Summer has officially settled over Philadelphia, and with temperatures continuing to climb, there’s no better time to seek out the city’s coolest spaces and most revitalizing dishes. Among the diverse palettes and preferences in our PUNCH Media office, we can all agree on one thing: As the humid Philly heat persists, it’s the perfect time to indulge in refreshing seafood, briny bites, and chilled salads that keep you coming back for more.
“I’m convinced every summer meal should start with Almyra’s Duo Tartare,” says Adriana Calderin, Public Relations and Social Media Coordinator. “It’s cool, fresh, and exactly what I want when it’s too hot to think about ordering anything else!“
A self proclaimed savory girl, Account Manager, KB Burns, swears by The Twisted Tail’s Buck-A-Shuck. “From 4–6pm on a scorching day, chances are you can find me cooling off at The Twisted Tail with a platter of ice cold oysters and ramekin of their house-made hot sauce.”
Soup isn’t always the first choice mid-heatwave, but Public Relations and Social Media Assistant, Caroline Nowak, is all about Little Walter’s chilled pickle soup: “Ogórkowa is why Eastern Europeans never gave up soup for summer. Briny, tangy, and surprisingly refreshing, this beloved pickle soup is a year-round favorite for pickle enthusiasts.”
If you’re craving something equally revitalizing with a little extra crunch, head across town to Mecha Noodle Bar. Public Relations and Social Media Coordinator, Sophia Reis, recommends the Thai Steak Salad, calling it “cool, refreshing, loaded with protein, and comes with a side of sticky rice. What’s not to love?” It’s the perfect way to stay on your health kick without sacrificing bold, satisfying flavors.
Over in the heart of Bella Vista, Account Executive, Eleni Sterious, always has her order prepared whenever she’s strolling through the neighborhood: The Bluefin Toro Tartare at Alice. “This is one of my all-time favorites and a must-order. It brings all of my favorite things together in one perfect bite!” In other words, it’s the kind of dish that leaves you planning your next visit the second the plates are cleared.
Public Relations and Social Media Assistant Nyla Monastero never skips Estia’s Horiatiki Salad. It’s her go-to starter before diving into the rest of her favorite dishes, and for good reason. “It”s the most refreshing appetizer! Simple, delicious, and always a go-to whenever I visit.” Packed with traditional Mediterranean flavors, it’s proof that sometimes the simplest dishes leave the biggest impression.
When life gives you citrus… order the Ceviche Shooters at Bolo. “When the temperatures rise, the fresh seafood and vibrant citrus flavors make them my ultimate summer refresh.” Public Relations and Social Media Coordinator, Faina Asadova, shares. Zesty and bursting with coastal flavor, they’re the kind of summer bite you’ll keep coming back for.
To round out the journey through Philadelphia’s heatwave, make your final stop along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Urban Farmer. Account Manager, Laney Bishop, has a knack for picking the perfect summer bite, and her recommendation doesn’t disappoint. “Nothing says summer quite like Urban Farmer’s Seafood Tower. It’s fresh, made for sharing, and instantly makes you forget just how hot it is outside.” Gather your crew, dig in, and let the chilled seafood do the heavy lifting while the summer sun does the rest.
From us and ours to you and your, stay cool, stay safe, and say yes to these refreshing summer recs!