TRIA is an awesome wine and cheese and beer bar.
Location: 1) 18th and Sansom, 2) 13th and Spruce.
Cuisine: Wine, Beer, Cheese, and American
Specials:
This place serves specialty wines and cheeses and bars. And best of all, they have a happy hour special on Sundays! They call it “Sunday School”. It feature one wine and one beer and one cheese. All designed to go together in some perfect pairing! Aaand, it’s all half price! That’s the best part!
They also have happy hour specials Monday through Friday, 5 special items each at $5. (This is only available at the 13th and Spruce location).
Service:
The service is lovely and friendly. And the way the serve is quite interesting. They don’t assign waiters/waitresses to set tables. Everyone is your waiter and waitress.
Uniqueness:
I’ve had some awesome beers, ones that you cannot find anywhere else. The cheeses are unique to this restaurant as well. They also have a food menu, equipped with sandwiches, burgers, salads, and even some yummy appetizers. (Definitely try the bruschettas and the Italian sliced meats).
Atmosphere:
Both these places are located on corners and they both have outdoor seating. They are also very very friendly to dogs! And the decor is lovely and warm. Makes you accidentally stay much longer than you intended. They also have outdoor seating at both locations.
Price:
Price is not the cheapest, but it’s not out of this world, or outrageously ridiculous. It’s actually very reasonable. Wines can run from $7 - $15. Beers are $4 - $25. Cheese plates are $7 - $18. And they have sandwiches and appetizers for under $20.
They offer weekday specials as well if you sign up for their emails. They also offer special classes, about wine, about beer, about pairing chocolates with wine and beers, etc.
This place is very original. There is no other place quite like it around the city.
TRIA
Website: www.triacafe.com
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Vic's Sushi
This is the best place for deal sushi!
Location: on Sansom, in between 20th and 21st.
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi (BYOB)
Specials: This hole in the wall is so delicious yet affordable! You can get the 3 roll special (which has 24 pieces! since it’s 8 pieces per roll) for only $10.75!
Must-Have: the Sansom roll, $13.95 - amazing!
Service:
The sushi chef is the owner, and the people who work there are so super nice! Its almost like walking into family every time you go there! Down to earth and friendly, no snottiness and haughtiness like from Morimoto or from Raw (which are good places, don’t get me wrong.. but the attitude isn’t half as sweet and nice as Vic’s)
Specialty of Food:
The food is absolutely delicious! And Vic always comes up with new creative rolls, and the taste is absolutely amazing! If you love sashimi, you have to try the Sansom Roll, it has EVERYTHING on it… plus more! If you’re vegetarian, have no fear, they have rolls just for you, and no, it’s not those boring cucumber rolls. Plus, you can request the ingredients you prefer, and they can make it to your preference! How awesome is that?!
Space:
So its super perfect, and why isn’t it the top of the world? Well, first, it’s affordable. So snobby people sometimes turn their noses up to it. Second, it only seats 8 at one time. They do Delivery as well as Take Out. But if you were to come in, there is only about 8-9 seats. (9 being the extra seat you can pull up from the wall)During dinner time, this place has lines out the store, and even more people waiting outside, just to pick up their orders.
Are they just too slow? Heck no. They’re super fast. There’s just waaaay too many people who adore this place.
Be with the in-crowd. Try it out. And find out why people are all crazy about this gem!
Vic's
Phone: (215) 564-4339
Website: www.vicsushi.com
Location: on Sansom, in between 20th and 21st.
Cuisine: Japanese Sushi (BYOB)
Specials: This hole in the wall is so delicious yet affordable! You can get the 3 roll special (which has 24 pieces! since it’s 8 pieces per roll) for only $10.75!
Must-Have: the Sansom roll, $13.95 - amazing!
Service:
The sushi chef is the owner, and the people who work there are so super nice! Its almost like walking into family every time you go there! Down to earth and friendly, no snottiness and haughtiness like from Morimoto or from Raw (which are good places, don’t get me wrong.. but the attitude isn’t half as sweet and nice as Vic’s)
Specialty of Food:
The food is absolutely delicious! And Vic always comes up with new creative rolls, and the taste is absolutely amazing! If you love sashimi, you have to try the Sansom Roll, it has EVERYTHING on it… plus more! If you’re vegetarian, have no fear, they have rolls just for you, and no, it’s not those boring cucumber rolls. Plus, you can request the ingredients you prefer, and they can make it to your preference! How awesome is that?!
