"Not everyone has an hour to spare for lunch. But whether you’re looking to linger or need to eat on the run, Mama’s Falafel in Center City has a meal for you. The Israeli counter-service spot churns out loaded pita sandwiches and gigantic eggplant, latke, hummus, and falafel platters in less than 10 minutes, all customized to your taste. The falafel is airy yet crisp, the eggplant sabich has our eternal devotion, and the AYCE pickled topping station is full of all the tangy essentials. And if all of your important meetings are out of the way, upgrade to a large platter—that comes with creamy hummus—grab a seat at a table, and watch 20th Street pass you by." - candis mclean, alison kessler