All the Philly Restaurants Referenced on ‘Abbott Elementary’

The program doesn’t shy away from references to chain restaurants like Dunkin’ Donuts and Chuck E. Cheese — hence this map including a couple of chains that are significant to the show. Abbott Elementary will also occasionally invent a restaurant to serve its comedic purposes (if only Bone Town were actually a local barbecue place, or the pope had actually blessed the pizza oven of a shop called Dough Nuts). But more often than not, the sitcom shines a light on real Philly restaurants, from iconic to obscure. Here are the ones that have gotten shoutouts so far — spoiler warning, obviously.

Did we miss a Philadelphia restaurant reference on Abbott Elementary?

Bahama Breeze

You have to make it out to the burbs to hit up this vaguely Caribbean restaurant chain, which was the now-broken-up Tariq and Janine’s favorite date night spot.

Danny's Wok (multiple locations)

This mini-chain is a favorite of main character Janine’s — she mentions it as having amazing chicken in Season 1 and uses it to cater a teacher gathering during Season 2.

Crown Fried Chicken (multiple locations)

Thanks to Abbott’s gifted program, talented students find out that chickens don’t only come from this well-known chain that has several locations throughout the area.

Oscar's Tavern

Jacob and Zach claim to play trivia at Oscar’s Tavern, a beloved dive bar in Rittenhouse...but this is the kind of place more likely to host Eagles game specials than Quizzo nights.

LaScala’s Fire

In the season 4 premiere, new teachers-turned-lovers Janine and Greggory talk about this casual Italian hotspot in Center City as a potential date night option.

Barclay Prime

Philly’s most expensive cheesesteak ($140 at last glance) is among the dishes served at this Stephen Starr steakhouse, which Melissa books as a backup Valentine’s Day reservation when she’s worried her boyfriend might drop the ball.

Burrata

Janine’s slacker ex, Tariq, promised to take her to this Italian BYOB when he signed a record deal — not shocking that they never went there during their relationship. But Janine’s current romantic interest, Greg, did take his ex Taylor here in Season 1.

Scannicchio's

Gary the vending machine guy suggests this Italian restaurant from Christian Varalli and Mike Gibson as a place for an early date with teacher Melissa after she turns down his dubious offer to take her to Dave & Buster’s. Scannicchio’s is known for its clams casino.

Chickie's & Petes Terminal E

Airport restaurants as last-minute Valentine’s Day dinner destinations become a discussion point during season 2; janitor Mr. Johnson mentions in the convo that he’s a fan of this local sports bar chain’s lobster roll.

Cibo Bistro (Philadelphia Airport Terminal B)

Speaking of airport restaurants, veteran teacher Barbara and her husband end up at this Italian restaurant and wine bar for Valentine’s Day — they get the romantic (?) view of planes taking off and leaving the airport in the process.