BYOB Patrol
Wasn’t it just a few years ago that there was an informal effort to try to make Philly the “Official BYOB Capital of the Country?”
The fact that we have so many top-notch BYOBs is one of the things that always seems to excite newcomers about our city, and one of the reasons those of us who live here, love to do so. We really have a ton of incredible eateries to choose from, in fact, I like too many to have a favorite.
But let’s pool resources here– we don’t want to waste “date night” on a bad BYOB, so share what you think of the ones I’ve listed, and add some I’ve missed. And those of you in the burbs? I know you’ve got some good ones there too.
Mercato
Mr. Martino’s
Salt n Pepper
Little Fish
Valentino’s
Le Bec Fin cafe (downstairs)
La Cochon
Dmitri’s
James
Popularity: 86% [?]
Comment by Kerri-Lee on 24 March 2008:
Ok– let me kick this off. I have NEVER had a bad meal at Mercato, their food is excellent. But expect a bit of a wait…
My new fav? Mr. Martino’s in South Philly.
Comment by Kerri-Lee on 24 March 2008:
Oh! And how cool that on certain nights, the downstairs part of Le Bec Fin is going to be BYOB. Just announced a couple weeks ago… that’ll take a bit of change off your big bill.
Comment by Nova on 25 March 2008:
Mr. Martino’s is a hidden gem. The ambiance makes it a wonderful place to reconnect with that special someone. You won’t be sorry!
Comment by Nova on 25 March 2008:
Hey KL … if you are ever looking for someone to go “on patrol” with you …
Comment by shaikens on 25 March 2008:
What about that little greek place near Pine and Lombard I think? What was the name of that place? Mmmm.. their Greek salad was awesome!
Comment by Frankvito on 25 March 2008:
I think it’s called Effie’s at 11th and pine..nice place
Comment by JulieKim on 27 March 2008:
Matyson is great. Just had a meal there recently. Great food and service. Also Bistro 7 on 3rd Street between Market and Arch has great prix fixe 5 course meals three days a week. Never had a bad meal there!!!
Comment by kt on 2 April 2008:
Dear KL,
…you have to try L’Angolo in South Philly - 14n’Porter f you’re a fan of Mr. M’s - you’ll love this! …and you have to include Melograno on that list - they make their own pasta and it’s incredible!
kt
…also know the best place for byob-sushi - but that’s a secret.
Comment by kerrilee on 2 April 2008:
L’Angelo– sounds great! I will give it a try. And Julie Kim– great suggestion too. I’ve walked by there and always looked inside, and was curious. Next time, I’m going to go in and check it out! Thanks JK
Comment by kerrilee on 2 April 2008:
Shaikens– Frankvito is right, that’s Effie’s. Their tzatziki is the best of the best, and I love their fish dishes. So fresh, so good
Comment by DeweyDevil on 2 April 2008:
In the burbs….
Blue Bell to be exact.
Golden Sea Chinese Restaurant.
Hopefully this link tranfers about the place..
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17184695&BRD=1306&PAG=461&dept_id=567519&rfi=6
A great place to bring a bottle of wine take in the retro 70’s ambiance and enjoy a great meal.
Its also rated highly by zagat so if that matters to ya there ya go.
For you city dwellers there are plenty of places nearby afterwards to take in some live music or watch suburbanites in their natural habitat.
Comment by Kerri-Lee on 3 April 2008:
Dewey– I have wheels and am willing to travel out of the city. Great tip, I’m putting that on my list
Comment by JT on 3 April 2008:
Comment by shaikens on 25 March 2008:
What about that little greek place near Pine and Lombard I think? What was the name of that place? Mmmm.. their Greek salad was awesome!
Was it a “BIG Salad” ?
Oh, sorry - wrong blog.
Comment by Kerri-Lee on 14 April 2008:
I went to Little Fish last night and had the five course price fix, and WOW. It was incredible! Arctic Chad Tartare, salad with a light olive oil and goat’s cheese, grilled Scallops on Yukon potato slices, Tile fish, melt in your mouth chocolate fudge pie for dessert… Sunday nights are when you can catch this great deal. $28.00 per person, and of course, it’s BYOB.
Comment by JT on 14 April 2008:
By any chance, did you mean Arctic Char ?
Comment by Rich on 14 April 2008:
Hmm, had a wicked macaroni and cheese dinner here tonight.
Comment by Dadeck on 15 April 2008:
I go to a great BYOB every night…aka HOME!!!
Rich, we had pizza tonight…
Comment by Kerri-Lee on 16 April 2008:
JT– of COURSE you caught the type… I would expect an Angler like yourself to be on the case LOL
Comment by JT on 25 April 2008:
Comment by Kerri-Lee on 16 April 2008:
JT– of COURSE you caught the type… I would expect an Angler like yourself to be on the case LOL
An angler like myself “caught the typo”.
Big deal….ya can’t eat typo’s.
I threw it back.
Comment by Kerri-Lee on 29 April 2008:
I’m now an “Every Sunday Night” regular at Little Fish, that price fix is AWESOME. Perfect portion sizes, and just enough of a sweet fix at the end of the meal. Loved the Halibut Cheek dish…
Comment by JT on 30 April 2008:
Yeah, you just wanna see “Arctic Chad” again. (He’s sooooo cool, he’s, like, “Arctic”.
Comment by SoccerMom on 18 June 2008:
I am in love with Mr. Martino’s. It is a wonderful restaurant