Born in the halcyon days of the original South Street Renaissance 34 years ago, the Copa has become a true Philadelphia institution with generations of loyal fans. Starting as a tiny pub with a kitchen in the window the restaurant has grown over the year to include five storefronts and a outside sidewalk cafe — and now a separate new wine and beer bistro.
Located on the corner of Fourth and South across from the equally famous Jim’s Steaks, the Copa is a popular spot for concertgoers to the nearby TLA and Legendary Dobbs venues. Founder former Inquirer Columnist Bill Curry has been joined by his nephew Dan Christensen and longtime manager Joe Cucolo to maintain the Copa as one of South Street’s great landmarks.
My wife and I have been engaged in a quest for the “best burger in Philly”. We have been to the best-rated places in town. However, last Sunday, we found the very best of the best – the Brighton Burger at Copabanana South Street. Crisp, char-broiled bacon, succulent and generous cheese, and juicy, perfectly cooked (medium rare in our case) meat on a terrific bun absolutely made our day. This is our “best in Philly”. Drinks are great, too.