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Rose Tattoo Cafe

4.4
4.4
1565 Reviews
$30 and under
American
Rose Tattoo Cafe, a favorite American Bistro housed in an over 100 year Victorian building in the historic Art Museum area is a family run business & has been serving the area since 1989. From the romantic ambiance on the balcony surrounded by plants & flowers to the lively bar with its original pressed-tin ceiling, the eclectic menu is memorable & perfect for romantic diners, drinks & appetizers after a long workday as well as business meetings. We have won Best Romantic Restaurant for the past 3 years. Great for lunch, dinner, lite fare & groups.

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    American

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch: Wednesday - Friday: 11:30am to 3:00pm Light Fare: Tuesday : 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm Wednesday - Friday: 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm Saturday: 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm Dinner: Tuesday - Friday: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Saturday: 4:00pm - 10:00 pm;

  • Phone number

    (215) 569-8939

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Private party facilities

    We offer private area for 20 to 60 guests.

  • Private party contact

    Helene: (215) 947-0117

  • Neighborhood

    Center City

  • Cross street

    19th & Callowhill Streets

  • Parking details

    Parking lot across the street (pay at kiosk inside lot). Meter parking (quarters until 6:30 pm) and kiosk parking on callowhill st (until 8:00 pm)

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,565 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4
4.4 based on all time ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. prefernotto

    Philadelphia

    35 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2019

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    We arrived for our reservation to find the restaurant closed. No one called or emailed to notify us. No one has contacted us since with an explanation or apology.
  2. KieshaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 27, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved thee atmosphere. Would recommend as a romantic spot. We will be returning as it it one of our favorite spots!
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    13 reviews

    1.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2019

    overall1food1service2ambience1
    This USED to be my favorite place but not anymore. Got there at 8:30p. We were obviously rushed because we had to put our full order in. What restaurant does that?! But I’m thinking that the wait staff wanted to leave by 10pm. Either way, that’s never happened before when I went in the past. Okay so we got the filet egg rolls. The rolls desperately needed salt. Then we got the tortellini with smoked chicken. Some of the chicken was cold. Maybe it was frozen and all of it didn’t thaw out in the cooking process. The tortellini was supposed to be four cheese but it tasted like no cheese. And this dish too desperately needed salt too. We also got the salmon. Now that was really good so no complaints there. I raved to my boyfriend about how this was my favorite restaurant and I was soooo embarrassed! We flew all the way from Florida (where I now live) and it was such a disappointment. Won’t be going back. Oh and they didn’t even have liquor. BYO temporarily?! Did they lose their liquor license or something?! Not the same place it once was years ago. No longer my favorite place :(
  4. MarianneG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 19, 2019

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    Once the new liquor license is renewed The Rose Tattoo will be what it always was - a wonderful neighborhood place with beautiful bars and outstanding food. The menu nor quality of the food did not change but unfortunately because there was temporarily no liquor license there were no beautiful bottles lining the bar and it looked really empty. Plus they were down two servers and so our service was unusually slow.
  5. TerryA

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 18, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Rose Tattoo is the perfect place to take out of town guests the food was delicious and so was the ambience.
  6. JoannB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2019

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Was not aware that there are new owners and a byob, would have either brought a bottle or picked another place to eat. A little under staffed at the moment due to the turnover. Still love to eat at rose tattoo.
  7. KimW

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Even with no liquor license at the time the food was amazing and I highly recommend.
  8. SteveV

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 6, 2019

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Great food. It's currently a BYO which was not listed on the website. Otherwise a very cool place.
  9. DouglasL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 27, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Rose Tattoo Cafe is a delight. The food is consistently delicious and the service is excellent.
  10. FeliciaQ

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2019

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    We were told by phone, 45 minutes before our reservation time, that the restaurant was suddenly a BYOB. I should have taken this as a sign to change the plans. (I actually should have taken the fact that the place hasn't changed since the early 1990's as a sign, but that's on me.) So, I go to Whole Foods like a champ and buy a bottle of wine. Then, I am at the bar waiting for my friend when the couple behind me orders DRINKS. Yes, and they were not told that they couldn't have them. WTF. Friend arrives just in time to distract me. Flatbread was fine. It was flat. It was bread. My shrimp pasta tasted like nothing broth. It tasted like nothing, in broth. Rose Tattoo was something back in the day. It needs to be left there.
  11. judy

