Chain restaurants have their place. I always know I can count on the Strawberry Fields salad from TGI Fridays, and I love to dish down on The Cheesecake Factory’s scrumptious Avocado Egg Rolls. The layout of most Applebee’s are so similar that I can even request the same booth in Philadelphia and Boston! Relying too heavily on these mass-branded eateries, however, can mean missing out on appetizing local cuisine. I discovered this on Saturday night, when I followed my Philadelphia friends Emily, Jenna and Jordan to one of their favorite local restaurants, the Marathon Grill. The Marathon Grill is quite a unique establishment. Part sports bar and part healthy, vegetarian dining, it provides a relaxed atmosphere that is quintessentially Philadelphia. The mission statement of this particular restaurant is to serve thoughtful, wholesome and affordable food made from scratch every day. The menu is varied, with plenty of options for vegans and meat-lovers alike.  I ordered the vegetarian chili and a vanilla shake, which did not disappoint. Jenna and Emily both enjoyed smoothies made from berries, yogurt, nut butter and other wholesome ingredients with their meals. Jordan’s steak was so well-crafted, he hardly spoke until his entire meal was finished! On the whole, dining local was a positive experience. I traded the familiar cut of a chain restaurant for a more Philadelphia flair, and I was not disappointed. While I had my friends to guide me here, Yelp reviews can still help the lonesome wanderer looking for a delicious meal. Whether you are in your home city or halfway across the globe, places like the Marathon provide a unique insight into the culture and cuisine of the area. Try local: You won’t be disappointed! — Daphne Gould, intern