Reading Terminal Market
 

I was there only once, over a decade ago. I only remember it being a wonderful place to see all kinds of wonderous foods. Heading there again in August and would like to know the best stalls to hit for breakfast and lunch. Also, I remember that Saturday was the best day to go, but not sure why - is that still the case?
Thanks!

Hmmm...hard to recommend the best, as so much depends on what mood you're in that day! I"m not there for breakfast, but for lunch, my favorite is Salumeria, where I get a hoagie or maybe something like prosciutto, sharp provolone, and roasted peppers on a roll. I like Delilah's chicken, mac/cheese, and greens; Pearl's Oyster Bar for retro; really, the best bet is to wander and look at what others are eating!

The Amish vendors are now there from Wednesday to Saturday; sometimes there are more on Saturday, but really, you could go any of those day and have quite an experience. Of course, you do have the business crowd on weekdays, but then, it's always pretty crowded in the Market.

Enjoy!

If you're looking for pastries or rolls for breakfast, try Metropolitan or Le Bus, both have great stuff.

~Liz

Amish Eating Place for a hot breakfast (get there early!). The Amish vendors are not there on Sunday.

Sunday is definitely not a good day to hit the Reading Terminal Market, as fewer vendors are open then. The days when the Amish vendors are there is the best time, as there are several of them and they offer good grazing options. Also note that if you're there close to the market's closing time, you may find some of the vendors have sold out of popular items -- got to DiNic's at ca. 5:30 pm once and they had sold out of their signature roast pork sandwich with greens and sharp provolone.

Will definitely second the Dutch Eating Place for breakfast there.

I "third" the Dutch Eating Place for breakfast. We were just there in May & loved our breakfast. I had blueberry pancakes, fluffy & filled with blueberries, the best I ever had. Served with fresh butter & you don't even need maple syrup. My husband had apple cinnamon french toast, which was delicious, too. The Amish vendors are at the market WEd through Sat. We also had a cajun lunch at Beck's Cajun restaurant. Also had crepes, but don't remember the name of the restaurant.

I eat the pancakes at the Dutch Eating Place weekly. They are that good. Do go to the market between Wednesday and Saturday so you can eat there and also get a soft pretzel from Miller's Twist. For lunch, my go-to is a roast portk sandwich with provolone and broccoli rabe from DiNic's (as seen on Man vs. Food). It's that good and will make you forget about any ideas you had of eating a cheese steak. And for dessert get a cannoli from Termini's, a warm double chocolate chip cookie from Fourth St. Cookies, chocolate peanut butter covered pretzels from Mueller's, and a scoop of ice cream at Bassett's.

The short answer to your question is yes. As good as it was ten years ago, maybe better.

oh, this is all sounding delish-- thanks all!

Many great answers already...I must add, one of my favorites tho' I rarely see others mention it for some reason, are the apple dumplings from the Amish vendors with the fresh cream. Just expect to feel very full!

This thread has suggestions for favorite items from the Market
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...iladelphia.cfm

I love Termini Bros. for their cannoli! Worth the wait if there's a line.

With my parents, we were there on a Sunday--felt like half the place was shut down. My step-father found a vendor with some of the best bread but he couldn't remember from where he had purchased it. So much to see and eat--enjoy!

I was just there yesterday to pick up some produce 'n chicken 'n flowers; didn't have time for lunch (alas) but I have to confess I did pick up a whoopie pie from the Amish bakery along the back wall!

Definitely don't go on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday if you want to get the full effect; the Amish presence makes the market unique. (Not to mention that you're not gonna be able to get pickled beets with eggs from anybody else. An acquired taste, perhaps, but I like 'em.)

We were only there once, a few years ago, and it was wonderful -- but we kept walking around and around, overcome by total inability to make a decision among so many appealing offerings.

Amy, the whoopie pies are my daughter's favorite. I can also recommend the pretzel doughnuts and cream filled doughnuts but they sell out early. I've heard that the turkey sandwiches from the turkey stall are delicious. We also love the Italian cookies from Termini's and any of the breads from Le Bus. Bring a lot of money and car space!