    Baltimore

    17 reviews

    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    This is a very attractive cafe! The service and food were fine, and when we arrived there were not many people there. The seating in the room where we sat was adjacent to the bar, however, and for a while the loud talking right next to us was distracting. Our primary problem was that we had not been notified that there was no bar service, only BYOB. Since we were celebrating an anniversary, this was annoying. The waiter did bring us a complimentary half-glass of white wine, saying we should have been called. We might try it again, though!
  12. JudithG

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 8, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Call before you go. They are waiting for a new liquor license so for now it’s byob.
  13. AnitaL

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on June 8, 2019

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Haven’t been for decades. Still cute but tired. Tables worn. Arrive slow. Food was good. Halibut lamb rubs and flatbread all very good!
  14. TyraFerg

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 6, 2019

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    I GOOGLE...A PLACE TO GO FOR A FIRST DATE...IT WAS THE FIRST ONE TO POP UP...AND WE HAD TO BRING OUR ON BOTTLE WHICH WAS NOT A PROBLEM AND THE FOOD AND SERVICES WAS AWESOME AND IT WAS A GREAT PLACE TO GET TO KNOW SOMEONE ON A FIRST DATE
  15. MaryAnne

    Philadelphia

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If I could give more stars I would. Great staff and atmosphere and the food was fantastic!
  16. Ilene

    Philadelphia

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Still fabulous
  17. SheilaF

    Philadelphia

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Had the scallops and they were cooked to perfection. Wish the lemon sauce had a bit more consistency but overall was very good.
  18. Bill2

    Philadelphia

    20 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    I last visited the Rose Tattoo on my birthday last year. When making my most recent reservation, I learned that the restaurant was now under new ownership. I still kept my reservation, and was so pleasantly gratified to experience excellent service and the same, if not higher, quality of food. The soft shell crabs were delicious. The prices were quite reasonable. I look forward to a return visit.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great dinner last night. Food was fantastic and our server ,Will, did a marvelous job. Highly recommend to anybody in the area
  20. Momofsamiam

    Philadelphia

    21 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2019

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    We were underwhelmed with the quality of 3 of our 4 entrees- just meh/ and 1 of our 3 appetizers - meh again. The prices are ridiculous for the quality of food. Service was attentive and the place is very pretty .
  21. TMMACK

    Philadelphia

    33 reviews

    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always one of our favorite places in Philadelphia to go for dinner. We know our expectations will be met. The atmosphere is wonderful especially upstairs in the garden room. The bar is very nice too. And service is always great. Close to the Art Museums. Easy Lyft or Uber ride to other locations in the city. We highly recommend it.
  22. ReneeC

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A gem and unexpected. Wonderful food and great friendly service.
  23. HopefulMJ

    Philadelphia

    29 reviews

    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just a lovely sweet spot in walking distance from the Barnes Institute in Philadelphia, PA. It's small and intimate with dark wood and a welcoming vibe. I like the pasta, the chicken sandwiches and the homemade soups. Our servers have always been nice. Oh, they make a great Bloody Mary, too!
  24. Reviewer1

    New York Area

    123 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    123 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Dined with a friend visiting from Peru. All three courses were very good. Service was welcoming and efficient.
  25. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The server was wonderful, made us feel very comfortable and welcomed.
  26. supru

    Philadelphia

    138 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    138 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2019

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    Hadn't been here in Avery long time and went for dinner on Dining Out for Life night. Food was ok with very ample portions sizes but nothing to rave about. Our male waiter wasn't the most pleasant person and it felt like he really didn't want to be there, but the female server was super nice. We decided to get small plates to share: Beet salad, Mexican flatbread special, mussels with pappardelle. All were just average. There are so many good restaurants in Philly; won't be back again.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 18, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful space, food (lamb chops prepared as requested) and service.
  28. EMC2

