In Delco? Hit These Must-Try Food Gems — Round 1

You’re sure to find something for your tummy’s to-do list on our “round one” list of Delco’s must-try spots! Whether you play, live or work in Delco, or are considering a visit (good idea!), you’ll want to eat where the locals go. Stay tuned for “round 2” … because you can’t get too much of Delco’s favorites! 

320 Market Cafe’s Pico de Gallo

There are accolades aplenty for this family-owned market’s “to die for” pico de gallo. And, they’d be accurate! It includes avocado, tomato, red onion and salt, plus just the right amount of lime juice, jalapeno and cilantro. Not a surprise, since the Cunicelli family has been keeping it fresh and local since 1991 (Swarthmore) and 2011 (Media). Hours vary by location, so check the website for the latest.

713 S. Chester Rd. in Swarthmore, (610) 328-7211; and 211 W. State St. in Media, (610) 565-8320. 

Photo by 320 Market Cafe

Charlie’s Hamburgers’ Double Cheeseburger

If a hamburger is good, and a cheeseburger is great, then a double cheeseburger is awesome. Here, it’s beyond awesome! Not surprising, since Charlie’s has been serving throwback burger joint food at throwback prices since 1935. Delight in no-frills — two fresh ground beef patties, made daily, on a toasted bun, with signature yellow cheese — or add more fixings. Open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. Closed on select holidays — check Charlie’s Hamburgers’ Facebook page for updates.

237 E. MacDade Blvd., Folsom; (610) 461-4228.

Photo by Charlie’s Hamburgers

Pica’s Restaurant’s Square ‘Upside-Down’ Pizza 

This storied spot is home to the original square upside-down pizza that flips the cheese with the sauce. Sound too simple to be drool-worthy? Think again! There’s something about the not-too-thick crust first smothered in cheese and then topped with sauce that makes each bite memorable. Open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

7803 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby; (610) 789-7770.

Photo by Pica’s Restaurant

The Original Clam Tavern’s Crab Cakes

Rejoice in this old-style fish house! It’s been old-school for more than 50 years — check out the wood paneling and captain’s wheel, highlighting its nautical vibe. You’ll find lots of clams dishes on the menu, but we invite you to dig into the crab cakes. No filler overload here; just jumbo lump crab pan-seared and finished in the over with house-made wasabi cucumber sauce on the side. Open for dinner only. Find free parking at the corner of Marple and Broadway.

339 E. Broadway Ave., Clifton Heights; (610) 623-9537.

Photo by The Original Clam Tavern

DiCostanza Sandwich’s Original Hoagie

The DiCostanza family is credited as the true hoagie originator, circa 1925. What continues to make it one of the best? The basics: meats, cheeses, onions and peppers (on a long roll. Select the Italian “Our Best”: Prosciutto, capicola, salami and provolone — no lettuce. Who needs lettuce with all that? You’ll need to call for more info because there’s no website and no social media. They’re too busy making hoagies! Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Monday.

1930 Market St., Marcus Hook, (610) 494-3616.

Photo by DiCostanza

DiFabio’s, Original Pistachio Chicken Tenders

Do not — we repeat — do not write off these chix tenders as a dish for the kiddos. This full-service Italian restaurant is a great spot to bring the kids for a family meal, and it should include this delicately pistachio-encrusted chicken. Choose honey mustard or chili barbecue sauce (or, both!) and go for the 30 tender order. Open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Monday.

1243 N. Providence Rd., Media, (484) 444-0850.

Photo by DiFabio’s

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email, or online.

Nina Malone

Featured photo by 320 Market Cafe

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