first time i went, it was absolutely fantastic! next time i went back, it was aweful, so on average, i'm giving it a pretty bad review. for the prices you shell out on these steaks, you should ALWAYS get an amazing experience. if i wanna gamble, i'll take my money to ac and at least be more entertained! if you're looking for good steak, look elsewhere
(2)
Keith R.
If you're willing to drop some cash, Barclay Prime lives up to the billing. We had some massive amounts food including a huge hunk of steak that made my Uncle's eyes bulge and provided enough food for two meals. A non meat eater even raved about the sliders and the bevy of side dishes has something for every starch lover. You may leave with a lighter wallet but are well compensated by a full belly.
(5)
Sarah S.
oooh! I'm not much of a steak eater but I guess when I do go for steak, I go all out. I got the ribeye (medium rare) and it was SO delicious and SO huge. We also got the beef tartar. very good. and the chocolate carmel cake was SOOO good. I'm not much of a sweets person but this cake was DELICIOUS. For it being a bit on the pricer side, I enjoyed the atmosphere. And the service was excellent. The only reason I wouldn't go here more often would probably be the $$ but I have no regrets!
(4)
Jay Y.
The service was absolutely disappointing. Don't get me wrong the restaurant staff (including everyone except our waiter) was a delight ! It's sad that this guy had really ruined our experience which was highly anticipated. The guy never introduced himself, he was very dry and inattentive. The food was heavy and ok nothing to write home about. But some people are into that large portion /stuff yourself kinda thing. The decor was nice, good ambience but again not the best. In a nut shell is it worth all the fuss ? NO . Being from New York I know thing or two about good restaurants. I also love exploring the Philadelphia restaurant scene. There are plenty of great places in Philly to spend your hard earned cash where you just might get the waiters name ! My husband and I joked if we are ever in the mood for a $100 cheese steak we will have it delivered through diningin.com .
(3)
Lisa G.
Love, love , love this place! Barclay Prime is within my top three most favorite placed to dine. The atmosphere is amazing, the wine list is impressive and the food is beyond fantastic. For appetizers definately try the sliders (they are tdf) you will not regret. All of the side dishes are amazing and rather large servings. If you are a steak person you will not be disappointed.
(5)
steve s.
I may have had the best thing I have ever eaten. The gnocchis with lamb sausage appetizer. The gnocchi melted in my mouth like light pillows of deliciousness drove up from Washington DC just to eat here. The Service is unmatched. The steaks are unbelievable. They were very accommodating, I changed my reservation time 3 times. It is very very pricey. I was there for my 25th anniversary. I would definitely go again for a special occasion.
(5)
Alika Marie W.
On a first time trip to Philadelphia, my boyfriend and i dined here in late May 2008. It is located on Rittenhouse Sq.housed in an austere old luxury hotel from the 1920's. This place is pretty posh, so we made an early evening reservation. The decor is contemporary and looks like an old library. It was very comfortable and the server was very knowledgeable and sweet. My boyfriend and i ordered three courses. We shared the Carmelized onion tart...the goat cheese on it was so soft and smooth we marveled over how something so simple could be so complex in flavor and texture. For second course i had the caesar salad with fish. It arrived crisp and cold perfectly dressed with another delicious grated cheese over the top. My italian companion had (of course) the tomato and mozzarella with another fantastic slightly salty wonderful cheese and a little balsamic and evoo. The tomatoes were perfectly ripe heirlooms with lots of juicy flavor. Knowing how full i would be i passed on entree but instead ordered an appetizer of the Kobe Beef Tartare-which was nice with a creamy accompanying sauce and chive. My man's huge 24 oz bone-in porterhouse arrived cooked to a perfect Med rare, it was buttery tender and had a slight corn flavor. He was presented a tray of knives from which to choose to carve his steak. Wow. We shared sides of Truffle mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. He was unable to finish it...we took it away knowing after the end of the planned long evening out we would surely devour it later. The wine list was overpriced. There are many that were at a 80 percent mark up. Which was why we ordered a red from chile... Montes Alpha Cabernet which i believe was $60. I was more interested in food... We ran out at about 8pm to catch a show, so no dessert and absolutely stuffed anyway. But i'm sure it would have been amazing also... We both loved this place it was romantic and delicious and one of the nicest meals we have had together. This must be one of the best steak houses in the country. The leftovers at 2 am were even good cold, i think they remedied what may have been a sorry hangover from having a really really good time in Philly. go... barclayprime.com
(4)
lori m.
This place is sick. Went with my husband and 4 other friends. 2 of our friends just got married so we went to celebrate. Before tonight my favorite restaurant in the whole world was peter luger in brooklyn. Tonight, that all changed. We ordered the shellfish sampler and had the biggest, most delicious shrimp in addition to oysters and crab. For my entree i got the porterhouse and we ordered the creamed spinach, truffle mac and cheese and baked potato. I can only speak to the spinach and mac and cheese since i dont eat baked potatoes but they were both outstanding. The mushrooms were insane. Oh and the popovers were ridiculous. They put regular dinner rolls to shame. Our waiter was quite personable and even picked up that we were there celebrating a wedding so he brought out a dessert for the happy couple with 'congratulations' written on the plate without any prompting. Yes it's pricey but it's a cool vibe, phenomenal food and friendly staff. I know what im going to wish for on my birthday next year :)
(5)
Steven D.
I'm amazed at some of the high ratings on yelp for this place. I have eating at this place twice. The first time was with four adults and our bill was over $500. I remember being somewhat shocked because I really didn't think the food was that great, it was good, but not great. We did have a good time and the atmosphere was good as it is in most Steven Star restaurants. I decided to go back there with my wife and daughter for my birthday. While I am not the biggest steak eater my wife is. I decided to get the crab cakes as they were recommended by the waitress. Without question the most expensive crab cakes in the world and they tasted like sh*t. Dry and tastless. My wife said her steak was so so. Again the bill was enough to set your hair on fire. I like nice places and really don't mind expensive food but the food and experience should match the price. This place doesn't, simply as that. I will not go back.
(2)
Kevin D.
Designed by India Mahdavi, the lounge, dining and rest rooms have the flair and coloration of a classic 1960's spy flick: dark wood tones, creams, blacks, and the occasional lime green for pop... the place felt relaxed but upscaled, and of course the food was great. More people should follow Stephen Starr's lead for destination dining... Afterall, taste is just as important as presentation. ;)
(5)
Paul V.
The best steak since a long time. That is the reason why you go to a place like this. The rest of the food is good, but does not give you the wow factor (e.g. potatoes or asparagus). But I will come back, for the steaks.
(4)
ben c.
if you like steak and fine dining then this is the place. it's located next to the nice area of rittenhouse square. the place has a nice relaxed atmosphere. the bathrooms are cool, they're unisex. so dont be startled to find someone of the opposite sex in the stall next to you or washing their hands next to you. the bathrooms create a mysterious and fun environment for the place. the service is quick and the food is above avg. their menu changes from season to season. however, if you get the opportunity to, try their raw oysters. it is surprisingly heaven in your mouth. the kobe sliders are always a favorite appetizer. any of their steaks is good if cooked properly. if youre steak is overcooked or undercooked, have them redo it. i've had 1 or 2 steaks not cooked to my likings. their truffle mashed potatoes and truffle mac and cheese are also both very good. and i hate anything with mushrooms! barclay is a place i would always go back when i feel like splurging a bit and want some nice steak.
(4)
Jesse M.
I took my girlfriend here for her birthday and it was by far the best steaks she and I have ever had.
(5)
Paige G.
I was not impressed. After reading all the reviews I was very excited to go. The Kobe Sliders and Lobster Bisque were incredible so I was very excited to get my Porterhouse which was highly recommended. I was very disappointed. It was like a salt lick and no taste to it. I have had much better. The $10 sides were mediocre at best. The amount of money you spend you should expect the best and I certainly did not get my money's worth. Our serves was no help at all. I would go back for appetizers but never for a main course again.
(2)
jen m.
3 words: KOBE BEEF SLIDERS i went here for a pre-dinner snack. i had my eye set on the prize. the kobe beef sliders. 2 for $15. pricey but worth every last penny. the sliders come out on this funky little plate that holds the two of them perfectly. one in each cup-like slot. my bf and i split them. one a piece. the slider was like the most perfect burger i've ever had. just in miniature form. it was this toasted bun with kobe beef (medium-rare), gruyere cheese, and carmelized onions. that's it! but OH MY WORD, it was so good. i ate a TON of food while in philly but this dish was by far my favorite. it just blew me away. i know it sounds ridiculous to fawn over a miniature burger, but you can't knock it til you try it. it's hands down, THE BEST! as for decor. at first i thought it was a bit too stiff for my liking. not as funky and fun as some of the other starr restaurants. but then i took a closer look and realized the brilliance of it all. when you first step in it looks very swank and pricey. lots of dark wood and such. but then you start noticing all the greenish-hued accents. the green chairs. and the green menus. and then you notice the library feel with all the shelves of books around you. and then you realize that this is one hip, swank, spot. the chandeliers are a nice touch as well. i have to say i was quite impressed. two very enthusiastic thumbs up and 5 brilliant stars!
(5)
matthew w.
Well where do I begin. I started with a Macallan 18 and moved on to the kobe sliders. That was a match made in heaven. For $16 you get two kobe sliders served rare. One comes with heirloom tomato the other with guyrere (spelling) cheese. It was awsome. Then I moved on to the lobster sliders. They were pretty good although its hard to do a half a lobster tail on brioche cause its kinda chewy, but still very good. I also had the tater tots good adaptation very well executed. It was mashed but fried. Best of both worlds. Then I had another scotch and moved on.
(5)
Laurel M.
Barclay Prime is an absolutely fabulous experience no lover of meat should pass up. This particular Starr restaurant is inside the old Barclay Hotel in Rittenhouse Square, but once you walk in, you will feel like you've entered the most swank, sexy and funky library in the modern world. Of all the Starr restaurants I've had the pleasure of dining in, Barclay Prime definitely had the most exclusive atmosphere --- with prices on the menu to match. (I will advise this is not the restaurant you want to visit if you're on a budget for the evening). The main dining room disguised as a library is dimly lit by several chandeliers and filled with marble tables and luxuriously comfortable modern leather chairs in cream and lime. The service here was excellent --- knowledgeable, pleasant, helpful and I never felt at want for anything while at the same time I also never felt as if I was being hovered over by my waiter, which in my opinion is no mean feat! The wine menu is certainly broad enough, both in regards to what's available by the glass or by the bottle. I tried a few different reds by the glass, my personal fave being a Cecci sangiovese. My meal was absolutely stellar, simple as that. Never one to turn down an opportunity to dig into a tomato & mozzarella salad I found Barclay's version to have more flavor than most, however the mozzarella seemed dryer than I'm used to in this salad. It didn't ruin the dish, but I noticed it instantly. This is also my one complaint of the entire evening and its really pretty minor in my opinion. I do wonder if the dryness of the mozzarella was on purpose, to aid in the way it was presented --- sliced and spiraled around some greens. In any case, one sip of the lobster bisque made me forget the salad. Keep in mind I'm not even a huge fan of lobster. The bisque was incredible rich and creamy and full of flavor. Seeing the end of the bowl was sad indeed. Now, one of the nifty-keen aspects of this restaurant is that you get to choose your steak knife! There were four options, two German & two Japanese, all very sleek. Now you know its time for your steaks. I love steak, and had high expectations for Barclay's entrees. I was not disappointed in the least. I ordered the Kobe filet, which was outrageously delicious. I was amazed with each bite I took. It could not have been cooked more perfectly and melted in my mouth. The waiter recommended I order it without any sauces or toppings and I am so glad I experienced the taste of the filet for exactly what it was. My boyfriend ordered a 21-day dry-aged ribeye that was also exceptional (although I by far preferred my Kobe filet). He had it topped with a generous amount of lump crabmeat, which was very succulent and fresh. We shared a side of monstrous asparagus stalks with a hollandaise sauce that was pretty close to perfect. I often find hollandaise to be a little strong tasting for my liking but this was not overpowering at all. Dinner had been very rich and filling but what is a great dining experience if you leave out dessert? So, on came the warm cheesecake truffles, paired with four different sauces --- various fruit and chocolate. I was afraid they'd be too rich for my already filled stomach, but not so. Once again, another perfect dish. What about Barclay Prime's much talked about $100 Kobe cheesesteak (which, mind you, comes complete with a (small) bottle of Veuve Clicquot)? Sadly, I did not try it this trip, but my boyfriend and are certainly hoping to return with a couple friends who would be interested in splitting it as an appetizer. My entire experience here was wonderful and very memorable. Barclay Prime provided an outstanding dining experience on all fronts. My only true disappointment was that I hadn't tried the place sooner!
(5)
Mike C.
I must agree with the Kobe Beef Slider recommendations, they are absolutely delicious and the perfect appetizer. The decor is very swanky and for the most part has a greenish color scheme which some may find obnoxious/tacky but I liked it. The Rib Eye was good but not great although I'll give them the benefit of the doubt as I've only been there once and every restaurant has an off night. I tried pretty much all of the desserts on the menu and found them all to be pretty delicious. I must say though the service was the best I have ever received at any restaurant. Our server came around just enough to be attentive but not intrusive, recommended some great wine/cognac and was actually a pretty funny guy. I settled on 4 stars but if the steak was a bit better prepared it would get a 5.
(4)
beth s.
My husband and I were lucky enough to get a late NYE reservation at Barclay Prime and like most Stephen Starr restaurants, the service was outstanding. Our waitress, Tara, was fun, energetic, knowledgeable, and just an overall cool chick. She really set the stage for an awesome ringing in of the new year. I wouldn't say I am a steak connoisseur, but having moved from NY last year I will say that I have been to my fair share of amazing steakhouses and nothing in my life has compared to the filet mignon I had last night. HOLY MOLY. First of all, I was able to choose the type of knife I wanted to use and there was no way I was passing up a Japanese throwing knife.....but I digress....that steak. The way it is seared gives the outside a slight "crunch" (for lack of a better word) and the most amazing flavor. Then you get to the middle and the meat is melt in your mouth, thank you Jesus, oh no you didn't...types of deliciousness. I can not even explain in words how good it was. We also got mashed potatoes, broccoli, Mac and cheese, dranks, and salads (plus the complimentary popovers), but the show stealer was obviously the meat. I can't wait to go back....in fact, I just made another reservation. I would like to thank Barclay Prime and Mr. Starr for giving my taste buds the ride of their lives.
(5)
Hannah C.
Barclay Prime is NOT the kind of place I go to- I mean, I would, but I'd have to win the lottery or something. Somehow I found myself in there for happy hour and it was an incredible experience! For me and my wallet! I usually expect a happy hour cocktail menu to have two or three drinks on special, but they have at least five or more $6 cocktails to choose from. Manhattan was delicioius. You are offered warm popovers, beautiful puffy breads with salted butter, FOR FREE. I had two, of course. Their happy hour food menu includes several different plates for $6- the sliders were small and awesome. Oysters, $1.50 a pop. So so good. Obviously, the service was immaculate. I was pleasantly surprised that my waiter was actually a nice, friendly guy who just wanted to give me as many popovers as I wanted, and that I wasn't made to feel out of place. Maybe one day I'll go back for a $100 cheesesteak, but for now, this happy hour will hit the "fancy as hell" spot.
(5)
Diana K.
I visited Barclay Prime telling myself "I'm not getting the steak. I'm getting something light, like seafood or a salad and I'll be satisfied with just a bite of the steak that my boyfriend ends up getting. Yep, no problem, just keepin' it light." Okay, here's what really happened: I ended up with my own 16 oz. dry-aged NY strip and I ate every bite. With a side of buttery potatoes. Oh, and a Roquefort cheese dipping sauce to boot. I rolled out of there with no regrets! To be fair, we did also down the kale salad, which was lovely and just as light as I expected. The popovers served with sea salt butter were unbelievable - I almost want to come back just to have another taste. And I had a few bites of the 18 oz. dry-aged ribeye - honestly the best piece of steak I have ever tried. Our server was a huge help throughout the night, she pointed us in the right direction for each dish and came around often to see how we were doing. To keep this place really fancy and exciting, they like to let you choose your own steak knife and they describe each one to you (as if you understand the difference). Not to mention, the steaks were all dinosaur sized! Honestly, they could probably charge more for steaks of this size and quality - I feel like I ate my money's worth! Barclay Prime was a treat!
(5)
Serena D.
This was my second time dining here. Ever since I tried their $150 Philly cheesesteak last time, I thought I will always stick with Butcher&Singer. I mean, their cheesesteak was great, juicy and has lots of flavors, but for the price you pay, I don't think I will ever order it again. This time, I ordered the 12 o.z prime filet mignon, the steak was fantastic! It was cooked as requested. They didn't put a lot of seasonings on the steak because good steak doesn't need that. Before the steak is served, you gotta choose your own "weapon"- the knives to cut steaks with, which i thought is very cool! For the appetizer, we ordered the crabcake and foie gras. The crabcake was ok, didn't "wow" me, but the foie gras was really good, I highly recommend it. For the drinks, we ordered a bottle of wine (forgot the name of the wine) that was recommend by the server. Ordering a glass of wine can be kinda expensive there, maybe sharing a bottle of wine is the way to go. If you want cocktail, my favorite is called "love triangle". I ordered the bread pudding for the dessert, it really hit the spot! I'm not a sweets fan, I usually just try one or two spoons of dessert, but not this time! :) Oh, did I mention their complimentary Gruyere popovers? Can't get enough of it! :) The ambience of this place is classy, I love the dim lighting. The place looks like an old English study -wood shelves with books, comfy cushioned seats, full of chandeliers, etc. This is a pricy restaurant but worth every penny you spend. If you are looking for a place to celebrate special occasion or simply just want to enjoy great steak, you can't go wrong with this place!
(5)
George W.
A really cool joint. Deader than a Kennedy on Wednesday night. Seniors drinking martinis at one table, terminally single yuppies recounting walks of shame at another. Not sure who is their target demographic. I really hope this place does well as so many famous restaurants in Philly just aren't there anymore. The food was better than average, but not spectacular. Been to much better chop houses that were not as expensive. Caution: They tend to overlook the steaks and can't pour a Black and Tan to save their life.
(3)
John M.
Ok so here's the thing. I LOVE FOOD. I love high end restaurants and feeling special when I go somewhere elegant...here at Barclay I felt like an emperor. Seriously, the staff were so authentic and kind from the moment we walked in the door. I was taking a gentleman with special needs along for the experience and everyone was really friendly and sweet to him. Did I mention the ambiance of the place? Relaxing and intimate and BEAUTIFUL. Now, into the food. All I can say is OH. MY. GOD. No exaggeration, it was a religious experience. Stephen Starr is a culinary God. We started with the fois gras and porcini agnolotti, the flavors were SENSATIONAL!!! The popovers with gruyere were served warm and flaky and I literally think I'm going to be dreaming about them for a long time. For dinner I ordered an 18oz dry aged ribeye and we ordered whipped potatoes and the truffle mac and cheese to share. Perfection. The steak melted in my mouth....the potatoes were from Jesus...the mac and cheese was flavorful and just SO DELISH!! I was one happy fat kid, let me tell you. Finally, dessert. Peanut butter cup ice cream sandwich. HOLY COW. Incredible. If you're considering going to BP stop right now. Considering is over. JUST GO. Run as fast as you can for the best meal of your life!!!!!
(5)
Jean Y.
Dining at Barclay Prime was quite the classy experience. I really liked the library-like interior and the comfortable armchairs. Service was great. The steaks were amazing. Perfect, juicy, the right amount of fat. I had the 24 oz dry aged porterhouse ($59), and my bf had the 18 oz Gachot & Gachot dry aged ribeye ($48). My favorite part of the experience was when we were presented with a tray of 5 steak knives. Choose your own weapon! We tried 2 sauces ($3 each): au poivre and horseradish crème fraiche. I really enjoyed the au poivre, with its intense beef and pepper flavors. The horseradish was extremely mild. I would have liked it spicier. The sides here are large and perfect for sharing. The truffle mac + cheese ($17) was made with cavatappi and delightfully creamy. I couldn't really taste the truffle, but the bf said he could. The fried artichokes and lemon ($11) were also very good. The artichokes were meaty, and the addition of deep fried parsley was nice. I was disappointed by the gruyere chive popovers. They were gigantic and irregularly shaped. I thought they could have used more gruyere and more chives, been less burnt on the edges, and been served hotter. (I've made popovers before with a recipe I found on Pinterest that was inspired by Barclay Prime's popovers, and I liked those better, even though my first two attempts failed partially.) The weakest part of the meal was definitely the cocktails. $15 for a cocktail is expensive, unless it is made with top shelf booze. My cocktail tasted bad. The ice cubes were too small and watered down the drink quickly.
(4)
Sal K.
Best steak I've ever had. I ordered the boneless ribeye and it cut like butter and tasted better than any meat I've ever prepared for myself. Brought the wife here for our anniversary. Service, meal and everything in between were exemplary. Will come back!
(5)
Jay G.
I went to Barclay Prime to celebrate a special occasion with my girlfriend as well as to try the Barclay Prime cheeseteak. The restaurant staff were very friendly and we had a very good waiter who had a great attitude and made some jokes while maintaining a high standard of service. The interior had a very interesting feel to it as it was themed like a library lounge type setting with books on the sides of the room and big relaxing chairs. It provided a nice experience compared to the typical steakhouse with tight seating or fancy wooden chairs. For appetizers, my girlfriend and I shared the east & west coast oysters while I mainly ate the beef steak tartare. The beef steak tartare was different than other places as they added a different array of toppings which provided a different type of flavor than I usually expect but it was still pretty good and worth ordering. The oysters were very good and seemed to be fresh with a nice flavor. For entrees, I decided to go full out and buy the Barclay Prime cheesesteak while I pushed my girlfriend to order a 16 oz. bone-in filet since she wasn't sure which steak to order from the menu. On the side, we ordered the jumbo green asparagus which arrived peeled and the truffle mac & cheese. The Barclay Prime cheesesteak was amazing. The flavor of the cheesesteak made with wagyu ribeye, foie gras, and truffled cheese whiz was awesome and no cheesesteak in Philadelphia can beat the amazing flavor brought on by this expensive cheesesteak. Fortunately, it came with a half a bottle of Perrier Grand Brut which seemed decently expensive by itself on the menu. It was a nice compliment to the overall sense of fulfillment from this cheesesteak. Even my girlfriend really loved the cheesesteak even though she doesn't like foie gras. That shows you how good it is. As per the filet, she claims it was very delicious and devoured the entire thing which was an amazing feat for her. The sides were both very good but obviously I'd recommend the truffle mac & cheese over any kind of asparagus any day. For dessert we ordered the coconut cream pie which was very good with a nice balanced flavor. On top of this, the waiter brought us a plate with "Congratulations!" written on it and two caramel chocolates made by the chefs at the restaurant. The chocolates were very good and it was a very nice gesture by the restaurant to provide us with this plate. Overall, Barclay Prime is a great steakhouse in Philadelphia and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good meal.
(5)
Zulma L.
By far one of the GREATEST restaurant experiences I have had in my life. Barclay Prime had the best steak I have ever tasted. The meat literally melts in your mouth. The macaroni and cheese is out of this world and the Halibut with truffle oil was MAGNIFICENT. If you want to try a little piece of heaven, save room for the S'mores dessert - TO DIE FOR.
(5)
Dawn S.
Let me start this review with a little tune: Barclay you're my everything, you're all I ever wanted Your steaks did it real big, bigger I've ever had it You were up on everything, other steaks ain't ever on it I want your steaks forever, I swear I could spend whatever on them But you make me wait every time I hit you up After I reserved a spot, you saw that I lived it up You made me beg for it, till you gave it up And I said this same thing with every single bite I said... "This be the freaking' best (x4, please) Best steak I ever had, Steak I ever had (x3 please)" That basically sums it up. Barclay Prime served me the best steak I've ever had -- (which, by the way, was the 28 day dry aged 16 Oz. NY strip). THE STEAK, ON ITS OWN, GETS 5 (or 6?) STARS. I went here for my law school graduation dinner and it was a great way to celebrate. It doesn't have a very "steakhousey" type of feel -- for that, you might want to go to Ruth's Chris or Prime Rib. Instead, it feels like you're eating in someone's fancy mod living room. There are bookshelves on the walls and you sit in lounge chairs, not dining chairs. Also, its worth noting that Barclay Prime has all the typical aspects that you'd expect of a Stephen Starr restaurant -- it's a tad overdone and glitzy as hell: the restaurant is hyper detail-oriented, and you pick your own steak-knife, which you must admit is unnecessary, albeit kinda cool. In fact, I'd give the atmosphere 3 stars. I'd also give the rest of the food and drinks (I got one of their gin cocktails) 4 stars. For these reasons I gave the restaurant 4 stars.
Last night my family and i had a fantastic dinner. We had the wagyu American filet, ribeye and bone in filet. It was melt in your mouth to die for. I would change one thing, we had a few appetizers one including the truffle risotto. The flavor was awesome but it was a little soupy. Out of all the steak places in Philadelphia, Barclay Prime tops it. The service was impeccable. Our waitress was very accommodating and helpful to any questions we had. If you have not eaten here I suggest you do so. We are very impressed. We will be back again. - Lagana family
(5)
Catherine C.
I took my husband here for his birthday a couple of weeks ago and we absolutely loved it! We decided to order the hamachi crudo, roasted foie gras, 18 Oz 28 day aged prime ribeye, butterball potato, and cheesecake. We only had to order one steak because we had so much food and we ended up taking the potatoes home. Everything was divine and the steak was perfectly cooked to our desired medium rare. A great steak doesn't need any sauces or crazy seasonings, just salt, pepper, and sometimes butter. This steak was so flavorful and tender, I enjoyed each and every bite. They also offered us each a choice of culinary knives to cut our steaks with. I've never had an easier time cutting my steak. The roasted foie gras was also soft and tender and had a sweet kick to it. The butterball potatoes also went really well with the steak. Cheesecake topped off the night and was delicious. The ambience was quiet and classy. We also enjoyed the puffy cheese bread and they gave us a free individual sized cake to take home for later. It was a perfect birthday dinner and I would come back here again in a heartbeat.
(5)
Sean M.
I've been wanting to come here for a while now, and boy was I disappointed. Don't get me wrong the food is good. However I've had better meals at Ruth's Chris for less money. I definitely expected to get a much steak then the one the served me. Maybe I'll give it another try.
(3)
Michael C.
Favorite steakhouse in Philly. The pop-overs are to die for. Steak is always perfect. Seafood apps are wonderful.
(5)
Kristie C.
From the popovers at the start, to the lovely desserts at the end... Everything was so delicious. The special part about this place is that they let you choose your own knife, there is basically a story to each one-- really neat! Food: - popovers (comes with your meal, so good and warm) - lobster and shrimp appetizer: preferred the lobster - seared ahi tuna with yuzu: very flavorful and not overpowered by the sauce. Substituted the chard for asparagus, which they nicely peeled so it was tender and delicious Dessert: - seasonal fruit platter was decent, pineapple was a bit sour - sorbets were refreshing and very fruity which was awesome - smore with homemade marshmallow was really tasty! Basically a chocolate lava cake with delectable vanilla sides Wine we ordered was perfect, service was fantastic, couldn't have asked for more! Would definitely come back :)
(5)
Brian T.
Perfection! From the truffled mac & cheese, to the succulent fillet, the flavorful complementary puffs, and the excellent service, Barclay Prime has just become one of my top-3 steakhouses. I am very curious about the $100 cheesesteak, which I will have to try next time as a shared appetizer.
(5)
Scott W.
This is a great restaurant especially for special occasions. The dining room has a good atmosphere, loud but tolerable. You would never expect the furniture, most notable are the chairs. You feel like you are in your living room. On to the food. The menu has nice options. We decided to not order an appetizer and instead, grab soup and salads. For what it's worth there were not a lot appetizer choices, but some did sound good. My Cesar salad was big, I decided not to eat the whole thing. My son loved the lobster bisque and my wife and daughter split a delicious kale salad. We all got different entrees. The steaks are big and delicious (16oz Ribeye and 12oz filet...a little undercooked, but still acceptable). Rack of lamb was spot on and the Chilean Sea Bass was outstanding. Several reasons why I did not give 5 stars: 1) Parking is tricky, the valet is expensive and finding the door entrance was hard., 2) Prices are steep. Come prepared to drop a lot of money...glass of wine was surprisingly expensive, 3) Service was fine, but I just had some issues with my waiter. He did not speak clearly and seemed to speed us out. Bottom line is I would definitely go back, maybe in the summer after I save up enough money for another great meal.
(4)
Casi C.
I don't normally pay $40 for steak, but when I do I get it from Barclay Prime! The food and the atmosphere were great but they did one thing that really stood out to me. They let you choose your own steak knife! They bring out a platter of knives and you can choose which one you prefer. They all cut really well but I have to say I liked the throwing knife the best. Thanks to Edward at Sofitel we were able to get a last minute reservation. We weren't seated in the main dining room but we still had full service at the bar area. The only reason they don't get 5 stars is because of the tables. This sounds really picky but the tables in the bar area are so low that you can just barely fit your legs under it.
(4)
N H.
My boyfriend took me here for my bday. Turned out I forgot to put ID in my new evening purse- my bad, but here's what ended up happening. We show up, are asked to wait at the bar lounge which is really beautiful... Until we meet the bartender. I request a whiskey cocktail and get recommended a bourbon (not the same thing but I'll try). Then I realise I forgot my ID and both of us kindly decline to drink from there to not embarrass ourselves. It seems the bartender though had other plans. She called the manager unsolicited which made me feel like I was causing a scene. Again, we both just ordered a non-alcoholic iced tea- jeez! Then she carded my boyfriend and rudely told me she's going to serve him (he'd already declined). By the time that was over I was so uncomfortable I simply wanted to walk out, I felt like I was being shamed, goodness and for what, and on my bday! Right when we almost walked out we were told our table was ready. I give it five stars for our actual server, the brilliant steak, the foi gras was truly spectacular, the decor, and the attention to detail in the service. However, by then I was feeling really down about the way if been treated and just didn't enjoy being there.
(2)
J K.
$85 Philly cheesesteak! $125 with the split of bubbly. Wagyu beef, foie gras, truffled cheese whiz. Man if was outstanding! Very very rich. Probably better shared as it is very rich. I sat at the bar which was dimly lit and cozy atmosphere. The main dinning room looked very nice also.
(4)
Jason H.
Barclay Prime is a Stephen Starr restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city, and in my opinion the best steakhouse in the city. The decor is an odd mix of old and new, with the dining room sparsely decorated with 70's retro furniture, dark wood, and half-full (or half-empty, as you see it) bookshelves. Definitely a contrast to Starr's other steakhouse, Butcher & Singer, which has a much more consistent and clubby/1940's vibe. While Butcher & Singer tends to be a throwback, Barclay is definitely a modern variation on the steakhouse in both decor and menu. The raw bar is replete with oysters, fish crudo, tuna tartare, both jumbo and colossal shrimp cocktails, as well as lobster and king crab cocktails. They also have a shellfish sampler platter where you can create your own sampler, complete with what I'm sure is a gut-heaving price. The caviar selection is also top-notch, with not only American White Sturgeon and Royal Ossetra, but also kaluga which is a river beluga (as the menu explains) and is priced nearly twice the ossetra, at $225/oz. Between the raw bar, and the caviar options, you could spend $750 without even trying, and not even have made it to the appetizers yet. Appetizer range from the familiar, foie gras terrine and diver scallops, to the slightly more rarified, wagyu sliders and porcini agnolotti, to the old standards, bone marrow and steak tartare. I'll skip the salads and the soups...not why you go here. The menu has a surprising selection of fish options for a steakhouse, including branzino, dover sole, chilean sea bass, and butter poached lobster. The steaks are the best you can find in Philadelphia, and the Wagyu options seem to be persistently on the menu, including a filet, NY strip, and shortrib. The Wagyu is outstanding, and I recommend the filet, as the marbling give it a flavor that simply can't be had with any other way. As an incredibly lean and tender cut, the filet is also the most lacking in flavor; the Wagyu variety provides the marbling that makes it a truly outstanding option. An now...the cheesesteak. A contentious menu item from the day the restaurant opened, primarily due to the foie gras in the recipe. A wagyu, foie gras, truffled cheese whiz delight with a 1/2 bottle of champagne to wash it all down. Love it or hate it...it's something you should try at least once. If you're looking for a real "special" occasion type of place, or just have an expense account to play with, Barclay won't let you know. The food, service, and atmosphere consistently make it one of the must-visit restaurants in Philadelphia. Cash in some of your retirement fund...and have a decadent night out to remember.
(5)
Chad W.
I'm a poor college kid. But the time I was treated to Barclay Prime in Rittenhouse is a night I will never forget. Everything was so very decadent. Our table tried everything from the 8 oz Australian cut to the 40 oz Porterhouse, and every appetizer in between. I never felt more fancy, just an all around great experience. Truly remarkable. I'm going to start saving my money so I can take my mom and dad here for their anniversary. Lovely..
(5)
Kelly T.
As a mostly vegetarian, I will probably never head to Barclay Prime for dinner (though I know the chef cooks an excellent vegan dinner from a Foobooz After Dark appearance). However, the happy hour at this fine establishment (where the cast of Anchorman would seem to fit in nicely--in character of course) is excellent and offers some delicious vegetarian options. Happy hour runs from 5:00 to 6:30, and you can end up making this happy hour at one of the priciest steakhouses in Philly an actual good deal. Drinks are $6 each as are a select number of small plates. You have to order correctly to make this a good value investment--avoid the $6 Yuengling and Amstel Lite--as well as the $6 Vinho Verde. Slightly effervescent Vinho Verde is one of my favorite summer wines, but I've never seen a bottle more than $12, so this is probably not a very good deal. Go for the well-crafted cocktails. On our trip, I had a Manhattan, which was as excellent as to be expected at a steakhouse. I followed that up with a gin cocktail, flavored with cucumber and St. Germain and served on the rocks. It was very refreshing and would probably be excellent served up. The ice in the cocktail in combination with the cucumber juice really seemed to water down the drink. As a result, the last sip was not as good as the first. For bites, I had the truffled mac and cheese (normally $17), which came in a small casserole or very large ramekin sized dish. It was incredibly cheesy and indulgent, and the toasted breadcrumbs on top added a nice texture. That dish alone was probably enough for my dinner (and I only ate half). I also ordered the mushroom bruschetta, which came with three generous garlic scented toasts. The mushrooms were topped with a cheesy truffle sauce. The truffle flavoring was subtle and the salty, garlicky toasts were delicious. My companions and I could probably have eaten 10 of these toasts! I would give this place five stars, but as the bar filled up toward the end of happy hour, the bartender got very busy and I didn't have a chance to order another drink in the half hour before happy hour ended. Also, although we ordered a ton of food (my friend even got the $100 50-ounce steak) and we were out of drinks for a while, the bartender never offered us water or a refill. My friend ate a good 30 ounces of steak with no drink. More power to him, but something to wet the whistle while we enjoyed that spectacle would have been nice.
(4)
Suzie L.
Totally what you would expect from a Steven Starr Restaurant. Ambiance is great, the food and drinks are delicious. The noise level is on the louder aspect so be ready to listen carefully to your server while they tell you the specials for the night. This is not the place to go to if you're looking to dine and bounce as each course is well spaced out. If a place is known for their $100 Cheesesteak, obviously you have to get it. Be advised that this is really rich and creamy therefore, sharing it as an appetizer is the way to go. If you want it all to yourself, more power to you. It was melt in your mouth delicious. The meat was super tender, came with truffled cheese wiz, foie gras and a side of pickled sweet/hot peppers on a sesame roll. Oh and not to mention a bottle of champagne and Perrier Jouet to be exact. I also got the 28 day aged NY Strip with a 1/2 Lobster cooked medium rare. The steak was cooked to perfection and had tons of flavor. The server brings you a plate of knives of your choice to dig into your meal. Overall, had a great time here with good company. Worth a try and would most likely try to come back for their other menu options like their seafood options.
(4)
Vinayak B.
We dined here to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary and it was a very memorable experience. My wife was longing to go to a good steakhouse for a few months and this was reason enough to make a reservation here. We got the Hamachi Crudo for an appetizer and the Lobster Bisque soup. The Hamachi Crudo was a small portion but was really amazing in flavor profile. The contrast between the chili pepper ponzu and the buttery yellowtail and avocado was perfectly balanced. The garnish of crispy rice noodles brought the plate together really well in terms of texture. The lobster bisque had the right amount of creaminess to it and had some caviar garnish for extra oomph. When it came to the steaks, we got the 24oz Dry Aged Porterhouse and the 18oz Gachot & Gachot Prime Dry Aged Ribeye. Must say that these were the two best steaks we've had till date. They were cooked medium rare like we ordered and rested prior to serving. The tenderloin on the porterhouse was huge and super buttery. The ribeye was very rich, meaty and packed with flavor. We tried to finish as much as we could, but had to doggie bag the rest. For the sides, we chose the truffled mac and cheese and the butterball potatoes with aioli. The aioli was light and airy like it should be and not a liquid mush that many restaurants call aioli. But the truffled mac and cheese was way too salty and this sort of ruined the good flavor from the truffle oil. We were really stuffed so we decided to share "The Barclay" from the dessert menu. The hazelnut chocolate, chocolate ganache and the peanut butter praline base were a heavenly trio. The peanut butter ice cream had an incredible flavor. Service was impeccable and they really took care of us and put in a lot of extra effort to ensure that our anniversary dinner was very memorable. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion or simply in a mood for splurging a little bit. You won't be disappointed PS: The bathrooms are unisex which is slightly eccentric on the part of architect and interior designer India Mahdavi haha.
Picked Barclay Prime for our sole dinner on a quick trip to Philadelphia based on yelp reviews and we were not disappointed. Grabbed a Saturday night reservation on opentable - lucked out and got one at a good time. Would recommend booking in advance as the place was pretty packed when we arrived. Checked in 15 mins early and made ourselves comfortable at the bijou bar - barman was great, really quick service and within minutes I was sipping on something delish made with lemon, lavender & champagne...I was happy to see that the extensive wine list had some nice and unusual grapes on the menu as well as a decent by the glass selection (I like to hop around the wine list and not commit to one bottle). Our table was ready bang on the reservation time and we were escorted through to the much brighter and more modern feeling dining room. Our 2 person table had a large enough surface area (hate it when there is no room for waters, bread, wines, flowers, candles, cutlery etc and the whole meal is like a game of chess) and whilst it was close to our neighbours we are used to an inch gap sometimes in NY so did not find this obtrusive. Our server was right over dealing with our water option and providing wine lists and menus. We had picked the place for its steaks and whilst the bf was procrastinating about ordering the $100 cheesesteak I knew he was not serious - we did take a while discussing the merits of each of the steaks available. Our server did not hurry us and instead took wine orders which were quickly filled and sent popovers our way - I had pre-warned him I don't eat carbs and he ensured that the bread guy did not try to tempt me. The bf did make lots of appreciative nods as he tried his. For appetizers we both opted for the steak tartare as we are both fans and I am so pleased we did. The portion size was great, made up of small cuts of filet bathed in a rich dijon & egg yolk sauce with just enough sharp capers and red onion to cut through the richness. Some crispy onions and pea shoots on top complimented the dish. Easily in my top 3 of tartares....might even be #1. For entrees we went steak all the way (although the fish options were tempting). The bf took a 16oz 28 day dry aged NY strip and I opted for the 12oz prime filet. I thought the 'pick your steak knife' selection was a nice touch - especially as the knife I chose was razor sharp (another pet peeve for me is dull knives). My steak came 'blue' as I ordered with a succulant and well seasoned crisp on the outside but with a cool and raw centre - it was a great peice of meat, perfectly seasoned and cooked just how I like it...sublime. The bf opted for a medium-rare cook and his steak came with a similar well seasoned crust but just cooked a little more allowing the fat to render and add heaps of delicious flavour. We passed on the carby sides (knowing we wanted our appetites to be sated by the meat) and opted for creamed spinach and roasted brocolli. The spinach was nice but nothing special although I really liked that it was not swimming in cream or overly fatty but the real star was the roasted brocolli...it was super crispy and chared with just the right about of red chili flakes to pep it up but not kill the flavour. I was tempted to order a second serving. Opted for coffees rather than deserts and were left alone by our servers to relax and enjoy our table for as long we wanted. The bill was not hideous - came out to about $300 all in, which I thought was fair given the quality of the food & drinks, great service and enjoyable atmosphere.
(5)
Mobola O.
Excellent ambiance, great service, simple yet satisfying menu, and great food! Was very impressed with BP!!! I'm I'm typically not a huge fan of expensive steakhouses but this one was great! My friend and I ordered appetizers...I ordered the lobster bisque and she ordered the shrimp cocktail. We were pleasantly surprised when we were offered popovers, they were absolutely delicious!! For our main course, she ordered the prime rib and I ordered the New York strip steak...both were cooked to perfection and as we requested and they were excellent! Our sides consisted of the truffle mac & cheese and the creamed spinach both were great as well. Five stars for a delicious meal, great service, fast service and enjoyable atmosphere!!! Will definitely visit again and recommend to friends!!
(5)
Paige B.
We stumbled in to the dim, sexy, and black leather-clad bar, sans reservation, on NYE 2013. It was my boyfriend's first time at Barclay. After our meal, he proclaimed it his new favorite restaurant in the city. 28 Day Dry Aged 16 Oz. NY Strip - 5 out or 5. We opted for the medium rare preparation without any of the sauces. Believe me, the meat is so flavorful you won't want, or need, to augment it. Truffle Mac & Cheese - 4.5 out of 5 Whenever I dine at Barclay, I always get the side of Truffle Mac. The black truffle is always so pronounced, earthy, and mesmerizing. The first time I tried this dish, the experience was "roll-your-eyes-back-in-your-head-and-sink-back-Âin-your-chair" good. This time, I detracted 0.5 stars because the pasta was a little too al dente, or firm. It could have cooked for a minute or two longer and would have been perfect. The cheese was oozing and the perfect accompaniment to the cellentani (large, hollow, corkscrew) pasta. Beef Steak Tartare (Hand-Chopped Filet Mignon with Dijon Sauce) - 5 out of 5 My boyfriend ordered this dish and we both agreed that the texture, acidity, and creaminess were in perfect balance. While I had a small bit of doubt about ordering raw steak, I was amazed at how flavorful and silky the steak tasted. The crostini was nicely prepared thin and toasted with some seasoning and oil. I would order it again! Hamachi Crudo - 5 out of 5 Fantastic. We loved the light marinade and the crunchy noodles on top. This dish was simple, elevated, and addictive. Overall, Barclay delivers--and then some. It was lovely to spend NYE there and we look forward to going back as soon as another special occasion arises!
(5)
Eun Jung P.
Steak was amazing. Oysters were fresh. Server was experienced. It was a little noisy, but I'd go again for the food.
(5)
Brett F.
Had I appropriately written this review years ago, it would have been five stars across the board. See what happens when I procrastinate, Barclay? I go from loving you unabashedly to feeling like you're more so-so these days. Unfortunate, the things that time can do. What used to be my favorite restaurant in Philadelphia and my go-to spot for entertaining clients has fallen from grace as of late. It's hard for me to put my finger on it exactly (aside from some major service woes) but things just seem.... different. My favorite side dish - ahem, BACON - has long been removed from the menu. WRONG! Temperature issues have arisen with steaks on a few occasions and wine knowledge amongst the servers is amiss. At this price point, and in a restaurant so beautifully appointed (the dining room really is beautiful) these issues should be nonexistent. But, as I mentioned, my biggest complaint lies with service and what has recently revealed itself in the form of some really strange training. I've had it happen multiple times, and with different servers, but always the same thing... hovering just slightly away from the table, waiting for an acknowledgement to approach. Just come over! You're creeping me out, man. Then there is the OVERexplaining of everything on the menu as if you've never dined out before. They speak to the customer as if we're totally unschooled in fine dining. I find it offensive and condescending. You don't need to explain in great detail what Wagyu beef is. Unless, of course, I ask... then have at it. Assume your diner is educated unless they request the edification. Upon my last visit especially, I felt like I had just gotten lectured. So not conducive to what a relaxing, luxurious, upscale steakhouse should be. Fix this. Bring back the old days. And the bacon. Bacon makes everything better, even creepster service.
(3)
Katherine R.
Oh My Goodness. Filet mignon. We've always sat up front in the bar area where it's much more chill. AND the scallops. They were so good we had an order of scallops, split the filet and had an order of scallops for dessert. Fuck cake. The wines are also fabulous. I've been curious about the $100 cheesesteak for a long time. Would anyone like to share?
(5)
Kristen S.
I came here when my mom came into town and wanted to take me out to dinner, as I probably wouldn't spend so much on a meal myself. But it was definitely worth it. The service was great and the food was very good. The complimentary popovers are AMAZING. As it's a steak house, the steak was obviously perfect, but what I would go back for is more of those popovers.
(5)
John M.
i got the 10oz ny strip steak, and it was the best i've had in my life. service was incredible too. overall it was one of the best dining experiences i had this year. the oysters from northern california were also to die for.
(5)
Mark C.
This place is super nice, love the feel of the place. Kind of like how the bar is hidden. Steaks are big and thick just like me :) Anyways, service is outstanding. Honestly, I only came here to choose out of a big selection of steak knives, I choose 3 knives (the Global was too thick of a knife).
(5)
Alex P.
Fabulous from beginning to end. My in-laws took us here when they were in town this past week and we had such a great time. I had been meaning to dine here for years but never made it happen. We started with some drinks at the bar as we were early for our reservation and the bartender was just wonderful. She was extremely easy to talk to and very hospitable, would go back for happy hour just for her! When we sat for dinner we had a lovely waiter, unfortunately I don't remember anyone's names. My in-laws are from CA and we all love wine and he was great at selecting some choices my father-in-law was quite pleased with. The popovers they bring out are ridiculous, I want them everyday. We had salads and soup as appetizers. The lobster bisque was delicious yet different...had some fall spices in it my husband wasn't a huge fan of but it was still tasty. As expected, our steaks were cooked to perfection. I had the 8oz filet with blue cheese sauce on the side and it was perfect with or without the sauce. The bit on coarse salt on top is a nice touch. Creamed spinach was good, very cheesy. I heard the mashed potatoes were delicious but we went for regular potatoes that were also very good. Choosing your own steak knife is a nice touch as well. Can't wait to go back and try dessert!
(5)
Shirlana D.
The first time I went to this restaurant I went because my bf took me here. It was love at first bite. From the moment we walked into the restaurant it seemed intimate and quaint. The drawback for me were the low seating chairs. While the chairs are large and comfy, they seemed very close to the floor. While trying to create an intimate or exclusive atmosphere, the lighting was poor. Despite those few challenges, the wait staff was extremely helpful and attentive. The moment that the bread was brought to the table and I put it in my mouth, it was heavenly. I felt like the bread was melting in my mouth, and then realized that there is some guyere cheese (I believe) in the bread. While I have been here several times (it has become my annual choice for my birthday meal) I always order the veal chop. The veal was moist, succulent, and perfectly prepared. The onion soubise & mushrooms that is served with the veal was flavorful and the perfect accompaniment. The dessert is always sweet yet not overpowering. I will be coming here for years to come for I love the food and staff, but nothing beats the great company I am always with :).
Kudos to Steven Starr for having a wonderful establishment in Philadelphia. As much as I dislike going to restaurateur moguls who own multiple restaurants serving cuisine from every country imaginable, I find that Steven Starr restaurants always deliver and execute well above my expectations while others constantly fail to deliver. DECOR: reminds you of a more modernly decorated room out of a Harry Potter movie. There was a classic element to the decor and the bookshelves with sparsely populated books and the chandeliers added to that feeling. The chairs were modern (green, yellow, and white) which made the entire area less "stuffy". I could imagine it would have felt like an extremely stuffy environment if we had classic wooden chairs. Whoever designed this place made the decor acceptable to a large demographic customer base. Whoever designed this is clever. SERVICE: the highlight of the night goes to immaculate service from Glenn. He is extremely knowledgeable about everything on the menu, very professional, and does not feel pushy in his recommendations even in the slightest sense. Overall, I'd say his level of service pushed the review 1 additional star from a 4 to 5. I had an excellent and pleasant dinner thanks to him. STEAK KNIFES: I was quite impressed that they were giving us the option to choose among 5 top end steak knifes. I remember 4 of them (2 were Zwilling Henckel, 1 was a Shun, and the last was a Wusthof). I was impressed that they were providing such high end knives here. FOOD: the food was a solid 4*. For my steak, I ordered a 28-day dry aged NY strip steak which cost about ~$50. This was cooked a perfect medium rare and it was seasoned very well. At this price, I would take this steak any day over say Capital Grille, Palms, Morton, Gibson's or any other chain restaurant steak. One of the things I was tempted to try was the Japanese Wagyu steak at $115 but I didn't feel a compelling need to go eat something at such a high price point when there are fantastic options such as Peter Luger which probably serve better steak and lower price points. Appetizers: I shared the main diver SCALLOPS. We got 3 pieces that were well cooked & seasoned with a bit of a spice kick coming from their sauce. My scallop cooled down by the time it reached my table. This appetizer was acceptable and about what I expected from a restaurant like this. The highlight was the fried SOFT SHELL CRAB. It was fantastically well fried blue crab that was extremely flavorful with a great texture. It was one of the rare times I felt I was chewing more crab than I was batter. When I was first introduced to the Philly steakhouse scene I was told that Butcher and Singer was the top recommended steakhouse. I was led to believe that until I was introduced to Barclay's. The service, the large number of selections, and the food quality are in a league far above Butcher and Singer. At this price point, I wholeheartedly recommend this place for steak in Philly. On a side note, Barclay's sells the most expensive cheesesteak in Philly (perhaps the world). $100 for a freakin cheesesteak (wagyu beef, foie gras, truffled cheese)..............would anyone care to split an order with me in the future? :P
(5)
Ade B.
A steakhouse with a more romantic setting than other steakhouses. So it's more appropriate for date night as opposed to a guys night out. This place is known for the Kobe sliders and Kobe cheesesteak. I've only had the sliders. They don't taste as good now as when the restaurant first opened. I'm talking about moving down from a perfect 10 to a 9, so not a huge dropoff. I suspect they might be using American Kobe now when they used Austrailian Kobe when they first opened. But that's just a guess. The steaks here are amazing, but you can get steaks just as good for a lower price elsewhere. When it comes to date night it's not always a good idea to count pennies. And for a date night at a steakhouse it doesn't get any better than Barclay Prime.
(4)
Dan W.
Giving this place a 5 star for their ribeye steak, beef steak tartare, bread/butter, and friendly/professional waiters/staff! Came here with a couple guys for a friend's birthday dinner so had a chance to try a good amount of their menu, here is my opinion of them in no particular order: complimentary bread/butter: amazing! has croissant texture, butter is smooth and easy to spread truffle mac and cheese: good light creamy, crumb texture/taste, use real truffles (found a small truffle piece) that leaves a lasting taste in your mouth compared to synthetic truffle tator tots: very similar to a traditional tator tot taste except inside is more creamy versus grainy lobster bisque: fair portion of lobster bits that delivers a punch of a typical lobster bisque flavors that leave you wanting more beef steak tartare: refreshing, citrus, light, meaty texture/taste that is complimented with salty (alittle too much for my liking) fried thin bread slices on the side wagyu sliders: unfortunately even smaller than I expected but the meat was cooked good (medium) ribeye steak (medium rare): the BEST steak I have tasted so far...each bite is full of juices and salty/herb flavors that marinate in your mouth, leaving you wanting more ny strip steak (medium rare): similar to ribeye steak except has a more fatty and lighter texture taste 8 oz. filet mignon (medium rare): compared to the ribeye and ny strip steak, had a more traditional meaty/gamy taste given the high quality meats that are offered here, everything is slightly overpriced still in my opinion - a good solid place for any special occasion but definitely not somewhere to go on a regular basis.
(4)
Nina T.
This place was amazing! Took my date here for his birthday in April and everything was exquisite. Our meals were tasteful and the dessert was the best I've had in a long time. He had the 12oz prime filet and was left speechless at how good it was. I had the roasted chicken while we shared the truffle mac n cheese and potato gratin, absolutely no complaints. The best was telling the waiter that the birthday boy was picking the dessert and them bring in it out with a Happy Birthday written on the plate. Good job paying attention! Oh and you can't forget the choice of knives they gave us. That was fun :) Definitely will be going back when I'm in the Philly area again!
(5)
The Food D.
PLEASE READ REVIEW FOR MORE DETAILS ON TWO STAR RATING Another restaurant that I have been trying to come to for years... After years of reading other Yelp reviews... I finally made it. I have had dreams about the $120.00 cheese steak... Beautiful inside, a bit dimly lit for my taste... but a very "sexy" feel. Host was friendly, and took us to our table. I feel like the wait for meet our waiter was a bit long... especially for fine dining. Waiter was friendly and knew the menu pretty well. Waiter was nice enough to check to see if another champagne could be served with the cheese steak. The substituted bottle in my opinion wasn't to my liking. It was okay, probably sweeter than the other one but too harsh for my liking. I'm not a big drinker, so not a big deal. Our order: Gruyere Popover (Free Bread) Shrimp Cocktail 3lb Lobster (Butter pouched) Tater Tots $120.00 Cheese Steak Cookie Dessert (Took back to hotel) Popover: WOW! Delicious bread...I haven't had a popover that delicious in a long long time. My second one was very slightly under cooked which I actually enjoyed as the inside was super super moist and absolutely delicious. Shrimp Cocktail: 3 JUMBO shrimp. When I say JUMBO I mean JUMBO. Cocktail sauce was standard, nothing special. Shrimp weren't over cooked but not properly thawed. Not sure why, but the insides tasted a bit too cold and took away from the shrimp flavor. I wouldn't order again . -1 Stars 3lb Lobster (Butter pouched): One word - HORRIBLE! I am not one to send back items, but if there has ever been an item I needed to send back this would have been it. $85.00 for the absolute WORST lobster I have ever tasted. The meat was extremely tough to the point that it was incredibly difficult to chew. The lobster had no flavor. I have never experienced such a bad piece of seafood ever. I really should have complained, but it's not in my nature. I took nearly the entire order to our hotel room hoping it would taste better the next morning... it was even worse...Practically $85.00 worth of lobster went into the garbage. -2 Stars Tater Tots: OMG! Delicious... in the top 3 potato side dish I have ever had. Extremely creamy chive mashed potato inside a very very very light coating. Every tot had a slight crisp shell and then they exploded with the creamy mashed potato like inside... I HIGHLY recommend this item. $120.00 Cheese Steak... Next time I would skip the champagne... which I believe would make the cheese steak only $70.00. To me a traditional Philly cheese steak isn't something I REALLY enjoy. But this sandwich is something I REALLY enjoyed. The only problem is... it's too rich in my opinion to be eaten as a main course. The bread was perfect for this sandwich as it was greasy...but the bread did an awesome job soaking it all up. Cookie Dessert (Took back to hotel): Very good! Delicious mix of three different types of cookie baked into one. I only wanted to try a bite and before I knew it I was licking the container clean. I would order again. Over all... would I could here again... maybe. I would only order a beer, the cheese steak and tater tots. I cannot stress enough that the lobster should never be ordered. Service was standard... nothing amazing for fine dining... Overall because of the seafood... specially the lobster... a disappointment. $273.10 (Bill) + $65.00 (Extremely Generous Tip) = $338.10... not worth the price.
(2)
Esther K.
The best steak I've ever had and best tater tots. Definitely going to go back someday!
(5)
Noell M.
When I think back to my visit at Barclay Prime I am still blown away and amazed at how sensational it was! Barclay Prime is Stephen Starr's flagship restaurant. The classic steakhouse feel runs throughout the dining room, hallways, and bar area. Tasteful wooden paneling, built in bookshelves, and high ceilings with crystal chandeliers make it feel as though the gang from Mad Men would come here for a special occasion dinner. We started with the chopped salad, it was beautiful to look at and even more beautiful to taste. The minute pieces of tomato, heart of palm, and olives were tossed in a vinaigrette that made my taste buds dance with every bite. The main course was a religious experience. I am salivating right now even thinking about it!! The steak was beyond melt in your mouth, it was a cathartic experience. Just a few notes.......sides are not included with your meal so be prepared to shell out more money if you want truffle whipped mashed potatoes,broccolini, or butter corn. Also, valet parking is in front of Parc, a block down the street, so wear your "walking"shoes. If you love steak this place needs to go to the top of your list!
(5)
Adelle R.
Barclay Prime is always a great and consistent place to grab a great steak. My husband and I often go to the bar and split a porter house steak with a couple of sides and usually a scallop app. The steak is always cooked perfectly. And they always bring out those fabulous pop overs! They are almost as good as the steak! (I did say almost!). The bar doesn't usually get too crowded on weeknights, so it ends up being a pretty laid back meal. Drinks are good and the bartender (I think his name is Bob, but I always forget) is known for his cocktails, especially his Manhattans.
(4)
Han P.
I would have to elect Barclay Prime Best of the Best in Steakhouses for Philly. I've been to most of the steakhouses in Philly and in my mind, this one edges out the rest. Every aspect of my dining experience was impeccable starting from the moment I walked in the door to the moment I walked out. I've heard so much about Barclay Prime from my friends that it had pretty high expectations to meet. Since this was my first time here, I have to admit that I got a little out of hand with my order. FYI, just so you don't think I'm a complete pig, everything but my steak was shared with my buddy. See below for my foodie fare. Appetizer (Shared) - Nueske Bacon Entree - 28 Day Dry Aged NY Strip Steak Entree (Shared) - Butter Poached Lobster Sides (Shared) - Tator Tots and Creamed Spinach Desserts (Shared) - Warm Deep Dish Cookie Everything listed above was top-notch and what you would expect from a place like this. Also, I'm a surf and turf guy so that's why you see both the steak and lobster. Yum. They were both prepared perfectly. I highly recommend either entree or you could be ridiculous like me and order both. One clarification though, the Nueske Bacon is one of the sides that we ordered as an appetizer. I was told that the Nueske Bacon and Scallops appetizer wasn't that great. BTW, Nueske Bacon is probably the tastiest and meatiest bacon I've ever had. I can't wait to go back for a repeat experience! This has become my favorite Philly Steakhouse.
(5)
Fred C.
To put it succinctly, there is no finer restaurant in the Greater Philadelphia area. The food is most excellent, the service flawless and the ambiance lovely.
(5)
Katrina S.
Birthday dinner! We ordered: Tuna Tartare: Amazing! Really... melt in your mouth good. Suggestion: Add something with a crunch for a bit of contrast Hamachi Crudo: I have no suggestions for this. It was perfect. Light and amazing and flavorful. Bone-in filet: It was ok. I go to a steak place expecting to be wowed, I was less than wowed. The whole thing was luke warm instead of having a "cool center" as it should (medium rare) and it lacked flavor. Dry aged NY strip: Boyfriend really enjoyed this, I tried it and the flavor was great but it was a little chewy. Vanilla Cheesecake: Good, it was cheesecake... they did write happy birthday in chocolate on the plate which was really cute. They give you popovers at the start and will give you as many as you want, they are great, but I suggest they serve them warm (or hot!) so the butter gets all melty. The butter was also great, perfectly spreadable and I really liked the salt on top. Choosing your own steak knife seems gimicky to me, but I'm not a knife expert so its basically an eenie-meenie-miney-moe/which one is prettiest game. The room/ambiance is great but it was fairly empty and they seated a rather loud group right behind our table which was surprisingly annoying for us (there was one guy who had to tell everyone how much he knew about wine/steak/fish/[insert other random thing] and had to tell them loudly). I really ruined the intimate feel of our table by the wall. Our service started out eh but took a turn for the better when someone else inadvertently took over our table when we were ready to place our drink orders. I got the Barclay Bellini which was great and boyfriend got the ginger soda. The appetizers were definitely the stars of the evening and it seemed to go downhill from there. I may go back, but not for steak.
(3)
Stephany B.
I have been here two times, one in the bar with the bar menu with a few of my coworkers; the other in the main dining room for full dunner. Highlights of each - Wedge Salad (bar) -- delicious. fresh bleu cheese as expected of a steak house. it had fresh crab meat as well as a garnish which was a nice accent - kobe sliders -- i've had about 10 different kobe sliders at various upscale restaurants. (including the foie gras and kobe sliders at 1 Micheline starred L'Atellier in Vegas) These were hands down the best. The meat was medium rare (to perfection) and something about the brioche was what really differentiated these from the pack. MUST HAVE - Lamb -- very good. ordered medium rare and was very tender and flavorful. I have had better Colorado Lamb (being from Colorado and having it at my fingertips my whole life) but this was in the top 3 or 4 I've ever had. - NY Strip -- very good. Flavorful as you would expect any aged steak and was a bit over cooked ( it was ordered medium rare and it came much more medium) Aside from the temp. It was maybe top 3 NY Strips I've had. The quality of meat was definitely what stood out. We did not have room for sides which we ordered but were too full to enjoy. Same with dessert. I believe you can order the sliders in the bar as well which is what i would recommend if you are not interested in blowing a couple hundred bucks here. Bottom Line: very expensive, but very good
In short: I expected much better for the price. Several people in my group had their steaks cooked incorrectly, which is pretty inexcusable considering what you're paying. The experience wasn't terrible, but it in no way lived up to the hype.
(3)
Jessica H.
We went to Barclay Prime for our six month wedding anniversary. It was a Sunday night, so the restaurant was not busy at all. The main dining room is striking--it's a large room with many relatively low-to-the-ground sofas bookending simply decorated tables, and some smaller tables with chairs along the edges of the room. The walls are lined with bookshelves, most with books in them, which we liked. The room is dimly lit, but it never felt dark. There are large windows lining one wall. Our server was wonderful. She was very friendly and knowledgeable, but not overbearing. For our meal, we ordered: -Kobe beef sliders -20oz prime bone-in ribeye (one each) -creamed spinach -truffle mac & cheese -the waitress also sent us (gratis) the truffle mashed potatoes, which we had asked about but not ordered We loved the kobe beef sliders, the steak, and the creamed spinach. Not surprisingly, they really know how to cook beef. I was surprised by the creamed spinach (not normally something I would order), but it was delicious. We did not enjoy the mac and cheese and the mashed potatoes. It may have been the truffle oil, but both dishes tasted overwhelmingly salty. There was also a lot of oil in both dishes--made clear the next day when we reheated our leftovers and found a pool of oil around the mashed potatoes (we couldn't finish about half of our meal--it was a lot of food!) Ultimately, we would have preferred more subtle side dishes to complement the steak.
(4)
B M.
We had reservations for 9:15 on a Friday. After deciding on Thursday that we wanted a good steak dinner we read a few reviews and tried to get a table at Capitol Grille... however they were booked. I think this turned out to be a good thing. We fell in love with Barclay Prime! We were a few minutes early and were seated just about the time of our reservation. The staff was helpful, courteous, and unassuming. We had never been to Barclay Prime before and hadn't read too many reviews or seen photos. We were pleasantly surprised by the simple, tasteful decor. It felt like you were in someone's home... but fancy. We loved the armchairs at our table for two and really enjoyed checking out the book titles that lined the shelves. The music also was perfect - that retro Americana that is part mod-60s and part timeless. Our server, Jason A, was great. He suggested a few things on menu, had excellent recommendations for sauce and side order pairings. We didn't feel any pressure to "up order," either, which is always a plus. We started our meal with a gruyere and chive popover (the bread of the night) and delicious salted butter. These popovers were so light and airy - but also filling! I only ate half of mine and wish I had thought to bring it home with me! Jason also bought over a selection of knives for us to choose from... something different and surprising but still fun! I ordered the 8 oz. filet with the bernaise sauce on the side. Jason had recommend the bernaise as best with the filet... I felt it was a bit too sweet and was glad that he had recommended it on the side. The potatoes au gratin were phenomenal and such a huge portion. I am eating the leftovers as I type and they are just as good re-heated! I was really pleased with the price of the 8 oz. filet - at $35 I felt it was very reasonable. He had the dry-aged rib eye...YUM. Perfect sear. So delicious... I was a little jealous! He also had the creamed spinach. When he didn't finish Jason recommend an excellent next-morning omelette creation with the creamed spinach. Sounded great! We opted our of dessert... but enjoyed complimentary hazlenut truffles with a salted caramel center. I would recommend Barclay Prime to anyone wanting a great meal, fun atmosphere, and reasonable upscale pricing. We will be back... I kind of want to try that $100 cheesesteak!
(5)
Jim D.
Next to Gibson's in Chicago, one of my all time favorite steak houses. Most of the ingredients are local and extremely fresh. I recommend the bone in filet if you're going for steak, but the seafood choices are equally as good. The menu is seasonal and many of the sides/appetizers change regularly. The dinner rolls are dreamy and resemble a huge Yorkshire pudding. The service is outstanding.
(5)
Le L.
I've been here a few times with my boyfriend and the food and service is excellent. It's pretty cute and cozy in there but just a little too dim. I like to see what I am eating.... The fried green tomatoes and bacon wrapped scallops is a great start. Kobe sliders were pretty good. They have the best Kobe Filet.... Super lean and tender. The Lamb was tasty too. The sides were pretty good (except for the gi'normous asparagus) The dessert is just as good and any other Steven Starr restaurants. Beware.... your bill will add up, but the food and service is well worth the experience. (you also get to choose you own steak knife)
(4)
Lizzie L.
All steakhouses are not created equal. Dinning at Barclay Prime is an experience of a lifetime. From the moment we walked in the library style bar we knew we were in for a treat. We felt transported back to the mid century Mad Men days with low velour contemporary seating and built in wood paneling bookcases. The ambiance is swanky yet classic with an air of haute intellectualism, perhaps simply from all the shelved hardbacks. Perfect place to don your little black dress or blazer and cozy up on a love seat or share a dimly lit romantic meal. Even if the vibe may seem high brow, the staff are down to earth and seem devoted to serving up authentic conversation and to making the meal easy and stress free. The culinary classics are executed so well. The poached buttered lobster melts in your mouth as much as the tender Wagyu steak. Try it medium rare puhleese! The creamed spinach is a spoonful of heaven. The cocktails are shaken to perfection and the wine selection accommodates even the novice palate. Bonus there are an assortment of exceptional steak knives served table side for your selection. Of course this experience comes at a cost. Entrees are close to $100 give or take. Worth the splurge for any special occasion or to seal that business deal. I will be dreaming of next time. Bon appetite!
(5)
Sultan M.
First off, I didn't order the $100 Cheesesteak. My dinner companion did and couldn't finish it (which, as a former football player is saying something). Truffle Mac n Cheese, Tater Totes and a very nice filet. Excellent - truly excellent. On top of that, the bartender made 2 absolutely perfect cocktails for me. He made the drinks and brought them out each time himself and made sure I was happy with them before going back. Only downside - holy @#$@#$ is it expensive. 2 people, a few drinks and dinner and we were pushing $400. In NYC, Tokyo, London or Singapore I wouldn't blink (and I haven't), but in Philly it was a bit shocking. Still, looking back, it was totally worth it. Wish I'd taken pictures but I was too busy enjoying myself.
(4)
Dave S.
Beautiful Room! Great Service! Lamb Chop is amazing! Hot Popovers served gratis before each meal with soft butter--I could have eaten three of them but then I wouldnt have been able to finish my lamb. The $100 cheesesteak was NOT good! However, they happily took it off the bill when they saw we left half of it on the plate hence the 5 stars. Perfect food is nice but even better is when something is not perfect and they correct it immediately with a smile.
(5)
Paul C.
I'm a huge steak fan...we got porterhouse, rib eye, bone in filet, beef tartar, scallops, asparagus, tater tots, few cocktails, chocolate caramel cake, and bottle of wine... Good: beef tartar, scallops, chocolate caramel cake Average: all the steaks, asparagus, tater tots, Service Bad: Cocktails, Over priced wine... Perhaps my expectations were too high...but considering this place cost more than Capital Grille...i expected to be better... I'm definitely not going back here again...
(3)
Kimberly Y.
Sorry this review is so long, but I just want to rave about the amazing experience I had here... one of the best steaks I've ever had, with great service and a cozy atmosphere to go along with it! Although there wasn't much decor, I enjoyed the minimalistic atmosphere. There were a few wooden bookshelves and the most comfortable couches to dine on! Definitely the nicest seating I've ever had at a restaurant. I'm short, and the table wasn't too tall for me, which was awesome. Each table had quite a bit of space to itself, too. The food was delicious, and each portion was considerably large. Two friends and I ordered the 50 oz tomahawk ribeye ($85), caesar salad ($12), and fingerling potatoes with aioli ($10), ringing the check up to ONLY $36/person + tax + tip! * Caesar salad: I was a little irritated that my friend had ordered the caesar salad of all things since pretty much every restaurant serves caesar salad, but wow, Barclay Prime's caesar salad delivered! And only for $12, which some very meh places can almost get up to since salads are so expensive for some reason. The caesar dressing was just right--not too tangy or creamy, but with great flavor--and the lettuce was fresh. * Seafood cocktail: Since our steak was 50 oz (in one piece!), it took forever to cook. Barclay Prime gave us a complimentary seafood cocktail for waiting, which obviously made us all very happy! Without it, it would definitely have been a long and hungry wait for the steak. * Tomahawk ribeye: When the steak finally came out, I was pleasantly surprised that even though the steak was so thick, all the meat was still juicy! (I did not have that experience at Butcher & Singer the one time I went.) The steak was a little undercooked in the middle since it was extremely thick, so we mentioned it to the waiter, and he kindly took those pieces back to cook some more. My two friends said this was definitely the best steak they've ever had, and it was definitely up there for me. * Fingerling potatoes: The potatoes were pretty good, but not as outstanding as the rest of the food we had. We were already full by the time we got to it anyway. The next time I come, I may just get an appetizer and a 50 oz ribeye. * We were too full for dessert, but the server gave us a few caramel chocolate truffles anyway. Server did not push us to order more than we wanted to. At the end of the meal, we mentioned we were so full, and the waiter mentioned that some people eat the entire 50 oz steak by themselves. But he seemed to be fine with how much we had ordered in the beginning + the 2 freebies, so that was great. He stopped by decently often and was very accommodating!
(5)
Elyse K.
Hands down - Best restaurant ever. Be prepared to spend a pretty penny but it will be well worth it. The food is amazing. And the service is extraordinary both knowledgable and helpful.
(5)
Shel K.
It's been 2 days since our recent dinner and I'm still full! My favorite specialty cocktail was their Love Triangle and my favorite appetizer was the Foie Gras (we also had the beef tartare and crab cake). For entrees I ordered their infamous cheesesteak and my husband ordered the 24oz dry aged porterhouse. They were both cooked incredibly well. I love being able to choose our own steak knives. My husband chose the German one (the name escapes me right now) since he said the tip of the knife would help him de-bone the porterhouse and I chose the samurai throwing one for no specific reason. Haha. The fried artichoke side was different (but not bad) and the truffle mac&cheese was good. For dessert we went with the toasted chocolate smores and the coconut cream pie. The smores is an indulgently rich dessert and the coconut cream pie was the perfectly lighter pair of the two. Celebrating many special occasions here, this is certainly our favorite restaurant around the Philadelphia/South Jersey area.
(5)
Chris B.
One of my favorite steakhouses on the east coast. Great service and atmosphere.
(5)
Daniel T.
This place has one of the most extensive and expensive wine lists ever. The ambiance is classy and romantic. The interior is a mix between classic and modern. The menu is not too long but includes many delicious items. My date and I enjoyed the scallop appetizer and had the infamous cheesesteak and sea bass as our main courses. We had sorbet/ice cream for desert. The scallops and sea bass were both excellent. Scallops were huge and well-cooked & the sea bass was the best I've had outside of a Japanese establishment. The cheesesteak was alright. Way too greasy, could not really taste the wagyu. I guess it's cool to try once but I would not order it again. Definitely would rather pay for a wagyu filet so I can actually enjoy it.
Best steak house in Philadelphia... I have been here several times for several different occasions. I have never been disappointed. My favorite place to take clients. They always leave with a good lasting impression.
(5)
Dana S.
Best kept secret is their Happy Hour! Good snacks and drinks!
(4)
Tony M.
Barclay Prime is what you would expect from a fine steakhouse: great service and excellent steaks and food. I thought the steaks lacked a little seasoning. Highlights of the meal were the sliders app and s'mores dessert. The worst part of the experience were the chairs! They were extremely uncomfortable. Overall, the decor needs a little help.
(4)
Inna L.
I can't believe how disappointed I was. I'm sure it has a lot to do with what you actually order as I didn't have steaks. The $100 cheese steak has been on my bucket list and I absolutely wanted to cross it off. We ordered two cocktails to start which were both delicious. The service was impeccable. The inside is cute enough but it felt like an old cigar club to me, which isn't necessarily a problem. My disappointment was specifically in the food. We ordered the half lobster chilled appetizer. It was fine. Nothing spectacular and to be honest it's hard to ruin lobster. It was chilled, which is also fine but I don't know if that's what made it taste a bit dry? I've seen other review mention the butter poached lobster. I imagine they switch up their menu a bit and I would have probably preferred to do that. As a main course we split the infamous cheesesteak and got the onion shoestring onions as a side. Now I've looked up the cheesesteak so I'm fully aware of what goes into it. The roll... a sesame seeded roll claimed to be made at their sister location parc fresh daily. Ok fresh bread, great. Not spectacular by any means. And with all due respect for the reputation and the cost I expect spectacular. I took the top half of the bread off. Tasted like any other roll I've ever had, and I would not be pressured to say I've had better. Baked fresh daily is not a huge accomplishment; I could've bought the roll at the grocery store and not known the difference. The steak is made with Wagu beef. Wagu beef is one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted and again pretty hard to ruin. When you chop up such a succulent flavorful piece of meat into a grainy pulp and dilute it with a bucket of sauce it loses its appeal. It was good, but again not that good. For something like this I would almost think you can retain the flavor by doing a pats/ginos type of presentation and keep it in big chunks. The cheesesteak was supposed to have foie gras on top. We avoided getting foie gras as an appetizer with the expectation that we would have some in the entre. If there was foie gras in the cheesesteak I promise you it's completely undetectable. Then there are the French chesses and truffles on top. This was quite possibly the only thing you can actually taste in the cheese steak. Holy hell the whole thing was basically liquid, seriously it was so overwhelming and greasy I had a difficult time digesting it (honestly I got food poisoning... I'll spare the details). The steak was fine, it was edible and you can kind of pick out the flavors, but it tasted like a greasy fatty mess. Overall its more than enough to share for two people and maybe even 4 because we each ate the second piece out of pure gluttony. The shoestring onions were a huge flop. I am a huge fan of the shoestring fries at the continental and expected something similar. The shoestring onions are basically long thin onion rings (I get it expected) but if you don't eat them in the first minute they get super greasy. Again had better at dinners. Avoid this side it was just plain not good. Also the $100 cheesteak is actually $120 and comes with a half bottle of champagne. I guess they had to do something to raise the appeal? I don't doubt the quality of this restaurant at all... just saying maybe watch what to order. Maybe they should just stick to steaks?
(3)
Gary G.
Top notch. Its pretty awesome when they bring out a pillow thing with different knives for you to choose. I went with the samurai style knife..kung fu'd the shit out of my steak. Great restaurant w great service
(5)
Katherine M.
After getting a gift card for our birthday suggesting we go and get the $100 cheesesteak, we decided to go for it and reserve here. The atmosphere is interesting - like you are in a 1960s book lounge. It's also incredibly dark. I suppose that's nice, but it feels weird that in my 20s I'm thinking 'damn, I wish I could see this thing I am eating'. The chairs we got were comfortable, and being seated along a wall, I had a little bookshelf to put my clutch on which I liked. Service was fantastic. Like downright amazing. I chose to get a cocktail, which was amazing, to start off with. Their drinks seem well thought out, and the cocktail I ordered (Ophelia's something or the other) proved that to me at least. We got the truffle mac and cheese as an appetizer. I'd say it's OK - a little thin, and definitely not the best I've had in terms of higher-end mac and cheeses. We weren't overly impressed. The cheesesteak? We ate half of it, and I'm sad to say, the other half was wasted. It was strangely rich. At first, it was good, then the textures and flavors started to not be ok together, especially as it cooled on the plate. It seems their steaks are better, and I would suggest going that way. The champagne that comes alongside, though, was amazing. As an end, we got a descontructed s'more for dessert. It was delicious and the best part of the meal. We decided they were really good at sweets (the dessert and fairly sugary cocktail were the highlights). Would I go back? Maybe? I wouldn't jump for joy to go back, but I wouldn't say no. The food just wasn't all it was made up to be, especially not for the price. Atmosphere and service though - amazing and perfect.
(3)
Vincent D.
Plain and simple - Barclay Prime is the best restaurant in Philadelphia. Their service is exactly what you would expect from a five star restaurant and the quality of food is unmatched, plus what other restaurant allows you to select your own unique steak knife. I've eaten at gourmet restaurants across the country and throughout Europe - I can easily say that Barclay Prime's Wagyu Filet is the best piece of steak I've ever had. Just make sure you don't fill up on the bread turnovers (it's hard not to).
(5)
Gordon R.
The first time I realized I was rich was Dinner at Barclay Prime. I'm not kidding. We went on a double date anniversary splurge walked in without reservations and spent a grand without blinking. Insane, but we'll never forget it. Flawless service from beginning to end. Again, you should always let the staff know why you're there! We had every appetizer and paired it with 3 wines that made us feel in heaven. If you want to really have a good time order steak. Order things you won't make at home. Mac & Cheese? Okay it was amazing, but if you balk at the prices - you'll resent it forever. Let go and just enjoy the fact that Barclay has been doing it right forever and will continue to be a Rittenhouse staple. I'm making it a point to make an annual pilgrimage home to Philly AND Barclay Prime now. This is the kind of place you take someone you need to impress. And you will. *Wink*
(5)
Richie A.
Went here with my fiance and had a great time. The steak was superb and the atmosphere was very calm. If you want to impress your other and not disappoint your taste buds then you must come here. If you are a true philadelpgian you will eat the $150 cheese steak. Yum!
(5)
Trisha G.
Trendy restaurant with exceptional service and food. Our waiter was by far one of the most attentive we have had in fine dining experience. My husband and I started with the $98 caviar - which although small, blows your tastebuds away. We then went onto the foie gras appetizer, which I think was around $30 and very tasty. My husband really wanted to try to the $100 cheesesteak (which turned out to be highly overrated and overpriced). You are much better going with the steak here - our mouths were gushing seeing some of the freshest steaks going to nearby tables. For the price and difference in the look of the foods, you are much better off going with a fish or steak dish. I got the salmon - very flavorful and nice sized dish - very good pricing. This is definitely a pot my husband and I will visit again soon!!
(5)
H M.
DELISH as always... OMG... From the pop overs, tuna crudo, steak tar tar, fried artichokes, truffle Mac & cheese, 18oz prime and filet... Great service, food was cooked to perfection, fantastic atmosphere. Very she-she without feeling pretentious! Love me some BP!
(5)
Allison B.
My fiance took me to Barclay Prime to celebrate my 26th birthday. I desperately wanted to go to a steakhouse, but was a little concerned Barclay Prime wouldn't live up to expectations (or its price tag). Don't worry, it did. AMBIANCE Think super swanky Mad Men-era fine dining. Cushy cozy leather seats, marble tables, built-in bookshelves and lots of muted greens, yellows and oranges. Dim lighting and tiny candles. High as heaven ceilings and crystal chandeliers. The Brady Bunch goes to Vegas. FOOD Complimentary popovers were the best Pillsbury croissant you ever tasted, served warm with room temp salty butter. Smother that shit. Zack and I loved the tuna tartare appetizer, which was rich and meaty while maintaining lightness with a lemony vinaigrette. Excellent. I had the filet mignon and Zack indulged in 16 ounces (that's a pound, people) of dry aged NY Strip. Medium rare for both of us, the meat was insanely tender. The dry aged steak had a really unique super flavor- I would definitely recommend it. Truffle whipped potatoes and broccoli rabe were our sides, and damn did we choose well. The richness of the potatoes cut through the bitter garlicky goodness of the rabe perfectly. DRINKS We shared the least expensive bottle of red (Malbec, $48). Very good. SERVICE Choosing our knives was silly, but fun. Pretty handles for everyone! Our server knew it was my birthday and while we passed on dessert because we were already so satisfied, he brought out two caramel truffles with a birthday candle, plus a mini-cake (!!) in a to-go box. Really nice. Barclay Prime is a special occasion place. Get dressed up and enjoy every bite.
(5)
Julia L.
Joe had lost a bet with me and I had my pick of Philly restaurants and chose Barclay Prime steakhouse since I've never been. We were seated in a gorgeous dining area, very modern vibe to it. As Joe and I poured over the menu, they brought out these pop-overs with gruyere cheese in the middle. Amazing! I ended up getting 2! I saw lobster bisque on the menu and had to order it. The lobster bisque was good, but not great. The restaurant was very nice and split our order into 2 bowls so that we would have an easier time eating. The wagyu steak on the menu was over $100 so to experience the wagyu beef, we got an order of the sliders. The sliders were amazing, tender and juicy. Joe ordered the 18 oz Gachot & Gachot prime dry aged ribeye. Joe likes his steak medium-rare. He thoroughly enjoyed his rib-eye. We got the side order of truffle mac and cheese. I had really high expectations for this dish because it had great reviews online. However, when we got it, it was super bland. I was disappointed to say the least. I had the 28 day dry aged NY strip steak. It was delicious and I thoroughly enjoyed my steak.
(5)
Liz C.
Fellow mere mortals, I have good news: you can have a very satisfying meal at Barclay Prime and not go bankrupt. My husband and I had: Popovers (free, and the best baked good you will ever eat) Caesar salad (huge!) and wedge salad, each around $12 Three delish glasses of wine about $15 a pop 8 oz filet for me, rib eye for him Mashed potatoes and mushrooms (both delish!!) All said and done, the bill was $250 and the meal was well worth it. My husband said it was definitely one of the best steaks he's ever had. The service is excellent, decor is cool, and the chairs are comfy enough to make me consider a nap mid-meal.
(5)
Y. Isabel L.
My boyfriend and I came here for our 5 year anniversary. Barclay Prime does not disappoint. Everything that was placed on our table was great. I had the $100 cheese steak and it was the best cheese steak I've ever had! Was it worth the price tag? Probably not, but it's one of those things where you want to experience it once. We also ordered the crabcakes...AMAZING! My boyfriend had the steak, which was thick cut. We didn't quite expect that, but it was still pretty good. The service was EXCELLENT!
(5)
Caroline R.
Barclay Prime is by far one of the greatest restaurants Philly has to offer. The food is amazing - best steak I have ever had - and the service is impeccable. I've eaten here several times now and the quality of the food and service is consistent and you will always have an amazing time. Try to save room for dessert - they are delicious!!!
(5)
Dave H.
This is far and away the best steakhouse in Philadelphia. The steaks are exceptionally high quality and very well seasoned (something many other steakhouses fall short on). Aside from that, everything on their menu is incredibly good.
Everything that's been said about this place is true. It's delicious and amazing. The decor is stylish, the food delish, the ambiance... a bit loud even when relatively empty on a Tuesday night. The popovers were amazing as all pop overs should be, unfortunately mine was a bit on the cold side so it didn't feel quite out of the oven. We ordered beef tartar as a starter. It came seasoned deliciously with some interesting crispy tempura type of topping on top with 4 sliced bread style crackers, there were definitely not enough crackers, 6 would've been perfect. I had the 28 day aged ny strip steak and my date had the 12 oz fillet mignon, both cooked a nice medium rare (more rare than medium). The cuts were thick slabs of meat. The NY strip had a nice salt crust and flavor whereas the fillet was more a mild taste but melt in your mouth tender. This was a delicious meal that we were unable to finish. 12 and 16 oz seem less on paper than on your plate.
(5)
Matthew D.
This place was fabulous. the decor is elegant, simple, and modern. i enjoyed the leather lounge chairs, the chandeliers, and the bookcases that line this wonderful space. but the food is why people come . . . . And i think i would say it was the best steak that we have ever had. it is hard to say if it was really the best steak - or my taste buds were swayed by all the hype. we got the potterhouse. it was cooked to perfection. also got the macorini and cheese with truffles (wasn't that impressed). the asparagus (a little stringy), and some mushroom appetizer with pasta (amazing), wedge salad (hit the mark) and a mouse like desert/pie, can't remember the name (that was exeptional) overall - the steaks, pasta with mushrooms, and desert were outstanding (some of the best i could ask for) the macorini and cheese wth truffles was ok the wedge salad was adequate the asparagus was stringy - not good everything should be perfect with the price tag attached. as a result, i wouldn't go back, but enjoyed the one time expereince........
(4)
Naomi B.
I've dined here for a recent birthday celebration with a party of four and my experience there cannot even be compared to what I shall write, even though I will try. Our waiter was a sweetheart, explaining the menu to us, recommending a few dishes; and drinks that went with it. The truffle mac and cheese was phenomenal, as well as the ahi tuna I've also ordered. The steak (medium, what else?) was so deliciously made, I wanted to kiss the chef that made it. When it came time to pay the bill, our waiter remembered it was two of my parties birthday and surprised us with a delicious cake, wishing them both well. I'll definitely come back again soon.
(5)
Acer V.
Went on a Saturday night and it was packed - service was superb as if we were the only people there. This was my fifth time there and it was time to give kudos. Foie Gras was amazing, the ribeye perfect. If you haven't ordered the wedge salad, you must! Atmosphere is mesmerizing, welcoming and warm. very hard to leave this place after the amazing food and service.
(5)
Sarah K.
I still love this place, even though it wasn't as amazing as I last remembered. I was last here 2 years ago and thinking back fondly might have heightened my expectations - especially in terms of service. I had a reservation for 5 at 8:30 PM on a Friday night. While a member of my party was struggling to find parking, but within the vicinity, we were not seated until he had arrived. Even so, it actually seemed like they were struggling to find an open table for us, despite our reservation. The hostesses were extremely polite regardless. When we were seated, we were greeted and shown the drink menu and asked what type of water we'd like. Then with a server came by and dropped down some popovers and 2 ramekins of salted butter without a word and left. Entrees took a very long time to come out - which I think is a standard with Barclay Prime. Even so, before our entrees, a server came by with a platter of knives for us to choose. Unlike last time, our server did not describe the type of knives, which was a little disappointing - but perhaps it was because we had told the server we had been here before? A server came by to refill our water a few times, and when we asked for our food to be packed up, only the left over steak was packed (not the sides). I understand sides would probably not be as good later, but it was still a little irksome, as the food here is expensive. The food itself is great! My mother had a filet mignon, I had the 28 day dry aged new york strip, and my brother and father each had a gachot & gachot prime ribeye, and my sister had the branzino. I liked the dishes in that order - the filet mignon was incredibly tender. The new york strip and the ribeye were similar in terms of texture and taste. We also ordered creamed spinach, whipped potatoes, and truffle mac and cheese - all of which were extremely heavy and decadent. I'm not sure what kind of truffles they put in the mac and cheese, but it tasted like aged cheese. So far, especially when considering the price, it was a pretty standard nice, steak meal. Dessert was what blew us away - I ordered the s'more dessert and did not regret it one bit! The graham cracker ice cream was amazing, especially with the warm, luxuriously dense, chocolate lava cake. It's a little funny that the best part of our steak meal was the dessert. This place is extremely expensive, so I wouldn't come here except to splurge on an especially significant occasion. Otherwise, this place has extremely polite and refined service, a beautiful and modern interior (green couches, marble tables, and wooden bookshelves), and mouth watering food. By no exception is it different from other Stephen Starr restaurants - pricey, beautifully decorated, well themed, with tasty food.
(5)
Peter N.
This is one comfortable restaurant. Their steaks are really good and they have large cuts for us with big appetites. My waiter was very knowledgeable about bourbon and cocktails. The amazing thing about this restaurant is the seating. They are large single leather seats that have rollers beneath . The lighting is very comforting and makes you forget you are in Philly. The service is worth the price tag on the money.
(4)
Michael B.
Barclay Prime is a fantastic overall experience. The food is excellent, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the service is even better. There is an elegant bar when you walk in where you can have a great drink or two before dinner. The dining room has a modern edge to it that makes you feel a bit like a celebrity. It is an expensive place, but I would imagine most people would save it for a special occasion, and it is absolutely worth it if you are looking for a great steak and a good time. The only reason I did not give it five stars is because I am a snob, and have experienced some of the best steakhouses around, and honestly, there are better steaks out there at other steakhouses. However, that is my foodie self talking. If your looking for top tier food, and a great overall experience, this is your place!
(4)
Matt C.
Very fun restaurant. Awesome ambiance, beautiful dining room, exceptional service. The wait staff is not only on point but also fun - blending themselves into your dining experience with wit, humor, and knowledge of the menu without ever seeming obtrusive... They bring out a selection of spectacular steak knives for you to choose from, also a really fun part of the meal that adds to the vibe. Hands down the best side dishes I've ever had at a steak house. The kobe beef tartare is crazy good. The truffle mashed potatoes blew my mind. The truffle mac & cheese is phenomenal. Hell, even the creamed spinache was some of the best I've ever had. Every one of their steak sauces is exceptional as well. The only thing that didn't blow my mind about Barclay Prime? The steak! That was very odd for me, being everything else is at such an elite level. The steaks are good enough to justify coming here for the overall dining experience or for a fun night out, but if you're hunting for the best steak money can buy you can definitely do better.
(5)
S P.
Great Service, great food. A great place in Center City, that feels like you are in a world class city.
(5)
Robert S.
Not worth it! Service with an attitude, good but not great food, and at $300 for two people I was hoping for a lot more.
(2)
Maxim M.
My experience was consistent with other Yelpers. Kobe sliders are awesome. Truffle mashed potatoes were probably the best I ever had. Mushroom side was good but was overshadowed by the other food. The 20oz Rib Eye was cooked perfectly and is easily shared by two people, unless you are from Texas. Prices are very high both for the food and the wine list. If someone else is paying or you are not counting, easily 5 stars. Highly Recommended. Food: 5/5 Drinks: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Decor: 4/5 Bang 4 the $: 2.5/5 Must try: Kobe Sliders & Truffle Mashed Potatoes Will come back: Yes (if someone else is paying)
(4)
Nando F.
Did you ever just want to go to a respectable upscale types of place like Barclay and just say to the waiter/waitress : I want a T-bone steak, cheese eggs and Welch's grape? I find myself wanting to say that every time I know of a spot that is nothing but top notch in the dinning scene. You never know they might know the lyrics to "Big Poppa" by Notorious B.I.G. and hit you with a line. Barclay has that warm relax feel to it. A comfortable vibe to it , with a decor like no other. Barclay is well basically sexy , the decor is definitely unique with the lounge style tables and chairs. I haven't seen any other establishment like this they way they have things set up. Barclay has 3 different dinning areas, and all 3 have a different style to it, all leading back to that word again, what was it again, I know ... Sexy! The drinks were flowing, with a great friend by my side as our evening couldn't get any better, but it does. The food , the food that Barclay puts out words simply can not express the enjoyment you are about to encounter. What will be heard is slight little moans , because once those flavors hit your taste buds it's an instant rush of satisfaction. The wine has been poured, now lets dive into this starting with the appetizer. Appetizer: Alaskan King Crab- This was nicely cut down the center with each piece full of meat. Cold and fresh with the different dipping provided I highly recommend this. You'll get the same enjoyment from it as I did. Our entree was a 10 oz. Satsuma Wagyu NY Strip steak , which was prepped Pittsburgh style. Simply the best steak I have ever had in my life. Every bite I would take would simply just melt in my mouth. My mouth is watering as I write about it, along with some of the sauces they provide for you. Out of the sauces we went with a bearnaise and a horseradish crème fraîche. I am telling you this clearly put my taste buds into a full tilt, and yes I was turning this into an "R" rated experience with moans of pleasure with every bite. If you are curious what "Wagyu" is , this is cattle that was imported from Japan. A sort of Kobe beef, but with a lot more to it. Basically these types of cattle have been massaged through their life seeing the the areas where they would breed the space was limited. Wagyu has some intense marbling and to producing a high percentage of oleaginous unsaturated fat. The meat from such wagyu cattle is known for its quality. Clearly worth every penny as it melts in your mouth. I can't wait to come back here again and enjoy another fantastic meal.
