The Twisted Tail

Name: The Twisted Tail
Address: 509 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States, 19147
Telephone: (215) 558-2471
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1235 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

Thank you for choosing The Twisted Tail! All reservations may be moved indoors at our discretion.

The Twisted Tail is a bi-level restaurant, bar and live music venue featuring a charcoal-fired grill, a wealth of bourbon selections and the rollicking ambiance of a "juke joint" (or old school Southern music hall). The inventive menu highlights ingredients in their simplest form, flame-broiled over live coals for rich, authentic flavor.

Inside a warm, welcoming dining space makes The Twisted Tail South Street’s best place to catch a band - and a bite.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 18, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

11:30 PM

Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(215) 558-2471

Delivery

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
American, Southern
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat 11:00 am–4:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Wed, Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(215) 558-2471
Website
http://www.thetwistedtail.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Leo Forneas
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
Private party contact
our Private Dining Coordinator: (215) 558-2471

Location
509 S. 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19147
Neighborhood
Society Hill
Cross street
Between South and Lombard
Parking details
Metered street parking is available in front of and behind the restaurant. The closest available parking garage is located on Lombard Street between 2nd and 3rd.
Public transit
The closest public transit stop is at 2nd and South for the 40 Bus. For the subway, take the Broad Street Line to South Street, or the Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street.
Entertainment
Free Live Blues Music Tuesday - Sunday
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

The Best Wings in Philadelphia

Popular dishes

Spring Salad$12.00
Arugula, Whipped Ricotta, Berries, Sherry Vinaigrette
Heirloom Beets$10.00
Yogurt, Candied Ginger, Mizuna
Crispy Flatbread$12.00
Green Goddess Sauce, Fiddleheads, Asparagus, Fava Beans
Lioni Burrata$14.00
Sundried Tomato Puree, Grilled Sourdough
Wild Mushroom Salad$15.00
Lola Rosa, Truffle Vinaigrette, Capra Sarda, Pickled Grapes

Everything Else

Small Plates

Big Eye Tuna$14.00
Avocado, Chili Oil, Crispy Shallots
Whipped Ricotta$11.00
Candied Kumquats, Grilled Bread
Wagyu Beef Tartare$12.00
Capers, Cornichons, Grilled Bread
Blue Point Oysters$18.00
Vodka Cocktail Sauce, Mignonette, Hot Sauce
BBQ Smoked Ribs$12.00
Bourbon, Maple, Pickled Vegetables
Smoked Wings$10.00
BBQ Spice, Buttermilk Dill Dressing
Short Rib Ravioli$14.00
Black Truffle Vinaigrette, Oyster Mushrooms

Plates

Fried Chicken$22.00
Rosemary-Honey, Sweet Potato
Blue Bay Mussels$19.00
Tomato Broth, Scallions, Crispy Bread
Gnocchi$19.00
Wild Mushrooms, Basil Puree, Ricotta Salata
Grilled Swordfish$21.00
Snap Peas, Herb Vinaigrette, Watermelon Radish
Grilled Hanger Steak$25.00
Fingerling Potatoes, Shishito, Chimichurri
Shrimp & Grits$22.00
Bacon Vinaigrette, Scallions
Braised Short Rib$24.00
Sweet Potato Puree, Horseradish Gremolata
Smoked Duck Breast$24.00
Black Truffle Vinaigrette, English Pea Puree
Double Cut Pork Chop$26.00
Herb Spaetzle, Pork Jus, Mushrooms
Grilled Whole Trout$22.00
Frisee, Apple, Mustard Vinaigrette

Sides

Crawfish Mac & Cheese$8.00
Toasted Breadcrumbs
Traditional Cornbread$8.00
Rosemary Honey
Charred Asparagus$8.00
Whipped Goat Cheese, Herbs

What 1,235 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

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Philadelphia
Vibrant Bar Scene

