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Who won for best diner?
Sorry folks, you’ll have to wait for that answer, as the category committee decided to have the popular, any-time-of-day eateries battle it out over one menu item: The waffle. While the Penrose Diner, 2016 Penrose Ave., would’ve liked the chance to defend its title, it still managed to heat up the competition with top honors in this new category.
Just like 2012, the owners of the Packer Park hot spot are thrilled about maintaining their award-winning reputations.
“As always, we are honored to get any kind of award, but being chosen by [the South Philly Review] readers and our patrons is the best kind of award we can get,” manager Bill Dovas said.
Instead of boring patrons with plain, old waffles, the menu includes a variety of toppings starting with the basic, but not required, trio of powdered sugar, soft butter and maple syrup. Others select from the variety of fruit toppings ranging from bananas to apples that are typically accompanied by whipped cream. And there’s nothing wrong with adding a scoop of ice cream, especially with the spring and summer seasons on the way.
No matter what the customer orders, service is the top priority at the Penrose.
“We try to do everything right,” Dovas said. “We like to give good portions and a quality product.”
Green Eggs Café ironed a second-place finish, while Oregon Diner served up third.
Contact Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.
2013 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant: Gravy/sauce
Geno’s Steaks: French fries / cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies: Hoagie
Johnny Chang’s: Sushi
Nick’s Old Original Roast Beef: Roast beef sandwich
City Pizza: Pizza toppings
Green Eggs Café: Sunday brunch
Penrose Diner: Waffles
Popi’s Italian Restaurant: Business luncheon/banquet
FrancoLuigi’s Pizzeria: Romantic outing
Ristorante Pesto: Italian restaurant
Cantina Los Cabalitos: Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Noir: New restaurant
Sweet Tooth
Termini Bros.: Cannoli (tie)
Potito’s Bakery: Cannoli (tie) / cupcakes
Italiano’s Water Ice: Water ice
Lerro’s Candy Co.: Candy store
Staying Active
DanceAdelphia: Dance studio
Girard Academic Music Program: Music program
Marconi Plaza: Place to walk your dog
Stickball: Schoolyard/street game
Guerin Recreation Center: Recreation Center
Wake Up Yoga: Place to take a yoga class
Places
East Passyunk Avenue: Neighborhood
Pennsylvania Burial Co.: Funeral home
Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School: School
St. Monica: Church
Ten Pennies: Florist
Chickie’s and Pete’s: Place to enjoy a game
Sports
Frank Natale: High school coach
Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School Saints: High school team
Citizens Bank Park: Pro sports venue
Chase Utley: Current Philly pro athlete
Ed Snider: Philly pro sports owner
And the Rest
Mummers Parade: South Philadelphia tradition
Councilman Mark Squilla: Politician
Social Scene: South Philly Review section
Disc jockey: Category not on this list
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