This classic diner opened in Northeast Philly back in 1932. It has undergone a few changes since then — most recently ending its 24/7 status — but today the Mayfair Diner remains a pure 1950s-era throwback for chicken croquettes, creamed chipped beef, and thick slices of pie.

Port Richmond was a treasure trove of traditional Polish foods, with Czerw's being one of the oldest surviving shops. It originally opened in 1938 as Philadelphia Provisions and has been smoking its own kielbasa ever since. On Christmas and Easter, expect long lines and early sell-outs.

Founded as a bread bakery in the 1920s, Port Richmond staple Tacconelli's didn't start using its oven for pizza until the end of WWII. That thin-crust pizza is now so beloved that people from all over the city still flock to this out-of-the-way BYOB despite a number of inconveniences, including the suggestion to call ahead to reserve dough.

There's no shortage of must-try foods within Reading Terminal Market, open since the 1890s. The sprawling market houses a mix of Philly icons, Pennsylvania Dutch classics, and new favorites. Hit up Beiler's for doughnuts, dig into DiNic's famous roast pork sandwiches, and grab a cone at Bassetts — founded in 1861, it’s America's oldest ice cream company.

Irish pub McGillin's claims to be the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia, having opened its doors on narrow Drury Street in 1860. Today, this Center City bar is a popular venue from early to late and celebrates every holiday, big or small, with gusto — including themed drinks, food, and decor.

As the story goes, Ralph's originally opened in 1900 at 9th and Montrose before the Dispigno family made the short move to their current location in 1915. The restaurant remains in the family to this day, serving red gravy Italian American staples that have long been the backbone of the Italian Market neighborhood.

Founded in 1899, Dante & Luigi's is a South Philly classic known for its Italian American food. It’s more upscale than its nearby competitors, with white tablecloths, chandeliers, and more formal service, but it’s never stuffy. The storied spot was the scene of an attempted mob hit in the late ’80s.

The Sarcone name is omnipresent around Philly, as restaurants consider it a real selling point to serve hoagies or roast pork on Sarcone's bread. A trip to the 9th Street landmark, which sells a lot more than just bread and rolls, is always a good bet. The small bakery opens up early and closes by mid-afternoon or whenever it sells out (which can happen pretty quickly on weekends), so don't wait. Grab some tomato pie, pepperoni bread, or fresh loaves — it's all worthwhile.

Originally opened over a century ago, the private Palizzi Social Club long served cocktails and food in a South Philly row home to immigrants from Vasto, Italy, and their families. Several years ago, chef Joey Baldino — of essential restaurant Zeppoli in Collingswood — inherited the place from his uncle. Palizzi is still a members-only club, but Baldino broadened the criteria to allow more diners to enjoy spaghetti with crabs, calamari with peas, and escarole and beans in a charmingly retro space.

One of South Philly's best-known and most beloved bakeries, Termini was established by its two namesake brothers in the 1920s. It’s all about the cannoli here. The shells are handmade and filled to order with vanilla cream, chocolate cream, or — the real deal — ricotta with chocolate chips.

Since the 1920s — way before East Passyunk Avenue was the culinary hot spot that it is today — Marra’s has been turning out pizza and red-sauce Italian dishes. The neighborhood favorite is still owned and operated by the original family, and still uses the original brick oven designed and built by Salvatore Marra himself with bricks from Mount Vesuvius.

Family-owned Frangelli's has been around since 1947. The South Philly bakery sells much more than just doughnuts, but the doughnuts here are a must-try — particularly the indulgent Franolli, a doughnut sandwich filled with cannoli cream and chocolate chips.