White Dog Cafe - University City

Name: White Dog Cafe - University City
Address: 3420 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States, 19104
Telephone: (215) 386-9224
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

4884 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Apr 2, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 172 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(215) 386-9224

Other options

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
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
(215) 386-9224
Website
https://whitedog.com/universitycity/
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.
Private party contact
Private Dining Coordinator: (855) 398-9144

Location
3420 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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

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Popular dishes

Kennett Square Mushroom Soup$13.00
Truffle Crème Fraiche, Snipped Chives
Butternut Squash Soup$12.00
Fried Sage, Aged Balsamic Drizzle
Oysters on the Half
Cocktail, Shallot Mignonette, Lemon
- MP
Yellowfin Tuna Tartare$18.00
Avocado, Sriracha, Sesame Soy Emulsion, True Leaf Micro Cilantro
Glazed Pork Bao Buns$16.00
Braised Pork Belly, Pickled Vegetables, Spicy Mayo, Steamed Buns
Sandy Ridge Farm Deviled Eggs$11.00
Half Dozen Cage-Free Eggs, Chef's Assortment of Seasonal Fillings
Korean BBQ Cauliflower$15.00
Gochujang-Honey Glaze, Scallions, Sesame
House Made Pretzel Bread$11.00
Spinach-Artichoke Spread, Mustard, Pickles
PEI Mussels$19.00
Green Meadow Farm Smoked Bacon, Leeks, Potato, Fall Lager Broth, Toasted Baguette

Salads

Beet & Arugula$14.00
Shellbark Hollow Goat Cheese, Herb Crème Fraîche, Crispy Polenta 'Croutons'
Caesar Salad$14.00
Romaine, Red Endive, Sourdough Crouton, Parmesan Tuile, Lemon Anchovy Dressing
Baby Gem Wedge$15.00
Bacon, Tomato, Crisp Shallots, Birchrun Blue Cheese, Fine Herbs, Poppy Seed Dressing
Add Protein to Salad
- Pacific Shrimp$12.00
- Organic Tofu$6.00
- Verlasso Salmon$13.00
- Lancaster Chicken$9.00
- Grilled Sirloin$15.00

Entrees

Verlasso Salmon$31.00
Beet & Potato Rosti, Swiss Chard, Fennel, Blood Orange, Horseradish Creme Fraiche
Blackened Shrimp Salad$27.00
Mixed Baby Greens, Citrus Segments, Pomegranate Seeds, Avocado, Fruitwood Orchard Honey-Mint Vinaigrette
Steak Frites$58.00
14 oz NY Strip Center Cut, Truffle Parmesan French Fries, Watercress Salad, Pickled Shallot Butter
Grilled Thick Cut Pork Steak$31.00
Hasselback Sweet Potato, Lemon Brown Butter, Linvilla Orchard Apple Cider Mostarda
Roasted Duck Breast$39.00
Pumpkin Polenta, Romanesco, Fig & Cipollini Onion Agrodolce
Spicy Thai Steak Salad$29.00
Chilled Tenderloin Tips, Udon Noodles, Shiitake Mushrooms, Peanuts, Baby Greens, Julienne Vegetables, Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
Idaho Rainbow Trout$30.00
Brussel Sprout, Yam & Bacon Hash, Pickled Apple, Maple Vinagrette
Green Meadow Farm Double Cheddar Burger$22.00
Smoked Bacon Mayo, Bibb Lettuce, Grilled Red Onions, Brioche, Truffle Parmesan Fries
Spicy Lamb Bolognese$16.00
Severino Rigatoni, Jersey Crushed Tomatoes, Wilted Spinach, Basil Ricotta
Vegan Cheese Burger$24.00
Plant Based Burger, Cheddar, Pickles, Onion, 1000 Island Sauce, Sesame Seed Bun, Fries
Pan Seared Striped Bass$37.00
Tinkerbell Pepper & Tomato Piperade, Fingerling Potatoes, Fennel, Bouillabaisse Butter Emulsion
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Local Mushrooms, Eagles Road Tuscan Kale, Brown Butter, Parmesan, Sage & Pumpkin Seed Gremolata
- App$16.00
- Large$24.00
Cauliflower Milanese$24.00
Tlush Farm King Trumpet Mushroom & Tomato Ragu, Smoked Raisin & Baby Arugula Salad, Aged Balsamic
Braised Short Rib$38.00
Glazed Baby Carrot, Grilled Broccolini, Celery Root Puree, Red Wine Jus

Market Sides

Fried Pickles$7.00
Truffle Parmesan Fries$9.00
Spicy Mayo
Smokey Mac n Cheese$10.00
Cavatappi Pasta, Smoked Gouda Cheese Sauce, Brown Butter Breadcrumbs
Crispy Brussel Sprouts$10.00
Bacon Potato Chip Crunch, Maple Cider Vinaigrette
Roasted Mushrooms$9.00
Truffle Breadcrumbs, Sherry Aioli
Hasselback Sweet Potato$9.00
Lemon Brown Butter, Chives