(5)
Magen S.
Dined here on a Thursday evening around 7pm. We had a reservation booked ahead of time so we did not have to wait. The ambiance is great, as my guests put it, the decor reminds them of Mad Men. Food was delicious. Ordered the lobster bisque soup first, which is perfect with the cheese popover complimentary to all guests. The lobster chunks were delicious. On to the steak, ordered the 12 oz prime filet mignon medium. Cooked to perfection with exceptional flavor. The quality of their beef is top notch, probably the best in Philadelphia. Our table ordered a bunch of sides including the artichokes, broccoli, mash potatoes, truffle mac and cheese. All were delish, I just was in awe over the steak so I didn't take note of my favourite side. Finished off with raspberry sorbet which was light and delicious after a large meal. Service - our waiter carefully explained the entire menu and offered suggestions for splitting appetizers and sides since we had a large party. The menu is pricey, but it's worth it if you can afford. The next time I'm here I'd definitely like to try the wagyu beef!
(5)
Tyrone D. S.
I'm working my way through the Forbes List Top 20 Steakhouses and while some restaurants on the list disappoint Barclay's did not. The ambiance, service and food quality all exceeded my expectations. Barclay Prime easily makes it into my Top 5. 1) Prime 112 2) Pappas Bros. 3) Peter Luger 4) Barclay Prime 5) Gibsons 6) St. Elmo 7) House of Prime 8) Carnevino 9) Killen's 10) Dickie Brennan's - no dry aged steaks wtf! Weights Food - 50% Service - 30% Ambiance - 20% Technically not a steakhouse, House of Prime, was included in the Forbes List.
(5)
Abby S.
Barclay Prime, wow. Took my bf here for his birthday, it was delicious and beautiful from the start! We started with martinis, yum. The service was fabulous as well. We then got taken to our table. We started with the Yellowtail Hamachi and scallops, both were so delicious. Next we each had a salad which was cold and perfect. The popovers, holy wow. That's really all I can say about them, they were also served with salted butter which was a perfect compliment. The most fun part about Barclay Prime is choosing which knife you want to use with your steak. You feel very special and like a VIP being presented with beautiful options. I had the filet which was perfect. Ended the night with complimentary sweets for the bf's birthday which was super nice. Can't wait to go back here!
(5)
Jeff M.
Not good. I had always wanted to go to Barclay Prime while at Villanova. When I finally got there 10 years afterwards, I was extremely disappointed. First, the library ambiance is weird. And the service was unpolished and kind of douchey. The caesar salad was good to my taste because the dressing was very light. The meal went downhill from here. I feel like that with a group of three guys that we could have been warned that the side asparagus only included 10 asparagus... so much for getting our veggies in. The au gratin potatoes were very creamy and seemed cheap because of the dried oregano in them. A sirloin medium rare came out medium and the under seasoned tomahawk ribeye asked for medium came out medium rare. We didn't figure out how to return a pre-cut steak to a d-bag server. Adding to the disaster the slices were not even cut evenly. The table next to us had to send their steak back. Was this amateur night?
(1)
John K.
A few weeks back, the GF and I were in the mood for steak and more importantly, we were looking to celebrate our 4th anniversary together. So, we thought it was high time that we finally tried Barclay Prime. Starr restaurants are always spot on in terms of vibe and design. Expect no less from Barclay Prime, which is highly emblematic of the Mad Men era. Power lunches and expense account meals are to be enjoyed here. Seating is extremely comfortable - you feel as though you're lounging and that's not a bad thing! Ophelia's Fizz [$15] Ketel One orange vodka, prosecco, muddled strawberry & basil We had some bubbly back at home and considering the markups, we opted for a few cocktails for dinner in lieu of a bottle of vino. The GF went with the effervescent vodka sparkler, which was perfect for her. Not cloyingly sweet with the muddled strawberry, the herbaceousness of the basil really shined through each sip. The Stamford Bridge [$16] Woodford Reserve, Bodegas Toro Albala PX Gran Reserva, black licorice & orange-tea infused dolin blanc vermouth I enjoyed the bourbon-based tipple, which featured an everyday drinking favorite - Woodford Reserve. A Spanish desert wine backed up the bourbon with deep aromas of caramel and toffee. Very nice. Popover Gruyere Who doesn't love a popover to start your meal a la BLT Steak or Sbraga? This was one of the best I've had - crispy exterior studded with gruyere, with an inside that was light and fluffy. Perfectly paired with a pat of room-temp butter (thank the heavens!) topped with fleur de sel. Alaskan King Crab Cocktail [$29] Cocktail sauce While this is a hefty $13.50 a leg, the king crab was cooked perfectly and was delicious. No seasoning or cocktail sauce needed here - just a small spritz of lemon to enjoy the sweet meat. Maine Diver Scallops [$18] Cauliflower couscous, marcona almond, romesco The GF had the scallops, which were seared properly and were tender within. The accoutrements took an interesting Middle Eastern turn with some cumin interspersed within the cauliflower couscous, which had great texture. The romesco added some brightness and the marcona almonds provided richness and additional texture to each bite. Foie Gras [$25] Quince terrine, mustard greens, sherry sauce Unsurprisingly, I went with the foie, which featured a small, but perfectly seared lobe of lusciousness. The quince terrine was great, featuring interesting texture and a subtly sweet countervailing element to the heft of the foie. The mustard greens provided some contrast as well. And from there, it was on to the steaks! You know it's time when the knives are presented, each with its own back story. The GF and I opted to go with the Samurai and Porsche design, respectively. 12 oz. Prime Filet Mignon [$53] With her weapon firmly secured, the GF had the right tools to enjoy her prime beef filet. While there wasn't much seasoning here, the steak was properly charred and came as requested - medium. A pickled red onion and watercress salad appears to come with your steak. 18 oz. 28-Day Dry-Aged Prime Ribeye [$51] I almost went with the 50 oz tomahawk, but decided to take it down a notch and opted for the dry-aged ribeye. Ordered medium-rare, this had great beefiness, with enough marbling throughout. I could have used a bit more seasoning, but the quality of the beef was undeniable. Tater Tots [$11] The tater tots had to be ordered - they were crispy on the outside with a creamy texture that had great chive flavor within. Easy to enjoy. Truffle Mac & Cheese [$18] The truffle mac and cheese was a no-brainer as well. Barclay Prime might very well offer my favorite version of mac and cheese. Bonus? They did not overdo it with the truffle oil. The secret to their cheese sauce? It's literally the MAC - mascarpone, asiago, and cheddar. The sweetness of the mascarpone was understated, but definitely provided a contrasting element to the sharp cheddar and salty asiago. In addition to al dente cavatappi nestling the cheese sauce perfectly, there was a nice crunchy crumble on top that almost popped in your mouth with each bite. Tiny broccoli florets were sparingly studded in the dish as well A must order. And as we moved on to dessert, Nicole came out with some champagne to toast our special night, compliments of the house. Much appreciated! Toasted Chocolate S'Mores [$10] Back in 2013, I saw Pastry Chef Christina Diekewicz create the toasted chocolate s'mores at the Rittenhouse Row Festival . So naturally, we opted for this dessert. The ice cream was the true star for me, studded with graham cracker crumbles and had a lusciousness that complemented the molten chocolate cake topped with s'mores marshmallow. Delicious. The pastry chef also sent out some star-shaped chocolate short-bread cookies.And a tiny chocolate cake to enjoy at home. What a nice touch! So if you're looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a steak-night out - do stop by!
(5)
Krina S.
Oh. My. Goodness. If you want a serious date night with amazing food, go ahead and make a reservation here. The restaurant is gorgeous; dimly lit, chandeliers everywhere, dark brown wood shelves with books, deep cushioned seats, etc. We got some filet steaks, the truffle macaroni, and whipped potatoes. All were delectable. I venture to say everything else on the menu is too.
(5)
Phillip L.
The long trail of 5-star reviews for this establishment is well deserved. The location along Rittenhouse Square is convenient and provides for a nice option for a pre or post-dinner walk, and there is a parking lot (paid of course) that is just across the street south of the restaurant, which made for a very convenient arrival. Upon entering the restaurant, the maitre de greeted us and we were promptly shown to our table. I was actually enjoying the ambiance of the front bar area as we were walking through towards the dining room, and would eagerly try that if I were stopping in solo or meeting for drinks, but we were seated so quickly that I didn't pause there. Bread service was terrific -- I would describe it as a puff with a crispy shell and a hallow inside, perfect for buttering with the salted butter that accompanied it. For appetizers we tried the crab cakes and scallops. Both were phenomenal. The crab cakes were fried just enough to have a golden brown surface, were filled with tasty crab, and I detected no filler of any kind. For dinner I tried the 18oz Ribeye, and the table shared sauteed mushrooms and scalloped potatoes. The ribeye came out prepared precisely the way that I had requested. The mushrooms were delicious, that dish was cleaned bare by the time dinner was over. For dessert our table of three shared a warm cookie (3 kinds) in a skillet, with a scoop of ice cream on top. I particularly liked the oatmeal portion of the cookie, but my wife's favorite was the brownie-like center. This is the easiest 5-star review to give: exemplary service, one of the best steaks I've ever had, outstanding sides and dessert, and convenient location. I would eagerly come back for another special occasion in the future.
(5)
Monica Q.
Pro: fantastic food. Great bread (popovers) and the meat is cooked deliciously and tastes so very fresh. The veal portion is enormous and so very tasty. Tuna tartare puts many sushi restaurants to the test. Mashed potato sides were good. Cons: price. Omg the price. It's nice to go with a large group because then you can get sides that only cost one or two more bucks each. However, keep in mind this place is $70+ and more if you like to drink!
(4)
Justine J.
I took my boyfriend here for his birthday dinner and it was incredible, both service and food. We started off with the Alaskan king crab and half a dozen oysters from the cold bar. The crab came with two legs, with half of the shell perfectly sliced off. All you had to do was just peel the meat off the bottom half of the shell. Hands down the most convenient and delicious crab I have ever had. Feel free to spritz some fresh lemon and cocktail sauce on it As for the raw oysters? Amazing.We had three from east coast and three from west,all of which were fresh and juicy. Their vinaigrette was amazing. No buck a shuck here though :( Crab cake was pretty good, except I don't care for crab cakes so I don't have anything fair to say. Birthday boy devoured them so that says enough. It came with 2 generous lumps of crab meat with very few of this corn meal filler nonsense most other places try to pull off. It was perfectly seared and was super juicy. I would say this is a must if you are a crab cake lover. Not to mention it came with avocados. There is also a complimentary Gruyere and chive bread (puff) that is so freakin' good. It's so soft and fluffy and with their whipper butter... so damn good. Lobster bisque was great. Rich, creamy, and a chuck of lobster meat or two with every bite. Generous portion too for only $15. I would say it' close to 12 fl oz. The steaks, were just wow. First, you get to chose your own cutting knife.They had 4 or 5 to choose from, which is super cool. The steaks were grilled to perfection and very tender. You can cut the steak with a spoon. The 24 oz 29-day aged porterhouse was amazing. It was well seasoned and very flavorful. The 12 oz filet migon was also delicious, but not quite as flavorful. The cut was very thick, so only the outer portion was bursting with flavor and the inner portion just melts in your mouth. I could definitely get used this. We also got two sides: sauteed mushrooms and butterball potatoes (pretty much just fancy home fries) with garlic aioli, both of which were great compliments to the juice velvety steaks we had. We also had a bottle of red wine (Camino de Navaherreros) which was amazing. The hazelnut bread pudding was amazing. It was warm, moist, and very fluffy. It came with warm cream on the side and you pour it onto the plate. The service was amazing. The table was constantly kept clean and water and wine glass were always well attended to. Perfect everything!
(5)
C K.
Amazing steak. Expensive but fun things like picking the knives. Their mashed potatoes with truffle oil were amazing and the service was even more amazing.
(5)
Superfly T.
What's not to like about Barclay Prime? Service and atmosphere are always good to great, and all menu items I ever tasted are perfect, especially the steaks and sliders. Price is the only draw back, it can get expensive, especially if you order a larger slab of meat and like to drink good wine from the nice but pricey list. However, I recently went with wife and friend and we each ordered the sliders from the app menu (2), and one side each and shared which brings the food portion of your bill to only around $30 per person. And while the wine choices can get costly, there are some reasonably priced bottles on the list that are very good.
(4)
Reena N.
I've been slowly chipping away at the best steakhouses in the country and Barclay Prime was on the list. I've been to a few Starr restaurants without realizing it, but after reading the reviews, figured it would be great to give a try on a trip to Philly as we double dated with my sister. Ambiance: It's a very low lit intimate setting with warm bookshelves all around the room. Most of the seating is modern but with a vintage modern feel. Each table feels like its own lounge. As another reviewer mentioned, you feel like your walking onto the set of a Mad Men episode. Service: Premium. The wait staff did not make us feel rushed or like were overworked. They had the time to pay attention to all their table needs and ensure that food and appetizers as well as drinks were served promptly. If they saw that your drink was nearing its end, they would be on top of it to offer you another one. Everything felt under control and as a guest, you felt like all your needs would be anticipated and met. A unique part of this restaurant is that they offer the ability to choose your steak knife. The staff are happy to make recommendations based on the cut you ordered. If you come here enough times you can go through them all to see the one that fits best with your hand. I choose a Ferrari knife for this first experience. Food: To start off with, their Gruyere popovers are AMAZING. I bought a popover pan because they became my new obsession! I would come here just for these if I could. As a test, my husband and I always order the porterhouse medium rare. We also shared the Creamed Spinach and Truffled mac and Cheese. Both sides were fantastic, but the steak was the real prize. Perfectly cooked to Medium rare and salted just right. It really hit the spot, we were scraping off the bone just to get a better taste. This was PRIME meat, well cared for and well seasoned. Overall, 5 star experience.
(5)
Mark D.
I don't want my three star review to be misinterpreted as meaning Barclay Prime is merely average - it is not. It's very good. I just don't see it as being worthy of its billing, or its price. The interior of the restaurant has a modern, upscale but homey feel. I'm not sure how I feel about it. It's definitely nice, but something about sitting on essentially a shared booth seat with other customers doesn't feel quite right at a restaurant of this caliber. Take it as you will. On to the food. I had the 18 oz ribeye, my wife had the 8 oz filet. They were good steaks - but not otherworldly. When I take a bite of a steak at a restaurant like this, I expect it to melt in your mouth, I expect to be shocked by how good it was. That wasn't really the case here. It was a good steak, but not phenomenal. That said both steaks were cooked correctly to order. Side dishes were a bit overpriced but good. Service was prompt and professional. I wouldn't say it was overly friendly or helpful, but we were very quickly attended to by multiple people, the manager checked in on us a few times as well. The best part about eating here is probably the choice of knives - I've never had that before at a steakhouse, it's kinda fun. The bathrooms weirded me out a bit. Maybe it's just a European style that I'm not accustomed to, but a single bathroom with shared sinks and gender-labeled stalls just felt...odd. I dunno. I didn't like it, and I would imagine women would like it less. Barclay Prime is a very good restaurant, but Philadelphians are fortunate enough to have a number of excellent steak houses to choose from - and if you're paying this amount of money, I would choose a competitor next time. I've been much happier with my experience at other Starr restaurants.
(3)
Elliot P.
Was this the best restaurant experience of my life? Probably. Everything was absolutely perfect. Came here for my birthday a couple of weeks ago. Delightful waitstaff. We started off with a couple of cocktails, both trying two of their specialty cocktails. They were unique and delicious and used some fascinating ingredients. As I've recently become a huge fan of foie gras, I ordered the appetizer which was easily the best foie gras i ever had. It was served with a grape jam and mashed peanut topping. Incredible. A taste explosion, really. We ordered steaks - me the ribeye, she the new york. both cooked masterfully and just wonderful cuts of meat. Thick and juicy, what else do you need? Tried a new bottle of wine - recommended by our waiter that was just perfect and did not try to upsell. Had a side of the au gratin which were cheesy and delicious and the wife had the best creamed spinach either one of us had ever tasted. But oh those popovers. They were flaky and cheesey and warm and served with this awesome tasting butter. So fantastic. Double up on those popovers. They're that good. Had a chocolate cake thing for dessert that was, not surprisingly super sweet and smooth. An all around excellent experience. This is the kind of place that motivates you to be successful. Some lucky people have the opportunity to eat at places of this caliber often, and if you are one of those, I am jealous! For those of you that dine at places like this rarely, it's worth it. If you only get out to a nice restaurant once a year or once every five years, you won't be disappointed. And for those that are intimidated by fancy restaurants: don't be. We are not "fancy folk" and we were made to feel very welcome and comfortable. A+++
(5)
Joey M.
Holy Cow! (literally!!) FYI: The entrance is very discrete and easily missed. I absolutely adored the decor in this restaurant. It was like an old English study with dim lighting and a loungy feel. The walls were lined wtih book shelves and books haphazardly arranged to make it appear natural. As much as I love food I cannot wrap my head around these prices so I consider myself fortunate that I was invited here for a work party. To say I was blown away is an understatement. First off the service is second to none. For the table we had several orders of : Oysters (both types offered) , lobster, crab, giant shrimp from the raw bar, kobe sliders, HUGE scallops and the $100+ cheesesteak (was sliced like a hero and served as an appetizer) I have to be honest, I am normally not a fan of cheesesteak (faux pas for a Philadelphian I know!) but this was unbelievable! It was so moist and had so much flavor and was a very unexpected surprise to my taste buds! Yum Yum Yum! Steak for dinner: Satsuma wagyu NY strip kyushu island This was the most prciey steak on the menu ringing in at over $100 Never had such an expensive steak before and it was mind blowing! Melted in my mouth! If you can afford such pleasures I recommend it! The table was also filled with every side order on the menu. Though I was highly preoccupied with my steak, I sampled the spinach (good), mac n cheese (good), potatoses (wished I'd saved the room for more steak!). For dessert: Toasted chocolate s'mores Ahhhhmazing! Especially if you have a sweet tooth like I do. It is very decadent. I Look forward to more work events here!
(5)
Feny S.
Everything about this place is just AHH-MMAAHH-ZING!! Fantastic elegant decor, top notch service and the food are phenomenal!! It is pricey - yes ... but this review is not about their prices. I let my husband worry about that ... haha ... But yes ... other than being a little pricey, everything else are just perfect. My husband first took me here for our wedding anniversary. We had a really nice, intimate and romantic dinner. Then we came back for his birthday with a group of friends. We had a blast! That said, this place is good for an intimate romantic dinner for lovebirds, but also has that comfortable-vibe to hang with your friends. The two time I was there, Barclay maintains their superiority in all aspects. We had the oyster ... I can't eat oyster. I just can't swallow it ... just eeewww! But my husband said theirs was really good and fresh. So there. I take his words on reviewing the oyster here. I had the bone marrow which was so delicate and tasty. They also gave us this complimentary bread. I don't what it's called exactly. But it's some kind of their home-made bread but not really a bread as it had layers similar to a croissant. It was warm, flaky, soft and buttery. I had the dry aged NY strip, and my husband had the Australian Wagyu steak ... both steaks were cooked medium rare perfectly. Both steaks were tender and juicy. But the wagyu ... it just melt in you mouth! Seriously, it didn't feel like I was chewing a meat ... more like chewing jelly. It's THAT tender! For the sides, we had creamed spinach, mushrooms and potato gratin. The tenderness, the flavor ... everything was just beautiful! But oh my dear Yelpers ... I am sorry to tell you that I didn't feel this much love for their Cheesesteak. My friend ordered it and I had a bite. Yes it was good ... but it's not worth $100 to me. I just didn't see the beauty in this, nothing to rave about. Now let's talk about service ... as I said, it was TOP-NOTCH! Everyone from the hosts, hostesses, and servers were all polite, friendly and know their stuff. Our server, both times, were wonderful. He suggested wonderful choices of wine pairing with our food, they answered to all our questions concerning the menu ... and ohh, did I mention about choosing your own steak knife? Yeah, so the server would bring out a set of steak knives for you to choose one! I never had any experience like that. So choosing my own steak-knife, I felt like a "samurai" of the day ... hahaha .. it was definitely unique and fun in it's own way. At the end, it's been an all around excellent dining experience. Definitely, positively, highly recommended place to try!
(5)
J W.
Fantastic food and ambience, one of the better dining experiences that I have had in Philadelphia. Went here on a double date with a friend and our girlfriends and everyone was quite impressed. The seating is interesting, with one side of the table having a couch and the other side having leather chairs (as you would typically have in your living room or somewhere), it was a nice touch and creates a good amount of space between the tables so that you have a sense of privacy. Overall a great place and I would highly recommend it for a nice date or celebratory dinner... Also they had a $100 cheesetake on the menu, which I did not try but it was slightly tempting!
(5)
Chris S.
What did I just spend $250 dollars on? The overall meal and service was good but definitely not worth the price. The apps and sides were good but the steaks tasted like something I could have bought at Costco.
(2)
Becca R.
The filet mignon was unreal. Cooked perfectly throughout the middle and charred beautifully on the outside, this steak did not last long on my plate. I inhaled the thing. Woke up the next morning still thinking about it. My lucky boyfriend brought home leftovers so he's having a delicious breakfast this morning. And the whipped mashed potatoes? I fought strong urges not to lick the bowl they were served in. The popovers and salted butter that came out first was also a nice touch - the bread was fluffy, light, and made me throw my carb-watching ways to the wind. Someone here mentioned that they are gruyere popovers? That may explain the unique flavor. Yum. I don't know my ass from my elbow when it comes to steak knives either, so it was a new experience to choose which one I wanted to use for my meal (decided on the Samurai steak knife, btw. The steak was so tender that you barely needed it though.) As a broke college kid right now, wanting to dine at places like Barclay more often is a huge motivator to keep working hard.....
(5)
Mark L.
I've had steak all over the Delaware Valley....one of the best Prime Ribs, I've ever eaten....
(5)
Laura A.
I love Philly because it has amazing food and one of my favorite restaurants to vista while I'm there is Barclay Prime. I love coming here because the service is always excellent and on point! From the hostess to the waiting staff. The dinning room is so elegant and feels very high class. They have Valet which I can certainly appreciate when wearing 6 inch heels. Ok now on to the good stuff. Food: the complimentary Popovers are OMG delicious- They are these little warm breads served with butter on the side which have these raw pieces or salt sprinkled on top. This place takes bread basket to another level of deliciousness. The oysters were some of the best I've had, and believe me I've been to Paris and had some good oysters. The steak wow!! aged and cooked to perfection. The wine selection is sophisticated enough for any wine aficionado but simple enough for a beginner to select a good pairing, if not ask the amazing staff. The desserts amazing!!! Oh, and the complimentary petit fours they gave us were Delicious. Listen, I could go on and on about this place- But, until you make a reservation and try it for yourself you are certainly missing out. Now get out there and leverage your steak house palate you Foodie you!! :)
(5)
Presley E.
Everything about this place was awesome. The ambiance is great, the servers was superior and the food.....PHENOMENAL. I had the Lobster and it would literally melt in your mouth. My boyfriend had the ribeye steak and potatoes and it was tender and juicy and cooked to perfection. I would definitely recommend this place!
Well...It s hard for me to write this review. Even though Barclay Prime is one of the best steakhouses in Philly, it also provides the the worst services. We went to Barclay Prime to celebrate a passing exam. We had a very high expectation to this restaurant because of the rating on yelp and well-known high reputation. We were impressed by the design of decorations in the lounge, but the decorations are too plain in the dinning room. They should have small paintings all the wall to compromise with chandelier and the 19th atmosphere. Our servant was literally average. Usually, waiter or waitress would be more enthusiastic in a restaurant like this. We were satisfied with the appetizers, beef tarte and oyster sashimi, but we had a big problem with the steak later. Apparently..we found a one-nail big bug in the vegetables that are served as a side of filet mignon. We talked with the manager, and he replaced another dish for us. They took off the dish of filet mignon from entire check, but we expected they would have more good faith. For a fancy restaurant like this and a $300 bill, we certainly expect more. The two stars are are for the chef who made my filet mignon, but I suggest he or she would serve at a better restaurant he or she deserves, like Butcher and Singer. P.S I went to Butcher and Singer last year, they absolutely have better decorations, better services (our waiter was very nice and polite), and better dishes (at least no bug). I would highly recommend you to visit Butcher and Singer, rather than this one. (I am not working for them btw~)
(2)
Sue P.
For all the hype and the price, we were thinking that the food was going to be good. Unfortunately, I must say that we were completely disappointed with this place. The steak was super salty and tough. The fish was dry and not good. Next time, I'll take my money elsewhere.
(1)
Rebecca S.
After reading through about a million reviews of different restaurants, my husband and I decided to go to Barclay Prime to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and I'm glad we did. The food was absolutely delicious, and if the service had been as good as the food I would have given them 5 stars... Overall it was a very good experience and I would definitely go back. It was very cold the night we went, so my husband dropped me off while he went to park the car. I checked in with the hostess and then decided to grab a drink at the bar while I was waiting. My husband walked in right as our table was ready, so that was perfect timing. They offered to carry my drink to the table for me, but I wasn't letting go of that drink once I got it. ;-) We ordered the foie gras to start, which was absolutely wonderful. It just melted in our mouths. For our main course I ordered the 12 oz prime filet and my husband ordered the 14 oz dry aged New York Strip, and we got the truffle mac and cheese and the fried artichokes as our sides. Our waiter never asked us if we wanted any sauces with our steaks, or really even said anything at all. I was considering getting the Bearnaise sauce with my steak but the waiter was gone so quickly after I told him the steak I wanted that I didn't have a chance to even ask about it. It was probably best anyway since I didn't need any additional calories after this dinner, but even still it was a little odd. Our steaks were perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender, and the truffle mac and cheese was amazing, but the artichokes were just on the verge of being too salty. The bread that they brought was also very good. The biggest disappointment of the night was the timing of the food. Our appetizer was brought out very soon after ordering, then within seconds of finishing that they brought us the bread, and after having only 1 bite or so of the bread the steaks and sides were being brought out. It felt very rushed, which is disappointing when you are spending a lot of money to have an amazing meal. We shared a piece of cheesecake for dessert, which was delicious and extra special because they wrote happy anniversary on the plate in chocolate, and then they also sent us home with a dessert as an anniversary present, which was a nice touch. All in all a very delicious anniversary dinner.
(4)
Jemma C.
Place is entirely cliche but in a great way! Food was delicious, amazing quality and cooked perfectly. Portions were huge, too big for myself and my husband (who's a giant human!), but such a non complaint. Lovely dining room. Insanely good waiter. Incredibly expensive (we did drink A LOT though). Go for a special occasion or date night. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Ari N.
Quite simply the best meal I have ever had. From the service, atmosphere and ambience to the wine paired with the food by the server, and finally the selection of knives brought out to choose from to eat our steaks. This is hands down my favorite restaurant to date and their take on the Philly Cheesesteak with foie gras was a revelation. Easily the best tasting thing I've ever eaten. This place is universal for satisfying all parties and occasions. Thank you for bestowing such awesomeness on the restaurant world, Stephen Starr. Bravo, sir.
(5)
Michelle C.
It had been years since my first visit to Barclay Prime. Since before my Yelp days, even. On that trip, I made the fateful mistake of ordering seared tuna as my entree. And not that the tuna was bad by any means (it was great), but I've long regretted not ordering the house specialty: steak. The other defining moment of that particular experience was that I tried mushrooms and, for the first time in my life, liked them. I've met many a mushroom since that I haven't been into, but I'll always credit Barclay Prime for enabling me to enjoy them on some occasions. My boyfriend and I had been talking about a splurge-y date night at Barclay for at least a year when that fateful LaBan re-review came out, demoting the restaurant from three bells to two. It affected our decision to dine there, and we talked about plans at another Starr favorite of ours, Il Pittore, instead. As luck would have it, the boyfriend was invited (with guest!) to dine at Barclay Prime. Consider this a disclaimer to my review if you wish, but our meal was excellent across the board. The service was excellent, the drinks were excellent and the food was excellent. And from our cushy seats in the center of the dining room, it appeared we weren't alone. Every table looked well-attended to, from the long row of teenagers (!) to the couple who were not shy about making out in full view (it was the end of the night, to be fair). We started with a half dozen oysters from British Columbia. They were delicious on their own with a squirt of lemon. In my opinion, the red wine mignonette was too acidic. My Kettle martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives was the perfect match. Next up for me was the wedge salad. It was served slightly differently than a traditional wedge, with crab in place of bacon. For dressing, I went half and half with the two available options, as suggested by my server. The flavors were awesome, and I highly recommend going the half/half route. My entree, an eight ounce filet with a crabmeat sidecar and au poivre on the side, was cooked perfectly for my requested medium. With sides of mushrooms (naturally!) and potato gratin, this was easily one of my richest meals in recent memory. Honestly, I may have gained a few pounds just from this dinner but it was so worth every calorie. And just when I thought life couldn't get better, I tried the twenty-eight day dry aged NY Strip. Wow. I've never before tasted so much flavor in a steak, and I say that with 100% confidence. Suggested wines paired perfectly, of course, although they would probably be (way) out of our price range on a date night. The drink prices will definitely get you where it hurts at Barclay, that is for sure. For dessert, the warm banana cake and the cheesecake. Both were wonderful but the cheesecake had the edge for me. After a glass of champagne sent over by the GM, our meal was complete. It was a memorable one that I'll not soon forget. I've already requested Barclay Prime as our next special-occasion meal.
(5)
Catherine G.
Best Happy Hour....be sure to try the Cosmo. The Cosmo is made from only fresh ingredients and is very light and so de-lish... The Happy Hour food is right off the dinner menu and with upscale comfort food like beef sliders. We got the chopped salad , yellowtail tuna and the mushroom bruschetta. All must trys..... The decor is reminiscent of old supper club.
(5)
Trish B.
This is the best restaurant I have ever been to, and I go out to restaurants A LOT! The second you walk in the door you are taken back by the beautiful decor. I never would have guessed that was what the restaurant looked like from the outside. We had the jumbo shrimp cocktail as an appetizer. The shrimp tasted so fresh and the cocktail sauce was out of this world. I had an "Ophelia's Fizz" to drink, which was outstanding. A perfect balance of sweet, bubbly, and the basil really nailed it. For entrees we both had the 8 oz. filet with a half lobster. The steak was the best I ever had!! The staff was so friendly and went out of their way to make sure everything was PERFECT. I would recommend this place for a very special occasion because of the high prices.
(5)
Brandon M.
Best restaurant in the city, in my opinion. Surprised even myself, considering this is a Starr joint. The place oozes retro cool, from the stark contrast checkerboard floor that greets you in the waiting area to the 70s-style living room/lounge feel of the main dining area -- not to mention the unisex bathroom (which isn't as awkward as you'd think; the stalls are completely enclosed and the lighting is dim. It's more like the bathroom of a nice club than restaurant). So far, so Starr. But unlike a typical Starr joint, the service is remarkably attentive and competent, too. Waiters are professional without being snobby (I hate snobby waiters -- you're the one serving me!), and have a good grip of the menu and wines by the glass (the wine list itself is extensive, albeit pricey at ~4x markup...cocktails are excellent), and busboys are quick to refill water and clear plates. Sure, they lay it on a little thick by confirming your rare steak as "velvety red with a cool center" and laying out an arsenal of knives from which you select one to use, but that's part of the show. As for the food, BP's got steakhouse fare down. The oysters are very good, but I usually go with the Kobe sliders, which is possibly the best item on the menu. There's no shortage of cuts of beef, although my one gripe is that their feature steak for the last few months has been a 28-day dry aged strip...I think a steakhouse of this caliber should at least offer up a 5/6/7/8-week dry-aged steak. In any case, the steak itself is on par with or better than comparable cuts I've had at places like Peter Luger, Craftsteak and Jacobs & Co. Prices for food are pretty reasonable for what you get; I don't understand everyone here saying it's overpriced -- 18-oz. dry-aged steaks aren't going to get much cheaper than $45. You pay more for a steak at Morton's or the Palm and you get a lot more here. Desserts are delicious too. I usually opt for something chocolate. All in all, this is a near-perfect dining experience.
(5)
Hong P.
As a steak lover, and a big fan of upscale steak dining....this place was a huge dissapointment. Took my date to impress her, believe me, this place had a very nice decor. BUT BUT, they burned our steak to a point, it was not edible. You don't burn a medium steak!!!!!! I was pressed for time because I had to take my date to a play. I spoke to the manger, she says "this is how we cook our medium steak".....and no apologies??????? If I was not pressed for time, I would have asked for another steak. Try, Fleming's or Capital Grille. Basically I was embarresed to even take a date here.......
(1)
Francis C.
Superb in every aspect, from the decanted wine (Australian shiraz, Noon Winery, 2010), to the finest filet I've ever eaten, to the sides, and the dessert, and especially the service. A choice of steak knives was offered each guest. It was my 70th birthday dinner; I was brought a surprise mini-birthday cake at the end.
(5)
Ava W.
For the price, I would say it's really just OK. Part of it was the waiter who served us- really rude. The other part was the steak sauce - there was no A1 sauce and their home-made steak sauce was kinda sour... But beyond those two factors, I enjoyed everything about it - the appetizer which was a baked croissant thingy was really good. We order Kobe Sliders which were decent (not super gd though). Then, my bf had a NY strip and I ordered a 12 oz filet and that was really soft and good steak - OH! do'nt forget the sides - I had mushroom and cameralized onions which turned out to be really good, even better than the steaks... :) But I did have a gd dinner w/ my bf =P Overall, still worth a try if you haven't!
(3)
Joanna L.
As another reviewer wrote, I don't usually eat places this nice (or this expensive). So my visit to Barclay Prime was a nice treat. We requested a specific server - Jason - after having him as our server at the Starr/Talula's Table Pop-Up a couple weeks ago. He is ridiculously helpful and courteous and he *really* knows what he's talking about both food and wine-wise. And he's cute. We were a party of 5 - shared a bunch of apps - bacon and scallops on top of a fried green tomato, kobe tartare (amazing), and tuna tartare (not as good as the beef, but still delicious). I had the dry aged NY strip ($48! oy), medium rare, with some lobster on top. You can skip the lobster for the paltry amount you get. The steak was so buttery and melty and delicious. Most of us had this steak and everyone was happy. For our sides, we had tater tots (I think Jason described them as golden pillows of deliciousness, and that's what they were), sauteed mushrooms (omg I don't even want to know how much butter they use to make these so delicious), creamed spinach (perfect amount of creaminess), and the truffle mac and cheese (which I would have inhaled if I didn't have this ridiculous steak in front of me). We actually had room for dessert - the warm deep dish cookie thing with ice cream on top was out of this world. Glad I wasn't paying. :)
(5)
Dominic P.
Hands down the best steak in Philly. Brussels sprouts were excellent, as well!
(5)
Grant E.
Food exceptional (5 stars). Service not bad (4 stars). Atmosphere (3 stars). Hostess and Manager collusive and inept (1 star). I have been to Barclay Prime 5 or 6 times now. Food: The food has always been exceptional from the muffin top to the excellent steak. It is probably the best steak I have ever enjoyed in my life. There are restaurants that I can say are my favorite (dessert, seafood, thai, sushi, soup....), this is the best steak. Table Service: The wait staff is very attentive and does an excellent job explaining the menu and meeting your entire requests. They will never let your requests go unnoticed. Atmosphere: Very unique and doesn't really meet my expectations of a fine steakhouse. It has an eclectic diner feel. For some reason, the fancy diner is a Philadelphia trademark. The chairs are in constant motion which makes you feel awkward while eating. There is nothing classy or classic about the atmosphere (unless you consider the Waffle House a top notch steakhouse). The wait staff is in constant motion. Add the wait staff's fast pace, the moving chairs and a few drinks and you will think you are at a county fair. Hostess: The hostess has been there for quite sometime. They are the young girls that think they are too cute, when they are actually pretty trashy. I consider them 10% girls (they think they are about 10% better looking than they really are). We requested the hostess (the blonde ditz) to move us to another table. She lied and said that table is going to be for 4 people and moved us to horrible table in exchange. During the dinner we noticed they sat 2 groups of 2 at that table. The beverage manager said it was his decision and did not know of our request. The difference between a great restaurant and a good restaurant in the details. People will remember the experience more than the food. If the restaurant would spend more time teaching etiquette to the trashy hostesses and fine tuning the atmosphere, it would be a Top Restaurant. Otherwise, it falls to mediocre.
(3)
Sam T.
The best steak in philly!
(5)
Joe K.
Very good steak at 90 Dallors had a great time
(4)
Carmen M.
We visit this restaurant for the steak reputation and did not dissapoint us. We had the filet mignon and the gachot & gachot ribeye that were well prepared and tasty. I love foie gras so I ordered one as an appetizer but it was over-cooked. For our side-dish we ordered a potato gratin but had so many cheese that it was swimming in it and was not appealing. In overall the steaks were great but not my other choices.
(3)
Dan L.
This is possibly the best steakhouse in the US. Hands down excellent cut of meat, the sides are unbelievable, and the bread the serve has an addictive quality to it that is simply insatiable. Highly recommended. It is however, quite pricey. If you know you're spending a lot on dinner, you'll have an amazing- perhaps best steak meal of your life- dinner.
(5)
Jamila G.
Had my birthday dinner here on Jan 30th & it was excellent just as I remember from my first visit here a few years back. Our server was friendly, extremely accommodating & also nice to look at, lol. I ordered a drink that ended up being a little on the bitter side to which he offered to take back & have the bar-tender customize it to my taste. I had the butter-poached lobster which was magnificent & they also sent out a little birthday treat on the house. Can't wait to return. Well worth the hefty price tag!!!
(5)
Glenn P.
Can't believe the overall rating is only 4 stars. This place is top notch. The service is excellent, the food is terrific. The only downside is the price, but that is the cost of excellence. Our party had both the sliders and the raw seafood spreads to start off with. There was a generous portion of crab in the tray. The sprimp and oysters were also good. For entrees, I had a dry aged ribeye for an entree. We also had lobster to share for the table Overall it was a great night. You can't go wrong here.
(5)
X V.
Food, wine, & service were all great.... Kobe sliders are the best! The steaks are one of the best in Philly (it's "sister" restaurant Butcher & Singer also with the other best Philly steak)... The prices are high, but well worth the food & experience.....the $100 cheesesteak is overrated (foie gras & truffles).....
(5)
Suzanne S.
After a horrible meal at Continental Midtown last year, I wrote a complaint and received a $150 "gift letter" which I could redeem at ANY Starr restaurant in the city. I decided it would be a good time to try Barclay Prime since I had been yearning to try it since its inception. I took my mother with me as a belated mother's day gift and the restaurant was everything I expected (I had high expectations for this place and it met every one of them). The service: Everyone from the hostess to the bus boys were welcoming and courteous and didn't have the stuck-up attitude that some other high-end restaurants can have. Our server, Nicole, was a doll and was prepared for every question I had to ask her. I really appreciated the fact that nobody rushed me through my meal and the next course didn't come out until they were sure we were completely finished with what we had on the table. The manager also came to our table to make sure everything was okay. For dinner we had: 1. Popovers with sea-salted butter- these are given to you after your orders are in and they are delectable. I need to get a recipe for something like this. 2. Kobe Sliders-these bite-sized burgers practically melted in my mouth. I was sad I had to share them lol 3. Wedge Salad-I loved the twist on this salad; instead of bacon they use crab meat and the blue cheese crumbles were really soft and of high quality 4. Chopped salad-very good 5. Lobster Bisque soup-YUCK. This was the only thing I didn't like. Aside from the fact that the caviar gave it a taste of "fishy", without it, the soup would have been really bland. 6. Aged NY Strip-EXCELLENT-BEST STEAK I have had in PHILADELPHIA (Del Frisco's in NYC may have been better but I really think its a tie) 7. Jumbo Lump Crab Cake- Loved it, but Devon's still takes the cake in my book. 8. Truffle Mac and Cheese-Good 9. Potatoes Au Gratin-DELICIOUS 10. Asparagus- A little too salty, but perfect consistency. All of the food above was enough for 4 people. Lucky for my husband, he got a really good doggy bag. For dessert we ordered a banana cake with banana caramel ice cream and caramelized banana-balls and we all really enjoyed it. All in all probably the best steak in Philly.
(5)
Lia B.
ok ok ok yelp- you got me- i didn't get a steak! this review is pointed towards the veg people on yelp. if you veg/vegans have a chance to dine at barclay - seriously go! just call ahead. i had a very amazing dinner. basically i knew i was going to barclay - i checked the menu online and didn't see anything vegan so i called a day in advance and let Carlos the chef know i was planning on dining there the next day - much to my delight, he crafted a delicious appetizer, salad, entree, and an amazing dessert. i loved everything i got, and i also loved the surprise of not knowing what i was going to get and not having to look at the menu. it was really delightful. the appetizer was a vegan butternut squash soup with garlic croutons; the salad was made of beets, tomatoes, and a champagne vinaigrette; my entree was grilled delish tofu- cooked perfectly- on a bed of lemon/garlic cous cous; my dessert was passion fruit and mango sorbet. everything was amazing! the soup was flavorful, i passed the beet salad around and shared it with friends - everyone agreed it was the best salad (preferred over the wedge and the Cesar) and my entree was off the charts i cant even tell you how much i loved it. the sorbet had amazing flavors that really popped. also it was super funny when the server glen (who was fabulous by the way!) still let me pick out my "steak" knife. haha i was definitely taking my time choosing my knife. just hey barclay prime - can you take the fois gras off that cheese steak? come on - that's just cruel!
(5)
Ivan R.
Went here for my Brothers Birthday last janurary and my God it was an experience. Service: Amazing, i literally felt like our server was born for the job. Literally, he reminded me of a butler from any fancy movie you could possibly conjure up from your memories right now. Everything was on time, never had to ask for water, wine or anything else that was required, it was asked by him on a very pleasant and timely timeline. Even though i'd enjoy a hot blonde waitress, this guy totally had the class to pull off a $250 tip. Food: Never knew i'd enjoy beet salad w/ goat cheese until i had it here. I'm a vegetable person but this didn't sound good what-so-ever, until i tried it and it was quite amazing. The little loafs and buttered bread were literally to die for. Steak impeccable as anyone would expect from a place like this. TL DR; Service top notch, you won't ever feel bad about tipping 20%+ at this place and Food, AMAZING!!! and NOT the typical arrangement you'll find everywhere.
(5)
Andrew F.
Wow, wow, wow. A night after being underwhelmed at a private party at The Continental I wasn't sure what to expect at Barclay Prime. My previous experience at Barclay Prime had been a positive one, but it was quite brief, with just two orders of sliders in the lounge area. This experience would build upon that one and show me how amazing a Starr restaurant truly can be. I went there on a fixed menu for my brother's graduation dinner. Our menu included two options for appetizers; three options for main, though everyone ordered the steak; and a tasting menu of desserts. Wine and alcohol were not included, and once you threw those in it was well above $150 per person. The pre-appetizer popover was delectable. Crunchy, buttery, smooth and warm, and inventive for a starter at a steakhouse. Though butter was provided it wasn't needed, but being a glutton for fattening foods I couldn't help but dole out my serving. Those popovers were popalicious. Following our popovers our appetizers were served. A larger than expected caesar salad dished out with just the right amount of dressing and perfect greens. Topped with what seemed like enough croutons even for me, and I love croutons. The whole caesar was very good, in fact one of the people in our party, a former newspaper food critic, remarked that it was "The best caesar salad in Philadelphia." I trust that statement. Now being the gastronomical addicted human being I am I couldn't get just the caesar as a starter. I need more. Accordingly I ordered the other starter, the Wagyu Beef Sliders. Though, since I don't usually mix meat and cheese (I have some weird, mostly self-imposed dietary restrictions) I ordered them without the gruyere cheese that normally comes with them. These sliders were just as tasty as my previous experience had me expecting they would be. The wagyu beef was cooked to a medium temperature and the brioche bun was the perfect complement to the sophisticated beef flavor of the wagyu. For those that have never had wagyu, I can attest that it truly does taste different than regular beef, and on the four occasions that I have enjoyed the pleasure of it I have noted the strong but subtle beef flavor that is distinct from that of regular prime or choice USDA grade beef. Following these two fattening but delicious appetizers it was time for the piece de resistance. BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEF. Did you hear me when I said that? Beef. But not just any beef. Twelve ounces (after cooking) of delicious top shelf filet mignon, seasoned to perfection and cooked perfectly. Not too little, not too much. Everyone in the party agreed, no place cooks a steak as perfectly on temperature as they do at Barclay Prime. But what came next was a gimmick that I loved. Picking your steak knife. Prior to the delivery of your beefy goodness a server comes around with a tray of knives .Each a steak knife with supreme cutting power but each uniquely designed and interesting. Faced with an epic dilemma I asked for the servers advice, and landed upon a knife designed by the Porsche design company. Yes, that Porsche, the men and women engineers who construct Porsche cars that race around the track at insane speeds. I found this knife perfectly suited for cutting beef. The most amazing things about Barclay Prime are they get all the details right. Even so far as delivering everyone their steak without having to ask what temperature each person had ordered. This is a very important aspect that brings a meal over the top. My medium temperature steak arrived cooked pink. With just a tiny hit of red in the center this steak stared right back at me. This beef required no sauces or additional seasonings. It had clearly been seasoned perfectly in the kitchen and arrived on the table as a big chunk of delicious cow. The plate consisted of the steak and a tiny bit of garnish on one corner. But the steak was the standout of the presentation, or lack thereof. This is not a complaint in any way, but it was clear that the steak was the star of the show. Honoring the delicious cow bred and raised for us to enjoy on this momentous day of my brother's graduation from college. The presentation in its simplicity conveyed all of this. After the time spent enjoying our steaks, and the delicious sides of french fries, mashed potatoes, and corn, our meal was coming to an end. I would talk more about the sides but their taste was overpowered by the strong beef flavor of the filet, and just 14 hours after the meal I don't remember much about the main course section of the meal aside from the meat. Now I'll skip talking about the dessert because I'm no dessert aficionado. But here is what is important. The beef. Yes, the beef. If you eat chicken or salmon then you may like this place. The atmosphere with faux bookshelves and cool heavily padded seating areas in a surprisingly cozy atmosphere may make your dining experience a pleasant one. But if you eat beef, your dining experience will rock.
(5)
Lana L.
The atmosphere makes you think as though you are in the cozy library of a rich man's house. It's an intimate setting. I got the aged porterhouse to share with a friend and it came out well. Love how we could select our own knives. The sides were great too! Truffle mac and cheese, potato gratin. I'd skip on the $100 cheese steak though- not worth the price tag though champagne does come with it. Also fyi- the bathroom is unisex, with the actual stall separated by doors labeled M and W for men and women, respectively.
Kitchen had redeemed itself with the new menu from last years all time low, and it was quickly becoming my favorite steakhouse again, but this visit was all disappointment. Ate in the bar area at 9:30, got appetizer salad ok within 10 minutes. Did the kobe sliders for dinner and they didn't come out until 11:03...requested "medium", but they are still raw enough inside to split open at first bite. I had to scrape out the raw meat and eat just the outer seared ends. Supposed to have shallots on one of them, they were completely missing with only the gruyere cheese on top. Other one had a ton of onions and sometype of sauce on the bottom. I also had the shrimp cocktail: a great size dish to compliment the sliders and round out a latenight lite meal, but tonight the shrimp was overcooked and rubbery in texture. I hope the chef is out sick with the flu as this has always been one of my favorite steakhouse and I'd hate for it to have gone back to last years standards... Service was well below par for any of Starr's places...and this is supposed to be one of his best. I've eaten here over 20 times in the last few years and this is the first bad experience. We'll be back in the next two weeks so look for a new review once we do. I guess when you're a regular, you're bound to hit them on an off night, but still disappointing none the less
Reviewed for the food, as a cliche steakhouse, Barclay's is top notch. We had a great dinner here between four people, and none of us had complaints on the meal. I'm docking them a star however for what many of you may consider a trivial note.... I am annoyed that I was given a "knife" menu. The knife menu is a gimmick at best. If you're bringing me 6 different knives to cut my steak, you best be on your game to discuss the pros and cons of each because A: I think your proposal is stupid and B: I will test you on your knowledge and C: I will ridicule you and your lack of knife-knowledge. "Q: Is the knife on the far right Damascus steel? A: I don't know. Q: How often do you sharpen your knives? A: Every day. (suuuure) Q: Let me see it (I try it against my fingernail, the easiest sharpness test.) This is dull. Could I try a different one? No?" Do not B.S. me, oh server-of-the-knives. You have not sharpened said knife since you've opened the place, and dollars-to-donuts you've recently run said knife through the dishwasher (for shame!) I am not allowed to trade said knife in now that I have tested said knife. Fail. All of this said, their scallop was the best cooked scallop I've had, the wedge salad was on point, and the steaks were cooked perfectly. Dispose of the douchey knife selection, and you're a 5 star joint. Finally, last word of advice...don't come here on a budget, as you will leave in tears.
(4)
Mike D.
The Finest. Came back a week later because it was so good. The beef tartare appetizer was outstanding. Loved the hint of mustard in it. The lobster bisque was fantastic as well. The ribeye is so tender and pairs great with the bernaise. I'd skip the horseradish creme. It took away from the taste of the steak. The spicy broccoli on special was the perfect light side. We also tried the potato gratin, but were underwhelmed. The warm cookie dessert, though!! Washed it all down with the Blueprint Shiraz. James was my waiter both times - he spent the perfect amount of time at the table. Wasn't there enough to be disruptive, but never let a glass so empty. Super knowledgeable about how to describe the foods on the menu. Also love how trendy the atmosphere is here.
(5)
Jeff M.
Dinner here was very good. The flavor to my new york strip was probably the best/most complex I have ever had. The tuna tartare was delicious. I think they peeled the skin off the asparagus, which sounds painful. The only negative thing that sticks out in my mind was the waiter nonchalantly suggested we add an expensive lobster to the order when no one had even mentioned shellfish. If the table wanted a lobster, the table would ask for a lobster. It was also not what I was expecting design-wise. There was nothing wrong with it- kind of like modern study/library, but it is a pretty big departure from the usual steak house look.
(5)
Jay G.
The place has a cafeteria slash library feel and it is quite pricey. Food is overall top notch and service is too. This is definitely a place that was trendy at one time and now attracts anyone who can shell out 150 per person. For me if I am going to hand over my wallet I would much rather do it in a more snobbish and elegant atmosphere so I will stick with the sister venue Butcher & Singer down the street. It is also funny that for the prices charged the seating all needs repairs so get ready for a wobbly ride and don't drink too much or you may fall off your white stool! Happy trails.....
(4)
Sarah F.
I'm a huge fan of Barclay Prime...in fact, I think this is the best steakhouse in the city. The atmosphere is very relaxed since the entire place feels like you are lounging in a study. The staff is super friendly (BIG shout out to Jason my waiter last night, you da best) and made my birthday dinner a perfect one! To start...everyone gets a hot, out of the oven popover they are simply to die for. These are unbelievably dangerous and the staff will keep offering them to you. Just say no. You are going to want to be hungry for the food to come. Our party of 6 ordered appz and entrees that all came out perfectly cooked (steaks were amazing, duh) and in a timely fashion. I had the heirloom tomato salad. Love how they do it here. Everything is chopped up and piled in a bowl. Super tasty. MUST HAVE: the full bronzino if you are in a fish mood....which you should be at least once if you come here. I can dream about this dish it's so good. Desserts: Warm banana cake Devils food cake Complimentary birthday cake (amazing...come for your birthday...seriously) Put your eating clothes on and enjoy!
(5)
Samantha B.
Barclay Prime wasn't on my radar at all, mostly because I don't frequent steakhouses, but we decided to stop in for impromptu dessert and drinks one night recently. The dining room is beautiful, and younger and hipper than other steakhouses in Philly. We thought we might be shunned for opting just for dessert and a drink, but our server was fine with it. We ordered the warm banana cake for dessert, and each got a drink. As I browsed the drink menu, it pained me that the wine I had earlier in the night for 10 dollars a glass was 16 a glass at BP...this turned me off a bit, but I guess it's to be expected. Both our drinks and dessert were really delicious, and service was excellent. I'd love to come back for dinner in the future, even though those high prices are truly a shot to the wallet.
(4)
G V.
Expensive but you definitely get what you pay for. Ordered the prime filet - medium rare. It was literally best steak I have ever had - and I have had them at the best steakhouses in NY, CHI, LA, BOS, etc. They also had a $100 cheesesteak sandwich which I couldn't bring myself to order. Next time! Great wine selection and ambiance. Sounds silly but try the tater tots. They're awesome. The truffle Mac and cheese is insane - what I would ask for in a last meal. Don't balk at prices. It's worth it.
(5)
Annie S.
Love it. Nice service, delicious dessert and waitresses are always friendly.
(5)
Rachel K.
Super upscale steakhouse :) I went here for a friend's birthday party and I think all 10 of us loved our meal. TRY: Australian wagyu filet - yes. it melts in your mouth. Truffle mac & cheese (i had a beet salad to start the meal but it was ok...nothing special. sames goes for tater tots and truffle whipped potatoes as sides) SERVICE: Excellent! Very polite and professional service. AMBIANCE: Looooooove their atmosphere here. Super classy and hip at the same time. and it's always nice to walk across the street to the Rittenhouse and walk off that 10000 calories you just consumed. LOL
(4)
Ceasar B.
The first thing that you notice is that the inside is beautiful. Lots of wood and dim lights-- Very classical kind of style. It kind of makes me think of what many hotels are going for, except in this case it doesn't feel like they're trying-- it just truly is authentic. Service is fantastic. The head waiter will check your coat, and your actual waiter is very knowledgeable on the menu, calm, and friendly. Water was of course never an issue. Before dining, they bring out a knife tray of various knives from around the world-- Two German, one French, and two Japanese. I don't know if there is a reason for this, or if it's just for show. In any case, it was a sort of highlight as we guessed what it meant for so-and-so to pick so-and-so knife. The steaks are of course pricey (think at least $50). I am not really qualified to judge, but my impression was that the first bite was delicious, and the rest was harder to appreciate (which is not surprising). In retrospect I paid more attention to the other guests than my food. Mashed potatoes were very buttery, but enjoyable. Wish I could say more. For dessert I had the coconut cream pie and stole a bite of a cheesecake dish. Everything on the table looked fantastic though, and of the two I tasted they were extremely delicious-- not overly sweet and just perfectly pleasant.
(5)
Delvia W.
First time here July 19th. Love the decor. I had the Love Triangle cocktail and it was very strong :-) and good. Love the bar area. Service was empeccable. I will go back.
(4)
John L.
Barclay Prime is something which has to be done when in Philly, as it is the place to drop some dough and get a good piece of dry aged steak. It is the stereotypical place to go if you need to have a fancy business dinner with some clients, and want to impress. The steak? Amazing. Wine? Superb. Service? Impeccable. Atmosphere? On the spot. It doesn't offer surprises such as price, selection, or mood. But then again you know what you're getting when you drop that grand, and you know to enjoy!
(4)
Brad S.
Really great restaurant. Location is amazing, right off Rittenhouse Square with gorgeous views of the Park. Service was speedy and exemplary, with the food calibre to match. Steak tartare was the richest I've ever eaten, and both the lamb and the veal chops were delicious. Excellent bread as well, and quite reasonable pricing for this caliber of establishment, I think our total bill was around $150 for two, including tip. Would highly recommend for anybody seeking great food in Philadelphia
(5)
Keith M.
Excellent experience here. Had the 12 ounce filet with Roquefort cheese-- highly recommended. Attentive service and relaxing ambiance. Potatoes gratin were an excellent side. Cocktails were top notch as well.
(5)
John B.
One word: overrated. Steak was nothing that special, although properly cooked to medium rare. The fat distribution on the meat was weird...it seems like the meat had fat clusters rather than nicely distributed marbling. Their sliders are actually excellent and they have a rather nice list of single-malts. The decor is nice enough that you can bring dates you want to impress.
(3)
JB K.
On a recent business trip, we opted for this locally-owned steakhouse instead of the usual chain. The food was excellent but the experience may have outshone the food, which is not a bad thing. The decor was certainly beautiful and sumptuous--creamy white leather with lime green velvet pillows, dark wood, crystal chandeliers; nice but not stuffy. Two of our guests were kids not exactly dressed for the occasion, and the waitstaff made us all feel welcome. The waiter also bore our jokes about ordering the $7500 bottle of 1982 Chateau Cheval- Blanc well, though I'm pretty sure he'd heard that joke before. We were asked to choose a knife from a selection of steak knives--a first for all of us. And then there was the unisex bathroom--certainly two idiosyncratic features that people will remember and talk about. I had the filet of course--and while it was cooked to perfection, I had just had the same at Ruth's Chris the week before, and this one suffered by the comparison. I am partial to RC's butter preparation, so I'm sure this was outstanding filet by any other standard but mine. There were 11 of us so we shared a bunch of the sides and got to try a little of everything--the nueske (smoked) bacon was amazing, and the others (truffle mac & cheese, creamed spinach, potato nachos, broccolini, whipped potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, asparagus) were excellent but not exceptionally inventive. And then there was the standout dessert. You simply cannot pass on the chocolate-chip creme brulee. At the end of a great meal with good wine and company, I wanted nothing more than to be alone with that particular dessert.
(4)
Kevin S.
I just got back home from an amazing meal at Barcley Prime. The food was super delicious and the service was stellar. The vibe throughout the dining room was mellow, dimly lit and visually appealing. I especially enjoyed the layout of the seating as we were both sat on separate couches between a table. Quaint, masculine and chill, just the way I like to dine. We started with the bacon wrapped scallops served over a fried green tomato and a light white maple syrup glaze. This appetizer was seriously worth a trip back! For dinner we both decided on the 28 day dry aged 16 oz. NY strip steak. Simply splendid taste, cooked pink on the inside, providing a juicy-yummy mouthwatering piece of meat - bite after bite. Additionally we had the broccolini as a side - seasoned to perfection. The 5-star service only added to the amazing dining experience. We were attended to by two servers, both were extremely knowledgeable of the menu, wine list, etc. I was very impressed all around, from the host to the extremely attentive waitstaff. Although the prices are super high - It is worth every penny on a special occasion.
(5)
Craig R.
Wow. What a great steak. One of the best steaks I have had in a very long time. Order the New York Strip, Pittsburgh style (with cracked pepper)...yum. Inside the restaurant looks like my mother's 1970's living room...you know, the room with the pleather furniture and cheap tables....time to update your look. They also give you your choice of knives for your meal. Nice touch, sets them apart from others. Last but not least is the price...holy SH&T...you have to be kidding me...way too overpriced. Great steak yes, but not the best for this price.
(4)
Sean D.
Went there last night for our 6 year anniversary. We had reservations at a competitor and I happened to go online to look for another place to go to afterwards for some dessert when I saw the reviews for Barclay. I remember looking a few years back and not seeing as high reviews. After reading all the reviews on here, we decided to cancel our reservations elsewhere and go to Barclay. Very glad we did. The dining hall is small and quiet and every part of the meal was amazing. We both ended up getting the 12oz filet's with truffle mashed potatoes and cream spinach. Then for dessert tried their smores dessert which was amazing. Also had a very nice wine selection. I have tried pretty much every steakhouse in Philly and would agree with the below comments that this is surely up there for the best steakhouse.
(5)
Louis K.
I was in the city the other night for a party and my wife and I wanted to get a relatively quick meal in the lounge at Barclay Prime. Knowing that it was Saturday we went pretty early around 630. We walked into the Lounge area and it was no more then half full, at least 8-10 tables open. We asked to be seated and the hostess said that they were booked. I told her we weren't looking to camp out all night and that we would be out by 730. She told us to wait by the bar, a ten minute deliberation between the Robert Palmer hostesses ensued. In that time a nice gentleman offered my wife his seat and the seat opened up next to her, eventually one of the hostesses came over and said they could accommodate us, at that point we decided to eat at the bar. From that point on we had a lovely time, our bartender, Bob, was super pleasant and attentive to our needs. My wife and I split an order of the oysters which were delicious and I had the 8 oz filet which was cooked to perfection with sides of the truffled whipped potatoes (YUM!) and roasted brussel sprouts that were out of this world. When we were finished the lounge still had empty tables and that is why I'm deducting 1 star from what could have been a 5 star rating. The girls up front need to know when to be accommodating .
(4)
Bill q.
Overpriced and Underwhelming Lobster: $100 Sole: $80 four slices of raw scallop: $18 Why do people go to Starr restaurants? Why did I? Because someone wanted to take me. Good thing I wasn't paying. Food was very so-so, service is bizarre, choose my knife? Choose my knife?
(2)
Hannah M.
This place is delicious. When my fiance was trying to convince me to move from NYC to Philly with him, he took me here, and it worked. The filet mignon was incredible, as was everything else. Big portions of delicious food with a more fun ambiance than your typical stuffy steakhouse. I really enjoyed it, will be back soon!
(5)
Edwin M.
This place is AMAZING! My wife and I ar from North Jersey but we try to make the trip to this great steakhouse every year. Typically around our anniversary. Anyway enough about us... LOL. We like to try diff things when eating here however the Mac'N cheese truffle is a staple for us everytime we go it's REALLY that good! Top notch service and every waiter we have ever has been helpful in helping us decide. No they don't always pick the highest items either... The ambiance is nice as well. Steaks are tender and have great taste. Overall, great expierence. Not the cheapest but again you get what you pay for
(5)
Tom G.
Appetizers and sides ruled my visit here. Kobe sliders were good. Tuna tartar was fresh and delicious. Lobster bisque was out of this world. Salads were average, maybe even below average. Steaks were less-than-amazing, which surprised all of the people in my group. None of us had been to BP before but we're all steakhouse "veterans." The steaks were all absolutely charred on the outside while being correctly cooked on the inside for the most part. The rub they slathered the steaks in was odd, as well. I appreciated that the NY strip was grass fed organic, and that was apparent in the flavor of the meat, but the bitter charcoal exterior really detracted from the natural flavor of the meat. This sentiment was echoed by all of my party. The more traditional steakhouse goers in the group did not appreciate the trendiness, feeling it tried putting an institition like American steakhouses into a prettied up, club-like atmosphere. I didn't echo this as I enjoyed the wood walls and modern tables and chairs. The mushroom side was AMAZING. I'd strongly recommend. The tatertots were not that great. The asparagus was fresh and perfectly cooked. The wine list, my favorite part, was standard for a steakhouse. Lots of big cali cabs and little else of note (outside of the 82 first growths like Cheval Blanc for $7400). We settled on a $250 bottle of Plumpjack Cab that was fantastic (if carrying the steakhouse standard 200% markup). This was probably the best part of the meal. Interestingly, the women in our group liked this place far more than the men here. They said they appreciated that it wasn't so manly.
(4)
Susan M.
Food was delicious. Steak was cooked perfectly. Shrimp cocktail were huge and tasty. Loved to Popover bread they serve in the beginning. Nice touch of letting you choose your own personal steak knife. Beautiful looking restaurant but expect to drop a small fortune. Very Very Exprensive!!!
(4)
Lily Q.
This is definitely my least favorite Steven Starr restaurant, unthinkably disappointing service and the food was just ok at best. I came here for a friend's bday party a few months ago, I had been really looking forward to coming here, it was the only Starr restaurant in Philly I hadn't tried yet and I absolutely love Butcher & Singer so I came in with very high expectations...oops We were seated in the front cigar-room-like area, they had placed a row of small tables together accommodate our large party. As soon as we were seated, I noticed that my table was very wobbly, to the point where the slightest weight shift would splash my water and I couldn't set my martini on the table because it would spill everywhere. We told the waiter at least twice before he even bothered to look at it and when he did he just assured me that the tabletop would not fall down on me (the screw holding the heavy table top down was so loose it really did feel like the top would slide off any second) and he took no measures to try to secure it, when we asked him if he could just swap it with a stable table he said he'd look into it and never got back to us. By this point we were having so many other issues with the waiter- I asked 3-4 times for lemon for my water and never got them, drink refills were absurdly slow as he would only stop by our table once every 20 or 30 mins- it just became ridiculous. I had the pleasure of eating my $100+ meal on a see-saw table with the silverware and plates sliding around and banging together everytime i cut my steak. The food unfortunately did not come close to making up for the horrendous service. The only thing I liked were the cocktails and the kobe tartar, but this is a steak house... and my porterhouse came out completely overcooked (totally burnt on the outside) and flavorless. The vegetable sides were dry and burnt, the spaeztle was ok but my boyfriend said it was sub-par. One guy in our party who got his steak 30 minutes before I did sent his steak back for being too tough and overcooked and it took almost an hour for him to get the new steak so I didn't even bother with trying to wave down our no-where-to-be-seen waiter to send mine back. Our dinner ended up taking 4 hours and believe me that was not by choice. To top everything off, my credit card was charged twice. Disappointing experience would be an understatement....never again
(1)
Theresa K.
The food was beyond amazing....everything was cooked to perfection! The West Coast oysters...OUT OF THIS WORLD! Drinks were really good too and the service (James) was astounding, very knowledgeable...answered all of our questions and was ALWAYS right there when we needed him! Dessert was excellent! We had a wonderful experience and will definitely go back!
(5)
Meg H.
Went there for the first time Sunday night. Place was PACKED!!! I heard alot of great things so I had to check it out for myself!!! OMG!!!! The best steak i have ever had and the Truffle mashed potatoes to die for!!!!! Will definitely be back!!!!
(5)
Robert K.
Overpriced & overrated. My $48 NY strip was too salty. Lined w/ hard gristle (had to spit some out or swallow big pieces), and undercooked. Charged us an extra $6 to bring a dessert we ordered for someone's birthday- I guess b/c they wrote 'happy birthday' in chocolate on the plate.
(2)
Benjamin S.
As a true connoisseur of steak, I can tell you that this is definitely top choice. I took my girlfriend to Barclay on her first visit to PA since I moved here from Dallas, and both of us were completely satisfied! Starting with the Kobe Sliders is a must and you can't help but smile as they practically melt in your mouth. Absolute bliss. After, the first course we chose the Fillet and the Chicken. I will admit the fillet was much better than the organic chicken dish, but it is a steakhouse. The cut was perfect and the temperature was right on - medium rare. On top of the food and equally important was the outstanding wait-staff and perfectly set ambiance. Unique coed bathrooms, so do not be shocked. Everything perfect down to selecting your own knife, not a must but definitely a point of distinction. If you love steak and fine dining experiences you must try Barclay Prime! Possibly the best of Starr's imaginations.
Spell "overrated": You guessed it... B-a-r-c-l-a-y P-r-i-m-e. I went to a reception here a while back and they passed various hors d'oeuvres all night, including the famous sliders. Those sliders were so freakin' awesome, I had high hopes when I returned for dinner. Alas, those hopes were dashed right after I finished my slider appetizer. Tomato Mozzarella salad: delicious. Sliders: awesome, as expected. Steaks: meh (and one of our companions said his was overcooked). Sides: meh AND small. Dessert: cute and delicious. We ordered the broccolini, shaved potatoes and onions, fried onion strings, and sauteed spinach with garlic (which they kindly cooked to order). The broccolini came with aioli, which was ok and kind of a nice change from the usual hollandaise. The fried onion strings were blooming-onion-esque. The shaved potatoes and onions were the clear winner... good caramelization, perfect seasoning... but they lost points on size. I thought steakhouse meant gargantuan steaks and sides (seriously, who can eat 12 ounces of meat in a sitting?). The shaved potatoes and onions were sufficient maybe for a party of two. They were sadly inadequate for our fourtop. If I ever return, I'm camping out at the bar and eating sliders until I'm ready for dessert.
(3)
Ferit U.
amazing wagnu steak
(5)
mike d.
What a bummer.. should have gone to the Prime Rib around the corner. Steak ordered Pittsburgh Rare, came out medium (brown center) quality ok the second time areound..should not have to worry about temp when in an up scale place got a robotic sorry from the server. service was ok the highlight of the nite was choosing the knife.... don't think I going back
(2)
Stephanie H.
The food steak was great, but a $200 wagyu ribeye better be. Wine was also very good. I have to say, however, that I expected a bit classier of a place and pristine service. I know restaurants are changing - who dresses up for a $600 meal right? But little things were lacking from making this worth the price - like both times I got up to use the restroom my napkin was not folded by the server it was laying on my chair just how I left it when I got up. I really don't mean this to be negative, we truly did enjoy our meal, but just expected a different type of place. Also, it played weird upbeat, trendy music - not what I expect at a nice dinner out.
An amazing dinner:) our anniversary was celebrated at barclay prime and the food was incredible. My husband got a ribeye and I ordered short rib- both food coma inducing goodness :) The service was also great but then again, we were one of the few ppl dining at that time... So I hope they're always that nice. We had dessert but they sent us home with a delicious blueberry cake with brown butter frosting..... A delicious treat to take home thanks barclay!
(5)
M K.
Where do I begin with this place?! Swanky and gorgeous beyond belief, it transports you to another era but with modern touches. Our server was phenomenal, absolutely wonderful. The food was amaaaaazing. The hamachi crudo was delish, beef tartare so well seasoned. Best I've ever had and I've had this dish at every great steakhouse in NYC. My bone-in filet was out of this world. I usually opt for ribeye and almost switched but our server made me stay with the filet and it was off the charts insane. Hubby had the ribeye and my steak blew it away. Sides were the truffled Mac and cheese and creamed spinach. Heavenly! And I almost forgot the popovers, how ethereal, almost croissant-like with the most exquisite sea salt butter. So yummy. Dessert was banana cake which was delish but paled in comparison to all the other deliciousness. Can't wait to go back!!! All in all one if my most memorable dining experiences ever.
(5)
Tam V.
Oh goodness how fantastic is this place?!?! The boyfriend surprised me and had an extended celebration for our 6 year anniversary. After all, that's a bit of an accomplishment. I was overwhelmed by the menu because everything sounded delicious and I wanted to eat everything! I've never had dry aged beef, but I'm glad my first time was here. It was succulent, delicious, perfectly cooked and.. just plain out amazing. The service was attentive and amazing as well as the interesting show of knives. I used the knife designed by Porche to eat my steak :) my boyfriend picked the Japanese knife that was designed like a mini samurai sword. The decor is absolutely beautiful and the entire staff was ridiculously good looking. They must be labeled "models who serve food" Anyway, they gave us a complimentary slice of chocolate cake and wrote Happy Anniversary on it complete with a candle. We plan on returning.
(5)
Jay B.
I couldn't find anything wrong with this place. We skimped in the appetizers and the salads knowing we were all in for the main course and dessert. We shared the tuna tartare. Not really my thing but those who obliged, raved about it. There were four of us, 2 of us got the NY Strip (I was one of them) and I can say without a doubt, it was the best steak I've ever had (with Cap. Grille's in close second). The other two got the filet and porterhouse and were blown away as well. You can get a filet anywhere, 3/4 of us went a little more marbled. We went high class with tater tots as a shared side as well as creamed spinach and of course the truffle mac and cheese and can say that all three were the perfect compliment to the steak. We went crazy on desserts since a guy in our party's cousin is the pastry chef here and can't remember everything we got because there were 4 desserts but can say that the s'mores cake is worth jamming in, even when you're stuffed. I'm not sure that it gets any better than the meal we put together here but if it does, please let me know.
(5)
Lil L.
I wish I can give them a 3.5 stars..but 3..will do. I love the set up of the whole place and the fact that it was much more modern and hip in comparison to some of the other pricey steakhouses in Philadelphia. The steaks (ny strip & filet) were beautifully cooked. The apps were delicious and the love triangle cocktail was just the right amount of sweetness. I probably wouldn't waste the money on sides again though. The mushrooms were decent. Tots and Brussels sprouts were below par. Truffle Mac and cheese would have been great if there wasn't a piece of hair in the middle of it.... Overall, I definitely would come here again. I think it was just an overall bad night..or unlucky for us. Besides the hair in the Mac, one of the waiters from another table actually dropped food on my friends shoes..he was holding way too many plates! Also for a high end steakhouse, I think finding hair is pretty gross. Even though the waiter comped us for that $17 Mac n cheese...a round of drinks to say sorry would have been better on top of the side...
(3)
Mara T.
Amazing. Really amazing. Found this thanks to Yelp and Open Table and our visit was spectacular. This place is money. But the food is seriously worth it. We enjoyed Waygu rib-eye, truffle whipped potatoes, crab cake, rib-eye, a split wedge and various desserts. The service was spot-on, so polite and attentive yet not intrusive at all. Love the posh elegant art deco setup, though gotta say the giant settee/couches are not comfortable at all to sit on for a few hours....though you can make it work with enough alcohol. Speaking of, bartender was on point, mixing me up some raspberry mojito concoction that they kept coming and my husband enjoyed a bit of their wine selection. All in all, so happy we discovered this gem and will be back as often as our budget allows. If you're looking for an upscale steak dining experience, come here.
(5)
Bruce W.
I don't usually eat at places this nice. Last night my girlfriend took me out for a graduation celebration, so this was exceptional for me and my review may reflect that. But wow. Those sliders. The rest of the meal was delicious--everything you would expect from such a nice restaurant--but I consider the sliders to be the must-have app. A couple years ago a firm took a bunch of us from school out to eat here and I got to try many of the apps, and those little burgers stole the show then and now. As for the rest of the experience: there is almost nothing inexpensive on the menu. If you're getting wine for two don't expect to leave without having spent at least $100. It's worth it for a nice occasion. Our waiter was extremely friendly, polite, and unobtrusive. The decor was like a warm reading room with the typical Starr twist (a nice modern flair). We got to pick our knives for the steak: I chose one of two German knives and my girlfriend chose a Japanese knife whose design was based off of throwing knives. A fun touch. One word of warning: the famous $100 cheesesteak is no longer on the menu! Apparently you can still order it if you give the chef 48 hours notice.
(5)
Melissa N.
Food AND service was amazing. My husband ordered the kobe beef tartare and I ordered the seared scallops as our appetizers. Both were VERY good. The scallops were cooked to its finest!! As for our main course, he ordered the 16 oz mishima ranch ultra ny strip and I ordered the 8 oz mishima ranch ultra filet. The temperature of our steaks were near to almost perfect. I wouldn't expect anything less since this place is pricy. Service was excellent and our waitress was very helpful. We loved it!!
(5)
Erica S.
This is the kind of place where Don Draper and Roger Sterling would go for an expensive two-martini lunch. Or perhaps Don would secretly meet here with a free-spirited brunette adultress before going home to Betty. It's all very masculine, dark, and sexy, like a library for dudes who like bourbon and expensive meat. Don Draper would not bring Betty here. The food was amazing. I had the Kobe and it was cooked to perfection. The Kobe beef sliders as an appetizer are an absolute must, and all the sides delivered as well. I remember some fingerling potatoes with garlic, shallots, and bacon (!?). The wine selection was one of those really long and overwhelming ones. Luckily we had a good waiter who suggested a bottle and he was right on. At least two people were taking care of our needs at all times without being overbearing. When it came time to choose our own knives ,we were so excited by the selection that he let us keep and play with them all. Thanks, dude! Don Draper, I'll see you there.
(5)
david h.
Cool decor. Sunken, dark library motif. Great funky music. Comfy chairs. Service a tad slow with only 3 tables occupied @ 9:45 on a Sunday night. Appetizers good not great. Steaks had outstanding flavor but were underdone. Potatoes au gratin great. Creamed spinach just okay. Desserts very good. Verdict - typical steakhouse in really cool setting. Smiley face (steak only)
(3)
Ryan D.
This place is great. Very comfortable seats along with great service and even greater food. The $100 cheesesteak is worth every penny. Especially when you split it as an appetizer :)
(5)
Damon L.
OK the wife and I were out for a special holiday season dinner. I was recommended this place by a co worker and was told I would have my socks blown off....well lets just say that I left with my socks still in place. The server was very nice and we were seated promptly we had an early dinner so it was not very crowded at all. Our server seemed to quite pompous and he seemed to be looking down his nose at us. I thought that it was just the way he and the staff was....until Donovan Mcnabb came in....then OH BOY!!!!! That is when the service picked up.....for him at least. I counted at least 6 different servers and managers that stopped by his table to ensure his visit was a pleasant one. I know that celebrity has its perks....but Damn...the levels of service were so blatantly disparaging......it made me feel like we came in there and ordered a Big Mac. There was another table of big wigs that were being served by our server and I guess since we were privileged enough to SEE him give exquisite service to them.....so we should have been satisfied. Let's get toe the food.....we ordered the Kobe sliders and the shrimp cocktail. we or our slider medium...the came out medium rare....closer to rare. The shrimp cocktail was very cold and the shrimp...though large in size, were rubbery and the cocktail sauce taste like it came out of a Heinz jar. My wife ordered the Medallions for her main course and in her words not mine..."they were good not"....not very good, not great , just good. I ordered the dry aged Porterhouse and it was.....very good. Now onto the sides we shared the creamed spinach and the mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was wonderful......but the spinach was HORRIBLE....some of the blandest, tasteless stuff I have ever eaten. If you like the taste of lukewarm, unseasoned cooked spinach....you will love this dish! I will tell that if you want a a great steak dinner in the Center city area....go to Davio's.....this place is over rated,
(3)
Mindy A.
Barclay Prime delivered on the things you expect of a top-notch steakhouse: delicious steaks, cooked to order service that is on point from the host to the bussers appetizing bread selection wonderful potato and veggie sides high prices A cut above on: the specialty drink selection Blew the competition out of the water on: the sexy ambiance. I love the discreet entrance and the small ("boutique") front bar that hides the dining area from view. Honestly, I probably would have given the place five stars without even getting to the food part. *I thought it was a little gimmick-y that we got to pick our knives, but I actually mentioned it to somebody else when I got home, so in truth, I guess it's just an excellent way to set themselves apart. On a few trips to Philly, I have visited 3 Stephen Starr restaurants now, and they are all awesome in their own unique way.
(5)
Ryan B.
100% The Best Food I have ever eaten. Great atmosphere, great waiter and fantastic food. My wife and I had a wonderful date night here.
(5)
Jennifer J.
Top notch steak house, great for a special dinner. We doubled with another couple for dinner and had a wonderful evening. The wait staff is vert attentive and the ambience is luxurios. My filet was perfectkly prepared as were the sides, truffle whipped potatoes and creamed spinach. Very filling and delicious but don't skip dessert!
(4)
Cristin S.
I came here last Thursday with a friend of mine for dinner. This is a very lovely place. The chairs are comfy, though I wish the backs were a little higher for taller gals like me, but super comfy. Our server was extremely attentive and pleasant. Overall I was very happy with the entire experience. I had the 12oz filet cooked medium; it came out a little crispy and burnt for my tastes, but it was edible. I ordered 3 sauces (I'm a sauce whore) -- bearnaise, roquefort, and au poivre. All were very delicious. The bearnaise was like butter, it was melt-in-your-mouth fantastic. The roquefort was good but very strongly flavored. I couldn't eat a lot of it. On the contrary, I could have eaten the bearnaise sauce with a spoon. The au poivre was properly peppery. I also ordered the tater tots -- there were not your standard, mushy, frozen tater tots. These were clearly homemade, very crispy, salty, addicting. My friend ordered the marble potatoes, which were red, yellow, and blue potatoes with green beans and a buerre blanc sauce. They were very tasty. I ordered the El Diablo martini to drink and it.was.fantastic. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about drinking something with jalapeno syrup in it but I couldn't get enough. So I had three. For dessert, I had the s'mores cake. It's like a chocolate lava cake but instead of liquid hot chocolate inside, it was liquid hot marshmallow. It was a very heavy, decadent dessert. Extremely delicious. My friend ordered an assortment of ice creams -- roasted banana, peanut butter, and nutella. Fantastic stuff. Normally I'm a Morton's girl, but this place definitely gave them a run for their money. I'm eager to come back here and dine again, this time with my husband.
(4)
Ashwin T.
As I continue my pattern of only coming here on other people's dimes, I can say with pride that Barclay Prime reeks of opulence. A comfortable and spacious lounge area immediately at the entrance provides a nice segue into the spacious main dining tavern. Luxury and comfort is not sacrificed in the pursuit of upscale: the couch style seating provides you with much needed support when hounding down copious amounts of meat and alcohol. In addition to your typical steak house fare, novelty items on the menu include a $100 wagyu and foie gras cheesesteak (not at all worth it). My only complaint with my night was the relatively empty scene on a Monday night. Maybe its the four years of living in New York, but its started to be discomforting to me when a place isnt veritably bursting at the seams...
(4)
Sharilyn K.
Fantastic meal, ambience and service. Our server Glen was amazing...very friendly, informative and made our dinner an exceptional experience. Another staff member, Austin was superb and took great care of us. The food was phenomenal-particularly the Wagyu ribeye! We will absolutely be back, and not soon enough.
(5)
Heather G.
I was in Philly for the weekend and I love steakhouses! I had to try one I haven't been too so Barclay Prime was my choice. We had a 9:15 reservation and we were a few minutes late but there was no issue. Service was impeccable...wish I remembered our servers name because I would give him props! We ordered the west coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, split a wedge salad, sea bass, and a medium rare filet that was cooked to perfection with martinis. Only thing I would mention and probably shouldn't was the bartender didn't have the perfect pour when it came to martinis...but that could be that I watch too much bar rescue and make Martinis at home so only filling a Martini to slight over half a glass is a no no to me.. But back to the good stuff we ate everything happily including their famous warm popovers...a must have. We passed on the dessert because we were full beyond belief but they gave us salted caramel truffles with our check that completed the meal. If you want a steak house that is not stuffy and dated and the food and service is great this is a great place to go!
(5)
Subir G.
Was here with a group of 10 guys for a bachelor party. The NY strip I ordered was likely the best steak I've ever had. Charred perfectly on the outside and with great texture and flavor. Between the ten of us, we must have ordered every variation of meat on the menu except for the porterhouse. One person ordered the $100 cheese-steak and said it was good, but not great (the half bottle of champagne is a big portion of the cost). Some folks had the caviar and said it was fantastic (and these were people who don't normally eat caviar). I had the lobster bisque to start and it was a perfect texture, but perhaps a little on the salty side (more on that later). I wish I hadn't ordered the soup because the NY strip was so fantastic and I couldn't finish the entire 24 oz which felt like an immense waste of great meat. I'd give the place five stars if it weren't for the fact that all the sides we had (creamed spinach, truffle potatoes, broccoli rabe) were over-salted. Cocktails were pretty good and service was unobtrusive and professional. The wine list is a typical steakhouse tome, lots of Bordeaux and big California reds. Markups on wine are a bit higher than I would have expected, but someone's got to pay for the fabulous space I guess. I was pleasantly surprised by the very good (and extensive) selection of white wines.
(4)
M. C.
Didn't love our return visit. The dining room was cold (temperature), which made the meal uncomfortable. The pop-over rolls were as delicious as we remembered, the wedge salad was awesome, ordered two NY Strip Steaks cooked medium and both were very undercooked and we ended up sending them back after we started to eat. The chicken dish was very good. Just wasn't feeling it this time, and we hated sending back our steaks.
(3)
Geoffrey E.
Pros: - Food. The food is absolutely fantastic. What more can I say. Perfect steaks. - Service. The service is almost overly attentive. - Decor - I love the "library" look. Cons: - Price. Offensively expensive and overpriced. Pretentious. I really hate pretentious places. For some folks, it's a draw. I despise it. - Restrooms. Come on - is there really any reason for unisex restrooms? It's Philadelphia, not Soho in Manhattan. - Decor. The bench seating blows. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons. Hands down, the best food I've ever eaten in Philadelphia.
(4)
Devenne R.
By far the best steak place around. Great atmosphere and lighting. Great martinis. Service was very good.
(5)
Peter S.
The chips were stacked against it with those high prices and Laban's 2012 demotion, but this was the best steakhouse experience I've had in recent memory. I expected a stuffy environment but the dining room was beautiful and the service was casual but attentive. The filet was absolutely perfect. I expected the potato gratin and brussels sprouts to be throw-away sides but they were both delicious. I usually won't order a s'mores dessert but it was really worth ordering here. The scallops and branzino were both delicious but comparably less memorable as beef is definitely the star here. It is a splurge when you're company's not paying but the value is definitely there.
(5)
Chuck F.
We have visited Barclay Prime five or six times over the years, weathered different chefs and have never been disappointed. In my opinion, the number one steak house in Philadelphia; wonderful cuts of meat, excellent service, an elegant setting and a knife menu! My wife and daughter shared the cheesesteak and deemed it worth it but......
(5)
Larry F.
Two friends and I went here for the first time, and it turned out to be a very well-rounded experience. To sum it up, the food was AMAZING! Food: The three of us each ordered an appetizer and shared them - scallops, soft shell crab, and hamachi crudo. My favorite among the appetizers by far was the scallops. It was well seasoned and perfectly prepared and seared; it had a slightly crusty, browned texture on the outside, but the inside was so tender! The tempura soft shell crab turned out to be exactly what I expected and wasn't particularly exciting, but I really enjoyed the avocado salad/sauce that came with it. The hamachi crudo was delicious as well. Moving on to the main course, I had the 18oz ribeye. Wow, two days later, and I'm still thinking about it. It was perfectly seasoned, exactly the medium-rare that I wanted. There wasn't a single bite that I didn't enjoy. Even better, we were presented with 5 different knives to pick from; I picked the Samurai knife per the recommendation of the waiter, and that helped me cut through each piece of the steak so smoothly and painstakingly. The other knives looked awesome, too! I think I'm going to have to go back at least 4 more times to try the different knives... We also shared a creamed spinach side. I read some fabulous reviews on Yelp about the creamed spinach, but I wasn't particularly impressed. It tasted like...well, cream and spinach; nothing out of my expectation. Unfortunately, we didn't have the stomach space to fit dessert. We had some chocolate truffles to sweeten up our palates, and that was a good treat to end the night. Thinking back upon it, in terms of the quality of food, this was by far my favorite steakhouse in Philadelphia among the 5 that I've been to. Ambiance: The ambiance was, to say at least, unique, but overall a bit disappointing for me personally. Coming into the restaurant, the traditional, European architecture outside threw me off. We also couldn't find the door very easily. There seemed to be a private guest room, then the hotel entrance, and then in the corner the restaurant's entrance. The left door didn't open, so we thought that wasn't the place, and the door was so tinted and no one came to greet us when we looked lost while trying to open the door. Inside, the restaurant definitely had the contemporary feeling. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed. The Greek and Roman architecture books by the bookshelf we sat by didn't quite add up to the contemporary style. More importantly, the place felt young, but at the same time, too corporate. The window was also directly in front where I sat, and facing west, the setting sun was almost blinding at some point; where were the window shades? Finally, the 90's rock music playing in the background also made the whole place seem rowdier than it really should have been. Service: Nothing outstanding here. Our waiter made good recommendations, although my glass of water was left sitting empty a couple times, everything else was great. In all, great food, and I will definitely come back for that. Ambience was disappointing, but I don't think that can be changed (maybe beside the door part). Service was great, and everyone was friendly!
(4)
Gene B.
Food and service were excellent! It was my first visit and I wanted to try someplace new and I will say that I will definitely be back again!
(5)
Valerie K.
One of the coolest things about Barclay Prime, amongst its many wonderful attributes, is its classy old-school "rat pack" kind of ambiance, which is pretty kick-ass for a place that is less than 10 years young... In fact, it was quite a surprise for me when I was told that it's a Steve Starr restaurant and not a place where Frank Sinatra had dinner anytime he was crooning or loving in the City of Brotherly Love. The patrons, in their diamonds and pearls, fancy cufflinks, suede loafers, fur colors and white crisp shirts, exude this old money aroma and yet, the overall aura is very relaxed, without even a hint of snobbishness that usually comes as part of the "pockets full of cash" package. Their meat is pure perfection. Their choice of knives can be a bit intimidating when you don't know the difference between a Japanese knife, an Australian knife or the other three sharp options but the staff is always kind enough to offer an explanation and provide a recommendation (been there more than a dozen times and still don't have a clear understanding of which knife to use when). And then there is the $100 cheese-steak... Have you ever had a $100 cheese-steak? I have and I have to admit that it's the best cheese-steak I ever had. Now, is it worth $100? Not to me, only because I am just not a fan of that particular entree but the foodie in me can definitely appreciate how its exquisite ingredients (Kobe beef, shaved truffles, lobster tail, triple cream Taleggio cheaese, carmelized onions and heirloom tomatoes and assembled on a homemade brioche bun) can lead to its exquisite price tag. The verdict? It's a 5 out of 5 for me on all counts! Oh and I forgot to mention that two of my most favorite wines, a 2006 Louis Martini Cabernet and 2004 (I think) Frei Brothers Cabernet, were discovered by while while dining out at Barclay Prime
(5)
Kristin W.
Surrounded by bookshelves and low chairs, I felt like all we needed to complete the library feel were some carrels - but I'm glad that we had some tasty food instead. We started with a round of raw oysters, which came out quickly and were delicious. We also sampled from the appetizer menu with the Scallops (good-sized) and Wagyu Slider Duo (so delicious - don't miss these!). We ordered the Miso Black Cod (tasty, but a little too sweet - I prefer the Buddakan version) and the 8oz Filet and concluded that the steak is the way to go here. Throw in some Jumbo Green Asparagus (soft without being mushy) and some decadent Truffled Mashed Potatoes and you have 2 people who could not manage to eat dessert, even on a birthday outing.
(5)
Tegan B.
What a great place to have a romantic dinner. We were seated together on a comfy couch in a dimly lit room. The ambience was nice, and the wait staff was nicely dressed. We got here somewhat on the early side and got to it see it gradually fill up. This food exceeded my expectations. I knew that we'd have a good meal, but I had no idea that we'd be blown away from the culinary greatness. I've never been to a better steak house. Although the steak was off the chain, the accompaniments were spectacular. We had the pleasure of having: Seared Scallops Appetizer Rabbit and Foie Gras Terrine Special Gnocchi and Lamb Sausage Appetizer (each) Wagayu NY Strip 28 Days Aged NY Strip Truffle Whipped Potatoes The star of the meal was the gnocchi. At different times, two of the staff came up to our table while we were enjoying it,and said it was their favorite dish. It was so light and fluffy, and you could taste the different ingredients separately - the potato, the cheese. Unreal... The scallops were cooked perfectly with a perfect combination of field onion puree, vermouth foam, and fried pork belly. The rabbit and foie gras terrine was decadent, an the cherry salad complimented it well. Of course the wagayu steak trumped the Dry aged. What a difference. I didn't want to stop eating the Truffle mashed potatoes. They were addictive! I regret that we didn't have enough time for dessert. Everything was made in house and seemed over the top. There will certainly be a next time, though. And a next time, and a next time after that when we really want to splurge.
(5)
Michael S.
Downtown location with a nice mix of vintage and contemporary decor. Food is expensive, but very good. We came for the steaks and were not disappointed; the sides (sauteed mushrooms and truffle mashed potatoes) were delicious. The ability to choose your steak knife is a novel twist. They forgot our oyster sampler appetizer, but made up for it by offering complimentary dessert. They got my wife's martini wrong twice, but immediately fixed it. Our server was very personable, and offered a great suggestion for brunch the next morning. Might have been five stars without the snafus, but the staff covered well.
(4)
Alexa R.