Space:
So its super perfect, and why isn’t it the top of the world? Well, first, it’s affordable. So snobby people sometimes turn their noses up to it. Second, it only seats 8 at one time. They do Delivery as well as Take Out. But if you were to come in, there is only about 8-9 seats. (9 being the extra seat you can pull up from the wall)During dinner time, this place has lines out the store, and even more people waiting outside, just to pick up their orders.
Are they just too slow? Heck no. They’re super fast. There’s just waaaay too many people who adore this place.
Be with the in-crowd. Try it out. And find out why people are all crazy about this gem!
Vic's
Phone: (215) 564-4339
Website: www.vicsushi.com
NOBLE
Location: On Sansom, between 20th and 21st.
Cuisine: New American
Service:
Very thoughtful nice service.
Decor:
The decor is creative and very environmentally friendly! The owner was also the interior designer. Very different take on lighting and usage of space.
Prices:
Prices are a bit high for the food that it offers. Entrees run from $20 – $30. Drink menu is the usual, beers and wines. However, they do offer a more extensive domestic beer list than the average restaurant. But is in no way a comparison to places such as Tria and Monk’s and other microbreweries.
Food:
Food is good, but nothing too creative and different. Though whatever they make, they make it well. But don’t expect to be eating strange new concoctions and different cuts of meat and mixed flavors never seen before.
Want a safe date place? Come check this place out!Interested in green restaurants and green decor, definitely don’t miss this place!
Noble
Phone: 215-568-7000
Website: www.noblecookery.com
Cuisine: New American
Service:
Very thoughtful nice service.
Decor:
The decor is creative and very environmentally friendly! The owner was also the interior designer. Very different take on lighting and usage of space.
Prices:
Prices are a bit high for the food that it offers. Entrees run from $20 – $30. Drink menu is the usual, beers and wines. However, they do offer a more extensive domestic beer list than the average restaurant. But is in no way a comparison to places such as Tria and Monk’s and other microbreweries.
Food:
Food is good, but nothing too creative and different. Though whatever they make, they make it well. But don’t expect to be eating strange new concoctions and different cuts of meat and mixed flavors never seen before.
Want a safe date place? Come check this place out!Interested in green restaurants and green decor, definitely don’t miss this place!
Noble
Phone: 215-568-7000
Website: www.noblecookery.com
Alma de Cuba
is the first Stephen Starr restaurant that I’m writing about. Perhaps because it’s my favorite amongst all the Starr restaurants.
Location: On Walnut, in between 16th and 17th.
Cuisine: Cuban and South Caribbean inspired dishes.
Must-haves: This place makes the best mojitos and ceviche in the city. (Rainbow Ceviche is my all time favorite. I get week-long cravings for these things!)
Specials:
They have happy hours from 5pm – 7pm on Mondays – Fridays. They have $5 Sangrias (White and Red) and $6 Classic and Suave Mojitos, with complimentary tapas. Very yummy!
Service:
If you dine with them, the waitstaff is very attentive and professional. If you’re only there for happy hour, the waitstaff are courteous, but a bit hasty. Sometimes they have too many tables to look after. Or they keep running around and you wait forever to get your check or to pay.
They also have outdoor seating, facing Walnut. Its great to people watch, tan, sit outside and chat up a storm with your friends.
Alma de Cuba
Phone: (215) 988-1799
Website: www.almadecubarestaurant.com
Location: On Walnut, in between 16th and 17th.
Cuisine: Cuban and South Caribbean inspired dishes.
Must-haves: This place makes the best mojitos and ceviche in the city. (Rainbow Ceviche is my all time favorite. I get week-long cravings for these things!)
Specials:
They have happy hours from 5pm – 7pm on Mondays – Fridays. They have $5 Sangrias (White and Red) and $6 Classic and Suave Mojitos, with complimentary tapas. Very yummy!
