We can probably all agree that Philadelphia offers some amazing food and a unique restaurant scene.

Though the options in regard to cuisine and setting are endless among the eateries here, sometimes all you want is some good comfort food.
I don’t know about you, but for me, nothing beats mac and cheese when it comes to comfort food. From the creaminess, to the cheese, to over the top additions to the dish, there’s so much to love about this food.
I’ve put together a list of my favorite spots to grab mac and cheese in town, so you can try them for yourself. I’ve included a vast array of cuisines in this list so you can enjoy other foods alongside your mac and cheese. Keep reading to learn a bit about each place!
Best Mac and Cheese in Philadelphia
South Philadelphia Tap Room
1509 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Phone: (215) 271-7787
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Another bar with delicious mac and cheese in Philadelphia is South Philadelphia Tap Room. This local bar serves a unique menu as well as a rotating draft list. And with late night hours, you can fix your craving at any time.
You’ll find a vast array of dishes at South Philadelphia Tap Room, including vegetarian options. We recommend the mac and cheese, it’s made with three different cheeses and is topped with fried onions. Don’t forget the beer!
Mac Mart
104 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 444-6144
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Looking for a more mac and cheese centered spot? Take a look at Mac Mart. Serving mac and cheese bowls in a fast-casual style, this place is one of a kind. People love the food and service at this spot.
You’ll find a variety of toppings to choose from at Mac Mart. Be sure to try the fat-n-happy, heart attack, jalapeno popper, or mac n’ tots. And if you’re not feeling a bowl, check out the return of the mac – this yummy dish features classic mac and cheese in between Texas toast!
Rex 1516
1524 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: 267-319-1366
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If you’re hunting for some ooey-gooey mac and cheese goodness, head to Rex 1516. You can avoid traffic by taking the #40 bus to the corner of South and Broad, then heading a block west for some of the best macaroni and cheese in Philadelphia.
So, what makes Rex’s dish so unique? This side goes beyond the traditional by bringing spicy pimento to the party and swapping out breadcrumbs for tender cornbread crumbles.
You can also use that money you saved by taking the bus to add buttery lump crab meat to make the meal even more transcendent.
Good Dog Bar
224 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 985-9600
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If you like a bar setting, Good Dog Bar is a great place to grab some mac and cheese in Philly. This local bar serves American cuisine alongside craft beer. With three dog-themed floors, you’re bound to have fun here.
The menu at Good dog Bar offers plenty of upscale bar food favorites. We recommend the creamy mac and cheese, of course, but they also have other great dishes like the semolina gnocchi, Good Dog burger, or brisket grilled cheese!
The Continental Mid-town
1801 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 215-567-1800
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Two blocks from Rittenhouse Square is The Continental Midtown. This three-story dining experience boasts an uber-modern lounge and bar, a mezzanine with swinging basket chairs, and a rooftop patio.
You will want to order their Lobster Mac & Cheese regardless of where you sit. While swapping out the elbow noodles with orzo seems controversial, The Continental Midtown does it beautifully by combining gruyere and fontina cheese with tender lobster.
Pair it with one of their many specialty cocktails, like the Processo Punch with peach, honey, and sage, or a Downeast Original cider for the perfect summertime indulgence.
Barclay Prime
237 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: 215-732-7560
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While in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, you could treat yourself to a double dose of melty, creamy deliciousness by hitting up Barclay Prime.
Their lush steakhouse menu is pure luxury, including their high-class Truffle Mac & Cheese.
This scrumptious sensation is far from the neon orange noodles of your childhood. Instead, you get a steamy bowl of al dente elbows drenched in a silky cheese sauce infused with unctuous, earthy truffle shavings.
Barclay Prime’s recipe elevates this homestyle favorite to far more than the sum of its parts, earning it a well-deserved spot on my picks for the best macaroni and cheese in Philadelphia.
Butcher and Singer
1500 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 732-4444
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A similar spot to the last place on the list is Butcher and Singer. This classy restaurant serves surf n’ turf, a raw bar, and cocktails.
As another refined and upscale spot, you’ll want to keep this in mind for special occasions or celebrations.
Though the menu is centered around steaks, seafood, and other entrees, Butcher and Singer’s mac and cheese is a standout option.
This dish is available as a side, so you can order it alongside your favorite entree or alone if you’re not all that hungry!
Lucky’s Last Chance
4421 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone: 215-509-6005
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Lucky’s Last Chance Manayunk is in the shopping center across the street from the Cresson Street Train Station. So you always have easy access to this Philly mainstays, “Almost Famous Mak & Cheese.”
It comes in four equally excellent varieties: the Original, the once off-menu Cajun Chicken, the pleasantly spicy Buffalo Chicken, and my favorite order of all time, the Bacon and Tomato.
Hungry for more? Add a Scorpion Dog and enjoy another helping of Mak & Cheese on top of one of Lucky’s frankfurters with diced jalapenos and a butter-toasted top-split roll.
Monk’s Cafe
264 S. 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 215-545-7005
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Across 16th Street from La Viola Bistro and next door to Junior’s Men’s Clothing Store is Monk’s Cafe.
The Belgian Cafe has made big waves in Philadelphia, holding the title of the Best Beer Bar and a nomination for a James Beard Foundation Award, so it’s hardly a surprise that their macaroni and cheese is a blue-ribbon winner.
Monk’s mac is big enough to qualify as a main plate, and you’d hardly have room for a side after noshing on their artfully done combination of pasta tossed in goat cheese, cheddar, and parmesan.