FULL DISCLOSURE: This review may be biased as I was here for a private event Saturday evening and it was amazing. They may have given us extra wonderful service as we were in a private room and part of a wedding party, but I disgress. From looking at the prices online, I can say that the service and the food far exceeded expectations. As we all know, there are restaurants in Philadelphia that charge astronomical prices for good food and mediocre service. Barclay Prime is not one of those places. The private event space is dark, woody, romantic and luxe. I felt fancy. I started with the shrimp cocktail appetizer (HUGE shrimp) which was filling and delicious. They also brought pop-overs to the table for us to eat with our appetizers - they were warm and had a hint of rosemary. Also amazing. I had the roasted chicken for dinner - "Alexa, who orders chicken?" you ask. Well, I do. I love roasted chicken and Barclay Prime did not disappoint. We were served creamed spinach and mashed potatoes family-style. I was not wild about the creamed spinach, but the mashed potatoes were awesome. I would come back to Barclay Prime and order those alone. For dessert, they did a three part tasting. Also incredible - some chocolate square I loved and a strawberry banana mousse. There was also a panna cotta, but I do not like panna cotta, so I did not eat it. If you are looking for something different and a true place to spoil your guests, this is the place. Service was stellar, too!
(5)
Claire O.
I came here over the holidays with my friend who had flown in from LA - we're both ridiculous eaters, so we were psyched. I chose Barclay Prime after seeing how highly it was rated by Philadelphia Magazine among the other steakhouses in Philly. Again, I've had decent experiences with Starr restaurants so far, so I was looking forward to it. It was surprisingly empty for a Sunday night (maybe everyone was still recovering from their New Year's revelry - we went the night before work/class resumed) so there was no way the service could have been more prompt. The interior was pretty neat and intimate for a large space; we were seated in a booth near the wall (lined with books). The chairs did roll about a little uncontrollably, though. Our servers were nice, funny, engaging and knowledgeable. We ordered raw oysters as an appetizer. I think it was only my second time eating raw oysters so I'm definitely not an expert, but they tasted pretty good. I'm not quite sure how to critique them. My friend and I split the 20oz ribeye because we ourselves had just come back from NY for the holiday fun. They were pretty accommodating with splitting the steak into two pieces. We also went with the truffled mash as a side - the serving was huge. The best part was when our server came with a selection of knives. What the hell would we know about knives? They cut, we eat. We weren't at all particular, although I'm sure some steak connoisseur out there would definitely appreciate having all those options. The steak was delicious - totally melted in my mouth. The truffled mash was also delicious. I've eaten at a number of well-reputed steakhouses and Barclay is up there. The steak was seasoned so well and cooked just right (we asked for medium rare). We got the creme brulee for dessert because we are seriously two fat girls trapped in skinny bodies. It was good. A little pricey, but worth it.
(5)
Meg B.
I had a great time with a group of friends at Barclay. I loved the decor and the ambience of the place. The service was top notch. The messed the boyfriend's steak by bringing out the tarjima filet instead of the tarjima strip. They had the correct steak out in front of him by the time all of the other dishes and sides were present. The truffled mashed potatoes were delish . The wedge and chopped salads were also very good. I also sampled the smores dessert that my friends had- was absolutely delicious. Dispite all of these positives, There was something lacking that is preventing me from giving this place 4 or 5 stars. I feel like for the money that was spent, I should have been more overwelmed with my steak ( the 28 day dry aged 16 oz strip. Although it did have flavor and was a good piece of meat and cooked the way I requested, I also sampled the $95 tarjima strip. It lacked so much flavor for being a $95 piece of meat. It was a beautiful cut, almost resembling a seared tuna but after biting into it, I could not understand how my $48 steak could taste better. I'm not sure if this was because the wrong steak was brought out first and they and they had to rush this out or if this is the way that it is always served. I just felt like I've had better or the same for a fraction fo the cost. Everything adds up with the sides at $10/pop ( are good to share though with one other person), $5 for the steak compliments. Overall, I don't want to say it was a bad experience or the food was bad baecause that was not the case. I just think food wise, I have gotten my money's worth at better places than this.
(3)
Deborah K.
We were very disappointed! We picked this restaurant to celebrate my husband's birthday. No valet parking. A not so friendly hostess. Extremely expensive just "good" food. Not at all what we expected!
(3)
nitin a.
Maybe I was expecting more for the price, but I wasn't blown away by Barclay Prime. A quick summary of our experience: -Our waitress was maybe a little too busy or too aloof, but there were a couple of times that we tried to flag her down and couldn't, or that she forgot what we asked for. -Kobe Sliders were the highlight of our meal. I would go back and have a few plates of these as my meal (if they weren't $19 per pair). - Ordered the Filet and it came back a little dry. Was good but I can safely say I've had better. -Sides-I loved the Potato Nachos... greasy and cripsy, you know they're bad for you if they taste that good. Wife liked the truffle-whipped mashed potatoes, but I wasn't as impressed. -Dessert- Got the warm deep dish cookie.... was pretty good, and I would've finished it if I had an room left in my stomach ;) Overall, it was a good dinner experience. I went in expecting mor and it didn't quite live up to it. Perhaps it was that we had a great meal at Cuba Libre the night before, or maybe it was the prices. If back in Philly, I'll go back, if for no other reason than those delicious Kobe Sliders.
(3)
Susann E.
Holy Sh*t this place is good! I am very aware that I'm a spoiled spoiled eater, and that because of my job I get to dine out places I have no place being. This may be one of those, but without a doubt ranks as the top Steakhouse experience of my life. After being referred to another restaurant by my hotel's concierge, I turned to my trusty Yelp which ranked that other place with an "eh", and this one with a very well deserved 4.5. I took the left out of the hotel to go to Barclay, and I am so glad. I actually really liked the vibe in Barclay Prime. As a female, it is so hard to find a steakhouse that appeals to both gender of steak gnawers. This one did. The low seating is a little odd, but comfortable, and was nothing that a little good posture on my part helped solve (thanks Grandma!) I ordered the house blackberry vodka on the rocks to start, and it was delish. Both my dining companion and I started with the tomato mozzerella salad, and it was fantastic. Apparently they make the monz in house. For my main course, I actually had the scallop appetizer. There were two humungous scallops wrapped in bacon with a maple glaze. All that on top of two fried green tomatoes. These people knew how to win over this Southern girl. My boss had the ribeye, which his demolished, so I assume it was tasty too. The sides (spinach, tatertots) were fresh and yum, if a little on the salty side. I didn't have any room to even think about dessert, and needed to be rolled back to my hotel room. The price was high, but not ridiculous. I've paid much more for much less. The service was unbelievable. Attentive as L'Ambroisie in Paris, without the pretense. It seemed that everyone really enjoyed working there. Next time I'm in Philly, I will definitely be back. This restaurant just made my top 10 of all time!
While I never imagined I'd rate a Stephen Starr restaurant the best when it comes to food, Barclay Prime is my top choice for a high-end steakhouse in Philly. The upscale boutique steakhouse is situated within a chic library/den setting...a library with luxe marble tables and gorgeous leather chairs. The service is impeccable...polite, knowledgeable, and consistent. The selection of steak knives they provide is a nice touch, especially for those who really love steak and the nuances of the various cuts of meat. Fun fact for steak connoisseurs, Barclay Prime gets their Ribeye from the same butcher where Peter Luger (in New York) gets their cuts. The Kobe Sliders are definitely one of the best appetizers ever..anywhere..so be sure to get them. (We once went for JUST sliders and drinks which is a nice option when you're in-between meals or wanting smaller portions.) Also, the homemade hush puppies are nice update to the ones I remember from growing up. The Porterhouse is supposedly the way to go steak-wise, which is what my husband gets every time. I stick to the filet mignon - both of which are amazing. Final thoughts... If you're in the mood for steak and have some cash to spend on a nice dinner, run don't walk. Begin with the Kobe sliders to start the night just right.
(5)
Shahzad S.
I visited Barclay prime on Valentine's eve. I had reserved a spot and showed up on time. I had to wait for 30 minutes plus in the lounge without anyone so much as asking us for water. I did go to the counter twice in that time to ask about our seating but the front staff was without any answers. Finally, the manager showed up, she did not have a clue that we had reservations and had the audacity to say that she will do us a favor by getting our orders before the kitchen closes. The service was very poor. The food was good..not excellent..and yes I have had excellent steak before.. best advice for two normal eating people get one big steak and side, it should be enough.
(2)
Emily P.
I'm not the kind of girl that would usually go to a Steven Starr restaurant, but when my friend offers to foot the bill, I'll give in to curiosity and check it out. Barclay Prime is all hype. I agree with Blake S. on the interior design - it's horrifically campy. It tries far too hard to be edgy (if you've been to the bathrooms there, you know what I mean) and ends up just being mediocre and boring. Why am I giving it one star? Because not one but TWO of the steaks at my table had to be sent back. I ordered mine Medium and recieved it Well Done. It was completely brown the whole way through. My friend (the one who was paying) ordered his steak Rare and got it Medium. My second steak came back as ordered, but his was basically a slab of raw meat--I'm talking beyond rare. Like they put it in the pan for five seconds to sear the smallest outer layer and then gave it to him out of spite. The third member of our party had a perfectly prepared kobe beef steak (medium), and we envied her all night. This kind of screw-up is abominable at any steakhouse, but at a place where you're paying $75-100 per head, it's inexcusable. If you're going to go, definitely spend the extra $$ for the Kobe beef - it tastes exponentially better than their other steaks. The sliders are a great appetizer, too. - but you can get those at other restaurants in rittenhouse (like Alfa) and they taste just as good.
(1)
Robert D.
my favorite restaurant in Philly slidders melt in your mouth.........yum yum yum yum yum
(5)
Beca M.
I like to think there are few things in life that can match the blush, the flush of life, the rosy richness of a perfectly cooked filet. Perhaps a bride, perhaps a recent graduate, perhaps my smile after dining at the Barclay. This is the best Philadelphia has to offer. I have had both of my favorite dining experiences of my life at the Barclay. That's why I've taken so long to write this review. The memory of that snazzy study I dined in.. well, nothing I could write could possibly compare. Started with the Kobe sliders (5/5 stars) and they did just that, they slipped, the slid, they exploded with flavor. I accompanied them with a cocktail, sidecar I think it's called- with gin and basil- sounds funny, but this drink is no joke. I always have the filet (7/5 stars). I thought I would never love a piece of meat that hadn't been raised on the Argentine grasslands, but I can, thank you Barclay for making beef a feast even when I'm stateside. (I recommend medium rare, but they'll cook whatever temperature you like to perfection). The tater tots (4/5 stars) are quite a delicacy, the creamed spinach is the best I've had in my life (5/5 stars), fuffy and not too heavy. I've also had the asparagus, which I do not recommend, they're just steamed sprigs with bechamel sauce. It's nearly impossible to leave space for dessert, but I've found a way to stretch my stomach muscles so can, and you should give it a try if you're at the Barclay. I have beautiful dreams of the cookie desert (5/5 stars) which is like gooey cookies (snickerdoodle, choco chip and peanut butter) with a ball of vanilla ice cream. Call it pretentious, call it a Starr, I call it the Barclay Prime, Shangri-la for my tastebuds.
(5)
Tim H.
Let me begin by saying that I am a social worker and don't make much money. But then again, I live outside of my means. Barclay Prime has always been the one spot in Philly I needed to try... someday. This past Valentine's day it happened, and unlike the movie Troy, this experience did not disappoint. For such an upscale, classy place, I was very comfortable. The waitstaff was knowledgeable as well as amicable. They maintained their professionalism while making you feel at home with gentle conversation. The seating was comfortable, the lighting was easy, and the bar looked inviting. One nice little touch was the knife selection. The waiter brought us a choice of about 6 steak knives. I'm not sure any one would have made a difference in my dining experience, but then again, maybe it did. The food was unbelievable. I love steak, but I'm not sure I needed to taste a $75 Fillet (maybe another time). We went with NY Strip and Rib-eye I believe, and we were both happy with our selections. The seasoning was spot-on. We also had the Nueske Bacon and Scallops. Perhaps the best appetizer I've ever had. I wish I could be more poetic in my description, but I would not pass this dish by. As sides, we had tater tots and sauted mushrooms. Both were great and went well with steak. I highly recommend this place if you have a lot of money. If not, I recommend working some overtime and splurging once on your lover for some nice occasion.
This place came highly recommended by coworkers when I needed a special occasion dinner spot. I expected it to be over hyped because their signature dish is a $100 cheesesteak. Just to give you an idea how good it is: I was working in Rittenhouse square at the time, and my husband asked me to find out if I could get the cheesesteak as take out. Yeah, that habit could've put a dent in the ol credit card. I throughly enjoyed my steak... until I had a bite of my husband's cheesesteak, full of kobe beef, lobster, truffles, some kind of fancy cheese, all on a fancy roll. It had such a great taste, and melted in my mouth, that my steak paled in comparison. Thankfully the cheesesteak is big enough that my husband didn't mind sharing. While a $100 entree might scare people off, it also includes a 1/2 sized bottle of champagne, which my husband drank instead of getting wine. I take advantage of their lemon drop martinis and wine selection. In subsequent trips, I found it was better to just order a salad and have some of my husband's cheesesteak. I tried doing this with their caesar salad, and ended up barely touching the cheesesteak because of how much I enjoyed my salad. If possible, I'd give this place a 4.5/5 because once you have the cheesesteak, it's hard to enjoy anything else, and it's too expensive for everyone to get their own. But the cheesesteak is so good, it deserves rounding up. I don't mind the decor. Not as cheesy, nor stuffy as places like the Prime Rib. The tables can be close together, but that seems to be a growing norm. We have found the hostess staff to be very accomodating with seating requests. We went once when we had made last minute reservations, and ended up in the bar/lounge by the front door. Unfortunately, it was too small for my 6'5" husband, who could barely fit his legs under table. As soon as we mentioned it, they moved us right into the dining room with no problems at all. I haven't been in a while, but the parking was usually non existant. We would end up parking down a few blocks because there was no valet around, making us late for our reservation. It was very frustrating. The only reason we haven't been back in a while because we are making an effort to try new places rather than getting stuck in a rut of the same places all the time. It's definitely an enjoyable meal, if for no other reason than to say you had a $100 cheesesteak for dinner.
(5)
Sean W.
Absolutely fantastic. Expensive, but worth it. They gave me my choice of hand forged steak knives for my 16oz Kobe strip. The waitress was well trained, and very knowledgable.
(5)
kathy t.
Barclay executes the deep leather banquette, high ceilinged, plush but hiply decored steakhouse concept perfectly well. Prices are on par with other local steakhouses, chain or not. Our steaks were cooked perfectly to order, and sides look wimpy but involve a lot A LOT of delicious delicious butter. Steak knife options include Globals. (I believe it is wheelchair accessible with big wide aisles- I don't recall any steps at the door.)
(5)
Sandi W.
This restaurant was the highlight of our business trip. The food was amazing - oh wow those Kobe sliders! The only bad thing was I could barely eat all of my fillet after those... way too big. The wine was wonderful. Loved the couches. The sides and sauces were delicious. Try the shaved potatoes and onions. So yummy. The Bearnaise sauce was excellent. Silly but fun to be able to choose your own knife. I think I chose a Samurai one. Would love to go back!
(5)
Ron W.
This is a follow up to a poor review I wrote about my recent experience at barclays. Within minutes of the review I received a message from the GM asking when I dined there and was "going to make things right." I never heard anything back. Pretty indicative of the overall experience: over promise and under deliver.
(1)
Ashley T.
The hubby surprised me with dinner reservations here for our anniversary. I don't often give 5 stars, but this restaurant deserves it! Keep in mind, the menu is PRICY, so it's only a place we would come to for special occasions (although I would love to come more). My husband started with the lobster bisque which was delicious. He ordered a glass of pinot noir (which ended up being $19/glass--outrageous but we were celebrating). The complementary popovers and room temp butter with sea salt is amazing, the bread just melts in your mouth. We both ordered the 8oz filet's and OMG the best filet i've ever had. It was cooked perfectly with an amazingly seasoned crusty outside and extremely tender inside. We ordered sides of truffled mac and cheese which was delicious and creamed spinach which was just ok (it had some kind of spice on it, maybe turmeric? I didn't care for it). They knew it was our anniversary and brought us a complementary little cake dessert with a candle which was nice. We also ordered the smoores dessert--it was good but I was stuffed at that point. Also had cappuccino and espresso with dessert which was very good. One of my favorite things about this place is the amazing service. Very attentive and helpful, but not annoying or pushy. My water glass was never empty, which keeps me happy ;) If you want an amazing steak and don't mind spending a little extra, definitely try Barclay Prime, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
David A.
Met my friend Judd here since this is his favorite Philly restaurant. I am not big into steakhouses after living in Dallas for five years and getting my fill of steak. In fact , now I don't eat much red meat at all with the exception of burger cravings (and I prefer Buffalo, with lower fat). Nice dining room, more formal and an older,professional crowd. Service was top shelf as you would expect from an expensive,white tablecloth restaurant. Selected a bottle of Spanish red wine from the Toro region for under $100. A good find from a fairly pricy wine list. Wine drank really well. Based on fellow yelper reviews, tried the Kobe sliders with my friend. They come served with two (with two different toppings). The one I had was just ok. The village Whiskey burger blows away the flavor here. Based on sommelier recommendation to go for the steak since it was my first time here, I splurged and got the bone in ribeye. Ordered it rare and it was cooked perfectly. Flavor, texture, fat composition was all perfect. Just not a steak guy anymore. It was huge and I ate too much. If you love steak (and I have been to quite a few steakhouses around the country over the years) then you will enjoy this. For sides we had the creamed spinach and tatter tots (my friends selections). I prefer sauteed spinach but this was a very good treat and not heavy on the butter or cream. The tatter tots were really underwhelming. Give me the fries at Parc any day over these. No complaints about the overall experience if you want a formal steak house. We split the check and it was about $150 each with tip so not a cheap night but very enjoyable.
(4)
Lilli C.
I almost had a heart attack when my friend demanded I take her here for her 30th birthday, ordered the 85 dollar steak, and then when I got the bill. I don't think I've ever spent so much money on a dinner before, let alone a birthday dinner. But grumbling aside, the food really was amazing...the tuna tartare, the kobe beef sliders, the 24oz dry aged porterhouse were all fantastic. I did not however find the 16 oz mashima steak to be worth the 85 dollar price tag...and I much preferred my 58 dollar porterhouse. The ambiance was class and elegant and pretty much aligned with what you'd expect from a place with 5 dollar signs. My favorite part of the meal was when we got to pick our "weapon of choice" for our steak. The server came over with a box of different steak knives and explained the advantages of each one amd was pretty patient when I wanted to try each one out. I would defintiely go back here for a special occasion and although I'm still intrigued by the 100 dollar steak with a 1/2 bottle of champagne, I just don't know if I could justify that. Although I hear the chef has just left Barclay to head to Butcher and Singer so I may give that a shot next time.
(5)
Chenhui S.
The waitress was friendly and did a really good service for us. Not only the service is good here, but also the appearance of the restaurant is impressive. It is not same as the normal restaurants, but it is more like a bar. The light was pretty dark but made us feel comfortable. A kind of soft music was played all the time. Actually, I thought it is romantic. There were 2 candles on each table. To be honest, this atmosphere made me feel peaceful. I chose a 24 Oz steak. There was a steak with a leaf on the plate. This steak was bigger than my hand and there was a bone which is shaped as a letter "T" inside of the steak. I ordered a medium raw one. The skin of the steak was a little bit burnt but inside, it was almost raw. This is my favorite level. Before we started, a waiter came with a box, which had many knifes inside and asked us to choose. When I used my knife to cut it, the knife was slided among the meat. It was soft. It tasted fried at first, but when I chew it, I felt it was chewy. At the end, I could not finish it; it was too big. But I enjoyed it
(5)
Philip K.
First time we have been to the restaurant even though we have been in Philly for five years since we are not really steak people. But it was well worth the splurge. We started with oysters and a wedge salad - both steak houses staples. Both very good. Wedge salad had a a great blue cheese dressing. Had a couple of the killer pop overs before the meat, also great. For meat, we had the ribeye and a bone in filet, both medium rare. Both were cooked correctly and were nice and red in the middle. Perfect. Finished it off by splitting the s'mores dessert - also tasty. Our waiter managed to steer us to a relatively affordable bottle of cab from Argentina. Only $70. Good value compared to all the overhyped California bottles. Decor is nice, if a bit loud. People told us to check out the coed bathroom, but it seemed like no big deal to us. If I was in the mood for a nice steak again, this would be at the top of the list.
(4)
Kelvin W.
Friend's father treated us out for dinner here, definitely the best (and most expensive!) dining experience I've had. We got beef tartar, scallops, and oysters as starters. I'm not a fan of oysters, but everything was delicious. I ordered the 24 oz. porterhouse, and other members of our party got filet mignon, the NY strip, and lamb chops. We got asparagus, whipped potatoes, and creamed spinach on the side. Make sure to get sauces (the house steak sauce is great) for the steaks! I don't think this restaurant can make anything wrong.. everything was so exquisite and delicious. The service was great, though our waiter was a bit lengthy in explaining the menu--there's no need to go over every item on the menu, sir. Another plus--they have a entire selection of steak knives to choose from. How awesome is that?
(5)
J S.
Love the Kobe beef sliders. They are so good. I've only been for dinner twice because it is so pricey. Thankfully you can order apps in the bar area so I can enjoy some of the more affordable items on the menu.
(4)
Tom B.
The best "real" steak in Philadelphia! Not cheap, but very good prime cuts. I took my wife here on our anniversary and had a great time for about $200.
(5)
Vicki S.
I went to Barclay Prime on Saturday with my fiancee and his family. My thoughts: Decor/ambiance: like all other Starr restaurants, the decor and atmosphere was nice. The tables were well-spaced and the pillows in the chairs made for a very comfortable and relaxing dining experience. Service: The waiter didn't introduce himself by name so when my future father-in-law asked, he was a little caught off guard and came back a little snarky as if it was a weird question to ask... but the waiter was nice and attentive throughout the night. Food came out quickly. Water wasn't always full but I never had to ask for it. Food: Here's why I'm giving the restaurant just 3 stars. I thought the popovers and salted butter were amazing to start. I also enjoyed the apps. I got the lobster bisque which was velvety and delicious. Fiancee got the tuna tartare which was also pretty good. The entrees, however, were the biggest downfall. I got the miso cod (I don't enjoy steak) and everything was just overly salty that it was almost unpalatable. Most of his family got steaks which they seemed to enjoy, however, my fiancee and his dad got the same cut of meat and ordered it medium rare. One came out a little too rare and one came out more on the medium-ish side. For an expensive steakhouse, they should be more consistent. Overall experience was good but I'm not really itching to go back anytime soon....
(3)
Erika M.
I just want to say THANK YOU to the person who recommended this place to me. While I didn't get a steak, the Jumbo Crab Cake I got was delicious. I tasted little if any filler, which is a big big plus! The table shared Asparagus Spears and Truffle Whipped Potatoes. The Whipped Potatoes were heavenly. If I could eat those every day, I would be one happy girl. While my wallet won't necessarily enjoy it, I will definitely be going back next time I am in Philly!
(5)
Matthew Y.
I recently went on a business dinner to Barclay Prime and simply put, the entire meal was outstanding from start to finish. After ordering cocktails, my group had the create-your-own shellfish sampler to start, as well as the hamachi crudo. Everything considered, the shellfish was some of the best seafood I have ever had in my entire life. Two different types of oysters east coast (Bluepoint) and west coast (Pacific) were outstanding, as was the lobster, crab and shrimp. The yellowtail tuna in the hamachi crudo was out-of-this-world good - I could had a few plates of that by itself for dinner and I would have been happy. We then moved on to soup and salads - I had the kale salad, which had finely chopped kale, pine nuts and apple slices with a very light vinaigrette. Also of note were the popovers, which were again out-of-this-world amazing; probably the best pre-dinner bread at any restaurant. From there, we moved on to the main course. I had the 18 oz Gachot & Gachot ribeye, cooked to a perfect medium rare. Other members of my group had the 12 oz filet, the 24 oz porterhouse, 50 oz tomahawk ribeye, dover sole and branzino, and everyone raved. For sides, we shared the Brussels sprouts, truffle mac and cheese, potato gratin, creamed spinach and tater tots. Again, everything was fantastic. The Gachot & Gachot Ribeye was right up there with the best steak that I have ever had in my entire life (the title is reserved for Minetta Tavern and Peter Luger) We finished with dessert and coffee, which was as good as expected. Bottom line: if you are looking for the best steak, freshest seafood, coolest and least stuffy atmosphere, most attentive service service, most complete wine list and the swankiest meal at a steakhouse in Philadelphia, look no further. Another fantastic Starr joint.
(5)
Richard K.
This is the best steakhouse in Philadelphia (IMHO). I haven't yet tried their Kobe beef cheese steak sub, but their Kobe beef sliders are sublime. The same goes for their ribeye steak. I also fancy their tray of cutlery that they bring out for your selection before the steak entree comes out.
(5)
Marty J.
Totally lives up to it's reputation and recommendations. Not too stuffy, fun and classy ambiance. Great bar, very small, but delicious. Great food. Our waitress was a bit off a weirdo. Nice, but not quite on her A-game that night. However, I will return.
(4)
Girl G.
I don't understand how anyone could possibly not like this place! I've been here about four times and it is consistently delicious. The best steak is the porterhouse, SO GOOD I JUST CAN'T EXPLAIN IT. it melts in your mouth and is just perfectly seasoned. The sides are all perfectly yummy (creamed spinach, tater tots, whipped potatoes). And the popovers, OH, the popovers. To die for. The s'mores cake dessert is just YUM. The place is very pretty and comfortable (couches instead of chairs!) and the service is great. And I love how they pour soft drinks in their little glass bottles. Overall, this place is so delicious and classy.
(5)
Nancy P.
I don't blame Barclay for feeling sick during the meal. I can't say for certain that it was something I ate here or elsewhere (I eat a lot). But I had been waiting to go to Barclay for so long. The hostess was very accommodating since I was waiting for my bf to return from his flight. The interior of the place is very dark..to me, it was almost too dark (sleazy gentleman's club dark). The manager was nice and sat us with the 'more comfortable' chairs. I was surprised to see the amount of people there (it was a late dinner). But to my disappointment, it was so noisy in the dining area. We started off with the kobe beef tartar and the lobster bisque. The tartar was wonderful and flavorful. The lobster bisque was only okay and if anything, too heavy for me. The popovers, OMG. I couldn't stop eating it. I should have skipped the bisque and ate more of the popover. I ordered the rib eye and my bf got the NY strip. Both were enormous portions, cooked medium rare. (I think this is when the wine didn't mix well in my stomach). The steaks didn't wow me; parts were too chewy. BUT the sides were what saved the day. We ordered the creamed spinach and truffled mashed potatoes. Wow, the creamed spinach was so (disgustingly) perfect. The fat girl in me overpowered my brain, which was thinking about how much I would have to work out to burn these calories. I was feeling too sick for dessert but our server was nice enough to bring out a little something for my birthday. I didn't look at the bill, but I don't think I'd let my bf treat me with Barclay anytime soon.
(3)
Benjamin S.
Well i finally got to BP this evening! I give it three.5 stars, and thats not a bad thing. Let me explain... It was delicious, no doubt about that. It was also pricey... i don't mind paying for a meal, but would rather go to ten+ other places in Philly for a fraction of the price. BP is def worth a visit though, but don't think it merits a return trip anytime soon. My gal, a friend, and myself showed up for a 9:30 reservation, and didn't get seated until 9:50. This drives some people crazy in a place like this, but I don't mind waiting 15-20 minutes for a table. I am happy to hit up a bar and get my drink on. The thing that did bother me was that we stood there for 10 minutes before a bartender even acknowledged our presence. To be fair, they were busy, but in a place like this you don't want to stand around empty handed for too long, and i was thirsty!!! Your paying big money and you want to be treated accordingly... I finally ordered 3 drinks. A glass of cab, a capt and coke, and a jameson on the rocks = $50 Bucks! It was a BIG glass of Jamo 12 year(don't think they have reg Jamo), so i can't complain too much. The bar itself is a lil small, and only seats about 8 tops. The front of house girls were amazing. They thanked us for our patience on numerous occasions, and i appreciate that. The service was also top notch! Our waiter was very friendly, extremely helpful, and grew a mean beard! i love the atmosphere. the dining room is well lit(it's all about the lighting), the tables were spacious, and the chairs were very comfy. you could relax, kick back and EAT! we started with the lobster bisque, caesar salad, and the kobe beef tartar. Easily one of the best bisques I have ever tasted! It had a few chunks of perfectly cooked lobster in it. It was spot on. The ceasar salad was good. Nothin crazy, but good. Would have LOVED to see a few anchovies on there! The kobe beef tartar was out of this world, and moan inducing! I ordered the 24oz porterhouse, med-rare. It was very tender, cooked perfectly, BUT it was too salty! It took away from the meat itself. It was such a big steak, by the time i got to the end of it(yes, i did finish it!) my mouth was SO dry! I got the bone marrow to compliment my steak. It was good when you put it on the steak like jam. The two i were with got the the 28 day dry aged strip, 16oz. One got it medium, one got it med-rare. Med-rare was definitely the way to go, it was much more tender. On the med strip were the caramelized onions. They were good, but i think they were a little over-powering, but that could be a preferance thing. They would have been better if they came on the side, not slathered on top of the steak. They are under the compliments part of the menu along with lobster, shrimp, etc... my friend got the lobster on his med rare strip. It was cooked well, and delicious, but for $16 i don't know if it was worth it. We all shared 3 sides. The creamed spinach which was amazing, the tater tots that were great but a bit salty, and the truffle oil mashed which were VERY good. I also LOVED how you get to pick your steak knife! I am very into cooking knives. I collect them, and have my own sharpening stones, etc... so this for me was just a cool thing for a steak house to offer. ps-get the shun steak knife! it glides thru beef! I gotta wrap this up. I apologize if this seems long winded. If your gonna pay the big bucks, you wanna know what your in for though! I would go back, but not anytime soon. I would like to check out a bunch of other restaurants first, or go to some of my go-to's... the wine list is great, the service is very good, and the food was good. I just don't know if it was $500 without-the-tip-good though...
(4)
Cath R.
We went to barclay prime this weekend for our anniversary and can't believe it took us this long to give it a try. First thing first: yes, valet is located in front of Parc, but we counted the steps - 116 walking steps. Probably a pain if it is rainy or icy but perfectly short walk, if you can even call it that. FOOD: One of the best steaks I have ever had. Before coming to Baraclay, we were Cap Grille fans but this steak is right up there with it, if not better. We got the scallops to start which were wrapped in a smoky bacon and on top of a fried green tomato and a light maple syrup - delicious! Next up was a 20oz ribeye for me and a 16oz strip for my husband - I no way could have finished the ribeye but never had one before as I usually go with the filet but I was not disappointed. Cooked to perfection (medium rare) with a nice char on the outside that made the inside even more tender. For sides we got the truffle mashed potatoes which were rich but delicious and the creamed spinach that I didn't care for (i like Cap Grille's much better) but I think they used an herb I may not like - but the consistency and creaminess looked great. Ended with a cookie dessert and a glass of scotch which both I could barely get down because I was so stuffed from a great meal. If I had to do it again, or should I say, when I do it again, I will probably stick with the ribeye or move to the filet and sitll get the mashed potatoes and try and another side. SERVICE: Amazing. our waiter was always available when needed but never stalked us. they were on top of filling wine glasses and recommending sides and desserts. Definetly pricy, but not too much more than your average city steak house. The only odd thing is that you would expect this to have a dark steak house feel but instead you kinda feel like you are in a Sprite bottle with lots of oranges, greens and whites. Don't get me wrong, I kind of liked it but if you are expecting a dark old steakshouse, this isn't it but it still has a good feel.
(5)
victoria g.
i decided to hit this place up again after some convincing that i had been dead-wrong about my opinion on this place and that their bone-in filet was not to be missed. boy am i glad i kept an open mind! holy cow you have not lived until you have had the bone-in filet at barclay! it was ridiculous. beyond delicious, perfectly med rare and for the first time in my life i was more into the meat than the potatoes (what can i say, i'm a carb junkie). it was so good i am embarassed to say there was nothing dainty about how i devoured almost all of it. i wasn't brave enough to retry the lobster bisque (heh) instead i opted for the crab cocktail (enormous, perfect chunks of ice cold fresh crab) which was the perfect start to the meal. also want to give shout outs to the extra dirty martini which was fabulous and the service which, far different than my previous experience, was impeccable. nice work, barclay, living up to the hype!
(5)
Dasha B.
Thank you Barclay Prime for making it a wonderful anniversary evening for us on Saturday May 14th. The customer service was excellent from the hostess, to our wonderful server with a ( I want to say British) accent, and the maitre d' who folded the napkins anytime one of us got up from the table. The food was excellent - lobster bisque and ceasar salad - the best we ever had - can't forget that deliciously light and airy bread - and the main course of a NY strip and crab cake. It is not every day we go to places like this in the city - but we sure picked right to come here.
(5)
Mark P.
dear god in heaven this place is unreal. Last night I had one of the greatest meals of my life here. Why was it so amazing you ask? Was it the 2 glasses of Macallan 18 I had before the meal? Was it the Kobe beef sliders or the scallops wrapped in bacon on top of fried green tomato? Could it have been the truffled mac and cheese with bacon or the truffled mashed potatoes? Possibly the 4 bottles of wine from the amazing (but way over priced - $80 for a $15 bottle) wine list? I'm thinking it could have been the 24oz dry aged porterhouse with lump crab meat on top? Maybe it was the nueske bacon aka crack on a plate or the potato nachos. Possibly could have been the 28 day dry aged NY strip I tasted...or one of multiple insane deserts. No. Wait! It was not having to pay for any of it - god bless expense accounts! My meal here was by far one of the best meals I have ever had. The steaks were beyond perfection. everything was cooked perfectly and the service was amazing. This is definitely a special occasion place unless you are Juwan Howard from the Blazers who was sitting next to us.
(5)
Blake S.
This restaurant is a farce! The food is adequate at best. There is nothing special about this restaurant except for the stratospheric prices. I don't mind spending money on good food but please do not insult me by charging these prices for average cuts of meat. I recommend that you hire a professionally trained cook (i.e. personal chef) to come to your home and prepare you a steak. The cost will be the same and you will have a better meal. Further, you do not have to subject yourself to that horrific interior design. This place belongs in Las Vegas, near the airport.
(2)
Frank N.
Hands down, the best steakhouse in the city. Maybe the country. Elegant without being stuffy, classy without being pretentious. The atmosphere is top notch, which is no surprise considering this is a Stephen Starr restaurant. The food is spectacular and I love the fact that you get to choose your own steakknife before your meal! The bar is also a great place to chill and take in the scene.
(5)
Kaz H.
I LOVE this place. Great steak, awesome sides, and the best service possible. They present various options for your steak knife... Kinda cool. It's expensive, but worth it!
I had to try their cheestake one more time just can't get enough of it and of course their mash potato truffle yumm! Their steaks are still unbelievably good the size is just right and not overwhelming :) the appetizers ugh!! Pick whatever you want depends on your mood because they are all great! From the scallops to the eggs I tried them all and as usual I'm never disappointed ..I just wish the ambience was a little but more romantic but the food compensates for it so it's ok.
(4)
Amanda S.
My colleague and I had no problem deciding where we wanted to go for dinner after taking a glimpse at the menu. We arrived a bit early for dinner service and were quickly given our drinks. It's quite possible that I just had the best Blue Sapphire Martini (with 3 olives) here! We started with Maine diver Scallops which were seared medium rare. Superb! I'm a fan of a wedge salad and I love how different restaurants try to present it in a different way. Barclay Prime was all business with this salad. It was colorful, it stuck to the rules, it was fresh and it was the best I've had in a while. I chose not to finish it simply because of the high calories in the dressing. My colleague loved the Lobster Bisque. I had the Salmon for the main event and broccoli rabe. The salmon was great! Flaky, tasty, and no self loathing after having such a filling, delectable meal. My colleague chose the Dry aged ribeye and said it was grilled as he asked and it was perfect. The service was great. Food was impressive. The wine was great as was the ambiance. I'll be back in October!
Got to go with my buddy, Dave, on this one. This is THE BEST steak money can buy anywhere in the country, and I've had some pretty awesome steaks in Manhattan. Enjoy the great ambiance and talented bartender in the lounge before you go to the dining room. The drinks are generous, and the appetizers as great as the steaks. Of course, you can make a meal of the appetizers, but the dining room is not to be missed. Elegantly appointed, and the service, AAAAAAA. If you want to impress a date, this is the place!
(5)
John G.
Let me start with , I am not a huge steakhouse fan. I find the mass market food found in most over priced and nothing special. However i was delightfully surprised by Barclay Prime. I have been back 4 times now, all for business dinners. And I must say that as far as steak houses go, this is at the top of my list in philly. A very comfortable room, conducive to conversation. Perfect for conducting a little business over dinner. The staff is excellent ! Very helpful and never far. For appetizers, the Kobe sliders done 3 ways, awesome. While I am not a seafood fan, friends have raved about the bacon wrapped scallops and the Shrimp cocktail. I have tried several different cuts as far as the steak goes, so far my favorite tends to be the dry aged ribeye. I have had the wedge everytime, but after reading other reviews I may have to try the Chopped salad on my next visit. The sides are on par if not a little better than other steak houses in the city. And the deserts, well one word "warm snickerdoodle cookie something", okay four words If you have a sweet tooth , you have to try it. If you have room. A word to the wise - the restroom can be a little disconcerting, after several glasses of wine, it is a WC set up with men and women sharing the main room with your own private cubicle for "business". Needles to say having a lady hold the door open for you in the restroom can lead to a double take if your not expecting it. Barclay Prime has become a favorite go to place for a nice business dinner !
(4)
Winston C.
This is not your father's steakhouse! Cool decor, and high-end aged beef makes Barclay Prime one of the better steakhouses in Philadelphia. I thought the sides, not including the tater tots, lacked originality, but the desserts- especially the chocolate chip creme brulee more than made up for it.
(4)
Christine T.
love barclay prime. have been there many times, with many people - and its always awesome. the steaks are cooked perfectly and to me - thats the most important part of the steak house. the atmosphere is dark wood and couches, but comfortable ones which dont make you feel like you are sitting in a hole. the servers are very nice - and go out of their way (one time they even surprised us by decorating all of our desserts after listening to why we were there). the martinis and wine are great and the sides are good sized portions (the asparagus and spinach are my favorites). the desserts are great too - my favorites are the deep dish cookie and the smores, although there are other delicious and super creative ones. oh - and they let you choose your steak knife - cant get much better than that!
(5)
Grapes T.
Fine Dining with matching prices. Not a typical place you would go weekly but as a once in a while treat, this steakhouse will give you a meal to remember. Food: Nueske Bacon appetizer was a sheer joy to eat. Several flavors and textures invading your mouth all together was incredible. Scallops and bacon has always worked, but the sauce and crispy green tomato adds a texture crunch that works wonders. Steak was wonderful. Aged porterhouse. Seared perfectly to give you the most of the medium temp beef inside. Sides were only so-so. I ordered the creamed spinach which was average, and the truffle mac and cheese wasn't worth the $16. It was mac and cheese with an overpowering bacon taste to it. Service: Service was indeed excellent. It was a model of fine dining and everything I would except from an upper-end establishment. The dining room is more modern than the old/formal look of dark mahogany wood as most places are, and I feel more comfortable and relaxed. I will indeed be going back to this place for special events and the price is well worth the experience.
(5)
Kate T.
My mouth waters everytime I think about the kobe steak from Barclay Prime. We had the kobe sliders and the nueske bacon & scallops for appetizers. Although the kobe sliders was really good, the nueske bacon & scallops are the highlight of the course. For the main entree, I had the kobe beef fillet and my husband had the regular fillet. He was raving about his fillet until he tried mine. The Kobe beef is soooo tender it melts in your mouth. We shared the truffle mashed potatoes and it was heaven. All in all, everything we had that night was amazing. Even though we were a couple hundreds poorer, it was all worth it.
(5)
Caitlin C.
If you're not into gold leaf and stuffy butler-esce waiters at Prime Rib, you need Barclay Prime. And although Barclay is a member of the Death Starr, I think that this one the best steak I ever had (perfectly cooked, melt-in-your mouth, so tasty). Cool decor is a welcome for a steakhouse, and this is defiantly a hip place to be seen. They are serious about their meat, too, and servers will offer you a choice of steak knifes. The sides and sauces will cost you small fortune, but don't do without the hollandaise.
(5)
William H.
The ribeye was the best steak I've ever eaten. Period. The service was spot on and the whole place just shines really. It also feels more comfortable than some other high end places.
(5)
Dave A.
Shame on you Barclay Prime! The only reason to go to a steakhouse is to have a fabulously amazing steak cooked to perfection. Two of us went on a wednesday night, one ordering a porterhouse and the other the ribeye, both medium rare. The porterhouse was perfect in every way. The ribeye was a burnt charred mess that I wouldn't even feed to a dog. They chalk it up to the ribeye having a lot of fat and marbling due to it being such a quality cut of meat. That only flies if you just toss the meat on the grill and don't pay attention to it. Flare ups happen, as anyone with enough grilling experience can attest to. This ribeye looked and tasted as if it had been thrown into the fire like a 17th century witch. The manager, Jennifer, was very apologetic and they replaced the steak with a filet that was "more lean" and therefore less prone to burning. I am left wondering though, do they always serve burnt ribeye? If so they seriously need to examine their methods of cooking the meat as that's inexcusable.
(2)
Al F.
Embarrassing. Friends said this was the best, but soon after we ordered smoke poured out of the kitchen and soon fireman passed us on the way in. Then the manager says the kitchen is closed but perhaps we'd like to eat our salads in the smoke-filled room and then leave? Nope, we said. And out we went looking for pure-aired refuge in a nearby Rittenhouse Sq. restaurant that doesn't hire staff who cause the exhaust hoods to malfunction.
(1)
Vicki Z.
That's the most impressive dinner we had in Philly. The tajima ny strip was out of the world, in New York, that piece could easily get double priced. Smoked bacon is also heavenly. House special filet wrap was an O-kay. Decor kinda odd, an old elegant ceiling with deli-like tables and chairs, a whole wall of books. For foodies, the food means everything though. I am looking forward to going back. I am planning to eat up that 16 oz piece of goodness and bacon mixed with mashed potato all by myself!!! lol :) :P
(5)
Sarah C.
Ambience here is beautiful, the lighting, everything. We started with the kobe sliders (HIGHLY recommend them!), and each had the filet. They bring you a choice of knives and you can pick which one to use to make your dining experience even better. The sides were deeeee liscious. We had the broccolini, and the lyonnaise potatoes. After all the delicious wine and food, I was so stuffed and enjoyed my leisurely walk afterwards around rittenhouse square. Totally perfect location, totally perfect food, totally perfect service....now...the price, however, is for those who make a lot of money. I think I'll only eat here a couple times a year. I highly highly recommend!
(5)
Justin B.
When someone asks me about the best steak I have ever had, Barclay's always comes up. I have had steak from Australia, to Hawaii, to California and East Coast. Definitely it is in my top 2 places and I can't think of who is second... Maybe Mastros. You even get to select the knife of choice to cut your steak with. I always had the ribeye and couple that with a bottle of Super Tuscan wine.... done.
(5)
Lauren C.
Ah Barclay Prime....been trying to get there forever but just can't seem to justify the $200 dinner. But then a miracle struck. Gift Cards! Definitely the type of place where you feel slightly less classy walking in with gift cards rather than the Black Amex. But I digress. It was Friday, and it was lent, and for all those good going Catholics out there, well they were at the fish place across the street. I however, was ready to get busy on a 12 oz rib eye. We started with the scallops wrapped in bacon over fried green tomatoes. Bangin. I'm talking party in my mouth types of flavors. My man had the shrimp cocktail, aka tiny lobsters that were tender and presented well. We ordered salads but the kitchen had a minor brain fart and forgot to bring them out. The staff was extremely apologetic (they obviously didn't know we had gift cards yet) and offered up free dessert. My man and I got the rib eyes. His, medium rare, was cooked nicely on the inside but was cold on the outside. They realized this when the meal was brought out. Quickly cooked him up another steak and told him it was on the house. They did this willingly which I thought was nuts, but still pretty sweet. It's clear they want you to leave happy and also realize that you're paying an arm and a leg for their food. There's clearly no room for error. Sides, oh lord I love my sides. Whipped mashed and peas and onions. Can't get more original than that. BP knew how to cook them up right. Dessert was well worth it. On a regular day we wouldn't have had room, but we had to rise to the occasion. After having the smores, praline cheesecake and some chocolate situation that was mighty tasty, we finished off our bottle of Louis Martini and got the bill. We had been unexpectedly compted on two different items, so we ended up saving the gift cards for another day. Stephen Starr knows what's up. Even though he makes you sell your first born for a good meal, you usually end up leaving not feeling too guilty (especially on special occasions), as is the case when visiting Barclay Prime.
(3)
Nicole B.
This was one of the best (and most expensive) meals we have ever had. Took the bf here for his birthday. Started off with some fabulous martinitis with blue cheese olives. Then moved onto champagne before dinner. I was wondering how a popover could get so much hype on all the reviews. Then I tasted these things! OMG! and the butter has like sea salt on it or something. and they are hollow inside but crispy and crusty on the outside. Might be the best part of the meal! We started off with beef tartar which was excellent and also the sliders. Not something I would usually get when ready to order steak but felt it was a must after all the reviews. Dont' get me wrong-they were good but not great. Not worth 16.00. I have had better. I had the porterhouse steak with house steak sauce on the side -rare and te bf had lamb chops. Steak was cooked perfectly and was the best I have ever had. He said the same about the lamb. For dessert we had cinnamon cheesecake with eggnog icecream. also top notch! I would go here again in a second but only if somene else was paying! Also the service was fabulous and they knew how much we enjoyed the bread. they gave us popovers to go. also was the bf's birthday. they gave us some truffles with happy birthday on the plate and also a mini red velvet cake to go!
(5)
Michael B.
Sometimes you just gotta have a nice expensive steak. Sometimes you have to have an expensive steak in an expensive looking place. Barclay is a very luxurious place where you can have a very luxurious steak. It was just me this time. I had a craving and had a few extra bucks so I had some of their ala carte items in the cushy leather seats in the bar. The service was right on time. The spinach was a little too salty, but the filet was perfect. The Bearnaise sauce was superb. I'm eating and I'm thinking, this is very close to the perfect steak meal. I got my choice of steak knives; the one I picked was finely balanced and sharp. The steak was of a delicate texture and just flavorful as all get out. I want to go back and try more of their meats.
(4)
Winnie C.
amazing food. excellent service, great cocktails! one disappointment however- the truffle mac and cheese didn't taste like truffle at all. it was overwhelmed by the taste of bacon, and there literally was not a hint of truffle in the taste.
(5)
Gina L.
Okay, Where do I start?! Ladies, think about the book "The Debutante"...Men, wear your sports coat and plan to talk about business, golf, or wine. This is a beautiful venue for cocktails with your professional network of friends who have money to splurge. I went on a Saturday night, and although I had reservations, there was a bit of a wait for the main dining area. Myself and Crew decided to have wine and light fare in the cocktail room. Well, leave it to a Leo male to order everything on the Appetizer menu: the cheese plate, the meat selection, the wings,and ....oh yes, he ordered a $200 bottle of vino and plenty of cocktails to go around. So I must say, for 4 people we had a great start. The appetizers were all great!! Thanks to him, I am an "official" food critic. Anyway, Our "light fare" bill for 4 people ran about $300/$400. After all this, we were seated in the dining area. This is a Steven Starr Restaurant, so ... Top Notch! Once seated, I found myself just looking around at the mix of modern, yet classic decor... and books (I love books). The menu is a la carte and very expensive for what it seemed to be worth... Don't get me wrong, the dinner was good, but not worth the money. :-( I am pretty sure our dinner for 4 was somewhere around $400/$500. So bottom line is, if you can't do math, don't go!! I will be back! But ,only to for cocktails and to talk business, golf, and wine. :-)
(5)
David F.
Noisy, overpriced, and way douchebaggy. I will not come back unless I am forced to.
(3)
Meghan H.
Love the kobe sliders. Love the kobe cheesteak (really not that outrageously priced if you consider that two people can eat it AND it comes with a half-bottle of champagne). Love the kobe fillet. I even love the non-kobe steaks I've tried. By far my favorite steak place in Philly (and New York, for that matter).
(5)
Rocio U.
By far the best Restaurant I have visited in Philadelphia lately. Food and drinks were excellent, service was good, decoration was elegant, sober and nice.
(5)
Aaron H.
Perhaps the only Stephen Starr restaurant where it isn't completely obvious that you're in a Stephen Starr restaurant. Typically the Starr formula is 50% decor + 30% food + 20% service (not that there's anything wrong with that... if you know what you're in for) but BP, like Morimoto, is more evenly balanced. Great Steak-house meets 70s library decor, with big comfy seats... a little too big if you're looking for close conversation across the table, but after several pounds of beef and wine, that recline is some sweet action. I've been four times, and the steaks themselves have always been phenomenal... pick any, you can't go wrong. The kobe sliders are also amazing -- I might actually consider getting a few orders as my entree. And yes, without question, get the tots. As for the infamous and brilliantly marketed $100 cheesesteak, don't order it as an entree, it's too rich, and you'll probably feel cheated -- unless someone else is paying (which is, incidentally, highly recommended). But if you're in a group, get it as a starter, and think of it as an experience -- plus that way you all get the absurd story-telling rights.
(5)
Tim H.
Best. Steak. Ever.
(5)
Erik s.
Typical high end steakhouses...It is what you expect when u shell out 2 bills for a dinner for 2- nice cuts of steaks and the sliders & chicken are all very good- plus u get a pretty bad ass steak knife...the atmosphere is nice w/o being stuffy ... they have a 100 dollar cheesesteak...if u order that u probably the same deutsch bag that bought the 10000 dollar iphone.. if that is the case i hope u drive off the ben franklin bridge while u talk on your diamond studded iphone while suffering a massive heart attack from eating your hundred dollar cheesesteak.
(3)
Gina N.
I liked that Tom G. called himself a steakhouse "veteran". It is a good description of myself. I have eaten as most of the big name steakhouses in NYC. On a trip to Philly, I would up a Barclay Prime. The kobe beef is all it is cracked up to be. They give you this stupid line about how it is good to share. It is only two sliders, so there isn't much but it is soo good, soo perfectly cooked, it was worth it. I ordered the 12 oz. fillet and my BF had the 4 1/2 pound lobster special. We ordered the asparagus, which was fine, not great or anything, and the potato nachos. The potato nachos were new to the menu. They are the amazing fried potatoes with that thick cut bacon they serve in steak places and some kind of amazing cheese melted on top. The fillet was excellent. Perfectly cut, juicy, amazing. The lobster was great too. Coated in butter and removed from the shell, so no mess at all. It wound up being a lot of food and we were stuffed before dessert. The dessert was probably my favorite. The most amazing cookie bowl with ice cream ever. The place is pricey though, be prepared to spend.
(4)
Chris B.
The first time I went to Barclay Prime I was disappointed. I did not feel the food lived up to the hype. However, I am happy I gave this steakhouse a second chance. On subsequent visits the food and service exceeded expectations. The decor is fun, because it is not your typical steakhouse. The sleek and stylish ambiance is definitely unique. I would recommend this steakhouse to any steak lover. Make sure to check out the Kobe sliders, they are the signature item on the menu and live up to their reputation.
(4)
Megan K.
was bouncing around rittenhouse, rockstarrin it. smith and wolensky, rouge, ladder. we stopped in here. a friend wanted to visit the staff (former employee) it was the lamest of our stops. and close to 50 bucks for 3 drinks? get over yourself starr. it seems like this place, which maybe used to be cool, back in the day, has not an ounce of cool left. its even more cheesy then i remembered. with all the dope spots in the city, why bother with this one? i dont even know what kind of crowd was in there. were they tourists? main liners who follow starr like sheep? everywhere else we went, we had a ball. ran into friends, laughed, danced. in barclay i felt out of place. awkward. like, i couldnt wait to go where the cool kids were. we stayed for one lame round of drinks, then went back to the fun.
(2)
Azra A.
Excellent service, great food. I took my boyfriend there on his birthday, everyone was very accommodating. True it's a splurge, but one that's worth it!!! Only thing, I found the co-ed bathroom style a bit weird. However I will be back!!
(5)
Shari N.
I agree with Aaron H.'s assessment of Starr's restaurants, which is why I typically avoid most of them. That said, we ate at Barclay Prime last night and I LOVED it! The funky decor is fun and inviting--it feels like you're eating in a Rat Packer's home office or library. (I did find the ornate crown-molded ceilings and crystal chandeliers to be odd and distracting...but, hey, I'm no interior designer and they certainly didn't detract from the quality of the food.) Speaking of food...our party of 4 went all out!! We started with jumbo shrimp cocktail, bacon-wrapped scallops and soft-shelled crab...all fabulous!! Then we split the harvest and chopped salads...which were also excellent. My husband opted for the 24-oz Porterhouse ($46) and, not to be outdone, I actually ordered the 16-oz Kobe strip steak ($90)!! WOW!! Both steaks came out, as ordered, perfectly rare and mine melted in my mouth faster than the scallops I'd had minutes earlier. We split several sides (tater tots, sauteed mushrooms, asparagus, fried onions) that were good...but largely underwhelming compared to the rest of the food. I don't remember what the others had for dessert because I was savoring the largest creme brulee I've ever seen. YUM! We paired all of this with two bottles of Malbec from the wine list. It's a terrific list--very extensive--although the mark-up prices seemed even higher than usual. The staff was the most fun, sincere and down-to-earth I've ever experienced in a Starr restaurant. The hostesses were welcoming and sweet and actually skipped the head-to-toe once-over you often get. Our server was well-poised and knowledgeable...happily fielding our questions while wittingly responding to our jokingly-irreverent comments. Even our fellow diners were pleasant...not your typical "here to see and be seen crowd." As for the dress code, my hubby wore the "preferred" dinner jacket...but gave me a look when he noticed that other men were wearing tees and hawaiian shirts. As great as it was, I've crossed it off the list and don't see myself ever going back...hence the less-than-5-star rating. Finally, note to Steven Starr: STOP WITH THE UNISEX BATHROOMS...they're CREEPY!!
(4)
Glenn J.
After being to many of the steak houses in Philadelphia I'd have to give BP 4 stars overall. The decor was amazing both lobby and seating area, the drinks well well crafted, menu's thought out well all the way down to the presentation, and the wait staff very attentive, which makes for seamless service. They function as a team... you don't see things getting delegated to others because of hierarchy. My first cocktail was the El Diablo and it was amazing they also have outstanding Martini's. For starters warm bread was brought to the table with house salted butter to me a heavy hand was used when salting the butter. I ordered the Rhode Island Oysters and the Beef Tar Tar. The oysters were Briney in my opinion not as chilled as I would have liked I give them a 3/5. the Tar Tar was amazing very delicious I would have liked another piece of toast to have accompanied it though 4/5. For the main course I ordered the Porterhouse as sides I had creamed spinach and the mac&cheese. The creamed spinach was very tasty 4/5. The Mac&Cheese to me was lackluster I've had much better else where 2/5. The main entree the Porterhouse was under seasoned I used several condiments to try and make it better to no avail. The quality and preparation of the steak without question; top notch, but lacked in flavor. I saw that the steak sauce some what mimicked that of Union Trust's steak sauce, but could not hold a candle to UT's! Capital Grille maybe some what "stuffy" atmosphere wise and this place is far more trendier, but I feel CG still offers the best overall dry aged steak. When talking wet aged that goes to Union Trust along with their amazing steak sauce lol.
(4)
Kenneth K.
Definitely pricey and the place is high on pretension but you can't argue with the results. Highlights: Rib eye, porterhouse, truffle mashed potatoes. Service is excellent, they even let you choose your own steak knife. If you really want to drop some serious coin, try the $100 kobe beef cheesesteak (which comes with a small bottle of champagne). If you're with large group, split 6 ways as an appetizer. For a cheaper taste of the kobe beef, go for the sliders. But definitely focus on the rib eye and porterhouse for steaks. Don't be fooled. There is excellent food behind the trendy buzz.
(5)
Janelle M.
I came here for my boyfriends birthday. I don't even eat meat and it was awesome. Words can't express my happiness. I had the Bronzino fish cooked to a crisp and it was perfect. They also paired the right veggies with it. I have no clue what was on my plate other than peppers (maybe broccoli rabe) but it was worth it. I also had the lobster bisque......ah-mah-zing. My bf had the aged porterhouse steak but since I don't eat it I can't say much but he loved it. He also had the Kobe sliders and he said that it was some of the best damn mini burgers he's ever had. And that says a lot. He ate the whole serving, with toppings and all and he's usually a cheese and ketchup ONLY kinda guy. Not a fan of the truffle Mac and cheese. Very pungent. We mentioned that it just wasn't our fancy and they took it off our bill and we weren't even going to ask. Bonus points for that. Has potential but just too much for our taste. However the mashed potatoes were great. We had the dark and stormy for drinks and they were pretty damn awesome. Plus the server was great. Oh and even though we didn't want dessert they still gave us sorbet with some happy bday writing free of charge. Def expensive but I'll def be back.
(5)
Abby J.
Best steak ever. I really love Sullivan's but my steak - prime ribeye - was flavorful and soft. Again maybe the best steak I ever had. The man had Chilean sea bass and it was done perfectly. He even says maybe the best he ever had. Pop over rolls were delicious - eat while hot. Mac and cheese side was awesome. Tator tots are worth skipping. The man does not like cauliflower but even HE enjoyed it there. Nice twist with the sauce and not over done. The artichoke side was also good. Waiter was awesome and very knowledgable. Atmosphere of being in a library was very funky. Unisex group bathroom was a little hard for the man to get used to (think Alley McBeal). The smores dessert and latte were awesome!!! Save room for that dessert if you can.
(5)
Sarah K.
Best steak in philly. If you can swing it order a strip, split it with your companion, and get the lobster. Most amazing lobster ever. Poached in butter, served warm with butter and lemon. No work, no mess, soooo worth it. All the sides are amazing! Make sure you get a popover, the salty butter is mouthwatering. Don't come here if your being economical or watching your waist. For those who want to splurge it's perfect!
(5)
Monique B.
There is not enough I can say about Barclay Prime. The bill is going to put a dent in your wallet, but it is worth every penny. The drinks at the bar are perfectly made, the service in the main dining room is impeccable. The food is impeccably cooked, and the freshest cuts of meat. Save your money and check it out. Worth every penny!
(5)
Ma L.
Had a second visit with my bf. Really amazing experience. We ordered the Satsuma Wagyu steak, and it was soooooooooo good!!!! We loved it with creamed spinach. The scallops are nice, the Foie gras is simply amazing. It's a must.
(5)
Ryan A.
Wow! The atmosphere, service and food were all exceptional. We started with delicious rolls which were light, buttery and crispy. We then moved to the waygu slider duo which melted in our mouths. We each got a salad. I went with the wedge salad which had an excellent dressing and bacon topping. We were both in the mood for filet mignon, so we cannot account for the aged or fattier steaks (like ribeye, yum). Still, I got the 12 oz prime filet. My wife got the American waygu filet. Both were seared perfectly with a nice spice that blended nicely with the juicy flavor inside. Both steaks were cooked perfectly to a medium rare and had excellent flavor. The American waygu was noticeably more tender (as it should be). As for price: it was as expected with a top tier steakhouse. In all, we left full, satisfied and happy. I would recommend coming here for special occasions or if you're in the town and want an excellent steak!
(5)
Benjamin Y.
This steakhouse is truly incredible. First, the high level of service is tough to beat; the staff is always attentive to your needs. This reminds you of a different era. Second, the steak is absolutely succulent and delicious. It is the best steak I've ever had. This is paired with great side dishes and decadent dessert. If you want to treat yourself to a celebratory meal, would highly recommend. In terms of the atmosphere, Barclay Prime is a very comfortable lounge environment. The seating is on couches and couch chairs, and it is seating that you just want to sink into. The location is great, right on Rittenhouse Square. Do note the lighting is very dark to create an intimate atmosphere. Overall, would highly recommend. If you are looking for steak, and not on a budget, definitely the right choice!
(5)
Alex J.
My boyfriend and I had a very nice dinner here on NYE. We both ordered several glasses of wine, salads, the 8 oz filet, potato sides, and split the cheesecake. The pinot grigio (unfortunately I forget the name) we ordered was delicious! My bf got the chop salad and I the caesar, both excellent. I ordered the potato gratin with my filet and my boyfriend ordered the mashed potatoes. I didn't love my side, but his mashed potatoes were one of the best I've ever tasted! In my opinion the potato gratin were not rich enough and a little bland for my taste. The filets were just out of this world, cooked perfectly. I am very snobby when it comes to dessert and felt that the cheesecake was just OK. We also loved the bread they served before our meals!!! The atmosphere in Barclay Prime is classy, chic, and artsy with books on the walls and chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. Our waitress was attentive, but not overly nice--however being NYE I can imagine it being a more stressful night for the waitstaff. What was really cool was that when my bf got up to use the restroom, a man came over and re-folded his napkin for him :)) All in all, great experience at Barclay Prime. Was super impressed and will definitely be back!
(4)
Jamie L.
When you go into a restaurant and they don't have salt or pepper on the table, you know the meal is going to be either really bad or really good. It takes a lot of courage for a restaurant to have that high level of confidence. And in this case, Barclay Prime delivers. Every detail of the meal was perfection. From the bread and seasoned butter they served, to the sides, to the best steak I have _ever_ eaten. The sear, the cook, the flavor, everything was spot on. Then came the cheesecake. Wow. Just wow. Even the plating was art. The server (Drew) was fantastic, distant when I wanted him to be and right there when I wanted him to be. It's like he could read my mind. Will DEFINITELY come again.
(5)
Colleen M.
I gave this place another shot after being contacted by the manager in response to my last review. While there was improvement on my overall experience, I still can't see myself giving Barclay Prime more than 3-stars. We arrived and were promptly seated. The server was really great. He was knowledgeable about the drink menu and made good suggestions for wine to accompany my meal, as well as providing feedback on their variety of side dishes. Our party of 3 ordered a round of soup/salads/appetizers before our entrees. The waygu sliders really hit the spot and I loved that they were able to up the portion to 3 sliders without a hassle. The lobster bisque and wedge salads were all quite good. We each ordered steaks as our main course. Mine was the filet, which I asked to be done medium-well, but "more well than medium" (after being told "medium" would be red/pink throughout). Unfortunately, when I received my filet it was red, red, red, red throughout. I would have described it as medium-rare, closer to rare. My boyfriend, who likes his meat medium-rare thought it was pretty undercooked as well. While I realize this is a rather thick cut of meat, I still anticipated it being cooked to my request; especially since I was so specific about my desired done-ness. I was able to send it back without an issue and with apologies from my server. When it returned it was cooked much more to my liking. On the upside, everyone else's entree was cooked to perfection and the side dishes were outstanding. Overall, this one is "A-OK" but not up the the standards I expect from Stephen Starr restaurants. I'll stick with my good old standards - Buddakan, Talulahs, Jones, El Vez, etc. all of which top my list of faves in Philly.
(3)
Sarah G.
Simply delicious. The food and service were both excellent. I got the following: Wagyu beef sliders Filet mignon with bearnaise sauce Truffle mac and cheese Tater tots Smores dessert Everything was excellent. The filet was perfectly cooked and melted in my mouth, the sauce was creamy and flavorful, etc. Would highly recommend.
(5)
Adam L.
Well... after years and years of living in the city... I finally made it here. The wait was completely worth it. This is Starr dining at its absolute finest. Located on the corner of the Barclay building right on Rittenhouse Square, looks very unassuming for what is inside. The decor was not what I was expecting but I thought the restaurant looked fantastic. Honestly, I was expecting some stuffy high class place for Barclay Prime, and it really was not. Don't get me wrong, you still need to dress up and look decent, but the place still had a very relaxed atmosphere. I ordered the veal porterhouse (honestly, I didn't even know you could get a veal porterhouse) and the beet salad. I don't think I could say enough good things about the porterhouse, the veal was just perfectly done and topped with an amazing mushroom sauce. The salad was good too... but a bit small. Anyway, back to the meat. I was with a larger group and I tried the filet, strip, and of course their famous $100 cheesesteak. It was all just fantastic. Finally, the service. The service was just impeccable. There really isn't much else to say.If you are celebrating some special occasion absolutely go.
(5)
Somaira H.
This is now one of my favorite steakhouses in Philadelphia. It has a very classy and romantic feel, but more importantly, the food, wine and cocktails were amazing. We ordered the kobe sliders and beef tartare to begin with. However, the bread that was brought over before the food was the best I've ever had at any restaurant - soft on the inside, crispy on the outside. For our main course, I ordered an 8 oz. American Wagyu steak and others ordered the 18 oz. Before our steaks came out we were all able to choose a steak knife from 5 unique options - one was from Germany, another made in Japan, etc. I chose one that was made by Porsche and it did not disappoint (I pretty much wanted to take it home!). For dessert we all shared the cookie topped with ice cream and cheesecake - both were delicious! If you want to impress someone or just feel like having a fancy night, this is the perfect spot.
(5)
Danan R.
If you are a steak lover, then you must come here at least once. The aged porterhouse is excellent; it is very flavorful and always seared to a perfect medium rare. I never stray from that order but I have tried the ribeye and been pleased with the marbling and flavor. The sole is nicely seasoned and almost melts in your mouth. The sides are all decent but I highly recommend the truffled mac and cheese; it's indulgently rich and creamy. The octopus ceviche is okay, but I have had better ceviche. Then again, you come here for steak, not ceviche. I would go with the bacon wrapped scallops instead. The wine list is pretty good; we had an excellent merlot on a past occassion. Finish off with the chocolate chip creme brulee; it's very creamy and rich but you only live once so your taste buds deserve it. The service is always flawless; it's attentive without any hovering. A great place to get quality steaks.
(4)
Erica E.
Do not waste your money on this place!! I have been here 3 times and ONE time had a decent meal. For the price, I expect every time to be better than the next. First experience was great. It was Sunday night and the restaurant was practically empty so maybe then the kitchen/staff could handle the volume? The second time I came here I had been studying for 7 hours straight that day. All I was looking forward to was a juicy, mouth watering steak that would make me forget what I had been doing all day. I came here so excited for a meal and wow it was the biggest disappointment I have ever had. First it took forever to get my entree, at least there were appetizers to hold me over. When the steak finally came out it was ice cold, it literally tasted like it had been sitting somewhere waiting to be brought to me for an hour. I am not one to send back food but in this instance, for this $50+ bone in filet that I was dreaming of, I could not accept this extremely sub par piece of meat they had brought me. The third time I came here I was with one of my girl friends who wanted to try their cheesesteak and I believe in second chances. We went around 5 and the restaurant was empty, not one table seated and the hostess actually told us that they were completely booked and had no tables in any section of the restaurant. The way this came off to me was just so absurd and beyond pretentious. I had to bring up my past experience mentioned above and then BOOM somehow magically a table had opened up for us to be seated. The cheesesteak was cold too and just not tasty at all. I'm done with giving this place any more chances, save your money there are soooo many other steak houses in the city!!
(1)
Brian C.
Yum...I wish i could afford to eat here more often! Not much i like better than a good steak, and this place knows how to do it right! I've "picked my cut" of beef in several restaurants, but never before was I asked to pick out my steak knife! I went with the German knife, bigger and heavier than the Japanese knives. Whatever knife you choose, you will have NO problem cutting into these delicious tender steaks! I had the Kobe Sliders, and a Kobe NY Strip...oddly, its Australian Kobe Beef, which I was unfamiliar with...but quite pleased when I finally got to taste it...The prices here are as you would expect...HIGH! But so is the quality of food and service. If you are a die-hard steak fan, you should check this place out at least once. Service...very attentive...atmosphere...it was a bit "stiff" for a business casual restaurant...I find Morton's and Smith and Wollensky's to be slightly more laid back. I do like the design of the Barclay Prime, which for some reason mimics a library... Unless you have too much money on your hands, in which case you should friend request me immediately, you won't visit this place too often. But I highly recommend it for a special occasion for any steak lover!
(5)
Evan C.
Favorite stake place in Philadelphia. The Kobe beef sliders are amazing!
(5)
Natalie S.
Barclay Prime always delivers on taste. Went this past weekend and wasn't disappointed. They have a great wine list, and delicious appetizers. We had the Kobe beef sliders and they're always super tender and flavorful. Of course the popovers are amazing, and the server was happy to give my husband an extra one when he asked, which is always nice. For entrees I got the 8 oz filet, and he got the ny strip. What's cool is you get to "choose your weapon" so to speak, and pick which steak knife you want. For sides we got the truffled whipped potatoes and asparagus. Yum. This place is definitely on the expensive side, but the quality of the food justifies the price. I've never left here disappointed.
(5)
james c.
Excellent bread, potatoes, and the Japanese kobe is excellent. The spinach dip is decent too. Been there 4 times, consistency should be better for what they chafe but no major disasters.
(4)
Tinique P.
Non traditional steakhouse...casual, yet upscale. High energy environment, serving excellent food-for the foodies. The servers were very attentive and knowledgable of the menu items and wine selections. Enjoyed a great red wine to compliment the porterhouse, caviar and many sides- bill over $700 for four people and well worth it. Looking forward to returning.
(5)
Hanney E.
Good steaks...good service.
(4)
Chris M.
In terms of taste, this could be the best restaurant I've ever been to - ever. I mean, eating here was a sort of religious experience. I had better start from the beginning... My wife and I went here for Valentine's Day this year. She really enjoys the Stephen Starr franchise, so I thought I would treat her to their flagship offering. While she absolutely loved it, I think that I enjoyed it as much as, if not more than, she did. We went right after one of the huge snowstorms that hit Philadelphia this year, so we planned to valet park (so as to avoid snowbanking the car on the street or her ruining her shoes walking from a nearby garage). The valet parking was pretty steep at $24 (+tip), but it was worth it. Though, you should note that it is not in front of Barclay; it's down the block in front of Parc, so you will have to a walk a little. Our waiter was extremely nice and knowledgeable. This was one of those time where the waiter actually adds to the overall experience of the restaurant. The food was nothing short of life-changing. We started with the chopped salad, which was a sort of enigma. All advertised ingredients - kalamata olives, hear of palm, tomato, etc. - along with the lettuce were chopped to homogeneous fractals. When consuming a forkful of said geometric shapes, you could taste each and every one of the ingredients - amazing. Also, I hate to admit this (don't judge me), but this was the first time I have ever had a dry-aged steak. I will not even attempt to describe the deliciousness of the 20oz ribeye. It was actually worth the $48 - seriously. (being extremely cheap, that is the highest praise coming from me). My only minor quibble (see aforementioned note on my cheapness) was that the side dishes seemed to be unreasonably priced at $10 - for mashed potatoes or broccoli, etc. Anyway, while the check was not slight, I will always remember the experience - which is really what you pay for, I think, at a restaurant like this.
(5)
Eric H.
Best steakhouse ever, maybe the best restaurant I've dined in. drinks were good not great. kobe sliders juicy, melt in your mouth. crab, yellowtail, large, succulent shrimp perfect. lobster bisque just the right consistency with large chunks of lobster. medium rare bone-in filet super tender, best in city. Capital Grille is the only restaurant that compares. This blew away Del Friscos, Mortons, Union Trust, Ruth Chris, Prime Rib, you name it. The sides are what truly set this place apart. Mac and cheese was amazing, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, tater tots didn't disappoint. Dessert was solid as well, pineapple cheesecake and mango sorbet. One in our group went vagal from the food bolus it was so good. If I were to come to Philly, this would be the restaurant I would go to first. Now if I could lose my food baby...
(5)
Craig D.
(4) ~ Overall Food & Service OUR MENU: * Popovers(bread) = (4) very good...they're HUGE. * El Diablo(drink) = (4) very good...it's like a margarita w. a kick!;-) * "virgin" Mojito = (4) very good * Water(tap) = (3) ok * Gnocchi & Lamb Sausage = (4) very good, the Gnocchi is Amazing, the sausage was slightly salty. * Caesar salad = (3.5) good * 8 oz. Fillet = (3.5) good * Roquefort sauce = (4) very good * Spaetzle (side) = (4.5) Very Good * Glazed Carrots = (3.5) good * Panna Cotta = (4) very good * Chocolate Bavarois = (3.5) good * Rooibos Mint Tea = (4) very good * Coffee = (4) very good NOTE: When facing the building the Restaurant Door is the one on the far Right.
(4)
Thuy C.
Barclay Prime is a treat. Wow, what can I say? This place is one of the best steakhouses I've ever been to. Never have I experienced anything like this. I made reservations and was seated promptly. They did seat me at this low table with two huge lounge chairs. The chair kind of swallowed me and it was a little hard for me to sit back because if I did I would be basically lying down, haha but on with the food. The lightings were dimmed and the atmosphere was sophisticated and romantic. I forgot my waiter's name but he was great. He was very knowledgable, made great recommendations, and made my first experience comfortable. I started off with the tuna tartare, GREAT, the tuna was soft, perfectly seasoned, just delicious. I skipped soup/salad and went straight for the steak. I had the australian wagyu filet, holy god it was amazing! The great thing is they let me choose my own knife! How great and special is that? The steak itself was sooooo good, just unbelievably easy to cut with my specially nifty japanese knife, the steak melted in my mouth, THE BEST STEAK I'VE EVER HAD, period the end. I ordered a couple sides that i can't recall at the moment because all i can remember is that delicious steak. But this is the place you'd want to go for fine dining steakhouse. Do it, you won't regret it I promise.
(4)
M H.
I've eaten here a million times and I've had just about everything on the menu. Bob is hands down the best bartender in town. They always have a cute hostess and the service is always great. Do yourself a favor and get the dry aged rib eye... I've eaten all the more expensive steaks and the rib eye is the best.
(4)
Jessica M.
Done and done. Gorgeous. From the personable, friendly greeting at the front desk from the hostess team when you walk in. Over the top and still down to earth. Incredible bartender, Bob, he kept me company until my friend arrived. Jason, a generous host. James, we relied on his recommendations for dinner all night. Beautiful, great music, upbeat. The food was excellent, so was the company. Best.
(5)
TJ K.
Was here last week. It's not often I eat a steak, but I was looking forward to it. The popovers they brought out before dinner was delicious...and I had two. As for the steak, I had asked for it to be cooked "whatever is slightly pink inside". Unfortunately, it came out not pink at all. I was hungry and knew it would take a while to get another done to my temp, so I ate it. It was tasty, but not what I had hoped for. The side of asparagus was excellent.
(3)
Jeffrey M.
Amazing... After eating at this place I want to be a better person; to appreciate the many fragrances, textures and flavors life offers. I actually think a portion of my brain became active for the first time when I sank my teeth into my New York Strip at Barclay Prime, First of all - MAKE A RESERVATION. They get very crowded. The bar and waiting area is fun and comfortable. The dining room reminds me of a living room from a 60's sitcom...paneling, book shelves with eclectic books and huge glass chandeliers. The tables are all marble topped, with seats that are either sofa's for two or swivel mid-century modern lounge chairs. The decor and atmosphere led me to believe that Frank and the rat pack would come through the door at any minute. The service is some of the best I have ever seen. Any waiter or staff person that passes by your table at any time will see that you need something - and it just appears. The wait staff are extremely knowledgeable of the menu and make very good recommendations. They come to your table before the main course and let you choose one of a variety of steak knives - very classy. I recommend the beet salad as an appetizer. If you get a side with your steak...share it...the steak alone will fill you. Please save room for dessert. When you eat at a place like this, you do not want to miss a course. I will definitely be coming back next time I am in Philadelphia.
My husband and I have been coming here for years. We love this place. It is not only our favorite restaurant in the city but one of our favorite restaurants of all time. If you appreciate a good steak and excellent service, BP is where you need to go. Don't leave without having the deep dish cookie for dessert. We plan on returning as often as possible. Our server this last time was Glen. We will ask for him the next time we go.
(5)
Jonathan M.
Had no reservation, but was seated quickly. The most memorable part of dinner were the "Kobe" sliders and the tartare. The atmosphere was modern and classy. Perfect for impressing clients, albeit overpriced.
(3)
Martin F.
This place is supposed to be "all that" and it was good, if laughably pretentious at times (the display case of a selection of high-end steak knives brought to the table by the waiter just made me laugh it was so silly). We took potential clients out for dinner and spent a fortune, and while the food was very good to incredible at times, it's quite crowded, very loud and too damn dark for middle-aged folks to be able to read the 7 point cursive font on the menu. Service is top-notch, just what you'd home for in a place like this. I had the Fillet Mignon with a side of asparagus. Portions were tiny, but exquisite. Every morsel is perfect in preparation and presentation. The deserts were delightful constructions of sweet stuff and wonder, I had some kind of a torte with raspberries and chocolate and it was wonderful. Great for client meetings, special occasions or when you just want a really good steak.
(3)
Noah R.
The best in Town, hands down..lobster bisque our of this world....tator tots... med rare bone in rib eye....fell asleep in my seat......love it...
(5)
Hee Jin C.
Incredible service - from the moment you step in, it's all about the service: the hostesses are keen to accommodate your seating preferences (if you don't have a reservation, not to fret; the lounge is fantastic - closer proximity to the drinks ;)), the waiters/waitresses will recommend the best wine, dishes, appetizer, etc....everything short of washing your hands for you. I had a kobe beef tartar, some hamachi crudo, tuna tartar...and *GASP* the 100 dollar kobe beef cheesteak (not on the menu - served with a 500ml bottle of moet). My companion and I LOVED the crudo and tuna tartar, but we were positively speechless at the kobe beef tartar....I SWEAR, that thing is sprinkled with OPIUM or CRACK Cocain, or something...it is OUT OF THIS WORLD. As for the anticipated cheesteak....let's just say you should NEVER, and i mean NEVER bastardize the grandeur of kobe beef with cheese, regardless of how expensive that cheese may be, regardless of the fact that it comes topped with your choice of lobster of foie gras...just don't do it. Stick with the steak and the tartar. Don't get me wrong, it was absolutely delicious, but after two bites, the date and I looked at each other and went..."uh...."it was simply WAAAY too over the top. Also, it being a Starr restaurant, the bathrooms are unisex - this was an unsettling revelation for me at first, as I uneasily looked back to see three men following me into the bathroom and wondered if the night was going to take a very *ahem* odd turn, but it's just a unisex bathroom...don't be the country bumpkin that I am and freak out when you witness a co-ed group of seven go into the bathroom at once. I'd give this place 20 out of 10. I'm still gushing.
(5)
Bryanne R.
Just Delicious! What I loved: Drink: Barclay Bellini Ap: West Coast Oysters & Gnocchi and Lamb sausage Ent: Mishma Ranch Ultra Filet Des: S'mores and instead of rolls...you get a warm popover! Perfect for a special occasion. Perfect for getting an amazing meal when you're tired of your normal routine. Yes they ask you to pick a knife...maybe that's cheesy....but go with it..you're out to dinner for the experience. Treat yourself :-)
(5)
Dave H.
Barclay Prime is yet another Stephen Starr creation, a luxury meat and seafood "boutique". I think they can get away with the term; they're already infamous for their $100 Kobe steak! Unadorned and austere from the outside to the inside, their dining room and bar has a dark, black color scheme. The usual Starr spit-and-polish on presentation can be seen. When asked about virgin cocktails, our bartender, Mark, could only make a margarita - it was the saltiest concoction ever! (Though now he probably can make more items) A diner next to me had ordered oysters which looked appetizing. With an order of his entree he was offered a selection of knives. I saw a wickedly refined Porsche metal blade from Japan and another from France. Ordered a lobster cocktail ($12-$15, can't recall). The lobster was well done. Thick and suitably seasoned, it took up almost as much room as the sauce. There was a side of bread, which could be slid to one side and ignored. Reservations recommended but they accept walk-ins. While it wasn't crowded on our visit, limited seating may make it harder for larger parties to be seated unannounced. My verdict? I am intrigued enough to visit again, but I think I'll order wine or water with my meal.
(4)
Gia H.
I think this will be the last time I have high hopes for a restaurant because when I do, the meal ends up turning bad or just okay. The service for this restaurant is impeccable. Only hiccup is when I asked the server to pick a sauce for my filet and it came when I had consumed 2/3 of my steak. The table started with lobster bisque, scallops and caesar salad. The lobster bisque was okay. I've had better or maybe my palate is not as exquisite as I thought. They do place large pieces of lobster which was a plus. My friend's bf was not impressed with the scallops and I was not impressed with my bf's caesar salad, at which he liked. Next the table ordered two steaks, two crab cakes, truffle mac and cheese, truffle mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts and creamed spinach. The truffel mashed potatoes were the biggest hit. The macaroni and cheese was the second biggest hit, but it just had too much going on in that little bowl for me - I think there was spinach and mushrooms in it? In addition, I asked my server to surprise me with a sauce for my steak, at which she did. However, when it arrived, I had ate most of my entree but tasted a bit of it and I didn't want anymore. Why me? I just wanted to like everything here. Lastly, because we were all stuffed, we decided to take desserts home. I had a dessert whose main ingredient was banana, at which I tasted no banana. My before ordered a peanut butter dessert that was awesome! The highlight of the night was 'Oh my, there is Stephen Starr.' I never knew what he looked like, but now I do :) Oh and the popovers :)
(3)
Lin B.
This is by far one of the best steakhouses in the country. But we don't even eat steak and we love it! All of food is stellar in preparation, presentation and taste. The waitstaff is so attentive and friendly, but professional. You really cannot go wrong choosing this restaurant to dine with clients, a romantic dinner or dinner with friends. It's as close to perfect as you get. One of our clients calls it his favorite restaurant in the US (and he's dined in 100s of places)!
(5)
Jill T.
Wow. Just WOW! This place is fabulous! I have to admit, I originally tried to make a reservation at Butcher & Singer, but they were booked from 6:30pm on, and since we were going to dinner after work 6:30 was just cutting it too close for me. Barclay Prime really exceeded all of my expectations. Everything was cooked so perfectly. My husband and I shared scallops as an appetizer- and they were literally "melt in your mouth" good. Then came the filets! Again, perfectly cooked, and so delicious. I think that allowing the diners to choose their own knife is a very nice touch. I enjoyed that part! Of course the only downside is the price, but it truly is worth every penny! The service is excellent!
(5)
Robbin C.
I was really looking forward to eating at Barclay Prime and was very disappointed. While the atmosphere was nice, the service was just mediocre. The Filet was tasty but for the price I think it should have been unforgettable. I think there are so many steak houses to choose from that you can go elsewhere, spend less and have a better meal.
(3)
Jennifer C.
This place was absolutely amazing!!! The atmosphere was incredible- a fun blend of modern and retro with low tables and love seats/chairs to sit in. The entrees are all a la carte but the sides are big enough to share! The 18oz ribeye is by far the best- it had the most amazing flavor! The truffle whipped potatoes are also definitely a must have. And no meal is complete without dessert and I must say- the only way to go is with the S'mores cake. It's a deconstructed s'more basically with a decedent chocolate lava cake with marshmallow and chocolate filling, and toasted marshmallow on top, and graham cracker ice cream on the side ( yes I did say graham cracker ice cream!). Take a spoon full of each part and prepare to be taken away to dessert paradise. The restaurant also has some cool features, say a coed bathroom? Yes this place does in fact have a coed bathroom!! You walk in one door and there are a line of doors on the right-hand side labeled L and M.... pick your door and there you go. What an experience! Also when you're steak comes they bring out a tray of at least 8 different varieties of steak knives for you to choose from. What a fun way to make eating a steak an exciting experience! I will definitely have to go back!
(5)
Borracho G.
An amazing steak joint! I could not complain at all about this place. Love the huge popovers that come out before the meal and if you dip it in the lobster bisque you will be in flavor bliss. The filet was so tender and melted like butter. If you are not into red meat then go for the roasted chicken in a pot as an option. You will not envy the meat eaters with this chicken dish. All the appetizer's were great and you can do no wrong with any of them. The price is high depending on the cuts and types of meat but you will get what you pay for and you wont be disappointed. Barclay Prime is truly a fine meal in Philly.
(4)
Kelly G.
You're in Philly. You want a cheesesteak. This place was near my hotel and rumor had it they have a $100.00 cheesesteak. Of course I had to swing by. By the time I ordered, I'd chickened out. It was so cold and blustery out. I ordered the lobster bisque and a dark and stormy instead. This was the best lobster bisque I've ever had in my life. The soup base was so velvety smooth, flavorful, with just a touch of heat (cayenne or Tabasco I guess). Oh Lord, I loved this soup. Then there was the lobster. I noticed one whole claw (for the visual effect, I guess). But as I delved deeper into the soup, there were other numerous huge chunks of that delectable lobster meat. So tender. So flavorful. I tore my roll into pieces and tossed them into the dish at the end in order to soak up all remaining drops of soup or leftover pieces of lobster. This was so good. OMG! And the presentation? It came out of the kitchen in a mini-tureen. OMG. The loveliness of keeping my steam in my bowl until it was in front of me. Let ME get the first whiffs of lobstery goodness. Wash it all down with a couple of dark & stormys, and life was good. Mmm. I wanted to return to this lovely spot. All warming and welcoming with the dark brown wood interior and single candles on each of the conversationally placed tables. Alas, the work people limited my restaurant choices. No worries. Philly is close enough to DC that I can zip up here on a whim and return to all of my favorite spots! Yes!
(4)
Robert D.
Mr. Starr, you really out did your self this time !! If you're looking for a unique upscale dining experience, please indulge. You will not be disappointed. Upscale retro yet comfortable ambiance, sheik decor , impeccable service, and succulent cuisine. I've dined at just about every high end steak house in the city and this one by far is the upper crest of the top 5 list! Everything from the homemade pop ems to the lobster bisque with a touch of caviar. Need I say more?? You cant go wrong with this one folks! So spend a little extra scratch for one of the best dining experiences you will ever have. It's well worth your while....guaranteed beyond your satisfaction!!
(5)
SD C.
Strip steak tasting was melt in your mouth delicious. Got three sauces to try with it and liked Bearnaise the best. Whipped potatoes and broccoli rabe were perfect accompaniments.
(5)
Melissa G.
This review is two months past due but i thought better late than never! My husband and I went here for our birthdays and we had a fantastic evening! Our server, Eric, was very knowledgeable about the menu and we enjoyed everything he suggested! We never had to wait for our drinks and our food came out promptly. First, I have to say I absolutely loved the popover bread! I could have made a meal out of that alone. We started out with two appetizers: the raw oysters and the hamachi crudo. They were both delicious and very fresh. My husband got the NY strip tasting menu. It was expensive but we figured why not splurge for our birthdays? Best decision we made that day! I do not remember which steak he liked the best but I do know his plate was empty in record time! I got the Australian wagyu filet. It was incredible! It was cooked to perfection and one of the best steaks I have ever had! We split the truffle mac and cheese which was also very good. I am more partial to the lobster mac and cheese at capital grille but will take the steaks at Barclay! We did not partake in dessert as we were meeting up with friends for drinks, but we did get a sample of their truffles. Our waiter, Eric must have overheard us mention our birthdays and he brought over the small plate of truffles complete with a candle! It was very sweet of him. Overall we had a great dinner. Be prepared to spend some money but well worth it!
Came in here today with the intention of adding the Kobe beef sliders to my burger collection.I always say the service at these upscale places are second to none,so that isn't an issue.I decided to read the menu and that decision cost me a few extra dollars.I chose to "take the gloves off " and order a steak.I love the cutlery they bring out before the meal it makes the experience "extra fancy".The steak was just about perfect,tender and very nicely seasoned.Ilove the steak at Smith and Wollensky but I have to admit this one is a better cut and better tasting.I was looking forward to the Kobe beef sliders so maybe I will come back tomorrow.In my opinion this is the best steak money can buy
Not worth the money you spend! I usually love Stephen Starr restaurants but this was by far my worst restaurant experience ever! Lobster bisque was one of the worst I've ever tasted. The beef tar tar had way too many onions/shallots in it to even appreciate the flavor of the beef. The 15oz. Veal chop lacked any kind of delicious veal flavor, it was like eating an overcooked pork chop -- not what I want to spend $47 on! The NY Strip was ok, but frankly, I could have cooked it 10x better at home and for 1/5th the price. The truffle mac n cheese tasted as if a whole bottle of truffle oil was used in just our one portion, inedible! Not only was the food not good, the service lacked too! I've had better service at an Applebees! I will never go back there and I suggest you don't waste your money on it either! Very disappointing.
(1)
Marie D.
Although steaks are the centerpiece at Barclay Prime, the sides and apps are not to be overlooked. They could certainly be a meal on their own. On my last visit I took about three bites of my crusty, juicy dry-aged NY strip but had to wrap up the rest after I'd indulged in large popovers, literally as big as my outstretched hand, shrimp that shrimped the first course forks, a tangy Ceasar salad, and the majority of the side dish menu, including potato gratin, tater tots, creamed spinach, sauteed mushrooms, lobster mac and cheese with bacon and truffled mashed potatoes.
(5)
Jah F.
$100.00 CheeseSteak. Ingredients fit for a king.
(4)
Mariya G.
When looking for a new restaurant to try, I turn to trusty yelp and start skimming. Then I say a little prayer and hope that I have more in common with whoever wrote the 5-star reviews than with the poor saps who are exclaiming, 'NO! Stay Away!' No luck tonight. The much-hyped kobe sliders were dry. Kobe steak itself was actually pretty good (albeit nothing special). Everything else we tried fell squarely in the 'low-average' category. Most of Philly's 'New American' style places routinely turn out better food for lower prices.
(2)
Justin S.
This is by far my favorite steak place in Philadelphia. When I feel like a really nice meal, I go straight here. I have done everything from the raw shellfish starters, to salads, to porterhouse, to the $100 cheesesteak. I have never been disappointed. I would highly recommend a trip here for either business or to celebrate something really great.
(5)
Gerry F.
It does not get any better than this. We had a going away dinner for one of our co-workers and everyone was blown away with te food and service!
(5)
Lisa W.
Yum! Came here to celebrate our 4th anniversary and were quickly ushered to our table by a pleasant hostess. Our waiter came right over and wished us a happy anniversary and provided us with drink lists and menus. He was very bubbly (husband said he reminded him of Lloyd from Entourage) and made recommendations for both drinks and food. Started out with the Kobe sliders, cooked to a perfect medium rare. One was topped with a tomato mixture, the other stuffed with cheese (gouda, I think). Both were marvelous, almost too good to share. We also had a caesar salad which was good and plenty for both of us. For entrees we went with the ribeye and dry aged strip. Both were served as we requested- rare and were very tender. The ribeye had more flavor than the strip and was served bone-in. We also got whipped potatoes and sauteed squash to share. The potatoes were so velvety and buttery I felt like I was eating a cloud if that cloud had rolled through a butter stick. The squash was just ok and lacked any seasoning or taste. For dessert we shared the smores and I think the highlight for both of us was the graham cracker ice cream. Definitely a surprising little treat that went perfect with the chocolate cake. Barclay Prime seems like a great place to get a little dressed up and celebrate a special occasion. Oh, I almost forgot! You get to pick your own steak knife. How silly!
(5)
David T.
Best steak I have ever had, such an awesome experience. I'm already a fan of Stephen Starr, so I came in with high expectations and was NOT disappointed. I ordered the 20oz ribeye and it was like slicing through butter. Meaty, delicious, perfectly seasoned, medium-rare butter. Also, being offered a selection of steak knives (each with its own attributes and stories) was cool. The rest of the group had the NY strip, 3.5lb lobster, sides of mushrooms, potatoes, bacon, mac and cheese, the Kobe slider app. Everything was delicious and the red and white wine we had went well with the whole meal. By far the best steakhouse in Philadelphia and I can't wait to go back. Oh, and if you're trying to impress a girl, bring her here. Big thank you to Victor, Harry and Thi for this great dinner and opportunity to dine here.
(5)
Don R.
