October 23, 2018

With the weather cooling down, there’s no better time to treat yourself to some delicious, fall comfort foods (in moderation, of course)! Check out this list of recommendations from members of Drexel’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Spaghetti Squash @ Zavino

Image credit: Zavino

For some, a big bowl of spaghetti is a reminder of growing up. And a big bowl of spaghetti squash means we definitely won’t feel guilty about ordering dessert. Insider tip: Try swapping out the tomato sauce for pesto!

Zavino University City
3200 Chestnut St.
215.823.6897

BBQ in a Bowl @ Mac Mart

Image credit: Mac Mart Rittenhouse

Pop over to Rittenhouse for a cheerful bowl of cheesy goodness from Mac Mart. Drexel communication alumna Marti Lieberman ’12 started the comfort food biz right here on campus, growing from a food truck to two brick-and-mortar locations. Start with the crowd-pleasing “BBQ in a Bowl,” or go Philly-style with the cheesesteak-inspired “Wit’ Mac.”

Mac Mart Rittenhouse Square
104 S. 18th St.
215.444.6144

Veggie Chili @ Magic Carpet Foods

Image credit: Yelp

All sorts of good things came out of the 80s: mix tapes, Pac Man, jelly shoes, and of course: Magic Carpet Foods! This University-City staple has been serving up vegetarian delights since 1984. Our go-to? The veggie chili – perfect for a chilly day.

Magic Carpet Foods
34th and Walnut Sts.

Dan Dan Noodles @ Chengdu Famous Food

Image credit: Yelp

What better way to warm up then with a little spice? Try one of the punch-packing, authentic Sichuanese dishes from Chengdu Famous Food. If you can’t handle the heat, a heaping bowl of Dan Dan noodles followed by Chengdu’s famous ice jelly could do the trick.

Chengdu Famous Food
3635 Lancaster Ave.
267.728.4573

Soup and Salad @ Sabrina’s Cafe

Image credit: Yelp

Cozy mugs, big windows, generous portions of thoughtfully prepared food — Sabrina’s is a perfect chilly day destination. For their take on a comforting classic, try the soup and ½ sandwich combo with a cup of old-fashioned chicken noodle soup.

Sabrina’s Café University City
227 N. 34th St.
215.222.1022

Fried Green Tomatoes @ EAT Café

Image credit: The EAT Café

With a rotating seasonal menu, EAT (Everyone at the Table) Café serves up home-style cooking for a cause as Philly’s first pay-what-you-can nonprofit restaurant. Try a nostalgic favorite like the fried green tomato sandwich during the full-price “Pay-It-Forward” lunch service. You’ll leave with a fully belly and a happy heart.

EAT Café is a collaboration between Drexel’s Center for Hunger-Free Communities and the West Philadelphia community.

EAT Café
3820 Lancaster Ave.
267.292.2768

S’MORES BAGEL @ SCHMEAR IT

Image credit: Schmear It

For a toasty take on a comfort-food favorite, try Schmear It’s s’mores bagel, loaded with cream cheese, marshmallow flush, graham crackers and chocolate chips. The food truck usually hangs out around 38th and Locust, but check its Twitter page for the most up-to-date location.

Schmear It
Location varies
215.792.3892

Falafel @ Goldie Falafel

Image credit: Goldie Falafel

There’s a reason why there’s always a line at Goldie: The worth-the-wait falafel has been tempting taste buds in University City since the food spot opened at Franklin’s Table earlier this year. Add an order of fries topped with Schwarma spice and a Turkish coffee-flavored tehina shake for the full Goldie experience.

Goldie Falafel
3401 Walnut St.

Turkey Gobbler @ Wawa

Image credit: Wawa

Drexel’s new on-campus Wawa (and Philly’s largest) is the perfect excuse to try this iconic, seasonal favorite: The Turkey Gobbler. Loaded with turkey, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, it’s basically Thanksgiving on a roll.

Wawa
3604 Chestnut St.
215.222.6422

Pumpkin Crème Doughnut @ Beiler’s Doughnuts

Image credit: Beiler’s Doughnuts

Sure, you can never go wrong with Federal Donuts — but why not expand your doughnut horizons? This Lancaster-based bakery has been crafting Amish doughnuts for over 30 years, opening its newest location in University City just last month. Get your pumpkin fix with the pumpkin crème donut, or go old-school with a warm apple fritter.

Beiler’s University City
3900 Chestnut St.
215.921.5874

What’s your favorite fall comfort food near Drexel? Let us know on our Facebook!