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3 Top Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants In Philadelphia

These 3 Top Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants in Philadelphia are in a city full of culinary treasures. These three hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Philadelphia are shining examples of the city’s diverse and delicious food scene. Despite their humble appearances, these restaurants in Philadelphia have gained popularity and acclaim through their exceptional food, attentive service, and loyal followings. Here is why they are the best restaurants in Philadelphia for you to discover.

1. Chubby Cattle – Chubby Cattle, included as one of the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Philadelphia, is a popular hot pot restaurant located in Philadelphia’s Chinatown. The restaurant is known for its innovative use of technology in its ordering system, allowing customers to order food directly from their table using a tablet. Customers rave about the high-quality meats, fresh vegetables, and delicious broths. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of dipping sauces to accompany the hot pot. Overall, Chubby Cattle is a top restaurant in Philadelphia due to its unique dining experience, high-quality ingredients, and exceptional customer service.

2. John’s Roast Pork – John’s Roast Pork, one of the popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Philadelphia, is a family-owned sandwich shop located in South Philadelphia. The restaurant is famous for its roast pork sandwiches, which are made using slow-cooked pork that is sliced thin and served on a freshly baked roll. Customers also rave about the restaurant’s cheesesteaks, which are made using high-quality steak and melted cheese. Overall, John’s Roast Pork is a top restaurant in Philadelphia due to its delicious food, friendly service, and iconic status as a local institution.

3. Double Knot – Double Knot, another of the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Philadelphia, is a trendy restaurant located in the heart of Philadelphia. The restaurant is known for its creative fusion cuisine, which combines traditional Japanese dishes with modern American flavors. Customers rave about the restaurant’s sushi rolls, which are made with fresh fish and innovative ingredients. The restaurant also offers a range of small plates and larger entrees, including dishes like miso-glazed salmon and beef short ribs. Overall, Double Knot is a top restaurant in Philadelphia due to its innovative cuisine, chic atmosphere, and exceptional service.

3 Top Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants in Philadelphia

1. Chubby Cattle - Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants In Philadelphia

Chubby Cattle

Address: 146 N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:30am-10pm, Friday and Saturday: 11:30am-11pm, Sunday: 11:30am-9pm
Phone Number: (215) 418-0608

Chubby Cattle, included as one of the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Philadelphia, is a popular hot pot restaurant located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Chinatown. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its modern decor and innovative use of technology. Customers are provided with a tablet to order their hot pot ingredients, choosing from a variety of high-quality meats, fresh vegetables, and delicious broths. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of dipping sauces, including peanut sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce.

The restaurant’s signature dish is the Mongolian-style lamb hot pot, which is made with thinly sliced lamb, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth. The lamb is of high quality, tender and juicy, and pairs perfectly with the spicy and aromatic broth.

Chubby Cattle stands out for its innovative use of technology, allowing customers to order their food directly from their table using a tablet. The restaurant also offers a unique dining experience, as customers cook their own food in the hot pot at the center of the table. The modern decor and atmosphere add to the overall experience, making it a memorable visit.

The restaurant’s service is exceptional, with attentive and friendly staff who are always ready to assist customers. The ordering process is simple and efficient, with clear instructions provided on how to use the tablet to order ingredients.

Main Menu Items:

1. Mongolian Style Lamb Hot Pot – This signature dish is made with thinly sliced lamb, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth. The lamb is of high quality, tender and juicy, and pairs perfectly with the spicy and aromatic broth.

2. Spicy Beef Hot Pot – This hot pot is made with slices of beef, fresh vegetables, and a spicy broth that is rich and flavorful. The beef is tender and the broth is perfect for those who love a little bit of heat.

3. Seafood Hot Pot – This hot pot is perfect for seafood lovers, as it features a variety of fresh seafood including shrimp, scallops, and fish balls. The broth is light and flavorful, allowing the seafood to shine.

