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Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in University City

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36 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
1. White Dog Cafe - University City
4.6
Exceptional(5590)
Price: Expensive
• American • University City
Booked 65 times today
A varied menu with seasonal & local ingredients served in a stylish room with dog-lover decor.
A photo of Barclay Prime restaurant
2. Barclay Prime
4.8
Exceptional(5576)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 37 times today
Barclay Prime is a luxury boutique steakhouse serving a traditional yet modern menu in a comfortable & contemporary setting.
A photo of The Love restaurant
3. The Love
4.9
Exceptional(7802)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 182 times today
Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr's The Love is a bi-level sanctuary features 150 seats, split between the main dining room, sidewalk seating, and an upper-level loft. The restaurant is a spirited and carefree neighborhood café celebrating everyday American cuisine. The menu is crafted around what’s truly seasonal and local, while the beverage program reflects the best of the region. This creative energy is matched by a front-of-house service staff passionate about providing homey hospitality morning, noon and night.
A photo of The Dandelion restaurant
4. The Dandelion
4.7
Exceptional(8280)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • Center City
Booked 121 times today
London's culinary revolution comes to Philadelphia with this unique gastro-pub. Cozy rooms and intimate bars create a storied, Old World aura, while updated seasonal takes on British food make up the menu. In keeping with tradition, our casks and tap craft beers are always rotating and classic family-style roasts are served on Sundays.
A photo of Talula’s Garden restaurant
5. Talula’s Garden
4.9
Exceptional(13569)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Washington Square
Booked 118 times today
Behind the wrought iron gate, past the herbaceous patio and through the atrium is Talula's Garden, the warm and elegant Washington Square eatery from Aimee Olexy and Starr Restaurants. The modern menu, prepared with carefully-sourced ingredients and a light European touch, changes with the seasons. The artful cuisine, hospitable staff, sustainable spirits, and a focus on cheese make the dining experience here incredibly memorable.
A photo of Saloon Restaurant restaurant
6. Saloon Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2716)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • South Philly
Booked 44 times today
Entering the Saloon, a family owned restaurant since it opened in 1967 is a bit like stepping into Philadelphia's past. Dark oak paneling, shiny brass and authentic local antiques create a warm congenial and casual atmosphere. The choice of two comfortable dining rooms each with its own vintage bars make dining and conversation a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Both bars feature a delicious and moderately priced food menu. The menu is Italian with seafood specials such as grilled octopus and dover sole. Saloon steaks and veal chops are legendary. Many prefer a plate of fried long hot peppers to compliment the steaks. All desserts and gelatos are made on the premises daily. The Saloon is a Philadelphia neighborhood bar and restaurant with a national reputation. And the parking is FREE!
A photo of a.kitchen restaurant
7. a.kitchen
4.8
Exceptional(2205)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Center City
Booked 26 times today
a.kitchen, situated in Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square, is a French-inspired American restaurant led by Executive Chef Eli Collins. The bistro-style menu offers everything from small plates to more traditional lunch and dinner options. Known for its innovative wine list, a.kitchen is a top destination for natural and terroir-driven wines from regions around the world. Reservations are available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.Adjacent to a.kitchen, a.bar offers a cocktail-focused experience along with a menu of snacks, burgers, salads, and seasonal dishes. Guests of Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square can also enjoy in-suite dining for a more private experience.
A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant
8. Buddakan - Philadelphia
4.8
Exceptional(11504)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Old City
Booked 81 times today
Stephen Starr’s Buddakan is a spectacular restaurant featuring exotic flavors of modern Asian cuisine with creativity and drama. Bon Appetit notes, "The mostly white space is striking, with a lit-from-within communal table in the middle of the room, a waterfall & a ten-foot, candle-bedecked Buddha. The religious icon watches over hip customers indulging in pan-Asian cuisine that far surpasses the fare usually found at hot spots like this." Newsweek reports, "Design also serves as a signifier for cuisine. You walk into Buddakan, one of the hottest new restaurants in Philadelphia, past a shimmering waterfall & Japanese river stones & you say to yourself, 'ginger-miso everything' even before you see the magnificent 10-foot Buddha dominating the dining room." Named one of “America's Top 50 Restaurants" by Travel & Leisure and 'Top Restaurant for Fun' by Gourmet, Buddakan has become one of the country's most talked about restaurants.
A photo of Tuna Bar restaurant
9. Tuna Bar
4.9
Exceptional(1004)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Old City
Booked 45 times today
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW PRIOR TO BOOKING Outdoor reservations are weather permitting and must be specified upon booking the reservation. Specific table requests are considered but not guaranteed. Tuna Bar is a Japanese Raw Bar and Grill concept created by Owner and Chef Kenneth Sze. Located in Old City Philadelphia, Tuna Bar boasts a relaxing, upscale atmosphere serving fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The diverse menu offers traditional and specialty sushi rolls, raw oysters, scallops, hand-selected fish, and shareable entrees. Tuna Bar offers a fully stocked bar of wine, sake, and spirits. There are no outside food and beverages allowed. There is a $40 dessert/cake fee for guests that wish to bring in a dessert/cake for their special occasion.
A photo of Estia - Philadelphia restaurant
10. Estia - Philadelphia
4.8
Exceptional(8965)
Price: Very Expensive
• Greek • Center City
Booked 38 times today
Estia in Philadelphia is a vibrant bar scene, known for its fresh Greek cuisine and inviting Mediterranean atmosphere. Reviews rave about the 'fabulous atmosphere', 'great service', and 'amazing ambience'. It's often described as a lively place, especially before theater performances, with a great selection of cocktails and wine. The staff is praised for being friendly and attentive, contributing to the overall charm and ambiance of the restaurant.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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