a.kitchen

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Address:
135 South 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Neighborhood:
Rittenhouse Square

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Cuisine:
Contemporary American

Price: $30 and under

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a.kitchen Details

Dining Style: Casual Dining
Website: http://www.akitchenandbar.com/
Email: lmoore@stayaka.com
Phone: (215) 825-7030
Hours of Operation: Breakfast: Monday to Friday: 7:00am - 10:30am
Weekend Brunch: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Lunch: Monday to Friday: 11:30am - 3:00pm
Dinner: Sunday through Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm; Friday and Saturday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Getting there

Cross Street: Walnut
Public Transit: Bus: 18th and Walnut
Parking: Public Lot
Parking Details: Parking available in local garages. No Valet available.

Central Parking System – 1616 Sansom Street
Parkway Corporation – 1845 Walnut Street
Central Parking System – 201 South 18th Street
Priority Parking – 1710 Chancellor Street

A word from a.kitchen

a. kitchen, the critically acclaimed restaurant at AKA Rittenhouse Square, features flavorful and unfussy cooking using the best seasonal ingredients. Philadelphia's most compelling selection of over 225 delicious, terroir–driven natural wines; and classic, well–made cocktails, all served in a… casually sophisticated atmosphere. Since its inception, a. kitchen has received superlative reviews: a glowing Three Bells from the city's most important reviewer, The Philadelphia Inquirer's Craig LaBan, who said, 'If you could sketch a restaurant on a blank page to capture the dining spirit of 2011, it might very well look a lot like a. kitchen.' Jason Wilson, writing in the Daily News said, 'a. kitchen signals a new direction in highbrow–casual dining in the city, a new challenge to the established conventions of our dining scene.Continued

