For us locals here in Media, we know the drill. Name a restaurant or bar and we can spout off what food and drink specials fall on each night, who has live entertainment when and what the vibe will likely be on any given day. Going out for a nice lunch doesn’t have to break the bank, and spending a night on the town in Media doesn’t either. Whether your mood is casually cool or uniquely upscale, we insiders have you covered. From the best-kept secrets to perhaps the not-so-secret specials, State Street sure has some culinary gems that are spectacular nonetheless.
Azie
217 West State Street, Media
This chic restaurant offers contemporary Asian fusion dishes and an extensive sushi menu, and Azie’s trendy lounge and bar have a modern Center City feel right in downtown Media.
The Secret: “Refreshingly Global” Happy Hour
From 5–7 p.m. Monday through Friday, signature cocktails are $5, select wines and sangria are $4 and designated bottles of beer are $3 and $4. Their famous, prepared-to-order sushi is as low as $4 for a 6-piece roll. The wide variety of flavors include shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, California roll and others. Small plates are offered, including edamame or Kobe sliders for $6 and truffle fries, spring rolls or seaweed salad for $4. Happy hour pricing applies only to the lounge and bar area.
But Wait, There’s More…
The Sunday brunch features traditional favorites like omelets, breakfast meats and breads, plus lunch selections like sushi rolls, dumplings and fresh fish dishes—and be sure to leave room for the fine desserts that satisfy every sweet tooth.
In the warmer months, the roof deck is a must-see. It’s tucked away off State Street, so it’s the perfect place to dine al fresco in a quiet, but very hip setting.
Fellini Café Trattoria
106 West State Street, Media
I’ve been to Fellini dozens of times for both dinner and lunch, and not once have I been disappointed. Trust me, I’m Italian and know my pastas and sauces. Fellini’s menu features around 40 authentic pasta dishes, from simple spaghetti with fresh tomato and basil to linguine frutti de mare, a delightful combination of fresh mussels, calamari and crab meat in tomato sauce.
The Secret: Dinner at Lunch
Typically my friends and colleagues dine at the BYOB for dinner, but many don’t think to make a lunch visit. The combination specials are amazing. For just under $12, you can have soup or salad (mixed green or Caesar) and a pasta entrée. There are dozens to choose from, which range from a simple pomodoro pasta to savory ravioli. The portions rival Fellini’s dinner dishes, and almost yield leftovers. The soup and salad combo is $9.75.
But Wait, There’s More…
Save room for dessert. Fellini makes all confections in-house, and the most popular are the filled-to-order cannoli. Order a cappuccino and mangia, the perfect ending.
If you enjoy opera music, Fellini offers live opera during dinner every Monday night.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
130 East State Street, Media
Since 1996, Iron Hill has expanded and become a household name in the Philly region. With a total of 10 highly successful restaurants, Iron Hill has earned more awards than anyone can imagine. The menu is deliciously enormous and includes everything from soups, salads, burgers and light bites to modern meals with a twist. Of course, there’s the beer brewed on site. That said, there are some things you may not realize.
The Secret: C’mon Get Happy!
The work day has come to a close and Iron Hill is ready to help you relax. During happy hour Monday through Friday 4–6 p.m., they offer $2 off freshly tapped house and seasonal beers, plus $4 and $6 wine and spirits. Not to mention the very affordable small plate menu at $6 a pop, which features tasty bites like the ever-popular and oh-so-delish cheesesteak eggrolls, brie stuffed mushrooms and beef brisket flatbread.
But Wait, There’s More…
Iron Hill features events each month for beer connoisseurs and foodies alike, so be sure to check out their calendar. Coming up February 6, it’s the annual “Polar Bear Plunge Patio Party.” Layer up and meet your friends to sample Russian Imperial Stout outside under the heat lamps. Complimentary s’mores by the fire pit will be offered exclusively to members of the “King of the Hill Rewards Club.” Not a member? Click here to find out what’s on tap with that.
John’s Grille
116 South Monroe Street, Media
If you’re looking for a home-cooked meal, ice cold draft beer, and laid-back spot to just take a breather after a tough work day, John’s Grille is a solid option.
The Secret: It’s Better Than You Think
Since it’s tucked away off State Street, some people don’t think to visit John’s, but they should. It’s worth it to lunch there on a weekday and you’ll see all John’s has to offer. Virtually unchanged for decades, John’s is absolutely unassuming and friendly, and has some of the heartiest food at the fairest prices.
Every day there’s a board filled with the day’s homemade, hearty specials, from meatball parm sandwiches and Angus burgers to lunch combinations. Trust me, the portions are abundant and prices run $5 to $7. I often order the grilled cheese, cup of just-like-Mom-makes soup (the ham and cabbage rocks) and a small salad. For $5.95, who could beat it?
