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Solarium - White Dog Cafe - University City, Philadelphia, PA

White Dog Cafe - University City

4.6
4.6
5557 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
3420 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 101 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
An iconic restaurant in University City since 1983, White Dog Cafe is a leader in using environmentally sustainable, organic, and local foods from farms within 50 miles. Known for warm hospitality, and inspiring award-winning food, the White Dog's historic three brownstones offer charming and whimsical dog décor and artwork in its many unique dining spaces and outdoor dining on the sidewalk.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Farm-to-table, American
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 3:00 pm–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 9:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Albert Alvarado
  • Private party facilities
    We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    University City
  • Cross street
    On Sansom Street between 34th and 36th Street
  • Parking details
    Metered Street Parking is available surrounding the restaurant. Penn garage is available on 34th Street and Ludlow.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

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Experiences

  • Half Price Wine Night

    Multiple dates available
    Enjoy half price wine bottles from our in house list with the purchase of an entree.

What 5,557 people are saying

White Dog Cafe - University City reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia

    Contemporary American

  • Philadelphia

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
White Dog Cafe in University City offers a "charming" ambiance with eclectic decor and "innovative cuisine." Known for its "farm to table" approach, the restaurant serves "delicious food" with standout options like the "wild mushroom toast" and "blackened Cajun catfish." Although service can vary, the "friendly" staff contributes to an overall "great experience."

5,557 Reviews
  1. caroline

    San Francisco5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    It’s impossible to have a conversation inside, the music is loud… the cheeseburger was great, the primavera pasta was good but could have been better and they could have offered fresh cheese…. The truffle fries were bland and so very very greasy and limp from all of the oil. And they were lukewarm.

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  2. Carmen VIP

    Philadelphia10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This long standing restaurant never disappoints. They serve one of the best burgers in the entire city. The steak special was also excellent. Our fabulous server, Matt, suggested a great Duckhorn wine and then impressively listened to our wine conversation and opened our minds to a hyperlocal wine which was delicious! I will continue to come back over and over.

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  3. Peter

    Philadelphia1 review

    1.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 1
    Overall bad experience. Seemed overwhelmed and food was very undercooked.

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  4. JOHN VIP

    Coastal Georgia19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place for lunch and dinner on the UPenn campus.

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  5. Rosemarie VIP

    Philadelphia36 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    We had terrific service. The food was just so so. Oysters were not shucked that great - mixed greens mean more then just iceberg for salad. Omelette was good.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Edward

    New York City8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Never had anything less than excellent at the White Dog. We always come during the Penn Relays! And this year, we will be back during my Penn reunion. We especially like the variety of dishes on the menu.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Chris

    Greater Boston4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Nice Easter brunch! Enjoyed it! Husband didn’t care for the omelette but the strawberry shortcake French toast was very good!

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  8. William

    Louisville1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a treat to eat at there establishment, great farm to table

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  9. Cathy

    Pittsburgh37 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 19, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Server was excellent and always a fun vibe. A little pricey but the food is good and the portions are generous.

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  10. Kiy

    Philadelphia2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on April 16, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    So when we arrived , we were told that we couldn’t be seated unless half of our party showed up. I made a reservation, which stated that guests would be staggered (coming from work ). When we were finally seated, Felt rushed when ordering. Didn’t explain the menu well and when asked a question, she wasn’t the friendliest. The snack board was not worth the price or effort . Grapes looked dirty, small portions and not given enough utensils. Food was just ok. We would have ordered more but the service wasn’t up to par and rushed.

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FAQs

White Dog Cafe - University City offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 386-9224.

White Dog Cafe - University City is rated 4.6 stars by 5557 OpenTable diners.

White Dog Cafe - University City does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Philadelphia County
  4. Philadelphia
  5. University City

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 101 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for White Dog Cafe - University City

3420 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Additional information

  • Cross street
    On Sansom Street between 34th and 36th Street
  • Neighborhood
    University City
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 3:00 pm–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 9:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Farm-to-table, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Metered Street Parking is available surrounding the restaurant. Penn garage is available on 34th Street and Ludlow.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Albert Alvarado
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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