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Rose Tattoo has been my favorite Philadelphia restaurant for more than 20 years. It's always a great experience. The food selections are diverse and uniquely prepared. I have taken many people of all ages, sex and backgrounds and never had a negative experience or complaint. Our latest visit was no different.
  29. Freddikins

    Philadelphia

    99 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    99 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Always find the right spot in Rose Tattoo for quiet conversation -- and our server's attentive checking on us after we've decided to try one of the evening's specials. Keep up the consistency!
  30. GabriellaC

    Unspecified

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 6, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Service was excellent. All meals and appetizers were great. Only complaint was it was a little to warm for my liking. Air conditioning could have been on.
  31. SashimiGiggles

    Philadelphia

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 3, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious. Drinks perfection! One of my favorite restaurants in Philly.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 30, 2019

    overall3food2service2ambience4
    I have been to the Rose Tattoo many times, but this was the first time in over a year. The server must have been having a bad day because she would not smile no matter how hard I tried. At 7:30 on a Saturday, they were put of the Salmon and Jambalaya. I ordered the steak special and it was cooked perfectly ( med-rare), but it was very tough and tasted old. My girlfriend order the scallops, that were excellent. The thing that really through me for a loop was the drinks. I love getting a martini here but this one tasted watered down. My girlfriend has a Malibu Bay breeze and it was tasteless. This was my first bad experience at the Tattoo and it will take me a while to get over it.
  33. Mary

    Tampa

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on March 30, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good atmosphere and food.
  34. BethanyC

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 29, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were in town for a conference and picked Rose Tattoo for its menu (egalitarians and Keto followers in group). The food was fantastic and we really liked the atmosphere. The look seemed very New Orleans, but the restaurant was quiet, although busy, so we could all talk easily.
  35. BarbaraK

    Philadelphia

    113 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    113 reviews

    Dined on March 28, 2019

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Had a wonderful meal here on a weekday evening this past week. We had not been here for many years, mainly because it was too noisy on the weekends. The food was outstanding and the menu offered many choices - something for everyone! Service was especially caring. Because it was a weekday evening, the noise level was extremely low. Our only quibble was that the wine list was overpriced - particularly the red wines, with the least expensive bottle being $55.
  36. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    26 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on March 27, 2019

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    This is a funky, charming, relaxed spot. The food is fine -- nothing great, but perfectly OK. It's the setting that is the attraction. I had a special appetizer -- lemon chicken soup -- which was quite good, and the crab cakes entree -- which was adequate (no lump crabmeat, but little filler and well seasoned). The entree prices are a few dollars higher than they should be. In short, not worth a detour, but if you're in the neighborhood, stop by.
  37. BillO

    Philadelphia

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2019

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    We enjoyed a lovely evening, our meals were delicious, our compliments to the chef! Service was spot on. Highly recommend.
  38. UWS44

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 23, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Been around forever, but stays fresh and special. One of the best places in the city.
  39. JohnR

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 22, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Very good food. Good ambiance. Oh, and great deserts!
  40. Moi1

    Philadelphia

    46 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on March 22, 2019

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Splendid service and great cocktails and wines. The goat cheese and beet salad had nice greens and breaded goat cheese rounds, although the sliced beets seemed like they could have been out of a can. The 3 ravioli mushroom appetizer had me wondering where the mushrooms were, but the tomato and cheese sauce was fine. The lamb chop appetizer deserves to get on the entree selection!

FAQs

Rose Tattoo Cafe is rated 4.4 stars by 1565 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for Rose Tattoo Cafe

1847 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Additional information

  • Cross street

    19th & Callowhill Streets

  • Neighborhood

    Center City

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch: Wednesday - Friday: 11:30am to 3:00pm Light Fare: Tuesday : 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm Wednesday - Friday: 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm Saturday: 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm Dinner: Tuesday - Friday: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Saturday: 4:00pm - 10:00 pm;

  • Cuisines

    American

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Parking lot across the street (pay at kiosk inside lot). Meter parking (quarters until 6:30 pm) and kiosk parking on callowhill st (until 8:00 pm)

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (215) 569-8939

  • Private party facilities

    We offer private area for 20 to 60 guests.

  • Private party contact

    Helene: (215) 947-0117

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