From the time I opened the door til it closed behind us, this restaurant became my favorite in Philadelphia. When it comes to fine dining in Philadelphia, I've had some great experiences and I've had some extremely annoying experiences. The best will obviously include attentive service, amazing cuisine while the latter usually involves sitting too close to other diners at a kindergarten table yelling over their incredibly assinine conversations. So the usual over priced finger food on small plates and euro trash tag alongs to the side were instantly transformed into a phenomenally cooked filet and incredibly prepared sides like creamed spinach and kobe beef marvels to start with. The wine was perfect and I could actually hear what my girlfriend was saying during dinner, and I became a happy man. For some restaurants in this town, giving me what I want seems to be an incredible hassle for them and I apologize in advance for the inconvenience. Although remember....I am paying YOU afterall....what could I possibly be thinking. lol
(5)
Ken L.
Went back to BP for a quick luxurious dinner. The service is 5 star. The decor is very Hip and the menu changed slightly. The Kobe Beef Tartare is now Prime beef tartare, and I liked it much better as it did not have an over rich sauce but the ingredients were not to my liking. It was very spicy and had a very unusual taste almost middle eastern spice that I could not identify. I am a purist and love just great beef and maybe some capers and toast points. The Shrimp cocktail, 3 U6 for $19 seemed reasonable given the size and flavor. I was a little upset that my DP had her app a delicious tuna tartare and my app took at least 15 min after hers. I did order two apps so I can not kill them on this flaw as i did not specify what order to bring these. The popovers were delicious, chive-cheddar I believe and they do not refill them unless you ask and they seem perplexed by the request for additional popovers. they were served with a heavily salted butter. I would have preferred unsalted. The caviar selection looked great and reasonable from petrossian but we were not in the mood. Maybe another time. One dish on the app side was a burrata cheese from Vermont (via Murray cheese in NY) served with caviar. Interesting pairing. It did not specify which caviar and it seemed pricey at $ 19. On to the Entrees. I really think that BP had evolved into a fine dining restaurant from upscale steakhouse. They have at least 4 non meat selections, a turbot, a Bronzino, crabcake (not crab cakes...a personal pet peeve as I prefer two crab cakes ), and lobster that is butter poached and they did make a great steamed lobster for my DP sans butter. The steaks are from all different purveyors and I went with the NY Strip sampler of 2 La Frieda cuts , a wet and dry aged, and one of the australian kobe cuts. It still baffles me that they do not have japanese kobe on this menu. The Sampler was great but I was getting full. Side dishes were good. The tater tots which are usually awesome were sickly salty and the mushrooms and asparagus were right on. we took a peanut butter kinda dessert home and it was fair, nothing special. Overall, besides a very nice and competent server Jason, the whole experience is very robotic and the usual SRO experience. The last time we went the food was right on, this time there were some weird taste profiles that I did not complain about because we were in a hurry to relieve our babysitter. We will go back but they definitely have dropped down in food quality and taste in my opinion. I prefer Union Trust, or Smith and Wollensky or Palm for a more authentic steakhouse experience. This is a steakhouse for date night or business account dinners or non steak eaters who like the gliterazzi. I do miss lunch there as they stopped serving it 5 or 6 years ago. If not for our excellent server, I would have given the restaurant 3 stars.
(4)
Risa M.
No need to go into what I order here. You will not be disappointed. The wine list, the caviar... Everything is perfect and consistent. Love the lounge-ey feel and music too.
(5)
Ben M.
The first time I went here it was one of the best meals (overall) that I've ever had. Unfortunately the second time was not quite as nice-- I think the menu has downgraded somewhat-- but we're still talking about a fantastic restaurant. It is of course a very expensive restaurant, but I think it lives up to its expectations, and I really do like Stephen Starr's places. The steaks (especially the first time) were incredible, and the cocktails they serve were inventive and delicious. The dessert menu stands to be improved, but it is at least creative. Highly recommended.
(5)
Steve L.
Barclay Prime, the restaurant that made me get off my ass and create a Yelp account. Yes, it was that good; food, service, design. My girlfriend treated me to an unbelievable meal at Barclay Prime for my birthday. The food and the entire experience was the perfect present. The decor was beautiful. It was arranged to resemble a dimly lit study room of a mansion. Books were assembled against the walls on wooden shelves. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, while emitting only a dainty amount of light. Comfortable sofas of a muted green color gave the room an extra flair of hip and modernness, an essence that the STARR Restaurants want to acquire. Menu design was clean, very minimalistic. Good sense of hierarchy, as the meats took center of attention. All menus were framed onto leather tablets, giving a sense simplicity with this tablet-centric world. Onto the food. Our waiter started us off with some popover buns. I wouldn't necessarily talk about the bread and butter before the real meal, but these buns were on the money. Crisp and flakey, resembling a delicious croissant. As much as I wanted to eat it all, didn't want to spoil my appetite. My main present was the glorious $100 cheesesteak. A brioche bun that was stuffed with kobe beef hangar steak. If i didn't get your attention at kobe beef, maybe the inclusion of poached lobster, taleggio cheese, foie gras, and topped off with some truffles would entice you. It was delicious, flavorful, moist, and honestly indescribable. One does not throw all these fine ingredients together and get anything subpar. It was like eating gold. I would suggest toasting the bun a tiny bit? Did I mention that the cheesesteak came with a half bottle of Moet White Star Champagne? I don't know much about champagne, but it complimented the greasy sandwich it came with. Next on the agenda was the signature 28 day dry aged 16oz NY strip. It came out simply plated, a la carte style, so we added the truffle whipped potatoes. We also had the ability to choose our steak-knife-weapon of choice. I opted for the knife that was showcased at the MOMA, a knife that would not tip over and touch the contents of the table on which it was placed. This steak was simply the best. Meat was cooked ever so perfectly, at medium rare. I noticed how tender and packed with hidden flavor in every bite. Some of the edges were charred and gave the meat a smoky flavor. It was absolutely amazing. I can really get used to this dry aged thing. The potatoes were a creamy perfection. You will not be disappointed. The service was also wonderful. Very attentive and delighted to answer all of our questions. It was probably the best steak I have ever had. I will gladly return once my wallet heals. Thank you. PS Stephen Starr, keep rocking with the beautifully designed bathrooms. They are brilliant.
(5)
Cath R.
We went to barclay prime this weekend for our anniversary and can't believe it took us this long to give it a try. First thing first: yes, valet is located in front of Parc, but we counted the steps - 116 walking steps. Probably a pain if it is rainy or icy but perfectly short walk, if you can even call it that. FOOD: One of the best steaks I have ever had. Before coming to Baraclay, we were Cap Grille fans but this steak is right up there with it, if not better. We got the scallops to start which were wrapped in a smoky bacon and on top of a fried green tomato and a light maple syrup - delicious! Next up was a 20oz ribeye for me and a 16oz strip for my husband - I no way could have finished the ribeye but never had one before as I usually go with the filet but I was not disappointed. Cooked to perfection (medium rare) with a nice char on the outside that made the inside even more tender. For sides we got the truffle mashed potatoes which were rich but delicious and the creamed spinach that I didn't care for (i like Cap Grille's much better) but I think they used an herb I may not like - but the consistency and creaminess looked great. Ended with a cookie dessert and a glass of scotch which both I could barely get down because I was so stuffed from a great meal. If I had to do it again, or should I say, when I do it again, I will probably stick with the ribeye or move to the filet and sitll get the mashed potatoes and try and another side. SERVICE: Amazing. our waiter was always available when needed but never stalked us. they were on top of filling wine glasses and recommending sides and desserts. Definetly pricy, but not too much more than your average city steak house. The only odd thing is that you would expect this to have a dark steak house feel but instead you kinda feel like you are in a Sprite bottle with lots of oranges, greens and whites. Don't get me wrong, I kind of liked it but if you are expecting a dark old steakshouse, this isn't it but it still has a good feel.
(5)
victoria g.
i decided to hit this place up again after some convincing that i had been dead-wrong about my opinion on this place and that their bone-in filet was not to be missed. boy am i glad i kept an open mind! holy cow you have not lived until you have had the bone-in filet at barclay! it was ridiculous. beyond delicious, perfectly med rare and for the first time in my life i was more into the meat than the potatoes (what can i say, i'm a carb junkie). it was so good i am embarassed to say there was nothing dainty about how i devoured almost all of it. i wasn't brave enough to retry the lobster bisque (heh) instead i opted for the crab cocktail (enormous, perfect chunks of ice cold fresh crab) which was the perfect start to the meal. also want to give shout outs to the extra dirty martini which was fabulous and the service which, far different than my previous experience, was impeccable. nice work, barclay, living up to the hype!
(5)
Caitlin C.
If you're not into gold leaf and stuffy butler-esce waiters at Prime Rib, you need Barclay Prime. And although Barclay is a member of the Death Starr, I think that this one the best steak I ever had (perfectly cooked, melt-in-your mouth, so tasty). Cool decor is a welcome for a steakhouse, and this is defiantly a hip place to be seen. They are serious about their meat, too, and servers will offer you a choice of steak knifes. The sides and sauces will cost you small fortune, but don't do without the hollandaise.
(5)
Mark P.
dear god in heaven this place is unreal. Last night I had one of the greatest meals of my life here. Why was it so amazing you ask? Was it the 2 glasses of Macallan 18 I had before the meal? Was it the Kobe beef sliders or the scallops wrapped in bacon on top of fried green tomato? Could it have been the truffled mac and cheese with bacon or the truffled mashed potatoes? Possibly the 4 bottles of wine from the amazing (but way over priced - $80 for a $15 bottle) wine list? I'm thinking it could have been the 24oz dry aged porterhouse with lump crab meat on top? Maybe it was the nueske bacon aka crack on a plate or the potato nachos. Possibly could have been the 28 day dry aged NY strip I tasted...or one of multiple insane deserts. No. Wait! It was not having to pay for any of it - god bless expense accounts! My meal here was by far one of the best meals I have ever had. The steaks were beyond perfection. everything was cooked perfectly and the service was amazing. This is definitely a special occasion place unless you are Juwan Howard from the Blazers who was sitting next to us.
(5)
Blake S.
This restaurant is a farce! The food is adequate at best. There is nothing special about this restaurant except for the stratospheric prices. I don't mind spending money on good food but please do not insult me by charging these prices for average cuts of meat. I recommend that you hire a professionally trained cook (i.e. personal chef) to come to your home and prepare you a steak. The cost will be the same and you will have a better meal. Further, you do not have to subject yourself to that horrific interior design. This place belongs in Las Vegas, near the airport.
(2)
John G.
Let me start with , I am not a huge steakhouse fan. I find the mass market food found in most over priced and nothing special. However i was delightfully surprised by Barclay Prime. I have been back 4 times now, all for business dinners. And I must say that as far as steak houses go, this is at the top of my list in philly. A very comfortable room, conducive to conversation. Perfect for conducting a little business over dinner. The staff is excellent ! Very helpful and never far. For appetizers, the Kobe sliders done 3 ways, awesome. While I am not a seafood fan, friends have raved about the bacon wrapped scallops and the Shrimp cocktail. I have tried several different cuts as far as the steak goes, so far my favorite tends to be the dry aged ribeye. I have had the wedge everytime, but after reading other reviews I may have to try the Chopped salad on my next visit. The sides are on par if not a little better than other steak houses in the city. And the deserts, well one word "warm snickerdoodle cookie something", okay four words If you have a sweet tooth , you have to try it. If you have room. A word to the wise - the restroom can be a little disconcerting, after several glasses of wine, it is a WC set up with men and women sharing the main room with your own private cubicle for "business". Needles to say having a lady hold the door open for you in the restroom can lead to a double take if your not expecting it. Barclay Prime has become a favorite go to place for a nice business dinner !
(4)
Winston C.
This is not your father's steakhouse! Cool decor, and high-end aged beef makes Barclay Prime one of the better steakhouses in Philadelphia. I thought the sides, not including the tater tots, lacked originality, but the desserts- especially the chocolate chip creme brulee more than made up for it.
(4)
Christine T.
love barclay prime. have been there many times, with many people - and its always awesome. the steaks are cooked perfectly and to me - thats the most important part of the steak house. the atmosphere is dark wood and couches, but comfortable ones which dont make you feel like you are sitting in a hole. the servers are very nice - and go out of their way (one time they even surprised us by decorating all of our desserts after listening to why we were there). the martinis and wine are great and the sides are good sized portions (the asparagus and spinach are my favorites). the desserts are great too - my favorites are the deep dish cookie and the smores, although there are other delicious and super creative ones. oh - and they let you choose your steak knife - cant get much better than that!
(5)
Grapes T.
Fine Dining with matching prices. Not a typical place you would go weekly but as a once in a while treat, this steakhouse will give you a meal to remember. Food: Nueske Bacon appetizer was a sheer joy to eat. Several flavors and textures invading your mouth all together was incredible. Scallops and bacon has always worked, but the sauce and crispy green tomato adds a texture crunch that works wonders. Steak was wonderful. Aged porterhouse. Seared perfectly to give you the most of the medium temp beef inside. Sides were only so-so. I ordered the creamed spinach which was average, and the truffle mac and cheese wasn't worth the $16. It was mac and cheese with an overpowering bacon taste to it. Service: Service was indeed excellent. It was a model of fine dining and everything I would except from an upper-end establishment. The dining room is more modern than the old/formal look of dark mahogany wood as most places are, and I feel more comfortable and relaxed. I will indeed be going back to this place for special events and the price is well worth the experience.
(5)
Kate T.
My mouth waters everytime I think about the kobe steak from Barclay Prime. We had the kobe sliders and the nueske bacon & scallops for appetizers. Although the kobe sliders was really good, the nueske bacon & scallops are the highlight of the course. For the main entree, I had the kobe beef fillet and my husband had the regular fillet. He was raving about his fillet until he tried mine. The Kobe beef is soooo tender it melts in your mouth. We shared the truffle mashed potatoes and it was heaven. All in all, everything we had that night was amazing. Even though we were a couple hundreds poorer, it was all worth it.
(5)
William H.
The ribeye was the best steak I've ever eaten. Period. The service was spot on and the whole place just shines really. It also feels more comfortable than some other high end places.
(5)
Geoffrey E.
Pros: - Food. The food is absolutely fantastic. What more can I say. Perfect steaks. - Service. The service is almost overly attentive. - Decor - I love the "library" look. Cons: - Price. Offensively expensive and overpriced. Pretentious. I really hate pretentious places. For some folks, it's a draw. I despise it. - Restrooms. Come on - is there really any reason for unisex restrooms? It's Philadelphia, not Soho in Manhattan. - Decor. The bench seating blows. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons. Hands down, the best food I've ever eaten in Philadelphia.
(4)
Dave A.
Shame on you Barclay Prime! The only reason to go to a steakhouse is to have a fabulously amazing steak cooked to perfection. Two of us went on a wednesday night, one ordering a porterhouse and the other the ribeye, both medium rare. The porterhouse was perfect in every way. The ribeye was a burnt charred mess that I wouldn't even feed to a dog. They chalk it up to the ribeye having a lot of fat and marbling due to it being such a quality cut of meat. That only flies if you just toss the meat on the grill and don't pay attention to it. Flare ups happen, as anyone with enough grilling experience can attest to. This ribeye looked and tasted as if it had been thrown into the fire like a 17th century witch. The manager, Jennifer, was very apologetic and they replaced the steak with a filet that was "more lean" and therefore less prone to burning. I am left wondering though, do they always serve burnt ribeye? If so they seriously need to examine their methods of cooking the meat as that's inexcusable.
(2)
Al F.
Embarrassing. Friends said this was the best, but soon after we ordered smoke poured out of the kitchen and soon fireman passed us on the way in. Then the manager says the kitchen is closed but perhaps we'd like to eat our salads in the smoke-filled room and then leave? Nope, we said. And out we went looking for pure-aired refuge in a nearby Rittenhouse Sq. restaurant that doesn't hire staff who cause the exhaust hoods to malfunction.
(1)
Vicki Z.
That's the most impressive dinner we had in Philly. The tajima ny strip was out of the world, in New York, that piece could easily get double priced. Smoked bacon is also heavenly. House special filet wrap was an O-kay. Decor kinda odd, an old elegant ceiling with deli-like tables and chairs, a whole wall of books. For foodies, the food means everything though. I am looking forward to going back. I am planning to eat up that 16 oz piece of goodness and bacon mixed with mashed potato all by myself!!! lol :) :P
(5)
Sarah C.
Ambience here is beautiful, the lighting, everything. We started with the kobe sliders (HIGHLY recommend them!), and each had the filet. They bring you a choice of knives and you can pick which one to use to make your dining experience even better. The sides were deeeee liscious. We had the broccolini, and the lyonnaise potatoes. After all the delicious wine and food, I was so stuffed and enjoyed my leisurely walk afterwards around rittenhouse square. Totally perfect location, totally perfect food, totally perfect service....now...the price, however, is for those who make a lot of money. I think I'll only eat here a couple times a year. I highly highly recommend!
(5)
Lauren C.
Ah Barclay Prime....been trying to get there forever but just can't seem to justify the $200 dinner. But then a miracle struck. Gift Cards! Definitely the type of place where you feel slightly less classy walking in with gift cards rather than the Black Amex. But I digress. It was Friday, and it was lent, and for all those good going Catholics out there, well they were at the fish place across the street. I however, was ready to get busy on a 12 oz rib eye. We started with the scallops wrapped in bacon over fried green tomatoes. Bangin. I'm talking party in my mouth types of flavors. My man had the shrimp cocktail, aka tiny lobsters that were tender and presented well. We ordered salads but the kitchen had a minor brain fart and forgot to bring them out. The staff was extremely apologetic (they obviously didn't know we had gift cards yet) and offered up free dessert. My man and I got the rib eyes. His, medium rare, was cooked nicely on the inside but was cold on the outside. They realized this when the meal was brought out. Quickly cooked him up another steak and told him it was on the house. They did this willingly which I thought was nuts, but still pretty sweet. It's clear they want you to leave happy and also realize that you're paying an arm and a leg for their food. There's clearly no room for error. Sides, oh lord I love my sides. Whipped mashed and peas and onions. Can't get more original than that. BP knew how to cook them up right. Dessert was well worth it. On a regular day we wouldn't have had room, but we had to rise to the occasion. After having the smores, praline cheesecake and some chocolate situation that was mighty tasty, we finished off our bottle of Louis Martini and got the bill. We had been unexpectedly compted on two different items, so we ended up saving the gift cards for another day. Stephen Starr knows what's up. Even though he makes you sell your first born for a good meal, you usually end up leaving not feeling too guilty (especially on special occasions), as is the case when visiting Barclay Prime.
(3)
Nicole B.
This was one of the best (and most expensive) meals we have ever had. Took the bf here for his birthday. Started off with some fabulous martinitis with blue cheese olives. Then moved onto champagne before dinner. I was wondering how a popover could get so much hype on all the reviews. Then I tasted these things! OMG! and the butter has like sea salt on it or something. and they are hollow inside but crispy and crusty on the outside. Might be the best part of the meal! We started off with beef tartar which was excellent and also the sliders. Not something I would usually get when ready to order steak but felt it was a must after all the reviews. Dont' get me wrong-they were good but not great. Not worth 16.00. I have had better. I had the porterhouse steak with house steak sauce on the side -rare and te bf had lamb chops. Steak was cooked perfectly and was the best I have ever had. He said the same about the lamb. For dessert we had cinnamon cheesecake with eggnog icecream. also top notch! I would go here again in a second but only if somene else was paying! Also the service was fabulous and they knew how much we enjoyed the bread. they gave us popovers to go. also was the bf's birthday. they gave us some truffles with happy birthday on the plate and also a mini red velvet cake to go!
(5)
Michael B.
Sometimes you just gotta have a nice expensive steak. Sometimes you have to have an expensive steak in an expensive looking place. Barclay is a very luxurious place where you can have a very luxurious steak. It was just me this time. I had a craving and had a few extra bucks so I had some of their ala carte items in the cushy leather seats in the bar. The service was right on time. The spinach was a little too salty, but the filet was perfect. The Bearnaise sauce was superb. I'm eating and I'm thinking, this is very close to the perfect steak meal. I got my choice of steak knives; the one I picked was finely balanced and sharp. The steak was of a delicate texture and just flavorful as all get out. I want to go back and try more of their meats.
(4)
Winnie C.
amazing food. excellent service, great cocktails! one disappointment however- the truffle mac and cheese didn't taste like truffle at all. it was overwhelmed by the taste of bacon, and there literally was not a hint of truffle in the taste.
(5)
Gina L.
Okay, Where do I start?! Ladies, think about the book "The Debutante"...Men, wear your sports coat and plan to talk about business, golf, or wine. This is a beautiful venue for cocktails with your professional network of friends who have money to splurge. I went on a Saturday night, and although I had reservations, there was a bit of a wait for the main dining area. Myself and Crew decided to have wine and light fare in the cocktail room. Well, leave it to a Leo male to order everything on the Appetizer menu: the cheese plate, the meat selection, the wings,and ....oh yes, he ordered a $200 bottle of vino and plenty of cocktails to go around. So I must say, for 4 people we had a great start. The appetizers were all great!! Thanks to him, I am an "official" food critic. Anyway, Our "light fare" bill for 4 people ran about $300/$400. After all this, we were seated in the dining area. This is a Steven Starr Restaurant, so ... Top Notch! Once seated, I found myself just looking around at the mix of modern, yet classic decor... and books (I love books). The menu is a la carte and very expensive for what it seemed to be worth... Don't get me wrong, the dinner was good, but not worth the money. :-( I am pretty sure our dinner for 4 was somewhere around $400/$500. So bottom line is, if you can't do math, don't go!! I will be back! But ,only to for cocktails and to talk business, golf, and wine. :-)
(5)
David F.
Noisy, overpriced, and way douchebaggy. I will not come back unless I am forced to.
(3)
Meghan H.
Love the kobe sliders. Love the kobe cheesteak (really not that outrageously priced if you consider that two people can eat it AND it comes with a half-bottle of champagne). Love the kobe fillet. I even love the non-kobe steaks I've tried. By far my favorite steak place in Philly (and New York, for that matter).
(5)
Rocio U.
By far the best Restaurant I have visited in Philadelphia lately. Food and drinks were excellent, service was good, decoration was elegant, sober and nice.
(5)
Aaron H.
Perhaps the only Stephen Starr restaurant where it isn't completely obvious that you're in a Stephen Starr restaurant. Typically the Starr formula is 50% decor + 30% food + 20% service (not that there's anything wrong with that... if you know what you're in for) but BP, like Morimoto, is more evenly balanced. Great Steak-house meets 70s library decor, with big comfy seats... a little too big if you're looking for close conversation across the table, but after several pounds of beef and wine, that recline is some sweet action. I've been four times, and the steaks themselves have always been phenomenal... pick any, you can't go wrong. The kobe sliders are also amazing -- I might actually consider getting a few orders as my entree. And yes, without question, get the tots. As for the infamous and brilliantly marketed $100 cheesesteak, don't order it as an entree, it's too rich, and you'll probably feel cheated -- unless someone else is paying (which is, incidentally, highly recommended). But if you're in a group, get it as a starter, and think of it as an experience -- plus that way you all get the absurd story-telling rights.
(5)
Tim H.
Best. Steak. Ever.
(5)
Erik s.
Typical high end steakhouses...It is what you expect when u shell out 2 bills for a dinner for 2- nice cuts of steaks and the sliders & chicken are all very good- plus u get a pretty bad ass steak knife...the atmosphere is nice w/o being stuffy ... they have a 100 dollar cheesesteak...if u order that u probably the same deutsch bag that bought the 10000 dollar iphone.. if that is the case i hope u drive off the ben franklin bridge while u talk on your diamond studded iphone while suffering a massive heart attack from eating your hundred dollar cheesesteak.
(3)
Gina N.
I liked that Tom G. called himself a steakhouse "veteran". It is a good description of myself. I have eaten as most of the big name steakhouses in NYC. On a trip to Philly, I would up a Barclay Prime. The kobe beef is all it is cracked up to be. They give you this stupid line about how it is good to share. It is only two sliders, so there isn't much but it is soo good, soo perfectly cooked, it was worth it. I ordered the 12 oz. fillet and my BF had the 4 1/2 pound lobster special. We ordered the asparagus, which was fine, not great or anything, and the potato nachos. The potato nachos were new to the menu. They are the amazing fried potatoes with that thick cut bacon they serve in steak places and some kind of amazing cheese melted on top. The fillet was excellent. Perfectly cut, juicy, amazing. The lobster was great too. Coated in butter and removed from the shell, so no mess at all. It wound up being a lot of food and we were stuffed before dessert. The dessert was probably my favorite. The most amazing cookie bowl with ice cream ever. The place is pricey though, be prepared to spend.
(4)
Chris B.
The first time I went to Barclay Prime I was disappointed. I did not feel the food lived up to the hype. However, I am happy I gave this steakhouse a second chance. On subsequent visits the food and service exceeded expectations. The decor is fun, because it is not your typical steakhouse. The sleek and stylish ambiance is definitely unique. I would recommend this steakhouse to any steak lover. Make sure to check out the Kobe sliders, they are the signature item on the menu and live up to their reputation.
(4)
Megan K.
was bouncing around rittenhouse, rockstarrin it. smith and wolensky, rouge, ladder. we stopped in here. a friend wanted to visit the staff (former employee) it was the lamest of our stops. and close to 50 bucks for 3 drinks? get over yourself starr. it seems like this place, which maybe used to be cool, back in the day, has not an ounce of cool left. its even more cheesy then i remembered. with all the dope spots in the city, why bother with this one? i dont even know what kind of crowd was in there. were they tourists? main liners who follow starr like sheep? everywhere else we went, we had a ball. ran into friends, laughed, danced. in barclay i felt out of place. awkward. like, i couldnt wait to go where the cool kids were. we stayed for one lame round of drinks, then went back to the fun.
(2)
Azra A.
Excellent service, great food. I took my boyfriend there on his birthday, everyone was very accommodating. True it's a splurge, but one that's worth it!!! Only thing, I found the co-ed bathroom style a bit weird. However I will be back!!
(5)
Shari N.
I agree with Aaron H.'s assessment of Starr's restaurants, which is why I typically avoid most of them. That said, we ate at Barclay Prime last night and I LOVED it! The funky decor is fun and inviting--it feels like you're eating in a Rat Packer's home office or library. (I did find the ornate crown-molded ceilings and crystal chandeliers to be odd and distracting...but, hey, I'm no interior designer and they certainly didn't detract from the quality of the food.) Speaking of food...our party of 4 went all out!! We started with jumbo shrimp cocktail, bacon-wrapped scallops and soft-shelled crab...all fabulous!! Then we split the harvest and chopped salads...which were also excellent. My husband opted for the 24-oz Porterhouse ($46) and, not to be outdone, I actually ordered the 16-oz Kobe strip steak ($90)!! WOW!! Both steaks came out, as ordered, perfectly rare and mine melted in my mouth faster than the scallops I'd had minutes earlier. We split several sides (tater tots, sauteed mushrooms, asparagus, fried onions) that were good...but largely underwhelming compared to the rest of the food. I don't remember what the others had for dessert because I was savoring the largest creme brulee I've ever seen. YUM! We paired all of this with two bottles of Malbec from the wine list. It's a terrific list--very extensive--although the mark-up prices seemed even higher than usual. The staff was the most fun, sincere and down-to-earth I've ever experienced in a Starr restaurant. The hostesses were welcoming and sweet and actually skipped the head-to-toe once-over you often get. Our server was well-poised and knowledgeable...happily fielding our questions while wittingly responding to our jokingly-irreverent comments. Even our fellow diners were pleasant...not your typical "here to see and be seen crowd." As for the dress code, my hubby wore the "preferred" dinner jacket...but gave me a look when he noticed that other men were wearing tees and hawaiian shirts. As great as it was, I've crossed it off the list and don't see myself ever going back...hence the less-than-5-star rating. Finally, note to Steven Starr: STOP WITH THE UNISEX BATHROOMS...they're CREEPY!!
(4)
Glenn J.
After being to many of the steak houses in Philadelphia I'd have to give BP 4 stars overall. The decor was amazing both lobby and seating area, the drinks well well crafted, menu's thought out well all the way down to the presentation, and the wait staff very attentive, which makes for seamless service. They function as a team... you don't see things getting delegated to others because of hierarchy. My first cocktail was the El Diablo and it was amazing they also have outstanding Martini's. For starters warm bread was brought to the table with house salted butter to me a heavy hand was used when salting the butter. I ordered the Rhode Island Oysters and the Beef Tar Tar. The oysters were Briney in my opinion not as chilled as I would have liked I give them a 3/5. the Tar Tar was amazing very delicious I would have liked another piece of toast to have accompanied it though 4/5. For the main course I ordered the Porterhouse as sides I had creamed spinach and the mac&cheese. The creamed spinach was very tasty 4/5. The Mac&Cheese to me was lackluster I've had much better else where 2/5. The main entree the Porterhouse was under seasoned I used several condiments to try and make it better to no avail. The quality and preparation of the steak without question; top notch, but lacked in flavor. I saw that the steak sauce some what mimicked that of Union Trust's steak sauce, but could not hold a candle to UT's! Capital Grille maybe some what "stuffy" atmosphere wise and this place is far more trendier, but I feel CG still offers the best overall dry aged steak. When talking wet aged that goes to Union Trust along with their amazing steak sauce lol.
(4)
Kenneth K.
Definitely pricey and the place is high on pretension but you can't argue with the results. Highlights: Rib eye, porterhouse, truffle mashed potatoes. Service is excellent, they even let you choose your own steak knife. If you really want to drop some serious coin, try the $100 kobe beef cheesesteak (which comes with a small bottle of champagne). If you're with large group, split 6 ways as an appetizer. For a cheaper taste of the kobe beef, go for the sliders. But definitely focus on the rib eye and porterhouse for steaks. Don't be fooled. There is excellent food behind the trendy buzz.
(5)
Shahzad S.
I visited Barclay prime on Valentine's eve. I had reserved a spot and showed up on time. I had to wait for 30 minutes plus in the lounge without anyone so much as asking us for water. I did go to the counter twice in that time to ask about our seating but the front staff was without any answers. Finally, the manager showed up, she did not have a clue that we had reservations and had the audacity to say that she will do us a favor by getting our orders before the kitchen closes. The service was very poor. The food was good..not excellent..and yes I have had excellent steak before.. best advice for two normal eating people get one big steak and side, it should be enough.
(2)
Emily P.
I'm not the kind of girl that would usually go to a Steven Starr restaurant, but when my friend offers to foot the bill, I'll give in to curiosity and check it out. Barclay Prime is all hype. I agree with Blake S. on the interior design - it's horrifically campy. It tries far too hard to be edgy (if you've been to the bathrooms there, you know what I mean) and ends up just being mediocre and boring. Why am I giving it one star? Because not one but TWO of the steaks at my table had to be sent back. I ordered mine Medium and recieved it Well Done. It was completely brown the whole way through. My friend (the one who was paying) ordered his steak Rare and got it Medium. My second steak came back as ordered, but his was basically a slab of raw meat--I'm talking beyond rare. Like they put it in the pan for five seconds to sear the smallest outer layer and then gave it to him out of spite. The third member of our party had a perfectly prepared kobe beef steak (medium), and we envied her all night. This kind of screw-up is abominable at any steakhouse, but at a place where you're paying $75-100 per head, it's inexcusable. If you're going to go, definitely spend the extra $$ for the Kobe beef - it tastes exponentially better than their other steaks. The sliders are a great appetizer, too. - but you can get those at other restaurants in rittenhouse (like Alfa) and they taste just as good.
(1)
Robert D.
my favorite restaurant in Philly slidders melt in your mouth.........yum yum yum yum yum
(5)
david h.
Cool decor. Sunken, dark library motif. Great funky music. Comfy chairs. Service a tad slow with only 3 tables occupied @ 9:45 on a Sunday night. Appetizers good not great. Steaks had outstanding flavor but were underdone. Potatoes au gratin great. Creamed spinach just okay. Desserts very good. Verdict - typical steakhouse in really cool setting. Smiley face (steak only)
(3)
Ryan D.
This place is great. Very comfortable seats along with great service and even greater food. The $100 cheesesteak is worth every penny. Especially when you split it as an appetizer :)
(5)
C K.
Amazing steak. Expensive but fun things like picking the knives. Their mashed potatoes with truffle oil were amazing and the service was even more amazing.
(5)
Superfly T.
What's not to like about Barclay Prime? Service and atmosphere are always good to great, and all menu items I ever tasted are perfect, especially the steaks and sliders. Price is the only draw back, it can get expensive, especially if you order a larger slab of meat and like to drink good wine from the nice but pricey list. However, I recently went with wife and friend and we each ordered the sliders from the app menu (2), and one side each and shared which brings the food portion of your bill to only around $30 per person. And while the wine choices can get costly, there are some reasonably priced bottles on the list that are very good.
(4)
Beca M.
I like to think there are few things in life that can match the blush, the flush of life, the rosy richness of a perfectly cooked filet. Perhaps a bride, perhaps a recent graduate, perhaps my smile after dining at the Barclay. This is the best Philadelphia has to offer. I have had both of my favorite dining experiences of my life at the Barclay. That's why I've taken so long to write this review. The memory of that snazzy study I dined in.. well, nothing I could write could possibly compare. Started with the Kobe sliders (5/5 stars) and they did just that, they slipped, the slid, they exploded with flavor. I accompanied them with a cocktail, sidecar I think it's called- with gin and basil- sounds funny, but this drink is no joke. I always have the filet (7/5 stars). I thought I would never love a piece of meat that hadn't been raised on the Argentine grasslands, but I can, thank you Barclay for making beef a feast even when I'm stateside. (I recommend medium rare, but they'll cook whatever temperature you like to perfection). The tater tots (4/5 stars) are quite a delicacy, the creamed spinach is the best I've had in my life (5/5 stars), fuffy and not too heavy. I've also had the asparagus, which I do not recommend, they're just steamed sprigs with bechamel sauce. It's nearly impossible to leave space for dessert, but I've found a way to stretch my stomach muscles so can, and you should give it a try if you're at the Barclay. I have beautiful dreams of the cookie desert (5/5 stars) which is like gooey cookies (snickerdoodle, choco chip and peanut butter) with a ball of vanilla ice cream. Call it pretentious, call it a Starr, I call it the Barclay Prime, Shangri-la for my tastebuds.
(5)
Tim H.
Let me begin by saying that I am a social worker and don't make much money. But then again, I live outside of my means. Barclay Prime has always been the one spot in Philly I needed to try... someday. This past Valentine's day it happened, and unlike the movie Troy, this experience did not disappoint. For such an upscale, classy place, I was very comfortable. The waitstaff was knowledgeable as well as amicable. They maintained their professionalism while making you feel at home with gentle conversation. The seating was comfortable, the lighting was easy, and the bar looked inviting. One nice little touch was the knife selection. The waiter brought us a choice of about 6 steak knives. I'm not sure any one would have made a difference in my dining experience, but then again, maybe it did. The food was unbelievable. I love steak, but I'm not sure I needed to taste a $75 Fillet (maybe another time). We went with NY Strip and Rib-eye I believe, and we were both happy with our selections. The seasoning was spot-on. We also had the Nueske Bacon and Scallops. Perhaps the best appetizer I've ever had. I wish I could be more poetic in my description, but I would not pass this dish by. As sides, we had tater tots and sauted mushrooms. Both were great and went well with steak. I highly recommend this place if you have a lot of money. If not, I recommend working some overtime and splurging once on your lover for some nice occasion.
(5)
ben c.
if you like steak and fine dining then this is the place. it's located next to the nice area of rittenhouse square. the place has a nice relaxed atmosphere. the bathrooms are cool, they're unisex. so dont be startled to find someone of the opposite sex in the stall next to you or washing their hands next to you. the bathrooms create a mysterious and fun environment for the place. the service is quick and the food is above avg. their menu changes from season to season. however, if you get the opportunity to, try their raw oysters. it is surprisingly heaven in your mouth. the kobe sliders are always a favorite appetizer. any of their steaks is good if cooked properly. if youre steak is overcooked or undercooked, have them redo it. i've had 1 or 2 steaks not cooked to my likings. their truffle mashed potatoes and truffle mac and cheese are also both very good. and i hate anything with mushrooms! barclay is a place i would always go back when i feel like splurging a bit and want some nice steak.
(4)
jen m.
3 words: KOBE BEEF SLIDERS i went here for a pre-dinner snack. i had my eye set on the prize. the kobe beef sliders. 2 for $15. pricey but worth every last penny. the sliders come out on this funky little plate that holds the two of them perfectly. one in each cup-like slot. my bf and i split them. one a piece. the slider was like the most perfect burger i've ever had. just in miniature form. it was this toasted bun with kobe beef (medium-rare), gruyere cheese, and carmelized onions. that's it! but OH MY WORD, it was so good. i ate a TON of food while in philly but this dish was by far my favorite. it just blew me away. i know it sounds ridiculous to fawn over a miniature burger, but you can't knock it til you try it. it's hands down, THE BEST! as for decor. at first i thought it was a bit too stiff for my liking. not as funky and fun as some of the other starr restaurants. but then i took a closer look and realized the brilliance of it all. when you first step in it looks very swank and pricey. lots of dark wood and such. but then you start noticing all the greenish-hued accents. the green chairs. and the green menus. and then you notice the library feel with all the shelves of books around you. and then you realize that this is one hip, swank, spot. the chandeliers are a nice touch as well. i have to say i was quite impressed. two very enthusiastic thumbs up and 5 brilliant stars!
(5)
matthew w.
Well where do I begin. I started with a Macallan 18 and moved on to the kobe sliders. That was a match made in heaven. For $16 you get two kobe sliders served rare. One comes with heirloom tomato the other with guyrere (spelling) cheese. It was awsome. Then I moved on to the lobster sliders. They were pretty good although its hard to do a half a lobster tail on brioche cause its kinda chewy, but still very good. I also had the tater tots good adaptation very well executed. It was mashed but fried. Best of both worlds. Then I had another scotch and moved on.
(5)
Laurel M.
Barclay Prime is an absolutely fabulous experience no lover of meat should pass up. This particular Starr restaurant is inside the old Barclay Hotel in Rittenhouse Square, but once you walk in, you will feel like you've entered the most swank, sexy and funky library in the modern world. Of all the Starr restaurants I've had the pleasure of dining in, Barclay Prime definitely had the most exclusive atmosphere --- with prices on the menu to match. (I will advise this is not the restaurant you want to visit if you're on a budget for the evening). The main dining room disguised as a library is dimly lit by several chandeliers and filled with marble tables and luxuriously comfortable modern leather chairs in cream and lime. The service here was excellent --- knowledgeable, pleasant, helpful and I never felt at want for anything while at the same time I also never felt as if I was being hovered over by my waiter, which in my opinion is no mean feat! The wine menu is certainly broad enough, both in regards to what's available by the glass or by the bottle. I tried a few different reds by the glass, my personal fave being a Cecci sangiovese. My meal was absolutely stellar, simple as that. Never one to turn down an opportunity to dig into a tomato & mozzarella salad I found Barclay's version to have more flavor than most, however the mozzarella seemed dryer than I'm used to in this salad. It didn't ruin the dish, but I noticed it instantly. This is also my one complaint of the entire evening and its really pretty minor in my opinion. I do wonder if the dryness of the mozzarella was on purpose, to aid in the way it was presented --- sliced and spiraled around some greens. In any case, one sip of the lobster bisque made me forget the salad. Keep in mind I'm not even a huge fan of lobster. The bisque was incredible rich and creamy and full of flavor. Seeing the end of the bowl was sad indeed. Now, one of the nifty-keen aspects of this restaurant is that you get to choose your steak knife! There were four options, two German & two Japanese, all very sleek. Now you know its time for your steaks. I love steak, and had high expectations for Barclay's entrees. I was not disappointed in the least. I ordered the Kobe filet, which was outrageously delicious. I was amazed with each bite I took. It could not have been cooked more perfectly and melted in my mouth. The waiter recommended I order it without any sauces or toppings and I am so glad I experienced the taste of the filet for exactly what it was. My boyfriend ordered a 21-day dry-aged ribeye that was also exceptional (although I by far preferred my Kobe filet). He had it topped with a generous amount of lump crabmeat, which was very succulent and fresh. We shared a side of monstrous asparagus stalks with a hollandaise sauce that was pretty close to perfect. I often find hollandaise to be a little strong tasting for my liking but this was not overpowering at all. Dinner had been very rich and filling but what is a great dining experience if you leave out dessert? So, on came the warm cheesecake truffles, paired with four different sauces --- various fruit and chocolate. I was afraid they'd be too rich for my already filled stomach, but not so. Once again, another perfect dish. What about Barclay Prime's much talked about $100 Kobe cheesesteak (which, mind you, comes complete with a (small) bottle of Veuve Clicquot)? Sadly, I did not try it this trip, but my boyfriend and are certainly hoping to return with a couple friends who would be interested in splitting it as an appetizer. My entire experience here was wonderful and very memorable. Barclay Prime provided an outstanding dining experience on all fronts. My only true disappointment was that I hadn't tried the place sooner!
(5)
Mike C.
I must agree with the Kobe Beef Slider recommendations, they are absolutely delicious and the perfect appetizer. The decor is very swanky and for the most part has a greenish color scheme which some may find obnoxious/tacky but I liked it. The Rib Eye was good but not great although I'll give them the benefit of the doubt as I've only been there once and every restaurant has an off night. I tried pretty much all of the desserts on the menu and found them all to be pretty delicious. I must say though the service was the best I have ever received at any restaurant. Our server came around just enough to be attentive but not intrusive, recommended some great wine/cognac and was actually a pretty funny guy. I settled on 4 stars but if the steak was a bit better prepared it would get a 5.
(4)
Janelle M.
I came here for my boyfriends birthday. I don't even eat meat and it was awesome. Words can't express my happiness. I had the Bronzino fish cooked to a crisp and it was perfect. They also paired the right veggies with it. I have no clue what was on my plate other than peppers (maybe broccoli rabe) but it was worth it. I also had the lobster bisque......ah-mah-zing. My bf had the aged porterhouse steak but since I don't eat it I can't say much but he loved it. He also had the Kobe sliders and he said that it was some of the best damn mini burgers he's ever had. And that says a lot. He ate the whole serving, with toppings and all and he's usually a cheese and ketchup ONLY kinda guy. Not a fan of the truffle Mac and cheese. Very pungent. We mentioned that it just wasn't our fancy and they took it off our bill and we weren't even going to ask. Bonus points for that. Has potential but just too much for our taste. However the mashed potatoes were great. We had the dark and stormy for drinks and they were pretty damn awesome. Plus the server was great. Oh and even though we didn't want dessert they still gave us sorbet with some happy bday writing free of charge. Def expensive but I'll def be back.
(5)
Dasha B.
Thank you Barclay Prime for making it a wonderful anniversary evening for us on Saturday May 14th. The customer service was excellent from the hostess, to our wonderful server with a ( I want to say British) accent, and the maitre d' who folded the napkins anytime one of us got up from the table. The food was excellent - lobster bisque and ceasar salad - the best we ever had - can't forget that deliciously light and airy bread - and the main course of a NY strip and crab cake. It is not every day we go to places like this in the city - but we sure picked right to come here.
(5)
Justin S.
This is by far my favorite steak place in Philadelphia. When I feel like a really nice meal, I go straight here. I have done everything from the raw shellfish starters, to salads, to porterhouse, to the $100 cheesesteak. I have never been disappointed. I would highly recommend a trip here for either business or to celebrate something really great.
(5)
Alika Marie W.
On a first time trip to Philadelphia, my boyfriend and i dined here in late May 2008. It is located on Rittenhouse Sq.housed in an austere old luxury hotel from the 1920's. This place is pretty posh, so we made an early evening reservation. The decor is contemporary and looks like an old library. It was very comfortable and the server was very knowledgeable and sweet. My boyfriend and i ordered three courses. We shared the Carmelized onion tart...the goat cheese on it was so soft and smooth we marveled over how something so simple could be so complex in flavor and texture. For second course i had the caesar salad with fish. It arrived crisp and cold perfectly dressed with another delicious grated cheese over the top. My italian companion had (of course) the tomato and mozzarella with another fantastic slightly salty wonderful cheese and a little balsamic and evoo. The tomatoes were perfectly ripe heirlooms with lots of juicy flavor. Knowing how full i would be i passed on entree but instead ordered an appetizer of the Kobe Beef Tartare-which was nice with a creamy accompanying sauce and chive. My man's huge 24 oz bone-in porterhouse arrived cooked to a perfect Med rare, it was buttery tender and had a slight corn flavor. He was presented a tray of knives from which to choose to carve his steak. Wow. We shared sides of Truffle mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. He was unable to finish it...we took it away knowing after the end of the planned long evening out we would surely devour it later. The wine list was overpriced. There are many that were at a 80 percent mark up. Which was why we ordered a red from chile... Montes Alpha Cabernet which i believe was $60. I was more interested in food... We ran out at about 8pm to catch a show, so no dessert and absolutely stuffed anyway. But i'm sure it would have been amazing also... We both loved this place it was romantic and delicious and one of the nicest meals we have had together. This must be one of the best steak houses in the country. The leftovers at 2 am were even good cold, i think they remedied what may have been a sorry hangover from having a really really good time in Philly. go... barclayprime.com
(4)
lori m.
This place is sick. Went with my husband and 4 other friends. 2 of our friends just got married so we went to celebrate. Before tonight my favorite restaurant in the whole world was peter luger in brooklyn. Tonight, that all changed. We ordered the shellfish sampler and had the biggest, most delicious shrimp in addition to oysters and crab. For my entree i got the porterhouse and we ordered the creamed spinach, truffle mac and cheese and baked potato. I can only speak to the spinach and mac and cheese since i dont eat baked potatoes but they were both outstanding. The mushrooms were insane. Oh and the popovers were ridiculous. They put regular dinner rolls to shame. Our waiter was quite personable and even picked up that we were there celebrating a wedding so he brought out a dessert for the happy couple with 'congratulations' written on the plate without any prompting. Yes it's pricey but it's a cool vibe, phenomenal food and friendly staff. I know what im going to wish for on my birthday next year :)
(5)
Steven D.
I'm amazed at some of the high ratings on yelp for this place. I have eating at this place twice. The first time was with four adults and our bill was over $500. I remember being somewhat shocked because I really didn't think the food was that great, it was good, but not great. We did have a good time and the atmosphere was good as it is in most Steven Star restaurants. I decided to go back there with my wife and daughter for my birthday. While I am not the biggest steak eater my wife is. I decided to get the crab cakes as they were recommended by the waitress. Without question the most expensive crab cakes in the world and they tasted like sh*t. Dry and tastless. My wife said her steak was so so. Again the bill was enough to set your hair on fire. I like nice places and really don't mind expensive food but the food and experience should match the price. This place doesn't, simply as that. I will not go back.
(2)
Steve L.
Barclay Prime, the restaurant that made me get off my ass and create a Yelp account. Yes, it was that good; food, service, design. My girlfriend treated me to an unbelievable meal at Barclay Prime for my birthday. The food and the entire experience was the perfect present. The decor was beautiful. It was arranged to resemble a dimly lit study room of a mansion. Books were assembled against the walls on wooden shelves. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, while emitting only a dainty amount of light. Comfortable sofas of a muted green color gave the room an extra flair of hip and modernness, an essence that the STARR Restaurants want to acquire. Menu design was clean, very minimalistic. Good sense of hierarchy, as the meats took center of attention. All menus were framed onto leather tablets, giving a sense simplicity with this tablet-centric world. Onto the food. Our waiter started us off with some popover buns. I wouldn't necessarily talk about the bread and butter before the real meal, but these buns were on the money. Crisp and flakey, resembling a delicious croissant. As much as I wanted to eat it all, didn't want to spoil my appetite. My main present was the glorious $100 cheesesteak. A brioche bun that was stuffed with kobe beef hangar steak. If i didn't get your attention at kobe beef, maybe the inclusion of poached lobster, taleggio cheese, foie gras, and topped off with some truffles would entice you. It was delicious, flavorful, moist, and honestly indescribable. One does not throw all these fine ingredients together and get anything subpar. It was like eating gold. I would suggest toasting the bun a tiny bit? Did I mention that the cheesesteak came with a half bottle of Moet White Star Champagne? I don't know much about champagne, but it complimented the greasy sandwich it came with. Next on the agenda was the signature 28 day dry aged 16oz NY strip. It came out simply plated, a la carte style, so we added the truffle whipped potatoes. We also had the ability to choose our steak-knife-weapon of choice. I opted for the knife that was showcased at the MOMA, a knife that would not tip over and touch the contents of the table on which it was placed. This steak was simply the best. Meat was cooked ever so perfectly, at medium rare. I noticed how tender and packed with hidden flavor in every bite. Some of the edges were charred and gave the meat a smoky flavor. It was absolutely amazing. I can really get used to this dry aged thing. The potatoes were a creamy perfection. You will not be disappointed. The service was also wonderful. Very attentive and delighted to answer all of our questions. It was probably the best steak I have ever had. I will gladly return once my wallet heals. Thank you. PS Stephen Starr, keep rocking with the beautifully designed bathrooms. They are brilliant.
(5)
Noell M.
When I think back to my visit at Barclay Prime I am still blown away and amazed at how sensational it was! Barclay Prime is Stephen Starr's flagship restaurant. The classic steakhouse feel runs throughout the dining room, hallways, and bar area. Tasteful wooden paneling, built in bookshelves, and high ceilings with crystal chandeliers make it feel as though the gang from Mad Men would come here for a special occasion dinner. We started with the chopped salad, it was beautiful to look at and even more beautiful to taste. The minute pieces of tomato, heart of palm, and olives were tossed in a vinaigrette that made my taste buds dance with every bite. The main course was a religious experience. I am salivating right now even thinking about it!! The steak was beyond melt in your mouth, it was a cathartic experience. Just a few notes.......sides are not included with your meal so be prepared to shell out more money if you want truffle whipped mashed potatoes,broccolini, or butter corn. Also, valet parking is in front of Parc, a block down the street, so wear your "walking"shoes. If you love steak this place needs to go to the top of your list!
(5)
Adelle R.
Barclay Prime is always a great and consistent place to grab a great steak. My husband and I often go to the bar and split a porter house steak with a couple of sides and usually a scallop app. The steak is always cooked perfectly. And they always bring out those fabulous pop overs! They are almost as good as the steak! (I did say almost!). The bar doesn't usually get too crowded on weeknights, so it ends up being a pretty laid back meal. Drinks are good and the bartender (I think his name is Bob, but I always forget) is known for his cocktails, especially his Manhattans.
(4)
Han P.
I would have to elect Barclay Prime Best of the Best in Steakhouses for Philly. I've been to most of the steakhouses in Philly and in my mind, this one edges out the rest. Every aspect of my dining experience was impeccable starting from the moment I walked in the door to the moment I walked out. I've heard so much about Barclay Prime from my friends that it had pretty high expectations to meet. Since this was my first time here, I have to admit that I got a little out of hand with my order. FYI, just so you don't think I'm a complete pig, everything but my steak was shared with my buddy. See below for my foodie fare. Appetizer (Shared) - Nueske Bacon Entree - 28 Day Dry Aged NY Strip Steak Entree (Shared) - Butter Poached Lobster Sides (Shared) - Tator Tots and Creamed Spinach Desserts (Shared) - Warm Deep Dish Cookie Everything listed above was top-notch and what you would expect from a place like this. Also, I'm a surf and turf guy so that's why you see both the steak and lobster. Yum. They were both prepared perfectly. I highly recommend either entree or you could be ridiculous like me and order both. One clarification though, the Nueske Bacon is one of the sides that we ordered as an appetizer. I was told that the Nueske Bacon and Scallops appetizer wasn't that great. BTW, Nueske Bacon is probably the tastiest and meatiest bacon I've ever had. I can't wait to go back for a repeat experience! This has become my favorite Philly Steakhouse.
(5)
Fred C.
To put it succinctly, there is no finer restaurant in the Greater Philadelphia area. The food is most excellent, the service flawless and the ambiance lovely.
(5)
Katrina S.
Birthday dinner! We ordered: Tuna Tartare: Amazing! Really... melt in your mouth good. Suggestion: Add something with a crunch for a bit of contrast Hamachi Crudo: I have no suggestions for this. It was perfect. Light and amazing and flavorful. Bone-in filet: It was ok. I go to a steak place expecting to be wowed, I was less than wowed. The whole thing was luke warm instead of having a "cool center" as it should (medium rare) and it lacked flavor. Dry aged NY strip: Boyfriend really enjoyed this, I tried it and the flavor was great but it was a little chewy. Vanilla Cheesecake: Good, it was cheesecake... they did write happy birthday in chocolate on the plate which was really cute. They give you popovers at the start and will give you as many as you want, they are great, but I suggest they serve them warm (or hot!) so the butter gets all melty. The butter was also great, perfectly spreadable and I really liked the salt on top. Choosing your own steak knife seems gimicky to me, but I'm not a knife expert so its basically an eenie-meenie-miney-moe/which one is prettiest game. The room/ambiance is great but it was fairly empty and they seated a rather loud group right behind our table which was surprisingly annoying for us (there was one guy who had to tell everyone how much he knew about wine/steak/fish/[insert other random thing] and had to tell them loudly). I really ruined the intimate feel of our table by the wall. Our service started out eh but took a turn for the better when someone else inadvertently took over our table when we were ready to place our drink orders. I got the Barclay Bellini which was great and boyfriend got the ginger soda. The appetizers were definitely the stars of the evening and it seemed to go downhill from there. I may go back, but not for steak.
(3)
Stephany B.
I have been here two times, one in the bar with the bar menu with a few of my coworkers; the other in the main dining room for full dunner. Highlights of each - Wedge Salad (bar) -- delicious. fresh bleu cheese as expected of a steak house. it had fresh crab meat as well as a garnish which was a nice accent - kobe sliders -- i've had about 10 different kobe sliders at various upscale restaurants. (including the foie gras and kobe sliders at 1 Micheline starred L'Atellier in Vegas) These were hands down the best. The meat was medium rare (to perfection) and something about the brioche was what really differentiated these from the pack. MUST HAVE - Lamb -- very good. ordered medium rare and was very tender and flavorful. I have had better Colorado Lamb (being from Colorado and having it at my fingertips my whole life) but this was in the top 3 or 4 I've ever had. - NY Strip -- very good. Flavorful as you would expect any aged steak and was a bit over cooked ( it was ordered medium rare and it came much more medium) Aside from the temp. It was maybe top 3 NY Strips I've had. The quality of meat was definitely what stood out. We did not have room for sides which we ordered but were too full to enjoy. Same with dessert. I believe you can order the sliders in the bar as well which is what i would recommend if you are not interested in blowing a couple hundred bucks here. Bottom Line: very expensive, but very good
In short: I expected much better for the price. Several people in my group had their steaks cooked incorrectly, which is pretty inexcusable considering what you're paying. The experience wasn't terrible, but it in no way lived up to the hype.
(3)
Robert S.
Not worth it! Service with an attitude, good but not great food, and at $300 for two people I was hoping for a lot more.
(2)
Gerry F.
It does not get any better than this. We had a going away dinner for one of our co-workers and everyone was blown away with te food and service!
(5)
Subir G.
Was here with a group of 10 guys for a bachelor party. The NY strip I ordered was likely the best steak I've ever had. Charred perfectly on the outside and with great texture and flavor. Between the ten of us, we must have ordered every variation of meat on the menu except for the porterhouse. One person ordered the $100 cheese-steak and said it was good, but not great (the half bottle of champagne is a big portion of the cost). Some folks had the caviar and said it was fantastic (and these were people who don't normally eat caviar). I had the lobster bisque to start and it was a perfect texture, but perhaps a little on the salty side (more on that later). I wish I hadn't ordered the soup because the NY strip was so fantastic and I couldn't finish the entire 24 oz which felt like an immense waste of great meat. I'd give the place five stars if it weren't for the fact that all the sides we had (creamed spinach, truffle potatoes, broccoli rabe) were over-salted. Cocktails were pretty good and service was unobtrusive and professional. The wine list is a typical steakhouse tome, lots of Bordeaux and big California reds. Markups on wine are a bit higher than I would have expected, but someone's got to pay for the fabulous space I guess. I was pleasantly surprised by the very good (and extensive) selection of white wines.
(4)
M. C.
Didn't love our return visit. The dining room was cold (temperature), which made the meal uncomfortable. The pop-over rolls were as delicious as we remembered, the wedge salad was awesome, ordered two NY Strip Steaks cooked medium and both were very undercooked and we ended up sending them back after we started to eat. The chicken dish was very good. Just wasn't feeling it this time, and we hated sending back our steaks.
(3)
Ashley T.
The hubby surprised me with dinner reservations here for our anniversary. I don't often give 5 stars, but this restaurant deserves it! Keep in mind, the menu is PRICY, so it's only a place we would come to for special occasions (although I would love to come more). My husband started with the lobster bisque which was delicious. He ordered a glass of pinot noir (which ended up being $19/glass--outrageous but we were celebrating). The complementary popovers and room temp butter with sea salt is amazing, the bread just melts in your mouth. We both ordered the 8oz filet's and OMG the best filet i've ever had. It was cooked perfectly with an amazingly seasoned crusty outside and extremely tender inside. We ordered sides of truffled mac and cheese which was delicious and creamed spinach which was just ok (it had some kind of spice on it, maybe turmeric? I didn't care for it). They knew it was our anniversary and brought us a complementary little cake dessert with a candle which was nice. We also ordered the smoores dessert--it was good but I was stuffed at that point. Also had cappuccino and espresso with dessert which was very good. One of my favorite things about this place is the amazing service. Very attentive and helpful, but not annoying or pushy. My water glass was never empty, which keeps me happy ;) If you want an amazing steak and don't mind spending a little extra, definitely try Barclay Prime, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
David A.
Met my friend Judd here since this is his favorite Philly restaurant. I am not big into steakhouses after living in Dallas for five years and getting my fill of steak. In fact , now I don't eat much red meat at all with the exception of burger cravings (and I prefer Buffalo, with lower fat). Nice dining room, more formal and an older,professional crowd. Service was top shelf as you would expect from an expensive,white tablecloth restaurant. Selected a bottle of Spanish red wine from the Toro region for under $100. A good find from a fairly pricy wine list. Wine drank really well. Based on fellow yelper reviews, tried the Kobe sliders with my friend. They come served with two (with two different toppings). The one I had was just ok. The village Whiskey burger blows away the flavor here. Based on sommelier recommendation to go for the steak since it was my first time here, I splurged and got the bone in ribeye. Ordered it rare and it was cooked perfectly. Flavor, texture, fat composition was all perfect. Just not a steak guy anymore. It was huge and I ate too much. If you love steak (and I have been to quite a few steakhouses around the country over the years) then you will enjoy this. For sides we had the creamed spinach and tatter tots (my friends selections). I prefer sauteed spinach but this was a very good treat and not heavy on the butter or cream. The tatter tots were really underwhelming. Give me the fries at Parc any day over these. No complaints about the overall experience if you want a formal steak house. We split the check and it was about $150 each with tip so not a cheap night but very enjoyable.
(4)
Lilli C.
I almost had a heart attack when my friend demanded I take her here for her 30th birthday, ordered the 85 dollar steak, and then when I got the bill. I don't think I've ever spent so much money on a dinner before, let alone a birthday dinner. But grumbling aside, the food really was amazing...the tuna tartare, the kobe beef sliders, the 24oz dry aged porterhouse were all fantastic. I did not however find the 16 oz mashima steak to be worth the 85 dollar price tag...and I much preferred my 58 dollar porterhouse. The ambiance was class and elegant and pretty much aligned with what you'd expect from a place with 5 dollar signs. My favorite part of the meal was when we got to pick our "weapon of choice" for our steak. The server came over with a box of different steak knives and explained the advantages of each one amd was pretty patient when I wanted to try each one out. I would defintiely go back here for a special occasion and although I'm still intrigued by the 100 dollar steak with a 1/2 bottle of champagne, I just don't know if I could justify that. Although I hear the chef has just left Barclay to head to Butcher and Singer so I may give that a shot next time.
(5)
Jesse M.
I took my girlfriend here for her birthday and it was by far the best steaks she and I have ever had.
(5)
Paige G.
I was not impressed. After reading all the reviews I was very excited to go. The Kobe Sliders and Lobster Bisque were incredible so I was very excited to get my Porterhouse which was highly recommended. I was very disappointed. It was like a salt lick and no taste to it. I have had much better. The $10 sides were mediocre at best. The amount of money you spend you should expect the best and I certainly did not get my money's worth. Our serves was no help at all. I would go back for appetizers but never for a main course again.
(2)
Chenhui S.
The waitress was friendly and did a really good service for us. Not only the service is good here, but also the appearance of the restaurant is impressive. It is not same as the normal restaurants, but it is more like a bar. The light was pretty dark but made us feel comfortable. A kind of soft music was played all the time. Actually, I thought it is romantic. There were 2 candles on each table. To be honest, this atmosphere made me feel peaceful. I chose a 24 Oz steak. There was a steak with a leaf on the plate. This steak was bigger than my hand and there was a bone which is shaped as a letter "T" inside of the steak. I ordered a medium raw one. The skin of the steak was a little bit burnt but inside, it was almost raw. This is my favorite level. Before we started, a waiter came with a box, which had many knifes inside and asked us to choose. When I used my knife to cut it, the knife was slided among the meat. It was soft. It tasted fried at first, but when I chew it, I felt it was chewy. At the end, I could not finish it; it was too big. But I enjoyed it
(5)
Philip K.
First time we have been to the restaurant even though we have been in Philly for five years since we are not really steak people. But it was well worth the splurge. We started with oysters and a wedge salad - both steak houses staples. Both very good. Wedge salad had a a great blue cheese dressing. Had a couple of the killer pop overs before the meat, also great. For meat, we had the ribeye and a bone in filet, both medium rare. Both were cooked correctly and were nice and red in the middle. Perfect. Finished it off by splitting the s'mores dessert - also tasty. Our waiter managed to steer us to a relatively affordable bottle of cab from Argentina. Only $70. Good value compared to all the overhyped California bottles. Decor is nice, if a bit loud. People told us to check out the coed bathroom, but it seemed like no big deal to us. If I was in the mood for a nice steak again, this would be at the top of the list.
(4)
Kelvin W.
Friend's father treated us out for dinner here, definitely the best (and most expensive!) dining experience I've had. We got beef tartar, scallops, and oysters as starters. I'm not a fan of oysters, but everything was delicious. I ordered the 24 oz. porterhouse, and other members of our party got filet mignon, the NY strip, and lamb chops. We got asparagus, whipped potatoes, and creamed spinach on the side. Make sure to get sauces (the house steak sauce is great) for the steaks! I don't think this restaurant can make anything wrong.. everything was so exquisite and delicious. The service was great, though our waiter was a bit lengthy in explaining the menu--there's no need to go over every item on the menu, sir. Another plus--they have a entire selection of steak knives to choose from. How awesome is that?
(5)
J S.
Love the Kobe beef sliders. They are so good. I've only been for dinner twice because it is so pricey. Thankfully you can order apps in the bar area so I can enjoy some of the more affordable items on the menu.
(4)
Tom B.
The best "real" steak in Philadelphia! Not cheap, but very good prime cuts. I took my wife here on our anniversary and had a great time for about $200.
(5)
Vicki S.
I went to Barclay Prime on Saturday with my fiancee and his family. My thoughts: Decor/ambiance: like all other Starr restaurants, the decor and atmosphere was nice. The tables were well-spaced and the pillows in the chairs made for a very comfortable and relaxing dining experience. Service: The waiter didn't introduce himself by name so when my future father-in-law asked, he was a little caught off guard and came back a little snarky as if it was a weird question to ask... but the waiter was nice and attentive throughout the night. Food came out quickly. Water wasn't always full but I never had to ask for it. Food: Here's why I'm giving the restaurant just 3 stars. I thought the popovers and salted butter were amazing to start. I also enjoyed the apps. I got the lobster bisque which was velvety and delicious. Fiancee got the tuna tartare which was also pretty good. The entrees, however, were the biggest downfall. I got the miso cod (I don't enjoy steak) and everything was just overly salty that it was almost unpalatable. Most of his family got steaks which they seemed to enjoy, however, my fiancee and his dad got the same cut of meat and ordered it medium rare. One came out a little too rare and one came out more on the medium-ish side. For an expensive steakhouse, they should be more consistent. Overall experience was good but I'm not really itching to go back anytime soon....
(3)
Erika M.
I just want to say THANK YOU to the person who recommended this place to me. While I didn't get a steak, the Jumbo Crab Cake I got was delicious. I tasted little if any filler, which is a big big plus! The table shared Asparagus Spears and Truffle Whipped Potatoes. The Whipped Potatoes were heavenly. If I could eat those every day, I would be one happy girl. While my wallet won't necessarily enjoy it, I will definitely be going back next time I am in Philly!
(5)
Glenn P.
Can't believe the overall rating is only 4 stars. This place is top notch. The service is excellent, the food is terrific. The only downside is the price, but that is the cost of excellence. Our party had both the sliders and the raw seafood spreads to start off with. There was a generous portion of crab in the tray. The sprimp and oysters were also good. For entrees, I had a dry aged ribeye for an entree. We also had lobster to share for the table Overall it was a great night. You can't go wrong here.
(5)
X V.
Food, wine, & service were all great.... Kobe sliders are the best! The steaks are one of the best in Philly (it's "sister" restaurant Butcher & Singer also with the other best Philly steak)... The prices are high, but well worth the food & experience.....the $100 cheesesteak is overrated (foie gras & truffles).....
(5)
Zulma L.
By far one of the GREATEST restaurant experiences I have had in my life. Barclay Prime had the best steak I have ever tasted. The meat literally melts in your mouth. The macaroni and cheese is out of this world and the Halibut with truffle oil was MAGNIFICENT. If you want to try a little piece of heaven, save room for the S'mores dessert - TO DIE FOR.
(5)
Matthew Y.
I recently went on a business dinner to Barclay Prime and simply put, the entire meal was outstanding from start to finish. After ordering cocktails, my group had the create-your-own shellfish sampler to start, as well as the hamachi crudo. Everything considered, the shellfish was some of the best seafood I have ever had in my entire life. Two different types of oysters east coast (Bluepoint) and west coast (Pacific) were outstanding, as was the lobster, crab and shrimp. The yellowtail tuna in the hamachi crudo was out-of-this-world good - I could had a few plates of that by itself for dinner and I would have been happy. We then moved on to soup and salads - I had the kale salad, which had finely chopped kale, pine nuts and apple slices with a very light vinaigrette. Also of note were the popovers, which were again out-of-this-world amazing; probably the best pre-dinner bread at any restaurant. From there, we moved on to the main course. I had the 18 oz Gachot & Gachot ribeye, cooked to a perfect medium rare. Other members of my group had the 12 oz filet, the 24 oz porterhouse, 50 oz tomahawk ribeye, dover sole and branzino, and everyone raved. For sides, we shared the Brussels sprouts, truffle mac and cheese, potato gratin, creamed spinach and tater tots. Again, everything was fantastic. The Gachot & Gachot Ribeye was right up there with the best steak that I have ever had in my entire life (the title is reserved for Minetta Tavern and Peter Luger) We finished with dessert and coffee, which was as good as expected. Bottom line: if you are looking for the best steak, freshest seafood, coolest and least stuffy atmosphere, most attentive service service, most complete wine list and the swankiest meal at a steakhouse in Philadelphia, look no further. Another fantastic Starr joint.
(5)
Richard K.
This is the best steakhouse in Philadelphia (IMHO). I haven't yet tried their Kobe beef cheese steak sub, but their Kobe beef sliders are sublime. The same goes for their ribeye steak. I also fancy their tray of cutlery that they bring out for your selection before the steak entree comes out.
(5)
Marty J.
Totally lives up to it's reputation and recommendations. Not too stuffy, fun and classy ambiance. Great bar, very small, but delicious. Great food. Our waitress was a bit off a weirdo. Nice, but not quite on her A-game that night. However, I will return.
(4)
Girl G.
I don't understand how anyone could possibly not like this place! I've been here about four times and it is consistently delicious. The best steak is the porterhouse, SO GOOD I JUST CAN'T EXPLAIN IT. it melts in your mouth and is just perfectly seasoned. The sides are all perfectly yummy (creamed spinach, tater tots, whipped potatoes). And the popovers, OH, the popovers. To die for. The s'mores cake dessert is just YUM. The place is very pretty and comfortable (couches instead of chairs!) and the service is great. And I love how they pour soft drinks in their little glass bottles. Overall, this place is so delicious and classy.
(5)
Nancy P.
I don't blame Barclay for feeling sick during the meal. I can't say for certain that it was something I ate here or elsewhere (I eat a lot). But I had been waiting to go to Barclay for so long. The hostess was very accommodating since I was waiting for my bf to return from his flight. The interior of the place is very dark..to me, it was almost too dark (sleazy gentleman's club dark). The manager was nice and sat us with the 'more comfortable' chairs. I was surprised to see the amount of people there (it was a late dinner). But to my disappointment, it was so noisy in the dining area. We started off with the kobe beef tartar and the lobster bisque. The tartar was wonderful and flavorful. The lobster bisque was only okay and if anything, too heavy for me. The popovers, OMG. I couldn't stop eating it. I should have skipped the bisque and ate more of the popover. I ordered the rib eye and my bf got the NY strip. Both were enormous portions, cooked medium rare. (I think this is when the wine didn't mix well in my stomach). The steaks didn't wow me; parts were too chewy. BUT the sides were what saved the day. We ordered the creamed spinach and truffled mashed potatoes. Wow, the creamed spinach was so (disgustingly) perfect. The fat girl in me overpowered my brain, which was thinking about how much I would have to work out to burn these calories. I was feeling too sick for dessert but our server was nice enough to bring out a little something for my birthday. I didn't look at the bill, but I don't think I'd let my bf treat me with Barclay anytime soon.
I had to try their cheestake one more time just can't get enough of it and of course their mash potato truffle yumm! Their steaks are still unbelievably good the size is just right and not overwhelming :) the appetizers ugh!! Pick whatever you want depends on your mood because they are all great! From the scallops to the eggs I tried them all and as usual I'm never disappointed ..I just wish the ambience was a little but more romantic but the food compensates for it so it's ok.
(4)
Amanda S.
My colleague and I had no problem deciding where we wanted to go for dinner after taking a glimpse at the menu. We arrived a bit early for dinner service and were quickly given our drinks. It's quite possible that I just had the best Blue Sapphire Martini (with 3 olives) here! We started with Maine diver Scallops which were seared medium rare. Superb! I'm a fan of a wedge salad and I love how different restaurants try to present it in a different way. Barclay Prime was all business with this salad. It was colorful, it stuck to the rules, it was fresh and it was the best I've had in a while. I chose not to finish it simply because of the high calories in the dressing. My colleague loved the Lobster Bisque. I had the Salmon for the main event and broccoli rabe. The salmon was great! Flaky, tasty, and no self loathing after having such a filling, delectable meal. My colleague chose the Dry aged ribeye and said it was grilled as he asked and it was perfect. The service was great. Food was impressive. The wine was great as was the ambiance. I'll be back in October!
Got to go with my buddy, Dave, on this one. This is THE BEST steak money can buy anywhere in the country, and I've had some pretty awesome steaks in Manhattan. Enjoy the great ambiance and talented bartender in the lounge before you go to the dining room. The drinks are generous, and the appetizers as great as the steaks. Of course, you can make a meal of the appetizers, but the dining room is not to be missed. Elegantly appointed, and the service, AAAAAAA. If you want to impress a date, this is the place!
(5)
Alex P.
Fabulous from beginning to end. My in-laws took us here when they were in town this past week and we had such a great time. I had been meaning to dine here for years but never made it happen. We started with some drinks at the bar as we were early for our reservation and the bartender was just wonderful. She was extremely easy to talk to and very hospitable, would go back for happy hour just for her! When we sat for dinner we had a lovely waiter, unfortunately I don't remember anyone's names. My in-laws are from CA and we all love wine and he was great at selecting some choices my father-in-law was quite pleased with. The popovers they bring out are ridiculous, I want them everyday. We had salads and soup as appetizers. The lobster bisque was delicious yet different...had some fall spices in it my husband wasn't a huge fan of but it was still tasty. As expected, our steaks were cooked to perfection. I had the 8oz filet with blue cheese sauce on the side and it was perfect with or without the sauce. The bit on coarse salt on top is a nice touch. Creamed spinach was good, very cheesy. I heard the mashed potatoes were delicious but we went for regular potatoes that were also very good. Choosing your own steak knife is a nice touch as well. Can't wait to go back and try dessert!
(5)
Justin B.
When someone asks me about the best steak I have ever had, Barclay's always comes up. I have had steak from Australia, to Hawaii, to California and East Coast. Definitely it is in my top 2 places and I can't think of who is second... Maybe Mastros. You even get to select the knife of choice to cut your steak with. I always had the ribeye and couple that with a bottle of Super Tuscan wine.... done.
(5)
Richie R.
first time i went, it was absolutely fantastic! next time i went back, it was aweful, so on average, i'm giving it a pretty bad review. for the prices you shell out on these steaks, you should ALWAYS get an amazing experience. if i wanna gamble, i'll take my money to ac and at least be more entertained! if you're looking for good steak, look elsewhere
(2)
Tyrone D. S.
I'm working my way through the Forbes List Top 20 Steakhouses and while some restaurants on the list disappoint Barclay's did not. The ambiance, service and food quality all exceeded my expectations. Barclay Prime easily makes it into my Top 5. 1) Prime 112 2) Pappas Bros. 3) Peter Luger 4) Barclay Prime 5) Gibsons 6) St. Elmo 7) House of Prime 8) Carnevino 9) Killen's 10) Dickie Brennan's - no dry aged steaks wtf! Weights Food - 50% Service - 30% Ambiance - 20% Technically not a steakhouse, House of Prime, was included in the Forbes List.
(5)
Shirlana D.
The first time I went to this restaurant I went because my bf took me here. It was love at first bite. From the moment we walked into the restaurant it seemed intimate and quaint. The drawback for me were the low seating chairs. While the chairs are large and comfy, they seemed very close to the floor. While trying to create an intimate or exclusive atmosphere, the lighting was poor. Despite those few challenges, the wait staff was extremely helpful and attentive. The moment that the bread was brought to the table and I put it in my mouth, it was heavenly. I felt like the bread was melting in my mouth, and then realized that there is some guyere cheese (I believe) in the bread. While I have been here several times (it has become my annual choice for my birthday meal) I always order the veal chop. The veal was moist, succulent, and perfectly prepared. The onion soubise & mushrooms that is served with the veal was flavorful and the perfect accompaniment. The dessert is always sweet yet not overpowering. I will be coming here for years to come for I love the food and staff, but nothing beats the great company I am always with :).
Kudos to Steven Starr for having a wonderful establishment in Philadelphia. As much as I dislike going to restaurateur moguls who own multiple restaurants serving cuisine from every country imaginable, I find that Steven Starr restaurants always deliver and execute well above my expectations while others constantly fail to deliver. DECOR: reminds you of a more modernly decorated room out of a Harry Potter movie. There was a classic element to the decor and the bookshelves with sparsely populated books and the chandeliers added to that feeling. The chairs were modern (green, yellow, and white) which made the entire area less "stuffy". I could imagine it would have felt like an extremely stuffy environment if we had classic wooden chairs. Whoever designed this place made the decor acceptable to a large demographic customer base. Whoever designed this is clever. SERVICE: the highlight of the night goes to immaculate service from Glenn. He is extremely knowledgeable about everything on the menu, very professional, and does not feel pushy in his recommendations even in the slightest sense. Overall, I'd say his level of service pushed the review 1 additional star from a 4 to 5. I had an excellent and pleasant dinner thanks to him. STEAK KNIFES: I was quite impressed that they were giving us the option to choose among 5 top end steak knifes. I remember 4 of them (2 were Zwilling Henckel, 1 was a Shun, and the last was a Wusthof). I was impressed that they were providing such high end knives here. FOOD: the food was a solid 4*. For my steak, I ordered a 28-day dry aged NY strip steak which cost about ~$50. This was cooked a perfect medium rare and it was seasoned very well. At this price, I would take this steak any day over say Capital Grille, Palms, Morton, Gibson's or any other chain restaurant steak. One of the things I was tempted to try was the Japanese Wagyu steak at $115 but I didn't feel a compelling need to go eat something at such a high price point when there are fantastic options such as Peter Luger which probably serve better steak and lower price points. Appetizers: I shared the main diver SCALLOPS. We got 3 pieces that were well cooked & seasoned with a bit of a spice kick coming from their sauce. My scallop cooled down by the time it reached my table. This appetizer was acceptable and about what I expected from a restaurant like this. The highlight was the fried SOFT SHELL CRAB. It was fantastically well fried blue crab that was extremely flavorful with a great texture. It was one of the rare times I felt I was chewing more crab than I was batter. When I was first introduced to the Philly steakhouse scene I was told that Butcher and Singer was the top recommended steakhouse. I was led to believe that until I was introduced to Barclay's. The service, the large number of selections, and the food quality are in a league far above Butcher and Singer. At this price point, I wholeheartedly recommend this place for steak in Philly. On a side note, Barclay's sells the most expensive cheesesteak in Philly (perhaps the world). $100 for a freakin cheesesteak (wagyu beef, foie gras, truffled cheese)..............would anyone care to split an order with me in the future? :P
(5)
Ade B.
A steakhouse with a more romantic setting than other steakhouses. So it's more appropriate for date night as opposed to a guys night out. This place is known for the Kobe sliders and Kobe cheesesteak. I've only had the sliders. They don't taste as good now as when the restaurant first opened. I'm talking about moving down from a perfect 10 to a 9, so not a huge dropoff. I suspect they might be using American Kobe now when they used Austrailian Kobe when they first opened. But that's just a guess. The steaks here are amazing, but you can get steaks just as good for a lower price elsewhere. When it comes to date night it's not always a good idea to count pennies. And for a date night at a steakhouse it doesn't get any better than Barclay Prime.
(4)
Dan W.
Giving this place a 5 star for their ribeye steak, beef steak tartare, bread/butter, and friendly/professional waiters/staff! Came here with a couple guys for a friend's birthday dinner so had a chance to try a good amount of their menu, here is my opinion of them in no particular order: complimentary bread/butter: amazing! has croissant texture, butter is smooth and easy to spread truffle mac and cheese: good light creamy, crumb texture/taste, use real truffles (found a small truffle piece) that leaves a lasting taste in your mouth compared to synthetic truffle tator tots: very similar to a traditional tator tot taste except inside is more creamy versus grainy lobster bisque: fair portion of lobster bits that delivers a punch of a typical lobster bisque flavors that leave you wanting more beef steak tartare: refreshing, citrus, light, meaty texture/taste that is complimented with salty (alittle too much for my liking) fried thin bread slices on the side wagyu sliders: unfortunately even smaller than I expected but the meat was cooked good (medium) ribeye steak (medium rare): the BEST steak I have tasted so far...each bite is full of juices and salty/herb flavors that marinate in your mouth, leaving you wanting more ny strip steak (medium rare): similar to ribeye steak except has a more fatty and lighter texture taste 8 oz. filet mignon (medium rare): compared to the ribeye and ny strip steak, had a more traditional meaty/gamy taste given the high quality meats that are offered here, everything is slightly overpriced still in my opinion - a good solid place for any special occasion but definitely not somewhere to go on a regular basis.
(4)
Nina T.
This place was amazing! Took my date here for his birthday in April and everything was exquisite. Our meals were tasteful and the dessert was the best I've had in a long time. He had the 12oz prime filet and was left speechless at how good it was. I had the roasted chicken while we shared the truffle mac n cheese and potato gratin, absolutely no complaints. The best was telling the waiter that the birthday boy was picking the dessert and them bring in it out with a Happy Birthday written on the plate. Good job paying attention! Oh and you can't forget the choice of knives they gave us. That was fun :) Definitely will be going back when I'm in the Philly area again!
(5)
The Food D.
PLEASE READ REVIEW FOR MORE DETAILS ON TWO STAR RATING Another restaurant that I have been trying to come to for years... After years of reading other Yelp reviews... I finally made it. I have had dreams about the $120.00 cheese steak... Beautiful inside, a bit dimly lit for my taste... but a very "sexy" feel. Host was friendly, and took us to our table. I feel like the wait for meet our waiter was a bit long... especially for fine dining. Waiter was friendly and knew the menu pretty well. Waiter was nice enough to check to see if another champagne could be served with the cheese steak. The substituted bottle in my opinion wasn't to my liking. It was okay, probably sweeter than the other one but too harsh for my liking. I'm not a big drinker, so not a big deal. Our order: Gruyere Popover (Free Bread) Shrimp Cocktail 3lb Lobster (Butter pouched) Tater Tots $120.00 Cheese Steak Cookie Dessert (Took back to hotel) Popover: WOW! Delicious bread...I haven't had a popover that delicious in a long long time. My second one was very slightly under cooked which I actually enjoyed as the inside was super super moist and absolutely delicious. Shrimp Cocktail: 3 JUMBO shrimp. When I say JUMBO I mean JUMBO. Cocktail sauce was standard, nothing special. Shrimp weren't over cooked but not properly thawed. Not sure why, but the insides tasted a bit too cold and took away from the shrimp flavor. I wouldn't order again . -1 Stars 3lb Lobster (Butter pouched): One word - HORRIBLE! I am not one to send back items, but if there has ever been an item I needed to send back this would have been it. $85.00 for the absolute WORST lobster I have ever tasted. The meat was extremely tough to the point that it was incredibly difficult to chew. The lobster had no flavor. I have never experienced such a bad piece of seafood ever. I really should have complained, but it's not in my nature. I took nearly the entire order to our hotel room hoping it would taste better the next morning... it was even worse...Practically $85.00 worth of lobster went into the garbage. -2 Stars Tater Tots: OMG! Delicious... in the top 3 potato side dish I have ever had. Extremely creamy chive mashed potato inside a very very very light coating. Every tot had a slight crisp shell and then they exploded with the creamy mashed potato like inside... I HIGHLY recommend this item. $120.00 Cheese Steak... Next time I would skip the champagne... which I believe would make the cheese steak only $70.00. To me a traditional Philly cheese steak isn't something I REALLY enjoy. But this sandwich is something I REALLY enjoyed. The only problem is... it's too rich in my opinion to be eaten as a main course. The bread was perfect for this sandwich as it was greasy...but the bread did an awesome job soaking it all up. Cookie Dessert (Took back to hotel): Very good! Delicious mix of three different types of cookie baked into one. I only wanted to try a bite and before I knew it I was licking the container clean. I would order again. Over all... would I could here again... maybe. I would only order a beer, the cheese steak and tater tots. I cannot stress enough that the lobster should never be ordered. Service was standard... nothing amazing for fine dining... Overall because of the seafood... specially the lobster... a disappointment. $273.10 (Bill) + $65.00 (Extremely Generous Tip) = $338.10... not worth the price.
(2)
Esther K.
The best steak I've ever had and best tater tots. Definitely going to go back someday!
(5)
Nando F.
Did you ever just want to go to a respectable upscale types of place like Barclay and just say to the waiter/waitress : I want a T-bone steak, cheese eggs and Welch's grape? I find myself wanting to say that every time I know of a spot that is nothing but top notch in the dinning scene. You never know they might know the lyrics to "Big Poppa" by Notorious B.I.G. and hit you with a line. Barclay has that warm relax feel to it. A comfortable vibe to it , with a decor like no other. Barclay is well basically sexy , the decor is definitely unique with the lounge style tables and chairs. I haven't seen any other establishment like this they way they have things set up. Barclay has 3 different dinning areas, and all 3 have a different style to it, all leading back to that word again, what was it again, I know ... Sexy! The drinks were flowing, with a great friend by my side as our evening couldn't get any better, but it does. The food , the food that Barclay puts out words simply can not express the enjoyment you are about to encounter. What will be heard is slight little moans , because once those flavors hit your taste buds it's an instant rush of satisfaction. The wine has been poured, now lets dive into this starting with the appetizer. Appetizer: Alaskan King Crab- This was nicely cut down the center with each piece full of meat. Cold and fresh with the different dipping provided I highly recommend this. You'll get the same enjoyment from it as I did. Our entree was a 10 oz. Satsuma Wagyu NY Strip steak , which was prepped Pittsburgh style. Simply the best steak I have ever had in my life. Every bite I would take would simply just melt in my mouth. My mouth is watering as I write about it, along with some of the sauces they provide for you. Out of the sauces we went with a bearnaise and a horseradish crème fraîche. I am telling you this clearly put my taste buds into a full tilt, and yes I was turning this into an "R" rated experience with moans of pleasure with every bite. If you are curious what "Wagyu" is , this is cattle that was imported from Japan. A sort of Kobe beef, but with a lot more to it. Basically these types of cattle have been massaged through their life seeing the the areas where they would breed the space was limited. Wagyu has some intense marbling and to producing a high percentage of oleaginous unsaturated fat. The meat from such wagyu cattle is known for its quality. Clearly worth every penny as it melts in your mouth. I can't wait to come back here again and enjoy another fantastic meal.
(5)
Magen S.
Dined here on a Thursday evening around 7pm. We had a reservation booked ahead of time so we did not have to wait. The ambiance is great, as my guests put it, the decor reminds them of Mad Men. Food was delicious. Ordered the lobster bisque soup first, which is perfect with the cheese popover complimentary to all guests. The lobster chunks were delicious. On to the steak, ordered the 12 oz prime filet mignon medium. Cooked to perfection with exceptional flavor. The quality of their beef is top notch, probably the best in Philadelphia. Our table ordered a bunch of sides including the artichokes, broccoli, mash potatoes, truffle mac and cheese. All were delish, I just was in awe over the steak so I didn't take note of my favourite side. Finished off with raspberry sorbet which was light and delicious after a large meal. Service - our waiter carefully explained the entire menu and offered suggestions for splitting appetizers and sides since we had a large party. The menu is pricey, but it's worth it if you can afford. The next time I'm here I'd definitely like to try the wagyu beef!
(5)
Abby S.
Barclay Prime, wow. Took my bf here for his birthday, it was delicious and beautiful from the start! We started with martinis, yum. The service was fabulous as well. We then got taken to our table. We started with the Yellowtail Hamachi and scallops, both were so delicious. Next we each had a salad which was cold and perfect. The popovers, holy wow. That's really all I can say about them, they were also served with salted butter which was a perfect compliment. The most fun part about Barclay Prime is choosing which knife you want to use with your steak. You feel very special and like a VIP being presented with beautiful options. I had the filet which was perfect. Ended the night with complimentary sweets for the bf's birthday which was super nice. Can't wait to go back here!
(5)
Jeff M.
Not good. I had always wanted to go to Barclay Prime while at Villanova. When I finally got there 10 years afterwards, I was extremely disappointed. First, the library ambiance is weird. And the service was unpolished and kind of douchey. The caesar salad was good to my taste because the dressing was very light. The meal went downhill from here. I feel like that with a group of three guys that we could have been warned that the side asparagus only included 10 asparagus... so much for getting our veggies in. The au gratin potatoes were very creamy and seemed cheap because of the dried oregano in them. A sirloin medium rare came out medium and the under seasoned tomahawk ribeye asked for medium came out medium rare. We didn't figure out how to return a pre-cut steak to a d-bag server. Adding to the disaster the slices were not even cut evenly. The table next to us had to send their steak back. Was this amateur night?
(1)
John K.
A few weeks back, the GF and I were in the mood for steak and more importantly, we were looking to celebrate our 4th anniversary together. So, we thought it was high time that we finally tried Barclay Prime. Starr restaurants are always spot on in terms of vibe and design. Expect no less from Barclay Prime, which is highly emblematic of the Mad Men era. Power lunches and expense account meals are to be enjoyed here. Seating is extremely comfortable - you feel as though you're lounging and that's not a bad thing! Ophelia's Fizz [$15] Ketel One orange vodka, prosecco, muddled strawberry & basil We had some bubbly back at home and considering the markups, we opted for a few cocktails for dinner in lieu of a bottle of vino. The GF went with the effervescent vodka sparkler, which was perfect for her. Not cloyingly sweet with the muddled strawberry, the herbaceousness of the basil really shined through each sip. The Stamford Bridge [$16] Woodford Reserve, Bodegas Toro Albala PX Gran Reserva, black licorice & orange-tea infused dolin blanc vermouth I enjoyed the bourbon-based tipple, which featured an everyday drinking favorite - Woodford Reserve. A Spanish desert wine backed up the bourbon with deep aromas of caramel and toffee. Very nice. Popover Gruyere Who doesn't love a popover to start your meal a la BLT Steak or Sbraga? This was one of the best I've had - crispy exterior studded with gruyere, with an inside that was light and fluffy. Perfectly paired with a pat of room-temp butter (thank the heavens!) topped with fleur de sel. Alaskan King Crab Cocktail [$29] Cocktail sauce While this is a hefty $13.50 a leg, the king crab was cooked perfectly and was delicious. No seasoning or cocktail sauce needed here - just a small spritz of lemon to enjoy the sweet meat. Maine Diver Scallops [$18] Cauliflower couscous, marcona almond, romesco The GF had the scallops, which were seared properly and were tender within. The accoutrements took an interesting Middle Eastern turn with some cumin interspersed within the cauliflower couscous, which had great texture. The romesco added some brightness and the marcona almonds provided richness and additional texture to each bite. Foie Gras [$25] Quince terrine, mustard greens, sherry sauce Unsurprisingly, I went with the foie, which featured a small, but perfectly seared lobe of lusciousness. The quince terrine was great, featuring interesting texture and a subtly sweet countervailing element to the heft of the foie. The mustard greens provided some contrast as well. And from there, it was on to the steaks! You know it's time when the knives are presented, each with its own back story. The GF and I opted to go with the Samurai and Porsche design, respectively. 12 oz. Prime Filet Mignon [$53] With her weapon firmly secured, the GF had the right tools to enjoy her prime beef filet. While there wasn't much seasoning here, the steak was properly charred and came as requested - medium. A pickled red onion and watercress salad appears to come with your steak. 18 oz. 28-Day Dry-Aged Prime Ribeye [$51] I almost went with the 50 oz tomahawk, but decided to take it down a notch and opted for the dry-aged ribeye. Ordered medium-rare, this had great beefiness, with enough marbling throughout. I could have used a bit more seasoning, but the quality of the beef was undeniable. Tater Tots [$11] The tater tots had to be ordered - they were crispy on the outside with a creamy texture that had great chive flavor within. Easy to enjoy. Truffle Mac & Cheese [$18] The truffle mac and cheese was a no-brainer as well. Barclay Prime might very well offer my favorite version of mac and cheese. Bonus? They did not overdo it with the truffle oil. The secret to their cheese sauce? It's literally the MAC - mascarpone, asiago, and cheddar. The sweetness of the mascarpone was understated, but definitely provided a contrasting element to the sharp cheddar and salty asiago. In addition to al dente cavatappi nestling the cheese sauce perfectly, there was a nice crunchy crumble on top that almost popped in your mouth with each bite. Tiny broccoli florets were sparingly studded in the dish as well A must order. And as we moved on to dessert, Nicole came out with some champagne to toast our special night, compliments of the house. Much appreciated! Toasted Chocolate S'Mores [$10] Back in 2013, I saw Pastry Chef Christina Diekewicz create the toasted chocolate s'mores at the Rittenhouse Row Festival . So naturally, we opted for this dessert. The ice cream was the true star for me, studded with graham cracker crumbles and had a lusciousness that complemented the molten chocolate cake topped with s'mores marshmallow. Delicious. The pastry chef also sent out some star-shaped chocolate short-bread cookies.And a tiny chocolate cake to enjoy at home. What a nice touch! So if you're looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a steak-night out - do stop by!
(5)
Krina S.
Oh. My. Goodness. If you want a serious date night with amazing food, go ahead and make a reservation here. The restaurant is gorgeous; dimly lit, chandeliers everywhere, dark brown wood shelves with books, deep cushioned seats, etc. We got some filet steaks, the truffle macaroni, and whipped potatoes. All were delectable. I venture to say everything else on the menu is too.