Service:
If you dine with them, the waitstaff is very attentive and professional. If you’re only there for happy hour, the waitstaff are courteous, but a bit hasty. Sometimes they have too many tables to look after. Or they keep running around and you wait forever to get your check or to pay.
They also have outdoor seating, facing Walnut. Its great to people watch, tan, sit outside and chat up a storm with your friends.
Alma de Cuba
Phone: (215) 988-1799
Website: www.almadecubarestaurant.com
Tavern 17
Location: on 17th, in between Walnut and Locust.
This is a restaurant/bar that is attached to the Warwick Radisson Hotel.
Service:
Waitstaff is very friendly and helpful.
Decor/Atmosphere:
The decor is different from your usual sports bar as well as Tavern. It is a classy tavern, that has a few screens mounted above the bar to allow you to watch games and news. Quiet spot during the week, but starts getting a bit crazy on Friday and Saturday nights.
Friday night is a highlight and a treat. It has a live jazz band perform starting from 7pm every Friday. This is a local Philly band, and they perform very well.
Specials:
Tavern 17 has specials from 5 -7 pm every Monday through Friday. They have $2 sliders (straight from their dinner menu) as well as $2 flights of mixed drinks. $2-$3 beers and house wines for $4. (prices may have changed recently).
They also have delicious desserts and dinner items. Try their fries! The garlic ones are amazing!
This place is a nice place to start off your evening or to end your evening.
Tavern17
Phone: (215) 790-1799
Website: www.tavern17restaurant.com
This is a restaurant/bar that is attached to the Warwick Radisson Hotel.
Service:
Waitstaff is very friendly and helpful.
Decor/Atmosphere:
The decor is different from your usual sports bar as well as Tavern. It is a classy tavern, that has a few screens mounted above the bar to allow you to watch games and news. Quiet spot during the week, but starts getting a bit crazy on Friday and Saturday nights.
Friday night is a highlight and a treat. It has a live jazz band perform starting from 7pm every Friday. This is a local Philly band, and they perform very well.
Specials:
Tavern 17 has specials from 5 -7 pm every Monday through Friday. They have $2 sliders (straight from their dinner menu) as well as $2 flights of mixed drinks. $2-$3 beers and house wines for $4. (prices may have changed recently).
They also have delicious desserts and dinner items. Try their fries! The garlic ones are amazing!
This place is a nice place to start off your evening or to end your evening.
Tavern17
Phone: (215) 790-1799
Website: www.tavern17restaurant.com
ALFA
Location: 17th and Walnut
Cuisine: American
Specials:
5pm – 7pm everyday (including Sat and Sun) they have happy hour specials!
$3 appetizers, which include tater tots, edamame, wings, hummus and pita. They also have $3 beers, $4 house wines, and $5 mixed drinks.
This place has an awesome drinks menu. They had a 70s drinks menu, that graduated and became the 80s drinks menu, and now it is the 90s drink menu. Including drinks inspired by the Simpsons, Monica Lewinsky, Kate Moss, Tupac, Ice Ice Baby, etc etc. Very creative!
Bonus:
AFLA has the same owner as Walnut Room, which is a lounge/club right upstairs.
ALFA is very spacious and has good interior design. ALFA has all types of seating. Booth seating, couches and sofas, bar, tall bar table seating, lower wooden bench seating. It's appropriate for almost any situation, whether it's a date, reunion, office happy hour, small get together with friends, etc. Very hip spot to be at!
Service:
At first glance, the servers and bartenders may not be the friendliest people. But after chatting with them and going a few times, the staff are wonderfully friendly and personable! The remember your name, remember your favorite drinks, buy you shots, and never mess an order, all at the same time!
ALFA
Phone: 215-751-0996
Website: http://www.alfa-bar.com/
Cuisine: American
Specials:
5pm – 7pm everyday (including Sat and Sun) they have happy hour specials!
$3 appetizers, which include tater tots, edamame, wings, hummus and pita. They also have $3 beers, $4 house wines, and $5 mixed drinks.