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Diner Reviews

"Very good food and services. Staff are friendly and kind. The atmosphese is great."
Dined on 3/9/2014
"slow service, ran out of the cheese I asked for at 11:00 am for SUnday brunch, omelet had a speck of cheese that I could barely even find, omelet had no taste at all,, no spinach even for an omelet, plain food and presentation, cappucino too strong, potatoes were dull, seats were uuncomfortable, space feels cramped, menu is boring"
Dined on 3/9/2014
"This was our first time at a. kitchen. We'd been recommended to try it by some people at Moore Brother's wine. They pretty much never go wrong, so we were happy to try it. The food is really great- interesting combinations very well made. It's served in what might be called "medium plates"- not really tapas-style small plates, but not as big as a normal full entree. That made for good sharing. There are also side dishes available. There is a good wine list, but the wine is expensive. The cocktails were good. The service was of a good quality- certainly no problems at all, helpful, friendly, though not the very top I've had. It's not a cheap place by any means, but for the quality of food it wasn't very expensive. Recommended."
Dined on 3/8/2014
"Every time I go to AKitchen I am amazed At how delicious the food is and the service Is perfect. Everyone is in a great mood and Extreme helpful. Love the size of the portions."
Dined on 3/6/2014
"The restaurant was recommended by two friends of a friend who know Philly. Care and feeding was given to the whole experience and it was an easy 3 hours."
Dined on 3/3/2014
"Food was very interesting and flavorful but very highly salted, from the butter served with our bread to both of our meals. We will try a.kitchen again being sure to ask for minimal salting."
Dined on 2/28/2014
"The seasoning was spot-on for all plates, down to the salted butter for our bread. Best cheese plate I've ever had. Great lighting. If onyl there was a bit more room to navigate between tables along the shared bench. A small sacrifice for consistently wonderful meals."
Dined on 2/27/2014
"Great spot to take a date. Our server was great and very knowledgeable. I will definitely return."
Dined on 2/21/2014
"My husband and I ordered 4 plates to share, 3 were very good, 1 was very disappointing. We were served 2 plates within 5 minutes and they tried to take them away before we were finished. Same thing happened with the other 2 plates that followed. We were in and out within 35 minutes and by that time, very glad to leave. It was a very annoying experience. We won't go back...and we aren't into writing reviews but this was a particularly bad experience."
Dined on 2/21/2014
"Went to a. kitchen for breakfast and had a wonderful time. The waitress was helpful and attentive without being intrusive. The menu was inventive and offered interesting as well as traditional choices. It is a small space but tables were not on top of one another and as more and more people arrived the noise level was still relatively quiet. Everything we ordered was well prepared and delicious and the waitress made it easy to accommodate some food allergies and preferences. Will definitely return!"
Dined on 2/22/2014
"Went for an early dinner with my wife before picking up our daughter at the train station. The restaurant is small and the tables a bit close to one another, but at 5:30 was still empty enough that we didn't feel crowded. The food was very well done - unique flavors presented very nicely and with each if us ordering an entree (we each had a different pasta) and a side we had plenty to eat. The only slight "negative" was our service - the waitress was pleasant but could have possibly been a bit more attentive and could have explained the meal options to us."
Dined on 2/21/2014
"after several years, we've never had a less than good meal here - it continues to be a class act, WAY above your usual hotel restaurant - in fact, I think it's not that, judging from the clientele, who hardly seem to to have just gotten in from the airport a special place"
Dined on 2/19/2014
"Service was outstanding -- our server Paul was extremely knowledgeable and helpful throughout the meal. Food was delicious; each course was better than the next. Looking forward to coming back soon!"
Dined on 2/16/2014
"The food here is fabulous and we went here to celebrate Valentine's Day. It was almost perfect except that they gave us the worst table in the whole restaurant. Normally, it wouldn't have mattered but I made my reservation weeks in advance to get a good table and to accommodate that fact that I'm far along in my pregnancy. It was pretty awkward as no one could get around me and we we're put in a high traffic area. The table I had wanted was open the whole time we were there. Other than that, the food was fabulous. Perfect size portions and it was a great date night. Almost a five."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Love food, this place had a few dishes that were true winners. However based on the high level of excellence of some of the food, the solid dishes seemed less than what they were capable of. Overall 3.5/5 stars on a rating scale that should not be considered generous. So it is overall a very good resteraunt capable of a few excellent moments."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"It's a fancy spot but the food is really sub par. Everything is wayyyy overpriced for the quality. Service is fine though. Good spot for people watching. I'm sure you would like this place if you like Rouge."
Dined on 2/12/2014
"I've lunched at a.kitchen several times. The menu changes constantly and there's always an interesting selection of seasonal dishes. All my meals have presented very imaginative combinations of ingredients and flavors, all of which have been delicious. Be warned that portions are quite small, which is fine for me - I prefer a light lunch. But if you're looking to fill up, be prepared to shell out for several small dishes, or find another place to eat. Service is professional and attentive, without being intrusive. A great place for a business lunch, and I imagine it would be a great spot for a tasty late night snack. Desserts are wonderful without being cloying and there's a full bar with a great selection of amari and after-dinner drinks"
Dined on 2/11/2014
"My boyfriend and I went here for the first time to celebrate our three year anniversary. I'm not sure what compelled us to order the "meal for two" ribeye, however, I am very glad we did! The waiter told us that the piece we received started out around 32 oz. When cooked down it was 24 oz. We could figure out the seasoning on the ribeye but it was delicious! We ordered two sides, probably unnecessarily since the ribeye comes with a large salad. They were perfect as well! I highly recommend the quinoa! Our waiter was kind and brought us a sample of an appetizer to hold us over while we waited the 45 minutes for them to cook the steak! Overall, great experience!"
Dined on 2/8/2014
"a.kitchen is still a good bang for the buck. The food is inventive and interesting and most important delicious. I had the Hen in the Woods plate that was wonderful with outstanding flavors! Just wish I could recreate this a home. My husband had duck ragout and practically liked the plate. He felt the sauce was perfect rich but not overpowering just melt in your mouth good!"
Dined on 2/8/2014
