The Italian Market BYOB & Butcher Run

Navigating South Philly’s Italian Market requires a specific blend of patience and assertiveness. This route is designed to capture the neighborhood’s dual identity: its deep-rooted history as one of America’s oldest open-air markets and its evolution into a sophisticated BYOB destination 2026 Philadelphia's Ital…Philadelphia's Italian M…. Starting at the original Di Bruno Bros., the goal is to secure high-quality provisions before the late-afternoon rush sets in. This century-old institution is more than a cheese shop; it is the culinary engine of 9th Street, thriving on a fast-paced service model where the staff expects customers to know a Parmigiano-Reggiano from a Pecorino Romano Hey yo. What's the best…. Transitioning from the market to East Passyunk provides a necessary break in the action. This stretch of the city has shifted from quiet residential blocks to a corridor of high-end dining and niche retail, making it the logical place to source wine or beer for the evening ahead. The walk allows for a tactical pause at The Bottle Shop to secure a curation that complements the heavy red sauces and fatty meats that define the South Philly palate. Returning to the market for a stop at Esposito’s Meats is a lesson in value. This is a no-frills butcher shop where the trade-off for professional, custom-cut proteins is a lack of hand-holding Hey yo. What's the best…. Arrival with a specific plan—thick-cut ribeyes or a crown roast—earns the respect of the counter staff and ensures a better price than any big-box grocer. The final act of the route shifts from procurement to indulgence. Mr. Martino’s Trattoria is a study in Philadelphia’s BYOB culture, operating out of a dimly lit, atmospheric space that feels entirely disconnected from modern restaurant trends. While the service follows its own internal rhythm, the environment allows the previously acquired wines to breathe. Finishing at Sarcone’s Bakery is non-negotiable. As the gold standard for Philadelphia bread, their seeded rolls are the essential vessel for any leftovers or a next-day roast pork sandwich, anchoring the entire experience in the city’s most foundational food tradition Hey yo. What's the best….

What to Expect

Expect to spend between $100 and $150 depending on the wine selection and butcher cuts. The route involves approximately 3 miles of walking through varied terrain, from crowded market stalls to polished residential streets. Di Bruno Bros. and Esposito's often have lines, especially on Friday and Saturday afternoons. Mr. Martino's is cash only and has highly specific hours; reservations are essential. Most market shops close by 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, making a 3:00 PM start time necessary to complete the procurement phase before dinner.

The Route

1

Di Bruno Bros. at the Italian Market

80

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity33

Infrastructure92

Terrain97

Safety93

Lighting100

Amenities74

Transit69

"Look up at the hanging cheeses and olives to soak in the history, then grab a block of Parmesan and some salumi for your BYOB board—the line is long but the staff makes it move fast."

30-45 min13 min

13 min · 0.7 mi80

2

The Bottle Shop

80

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity33

Infrastructure92

Terrain97

Safety93

Lighting100

Amenities74

Transit69

"Grab your BYOB wine here from their solid selection or snag a window seat to people-watch East Passyunk with a draft beer before the food coma hits."

30-45 min13 min

13 min · 0.7 mi80

3

Esposito's Meats (A. Esposito Inc.)

80

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity30

Infrastructure93

Terrain98

Safety93

Lighting100

Amenities72

Transit72

"Skip the supermarket markup and let the pros here custom-cut your steaks; the prices are unbeatable, but don't expect warm fuzzies from the staff if you're undecided."

30-45 min14 min

14 min · 0.7 mi79

4

Mr. Martino's Trattoria

79

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity32

Infrastructure92

Terrain97

Safety93

Lighting99

Amenities72

Transit71

"This candlelit spot feels like a time capsule, but keep it simple—the menu can be hit-or-miss, so stick to the octopus and save the wine you bought at the market for their famous lemon tart."

30-45 min20 min

20 min · 1.1 mi76

5

Sarcone's Bakery

76

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity85

Infrastructure64

Terrain81

Safety82

Lighting96

Amenities90

Transit26

"Grab a slab of the tomato pie and a bag of seeded rolls for tomorrow—this is the gold standard of Philly bread and the only way to end an Italian Market run."

45 min - 1 hr11 min walk

Frequently Asked Questions