How is The Little Lion restaurant rated?

Name: The Little Lion
Address: 243 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States, 19106
Telephone: (267) 273-0688
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.2

The Little Lion

4.2

738 Reviews

$30 and under

Comfort Food

Top Tags:

The Little Lion is an upscale, yet casual American comfort food restaurant in the heart of Philadelphia's historic Old City district. Our team focuses on local, fresh, and sustainable products to ensure only the highest level of quality in everything we do. The bar features seasonal cocktails, 16 rotating drafts, and locally roasted coffee.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Comfort Food, Contemporary American, American
Hours of operation
Breakfast: Monday - Friday: 8:00am- 11:00am; Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 8:00am- 4:00pm; Lunch: Monday - Sunday: 11:00am - 4:00pm; Dinner: Nightly: 4:00pm - 11:00pm
Phone number
(267) 273-0688
Website
http://www.thelittlelionphilly.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Monterrey Keys
Catering
We offer either: Family Style: A 2 course meal that multiple dishes are shared with everyone at the table. Buffet: All of our menu items and some extra are self served in a larger format for everyone to enjoy.
Private party facilities
The Little Lion offers several private event spaces:Chef Counter Room-groups of 20-30, with 14 chef counter seats looking into the kitchen.Balcony Overlook- groups of 15-25, for light appetizers and cocktails, overlooking the grand staircase and dining room.Lion Ballroom- seated groups of 55-70, cocktail events of up to 115 (or more if the Balcony Overlook is included), includes private bar
Private party contact
chris@thelittlelionphilly.com: (267) 273-0688

Location
243 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Neighborhood
Old City
Cross street
S. 3rd St.
Parking details
There are many parking garages in the area, as well as street parking.
Public transit
Septa Bus 17, 40, 42- 1 block, 3rd and market Septa Blue Line-2 blocks, 2nd and Market
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, Chef's Table, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 738 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.2