This place has an awesome drinks menu. They had a 70s drinks menu, that graduated and became the 80s drinks menu, and now it is the 90s drink menu. Including drinks inspired by the Simpsons, Monica Lewinsky, Kate Moss, Tupac, Ice Ice Baby, etc etc. Very creative!
Bonus:
AFLA has the same owner as Walnut Room, which is a lounge/club right upstairs.
ALFA is very spacious and has good interior design. ALFA has all types of seating. Booth seating, couches and sofas, bar, tall bar table seating, lower wooden bench seating. It's appropriate for almost any situation, whether it's a date, reunion, office happy hour, small get together with friends, etc. Very hip spot to be at!
Service:
At first glance, the servers and bartenders may not be the friendliest people. But after chatting with them and going a few times, the staff are wonderfully friendly and personable! The remember your name, remember your favorite drinks, buy you shots, and never mess an order, all at the same time!
ALFA
Phone: 215-751-0996
Website: http://www.alfa-bar.com/
PIETRO’S COAL OVEN PIZZA
is very affordable and able to accommodate large parties up to 40+ people!
Location: 17th and Walnut
Cuisine: Italian
Prices and Service:
Servers are not the friendliest people. But the food is mostly under $15 per dish and the portions are large and the food is tasty. Parking may be a problem, but there are many parking garages around (max is $20 for parking, which would be about the price of your meal…)
They have a bar in there and some screens that play sports games and the news.
The Scene:
Interesting mix of people. Many families come here to dine. So you’ll see a lot of folded up strollers in the front of the restaurant. (Mostly people come after a day at Rittenhouse Square). There is outdoor seating right on Walnut, which is a huge appeal to many.
Mediocre service, but very cheap price and large portions and good food.
Pietro's
Phone: (215) 733-0675
Website: http://www.pietrospizza.com/
Location: 17th and Walnut
Cuisine: Italian
Prices and Service:
Servers are not the friendliest people. But the food is mostly under $15 per dish and the portions are large and the food is tasty. Parking may be a problem, but there are many parking garages around (max is $20 for parking, which would be about the price of your meal…)
They have a bar in there and some screens that play sports games and the news.
The Scene:
Interesting mix of people. Many families come here to dine. So you’ll see a lot of folded up strollers in the front of the restaurant. (Mostly people come after a day at Rittenhouse Square). There is outdoor seating right on Walnut, which is a huge appeal to many.
Mediocre service, but very cheap price and large portions and good food.
Pietro's
Phone: (215) 733-0675
Website: http://www.pietrospizza.com/
Rouge
Rouge was my favorite place for a long time!
Location: 18th and Locust
Cuisine Type: French
A nice French restaurant that looks out to Rittenhouse Square. It has outdoor and indoor seating. My favorite seating is the indoor seats that are right up against the huuge window/balcony like railing. Its great! You get the best of both worlds!
Price Range:
They have an extensive wine list and sell both by glass and by bottle. Their wine prices are similar to that around the city, ranging from $7 and up for a glass and $35 and up for a bottle.
The food there is yummy! They have steamed mussels, bean sprout salads, duck, fish, etc etc. My favorite dish there is the tuna tartare and the escargot. The small plates range around $13 – $20. Their large plates range from $20 – $40.
Service:
Their hostess and staff are super friendly and try their best to accommodate your needs and wants. There was a time when I went with two other girls and an older gentleman kept coming over and sitting at our table. The staff there used a creative strategy to occupy the seat and conveniently caused him to unable to come back and sit at our table.
Atmosphere:
The decor is much like a huge French style sitting room/parlor. If that makes any sense. With draping chiffon curtains against the walls and velvety cushion seats. Its nice as a lounge as well as a restaurant. Its wonderful for people watching as well! Because of the indoor and outdoor seating combo, this place is great for any weather (and your own temperature interpretation). They have huge awnings to allow you to sit outside, even in the rain!
So definitely check this place out. It is in the heart of the city, right on the Square, and next to many many more exciting restaurants!
