2012 Tasted Good: The Top New Restaurants That Opened In Philadelphia
With each new restaurant opening in 2012, the reputation of Philadelphia as a culinary destination continues to grow. Some of the top chefs in the country make the city their home, too. Food, service, ambiance and public relations are just a few of the factors that determine whether an eatery dies or thrives. Based on those criteria, the following five new restaurants have made the grade, are worth a visit and will likely be around for awhile.
The Industry
1401 W. Moyamensing Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 271-9500
www.theindustrybar.comThe Industry restaurant and bar is the go-to place for people who work in the restaurant industry - hence the name. In fact, restaurant industry workers automatically enjoy a 20-percent discount. Serving favorites including a large plate of pan-seared scallops prepared with corn, tomato bacon succotash, fava bean and cream of wheat for $21; or a large serving of hand-rolled cavatelli of pork ragu, shaved parmesan and crushed tomatoes for $15; you can expect perfection every time. Each night features a variety of house specials, including some for as little as $5 or $6. Of course, The Industry features great beers, wines and other drinks as well.
1401 W. Moyamensing Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 271-9500
www.theindustrybar.comThe Industry restaurant and bar is the go-to place for people who work in the restaurant industry - hence the name. In fact, restaurant industry workers automatically enjoy a 20-percent discount. Serving favorites including a large plate of pan-seared scallops prepared with corn, tomato bacon succotash, fava bean and cream of wheat for $21; or a large serving of hand-rolled cavatelli of pork ragu, shaved parmesan and crushed tomatoes for $15; you can expect perfection every time. Each night features a variety of house specials, including some for as little as $5 or $6. Of course, The Industry features great beers, wines and other drinks as well.
Red Owl Tavern
433 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 923-2267
www.redowltavern.comLocated across from Independence Hall, the Red Owl Tavern is a celebration of the iconic American tavern, with good food and drink at the heart of its philosophy. The tavern features hand-crafted cocktails made with freshly squeezed juices. Using butcher-shop cuts of meat and house-cured charcuterie, the building boasts a classic tavern atmosphere complemented by tall windows that provide a view of Philadelphia life downtown. The tavern features lunch, brunch and dinner menus.
433 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 923-2267
www.redowltavern.comLocated across from Independence Hall, the Red Owl Tavern is a celebration of the iconic American tavern, with good food and drink at the heart of its philosophy. The tavern features hand-crafted cocktails made with freshly squeezed juices. Using butcher-shop cuts of meat and house-cured charcuterie, the building boasts a classic tavern atmosphere complemented by tall windows that provide a view of Philadelphia life downtown. The tavern features lunch, brunch and dinner menus.
The Mildred
824 S. 8th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 687-1600
www.the-mildred.comNamed for the alley behind the restaurant, the Mildred is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Already well-known for its 60 varieties of bottled wine, the restaurant offers brick walls, wood-beamed angled ceilings and a long wooden bar, along with wooden tables and chairs. For a first course, choose from terrine of guinea hen with hazelnut vinaigrette or braised oxtail with barley and parsnip risotto. Main course options include braised monkfish in a chorizo and potato stew or a fall vegetable casserole of squash tortellini and rod mokum carrot jus. The Mildred buys its ingredients fresh from area farms, so you know you're getting great quality.
824 S. 8th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 687-1600
www.the-mildred.comNamed for the alley behind the restaurant, the Mildred is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Already well-known for its 60 varieties of bottled wine, the restaurant offers brick walls, wood-beamed angled ceilings and a long wooden bar, along with wooden tables and chairs. For a first course, choose from terrine of guinea hen with hazelnut vinaigrette or braised oxtail with barley and parsnip risotto. Main course options include braised monkfish in a chorizo and potato stew or a fall vegetable casserole of squash tortellini and rod mokum carrot jus. The Mildred buys its ingredients fresh from area farms, so you know you're getting great quality.
Gracie's Cafe BYOB
2960 Skippack Pike
Worcester, PA 19490
(610) 584-6958
www.graciescafebyob.comGracie's Cafe features a bright, homey atmosphere with white as the predominant color scheme. Serving a mix of Asian and Mediterranean dishes, the menu includes both small and large plates. Offering inside seating for about 70 and patio seating during warm weather, Gracie's is also well-known for its seafood choices. Favorites include sauteed mussels; stuffed portobello mushroom; jumbo crab ravioli; angel hair; penne; fettucini; salads including Greek, avocado citrus and calamari organic green served with a house vinaigrette; and large place specialties such as Vietnamese tossed ribeye, braised duck with five spices and Malaysian lamb rendang. The restaurant is closed Mondays.
2960 Skippack Pike
Worcester, PA 19490
(610) 584-6958
www.graciescafebyob.comGracie's Cafe features a bright, homey atmosphere with white as the predominant color scheme. Serving a mix of Asian and Mediterranean dishes, the menu includes both small and large plates. Offering inside seating for about 70 and patio seating during warm weather, Gracie's is also well-known for its seafood choices. Favorites include sauteed mussels; stuffed portobello mushroom; jumbo crab ravioli; angel hair; penne; fettucini; salads including Greek, avocado citrus and calamari organic green served with a house vinaigrette; and large place specialties such as Vietnamese tossed ribeye, braised duck with five spices and Malaysian lamb rendang. The restaurant is closed Mondays.
The Cambridge on South Street
1508 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(267) 455-0647
www.cambridgeonsouth.comThe Cambridge on South Street is open seven days a week. A British-inspired pub, the eatery features a fully stocked bar and a casual dining room. Enjoy a large selection of beers including British classics, and French, American and Mexican favorites. Delicious sandwiches include the porker burger, served with roasted long hots, sauteed broccoli rabe, sharp provolone on an onion poppy roll with house fries; a black bean burger served with roasted peeper di Gallo, sharp cheddar, chipotle aioli on a kaiser roll with homemade tortilla chips and pico; or the Cambridge Hall, which features dry-aged beef served with crisp pancetta, brie, and red wine-poached pears on an onion poppy roll with house-cut fries. Main courses include a malt vinegar battered fish and chips, steak frites, grilled salmon and a silver platter fried chicken selection.
1508 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(267) 455-0647
www.cambridgeonsouth.comThe Cambridge on South Street is open seven days a week. A British-inspired pub, the eatery features a fully stocked bar and a casual dining room. Enjoy a large selection of beers including British classics, and French, American and Mexican favorites. Delicious sandwiches include the porker burger, served with roasted long hots, sauteed broccoli rabe, sharp provolone on an onion poppy roll with house fries; a black bean burger served with roasted peeper di Gallo, sharp cheddar, chipotle aioli on a kaiser roll with homemade tortilla chips and pico; or the Cambridge Hall, which features dry-aged beef served with crisp pancetta, brie, and red wine-poached pears on an onion poppy roll with house-cut fries. Main courses include a malt vinegar battered fish and chips, steak frites, grilled salmon and a silver platter fried chicken selection.
Jeffrey B. Roth, has won numerous state and national news and feature-writing awards during his career. A well-known crime writer, investigative reporter and a feature writer, Roth writes for a number of magazines and newspapers. Listed in the Locus Index of SciFi and Fantasy authors, Roth is the author of a number of published short stories and poetry. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