"Great quality over quantity food with diverse selection (had fluke, chorizo meatballs, mushroom entree, kale salad, shrimp). Was not too thrilled with the desserts but they were OK. Great drinks selection. The dining area is very loud. Be sure to also visit a.bar for more cocktails. The service was great. Always cleaned our table and utensils and made sure we were never thirsty."
Dined on 1/24/2014
"The hen of the woods mushroom with arugula pesto plate was very tasty, but a rather interesting plating design. The wild mushroom and cheese sandwich was also good. The very interesting part of the meal was trying to use the bathroom. The lighting was so low, I had to ask for the light switch. ( they told me they would increase the lighting a bit for me.)"
Dined on 1/30/2014
"The dishes were very good, and at times outstanding (the corkscrew pasta with duck ragout). The small plates were good sized portions, slightly bigger than a taps but not much more. The ambiance was relaxed and chic. I particularly enjoyed all the natural light coming in through the large windows during lunch. It also had a very convenient location in rittenhouse square. I would definitely go again to bring my mother for lunch, or some friends or a date for dinner."
Dined on 1/31/2014
"Loved this place! Nice simple dishes. Will be going back."
Dined on 5/18/2013
"This place was phenomenal. The service was very friendly, attentive, and wonderfully paced. The food was excellent. It was so fresh and flavorful and plated beautifully. The menu has a great variety and interesting options. Sure to please everyone. The cocktails are unique and creative. The beer and wine selection is on point as well. a.kitchen is a very cozy spot. It's my new favorite restaurant in the city for sure. I can't wait to come back. I highly recommend a.kitchen."
Dined on 1/27/2014
"4 delicious and electic kinda courses! Bold and clear flavors. Attentive staff."
Dined on 1/26/2014
"Restaurant Week Visit: Although tasty, my entree portion size (the ragout) was rather small and my dessert appeared to be half the size of another diner that I saw order the same thing (maybe off the regular menu and not the restaurant week one?). All of the food was very good though. The service was also good, except upon seating. The tables are very close to one another and there isn't really enough space for an adult to get through to the bench part of the seat. I would have appreciated it if my server could have moved the table so I could get through and not have to worry about knocking things off with my butt or disturbing the diners next to me."
Dined on 1/24/2014
"I went with a friend for a pre-theater meal. They had the option of a 4-course fixed menu meal and we chose to do that instead of a la carte. The food was excellent, as was the value. I'm a vegetarian and the vegetarian options were excellent. I felt that the wine list was limited and more expensive than it should it have been. Service was excellent. And I would certainly go back there again."
Dined on 1/24/2014
"The Mushroom stuffed quail was outstanding! The chef likes to use a great variety of mushrooms in a range of dishes."
Dined on 1/18/2014
"The decor is modern industrial minimalistic and the kitchen is open to the view if the dining patrons. The host was gracious, friendly invited me to take a seat to wait for my friend to arrive. The server was charming, helpful and attentive. I chose an interesting house cocktail called "Midwestern Horizon" which may have been the most I un-inviting concoction I have ever seen but I ordered a second! My friend and I dined on a variety of dishes and each was more interesting than the last. We sat and talked until the restaurant was set for the dinner service. I felt we werecwelcome to remain until the late night bar scene commenced. Overall the experience was enjoyable and I look forward to returning."
Dined on 1/9/2014
"Not a bad place, but nothing very special. I enjoyed the cheeses, wine, and the duck, but they weren't anything you can't get somewhere else. Not a place I feel like I absolutely must go back to."
Dined on 1/3/2014
"It is an interesting place. A ilttle dark. cool atmosphere. Food is served in small plates - a generous, apetizer sized portions. The idea is to get a handful of dishes for the group. Maybe 2 per person and to share. The food was great. We had 5 plates and enjoyed all 5. This is a great restaurant choice for a date."
Dined on 12/31/2013
"Greatly enjoyed our New Year's Eve meal at a kitchen. They served the a la carte menu and did not change the prices on anything, including booze, which was greatly appreciated and a really classy move given some of the gouging that occurs at other restaurants in the City. We stuck with the small plates, which were great. Rock octopus was awesome, my fiancée loved the rigatoni, and we both loved the lightly fried hen of the woods mushrooms. Dessert cheese plate was good, with a special shout out for the goat cheese. Experience was leisurely and no one tried to push us to vacate so they could seat someone else, another issue we've had with other Philly restaurants on NYE."
Dined on 12/31/2013
"A Kitchen is always a great meal. The food is excellent, innovative combinations of flavors, and because there are small plates, you get a lot of different tastes. The waitstaff is is attentive but not intrusive, and the sommelier gives excellent suggestions for wine pairings. We love to eat here."
Dined on 12/27/2013
"From the window seat overlooking 18th street to the delicious bittersweet chocolate dessert, we can't recommend a.kitchen enough. Each of the small plates we ordered: kale salad, spanish octopus with harissa aioli, rigatoni with butternut squash and parmesan, and fluke in a brown butter sauce, were attractively presented, full-flavored and delicious. The service was impeccable, and even the moscow mule cocktails somehow tasted better at a.kitchen. We look forward to returning."
Dined on 12/27/2013
"We had great food and wonderful service and enjoyed a relaxing Christmas Eve Dinner with friends at A Kitchen - the food and the service could not have been any better - all of us enjoyed the evening and the employees made us feel welcome and comfortable even on a night when they might have preferred being with their family and friends - the professionalism and service by all was wonderful - thank you!"
Dined on 12/24/2013
"What an amazing dinner! Small plates are perfectly sized for sharing. Do not miss the octopus! Wait staff super friendly and helpful. We will be back."
Dined on 12/21/2013
"Met my dear friend Fran for a late lunch to celebrate the Holidays. Started with a delicious glass of white wine to set the mood which was festive. Lots of people exchanging gifts, with hugs and kisses all around. Enjoyed my tuna confit salad but could not finish it since I shared Fran's roast beef sandwich and hand made chips. Can't worry about calories this time of year. All was delicious and a wish to all fellow Merry Makers for a Special Holiday. PS Two other friends were also having lunch at the same time. They came over and we all wished each other a happy holiday."
Dined on 12/20/2013
"I would suggest expanding a little the wine selection by the glass, andy offering a few at moderate prices."
Dined on 12/20/2013
"a.kitchen is a great spot. I go again and again. It is one of my favorite, go-to places. Great food, nice people, interesting wine."
Dined on 12/18/2013
"Nice atmosphere and good food. Shared bites that focus on in season ingredients."
Dined on 12/14/2013

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