What 4,884 people are saying

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

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs
Most Booked
Philadelphia
Contemporary American
Philadelphia
Most Booked

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JL
JohnL
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service, food, and the atmosphere were all exceptional. This was my first visit and it won’t be my last. I will mention if you have a disability this restaurant is not for you. Multiple levels and I didn’t notice a ramp.
T
Tiara
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Server very attentive and quick, knowledgeable, helpful for recommendations. Food was great
s
stu415
San Francisco
50 reviews
vip
3.0
50 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food3service3ambience3
It’s ok. It does the trick. I don’t know that they have much competition in the immediate area of Penn’s campus.
JF
JanetF
Philadelphia
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Went for brunch on Sunday for my daughters birthday and had a great experience. Food was amazing, service was great and our server was so helpful with birthday dessert!
JC
JoseC
Philadelphia
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
Been coming her for decades. Always enjoy our meals very much. Consistency at its best. Did not like 3% surcharge because I paid with my credit card instead of cash. Thanks!
BM
BossMan
Philadelphia
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Good food, great service, cordial, prompt and attentive.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We really enjoyed the brunch and it was amazing and the server was great
HA
HABW
Philadelphia
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. Waitress was very nice and professional.
S
Sophie
Philadelphia
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Best service we’ve ever had at white dog! The portion of the salads/winter grain bowl keeps changing and seems to get smaller every time we order it which is particularly frustrating. Would be great to have the option of a larger size.
MT
MichaelT
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 21, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
White Dog is a UCity classic with a menu that is both comfortably familiar and inventively fresh. It is not cheap, but I've never been disappointed with my experience.
SL
SharynL
Philadelphia
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on March 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great dinner, good drinks. Our server was wonderful and attentive. Didn’t love our dessert, pumpkin bread pudding. Rest of meal fantastic. Probably best tuna tartare I’ve had! Would be nice to have a New Zealand Savignon Blanc on menu.
ST
SusanT
Washington DC
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, impeccable service and cozy atmosphere
AK
AmyK
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went for brunch. Great menu, great food, great vibe.
t
theatergal
New York Area
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Always a must if you’re in Philadelphia. We live an hour away, but go to WDC every time we can, at least 8 times a year, usually more. Great food, good staff, love the decor, just a bit noisy at times.
UD
UrviD
New York Area
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It’s so cute! We had a great meal and fantastic service
QL
Q8LBR8R
Philadelphia
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Enjoyed the indoor patio seating and tasty lunch options!
DW
DaveW
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Enjoyed brunch. Looking forward to having lunch or dinner there another time.
TM
TravelingMom
Philadelphia
36 reviews
4.0
36 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
Overall a nice experience. Tight seating in a small and noisy room. Canned beer served with no glass. We needed to ask for a glass twice. Food was good. Nothing stands out but good variety. Staff was very pleasant.
JM
JohnM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Staff were nice and accommodated an extra person for us.
MR
MildredR
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Reunion with old friend.
AL
AllisonL
Philadelphia
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on March 13, 2023
overall2food5service1ambience3
I had the strangest experience at White Dog, this is one of my favorite spots by campus and last night I left feeling just off. It all started when our waitress came to take our order, there were 3 of us. 2 of which are about to be 22 and one is younger and was not looking to drink. When the waitress took our drink order she was persistent that everyone at the table needed to be 21 in order for one person to be served and if everyone was not 21, someone had to be 25 in order for the 21 year olds to drink. I'm not saying that a drink is going to make or break an experience but I have never heard an excuse like that before....anywhere?? When it came time to order dinner and just every interaction with her after, it was very strange.
TJ
TheJuice
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fig & Amaretto Bellinis were outstanding. Mushroom soup was great - very well seasoned. The Nashville Hot Chicken & French Toast was quite good - not quite as much chicken as I would like, but plenty of French toast and the pickled cucumber + red onion was a great contrast. Side of bacon was large and very good. Waitstaff was attentive and we didn't wait long for additional Bellinis or coffee refills. The excess of dog themed decor was hilarious and memorable. Overall - a great experience.
AM
AmandaM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everywhere you look there's a cute different dog themed decor piece! Every room is styled differently with gallery walls, garden vibes, and historical chic. In this cozy and cohesive dog-centric atmosphere I was as pleasantly surprised by the food as I was all of the decor. The service was excellent and the food was incredible. Definitely will be returning to sample the rotating farm to table menu!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience4
Food was great and ambiance was good. Side dishes and main courses were perfect. The staff vacuuming while we were eating still was a bit off (we finished and left before 10pm so not late).
TH
TamaraH
Philadelphia
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
The double cheddar burger was delicious along with the Parmesan truffle fries. The ambiance was friendly and inviting. Also good for children. Would recommend.
MC
MartyCos
Philadelphia
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We always love going to the White Dog. Great food and wine and the service was wonderful.
PG
PatG
Philadelphia
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
I've yet to have an unpleasant experience at White Dog. Always good!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
Group dinner after executive class at Wharton — food was amazing, loved the setting. The server was a little I knowledgeable as she didn’t understand their own drinks or know where the oysters were from.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall4food3service3ambience3
Sat outdoors, polite staff. Food took awhile to get. Some of it was rather oily but overall good flavors and quality ingredients. We go there when we visit our son at Penn.
LJ
LauraJBJ
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved having brunch at the White Dog! Delicious food— I had the omelette special — and coffee. Service was impeccable. Already looking forward to my next visit to Philadelphia. I’ll definitely be back!
EM
EricaM
Philadelphia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome atmosphere and amazing food!
LM
LaurenM
Philadelphia
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing as always
CM
ColleenM
Philadelphia
18 reviews
vip
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
I always wanted to eat here so I was excited and it did not disappoint! The decor is nice and somewhat intimate. The food was good and we were not rushed out and really good service. We will be back
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious and was promptly served. Cocktails were good as well. Pleasant hostess and waitress. Second time this month at the restaurant. Keep up the good work and fine food.
PG
PatG
Philadelphia
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The oysters in the half shell alone are worth the trip!
ME
MattE
Philadelphia
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved this restaurant! The food was exquisite, the service was impeccable, and overall it was just a fabulous place. I highly recommend the pork belly Benedict and try their specials!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the atmosphere and the food! Especially love that there is a hearty vegan brunch option (tofu scramble). Will definitely be back!
ND
NinaD
Philadelphia
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience5
I had brunch reservations and we came early. I was packed and were told we’d be sat closer to our res time which is perfectly fine. We sat in a cute room and everything in the restaurant is dog themed which is adorable and eccentric. Our server Adele was friendly but we felt forgotten about most of the brunch service. We needed refills on our water and had to flag down another server. When she came back with coffee refills she didn’t even mention the water or apologize for taking so long. She might have seen our were already refilled. The food was delicious and this was my second time here. Would come again and recommend it to others!
JJ
JerseyJoe
Philadelphia
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
In love with their Kennet Square mushroom soup!! Food is always great, nice atmosphere.
s
spkmck
New England
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome in every way! Great food and ambiance. Ate at the bar. Will was a great bartender.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from White Dog Cafe - University City using the Order Online button. White Dog Cafe - University City also 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 4884 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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Apr 2, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 172 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(215) 386-9224

