Booked 21 times today

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: 4.4

4.4 (1620)

$30 and under

American

509 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 8, 2025

7:00 PM

About this restaurant

Lively
Great for live music
Good for groups

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.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Southern
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat 11:00 am–4:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–1:00 am
Phone number
(215) 558-2471
Website
http://www.thetwistedtail.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Leo Forneas
Catering
Weddings, Showers, Birthday Parties, Business Events, Presentations, Holiday Events!
Private party facilities
We host lovely events at our 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). It's a chic and rustic style and allows you and your guests to enjoy the night celebrating, eating and drinking.

Location
509 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Neighborhood
Society Hill
Cross street
On 2nd Street, Between South and Lombard Streets
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
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Grilled Quail$13.00
Herb Chimichurri
Diver Scallops$14.00
Almond Romesco, Parsley Oil, Bacon Jam
Pork Belly$14.00
Sea Salt, Lime
Grilled Octopus$14.00
Chorizo, Frisee, Herb Vinaigrette, Pomegranate
Chorizo Taco$11.00
Tomatillo, Queso Fresco, Tequila
Buttermilk Corn on the Cob$8.00
Parmesan, Tomato Jam, Salted Lime
Lamb Meatballs$14.00
Harissa, Cucumber Yogurt

Vegetables and...

Small Plates

Caesar Salad$14.00
Sourdough Croutons, Anchovy, Parmesan
Gem Lettuce$14.00
Torn Herbs, Radish, Meye Lemon Dressing
Lioni Burrata$16.00
Sundried Tomato, Basil, Honey, Sourdough
Grilled Mushroom Toast$15.00
Sourdough, Roasted & Pickled Mushrooms, Mushroom Puree
Heirloom Beets$13.00
Yogurt, Candied Ginger, Mizuna
Crispy Flatbread$14.00
Asparagus, Fiddleheads, Riash, Green Goddess, Fava Beans

Everything Else

Small Plates

Big Eye Tuna$15.00
Wonton Cups, Chili Oil, Avocado, Cucumber, Sesame
Pan Seared Short Rib Ravioli$17.00
Corn Velouté, Cherry Tomato, Shaved Truffle
Scallop Ceviche$13.00
Jalapeño, Tomato, Citrus, Truffle, Corn Chips
BBQ Smoked Ribs$15.00
Bourbon, Maple, Pickled Vegetables
Oysters on the Half Shell$18.00
Vodka Cocktail, Mignonette, Hot Sauce
Wagyu Beef Tartare$17.00
Capers, Cornichons, Mustard, Parmesan, Egg, Grilled Bread
Smoked Wings$13.00
BBQ Spice, Buttermilk Ranch

Plates

Beer-Battered Fish & Chips$24.00
Parmesan Chips, Malt Mayo, Malt Vinegar, Tartar
Buttermilk Fried Chicken$26.00
Rosemary Honey, Sweet Potato
Grilled Swordfish$30.00
Chiptole-Mango Sauce, Frisee, Celery, Sherry Vinaigrette,
Shrimp & Grits$24.00
Bacon Vinaigrette, Scallions
Double Cut Berkshire Pork Chop$32.00
Roasted Corn, Bell Peppers, Honey Mustard, Herb Gremolata
Grilled Whole Trout$25.00
Green Beans, Almond Vinaigrette, Watermelon Radish
Smoked Duck Breast$29.00
Macerated Cherries, Red Wine Vinaigrette, Cornbread
Blue Bay Mussels$24.00
Tomato Broth, White Wine, Garlic, Crispy Bread
Chesapeake Bay Jumbo Lump Crab Cake$22.00
Bell Pepper, Mustard, Turnips, Cornflakes
Braised Short Ribs$27.00
Cheddar Grits, Horseradish, Baby Carrots, Herb Gremolata
Ricotta Gnocchi$19.00
Basil Puree, Toasted Pine Nuts, Wild Mushrooms, Parmesan
Grilled Hanger Steak$32.00
Fingerling Potatoes, Shishito, Chimichurri, Sumac, Truffle

Sides

Crawfish Mac & Cheese$10.00
Toasted Breadcrumbs
Traditional Cornbread$8.00
Rosemary Honey
Shishito Peppers$10.00
Salted Lime
Grilled Broccoli$10.00
Bagna Cauda, Chili, Parmesan, Breadcrumbs
Grilled Asparagus$10.00
Sea Salt, Pepper, Whipped Goat Cheese

What 1,620 people are saying

The Twisted Tail reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.5Service
4.4Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Twisted Tail offers a vibrant dining experience, blending "fun, laid-back" vibes with "phenomenal" food. Guests rave about its "creative menu," "awesome drink list," and "excellent" whiskey selection. Live music enhances the atmosphere, though some find it "very loud." Overall, it's a "delightful dining experience" in a prime location.

