Brandon Parenti
Fishtown Diner Review
Google Maps leads you right to the front door. Street parking is available (when you can find it), or you can use a nearby shopping plaza a few blocks away and then walk a short distance to the diner. Upon entering, we were greeted by smiling faces, a warm dose of Philadelphia nostalgia, and murals gracing nearly every wall. We were seated in front of a mural featuring the Liberty Bell, a subway train car, a Fishtown bus, the Love Statue, and of course my favorite, the Rocky statue with the art museum in the background. Behind the register, another mural pays homage to local sports legends: the Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers, 76ers, and Phillies, celebrating the city's rich heritage. The diner offers a mix of tables, booths, and counter seating, while the menu boasts plenty of choices at reasonable prices. We arrived at 11:30 AM, and the atmosphere really picks up around noon, so I recommend getting there before 12 if you can.
Now, let’s talk about the food. I enjoyed this experience with my wife and kiddo. My kiddo ordered the cookies and cream milkshake, which was rich and creamy, and he also tried the boston crème short stack pancakes. Although the portion was so large he couldn’t finish them, so come hungry! My wife, who has a gluten allergy, opted for the salmon and grits served with a fruit cup instead of bread. The salmon was cooked to perfection without tasting frozen or dried out, and its flavor was spot on. As for me, I went with the Fishtown omelet, accompanied by home fries and rye toast. When the server asked if I wanted peppers and onions with the home fries, I couldn’t resist when in Rome, right? Overall, the food was fantastic and the dining experience was truly memorable. Shout out to our server, Kat, you were awesome!