Tabachoy

"A neon-lit pig above the kitchen. A communal beer fridge if you forget to BYOB. A caesar salad variation we can only describe as "bangin." This is what you're in for when you come to eat Filipino food at Tabachoy. The space is small and usually quite booked. Make a reservation beforehand and follow your nose (or just our advice) to dishes like unbreaded fried chicken with a soy vinegar sauce, pancit bihon that perfectly balances heat and citrus, and a very good ube sundae." - alison kessler, candis mclean

"Head to Tabachoy with a few friends when you want to have a casual birthday celebration at the best Filipino restaurant in town. The cozy BYOB’s dining room in Bella Vista is always packed, so don't show up without a reservation. And that’s because they have fried chicken (think Peking duck rather than breaded chicken), a pancit bihon noodle dish that balances spice and citrus perfectly, and a juicy pork belly that we can’t stop thinking about. They also happen to have an incredible ube sundae and community fridge—in case you forgot that bottle of champagne you wanted to celebrate with." - candis mclean, alison kessler

"Consistent Filipino cuisine is hard to find in Philly, but at Tabachoy — it’s a treasure to behold. Here, chef and owner Chance Anies is fierce with the range of flavors he serves diners, whether it’s his lemony, garlicky beef steak with a chile spice, hot and crispy lumpia, or nutty and floral slow-braised beef shank. These are dishes meant to be enjoyed by all of your senses at this very casual, fun restaurant." - Eater Staff, Ernest Owens

"Sometimes, you need a great neighborhood spot where you can sit down and feel right at home. And this laidback Filipino restaurant has that atmosphere—plus a bunch of dishes you’ll fantasize about during your morning run. The BYOB’s tiny dining room stays fairly packed, so don't show up without a reservation. People come in droves for the unbreaded fried chicken, the zippy pancit bihon noodle dish, and a friendly staff. They also have an incredible ube sundae and a community fridge where you can grab a beer—in case you actually sprinted here after your run and forgot a bottle. " - candis mclean, alison kessler

"Tabachoy Caesar  Maybe you've daydreamed about the Old City saxophone guy serenading you, but never about raw cabbage. That will change when you eat Tabachoy's crisp, tangy caesar variation. (Don't let "caesar" throw you. This salad tastes nothing like a Panera "You Pick Two" combo.) This Bella Vista Filipino BYOB mixes napa cabbage, mustard greens, cured duck yolk, chili, fried shallots, scallion, and sesame. There's snap in every bite, as well as a slick coating of dressing made with Filipino fermented fish paste." - candis mclean, alison kessler