Midtown Lunch

I love reading the write ups from my fellow local bloggers. I do it daily. So it was thanks to Philly Phoodie and Mac and Cheese that I learned about Mr. Joe’s Cafe, the classic, homestyle Italian spot in South Philly.  With its olde time furnishings I had thought this place had been around forever, but its actually just a few years old. Adding to that old school feel, the hostess/waitress Annamaria, lauded for her front of house service, makes you feel like you are being taken care of  by someone’s Italian aunt. As a disclaimer, the menu items are pretty much all over $10. But essentially with each order you are getting a 3 course meal.

Bread and butter comes first. And a glass of complimentary jug wine if you desire. Then a plate of salad to start your meal.

A giant roast pork panini is actually one of the least heavy things you could order. The rosemary infused pork is juicy enough to drip on to the plate.

The gnocchi in red sauce ($16) are so smooth and light that you might be tricked in to eating way more than your stomach is comfortable with. Not to mention the gorgeously unfussy tomato sauce.

The eggplant of the eggplant parmigiana is not fried, so its a healthy option right? Not so much, as it is covered with more melted cheese than I have ever seen on a plate. It is an excellent version of the dish with that mountain of cheese, more red sauce, and roasted eggplant that still shines through.

Save room for the dessert that comes with your order. As the restaurant is owned by the Termini family, these are not an afterthought. I don’t know how I found room for it, but I loved my banana mouse cake.

Find the time in your agenda for a long lunch break, and make this happen.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• 3 course homestyle Italian meals for the price of 1
• Juicy pork, simple red sauce, classic gnocchi
• Service that will make you feel taken care of

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• Mostly everything over $10

Mr. Joe’s Cafe, 1514 South 8th St, 215 334-1414