Midtown Lunch

I love empanadas so much and there aren’t many to be found in Center City. Earlier this month Foobooz out out a list of places to find them and I was reminded of Gavin’s Cafe and their Argentinian empanadas all the way on the westernmost side of Center City.

It is a cute cafe with a few 2 top tables, but there is plenty of park space to eat nearby if  the sun is out and winds are low.

Sandwiches are available, but I came for the empanadas. Baked goods are made fresh daily which is a good thing, except that you are at the mercy of the chef when it comes to the selection. On my visit, only the spinach and cheese empanada was available.

I had the lunch special with 2 empanadas and a side salad for $7.50. The salad was the kind I like, mixed baby greens with blue cheese and a nice vinaigrette. Though I am more accustomed to a flakier dough,  the empanadas were baked with a pretty braided edge. The spinach mixture inside tasted fine, I just wish there was more of it. Unfortunately, I was hungry again in an hour.

Another option is the spinach, cheese, and egg breakfast bagel. They don’t skimp on cheese here.

Sometimes Gavin’s has fresh baked alfajores (Argentinian cookies layered with caramel and wrapped in chocolate), but today there were none and I had to settle for a mass produced yet satisfying version.

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

• Empanadas in Center City
• Cafe style food by the river

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

• Portions are small for the price

Gavin’s Cafe, 2536 Pine St, 267 519-2494