Pumpkin has started popping up on menus throughout the Philadelphia region. Pumpkin pies and other fall-flavored food can be hard to resist - not to mention pumpkin martinis. Here’s where to find some of the best pumpkin dishes and drinks in the area.
Forsythia - At Chef Chris Kearse's contemporary French bar and restaurant in Old City you enjoy Roasted Chicken with lentils du put, coffee, pumpkin puree and delicate squash and Pumpkin Truffle Beignets with miso apple butter.
Talula's Daily - This gourmet market along the west side of Washington Square is offering a Pumpkin Scone with a cinnamon glaze. For an extra punch of pumpkin, pair it with a Pumpkin Latte made with warm spices and the milk of your choosing. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Talula's Garden - Talula's Daily's fancier big sister just next door is offering Pumpkin Crème brûlée. The fall flavor comes from pumpkin spice, nutmeg-infused custard and a mini gingersnap garnish. Indoor seating and lots of pretty outdoor seating is available in the garden and in chalets.
HipCityVeg - This vegan fast-casual restaurant with locations in Rittenhouse, on the Avenue of the Arts, in University City, in Radnor and Ardmore is making a Pumpkin Shake made with organic soy milk and all natural pumpkin puree and spices.
Red Owl Tavern - This American tavern in the Monaco Hotel in the Historic District is serving a drink called Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie. But it doesn’t come in a pie shell, it comes in a glass and is made of rye whiskey, Calvados, house pumpkin cream, apple cider liqueur and egg white.
McGillin's Olde Ale House - One of the best-selling drinks at Philadelphia’s oldest continuously operating tavern is the Pumpkin Martini. It’s made with Pinnacle Vanilla Vodka, Pumpkin Liqueur and a splash of creme and has a cinnamon-sugar rim. And if the weather is chilly, you can opt for Pumpkin Hot Chocolate or Coffee made with Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Pumpkin Liqueur, Whipped Cream and Cinnamon-Sugar. While the beer list changes frequently, you can often find pumpkin beers including Big Oyster Shucking Pumpkin and Dogfish Head Punkin Ale at this historic bar in Midtown Village.
Amis Trattoria - This Italian bistro in Devon yard next to the Devon Horse Show has a fabulous fall concoction made with pumpkin cream liqueur, Kahlua, Amaro and Espresso.
The Butcher & The Barkeep - On a cool day, nothing hits the spot like Pumpkin Soup at this Harleysville restaurant, which is known for partnering with local farmers, distillers and brewers. The restaurant has inside and outside dining and pick up.
Flakely - This is a women-owned pop up that produces bread and pastries that are gluten-free, peanut-free, wheat-free and non-GMO. The small business is baking Pumpkin Cardamon Pop Tart with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze and Pumpkin Cardamon Croissants. Baked goods are available for pick up from its Manayunk Kitchen Workshop. Delivery and shipping are available in some areas.
The Wayward - Drink your pumpkin at The Wayward, an American brasserie at the Canopy by Hilton in Market East where they're serving a cocktail dubbed "Not Your Basic PSL." A blend of brown butter washed Courvoisier, pumpkin and espresso garnished with a mini Federal Donut.
The Love - Get warm mini Pumpkin Spice Scones topped with light whipped coffee cream cheese icing and drizzled with cinnamon caramel at The Love. There is inside seating and lots of outdoor seating in chalets.
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Front Street Cafe - A charming Fishtown restaurant with a big patio, Front Street Cafe, is mixing up Pumpkin Pie Martinis made with Kiki Vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Creme de Cacao, Pumpkin and Oat Milk. For brunch, enjoy Whole Grain Pumpkin Hotcakes with cranberry compote, dulce de leche and candied pepitas Or a gluten-free Pumpkin Cardamon donut.
Fond - This French-focused restaurant on East Passyunk Avenue is pouring Pumpkin Flips made with pumpkin puree, rum, Cognac, maple syrup, a whole egg and evaporated milk.
Sabrina’s Cafe - You can always count on Sabrina’s for seasonal foods and this fall is no exception. Look for Pumpkin Butterscotch Pancakes topped with apple raisin cranberry chutney and fall honey spiced butter. Locations in Fairmount, Collingswood, Wynnewood and University City.
City Works - This American restaurant and taphouse in the King of Prussia Town Center offers 90 craft beers on tap including DogFish Head's Punkin Ale. The Punkin Ale is a full-bodied brown ale with smooth hints of pumpkin and brown sugar. City Works has 9,000 square feet of space and a spacious outdoor patio.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams - Jeni's will be opening locations in Rittenhouse and Fishtown. But if you'd like to get an early taste, you can order Pumpkin Cake Roll Ice Cream online. The Buttercup pumpkins used to make this seasonal flavor are grown exclusively for Jeni's before being magically transformed into ice cream and then swirled with spiced sweet cheese and cake.
If you're craving pumpkin this fall, there are plenty of places around the area to indulge in pumpkin foods and drinks.
By Irene Levy Baker, author, 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia and Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia. For signed copies, click here. Use promo code TheCityPulse for free shipping.
For more blog postings by Irene Levy Baker including information about new restaurants and a list of rooftop bars click here.