(5)
Sal K.
Best steak I've ever had. I ordered the boneless ribeye and it cut like butter and tasted better than any meat I've ever prepared for myself. Brought the wife here for our anniversary. Service, meal and everything in between were exemplary. Will come back!
(5)
Dave S.
Beautiful Room! Great Service! Lamb Chop is amazing! Hot Popovers served gratis before each meal with soft butter--I could have eaten three of them but then I wouldnt have been able to finish my lamb. The $100 cheesesteak was NOT good! However, they happily took it off the bill when they saw we left half of it on the plate hence the 5 stars. Perfect food is nice but even better is when something is not perfect and they correct it immediately with a smile.
(5)
Phillip L.
The long trail of 5-star reviews for this establishment is well deserved. The location along Rittenhouse Square is convenient and provides for a nice option for a pre or post-dinner walk, and there is a parking lot (paid of course) that is just across the street south of the restaurant, which made for a very convenient arrival. Upon entering the restaurant, the maitre de greeted us and we were promptly shown to our table. I was actually enjoying the ambiance of the front bar area as we were walking through towards the dining room, and would eagerly try that if I were stopping in solo or meeting for drinks, but we were seated so quickly that I didn't pause there. Bread service was terrific -- I would describe it as a puff with a crispy shell and a hallow inside, perfect for buttering with the salted butter that accompanied it. For appetizers we tried the crab cakes and scallops. Both were phenomenal. The crab cakes were fried just enough to have a golden brown surface, were filled with tasty crab, and I detected no filler of any kind. For dinner I tried the 18oz Ribeye, and the table shared sauteed mushrooms and scalloped potatoes. The ribeye came out prepared precisely the way that I had requested. The mushrooms were delicious, that dish was cleaned bare by the time dinner was over. For dessert our table of three shared a warm cookie (3 kinds) in a skillet, with a scoop of ice cream on top. I particularly liked the oatmeal portion of the cookie, but my wife's favorite was the brownie-like center. This is the easiest 5-star review to give: exemplary service, one of the best steaks I've ever had, outstanding sides and dessert, and convenient location. I would eagerly come back for another special occasion in the future.
(5)
Monica Q.
Pro: fantastic food. Great bread (popovers) and the meat is cooked deliciously and tastes so very fresh. The veal portion is enormous and so very tasty. Tuna tartare puts many sushi restaurants to the test. Mashed potato sides were good. Cons: price. Omg the price. It's nice to go with a large group because then you can get sides that only cost one or two more bucks each. However, keep in mind this place is $70+ and more if you like to drink!
(4)
Paul C.
I'm a huge steak fan...we got porterhouse, rib eye, bone in filet, beef tartar, scallops, asparagus, tater tots, few cocktails, chocolate caramel cake, and bottle of wine... Good: beef tartar, scallops, chocolate caramel cake Average: all the steaks, asparagus, tater tots, Service Bad: Cocktails, Over priced wine... Perhaps my expectations were too high...but considering this place cost more than Capital Grille...i expected to be better... I'm definitely not going back here again...
(3)
Acer V.
Went on a Saturday night and it was packed - service was superb as if we were the only people there. This was my fifth time there and it was time to give kudos. Foie Gras was amazing, the ribeye perfect. If you haven't ordered the wedge salad, you must! Atmosphere is mesmerizing, welcoming and warm. very hard to leave this place after the amazing food and service.
(5)
Justine J.
I took my boyfriend here for his birthday dinner and it was incredible, both service and food. We started off with the Alaskan king crab and half a dozen oysters from the cold bar. The crab came with two legs, with half of the shell perfectly sliced off. All you had to do was just peel the meat off the bottom half of the shell. Hands down the most convenient and delicious crab I have ever had. Feel free to spritz some fresh lemon and cocktail sauce on it As for the raw oysters? Amazing.We had three from east coast and three from west,all of which were fresh and juicy. Their vinaigrette was amazing. No buck a shuck here though :( Crab cake was pretty good, except I don't care for crab cakes so I don't have anything fair to say. Birthday boy devoured them so that says enough. It came with 2 generous lumps of crab meat with very few of this corn meal filler nonsense most other places try to pull off. It was perfectly seared and was super juicy. I would say this is a must if you are a crab cake lover. Not to mention it came with avocados. There is also a complimentary Gruyere and chive bread (puff) that is so freakin' good. It's so soft and fluffy and with their whipper butter... so damn good. Lobster bisque was great. Rich, creamy, and a chuck of lobster meat or two with every bite. Generous portion too for only $15. I would say it' close to 12 fl oz. The steaks, were just wow. First, you get to chose your own cutting knife.They had 4 or 5 to choose from, which is super cool. The steaks were grilled to perfection and very tender. You can cut the steak with a spoon. The 24 oz 29-day aged porterhouse was amazing. It was well seasoned and very flavorful. The 12 oz filet migon was also delicious, but not quite as flavorful. The cut was very thick, so only the outer portion was bursting with flavor and the inner portion just melts in your mouth. I could definitely get used this. We also got two sides: sauteed mushrooms and butterball potatoes (pretty much just fancy home fries) with garlic aioli, both of which were great compliments to the juice velvety steaks we had. We also had a bottle of red wine (Camino de Navaherreros) which was amazing. The hazelnut bread pudding was amazing. It was warm, moist, and very fluffy. It came with warm cream on the side and you pour it onto the plate. The service was amazing. The table was constantly kept clean and water and wine glass were always well attended to. Perfect everything!
(5)
Stephanie H.
The food steak was great, but a $200 wagyu ribeye better be. Wine was also very good. I have to say, however, that I expected a bit classier of a place and pristine service. I know restaurants are changing - who dresses up for a $600 meal right? But little things were lacking from making this worth the price - like both times I got up to use the restroom my napkin was not folded by the server it was laying on my chair just how I left it when I got up. I really don't mean this to be negative, we truly did enjoy our meal, but just expected a different type of place. Also, it played weird upbeat, trendy music - not what I expect at a nice dinner out.
(3)
Reena N.
I've been slowly chipping away at the best steakhouses in the country and Barclay Prime was on the list. I've been to a few Starr restaurants without realizing it, but after reading the reviews, figured it would be great to give a try on a trip to Philly as we double dated with my sister. Ambiance: It's a very low lit intimate setting with warm bookshelves all around the room. Most of the seating is modern but with a vintage modern feel. Each table feels like its own lounge. As another reviewer mentioned, you feel like your walking onto the set of a Mad Men episode. Service: Premium. The wait staff did not make us feel rushed or like were overworked. They had the time to pay attention to all their table needs and ensure that food and appetizers as well as drinks were served promptly. If they saw that your drink was nearing its end, they would be on top of it to offer you another one. Everything felt under control and as a guest, you felt like all your needs would be anticipated and met. A unique part of this restaurant is that they offer the ability to choose your steak knife. The staff are happy to make recommendations based on the cut you ordered. If you come here enough times you can go through them all to see the one that fits best with your hand. I choose a Ferrari knife for this first experience. Food: To start off with, their Gruyere popovers are AMAZING. I bought a popover pan because they became my new obsession! I would come here just for these if I could. As a test, my husband and I always order the porterhouse medium rare. We also shared the Creamed Spinach and Truffled mac and Cheese. Both sides were fantastic, but the steak was the real prize. Perfectly cooked to Medium rare and salted just right. It really hit the spot, we were scraping off the bone just to get a better taste. This was PRIME meat, well cared for and well seasoned. Overall, 5 star experience.
(5)
Mark D.
I don't want my three star review to be misinterpreted as meaning Barclay Prime is merely average - it is not. It's very good. I just don't see it as being worthy of its billing, or its price. The interior of the restaurant has a modern, upscale but homey feel. I'm not sure how I feel about it. It's definitely nice, but something about sitting on essentially a shared booth seat with other customers doesn't feel quite right at a restaurant of this caliber. Take it as you will. On to the food. I had the 18 oz ribeye, my wife had the 8 oz filet. They were good steaks - but not otherworldly. When I take a bite of a steak at a restaurant like this, I expect it to melt in your mouth, I expect to be shocked by how good it was. That wasn't really the case here. It was a good steak, but not phenomenal. That said both steaks were cooked correctly to order. Side dishes were a bit overpriced but good. Service was prompt and professional. I wouldn't say it was overly friendly or helpful, but we were very quickly attended to by multiple people, the manager checked in on us a few times as well. The best part about eating here is probably the choice of knives - I've never had that before at a steakhouse, it's kinda fun. The bathrooms weirded me out a bit. Maybe it's just a European style that I'm not accustomed to, but a single bathroom with shared sinks and gender-labeled stalls just felt...odd. I dunno. I didn't like it, and I would imagine women would like it less. Barclay Prime is a very good restaurant, but Philadelphians are fortunate enough to have a number of excellent steak houses to choose from - and if you're paying this amount of money, I would choose a competitor next time. I've been much happier with my experience at other Starr restaurants.
(3)
Elliot P.
Was this the best restaurant experience of my life? Probably. Everything was absolutely perfect. Came here for my birthday a couple of weeks ago. Delightful waitstaff. We started off with a couple of cocktails, both trying two of their specialty cocktails. They were unique and delicious and used some fascinating ingredients. As I've recently become a huge fan of foie gras, I ordered the appetizer which was easily the best foie gras i ever had. It was served with a grape jam and mashed peanut topping. Incredible. A taste explosion, really. We ordered steaks - me the ribeye, she the new york. both cooked masterfully and just wonderful cuts of meat. Thick and juicy, what else do you need? Tried a new bottle of wine - recommended by our waiter that was just perfect and did not try to upsell. Had a side of the au gratin which were cheesy and delicious and the wife had the best creamed spinach either one of us had ever tasted. But oh those popovers. They were flaky and cheesey and warm and served with this awesome tasting butter. So fantastic. Double up on those popovers. They're that good. Had a chocolate cake thing for dessert that was, not surprisingly super sweet and smooth. An all around excellent experience. This is the kind of place that motivates you to be successful. Some lucky people have the opportunity to eat at places of this caliber often, and if you are one of those, I am jealous! For those of you that dine at places like this rarely, it's worth it. If you only get out to a nice restaurant once a year or once every five years, you won't be disappointed. And for those that are intimidated by fancy restaurants: don't be. We are not "fancy folk" and we were made to feel very welcome and comfortable. A+++
(5)
Joey M.
Holy Cow! (literally!!) FYI: The entrance is very discrete and easily missed. I absolutely adored the decor in this restaurant. It was like an old English study with dim lighting and a loungy feel. The walls were lined wtih book shelves and books haphazardly arranged to make it appear natural. As much as I love food I cannot wrap my head around these prices so I consider myself fortunate that I was invited here for a work party. To say I was blown away is an understatement. First off the service is second to none. For the table we had several orders of : Oysters (both types offered) , lobster, crab, giant shrimp from the raw bar, kobe sliders, HUGE scallops and the $100+ cheesesteak (was sliced like a hero and served as an appetizer) I have to be honest, I am normally not a fan of cheesesteak (faux pas for a Philadelphian I know!) but this was unbelievable! It was so moist and had so much flavor and was a very unexpected surprise to my taste buds! Yum Yum Yum! Steak for dinner: Satsuma wagyu NY strip kyushu island This was the most prciey steak on the menu ringing in at over $100 Never had such an expensive steak before and it was mind blowing! Melted in my mouth! If you can afford such pleasures I recommend it! The table was also filled with every side order on the menu. Though I was highly preoccupied with my steak, I sampled the spinach (good), mac n cheese (good), potatoses (wished I'd saved the room for more steak!). For dessert: Toasted chocolate s'mores Ahhhhmazing! Especially if you have a sweet tooth like I do. It is very decadent. I Look forward to more work events here!
(5)
Feny S.
Everything about this place is just AHH-MMAAHH-ZING!! Fantastic elegant decor, top notch service and the food are phenomenal!! It is pricey - yes ... but this review is not about their prices. I let my husband worry about that ... haha ... But yes ... other than being a little pricey, everything else are just perfect. My husband first took me here for our wedding anniversary. We had a really nice, intimate and romantic dinner. Then we came back for his birthday with a group of friends. We had a blast! That said, this place is good for an intimate romantic dinner for lovebirds, but also has that comfortable-vibe to hang with your friends. The two time I was there, Barclay maintains their superiority in all aspects. We had the oyster ... I can't eat oyster. I just can't swallow it ... just eeewww! But my husband said theirs was really good and fresh. So there. I take his words on reviewing the oyster here. I had the bone marrow which was so delicate and tasty. They also gave us this complimentary bread. I don't what it's called exactly. But it's some kind of their home-made bread but not really a bread as it had layers similar to a croissant. It was warm, flaky, soft and buttery. I had the dry aged NY strip, and my husband had the Australian Wagyu steak ... both steaks were cooked medium rare perfectly. Both steaks were tender and juicy. But the wagyu ... it just melt in you mouth! Seriously, it didn't feel like I was chewing a meat ... more like chewing jelly. It's THAT tender! For the sides, we had creamed spinach, mushrooms and potato gratin. The tenderness, the flavor ... everything was just beautiful! But oh my dear Yelpers ... I am sorry to tell you that I didn't feel this much love for their Cheesesteak. My friend ordered it and I had a bite. Yes it was good ... but it's not worth $100 to me. I just didn't see the beauty in this, nothing to rave about. Now let's talk about service ... as I said, it was TOP-NOTCH! Everyone from the hosts, hostesses, and servers were all polite, friendly and know their stuff. Our server, both times, were wonderful. He suggested wonderful choices of wine pairing with our food, they answered to all our questions concerning the menu ... and ohh, did I mention about choosing your own steak knife? Yeah, so the server would bring out a set of steak knives for you to choose one! I never had any experience like that. So choosing my own steak-knife, I felt like a "samurai" of the day ... hahaha .. it was definitely unique and fun in it's own way. At the end, it's been an all around excellent dining experience. Definitely, positively, highly recommended place to try!
(5)
Becca R.
The filet mignon was unreal. Cooked perfectly throughout the middle and charred beautifully on the outside, this steak did not last long on my plate. I inhaled the thing. Woke up the next morning still thinking about it. My lucky boyfriend brought home leftovers so he's having a delicious breakfast this morning. And the whipped mashed potatoes? I fought strong urges not to lick the bowl they were served in. The popovers and salted butter that came out first was also a nice touch - the bread was fluffy, light, and made me throw my carb-watching ways to the wind. Someone here mentioned that they are gruyere popovers? That may explain the unique flavor. Yum. I don't know my ass from my elbow when it comes to steak knives either, so it was a new experience to choose which one I wanted to use for my meal (decided on the Samurai steak knife, btw. The steak was so tender that you barely needed it though.) As a broke college kid right now, wanting to dine at places like Barclay more often is a huge motivator to keep working hard.....
(5)
Mark L.
I've had steak all over the Delaware Valley....one of the best Prime Ribs, I've ever eaten....
(5)
Laura A.
I love Philly because it has amazing food and one of my favorite restaurants to vista while I'm there is Barclay Prime. I love coming here because the service is always excellent and on point! From the hostess to the waiting staff. The dinning room is so elegant and feels very high class. They have Valet which I can certainly appreciate when wearing 6 inch heels. Ok now on to the good stuff. Food: the complimentary Popovers are OMG delicious- They are these little warm breads served with butter on the side which have these raw pieces or salt sprinkled on top. This place takes bread basket to another level of deliciousness. The oysters were some of the best I've had, and believe me I've been to Paris and had some good oysters. The steak wow!! aged and cooked to perfection. The wine selection is sophisticated enough for any wine aficionado but simple enough for a beginner to select a good pairing, if not ask the amazing staff. The desserts amazing!!! Oh, and the complimentary petit fours they gave us were Delicious. Listen, I could go on and on about this place- But, until you make a reservation and try it for yourself you are certainly missing out. Now get out there and leverage your steak house palate you Foodie you!! :)
(5)
Presley E.
Everything about this place was awesome. The ambiance is great, the servers was superior and the food.....PHENOMENAL. I had the Lobster and it would literally melt in your mouth. My boyfriend had the ribeye steak and potatoes and it was tender and juicy and cooked to perfection. I would definitely recommend this place!
(5)
Abby J.
Best steak ever. I really love Sullivan's but my steak - prime ribeye - was flavorful and soft. Again maybe the best steak I ever had. The man had Chilean sea bass and it was done perfectly. He even says maybe the best he ever had. Pop over rolls were delicious - eat while hot. Mac and cheese side was awesome. Tator tots are worth skipping. The man does not like cauliflower but even HE enjoyed it there. Nice twist with the sauce and not over done. The artichoke side was also good. Waiter was awesome and very knowledgable. Atmosphere of being in a library was very funky. Unisex group bathroom was a little hard for the man to get used to (think Alley McBeal). The smores dessert and latte were awesome!!! Save room for that dessert if you can.
(5)
Sarah K.
Best steak in philly. If you can swing it order a strip, split it with your companion, and get the lobster. Most amazing lobster ever. Poached in butter, served warm with butter and lemon. No work, no mess, soooo worth it. All the sides are amazing! Make sure you get a popover, the salty butter is mouthwatering. Don't come here if your being economical or watching your waist. For those who want to splurge it's perfect!
(5)
Monique B.
There is not enough I can say about Barclay Prime. The bill is going to put a dent in your wallet, but it is worth every penny. The drinks at the bar are perfectly made, the service in the main dining room is impeccable. The food is impeccably cooked, and the freshest cuts of meat. Save your money and check it out. Worth every penny!
(5)
Ma L.
Had a second visit with my bf. Really amazing experience. We ordered the Satsuma Wagyu steak, and it was soooooooooo good!!!! We loved it with creamed spinach. The scallops are nice, the Foie gras is simply amazing. It's a must.
(5)
Ryan A.
Wow! The atmosphere, service and food were all exceptional. We started with delicious rolls which were light, buttery and crispy. We then moved to the waygu slider duo which melted in our mouths. We each got a salad. I went with the wedge salad which had an excellent dressing and bacon topping. We were both in the mood for filet mignon, so we cannot account for the aged or fattier steaks (like ribeye, yum). Still, I got the 12 oz prime filet. My wife got the American waygu filet. Both were seared perfectly with a nice spice that blended nicely with the juicy flavor inside. Both steaks were cooked perfectly to a medium rare and had excellent flavor. The American waygu was noticeably more tender (as it should be). As for price: it was as expected with a top tier steakhouse. In all, we left full, satisfied and happy. I would recommend coming here for special occasions or if you're in the town and want an excellent steak!
(5)
Benjamin Y.
This steakhouse is truly incredible. First, the high level of service is tough to beat; the staff is always attentive to your needs. This reminds you of a different era. Second, the steak is absolutely succulent and delicious. It is the best steak I've ever had. This is paired with great side dishes and decadent dessert. If you want to treat yourself to a celebratory meal, would highly recommend. In terms of the atmosphere, Barclay Prime is a very comfortable lounge environment. The seating is on couches and couch chairs, and it is seating that you just want to sink into. The location is great, right on Rittenhouse Square. Do note the lighting is very dark to create an intimate atmosphere. Overall, would highly recommend. If you are looking for steak, and not on a budget, definitely the right choice!
(5)
Alex J.
My boyfriend and I had a very nice dinner here on NYE. We both ordered several glasses of wine, salads, the 8 oz filet, potato sides, and split the cheesecake. The pinot grigio (unfortunately I forget the name) we ordered was delicious! My bf got the chop salad and I the caesar, both excellent. I ordered the potato gratin with my filet and my boyfriend ordered the mashed potatoes. I didn't love my side, but his mashed potatoes were one of the best I've ever tasted! In my opinion the potato gratin were not rich enough and a little bland for my taste. The filets were just out of this world, cooked perfectly. I am very snobby when it comes to dessert and felt that the cheesecake was just OK. We also loved the bread they served before our meals!!! The atmosphere in Barclay Prime is classy, chic, and artsy with books on the walls and chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. Our waitress was attentive, but not overly nice--however being NYE I can imagine it being a more stressful night for the waitstaff. What was really cool was that when my bf got up to use the restroom, a man came over and re-folded his napkin for him :)) All in all, great experience at Barclay Prime. Was super impressed and will definitely be back!
(4)
Jamie L.
When you go into a restaurant and they don't have salt or pepper on the table, you know the meal is going to be either really bad or really good. It takes a lot of courage for a restaurant to have that high level of confidence. And in this case, Barclay Prime delivers. Every detail of the meal was perfection. From the bread and seasoned butter they served, to the sides, to the best steak I have _ever_ eaten. The sear, the cook, the flavor, everything was spot on. Then came the cheesecake. Wow. Just wow. Even the plating was art. The server (Drew) was fantastic, distant when I wanted him to be and right there when I wanted him to be. It's like he could read my mind. Will DEFINITELY come again.
(5)
Colleen M.
I gave this place another shot after being contacted by the manager in response to my last review. While there was improvement on my overall experience, I still can't see myself giving Barclay Prime more than 3-stars. We arrived and were promptly seated. The server was really great. He was knowledgeable about the drink menu and made good suggestions for wine to accompany my meal, as well as providing feedback on their variety of side dishes. Our party of 3 ordered a round of soup/salads/appetizers before our entrees. The waygu sliders really hit the spot and I loved that they were able to up the portion to 3 sliders without a hassle. The lobster bisque and wedge salads were all quite good. We each ordered steaks as our main course. Mine was the filet, which I asked to be done medium-well, but "more well than medium" (after being told "medium" would be red/pink throughout). Unfortunately, when I received my filet it was red, red, red, red throughout. I would have described it as medium-rare, closer to rare. My boyfriend, who likes his meat medium-rare thought it was pretty undercooked as well. While I realize this is a rather thick cut of meat, I still anticipated it being cooked to my request; especially since I was so specific about my desired done-ness. I was able to send it back without an issue and with apologies from my server. When it returned it was cooked much more to my liking. On the upside, everyone else's entree was cooked to perfection and the side dishes were outstanding. Overall, this one is "A-OK" but not up the the standards I expect from Stephen Starr restaurants. I'll stick with my good old standards - Buddakan, Talulahs, Jones, El Vez, etc. all of which top my list of faves in Philly.
(3)
Sarah G.
Simply delicious. The food and service were both excellent. I got the following: Wagyu beef sliders Filet mignon with bearnaise sauce Truffle mac and cheese Tater tots Smores dessert Everything was excellent. The filet was perfectly cooked and melted in my mouth, the sauce was creamy and flavorful, etc. Would highly recommend.
(5)
Adam L.
Well... after years and years of living in the city... I finally made it here. The wait was completely worth it. This is Starr dining at its absolute finest. Located on the corner of the Barclay building right on Rittenhouse Square, looks very unassuming for what is inside. The decor was not what I was expecting but I thought the restaurant looked fantastic. Honestly, I was expecting some stuffy high class place for Barclay Prime, and it really was not. Don't get me wrong, you still need to dress up and look decent, but the place still had a very relaxed atmosphere. I ordered the veal porterhouse (honestly, I didn't even know you could get a veal porterhouse) and the beet salad. I don't think I could say enough good things about the porterhouse, the veal was just perfectly done and topped with an amazing mushroom sauce. The salad was good too... but a bit small. Anyway, back to the meat. I was with a larger group and I tried the filet, strip, and of course their famous $100 cheesesteak. It was all just fantastic. Finally, the service. The service was just impeccable. There really isn't much else to say.If you are celebrating some special occasion absolutely go.
(5)
Somaira H.
This is now one of my favorite steakhouses in Philadelphia. It has a very classy and romantic feel, but more importantly, the food, wine and cocktails were amazing. We ordered the kobe sliders and beef tartare to begin with. However, the bread that was brought over before the food was the best I've ever had at any restaurant - soft on the inside, crispy on the outside. For our main course, I ordered an 8 oz. American Wagyu steak and others ordered the 18 oz. Before our steaks came out we were all able to choose a steak knife from 5 unique options - one was from Germany, another made in Japan, etc. I chose one that was made by Porsche and it did not disappoint (I pretty much wanted to take it home!). For dessert we all shared the cookie topped with ice cream and cheesecake - both were delicious! If you want to impress someone or just feel like having a fancy night, this is the perfect spot.
(5)
beth s.
My husband and I were lucky enough to get a late NYE reservation at Barclay Prime and like most Stephen Starr restaurants, the service was outstanding. Our waitress, Tara, was fun, energetic, knowledgeable, and just an overall cool chick. She really set the stage for an awesome ringing in of the new year. I wouldn't say I am a steak connoisseur, but having moved from NY last year I will say that I have been to my fair share of amazing steakhouses and nothing in my life has compared to the filet mignon I had last night. HOLY MOLY. First of all, I was able to choose the type of knife I wanted to use and there was no way I was passing up a Japanese throwing knife.....but I digress....that steak. The way it is seared gives the outside a slight "crunch" (for lack of a better word) and the most amazing flavor. Then you get to the middle and the meat is melt in your mouth, thank you Jesus, oh no you didn't...types of deliciousness. I can not even explain in words how good it was. We also got mashed potatoes, broccoli, Mac and cheese, dranks, and salads (plus the complimentary popovers), but the show stealer was obviously the meat. I can't wait to go back....in fact, I just made another reservation. I would like to thank Barclay Prime and Mr. Starr for giving my taste buds the ride of their lives.
(5)
Hannah C.
Barclay Prime is NOT the kind of place I go to- I mean, I would, but I'd have to win the lottery or something. Somehow I found myself in there for happy hour and it was an incredible experience! For me and my wallet! I usually expect a happy hour cocktail menu to have two or three drinks on special, but they have at least five or more $6 cocktails to choose from. Manhattan was delicioius. You are offered warm popovers, beautiful puffy breads with salted butter, FOR FREE. I had two, of course. Their happy hour food menu includes several different plates for $6- the sliders were small and awesome. Oysters, $1.50 a pop. So so good. Obviously, the service was immaculate. I was pleasantly surprised that my waiter was actually a nice, friendly guy who just wanted to give me as many popovers as I wanted, and that I wasn't made to feel out of place. Maybe one day I'll go back for a $100 cheesesteak, but for now, this happy hour will hit the "fancy as hell" spot.
(5)
Diana K.
I visited Barclay Prime telling myself "I'm not getting the steak. I'm getting something light, like seafood or a salad and I'll be satisfied with just a bite of the steak that my boyfriend ends up getting. Yep, no problem, just keepin' it light." Okay, here's what really happened: I ended up with my own 16 oz. dry-aged NY strip and I ate every bite. With a side of buttery potatoes. Oh, and a Roquefort cheese dipping sauce to boot. I rolled out of there with no regrets! To be fair, we did also down the kale salad, which was lovely and just as light as I expected. The popovers served with sea salt butter were unbelievable - I almost want to come back just to have another taste. And I had a few bites of the 18 oz. dry-aged ribeye - honestly the best piece of steak I have ever tried. Our server was a huge help throughout the night, she pointed us in the right direction for each dish and came around often to see how we were doing. To keep this place really fancy and exciting, they like to let you choose your own steak knife and they describe each one to you (as if you understand the difference). Not to mention, the steaks were all dinosaur sized! Honestly, they could probably charge more for steaks of this size and quality - I feel like I ate my money's worth! Barclay Prime was a treat!
(5)
Serena D.
This was my second time dining here. Ever since I tried their $150 Philly cheesesteak last time, I thought I will always stick with Butcher&Singer. I mean, their cheesesteak was great, juicy and has lots of flavors, but for the price you pay, I don't think I will ever order it again. This time, I ordered the 12 o.z prime filet mignon, the steak was fantastic! It was cooked as requested. They didn't put a lot of seasonings on the steak because good steak doesn't need that. Before the steak is served, you gotta choose your own "weapon"- the knives to cut steaks with, which i thought is very cool! For the appetizer, we ordered the crabcake and foie gras. The crabcake was ok, didn't "wow" me, but the foie gras was really good, I highly recommend it. For the drinks, we ordered a bottle of wine (forgot the name of the wine) that was recommend by the server. Ordering a glass of wine can be kinda expensive there, maybe sharing a bottle of wine is the way to go. If you want cocktail, my favorite is called "love triangle". I ordered the bread pudding for the dessert, it really hit the spot! I'm not a sweets fan, I usually just try one or two spoons of dessert, but not this time! :) Oh, did I mention their complimentary Gruyere popovers? Can't get enough of it! :) The ambience of this place is classy, I love the dim lighting. The place looks like an old English study -wood shelves with books, comfy cushioned seats, full of chandeliers, etc. This is a pricy restaurant but worth every penny you spend. If you are looking for a place to celebrate special occasion or simply just want to enjoy great steak, you can't go wrong with this place!
(5)
George W.
A really cool joint. Deader than a Kennedy on Wednesday night. Seniors drinking martinis at one table, terminally single yuppies recounting walks of shame at another. Not sure who is their target demographic. I really hope this place does well as so many famous restaurants in Philly just aren't there anymore. The food was better than average, but not spectacular. Been to much better chop houses that were not as expensive. Caution: They tend to overlook the steaks and can't pour a Black and Tan to save their life.
(3)
Jason H.
Barclay Prime is a Stephen Starr restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city, and in my opinion the best steakhouse in the city. The decor is an odd mix of old and new, with the dining room sparsely decorated with 70's retro furniture, dark wood, and half-full (or half-empty, as you see it) bookshelves. Definitely a contrast to Starr's other steakhouse, Butcher & Singer, which has a much more consistent and clubby/1940's vibe. While Butcher & Singer tends to be a throwback, Barclay is definitely a modern variation on the steakhouse in both decor and menu. The raw bar is replete with oysters, fish crudo, tuna tartare, both jumbo and colossal shrimp cocktails, as well as lobster and king crab cocktails. They also have a shellfish sampler platter where you can create your own sampler, complete with what I'm sure is a gut-heaving price. The caviar selection is also top-notch, with not only American White Sturgeon and Royal Ossetra, but also kaluga which is a river beluga (as the menu explains) and is priced nearly twice the ossetra, at $225/oz. Between the raw bar, and the caviar options, you could spend $750 without even trying, and not even have made it to the appetizers yet. Appetizer range from the familiar, foie gras terrine and diver scallops, to the slightly more rarified, wagyu sliders and porcini agnolotti, to the old standards, bone marrow and steak tartare. I'll skip the salads and the soups...not why you go here. The menu has a surprising selection of fish options for a steakhouse, including branzino, dover sole, chilean sea bass, and butter poached lobster. The steaks are the best you can find in Philadelphia, and the Wagyu options seem to be persistently on the menu, including a filet, NY strip, and shortrib. The Wagyu is outstanding, and I recommend the filet, as the marbling give it a flavor that simply can't be had with any other way. As an incredibly lean and tender cut, the filet is also the most lacking in flavor; the Wagyu variety provides the marbling that makes it a truly outstanding option. An now...the cheesesteak. A contentious menu item from the day the restaurant opened, primarily due to the foie gras in the recipe. A wagyu, foie gras, truffled cheese whiz delight with a 1/2 bottle of champagne to wash it all down. Love it or hate it...it's something you should try at least once. If you're looking for a real "special" occasion type of place, or just have an expense account to play with, Barclay won't let you know. The food, service, and atmosphere consistently make it one of the must-visit restaurants in Philadelphia. Cash in some of your retirement fund...and have a decadent night out to remember.
(5)
Chad W.
I'm a poor college kid. But the time I was treated to Barclay Prime in Rittenhouse is a night I will never forget. Everything was so very decadent. Our table tried everything from the 8 oz Australian cut to the 40 oz Porterhouse, and every appetizer in between. I never felt more fancy, just an all around great experience. Truly remarkable. I'm going to start saving my money so I can take my mom and dad here for their anniversary. Lovely..
(5)
Kelly T.
As a mostly vegetarian, I will probably never head to Barclay Prime for dinner (though I know the chef cooks an excellent vegan dinner from a Foobooz After Dark appearance). However, the happy hour at this fine establishment (where the cast of Anchorman would seem to fit in nicely--in character of course) is excellent and offers some delicious vegetarian options. Happy hour runs from 5:00 to 6:30, and you can end up making this happy hour at one of the priciest steakhouses in Philly an actual good deal. Drinks are $6 each as are a select number of small plates. You have to order correctly to make this a good value investment--avoid the $6 Yuengling and Amstel Lite--as well as the $6 Vinho Verde. Slightly effervescent Vinho Verde is one of my favorite summer wines, but I've never seen a bottle more than $12, so this is probably not a very good deal. Go for the well-crafted cocktails. On our trip, I had a Manhattan, which was as excellent as to be expected at a steakhouse. I followed that up with a gin cocktail, flavored with cucumber and St. Germain and served on the rocks. It was very refreshing and would probably be excellent served up. The ice in the cocktail in combination with the cucumber juice really seemed to water down the drink. As a result, the last sip was not as good as the first. For bites, I had the truffled mac and cheese (normally $17), which came in a small casserole or very large ramekin sized dish. It was incredibly cheesy and indulgent, and the toasted breadcrumbs on top added a nice texture. That dish alone was probably enough for my dinner (and I only ate half). I also ordered the mushroom bruschetta, which came with three generous garlic scented toasts. The mushrooms were topped with a cheesy truffle sauce. The truffle flavoring was subtle and the salty, garlicky toasts were delicious. My companions and I could probably have eaten 10 of these toasts! I would give this place five stars, but as the bar filled up toward the end of happy hour, the bartender got very busy and I didn't have a chance to order another drink in the half hour before happy hour ended. Also, although we ordered a ton of food (my friend even got the $100 50-ounce steak) and we were out of drinks for a while, the bartender never offered us water or a refill. My friend ate a good 30 ounces of steak with no drink. More power to him, but something to wet the whistle while we enjoyed that spectacle would have been nice.
(4)
Suzie L.
Totally what you would expect from a Steven Starr Restaurant. Ambiance is great, the food and drinks are delicious. The noise level is on the louder aspect so be ready to listen carefully to your server while they tell you the specials for the night. This is not the place to go to if you're looking to dine and bounce as each course is well spaced out. If a place is known for their $100 Cheesesteak, obviously you have to get it. Be advised that this is really rich and creamy therefore, sharing it as an appetizer is the way to go. If you want it all to yourself, more power to you. It was melt in your mouth delicious. The meat was super tender, came with truffled cheese wiz, foie gras and a side of pickled sweet/hot peppers on a sesame roll. Oh and not to mention a bottle of champagne and Perrier Jouet to be exact. I also got the 28 day aged NY Strip with a 1/2 Lobster cooked medium rare. The steak was cooked to perfection and had tons of flavor. The server brings you a plate of knives of your choice to dig into your meal. Overall, had a great time here with good company. Worth a try and would most likely try to come back for their other menu options like their seafood options.
(4)
Casi C.
I don't normally pay $40 for steak, but when I do I get it from Barclay Prime! The food and the atmosphere were great but they did one thing that really stood out to me. They let you choose your own steak knife! They bring out a platter of knives and you can choose which one you prefer. They all cut really well but I have to say I liked the throwing knife the best. Thanks to Edward at Sofitel we were able to get a last minute reservation. We weren't seated in the main dining room but we still had full service at the bar area. The only reason they don't get 5 stars is because of the tables. This sounds really picky but the tables in the bar area are so low that you can just barely fit your legs under it.
(4)
N H.
My boyfriend took me here for my bday. Turned out I forgot to put ID in my new evening purse- my bad, but here's what ended up happening. We show up, are asked to wait at the bar lounge which is really beautiful... Until we meet the bartender. I request a whiskey cocktail and get recommended a bourbon (not the same thing but I'll try). Then I realise I forgot my ID and both of us kindly decline to drink from there to not embarrass ourselves. It seems the bartender though had other plans. She called the manager unsolicited which made me feel like I was causing a scene. Again, we both just ordered a non-alcoholic iced tea- jeez! Then she carded my boyfriend and rudely told me she's going to serve him (he'd already declined). By the time that was over I was so uncomfortable I simply wanted to walk out, I felt like I was being shamed, goodness and for what, and on my bday! Right when we almost walked out we were told our table was ready. I give it five stars for our actual server, the brilliant steak, the foi gras was truly spectacular, the decor, and the attention to detail in the service. However, by then I was feeling really down about the way if been treated and just didn't enjoy being there.
(2)
J K.
$85 Philly cheesesteak! $125 with the split of bubbly. Wagyu beef, foie gras, truffled cheese whiz. Man if was outstanding! Very very rich. Probably better shared as it is very rich. I sat at the bar which was dimly lit and cozy atmosphere. The main dinning room looked very nice also.
(4)
Brian T.
Perfection! From the truffled mac & cheese, to the succulent fillet, the flavorful complementary puffs, and the excellent service, Barclay Prime has just become one of my top-3 steakhouses. I am very curious about the $100 cheesesteak, which I will have to try next time as a shared appetizer.
(5)
Gigi L.
Last night my family and i had a fantastic dinner. We had the wagyu American filet, ribeye and bone in filet. It was melt in your mouth to die for. I would change one thing, we had a few appetizers one including the truffle risotto. The flavor was awesome but it was a little soupy. Out of all the steak places in Philadelphia, Barclay Prime tops it. The service was impeccable. Our waitress was very accommodating and helpful to any questions we had. If you have not eaten here I suggest you do so. We are very impressed. We will be back again. - Lagana family
(5)
Vinayak B.
We dined here to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary and it was a very memorable experience. My wife was longing to go to a good steakhouse for a few months and this was reason enough to make a reservation here. We got the Hamachi Crudo for an appetizer and the Lobster Bisque soup. The Hamachi Crudo was a small portion but was really amazing in flavor profile. The contrast between the chili pepper ponzu and the buttery yellowtail and avocado was perfectly balanced. The garnish of crispy rice noodles brought the plate together really well in terms of texture. The lobster bisque had the right amount of creaminess to it and had some caviar garnish for extra oomph. When it came to the steaks, we got the 24oz Dry Aged Porterhouse and the 18oz Gachot & Gachot Prime Dry Aged Ribeye. Must say that these were the two best steaks we've had till date. They were cooked medium rare like we ordered and rested prior to serving. The tenderloin on the porterhouse was huge and super buttery. The ribeye was very rich, meaty and packed with flavor. We tried to finish as much as we could, but had to doggie bag the rest. For the sides, we chose the truffled mac and cheese and the butterball potatoes with aioli. The aioli was light and airy like it should be and not a liquid mush that many restaurants call aioli. But the truffled mac and cheese was way too salty and this sort of ruined the good flavor from the truffle oil. We were really stuffed so we decided to share "The Barclay" from the dessert menu. The hazelnut chocolate, chocolate ganache and the peanut butter praline base were a heavenly trio. The peanut butter ice cream had an incredible flavor. Service was impeccable and they really took care of us and put in a lot of extra effort to ensure that our anniversary dinner was very memorable. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion or simply in a mood for splurging a little bit. You won't be disappointed PS: The bathrooms are unisex which is slightly eccentric on the part of architect and interior designer India Mahdavi haha.
Picked Barclay Prime for our sole dinner on a quick trip to Philadelphia based on yelp reviews and we were not disappointed. Grabbed a Saturday night reservation on opentable - lucked out and got one at a good time. Would recommend booking in advance as the place was pretty packed when we arrived. Checked in 15 mins early and made ourselves comfortable at the bijou bar - barman was great, really quick service and within minutes I was sipping on something delish made with lemon, lavender & champagne...I was happy to see that the extensive wine list had some nice and unusual grapes on the menu as well as a decent by the glass selection (I like to hop around the wine list and not commit to one bottle). Our table was ready bang on the reservation time and we were escorted through to the much brighter and more modern feeling dining room. Our 2 person table had a large enough surface area (hate it when there is no room for waters, bread, wines, flowers, candles, cutlery etc and the whole meal is like a game of chess) and whilst it was close to our neighbours we are used to an inch gap sometimes in NY so did not find this obtrusive. Our server was right over dealing with our water option and providing wine lists and menus. We had picked the place for its steaks and whilst the bf was procrastinating about ordering the $100 cheesesteak I knew he was not serious - we did take a while discussing the merits of each of the steaks available. Our server did not hurry us and instead took wine orders which were quickly filled and sent popovers our way - I had pre-warned him I don't eat carbs and he ensured that the bread guy did not try to tempt me. The bf did make lots of appreciative nods as he tried his. For appetizers we both opted for the steak tartare as we are both fans and I am so pleased we did. The portion size was great, made up of small cuts of filet bathed in a rich dijon & egg yolk sauce with just enough sharp capers and red onion to cut through the richness. Some crispy onions and pea shoots on top complimented the dish. Easily in my top 3 of tartares....might even be #1. For entrees we went steak all the way (although the fish options were tempting). The bf took a 16oz 28 day dry aged NY strip and I opted for the 12oz prime filet. I thought the 'pick your steak knife' selection was a nice touch - especially as the knife I chose was razor sharp (another pet peeve for me is dull knives). My steak came 'blue' as I ordered with a succulant and well seasoned crisp on the outside but with a cool and raw centre - it was a great peice of meat, perfectly seasoned and cooked just how I like it...sublime. The bf opted for a medium-rare cook and his steak came with a similar well seasoned crust but just cooked a little more allowing the fat to render and add heaps of delicious flavour. We passed on the carby sides (knowing we wanted our appetites to be sated by the meat) and opted for creamed spinach and roasted brocolli. The spinach was nice but nothing special although I really liked that it was not swimming in cream or overly fatty but the real star was the roasted brocolli...it was super crispy and chared with just the right about of red chili flakes to pep it up but not kill the flavour. I was tempted to order a second serving. Opted for coffees rather than deserts and were left alone by our servers to relax and enjoy our table for as long we wanted. The bill was not hideous - came out to about $300 all in, which I thought was fair given the quality of the food & drinks, great service and enjoyable atmosphere.
(5)
Mobola O.
Excellent ambiance, great service, simple yet satisfying menu, and great food! Was very impressed with BP!!! I'm I'm typically not a huge fan of expensive steakhouses but this one was great! My friend and I ordered appetizers...I ordered the lobster bisque and she ordered the shrimp cocktail. We were pleasantly surprised when we were offered popovers, they were absolutely delicious!! For our main course, she ordered the prime rib and I ordered the New York strip steak...both were cooked to perfection and as we requested and they were excellent! Our sides consisted of the truffle mac & cheese and the creamed spinach both were great as well. Five stars for a delicious meal, great service, fast service and enjoyable atmosphere!!! Will definitely visit again and recommend to friends!!
(5)
Paige B.
We stumbled in to the dim, sexy, and black leather-clad bar, sans reservation, on NYE 2013. It was my boyfriend's first time at Barclay. After our meal, he proclaimed it his new favorite restaurant in the city. 28 Day Dry Aged 16 Oz. NY Strip - 5 out or 5. We opted for the medium rare preparation without any of the sauces. Believe me, the meat is so flavorful you won't want, or need, to augment it. Truffle Mac & Cheese - 4.5 out of 5 Whenever I dine at Barclay, I always get the side of Truffle Mac. The black truffle is always so pronounced, earthy, and mesmerizing. The first time I tried this dish, the experience was "roll-your-eyes-back-in-your-head-and-sink-back-Âin-your-chair" good. This time, I detracted 0.5 stars because the pasta was a little too al dente, or firm. It could have cooked for a minute or two longer and would have been perfect. The cheese was oozing and the perfect accompaniment to the cellentani (large, hollow, corkscrew) pasta. Beef Steak Tartare (Hand-Chopped Filet Mignon with Dijon Sauce) - 5 out of 5 My boyfriend ordered this dish and we both agreed that the texture, acidity, and creaminess were in perfect balance. While I had a small bit of doubt about ordering raw steak, I was amazed at how flavorful and silky the steak tasted. The crostini was nicely prepared thin and toasted with some seasoning and oil. I would order it again! Hamachi Crudo - 5 out of 5 Fantastic. We loved the light marinade and the crunchy noodles on top. This dish was simple, elevated, and addictive. Overall, Barclay delivers--and then some. It was lovely to spend NYE there and we look forward to going back as soon as another special occasion arises!
(5)
Eun Jung P.
Steak was amazing. Oysters were fresh. Server was experienced. It was a little noisy, but I'd go again for the food.
(5)
Ari N.
Quite simply the best meal I have ever had. From the service, atmosphere and ambience to the wine paired with the food by the server, and finally the selection of knives brought out to choose from to eat our steaks. This is hands down my favorite restaurant to date and their take on the Philly Cheesesteak with foie gras was a revelation. Easily the best tasting thing I've ever eaten. This place is universal for satisfying all parties and occasions. Thank you for bestowing such awesomeness on the restaurant world, Stephen Starr. Bravo, sir.
(5)
Brett F.
Had I appropriately written this review years ago, it would have been five stars across the board. See what happens when I procrastinate, Barclay? I go from loving you unabashedly to feeling like you're more so-so these days. Unfortunate, the things that time can do. What used to be my favorite restaurant in Philadelphia and my go-to spot for entertaining clients has fallen from grace as of late. It's hard for me to put my finger on it exactly (aside from some major service woes) but things just seem.... different. My favorite side dish - ahem, BACON - has long been removed from the menu. WRONG! Temperature issues have arisen with steaks on a few occasions and wine knowledge amongst the servers is amiss. At this price point, and in a restaurant so beautifully appointed (the dining room really is beautiful) these issues should be nonexistent. But, as I mentioned, my biggest complaint lies with service and what has recently revealed itself in the form of some really strange training. I've had it happen multiple times, and with different servers, but always the same thing... hovering just slightly away from the table, waiting for an acknowledgement to approach. Just come over! You're creeping me out, man. Then there is the OVERexplaining of everything on the menu as if you've never dined out before. They speak to the customer as if we're totally unschooled in fine dining. I find it offensive and condescending. You don't need to explain in great detail what Wagyu beef is. Unless, of course, I ask... then have at it. Assume your diner is educated unless they request the edification. Upon my last visit especially, I felt like I had just gotten lectured. So not conducive to what a relaxing, luxurious, upscale steakhouse should be. Fix this. Bring back the old days. And the bacon. Bacon makes everything better, even creepster service.
(3)
Katherine R.
Oh My Goodness. Filet mignon. We've always sat up front in the bar area where it's much more chill. AND the scallops. They were so good we had an order of scallops, split the filet and had an order of scallops for dessert. Fuck cake. The wines are also fabulous. I've been curious about the $100 cheesesteak for a long time. Would anyone like to share?
(5)
Kristen S.
I came here when my mom came into town and wanted to take me out to dinner, as I probably wouldn't spend so much on a meal myself. But it was definitely worth it. The service was great and the food was very good. The complimentary popovers are AMAZING. As it's a steak house, the steak was obviously perfect, but what I would go back for is more of those popovers.
(5)
John M.
i got the 10oz ny strip steak, and it was the best i've had in my life. service was incredible too. overall it was one of the best dining experiences i had this year. the oysters from northern california were also to die for.
(5)
Mark C.
This place is super nice, love the feel of the place. Kind of like how the bar is hidden. Steaks are big and thick just like me :) Anyways, service is outstanding. Honestly, I only came here to choose out of a big selection of steak knives, I choose 3 knives (the Global was too thick of a knife).
(5)
Lizzie L.
All steakhouses are not created equal. Dinning at Barclay Prime is an experience of a lifetime. From the moment we walked in the library style bar we knew we were in for a treat. We felt transported back to the mid century Mad Men days with low velour contemporary seating and built in wood paneling bookcases. The ambiance is swanky yet classic with an air of haute intellectualism, perhaps simply from all the shelved hardbacks. Perfect place to don your little black dress or blazer and cozy up on a love seat or share a dimly lit romantic meal. Even if the vibe may seem high brow, the staff are down to earth and seem devoted to serving up authentic conversation and to making the meal easy and stress free. The culinary classics are executed so well. The poached buttered lobster melts in your mouth as much as the tender Wagyu steak. Try it medium rare puhleese! The creamed spinach is a spoonful of heaven. The cocktails are shaken to perfection and the wine selection accommodates even the novice palate. Bonus there are an assortment of exceptional steak knives served table side for your selection. Of course this experience comes at a cost. Entrees are close to $100 give or take. Worth the splurge for any special occasion or to seal that business deal. I will be dreaming of next time. Bon appetite!
(5)
Sultan M.
First off, I didn't order the $100 Cheesesteak. My dinner companion did and couldn't finish it (which, as a former football player is saying something). Truffle Mac n Cheese, Tater Totes and a very nice filet. Excellent - truly excellent. On top of that, the bartender made 2 absolutely perfect cocktails for me. He made the drinks and brought them out each time himself and made sure I was happy with them before going back. Only downside - holy @#$@#$ is it expensive. 2 people, a few drinks and dinner and we were pushing $400. In NYC, Tokyo, London or Singapore I wouldn't blink (and I haven't), but in Philly it was a bit shocking. Still, looking back, it was totally worth it. Wish I'd taken pictures but I was too busy enjoying myself.
(4)
Jamila G.
Had my birthday dinner here on Jan 30th & it was excellent just as I remember from my first visit here a few years back. Our server was friendly, extremely accommodating & also nice to look at, lol. I ordered a drink that ended up being a little on the bitter side to which he offered to take back & have the bar-tender customize it to my taste. I had the butter-poached lobster which was magnificent & they also sent out a little birthday treat on the house. Can't wait to return. Well worth the hefty price tag!!!
(5)
Jemma C.
Place is entirely cliche but in a great way! Food was delicious, amazing quality and cooked perfectly. Portions were huge, too big for myself and my husband (who's a giant human!), but such a non complaint. Lovely dining room. Insanely good waiter. Incredibly expensive (we did drink A LOT though). Go for a special occasion or date night. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Kimberly Y.
Sorry this review is so long, but I just want to rave about the amazing experience I had here... one of the best steaks I've ever had, with great service and a cozy atmosphere to go along with it! Although there wasn't much decor, I enjoyed the minimalistic atmosphere. There were a few wooden bookshelves and the most comfortable couches to dine on! Definitely the nicest seating I've ever had at a restaurant. I'm short, and the table wasn't too tall for me, which was awesome. Each table had quite a bit of space to itself, too. The food was delicious, and each portion was considerably large. Two friends and I ordered the 50 oz tomahawk ribeye ($85), caesar salad ($12), and fingerling potatoes with aioli ($10), ringing the check up to ONLY $36/person + tax + tip! * Caesar salad: I was a little irritated that my friend had ordered the caesar salad of all things since pretty much every restaurant serves caesar salad, but wow, Barclay Prime's caesar salad delivered! And only for $12, which some very meh places can almost get up to since salads are so expensive for some reason. The caesar dressing was just right--not too tangy or creamy, but with great flavor--and the lettuce was fresh. * Seafood cocktail: Since our steak was 50 oz (in one piece!), it took forever to cook. Barclay Prime gave us a complimentary seafood cocktail for waiting, which obviously made us all very happy! Without it, it would definitely have been a long and hungry wait for the steak. * Tomahawk ribeye: When the steak finally came out, I was pleasantly surprised that even though the steak was so thick, all the meat was still juicy! (I did not have that experience at Butcher & Singer the one time I went.) The steak was a little undercooked in the middle since it was extremely thick, so we mentioned it to the waiter, and he kindly took those pieces back to cook some more. My two friends said this was definitely the best steak they've ever had, and it was definitely up there for me. * Fingerling potatoes: The potatoes were pretty good, but not as outstanding as the rest of the food we had. We were already full by the time we got to it anyway. The next time I come, I may just get an appetizer and a 50 oz ribeye. * We were too full for dessert, but the server gave us a few caramel chocolate truffles anyway. Server did not push us to order more than we wanted to. At the end of the meal, we mentioned we were so full, and the waiter mentioned that some people eat the entire 50 oz steak by themselves. But he seemed to be fine with how much we had ordered in the beginning + the 2 freebies, so that was great. He stopped by decently often and was very accommodating!
(5)
Elyse K.
Hands down - Best restaurant ever. Be prepared to spend a pretty penny but it will be well worth it. The food is amazing. And the service is extraordinary both knowledgable and helpful.
(5)
Shel K.
It's been 2 days since our recent dinner and I'm still full! My favorite specialty cocktail was their Love Triangle and my favorite appetizer was the Foie Gras (we also had the beef tartare and crab cake). For entrees I ordered their infamous cheesesteak and my husband ordered the 24oz dry aged porterhouse. They were both cooked incredibly well. I love being able to choose our own steak knives. My husband chose the German one (the name escapes me right now) since he said the tip of the knife would help him de-bone the porterhouse and I chose the samurai throwing one for no specific reason. Haha. The fried artichoke side was different (but not bad) and the truffle mac&cheese was good. For dessert we went with the toasted chocolate smores and the coconut cream pie. The smores is an indulgently rich dessert and the coconut cream pie was the perfectly lighter pair of the two. Celebrating many special occasions here, this is certainly our favorite restaurant around the Philadelphia/South Jersey area.
(5)
Chris B.
One of my favorite steakhouses on the east coast. Great service and atmosphere.
(5)
Daniel T.
This place has one of the most extensive and expensive wine lists ever. The ambiance is classy and romantic. The interior is a mix between classic and modern. The menu is not too long but includes many delicious items. My date and I enjoyed the scallop appetizer and had the infamous cheesesteak and sea bass as our main courses. We had sorbet/ice cream for desert. The scallops and sea bass were both excellent. Scallops were huge and well-cooked & the sea bass was the best I've had outside of a Japanese establishment. The cheesesteak was alright. Way too greasy, could not really taste the wagyu. I guess it's cool to try once but I would not order it again. Definitely would rather pay for a wagyu filet so I can actually enjoy it.
Best steak house in Philadelphia... I have been here several times for several different occasions. I have never been disappointed. My favorite place to take clients. They always leave with a good lasting impression.
(5)
Dana S.
Best kept secret is their Happy Hour! Good snacks and drinks!
(4)
Tony M.
Barclay Prime is what you would expect from a fine steakhouse: great service and excellent steaks and food. I thought the steaks lacked a little seasoning. Highlights of the meal were the sliders app and s'mores dessert. The worst part of the experience were the chairs! They were extremely uncomfortable. Overall, the decor needs a little help.
(4)
Inna L.
I can't believe how disappointed I was. I'm sure it has a lot to do with what you actually order as I didn't have steaks. The $100 cheese steak has been on my bucket list and I absolutely wanted to cross it off. We ordered two cocktails to start which were both delicious. The service was impeccable. The inside is cute enough but it felt like an old cigar club to me, which isn't necessarily a problem. My disappointment was specifically in the food. We ordered the half lobster chilled appetizer. It was fine. Nothing spectacular and to be honest it's hard to ruin lobster. It was chilled, which is also fine but I don't know if that's what made it taste a bit dry? I've seen other review mention the butter poached lobster. I imagine they switch up their menu a bit and I would have probably preferred to do that. As a main course we split the infamous cheesesteak and got the onion shoestring onions as a side. Now I've looked up the cheesesteak so I'm fully aware of what goes into it. The roll... a sesame seeded roll claimed to be made at their sister location parc fresh daily. Ok fresh bread, great. Not spectacular by any means. And with all due respect for the reputation and the cost I expect spectacular. I took the top half of the bread off. Tasted like any other roll I've ever had, and I would not be pressured to say I've had better. Baked fresh daily is not a huge accomplishment; I could've bought the roll at the grocery store and not known the difference. The steak is made with Wagu beef. Wagu beef is one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted and again pretty hard to ruin. When you chop up such a succulent flavorful piece of meat into a grainy pulp and dilute it with a bucket of sauce it loses its appeal. It was good, but again not that good. For something like this I would almost think you can retain the flavor by doing a pats/ginos type of presentation and keep it in big chunks. The cheesesteak was supposed to have foie gras on top. We avoided getting foie gras as an appetizer with the expectation that we would have some in the entre. If there was foie gras in the cheesesteak I promise you it's completely undetectable. Then there are the French chesses and truffles on top. This was quite possibly the only thing you can actually taste in the cheese steak. Holy hell the whole thing was basically liquid, seriously it was so overwhelming and greasy I had a difficult time digesting it (honestly I got food poisoning... I'll spare the details). The steak was fine, it was edible and you can kind of pick out the flavors, but it tasted like a greasy fatty mess. Overall its more than enough to share for two people and maybe even 4 because we each ate the second piece out of pure gluttony. The shoestring onions were a huge flop. I am a huge fan of the shoestring fries at the continental and expected something similar. The shoestring onions are basically long thin onion rings (I get it expected) but if you don't eat them in the first minute they get super greasy. Again had better at dinners. Avoid this side it was just plain not good. Also the $100 cheesteak is actually $120 and comes with a half bottle of champagne. I guess they had to do something to raise the appeal? I don't doubt the quality of this restaurant at all... just saying maybe watch what to order. Maybe they should just stick to steaks?
(3)
Gary G.
Top notch. Its pretty awesome when they bring out a pillow thing with different knives for you to choose. I went with the samurai style knife..kung fu'd the shit out of my steak. Great restaurant w great service
(5)
Katherine M.
After getting a gift card for our birthday suggesting we go and get the $100 cheesesteak, we decided to go for it and reserve here. The atmosphere is interesting - like you are in a 1960s book lounge. It's also incredibly dark. I suppose that's nice, but it feels weird that in my 20s I'm thinking 'damn, I wish I could see this thing I am eating'. The chairs we got were comfortable, and being seated along a wall, I had a little bookshelf to put my clutch on which I liked. Service was fantastic. Like downright amazing. I chose to get a cocktail, which was amazing, to start off with. Their drinks seem well thought out, and the cocktail I ordered (Ophelia's something or the other) proved that to me at least. We got the truffle mac and cheese as an appetizer. I'd say it's OK - a little thin, and definitely not the best I've had in terms of higher-end mac and cheeses. We weren't overly impressed. The cheesesteak? We ate half of it, and I'm sad to say, the other half was wasted. It was strangely rich. At first, it was good, then the textures and flavors started to not be ok together, especially as it cooled on the plate. It seems their steaks are better, and I would suggest going that way. The champagne that comes alongside, though, was amazing. As an end, we got a descontructed s'more for dessert. It was delicious and the best part of the meal. We decided they were really good at sweets (the dessert and fairly sugary cocktail were the highlights). Would I go back? Maybe? I wouldn't jump for joy to go back, but I wouldn't say no. The food just wasn't all it was made up to be, especially not for the price. Atmosphere and service though - amazing and perfect.
(3)
Vincent D.
Plain and simple - Barclay Prime is the best restaurant in Philadelphia. Their service is exactly what you would expect from a five star restaurant and the quality of food is unmatched, plus what other restaurant allows you to select your own unique steak knife. I've eaten at gourmet restaurants across the country and throughout Europe - I can easily say that Barclay Prime's Wagyu Filet is the best piece of steak I've ever had. Just make sure you don't fill up on the bread turnovers (it's hard not to).
(5)
Gordon R.
The first time I realized I was rich was Dinner at Barclay Prime. I'm not kidding. We went on a double date anniversary splurge walked in without reservations and spent a grand without blinking. Insane, but we'll never forget it. Flawless service from beginning to end. Again, you should always let the staff know why you're there! We had every appetizer and paired it with 3 wines that made us feel in heaven. If you want to really have a good time order steak. Order things you won't make at home. Mac & Cheese? Okay it was amazing, but if you balk at the prices - you'll resent it forever. Let go and just enjoy the fact that Barclay has been doing it right forever and will continue to be a Rittenhouse staple. I'm making it a point to make an annual pilgrimage home to Philly AND Barclay Prime now. This is the kind of place you take someone you need to impress. And you will. *Wink*
(5)
Richie A.
Went here with my fiance and had a great time. The steak was superb and the atmosphere was very calm. If you want to impress your other and not disappoint your taste buds then you must come here. If you are a true philadelpgian you will eat the $150 cheese steak. Yum!
(5)
Trisha G.
Trendy restaurant with exceptional service and food. Our waiter was by far one of the most attentive we have had in fine dining experience. My husband and I started with the $98 caviar - which although small, blows your tastebuds away. We then went onto the foie gras appetizer, which I think was around $30 and very tasty. My husband really wanted to try to the $100 cheesesteak (which turned out to be highly overrated and overpriced). You are much better going with the steak here - our mouths were gushing seeing some of the freshest steaks going to nearby tables. For the price and difference in the look of the foods, you are much better off going with a fish or steak dish. I got the salmon - very flavorful and nice sized dish - very good pricing. This is definitely a pot my husband and I will visit again soon!!
(5)
H M.
DELISH as always... OMG... From the pop overs, tuna crudo, steak tar tar, fried artichokes, truffle Mac & cheese, 18oz prime and filet... Great service, food was cooked to perfection, fantastic atmosphere. Very she-she without feeling pretentious! Love me some BP!
(5)
Allison B.
My fiance took me to Barclay Prime to celebrate my 26th birthday. I desperately wanted to go to a steakhouse, but was a little concerned Barclay Prime wouldn't live up to expectations (or its price tag). Don't worry, it did. AMBIANCE Think super swanky Mad Men-era fine dining. Cushy cozy leather seats, marble tables, built-in bookshelves and lots of muted greens, yellows and oranges. Dim lighting and tiny candles. High as heaven ceilings and crystal chandeliers. The Brady Bunch goes to Vegas. FOOD Complimentary popovers were the best Pillsbury croissant you ever tasted, served warm with room temp salty butter. Smother that shit. Zack and I loved the tuna tartare appetizer, which was rich and meaty while maintaining lightness with a lemony vinaigrette. Excellent. I had the filet mignon and Zack indulged in 16 ounces (that's a pound, people) of dry aged NY Strip. Medium rare for both of us, the meat was insanely tender. The dry aged steak had a really unique super flavor- I would definitely recommend it. Truffle whipped potatoes and broccoli rabe were our sides, and damn did we choose well. The richness of the potatoes cut through the bitter garlicky goodness of the rabe perfectly. DRINKS We shared the least expensive bottle of red (Malbec, $48). Very good. SERVICE Choosing our knives was silly, but fun. Pretty handles for everyone! Our server knew it was my birthday and while we passed on dessert because we were already so satisfied, he brought out two caramel truffles with a birthday candle, plus a mini-cake (!!) in a to-go box. Really nice. Barclay Prime is a special occasion place. Get dressed up and enjoy every bite.
(5)
Julia L.
Joe had lost a bet with me and I had my pick of Philly restaurants and chose Barclay Prime steakhouse since I've never been. We were seated in a gorgeous dining area, very modern vibe to it. As Joe and I poured over the menu, they brought out these pop-overs with gruyere cheese in the middle. Amazing! I ended up getting 2! I saw lobster bisque on the menu and had to order it. The lobster bisque was good, but not great. The restaurant was very nice and split our order into 2 bowls so that we would have an easier time eating. The wagyu steak on the menu was over $100 so to experience the wagyu beef, we got an order of the sliders. The sliders were amazing, tender and juicy. Joe ordered the 18 oz Gachot & Gachot prime dry aged ribeye. Joe likes his steak medium-rare. He thoroughly enjoyed his rib-eye. We got the side order of truffle mac and cheese. I had really high expectations for this dish because it had great reviews online. However, when we got it, it was super bland. I was disappointed to say the least. I had the 28 day dry aged NY strip steak. It was delicious and I thoroughly enjoyed my steak.
(5)
Liz C.
Fellow mere mortals, I have good news: you can have a very satisfying meal at Barclay Prime and not go bankrupt. My husband and I had: Popovers (free, and the best baked good you will ever eat) Caesar salad (huge!) and wedge salad, each around $12 Three delish glasses of wine about $15 a pop 8 oz filet for me, rib eye for him Mashed potatoes and mushrooms (both delish!!) All said and done, the bill was $250 and the meal was well worth it. My husband said it was definitely one of the best steaks he's ever had. The service is excellent, decor is cool, and the chairs are comfy enough to make me consider a nap mid-meal.
(5)
Y. Isabel L.
My boyfriend and I came here for our 5 year anniversary. Barclay Prime does not disappoint. Everything that was placed on our table was great. I had the $100 cheese steak and it was the best cheese steak I've ever had! Was it worth the price tag? Probably not, but it's one of those things where you want to experience it once. We also ordered the crabcakes...AMAZING! My boyfriend had the steak, which was thick cut. We didn't quite expect that, but it was still pretty good. The service was EXCELLENT!
(5)
Caroline R.
Barclay Prime is by far one of the greatest restaurants Philly has to offer. The food is amazing - best steak I have ever had - and the service is impeccable. I've eaten here several times now and the quality of the food and service is consistent and you will always have an amazing time. Try to save room for dessert - they are delicious!!!
(5)
Dave H.
This is far and away the best steakhouse in Philadelphia. The steaks are exceptionally high quality and very well seasoned (something many other steakhouses fall short on). Aside from that, everything on their menu is incredibly good.
Everything that's been said about this place is true. It's delicious and amazing. The decor is stylish, the food delish, the ambiance... a bit loud even when relatively empty on a Tuesday night. The popovers were amazing as all pop overs should be, unfortunately mine was a bit on the cold side so it didn't feel quite out of the oven. We ordered beef tartar as a starter. It came seasoned deliciously with some interesting crispy tempura type of topping on top with 4 sliced bread style crackers, there were definitely not enough crackers, 6 would've been perfect. I had the 28 day aged ny strip steak and my date had the 12 oz fillet mignon, both cooked a nice medium rare (more rare than medium). The cuts were thick slabs of meat. The NY strip had a nice salt crust and flavor whereas the fillet was more a mild taste but melt in your mouth tender. This was a delicious meal that we were unable to finish. 12 and 16 oz seem less on paper than on your plate.
(5)
Matthew D.
This place was fabulous. the decor is elegant, simple, and modern. i enjoyed the leather lounge chairs, the chandeliers, and the bookcases that line this wonderful space. but the food is why people come . . . . And i think i would say it was the best steak that we have ever had. it is hard to say if it was really the best steak - or my taste buds were swayed by all the hype. we got the potterhouse. it was cooked to perfection. also got the macorini and cheese with truffles (wasn't that impressed). the asparagus (a little stringy), and some mushroom appetizer with pasta (amazing), wedge salad (hit the mark) and a mouse like desert/pie, can't remember the name (that was exeptional) overall - the steaks, pasta with mushrooms, and desert were outstanding (some of the best i could ask for) the macorini and cheese wth truffles was ok the wedge salad was adequate the asparagus was stringy - not good everything should be perfect with the price tag attached. as a result, i wouldn't go back, but enjoyed the one time expereince........
(4)
Sarah K.
I still love this place, even though it wasn't as amazing as I last remembered. I was last here 2 years ago and thinking back fondly might have heightened my expectations - especially in terms of service. I had a reservation for 5 at 8:30 PM on a Friday night. While a member of my party was struggling to find parking, but within the vicinity, we were not seated until he had arrived. Even so, it actually seemed like they were struggling to find an open table for us, despite our reservation. The hostesses were extremely polite regardless. When we were seated, we were greeted and shown the drink menu and asked what type of water we'd like. Then with a server came by and dropped down some popovers and 2 ramekins of salted butter without a word and left. Entrees took a very long time to come out - which I think is a standard with Barclay Prime. Even so, before our entrees, a server came by with a platter of knives for us to choose. Unlike last time, our server did not describe the type of knives, which was a little disappointing - but perhaps it was because we had told the server we had been here before? A server came by to refill our water a few times, and when we asked for our food to be packed up, only the left over steak was packed (not the sides). I understand sides would probably not be as good later, but it was still a little irksome, as the food here is expensive. The food itself is great! My mother had a filet mignon, I had the 28 day dry aged new york strip, and my brother and father each had a gachot & gachot prime ribeye, and my sister had the branzino. I liked the dishes in that order - the filet mignon was incredibly tender. The new york strip and the ribeye were similar in terms of texture and taste. We also ordered creamed spinach, whipped potatoes, and truffle mac and cheese - all of which were extremely heavy and decadent. I'm not sure what kind of truffles they put in the mac and cheese, but it tasted like aged cheese. So far, especially when considering the price, it was a pretty standard nice, steak meal. Dessert was what blew us away - I ordered the s'more dessert and did not regret it one bit! The graham cracker ice cream was amazing, especially with the warm, luxuriously dense, chocolate lava cake. It's a little funny that the best part of our steak meal was the dessert. This place is extremely expensive, so I wouldn't come here except to splurge on an especially significant occasion. Otherwise, this place has extremely polite and refined service, a beautiful and modern interior (green couches, marble tables, and wooden bookshelves), and mouth watering food. By no exception is it different from other Stephen Starr restaurants - pricey, beautifully decorated, well themed, with tasty food.
(5)
Keith R.
If you're willing to drop some cash, Barclay Prime lives up to the billing. We had some massive amounts food including a huge hunk of steak that made my Uncle's eyes bulge and provided enough food for two meals. A non meat eater even raved about the sliders and the bevy of side dishes has something for every starch lover. You may leave with a lighter wallet but are well compensated by a full belly.
(5)
John M.
Ok so here's the thing. I LOVE FOOD. I love high end restaurants and feeling special when I go somewhere elegant...here at Barclay I felt like an emperor. Seriously, the staff were so authentic and kind from the moment we walked in the door. I was taking a gentleman with special needs along for the experience and everyone was really friendly and sweet to him. Did I mention the ambiance of the place? Relaxing and intimate and BEAUTIFUL. Now, into the food. All I can say is OH. MY. GOD. No exaggeration, it was a religious experience. Stephen Starr is a culinary God. We started with the fois gras and porcini agnolotti, the flavors were SENSATIONAL!!! The popovers with gruyere were served warm and flaky and I literally think I'm going to be dreaming about them for a long time. For dinner I ordered an 18oz dry aged ribeye and we ordered whipped potatoes and the truffle mac and cheese to share. Perfection. The steak melted in my mouth....the potatoes were from Jesus...the mac and cheese was flavorful and just SO DELISH!! I was one happy fat kid, let me tell you. Finally, dessert. Peanut butter cup ice cream sandwich. HOLY COW. Incredible. If you're considering going to BP stop right now. Considering is over. JUST GO. Run as fast as you can for the best meal of your life!!!!!
(5)
Jay G.
I went to Barclay Prime to celebrate a special occasion with my girlfriend as well as to try the Barclay Prime cheeseteak. The restaurant staff were very friendly and we had a very good waiter who had a great attitude and made some jokes while maintaining a high standard of service. The interior had a very interesting feel to it as it was themed like a library lounge type setting with books on the sides of the room and big relaxing chairs. It provided a nice experience compared to the typical steakhouse with tight seating or fancy wooden chairs. For appetizers, my girlfriend and I shared the east & west coast oysters while I mainly ate the beef steak tartare. The beef steak tartare was different than other places as they added a different array of toppings which provided a different type of flavor than I usually expect but it was still pretty good and worth ordering. The oysters were very good and seemed to be fresh with a nice flavor. For entrees, I decided to go full out and buy the Barclay Prime cheesesteak while I pushed my girlfriend to order a 16 oz. bone-in filet since she wasn't sure which steak to order from the menu. On the side, we ordered the jumbo green asparagus which arrived peeled and the truffle mac & cheese. The Barclay Prime cheesesteak was amazing. The flavor of the cheesesteak made with wagyu ribeye, foie gras, and truffled cheese whiz was awesome and no cheesesteak in Philadelphia can beat the amazing flavor brought on by this expensive cheesesteak. Fortunately, it came with a half a bottle of Perrier Grand Brut which seemed decently expensive by itself on the menu. It was a nice compliment to the overall sense of fulfillment from this cheesesteak. Even my girlfriend really loved the cheesesteak even though she doesn't like foie gras. That shows you how good it is. As per the filet, she claims it was very delicious and devoured the entire thing which was an amazing feat for her. The sides were both very good but obviously I'd recommend the truffle mac & cheese over any kind of asparagus any day. For dessert we ordered the coconut cream pie which was very good with a nice balanced flavor. On top of this, the waiter brought us a plate with "Congratulations!" written on it and two caramel chocolates made by the chefs at the restaurant. The chocolates were very good and it was a very nice gesture by the restaurant to provide us with this plate. Overall, Barclay Prime is a great steakhouse in Philadelphia and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good meal.
(5)
Jean Y.
Dining at Barclay Prime was quite the classy experience. I really liked the library-like interior and the comfortable armchairs. Service was great. The steaks were amazing. Perfect, juicy, the right amount of fat. I had the 24 oz dry aged porterhouse ($59), and my bf had the 18 oz Gachot & Gachot dry aged ribeye ($48). My favorite part of the experience was when we were presented with a tray of 5 steak knives. Choose your own weapon! We tried 2 sauces ($3 each): au poivre and horseradish crème fraiche. I really enjoyed the au poivre, with its intense beef and pepper flavors. The horseradish was extremely mild. I would have liked it spicier. The sides here are large and perfect for sharing. The truffle mac + cheese ($17) was made with cavatappi and delightfully creamy. I couldn't really taste the truffle, but the bf said he could. The fried artichokes and lemon ($11) were also very good. The artichokes were meaty, and the addition of deep fried parsley was nice. I was disappointed by the gruyere chive popovers. They were gigantic and irregularly shaped. I thought they could have used more gruyere and more chives, been less burnt on the edges, and been served hotter. (I've made popovers before with a recipe I found on Pinterest that was inspired by Barclay Prime's popovers, and I liked those better, even though my first two attempts failed partially.) The weakest part of the meal was definitely the cocktails. $15 for a cocktail is expensive, unless it is made with top shelf booze. My cocktail tasted bad. The ice cubes were too small and watered down the drink quickly.
(4)
Dawn S.
Let me start this review with a little tune: Barclay you're my everything, you're all I ever wanted Your steaks did it real big, bigger I've ever had it You were up on everything, other steaks ain't ever on it I want your steaks forever, I swear I could spend whatever on them But you make me wait every time I hit you up After I reserved a spot, you saw that I lived it up You made me beg for it, till you gave it up And I said this same thing with every single bite I said... "This be the freaking' best (x4, please) Best steak I ever had, Steak I ever had (x3 please)" That basically sums it up. Barclay Prime served me the best steak I've ever had -- (which, by the way, was the 28 day dry aged 16 Oz. NY strip). THE STEAK, ON ITS OWN, GETS 5 (or 6?) STARS. I went here for my law school graduation dinner and it was a great way to celebrate. It doesn't have a very "steakhousey" type of feel -- for that, you might want to go to Ruth's Chris or Prime Rib. Instead, it feels like you're eating in someone's fancy mod living room. There are bookshelves on the walls and you sit in lounge chairs, not dining chairs. Also, its worth noting that Barclay Prime has all the typical aspects that you'd expect of a Stephen Starr restaurant -- it's a tad overdone and glitzy as hell: the restaurant is hyper detail-oriented, and you pick your own steak-knife, which you must admit is unnecessary, albeit kinda cool. In fact, I'd give the atmosphere 3 stars. I'd also give the rest of the food and drinks (I got one of their gin cocktails) 4 stars. For these reasons I gave the restaurant 4 stars.
I took my husband here for his birthday a couple of weeks ago and we absolutely loved it! We decided to order the hamachi crudo, roasted foie gras, 18 Oz 28 day aged prime ribeye, butterball potato, and cheesecake. We only had to order one steak because we had so much food and we ended up taking the potatoes home. Everything was divine and the steak was perfectly cooked to our desired medium rare. A great steak doesn't need any sauces or crazy seasonings, just salt, pepper, and sometimes butter. This steak was so flavorful and tender, I enjoyed each and every bite. They also offered us each a choice of culinary knives to cut our steaks with. I've never had an easier time cutting my steak. The roasted foie gras was also soft and tender and had a sweet kick to it. The butterball potatoes also went really well with the steak. Cheesecake topped off the night and was delicious. The ambience was quiet and classy. We also enjoyed the puffy cheese bread and they gave us a free individual sized cake to take home for later. It was a perfect birthday dinner and I would come back here again in a heartbeat.
(5)
Sean M.
I've been wanting to come here for a while now, and boy was I disappointed. Don't get me wrong the food is good. However I've had better meals at Ruth's Chris for less money. I definitely expected to get a much steak then the one the served me. Maybe I'll give it another try.
(3)
Michael C.
Favorite steakhouse in Philly. The pop-overs are to die for. Steak is always perfect. Seafood apps are wonderful.
(5)
Kristie C.
From the popovers at the start, to the lovely desserts at the end... Everything was so delicious. The special part about this place is that they let you choose your own knife, there is basically a story to each one-- really neat! Food: - popovers (comes with your meal, so good and warm) - lobster and shrimp appetizer: preferred the lobster - seared ahi tuna with yuzu: very flavorful and not overpowered by the sauce. Substituted the chard for asparagus, which they nicely peeled so it was tender and delicious Dessert: - seasonal fruit platter was decent, pineapple was a bit sour - sorbets were refreshing and very fruity which was awesome - smore with homemade marshmallow was really tasty! Basically a chocolate lava cake with delectable vanilla sides Wine we ordered was perfect, service was fantastic, couldn't have asked for more! Would definitely come back :)
(5)
Scott W.
This is a great restaurant especially for special occasions. The dining room has a good atmosphere, loud but tolerable. You would never expect the furniture, most notable are the chairs. You feel like you are in your living room. On to the food. The menu has nice options. We decided to not order an appetizer and instead, grab soup and salads. For what it's worth there were not a lot appetizer choices, but some did sound good. My Cesar salad was big, I decided not to eat the whole thing. My son loved the lobster bisque and my wife and daughter split a delicious kale salad. We all got different entrees. The steaks are big and delicious (16oz Ribeye and 12oz filet...a little undercooked, but still acceptable). Rack of lamb was spot on and the Chilean Sea Bass was outstanding. Several reasons why I did not give 5 stars: 1) Parking is tricky, the valet is expensive and finding the door entrance was hard., 2) Prices are steep. Come prepared to drop a lot of money...glass of wine was surprisingly expensive, 3) Service was fine, but I just had some issues with my waiter. He did not speak clearly and seemed to speed us out. Bottom line is I would definitely go back, maybe in the summer after I save up enough money for another great meal.
(4)
Sam T.
The best steak in philly!
(5)
Joe K.
Very good steak at 90 Dallors had a great time
(4)
Carmen M.
We visit this restaurant for the steak reputation and did not dissapoint us. We had the filet mignon and the gachot & gachot ribeye that were well prepared and tasty. I love foie gras so I ordered one as an appetizer but it was over-cooked. For our side-dish we ordered a potato gratin but had so many cheese that it was swimming in it and was not appealing. In overall the steaks were great but not my other choices.
(3)
Dan L.
This is possibly the best steakhouse in the US. Hands down excellent cut of meat, the sides are unbelievable, and the bread the serve has an addictive quality to it that is simply insatiable. Highly recommended. It is however, quite pricey. If you know you're spending a lot on dinner, you'll have an amazing- perhaps best steak meal of your life- dinner.
(5)
Suzanne S.
After a horrible meal at Continental Midtown last year, I wrote a complaint and received a $150 "gift letter" which I could redeem at ANY Starr restaurant in the city. I decided it would be a good time to try Barclay Prime since I had been yearning to try it since its inception. I took my mother with me as a belated mother's day gift and the restaurant was everything I expected (I had high expectations for this place and it met every one of them). The service: Everyone from the hostess to the bus boys were welcoming and courteous and didn't have the stuck-up attitude that some other high-end restaurants can have. Our server, Nicole, was a doll and was prepared for every question I had to ask her. I really appreciated the fact that nobody rushed me through my meal and the next course didn't come out until they were sure we were completely finished with what we had on the table. The manager also came to our table to make sure everything was okay. For dinner we had: 1. Popovers with sea-salted butter- these are given to you after your orders are in and they are delectable. I need to get a recipe for something like this. 2. Kobe Sliders-these bite-sized burgers practically melted in my mouth. I was sad I had to share them lol 3. Wedge Salad-I loved the twist on this salad; instead of bacon they use crab meat and the blue cheese crumbles were really soft and of high quality 4. Chopped salad-very good 5. Lobster Bisque soup-YUCK. This was the only thing I didn't like. Aside from the fact that the caviar gave it a taste of "fishy", without it, the soup would have been really bland. 6. Aged NY Strip-EXCELLENT-BEST STEAK I have had in PHILADELPHIA (Del Frisco's in NYC may have been better but I really think its a tie) 7. Jumbo Lump Crab Cake- Loved it, but Devon's still takes the cake in my book. 8. Truffle Mac and Cheese-Good 9. Potatoes Au Gratin-DELICIOUS 10. Asparagus- A little too salty, but perfect consistency. All of the food above was enough for 4 people. Lucky for my husband, he got a really good doggy bag. For dessert we ordered a banana cake with banana caramel ice cream and caramelized banana-balls and we all really enjoyed it. All in all probably the best steak in Philly.
(5)
Lia B.
ok ok ok yelp- you got me- i didn't get a steak! this review is pointed towards the veg people on yelp. if you veg/vegans have a chance to dine at barclay - seriously go! just call ahead. i had a very amazing dinner. basically i knew i was going to barclay - i checked the menu online and didn't see anything vegan so i called a day in advance and let Carlos the chef know i was planning on dining there the next day - much to my delight, he crafted a delicious appetizer, salad, entree, and an amazing dessert. i loved everything i got, and i also loved the surprise of not knowing what i was going to get and not having to look at the menu. it was really delightful. the appetizer was a vegan butternut squash soup with garlic croutons; the salad was made of beets, tomatoes, and a champagne vinaigrette; my entree was grilled delish tofu- cooked perfectly- on a bed of lemon/garlic cous cous; my dessert was passion fruit and mango sorbet. everything was amazing! the soup was flavorful, i passed the beet salad around and shared it with friends - everyone agreed it was the best salad (preferred over the wedge and the Cesar) and my entree was off the charts i cant even tell you how much i loved it. the sorbet had amazing flavors that really popped. also it was super funny when the server glen (who was fabulous by the way!) still let me pick out my "steak" knife. haha i was definitely taking my time choosing my knife. just hey barclay prime - can you take the fois gras off that cheese steak? come on - that's just cruel!
(5)
Ivan R.
Went here for my Brothers Birthday last janurary and my God it was an experience. Service: Amazing, i literally felt like our server was born for the job. Literally, he reminded me of a butler from any fancy movie you could possibly conjure up from your memories right now. Everything was on time, never had to ask for water, wine or anything else that was required, it was asked by him on a very pleasant and timely timeline. Even though i'd enjoy a hot blonde waitress, this guy totally had the class to pull off a $250 tip. Food: Never knew i'd enjoy beet salad w/ goat cheese until i had it here. I'm a vegetable person but this didn't sound good what-so-ever, until i tried it and it was quite amazing. The little loafs and buttered bread were literally to die for. Steak impeccable as anyone would expect from a place like this. TL DR; Service top notch, you won't ever feel bad about tipping 20%+ at this place and Food, AMAZING!!! and NOT the typical arrangement you'll find everywhere.
(5)
Andrew F.
Wow, wow, wow. A night after being underwhelmed at a private party at The Continental I wasn't sure what to expect at Barclay Prime. My previous experience at Barclay Prime had been a positive one, but it was quite brief, with just two orders of sliders in the lounge area. This experience would build upon that one and show me how amazing a Starr restaurant truly can be. I went there on a fixed menu for my brother's graduation dinner. Our menu included two options for appetizers; three options for main, though everyone ordered the steak; and a tasting menu of desserts. Wine and alcohol were not included, and once you threw those in it was well above $150 per person. The pre-appetizer popover was delectable. Crunchy, buttery, smooth and warm, and inventive for a starter at a steakhouse. Though butter was provided it wasn't needed, but being a glutton for fattening foods I couldn't help but dole out my serving. Those popovers were popalicious. Following our popovers our appetizers were served. A larger than expected caesar salad dished out with just the right amount of dressing and perfect greens. Topped with what seemed like enough croutons even for me, and I love croutons. The whole caesar was very good, in fact one of the people in our party, a former newspaper food critic, remarked that it was "The best caesar salad in Philadelphia." I trust that statement. Now being the gastronomical addicted human being I am I couldn't get just the caesar as a starter. I need more. Accordingly I ordered the other starter, the Wagyu Beef Sliders. Though, since I don't usually mix meat and cheese (I have some weird, mostly self-imposed dietary restrictions) I ordered them without the gruyere cheese that normally comes with them. These sliders were just as tasty as my previous experience had me expecting they would be. The wagyu beef was cooked to a medium temperature and the brioche bun was the perfect complement to the sophisticated beef flavor of the wagyu. For those that have never had wagyu, I can attest that it truly does taste different than regular beef, and on the four occasions that I have enjoyed the pleasure of it I have noted the strong but subtle beef flavor that is distinct from that of regular prime or choice USDA grade beef. Following these two fattening but delicious appetizers it was time for the piece de resistance. BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEF. Did you hear me when I said that? Beef. But not just any beef. Twelve ounces (after cooking) of delicious top shelf filet mignon, seasoned to perfection and cooked perfectly. Not too little, not too much. Everyone in the party agreed, no place cooks a steak as perfectly on temperature as they do at Barclay Prime. But what came next was a gimmick that I loved. Picking your steak knife. Prior to the delivery of your beefy goodness a server comes around with a tray of knives .Each a steak knife with supreme cutting power but each uniquely designed and interesting. Faced with an epic dilemma I asked for the servers advice, and landed upon a knife designed by the Porsche design company. Yes, that Porsche, the men and women engineers who construct Porsche cars that race around the track at insane speeds. I found this knife perfectly suited for cutting beef. The most amazing things about Barclay Prime are they get all the details right. Even so far as delivering everyone their steak without having to ask what temperature each person had ordered. This is a very important aspect that brings a meal over the top. My medium temperature steak arrived cooked pink. With just a tiny hit of red in the center this steak stared right back at me. This beef required no sauces or additional seasonings. It had clearly been seasoned perfectly in the kitchen and arrived on the table as a big chunk of delicious cow. The plate consisted of the steak and a tiny bit of garnish on one corner. But the steak was the standout of the presentation, or lack thereof. This is not a complaint in any way, but it was clear that the steak was the star of the show. Honoring the delicious cow bred and raised for us to enjoy on this momentous day of my brother's graduation from college. The presentation in its simplicity conveyed all of this. After the time spent enjoying our steaks, and the delicious sides of french fries, mashed potatoes, and corn, our meal was coming to an end. I would talk more about the sides but their taste was overpowered by the strong beef flavor of the filet, and just 14 hours after the meal I don't remember much about the main course section of the meal aside from the meat. Now I'll skip talking about the dessert because I'm no dessert aficionado. But here is what is important. The beef. Yes, the beef. If you eat chicken or salmon then you may like this place. The atmosphere with faux bookshelves and cool heavily padded seating areas in a surprisingly cozy atmosphere may make your dining experience a pleasant one. But if you eat beef, your dining experience will rock.
(5)
Lana L.
The atmosphere makes you think as though you are in the cozy library of a rich man's house. It's an intimate setting. I got the aged porterhouse to share with a friend and it came out well. Love how we could select our own knives. The sides were great too! Truffle mac and cheese, potato gratin. I'd skip on the $100 cheese steak though- not worth the price tag though champagne does come with it. Also fyi- the bathroom is unisex, with the actual stall separated by doors labeled M and W for men and women, respectively.
If you are a steak lover, then you must come here at least once. The aged porterhouse is excellent; it is very flavorful and always seared to a perfect medium rare. I never stray from that order but I have tried the ribeye and been pleased with the marbling and flavor. The sole is nicely seasoned and almost melts in your mouth. The sides are all decent but I highly recommend the truffled mac and cheese; it's indulgently rich and creamy. The octopus ceviche is okay, but I have had better ceviche. Then again, you come here for steak, not ceviche. I would go with the bacon wrapped scallops instead. The wine list is pretty good; we had an excellent merlot on a past occassion. Finish off with the chocolate chip creme brulee; it's very creamy and rich but you only live once so your taste buds deserve it. The service is always flawless; it's attentive without any hovering. A great place to get quality steaks.
(4)
Erica E.
Do not waste your money on this place!! I have been here 3 times and ONE time had a decent meal. For the price, I expect every time to be better than the next. First experience was great. It was Sunday night and the restaurant was practically empty so maybe then the kitchen/staff could handle the volume? The second time I came here I had been studying for 7 hours straight that day. All I was looking forward to was a juicy, mouth watering steak that would make me forget what I had been doing all day. I came here so excited for a meal and wow it was the biggest disappointment I have ever had. First it took forever to get my entree, at least there were appetizers to hold me over. When the steak finally came out it was ice cold, it literally tasted like it had been sitting somewhere waiting to be brought to me for an hour. I am not one to send back food but in this instance, for this $50+ bone in filet that I was dreaming of, I could not accept this extremely sub par piece of meat they had brought me. The third time I came here I was with one of my girl friends who wanted to try their cheesesteak and I believe in second chances. We went around 5 and the restaurant was empty, not one table seated and the hostess actually told us that they were completely booked and had no tables in any section of the restaurant. The way this came off to me was just so absurd and beyond pretentious. I had to bring up my past experience mentioned above and then BOOM somehow magically a table had opened up for us to be seated. The cheesesteak was cold too and just not tasty at all. I'm done with giving this place any more chances, save your money there are soooo many other steak houses in the city!!
(1)
J W.
Fantastic food and ambience, one of the better dining experiences that I have had in Philadelphia. Went here on a double date with a friend and our girlfriends and everyone was quite impressed. The seating is interesting, with one side of the table having a couch and the other side having leather chairs (as you would typically have in your living room or somewhere), it was a nice touch and creates a good amount of space between the tables so that you have a sense of privacy. Overall a great place and I would highly recommend it for a nice date or celebratory dinner... Also they had a $100 cheesetake on the menu, which I did not try but it was slightly tempting!
(5)
Brian C.
Yum...I wish i could afford to eat here more often! Not much i like better than a good steak, and this place knows how to do it right! I've "picked my cut" of beef in several restaurants, but never before was I asked to pick out my steak knife! I went with the German knife, bigger and heavier than the Japanese knives. Whatever knife you choose, you will have NO problem cutting into these delicious tender steaks! I had the Kobe Sliders, and a Kobe NY Strip...oddly, its Australian Kobe Beef, which I was unfamiliar with...but quite pleased when I finally got to taste it...The prices here are as you would expect...HIGH! But so is the quality of food and service. If you are a die-hard steak fan, you should check this place out at least once. Service...very attentive...atmosphere...it was a bit "stiff" for a business casual restaurant...I find Morton's and Smith and Wollensky's to be slightly more laid back. I do like the design of the Barclay Prime, which for some reason mimics a library... Unless you have too much money on your hands, in which case you should friend request me immediately, you won't visit this place too often. But I highly recommend it for a special occasion for any steak lover!
(5)
Evan C.
Favorite stake place in Philadelphia. The Kobe beef sliders are amazing!
(5)
Natalie S.
Barclay Prime always delivers on taste. Went this past weekend and wasn't disappointed. They have a great wine list, and delicious appetizers. We had the Kobe beef sliders and they're always super tender and flavorful. Of course the popovers are amazing, and the server was happy to give my husband an extra one when he asked, which is always nice. For entrees I got the 8 oz filet, and he got the ny strip. What's cool is you get to "choose your weapon" so to speak, and pick which steak knife you want. For sides we got the truffled whipped potatoes and asparagus. Yum. This place is definitely on the expensive side, but the quality of the food justifies the price. I've never left here disappointed.
(5)
james c.
Excellent bread, potatoes, and the Japanese kobe is excellent. The spinach dip is decent too. Been there 4 times, consistency should be better for what they chafe but no major disasters.
(4)
Tinique P.
Non traditional steakhouse...casual, yet upscale. High energy environment, serving excellent food-for the foodies. The servers were very attentive and knowledgable of the menu items and wine selections. Enjoyed a great red wine to compliment the porterhouse, caviar and many sides- bill over $700 for four people and well worth it. Looking forward to returning.
(5)
Hanney E.
Good steaks...good service.
(4)
Chris M.