Tuesdays are “Taco Tuesdays”—for 99 cents grab a beef taco with hard or soft shell accompanied by veggies, cheese, sour cream and salsa. Order an ice cold beer to wash down your meal. There’s always a $2 draft on tap.
But Wait, There’s More…
If you crave chili, try John’s because it’s homemade and spiced just right. And the slow-cooked ribs are to-die-for.
Media Pizza & Grille
111 West State Street, Media
It’s a pretty typical American-style pizza joint offering appetizers such as french fries, mozzarella sticks and jalapeno poppers. Menu selections include salads, soups, burgers, grilled sandwiches, wraps, steaks and specialty pizzas.
The Secret: It’s All About the Lunch Special
When Media Pizza & Grille opened up, news of the daily specials spread like wildfire. It’s my go-to lunch meal some days. For $6.95, choose any slice of pizza, from plain to specialty white pizza with spinach and fresh tomato. It’s a great deal considering specialty slices often cost double. Pair it with either a cup of homemade soup of the day or side salad, soda and dessert, my favorite part. End your meal with a gooey chocolate chip cookie, mini cannoli or other tasty sweets offered.
But Wait, There’s More…
You can order online for takeout or delivery, or dine in.
New Tiny Hoagie Shop
122 Manchester Avenue, Media
Family-owned and operated, New Tiny is nestled right off State Street on Manchester Avenue. The take-out or delivery-only spot has become a regular stop for lunch. It’s no surprise considering when you’re in the area, you can smell the delightful scents of pizza and cheesesteaks cooking. New Tiny offers hoagies, steaks, wings, meal platters, wraps, salads and a large selection of appetizers.
The Secret: Not-So-Tiny-Portions
Since I work a block away from Tiny, it’s a no-brainer to grab a quick lunch to bring back to the office. I typically order the chef’s salad, which is chock-full of meats, cheeses and fresh vegetables, plus a roll with butter. It’s definitely enough for two people, and it costs only $5.50.The sandwiches and wraps are overstuffed with your choice of meat and cheese, plus veggies. The smalls run $4 to $7, there are dozens to choose from and they’re large enough to keep half for later.
But Wait There’s More…
Don’t feel like making dinner? Pick up full meals for your family, such as spaghetti or ravioli, which comes with garlic bread and a side salad for $7, or the shrimp basket with coleslaw, french fries and a buttered roll for just under $8. Have a hankering for breakfast at night? Tiny serves it all day.
Plumstead Inn
26 West State Street, Media
The saying goes, “Everybody who is anybody has met somebody at the Plumstead Inn.” The Plummy, as locals often refer to the neighborhood bar and restaurant, is a meeting spot where everybody really does know your name, and if you’re a first-timer, you’ll have a host of best buddies in no time. It’s been this way for more than 50 years and is a staple in the heart of Media.
The Secret: Eat, Drink and Save Money
While the lunch and dinner dishes feature large portions at very fair prices, the daily happy hour is certainly a draw. Happy hour goers will enjoy domestic draft beers for $2, $2.75 bottles, specialty drafts reduced to $3 and $3 well drinks. Pub grub appetizers are less expensive from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. If your post-work appetite is a bit bigger, you can’t go wrong with the signature sandwiches. Cheesesteaks ($6.50) and hot roast beef ($5.50) are just a few of the best items on the menu. Another one is the heartiest of comfort foods, meatloaf with gravy and two sides, mashed ‘taters recommended ($8.25).
But Wait, There’s More…
The Plumstead has become known as the unofficial sports bar in Media, where Birds fans flock together on any given Sunday to catch an Eagles game. With TVs everywhere you look, if there’s another game you’d rather watch, rest assured it will be on.
Stephen’s On State
105 West State Street, Media
Stephen’s has built a reputation as an elegant steak and seafood place with an extensive wine list. It’s also well known for live music almost every night and dancing on weekends.
The Secret: True or False, There’s Quizzo
It’s TRUE. Monday’s at 7:30 p.m. teams gather in the bar area for the famous pub trivia game. During Quizzo, prices drop. Wings are 25 cents and draft beers are $2. There’s even a prize for the winning team. A good deal? Correct!
Every weekday, Stephen’s happy hour offers some pretty irresistible specials, like half price drinks and $5 apps at the bar. Tasty options include prime rib eggrolls, smoked chicken quesadilla and loaded nachos.
Photo credits: Fellini and John’s Grille, Lauren Avellino Turton; Iron Hill beer flight, Amy Strauss; remaining photos courtesy of the restaurants.
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