4.2 based on all time ratings

4.2Food
4.1Service
4.2Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

B
Bird
Philadelphia
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Closed due to water damage from neighborhood fire. Will try another time
KB
KarenB
New York Area
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 21, 2018
overall2food2service2ambience2
Unfortunately Little Lion recently suffered a fire along with other buildings on the same block. Very tragic. Wish we had known that before we made a reservation. I rated the restaurant so I could leave this note. Please don't use the ratings.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this place!
DB
DebrahB
Philadelphia
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2018
overall3food3service5ambience4
Food was good. Appetizers were great - oysters, jumbo shrimp and Brussel sprouts. Disappointed that they ran out of fried chicken plates and only half of our table could get what they wanted. Server was fantastic.
C
Cityfoodie
Philadelphia
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2018
overall4food3service1ambience5
Really trendy cute place. Cocktail menu reads beautifully but all of the cocktails we ordered tasted terrible. However they do have a great craft beer list to choose from instead. The oysters were good but small, the cheese plate was not even close to being worth $25, basic cheeses, a few jams, and very basic sliced baguette. My shrimp & grits were actually really really good- loved the smoked sausage in it. Cheesesteak was lame considering we’re in philly. Overall it’s a cute trendy place but obviously very new and definitely overpriced.
MG
MG520
Philadelphia
27 reviews
vip
3.0
27 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2018
overall3food3service2ambience3
First time eating here. Loved the space, but the experience went downhill after that. Host station was messy. Service (servers and barstaff) were very casual and not professional. Space seemed dirty, cluttered. Food took more than 30 minutes, and was tasty, but my pork chop was very overcooked. Seems the restaurant is poorly managed. Will not be returning unfortunately.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very accommodating and considerate. Our party had to wait about 15 minutes past our reservation to be seated due to a large party that was being hosted. The team apologized and comped a round of drinks for us. The food was great and the wait was definitely worth it. We would definitely recommend and will be back!
MK
MayK
Philadelphia
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Todd was an amazing server! He knew the menu and gave great advice on food options!
J
Jean
New England
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely fabulous. The food was excellent and the service was exceptional. We had the corn bread pancake as an appetizer to share with our children. I then had the roasted carrot salad and my husband had fried goat cheese for our appetizers. We shared a cheese omelette. Our children had Mac and cheese and pancakes. Everything was good. Our server was very friendly and gave us info on where to visit. I wish we had time to go back again before we left Philly.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2018
overall3food2service3ambience4
Huge portions! Great atmosphere.
EB
EricaB
Philadelphia
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience4
We went with the kids after going to the Museum Of the American Revolution. We ended up there for the happy hour deals. The food was delicious, prices were excellent and service was great. Three of us had great salads and we really loved the smoked chicken wings. The kids meals offered great choices. So sad about the fire at the building next door. Hope you can rebuild soon.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2018
overall3food4service3ambience3
The food is delicious even if it tends toward heavy. Portions are generous which helps soften the sting of the prices. Tends to be a bit noisy even when it is not busy due to the open plan and many hard surfaces. Lunch can be good for conversation as the wait staff is often willing to lower the music volume. Dinner time it is hard to have a conversation without leaning in. Service tends to be par - not bad but not extraordinary. For tasty, heavy comfort food in a moderately upscale setting, definitely visit Little Lion.
L
Lynne
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fast service Unique Menu Fresh Food Great Ambiance
a
ashleybrielle
Chicago
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect little Valentine’s Day brunch date here. Cutest little spot. Cannot wait for them to reopen!
KH
KaylaH
Philadelphia
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service from our server. She was patient, kind, and had great menu knowledge. I'm excited to send other hotel guests to Little Lion after having a great experience. Kudos!
AP
AnaPaula
New York Area
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience3
One of the best Mac&Cheese I've ever tasted! Decided to have some drinks and share some appetizers, all worth ordering.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Adelaide
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 11, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2018
overall2food3service3ambience1
Came here for a family brunch and even though we had a reservation our table wasn’t ready and the hostess looked like she had no idea where to sit us. The place was packed and we had to wait for a table to be cleared and cleaned. The waiter eventually came over and took our orders. He seemed overwhelmed. Food was just ok & coffee no good. Place was packed and EXTREMELY noisy. I would not recommend it for families with young kids. My three yr old was overwhelmed with the noise.
MP
MrsP
New York Area
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 10, 2018
overall3food3service5ambience5
They ran out of fried chicken at 7:45!
PC
PaulC
Philadelphia
36 reviews
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on February 10, 2018
overall5food4service4ambience4
Nice setting. Just enough noise to feel some energy in the room but not too loud.
L
Lodi
Philadelphia
17 reviews
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on February 10, 2018
overall4food5service4ambience4
Stopped here for Brunch after visiting the American revolution museum right across the street. Food was great for everyone, try the pimento cheese and ham. Raspberry Sangria gets high marks as well.
TH
TinaH
Philadelphia
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2018
overall4food4service3ambience4
Came for an early dinner. Our table of 4 was seated upstairs. Loved the ambiance of the restaurant and the decor. The view on the second floor is great! The good: beer flights, delicious Lion Tea cocktail, and the fried oysters were to die for! The cheesy grits were great as well. The not so good: our waitress informed us after we had already ordered drinks and appetizers that they actually had a happy hour menu -- we would have ordered from it from the get go. She had all of the tables upstairs and was also bar tending, so she was running around. She felt stressed and rushed, and created an uncomfortable environment in an otherwise relaxed and chill restaurant.