In terms of taste, this could be the best restaurant I've ever been to - ever. I mean, eating here was a sort of religious experience. I had better start from the beginning... My wife and I went here for Valentine's Day this year. She really enjoys the Stephen Starr franchise, so I thought I would treat her to their flagship offering. While she absolutely loved it, I think that I enjoyed it as much as, if not more than, she did. We went right after one of the huge snowstorms that hit Philadelphia this year, so we planned to valet park (so as to avoid snowbanking the car on the street or her ruining her shoes walking from a nearby garage). The valet parking was pretty steep at $24 (+tip), but it was worth it. Though, you should note that it is not in front of Barclay; it's down the block in front of Parc, so you will have to a walk a little. Our waiter was extremely nice and knowledgeable. This was one of those time where the waiter actually adds to the overall experience of the restaurant. The food was nothing short of life-changing. We started with the chopped salad, which was a sort of enigma. All advertised ingredients - kalamata olives, hear of palm, tomato, etc. - along with the lettuce were chopped to homogeneous fractals. When consuming a forkful of said geometric shapes, you could taste each and every one of the ingredients - amazing. Also, I hate to admit this (don't judge me), but this was the first time I have ever had a dry-aged steak. I will not even attempt to describe the deliciousness of the 20oz ribeye. It was actually worth the $48 - seriously. (being extremely cheap, that is the highest praise coming from me). My only minor quibble (see aforementioned note on my cheapness) was that the side dishes seemed to be unreasonably priced at $10 - for mashed potatoes or broccoli, etc. Anyway, while the check was not slight, I will always remember the experience - which is really what you pay for, I think, at a restaurant like this.
(5)
Eric H.
Best steakhouse ever, maybe the best restaurant I've dined in. drinks were good not great. kobe sliders juicy, melt in your mouth. crab, yellowtail, large, succulent shrimp perfect. lobster bisque just the right consistency with large chunks of lobster. medium rare bone-in filet super tender, best in city. Capital Grille is the only restaurant that compares. This blew away Del Friscos, Mortons, Union Trust, Ruth Chris, Prime Rib, you name it. The sides are what truly set this place apart. Mac and cheese was amazing, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, tater tots didn't disappoint. Dessert was solid as well, pineapple cheesecake and mango sorbet. One in our group went vagal from the food bolus it was so good. If I were to come to Philly, this would be the restaurant I would go to first. Now if I could lose my food baby...
(5)
Craig D.
(4) ~ Overall Food & Service OUR MENU: * Popovers(bread) = (4) very good...they're HUGE. * El Diablo(drink) = (4) very good...it's like a margarita w. a kick!;-) * "virgin" Mojito = (4) very good * Water(tap) = (3) ok * Gnocchi & Lamb Sausage = (4) very good, the Gnocchi is Amazing, the sausage was slightly salty. * Caesar salad = (3.5) good * 8 oz. Fillet = (3.5) good * Roquefort sauce = (4) very good * Spaetzle (side) = (4.5) Very Good * Glazed Carrots = (3.5) good * Panna Cotta = (4) very good * Chocolate Bavarois = (3.5) good * Rooibos Mint Tea = (4) very good * Coffee = (4) very good NOTE: When facing the building the Restaurant Door is the one on the far Right.
(4)
Thuy C.
Barclay Prime is a treat. Wow, what can I say? This place is one of the best steakhouses I've ever been to. Never have I experienced anything like this. I made reservations and was seated promptly. They did seat me at this low table with two huge lounge chairs. The chair kind of swallowed me and it was a little hard for me to sit back because if I did I would be basically lying down, haha but on with the food. The lightings were dimmed and the atmosphere was sophisticated and romantic. I forgot my waiter's name but he was great. He was very knowledgable, made great recommendations, and made my first experience comfortable. I started off with the tuna tartare, GREAT, the tuna was soft, perfectly seasoned, just delicious. I skipped soup/salad and went straight for the steak. I had the australian wagyu filet, holy god it was amazing! The great thing is they let me choose my own knife! How great and special is that? The steak itself was sooooo good, just unbelievably easy to cut with my specially nifty japanese knife, the steak melted in my mouth, THE BEST STEAK I'VE EVER HAD, period the end. I ordered a couple sides that i can't recall at the moment because all i can remember is that delicious steak. But this is the place you'd want to go for fine dining steakhouse. Do it, you won't regret it I promise.
(4)
M H.
I've eaten here a million times and I've had just about everything on the menu. Bob is hands down the best bartender in town. They always have a cute hostess and the service is always great. Do yourself a favor and get the dry aged rib eye... I've eaten all the more expensive steaks and the rib eye is the best.
(4)
Jessica M.
Done and done. Gorgeous. From the personable, friendly greeting at the front desk from the hostess team when you walk in. Over the top and still down to earth. Incredible bartender, Bob, he kept me company until my friend arrived. Jason, a generous host. James, we relied on his recommendations for dinner all night. Beautiful, great music, upbeat. The food was excellent, so was the company. Best.
(5)
TJ K.
Was here last week. It's not often I eat a steak, but I was looking forward to it. The popovers they brought out before dinner was delicious...and I had two. As for the steak, I had asked for it to be cooked "whatever is slightly pink inside". Unfortunately, it came out not pink at all. I was hungry and knew it would take a while to get another done to my temp, so I ate it. It was tasty, but not what I had hoped for. The side of asparagus was excellent.
(3)
Maxim M.
My experience was consistent with other Yelpers. Kobe sliders are awesome. Truffle mashed potatoes were probably the best I ever had. Mushroom side was good but was overshadowed by the other food. The 20oz Rib Eye was cooked perfectly and is easily shared by two people, unless you are from Texas. Prices are very high both for the food and the wine list. If someone else is paying or you are not counting, easily 5 stars. Highly Recommended. Food: 5/5 Drinks: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Decor: 4/5 Bang 4 the $: 2.5/5 Must try: Kobe Sliders & Truffle Mashed Potatoes Will come back: Yes (if someone else is paying)
(4)
Jeffrey M.
Amazing... After eating at this place I want to be a better person; to appreciate the many fragrances, textures and flavors life offers. I actually think a portion of my brain became active for the first time when I sank my teeth into my New York Strip at Barclay Prime, First of all - MAKE A RESERVATION. They get very crowded. The bar and waiting area is fun and comfortable. The dining room reminds me of a living room from a 60's sitcom...paneling, book shelves with eclectic books and huge glass chandeliers. The tables are all marble topped, with seats that are either sofa's for two or swivel mid-century modern lounge chairs. The decor and atmosphere led me to believe that Frank and the rat pack would come through the door at any minute. The service is some of the best I have ever seen. Any waiter or staff person that passes by your table at any time will see that you need something - and it just appears. The wait staff are extremely knowledgeable of the menu and make very good recommendations. They come to your table before the main course and let you choose one of a variety of steak knives - very classy. I recommend the beet salad as an appetizer. If you get a side with your steak...share it...the steak alone will fill you. Please save room for dessert. When you eat at a place like this, you do not want to miss a course. I will definitely be coming back next time I am in Philadelphia.
My husband and I have been coming here for years. We love this place. It is not only our favorite restaurant in the city but one of our favorite restaurants of all time. If you appreciate a good steak and excellent service, BP is where you need to go. Don't leave without having the deep dish cookie for dessert. We plan on returning as often as possible. Our server this last time was Glen. We will ask for him the next time we go.
(5)
Jonathan M.
Had no reservation, but was seated quickly. The most memorable part of dinner were the "Kobe" sliders and the tartare. The atmosphere was modern and classy. Perfect for impressing clients, albeit overpriced.
(3)
Martin F.
This place is supposed to be "all that" and it was good, if laughably pretentious at times (the display case of a selection of high-end steak knives brought to the table by the waiter just made me laugh it was so silly). We took potential clients out for dinner and spent a fortune, and while the food was very good to incredible at times, it's quite crowded, very loud and too damn dark for middle-aged folks to be able to read the 7 point cursive font on the menu. Service is top-notch, just what you'd home for in a place like this. I had the Fillet Mignon with a side of asparagus. Portions were tiny, but exquisite. Every morsel is perfect in preparation and presentation. The deserts were delightful constructions of sweet stuff and wonder, I had some kind of a torte with raspberries and chocolate and it was wonderful. Great for client meetings, special occasions or when you just want a really good steak.
(3)
Noah R.
The best in Town, hands down..lobster bisque our of this world....tator tots... med rare bone in rib eye....fell asleep in my seat......love it...
(5)
Hee Jin C.
Incredible service - from the moment you step in, it's all about the service: the hostesses are keen to accommodate your seating preferences (if you don't have a reservation, not to fret; the lounge is fantastic - closer proximity to the drinks ;)), the waiters/waitresses will recommend the best wine, dishes, appetizer, etc....everything short of washing your hands for you. I had a kobe beef tartar, some hamachi crudo, tuna tartar...and *GASP* the 100 dollar kobe beef cheesteak (not on the menu - served with a 500ml bottle of moet). My companion and I LOVED the crudo and tuna tartar, but we were positively speechless at the kobe beef tartar....I SWEAR, that thing is sprinkled with OPIUM or CRACK Cocain, or something...it is OUT OF THIS WORLD. As for the anticipated cheesteak....let's just say you should NEVER, and i mean NEVER bastardize the grandeur of kobe beef with cheese, regardless of how expensive that cheese may be, regardless of the fact that it comes topped with your choice of lobster of foie gras...just don't do it. Stick with the steak and the tartar. Don't get me wrong, it was absolutely delicious, but after two bites, the date and I looked at each other and went..."uh...."it was simply WAAAY too over the top. Also, it being a Starr restaurant, the bathrooms are unisex - this was an unsettling revelation for me at first, as I uneasily looked back to see three men following me into the bathroom and wondered if the night was going to take a very *ahem* odd turn, but it's just a unisex bathroom...don't be the country bumpkin that I am and freak out when you witness a co-ed group of seven go into the bathroom at once. I'd give this place 20 out of 10. I'm still gushing.
(5)
Bryanne R.
Just Delicious! What I loved: Drink: Barclay Bellini Ap: West Coast Oysters & Gnocchi and Lamb sausage Ent: Mishma Ranch Ultra Filet Des: S'mores and instead of rolls...you get a warm popover! Perfect for a special occasion. Perfect for getting an amazing meal when you're tired of your normal routine. Yes they ask you to pick a knife...maybe that's cheesy....but go with it..you're out to dinner for the experience. Treat yourself :-)
(5)
Dave H.
Barclay Prime is yet another Stephen Starr creation, a luxury meat and seafood "boutique". I think they can get away with the term; they're already infamous for their $100 Kobe steak! Unadorned and austere from the outside to the inside, their dining room and bar has a dark, black color scheme. The usual Starr spit-and-polish on presentation can be seen. When asked about virgin cocktails, our bartender, Mark, could only make a margarita - it was the saltiest concoction ever! (Though now he probably can make more items) A diner next to me had ordered oysters which looked appetizing. With an order of his entree he was offered a selection of knives. I saw a wickedly refined Porsche metal blade from Japan and another from France. Ordered a lobster cocktail ($12-$15, can't recall). The lobster was well done. Thick and suitably seasoned, it took up almost as much room as the sauce. There was a side of bread, which could be slid to one side and ignored. Reservations recommended but they accept walk-ins. While it wasn't crowded on our visit, limited seating may make it harder for larger parties to be seated unannounced. My verdict? I am intrigued enough to visit again, but I think I'll order wine or water with my meal.
(4)
Gia H.
I think this will be the last time I have high hopes for a restaurant because when I do, the meal ends up turning bad or just okay. The service for this restaurant is impeccable. Only hiccup is when I asked the server to pick a sauce for my filet and it came when I had consumed 2/3 of my steak. The table started with lobster bisque, scallops and caesar salad. The lobster bisque was okay. I've had better or maybe my palate is not as exquisite as I thought. They do place large pieces of lobster which was a plus. My friend's bf was not impressed with the scallops and I was not impressed with my bf's caesar salad, at which he liked. Next the table ordered two steaks, two crab cakes, truffle mac and cheese, truffle mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts and creamed spinach. The truffel mashed potatoes were the biggest hit. The macaroni and cheese was the second biggest hit, but it just had too much going on in that little bowl for me - I think there was spinach and mushrooms in it? In addition, I asked my server to surprise me with a sauce for my steak, at which she did. However, when it arrived, I had ate most of my entree but tasted a bit of it and I didn't want anymore. Why me? I just wanted to like everything here. Lastly, because we were all stuffed, we decided to take desserts home. I had a dessert whose main ingredient was banana, at which I tasted no banana. My before ordered a peanut butter dessert that was awesome! The highlight of the night was 'Oh my, there is Stephen Starr.' I never knew what he looked like, but now I do :) Oh and the popovers :)
(3)
Lin B.
This is by far one of the best steakhouses in the country. But we don't even eat steak and we love it! All of food is stellar in preparation, presentation and taste. The waitstaff is so attentive and friendly, but professional. You really cannot go wrong choosing this restaurant to dine with clients, a romantic dinner or dinner with friends. It's as close to perfect as you get. One of our clients calls it his favorite restaurant in the US (and he's dined in 100s of places)!
(5)
Jill T.
Wow. Just WOW! This place is fabulous! I have to admit, I originally tried to make a reservation at Butcher & Singer, but they were booked from 6:30pm on, and since we were going to dinner after work 6:30 was just cutting it too close for me. Barclay Prime really exceeded all of my expectations. Everything was cooked so perfectly. My husband and I shared scallops as an appetizer- and they were literally "melt in your mouth" good. Then came the filets! Again, perfectly cooked, and so delicious. I think that allowing the diners to choose their own knife is a very nice touch. I enjoyed that part! Of course the only downside is the price, but it truly is worth every penny! The service is excellent!
(5)
Robbin C.
I was really looking forward to eating at Barclay Prime and was very disappointed. While the atmosphere was nice, the service was just mediocre. The Filet was tasty but for the price I think it should have been unforgettable. I think there are so many steak houses to choose from that you can go elsewhere, spend less and have a better meal.
(3)
Jennifer C.
This place was absolutely amazing!!! The atmosphere was incredible- a fun blend of modern and retro with low tables and love seats/chairs to sit in. The entrees are all a la carte but the sides are big enough to share! The 18oz ribeye is by far the best- it had the most amazing flavor! The truffle whipped potatoes are also definitely a must have. And no meal is complete without dessert and I must say- the only way to go is with the S'mores cake. It's a deconstructed s'more basically with a decedent chocolate lava cake with marshmallow and chocolate filling, and toasted marshmallow on top, and graham cracker ice cream on the side ( yes I did say graham cracker ice cream!). Take a spoon full of each part and prepare to be taken away to dessert paradise. The restaurant also has some cool features, say a coed bathroom? Yes this place does in fact have a coed bathroom!! You walk in one door and there are a line of doors on the right-hand side labeled L and M.... pick your door and there you go. What an experience! Also when you're steak comes they bring out a tray of at least 8 different varieties of steak knives for you to choose from. What a fun way to make eating a steak an exciting experience! I will definitely have to go back!
(5)
Borracho G.
An amazing steak joint! I could not complain at all about this place. Love the huge popovers that come out before the meal and if you dip it in the lobster bisque you will be in flavor bliss. The filet was so tender and melted like butter. If you are not into red meat then go for the roasted chicken in a pot as an option. You will not envy the meat eaters with this chicken dish. All the appetizer's were great and you can do no wrong with any of them. The price is high depending on the cuts and types of meat but you will get what you pay for and you wont be disappointed. Barclay Prime is truly a fine meal in Philly.
(4)
Kelly G.
You're in Philly. You want a cheesesteak. This place was near my hotel and rumor had it they have a $100.00 cheesesteak. Of course I had to swing by. By the time I ordered, I'd chickened out. It was so cold and blustery out. I ordered the lobster bisque and a dark and stormy instead. This was the best lobster bisque I've ever had in my life. The soup base was so velvety smooth, flavorful, with just a touch of heat (cayenne or Tabasco I guess). Oh Lord, I loved this soup. Then there was the lobster. I noticed one whole claw (for the visual effect, I guess). But as I delved deeper into the soup, there were other numerous huge chunks of that delectable lobster meat. So tender. So flavorful. I tore my roll into pieces and tossed them into the dish at the end in order to soak up all remaining drops of soup or leftover pieces of lobster. This was so good. OMG! And the presentation? It came out of the kitchen in a mini-tureen. OMG. The loveliness of keeping my steam in my bowl until it was in front of me. Let ME get the first whiffs of lobstery goodness. Wash it all down with a couple of dark & stormys, and life was good. Mmm. I wanted to return to this lovely spot. All warming and welcoming with the dark brown wood interior and single candles on each of the conversationally placed tables. Alas, the work people limited my restaurant choices. No worries. Philly is close enough to DC that I can zip up here on a whim and return to all of my favorite spots! Yes!
(4)
Robert D.
Mr. Starr, you really out did your self this time !! If you're looking for a unique upscale dining experience, please indulge. You will not be disappointed. Upscale retro yet comfortable ambiance, sheik decor , impeccable service, and succulent cuisine. I've dined at just about every high end steak house in the city and this one by far is the upper crest of the top 5 list! Everything from the homemade pop ems to the lobster bisque with a touch of caviar. Need I say more?? You cant go wrong with this one folks! So spend a little extra scratch for one of the best dining experiences you will ever have. It's well worth your while....guaranteed beyond your satisfaction!!
(5)
SD C.
Strip steak tasting was melt in your mouth delicious. Got three sauces to try with it and liked Bearnaise the best. Whipped potatoes and broccoli rabe were perfect accompaniments.
(5)
Melissa G.
This review is two months past due but i thought better late than never! My husband and I went here for our birthdays and we had a fantastic evening! Our server, Eric, was very knowledgeable about the menu and we enjoyed everything he suggested! We never had to wait for our drinks and our food came out promptly. First, I have to say I absolutely loved the popover bread! I could have made a meal out of that alone. We started out with two appetizers: the raw oysters and the hamachi crudo. They were both delicious and very fresh. My husband got the NY strip tasting menu. It was expensive but we figured why not splurge for our birthdays? Best decision we made that day! I do not remember which steak he liked the best but I do know his plate was empty in record time! I got the Australian wagyu filet. It was incredible! It was cooked to perfection and one of the best steaks I have ever had! We split the truffle mac and cheese which was also very good. I am more partial to the lobster mac and cheese at capital grille but will take the steaks at Barclay! We did not partake in dessert as we were meeting up with friends for drinks, but we did get a sample of their truffles. Our waiter, Eric must have overheard us mention our birthdays and he brought over the small plate of truffles complete with a candle! It was very sweet of him. Overall we had a great dinner. Be prepared to spend some money but well worth it!
Came in here today with the intention of adding the Kobe beef sliders to my burger collection.I always say the service at these upscale places are second to none,so that isn't an issue.I decided to read the menu and that decision cost me a few extra dollars.I chose to "take the gloves off " and order a steak.I love the cutlery they bring out before the meal it makes the experience "extra fancy".The steak was just about perfect,tender and very nicely seasoned.Ilove the steak at Smith and Wollensky but I have to admit this one is a better cut and better tasting.I was looking forward to the Kobe beef sliders so maybe I will come back tomorrow.In my opinion this is the best steak money can buy
Not worth the money you spend! I usually love Stephen Starr restaurants but this was by far my worst restaurant experience ever! Lobster bisque was one of the worst I've ever tasted. The beef tar tar had way too many onions/shallots in it to even appreciate the flavor of the beef. The 15oz. Veal chop lacked any kind of delicious veal flavor, it was like eating an overcooked pork chop -- not what I want to spend $47 on! The NY Strip was ok, but frankly, I could have cooked it 10x better at home and for 1/5th the price. The truffle mac n cheese tasted as if a whole bottle of truffle oil was used in just our one portion, inedible! Not only was the food not good, the service lacked too! I've had better service at an Applebees! I will never go back there and I suggest you don't waste your money on it either! Very disappointing.
(1)
Marie D.
Although steaks are the centerpiece at Barclay Prime, the sides and apps are not to be overlooked. They could certainly be a meal on their own. On my last visit I took about three bites of my crusty, juicy dry-aged NY strip but had to wrap up the rest after I'd indulged in large popovers, literally as big as my outstretched hand, shrimp that shrimped the first course forks, a tangy Ceasar salad, and the majority of the side dish menu, including potato gratin, tater tots, creamed spinach, sauteed mushrooms, lobster mac and cheese with bacon and truffled mashed potatoes.
(5)
Jah F.
$100.00 CheeseSteak. Ingredients fit for a king.
(4)
Mariya G.
When looking for a new restaurant to try, I turn to trusty yelp and start skimming. Then I say a little prayer and hope that I have more in common with whoever wrote the 5-star reviews than with the poor saps who are exclaiming, 'NO! Stay Away!' No luck tonight. The much-hyped kobe sliders were dry. Kobe steak itself was actually pretty good (albeit nothing special). Everything else we tried fell squarely in the 'low-average' category. Most of Philly's 'New American' style places routinely turn out better food for lower prices.
(2)
Lisa W.
Yum! Came here to celebrate our 4th anniversary and were quickly ushered to our table by a pleasant hostess. Our waiter came right over and wished us a happy anniversary and provided us with drink lists and menus. He was very bubbly (husband said he reminded him of Lloyd from Entourage) and made recommendations for both drinks and food. Started out with the Kobe sliders, cooked to a perfect medium rare. One was topped with a tomato mixture, the other stuffed with cheese (gouda, I think). Both were marvelous, almost too good to share. We also had a caesar salad which was good and plenty for both of us. For entrees we went with the ribeye and dry aged strip. Both were served as we requested- rare and were very tender. The ribeye had more flavor than the strip and was served bone-in. We also got whipped potatoes and sauteed squash to share. The potatoes were so velvety and buttery I felt like I was eating a cloud if that cloud had rolled through a butter stick. The squash was just ok and lacked any seasoning or taste. For dessert we shared the smores and I think the highlight for both of us was the graham cracker ice cream. Definitely a surprising little treat that went perfect with the chocolate cake. Barclay Prime seems like a great place to get a little dressed up and celebrate a special occasion. Oh, I almost forgot! You get to pick your own steak knife. How silly!
(5)
David T.
Best steak I have ever had, such an awesome experience. I'm already a fan of Stephen Starr, so I came in with high expectations and was NOT disappointed. I ordered the 20oz ribeye and it was like slicing through butter. Meaty, delicious, perfectly seasoned, medium-rare butter. Also, being offered a selection of steak knives (each with its own attributes and stories) was cool. The rest of the group had the NY strip, 3.5lb lobster, sides of mushrooms, potatoes, bacon, mac and cheese, the Kobe slider app. Everything was delicious and the red and white wine we had went well with the whole meal. By far the best steakhouse in Philadelphia and I can't wait to go back. Oh, and if you're trying to impress a girl, bring her here. Big thank you to Victor, Harry and Thi for this great dinner and opportunity to dine here.
(5)
Don R.
From the time I opened the door til it closed behind us, this restaurant became my favorite in Philadelphia. When it comes to fine dining in Philadelphia, I've had some great experiences and I've had some extremely annoying experiences. The best will obviously include attentive service, amazing cuisine while the latter usually involves sitting too close to other diners at a kindergarten table yelling over their incredibly assinine conversations. So the usual over priced finger food on small plates and euro trash tag alongs to the side were instantly transformed into a phenomenally cooked filet and incredibly prepared sides like creamed spinach and kobe beef marvels to start with. The wine was perfect and I could actually hear what my girlfriend was saying during dinner, and I became a happy man. For some restaurants in this town, giving me what I want seems to be an incredible hassle for them and I apologize in advance for the inconvenience. Although remember....I am paying YOU afterall....what could I possibly be thinking. lol
(5)
Ken L.
Went back to BP for a quick luxurious dinner. The service is 5 star. The decor is very Hip and the menu changed slightly. The Kobe Beef Tartare is now Prime beef tartare, and I liked it much better as it did not have an over rich sauce but the ingredients were not to my liking. It was very spicy and had a very unusual taste almost middle eastern spice that I could not identify. I am a purist and love just great beef and maybe some capers and toast points. The Shrimp cocktail, 3 U6 for $19 seemed reasonable given the size and flavor. I was a little upset that my DP had her app a delicious tuna tartare and my app took at least 15 min after hers. I did order two apps so I can not kill them on this flaw as i did not specify what order to bring these. The popovers were delicious, chive-cheddar I believe and they do not refill them unless you ask and they seem perplexed by the request for additional popovers. they were served with a heavily salted butter. I would have preferred unsalted. The caviar selection looked great and reasonable from petrossian but we were not in the mood. Maybe another time. One dish on the app side was a burrata cheese from Vermont (via Murray cheese in NY) served with caviar. Interesting pairing. It did not specify which caviar and it seemed pricey at $ 19. On to the Entrees. I really think that BP had evolved into a fine dining restaurant from upscale steakhouse. They have at least 4 non meat selections, a turbot, a Bronzino, crabcake (not crab cakes...a personal pet peeve as I prefer two crab cakes ), and lobster that is butter poached and they did make a great steamed lobster for my DP sans butter. The steaks are from all different purveyors and I went with the NY Strip sampler of 2 La Frieda cuts , a wet and dry aged, and one of the australian kobe cuts. It still baffles me that they do not have japanese kobe on this menu. The Sampler was great but I was getting full. Side dishes were good. The tater tots which are usually awesome were sickly salty and the mushrooms and asparagus were right on. we took a peanut butter kinda dessert home and it was fair, nothing special. Overall, besides a very nice and competent server Jason, the whole experience is very robotic and the usual SRO experience. The last time we went the food was right on, this time there were some weird taste profiles that I did not complain about because we were in a hurry to relieve our babysitter. We will go back but they definitely have dropped down in food quality and taste in my opinion. I prefer Union Trust, or Smith and Wollensky or Palm for a more authentic steakhouse experience. This is a steakhouse for date night or business account dinners or non steak eaters who like the gliterazzi. I do miss lunch there as they stopped serving it 5 or 6 years ago. If not for our excellent server, I would have given the restaurant 3 stars.
(4)
Risa M.
No need to go into what I order here. You will not be disappointed. The wine list, the caviar... Everything is perfect and consistent. Love the lounge-ey feel and music too.
(5)
Ben M.
The first time I went here it was one of the best meals (overall) that I've ever had. Unfortunately the second time was not quite as nice-- I think the menu has downgraded somewhat-- but we're still talking about a fantastic restaurant. It is of course a very expensive restaurant, but I think it lives up to its expectations, and I really do like Stephen Starr's places. The steaks (especially the first time) were incredible, and the cocktails they serve were inventive and delicious. The dessert menu stands to be improved, but it is at least creative. Highly recommended.
(5)
Jessica H.
We went to Barclay Prime for our six month wedding anniversary. It was a Sunday night, so the restaurant was not busy at all. The main dining room is striking--it's a large room with many relatively low-to-the-ground sofas bookending simply decorated tables, and some smaller tables with chairs along the edges of the room. The walls are lined with bookshelves, most with books in them, which we liked. The room is dimly lit, but it never felt dark. There are large windows lining one wall. Our server was wonderful. She was very friendly and knowledgeable, but not overbearing. For our meal, we ordered: -Kobe beef sliders -20oz prime bone-in ribeye (one each) -creamed spinach -truffle mac & cheese -the waitress also sent us (gratis) the truffle mashed potatoes, which we had asked about but not ordered We loved the kobe beef sliders, the steak, and the creamed spinach. Not surprisingly, they really know how to cook beef. I was surprised by the creamed spinach (not normally something I would order), but it was delicious. We did not enjoy the mac and cheese and the mashed potatoes. It may have been the truffle oil, but both dishes tasted overwhelmingly salty. There was also a lot of oil in both dishes--made clear the next day when we reheated our leftovers and found a pool of oil around the mashed potatoes (we couldn't finish about half of our meal--it was a lot of food!) Ultimately, we would have preferred more subtle side dishes to complement the steak.
(4)
Michael B.
Barclay Prime is a fantastic overall experience. The food is excellent, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the service is even better. There is an elegant bar when you walk in where you can have a great drink or two before dinner. The dining room has a modern edge to it that makes you feel a bit like a celebrity. It is an expensive place, but I would imagine most people would save it for a special occasion, and it is absolutely worth it if you are looking for a great steak and a good time. The only reason I did not give it five stars is because I am a snob, and have experienced some of the best steakhouses around, and honestly, there are better steaks out there at other steakhouses. However, that is my foodie self talking. If your looking for top tier food, and a great overall experience, this is your place!
(4)
Matt C.
Very fun restaurant. Awesome ambiance, beautiful dining room, exceptional service. The wait staff is not only on point but also fun - blending themselves into your dining experience with wit, humor, and knowledge of the menu without ever seeming obtrusive... They bring out a selection of spectacular steak knives for you to choose from, also a really fun part of the meal that adds to the vibe. Hands down the best side dishes I've ever had at a steak house. The kobe beef tartare is crazy good. The truffle mashed potatoes blew my mind. The truffle mac & cheese is phenomenal. Hell, even the creamed spinache was some of the best I've ever had. Every one of their steak sauces is exceptional as well. The only thing that didn't blow my mind about Barclay Prime? The steak! That was very odd for me, being everything else is at such an elite level. The steaks are good enough to justify coming here for the overall dining experience or for a fun night out, but if you're hunting for the best steak money can buy you can definitely do better.
(5)
S P.
Great Service, great food. A great place in Center City, that feels like you are in a world class city.
(5)
B M.
We had reservations for 9:15 on a Friday. After deciding on Thursday that we wanted a good steak dinner we read a few reviews and tried to get a table at Capitol Grille... however they were booked. I think this turned out to be a good thing. We fell in love with Barclay Prime! We were a few minutes early and were seated just about the time of our reservation. The staff was helpful, courteous, and unassuming. We had never been to Barclay Prime before and hadn't read too many reviews or seen photos. We were pleasantly surprised by the simple, tasteful decor. It felt like you were in someone's home... but fancy. We loved the armchairs at our table for two and really enjoyed checking out the book titles that lined the shelves. The music also was perfect - that retro Americana that is part mod-60s and part timeless. Our server, Jason A, was great. He suggested a few things on menu, had excellent recommendations for sauce and side order pairings. We didn't feel any pressure to "up order," either, which is always a plus. We started our meal with a gruyere and chive popover (the bread of the night) and delicious salted butter. These popovers were so light and airy - but also filling! I only ate half of mine and wish I had thought to bring it home with me! Jason also bought over a selection of knives for us to choose from... something different and surprising but still fun! I ordered the 8 oz. filet with the bernaise sauce on the side. Jason had recommend the bernaise as best with the filet... I felt it was a bit too sweet and was glad that he had recommended it on the side. The potatoes au gratin were phenomenal and such a huge portion. I am eating the leftovers as I type and they are just as good re-heated! I was really pleased with the price of the 8 oz. filet - at $35 I felt it was very reasonable. He had the dry-aged rib eye...YUM. Perfect sear. So delicious... I was a little jealous! He also had the creamed spinach. When he didn't finish Jason recommend an excellent next-morning omelette creation with the creamed spinach. Sounded great! We opted our of dessert... but enjoyed complimentary hazlenut truffles with a salted caramel center. I would recommend Barclay Prime to anyone wanting a great meal, fun atmosphere, and reasonable upscale pricing. We will be back... I kind of want to try that $100 cheesesteak!
(5)
Jim D.
Next to Gibson's in Chicago, one of my all time favorite steak houses. Most of the ingredients are local and extremely fresh. I recommend the bone in filet if you're going for steak, but the seafood choices are equally as good. The menu is seasonal and many of the sides/appetizers change regularly. The dinner rolls are dreamy and resemble a huge Yorkshire pudding. The service is outstanding.
(5)
Le L.
I've been here a few times with my boyfriend and the food and service is excellent. It's pretty cute and cozy in there but just a little too dim. I like to see what I am eating.... The fried green tomatoes and bacon wrapped scallops is a great start. Kobe sliders were pretty good. They have the best Kobe Filet.... Super lean and tender. The Lamb was tasty too. The sides were pretty good (except for the gi'normous asparagus) The dessert is just as good and any other Steven Starr restaurants. Beware.... your bill will add up, but the food and service is well worth the experience. (you also get to choose you own steak knife)
(4)
Brandon M.
Best restaurant in the city, in my opinion. Surprised even myself, considering this is a Starr joint. The place oozes retro cool, from the stark contrast checkerboard floor that greets you in the waiting area to the 70s-style living room/lounge feel of the main dining area -- not to mention the unisex bathroom (which isn't as awkward as you'd think; the stalls are completely enclosed and the lighting is dim. It's more like the bathroom of a nice club than restaurant). So far, so Starr. But unlike a typical Starr joint, the service is remarkably attentive and competent, too. Waiters are professional without being snobby (I hate snobby waiters -- you're the one serving me!), and have a good grip of the menu and wines by the glass (the wine list itself is extensive, albeit pricey at ~4x markup...cocktails are excellent), and busboys are quick to refill water and clear plates. Sure, they lay it on a little thick by confirming your rare steak as "velvety red with a cool center" and laying out an arsenal of knives from which you select one to use, but that's part of the show. As for the food, BP's got steakhouse fare down. The oysters are very good, but I usually go with the Kobe sliders, which is possibly the best item on the menu. There's no shortage of cuts of beef, although my one gripe is that their feature steak for the last few months has been a 28-day dry aged strip...I think a steakhouse of this caliber should at least offer up a 5/6/7/8-week dry-aged steak. In any case, the steak itself is on par with or better than comparable cuts I've had at places like Peter Luger, Craftsteak and Jacobs & Co. Prices for food are pretty reasonable for what you get; I don't understand everyone here saying it's overpriced -- 18-oz. dry-aged steaks aren't going to get much cheaper than $45. You pay more for a steak at Morton's or the Palm and you get a lot more here. Desserts are delicious too. I usually opt for something chocolate. All in all, this is a near-perfect dining experience.
(5)
Hong P.
As a steak lover, and a big fan of upscale steak dining....this place was a huge dissapointment. Took my date to impress her, believe me, this place had a very nice decor. BUT BUT, they burned our steak to a point, it was not edible. You don't burn a medium steak!!!!!! I was pressed for time because I had to take my date to a play. I spoke to the manger, she says "this is how we cook our medium steak".....and no apologies??????? If I was not pressed for time, I would have asked for another steak. Try, Fleming's or Capital Grille. Basically I was embarresed to even take a date here.......
(1)
Francis C.
Superb in every aspect, from the decanted wine (Australian shiraz, Noon Winery, 2010), to the finest filet I've ever eaten, to the sides, and the dessert, and especially the service. A choice of steak knives was offered each guest. It was my 70th birthday dinner; I was brought a surprise mini-birthday cake at the end.
(5)
Ava W.
For the price, I would say it's really just OK. Part of it was the waiter who served us- really rude. The other part was the steak sauce - there was no A1 sauce and their home-made steak sauce was kinda sour... But beyond those two factors, I enjoyed everything about it - the appetizer which was a baked croissant thingy was really good. We order Kobe Sliders which were decent (not super gd though). Then, my bf had a NY strip and I ordered a 12 oz filet and that was really soft and good steak - OH! do'nt forget the sides - I had mushroom and cameralized onions which turned out to be really good, even better than the steaks... :) But I did have a gd dinner w/ my bf =P Overall, still worth a try if you haven't!
(3)
Joanna L.
As another reviewer wrote, I don't usually eat places this nice (or this expensive). So my visit to Barclay Prime was a nice treat. We requested a specific server - Jason - after having him as our server at the Starr/Talula's Table Pop-Up a couple weeks ago. He is ridiculously helpful and courteous and he *really* knows what he's talking about both food and wine-wise. And he's cute. We were a party of 5 - shared a bunch of apps - bacon and scallops on top of a fried green tomato, kobe tartare (amazing), and tuna tartare (not as good as the beef, but still delicious). I had the dry aged NY strip ($48! oy), medium rare, with some lobster on top. You can skip the lobster for the paltry amount you get. The steak was so buttery and melty and delicious. Most of us had this steak and everyone was happy. For our sides, we had tater tots (I think Jason described them as golden pillows of deliciousness, and that's what they were), sauteed mushrooms (omg I don't even want to know how much butter they use to make these so delicious), creamed spinach (perfect amount of creaminess), and the truffle mac and cheese (which I would have inhaled if I didn't have this ridiculous steak in front of me). We actually had room for dessert - the warm deep dish cookie thing with ice cream on top was out of this world. Glad I wasn't paying. :)
(5)
Dominic P.
Hands down the best steak in Philly. Brussels sprouts were excellent, as well!
(5)
Grant E.
Food exceptional (5 stars). Service not bad (4 stars). Atmosphere (3 stars). Hostess and Manager collusive and inept (1 star). I have been to Barclay Prime 5 or 6 times now. Food: The food has always been exceptional from the muffin top to the excellent steak. It is probably the best steak I have ever enjoyed in my life. There are restaurants that I can say are my favorite (dessert, seafood, thai, sushi, soup....), this is the best steak. Table Service: The wait staff is very attentive and does an excellent job explaining the menu and meeting your entire requests. They will never let your requests go unnoticed. Atmosphere: Very unique and doesn't really meet my expectations of a fine steakhouse. It has an eclectic diner feel. For some reason, the fancy diner is a Philadelphia trademark. The chairs are in constant motion which makes you feel awkward while eating. There is nothing classy or classic about the atmosphere (unless you consider the Waffle House a top notch steakhouse). The wait staff is in constant motion. Add the wait staff's fast pace, the moving chairs and a few drinks and you will think you are at a county fair. Hostess: The hostess has been there for quite sometime. They are the young girls that think they are too cute, when they are actually pretty trashy. I consider them 10% girls (they think they are about 10% better looking than they really are). We requested the hostess (the blonde ditz) to move us to another table. She lied and said that table is going to be for 4 people and moved us to horrible table in exchange. During the dinner we noticed they sat 2 groups of 2 at that table. The beverage manager said it was his decision and did not know of our request. The difference between a great restaurant and a good restaurant in the details. People will remember the experience more than the food. If the restaurant would spend more time teaching etiquette to the trashy hostesses and fine tuning the atmosphere, it would be a Top Restaurant. Otherwise, it falls to mediocre.
(3)
John B.
One word: overrated. Steak was nothing that special, although properly cooked to medium rare. The fat distribution on the meat was weird...it seems like the meat had fat clusters rather than nicely distributed marbling. Their sliders are actually excellent and they have a rather nice list of single-malts. The decor is nice enough that you can bring dates you want to impress.
(3)
JB K.
On a recent business trip, we opted for this locally-owned steakhouse instead of the usual chain. The food was excellent but the experience may have outshone the food, which is not a bad thing. The decor was certainly beautiful and sumptuous--creamy white leather with lime green velvet pillows, dark wood, crystal chandeliers; nice but not stuffy. Two of our guests were kids not exactly dressed for the occasion, and the waitstaff made us all feel welcome. The waiter also bore our jokes about ordering the $7500 bottle of 1982 Chateau Cheval- Blanc well, though I'm pretty sure he'd heard that joke before. We were asked to choose a knife from a selection of steak knives--a first for all of us. And then there was the unisex bathroom--certainly two idiosyncratic features that people will remember and talk about. I had the filet of course--and while it was cooked to perfection, I had just had the same at Ruth's Chris the week before, and this one suffered by the comparison. I am partial to RC's butter preparation, so I'm sure this was outstanding filet by any other standard but mine. There were 11 of us so we shared a bunch of the sides and got to try a little of everything--the nueske (smoked) bacon was amazing, and the others (truffle mac & cheese, creamed spinach, potato nachos, broccolini, whipped potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, asparagus) were excellent but not exceptionally inventive. And then there was the standout dessert. You simply cannot pass on the chocolate-chip creme brulee. At the end of a great meal with good wine and company, I wanted nothing more than to be alone with that particular dessert.
(4)
Kevin S.
I just got back home from an amazing meal at Barcley Prime. The food was super delicious and the service was stellar. The vibe throughout the dining room was mellow, dimly lit and visually appealing. I especially enjoyed the layout of the seating as we were both sat on separate couches between a table. Quaint, masculine and chill, just the way I like to dine. We started with the bacon wrapped scallops served over a fried green tomato and a light white maple syrup glaze. This appetizer was seriously worth a trip back! For dinner we both decided on the 28 day dry aged 16 oz. NY strip steak. Simply splendid taste, cooked pink on the inside, providing a juicy-yummy mouthwatering piece of meat - bite after bite. Additionally we had the broccolini as a side - seasoned to perfection. The 5-star service only added to the amazing dining experience. We were attended to by two servers, both were extremely knowledgeable of the menu, wine list, etc. I was very impressed all around, from the host to the extremely attentive waitstaff. Although the prices are super high - It is worth every penny on a special occasion.
(5)
Craig R.
Wow. What a great steak. One of the best steaks I have had in a very long time. Order the New York Strip, Pittsburgh style (with cracked pepper)...yum. Inside the restaurant looks like my mother's 1970's living room...you know, the room with the pleather furniture and cheap tables....time to update your look. They also give you your choice of knives for your meal. Nice touch, sets them apart from others. Last but not least is the price...holy SH&T...you have to be kidding me...way too overpriced. Great steak yes, but not the best for this price.
(4)
Sean D.
Went there last night for our 6 year anniversary. We had reservations at a competitor and I happened to go online to look for another place to go to afterwards for some dessert when I saw the reviews for Barclay. I remember looking a few years back and not seeing as high reviews. After reading all the reviews on here, we decided to cancel our reservations elsewhere and go to Barclay. Very glad we did. The dining hall is small and quiet and every part of the meal was amazing. We both ended up getting the 12oz filet's with truffle mashed potatoes and cream spinach. Then for dessert tried their smores dessert which was amazing. Also had a very nice wine selection. I have tried pretty much every steakhouse in Philly and would agree with the below comments that this is surely up there for the best steakhouse.
(5)
Louis K.
I was in the city the other night for a party and my wife and I wanted to get a relatively quick meal in the lounge at Barclay Prime. Knowing that it was Saturday we went pretty early around 630. We walked into the Lounge area and it was no more then half full, at least 8-10 tables open. We asked to be seated and the hostess said that they were booked. I told her we weren't looking to camp out all night and that we would be out by 730. She told us to wait by the bar, a ten minute deliberation between the Robert Palmer hostesses ensued. In that time a nice gentleman offered my wife his seat and the seat opened up next to her, eventually one of the hostesses came over and said they could accommodate us, at that point we decided to eat at the bar. From that point on we had a lovely time, our bartender, Bob, was super pleasant and attentive to our needs. My wife and I split an order of the oysters which were delicious and I had the 8 oz filet which was cooked to perfection with sides of the truffled whipped potatoes (YUM!) and roasted brussel sprouts that were out of this world. When we were finished the lounge still had empty tables and that is why I'm deducting 1 star from what could have been a 5 star rating. The girls up front need to know when to be accommodating .
(4)
Bill q.
Overpriced and Underwhelming Lobster: $100 Sole: $80 four slices of raw scallop: $18 Why do people go to Starr restaurants? Why did I? Because someone wanted to take me. Good thing I wasn't paying. Food was very so-so, service is bizarre, choose my knife? Choose my knife?
(2)
Hannah M.
This place is delicious. When my fiance was trying to convince me to move from NYC to Philly with him, he took me here, and it worked. The filet mignon was incredible, as was everything else. Big portions of delicious food with a more fun ambiance than your typical stuffy steakhouse. I really enjoyed it, will be back soon!
(5)
Edwin M.
This place is AMAZING! My wife and I ar from North Jersey but we try to make the trip to this great steakhouse every year. Typically around our anniversary. Anyway enough about us... LOL. We like to try diff things when eating here however the Mac'N cheese truffle is a staple for us everytime we go it's REALLY that good! Top notch service and every waiter we have ever has been helpful in helping us decide. No they don't always pick the highest items either... The ambiance is nice as well. Steaks are tender and have great taste. Overall, great expierence. Not the cheapest but again you get what you pay for
(5)
Tom G.
Appetizers and sides ruled my visit here. Kobe sliders were good. Tuna tartar was fresh and delicious. Lobster bisque was out of this world. Salads were average, maybe even below average. Steaks were less-than-amazing, which surprised all of the people in my group. None of us had been to BP before but we're all steakhouse "veterans." The steaks were all absolutely charred on the outside while being correctly cooked on the inside for the most part. The rub they slathered the steaks in was odd, as well. I appreciated that the NY strip was grass fed organic, and that was apparent in the flavor of the meat, but the bitter charcoal exterior really detracted from the natural flavor of the meat. This sentiment was echoed by all of my party. The more traditional steakhouse goers in the group did not appreciate the trendiness, feeling it tried putting an institition like American steakhouses into a prettied up, club-like atmosphere. I didn't echo this as I enjoyed the wood walls and modern tables and chairs. The mushroom side was AMAZING. I'd strongly recommend. The tatertots were not that great. The asparagus was fresh and perfectly cooked. The wine list, my favorite part, was standard for a steakhouse. Lots of big cali cabs and little else of note (outside of the 82 first growths like Cheval Blanc for $7400). We settled on a $250 bottle of Plumpjack Cab that was fantastic (if carrying the steakhouse standard 200% markup). This was probably the best part of the meal. Interestingly, the women in our group liked this place far more than the men here. They said they appreciated that it wasn't so manly.
(4)
Susan M.
Food was delicious. Steak was cooked perfectly. Shrimp cocktail were huge and tasty. Loved to Popover bread they serve in the beginning. Nice touch of letting you choose your own personal steak knife. Beautiful looking restaurant but expect to drop a small fortune. Very Very Exprensive!!!
(4)
Lily Q.
This is definitely my least favorite Steven Starr restaurant, unthinkably disappointing service and the food was just ok at best. I came here for a friend's bday party a few months ago, I had been really looking forward to coming here, it was the only Starr restaurant in Philly I hadn't tried yet and I absolutely love Butcher & Singer so I came in with very high expectations...oops We were seated in the front cigar-room-like area, they had placed a row of small tables together accommodate our large party. As soon as we were seated, I noticed that my table was very wobbly, to the point where the slightest weight shift would splash my water and I couldn't set my martini on the table because it would spill everywhere. We told the waiter at least twice before he even bothered to look at it and when he did he just assured me that the tabletop would not fall down on me (the screw holding the heavy table top down was so loose it really did feel like the top would slide off any second) and he took no measures to try to secure it, when we asked him if he could just swap it with a stable table he said he'd look into it and never got back to us. By this point we were having so many other issues with the waiter- I asked 3-4 times for lemon for my water and never got them, drink refills were absurdly slow as he would only stop by our table once every 20 or 30 mins- it just became ridiculous. I had the pleasure of eating my $100+ meal on a see-saw table with the silverware and plates sliding around and banging together everytime i cut my steak. The food unfortunately did not come close to making up for the horrendous service. The only thing I liked were the cocktails and the kobe tartar, but this is a steak house... and my porterhouse came out completely overcooked (totally burnt on the outside) and flavorless. The vegetable sides were dry and burnt, the spaeztle was ok but my boyfriend said it was sub-par. One guy in our party who got his steak 30 minutes before I did sent his steak back for being too tough and overcooked and it took almost an hour for him to get the new steak so I didn't even bother with trying to wave down our no-where-to-be-seen waiter to send mine back. Our dinner ended up taking 4 hours and believe me that was not by choice. To top everything off, my credit card was charged twice. Disappointing experience would be an understatement....never again
(1)
Theresa K.
The food was beyond amazing....everything was cooked to perfection! The West Coast oysters...OUT OF THIS WORLD! Drinks were really good too and the service (James) was astounding, very knowledgeable...answered all of our questions and was ALWAYS right there when we needed him! Dessert was excellent! We had a wonderful experience and will definitely go back!
(5)
Meg H.
Went there for the first time Sunday night. Place was PACKED!!! I heard alot of great things so I had to check it out for myself!!! OMG!!!! The best steak i have ever had and the Truffle mashed potatoes to die for!!!!! Will definitely be back!!!!
(5)
Robert K.
Overpriced & overrated. My $48 NY strip was too salty. Lined w/ hard gristle (had to spit some out or swallow big pieces), and undercooked. Charged us an extra $6 to bring a dessert we ordered for someone's birthday- I guess b/c they wrote 'happy birthday' in chocolate on the plate.
(2)
Benjamin S.
As a true connoisseur of steak, I can tell you that this is definitely top choice. I took my girlfriend to Barclay on her first visit to PA since I moved here from Dallas, and both of us were completely satisfied! Starting with the Kobe Sliders is a must and you can't help but smile as they practically melt in your mouth. Absolute bliss. After, the first course we chose the Fillet and the Chicken. I will admit the fillet was much better than the organic chicken dish, but it is a steakhouse. The cut was perfect and the temperature was right on - medium rare. On top of the food and equally important was the outstanding wait-staff and perfectly set ambiance. Unique coed bathrooms, so do not be shocked. Everything perfect down to selecting your own knife, not a must but definitely a point of distinction. If you love steak and fine dining experiences you must try Barclay Prime! Possibly the best of Starr's imaginations.
Spell "overrated": You guessed it... B-a-r-c-l-a-y P-r-i-m-e. I went to a reception here a while back and they passed various hors d'oeuvres all night, including the famous sliders. Those sliders were so freakin' awesome, I had high hopes when I returned for dinner. Alas, those hopes were dashed right after I finished my slider appetizer. Tomato Mozzarella salad: delicious. Sliders: awesome, as expected. Steaks: meh (and one of our companions said his was overcooked). Sides: meh AND small. Dessert: cute and delicious. We ordered the broccolini, shaved potatoes and onions, fried onion strings, and sauteed spinach with garlic (which they kindly cooked to order). The broccolini came with aioli, which was ok and kind of a nice change from the usual hollandaise. The fried onion strings were blooming-onion-esque. The shaved potatoes and onions were the clear winner... good caramelization, perfect seasoning... but they lost points on size. I thought steakhouse meant gargantuan steaks and sides (seriously, who can eat 12 ounces of meat in a sitting?). The shaved potatoes and onions were sufficient maybe for a party of two. They were sadly inadequate for our fourtop. If I ever return, I'm camping out at the bar and eating sliders until I'm ready for dessert.
(3)
Ferit U.
amazing wagnu steak
(5)
Ron H.
Kitchen had redeemed itself with the new menu from last years all time low, and it was quickly becoming my favorite steakhouse again, but this visit was all disappointment. Ate in the bar area at 9:30, got appetizer salad ok within 10 minutes. Did the kobe sliders for dinner and they didn't come out until 11:03...requested "medium", but they are still raw enough inside to split open at first bite. I had to scrape out the raw meat and eat just the outer seared ends. Supposed to have shallots on one of them, they were completely missing with only the gruyere cheese on top. Other one had a ton of onions and sometype of sauce on the bottom. I also had the shrimp cocktail: a great size dish to compliment the sliders and round out a latenight lite meal, but tonight the shrimp was overcooked and rubbery in texture. I hope the chef is out sick with the flu as this has always been one of my favorite steakhouse and I'd hate for it to have gone back to last years standards... Service was well below par for any of Starr's places...and this is supposed to be one of his best. I've eaten here over 20 times in the last few years and this is the first bad experience. We'll be back in the next two weeks so look for a new review once we do. I guess when you're a regular, you're bound to hit them on an off night, but still disappointing none the less
Reviewed for the food, as a cliche steakhouse, Barclay's is top notch. We had a great dinner here between four people, and none of us had complaints on the meal. I'm docking them a star however for what many of you may consider a trivial note.... I am annoyed that I was given a "knife" menu. The knife menu is a gimmick at best. If you're bringing me 6 different knives to cut my steak, you best be on your game to discuss the pros and cons of each because A: I think your proposal is stupid and B: I will test you on your knowledge and C: I will ridicule you and your lack of knife-knowledge. "Q: Is the knife on the far right Damascus steel? A: I don't know. Q: How often do you sharpen your knives? A: Every day. (suuuure) Q: Let me see it (I try it against my fingernail, the easiest sharpness test.) This is dull. Could I try a different one? No?" Do not B.S. me, oh server-of-the-knives. You have not sharpened said knife since you've opened the place, and dollars-to-donuts you've recently run said knife through the dishwasher (for shame!) I am not allowed to trade said knife in now that I have tested said knife. Fail. All of this said, their scallop was the best cooked scallop I've had, the wedge salad was on point, and the steaks were cooked perfectly. Dispose of the douchey knife selection, and you're a 5 star joint. Finally, last word of advice...don't come here on a budget, as you will leave in tears.
(4)
Mike D.
The Finest. Came back a week later because it was so good. The beef tartare appetizer was outstanding. Loved the hint of mustard in it. The lobster bisque was fantastic as well. The ribeye is so tender and pairs great with the bernaise. I'd skip the horseradish creme. It took away from the taste of the steak. The spicy broccoli on special was the perfect light side. We also tried the potato gratin, but were underwhelmed. The warm cookie dessert, though!! Washed it all down with the Blueprint Shiraz. James was my waiter both times - he spent the perfect amount of time at the table. Wasn't there enough to be disruptive, but never let a glass so empty. Super knowledgeable about how to describe the foods on the menu. Also love how trendy the atmosphere is here.
(5)
Jeff M.
Dinner here was very good. The flavor to my new york strip was probably the best/most complex I have ever had. The tuna tartare was delicious. I think they peeled the skin off the asparagus, which sounds painful. The only negative thing that sticks out in my mind was the waiter nonchalantly suggested we add an expensive lobster to the order when no one had even mentioned shellfish. If the table wanted a lobster, the table would ask for a lobster. It was also not what I was expecting design-wise. There was nothing wrong with it- kind of like modern study/library, but it is a pretty big departure from the usual steak house look.
(5)
Jay G.
The place has a cafeteria slash library feel and it is quite pricey. Food is overall top notch and service is too. This is definitely a place that was trendy at one time and now attracts anyone who can shell out 150 per person. For me if I am going to hand over my wallet I would much rather do it in a more snobbish and elegant atmosphere so I will stick with the sister venue Butcher & Singer down the street. It is also funny that for the prices charged the seating all needs repairs so get ready for a wobbly ride and don't drink too much or you may fall off your white stool! Happy trails.....
(4)
Sarah F.
I'm a huge fan of Barclay Prime...in fact, I think this is the best steakhouse in the city. The atmosphere is very relaxed since the entire place feels like you are lounging in a study. The staff is super friendly (BIG shout out to Jason my waiter last night, you da best) and made my birthday dinner a perfect one! To start...everyone gets a hot, out of the oven popover they are simply to die for. These are unbelievably dangerous and the staff will keep offering them to you. Just say no. You are going to want to be hungry for the food to come. Our party of 6 ordered appz and entrees that all came out perfectly cooked (steaks were amazing, duh) and in a timely fashion. I had the heirloom tomato salad. Love how they do it here. Everything is chopped up and piled in a bowl. Super tasty. MUST HAVE: the full bronzino if you are in a fish mood....which you should be at least once if you come here. I can dream about this dish it's so good. Desserts: Warm banana cake Devils food cake Complimentary birthday cake (amazing...come for your birthday...seriously) Put your eating clothes on and enjoy!
(5)
Samantha B.
Barclay Prime wasn't on my radar at all, mostly because I don't frequent steakhouses, but we decided to stop in for impromptu dessert and drinks one night recently. The dining room is beautiful, and younger and hipper than other steakhouses in Philly. We thought we might be shunned for opting just for dessert and a drink, but our server was fine with it. We ordered the warm banana cake for dessert, and each got a drink. As I browsed the drink menu, it pained me that the wine I had earlier in the night for 10 dollars a glass was 16 a glass at BP...this turned me off a bit, but I guess it's to be expected. Both our drinks and dessert were really delicious, and service was excellent. I'd love to come back for dinner in the future, even though those high prices are truly a shot to the wallet.
(4)
G V.
Expensive but you definitely get what you pay for. Ordered the prime filet - medium rare. It was literally best steak I have ever had - and I have had them at the best steakhouses in NY, CHI, LA, BOS, etc. They also had a $100 cheesesteak sandwich which I couldn't bring myself to order. Next time! Great wine selection and ambiance. Sounds silly but try the tater tots. They're awesome. The truffle Mac and cheese is insane - what I would ask for in a last meal. Don't balk at prices. It's worth it.
(5)
Keith M.
Excellent experience here. Had the 12 ounce filet with Roquefort cheese-- highly recommended. Attentive service and relaxing ambiance. Potatoes gratin were an excellent side. Cocktails were top notch as well.
(5)
Naomi B.
I've dined here for a recent birthday celebration with a party of four and my experience there cannot even be compared to what I shall write, even though I will try. Our waiter was a sweetheart, explaining the menu to us, recommending a few dishes; and drinks that went with it. The truffle mac and cheese was phenomenal, as well as the ahi tuna I've also ordered. The steak (medium, what else?) was so deliciously made, I wanted to kiss the chef that made it. When it came time to pay the bill, our waiter remembered it was two of my parties birthday and surprised us with a delicious cake, wishing them both well. I'll definitely come back again soon.
(5)
Ceasar B.
The first thing that you notice is that the inside is beautiful. Lots of wood and dim lights-- Very classical kind of style. It kind of makes me think of what many hotels are going for, except in this case it doesn't feel like they're trying-- it just truly is authentic. Service is fantastic. The head waiter will check your coat, and your actual waiter is very knowledgeable on the menu, calm, and friendly. Water was of course never an issue. Before dining, they bring out a knife tray of various knives from around the world-- Two German, one French, and two Japanese. I don't know if there is a reason for this, or if it's just for show. In any case, it was a sort of highlight as we guessed what it meant for so-and-so to pick so-and-so knife. The steaks are of course pricey (think at least $50). I am not really qualified to judge, but my impression was that the first bite was delicious, and the rest was harder to appreciate (which is not surprising). In retrospect I paid more attention to the other guests than my food. Mashed potatoes were very buttery, but enjoyable. Wish I could say more. For dessert I had the coconut cream pie and stole a bite of a cheesecake dish. Everything on the table looked fantastic though, and of the two I tasted they were extremely delicious-- not overly sweet and just perfectly pleasant.
(5)
Delvia W.
First time here July 19th. Love the decor. I had the Love Triangle cocktail and it was very strong :-) and good. Love the bar area. Service was empeccable. I will go back.
(4)
John L.
Barclay Prime is something which has to be done when in Philly, as it is the place to drop some dough and get a good piece of dry aged steak. It is the stereotypical place to go if you need to have a fancy business dinner with some clients, and want to impress. The steak? Amazing. Wine? Superb. Service? Impeccable. Atmosphere? On the spot. It doesn't offer surprises such as price, selection, or mood. But then again you know what you're getting when you drop that grand, and you know to enjoy!
(4)
Brad S.
Really great restaurant. Location is amazing, right off Rittenhouse Square with gorgeous views of the Park. Service was speedy and exemplary, with the food calibre to match. Steak tartare was the richest I've ever eaten, and both the lamb and the veal chops were delicious. Excellent bread as well, and quite reasonable pricing for this caliber of establishment, I think our total bill was around $150 for two, including tip. Would highly recommend for anybody seeking great food in Philadelphia
An amazing dinner:) our anniversary was celebrated at barclay prime and the food was incredible. My husband got a ribeye and I ordered short rib- both food coma inducing goodness :) The service was also great but then again, we were one of the few ppl dining at that time... So I hope they're always that nice. We had dessert but they sent us home with a delicious blueberry cake with brown butter frosting..... A delicious treat to take home thanks barclay!
(5)
M K.
Where do I begin with this place?! Swanky and gorgeous beyond belief, it transports you to another era but with modern touches. Our server was phenomenal, absolutely wonderful. The food was amaaaaazing. The hamachi crudo was delish, beef tartare so well seasoned. Best I've ever had and I've had this dish at every great steakhouse in NYC. My bone-in filet was out of this world. I usually opt for ribeye and almost switched but our server made me stay with the filet and it was off the charts insane. Hubby had the ribeye and my steak blew it away. Sides were the truffled Mac and cheese and creamed spinach. Heavenly! And I almost forgot the popovers, how ethereal, almost croissant-like with the most exquisite sea salt butter. So yummy. Dessert was banana cake which was delish but paled in comparison to all the other deliciousness. Can't wait to go back!!! All in all one if my most memorable dining experiences ever.
(5)
Tam V.
Oh goodness how fantastic is this place?!?! The boyfriend surprised me and had an extended celebration for our 6 year anniversary. After all, that's a bit of an accomplishment. I was overwhelmed by the menu because everything sounded delicious and I wanted to eat everything! I've never had dry aged beef, but I'm glad my first time was here. It was succulent, delicious, perfectly cooked and.. just plain out amazing. The service was attentive and amazing as well as the interesting show of knives. I used the knife designed by Porche to eat my steak :) my boyfriend picked the Japanese knife that was designed like a mini samurai sword. The decor is absolutely beautiful and the entire staff was ridiculously good looking. They must be labeled "models who serve food" Anyway, they gave us a complimentary slice of chocolate cake and wrote Happy Anniversary on it complete with a candle. We plan on returning.
(5)
Jay B.
I couldn't find anything wrong with this place. We skimped in the appetizers and the salads knowing we were all in for the main course and dessert. We shared the tuna tartare. Not really my thing but those who obliged, raved about it. There were four of us, 2 of us got the NY Strip (I was one of them) and I can say without a doubt, it was the best steak I've ever had (with Cap. Grille's in close second). The other two got the filet and porterhouse and were blown away as well. You can get a filet anywhere, 3/4 of us went a little more marbled. We went high class with tater tots as a shared side as well as creamed spinach and of course the truffle mac and cheese and can say that all three were the perfect compliment to the steak. We went crazy on desserts since a guy in our party's cousin is the pastry chef here and can't remember everything we got because there were 4 desserts but can say that the s'mores cake is worth jamming in, even when you're stuffed. I'm not sure that it gets any better than the meal we put together here but if it does, please let me know.
(5)
Lil L.
I wish I can give them a 3.5 stars..but 3..will do. I love the set up of the whole place and the fact that it was much more modern and hip in comparison to some of the other pricey steakhouses in Philadelphia. The steaks (ny strip & filet) were beautifully cooked. The apps were delicious and the love triangle cocktail was just the right amount of sweetness. I probably wouldn't waste the money on sides again though. The mushrooms were decent. Tots and Brussels sprouts were below par. Truffle Mac and cheese would have been great if there wasn't a piece of hair in the middle of it.... Overall, I definitely would come here again. I think it was just an overall bad night..or unlucky for us. Besides the hair in the Mac, one of the waiters from another table actually dropped food on my friends shoes..he was holding way too many plates! Also for a high end steakhouse, I think finding hair is pretty gross. Even though the waiter comped us for that $17 Mac n cheese...a round of drinks to say sorry would have been better on top of the side...
(3)
Mara T.
Amazing. Really amazing. Found this thanks to Yelp and Open Table and our visit was spectacular. This place is money. But the food is seriously worth it. We enjoyed Waygu rib-eye, truffle whipped potatoes, crab cake, rib-eye, a split wedge and various desserts. The service was spot-on, so polite and attentive yet not intrusive at all. Love the posh elegant art deco setup, though gotta say the giant settee/couches are not comfortable at all to sit on for a few hours....though you can make it work with enough alcohol. Speaking of, bartender was on point, mixing me up some raspberry mojito concoction that they kept coming and my husband enjoyed a bit of their wine selection. All in all, so happy we discovered this gem and will be back as often as our budget allows. If you're looking for an upscale steak dining experience, come here.
(5)
Devenne R.
By far the best steak place around. Great atmosphere and lighting. Great martinis. Service was very good.
(5)
Peter S.
The chips were stacked against it with those high prices and Laban's 2012 demotion, but this was the best steakhouse experience I've had in recent memory. I expected a stuffy environment but the dining room was beautiful and the service was casual but attentive. The filet was absolutely perfect. I expected the potato gratin and brussels sprouts to be throw-away sides but they were both delicious. I usually won't order a s'mores dessert but it was really worth ordering here. The scallops and branzino were both delicious but comparably less memorable as beef is definitely the star here. It is a splurge when you're company's not paying but the value is definitely there.
(5)
Chuck F.
We have visited Barclay Prime five or six times over the years, weathered different chefs and have never been disappointed. In my opinion, the number one steak house in Philadelphia; wonderful cuts of meat, excellent service, an elegant setting and a knife menu! My wife and daughter shared the cheesesteak and deemed it worth it but......
(5)
Larry F.
Two friends and I went here for the first time, and it turned out to be a very well-rounded experience. To sum it up, the food was AMAZING! Food: The three of us each ordered an appetizer and shared them - scallops, soft shell crab, and hamachi crudo. My favorite among the appetizers by far was the scallops. It was well seasoned and perfectly prepared and seared; it had a slightly crusty, browned texture on the outside, but the inside was so tender! The tempura soft shell crab turned out to be exactly what I expected and wasn't particularly exciting, but I really enjoyed the avocado salad/sauce that came with it. The hamachi crudo was delicious as well. Moving on to the main course, I had the 18oz ribeye. Wow, two days later, and I'm still thinking about it. It was perfectly seasoned, exactly the medium-rare that I wanted. There wasn't a single bite that I didn't enjoy. Even better, we were presented with 5 different knives to pick from; I picked the Samurai knife per the recommendation of the waiter, and that helped me cut through each piece of the steak so smoothly and painstakingly. The other knives looked awesome, too! I think I'm going to have to go back at least 4 more times to try the different knives... We also shared a creamed spinach side. I read some fabulous reviews on Yelp about the creamed spinach, but I wasn't particularly impressed. It tasted like...well, cream and spinach; nothing out of my expectation. Unfortunately, we didn't have the stomach space to fit dessert. We had some chocolate truffles to sweeten up our palates, and that was a good treat to end the night. Thinking back upon it, in terms of the quality of food, this was by far my favorite steakhouse in Philadelphia among the 5 that I've been to. Ambiance: The ambiance was, to say at least, unique, but overall a bit disappointing for me personally. Coming into the restaurant, the traditional, European architecture outside threw me off. We also couldn't find the door very easily. There seemed to be a private guest room, then the hotel entrance, and then in the corner the restaurant's entrance. The left door didn't open, so we thought that wasn't the place, and the door was so tinted and no one came to greet us when we looked lost while trying to open the door. Inside, the restaurant definitely had the contemporary feeling. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed. The Greek and Roman architecture books by the bookshelf we sat by didn't quite add up to the contemporary style. More importantly, the place felt young, but at the same time, too corporate. The window was also directly in front where I sat, and facing west, the setting sun was almost blinding at some point; where were the window shades? Finally, the 90's rock music playing in the background also made the whole place seem rowdier than it really should have been. Service: Nothing outstanding here. Our waiter made good recommendations, although my glass of water was left sitting empty a couple times, everything else was great. In all, great food, and I will definitely come back for that. Ambience was disappointing, but I don't think that can be changed (maybe beside the door part). Service was great, and everyone was friendly!
(4)
Gene B.
Food and service were excellent! It was my first visit and I wanted to try someplace new and I will say that I will definitely be back again!
(5)
Valerie K.
One of the coolest things about Barclay Prime, amongst its many wonderful attributes, is its classy old-school "rat pack" kind of ambiance, which is pretty kick-ass for a place that is less than 10 years young... In fact, it was quite a surprise for me when I was told that it's a Steve Starr restaurant and not a place where Frank Sinatra had dinner anytime he was crooning or loving in the City of Brotherly Love. The patrons, in their diamonds and pearls, fancy cufflinks, suede loafers, fur colors and white crisp shirts, exude this old money aroma and yet, the overall aura is very relaxed, without even a hint of snobbishness that usually comes as part of the "pockets full of cash" package. Their meat is pure perfection. Their choice of knives can be a bit intimidating when you don't know the difference between a Japanese knife, an Australian knife or the other three sharp options but the staff is always kind enough to offer an explanation and provide a recommendation (been there more than a dozen times and still don't have a clear understanding of which knife to use when). And then there is the $100 cheese-steak... Have you ever had a $100 cheese-steak? I have and I have to admit that it's the best cheese-steak I ever had. Now, is it worth $100? Not to me, only because I am just not a fan of that particular entree but the foodie in me can definitely appreciate how its exquisite ingredients (Kobe beef, shaved truffles, lobster tail, triple cream Taleggio cheaese, carmelized onions and heirloom tomatoes and assembled on a homemade brioche bun) can lead to its exquisite price tag. The verdict? It's a 5 out of 5 for me on all counts! Oh and I forgot to mention that two of my most favorite wines, a 2006 Louis Martini Cabernet and 2004 (I think) Frei Brothers Cabernet, were discovered by while while dining out at Barclay Prime
(5)
Kristin W.
Surrounded by bookshelves and low chairs, I felt like all we needed to complete the library feel were some carrels - but I'm glad that we had some tasty food instead. We started with a round of raw oysters, which came out quickly and were delicious. We also sampled from the appetizer menu with the Scallops (good-sized) and Wagyu Slider Duo (so delicious - don't miss these!). We ordered the Miso Black Cod (tasty, but a little too sweet - I prefer the Buddakan version) and the 8oz Filet and concluded that the steak is the way to go here. Throw in some Jumbo Green Asparagus (soft without being mushy) and some decadent Truffled Mashed Potatoes and you have 2 people who could not manage to eat dessert, even on a birthday outing.
(5)
Peter N.
This is one comfortable restaurant. Their steaks are really good and they have large cuts for us with big appetites. My waiter was very knowledgeable about bourbon and cocktails. The amazing thing about this restaurant is the seating. They are large single leather seats that have rollers beneath . The lighting is very comforting and makes you forget you are in Philly. The service is worth the price tag on the money.
Well...It s hard for me to write this review. Even though Barclay Prime is one of the best steakhouses in Philly, it also provides the the worst services. We went to Barclay Prime to celebrate a passing exam. We had a very high expectation to this restaurant because of the rating on yelp and well-known high reputation. We were impressed by the design of decorations in the lounge, but the decorations are too plain in the dinning room. They should have small paintings all the wall to compromise with chandelier and the 19th atmosphere. Our servant was literally average. Usually, waiter or waitress would be more enthusiastic in a restaurant like this. We were satisfied with the appetizers, beef tarte and oyster sashimi, but we had a big problem with the steak later. Apparently..we found a one-nail big bug in the vegetables that are served as a side of filet mignon. We talked with the manager, and he replaced another dish for us. They took off the dish of filet mignon from entire check, but we expected they would have more good faith. For a fancy restaurant like this and a $300 bill, we certainly expect more. The two stars are are for the chef who made my filet mignon, but I suggest he or she would serve at a better restaurant he or she deserves, like Butcher and Singer. P.S I went to Butcher and Singer last year, they absolutely have better decorations, better services (our waiter was very nice and polite), and better dishes (at least no bug). I would highly recommend you to visit Butcher and Singer, rather than this one. (I am not working for them btw~)
(2)
Sue P.
For all the hype and the price, we were thinking that the food was going to be good. Unfortunately, I must say that we were completely disappointed with this place. The steak was super salty and tough. The fish was dry and not good. Next time, I'll take my money elsewhere.
(1)
Ryan B.
100% The Best Food I have ever eaten. Great atmosphere, great waiter and fantastic food. My wife and I had a wonderful date night here.
(5)
Jennifer J.
Top notch steak house, great for a special dinner. We doubled with another couple for dinner and had a wonderful evening. The wait staff is vert attentive and the ambience is luxurios. My filet was perfectkly prepared as were the sides, truffle whipped potatoes and creamed spinach. Very filling and delicious but don't skip dessert!
(4)
Rebecca S.
After reading through about a million reviews of different restaurants, my husband and I decided to go to Barclay Prime to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and I'm glad we did. The food was absolutely delicious, and if the service had been as good as the food I would have given them 5 stars... Overall it was a very good experience and I would definitely go back. It was very cold the night we went, so my husband dropped me off while he went to park the car. I checked in with the hostess and then decided to grab a drink at the bar while I was waiting. My husband walked in right as our table was ready, so that was perfect timing. They offered to carry my drink to the table for me, but I wasn't letting go of that drink once I got it. ;-) We ordered the foie gras to start, which was absolutely wonderful. It just melted in our mouths. For our main course I ordered the 12 oz prime filet and my husband ordered the 14 oz dry aged New York Strip, and we got the truffle mac and cheese and the fried artichokes as our sides. Our waiter never asked us if we wanted any sauces with our steaks, or really even said anything at all. I was considering getting the Bearnaise sauce with my steak but the waiter was gone so quickly after I told him the steak I wanted that I didn't have a chance to even ask about it. It was probably best anyway since I didn't need any additional calories after this dinner, but even still it was a little odd. Our steaks were perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender, and the truffle mac and cheese was amazing, but the artichokes were just on the verge of being too salty. The bread that they brought was also very good. The biggest disappointment of the night was the timing of the food. Our appetizer was brought out very soon after ordering, then within seconds of finishing that they brought us the bread, and after having only 1 bite or so of the bread the steaks and sides were being brought out. It felt very rushed, which is disappointing when you are spending a lot of money to have an amazing meal. We shared a piece of cheesecake for dessert, which was delicious and extra special because they wrote happy anniversary on the plate in chocolate, and then they also sent us home with a dessert as an anniversary present, which was a nice touch. All in all a very delicious anniversary dinner.
(4)
Sarah S.
oooh! I'm not much of a steak eater but I guess when I do go for steak, I go all out. I got the ribeye (medium rare) and it was SO delicious and SO huge. We also got the beef tartar. very good. and the chocolate carmel cake was SOOO good. I'm not much of a sweets person but this cake was DELICIOUS. For it being a bit on the pricer side, I enjoyed the atmosphere. And the service was excellent. The only reason I wouldn't go here more often would probably be the $$ but I have no regrets!
(4)
Kevin D.
Designed by India Mahdavi, the lounge, dining and rest rooms have the flair and coloration of a classic 1960's spy flick: dark wood tones, creams, blacks, and the occasional lime green for pop... the place felt relaxed but upscaled, and of course the food was great. More people should follow Stephen Starr's lead for destination dining... Afterall, taste is just as important as presentation. ;)
(5)
Paul V.
The best steak since a long time. That is the reason why you go to a place like this. The rest of the food is good, but does not give you the wow factor (e.g. potatoes or asparagus). But I will come back, for the steaks.
(4)
Michelle C.
It had been years since my first visit to Barclay Prime. Since before my Yelp days, even. On that trip, I made the fateful mistake of ordering seared tuna as my entree. And not that the tuna was bad by any means (it was great), but I've long regretted not ordering the house specialty: steak. The other defining moment of that particular experience was that I tried mushrooms and, for the first time in my life, liked them. I've met many a mushroom since that I haven't been into, but I'll always credit Barclay Prime for enabling me to enjoy them on some occasions. My boyfriend and I had been talking about a splurge-y date night at Barclay for at least a year when that fateful LaBan re-review came out, demoting the restaurant from three bells to two. It affected our decision to dine there, and we talked about plans at another Starr favorite of ours, Il Pittore, instead. As luck would have it, the boyfriend was invited (with guest!) to dine at Barclay Prime. Consider this a disclaimer to my review if you wish, but our meal was excellent across the board. The service was excellent, the drinks were excellent and the food was excellent. And from our cushy seats in the center of the dining room, it appeared we weren't alone. Every table looked well-attended to, from the long row of teenagers (!) to the couple who were not shy about making out in full view (it was the end of the night, to be fair). We started with a half dozen oysters from British Columbia. They were delicious on their own with a squirt of lemon. In my opinion, the red wine mignonette was too acidic. My Kettle martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives was the perfect match. Next up for me was the wedge salad. It was served slightly differently than a traditional wedge, with crab in place of bacon. For dressing, I went half and half with the two available options, as suggested by my server. The flavors were awesome, and I highly recommend going the half/half route. My entree, an eight ounce filet with a crabmeat sidecar and au poivre on the side, was cooked perfectly for my requested medium. With sides of mushrooms (naturally!) and potato gratin, this was easily one of my richest meals in recent memory. Honestly, I may have gained a few pounds just from this dinner but it was so worth every calorie. And just when I thought life couldn't get better, I tried the twenty-eight day dry aged NY Strip. Wow. I've never before tasted so much flavor in a steak, and I say that with 100% confidence. Suggested wines paired perfectly, of course, although they would probably be (way) out of our price range on a date night. The drink prices will definitely get you where it hurts at Barclay, that is for sure. For dessert, the warm banana cake and the cheesecake. Both were wonderful but the cheesecake had the edge for me. After a glass of champagne sent over by the GM, our meal was complete. It was a memorable one that I'll not soon forget. I've already requested Barclay Prime as our next special-occasion meal.
(5)
Catherine G.
Best Happy Hour....be sure to try the Cosmo. The Cosmo is made from only fresh ingredients and is very light and so de-lish... The Happy Hour food is right off the dinner menu and with upscale comfort food like beef sliders. We got the chopped salad , yellowtail tuna and the mushroom bruschetta. All must trys..... The decor is reminiscent of old supper club.
(5)
Trish B.
This is the best restaurant I have ever been to, and I go out to restaurants A LOT! The second you walk in the door you are taken back by the beautiful decor. I never would have guessed that was what the restaurant looked like from the outside. We had the jumbo shrimp cocktail as an appetizer. The shrimp tasted so fresh and the cocktail sauce was out of this world. I had an "Ophelia's Fizz" to drink, which was outstanding. A perfect balance of sweet, bubbly, and the basil really nailed it. For entrees we both had the 8 oz. filet with a half lobster. The steak was the best I ever had!! The staff was so friendly and went out of their way to make sure everything was PERFECT. I would recommend this place for a very special occasion because of the high prices.
(5)
Damon L.
OK the wife and I were out for a special holiday season dinner. I was recommended this place by a co worker and was told I would have my socks blown off....well lets just say that I left with my socks still in place. The server was very nice and we were seated promptly we had an early dinner so it was not very crowded at all. Our server seemed to quite pompous and he seemed to be looking down his nose at us. I thought that it was just the way he and the staff was....until Donovan Mcnabb came in....then OH BOY!!!!! That is when the service picked up.....for him at least. I counted at least 6 different servers and managers that stopped by his table to ensure his visit was a pleasant one. I know that celebrity has its perks....but Damn...the levels of service were so blatantly disparaging......it made me feel like we came in there and ordered a Big Mac. There was another table of big wigs that were being served by our server and I guess since we were privileged enough to SEE him give exquisite service to them.....so we should have been satisfied. Let's get toe the food.....we ordered the Kobe sliders and the shrimp cocktail. we or our slider medium...the came out medium rare....closer to rare. The shrimp cocktail was very cold and the shrimp...though large in size, were rubbery and the cocktail sauce taste like it came out of a Heinz jar. My wife ordered the Medallions for her main course and in her words not mine..."they were good not"....not very good, not great , just good. I ordered the dry aged Porterhouse and it was.....very good. Now onto the sides we shared the creamed spinach and the mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was wonderful......but the spinach was HORRIBLE....some of the blandest, tasteless stuff I have ever eaten. If you like the taste of lukewarm, unseasoned cooked spinach....you will love this dish! I will tell that if you want a a great steak dinner in the Center city area....go to Davio's.....this place is over rated,
(3)
Mindy A.
Barclay Prime delivered on the things you expect of a top-notch steakhouse: delicious steaks, cooked to order service that is on point from the host to the bussers appetizing bread selection wonderful potato and veggie sides high prices A cut above on: the specialty drink selection Blew the competition out of the water on: the sexy ambiance. I love the discreet entrance and the small ("boutique") front bar that hides the dining area from view. Honestly, I probably would have given the place five stars without even getting to the food part. *I thought it was a little gimmick-y that we got to pick our knives, but I actually mentioned it to somebody else when I got home, so in truth, I guess it's just an excellent way to set themselves apart. On a few trips to Philly, I have visited 3 Stephen Starr restaurants now, and they are all awesome in their own unique way.
(5)
Jay Y.
The service was absolutely disappointing. Don't get me wrong the restaurant staff (including everyone except our waiter) was a delight ! It's sad that this guy had really ruined our experience which was highly anticipated. The guy never introduced himself, he was very dry and inattentive. The food was heavy and ok nothing to write home about. But some people are into that large portion /stuff yourself kinda thing. The decor was nice, good ambience but again not the best. In a nut shell is it worth all the fuss ? NO . Being from New York I know thing or two about good restaurants. I also love exploring the Philadelphia restaurant scene. There are plenty of great places in Philly to spend your hard earned cash where you just might get the waiters name ! My husband and I joked if we are ever in the mood for a $100 cheese steak we will have it delivered through diningin.com .
(3)
Annie S.
Love it. Nice service, delicious dessert and waitresses are always friendly.
(5)
Rachel K.
Super upscale steakhouse :) I went here for a friend's birthday party and I think all 10 of us loved our meal. TRY: Australian wagyu filet - yes. it melts in your mouth. Truffle mac & cheese (i had a beet salad to start the meal but it was ok...nothing special. sames goes for tater tots and truffle whipped potatoes as sides) SERVICE: Excellent! Very polite and professional service. AMBIANCE: Looooooove their atmosphere here. Super classy and hip at the same time. and it's always nice to walk across the street to the Rittenhouse and walk off that 10000 calories you just consumed. LOL
(4)
Cristin S.
I came here last Thursday with a friend of mine for dinner. This is a very lovely place. The chairs are comfy, though I wish the backs were a little higher for taller gals like me, but super comfy. Our server was extremely attentive and pleasant. Overall I was very happy with the entire experience. I had the 12oz filet cooked medium; it came out a little crispy and burnt for my tastes, but it was edible. I ordered 3 sauces (I'm a sauce whore) -- bearnaise, roquefort, and au poivre. All were very delicious. The bearnaise was like butter, it was melt-in-your-mouth fantastic. The roquefort was good but very strongly flavored. I couldn't eat a lot of it. On the contrary, I could have eaten the bearnaise sauce with a spoon. The au poivre was properly peppery. I also ordered the tater tots -- there were not your standard, mushy, frozen tater tots. These were clearly homemade, very crispy, salty, addicting. My friend ordered the marble potatoes, which were red, yellow, and blue potatoes with green beans and a buerre blanc sauce. They were very tasty. I ordered the El Diablo martini to drink and it.was.fantastic. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about drinking something with jalapeno syrup in it but I couldn't get enough. So I had three. For dessert, I had the s'mores cake. It's like a chocolate lava cake but instead of liquid hot chocolate inside, it was liquid hot marshmallow. It was a very heavy, decadent dessert. Extremely delicious. My friend ordered an assortment of ice creams -- roasted banana, peanut butter, and nutella. Fantastic stuff. Normally I'm a Morton's girl, but this place definitely gave them a run for their money. I'm eager to come back here and dine again, this time with my husband.
(4)
Ashwin T.
As I continue my pattern of only coming here on other people's dimes, I can say with pride that Barclay Prime reeks of opulence. A comfortable and spacious lounge area immediately at the entrance provides a nice segue into the spacious main dining tavern. Luxury and comfort is not sacrificed in the pursuit of upscale: the couch style seating provides you with much needed support when hounding down copious amounts of meat and alcohol. In addition to your typical steak house fare, novelty items on the menu include a $100 wagyu and foie gras cheesesteak (not at all worth it). My only complaint with my night was the relatively empty scene on a Monday night. Maybe its the four years of living in New York, but its started to be discomforting to me when a place isnt veritably bursting at the seams...
(4)
Sharilyn K.
Fantastic meal, ambience and service. Our server Glen was amazing...very friendly, informative and made our dinner an exceptional experience. Another staff member, Austin was superb and took great care of us. The food was phenomenal-particularly the Wagyu ribeye! We will absolutely be back, and not soon enough.
(5)
Heather G.
I was in Philly for the weekend and I love steakhouses! I had to try one I haven't been too so Barclay Prime was my choice. We had a 9:15 reservation and we were a few minutes late but there was no issue. Service was impeccable...wish I remembered our servers name because I would give him props! We ordered the west coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, split a wedge salad, sea bass, and a medium rare filet that was cooked to perfection with martinis. Only thing I would mention and probably shouldn't was the bartender didn't have the perfect pour when it came to martinis...but that could be that I watch too much bar rescue and make Martinis at home so only filling a Martini to slight over half a glass is a no no to me.. But back to the good stuff we ate everything happily including their famous warm popovers...a must have. We passed on the dessert because we were full beyond belief but they gave us salted caramel truffles with our check that completed the meal. If you want a steak house that is not stuffy and dated and the food and service is great this is a great place to go!
(5)
Chris S.
What did I just spend $250 dollars on? The overall meal and service was good but definitely not worth the price. The apps and sides were good but the steaks tasted like something I could have bought at Costco.
(2)
mike d.
What a bummer.. should have gone to the Prime Rib around the corner. Steak ordered Pittsburgh Rare, came out medium (brown center) quality ok the second time areound..should not have to worry about temp when in an up scale place got a robotic sorry from the server. service was ok the highlight of the nite was choosing the knife.... don't think I going back
(2)
Bruce W.
I don't usually eat at places this nice. Last night my girlfriend took me out for a graduation celebration, so this was exceptional for me and my review may reflect that. But wow. Those sliders. The rest of the meal was delicious--everything you would expect from such a nice restaurant--but I consider the sliders to be the must-have app. A couple years ago a firm took a bunch of us from school out to eat here and I got to try many of the apps, and those little burgers stole the show then and now. As for the rest of the experience: there is almost nothing inexpensive on the menu. If you're getting wine for two don't expect to leave without having spent at least $100. It's worth it for a nice occasion. Our waiter was extremely friendly, polite, and unobtrusive. The decor was like a warm reading room with the typical Starr twist (a nice modern flair). We got to pick our knives for the steak: I chose one of two German knives and my girlfriend chose a Japanese knife whose design was based off of throwing knives. A fun touch. One word of warning: the famous $100 cheesesteak is no longer on the menu! Apparently you can still order it if you give the chef 48 hours notice.
(5)
Melissa N.
Food AND service was amazing. My husband ordered the kobe beef tartare and I ordered the seared scallops as our appetizers. Both were VERY good. The scallops were cooked to its finest!! As for our main course, he ordered the 16 oz mishima ranch ultra ny strip and I ordered the 8 oz mishima ranch ultra filet. The temperature of our steaks were near to almost perfect. I wouldn't expect anything less since this place is pricy. Service was excellent and our waitress was very helpful. We loved it!!
(5)
Erica S.
This is the kind of place where Don Draper and Roger Sterling would go for an expensive two-martini lunch. Or perhaps Don would secretly meet here with a free-spirited brunette adultress before going home to Betty. It's all very masculine, dark, and sexy, like a library for dudes who like bourbon and expensive meat. Don Draper would not bring Betty here. The food was amazing. I had the Kobe and it was cooked to perfection. The Kobe beef sliders as an appetizer are an absolute must, and all the sides delivered as well. I remember some fingerling potatoes with garlic, shallots, and bacon (!?). The wine selection was one of those really long and overwhelming ones. Luckily we had a good waiter who suggested a bottle and he was right on. At least two people were taking care of our needs at all times without being overbearing. When it came time to choose our own knives ,we were so excited by the selection that he let us keep and play with them all. Thanks, dude! Don Draper, I'll see you there.
(5)
Ron W.
This is a follow up to a poor review I wrote about my recent experience at barclays. Within minutes of the review I received a message from the GM asking when I dined there and was "going to make things right." I never heard anything back. Pretty indicative of the overall experience: over promise and under deliver.
(1)
Tegan B.
What a great place to have a romantic dinner. We were seated together on a comfy couch in a dimly lit room. The ambience was nice, and the wait staff was nicely dressed. We got here somewhat on the early side and got to it see it gradually fill up. This food exceeded my expectations. I knew that we'd have a good meal, but I had no idea that we'd be blown away from the culinary greatness. I've never been to a better steak house. Although the steak was off the chain, the accompaniments were spectacular. We had the pleasure of having: Seared Scallops Appetizer Rabbit and Foie Gras Terrine Special Gnocchi and Lamb Sausage Appetizer (each) Wagayu NY Strip 28 Days Aged NY Strip Truffle Whipped Potatoes The star of the meal was the gnocchi. At different times, two of the staff came up to our table while we were enjoying it,and said it was their favorite dish. It was so light and fluffy, and you could taste the different ingredients separately - the potato, the cheese. Unreal... The scallops were cooked perfectly with a perfect combination of field onion puree, vermouth foam, and fried pork belly. The rabbit and foie gras terrine was decadent, an the cherry salad complimented it well. Of course the wagayu steak trumped the Dry aged. What a difference. I didn't want to stop eating the Truffle mashed potatoes. They were addictive! I regret that we didn't have enough time for dessert. Everything was made in house and seemed over the top. There will certainly be a next time, though. And a next time, and a next time after that when we really want to splurge.
(5)
Michael S.
Downtown location with a nice mix of vintage and contemporary decor. Food is expensive, but very good. We came for the steaks and were not disappointed; the sides (sauteed mushrooms and truffle mashed potatoes) were delicious. The ability to choose your steak knife is a novel twist. They forgot our oyster sampler appetizer, but made up for it by offering complimentary dessert. They got my wife's martini wrong twice, but immediately fixed it. Our server was very personable, and offered a great suggestion for brunch the next morning. Might have been five stars without the snafus, but the staff covered well.
(4)
Alexa R.
FULL DISCLOSURE: This review may be biased as I was here for a private event Saturday evening and it was amazing. They may have given us extra wonderful service as we were in a private room and part of a wedding party, but I disgress. From looking at the prices online, I can say that the service and the food far exceeded expectations. As we all know, there are restaurants in Philadelphia that charge astronomical prices for good food and mediocre service. Barclay Prime is not one of those places. The private event space is dark, woody, romantic and luxe. I felt fancy. I started with the shrimp cocktail appetizer (HUGE shrimp) which was filling and delicious. They also brought pop-overs to the table for us to eat with our appetizers - they were warm and had a hint of rosemary. Also amazing. I had the roasted chicken for dinner - "Alexa, who orders chicken?" you ask. Well, I do. I love roasted chicken and Barclay Prime did not disappoint. We were served creamed spinach and mashed potatoes family-style. I was not wild about the creamed spinach, but the mashed potatoes were awesome. I would come back to Barclay Prime and order those alone. For dessert, they did a three part tasting. Also incredible - some chocolate square I loved and a strawberry banana mousse. There was also a panna cotta, but I do not like panna cotta, so I did not eat it. If you are looking for something different and a true place to spoil your guests, this is the place. Service was stellar, too!
(5)
Claire O.
I came here over the holidays with my friend who had flown in from LA - we're both ridiculous eaters, so we were psyched. I chose Barclay Prime after seeing how highly it was rated by Philadelphia Magazine among the other steakhouses in Philly. Again, I've had decent experiences with Starr restaurants so far, so I was looking forward to it. It was surprisingly empty for a Sunday night (maybe everyone was still recovering from their New Year's revelry - we went the night before work/class resumed) so there was no way the service could have been more prompt. The interior was pretty neat and intimate for a large space; we were seated in a booth near the wall (lined with books). The chairs did roll about a little uncontrollably, though. Our servers were nice, funny, engaging and knowledgeable. We ordered raw oysters as an appetizer. I think it was only my second time eating raw oysters so I'm definitely not an expert, but they tasted pretty good. I'm not quite sure how to critique them. My friend and I split the 20oz ribeye because we ourselves had just come back from NY for the holiday fun. They were pretty accommodating with splitting the steak into two pieces. We also went with the truffled mash as a side - the serving was huge. The best part was when our server came with a selection of knives. What the hell would we know about knives? They cut, we eat. We weren't at all particular, although I'm sure some steak connoisseur out there would definitely appreciate having all those options. The steak was delicious - totally melted in my mouth. The truffled mash was also delicious. I've eaten at a number of well-reputed steakhouses and Barclay is up there. The steak was seasoned so well and cooked just right (we asked for medium rare). We got the creme brulee for dessert because we are seriously two fat girls trapped in skinny bodies. It was good. A little pricey, but worth it.
(5)
Meg B.
