Midtown Lunch

Today, Luncher John is telling us about a spot he dines at often

For over ten years, I’ve made countless visits to Square on Square, a Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Center City at 19th and Chestnut. While there are plenty of Chinese spots downtown, Square on Square has stood out for its upscale-yet-casual ambience and excellent food. Both business lunch goers as well as Center City shoppers have been filling Square on Square during lunch for years, and with good reason.

In addition to being open for lunch and dinner, Square on Square has a significant take-out and delivery business. It’s no surprise that the menu is sizable, featuring something for everybody. There are regular luncheon specialties, but then there’s also a separate sheet of “Square’s Suggestions,” which are available only during lunch.

The prices for lunch orders may be a bit high, but each lunch special does come with a bowl of soup. The wanton soup comes out piping hot with a flavorful broth. It’s a good start to the meal.

The Chow Fun Noodles with Beef ($8.80) are one of my favorite items on the menu. Before you even start eating, you immediately notice the dish’s wonderful aroma. The ho fun noodles are wide and incredibly tasty, and there’s plenty of beef mixed in. It’s a huge plate, and you’re stuffed afterwards.

Spicy Popcorn Chicken ($9.85) is just what it sounds like. Chicken pieces cut in the shape of popcorn are dipped in egg batter and deep fried before being sautéed in a special spicy sauce. There’s a blend of both sweetness from the coating and spiciness, though it’s by no means too spicy. It’s an absolutely delicious dish. Oh, and there’s some broccoli rabe in there to make you feel like you’re eating something somewhat healthy.

Catering to the business crowd, Square on Square’s service is relatively quick. The time to order and receive your soup and main dish usually is no more than ten to fifteen minutes. It’s also certainly affordable, especially considering the amount of food you receive. There are many reasons why Square on Square has been a mainstay, and it remains worthy of lunch visits.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)
· Enormous menu of lunch options
· You get a lot of food with the soup and lunch selection
· Chow Fun Noodles with Beef are amazing

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)
· On the high end price-wise for lunch
Square on Square, 1905 Chestnut Street, 215-568-0088