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Filters

D
Darboux
Philadelphia
15 reviews
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
Wine and appetizer (burrata) were fine. One meal was ok (skirt steak) but second entree- short rib was not. A large hunk of meat- well-cooked, but basically naked on the plate. The sweet potato purée was a single squiggle of potato drowned in the sauce and the bit of horseradish gremolata had never even gotten near a horseradish for flavor. The requested meat in a take-home container was simply that-the chunk of meat and no sauce whatsoever.
B
Bhick1
Philadelphia
132 reviews
vip
5.0
132 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Relaxing brunch, very casual and comfortable.. brunch menu was nice, good portions and flavor.. nice bloody to enjoy the morning.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Greater waiter who took good care of my celiac/gluten free needs. Wonderful jazz piano playing throughout lunch. Easy parking. Delicious food.
AV
AnthonyV
Philadelphia
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Excellent server and food. Had a little snag with an order not coming out until eat later than the rest of the food (all ordered at the same time), but otherwise excellent.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were here to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday. The staff was incredible. We left very full and happy.
B
Butterflibetty
Philadelphia
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience4
Went for Easter brunch. The waiter was okay, maybe new or too busy to be interested with our table needs. Four out of the six orders were not made correctly and had to be sent back. Three of them were not completely cooked when they came out again. We were comped one of the meals. So overall it was fine but I wouldn't go back there for a holiday.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
It was very enjoyable. The service was great, all of the bartenders and waiters were very nice. The live music was a great touch
OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Easter Brunch. Excellent food and service. Fabulous live music
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience5
Easter Brunch.
L
Louisa
Baltimore
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful venue. The downstairs bar is stunning. Great service, creative menu, and delicious food. We will return to Philadelphia simply to visit Twisted Tail again.
BB
BenB
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience5
We had a great time. The restaurant is cute. The food is fine and flavorful. The beer choice is great.
C
Carol
Philadelphia
16 reviews
2.0
16 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience2
I aways wanted to try this restaurant and finally did with great disappointment. Service was slow even though the place was almost empty. My fired chicken was good and it came with a fired sweat potato but my 3 companions had very disappointing meals. Two ordered the short ribs and it came with nothing else. My husband's pork chop came with a small amount of spaetzel. Prices were high for what we got.
f
foodiewhotravels
Columbus
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food. The tuna was excellent but so was the cheese board and salad. Dessert was also great. Would definitely go back
d
dwgroucho
Philadelphia
48 reviews
vip
4.0
48 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
We love the Twisted Tail and go often. Food is delicious and quite sophisticated but never fussy! Service is exceptional - friendly, warm and efficient - ALWAYS! We live nearby and don't know what we would do without them!!
AP
AmyPhilly
Philadelphia
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Live music on a weeknight? Check! Outstanding food fit for "foodies"? Check! Pleasant, friendly service? You got it. Don't miss the opportunity to dine here.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, delicious food. Great live music on the background
S
Salena0774
Chicago
44 reviews
vip
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I live in Lancaster but attended a service at a church in Philadelphia today. I intentionally wanted to have brunch while in the city and chose here. Nick was my server, and he was extremely accommodating as I asked for the brioche French toast with the fried chicken that will come with the chicken and waffle meal. He gave me a thumbs up after checking with the kitchen, and everything was wonderful. No delays and had a perfect cocktail along with it. Thank you.
N
Nor65
Philadelphia
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
We were celebrating my sister in laws birthday with brunch. We loved the restaurant. Liked the vibe, Lots of people coming and going all morning/early afternoon. The music was a little loud for Sunday morning but still very enjoyable! Our waiter Nick, was very friendly and attentive. The food was delicious😊. We had a great time!!
TH
TaraH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Twisted Tail was a fantastic choice for breakfast! We had a great waiter, the staff was friendly and the food and drinks were delicious. We will definitely return.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 20, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
We come out for the Sunday night blues jam. The food was terrific and the music was great. There was plenty of seating. We will definitely be back soon!
f
finickyfoodie
Philadelphia
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on March 20, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
Sunday brunch was very nice. Live acoustic music began around noon.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
22 reviews
3.0
22 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2022
overall3food4service4ambience3
We love the atmosphere of the twisted tail!
SF
StalinF
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 19, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Good live music, delicious food and nice ambience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place was amazing. We were drunk so I don’t remember our waiters name but he was the most amazing waiter I’ve ever had!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Service always great. Second time visiting and this is the second time our dish came out room temperature. That’s annoying bc octopus not duck taste good at room temp. But service was great and the rest of the food was good. Oysters, grilled shrimp and trout all excellent…and hot lol (except for the oysters of course). I’d recommend and I’ll be back.
AK
AlexandriaK
Philadelphia
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2022
overall4food2service3ambience4
2nd time dining here, a week apart. My mom ordered the buttermilk chicken entree, and it was probably the most bland piece of chicken we had ever tasted. Zero seasoning. The crawfish Mac and cheese was good, and so was the cornbread. The steak was okay. The fingerling potatoes needed more seasoning. Last time everything was pretty flavorful but this time not so much.
A
Abigail
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a fabulous time at the Twisted Tail! The chef's tasting menu was divine. Our server, Alex, knew the menu well and was just generally delightful. We timed our meal to start about 1.5 hours before live music began, which was a great call. We got the perfect balance of time to chat and enjoy our food, and the band was great!
J
Joec67
Dallas
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2022
overall4food3service3ambience5
Great selection of whiskey that’s for sure. Apps were great. Entrees were good. Coordination of the food service was poor- entrees before apps. 2/4 people served 10 minutes before the others.
AK
AlexandriaK
Philadelphia
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
We really enjoyed our dinner at Twisted Tail. I will definitely be returning. The cornbread, ribs, chicken, and salads are so delicious. The crawfish Mac and cheese was pretty tasty as well. If you get the trout, it will be blackened. If that’s your thing then cool but I wasn’t the biggest fan. However the pear salad/apple that complimented it was awesome. Also the bacon popcorn was a great addition while you wait for your food. The drinks are good too!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Selection of dinner menu, portions, staff service (Starr) exceeded expectations. Will visit again!
SM
SteveM
Atlantic City
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Attentive and friendly service. Warm and comfortable ambience. Food overall well prepared and presented. Only exception, the pasta on the Short Rib Raviolis was very dry. Overall good experience. We will return.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter, Alex, was very personable and made sure we were having an enjoyable evening without being overbearing. The food was amazing. Perfect portions for small plates to share and get a taste for it all.
S
Susie
Philadelphia
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
We had a group that kept accumulating leading up to our reservation, and the staff did wonderfully adjusting to include all of our party without a hitch. We were seated upstairs, which had beautiful classy-yet-characteristic/unique lighting and décor -- with hooks on the wall for our party's winter coats. Wait staff was patient and marvelous, and as we were leaving for the evening a live blues music show was beginning to form on the stage nearby. It was such a fun ambiance and experience. We would love to come back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall2food1service1ambience4
The ambiance in the restaurant was really nice and the cheesy grits were as well for our appetizer. Everything afterwards was pretty disappointing as far as the food and the service. It took almost an hour before we got our entrees in a not-so-busy dining room. After we ended up getting our entrees, they were disappointing and below average. We dine out a lot and just were not impressed with our dishes. The chicken was dry, dish lacked flavor. French toast was crispy/crunchy with a gooey center that lacked a strong flavor profile as well. The mimosas were decent but severely overpriced for a mimosa— $14… will probably not return for brunch, maybe dinner is better.
RZ
RebeccaZ
Atlantic City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this place! Great small plates and dinners! Interesting selections! Highly recommend! Also great drinks!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
very good service and ambiance
R
Reginap
Atlantic City
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
well it was one of the best dining experiences in philly
V
Vine008
Philadelphia
47 reviews
vip
5.0
47 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service were excellent. Did a bunch of small plates and they were great.
JG
JustGus
Philadelphia
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience5
As always, a nice environment and good positive energy. Love to hear the musicians also, especially blues. Makes a weekend night special.
RN
RiverN
Philadelphia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love the small plates, great cocktails. We went on a Monday night so it was quiet and easy to have a conversation.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Twisted Tail does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. The Twisted Tail also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 558-2471.