I had a great time with a group of friends at Barclay. I loved the decor and the ambience of the place. The service was top notch. The messed the boyfriend's steak by bringing out the tarjima filet instead of the tarjima strip. They had the correct steak out in front of him by the time all of the other dishes and sides were present. The truffled mashed potatoes were delish . The wedge and chopped salads were also very good. I also sampled the smores dessert that my friends had- was absolutely delicious. Dispite all of these positives, There was something lacking that is preventing me from giving this place 4 or 5 stars. I feel like for the money that was spent, I should have been more overwelmed with my steak ( the 28 day dry aged 16 oz strip. Although it did have flavor and was a good piece of meat and cooked the way I requested, I also sampled the $95 tarjima strip. It lacked so much flavor for being a $95 piece of meat. It was a beautiful cut, almost resembling a seared tuna but after biting into it, I could not understand how my $48 steak could taste better. I'm not sure if this was because the wrong steak was brought out first and they and they had to rush this out or if this is the way that it is always served. I just felt like I've had better or the same for a fraction fo the cost. Everything adds up with the sides at $10/pop ( are good to share though with one other person), $5 for the steak compliments. Overall, I don't want to say it was a bad experience or the food was bad baecause that was not the case. I just think food wise, I have gotten my money's worth at better places than this.
(3)
Deborah K.
We were very disappointed! We picked this restaurant to celebrate my husband's birthday. No valet parking. A not so friendly hostess. Extremely expensive just "good" food. Not at all what we expected!
(3)
nitin a.
Maybe I was expecting more for the price, but I wasn't blown away by Barclay Prime. A quick summary of our experience: -Our waitress was maybe a little too busy or too aloof, but there were a couple of times that we tried to flag her down and couldn't, or that she forgot what we asked for. -Kobe Sliders were the highlight of our meal. I would go back and have a few plates of these as my meal (if they weren't $19 per pair). - Ordered the Filet and it came back a little dry. Was good but I can safely say I've had better. -Sides-I loved the Potato Nachos... greasy and cripsy, you know they're bad for you if they taste that good. Wife liked the truffle-whipped mashed potatoes, but I wasn't as impressed. -Dessert- Got the warm deep dish cookie.... was pretty good, and I would've finished it if I had an room left in my stomach ;) Overall, it was a good dinner experience. I went in expecting mor and it didn't quite live up to it. Perhaps it was that we had a great meal at Cuba Libre the night before, or maybe it was the prices. If back in Philly, I'll go back, if for no other reason than those delicious Kobe Sliders.
(3)
Susann E.
Holy Sh*t this place is good! I am very aware that I'm a spoiled spoiled eater, and that because of my job I get to dine out places I have no place being. This may be one of those, but without a doubt ranks as the top Steakhouse experience of my life. After being referred to another restaurant by my hotel's concierge, I turned to my trusty Yelp which ranked that other place with an "eh", and this one with a very well deserved 4.5. I took the left out of the hotel to go to Barclay, and I am so glad. I actually really liked the vibe in Barclay Prime. As a female, it is so hard to find a steakhouse that appeals to both gender of steak gnawers. This one did. The low seating is a little odd, but comfortable, and was nothing that a little good posture on my part helped solve (thanks Grandma!) I ordered the house blackberry vodka on the rocks to start, and it was delish. Both my dining companion and I started with the tomato mozzerella salad, and it was fantastic. Apparently they make the monz in house. For my main course, I actually had the scallop appetizer. There were two humungous scallops wrapped in bacon with a maple glaze. All that on top of two fried green tomatoes. These people knew how to win over this Southern girl. My boss had the ribeye, which his demolished, so I assume it was tasty too. The sides (spinach, tatertots) were fresh and yum, if a little on the salty side. I didn't have any room to even think about dessert, and needed to be rolled back to my hotel room. The price was high, but not ridiculous. I've paid much more for much less. The service was unbelievable. Attentive as L'Ambroisie in Paris, without the pretense. It seemed that everyone really enjoyed working there. Next time I'm in Philly, I will definitely be back. This restaurant just made my top 10 of all time!
While I never imagined I'd rate a Stephen Starr restaurant the best when it comes to food, Barclay Prime is my top choice for a high-end steakhouse in Philly. The upscale boutique steakhouse is situated within a chic library/den setting...a library with luxe marble tables and gorgeous leather chairs. The service is impeccable...polite, knowledgeable, and consistent. The selection of steak knives they provide is a nice touch, especially for those who really love steak and the nuances of the various cuts of meat. Fun fact for steak connoisseurs, Barclay Prime gets their Ribeye from the same butcher where Peter Luger (in New York) gets their cuts. The Kobe Sliders are definitely one of the best appetizers ever..anywhere..so be sure to get them. (We once went for JUST sliders and drinks which is a nice option when you're in-between meals or wanting smaller portions.) Also, the homemade hush puppies are nice update to the ones I remember from growing up. The Porterhouse is supposedly the way to go steak-wise, which is what my husband gets every time. I stick to the filet mignon - both of which are amazing. Final thoughts... If you're in the mood for steak and have some cash to spend on a nice dinner, run don't walk. Begin with the Kobe sliders to start the night just right.
(5)
Frank N.
Hands down, the best steakhouse in the city. Maybe the country. Elegant without being stuffy, classy without being pretentious. The atmosphere is top notch, which is no surprise considering this is a Stephen Starr restaurant. The food is spectacular and I love the fact that you get to choose your own steakknife before your meal! The bar is also a great place to chill and take in the scene.
(5)
Kaz H.
I LOVE this place. Great steak, awesome sides, and the best service possible. They present various options for your steak knife... Kinda cool. It's expensive, but worth it!
(5)
Lisa G.
Love, love , love this place! Barclay Prime is within my top three most favorite placed to dine. The atmosphere is amazing, the wine list is impressive and the food is beyond fantastic. For appetizers definately try the sliders (they are tdf) you will not regret. All of the side dishes are amazing and rather large servings. If you are a steak person you will not be disappointed.
(5)
steve s.
I may have had the best thing I have ever eaten. The gnocchis with lamb sausage appetizer. The gnocchi melted in my mouth like light pillows of deliciousness drove up from Washington DC just to eat here. The Service is unmatched. The steaks are unbelievable. They were very accommodating, I changed my reservation time 3 times. It is very very pricey. I was there for my 25th anniversary. I would definitely go again for a special occasion.
(5)
Sandi W.
This restaurant was the highlight of our business trip. The food was amazing - oh wow those Kobe sliders! The only bad thing was I could barely eat all of my fillet after those... way too big. The wine was wonderful. Loved the couches. The sides and sauces were delicious. Try the shaved potatoes and onions. So yummy. The Bearnaise sauce was excellent. Silly but fun to be able to choose your own knife. I think I chose a Samurai one. Would love to go back!
This place came highly recommended by coworkers when I needed a special occasion dinner spot. I expected it to be over hyped because their signature dish is a $100 cheesesteak. Just to give you an idea how good it is: I was working in Rittenhouse square at the time, and my husband asked me to find out if I could get the cheesesteak as take out. Yeah, that habit could've put a dent in the ol credit card. I throughly enjoyed my steak... until I had a bite of my husband's cheesesteak, full of kobe beef, lobster, truffles, some kind of fancy cheese, all on a fancy roll. It had such a great taste, and melted in my mouth, that my steak paled in comparison. Thankfully the cheesesteak is big enough that my husband didn't mind sharing. While a $100 entree might scare people off, it also includes a 1/2 sized bottle of champagne, which my husband drank instead of getting wine. I take advantage of their lemon drop martinis and wine selection. In subsequent trips, I found it was better to just order a salad and have some of my husband's cheesesteak. I tried doing this with their caesar salad, and ended up barely touching the cheesesteak because of how much I enjoyed my salad. If possible, I'd give this place a 4.5/5 because once you have the cheesesteak, it's hard to enjoy anything else, and it's too expensive for everyone to get their own. But the cheesesteak is so good, it deserves rounding up. I don't mind the decor. Not as cheesy, nor stuffy as places like the Prime Rib. The tables can be close together, but that seems to be a growing norm. We have found the hostess staff to be very accomodating with seating requests. We went once when we had made last minute reservations, and ended up in the bar/lounge by the front door. Unfortunately, it was too small for my 6'5" husband, who could barely fit his legs under table. As soon as we mentioned it, they moved us right into the dining room with no problems at all. I haven't been in a while, but the parking was usually non existant. We would end up parking down a few blocks because there was no valet around, making us late for our reservation. It was very frustrating. The only reason we haven't been back in a while because we are making an effort to try new places rather than getting stuck in a rut of the same places all the time. It's definitely an enjoyable meal, if for no other reason than to say you had a $100 cheesesteak for dinner.
(5)
Sean W.
Absolutely fantastic. Expensive, but worth it. They gave me my choice of hand forged steak knives for my 16oz Kobe strip. The waitress was well trained, and very knowledgable.
(5)
kathy t.
Barclay executes the deep leather banquette, high ceilinged, plush but hiply decored steakhouse concept perfectly well. Prices are on par with other local steakhouses, chain or not. Our steaks were cooked perfectly to order, and sides look wimpy but involve a lot A LOT of delicious delicious butter. Steak knife options include Globals. (I believe it is wheelchair accessible with big wide aisles- I don't recall any steps at the door.)
(5)
Benjamin S.
Well i finally got to BP this evening! I give it three.5 stars, and thats not a bad thing. Let me explain... It was delicious, no doubt about that. It was also pricey... i don't mind paying for a meal, but would rather go to ten+ other places in Philly for a fraction of the price. BP is def worth a visit though, but don't think it merits a return trip anytime soon. My gal, a friend, and myself showed up for a 9:30 reservation, and didn't get seated until 9:50. This drives some people crazy in a place like this, but I don't mind waiting 15-20 minutes for a table. I am happy to hit up a bar and get my drink on. The thing that did bother me was that we stood there for 10 minutes before a bartender even acknowledged our presence. To be fair, they were busy, but in a place like this you don't want to stand around empty handed for too long, and i was thirsty!!! Your paying big money and you want to be treated accordingly... I finally ordered 3 drinks. A glass of cab, a capt and coke, and a jameson on the rocks = $50 Bucks! It was a BIG glass of Jamo 12 year(don't think they have reg Jamo), so i can't complain too much. The bar itself is a lil small, and only seats about 8 tops. The front of house girls were amazing. They thanked us for our patience on numerous occasions, and i appreciate that. The service was also top notch! Our waiter was very friendly, extremely helpful, and grew a mean beard! i love the atmosphere. the dining room is well lit(it's all about the lighting), the tables were spacious, and the chairs were very comfy. you could relax, kick back and EAT! we started with the lobster bisque, caesar salad, and the kobe beef tartar. Easily one of the best bisques I have ever tasted! It had a few chunks of perfectly cooked lobster in it. It was spot on. The ceasar salad was good. Nothin crazy, but good. Would have LOVED to see a few anchovies on there! The kobe beef tartar was out of this world, and moan inducing! I ordered the 24oz porterhouse, med-rare. It was very tender, cooked perfectly, BUT it was too salty! It took away from the meat itself. It was such a big steak, by the time i got to the end of it(yes, i did finish it!) my mouth was SO dry! I got the bone marrow to compliment my steak. It was good when you put it on the steak like jam. The two i were with got the the 28 day dry aged strip, 16oz. One got it medium, one got it med-rare. Med-rare was definitely the way to go, it was much more tender. On the med strip were the caramelized onions. They were good, but i think they were a little over-powering, but that could be a preferance thing. They would have been better if they came on the side, not slathered on top of the steak. They are under the compliments part of the menu along with lobster, shrimp, etc... my friend got the lobster on his med rare strip. It was cooked well, and delicious, but for $16 i don't know if it was worth it. We all shared 3 sides. The creamed spinach which was amazing, the tater tots that were great but a bit salty, and the truffle oil mashed which were VERY good. I also LOVED how you get to pick your steak knife! I am very into cooking knives. I collect them, and have my own sharpening stones, etc... so this for me was just a cool thing for a steak house to offer. ps-get the shun steak knife! it glides thru beef! I gotta wrap this up. I apologize if this seems long winded. If your gonna pay the big bucks, you wanna know what your in for though! I would go back, but not anytime soon. I would like to check out a bunch of other restaurants first, or go to some of my go-to's... the wine list is great, the service is very good, and the food was good. I just don't know if it was $500 without-the-tip-good though...
(4)
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Address :237 S. 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Richie R.
first time i went, it was absolutely fantastic! next time i went back, it was aweful, so on average, i'm giving it a pretty bad review. for the prices you shell out on these steaks, you should ALWAYS get an amazing experience. if i wanna gamble, i'll take my money to ac and at least be more entertained! if you're looking for good steak, look elsewhere
(2)Keith R.
If you're willing to drop some cash, Barclay Prime lives up to the billing. We had some massive amounts food including a huge hunk of steak that made my Uncle's eyes bulge and provided enough food for two meals. A non meat eater even raved about the sliders and the bevy of side dishes has something for every starch lover. You may leave with a lighter wallet but are well compensated by a full belly.
(5)Sarah S.
oooh! I'm not much of a steak eater but I guess when I do go for steak, I go all out. I got the ribeye (medium rare) and it was SO delicious and SO huge. We also got the beef tartar. very good. and the chocolate carmel cake was SOOO good. I'm not much of a sweets person but this cake was DELICIOUS. For it being a bit on the pricer side, I enjoyed the atmosphere. And the service was excellent. The only reason I wouldn't go here more often would probably be the $$ but I have no regrets!
(4)Jay Y.
The service was absolutely disappointing. Don't get me wrong the restaurant staff (including everyone except our waiter) was a delight ! It's sad that this guy had really ruined our experience which was highly anticipated. The guy never introduced himself, he was very dry and inattentive. The food was heavy and ok nothing to write home about. But some people are into that large portion /stuff yourself kinda thing. The decor was nice, good ambience but again not the best. In a nut shell is it worth all the fuss ? NO . Being from New York I know thing or two about good restaurants. I also love exploring the Philadelphia restaurant scene. There are plenty of great places in Philly to spend your hard earned cash where you just might get the waiters name ! My husband and I joked if we are ever in the mood for a $100 cheese steak we will have it delivered through diningin.com .
(3)Lisa G.
Love, love , love this place! Barclay Prime is within my top three most favorite placed to dine. The atmosphere is amazing, the wine list is impressive and the food is beyond fantastic. For appetizers definately try the sliders (they are tdf) you will not regret. All of the side dishes are amazing and rather large servings. If you are a steak person you will not be disappointed.
(5)steve s.
I may have had the best thing I have ever eaten. The gnocchis with lamb sausage appetizer. The gnocchi melted in my mouth like light pillows of deliciousness drove up from Washington DC just to eat here. The Service is unmatched. The steaks are unbelievable. They were very accommodating, I changed my reservation time 3 times. It is very very pricey. I was there for my 25th anniversary. I would definitely go again for a special occasion.
(5)Alika Marie W.
On a first time trip to Philadelphia, my boyfriend and i dined here in late May 2008. It is located on Rittenhouse Sq.housed in an austere old luxury hotel from the 1920's. This place is pretty posh, so we made an early evening reservation. The decor is contemporary and looks like an old library. It was very comfortable and the server was very knowledgeable and sweet. My boyfriend and i ordered three courses. We shared the Carmelized onion tart...the goat cheese on it was so soft and smooth we marveled over how something so simple could be so complex in flavor and texture. For second course i had the caesar salad with fish. It arrived crisp and cold perfectly dressed with another delicious grated cheese over the top. My italian companion had (of course) the tomato and mozzarella with another fantastic slightly salty wonderful cheese and a little balsamic and evoo. The tomatoes were perfectly ripe heirlooms with lots of juicy flavor. Knowing how full i would be i passed on entree but instead ordered an appetizer of the Kobe Beef Tartare-which was nice with a creamy accompanying sauce and chive. My man's huge 24 oz bone-in porterhouse arrived cooked to a perfect Med rare, it was buttery tender and had a slight corn flavor. He was presented a tray of knives from which to choose to carve his steak. Wow. We shared sides of Truffle mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. He was unable to finish it...we took it away knowing after the end of the planned long evening out we would surely devour it later. The wine list was overpriced. There are many that were at a 80 percent mark up. Which was why we ordered a red from chile... Montes Alpha Cabernet which i believe was $60. I was more interested in food... We ran out at about 8pm to catch a show, so no dessert and absolutely stuffed anyway. But i'm sure it would have been amazing also... We both loved this place it was romantic and delicious and one of the nicest meals we have had together. This must be one of the best steak houses in the country. The leftovers at 2 am were even good cold, i think they remedied what may have been a sorry hangover from having a really really good time in Philly. go... barclayprime.com
(4)lori m.
This place is sick. Went with my husband and 4 other friends. 2 of our friends just got married so we went to celebrate. Before tonight my favorite restaurant in the whole world was peter luger in brooklyn. Tonight, that all changed. We ordered the shellfish sampler and had the biggest, most delicious shrimp in addition to oysters and crab. For my entree i got the porterhouse and we ordered the creamed spinach, truffle mac and cheese and baked potato. I can only speak to the spinach and mac and cheese since i dont eat baked potatoes but they were both outstanding. The mushrooms were insane. Oh and the popovers were ridiculous. They put regular dinner rolls to shame. Our waiter was quite personable and even picked up that we were there celebrating a wedding so he brought out a dessert for the happy couple with 'congratulations' written on the plate without any prompting. Yes it's pricey but it's a cool vibe, phenomenal food and friendly staff. I know what im going to wish for on my birthday next year :)
(5)Steven D.
I'm amazed at some of the high ratings on yelp for this place. I have eating at this place twice. The first time was with four adults and our bill was over $500. I remember being somewhat shocked because I really didn't think the food was that great, it was good, but not great. We did have a good time and the atmosphere was good as it is in most Steven Star restaurants. I decided to go back there with my wife and daughter for my birthday. While I am not the biggest steak eater my wife is. I decided to get the crab cakes as they were recommended by the waitress. Without question the most expensive crab cakes in the world and they tasted like sh*t. Dry and tastless. My wife said her steak was so so. Again the bill was enough to set your hair on fire. I like nice places and really don't mind expensive food but the food and experience should match the price. This place doesn't, simply as that. I will not go back.
(2)Kevin D.
Designed by India Mahdavi, the lounge, dining and rest rooms have the flair and coloration of a classic 1960's spy flick: dark wood tones, creams, blacks, and the occasional lime green for pop... the place felt relaxed but upscaled, and of course the food was great. More people should follow Stephen Starr's lead for destination dining... Afterall, taste is just as important as presentation. ;)
(5)Paul V.
The best steak since a long time. That is the reason why you go to a place like this. The rest of the food is good, but does not give you the wow factor (e.g. potatoes or asparagus). But I will come back, for the steaks.
(4)ben c.
if you like steak and fine dining then this is the place. it's located next to the nice area of rittenhouse square. the place has a nice relaxed atmosphere. the bathrooms are cool, they're unisex. so dont be startled to find someone of the opposite sex in the stall next to you or washing their hands next to you. the bathrooms create a mysterious and fun environment for the place. the service is quick and the food is above avg. their menu changes from season to season. however, if you get the opportunity to, try their raw oysters. it is surprisingly heaven in your mouth. the kobe sliders are always a favorite appetizer. any of their steaks is good if cooked properly. if youre steak is overcooked or undercooked, have them redo it. i've had 1 or 2 steaks not cooked to my likings. their truffle mashed potatoes and truffle mac and cheese are also both very good. and i hate anything with mushrooms! barclay is a place i would always go back when i feel like splurging a bit and want some nice steak.
(4)Jesse M.
I took my girlfriend here for her birthday and it was by far the best steaks she and I have ever had.
(5)Paige G.
I was not impressed. After reading all the reviews I was very excited to go. The Kobe Sliders and Lobster Bisque were incredible so I was very excited to get my Porterhouse which was highly recommended. I was very disappointed. It was like a salt lick and no taste to it. I have had much better. The $10 sides were mediocre at best. The amount of money you spend you should expect the best and I certainly did not get my money's worth. Our serves was no help at all. I would go back for appetizers but never for a main course again.
(2)jen m.
3 words: KOBE BEEF SLIDERS i went here for a pre-dinner snack. i had my eye set on the prize. the kobe beef sliders. 2 for $15. pricey but worth every last penny. the sliders come out on this funky little plate that holds the two of them perfectly. one in each cup-like slot. my bf and i split them. one a piece. the slider was like the most perfect burger i've ever had. just in miniature form. it was this toasted bun with kobe beef (medium-rare), gruyere cheese, and carmelized onions. that's it! but OH MY WORD, it was so good. i ate a TON of food while in philly but this dish was by far my favorite. it just blew me away. i know it sounds ridiculous to fawn over a miniature burger, but you can't knock it til you try it. it's hands down, THE BEST! as for decor. at first i thought it was a bit too stiff for my liking. not as funky and fun as some of the other starr restaurants. but then i took a closer look and realized the brilliance of it all. when you first step in it looks very swank and pricey. lots of dark wood and such. but then you start noticing all the greenish-hued accents. the green chairs. and the green menus. and then you notice the library feel with all the shelves of books around you. and then you realize that this is one hip, swank, spot. the chandeliers are a nice touch as well. i have to say i was quite impressed. two very enthusiastic thumbs up and 5 brilliant stars!
(5)matthew w.
Well where do I begin. I started with a Macallan 18 and moved on to the kobe sliders. That was a match made in heaven. For $16 you get two kobe sliders served rare. One comes with heirloom tomato the other with guyrere (spelling) cheese. It was awsome. Then I moved on to the lobster sliders. They were pretty good although its hard to do a half a lobster tail on brioche cause its kinda chewy, but still very good. I also had the tater tots good adaptation very well executed. It was mashed but fried. Best of both worlds. Then I had another scotch and moved on.
(5)Laurel M.
Barclay Prime is an absolutely fabulous experience no lover of meat should pass up. This particular Starr restaurant is inside the old Barclay Hotel in Rittenhouse Square, but once you walk in, you will feel like you've entered the most swank, sexy and funky library in the modern world. Of all the Starr restaurants I've had the pleasure of dining in, Barclay Prime definitely had the most exclusive atmosphere --- with prices on the menu to match. (I will advise this is not the restaurant you want to visit if you're on a budget for the evening). The main dining room disguised as a library is dimly lit by several chandeliers and filled with marble tables and luxuriously comfortable modern leather chairs in cream and lime. The service here was excellent --- knowledgeable, pleasant, helpful and I never felt at want for anything while at the same time I also never felt as if I was being hovered over by my waiter, which in my opinion is no mean feat! The wine menu is certainly broad enough, both in regards to what's available by the glass or by the bottle. I tried a few different reds by the glass, my personal fave being a Cecci sangiovese. My meal was absolutely stellar, simple as that. Never one to turn down an opportunity to dig into a tomato & mozzarella salad I found Barclay's version to have more flavor than most, however the mozzarella seemed dryer than I'm used to in this salad. It didn't ruin the dish, but I noticed it instantly. This is also my one complaint of the entire evening and its really pretty minor in my opinion. I do wonder if the dryness of the mozzarella was on purpose, to aid in the way it was presented --- sliced and spiraled around some greens. In any case, one sip of the lobster bisque made me forget the salad. Keep in mind I'm not even a huge fan of lobster. The bisque was incredible rich and creamy and full of flavor. Seeing the end of the bowl was sad indeed. Now, one of the nifty-keen aspects of this restaurant is that you get to choose your steak knife! There were four options, two German & two Japanese, all very sleek. Now you know its time for your steaks. I love steak, and had high expectations for Barclay's entrees. I was not disappointed in the least. I ordered the Kobe filet, which was outrageously delicious. I was amazed with each bite I took. It could not have been cooked more perfectly and melted in my mouth. The waiter recommended I order it without any sauces or toppings and I am so glad I experienced the taste of the filet for exactly what it was. My boyfriend ordered a 21-day dry-aged ribeye that was also exceptional (although I by far preferred my Kobe filet). He had it topped with a generous amount of lump crabmeat, which was very succulent and fresh. We shared a side of monstrous asparagus stalks with a hollandaise sauce that was pretty close to perfect. I often find hollandaise to be a little strong tasting for my liking but this was not overpowering at all. Dinner had been very rich and filling but what is a great dining experience if you leave out dessert? So, on came the warm cheesecake truffles, paired with four different sauces --- various fruit and chocolate. I was afraid they'd be too rich for my already filled stomach, but not so. Once again, another perfect dish. What about Barclay Prime's much talked about $100 Kobe cheesesteak (which, mind you, comes complete with a (small) bottle of Veuve Clicquot)? Sadly, I did not try it this trip, but my boyfriend and are certainly hoping to return with a couple friends who would be interested in splitting it as an appetizer. My entire experience here was wonderful and very memorable. Barclay Prime provided an outstanding dining experience on all fronts. My only true disappointment was that I hadn't tried the place sooner!
(5)Mike C.
I must agree with the Kobe Beef Slider recommendations, they are absolutely delicious and the perfect appetizer. The decor is very swanky and for the most part has a greenish color scheme which some may find obnoxious/tacky but I liked it. The Rib Eye was good but not great although I'll give them the benefit of the doubt as I've only been there once and every restaurant has an off night. I tried pretty much all of the desserts on the menu and found them all to be pretty delicious. I must say though the service was the best I have ever received at any restaurant. Our server came around just enough to be attentive but not intrusive, recommended some great wine/cognac and was actually a pretty funny guy. I settled on 4 stars but if the steak was a bit better prepared it would get a 5.
(4)beth s.
My husband and I were lucky enough to get a late NYE reservation at Barclay Prime and like most Stephen Starr restaurants, the service was outstanding. Our waitress, Tara, was fun, energetic, knowledgeable, and just an overall cool chick. She really set the stage for an awesome ringing in of the new year. I wouldn't say I am a steak connoisseur, but having moved from NY last year I will say that I have been to my fair share of amazing steakhouses and nothing in my life has compared to the filet mignon I had last night. HOLY MOLY. First of all, I was able to choose the type of knife I wanted to use and there was no way I was passing up a Japanese throwing knife.....but I digress....that steak. The way it is seared gives the outside a slight "crunch" (for lack of a better word) and the most amazing flavor. Then you get to the middle and the meat is melt in your mouth, thank you Jesus, oh no you didn't...types of deliciousness. I can not even explain in words how good it was. We also got mashed potatoes, broccoli, Mac and cheese, dranks, and salads (plus the complimentary popovers), but the show stealer was obviously the meat. I can't wait to go back....in fact, I just made another reservation. I would like to thank Barclay Prime and Mr. Starr for giving my taste buds the ride of their lives.
(5)Hannah C.
Barclay Prime is NOT the kind of place I go to- I mean, I would, but I'd have to win the lottery or something. Somehow I found myself in there for happy hour and it was an incredible experience! For me and my wallet! I usually expect a happy hour cocktail menu to have two or three drinks on special, but they have at least five or more $6 cocktails to choose from. Manhattan was delicioius. You are offered warm popovers, beautiful puffy breads with salted butter, FOR FREE. I had two, of course. Their happy hour food menu includes several different plates for $6- the sliders were small and awesome. Oysters, $1.50 a pop. So so good. Obviously, the service was immaculate. I was pleasantly surprised that my waiter was actually a nice, friendly guy who just wanted to give me as many popovers as I wanted, and that I wasn't made to feel out of place. Maybe one day I'll go back for a $100 cheesesteak, but for now, this happy hour will hit the "fancy as hell" spot.
(5)Diana K.
I visited Barclay Prime telling myself "I'm not getting the steak. I'm getting something light, like seafood or a salad and I'll be satisfied with just a bite of the steak that my boyfriend ends up getting. Yep, no problem, just keepin' it light." Okay, here's what really happened: I ended up with my own 16 oz. dry-aged NY strip and I ate every bite. With a side of buttery potatoes. Oh, and a Roquefort cheese dipping sauce to boot. I rolled out of there with no regrets! To be fair, we did also down the kale salad, which was lovely and just as light as I expected. The popovers served with sea salt butter were unbelievable - I almost want to come back just to have another taste. And I had a few bites of the 18 oz. dry-aged ribeye - honestly the best piece of steak I have ever tried. Our server was a huge help throughout the night, she pointed us in the right direction for each dish and came around often to see how we were doing. To keep this place really fancy and exciting, they like to let you choose your own steak knife and they describe each one to you (as if you understand the difference). Not to mention, the steaks were all dinosaur sized! Honestly, they could probably charge more for steaks of this size and quality - I feel like I ate my money's worth! Barclay Prime was a treat!
(5)Serena D.
This was my second time dining here. Ever since I tried their $150 Philly cheesesteak last time, I thought I will always stick with Butcher&Singer. I mean, their cheesesteak was great, juicy and has lots of flavors, but for the price you pay, I don't think I will ever order it again. This time, I ordered the 12 o.z prime filet mignon, the steak was fantastic! It was cooked as requested. They didn't put a lot of seasonings on the steak because good steak doesn't need that. Before the steak is served, you gotta choose your own "weapon"- the knives to cut steaks with, which i thought is very cool! For the appetizer, we ordered the crabcake and foie gras. The crabcake was ok, didn't "wow" me, but the foie gras was really good, I highly recommend it. For the drinks, we ordered a bottle of wine (forgot the name of the wine) that was recommend by the server. Ordering a glass of wine can be kinda expensive there, maybe sharing a bottle of wine is the way to go. If you want cocktail, my favorite is called "love triangle". I ordered the bread pudding for the dessert, it really hit the spot! I'm not a sweets fan, I usually just try one or two spoons of dessert, but not this time! :) Oh, did I mention their complimentary Gruyere popovers? Can't get enough of it! :) The ambience of this place is classy, I love the dim lighting. The place looks like an old English study -wood shelves with books, comfy cushioned seats, full of chandeliers, etc. This is a pricy restaurant but worth every penny you spend. If you are looking for a place to celebrate special occasion or simply just want to enjoy great steak, you can't go wrong with this place!
(5)George W.
A really cool joint. Deader than a Kennedy on Wednesday night. Seniors drinking martinis at one table, terminally single yuppies recounting walks of shame at another. Not sure who is their target demographic. I really hope this place does well as so many famous restaurants in Philly just aren't there anymore. The food was better than average, but not spectacular. Been to much better chop houses that were not as expensive. Caution: They tend to overlook the steaks and can't pour a Black and Tan to save their life.
(3)John M.
Ok so here's the thing. I LOVE FOOD. I love high end restaurants and feeling special when I go somewhere elegant...here at Barclay I felt like an emperor. Seriously, the staff were so authentic and kind from the moment we walked in the door. I was taking a gentleman with special needs along for the experience and everyone was really friendly and sweet to him. Did I mention the ambiance of the place? Relaxing and intimate and BEAUTIFUL. Now, into the food. All I can say is OH. MY. GOD. No exaggeration, it was a religious experience. Stephen Starr is a culinary God. We started with the fois gras and porcini agnolotti, the flavors were SENSATIONAL!!! The popovers with gruyere were served warm and flaky and I literally think I'm going to be dreaming about them for a long time. For dinner I ordered an 18oz dry aged ribeye and we ordered whipped potatoes and the truffle mac and cheese to share. Perfection. The steak melted in my mouth....the potatoes were from Jesus...the mac and cheese was flavorful and just SO DELISH!! I was one happy fat kid, let me tell you. Finally, dessert. Peanut butter cup ice cream sandwich. HOLY COW. Incredible. If you're considering going to BP stop right now. Considering is over. JUST GO. Run as fast as you can for the best meal of your life!!!!!
(5)Jean Y.
Dining at Barclay Prime was quite the classy experience. I really liked the library-like interior and the comfortable armchairs. Service was great. The steaks were amazing. Perfect, juicy, the right amount of fat. I had the 24 oz dry aged porterhouse ($59), and my bf had the 18 oz Gachot & Gachot dry aged ribeye ($48). My favorite part of the experience was when we were presented with a tray of 5 steak knives. Choose your own weapon! We tried 2 sauces ($3 each): au poivre and horseradish crème fraiche. I really enjoyed the au poivre, with its intense beef and pepper flavors. The horseradish was extremely mild. I would have liked it spicier. The sides here are large and perfect for sharing. The truffle mac + cheese ($17) was made with cavatappi and delightfully creamy. I couldn't really taste the truffle, but the bf said he could. The fried artichokes and lemon ($11) were also very good. The artichokes were meaty, and the addition of deep fried parsley was nice. I was disappointed by the gruyere chive popovers. They were gigantic and irregularly shaped. I thought they could have used more gruyere and more chives, been less burnt on the edges, and been served hotter. (I've made popovers before with a recipe I found on Pinterest that was inspired by Barclay Prime's popovers, and I liked those better, even though my first two attempts failed partially.) The weakest part of the meal was definitely the cocktails. $15 for a cocktail is expensive, unless it is made with top shelf booze. My cocktail tasted bad. The ice cubes were too small and watered down the drink quickly.
(4)Sal K.
Best steak I've ever had. I ordered the boneless ribeye and it cut like butter and tasted better than any meat I've ever prepared for myself. Brought the wife here for our anniversary. Service, meal and everything in between were exemplary. Will come back!
(5)Jay G.
I went to Barclay Prime to celebrate a special occasion with my girlfriend as well as to try the Barclay Prime cheeseteak. The restaurant staff were very friendly and we had a very good waiter who had a great attitude and made some jokes while maintaining a high standard of service. The interior had a very interesting feel to it as it was themed like a library lounge type setting with books on the sides of the room and big relaxing chairs. It provided a nice experience compared to the typical steakhouse with tight seating or fancy wooden chairs. For appetizers, my girlfriend and I shared the east & west coast oysters while I mainly ate the beef steak tartare. The beef steak tartare was different than other places as they added a different array of toppings which provided a different type of flavor than I usually expect but it was still pretty good and worth ordering. The oysters were very good and seemed to be fresh with a nice flavor. For entrees, I decided to go full out and buy the Barclay Prime cheesesteak while I pushed my girlfriend to order a 16 oz. bone-in filet since she wasn't sure which steak to order from the menu. On the side, we ordered the jumbo green asparagus which arrived peeled and the truffle mac & cheese. The Barclay Prime cheesesteak was amazing. The flavor of the cheesesteak made with wagyu ribeye, foie gras, and truffled cheese whiz was awesome and no cheesesteak in Philadelphia can beat the amazing flavor brought on by this expensive cheesesteak. Fortunately, it came with a half a bottle of Perrier Grand Brut which seemed decently expensive by itself on the menu. It was a nice compliment to the overall sense of fulfillment from this cheesesteak. Even my girlfriend really loved the cheesesteak even though she doesn't like foie gras. That shows you how good it is. As per the filet, she claims it was very delicious and devoured the entire thing which was an amazing feat for her. The sides were both very good but obviously I'd recommend the truffle mac & cheese over any kind of asparagus any day. For dessert we ordered the coconut cream pie which was very good with a nice balanced flavor. On top of this, the waiter brought us a plate with "Congratulations!" written on it and two caramel chocolates made by the chefs at the restaurant. The chocolates were very good and it was a very nice gesture by the restaurant to provide us with this plate. Overall, Barclay Prime is a great steakhouse in Philadelphia and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good meal.
(5)Zulma L.
By far one of the GREATEST restaurant experiences I have had in my life. Barclay Prime had the best steak I have ever tasted. The meat literally melts in your mouth. The macaroni and cheese is out of this world and the Halibut with truffle oil was MAGNIFICENT. If you want to try a little piece of heaven, save room for the S'mores dessert - TO DIE FOR.
(5)Dawn S.
Let me start this review with a little tune: Barclay you're my everything, you're all I ever wanted Your steaks did it real big, bigger I've ever had it You were up on everything, other steaks ain't ever on it I want your steaks forever, I swear I could spend whatever on them But you make me wait every time I hit you up After I reserved a spot, you saw that I lived it up You made me beg for it, till you gave it up And I said this same thing with every single bite I said... "This be the freaking' best (x4, please) Best steak I ever had, Steak I ever had (x3 please)" That basically sums it up. Barclay Prime served me the best steak I've ever had -- (which, by the way, was the 28 day dry aged 16 Oz. NY strip). THE STEAK, ON ITS OWN, GETS 5 (or 6?) STARS. I went here for my law school graduation dinner and it was a great way to celebrate. It doesn't have a very "steakhousey" type of feel -- for that, you might want to go to Ruth's Chris or Prime Rib. Instead, it feels like you're eating in someone's fancy mod living room. There are bookshelves on the walls and you sit in lounge chairs, not dining chairs. Also, its worth noting that Barclay Prime has all the typical aspects that you'd expect of a Stephen Starr restaurant -- it's a tad overdone and glitzy as hell: the restaurant is hyper detail-oriented, and you pick your own steak-knife, which you must admit is unnecessary, albeit kinda cool. In fact, I'd give the atmosphere 3 stars. I'd also give the rest of the food and drinks (I got one of their gin cocktails) 4 stars. For these reasons I gave the restaurant 4 stars.
(4)Linda S.
Me and my husband came for our anniversary last night. Walking in, I wasn't really greeted. I was just stared at. I usually expect hostesses to greet me first but I had to say hi first. Kinda awkward. We ordered the tuna tartare to start with. The chips tasted like homemade Lays original potato chips but 10xs better. The tuna itself was yummy. Melted in my mouth like butter. Recommend. We both had the filet mignon with sides of truffle Mac & cheese and sautéed mushrooms. The steak was made to perfection. I've never had a steak that good. Ever. The Mac and cheese could have been better. Sautéed mushrooms were delicious. Also, ordered an amazing bottle of wine that our waiter recommended for us. It was 2011 Lapostolle Casa from Rapel Valley. Delicious. The only downside in the night was when our waiter brought our anniversary "dessert," it came with a candle and 2 small chocolate star cookies. And then he said there was a cake in a box that he also handed us. I was confused because I thought it would've made more sense to give us the cake on the plate too with the candle? At that point I felt like, "well, maybe he's ready for us to go." Overall, I enjoyed my experience here. Loved the food, wine, and environment.
(5)Gigi L.
Last night my family and i had a fantastic dinner. We had the wagyu American filet, ribeye and bone in filet. It was melt in your mouth to die for. I would change one thing, we had a few appetizers one including the truffle risotto. The flavor was awesome but it was a little soupy. Out of all the steak places in Philadelphia, Barclay Prime tops it. The service was impeccable. Our waitress was very accommodating and helpful to any questions we had. If you have not eaten here I suggest you do so. We are very impressed. We will be back again. - Lagana family
(5)Catherine C.
I took my husband here for his birthday a couple of weeks ago and we absolutely loved it! We decided to order the hamachi crudo, roasted foie gras, 18 Oz 28 day aged prime ribeye, butterball potato, and cheesecake. We only had to order one steak because we had so much food and we ended up taking the potatoes home. Everything was divine and the steak was perfectly cooked to our desired medium rare. A great steak doesn't need any sauces or crazy seasonings, just salt, pepper, and sometimes butter. This steak was so flavorful and tender, I enjoyed each and every bite. They also offered us each a choice of culinary knives to cut our steaks with. I've never had an easier time cutting my steak. The roasted foie gras was also soft and tender and had a sweet kick to it. The butterball potatoes also went really well with the steak. Cheesecake topped off the night and was delicious. The ambience was quiet and classy. We also enjoyed the puffy cheese bread and they gave us a free individual sized cake to take home for later. It was a perfect birthday dinner and I would come back here again in a heartbeat.
(5)Sean M.
I've been wanting to come here for a while now, and boy was I disappointed. Don't get me wrong the food is good. However I've had better meals at Ruth's Chris for less money. I definitely expected to get a much steak then the one the served me. Maybe I'll give it another try.
(3)Michael C.
Favorite steakhouse in Philly. The pop-overs are to die for. Steak is always perfect. Seafood apps are wonderful.
(5)Kristie C.
From the popovers at the start, to the lovely desserts at the end... Everything was so delicious. The special part about this place is that they let you choose your own knife, there is basically a story to each one-- really neat! Food: - popovers (comes with your meal, so good and warm) - lobster and shrimp appetizer: preferred the lobster - seared ahi tuna with yuzu: very flavorful and not overpowered by the sauce. Substituted the chard for asparagus, which they nicely peeled so it was tender and delicious Dessert: - seasonal fruit platter was decent, pineapple was a bit sour - sorbets were refreshing and very fruity which was awesome - smore with homemade marshmallow was really tasty! Basically a chocolate lava cake with delectable vanilla sides Wine we ordered was perfect, service was fantastic, couldn't have asked for more! Would definitely come back :)
(5)Brian T.
Perfection! From the truffled mac & cheese, to the succulent fillet, the flavorful complementary puffs, and the excellent service, Barclay Prime has just become one of my top-3 steakhouses. I am very curious about the $100 cheesesteak, which I will have to try next time as a shared appetizer.
(5)Scott W.
This is a great restaurant especially for special occasions. The dining room has a good atmosphere, loud but tolerable. You would never expect the furniture, most notable are the chairs. You feel like you are in your living room. On to the food. The menu has nice options. We decided to not order an appetizer and instead, grab soup and salads. For what it's worth there were not a lot appetizer choices, but some did sound good. My Cesar salad was big, I decided not to eat the whole thing. My son loved the lobster bisque and my wife and daughter split a delicious kale salad. We all got different entrees. The steaks are big and delicious (16oz Ribeye and 12oz filet...a little undercooked, but still acceptable). Rack of lamb was spot on and the Chilean Sea Bass was outstanding. Several reasons why I did not give 5 stars: 1) Parking is tricky, the valet is expensive and finding the door entrance was hard., 2) Prices are steep. Come prepared to drop a lot of money...glass of wine was surprisingly expensive, 3) Service was fine, but I just had some issues with my waiter. He did not speak clearly and seemed to speed us out. Bottom line is I would definitely go back, maybe in the summer after I save up enough money for another great meal.
(4)Casi C.
I don't normally pay $40 for steak, but when I do I get it from Barclay Prime! The food and the atmosphere were great but they did one thing that really stood out to me. They let you choose your own steak knife! They bring out a platter of knives and you can choose which one you prefer. They all cut really well but I have to say I liked the throwing knife the best. Thanks to Edward at Sofitel we were able to get a last minute reservation. We weren't seated in the main dining room but we still had full service at the bar area. The only reason they don't get 5 stars is because of the tables. This sounds really picky but the tables in the bar area are so low that you can just barely fit your legs under it.
(4)N H.
My boyfriend took me here for my bday. Turned out I forgot to put ID in my new evening purse- my bad, but here's what ended up happening. We show up, are asked to wait at the bar lounge which is really beautiful... Until we meet the bartender. I request a whiskey cocktail and get recommended a bourbon (not the same thing but I'll try). Then I realise I forgot my ID and both of us kindly decline to drink from there to not embarrass ourselves. It seems the bartender though had other plans. She called the manager unsolicited which made me feel like I was causing a scene. Again, we both just ordered a non-alcoholic iced tea- jeez! Then she carded my boyfriend and rudely told me she's going to serve him (he'd already declined). By the time that was over I was so uncomfortable I simply wanted to walk out, I felt like I was being shamed, goodness and for what, and on my bday! Right when we almost walked out we were told our table was ready. I give it five stars for our actual server, the brilliant steak, the foi gras was truly spectacular, the decor, and the attention to detail in the service. However, by then I was feeling really down about the way if been treated and just didn't enjoy being there.
(2)J K.
$85 Philly cheesesteak! $125 with the split of bubbly. Wagyu beef, foie gras, truffled cheese whiz. Man if was outstanding! Very very rich. Probably better shared as it is very rich. I sat at the bar which was dimly lit and cozy atmosphere. The main dinning room looked very nice also.
(4)Jason H.
Barclay Prime is a Stephen Starr restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city, and in my opinion the best steakhouse in the city. The decor is an odd mix of old and new, with the dining room sparsely decorated with 70's retro furniture, dark wood, and half-full (or half-empty, as you see it) bookshelves. Definitely a contrast to Starr's other steakhouse, Butcher & Singer, which has a much more consistent and clubby/1940's vibe. While Butcher & Singer tends to be a throwback, Barclay is definitely a modern variation on the steakhouse in both decor and menu. The raw bar is replete with oysters, fish crudo, tuna tartare, both jumbo and colossal shrimp cocktails, as well as lobster and king crab cocktails. They also have a shellfish sampler platter where you can create your own sampler, complete with what I'm sure is a gut-heaving price. The caviar selection is also top-notch, with not only American White Sturgeon and Royal Ossetra, but also kaluga which is a river beluga (as the menu explains) and is priced nearly twice the ossetra, at $225/oz. Between the raw bar, and the caviar options, you could spend $750 without even trying, and not even have made it to the appetizers yet. Appetizer range from the familiar, foie gras terrine and diver scallops, to the slightly more rarified, wagyu sliders and porcini agnolotti, to the old standards, bone marrow and steak tartare. I'll skip the salads and the soups...not why you go here. The menu has a surprising selection of fish options for a steakhouse, including branzino, dover sole, chilean sea bass, and butter poached lobster. The steaks are the best you can find in Philadelphia, and the Wagyu options seem to be persistently on the menu, including a filet, NY strip, and shortrib. The Wagyu is outstanding, and I recommend the filet, as the marbling give it a flavor that simply can't be had with any other way. As an incredibly lean and tender cut, the filet is also the most lacking in flavor; the Wagyu variety provides the marbling that makes it a truly outstanding option. An now...the cheesesteak. A contentious menu item from the day the restaurant opened, primarily due to the foie gras in the recipe. A wagyu, foie gras, truffled cheese whiz delight with a 1/2 bottle of champagne to wash it all down. Love it or hate it...it's something you should try at least once. If you're looking for a real "special" occasion type of place, or just have an expense account to play with, Barclay won't let you know. The food, service, and atmosphere consistently make it one of the must-visit restaurants in Philadelphia. Cash in some of your retirement fund...and have a decadent night out to remember.
(5)Chad W.
I'm a poor college kid. But the time I was treated to Barclay Prime in Rittenhouse is a night I will never forget. Everything was so very decadent. Our table tried everything from the 8 oz Australian cut to the 40 oz Porterhouse, and every appetizer in between. I never felt more fancy, just an all around great experience. Truly remarkable. I'm going to start saving my money so I can take my mom and dad here for their anniversary. Lovely..
(5)Kelly T.
As a mostly vegetarian, I will probably never head to Barclay Prime for dinner (though I know the chef cooks an excellent vegan dinner from a Foobooz After Dark appearance). However, the happy hour at this fine establishment (where the cast of Anchorman would seem to fit in nicely--in character of course) is excellent and offers some delicious vegetarian options. Happy hour runs from 5:00 to 6:30, and you can end up making this happy hour at one of the priciest steakhouses in Philly an actual good deal. Drinks are $6 each as are a select number of small plates. You have to order correctly to make this a good value investment--avoid the $6 Yuengling and Amstel Lite--as well as the $6 Vinho Verde. Slightly effervescent Vinho Verde is one of my favorite summer wines, but I've never seen a bottle more than $12, so this is probably not a very good deal. Go for the well-crafted cocktails. On our trip, I had a Manhattan, which was as excellent as to be expected at a steakhouse. I followed that up with a gin cocktail, flavored with cucumber and St. Germain and served on the rocks. It was very refreshing and would probably be excellent served up. The ice in the cocktail in combination with the cucumber juice really seemed to water down the drink. As a result, the last sip was not as good as the first. For bites, I had the truffled mac and cheese (normally $17), which came in a small casserole or very large ramekin sized dish. It was incredibly cheesy and indulgent, and the toasted breadcrumbs on top added a nice texture. That dish alone was probably enough for my dinner (and I only ate half). I also ordered the mushroom bruschetta, which came with three generous garlic scented toasts. The mushrooms were topped with a cheesy truffle sauce. The truffle flavoring was subtle and the salty, garlicky toasts were delicious. My companions and I could probably have eaten 10 of these toasts! I would give this place five stars, but as the bar filled up toward the end of happy hour, the bartender got very busy and I didn't have a chance to order another drink in the half hour before happy hour ended. Also, although we ordered a ton of food (my friend even got the $100 50-ounce steak) and we were out of drinks for a while, the bartender never offered us water or a refill. My friend ate a good 30 ounces of steak with no drink. More power to him, but something to wet the whistle while we enjoyed that spectacle would have been nice.
(4)Suzie L.
Totally what you would expect from a Steven Starr Restaurant. Ambiance is great, the food and drinks are delicious. The noise level is on the louder aspect so be ready to listen carefully to your server while they tell you the specials for the night. This is not the place to go to if you're looking to dine and bounce as each course is well spaced out. If a place is known for their $100 Cheesesteak, obviously you have to get it. Be advised that this is really rich and creamy therefore, sharing it as an appetizer is the way to go. If you want it all to yourself, more power to you. It was melt in your mouth delicious. The meat was super tender, came with truffled cheese wiz, foie gras and a side of pickled sweet/hot peppers on a sesame roll. Oh and not to mention a bottle of champagne and Perrier Jouet to be exact. I also got the 28 day aged NY Strip with a 1/2 Lobster cooked medium rare. The steak was cooked to perfection and had tons of flavor. The server brings you a plate of knives of your choice to dig into your meal. Overall, had a great time here with good company. Worth a try and would most likely try to come back for their other menu options like their seafood options.
(4)Vinayak B.
We dined here to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary and it was a very memorable experience. My wife was longing to go to a good steakhouse for a few months and this was reason enough to make a reservation here. We got the Hamachi Crudo for an appetizer and the Lobster Bisque soup. The Hamachi Crudo was a small portion but was really amazing in flavor profile. The contrast between the chili pepper ponzu and the buttery yellowtail and avocado was perfectly balanced. The garnish of crispy rice noodles brought the plate together really well in terms of texture. The lobster bisque had the right amount of creaminess to it and had some caviar garnish for extra oomph. When it came to the steaks, we got the 24oz Dry Aged Porterhouse and the 18oz Gachot & Gachot Prime Dry Aged Ribeye. Must say that these were the two best steaks we've had till date. They were cooked medium rare like we ordered and rested prior to serving. The tenderloin on the porterhouse was huge and super buttery. The ribeye was very rich, meaty and packed with flavor. We tried to finish as much as we could, but had to doggie bag the rest. For the sides, we chose the truffled mac and cheese and the butterball potatoes with aioli. The aioli was light and airy like it should be and not a liquid mush that many restaurants call aioli. But the truffled mac and cheese was way too salty and this sort of ruined the good flavor from the truffle oil. We were really stuffed so we decided to share "The Barclay" from the dessert menu. The hazelnut chocolate, chocolate ganache and the peanut butter praline base were a heavenly trio. The peanut butter ice cream had an incredible flavor. Service was impeccable and they really took care of us and put in a lot of extra effort to ensure that our anniversary dinner was very memorable. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion or simply in a mood for splurging a little bit. You won't be disappointed PS: The bathrooms are unisex which is slightly eccentric on the part of architect and interior designer India Mahdavi haha.
(5)Mike Z.
Wow! Thats all I can say. If you want take your girlfriend out, have a guys night out, take out an important client, this is the place to go. This is my favorite steak/sea food spot in the city. The atmosphere is super cool! The service is outstanding...the hostess took our jackets and took us to our seats. Our server was very helpful and knowledgeable in helping us decide on which wine to choose from their huge selection to go with our steak. She even brought 4 samples for us to try to make sure we didnt choose something we didnt like. Next, she brought out a trey of 8 different steak knives for each of us to choose one. They were all unique and made in all different parts of the world. I got the one thats made like a samurai sword. Ok lets get to the food and ill make it short and sweet.... We ordered oysters, filet with sautéed mushrooms , and their signature cheese steak which is $100. Its Obnoxious and hilarious all at the same time. All of the food was awesome! Best steak in the city! Ive also tried their NY strip in the past and it was incredible. We skipped dessert this time because it was too much food. Ive had dessert here before and it was very good. This restaurant is expensive and worth every penny. Before we knew it wAs 1230am and nobody tried to tell us to leave. When we asked when they close, they simply said they are here until customers are ready to leave and offered us more coffee. Top Notch Service! I can keep going about how 5 star this place is! Cant wait for my next dinner here. The
(5)S B.
Picked Barclay Prime for our sole dinner on a quick trip to Philadelphia based on yelp reviews and we were not disappointed. Grabbed a Saturday night reservation on opentable - lucked out and got one at a good time. Would recommend booking in advance as the place was pretty packed when we arrived. Checked in 15 mins early and made ourselves comfortable at the bijou bar - barman was great, really quick service and within minutes I was sipping on something delish made with lemon, lavender & champagne...I was happy to see that the extensive wine list had some nice and unusual grapes on the menu as well as a decent by the glass selection (I like to hop around the wine list and not commit to one bottle). Our table was ready bang on the reservation time and we were escorted through to the much brighter and more modern feeling dining room. Our 2 person table had a large enough surface area (hate it when there is no room for waters, bread, wines, flowers, candles, cutlery etc and the whole meal is like a game of chess) and whilst it was close to our neighbours we are used to an inch gap sometimes in NY so did not find this obtrusive. Our server was right over dealing with our water option and providing wine lists and menus. We had picked the place for its steaks and whilst the bf was procrastinating about ordering the $100 cheesesteak I knew he was not serious - we did take a while discussing the merits of each of the steaks available. Our server did not hurry us and instead took wine orders which were quickly filled and sent popovers our way - I had pre-warned him I don't eat carbs and he ensured that the bread guy did not try to tempt me. The bf did make lots of appreciative nods as he tried his. For appetizers we both opted for the steak tartare as we are both fans and I am so pleased we did. The portion size was great, made up of small cuts of filet bathed in a rich dijon & egg yolk sauce with just enough sharp capers and red onion to cut through the richness. Some crispy onions and pea shoots on top complimented the dish. Easily in my top 3 of tartares....might even be #1. For entrees we went steak all the way (although the fish options were tempting). The bf took a 16oz 28 day dry aged NY strip and I opted for the 12oz prime filet. I thought the 'pick your steak knife' selection was a nice touch - especially as the knife I chose was razor sharp (another pet peeve for me is dull knives). My steak came 'blue' as I ordered with a succulant and well seasoned crisp on the outside but with a cool and raw centre - it was a great peice of meat, perfectly seasoned and cooked just how I like it...sublime. The bf opted for a medium-rare cook and his steak came with a similar well seasoned crust but just cooked a little more allowing the fat to render and add heaps of delicious flavour. We passed on the carby sides (knowing we wanted our appetites to be sated by the meat) and opted for creamed spinach and roasted brocolli. The spinach was nice but nothing special although I really liked that it was not swimming in cream or overly fatty but the real star was the roasted brocolli...it was super crispy and chared with just the right about of red chili flakes to pep it up but not kill the flavour. I was tempted to order a second serving. Opted for coffees rather than deserts and were left alone by our servers to relax and enjoy our table for as long we wanted. The bill was not hideous - came out to about $300 all in, which I thought was fair given the quality of the food & drinks, great service and enjoyable atmosphere.
(5)Mobola O.
Excellent ambiance, great service, simple yet satisfying menu, and great food! Was very impressed with BP!!! I'm I'm typically not a huge fan of expensive steakhouses but this one was great! My friend and I ordered appetizers...I ordered the lobster bisque and she ordered the shrimp cocktail. We were pleasantly surprised when we were offered popovers, they were absolutely delicious!! For our main course, she ordered the prime rib and I ordered the New York strip steak...both were cooked to perfection and as we requested and they were excellent! Our sides consisted of the truffle mac & cheese and the creamed spinach both were great as well. Five stars for a delicious meal, great service, fast service and enjoyable atmosphere!!! Will definitely visit again and recommend to friends!!
(5)Paige B.
We stumbled in to the dim, sexy, and black leather-clad bar, sans reservation, on NYE 2013. It was my boyfriend's first time at Barclay. After our meal, he proclaimed it his new favorite restaurant in the city. 28 Day Dry Aged 16 Oz. NY Strip - 5 out or 5. We opted for the medium rare preparation without any of the sauces. Believe me, the meat is so flavorful you won't want, or need, to augment it. Truffle Mac & Cheese - 4.5 out of 5 Whenever I dine at Barclay, I always get the side of Truffle Mac. The black truffle is always so pronounced, earthy, and mesmerizing. The first time I tried this dish, the experience was "roll-your-eyes-back-in-your-head-and-sink-back-Âin-your-chair" good. This time, I detracted 0.5 stars because the pasta was a little too al dente, or firm. It could have cooked for a minute or two longer and would have been perfect. The cheese was oozing and the perfect accompaniment to the cellentani (large, hollow, corkscrew) pasta. Beef Steak Tartare (Hand-Chopped Filet Mignon with Dijon Sauce) - 5 out of 5 My boyfriend ordered this dish and we both agreed that the texture, acidity, and creaminess were in perfect balance. While I had a small bit of doubt about ordering raw steak, I was amazed at how flavorful and silky the steak tasted. The crostini was nicely prepared thin and toasted with some seasoning and oil. I would order it again! Hamachi Crudo - 5 out of 5 Fantastic. We loved the light marinade and the crunchy noodles on top. This dish was simple, elevated, and addictive. Overall, Barclay delivers--and then some. It was lovely to spend NYE there and we look forward to going back as soon as another special occasion arises!
(5)Eun Jung P.
Steak was amazing. Oysters were fresh. Server was experienced. It was a little noisy, but I'd go again for the food.
(5)Brett F.
Had I appropriately written this review years ago, it would have been five stars across the board. See what happens when I procrastinate, Barclay? I go from loving you unabashedly to feeling like you're more so-so these days. Unfortunate, the things that time can do. What used to be my favorite restaurant in Philadelphia and my go-to spot for entertaining clients has fallen from grace as of late. It's hard for me to put my finger on it exactly (aside from some major service woes) but things just seem.... different. My favorite side dish - ahem, BACON - has long been removed from the menu. WRONG! Temperature issues have arisen with steaks on a few occasions and wine knowledge amongst the servers is amiss. At this price point, and in a restaurant so beautifully appointed (the dining room really is beautiful) these issues should be nonexistent. But, as I mentioned, my biggest complaint lies with service and what has recently revealed itself in the form of some really strange training. I've had it happen multiple times, and with different servers, but always the same thing... hovering just slightly away from the table, waiting for an acknowledgement to approach. Just come over! You're creeping me out, man. Then there is the OVERexplaining of everything on the menu as if you've never dined out before. They speak to the customer as if we're totally unschooled in fine dining. I find it offensive and condescending. You don't need to explain in great detail what Wagyu beef is. Unless, of course, I ask... then have at it. Assume your diner is educated unless they request the edification. Upon my last visit especially, I felt like I had just gotten lectured. So not conducive to what a relaxing, luxurious, upscale steakhouse should be. Fix this. Bring back the old days. And the bacon. Bacon makes everything better, even creepster service.
(3)Katherine R.
Oh My Goodness. Filet mignon. We've always sat up front in the bar area where it's much more chill. AND the scallops. They were so good we had an order of scallops, split the filet and had an order of scallops for dessert. Fuck cake. The wines are also fabulous. I've been curious about the $100 cheesesteak for a long time. Would anyone like to share?
(5)Kristen S.
I came here when my mom came into town and wanted to take me out to dinner, as I probably wouldn't spend so much on a meal myself. But it was definitely worth it. The service was great and the food was very good. The complimentary popovers are AMAZING. As it's a steak house, the steak was obviously perfect, but what I would go back for is more of those popovers.
(5)John M.
i got the 10oz ny strip steak, and it was the best i've had in my life. service was incredible too. overall it was one of the best dining experiences i had this year. the oysters from northern california were also to die for.
(5)Mark C.
This place is super nice, love the feel of the place. Kind of like how the bar is hidden. Steaks are big and thick just like me :) Anyways, service is outstanding. Honestly, I only came here to choose out of a big selection of steak knives, I choose 3 knives (the Global was too thick of a knife).
(5)Alex P.
Fabulous from beginning to end. My in-laws took us here when they were in town this past week and we had such a great time. I had been meaning to dine here for years but never made it happen. We started with some drinks at the bar as we were early for our reservation and the bartender was just wonderful. She was extremely easy to talk to and very hospitable, would go back for happy hour just for her! When we sat for dinner we had a lovely waiter, unfortunately I don't remember anyone's names. My in-laws are from CA and we all love wine and he was great at selecting some choices my father-in-law was quite pleased with. The popovers they bring out are ridiculous, I want them everyday. We had salads and soup as appetizers. The lobster bisque was delicious yet different...had some fall spices in it my husband wasn't a huge fan of but it was still tasty. As expected, our steaks were cooked to perfection. I had the 8oz filet with blue cheese sauce on the side and it was perfect with or without the sauce. The bit on coarse salt on top is a nice touch. Creamed spinach was good, very cheesy. I heard the mashed potatoes were delicious but we went for regular potatoes that were also very good. Choosing your own steak knife is a nice touch as well. Can't wait to go back and try dessert!
(5)Shirlana D.
The first time I went to this restaurant I went because my bf took me here. It was love at first bite. From the moment we walked into the restaurant it seemed intimate and quaint. The drawback for me were the low seating chairs. While the chairs are large and comfy, they seemed very close to the floor. While trying to create an intimate or exclusive atmosphere, the lighting was poor. Despite those few challenges, the wait staff was extremely helpful and attentive. The moment that the bread was brought to the table and I put it in my mouth, it was heavenly. I felt like the bread was melting in my mouth, and then realized that there is some guyere cheese (I believe) in the bread. While I have been here several times (it has become my annual choice for my birthday meal) I always order the veal chop. The veal was moist, succulent, and perfectly prepared. The onion soubise & mushrooms that is served with the veal was flavorful and the perfect accompaniment. The dessert is always sweet yet not overpowering. I will be coming here for years to come for I love the food and staff, but nothing beats the great company I am always with :).
(5)Terri O.
A wonderful place to celebrate a birthday dinner! At first when we were seated too close to another couple we were bummed out but we quickly realized it was OK! Our cocktails were great - I had a Vodka Martini with blue cheese olives! yummy! And a beer from the nice selection of craft beers. Appetizers-Oysters and jumbo shrimp were perfect starters- Entries-Bone in prime Rib and NY strip were cooked to perfection and we chose sides: roasted cauliflower (excellent) sautéed mushrooms and thanks to other Yelp suggestions- Tator Tots (would not have opted for these except for Yelp, and they were wonderful)! Dessert- Peach special was devine and the sorbet sampler was a small tasting of three delicious flavor- the cantaloupe was very tasty! A wonderful evening- great service, food and ambiance!
(5)Jason C.
Kudos to Steven Starr for having a wonderful establishment in Philadelphia. As much as I dislike going to restaurateur moguls who own multiple restaurants serving cuisine from every country imaginable, I find that Steven Starr restaurants always deliver and execute well above my expectations while others constantly fail to deliver. DECOR: reminds you of a more modernly decorated room out of a Harry Potter movie. There was a classic element to the decor and the bookshelves with sparsely populated books and the chandeliers added to that feeling. The chairs were modern (green, yellow, and white) which made the entire area less "stuffy". I could imagine it would have felt like an extremely stuffy environment if we had classic wooden chairs. Whoever designed this place made the decor acceptable to a large demographic customer base. Whoever designed this is clever. SERVICE: the highlight of the night goes to immaculate service from Glenn. He is extremely knowledgeable about everything on the menu, very professional, and does not feel pushy in his recommendations even in the slightest sense. Overall, I'd say his level of service pushed the review 1 additional star from a 4 to 5. I had an excellent and pleasant dinner thanks to him. STEAK KNIFES: I was quite impressed that they were giving us the option to choose among 5 top end steak knifes. I remember 4 of them (2 were Zwilling Henckel, 1 was a Shun, and the last was a Wusthof). I was impressed that they were providing such high end knives here. FOOD: the food was a solid 4*. For my steak, I ordered a 28-day dry aged NY strip steak which cost about ~$50. This was cooked a perfect medium rare and it was seasoned very well. At this price, I would take this steak any day over say Capital Grille, Palms, Morton, Gibson's or any other chain restaurant steak. One of the things I was tempted to try was the Japanese Wagyu steak at $115 but I didn't feel a compelling need to go eat something at such a high price point when there are fantastic options such as Peter Luger which probably serve better steak and lower price points. Appetizers: I shared the main diver SCALLOPS. We got 3 pieces that were well cooked & seasoned with a bit of a spice kick coming from their sauce. My scallop cooled down by the time it reached my table. This appetizer was acceptable and about what I expected from a restaurant like this. The highlight was the fried SOFT SHELL CRAB. It was fantastically well fried blue crab that was extremely flavorful with a great texture. It was one of the rare times I felt I was chewing more crab than I was batter. When I was first introduced to the Philly steakhouse scene I was told that Butcher and Singer was the top recommended steakhouse. I was led to believe that until I was introduced to Barclay's. The service, the large number of selections, and the food quality are in a league far above Butcher and Singer. At this price point, I wholeheartedly recommend this place for steak in Philly. On a side note, Barclay's sells the most expensive cheesesteak in Philly (perhaps the world). $100 for a freakin cheesesteak (wagyu beef, foie gras, truffled cheese)..............would anyone care to split an order with me in the future? :P
(5)Ade B.
A steakhouse with a more romantic setting than other steakhouses. So it's more appropriate for date night as opposed to a guys night out. This place is known for the Kobe sliders and Kobe cheesesteak. I've only had the sliders. They don't taste as good now as when the restaurant first opened. I'm talking about moving down from a perfect 10 to a 9, so not a huge dropoff. I suspect they might be using American Kobe now when they used Austrailian Kobe when they first opened. But that's just a guess. The steaks here are amazing, but you can get steaks just as good for a lower price elsewhere. When it comes to date night it's not always a good idea to count pennies. And for a date night at a steakhouse it doesn't get any better than Barclay Prime.
(4)Dan W.
Giving this place a 5 star for their ribeye steak, beef steak tartare, bread/butter, and friendly/professional waiters/staff! Came here with a couple guys for a friend's birthday dinner so had a chance to try a good amount of their menu, here is my opinion of them in no particular order: complimentary bread/butter: amazing! has croissant texture, butter is smooth and easy to spread truffle mac and cheese: good light creamy, crumb texture/taste, use real truffles (found a small truffle piece) that leaves a lasting taste in your mouth compared to synthetic truffle tator tots: very similar to a traditional tator tot taste except inside is more creamy versus grainy lobster bisque: fair portion of lobster bits that delivers a punch of a typical lobster bisque flavors that leave you wanting more beef steak tartare: refreshing, citrus, light, meaty texture/taste that is complimented with salty (alittle too much for my liking) fried thin bread slices on the side wagyu sliders: unfortunately even smaller than I expected but the meat was cooked good (medium) ribeye steak (medium rare): the BEST steak I have tasted so far...each bite is full of juices and salty/herb flavors that marinate in your mouth, leaving you wanting more ny strip steak (medium rare): similar to ribeye steak except has a more fatty and lighter texture taste 8 oz. filet mignon (medium rare): compared to the ribeye and ny strip steak, had a more traditional meaty/gamy taste given the high quality meats that are offered here, everything is slightly overpriced still in my opinion - a good solid place for any special occasion but definitely not somewhere to go on a regular basis.
(4)Nina T.
This place was amazing! Took my date here for his birthday in April and everything was exquisite. Our meals were tasteful and the dessert was the best I've had in a long time. He had the 12oz prime filet and was left speechless at how good it was. I had the roasted chicken while we shared the truffle mac n cheese and potato gratin, absolutely no complaints. The best was telling the waiter that the birthday boy was picking the dessert and them bring in it out with a Happy Birthday written on the plate. Good job paying attention! Oh and you can't forget the choice of knives they gave us. That was fun :) Definitely will be going back when I'm in the Philly area again!
(5)The Food D.
PLEASE READ REVIEW FOR MORE DETAILS ON TWO STAR RATING Another restaurant that I have been trying to come to for years... After years of reading other Yelp reviews... I finally made it. I have had dreams about the $120.00 cheese steak... Beautiful inside, a bit dimly lit for my taste... but a very "sexy" feel. Host was friendly, and took us to our table. I feel like the wait for meet our waiter was a bit long... especially for fine dining. Waiter was friendly and knew the menu pretty well. Waiter was nice enough to check to see if another champagne could be served with the cheese steak. The substituted bottle in my opinion wasn't to my liking. It was okay, probably sweeter than the other one but too harsh for my liking. I'm not a big drinker, so not a big deal. Our order: Gruyere Popover (Free Bread) Shrimp Cocktail 3lb Lobster (Butter pouched) Tater Tots $120.00 Cheese Steak Cookie Dessert (Took back to hotel) Popover: WOW! Delicious bread...I haven't had a popover that delicious in a long long time. My second one was very slightly under cooked which I actually enjoyed as the inside was super super moist and absolutely delicious. Shrimp Cocktail: 3 JUMBO shrimp. When I say JUMBO I mean JUMBO. Cocktail sauce was standard, nothing special. Shrimp weren't over cooked but not properly thawed. Not sure why, but the insides tasted a bit too cold and took away from the shrimp flavor. I wouldn't order again . -1 Stars 3lb Lobster (Butter pouched): One word - HORRIBLE! I am not one to send back items, but if there has ever been an item I needed to send back this would have been it. $85.00 for the absolute WORST lobster I have ever tasted. The meat was extremely tough to the point that it was incredibly difficult to chew. The lobster had no flavor. I have never experienced such a bad piece of seafood ever. I really should have complained, but it's not in my nature. I took nearly the entire order to our hotel room hoping it would taste better the next morning... it was even worse...Practically $85.00 worth of lobster went into the garbage. -2 Stars Tater Tots: OMG! Delicious... in the top 3 potato side dish I have ever had. Extremely creamy chive mashed potato inside a very very very light coating. Every tot had a slight crisp shell and then they exploded with the creamy mashed potato like inside... I HIGHLY recommend this item. $120.00 Cheese Steak... Next time I would skip the champagne... which I believe would make the cheese steak only $70.00. To me a traditional Philly cheese steak isn't something I REALLY enjoy. But this sandwich is something I REALLY enjoyed. The only problem is... it's too rich in my opinion to be eaten as a main course. The bread was perfect for this sandwich as it was greasy...but the bread did an awesome job soaking it all up. Cookie Dessert (Took back to hotel): Very good! Delicious mix of three different types of cookie baked into one. I only wanted to try a bite and before I knew it I was licking the container clean. I would order again. Over all... would I could here again... maybe. I would only order a beer, the cheese steak and tater tots. I cannot stress enough that the lobster should never be ordered. Service was standard... nothing amazing for fine dining... Overall because of the seafood... specially the lobster... a disappointment. $273.10 (Bill) + $65.00 (Extremely Generous Tip) = $338.10... not worth the price.
(2)Esther K.
The best steak I've ever had and best tater tots. Definitely going to go back someday!
(5)Noell M.
When I think back to my visit at Barclay Prime I am still blown away and amazed at how sensational it was! Barclay Prime is Stephen Starr's flagship restaurant. The classic steakhouse feel runs throughout the dining room, hallways, and bar area. Tasteful wooden paneling, built in bookshelves, and high ceilings with crystal chandeliers make it feel as though the gang from Mad Men would come here for a special occasion dinner. We started with the chopped salad, it was beautiful to look at and even more beautiful to taste. The minute pieces of tomato, heart of palm, and olives were tossed in a vinaigrette that made my taste buds dance with every bite. The main course was a religious experience. I am salivating right now even thinking about it!! The steak was beyond melt in your mouth, it was a cathartic experience. Just a few notes.......sides are not included with your meal so be prepared to shell out more money if you want truffle whipped mashed potatoes,broccolini, or butter corn. Also, valet parking is in front of Parc, a block down the street, so wear your "walking"shoes. If you love steak this place needs to go to the top of your list!
(5)Adelle R.
Barclay Prime is always a great and consistent place to grab a great steak. My husband and I often go to the bar and split a porter house steak with a couple of sides and usually a scallop app. The steak is always cooked perfectly. And they always bring out those fabulous pop overs! They are almost as good as the steak! (I did say almost!). The bar doesn't usually get too crowded on weeknights, so it ends up being a pretty laid back meal. Drinks are good and the bartender (I think his name is Bob, but I always forget) is known for his cocktails, especially his Manhattans.
(4)Han P.
I would have to elect Barclay Prime Best of the Best in Steakhouses for Philly. I've been to most of the steakhouses in Philly and in my mind, this one edges out the rest. Every aspect of my dining experience was impeccable starting from the moment I walked in the door to the moment I walked out. I've heard so much about Barclay Prime from my friends that it had pretty high expectations to meet. Since this was my first time here, I have to admit that I got a little out of hand with my order. FYI, just so you don't think I'm a complete pig, everything but my steak was shared with my buddy. See below for my foodie fare. Appetizer (Shared) - Nueske Bacon Entree - 28 Day Dry Aged NY Strip Steak Entree (Shared) - Butter Poached Lobster Sides (Shared) - Tator Tots and Creamed Spinach Desserts (Shared) - Warm Deep Dish Cookie Everything listed above was top-notch and what you would expect from a place like this. Also, I'm a surf and turf guy so that's why you see both the steak and lobster. Yum. They were both prepared perfectly. I highly recommend either entree or you could be ridiculous like me and order both. One clarification though, the Nueske Bacon is one of the sides that we ordered as an appetizer. I was told that the Nueske Bacon and Scallops appetizer wasn't that great. BTW, Nueske Bacon is probably the tastiest and meatiest bacon I've ever had. I can't wait to go back for a repeat experience! This has become my favorite Philly Steakhouse.
(5)Fred C.
To put it succinctly, there is no finer restaurant in the Greater Philadelphia area. The food is most excellent, the service flawless and the ambiance lovely.
(5)Katrina S.
Birthday dinner! We ordered: Tuna Tartare: Amazing! Really... melt in your mouth good. Suggestion: Add something with a crunch for a bit of contrast Hamachi Crudo: I have no suggestions for this. It was perfect. Light and amazing and flavorful. Bone-in filet: It was ok. I go to a steak place expecting to be wowed, I was less than wowed. The whole thing was luke warm instead of having a "cool center" as it should (medium rare) and it lacked flavor. Dry aged NY strip: Boyfriend really enjoyed this, I tried it and the flavor was great but it was a little chewy. Vanilla Cheesecake: Good, it was cheesecake... they did write happy birthday in chocolate on the plate which was really cute. They give you popovers at the start and will give you as many as you want, they are great, but I suggest they serve them warm (or hot!) so the butter gets all melty. The butter was also great, perfectly spreadable and I really liked the salt on top. Choosing your own steak knife seems gimicky to me, but I'm not a knife expert so its basically an eenie-meenie-miney-moe/which one is prettiest game. The room/ambiance is great but it was fairly empty and they seated a rather loud group right behind our table which was surprisingly annoying for us (there was one guy who had to tell everyone how much he knew about wine/steak/fish/[insert other random thing] and had to tell them loudly). I really ruined the intimate feel of our table by the wall. Our service started out eh but took a turn for the better when someone else inadvertently took over our table when we were ready to place our drink orders. I got the Barclay Bellini which was great and boyfriend got the ginger soda. The appetizers were definitely the stars of the evening and it seemed to go downhill from there. I may go back, but not for steak.
(3)Stephany B.
I have been here two times, one in the bar with the bar menu with a few of my coworkers; the other in the main dining room for full dunner. Highlights of each - Wedge Salad (bar) -- delicious. fresh bleu cheese as expected of a steak house. it had fresh crab meat as well as a garnish which was a nice accent - kobe sliders -- i've had about 10 different kobe sliders at various upscale restaurants. (including the foie gras and kobe sliders at 1 Micheline starred L'Atellier in Vegas) These were hands down the best. The meat was medium rare (to perfection) and something about the brioche was what really differentiated these from the pack. MUST HAVE - Lamb -- very good. ordered medium rare and was very tender and flavorful. I have had better Colorado Lamb (being from Colorado and having it at my fingertips my whole life) but this was in the top 3 or 4 I've ever had. - NY Strip -- very good. Flavorful as you would expect any aged steak and was a bit over cooked ( it was ordered medium rare and it came much more medium) Aside from the temp. It was maybe top 3 NY Strips I've had. The quality of meat was definitely what stood out. We did not have room for sides which we ordered but were too full to enjoy. Same with dessert. I believe you can order the sliders in the bar as well which is what i would recommend if you are not interested in blowing a couple hundred bucks here. Bottom Line: very expensive, but very good
(4)Hannah K.
Can I say that this was a dream come true? Absolutely the best experience ever. Stephen Starr really outdid himself with this restaurant. We went as a a party of 6, & had the opportunity to sit in the lounge area. It probably wasn't such a good idea that we were all starving when we started to order. For appetizers, we ordered the tuna tartar, truffle mac & cheese, tater tots, lobster bisque, the nueske bacon & scallops & the east/west oysters. All of the appetizers were absolutely amazing but the stand out star was definitely the bacon & scallops on top of fried green tomatoes. Never have I had a fried green tomato but I will definitely try them again! They were delicious, almost candied & tasted like yams. For the entrées, we ordered the filet, the ribeye, the kobe beef special, the wild king salmon, & for sides we ordered sauteed mushrooms, creamed spinach, truffle mashed potatoes, asparagus & potato gratin. Hands down the best creamed spinach I have ever eaten. A few cocktails were ordered: the dark & stormy & the Venetian fizz & the whole table shared a bottle of German Riesling. Dessert had to be the best part. The chocolate chip creme brulee was out of this world delicious. & as asked, they had written happy anniversary on my creme brulee. The service was amazing. Attentive & helpful with the menu. My only gripe was that one of our food runners was new, & when I had asked him to pack our leftovers, he packed the sides I didn't want & threw away the ones I had wanted! To cap of the amazing night, our server presented us with small silver boxes filled with 1 caramel filled chocolate & 1 raspberry gelee. This restaurant was the best that I have been to in Philly & I will definitely return!
(5)Kim D.
In short: I expected much better for the price. Several people in my group had their steaks cooked incorrectly, which is pretty inexcusable considering what you're paying. The experience wasn't terrible, but it in no way lived up to the hype.
(3)Jessica H.
We went to Barclay Prime for our six month wedding anniversary. It was a Sunday night, so the restaurant was not busy at all. The main dining room is striking--it's a large room with many relatively low-to-the-ground sofas bookending simply decorated tables, and some smaller tables with chairs along the edges of the room. The walls are lined with bookshelves, most with books in them, which we liked. The room is dimly lit, but it never felt dark. There are large windows lining one wall. Our server was wonderful. She was very friendly and knowledgeable, but not overbearing. For our meal, we ordered: -Kobe beef sliders -20oz prime bone-in ribeye (one each) -creamed spinach -truffle mac & cheese -the waitress also sent us (gratis) the truffle mashed potatoes, which we had asked about but not ordered We loved the kobe beef sliders, the steak, and the creamed spinach. Not surprisingly, they really know how to cook beef. I was surprised by the creamed spinach (not normally something I would order), but it was delicious. We did not enjoy the mac and cheese and the mashed potatoes. It may have been the truffle oil, but both dishes tasted overwhelmingly salty. There was also a lot of oil in both dishes--made clear the next day when we reheated our leftovers and found a pool of oil around the mashed potatoes (we couldn't finish about half of our meal--it was a lot of food!) Ultimately, we would have preferred more subtle side dishes to complement the steak.
(4)B M.
We had reservations for 9:15 on a Friday. After deciding on Thursday that we wanted a good steak dinner we read a few reviews and tried to get a table at Capitol Grille... however they were booked. I think this turned out to be a good thing. We fell in love with Barclay Prime! We were a few minutes early and were seated just about the time of our reservation. The staff was helpful, courteous, and unassuming. We had never been to Barclay Prime before and hadn't read too many reviews or seen photos. We were pleasantly surprised by the simple, tasteful decor. It felt like you were in someone's home... but fancy. We loved the armchairs at our table for two and really enjoyed checking out the book titles that lined the shelves. The music also was perfect - that retro Americana that is part mod-60s and part timeless. Our server, Jason A, was great. He suggested a few things on menu, had excellent recommendations for sauce and side order pairings. We didn't feel any pressure to "up order," either, which is always a plus. We started our meal with a gruyere and chive popover (the bread of the night) and delicious salted butter. These popovers were so light and airy - but also filling! I only ate half of mine and wish I had thought to bring it home with me! Jason also bought over a selection of knives for us to choose from... something different and surprising but still fun! I ordered the 8 oz. filet with the bernaise sauce on the side. Jason had recommend the bernaise as best with the filet... I felt it was a bit too sweet and was glad that he had recommended it on the side. The potatoes au gratin were phenomenal and such a huge portion. I am eating the leftovers as I type and they are just as good re-heated! I was really pleased with the price of the 8 oz. filet - at $35 I felt it was very reasonable. He had the dry-aged rib eye...YUM. Perfect sear. So delicious... I was a little jealous! He also had the creamed spinach. When he didn't finish Jason recommend an excellent next-morning omelette creation with the creamed spinach. Sounded great! We opted our of dessert... but enjoyed complimentary hazlenut truffles with a salted caramel center. I would recommend Barclay Prime to anyone wanting a great meal, fun atmosphere, and reasonable upscale pricing. We will be back... I kind of want to try that $100 cheesesteak!
(5)Jim D.
Next to Gibson's in Chicago, one of my all time favorite steak houses. Most of the ingredients are local and extremely fresh. I recommend the bone in filet if you're going for steak, but the seafood choices are equally as good. The menu is seasonal and many of the sides/appetizers change regularly. The dinner rolls are dreamy and resemble a huge Yorkshire pudding. The service is outstanding.
(5)Le L.
I've been here a few times with my boyfriend and the food and service is excellent. It's pretty cute and cozy in there but just a little too dim. I like to see what I am eating.... The fried green tomatoes and bacon wrapped scallops is a great start. Kobe sliders were pretty good. They have the best Kobe Filet.... Super lean and tender. The Lamb was tasty too. The sides were pretty good (except for the gi'normous asparagus) The dessert is just as good and any other Steven Starr restaurants. Beware.... your bill will add up, but the food and service is well worth the experience. (you also get to choose you own steak knife)
(4)Lizzie L.
All steakhouses are not created equal. Dinning at Barclay Prime is an experience of a lifetime. From the moment we walked in the library style bar we knew we were in for a treat. We felt transported back to the mid century Mad Men days with low velour contemporary seating and built in wood paneling bookcases. The ambiance is swanky yet classic with an air of haute intellectualism, perhaps simply from all the shelved hardbacks. Perfect place to don your little black dress or blazer and cozy up on a love seat or share a dimly lit romantic meal. Even if the vibe may seem high brow, the staff are down to earth and seem devoted to serving up authentic conversation and to making the meal easy and stress free. The culinary classics are executed so well. The poached buttered lobster melts in your mouth as much as the tender Wagyu steak. Try it medium rare puhleese! The creamed spinach is a spoonful of heaven. The cocktails are shaken to perfection and the wine selection accommodates even the novice palate. Bonus there are an assortment of exceptional steak knives served table side for your selection. Of course this experience comes at a cost. Entrees are close to $100 give or take. Worth the splurge for any special occasion or to seal that business deal. I will be dreaming of next time. Bon appetite!
(5)Sultan M.
First off, I didn't order the $100 Cheesesteak. My dinner companion did and couldn't finish it (which, as a former football player is saying something). Truffle Mac n Cheese, Tater Totes and a very nice filet. Excellent - truly excellent. On top of that, the bartender made 2 absolutely perfect cocktails for me. He made the drinks and brought them out each time himself and made sure I was happy with them before going back. Only downside - holy @#$@#$ is it expensive. 2 people, a few drinks and dinner and we were pushing $400. In NYC, Tokyo, London or Singapore I wouldn't blink (and I haven't), but in Philly it was a bit shocking. Still, looking back, it was totally worth it. Wish I'd taken pictures but I was too busy enjoying myself.
(4)Dave S.
Beautiful Room! Great Service! Lamb Chop is amazing! Hot Popovers served gratis before each meal with soft butter--I could have eaten three of them but then I wouldnt have been able to finish my lamb. The $100 cheesesteak was NOT good! However, they happily took it off the bill when they saw we left half of it on the plate hence the 5 stars. Perfect food is nice but even better is when something is not perfect and they correct it immediately with a smile.
(5)Paul C.
I'm a huge steak fan...we got porterhouse, rib eye, bone in filet, beef tartar, scallops, asparagus, tater tots, few cocktails, chocolate caramel cake, and bottle of wine... Good: beef tartar, scallops, chocolate caramel cake Average: all the steaks, asparagus, tater tots, Service Bad: Cocktails, Over priced wine... Perhaps my expectations were too high...but considering this place cost more than Capital Grille...i expected to be better... I'm definitely not going back here again...
(3)Kimberly Y.
Sorry this review is so long, but I just want to rave about the amazing experience I had here... one of the best steaks I've ever had, with great service and a cozy atmosphere to go along with it! Although there wasn't much decor, I enjoyed the minimalistic atmosphere. There were a few wooden bookshelves and the most comfortable couches to dine on! Definitely the nicest seating I've ever had at a restaurant. I'm short, and the table wasn't too tall for me, which was awesome. Each table had quite a bit of space to itself, too. The food was delicious, and each portion was considerably large. Two friends and I ordered the 50 oz tomahawk ribeye ($85), caesar salad ($12), and fingerling potatoes with aioli ($10), ringing the check up to ONLY $36/person + tax + tip! * Caesar salad: I was a little irritated that my friend had ordered the caesar salad of all things since pretty much every restaurant serves caesar salad, but wow, Barclay Prime's caesar salad delivered! And only for $12, which some very meh places can almost get up to since salads are so expensive for some reason. The caesar dressing was just right--not too tangy or creamy, but with great flavor--and the lettuce was fresh. * Seafood cocktail: Since our steak was 50 oz (in one piece!), it took forever to cook. Barclay Prime gave us a complimentary seafood cocktail for waiting, which obviously made us all very happy! Without it, it would definitely have been a long and hungry wait for the steak. * Tomahawk ribeye: When the steak finally came out, I was pleasantly surprised that even though the steak was so thick, all the meat was still juicy! (I did not have that experience at Butcher & Singer the one time I went.) The steak was a little undercooked in the middle since it was extremely thick, so we mentioned it to the waiter, and he kindly took those pieces back to cook some more. My two friends said this was definitely the best steak they've ever had, and it was definitely up there for me. * Fingerling potatoes: The potatoes were pretty good, but not as outstanding as the rest of the food we had. We were already full by the time we got to it anyway. The next time I come, I may just get an appetizer and a 50 oz ribeye. * We were too full for dessert, but the server gave us a few caramel chocolate truffles anyway. Server did not push us to order more than we wanted to. At the end of the meal, we mentioned we were so full, and the waiter mentioned that some people eat the entire 50 oz steak by themselves. But he seemed to be fine with how much we had ordered in the beginning + the 2 freebies, so that was great. He stopped by decently often and was very accommodating!
(5)Elyse K.
Hands down - Best restaurant ever. Be prepared to spend a pretty penny but it will be well worth it. The food is amazing. And the service is extraordinary both knowledgable and helpful.
(5)Shel K.
It's been 2 days since our recent dinner and I'm still full! My favorite specialty cocktail was their Love Triangle and my favorite appetizer was the Foie Gras (we also had the beef tartare and crab cake). For entrees I ordered their infamous cheesesteak and my husband ordered the 24oz dry aged porterhouse. They were both cooked incredibly well. I love being able to choose our own steak knives. My husband chose the German one (the name escapes me right now) since he said the tip of the knife would help him de-bone the porterhouse and I chose the samurai throwing one for no specific reason. Haha. The fried artichoke side was different (but not bad) and the truffle mac&cheese was good. For dessert we went with the toasted chocolate smores and the coconut cream pie. The smores is an indulgently rich dessert and the coconut cream pie was the perfectly lighter pair of the two. Celebrating many special occasions here, this is certainly our favorite restaurant around the Philadelphia/South Jersey area.
(5)Chris B.
One of my favorite steakhouses on the east coast. Great service and atmosphere.
(5)Daniel T.
This place has one of the most extensive and expensive wine lists ever. The ambiance is classy and romantic. The interior is a mix between classic and modern. The menu is not too long but includes many delicious items. My date and I enjoyed the scallop appetizer and had the infamous cheesesteak and sea bass as our main courses. We had sorbet/ice cream for desert. The scallops and sea bass were both excellent. Scallops were huge and well-cooked & the sea bass was the best I've had outside of a Japanese establishment. The cheesesteak was alright. Way too greasy, could not really taste the wagyu. I guess it's cool to try once but I would not order it again. Definitely would rather pay for a wagyu filet so I can actually enjoy it.
(5)Angela O.
Perfectly cooked steaks and impeccable service. Went for my husband's birthday dinner around the holidays and everything from the cocktails, wine/champs, oysters, lobster bisque, both Satsuma and American wagyu steaks, potato and asparagus sides and peppermint creme brûlée special was delicious. Not the steakhouse type but this is the exception. Love the top notch restaurants in philly - putting this up there with Vetri.
(5)Joe S.
Best steak house in Philadelphia... I have been here several times for several different occasions. I have never been disappointed. My favorite place to take clients. They always leave with a good lasting impression.
(5)Dana S.
Best kept secret is their Happy Hour! Good snacks and drinks!
(4)Tony M.
Barclay Prime is what you would expect from a fine steakhouse: great service and excellent steaks and food. I thought the steaks lacked a little seasoning. Highlights of the meal were the sliders app and s'mores dessert. The worst part of the experience were the chairs! They were extremely uncomfortable. Overall, the decor needs a little help.
(4)Inna L.
I can't believe how disappointed I was. I'm sure it has a lot to do with what you actually order as I didn't have steaks. The $100 cheese steak has been on my bucket list and I absolutely wanted to cross it off. We ordered two cocktails to start which were both delicious. The service was impeccable. The inside is cute enough but it felt like an old cigar club to me, which isn't necessarily a problem. My disappointment was specifically in the food. We ordered the half lobster chilled appetizer. It was fine. Nothing spectacular and to be honest it's hard to ruin lobster. It was chilled, which is also fine but I don't know if that's what made it taste a bit dry? I've seen other review mention the butter poached lobster. I imagine they switch up their menu a bit and I would have probably preferred to do that. As a main course we split the infamous cheesesteak and got the onion shoestring onions as a side. Now I've looked up the cheesesteak so I'm fully aware of what goes into it. The roll... a sesame seeded roll claimed to be made at their sister location parc fresh daily. Ok fresh bread, great. Not spectacular by any means. And with all due respect for the reputation and the cost I expect spectacular. I took the top half of the bread off. Tasted like any other roll I've ever had, and I would not be pressured to say I've had better. Baked fresh daily is not a huge accomplishment; I could've bought the roll at the grocery store and not known the difference. The steak is made with Wagu beef. Wagu beef is one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted and again pretty hard to ruin. When you chop up such a succulent flavorful piece of meat into a grainy pulp and dilute it with a bucket of sauce it loses its appeal. It was good, but again not that good. For something like this I would almost think you can retain the flavor by doing a pats/ginos type of presentation and keep it in big chunks. The cheesesteak was supposed to have foie gras on top. We avoided getting foie gras as an appetizer with the expectation that we would have some in the entre. If there was foie gras in the cheesesteak I promise you it's completely undetectable. Then there are the French chesses and truffles on top. This was quite possibly the only thing you can actually taste in the cheese steak. Holy hell the whole thing was basically liquid, seriously it was so overwhelming and greasy I had a difficult time digesting it (honestly I got food poisoning... I'll spare the details). The steak was fine, it was edible and you can kind of pick out the flavors, but it tasted like a greasy fatty mess. Overall its more than enough to share for two people and maybe even 4 because we each ate the second piece out of pure gluttony. The shoestring onions were a huge flop. I am a huge fan of the shoestring fries at the continental and expected something similar. The shoestring onions are basically long thin onion rings (I get it expected) but if you don't eat them in the first minute they get super greasy. Again had better at dinners. Avoid this side it was just plain not good. Also the $100 cheesteak is actually $120 and comes with a half bottle of champagne. I guess they had to do something to raise the appeal? I don't doubt the quality of this restaurant at all... just saying maybe watch what to order. Maybe they should just stick to steaks?
(3)Gary G.
Top notch. Its pretty awesome when they bring out a pillow thing with different knives for you to choose. I went with the samurai style knife..kung fu'd the shit out of my steak. Great restaurant w great service
(5)Katherine M.
