Reviewing the Philadelphia Restaurant and Caterer, Day By Day

The appellation "best kept secret" exists perfectly for Philadelphia Center City restaurant and caterer Day By Day. The inexpensive, casual dining establishment sits humbly--deceptively so--at the corner of 21^st and Sansom Streets, open only for weekday lunches (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) and Sunday brunch (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). And there it's been for just over 25 years.

In all that time--a standing that's beyond impressive for a restaurant just out of view from the area's main thoroughfares and engulfed by more visible competition--and despite a reputable catering business with a highly respectable roster of long-term clients, not enough people have heard of Day By Day. The three-year-old Sunday brunch has slowly begun to change that, the turnout exceeding owner Robin Barg's initial expectations, attracting ever-increasing crowds of locals now discovering the place that's long been right around the corner or down the street.

As the restaurant industry is infamous for ridiculous employee turnover rates, it's surprising to learn from Barg that several of her staff members, both front-of-house and in the kitchen, have been with her for nearly the full span of the restaurant's existence. Even most of the newer employees have been there for at least a few years. Let that speak to the sort of person Barg is; but the most reliable testament to her food--both its quality and its consistency--is that she's still serving many of the same regular customers who first walked through her restaurant's doors one or two decades ago.

Day By Day's customers consist almost entirely of regulars. Some come to dine daily without fail, others a few times a week, while others with less permissive schedules simply show up as often as possible. One might wonder whether they eventually get bored, regardless of quality and consistency, frequenting the same eatery for, in many cases, many years. Apparently not--and the key has been a constantly changing, always diverse menu.

If you're the ritualistic type, don't worry; there is a permanent bill of fare, offering a variety of creative sandwiches, platters, and salads. It is augmented, however, by a sizable selection of hot entrées, soups, omelettes, quiche, and salad specials that change on a weekly basis, and some items a bit more often (originally the changes were made daily, inspiring the restaurant's name). The menu invariably provides a significant range of options, from classically American cuisine to internationally-influenced creations, from the sensibly healthy to the considerably indulgent.

It's well worth the effort to catch Day By Day in its relatively small window of eating opportunity. This is exactly the sort of excellent, friendly, immediately familiar restaurant that evokes the joy in discovery, ideal for anyone who values city living for the rare finds of a unique secret destination.

Day By Day
2101 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 564 - 5540
daybydayinc.com