4. Fried Rice with Shrimp and Eggs – This dish is a classic Chinese fried rice, made with fresh shrimp and eggs. The rice is fragrant and well-seasoned, making it the perfect accompaniment to any hot pot.

5. Crispy Pork Belly – This dish is made with slices of crispy, roasted pork belly that are seasoned with Chinese five-spice and served with a side of pickled vegetables. The pork is juicy and tender on the inside, while crispy on the outside. It’s a perfect dish for those who love pork.

Customer Reviews:

“I had the best hot pot experience at Chubby Cattle! The Mongolian-style lamb was so tender and delicious, and the broth was rich and flavorful. The staff were friendly and helpful, making sure we had everything we needed for a great meal.”

“Chubby Cattle is a must-visit if you’re in Philadelphia! The technology used for ordering is so cool, and the quality of the ingredients is top-notch. The hot pot was so satisfying and filling, and the dipping sauces were a great addition to the meal.”

“I love Chubby Cattle! The atmosphere is modern and cool, and the service is always excellent. I highly recommend trying the seafood hot pot – the shrimp and scallops were so fresh and tasty.”

Chubby Cattle is a top restaurant in Philadelphia, offering a unique and innovative dining experience with high-quality ingredients and exceptional service. The Mongolian-style lamb hot pot is a must-try dish, and the technology used for ordering adds to the overall experience. The restaurant’s modern decor and friendly staff make for a memorable visit. They rank amid the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Philadelphia for good reasons.


2. John's Roast Pork - Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants In Philadelphia

John’s Roast Pork

Address: 14 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 6:45am-3pm, closed on Sundays
Phone Number: (215) 463-1951

John’s Roast Pork, one of the popular hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Philadelphia, is a classic Philadelphia sandwich shop that has been serving customers since 1930. The restaurant specializes in roast pork sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and other classic Philly sandwich fare. The interior is simple and no-frills, with a few tables and chairs for customers to sit and enjoy their sandwiches.

The restaurant’s signature dish is the roast pork sandwich, made with slow-roasted pork loin that is juicy and flavorful, topped with sharp provolone cheese and sautéed spinach, and served on a fresh long roll. The sandwich is a classic Philadelphia dish and a must-try for any visitor to the city.

John’s Roast Pork is unique in that it specializes in roast pork sandwiches, a dish that is not as widely known as the cheesesteak but is just as delicious. The restaurant also prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, from the freshly baked long rolls to the locally sourced pork.

The service at John’s Roast Pork is quick and efficient, with friendly staff who are happy to help customers with their orders. The restaurant is known for its speedy service, making it a popular spot for lunch breaks and quick bites.

Main Menu Items:

1. Roast Pork Sandwich – This is the signature dish of the restaurant, made with slow-roasted pork loin that is juicy and flavorful, topped with sharp provolone cheese and sautéed spinach, and served on a fresh long roll.

2. Cheesesteak – This classic Philly sandwich is made with thinly sliced beef and melted cheese, served on a fresh long roll. John’s Roast Pork offers the choice of American or provolone cheese.

3. Italian Hot Dog – This unique sandwich is made with a hot dog, peppers, onions, and fried potatoes, served on a long roll. It’s a favorite of many locals and is a must-try for anyone looking for a classic New Jersey-style sandwich.

4. French Fries – The French fries at John’s Roast Pork are crispy and well-seasoned, making them the perfect side dish to any sandwich.

5. Pork Roll Sandwich – This sandwich is made with thinly sliced pork roll, a type of processed pork that is a New Jersey staple, served on a long roll with egg and cheese. It’s a delicious and filling breakfast sandwich.

Customer Reviews:

“I had the best roast pork sandwich at John’s! The pork was juicy and flavorful, and the provolone cheese and spinach added the perfect amount of flavor. The sandwich was huge and filling, and the service was quick and friendly.”