1,620 Reviews

L
Liz VIP
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on May 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely loved it. Came for happy hour oysters and stayed for dinner and music upstairs afterwards. New favorite restaurant in Philly. We will definitely be back!
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M
Marie
Philadelphia County6 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and service were very good. Would highly recommend dining there.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC2 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 22, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Food was very flavorful, service was excellent. Food took a bit long to come out considering it was a Wednesday night and didn't seem that busy. Biggest complaint was that the live music was TOO LOUD.
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C
Chris
Las Vegas2 reviews
2.0
Dined on May 21, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Food is good but it’s expensive.very loud live music to the point where you cannot converse
Is this helpful?
S
Samone
Nashville1 review
2.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
We arrived for our reservation on time but ended up waiting 15 minutes for our table, despite giving us a 10-minute grace period and our card on file being charged if we could not be accommodated due to our lateness. While we waited at the bar, the service was less than attentive. When we asked the bartender for drink recommendations, he simply handed us the menu, leaving us feeling like a bother. The bar wasn’t busy with patrons but he was making drinks for those at tables. When we finally got to our table, our waitress jumped right into her routine, but it felt more like a rushed drive-thru interaction than a welcoming dining experience. She didn’t introduce herself or engage in any light conversation, which was surprising on Mother’s Day. There were long gaps between our courses, and we often found ourselves having to shout out our requests as she rushed by. On a brighter note, another waiter named Daniel was a breath of fresh air. He brought us our mains with genuine kindness and engaging conversation, which added a much-needed touch of hospitality to our brunch. As for the food, it was a mixed bag. The grits, cornbread, and mushroom salad were delightful, but the burrata came with an odd ratio of two halves of bread, and the swordfish was disappointingly dry. The chocolate bread pudding also missed the mark. To top it off, it felt like the staff wasn’t quite prepared for a busy Sunday service. The table behind us, a party of six, had to drink out of paper cups because they ran out of glassware, even though there were empty tables nearby with glassware that could have been used. Overall, our experience was disappointing on what should have been a special occasion.
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G
Geri
Baltimore / Maryland2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our fourth time, and it lived up to our expectations - actually exceeded them - which were super high - since every time we go it is THE BEST! We love Will - a great waiter!
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A
Austin
Chicago2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Staff is always amazing and accommodating… creative menu and awesome drink list. Great job Cody, George, and team! We’ll be back to our special place.
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d
doris VIP
Philadelphia County6 reviews
3.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Probably great if not a holiday (Mother’s Day) Fixed price was too much food and very noisy upstairs
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S
Simon
New Orleans / Louisiana3 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 4, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The restaurant is situated in an excellent location, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. The food is not only delicious but also thoughtfully prepared, showcasing a variety of flavors that cater to diverse tastes. The attentive service enhances the dining experience, with staff members who are friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. The ambiance is inviting and pleasant, featuring tasteful decor and comfortable seating that create a warm atmosphere for enjoying a meal. Overall, this combination of factors makes for a delightful dining experience.
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JC
JeffreyC
Philadelphia County3 reviews
2.0
Dined on April 27, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
Server had zero personality and service was exceptionally slow
Is this helpful?

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 4.4 stars by 1620 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 8, 2025

7:00 PM

509 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
On 2nd Street, Between South and Lombard Streets
Neighborhood
Society Hill
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat 11:00 am–4:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–1:00 am
Price
$30 and under
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, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Leo Forneas
Entertainment
Free Live Blues Music Tuesday - Sunday
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thetwistedtail.com/
Phone number
(215) 558-2471
Catering
Weddings, Showers, Birthday Parties, Business Events, Presentations, Holiday Events!
Private party facilities
We host lovely events at our 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). It's a chic and rustic style and allows you and your guests to enjoy the night celebrating, eating and drinking.

The Twisted Tail

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

From the Charcoal Grill

Grilled Quail$13.00

Diver Scallops$14.00

Pork Belly$14.00

Grilled Octopus$14.00

Chorizo Taco$11.00

Buttermilk Corn on the Cob$8.00

Lamb Meatballs$14.00

Vegetables and...

Caesar Salad$14.00

Gem Lettuce$14.00

Lioni Burrata$16.00

Grilled Mushroom Toast$15.00

Heirloom Beets$13.00

Crispy Flatbread$14.00

Everything Else

Big Eye Tuna$15.00

Pan Seared Short Rib Ravioli$17.00

Scallop Ceviche$13.00

BBQ Smoked Ribs$15.00

Oysters on the Half Shell$18.00

Wagyu Beef Tartare$17.00

Smoked Wings$13.00

Plates

Beer-Battered Fish & Chips$24.00

Buttermilk Fried Chicken$26.00

Grilled Swordfish$30.00

Shrimp & Grits$24.00

Double Cut Berkshire Pork Chop$32.00

Grilled Whole Trout$25.00

Smoked Duck Breast$29.00

Blue Bay Mussels$24.00

Chesapeake Bay Jumbo Lump Crab Cake$22.00

Braised Short Ribs$27.00

Ricotta Gnocchi$19.00

Grilled Hanger Steak$32.00

Sides

Crawfish Mac & Cheese$10.00

Traditional Cornbread$8.00

Shishito Peppers$10.00

Grilled Broccoli$10.00

Grilled Asparagus$10.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

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

Dining areas

Additional information