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If there were a category for restaurant with best parking, Popi’s Italian Restaurant, 3120 S. 20th St., would likely be a serious contender. Of course, the Packer Park eatery is better known as a place to enjoy a business luncheon/banquet. Popi’s has the space for parties small and big, ranging from 25 to 200 guests.
The establishment consistently earns high marks from customers as in 2012, when readers voted it the best place to celebrate a special occasion while, a year earlier, Popi’s earned recognition for crab cakes.
“Our food is always consistent, and I think that’s important,” co-owner Gina Rucci said.
The consistency has been one of the main ingredients to Popi’s success story. The family restaurant, which opened in 1993 serving lunch and dinner with only one room, now has several dining/banquet spaces available for its guests. Rucci said the holiday season tends to be the busiest time for the business visits. Of course, the post-funeral luncheons, unfortunately, tend to draw crowds as well. But no matter what the occasion is, Rucci is excited once again to earn high marks from the readers.
“I feel honored that the people in our area think that we are always consistent and we appreciate the fact that they utilize us,” she said.
Galdo’s Catering and Swan Waterfall Caterers plated second and third, respectively.
Contact the South Philly Review at bgelman@southphillyreview.com.
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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