Other options

Order online

Google Map for White Dog Cafe - University City

3420 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Dining areas

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
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

Website
https://whitedog.com/universitycity/
Phone number
(215) 386-9224
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
Private party contact
Private Dining Coordinator: (855) 398-9144

Featured in

Gift card

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

Send a gift card

White Dog Cafe - University City

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

The Best Breakfast Restaurants in Philadelphia

The Best Restaurants with Vegan Options in Philadelphia

Gift card

Pork Belly Benedict

Butternut Squash Soup

Kennett Square Mushroom Soup

For the Table

Local Artisan Cheese$19.00

Roasted Garlic Hummus$15.00

Goat Cheese Whipped Ricotta$17.00

First Course

Kennett Square Mushroom Soup$13.00

Butternut Squash Soup$12.00

Oysters on the Half

Yellowfin Tuna Tartare$18.00

Glazed Pork Bao Buns$16.00

Sandy Ridge Farm Deviled Eggs$11.00

Korean BBQ Cauliflower$15.00

House Made Pretzel Bread$11.00

PEI Mussels$19.00

Salads

Beet & Arugula$14.00

Caesar Salad$14.00

Baby Gem Wedge$15.00

Add Protein to Salad

Entrees

Verlasso Salmon$31.00

Blackened Shrimp Salad$27.00

Steak Frites$58.00

Grilled Thick Cut Pork Steak$31.00

Roasted Duck Breast$39.00

Spicy Thai Steak Salad$29.00

Idaho Rainbow Trout$30.00

Green Meadow Farm Double Cheddar Burger$22.00

Spicy Lamb Bolognese$16.00

Vegan Cheese Burger$24.00

Pan Seared Striped Bass$37.00

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Cauliflower Milanese$24.00

Braised Short Rib$38.00

Market Sides

Fried Pickles$7.00

Truffle Parmesan Fries$9.00

Smokey Mac n Cheese$10.00

Crispy Brussel Sprouts$10.00

Roasted Mushrooms$9.00

Hasselback Sweet Potato$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does White Dog Cafe - University City offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant rated?

Does White Dog Cafe - University City offer gift cards?

Is White Dog Cafe - University City currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

The Best Breakfast Restaurants in Philadelphia

The Best Restaurants with Vegan Options in Philadelphia

Gift card