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It’s a phrase Philadelphians very rarely hear when talking about their pro sports teams: Defending champion. The Eagles were once described as the “gold standard” of the NFL but have yet to win Super Bowl. The current Phillies were built to win multiple World Series titles, but failed to make the playoffs last season.
But when either of these organizations steps on the field, there is guaranteed to be a crowd several hundred people deep gathered at Chickie’s and Pete’s , 1526 Packer Ave., as the Packer Park hot spot has scored victories for bar menu — for the second-straight year — and place to enjoy the game .
Even with the constant agony-of-defeat performances, Chickie’s and Pete’s owner Pete Ciarrocchi and his staff look to make each outing a memorable experience. The proprietor said it’s like enjoying a lollipop after getting a shot at the doctor’s office.
“Good food will always make you feel better,” Ciarrocchi said.
Unlike the vendors at Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, patrons have a variety of selections to choose from while watching the Phillies and Braves or Eagles and Cowboys. Popular menu items include the trademarked Crabfries, mussels, shellfish, pizzas and much more. Whenever one of the home teams is playing, the bar tries to provide an enjoyable in-game experience, including playing certain songs when a Phillie hits a home run or an Eagle scores a touchdown, Ciarrocchi said.
While Ciarrocchi may be the visionary behind the constantly expanding Chickie’s and Pete’s empire, it’s the customers and staff that help to make it a yearly Readers’ Choice winner.
“I want to thank the readers [of the South Philly Review] who voted for us and my employees for making watching the games at Chickie’s and Pete’s so much fun,” he said.
In the bar menu category, Stogie Joe’s Tavern tapped second, while The South Philadelphia Tap Room toasted third. In the place-to-enjoy-the-game race, Xfinity Live! scored second-place honors while Stogie Joe’s added another third-place nod.
Contact Editor Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.
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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