Playlists
Lucky Number Seven
I happened upon this place by means of a serendipitous miscommunication. I trekked to old city on a snowy January weeknight, to have dinner at another local BYO.
Windex Not Included
Tucked away inside a traditional Philadelphia row house is Effie’s Greek Restaurant, the closest any Philadelphian can get to authentic Greek cuisine. This Philadelphia classic, located on Antique Row, has been serving its own twist on classic Greek fare for 12 years, leaving some like Sarah Weaver, a three-year patron, coming back for more. “This place is phenomenal,” Weaver said, “I bring all my friends from out of town because there is no other place I’d go to get good Greek food.” Effie’s serves traditional Greek food in a cozy, at-ease atmosphere meant to make diners feel at home.
A Sweet and Bitter Fruit
The movie 300 depicts Persian king Xerxes’ decadent lair: plush tapestries, muted lighting and opulent metallic touches lend themselves to hedonistic indulgence.
Late Summer All Year Round
August calls itself “a twist on classic Italian.” In a sense, August succeeds in its twisting, but a more accurate description might be “improving.” At August, you’ll find all the usual suspects that lurk at the typical Italian Center City BYOB: the arugula and radicchio salad, the artichoke hearts, the almond-crusted salmon, the rigatoni bolognese.
Don’t Gnocch-It Till You’ve Tried It
I found myself at Bellini Grill, an Italian BYOB in Center City, for a friend’s birthday. Our group — comprised of about a dozen people — was seated at a big table near the door.
Don't Let the Monkeys Distract You
The primates on the walls at Bridget Foy’s never smile alone. Whether a regular or a newcomer, few can hide their satisfaction with this South Street hot spot.
Asian Fusion For the Techno Set
For those that enjoy Asian-fusion, Akoya provides a nice alternative to Pod, both in atmosphere and food selection.
Relax. It’s Just Fish.
The ambiance at Matyson was one of an intimate dining space — the kind of place you’d go on a first date rather than as a big group of rambunctious people.
Sugar-Coated, Kinda Bloated
When I walked into Sabrina’s Café with a large group of friends, my first thought was, “How are we all going to fit in here?” This cozy restaurant near the Italian Market has the atmosphere of a true café: simple décor, small, intimate dining space and a neighborhood feel.
West Philadelphia’s Dock Street Brews Up Happiness
Pizza and beer — arguably staples of any college student’s diet. Dock Street Brewing Co. does both of these better than anyone this side of the Schuylkill and for a very reasonable price. Located in an old firehouse at the corner of 50th and Baltimore Streets, the building has plenty of charm.
A New Stop On the BYO Map
Giorgio on Pine — a new BYOB spot where Valentino Ristorante once stood at 13th and Pine — invites patrons into a split-level space bounded by rustic, exposed brick walls and filled with warm lighting and the subtle sounds of Italian arias.
Far Beyond the Blue Box
Upon walking into Swallow Bistro, you’ll be struck by the thought that you’ve left Philadelphia altogether.
Extraordinary Simplicity
Sometimes simple is exactly what you need, and Audrey Claire (20th and Spruce St.) delivers just that.
Like an Angel
Just like coffee in a mug, soda out of a glass bottle and cereal straight from the box, pasta served in a bowl is better than pasta served on its usual companion, a plate.
Tasty, Hot and Straight From the Pot
At the Melting Pot, three things melt: cheese, chocolate and the contents of your wallet. The restaurant is right across the street from Reading Market Terminal, but its warm red walls and elaborate light fixtures asserted itself as more structured fine dining.
Keepin' it Real
Although the walk from campus to West Philadelphia’s Vietnam Café (47th & Baltimore) may be a nice stroll on a spring evening, the nine-block trek was anything but pleasant on a frigid February afternoon.
Mamma Mia, How Can I Resist You?
The Christmas lights outlining the shuttered windows of Anthony and Michael Companga’s Italian BYOB, Ava, were warm and welcoming upon our snowy arrival at the restaurant.
From the Editor: 2.18.09
My friend Kara’s favorite game is to ask new acquaintances to describe in explicit detail what they would eat (every meal and in-between snacks!) if this was their last day on Earth.
A History of Violence
The history of Watchmen, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon’s 1986 graphic-novel-turned-movie, is a long and complicated one.
