Jezabel’s Brings a Rare Taste of Argentina to University City | Eater Philly

"A resilient West Philly restaurant that leans into the piquant flavors of Jujuy in northwestern Argentina, this University City outpost (opened in 2017 after the 2010 original closed in 2018) feels like an Argentine café: warm and cozy with an antique wooden coffee bar, matching vintage bar mirrors, soft white walls, white marble tiles, dark wood furnishings, and an open pastry counter so diners can watch the magic happen. Empanadas became a pandemic-era hot commodity—supple, browned, and baked to perfection with sepia blisters and a crispy crust that’s soft inside—made with locally sourced beef from Happy Valley Meat and paired with llajua, a spicy tomato and locoto pepper sauce. The ground beef empanadas (two for $12.50) blend beef, onions, raisins, and olives brightened by cumin, pimentón, and chile flakes; the chicken version keeps the spices but drops the raisins. Among eight varieties are fugazetta (leeks, onions, cheese) and humita (fresh corn and cheese with basil, red bell pepper, and chile flakes), plus vegetarian and vegan options, all hand-shaped with distinct repulgues. The pastry case also holds tartas (quiche-like pies) including leek and zucchini, corn and scallion, and the pascualina ($9) packed with Swiss chard, red bell pepper, onions, nutmeg, grated cheese, and hard-boiled eggs. Seasonal soups and sides range from gazpacho and sopa a mani to lentejas ($12) and locro ($12) made with zapallo plomo. On the sweet-and-coffee side, expect medialunas, facturas, the mafalda ham-and-cheese croissant, and a cortado made with Reanimator beans—an ideal combo that tastes like breakfast in Buenos Aires. Open Wednesday through Friday 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m., and Saturday until 5 p.m." - Bill Esparza