It even counts as a vegetable (technically), thanks to the health-minded inclusion of green peas and caramelized Belgian endive.
The Lucky Well
990 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: (215) 646-4242
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If the first two barbecue spots didn’t call to you, The Lucky Well definitely will. This local barbecue spot serves smoked meats, sandwiches, and delicious sides. As a casual, lesser-known restaurant, this is a great place to decompress in Philadelphia.
The Lucky Well’s menu is complete with all of the barbecue you could dream of, even including a couple of vegetarian choices.
We recommend the smoked then grilled wings, smoked portobello ribs, or pulled pork sandwich. And don’t forget a side of mac and cheese, of course!
Zig Zag BBQ
2111 E York St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Phone: (267) 951-2596
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Another barbecue spot with a mean mac and cheese is Zig Zag BBQ. This local restaurant may be a bit lesser known, but has clearly done well for itself with a 4.8 star rating on Google. You’ll find sandwiches, barbecued meats, and sides at this spot.
The menu at Zig Zag BBQ is short and straight forward. The mac and cheese here is offered as a side and is actually a queso mac.
This side is perfect for accompanying any of the entrees like the pulled pork sammish or brisket!
Flannel
1819 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: 215-465-1000
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Who knew Passyunk was your gateway to downhome, Southern hospitality? Nestled between A Star is Porn and Penn-Del Management, you’ll find a portal to the Gulf Coast in the form of rib-sticking comfort foods that would make your Mamaw jealous.
Flannel has the best Southern-style macaroni and cheese in Philadelphia, bar none, served in three generous slices oozing with cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, parmesan, and plenty of heavy cream.
As if you couldn’t already feel your pants getting tighter, this macaroni medley comes with a topping of brown butter bits and crunchy salt.
Khyber Pass Pub
56 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 215-238-5888
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If you’re craving a bite of the Big Easy, stop by Khyber Pass Pub in Old City. Though it’s just a few steps from the #42 bus stop at the corner of 2nd and Chestnut, you’ll think you somehow found your way to Bourbon Street after your first bite of their mac & cheese.
Khyber keeps their recipe simple with a classic combination of elbow noodles, creamy cheese sauce, and parmesan-dusted breadcrumbs.
It might seem basic, but as someone who grew up barefooted in the backwoods of southwest Louisiana, I can confirm it’s just like Mama used to make.
Parc
227 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 545-2262
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Though you may not guess it upon first glance, Parc serves up some great mac and cheese. This restaurant is actually a French bistro serving up traditional dishes. With a charming patio and lively atmosphere, you’ll love it here.
You’ll find plenty of amazing French dishes on the menu at Parc. We recommend the mac and cheese of course, though.
The dish is available as an appetizer and is hidden under the name macaroni au gratin, an even more indulgent version of the dish!
Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse
7500 State Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19136
Phone: 215-333-9663
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Next time you’re headed south on the Delaware Expressway, take the Bleigh Avenue exit and turn right onto State Road toward Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse.
They’ve perfected the art of ‘low and slow,’ particularly when it comes to their smoked brisket– complete with the crunchy ‘bark’ bits– and fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs.
There’s no question about it, Sweet Lucy’s has some delicious barbecue. Yet my food preference parameters for smokehouses always hinge on how well they do their sides.
I assure you, their macaroni and cheese do not disappoint. Baked until crispy and golden brown on top but with all the luscious creaminess waiting underneath.
Mike’s BBQ
1703 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (267) 831-2040
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What’s better than the combination of barbecue and mac and cheese? I’d have to say nothing. Luckily, you can get just that at Mike’s BBQ.
This local restaurant offers delicious barbecue and sides you have to try for yourself.
The menu at Mike’s BBQ is pretty straightforward and easy to order from. Be sure to grab some of the gouda mac n cheese, it comes in 8 oz. servings, a pint, and a quart, so you can order as much as your heart desires!
The Dandelion Pub
124 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 558-2500
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With over 3,000 reviews on Google, it’s evident that The Dandelion is a popular spot in town. This local restaurant serves British cuisine and craft beer. With a pub-like setting you’ll be able to relax and enjoy some company.
The Dandelion’s menu offers all of your favorite British classics, including mac and cheese. This dish is made with braised ham hock and quickes english cheddar.
It’s served as an entree, but you can always order it for the table if you want another entree as well!
The Capital Grille
1338-46 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-545-9588
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For first-time visitors to Philly touring City Hall and Gardens, there’s no better choice to experience the best fare the City of Brotherly Love offers than the Capital Grille.
This fine-dining spot is a block from Penn Square and serves exceptional aged steaks alongside its pasta, soups, and salad selection.
Speaking of pasta, they have a mean Lobster Mac ‘N’ Cheese, big enough to share with the table. I, however, would never judge you for claiming the entire plate as your entree and smacking away reaching forks.
You might get a few disdainful glances, but one bite of that shellfish-topped tastiness, and you’ll gleefully take the glares as you feast on the mac and cheese deliciousness.
I don’t know about you, but I’m craving mac and cheese now – I might even dream about it tonight. Luckily, there’s plenty of great places to grab the comforting dish in Philadelphia. I would even suggest trying them all!
Looking for other types of cuisine? Check out our list of the best food trucks in the Philadelphia area.
Which mac and cheese are you most excited to try? Let us know! Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you mention it below and we’ll check it out!