"You know that warm, satisfying feeling you get when you hear a song like “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green? Or the in-your-seat sway that starts when Barry White comes on? You’ll have the same reaction at Fitler Square’s Sally Philadelphia, and not just because they play throwbacks all night—a bite of anything from this cozy pizza spot will spark immediate bliss. photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO Between the creative pies, seasonal small plates, and natural wine-bottle shop inside, you may think that Sally and Eeva were separated at birth like the kids in The Parent Trap. But there are some things that are exclusive to this place: the rose-colored, heart-shaped chandeliers, a spacious outdoor setup, and appetizers so good that you could happily make a meal out of them. There’s soft velvet seating along the walls and a long bar where you can pass the time asking the bartender about the wine collection (so large that a mural made up of bottles hangs on the wall). It’s definitely a neighborhood spot, but hip enough to cross town for. photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO They serve excellent wood-fired sourdough pizzas with some unusual toppings like coriander cream, pickled long hots, and pepper jelly. And from the kale salad topped with a savory granola to a charcoal grilled shrimp that tops our list of favorite seafood dishes, you can’t go wrong with any dish on the buzzy place’s menu. When it comes to the pizza, you can expect a pillowy crust with perfect char rings, and a slightly sour bite that gets balanced out by anything they melt on top. Sally regularly changes the menu and serves some unexpected dishes—an incredible chicken liver mousse gets swapped out for mushroom stroganoff-topped meatballs, and clams top a pizza instead of pepperoni. photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO Their rotating menu usually has five options, ideal for sharing something cheesy on a Monday night date when everything else is closed, or when you’re hosting a game night at your place and want to grab a great bottle of wine and unforgettable pizza at the same time. But no matter what they’re serving or where you have it, you’ll have a night that—like your favorite oldie—you’ll want to repeat endlessly. Food Rundown photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO Brussel Sprouts They love to char things here, and the brussels sprouts are no exception. Each bite is toasty but the sprouts remain juicy. The mix of xo sauce, koji butter, toasted peanuts, and bacon makes every bite sweet, creamy, and crunchy. photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO Charcoal Grilled Shrimp The jumbo shrimp here are covered in a peppery chili oil, sprinkles of lemon, and parsley flakes. Each bite has the perfect balance of smokiness, citrus, and waves of heat. photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO Sopressata Pizza This pizza is so good it comes to us in dreams. It’s layered with fermented pepper jelly, tomato, and gooey mozz. photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO Sausage and Salad Pizza This pizza is unlike any other. Chewy, spicy mounds of sausage combine with the cool crunch of the salad. You’ll want to bring a few home for the days the restaurant is closed. photo credit: EMILY SCHINDLER Clam and Leek Pizza The clam and leek pizza comes with a grilled lemon in the center. The standout pie is like a citrusy clam chowder surrounded by crunchy sourdough edges. If we could, we’d give it an award for a pizza that’s more comforting than a fuzzy blanket on a cold day." - Candis R. McLean
