By the time these noodles reach their destination, they might be room temperature, but it’s totally fine. Since they’re served chilled, there’s no steam in the box making everything soggy — just fresh herbs and tangy crunchy vegetables alongside a choice of protein including tofu, grilled shrimp, or house-made pork sausage. Order from Stock online.

1935 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 988-9480
(215) 988-9480

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Quesillo black bean pupusas from El Merkury

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Pupusas were made to be eaten on the go, and El Merkury’s are no exception. The cheesy pockets at this Rittenhouse restaurant come topped with salsa, pickled onions, and cabbage slaw, with the option to add a protein like braised chicken or pork. Order online (and pack napkins).

2104 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 457-5952
(267) 457-5952

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Falafel and hummus from Manakeesh Cafe Bakery & Grill

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If made properly, as Manakeesh’s are, falafel should stay crispy on the outside and soft on the inside as they cool. Add in a side of hummus for dipping and it’s an ideal outdoor meal. Order online for pickup or delivery from the University City restaurant.

4420 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 921-2135
(215) 921-2135

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Picnic de verano from Jezabel’s Cafe

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With tapas, empanadas, desserts, sides, and more, Jezabel’s summer picnic bundle has everything necessary for a delicious outdoor dinner. The team at this Argentine cafe and bakery will even pack it all in a basket for easy carrying. Order online.

206-208 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(267) 519-2494
(267) 519-2494
picnic basket with white cloth next to pastries and salads Jezabel’s Argentine Cafe & Bakery

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Tofu banh mi from Fu-Wah Mini Market

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There are many excellent banh mi across Philadelphia, all ready for picnicking, but Fu-Wah in West Philly stands out for its wide variety of options for fillings, as well as super-fresh herbs, chiles, and pickled carrots. Call ahead or stop by for pickup, or use Caviar for delivery.

810 S 47th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 729-2993
(215) 729-2993

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Della casa hoagie from Liberty Kitchen

1244 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122

There’s no picnic food more Philly than a hoagie. Many neighborhood spots make good ones, but Liberty Kitchen ups the game by using the highest-quality, freshest-tasting ingredients in all its sandwiches. The della casa hoagie stands out with hand-stretched mozzarella and gabagool (also known as capicola) from 1732 Meats. Call to order or use Caviar for delivery.

1244 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 309-2241
(215) 309-2241
row of submarine sandwiches Liberty Kitchen

Lobster and chanterelle quiche from Darnel’s Cakes

444 N 3rd St Lobby, Philadelphia, PA 19123

Any meal can be a picnic, even (especially!) brunch, which is why quiche is a great idea for an outdoor meal. Open containers are still illegal in Philadelphia, so skip the mimosas, but orange juice and coffee will make a good accompaniment to this rich brunch item from the new Darnel’s in Old City. Order online from the takeout shop, which is only open Fridays and Sundays. On Saturday, find Darnel’s at the Lansdale Farmers’ Market.

444 N 3rd St Lobby, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 608-8471
(215) 608-8471

Nasi bungkus from Sky Cafe

1122 Washington Ave B, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Sky Cafe’s nasi bungkus is a banana leaf stuffed with all the components of the Indonesian restaurant’s tabletop nasi padang feast: rice, beef rendang, curried jackfruit, collard greens, fried potato patties, egg, cucumber slices, and green sambal. As the steam from the hot food builds inside the banana leaf, the flavors mingle and everything becomes even more delicious. Call to order.

1122 Washington Ave B, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 271-1983
(215) 271-1983

A selection of savory snacks from Di Bruno Bros.

1730 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Local chain Di Bruno calls itself the house of cheese, but a better name would be house of snacks. All of the locations are packed to the gills with the makings of a satisfying build-it-yourself snack board, from crackers and nuts to fresh fruits and vegetables, and yes, plenty of cheeses and cured meats. Wine, beer, and cocktails are available too. Call or order online, or shop in store.

1730 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-9220
(215) 665-9220

Spicy peanut noodles from Stock

1935 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

By the time these noodles reach their destination, they might be room temperature, but it’s totally fine. Since they’re served chilled, there’s no steam in the box making everything soggy — just fresh herbs and tangy crunchy vegetables alongside a choice of protein including tofu, grilled shrimp, or house-made pork sausage. Order from Stock online.

1935 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 988-9480
(215) 988-9480

Quesillo black bean pupusas from El Merkury

2104 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Pupusas were made to be eaten on the go, and El Merkury’s are no exception. The cheesy pockets at this Rittenhouse restaurant come topped with salsa, pickled onions, and cabbage slaw, with the option to add a protein like braised chicken or pork. Order online (and pack napkins).

2104 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 457-5952
(267) 457-5952

Falafel and hummus from Manakeesh Cafe Bakery & Grill

4420 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

If made properly, as Manakeesh’s are, falafel should stay crispy on the outside and soft on the inside as they cool. Add in a side of hummus for dipping and it’s an ideal outdoor meal. Order online for pickup or delivery from the University City restaurant.

4420 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 921-2135
(215) 921-2135

Picnic de verano from Jezabel’s Cafe

206-208 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

With tapas, empanadas, desserts, sides, and more, Jezabel’s summer picnic bundle has everything necessary for a delicious outdoor dinner. The team at this Argentine cafe and bakery will even pack it all in a basket for easy carrying. Order online.

206-208 S 45th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(267) 519-2494
(267) 519-2494
picnic basket with white cloth next to pastries and salads Jezabel’s Argentine Cafe & Bakery

Tofu banh mi from Fu-Wah Mini Market

810 S 47th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143

There are many excellent banh mi across Philadelphia, all ready for picnicking, but Fu-Wah in West Philly stands out for its wide variety of options for fillings, as well as super-fresh herbs, chiles, and pickled carrots. Call ahead or stop by for pickup, or use Caviar for delivery.

810 S 47th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 729-2993
(215) 729-2993

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