DiFabio’s 9th Street Market & Catering Co. opened its doors last fall to a brand new restaurant, bar and banquet facility, and it’s quickly evolved into a stylish spot drawing crowds of all ages—from families celebrating a special dinner to friends enjoying light bar bites and perfectly shaken cocktails.
Located at the former Rose Tree Restaurant just before 252 hits the Route 1 bypass, DiFabio’s is convenient for diners traveling from many corners of Delaware County and beyond. It’s become one of my favorite spots to go to grab a quick bite and cool cocktail at the casually hip bar, or if there’s no time to make dinner, the prepared authentic Italian meals are a deliciously quick option for picking up on my way home from work.
The revamped DiFabio’s has so much to offer:
Sit-Down Lunch & Dinner
The extensive menu features a variety of fresh salads, wraps, burgers, gourmet pizza, steak sandwiches and hoagies. A favorite DiFabio’s speciality is 9th Street Chicken: a chicken cutlet, prosciutto and fresh mozzarella topped with spinach roasted peppers and crème balsamic drizzle. There’s also homemade beef braciole in DiFabio’s homemade gravy, a real South Philly favorite. If you’re looking for gluten-free, the restaurant offers a rice pasta with marinara. The chef also creates an array of daily lunch and dinner specials.
Happy Hour
If you’re in a more casual mood and sit in the bar area, you’ll find some pretty great deals on weeknights. Monday through Friday during Happy Hour from 5–7 p.m., you can order off the regular menu, or for just $5 you can get a small plain pizza. I use the word “small” loosely—I ordered a pie with sausage and it’s definitely enough for two people. Drink specials include $4 house wines, $2.50 domestic bottles and $5 martinis featuring Stoli, Absolut and Tanqueray.
DiFabio’s Infused Vodkas
Recently added to the cocktail menu are infused vodkas hand-crafted weekly by DiFabio’s mixologists. The staff visits the Media Farmers Market to select seasonal fruits, veggies and herbs to incorporate into the speciality drinks. I couldn’t resist the beautifully colored jars lined along the bar. I sampled tangerine basil; pineapple; and cherry, lemon, kiwi and watermelon, a bright, sweet, refreshing combination that reminds you of Kool-Aid. Enjoy the infused vodkas on the rocks or mixed into your favorite drink, including DiFabio’s strawberry limoncello and pineapple martini. Infused vodkas are $6 each.
Take-Out Market
Don’t feel like cooking after a tough day at the office? DiFabio’s Market has prepared meals. Every day there’s a case full of prepared foods—homemade meatballs, roasted peppers, pasta selections and more. The market also carries frozen foods including vegetable lasagna for two and escarole soup. If you’re feeding a family of four or six, you can call ahead to order the family dinner, which includes an entrée, salad and loaf of bread.
Don’t forget dessert. The cannoli and chocolate cake are decadent and the pies are made in-house—pecan, sweet potato and apple crumb are big sellers. Pick up a full-size pie or smaller pie perfect for two.
DiFabio’s Catering
DiFabio’s is famous in the area for dynamite catering. Whatever the occasion, whether it be a business breakfast or big family party, the restaurant can customize a menu to fit your event. DiFabio’s offers on-site catering—the Rose Tree Room is a private banquet venue seating up to 100 people. There’s plenty of parking for your guests. In-home services are also offered.
Find DiFabio’s 9th Street Market & Catering Co. at 1243 N. Providence Road in Media; phone: (484) 444-0850.
- Cocktail photos: DiFabio's 9th Street Market & Catering Co.
- Remaining photos: Lauren Avellino Turton
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