4 of Aunt Mary Pat’s Favorite Delco Eats

She’s everyone’s favorite aunt — and we were lucky enough to get few minutes of her time after her second shift at the grocery store. We were curious … what does Aunt Mary Pat Disabatino like to eat? Read on as she keeps it real and dishes on four of her favorite Delco haunts.

Destination Delco: Thanks so much for squeezing us in after a long work shift. How are you doing?

Photo courtesy of @auntmarypat

Aunt Mary Pat: At least it wasn’t a 12-hour. Those are the worst. What can I do you for, hun?

DD: Why do you like to go out to eat in Delco?

AMP: Simple: There are so many hidden gems to eat at in Delco. And I hate cooking, like, 75 percent of the time, so I love going out to eat. The eats are so good in Delco!

DD: How often do you go out to eat?

AMP: Me and Uncle Lar usually eat out six days a week. Now that the kids are gone, we like getting out.

Photo courtesy of PJW Restaurant Group

DD: We know you love the Birds. What’s your favorite nosh when those Iggles are playing?

AMP: Well, youse all know I love my wings and nachos. You gotta have something to chew on, cuz sometimes those games are nail-biters! P.J.’s in Newtown Square has the best bites and something for everyone — even those fancy-dancy craft beers that my son, Paulie, loves.

DD: You’re really busy taking care of your daughter, Kelly, shopping at Kohl’s … so many things! Where do you grab a bite on the run?

AMP: DiConstanza in Marcus Hook, hun! Quick service, always delicious, best hoagies around. Didja know there’s a rumor the hoagie was invented at DiCostanza like 90 years ago? That’s right, hun — here in Delco.

DD: Where do you go for special occasions?

Photo courtesy of chef Chris Posse

AMP: Whether it’s Valentime’s Day, or me and Uncle Lar’s anniversary, or even a birfday, we get a little dressed up and go to The Porch at The Lamb — right, Springfield? It’s a beautyful place. I can have my fancy-dancy French onion soup and lobster ravioli and Uncle Lar can get his cheesesteak egg rolls and fish and chips. Don’t forget dessert — no complainin’!

DD: What’s something that’s totally Delco that should be on everyone’s bucket list?

Photo courtesy of Pica’s Restaurant

AMP: Youse guys gotta try Pica’s in Upper Darby! It’s a Delco staple. Rectangle pizza, sauce on top, hun. Yup, the cheese is under the sauce. Crispy on the edges, too. There’s nothin’ like it!

DD: Any other aunty advice?

AMP: Eat local, hun. Our small businesses are the best. You can keep your city restaurants. I don’t care what nobody says: The best food is in Delco!

Photo courtesy of Alexander John Photography

Want to dine like Aunt Mary Pat? Here ya go, hun:

P.J. Whelihan’s Pub + Restaurant, 4803 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, (610) 848-4100.

Pica’s Restaurant, 7803 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, (610) 789-7770.

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

The Porch at The Lamb, 865 W. Springfield Rd, Springfield, (610) 544-3300.

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 the Destination Delco Tourism Bureau, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Find us at 1501 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA, 19063; (610) 565-3679 or online.

Nina Malone