“It’s time for a change that comes from a cart. ”

~ Lauren Macaluso & Amanda Fries

By Lauren Macaluso and Amanda Fries  |  Send to Friend

Whether you work in Center City or are just passing through, the cafeteria at work or the McDonalds on the corner just don’t cut it. It’s time for a change that comes from a cart. We’re here to separate the savory from the frighteningly inedible. We scouted a number of vendors in the business district around City Hall to find the most satiable lunch options on wheels. What have you got to lose? We did the guinea-pigging for you.


Big Winner: Wok ‘n’ Grill
Market and 16th (East)

Recommended Item: General Tso’s Chicken with brown rice, a side of steamed broccoli, and spicy sauce. $4.00

Ambience: The red Chinese lanterns give the cart a unique look and feel to separate it from the rest on the street. New to the area, the gleaming cart is sure to attract your attention. It’s also near a Starbucks—which would be great if a Mocha Frappuccino complimented General Tso’s, but we don’t recommend this.

Overall Rating: This meal is ideal for those who like a kick to their taste buds. The dollop of spicy sauce is all that’s needed to enhance this dish’s flavor. It goes well with the mild chicken bites, which are tender not fatty. The brown rice is the most memorable part: it’s sweet at first, but ends with a kick of spice. Sure to clear the sinuses as well as satisfy your hunger.
 
4.6 out of 5

Runner Up: Simon’s Food Cart
Broad and Sansom (East)

Recommended Item: Meatball sandwich with Parmesan cheese on an Italian roll. $2.50

Ambience: Slightly straying from the business district into the Avenue of the Arts, this family-owned cart is situated on a less traveled street of Center City. While there is certainly no place to pop-a-squat, the food is well worth it, not to mention the friendly service.

Overall Rating: The farthest you can get from fast food is homemade food and Simon makes the all-beef meatballs as well as the sauce from scratch. The meatballs are melt-in-your-mouth tender and go well with a sauce that’s definitely not from Ragu. Sprinkled with Parmesan cheese, it makes for a delightfully messy meal that you’ll be licking your fingers over.

4.0 out of 5



12th and Market (South)

Recommended Item: “Philly” cheesesteak with fried onions, American cheese and ketchup on an Amoroso roll. $4.00

Ambience: There’s no question as to what he sells, since stickers and signs cover every inch of the cart saying “Philly Cheesesteaks.” There’s hardly any space between the cart and the building it parallels let alone a place to sit, but it’s worth suffering through the claustrophobic quarters in order to experience this cheesesteak.

Overall Rating: We know it’s a cheesesteak, so what could possibly be different? With an over foot long roll that’s toasted, this cart’s goods overshadow those of Jim’s and Pat’s with its amount of meat and its shockingly sweet onion flavor. If you want a classic Philly cheesesteak without breaking the budget, this cart should be your stop for lunch.

3.4 out of 5

16th and Market (Southwest)

Recommended Item: Grilled chicken sandwich with provolone cheese, bacon, lettuce and mayonnaise on a Kaiser roll. $4.00

Ambience: While there is a walled-in garden to park yourself on, the background noise of construction makes this spot a less appealing place to linger. Just in case you forgot to bring cash, it is conveniently located next to a PNCBank. 

Overall Rating: This sandwich left much to be desired. Even though the chicken was tender and the lettuce was crispy, the overall taste was bland and unoriginal. You were left wondering where the cheese was and wishing you’d had hot sauce stowed away in your back pocket (anything!). On the flip side, you had the chance to pick your own condiments, including ranch dressing (needed).

2.8 out of 5

Maybe Next Time: Chris’ Cart
15th and Market (South)

Recommended Item: American cheese Hoagie with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, red and yellow hot peppers. $4.00

Ambience: Chris’ cart snagged the best location in Center city complete with a view of elegant City Hall across the street. The cart offers a number of places to sit so you can do some recreational people-watching while you enjoy lunch. Located directly under the enormous clothespin, it’s a scenic spot for any Philly lover.

Overall Rating: This hoagie may be an ideal choice for the vegetarians out there but the next time we are near Chris’ cart we may have to try something a little more exciting. If it weren’t for the sweet and spicy peppers, which added the only zing, this sandwich would have successfully worked against the scenic view of Center City having us never return. But we have faith that Chris’ cart can live up to its stellar location.

2.4 out of 5