Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
Restaurant Week has come and gone and Philly can be a bit difficult to get to with friends (especially since the Philly shuttle is not running this semester). Now what can you do for food? There are only so many times you can go to Renato’s and the Co-op. (But really. Only so many times). If not Philly, where would you go? This week, we’ll explore what Media has to offer for students.
How to get to Media: You take the Media shuttle (running on Friday and Saturdays) or SEPTA (Regional Rail or Trolley).
Noodis – The Go-To Thai Place
Whenever I’m in Media, it always seems like I end up at Noodis, one way or another. Whether it’s taking advantage of their dinner special (which includes a soup, an appetizer, and an entrée) or grabbing a Thai Ice Tea ($2.95) to-go, Noodis is a great place for dinner with friends. Their Moon Dumplings, packed with fried minced pork, mushroom, and water chestnut, and served with sweet soy sauce is always my go-to with the spicy Tom Yum (Lemon Grass Soup) to wash it down with. You can never go wrong with the jumbo noodles of Pad-Ke-Mao (Drunken Noodles) with chicken, egg, veggies, basil, and chili sauce. For those who want more flavor, order the noodles extra spicy.
House – Darn Good Sandwiches
Located on South Jackson St., House is a memorable lunch spot for all your sandwich needs. Their Stack ($7.00), a grilled cheese sandwich with double crème brie, white cheddar, caramelized onions, and smoked bacon will rock your world. If you’re feeling a toastie though (as they would say in the UK), their El Nino ($7.95) with avocado chicken salad, fresh tomato, smoked bacon, and chipotle remoulade would do the trick as well. Not going to lie, House’s BLT ($7.50) is solid as well, although I think Paces’ Classy BLT ($5.00) packs more flavor in addition to being better priced.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant – For Your American Food Cravings
A bit more pricy than other restaurants in the area, Iron Hill can satisfy most American food cravings you might have. Their personal size Traditional Pizza ($10.95) with mozzarella and San Marzano tomato sauce is always a crowd-pleaser (not to mention it has 1/6 of the oil a Renato’s pizza has). Last time I was at Iron Hill, I definitely craved a hearty burger and was very satisfied with their Brewski Burger ($12.50), full of the usual (lettuce, tomato), as well as mushrooms, bacon, and your choice of cheese. Want some finger food? Get a small plate of Hummus ($4.95) with fresh pita bread for the table. This is a great restaurant for celebrations and a night out with friends. The place is quite popular, so be aware that there might be a wait on Friday and Saturday around dinnertime.
320 Market – Tortilla Chips that Will Blow Your Mind
Since there is an additional location on Chester Road, you might not even need to go to the Media store to taste the delicious offerings of 320 Market. True to its name, 320 Market is actually a small market that offers a wider selection of cheese than the Co-op and other items such as chocolate, vegetables, and meats. One of my favorite items is their in-house fresh-baked tortilla chips. In addition to tortilla chips, they offer large sandwiches and salads that will surely fill you up. Their hot Grilled Eggplant Parmesan ($8.99) with homemade marinara, sharp provolone, and roasted red peppers on a seeded baguette is perfect for veggie lovers.
YESSSS.
This column gives me the secrets of the universe
Yo, I am a Media native of over 12 years, and I’ve gotta say that Steven has managed to single out three out of my three favorite eating spots (Noodi, Iron Hill, and finally 320 Market, which is actually a relatively new addition but SO GOOD). Bravo, friend, bravo! Keep all of the good noms coming 😀
dude you have to talk about the Pico de Gallo at 320 market, also mind blowing ESPECIALLY with their chips