.jpg)
If you’ve spent any time wandering around Fairmount, you know the corner of 20th and Perot. It’s got that classic Philly neighborhood feel—residential, slightly quiet, but anchored by a few spots that have survived the city's brutal restaurant turnover rates. Fare restaurant in Philadelphia is one of those survivors. Honestly, it’s been around since 2011, which in restaurant years is basically ancient history. But being "old" in a town obsessed with the newest "it" spot usually means you're doing something right.
Fare isn’t trying to be the next Michelin-starred molecular gastronomy lab. It’s a neighborhood joint. It’s where you go when you want a glass of sustainable wine and a burger that doesn’t make you feel like you need a nap for three days. The whole "farm-to-table" label gets slapped on everything these days, but these guys were doing it back when people still thought organic meant it tasted like dirt.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Fairmount Food Scene
Fairmount is weird. It’s not Rittenhouse with its high-end glitz, and it’s not Fishtown with its relentless hipster energy. It’s families, young professionals, and people who actually live in the city long-term. Because of that, a place like Fare has to be a chameleon.
You’ll see people there on a Tuesday night grabbing a quick salad, and then on Friday, the same table is occupied by a group doing a full three-course birthday dinner. Some people think the menu is "too safe." I’d argue it’s just consistent. In a city where a new restaurant opens and closes every week, knowing you can get a solid piece of wild-caught salmon or a really well-executed flatbread is a luxury.
🔗 Read more: The Real Story of Charity Adams and the Six Triple Eight
The interior has that industrial-meets-earthy look. Lots of wood. High ceilings. Large windows that are great for people-watching on 20th Street. It feels open, which is a nice break from some of the cramped, "cozy" (read: tiny) spots in Center City where you’re basically sitting in your neighbor’s lap.
The Sustainability Factor is Real
A lot of places claim to be green because they stopped using plastic straws. Fare goes a bit deeper. They’ve been focused on organic, sustainable, and local ingredients since the doors opened. They actually use a lot of recycled materials in the building itself.
- They source from local farms whenever the PA seasons allow for it.
- The wine list is heavily skewed toward sustainable and organic vineyards.
- Their draft beer selection usually features local heavy hitters like Yards or Victory, keeping the carbon footprint of your pint pretty low.
It’s not just marketing fluff. If you ask the server where the chicken came from, they usually actually know. That matters. Especially now, when "local" is often used as a buzzword to justify a $35 entree that actually came off a corporate food truck.
The Menu: What to Actually Order
Look, the menu at Fare restaurant in Philadelphia changes. It has to, otherwise they’d be lying about the whole seasonal thing. But there are staples.
The Grass-Fed Beef Burger is usually a safe bet. It’s lean but not dry. Usually topped with something like caramelized onions or a sharp local cheddar. It’s a burger for grown-ups.
If you’re leaning more toward the "health" side of their mission, the salads are massive. They don't skimp on the toppings. You’re not just eating a pile of arugula with two cherry tomatoes. They’ll throw in roasted root vegetables, toasted nuts, and house-made vinaigrettes that actually have flavor.
The Seafood Situation
Philadelphia isn’t exactly a coastal town, but Fare manages to keep their seafood fresh. The Scallops are a perennial favorite. Usually served with some kind of seasonal puree—maybe parsnip in the winter or pea in the spring—and they always get that perfect sear. You know the one. Golden brown on the outside, buttery on the inside.
What about the drinks?
The bar is underrated. Everyone talks about the food, but the cocktail program is tight. They do a lot of infusions in-house. They have a drink called the "Fairmount" (or some variation of it depending on the season) that usually involves gin and some sort of botanical element. It’s refreshing. It’s the kind of drink you want when you’re sitting by those big open windows in June.
The Brunch Crowd is Intense
Fairmount lives for brunch. If you try to go to Fare on a Sunday at 11:00 AM without a plan, good luck. You’ll be waiting.
But it’s worth it for the Omelets and the Eggs Benedict. They do a smoked salmon version that is honestly better than most of the dedicated brunch spots in the area. The hollandaise isn't that thick, yellow goop you get at diners; it’s light and has a bit of a citrus kick to it.
Plus, the coffee is actually good. Why do so many great restaurants serve terrible coffee? Fare avoids that trap.
Why You Should Care About Organic Dining in 2026
We’re in an era where everyone is hyper-aware of what’s in their food. We’ve moved past the "is it gluten-free?" phase into the "is this regenerative agriculture?" phase. Fare was ahead of the curve.
Eating at Fare isn't just about the taste. It's about supporting a business model that doesn't rely on factory farming. It’s about the fact that your steak didn't travel 3,000 miles to get to your plate.
The Price Point
Let's talk money. Philly isn't cheap anymore. Dinner for two with drinks at Fare is going to run you anywhere from $80 to $130 depending on how hard you go on the wine list. Is it a budget meal? No. But compared to some of the "concept" restaurants in Fishtown where you pay $22 for a small plate of three carrots, Fare offers actual value. You leave full. You leave feeling like you ate real food.
The Vibe Shift
There was a period around 2019 where Fare felt a little... stagnant? Like they were resting on their laurels. But they’ve done a good job of refreshing the energy. The staff is younger, the music is better, and the menu feels more experimental than it did five years ago.
It’s a great spot for a first date. It’s loud enough that there’s a "buzz," so those awkward silences aren't quite as loud, but it’s not so loud that you have to scream your life story across the table.
Technical Details You’ll Want to Know
Location: 2028 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130.
Reservations: Recommended for weekend dinner and brunch. They use OpenTable.
Outdoor Seating: They have some sidewalk seating. It’s great in the fall. Fairmount Avenue is wide, so you don’t feel like buses are brushing against your shoulder while you eat.
Happy Hour: Usually runs Monday through Friday. It’s one of the best ways to experience the bar without committing to a full dinner price tag.
The Verdict on Fare Restaurant in Philadelphia
If you want the trendiest, most Instagrammable plate of food in the city, go to Stephen Starr’s newest place. But if you want a meal that feels honest, supports local farmers, and tastes like someone actually gave a damn in the kitchen, Fare is the spot.
It’s a staple for a reason. In a city as tough as Philly, you don't survive for over a decade by accident. You survive by being consistent, being fair (pun intended, sorry), and serving food that makes people want to come back next Tuesday.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
- Book a table for "Off-Peak" hours. Go on a Wednesday night around 7:30 PM. The service is more relaxed, and the kitchen isn't slammed, so you’ll get the best possible version of every dish.
- Check the specials board. Because they are seasonal, the best stuff often isn't on the printed menu. If there’s a seasonal soup or a local catch, get it.
- Walk it off. After dinner, walk a few blocks south to the Eastern State Penitentiary. Even if you don't go in, walking around that massive stone perimeter at night is a quintessentially Philly experience that pairs perfectly with a good meal.
- Join the loyalty program. If you live in the neighborhood, they have a rewards system that actually adds up pretty quickly if you’re a regular.
Fare is more than just a place to eat; it’s a reflection of Fairmount’s evolution. It’s steady, it’s reliable, and it’s still one of the best examples of how to do "eco-conscious" dining without being pretentious about it.
Go for the burger, stay for the wine, and enjoy the fact that you're eating at a place that actually cares about the community it's parked in.