WE
WestEndGirl
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 7, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server was great, food was great - Brussels, cocktail shrimp, Kale salad were all delicious. We’ll definitely be back!
V
Valerie
New York Area
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 4, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience4
We were a party of 9 people at 3:00 pm Sunday, hours before the Super Bowl. The restaurant staff was busy getting ready for a big crowd at 5:00 pm. The young lady who waited on us was friendly, helpful and extremely efficient. I wish I remembered her name! The food was very good, too. We never felt rushed. I'd highly recommend as a nice place to go with a few friends.
p
phillyphilly
Philadelphia
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2018
overall5food4service4ambience5
Dinner is good, brunch is awesome. Great neighborhood gem.
EC
ElizabethC
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 3, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience4
Exceptional service, awesome brunch menu, great food and beverages
LW
LaurelW
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 3, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience4
The food and drinks here are fantastic! Our table of 4 had a variety of dishes and drinks for a Saturday brunch and everything came quickly and was full of fresh flavor. Our server was very attentive and helpful, especially when listing the vegan options for brunch. For any vegans looking for a brunch spot: this was delicious! Although Little Lion doesn't have a wide variety of vegan dishes, they are very accommodating and the food was fantastic (I had the Brussels Sprouts and a dairy-free chai latte). I was the only vegan at the table and truly appreciated the server's menu suggestions for vegan-friendly dishes. I will definitely be coming back soon.
F
Foodie
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience4
We went to Little Lion for a team lunch and had a great time. Their lunch menu was delicious and the portions were very big. Next time we go, I'll probably split a meal with someone.... there was plenty to go around. We'll definitely be back!
DM
DavineM
Los Angeles
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience5
I came here on a Sunday with my family for my brother-in-law's birthday. There was a total of 7 adults and a toddler. Due to its location and day of the week, it was very busy and loud. Even with our reservation we still had to wait to be seated, which is not a problem because the staff is very friendly. It took a while for our server to come and greet us because again it was very busy. However, I still give the restaurant 4 stars because the food was good and staff is very friendly.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 28, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love Little Lion. Food is always delicious, wait staff kind and very kid friendly. Highly recommend!
v
vinochic
Philadelphia
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful brunch with old friends there this past Sunday and was as always pleased with the atmosphere, food, and service. They not only were able to easily accommodate our 9 month old son, but were also able to make one of their dishes in a Whole30 compliant manner for my husband and I as we are in the middle of that strict diet. Everything was delicious, quick, and beautifully presented. d
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2018
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great place to meet up with friends. Pleasant atmosphere. Fried green tomatoes were excellent!!
D
bernadetteD
Philadelphia
19 reviews
2.0
19 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2018
overall2food2service3ambience4
Although we were the only ones in line it took the hostess about 10 minutes to figure out where to Seat us. The fried green tomatoes were very good. The fried chicken was served alone no garnishes no sides. The tomato soup tasted like spaghetti sauce.The beef patty on the hamburger was small and the pickle was very large. The grits and shrimp were so salty they were almost in edible. The noise level was such that we could not hear the waitress talking. Large windows make for a nice setting but I would not return to this restaurant
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 27, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience4
One of my favorite places in Philly! Great food and great prices. You have to get the Mac and Cheese
A
Apoorva
Philadelphia
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brunch was amazing. Our waiter, Ian, didn’t rush us and made us feel welcome.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2018
overall1food1service1ambience1
There were no mud hard left it was ridiculous!!!!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience4
Came for restaurant week and had a great time. Wish that some of the menu items on the restaurant week website were included on the menu. Really enjoyed the toasts drizzled with honey and served with the ricotta spread. Also the gnocchi dish was great but felt that the pasta got lost in the sauce and there weren't any enough gnocchi. Our server was great despite being very busy. Also the chocolate mousse jar was awesome. Will be back!
DM
DanaM
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2018
overall5food4service4ambience4
Went during restuarant week. It was a nice 4 course meal. The menu varied slightly from what was posted online. But that wasn't a bad thing. The portions were good. I had the sweet potato gnocchi which wasn't on the online menu which was a pleasant surprise. The fried green tomatoes were good also. I would go back to try the fried chicken which looked really good among other items. Good and attentive service.
D
Didelc
Philadelphia
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2018
overall3food2service3ambience3
Went for restaurant week. Four-course menu for $35 was a great deal and portions very generous, but the food was ordinary, except for the fried green tomatoes and kale salad. My husband ordered the house wine which wasn't good and my cocktail was too sweet. The restaurant is in a great location and the ambiance at the bar is fun. The bartender was very attentive, so we'll probably go back for drinks.
D
Disappointed
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 26, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience4
They could use a bigger bar especially at happy hour. Salad was just ok, the wings were excellent and so was the steak.

FAQs

The Little Lion is rated 4.2 stars by 738 OpenTable diners.