Rouge
Phone: 215-732-6622
Website: http://www.rouge98.com/
Location: 18th and Locust
Cuisine Type: French
A nice French restaurant that looks out to Rittenhouse Square. It has outdoor and indoor seating. My favorite seating is the indoor seats that are right up against the huuge window/balcony like railing. Its great! You get the best of both worlds!
Price Range:
They have an extensive wine list and sell both by glass and by bottle. Their wine prices are similar to that around the city, ranging from $7 and up for a glass and $35 and up for a bottle.
The food there is yummy! They have steamed mussels, bean sprout salads, duck, fish, etc etc. My favorite dish there is the tuna tartare and the escargot. The small plates range around $13 – $20. Their large plates range from $20 – $40.
Service:
Their hostess and staff are super friendly and try their best to accommodate your needs and wants. There was a time when I went with two other girls and an older gentleman kept coming over and sitting at our table. The staff there used a creative strategy to occupy the seat and conveniently caused him to unable to come back and sit at our table.
Atmosphere:
The decor is much like a huge French style sitting room/parlor. If that makes any sense. With draping chiffon curtains against the walls and velvety cushion seats. Its nice as a lounge as well as a restaurant. Its wonderful for people watching as well! Because of the indoor and outdoor seating combo, this place is great for any weather (and your own temperature interpretation). They have huge awnings to allow you to sit outside, even in the rain!
So definitely check this place out. It is in the heart of the city, right on the Square, and next to many many more exciting restaurants!
Rouge
Phone: 215-732-6622
Website: http://www.rouge98.com/
Yakitori Boy
YAKITORI BOY is awesome!
Location: 11th and Race
It is a true Asian Karaoke place. Great! Private room is always the way to go! Karaoke section is on the second floor.
They also have a nice restaurant with very authentic decor, which is on the first floor.
Specials:
Sun – Thurs has half off rooms after 8pm, and before 8pm its free room charge if you order food!
Wednesday is half off sushi, more like 90% off sushi in Philly! $1.50 for 4 pieces of white tuna sushi! Amazing!!
Tuesday is $1 chicken skewers with $2 beers!
Service: The price is great. Its clean and the service is great! Super friendly, you can make reservations~ the rooms are comfortable and the LCD screens are great for huge parties and the system is easy to use.
Karaoke: They have music from Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, and Catonese!
Awesome~!
Of course, they are very sensitive to the American karaoking culture, which is in a bar with complete strangers and a nice comfy lounge space. They have that, too. They charge $1 per song. pretty good deal! Since its not the small tvs with blue screens but 2 huge LCD monitors, as if you’re at a sports bar!
Comments:
Fridays and Saturdays are “packed” nights. Sometimes we wait 2 hours for a room to open up. Rooms range from 6 person, 8 person, 12 person and 22 person.
Yakitori Boy:
Phone: 215-923-8088
Website: http://www.yakitoriboy-japas.com/
Location: 11th and Race
It is a true Asian Karaoke place. Great! Private room is always the way to go! Karaoke section is on the second floor.
They also have a nice restaurant with very authentic decor, which is on the first floor.
Specials:
Sun – Thurs has half off rooms after 8pm, and before 8pm its free room charge if you order food!
Wednesday is half off sushi, more like 90% off sushi in Philly! $1.50 for 4 pieces of white tuna sushi! Amazing!!
Tuesday is $1 chicken skewers with $2 beers!
Service: The price is great. Its clean and the service is great! Super friendly, you can make reservations~ the rooms are comfortable and the LCD screens are great for huge parties and the system is easy to use.
Karaoke: They have music from Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, and Catonese!
Awesome~!
Of course, they are very sensitive to the American karaoking culture, which is in a bar with complete strangers and a nice comfy lounge space. They have that, too. They charge $1 per song. pretty good deal! Since its not the small tvs with blue screens but 2 huge LCD monitors, as if you’re at a sports bar!
Comments:
Fridays and Saturdays are “packed” nights. Sometimes we wait 2 hours for a room to open up. Rooms range from 6 person, 8 person, 12 person and 22 person.
Yakitori Boy:
Phone: 215-923-8088
Website: http://www.yakitoriboy-japas.com/
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