“John’s Roast Pork is a true Philly gem! The roast pork sandwich is a must-try, and the cheesesteak is also delicious. The quality of the ingredients is top-notch, and the staff are always friendly and welcoming.”

“I come to John’s every time I’m in Philly – the roast pork sandwich is just that good! The meat is tender and flavorful, and the spinach and provolone really elevate the sandwich. It’s a classic Philly dish and John’s does it perfectly.”

John’s Roast Pork is a classic Philadelphia sandwich shop that specializes in roast pork sandwiches and other classic Philly fare. The roast pork sandwich is a must-try and the quality of the ingredients is top-notch. The service is quick and friendly, making it a popular spot for lunch breaks and quick bites. They stand out among the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Philadelphia.


3. Double Knot - Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurants In Philadelphia

Double Knot

Address: 120 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 4pm-10pm, Friday: 4pm-11pm, Saturday: 12pm-11pm, Sunday: 12pm-10pm
Phone Number: (215) 631-3868

Double Knot, another of the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Philadelphia, is a modern Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar. The restaurant features two levels of seating, with a chic and contemporary interior design that includes exposed brick walls, wooden accents, and dim lighting. The menu offers a range of small plates, sushi, and entrees that showcase the flavors of Japan with a modern twist.

One of the restaurant’s most popular dishes is the miso glazed sea bass, a tender and flaky fish that is coated in a sweet and savory miso glaze and served with bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and pickled ginger. This dish perfectly showcases the restaurant’s fusion of traditional Japanese flavors with modern culinary techniques.

Double Knot is unique in that it offers two distinct dining experiences. On the upper level, guests can enjoy a full-service restaurant experience, while the lower level features a cozy and intimate sushi bar. The restaurant also offers a range of creative cocktails that pair perfectly with the bold and complex flavors of the menu.

The service at Double Knot is exceptional, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who are happy to guide guests through the menu and offer recommendations. The restaurant is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Main Menu Items:

1. Miso Glazed Sea Bass – A tender and flaky sea bass that is coated in a sweet and savory miso glaze and served with bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and pickled ginger.

2. Pork Belly Bao Buns – Steamed buns filled with crispy pork belly, hoisin sauce, and pickled cucumbers, served with a side of spicy mayo.

3. Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice – Crispy rice cakes topped with spicy tuna, avocado, jalapeno, and scallions, finished with a drizzle of eel sauce.

4. Double Knot Roll – A signature sushi roll that features spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber, and tempura flakes, topped with seared salmon and finished with a drizzle of spicy mayo.

5. Chicken Katsu Curry – Breaded and fried chicken served with Japanese curry sauce, pickled vegetables, and steamed rice.

Customer Reviews:

“The miso glazed sea bass at Double Knot is a must-try – it’s one of the best dishes I’ve ever had! The service was excellent and the ambiance was perfect for a date night.”

“The sushi at Double Knot is amazing – fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. I also loved the creative cocktails, which were the perfect complement to the food. Highly recommend!”

“Double Knot is the perfect spot for a special occasion – the atmosphere is chic and sophisticated, and the food is incredible. I especially loved the pork belly bao buns and the wagyu beef skewers. Can’t wait to come back!”

Double Knot is a modern Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar that offers a range of small plates, sushi, and entrees that showcase the flavors of Japan with a modern twist. The miso glazed sea bass is a standout dish, and the restaurant’s unique two-level dining experience and creative cocktails make it a must-visit spot in Philadelphia. The service is exceptional, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who are happy to guide guests through the menu and offer recommendations. They deserve to be ranked among the top hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Philadelphia.


From the modern Asian fusion cuisine at Double Knot to the classic Philadelphia cheesesteaks at John’s Roast Pork and the innovative hot pot dishes at Chubby Cattle, each of these restaurants in Philadelphia has something unique to offer. This is why they are the best restaurants in Philadelphia for you to discover.

Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor hoping to experience the best of this city’s food culture, these three hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Philadelphia are definitely worth a visit.



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