Top Philadelphia BYOBs: University City & West Philly

Champagne taste on a beer budget? No problem. Grab your favorite bottle of whatever and head to one of these fabulous (and inexpensive!) West Philly BYOBs. – Chelsea Karnash

This BYO Mediterranean restaurant and hookah bar in West Philly is close to UCity, making it an ideal spot to go after class. Stop in with a friend and share a bottle of wine and some tapas or appetizers (the lentil soup is a must!), and you'll leave full and relaxed. Bonus: Low prices mean your wallet stays full too.

Arguably one of the most underrated eateries in the city, Marigold Kitchen has been serving up seasonal dishes inside a cozy Victorian row home since 2009. Save this spot for a special occasion -- Chef Rob Halpern's unique molecular cooking never fails to impress. By the end of the meal, you'll have entered an entirely new culinary world.

Fresh, flavorful and inexpensive about sums up this former food truck turned bricks-and-mortar shop. Check their Facebook page for daily Mexican-infused specials, then hit The Bottle Shop at Local 44 on the corner for a six pack and head over. There's only one caveat: you might not be able to resist the allure of eating here, like, every day once you try it. Try a breakfast taco or burrito, and you'll be a goner.

Sidle up to the counter at Tampopo for quick and tasty Asian cuisine including sushi, ramen, bento boxes and rice bowls. Décor is sparse and the place is small, but it's all about convenience here – not five star dining. Oh, and not only can you BYO booze, you can also go green and bring your own bowl to get 50 cents off your (already inexpensive) meal.

Reliably good, simple sushi is the key to Mizu's success…along with decent prices and a BYOB alcohol policy. Try the Firecracker Roll or one of the combos for a satisfying lunch, or take a friend or two for a quiet dinner.

This totally adorable café is hard to miss, and you wouldn't want to. Brunch is your best bet – there's a wide selection of eggs, pastries, salads and sandwiches that are all fresh and delicious, and paired with a mimosa or two, you really can't go wrong.