The Twisted Tail is rated 4.6 stars by 1235 OpenTable diners.

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

May 18, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

11:30 PM

Booked 8 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(215) 558-2471

Delivery

509 S. 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19147

Additional information

Cross street
Between South and Lombard
Neighborhood
Society Hill
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat 11:00 am–4:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Wed, Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
American, Southern
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Metered street parking is available in front of and behind the restaurant. The closest available parking garage is located on Lombard Street between 2nd and 3rd.
Public transit
The closest public transit stop is at 2nd and South for the 40 Bus. For the subway, take the Broad Street Line to South Street, or the Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Leo Forneas
Entertainment
Free Live Blues Music Tuesday - Sunday
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thetwistedtail.com/
Phone number
(215) 558-2471
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
Private party contact
our Private Dining Coordinator: (215) 558-2471

Featured in

The Best Wings in Philadelphia

The Twisted Tail

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Delivery

Additional information

The Best Wings in Philadelphia

Fried Chicken

Crawfish Mac &amp Cheese

Blue Bay Mussels

From the Charcoal Grill

Spanish Octopus$13.00

Lollipop Lamb Chops$14.00

Shishito Peppers$7.00

Maitake Mushroom$12.00

Chorizo Taco$9.00

Vegetables and...

Spring Salad$12.00

Heirloom Beets$10.00

Crispy Flatbread$12.00

Lioni Burrata$14.00

Wild Mushroom Salad$15.00

Everything Else

Big Eye Tuna$14.00

Whipped Ricotta$11.00

Wagyu Beef Tartare$12.00

Blue Point Oysters$18.00

BBQ Smoked Ribs$12.00

Smoked Wings$10.00

Short Rib Ravioli$14.00

Plates

Fried Chicken$22.00

Blue Bay Mussels$19.00

Gnocchi$19.00

Grilled Swordfish$21.00

Grilled Hanger Steak$25.00

Shrimp & Grits$22.00

Braised Short Rib$24.00

Smoked Duck Breast$24.00

Double Cut Pork Chop$26.00

Grilled Whole Trout$22.00

Sides

Crawfish Mac & Cheese$8.00

Traditional Cornbread$8.00

Charred Asparagus$8.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does The Twisted Tail offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Twisted Tail restaurant rated?

Is The Twisted Tail currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Delivery

Additional information

Featured in

The Best Wings in Philadelphia