Fresh Face: Rump Roasters

Real food takes time. Time to shop for the freshest, best-quality ingredients, time to prepare, time to cook. But what if you’re hungry now? Rump Roasters, Carlos Vargas’s latest addition to The Market at Liberty Place, serves real food now.

The mouth-watering aromas of oven-roasted meats and Kennett Square portabella mushrooms greet those who walk into the Market these days. Everything at Rump Roasters is homemade and baked, “low and slow,” in-house—nothing is fried or sautéed. Pork, beef, and turkey are all marinated overnight, baked to falling-apart tenderness, pulled, and served fresh in your choice of sandwiches, platters, or bowls. The Rump Roaster, Sweet Baby Ray, and other sandwiches are inspired twists on Philly favorites, featuring ingredients like Cooper Sharp cheese and broccoli rabe, all served on fresh bread from Liscio’s.

“There’s something for everyone—even vegetarians,” Carlos says, as he points out the mushroom on the logo. He’s a father himself and understands the importance of packing kids’ meals with fresh, healthy, and kid-friendly favorites. His knowledgeable and accommodating staff are happy to make adjustments for special dietary requirements, too. “Your meal is made for you,” he says.

The Rump Roasters menu complements other dining options at the Market, including Carlos’s own Kaboburritos—a popular and distinctive blend of Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine. He has a knack for bringing flavors together and uses lots of family recipes that incorporate a taste of his Puerto Rican heritage.

Carlos is grateful for the “incredible” community that has embraced Kaboburritos. And Liberty Place, with its Reading Terminal Market buzz, seemed a natural fit when it came time to open his second restaurant. He loves food markets and finds one wherever he travels. “It’s nice to have options,” he says. Both restaurants offer delicious and flexible catering options—and home delivery is coming soon, too.