Shopping the outlets? Eat well at the Butcher and Barkeep.
You may be stuck in the mall all day, but that doesn’t mean you need to eat in the food court. You’re better than that. And really, you’re not saving much money — that greasy pizza slice is overpriced and you know it. And the caffeine kick that comes in a syrupy pumpkin latte? That’s just going to end in a sugar crash. Take a breather and sit down somewhere where you can refuel for fighting the Black Friday crowds.
Shop: King of Prussia Mall
Eat: Desi Village
The mall to beat all malls has plenty of lunch options, but you know they’ll all be overrun today. Head just outside to this small Indian restaurant that offers a great deal on a lunch buffet. Feel free to eat plate after plate of chicken tikki masala.
145 S. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia, 610-265-8500, www.desivillage.net
Shop: Limerick Outlets
Eat: The Butcher and Barkeep
This new restaurant comes from two former Standard Tap bartenders, Gerard Angelini and Cody Ferdinand, and former Craft Ale House chef Jeffrey Sacco. It’s a bit of a drive from the outlets, but if you’re already in the vicinity, now’s the time to try it. The small plates include duck risotto, shrimp and grits, and Greek salad. And then there’s a duck confit roll on Cuban bread, which is like an early holiday gift to yourself.
712 Main St., Harleysville, 267-932-8407, www.thebutcherandbarkeep.com
Shop: Center City
Eat: Tria Taproom
Look at you, shopping locally. We suggest refueling at Tria Taproom. The newest addition to the Tria family has an impressive selection of draught beer and wood-grilled flatbreads. Need we say more?
2005 Walnut St., 215-557-8277, www.triacafe.com
Shop: Plymouth Meeting Mall
Eat: El Limon
We get it, you don’t want to spend too much time chowing down. You need to get back into the thick of Black Friday bargains before someone else snatches up the last deal. Get quick Mexican food at El Limon. Be warned, though, with large portions on each plate, you may slow your roll on the shopping if you’re not careful.
103 Fayette St., Conshohocken, 610-567-0120
When it’s all over, you’re going to need a drink. Here are a few of the best happy hours in the city:
The Industry Bar
1401 E. Moyamensing Ave., 215-271-9500, www.theindustrybar.com
From 4–7 p.m. Industry has a 3-4-5 happy hour. It breaks down to $3 select draughts, $4 house wine and $5 select cocktails, plus buck-a-shuck oysters.
Devil’s Den
1148 S. 11th St., 215-339-0855, www.devilsdenphilly.com.
A deal doesn’t need to be complicated to be appreciated. From 5-7 p.m. you can get half off all draughts — the selection is great — and there’s a tapas menu.
ELA
627 S. 3rd St., 267-687-8512, www.elaphilly.com
The specials change nightly, but you can count on distinct, creative cocktails at ELA. The post-shopping happy hour window is small (5–6:30 p.m.), but there’s a second one from 10 p.m. to midnight.
