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  5. University City

White Dog Cafe - University City

4.6
4.6
4884 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 172 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

  • 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

  • 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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Popular dishes

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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs

    Most Booked

  • Philadelphia

    Contemporary American

  • Philadelphia

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. 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.
  2. Tiara

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Server very attentive and quick, knowledgeable, helpful for recommendations. Food was great
  3. 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.
  4. 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!
  5. 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!
  6. BossMan

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Good food, great service, cordial, prompt and attentive.
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. SusanT

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, impeccable service and cozy atmosphere
  13. AmyK

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went for brunch. Great menu, great food, great vibe.
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. Q8LBR8R

    Philadelphia

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed the indoor patio seating and tasty lunch options!
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. JohnM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Staff were nice and accommodated an extra person for us.
  20. MildredR

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Reunion with old friend.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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!
  24. 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).
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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!
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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!
  31. EricaM

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome atmosphere and amazing food!
  32. LaurenM

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing as always
  33. 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
  34. 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.
  35. 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!
  36. 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!
  37. 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!
  38. 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!
  39. 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.
  40. 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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 172 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

  • 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

Gift card

Gift card

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

Send a gift card
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