It was after a deeply satisfying bowl of pho at Pho 75 in South Philly yesterday that it occurred to us. The onset of Great Depression 2.0 just might produce a run on that most curious beast of the culinary world: Restaurants that only serve one thing. And apparently, we’re not the only people to think so: In addition to we-only-serve-this stalwarts such as the aformentioned Pho 75 — as well as Tacconelli’s, John’s Water Ice, Charlie’s Burgers and others — the concept could be getting some legs with a new generation, too. Swallow in Northern Liberties just switched to an all-mac and cheese menu (expect to see a review going up on this here soon), and the recent spate of In-N-Out-inspired burger joints only proves that there is success to be had in doing one thing and doing it well. Here at Phoodie, we’d like to compile the definitive list of spots where option paralysis is just not an option. So we humbly request of you: In the comments below*, please drop the names of your favorite onesie. The only rule? The joint has to have a roof: IE, no trucks or carts. (Window-box joints are fine, though.) We’ll review, compute and list when it’s all over, and it will be totally uncontroversial and we’ll never argue about it at all, ever.
* Note: To reduce spam, first-time commenters on Phoodie.info must be approved by our moderators. So if your comment does not appear automatically, don’t fret — it’ll get posted in a jiffy.
Do they have to serve good food? If not, Lorenzo’s fits the bill. I think the chain in the Liberty Place food court that sells only soup went out of business, same for Dessert in South Philly. Do any of the taco stands serve only tacos?
Yes they have to serve “good” food — ideally, it should even be GREAT!
There’s Dinic’s and Nick’s Roast Beef, though techincally they serve 2 things, beef and pork.
i guess they do have ‘belgium chips’ but MAOZ. they also offer the falafel as a salad instead of in a pita… i dunno maybe that doesn’t count. thought i’d throw it out there though. also not sure if you care that it’s a not philly exclusive.
Swallow is up for sale, so you may not want to get too attached to their mac and cheese. Capogiro springs to mind.
Jim’s steaks is pretty obvious…
XIX at the Bellevue. They only sell one thing, and that is…shitty service!
Does the Amish pretzel stand in Reading Terminal count? I can’t think of anyplace that does one thing better. I won’t eat any other soft pretzel.
Pho 75 sells Bun (noodle bowls) and Spring and Summer rolls. The focus is definitely Pho, tho. In any case Pho Ha at 6th & Washington has the same menu and is superior.
Others:
O Sandwiches (Vietnamese hoagies, Federal & Passyunk).
Primo’s Hoagies
Sarcone’s Deli (only hoagies)
Falafel Nazi @ 20th & Market
Crepe guy @ 31st & Market
More will come to me.
@Ben Pho 75 ONLY has pho. Maybe you are thinking of Pho Hoa, and comparing them to Pho Ha.
I would absolutely second Primo’s as Philly’s best hoagies..but they sell deli cuts and hot sandwiches too. Does that count?
there is also the awesome crepe truck at 33rd and market. paesano’s only makes 4 sandwiches, and the 2 i had were delicious!!
if we’re not limited to just restaurants then center city pretzels on washington should be high on that list.
Despite being a chain, Cinnabons are still great.
And is coffee food? Then add La Colombe.
also, la rosa pizza at broad and snyder.
In-N-Out is drive thru fresh not frozen thin patty burgers – there’s nothing like that here. Were you thinking of Fatburger?