Center City
El Vez: This is a quirky yet casual margarita spot with a decent happy hour. Make a reservation, shower and change out of your hiking shorts before taking a seat either indoors or outdoors along the sidewalk. A statute of Elvis on a bike is El Vez's centerpiece. There are only a few vegetarian items on the menu. Credit cards are accepted.
121 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19017
(215) 928-9800
elvezrestaurant.com
Lolita: is a BYOB cash-only fine dining establishment with plenty of vegetarian options to choose from that are made from local ingredients. There is a liquor store right around the corner so you can enjoy an exotic margarita after a long sail on the Delaware River. You must bring your own alcoholic beverages. Reservations are available Sunday to Thursday.
106 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia Pennsylvania 19107
(215) 546-7100
lolitabyob.com/lolita
El Azteca: A very reasonably priced authentic Mexican restaurant at Seventh and Chestnut Streets. They offer large portions but few vegetarian options. As of October 2009 they did have a liquor license. They also accept all major credit cards.
714 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
(215) 733-0895
Tequila's: An off-the-beaten path atmosphere characterizes this restaurant. The owner is a native of Mexico and specializes in dishes from all regions of Mexico. As of 2009, most entrees are between $16 and $30 and there are few vegetarian options. They offer valet parking and accept credit cards.
1602 Locust St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
(215) 546-0181
tequilasphilly.com
Parking may be an issue for most Center City establishments but there are public and private lots in the area.
Try Nodding Head, a great local brewery within walking distance of these restaurants.
1516 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
(215) 569-9525
ripsneakers.com/nodding
Bike tours of Philadelphia pass most of these restaurants so finding your way back at night should not be difficult.
Northern Liberties
Las Cazuelas: A very reasonable small, unpretentious neighborhood restaurant where they don't expect you to press your shorts but serve decent portions of authentic Mexican food. It is a BYOB place but there's a state store nearby and parking should not be a problem. Credit cards are accepted.
426 W Girard Ave.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123
(215) 351-9144
lascazuelas.net
Go Vertical, the region's best rock climbing gym, is in Northern Liberties so after climbing up an appetite have a quick beer at Yards Brewery before heading to dinner.
Go Vertical
950 N Penn St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123
(215) 928-1800
govertical.com
Yards Brewery
901 North Delaware Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123
(215) 634-2600
yardsbrewing.com
South Philadelphia
Xochitl is a more upscale Mexican restaurant near South Street, a popular shopping area and a short cab ride from Triumph Brewing Company. This fine dining establishment specializes in cerviches so if you've spent a day on the Delaware or Schuykill Rivers, you'll enjoy the freshness of these fish dishes. Reservations and credit cards are accepted.
408 S 2nd St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147-1608
(215) 238-7280
xochitlphilly.com
Taqueria Veracruzana is a small breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant on Ninth and Washington Streets. They use fresh ingredients but unfortunately have limited vegetarian choices. It is unpretentious enough to tolerate hiking clothed patrons. They also accept credit cards.
908-918 Washington Ave.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147
(215) 465-1440
taqueriaveracruzana.com
La Lupe is a small BYOB that provides better food than ambiance but has authentic food although there are few meatless dishes. They accept credit cards but don't expect fast service. It's also a great place to practice Spanish.
1201 S. 9th St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147-5005
(215) 551-9920
Triumph Brewing Company
117 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106-3074
(215) 625-0855
triumphbrewing.com
University City
Restaurante Las Tarascas en Zocalo (Zocalo) is near the Dock Street Brewing Company so after you have a seat on their homemade chairs and study the handcrafted artwork, take a walk for a beer. Although there are only a few vegetarian choices, prices are affordable at about $25 as of 2009. Outdoor seating is available.
3600 Lancaster Ave.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-2604
(215) 895-0139
zocalophilly.com
Dock Street Brewing Company
701 S. 50th St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19143
(215) 726-2337
dockstreetbeer.com
Manayunk
Adobe Cafe is a perfect place for vegetarians to eat after a long grueling bike ride up the Manayunk Wall. The cuisine may be Southwestern bordering on Mexican rather than authentic. The average entree is about $15 in 2009 and credit cards are accepted. There is also outdoor seating. You can head down Main Street to the Manayunk Brewery for a local pint.
4550 Mitchell St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19128-3319
(215) 483-3947
adobecafephilly.com
Manayunk Brewery
4120 Main St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19127-1618
(215) 482-8220
manayunkbrewery.com