After getting a gift card for our birthday suggesting we go and get the $100 cheesesteak, we decided to go for it and reserve here. The atmosphere is interesting - like you are in a 1960s book lounge. It's also incredibly dark. I suppose that's nice, but it feels weird that in my 20s I'm thinking 'damn, I wish I could see this thing I am eating'. The chairs we got were comfortable, and being seated along a wall, I had a little bookshelf to put my clutch on which I liked. Service was fantastic. Like downright amazing. I chose to get a cocktail, which was amazing, to start off with. Their drinks seem well thought out, and the cocktail I ordered (Ophelia's something or the other) proved that to me at least. We got the truffle mac and cheese as an appetizer. I'd say it's OK - a little thin, and definitely not the best I've had in terms of higher-end mac and cheeses. We weren't overly impressed. The cheesesteak? We ate half of it, and I'm sad to say, the other half was wasted. It was strangely rich. At first, it was good, then the textures and flavors started to not be ok together, especially as it cooled on the plate. It seems their steaks are better, and I would suggest going that way. The champagne that comes alongside, though, was amazing. As an end, we got a descontructed s'more for dessert. It was delicious and the best part of the meal. We decided they were really good at sweets (the dessert and fairly sugary cocktail were the highlights). Would I go back? Maybe? I wouldn't jump for joy to go back, but I wouldn't say no. The food just wasn't all it was made up to be, especially not for the price. Atmosphere and service though - amazing and perfect.
(3)Vincent D.
Plain and simple - Barclay Prime is the best restaurant in Philadelphia. Their service is exactly what you would expect from a five star restaurant and the quality of food is unmatched, plus what other restaurant allows you to select your own unique steak knife. I've eaten at gourmet restaurants across the country and throughout Europe - I can easily say that Barclay Prime's Wagyu Filet is the best piece of steak I've ever had. Just make sure you don't fill up on the bread turnovers (it's hard not to).
(5)Gordon R.
The first time I realized I was rich was Dinner at Barclay Prime. I'm not kidding. We went on a double date anniversary splurge walked in without reservations and spent a grand without blinking. Insane, but we'll never forget it. Flawless service from beginning to end. Again, you should always let the staff know why you're there! We had every appetizer and paired it with 3 wines that made us feel in heaven. If you want to really have a good time order steak. Order things you won't make at home. Mac & Cheese? Okay it was amazing, but if you balk at the prices - you'll resent it forever. Let go and just enjoy the fact that Barclay has been doing it right forever and will continue to be a Rittenhouse staple. I'm making it a point to make an annual pilgrimage home to Philly AND Barclay Prime now. This is the kind of place you take someone you need to impress. And you will. *Wink*
(5)Richie A.
Went here with my fiance and had a great time. The steak was superb and the atmosphere was very calm. If you want to impress your other and not disappoint your taste buds then you must come here. If you are a true philadelpgian you will eat the $150 cheese steak. Yum!
(5)Trisha G.
Trendy restaurant with exceptional service and food. Our waiter was by far one of the most attentive we have had in fine dining experience. My husband and I started with the $98 caviar - which although small, blows your tastebuds away. We then went onto the foie gras appetizer, which I think was around $30 and very tasty. My husband really wanted to try to the $100 cheesesteak (which turned out to be highly overrated and overpriced). You are much better going with the steak here - our mouths were gushing seeing some of the freshest steaks going to nearby tables. For the price and difference in the look of the foods, you are much better off going with a fish or steak dish. I got the salmon - very flavorful and nice sized dish - very good pricing. This is definitely a pot my husband and I will visit again soon!!
(5)H M.
DELISH as always... OMG... From the pop overs, tuna crudo, steak tar tar, fried artichokes, truffle Mac & cheese, 18oz prime and filet... Great service, food was cooked to perfection, fantastic atmosphere. Very she-she without feeling pretentious! Love me some BP!
(5)Allison B.
My fiance took me to Barclay Prime to celebrate my 26th birthday. I desperately wanted to go to a steakhouse, but was a little concerned Barclay Prime wouldn't live up to expectations (or its price tag). Don't worry, it did. AMBIANCE Think super swanky Mad Men-era fine dining. Cushy cozy leather seats, marble tables, built-in bookshelves and lots of muted greens, yellows and oranges. Dim lighting and tiny candles. High as heaven ceilings and crystal chandeliers. The Brady Bunch goes to Vegas. FOOD Complimentary popovers were the best Pillsbury croissant you ever tasted, served warm with room temp salty butter. Smother that shit. Zack and I loved the tuna tartare appetizer, which was rich and meaty while maintaining lightness with a lemony vinaigrette. Excellent. I had the filet mignon and Zack indulged in 16 ounces (that's a pound, people) of dry aged NY Strip. Medium rare for both of us, the meat was insanely tender. The dry aged steak had a really unique super flavor- I would definitely recommend it. Truffle whipped potatoes and broccoli rabe were our sides, and damn did we choose well. The richness of the potatoes cut through the bitter garlicky goodness of the rabe perfectly. DRINKS We shared the least expensive bottle of red (Malbec, $48). Very good. SERVICE Choosing our knives was silly, but fun. Pretty handles for everyone! Our server knew it was my birthday and while we passed on dessert because we were already so satisfied, he brought out two caramel truffles with a birthday candle, plus a mini-cake (!!) in a to-go box. Really nice. Barclay Prime is a special occasion place. Get dressed up and enjoy every bite.
(5)Julia L.
Joe had lost a bet with me and I had my pick of Philly restaurants and chose Barclay Prime steakhouse since I've never been. We were seated in a gorgeous dining area, very modern vibe to it. As Joe and I poured over the menu, they brought out these pop-overs with gruyere cheese in the middle. Amazing! I ended up getting 2! I saw lobster bisque on the menu and had to order it. The lobster bisque was good, but not great. The restaurant was very nice and split our order into 2 bowls so that we would have an easier time eating. The wagyu steak on the menu was over $100 so to experience the wagyu beef, we got an order of the sliders. The sliders were amazing, tender and juicy. Joe ordered the 18 oz Gachot & Gachot prime dry aged ribeye. Joe likes his steak medium-rare. He thoroughly enjoyed his rib-eye. We got the side order of truffle mac and cheese. I had really high expectations for this dish because it had great reviews online. However, when we got it, it was super bland. I was disappointed to say the least. I had the 28 day dry aged NY strip steak. It was delicious and I thoroughly enjoyed my steak.
(5)Liz C.
Fellow mere mortals, I have good news: you can have a very satisfying meal at Barclay Prime and not go bankrupt. My husband and I had: Popovers (free, and the best baked good you will ever eat) Caesar salad (huge!) and wedge salad, each around $12 Three delish glasses of wine about $15 a pop 8 oz filet for me, rib eye for him Mashed potatoes and mushrooms (both delish!!) All said and done, the bill was $250 and the meal was well worth it. My husband said it was definitely one of the best steaks he's ever had. The service is excellent, decor is cool, and the chairs are comfy enough to make me consider a nap mid-meal.
(5)Y. Isabel L.
My boyfriend and I came here for our 5 year anniversary. Barclay Prime does not disappoint. Everything that was placed on our table was great. I had the $100 cheese steak and it was the best cheese steak I've ever had! Was it worth the price tag? Probably not, but it's one of those things where you want to experience it once. We also ordered the crabcakes...AMAZING! My boyfriend had the steak, which was thick cut. We didn't quite expect that, but it was still pretty good. The service was EXCELLENT!
(5)Caroline R.
Barclay Prime is by far one of the greatest restaurants Philly has to offer. The food is amazing - best steak I have ever had - and the service is impeccable. I've eaten here several times now and the quality of the food and service is consistent and you will always have an amazing time. Try to save room for dessert - they are delicious!!!
(5)Dave H.
This is far and away the best steakhouse in Philadelphia. The steaks are exceptionally high quality and very well seasoned (something many other steakhouses fall short on). Aside from that, everything on their menu is incredibly good.
(5)DJ D.
Got engaged here over the summer...everything about the experience was wonderful. The staff helped with everything and sent over complimentary champagne and dessert to myself and my fiancé. Beyond that the food was amazing. Probably one of the best filets I've ever had. Will be returning for many future anniversaries.
(5)Dennis L.
Everything that's been said about this place is true. It's delicious and amazing. The decor is stylish, the food delish, the ambiance... a bit loud even when relatively empty on a Tuesday night. The popovers were amazing as all pop overs should be, unfortunately mine was a bit on the cold side so it didn't feel quite out of the oven. We ordered beef tartar as a starter. It came seasoned deliciously with some interesting crispy tempura type of topping on top with 4 sliced bread style crackers, there were definitely not enough crackers, 6 would've been perfect. I had the 28 day aged ny strip steak and my date had the 12 oz fillet mignon, both cooked a nice medium rare (more rare than medium). The cuts were thick slabs of meat. The NY strip had a nice salt crust and flavor whereas the fillet was more a mild taste but melt in your mouth tender. This was a delicious meal that we were unable to finish. 12 and 16 oz seem less on paper than on your plate.
(5)Matthew D.
This place was fabulous. the decor is elegant, simple, and modern. i enjoyed the leather lounge chairs, the chandeliers, and the bookcases that line this wonderful space. but the food is why people come . . . . And i think i would say it was the best steak that we have ever had. it is hard to say if it was really the best steak - or my taste buds were swayed by all the hype. we got the potterhouse. it was cooked to perfection. also got the macorini and cheese with truffles (wasn't that impressed). the asparagus (a little stringy), and some mushroom appetizer with pasta (amazing), wedge salad (hit the mark) and a mouse like desert/pie, can't remember the name (that was exeptional) overall - the steaks, pasta with mushrooms, and desert were outstanding (some of the best i could ask for) the macorini and cheese wth truffles was ok the wedge salad was adequate the asparagus was stringy - not good everything should be perfect with the price tag attached. as a result, i wouldn't go back, but enjoyed the one time expereince........
(4)Naomi B.
I've dined here for a recent birthday celebration with a party of four and my experience there cannot even be compared to what I shall write, even though I will try. Our waiter was a sweetheart, explaining the menu to us, recommending a few dishes; and drinks that went with it. The truffle mac and cheese was phenomenal, as well as the ahi tuna I've also ordered. The steak (medium, what else?) was so deliciously made, I wanted to kiss the chef that made it. When it came time to pay the bill, our waiter remembered it was two of my parties birthday and surprised us with a delicious cake, wishing them both well. I'll definitely come back again soon.
(5)Acer V.
Went on a Saturday night and it was packed - service was superb as if we were the only people there. This was my fifth time there and it was time to give kudos. Foie Gras was amazing, the ribeye perfect. If you haven't ordered the wedge salad, you must! Atmosphere is mesmerizing, welcoming and warm. very hard to leave this place after the amazing food and service.
(5)Sarah K.
I still love this place, even though it wasn't as amazing as I last remembered. I was last here 2 years ago and thinking back fondly might have heightened my expectations - especially in terms of service. I had a reservation for 5 at 8:30 PM on a Friday night. While a member of my party was struggling to find parking, but within the vicinity, we were not seated until he had arrived. Even so, it actually seemed like they were struggling to find an open table for us, despite our reservation. The hostesses were extremely polite regardless. When we were seated, we were greeted and shown the drink menu and asked what type of water we'd like. Then with a server came by and dropped down some popovers and 2 ramekins of salted butter without a word and left. Entrees took a very long time to come out - which I think is a standard with Barclay Prime. Even so, before our entrees, a server came by with a platter of knives for us to choose. Unlike last time, our server did not describe the type of knives, which was a little disappointing - but perhaps it was because we had told the server we had been here before? A server came by to refill our water a few times, and when we asked for our food to be packed up, only the left over steak was packed (not the sides). I understand sides would probably not be as good later, but it was still a little irksome, as the food here is expensive. The food itself is great! My mother had a filet mignon, I had the 28 day dry aged new york strip, and my brother and father each had a gachot & gachot prime ribeye, and my sister had the branzino. I liked the dishes in that order - the filet mignon was incredibly tender. The new york strip and the ribeye were similar in terms of texture and taste. We also ordered creamed spinach, whipped potatoes, and truffle mac and cheese - all of which were extremely heavy and decadent. I'm not sure what kind of truffles they put in the mac and cheese, but it tasted like aged cheese. So far, especially when considering the price, it was a pretty standard nice, steak meal. Dessert was what blew us away - I ordered the s'more dessert and did not regret it one bit! The graham cracker ice cream was amazing, especially with the warm, luxuriously dense, chocolate lava cake. It's a little funny that the best part of our steak meal was the dessert. This place is extremely expensive, so I wouldn't come here except to splurge on an especially significant occasion. Otherwise, this place has extremely polite and refined service, a beautiful and modern interior (green couches, marble tables, and wooden bookshelves), and mouth watering food. By no exception is it different from other Stephen Starr restaurants - pricey, beautifully decorated, well themed, with tasty food.
(5)Peter N.
This is one comfortable restaurant. Their steaks are really good and they have large cuts for us with big appetites. My waiter was very knowledgeable about bourbon and cocktails. The amazing thing about this restaurant is the seating. They are large single leather seats that have rollers beneath . The lighting is very comforting and makes you forget you are in Philly. The service is worth the price tag on the money.
(4)Michael B.
Barclay Prime is a fantastic overall experience. The food is excellent, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the service is even better. There is an elegant bar when you walk in where you can have a great drink or two before dinner. The dining room has a modern edge to it that makes you feel a bit like a celebrity. It is an expensive place, but I would imagine most people would save it for a special occasion, and it is absolutely worth it if you are looking for a great steak and a good time. The only reason I did not give it five stars is because I am a snob, and have experienced some of the best steakhouses around, and honestly, there are better steaks out there at other steakhouses. However, that is my foodie self talking. If your looking for top tier food, and a great overall experience, this is your place!
(4)Matt C.
Very fun restaurant. Awesome ambiance, beautiful dining room, exceptional service. The wait staff is not only on point but also fun - blending themselves into your dining experience with wit, humor, and knowledge of the menu without ever seeming obtrusive... They bring out a selection of spectacular steak knives for you to choose from, also a really fun part of the meal that adds to the vibe. Hands down the best side dishes I've ever had at a steak house. The kobe beef tartare is crazy good. The truffle mashed potatoes blew my mind. The truffle mac & cheese is phenomenal. Hell, even the creamed spinache was some of the best I've ever had. Every one of their steak sauces is exceptional as well. The only thing that didn't blow my mind about Barclay Prime? The steak! That was very odd for me, being everything else is at such an elite level. The steaks are good enough to justify coming here for the overall dining experience or for a fun night out, but if you're hunting for the best steak money can buy you can definitely do better.
(5)S P.
Great Service, great food. A great place in Center City, that feels like you are in a world class city.
(5)Robert S.
Not worth it! Service with an attitude, good but not great food, and at $300 for two people I was hoping for a lot more.
(2)Maxim M.
My experience was consistent with other Yelpers. Kobe sliders are awesome. Truffle mashed potatoes were probably the best I ever had. Mushroom side was good but was overshadowed by the other food. The 20oz Rib Eye was cooked perfectly and is easily shared by two people, unless you are from Texas. Prices are very high both for the food and the wine list. If someone else is paying or you are not counting, easily 5 stars. Highly Recommended. Food: 5/5 Drinks: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Decor: 4/5 Bang 4 the $: 2.5/5 Must try: Kobe Sliders & Truffle Mashed Potatoes Will come back: Yes (if someone else is paying)
(4)Nando F.
Did you ever just want to go to a respectable upscale types of place like Barclay and just say to the waiter/waitress : I want a T-bone steak, cheese eggs and Welch's grape? I find myself wanting to say that every time I know of a spot that is nothing but top notch in the dinning scene. You never know they might know the lyrics to "Big Poppa" by Notorious B.I.G. and hit you with a line. Barclay has that warm relax feel to it. A comfortable vibe to it , with a decor like no other. Barclay is well basically sexy , the decor is definitely unique with the lounge style tables and chairs. I haven't seen any other establishment like this they way they have things set up. Barclay has 3 different dinning areas, and all 3 have a different style to it, all leading back to that word again, what was it again, I know ... Sexy! The drinks were flowing, with a great friend by my side as our evening couldn't get any better, but it does. The food , the food that Barclay puts out words simply can not express the enjoyment you are about to encounter. What will be heard is slight little moans , because once those flavors hit your taste buds it's an instant rush of satisfaction. The wine has been poured, now lets dive into this starting with the appetizer. Appetizer: Alaskan King Crab- This was nicely cut down the center with each piece full of meat. Cold and fresh with the different dipping provided I highly recommend this. You'll get the same enjoyment from it as I did. Our entree was a 10 oz. Satsuma Wagyu NY Strip steak , which was prepped Pittsburgh style. Simply the best steak I have ever had in my life. Every bite I would take would simply just melt in my mouth. My mouth is watering as I write about it, along with some of the sauces they provide for you. Out of the sauces we went with a bearnaise and a horseradish crème fraîche. I am telling you this clearly put my taste buds into a full tilt, and yes I was turning this into an "R" rated experience with moans of pleasure with every bite. If you are curious what "Wagyu" is , this is cattle that was imported from Japan. A sort of Kobe beef, but with a lot more to it. Basically these types of cattle have been massaged through their life seeing the the areas where they would breed the space was limited. Wagyu has some intense marbling and to producing a high percentage of oleaginous unsaturated fat. The meat from such wagyu cattle is known for its quality. Clearly worth every penny as it melts in your mouth. I can't wait to come back here again and enjoy another fantastic meal.
(5)Magen S.
Dined here on a Thursday evening around 7pm. We had a reservation booked ahead of time so we did not have to wait. The ambiance is great, as my guests put it, the decor reminds them of Mad Men. Food was delicious. Ordered the lobster bisque soup first, which is perfect with the cheese popover complimentary to all guests. The lobster chunks were delicious. On to the steak, ordered the 12 oz prime filet mignon medium. Cooked to perfection with exceptional flavor. The quality of their beef is top notch, probably the best in Philadelphia. Our table ordered a bunch of sides including the artichokes, broccoli, mash potatoes, truffle mac and cheese. All were delish, I just was in awe over the steak so I didn't take note of my favourite side. Finished off with raspberry sorbet which was light and delicious after a large meal. Service - our waiter carefully explained the entire menu and offered suggestions for splitting appetizers and sides since we had a large party. The menu is pricey, but it's worth it if you can afford. The next time I'm here I'd definitely like to try the wagyu beef!
(5)Tyrone D. S.
I'm working my way through the Forbes List Top 20 Steakhouses and while some restaurants on the list disappoint Barclay's did not. The ambiance, service and food quality all exceeded my expectations. Barclay Prime easily makes it into my Top 5. 1) Prime 112 2) Pappas Bros. 3) Peter Luger 4) Barclay Prime 5) Gibsons 6) St. Elmo 7) House of Prime 8) Carnevino 9) Killen's 10) Dickie Brennan's - no dry aged steaks wtf! Weights Food - 50% Service - 30% Ambiance - 20% Technically not a steakhouse, House of Prime, was included in the Forbes List.
(5)Abby S.
Barclay Prime, wow. Took my bf here for his birthday, it was delicious and beautiful from the start! We started with martinis, yum. The service was fabulous as well. We then got taken to our table. We started with the Yellowtail Hamachi and scallops, both were so delicious. Next we each had a salad which was cold and perfect. The popovers, holy wow. That's really all I can say about them, they were also served with salted butter which was a perfect compliment. The most fun part about Barclay Prime is choosing which knife you want to use with your steak. You feel very special and like a VIP being presented with beautiful options. I had the filet which was perfect. Ended the night with complimentary sweets for the bf's birthday which was super nice. Can't wait to go back here!
(5)Jeff M.
Not good. I had always wanted to go to Barclay Prime while at Villanova. When I finally got there 10 years afterwards, I was extremely disappointed. First, the library ambiance is weird. And the service was unpolished and kind of douchey. The caesar salad was good to my taste because the dressing was very light. The meal went downhill from here. I feel like that with a group of three guys that we could have been warned that the side asparagus only included 10 asparagus... so much for getting our veggies in. The au gratin potatoes were very creamy and seemed cheap because of the dried oregano in them. A sirloin medium rare came out medium and the under seasoned tomahawk ribeye asked for medium came out medium rare. We didn't figure out how to return a pre-cut steak to a d-bag server. Adding to the disaster the slices were not even cut evenly. The table next to us had to send their steak back. Was this amateur night?
(1)John K.
A few weeks back, the GF and I were in the mood for steak and more importantly, we were looking to celebrate our 4th anniversary together. So, we thought it was high time that we finally tried Barclay Prime. Starr restaurants are always spot on in terms of vibe and design. Expect no less from Barclay Prime, which is highly emblematic of the Mad Men era. Power lunches and expense account meals are to be enjoyed here. Seating is extremely comfortable - you feel as though you're lounging and that's not a bad thing! Ophelia's Fizz [$15] Ketel One orange vodka, prosecco, muddled strawberry & basil We had some bubbly back at home and considering the markups, we opted for a few cocktails for dinner in lieu of a bottle of vino. The GF went with the effervescent vodka sparkler, which was perfect for her. Not cloyingly sweet with the muddled strawberry, the herbaceousness of the basil really shined through each sip. The Stamford Bridge [$16] Woodford Reserve, Bodegas Toro Albala PX Gran Reserva, black licorice & orange-tea infused dolin blanc vermouth I enjoyed the bourbon-based tipple, which featured an everyday drinking favorite - Woodford Reserve. A Spanish desert wine backed up the bourbon with deep aromas of caramel and toffee. Very nice. Popover Gruyere Who doesn't love a popover to start your meal a la BLT Steak or Sbraga? This was one of the best I've had - crispy exterior studded with gruyere, with an inside that was light and fluffy. Perfectly paired with a pat of room-temp butter (thank the heavens!) topped with fleur de sel. Alaskan King Crab Cocktail [$29] Cocktail sauce While this is a hefty $13.50 a leg, the king crab was cooked perfectly and was delicious. No seasoning or cocktail sauce needed here - just a small spritz of lemon to enjoy the sweet meat. Maine Diver Scallops [$18] Cauliflower couscous, marcona almond, romesco The GF had the scallops, which were seared properly and were tender within. The accoutrements took an interesting Middle Eastern turn with some cumin interspersed within the cauliflower couscous, which had great texture. The romesco added some brightness and the marcona almonds provided richness and additional texture to each bite. Foie Gras [$25] Quince terrine, mustard greens, sherry sauce Unsurprisingly, I went with the foie, which featured a small, but perfectly seared lobe of lusciousness. The quince terrine was great, featuring interesting texture and a subtly sweet countervailing element to the heft of the foie. The mustard greens provided some contrast as well. And from there, it was on to the steaks! You know it's time when the knives are presented, each with its own back story. The GF and I opted to go with the Samurai and Porsche design, respectively. 12 oz. Prime Filet Mignon [$53] With her weapon firmly secured, the GF had the right tools to enjoy her prime beef filet. While there wasn't much seasoning here, the steak was properly charred and came as requested - medium. A pickled red onion and watercress salad appears to come with your steak. 18 oz. 28-Day Dry-Aged Prime Ribeye [$51] I almost went with the 50 oz tomahawk, but decided to take it down a notch and opted for the dry-aged ribeye. Ordered medium-rare, this had great beefiness, with enough marbling throughout. I could have used a bit more seasoning, but the quality of the beef was undeniable. Tater Tots [$11] The tater tots had to be ordered - they were crispy on the outside with a creamy texture that had great chive flavor within. Easy to enjoy. Truffle Mac & Cheese [$18] The truffle mac and cheese was a no-brainer as well. Barclay Prime might very well offer my favorite version of mac and cheese. Bonus? They did not overdo it with the truffle oil. The secret to their cheese sauce? It's literally the MAC - mascarpone, asiago, and cheddar. The sweetness of the mascarpone was understated, but definitely provided a contrasting element to the sharp cheddar and salty asiago. In addition to al dente cavatappi nestling the cheese sauce perfectly, there was a nice crunchy crumble on top that almost popped in your mouth with each bite. Tiny broccoli florets were sparingly studded in the dish as well A must order. And as we moved on to dessert, Nicole came out with some champagne to toast our special night, compliments of the house. Much appreciated! Toasted Chocolate S'Mores [$10] Back in 2013, I saw Pastry Chef Christina Diekewicz create the toasted chocolate s'mores at the Rittenhouse Row Festival . So naturally, we opted for this dessert. The ice cream was the true star for me, studded with graham cracker crumbles and had a lusciousness that complemented the molten chocolate cake topped with s'mores marshmallow. Delicious. The pastry chef also sent out some star-shaped chocolate short-bread cookies.And a tiny chocolate cake to enjoy at home. What a nice touch! So if you're looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a steak-night out - do stop by!
(5)Krina S.
Oh. My. Goodness. If you want a serious date night with amazing food, go ahead and make a reservation here. The restaurant is gorgeous; dimly lit, chandeliers everywhere, dark brown wood shelves with books, deep cushioned seats, etc. We got some filet steaks, the truffle macaroni, and whipped potatoes. All were delectable. I venture to say everything else on the menu is too.
(5)Phillip L.
The long trail of 5-star reviews for this establishment is well deserved. The location along Rittenhouse Square is convenient and provides for a nice option for a pre or post-dinner walk, and there is a parking lot (paid of course) that is just across the street south of the restaurant, which made for a very convenient arrival. Upon entering the restaurant, the maitre de greeted us and we were promptly shown to our table. I was actually enjoying the ambiance of the front bar area as we were walking through towards the dining room, and would eagerly try that if I were stopping in solo or meeting for drinks, but we were seated so quickly that I didn't pause there. Bread service was terrific -- I would describe it as a puff with a crispy shell and a hallow inside, perfect for buttering with the salted butter that accompanied it. For appetizers we tried the crab cakes and scallops. Both were phenomenal. The crab cakes were fried just enough to have a golden brown surface, were filled with tasty crab, and I detected no filler of any kind. For dinner I tried the 18oz Ribeye, and the table shared sauteed mushrooms and scalloped potatoes. The ribeye came out prepared precisely the way that I had requested. The mushrooms were delicious, that dish was cleaned bare by the time dinner was over. For dessert our table of three shared a warm cookie (3 kinds) in a skillet, with a scoop of ice cream on top. I particularly liked the oatmeal portion of the cookie, but my wife's favorite was the brownie-like center. This is the easiest 5-star review to give: exemplary service, one of the best steaks I've ever had, outstanding sides and dessert, and convenient location. I would eagerly come back for another special occasion in the future.
(5)Monica Q.
Pro: fantastic food. Great bread (popovers) and the meat is cooked deliciously and tastes so very fresh. The veal portion is enormous and so very tasty. Tuna tartare puts many sushi restaurants to the test. Mashed potato sides were good. Cons: price. Omg the price. It's nice to go with a large group because then you can get sides that only cost one or two more bucks each. However, keep in mind this place is $70+ and more if you like to drink!
(4)Justine J.
I took my boyfriend here for his birthday dinner and it was incredible, both service and food. We started off with the Alaskan king crab and half a dozen oysters from the cold bar. The crab came with two legs, with half of the shell perfectly sliced off. All you had to do was just peel the meat off the bottom half of the shell. Hands down the most convenient and delicious crab I have ever had. Feel free to spritz some fresh lemon and cocktail sauce on it As for the raw oysters? Amazing.We had three from east coast and three from west,all of which were fresh and juicy. Their vinaigrette was amazing. No buck a shuck here though :( Crab cake was pretty good, except I don't care for crab cakes so I don't have anything fair to say. Birthday boy devoured them so that says enough. It came with 2 generous lumps of crab meat with very few of this corn meal filler nonsense most other places try to pull off. It was perfectly seared and was super juicy. I would say this is a must if you are a crab cake lover. Not to mention it came with avocados. There is also a complimentary Gruyere and chive bread (puff) that is so freakin' good. It's so soft and fluffy and with their whipper butter... so damn good. Lobster bisque was great. Rich, creamy, and a chuck of lobster meat or two with every bite. Generous portion too for only $15. I would say it' close to 12 fl oz. The steaks, were just wow. First, you get to chose your own cutting knife.They had 4 or 5 to choose from, which is super cool. The steaks were grilled to perfection and very tender. You can cut the steak with a spoon. The 24 oz 29-day aged porterhouse was amazing. It was well seasoned and very flavorful. The 12 oz filet migon was also delicious, but not quite as flavorful. The cut was very thick, so only the outer portion was bursting with flavor and the inner portion just melts in your mouth. I could definitely get used this. We also got two sides: sauteed mushrooms and butterball potatoes (pretty much just fancy home fries) with garlic aioli, both of which were great compliments to the juice velvety steaks we had. We also had a bottle of red wine (Camino de Navaherreros) which was amazing. The hazelnut bread pudding was amazing. It was warm, moist, and very fluffy. It came with warm cream on the side and you pour it onto the plate. The service was amazing. The table was constantly kept clean and water and wine glass were always well attended to. Perfect everything!
(5)C K.
Amazing steak. Expensive but fun things like picking the knives. Their mashed potatoes with truffle oil were amazing and the service was even more amazing.
(5)Superfly T.
What's not to like about Barclay Prime? Service and atmosphere are always good to great, and all menu items I ever tasted are perfect, especially the steaks and sliders. Price is the only draw back, it can get expensive, especially if you order a larger slab of meat and like to drink good wine from the nice but pricey list. However, I recently went with wife and friend and we each ordered the sliders from the app menu (2), and one side each and shared which brings the food portion of your bill to only around $30 per person. And while the wine choices can get costly, there are some reasonably priced bottles on the list that are very good.
(4)Reena N.
I've been slowly chipping away at the best steakhouses in the country and Barclay Prime was on the list. I've been to a few Starr restaurants without realizing it, but after reading the reviews, figured it would be great to give a try on a trip to Philly as we double dated with my sister. Ambiance: It's a very low lit intimate setting with warm bookshelves all around the room. Most of the seating is modern but with a vintage modern feel. Each table feels like its own lounge. As another reviewer mentioned, you feel like your walking onto the set of a Mad Men episode. Service: Premium. The wait staff did not make us feel rushed or like were overworked. They had the time to pay attention to all their table needs and ensure that food and appetizers as well as drinks were served promptly. If they saw that your drink was nearing its end, they would be on top of it to offer you another one. Everything felt under control and as a guest, you felt like all your needs would be anticipated and met. A unique part of this restaurant is that they offer the ability to choose your steak knife. The staff are happy to make recommendations based on the cut you ordered. If you come here enough times you can go through them all to see the one that fits best with your hand. I choose a Ferrari knife for this first experience. Food: To start off with, their Gruyere popovers are AMAZING. I bought a popover pan because they became my new obsession! I would come here just for these if I could. As a test, my husband and I always order the porterhouse medium rare. We also shared the Creamed Spinach and Truffled mac and Cheese. Both sides were fantastic, but the steak was the real prize. Perfectly cooked to Medium rare and salted just right. It really hit the spot, we were scraping off the bone just to get a better taste. This was PRIME meat, well cared for and well seasoned. Overall, 5 star experience.
(5)Mark D.
I don't want my three star review to be misinterpreted as meaning Barclay Prime is merely average - it is not. It's very good. I just don't see it as being worthy of its billing, or its price. The interior of the restaurant has a modern, upscale but homey feel. I'm not sure how I feel about it. It's definitely nice, but something about sitting on essentially a shared booth seat with other customers doesn't feel quite right at a restaurant of this caliber. Take it as you will. On to the food. I had the 18 oz ribeye, my wife had the 8 oz filet. They were good steaks - but not otherworldly. When I take a bite of a steak at a restaurant like this, I expect it to melt in your mouth, I expect to be shocked by how good it was. That wasn't really the case here. It was a good steak, but not phenomenal. That said both steaks were cooked correctly to order. Side dishes were a bit overpriced but good. Service was prompt and professional. I wouldn't say it was overly friendly or helpful, but we were very quickly attended to by multiple people, the manager checked in on us a few times as well. The best part about eating here is probably the choice of knives - I've never had that before at a steakhouse, it's kinda fun. The bathrooms weirded me out a bit. Maybe it's just a European style that I'm not accustomed to, but a single bathroom with shared sinks and gender-labeled stalls just felt...odd. I dunno. I didn't like it, and I would imagine women would like it less. Barclay Prime is a very good restaurant, but Philadelphians are fortunate enough to have a number of excellent steak houses to choose from - and if you're paying this amount of money, I would choose a competitor next time. I've been much happier with my experience at other Starr restaurants.
(3)Elliot P.
Was this the best restaurant experience of my life? Probably. Everything was absolutely perfect. Came here for my birthday a couple of weeks ago. Delightful waitstaff. We started off with a couple of cocktails, both trying two of their specialty cocktails. They were unique and delicious and used some fascinating ingredients. As I've recently become a huge fan of foie gras, I ordered the appetizer which was easily the best foie gras i ever had. It was served with a grape jam and mashed peanut topping. Incredible. A taste explosion, really. We ordered steaks - me the ribeye, she the new york. both cooked masterfully and just wonderful cuts of meat. Thick and juicy, what else do you need? Tried a new bottle of wine - recommended by our waiter that was just perfect and did not try to upsell. Had a side of the au gratin which were cheesy and delicious and the wife had the best creamed spinach either one of us had ever tasted. But oh those popovers. They were flaky and cheesey and warm and served with this awesome tasting butter. So fantastic. Double up on those popovers. They're that good. Had a chocolate cake thing for dessert that was, not surprisingly super sweet and smooth. An all around excellent experience. This is the kind of place that motivates you to be successful. Some lucky people have the opportunity to eat at places of this caliber often, and if you are one of those, I am jealous! For those of you that dine at places like this rarely, it's worth it. If you only get out to a nice restaurant once a year or once every five years, you won't be disappointed. And for those that are intimidated by fancy restaurants: don't be. We are not "fancy folk" and we were made to feel very welcome and comfortable. A+++
(5)Joey M.
Holy Cow! (literally!!) FYI: The entrance is very discrete and easily missed. I absolutely adored the decor in this restaurant. It was like an old English study with dim lighting and a loungy feel. The walls were lined wtih book shelves and books haphazardly arranged to make it appear natural. As much as I love food I cannot wrap my head around these prices so I consider myself fortunate that I was invited here for a work party. To say I was blown away is an understatement. First off the service is second to none. For the table we had several orders of : Oysters (both types offered) , lobster, crab, giant shrimp from the raw bar, kobe sliders, HUGE scallops and the $100+ cheesesteak (was sliced like a hero and served as an appetizer) I have to be honest, I am normally not a fan of cheesesteak (faux pas for a Philadelphian I know!) but this was unbelievable! It was so moist and had so much flavor and was a very unexpected surprise to my taste buds! Yum Yum Yum! Steak for dinner: Satsuma wagyu NY strip kyushu island This was the most prciey steak on the menu ringing in at over $100 Never had such an expensive steak before and it was mind blowing! Melted in my mouth! If you can afford such pleasures I recommend it! The table was also filled with every side order on the menu. Though I was highly preoccupied with my steak, I sampled the spinach (good), mac n cheese (good), potatoses (wished I'd saved the room for more steak!). For dessert: Toasted chocolate s'mores Ahhhhmazing! Especially if you have a sweet tooth like I do. It is very decadent. I Look forward to more work events here!
(5)Feny S.
Everything about this place is just AHH-MMAAHH-ZING!! Fantastic elegant decor, top notch service and the food are phenomenal!! It is pricey - yes ... but this review is not about their prices. I let my husband worry about that ... haha ... But yes ... other than being a little pricey, everything else are just perfect. My husband first took me here for our wedding anniversary. We had a really nice, intimate and romantic dinner. Then we came back for his birthday with a group of friends. We had a blast! That said, this place is good for an intimate romantic dinner for lovebirds, but also has that comfortable-vibe to hang with your friends. The two time I was there, Barclay maintains their superiority in all aspects. We had the oyster ... I can't eat oyster. I just can't swallow it ... just eeewww! But my husband said theirs was really good and fresh. So there. I take his words on reviewing the oyster here. I had the bone marrow which was so delicate and tasty. They also gave us this complimentary bread. I don't what it's called exactly. But it's some kind of their home-made bread but not really a bread as it had layers similar to a croissant. It was warm, flaky, soft and buttery. I had the dry aged NY strip, and my husband had the Australian Wagyu steak ... both steaks were cooked medium rare perfectly. Both steaks were tender and juicy. But the wagyu ... it just melt in you mouth! Seriously, it didn't feel like I was chewing a meat ... more like chewing jelly. It's THAT tender! For the sides, we had creamed spinach, mushrooms and potato gratin. The tenderness, the flavor ... everything was just beautiful! But oh my dear Yelpers ... I am sorry to tell you that I didn't feel this much love for their Cheesesteak. My friend ordered it and I had a bite. Yes it was good ... but it's not worth $100 to me. I just didn't see the beauty in this, nothing to rave about. Now let's talk about service ... as I said, it was TOP-NOTCH! Everyone from the hosts, hostesses, and servers were all polite, friendly and know their stuff. Our server, both times, were wonderful. He suggested wonderful choices of wine pairing with our food, they answered to all our questions concerning the menu ... and ohh, did I mention about choosing your own steak knife? Yeah, so the server would bring out a set of steak knives for you to choose one! I never had any experience like that. So choosing my own steak-knife, I felt like a "samurai" of the day ... hahaha .. it was definitely unique and fun in it's own way. At the end, it's been an all around excellent dining experience. Definitely, positively, highly recommended place to try!
(5)J W.
Fantastic food and ambience, one of the better dining experiences that I have had in Philadelphia. Went here on a double date with a friend and our girlfriends and everyone was quite impressed. The seating is interesting, with one side of the table having a couch and the other side having leather chairs (as you would typically have in your living room or somewhere), it was a nice touch and creates a good amount of space between the tables so that you have a sense of privacy. Overall a great place and I would highly recommend it for a nice date or celebratory dinner... Also they had a $100 cheesetake on the menu, which I did not try but it was slightly tempting!
(5)Chris S.
What did I just spend $250 dollars on? The overall meal and service was good but definitely not worth the price. The apps and sides were good but the steaks tasted like something I could have bought at Costco.
(2)Becca R.
The filet mignon was unreal. Cooked perfectly throughout the middle and charred beautifully on the outside, this steak did not last long on my plate. I inhaled the thing. Woke up the next morning still thinking about it. My lucky boyfriend brought home leftovers so he's having a delicious breakfast this morning. And the whipped mashed potatoes? I fought strong urges not to lick the bowl they were served in. The popovers and salted butter that came out first was also a nice touch - the bread was fluffy, light, and made me throw my carb-watching ways to the wind. Someone here mentioned that they are gruyere popovers? That may explain the unique flavor. Yum. I don't know my ass from my elbow when it comes to steak knives either, so it was a new experience to choose which one I wanted to use for my meal (decided on the Samurai steak knife, btw. The steak was so tender that you barely needed it though.) As a broke college kid right now, wanting to dine at places like Barclay more often is a huge motivator to keep working hard.....
(5)Mark L.
I've had steak all over the Delaware Valley....one of the best Prime Ribs, I've ever eaten....
(5)Laura A.
I love Philly because it has amazing food and one of my favorite restaurants to vista while I'm there is Barclay Prime. I love coming here because the service is always excellent and on point! From the hostess to the waiting staff. The dinning room is so elegant and feels very high class. They have Valet which I can certainly appreciate when wearing 6 inch heels. Ok now on to the good stuff. Food: the complimentary Popovers are OMG delicious- They are these little warm breads served with butter on the side which have these raw pieces or salt sprinkled on top. This place takes bread basket to another level of deliciousness. The oysters were some of the best I've had, and believe me I've been to Paris and had some good oysters. The steak wow!! aged and cooked to perfection. The wine selection is sophisticated enough for any wine aficionado but simple enough for a beginner to select a good pairing, if not ask the amazing staff. The desserts amazing!!! Oh, and the complimentary petit fours they gave us were Delicious. Listen, I could go on and on about this place- But, until you make a reservation and try it for yourself you are certainly missing out. Now get out there and leverage your steak house palate you Foodie you!! :)
(5)Presley E.
Everything about this place was awesome. The ambiance is great, the servers was superior and the food.....PHENOMENAL. I had the Lobster and it would literally melt in your mouth. My boyfriend had the ribeye steak and potatoes and it was tender and juicy and cooked to perfection. I would definitely recommend this place!
(5)Victoria H.
My favorite cuisine is STEAK. Thus I've been to so many steak houses that I know Barclay is a great place to go. it's classy but it's chill and thus is a great place to enjoy a meal. the appetizers we're pretty good but not amazing. then I ordered the 115 dollar Wagyu beef and had some pretty high expectations (given I've been to japan and countries in Europe that serve amazing Wagyu beef) but it did not meet my expectations. It was good but not worth the 115 dollars. however my boyfriend ordered the fillet mignon and that was amazing. one of the best I've ever had. thus I think it's good to go there for traditional steak but nothing imported such as the Wagyu steak. also, they're dessert was pretty good - try the creme brûlée !
(4)Sabrina S.
Well...It s hard for me to write this review. Even though Barclay Prime is one of the best steakhouses in Philly, it also provides the the worst services. We went to Barclay Prime to celebrate a passing exam. We had a very high expectation to this restaurant because of the rating on yelp and well-known high reputation. We were impressed by the design of decorations in the lounge, but the decorations are too plain in the dinning room. They should have small paintings all the wall to compromise with chandelier and the 19th atmosphere. Our servant was literally average. Usually, waiter or waitress would be more enthusiastic in a restaurant like this. We were satisfied with the appetizers, beef tarte and oyster sashimi, but we had a big problem with the steak later. Apparently..we found a one-nail big bug in the vegetables that are served as a side of filet mignon. We talked with the manager, and he replaced another dish for us. They took off the dish of filet mignon from entire check, but we expected they would have more good faith. For a fancy restaurant like this and a $300 bill, we certainly expect more. The two stars are are for the chef who made my filet mignon, but I suggest he or she would serve at a better restaurant he or she deserves, like Butcher and Singer. P.S I went to Butcher and Singer last year, they absolutely have better decorations, better services (our waiter was very nice and polite), and better dishes (at least no bug). I would highly recommend you to visit Butcher and Singer, rather than this one. (I am not working for them btw~)
(2)Sue P.
For all the hype and the price, we were thinking that the food was going to be good. Unfortunately, I must say that we were completely disappointed with this place. The steak was super salty and tough. The fish was dry and not good. Next time, I'll take my money elsewhere.
(1)Rebecca S.
After reading through about a million reviews of different restaurants, my husband and I decided to go to Barclay Prime to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and I'm glad we did. The food was absolutely delicious, and if the service had been as good as the food I would have given them 5 stars... Overall it was a very good experience and I would definitely go back. It was very cold the night we went, so my husband dropped me off while he went to park the car. I checked in with the hostess and then decided to grab a drink at the bar while I was waiting. My husband walked in right as our table was ready, so that was perfect timing. They offered to carry my drink to the table for me, but I wasn't letting go of that drink once I got it. ;-) We ordered the foie gras to start, which was absolutely wonderful. It just melted in our mouths. For our main course I ordered the 12 oz prime filet and my husband ordered the 14 oz dry aged New York Strip, and we got the truffle mac and cheese and the fried artichokes as our sides. Our waiter never asked us if we wanted any sauces with our steaks, or really even said anything at all. I was considering getting the Bearnaise sauce with my steak but the waiter was gone so quickly after I told him the steak I wanted that I didn't have a chance to even ask about it. It was probably best anyway since I didn't need any additional calories after this dinner, but even still it was a little odd. Our steaks were perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender, and the truffle mac and cheese was amazing, but the artichokes were just on the verge of being too salty. The bread that they brought was also very good. The biggest disappointment of the night was the timing of the food. Our appetizer was brought out very soon after ordering, then within seconds of finishing that they brought us the bread, and after having only 1 bite or so of the bread the steaks and sides were being brought out. It felt very rushed, which is disappointing when you are spending a lot of money to have an amazing meal. We shared a piece of cheesecake for dessert, which was delicious and extra special because they wrote happy anniversary on the plate in chocolate, and then they also sent us home with a dessert as an anniversary present, which was a nice touch. All in all a very delicious anniversary dinner.
(4)Jemma C.
Place is entirely cliche but in a great way! Food was delicious, amazing quality and cooked perfectly. Portions were huge, too big for myself and my husband (who's a giant human!), but such a non complaint. Lovely dining room. Insanely good waiter. Incredibly expensive (we did drink A LOT though). Go for a special occasion or date night. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Ari N.
Quite simply the best meal I have ever had. From the service, atmosphere and ambience to the wine paired with the food by the server, and finally the selection of knives brought out to choose from to eat our steaks. This is hands down my favorite restaurant to date and their take on the Philly Cheesesteak with foie gras was a revelation. Easily the best tasting thing I've ever eaten. This place is universal for satisfying all parties and occasions. Thank you for bestowing such awesomeness on the restaurant world, Stephen Starr. Bravo, sir.
(5)Michelle C.
It had been years since my first visit to Barclay Prime. Since before my Yelp days, even. On that trip, I made the fateful mistake of ordering seared tuna as my entree. And not that the tuna was bad by any means (it was great), but I've long regretted not ordering the house specialty: steak. The other defining moment of that particular experience was that I tried mushrooms and, for the first time in my life, liked them. I've met many a mushroom since that I haven't been into, but I'll always credit Barclay Prime for enabling me to enjoy them on some occasions. My boyfriend and I had been talking about a splurge-y date night at Barclay for at least a year when that fateful LaBan re-review came out, demoting the restaurant from three bells to two. It affected our decision to dine there, and we talked about plans at another Starr favorite of ours, Il Pittore, instead. As luck would have it, the boyfriend was invited (with guest!) to dine at Barclay Prime. Consider this a disclaimer to my review if you wish, but our meal was excellent across the board. The service was excellent, the drinks were excellent and the food was excellent. And from our cushy seats in the center of the dining room, it appeared we weren't alone. Every table looked well-attended to, from the long row of teenagers (!) to the couple who were not shy about making out in full view (it was the end of the night, to be fair). We started with a half dozen oysters from British Columbia. They were delicious on their own with a squirt of lemon. In my opinion, the red wine mignonette was too acidic. My Kettle martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives was the perfect match. Next up for me was the wedge salad. It was served slightly differently than a traditional wedge, with crab in place of bacon. For dressing, I went half and half with the two available options, as suggested by my server. The flavors were awesome, and I highly recommend going the half/half route. My entree, an eight ounce filet with a crabmeat sidecar and au poivre on the side, was cooked perfectly for my requested medium. With sides of mushrooms (naturally!) and potato gratin, this was easily one of my richest meals in recent memory. Honestly, I may have gained a few pounds just from this dinner but it was so worth every calorie. And just when I thought life couldn't get better, I tried the twenty-eight day dry aged NY Strip. Wow. I've never before tasted so much flavor in a steak, and I say that with 100% confidence. Suggested wines paired perfectly, of course, although they would probably be (way) out of our price range on a date night. The drink prices will definitely get you where it hurts at Barclay, that is for sure. For dessert, the warm banana cake and the cheesecake. Both were wonderful but the cheesecake had the edge for me. After a glass of champagne sent over by the GM, our meal was complete. It was a memorable one that I'll not soon forget. I've already requested Barclay Prime as our next special-occasion meal.
(5)Catherine G.
Best Happy Hour....be sure to try the Cosmo. The Cosmo is made from only fresh ingredients and is very light and so de-lish... The Happy Hour food is right off the dinner menu and with upscale comfort food like beef sliders. We got the chopped salad , yellowtail tuna and the mushroom bruschetta. All must trys..... The decor is reminiscent of old supper club.
(5)Trish B.
This is the best restaurant I have ever been to, and I go out to restaurants A LOT! The second you walk in the door you are taken back by the beautiful decor. I never would have guessed that was what the restaurant looked like from the outside. We had the jumbo shrimp cocktail as an appetizer. The shrimp tasted so fresh and the cocktail sauce was out of this world. I had an "Ophelia's Fizz" to drink, which was outstanding. A perfect balance of sweet, bubbly, and the basil really nailed it. For entrees we both had the 8 oz. filet with a half lobster. The steak was the best I ever had!! The staff was so friendly and went out of their way to make sure everything was PERFECT. I would recommend this place for a very special occasion because of the high prices.
(5)Brandon M.
Best restaurant in the city, in my opinion. Surprised even myself, considering this is a Starr joint. The place oozes retro cool, from the stark contrast checkerboard floor that greets you in the waiting area to the 70s-style living room/lounge feel of the main dining area -- not to mention the unisex bathroom (which isn't as awkward as you'd think; the stalls are completely enclosed and the lighting is dim. It's more like the bathroom of a nice club than restaurant). So far, so Starr. But unlike a typical Starr joint, the service is remarkably attentive and competent, too. Waiters are professional without being snobby (I hate snobby waiters -- you're the one serving me!), and have a good grip of the menu and wines by the glass (the wine list itself is extensive, albeit pricey at ~4x markup...cocktails are excellent), and busboys are quick to refill water and clear plates. Sure, they lay it on a little thick by confirming your rare steak as "velvety red with a cool center" and laying out an arsenal of knives from which you select one to use, but that's part of the show. As for the food, BP's got steakhouse fare down. The oysters are very good, but I usually go with the Kobe sliders, which is possibly the best item on the menu. There's no shortage of cuts of beef, although my one gripe is that their feature steak for the last few months has been a 28-day dry aged strip...I think a steakhouse of this caliber should at least offer up a 5/6/7/8-week dry-aged steak. In any case, the steak itself is on par with or better than comparable cuts I've had at places like Peter Luger, Craftsteak and Jacobs & Co. Prices for food are pretty reasonable for what you get; I don't understand everyone here saying it's overpriced -- 18-oz. dry-aged steaks aren't going to get much cheaper than $45. You pay more for a steak at Morton's or the Palm and you get a lot more here. Desserts are delicious too. I usually opt for something chocolate. All in all, this is a near-perfect dining experience.
(5)Hong P.
As a steak lover, and a big fan of upscale steak dining....this place was a huge dissapointment. Took my date to impress her, believe me, this place had a very nice decor. BUT BUT, they burned our steak to a point, it was not edible. You don't burn a medium steak!!!!!! I was pressed for time because I had to take my date to a play. I spoke to the manger, she says "this is how we cook our medium steak".....and no apologies??????? If I was not pressed for time, I would have asked for another steak. Try, Fleming's or Capital Grille. Basically I was embarresed to even take a date here.......
(1)Francis C.
Superb in every aspect, from the decanted wine (Australian shiraz, Noon Winery, 2010), to the finest filet I've ever eaten, to the sides, and the dessert, and especially the service. A choice of steak knives was offered each guest. It was my 70th birthday dinner; I was brought a surprise mini-birthday cake at the end.
(5)Ava W.
For the price, I would say it's really just OK. Part of it was the waiter who served us- really rude. The other part was the steak sauce - there was no A1 sauce and their home-made steak sauce was kinda sour... But beyond those two factors, I enjoyed everything about it - the appetizer which was a baked croissant thingy was really good. We order Kobe Sliders which were decent (not super gd though). Then, my bf had a NY strip and I ordered a 12 oz filet and that was really soft and good steak - OH! do'nt forget the sides - I had mushroom and cameralized onions which turned out to be really good, even better than the steaks... :) But I did have a gd dinner w/ my bf =P Overall, still worth a try if you haven't!
(3)Joanna L.
As another reviewer wrote, I don't usually eat places this nice (or this expensive). So my visit to Barclay Prime was a nice treat. We requested a specific server - Jason - after having him as our server at the Starr/Talula's Table Pop-Up a couple weeks ago. He is ridiculously helpful and courteous and he *really* knows what he's talking about both food and wine-wise. And he's cute. We were a party of 5 - shared a bunch of apps - bacon and scallops on top of a fried green tomato, kobe tartare (amazing), and tuna tartare (not as good as the beef, but still delicious). I had the dry aged NY strip ($48! oy), medium rare, with some lobster on top. You can skip the lobster for the paltry amount you get. The steak was so buttery and melty and delicious. Most of us had this steak and everyone was happy. For our sides, we had tater tots (I think Jason described them as golden pillows of deliciousness, and that's what they were), sauteed mushrooms (omg I don't even want to know how much butter they use to make these so delicious), creamed spinach (perfect amount of creaminess), and the truffle mac and cheese (which I would have inhaled if I didn't have this ridiculous steak in front of me). We actually had room for dessert - the warm deep dish cookie thing with ice cream on top was out of this world. Glad I wasn't paying. :)
(5)Dominic P.
Hands down the best steak in Philly. Brussels sprouts were excellent, as well!
(5)Grant E.
Food exceptional (5 stars). Service not bad (4 stars). Atmosphere (3 stars). Hostess and Manager collusive and inept (1 star). I have been to Barclay Prime 5 or 6 times now. Food: The food has always been exceptional from the muffin top to the excellent steak. It is probably the best steak I have ever enjoyed in my life. There are restaurants that I can say are my favorite (dessert, seafood, thai, sushi, soup....), this is the best steak. Table Service: The wait staff is very attentive and does an excellent job explaining the menu and meeting your entire requests. They will never let your requests go unnoticed. Atmosphere: Very unique and doesn't really meet my expectations of a fine steakhouse. It has an eclectic diner feel. For some reason, the fancy diner is a Philadelphia trademark. The chairs are in constant motion which makes you feel awkward while eating. There is nothing classy or classic about the atmosphere (unless you consider the Waffle House a top notch steakhouse). The wait staff is in constant motion. Add the wait staff's fast pace, the moving chairs and a few drinks and you will think you are at a county fair. Hostess: The hostess has been there for quite sometime. They are the young girls that think they are too cute, when they are actually pretty trashy. I consider them 10% girls (they think they are about 10% better looking than they really are). We requested the hostess (the blonde ditz) to move us to another table. She lied and said that table is going to be for 4 people and moved us to horrible table in exchange. During the dinner we noticed they sat 2 groups of 2 at that table. The beverage manager said it was his decision and did not know of our request. The difference between a great restaurant and a good restaurant in the details. People will remember the experience more than the food. If the restaurant would spend more time teaching etiquette to the trashy hostesses and fine tuning the atmosphere, it would be a Top Restaurant. Otherwise, it falls to mediocre.
(3)Sam T.
The best steak in philly!
(5)Joe K.
Very good steak at 90 Dallors had a great time
(4)Carmen M.
We visit this restaurant for the steak reputation and did not dissapoint us. We had the filet mignon and the gachot & gachot ribeye that were well prepared and tasty. I love foie gras so I ordered one as an appetizer but it was over-cooked. For our side-dish we ordered a potato gratin but had so many cheese that it was swimming in it and was not appealing. In overall the steaks were great but not my other choices.
(3)Dan L.
This is possibly the best steakhouse in the US. Hands down excellent cut of meat, the sides are unbelievable, and the bread the serve has an addictive quality to it that is simply insatiable. Highly recommended. It is however, quite pricey. If you know you're spending a lot on dinner, you'll have an amazing- perhaps best steak meal of your life- dinner.
(5)Jamila G.
Had my birthday dinner here on Jan 30th & it was excellent just as I remember from my first visit here a few years back. Our server was friendly, extremely accommodating & also nice to look at, lol. I ordered a drink that ended up being a little on the bitter side to which he offered to take back & have the bar-tender customize it to my taste. I had the butter-poached lobster which was magnificent & they also sent out a little birthday treat on the house. Can't wait to return. Well worth the hefty price tag!!!
(5)Glenn P.
Can't believe the overall rating is only 4 stars. This place is top notch. The service is excellent, the food is terrific. The only downside is the price, but that is the cost of excellence. Our party had both the sliders and the raw seafood spreads to start off with. There was a generous portion of crab in the tray. The sprimp and oysters were also good. For entrees, I had a dry aged ribeye for an entree. We also had lobster to share for the table Overall it was a great night. You can't go wrong here.
(5)X V.
Food, wine, & service were all great.... Kobe sliders are the best! The steaks are one of the best in Philly (it's "sister" restaurant Butcher & Singer also with the other best Philly steak)... The prices are high, but well worth the food & experience.....the $100 cheesesteak is overrated (foie gras & truffles).....
(5)Suzanne S.
After a horrible meal at Continental Midtown last year, I wrote a complaint and received a $150 "gift letter" which I could redeem at ANY Starr restaurant in the city. I decided it would be a good time to try Barclay Prime since I had been yearning to try it since its inception. I took my mother with me as a belated mother's day gift and the restaurant was everything I expected (I had high expectations for this place and it met every one of them). The service: Everyone from the hostess to the bus boys were welcoming and courteous and didn't have the stuck-up attitude that some other high-end restaurants can have. Our server, Nicole, was a doll and was prepared for every question I had to ask her. I really appreciated the fact that nobody rushed me through my meal and the next course didn't come out until they were sure we were completely finished with what we had on the table. The manager also came to our table to make sure everything was okay. For dinner we had: 1. Popovers with sea-salted butter- these are given to you after your orders are in and they are delectable. I need to get a recipe for something like this. 2. Kobe Sliders-these bite-sized burgers practically melted in my mouth. I was sad I had to share them lol 3. Wedge Salad-I loved the twist on this salad; instead of bacon they use crab meat and the blue cheese crumbles were really soft and of high quality 4. Chopped salad-very good 5. Lobster Bisque soup-YUCK. This was the only thing I didn't like. Aside from the fact that the caviar gave it a taste of "fishy", without it, the soup would have been really bland. 6. Aged NY Strip-EXCELLENT-BEST STEAK I have had in PHILADELPHIA (Del Frisco's in NYC may have been better but I really think its a tie) 7. Jumbo Lump Crab Cake- Loved it, but Devon's still takes the cake in my book. 8. Truffle Mac and Cheese-Good 9. Potatoes Au Gratin-DELICIOUS 10. Asparagus- A little too salty, but perfect consistency. All of the food above was enough for 4 people. Lucky for my husband, he got a really good doggy bag. For dessert we ordered a banana cake with banana caramel ice cream and caramelized banana-balls and we all really enjoyed it. All in all probably the best steak in Philly.
(5)Lia B.
ok ok ok yelp- you got me- i didn't get a steak! this review is pointed towards the veg people on yelp. if you veg/vegans have a chance to dine at barclay - seriously go! just call ahead. i had a very amazing dinner. basically i knew i was going to barclay - i checked the menu online and didn't see anything vegan so i called a day in advance and let Carlos the chef know i was planning on dining there the next day - much to my delight, he crafted a delicious appetizer, salad, entree, and an amazing dessert. i loved everything i got, and i also loved the surprise of not knowing what i was going to get and not having to look at the menu. it was really delightful. the appetizer was a vegan butternut squash soup with garlic croutons; the salad was made of beets, tomatoes, and a champagne vinaigrette; my entree was grilled delish tofu- cooked perfectly- on a bed of lemon/garlic cous cous; my dessert was passion fruit and mango sorbet. everything was amazing! the soup was flavorful, i passed the beet salad around and shared it with friends - everyone agreed it was the best salad (preferred over the wedge and the Cesar) and my entree was off the charts i cant even tell you how much i loved it. the sorbet had amazing flavors that really popped. also it was super funny when the server glen (who was fabulous by the way!) still let me pick out my "steak" knife. haha i was definitely taking my time choosing my knife. just hey barclay prime - can you take the fois gras off that cheese steak? come on - that's just cruel!
(5)Ivan R.
Went here for my Brothers Birthday last janurary and my God it was an experience. Service: Amazing, i literally felt like our server was born for the job. Literally, he reminded me of a butler from any fancy movie you could possibly conjure up from your memories right now. Everything was on time, never had to ask for water, wine or anything else that was required, it was asked by him on a very pleasant and timely timeline. Even though i'd enjoy a hot blonde waitress, this guy totally had the class to pull off a $250 tip. Food: Never knew i'd enjoy beet salad w/ goat cheese until i had it here. I'm a vegetable person but this didn't sound good what-so-ever, until i tried it and it was quite amazing. The little loafs and buttered bread were literally to die for. Steak impeccable as anyone would expect from a place like this. TL DR; Service top notch, you won't ever feel bad about tipping 20%+ at this place and Food, AMAZING!!! and NOT the typical arrangement you'll find everywhere.
(5)Andrew F.
Wow, wow, wow. A night after being underwhelmed at a private party at The Continental I wasn't sure what to expect at Barclay Prime. My previous experience at Barclay Prime had been a positive one, but it was quite brief, with just two orders of sliders in the lounge area. This experience would build upon that one and show me how amazing a Starr restaurant truly can be. I went there on a fixed menu for my brother's graduation dinner. Our menu included two options for appetizers; three options for main, though everyone ordered the steak; and a tasting menu of desserts. Wine and alcohol were not included, and once you threw those in it was well above $150 per person. The pre-appetizer popover was delectable. Crunchy, buttery, smooth and warm, and inventive for a starter at a steakhouse. Though butter was provided it wasn't needed, but being a glutton for fattening foods I couldn't help but dole out my serving. Those popovers were popalicious. Following our popovers our appetizers were served. A larger than expected caesar salad dished out with just the right amount of dressing and perfect greens. Topped with what seemed like enough croutons even for me, and I love croutons. The whole caesar was very good, in fact one of the people in our party, a former newspaper food critic, remarked that it was "The best caesar salad in Philadelphia." I trust that statement. Now being the gastronomical addicted human being I am I couldn't get just the caesar as a starter. I need more. Accordingly I ordered the other starter, the Wagyu Beef Sliders. Though, since I don't usually mix meat and cheese (I have some weird, mostly self-imposed dietary restrictions) I ordered them without the gruyere cheese that normally comes with them. These sliders were just as tasty as my previous experience had me expecting they would be. The wagyu beef was cooked to a medium temperature and the brioche bun was the perfect complement to the sophisticated beef flavor of the wagyu. For those that have never had wagyu, I can attest that it truly does taste different than regular beef, and on the four occasions that I have enjoyed the pleasure of it I have noted the strong but subtle beef flavor that is distinct from that of regular prime or choice USDA grade beef. Following these two fattening but delicious appetizers it was time for the piece de resistance. BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEF. Did you hear me when I said that? Beef. But not just any beef. Twelve ounces (after cooking) of delicious top shelf filet mignon, seasoned to perfection and cooked perfectly. Not too little, not too much. Everyone in the party agreed, no place cooks a steak as perfectly on temperature as they do at Barclay Prime. But what came next was a gimmick that I loved. Picking your steak knife. Prior to the delivery of your beefy goodness a server comes around with a tray of knives .Each a steak knife with supreme cutting power but each uniquely designed and interesting. Faced with an epic dilemma I asked for the servers advice, and landed upon a knife designed by the Porsche design company. Yes, that Porsche, the men and women engineers who construct Porsche cars that race around the track at insane speeds. I found this knife perfectly suited for cutting beef. The most amazing things about Barclay Prime are they get all the details right. Even so far as delivering everyone their steak without having to ask what temperature each person had ordered. This is a very important aspect that brings a meal over the top. My medium temperature steak arrived cooked pink. With just a tiny hit of red in the center this steak stared right back at me. This beef required no sauces or additional seasonings. It had clearly been seasoned perfectly in the kitchen and arrived on the table as a big chunk of delicious cow. The plate consisted of the steak and a tiny bit of garnish on one corner. But the steak was the standout of the presentation, or lack thereof. This is not a complaint in any way, but it was clear that the steak was the star of the show. Honoring the delicious cow bred and raised for us to enjoy on this momentous day of my brother's graduation from college. The presentation in its simplicity conveyed all of this. After the time spent enjoying our steaks, and the delicious sides of french fries, mashed potatoes, and corn, our meal was coming to an end. I would talk more about the sides but their taste was overpowered by the strong beef flavor of the filet, and just 14 hours after the meal I don't remember much about the main course section of the meal aside from the meat. Now I'll skip talking about the dessert because I'm no dessert aficionado. But here is what is important. The beef. Yes, the beef. If you eat chicken or salmon then you may like this place. The atmosphere with faux bookshelves and cool heavily padded seating areas in a surprisingly cozy atmosphere may make your dining experience a pleasant one. But if you eat beef, your dining experience will rock.
(5)Lana L.
The atmosphere makes you think as though you are in the cozy library of a rich man's house. It's an intimate setting. I got the aged porterhouse to share with a friend and it came out well. Love how we could select our own knives. The sides were great too! Truffle mac and cheese, potato gratin. I'd skip on the $100 cheese steak though- not worth the price tag though champagne does come with it. Also fyi- the bathroom is unisex, with the actual stall separated by doors labeled M and W for men and women, respectively.
(4)Colleen B.
Go! This lovely treat in the heart of Rittenhouse Square really may be my new favorite steak house in Philly. Stephen Starr's luxury meat and seafood "boutique" really blew me away. Everything is so chic and sexy. From the small, intimate bar to the couch seating with marble tables, just gorgeous. My family has a yearly steak meal on Christmas eve and this was the best I can remember. You must try the Barclay Bellini if you are a fan of Bellini's; best I ever had. It has some vanilla in it and it's so refreshing. Glen was a fabulous server. He was extremely friendly, informative and warming. He gave us great suggestions and told us fun stories, he was a treat. The popovers everyone is talking about literally melt in your mouth. Warm and crispy outside and velvety inside. The fresh sea salt butter was just the diamonds on top. We started with the Scallops, Ceviche and fresh Crab... all of them were mouth watering. The scallops were pan seared perfectly, the ceviche was crispy and flavorful and the crab was perfection. Just great. The Filet was perfect and the sides, creamed spinach, baby carrots with honey glaze and truffle oil mashed potatoes did not disappoint. I could have bathed in the truffle oil mashed potatoes. They accidentally brought out the regular whipped potatoes and those were velvety perfection as well. For dessert we went with the Creme brûlée cake and coconut ice cream, it was the perfect end. The ice cream was clearly house made and I want to know if they can ship it to my house.... DELICIOUS! I can NOT wait to return!!
(5)Ron H.
Kitchen had redeemed itself with the new menu from last years all time low, and it was quickly becoming my favorite steakhouse again, but this visit was all disappointment. Ate in the bar area at 9:30, got appetizer salad ok within 10 minutes. Did the kobe sliders for dinner and they didn't come out until 11:03...requested "medium", but they are still raw enough inside to split open at first bite. I had to scrape out the raw meat and eat just the outer seared ends. Supposed to have shallots on one of them, they were completely missing with only the gruyere cheese on top. Other one had a ton of onions and sometype of sauce on the bottom. I also had the shrimp cocktail: a great size dish to compliment the sliders and round out a latenight lite meal, but tonight the shrimp was overcooked and rubbery in texture. I hope the chef is out sick with the flu as this has always been one of my favorite steakhouse and I'd hate for it to have gone back to last years standards... Service was well below par for any of Starr's places...and this is supposed to be one of his best. I've eaten here over 20 times in the last few years and this is the first bad experience. We'll be back in the next two weeks so look for a new review once we do. I guess when you're a regular, you're bound to hit them on an off night, but still disappointing none the less
(3)Rosie C.
If the Brady Bunch hit the jackpot and hired an interior designer, their house would resemble Barclay Prime. And that's a huge compliment in my book. The two areas of the restaurant don't totally mesh, but they're both awesome. When you walk into the bar area, you'd think Barclay Prime takes itself fairly seriously--there is dark, rich wood and a library feel to it. The only nod to the whimsy of the dining room is the retro black and white floor (which I loved!) Walking into the dining room almost feels like walking into a separate restaurant. It is light and airy, with comfy 60s/70s low olive green couches and chairs paired with more modern-looking marble tables and fancy crystal chandeliers. I'm used to being scrunched into tiny NYC restaurants, so the table felt spacious and roomy. But onto the food: Raw Bar: We had a sampling of seafood, and all of it was pretty much the best ever. Tasty lobster, GIANT shrimp, and oysters that made me love oysters (I didn't love them previously). Sides: Truffle mac and cheese was the clear winner. I could have eaten it as an entrée. Everything was delicious, but the other standouts were the whipped potatoes and the brussel sprouts. I wasn't as crazy about the creamed spinach as everyone else here seems to be. Entrée: I had the Ahi Tuna, which was very, very good, but in retrospect, I wish I had chosen the crabcake. Dessert: I tried a little bit of everything (don't judge--we were a big group!), and my favorite surprised me. I LOVED the warm cookie, which was actually sectioned into sugar cookie, chocolate chip, and oatmeal raisin. The seasonal cheesecake was topped with apple, which was a strange pairing. The Barclay was a hit at our table. The service was generally impeccable, as you can imagine. The only flaw was that there seemed to be an oddly long lag time for wine, even though we ordered well in advance. We sat at the table at several points with nothing to drink. But other than that tiny blip, dinner was magnificent, and I hope I'm lucky enough to return!
(5)Chad W.
Reviewed for the food, as a cliche steakhouse, Barclay's is top notch. We had a great dinner here between four people, and none of us had complaints on the meal. I'm docking them a star however for what many of you may consider a trivial note.... I am annoyed that I was given a "knife" menu. The knife menu is a gimmick at best. If you're bringing me 6 different knives to cut my steak, you best be on your game to discuss the pros and cons of each because A: I think your proposal is stupid and B: I will test you on your knowledge and C: I will ridicule you and your lack of knife-knowledge. "Q: Is the knife on the far right Damascus steel? A: I don't know. Q: How often do you sharpen your knives? A: Every day. (suuuure) Q: Let me see it (I try it against my fingernail, the easiest sharpness test.) This is dull. Could I try a different one? No?" Do not B.S. me, oh server-of-the-knives. You have not sharpened said knife since you've opened the place, and dollars-to-donuts you've recently run said knife through the dishwasher (for shame!) I am not allowed to trade said knife in now that I have tested said knife. Fail. All of this said, their scallop was the best cooked scallop I've had, the wedge salad was on point, and the steaks were cooked perfectly. Dispose of the douchey knife selection, and you're a 5 star joint. Finally, last word of advice...don't come here on a budget, as you will leave in tears.
(4)Mike D.
The Finest. Came back a week later because it was so good. The beef tartare appetizer was outstanding. Loved the hint of mustard in it. The lobster bisque was fantastic as well. The ribeye is so tender and pairs great with the bernaise. I'd skip the horseradish creme. It took away from the taste of the steak. The spicy broccoli on special was the perfect light side. We also tried the potato gratin, but were underwhelmed. The warm cookie dessert, though!! Washed it all down with the Blueprint Shiraz. James was my waiter both times - he spent the perfect amount of time at the table. Wasn't there enough to be disruptive, but never let a glass so empty. Super knowledgeable about how to describe the foods on the menu. Also love how trendy the atmosphere is here.
(5)Jeff M.
Dinner here was very good. The flavor to my new york strip was probably the best/most complex I have ever had. The tuna tartare was delicious. I think they peeled the skin off the asparagus, which sounds painful. The only negative thing that sticks out in my mind was the waiter nonchalantly suggested we add an expensive lobster to the order when no one had even mentioned shellfish. If the table wanted a lobster, the table would ask for a lobster. It was also not what I was expecting design-wise. There was nothing wrong with it- kind of like modern study/library, but it is a pretty big departure from the usual steak house look.
(5)Jay G.
The place has a cafeteria slash library feel and it is quite pricey. Food is overall top notch and service is too. This is definitely a place that was trendy at one time and now attracts anyone who can shell out 150 per person. For me if I am going to hand over my wallet I would much rather do it in a more snobbish and elegant atmosphere so I will stick with the sister venue Butcher & Singer down the street. It is also funny that for the prices charged the seating all needs repairs so get ready for a wobbly ride and don't drink too much or you may fall off your white stool! Happy trails.....
(4)Sarah F.
I'm a huge fan of Barclay Prime...in fact, I think this is the best steakhouse in the city. The atmosphere is very relaxed since the entire place feels like you are lounging in a study. The staff is super friendly (BIG shout out to Jason my waiter last night, you da best) and made my birthday dinner a perfect one! To start...everyone gets a hot, out of the oven popover they are simply to die for. These are unbelievably dangerous and the staff will keep offering them to you. Just say no. You are going to want to be hungry for the food to come. Our party of 6 ordered appz and entrees that all came out perfectly cooked (steaks were amazing, duh) and in a timely fashion. I had the heirloom tomato salad. Love how they do it here. Everything is chopped up and piled in a bowl. Super tasty. MUST HAVE: the full bronzino if you are in a fish mood....which you should be at least once if you come here. I can dream about this dish it's so good. Desserts: Warm banana cake Devils food cake Complimentary birthday cake (amazing...come for your birthday...seriously) Put your eating clothes on and enjoy!
(5)Samantha B.
Barclay Prime wasn't on my radar at all, mostly because I don't frequent steakhouses, but we decided to stop in for impromptu dessert and drinks one night recently. The dining room is beautiful, and younger and hipper than other steakhouses in Philly. We thought we might be shunned for opting just for dessert and a drink, but our server was fine with it. We ordered the warm banana cake for dessert, and each got a drink. As I browsed the drink menu, it pained me that the wine I had earlier in the night for 10 dollars a glass was 16 a glass at BP...this turned me off a bit, but I guess it's to be expected. Both our drinks and dessert were really delicious, and service was excellent. I'd love to come back for dinner in the future, even though those high prices are truly a shot to the wallet.
(4)G V.
Expensive but you definitely get what you pay for. Ordered the prime filet - medium rare. It was literally best steak I have ever had - and I have had them at the best steakhouses in NY, CHI, LA, BOS, etc. They also had a $100 cheesesteak sandwich which I couldn't bring myself to order. Next time! Great wine selection and ambiance. Sounds silly but try the tater tots. They're awesome. The truffle Mac and cheese is insane - what I would ask for in a last meal. Don't balk at prices. It's worth it.
(5)Annie S.
Love it. Nice service, delicious dessert and waitresses are always friendly.
(5)Rachel K.
Super upscale steakhouse :) I went here for a friend's birthday party and I think all 10 of us loved our meal. TRY: Australian wagyu filet - yes. it melts in your mouth. Truffle mac & cheese (i had a beet salad to start the meal but it was ok...nothing special. sames goes for tater tots and truffle whipped potatoes as sides) SERVICE: Excellent! Very polite and professional service. AMBIANCE: Looooooove their atmosphere here. Super classy and hip at the same time. and it's always nice to walk across the street to the Rittenhouse and walk off that 10000 calories you just consumed. LOL
(4)Ceasar B.
The first thing that you notice is that the inside is beautiful. Lots of wood and dim lights-- Very classical kind of style. It kind of makes me think of what many hotels are going for, except in this case it doesn't feel like they're trying-- it just truly is authentic. Service is fantastic. The head waiter will check your coat, and your actual waiter is very knowledgeable on the menu, calm, and friendly. Water was of course never an issue. Before dining, they bring out a knife tray of various knives from around the world-- Two German, one French, and two Japanese. I don't know if there is a reason for this, or if it's just for show. In any case, it was a sort of highlight as we guessed what it meant for so-and-so to pick so-and-so knife. The steaks are of course pricey (think at least $50). I am not really qualified to judge, but my impression was that the first bite was delicious, and the rest was harder to appreciate (which is not surprising). In retrospect I paid more attention to the other guests than my food. Mashed potatoes were very buttery, but enjoyable. Wish I could say more. For dessert I had the coconut cream pie and stole a bite of a cheesecake dish. Everything on the table looked fantastic though, and of the two I tasted they were extremely delicious-- not overly sweet and just perfectly pleasant.
(5)Delvia W.
First time here July 19th. Love the decor. I had the Love Triangle cocktail and it was very strong :-) and good. Love the bar area. Service was empeccable. I will go back.
(4)John L.
Barclay Prime is something which has to be done when in Philly, as it is the place to drop some dough and get a good piece of dry aged steak. It is the stereotypical place to go if you need to have a fancy business dinner with some clients, and want to impress. The steak? Amazing. Wine? Superb. Service? Impeccable. Atmosphere? On the spot. It doesn't offer surprises such as price, selection, or mood. But then again you know what you're getting when you drop that grand, and you know to enjoy!
(4)Brad S.
Really great restaurant. Location is amazing, right off Rittenhouse Square with gorgeous views of the Park. Service was speedy and exemplary, with the food calibre to match. Steak tartare was the richest I've ever eaten, and both the lamb and the veal chops were delicious. Excellent bread as well, and quite reasonable pricing for this caliber of establishment, I think our total bill was around $150 for two, including tip. Would highly recommend for anybody seeking great food in Philadelphia
(5)Keith M.
Excellent experience here. Had the 12 ounce filet with Roquefort cheese-- highly recommended. Attentive service and relaxing ambiance. Potatoes gratin were an excellent side. Cocktails were top notch as well.
(5)John B.
One word: overrated. Steak was nothing that special, although properly cooked to medium rare. The fat distribution on the meat was weird...it seems like the meat had fat clusters rather than nicely distributed marbling. Their sliders are actually excellent and they have a rather nice list of single-malts. The decor is nice enough that you can bring dates you want to impress.
(3)JB K.
On a recent business trip, we opted for this locally-owned steakhouse instead of the usual chain. The food was excellent but the experience may have outshone the food, which is not a bad thing. The decor was certainly beautiful and sumptuous--creamy white leather with lime green velvet pillows, dark wood, crystal chandeliers; nice but not stuffy. Two of our guests were kids not exactly dressed for the occasion, and the waitstaff made us all feel welcome. The waiter also bore our jokes about ordering the $7500 bottle of 1982 Chateau Cheval- Blanc well, though I'm pretty sure he'd heard that joke before. We were asked to choose a knife from a selection of steak knives--a first for all of us. And then there was the unisex bathroom--certainly two idiosyncratic features that people will remember and talk about. I had the filet of course--and while it was cooked to perfection, I had just had the same at Ruth's Chris the week before, and this one suffered by the comparison. I am partial to RC's butter preparation, so I'm sure this was outstanding filet by any other standard but mine. There were 11 of us so we shared a bunch of the sides and got to try a little of everything--the nueske (smoked) bacon was amazing, and the others (truffle mac & cheese, creamed spinach, potato nachos, broccolini, whipped potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, asparagus) were excellent but not exceptionally inventive. And then there was the standout dessert. You simply cannot pass on the chocolate-chip creme brulee. At the end of a great meal with good wine and company, I wanted nothing more than to be alone with that particular dessert.
(4)Kevin S.
I just got back home from an amazing meal at Barcley Prime. The food was super delicious and the service was stellar. The vibe throughout the dining room was mellow, dimly lit and visually appealing. I especially enjoyed the layout of the seating as we were both sat on separate couches between a table. Quaint, masculine and chill, just the way I like to dine. We started with the bacon wrapped scallops served over a fried green tomato and a light white maple syrup glaze. This appetizer was seriously worth a trip back! For dinner we both decided on the 28 day dry aged 16 oz. NY strip steak. Simply splendid taste, cooked pink on the inside, providing a juicy-yummy mouthwatering piece of meat - bite after bite. Additionally we had the broccolini as a side - seasoned to perfection. The 5-star service only added to the amazing dining experience. We were attended to by two servers, both were extremely knowledgeable of the menu, wine list, etc. I was very impressed all around, from the host to the extremely attentive waitstaff. Although the prices are super high - It is worth every penny on a special occasion.
(5)Craig R.
Wow. What a great steak. One of the best steaks I have had in a very long time. Order the New York Strip, Pittsburgh style (with cracked pepper)...yum. Inside the restaurant looks like my mother's 1970's living room...you know, the room with the pleather furniture and cheap tables....time to update your look. They also give you your choice of knives for your meal. Nice touch, sets them apart from others. Last but not least is the price...holy SH&T...you have to be kidding me...way too overpriced. Great steak yes, but not the best for this price.
(4)Sean D.
Went there last night for our 6 year anniversary. We had reservations at a competitor and I happened to go online to look for another place to go to afterwards for some dessert when I saw the reviews for Barclay. I remember looking a few years back and not seeing as high reviews. After reading all the reviews on here, we decided to cancel our reservations elsewhere and go to Barclay. Very glad we did. The dining hall is small and quiet and every part of the meal was amazing. We both ended up getting the 12oz filet's with truffle mashed potatoes and cream spinach. Then for dessert tried their smores dessert which was amazing. Also had a very nice wine selection. I have tried pretty much every steakhouse in Philly and would agree with the below comments that this is surely up there for the best steakhouse.
(5)Louis K.
I was in the city the other night for a party and my wife and I wanted to get a relatively quick meal in the lounge at Barclay Prime. Knowing that it was Saturday we went pretty early around 630. We walked into the Lounge area and it was no more then half full, at least 8-10 tables open. We asked to be seated and the hostess said that they were booked. I told her we weren't looking to camp out all night and that we would be out by 730. She told us to wait by the bar, a ten minute deliberation between the Robert Palmer hostesses ensued. In that time a nice gentleman offered my wife his seat and the seat opened up next to her, eventually one of the hostesses came over and said they could accommodate us, at that point we decided to eat at the bar. From that point on we had a lovely time, our bartender, Bob, was super pleasant and attentive to our needs. My wife and I split an order of the oysters which were delicious and I had the 8 oz filet which was cooked to perfection with sides of the truffled whipped potatoes (YUM!) and roasted brussel sprouts that were out of this world. When we were finished the lounge still had empty tables and that is why I'm deducting 1 star from what could have been a 5 star rating. The girls up front need to know when to be accommodating .
(4)Bill q.
Overpriced and Underwhelming Lobster: $100 Sole: $80 four slices of raw scallop: $18 Why do people go to Starr restaurants? Why did I? Because someone wanted to take me. Good thing I wasn't paying. Food was very so-so, service is bizarre, choose my knife? Choose my knife?
(2)Hannah M.
This place is delicious. When my fiance was trying to convince me to move from NYC to Philly with him, he took me here, and it worked. The filet mignon was incredible, as was everything else. Big portions of delicious food with a more fun ambiance than your typical stuffy steakhouse. I really enjoyed it, will be back soon!
(5)Edwin M.
This place is AMAZING! My wife and I ar from North Jersey but we try to make the trip to this great steakhouse every year. Typically around our anniversary. Anyway enough about us... LOL. We like to try diff things when eating here however the Mac'N cheese truffle is a staple for us everytime we go it's REALLY that good! Top notch service and every waiter we have ever has been helpful in helping us decide. No they don't always pick the highest items either... The ambiance is nice as well. Steaks are tender and have great taste. Overall, great expierence. Not the cheapest but again you get what you pay for
(5)Tom G.
Appetizers and sides ruled my visit here. Kobe sliders were good. Tuna tartar was fresh and delicious. Lobster bisque was out of this world. Salads were average, maybe even below average. Steaks were less-than-amazing, which surprised all of the people in my group. None of us had been to BP before but we're all steakhouse "veterans." The steaks were all absolutely charred on the outside while being correctly cooked on the inside for the most part. The rub they slathered the steaks in was odd, as well. I appreciated that the NY strip was grass fed organic, and that was apparent in the flavor of the meat, but the bitter charcoal exterior really detracted from the natural flavor of the meat. This sentiment was echoed by all of my party. The more traditional steakhouse goers in the group did not appreciate the trendiness, feeling it tried putting an institition like American steakhouses into a prettied up, club-like atmosphere. I didn't echo this as I enjoyed the wood walls and modern tables and chairs. The mushroom side was AMAZING. I'd strongly recommend. The tatertots were not that great. The asparagus was fresh and perfectly cooked. The wine list, my favorite part, was standard for a steakhouse. Lots of big cali cabs and little else of note (outside of the 82 first growths like Cheval Blanc for $7400). We settled on a $250 bottle of Plumpjack Cab that was fantastic (if carrying the steakhouse standard 200% markup). This was probably the best part of the meal. Interestingly, the women in our group liked this place far more than the men here. They said they appreciated that it wasn't so manly.
(4)Susan M.
Food was delicious. Steak was cooked perfectly. Shrimp cocktail were huge and tasty. Loved to Popover bread they serve in the beginning. Nice touch of letting you choose your own personal steak knife. Beautiful looking restaurant but expect to drop a small fortune. Very Very Exprensive!!!
(4)Lily Q.
This is definitely my least favorite Steven Starr restaurant, unthinkably disappointing service and the food was just ok at best. I came here for a friend's bday party a few months ago, I had been really looking forward to coming here, it was the only Starr restaurant in Philly I hadn't tried yet and I absolutely love Butcher & Singer so I came in with very high expectations...oops We were seated in the front cigar-room-like area, they had placed a row of small tables together accommodate our large party. As soon as we were seated, I noticed that my table was very wobbly, to the point where the slightest weight shift would splash my water and I couldn't set my martini on the table because it would spill everywhere. We told the waiter at least twice before he even bothered to look at it and when he did he just assured me that the tabletop would not fall down on me (the screw holding the heavy table top down was so loose it really did feel like the top would slide off any second) and he took no measures to try to secure it, when we asked him if he could just swap it with a stable table he said he'd look into it and never got back to us. By this point we were having so many other issues with the waiter- I asked 3-4 times for lemon for my water and never got them, drink refills were absurdly slow as he would only stop by our table once every 20 or 30 mins- it just became ridiculous. I had the pleasure of eating my $100+ meal on a see-saw table with the silverware and plates sliding around and banging together everytime i cut my steak. The food unfortunately did not come close to making up for the horrendous service. The only thing I liked were the cocktails and the kobe tartar, but this is a steak house... and my porterhouse came out completely overcooked (totally burnt on the outside) and flavorless. The vegetable sides were dry and burnt, the spaeztle was ok but my boyfriend said it was sub-par. One guy in our party who got his steak 30 minutes before I did sent his steak back for being too tough and overcooked and it took almost an hour for him to get the new steak so I didn't even bother with trying to wave down our no-where-to-be-seen waiter to send mine back. Our dinner ended up taking 4 hours and believe me that was not by choice. To top everything off, my credit card was charged twice. Disappointing experience would be an understatement....never again
(1)Theresa K.
The food was beyond amazing....everything was cooked to perfection! The West Coast oysters...OUT OF THIS WORLD! Drinks were really good too and the service (James) was astounding, very knowledgeable...answered all of our questions and was ALWAYS right there when we needed him! Dessert was excellent! We had a wonderful experience and will definitely go back!
(5)Meg H.
Went there for the first time Sunday night. Place was PACKED!!! I heard alot of great things so I had to check it out for myself!!! OMG!!!! The best steak i have ever had and the Truffle mashed potatoes to die for!!!!! Will definitely be back!!!!
(5)Robert K.
Overpriced & overrated. My $48 NY strip was too salty. Lined w/ hard gristle (had to spit some out or swallow big pieces), and undercooked. Charged us an extra $6 to bring a dessert we ordered for someone's birthday- I guess b/c they wrote 'happy birthday' in chocolate on the plate.
(2)Benjamin S.
As a true connoisseur of steak, I can tell you that this is definitely top choice. I took my girlfriend to Barclay on her first visit to PA since I moved here from Dallas, and both of us were completely satisfied! Starting with the Kobe Sliders is a must and you can't help but smile as they practically melt in your mouth. Absolute bliss. After, the first course we chose the Fillet and the Chicken. I will admit the fillet was much better than the organic chicken dish, but it is a steakhouse. The cut was perfect and the temperature was right on - medium rare. On top of the food and equally important was the outstanding wait-staff and perfectly set ambiance. Unique coed bathrooms, so do not be shocked. Everything perfect down to selecting your own knife, not a must but definitely a point of distinction. If you love steak and fine dining experiences you must try Barclay Prime! Possibly the best of Starr's imaginations.
(5)Janet B.
My fiancé and I went to dinner to celebrate it being six months until we get married. The dinner was the best we have had in Philadelphia in a long time. The service was impeccable and we had a great night. Looking forward to going back again!
(5)alexis g.
Spell "overrated": You guessed it... B-a-r-c-l-a-y P-r-i-m-e. I went to a reception here a while back and they passed various hors d'oeuvres all night, including the famous sliders. Those sliders were so freakin' awesome, I had high hopes when I returned for dinner. Alas, those hopes were dashed right after I finished my slider appetizer. Tomato Mozzarella salad: delicious. Sliders: awesome, as expected. Steaks: meh (and one of our companions said his was overcooked). Sides: meh AND small. Dessert: cute and delicious. We ordered the broccolini, shaved potatoes and onions, fried onion strings, and sauteed spinach with garlic (which they kindly cooked to order). The broccolini came with aioli, which was ok and kind of a nice change from the usual hollandaise. The fried onion strings were blooming-onion-esque. The shaved potatoes and onions were the clear winner... good caramelization, perfect seasoning... but they lost points on size. I thought steakhouse meant gargantuan steaks and sides (seriously, who can eat 12 ounces of meat in a sitting?). The shaved potatoes and onions were sufficient maybe for a party of two. They were sadly inadequate for our fourtop. If I ever return, I'm camping out at the bar and eating sliders until I'm ready for dessert.
(3)Ferit U.
amazing wagnu steak
(5)mike d.
What a bummer.. should have gone to the Prime Rib around the corner. Steak ordered Pittsburgh Rare, came out medium (brown center) quality ok the second time areound..should not have to worry about temp when in an up scale place got a robotic sorry from the server. service was ok the highlight of the nite was choosing the knife.... don't think I going back
(2)Stephanie H.
The food steak was great, but a $200 wagyu ribeye better be. Wine was also very good. I have to say, however, that I expected a bit classier of a place and pristine service. I know restaurants are changing - who dresses up for a $600 meal right? But little things were lacking from making this worth the price - like both times I got up to use the restroom my napkin was not folded by the server it was laying on my chair just how I left it when I got up. I really don't mean this to be negative, we truly did enjoy our meal, but just expected a different type of place. Also, it played weird upbeat, trendy music - not what I expect at a nice dinner out.
(3)Alexandra S.
My first steakhouse experience was in Charleston, SC with some girlfriends. I wanted to have a nice steakhouse dinner with my fiancé so we chose Barclay Prime. We had a reservation for 8pm and walked in right about that time. We were immediately sat at a nice table for two. Our waitress was very nice and explained the menu, including recommending some of her favorites. As an appetizer my fiancé ordered the wagyu beef sliders which he said were very good. From the homemade rolls to the patties, everything was well done. I had the wedge salad which was just ok. The cut on the wedge was a bit sloppy and there was way too much blue cheese dressing for my liking. For our dinner we each got the 8oz filet with the house steak sauce, with the fried artichokes and truffle max and cheese. The sides were large enough to share. The steaks were cooked to our liking and the house steak sauce was thick and reminiscent of BBQ sauce which we enjoyed. The artichokes were delicious. The Mac and cheese was late coming out, so we were each given a glass of wine on the house. It was worth the wait, and I'd say it was the best part of the meal. It was thick and creamy with breadcrumbs on top. Two extra things to point out, the decor was an odd mix of modern and vintage. The chairs were a bit uncomfortable. Also they have a unisex bathroom which is strange. I would recommend Barclay Prime to anyone looking for a sophisticated steakhouse experience at a nice spot in the city but it didn't exceed my first steakhouse experience in Charleston.
(4)Sean M.
My fiancé and I came here for no special reason, just a nice dinner down in the city. We had a reservation for 8pm and walked in right about that time. We were immediately sat at a nice table for two. Our waitress was very nice and explained the menu, including recommending some of her favorites. As an appetizer I ordered the wagyu beef sliders which were very good. From the homemade rolls to the patties, everything was well done. My fiancé got the wedge salad which she was not as impressed with. The cut on the wedge was a bit sloppy and there was way too much blue cheese dressing for her liking. For our dinner we each got the 8oz filet with the house steak sauce, with the fried artichokes and truffle max and cheese. The sides were large enough to share. The steaks were cooked to our liking and the house steak sauce was thick and reminiscent of BBQ sauce which we enjoyed. The artichokes were delicious, I had never eaten them before. The Mac and cheese was late coming out, so we were each given a glass of wine on the house. It was worth the wait, and I'd say it was the best part of the meal. It was thick and creamy with breadcrumbs on top. Two extra things to point out, the decor was an odd mix of modern and vintage. The chairs were a bit uncomfortable. Also they have a unisex bathroom which is strange. I would still recommend Barclay Prime to anyone looking for a sophisticated steakhouse experience at a nice spot in the city.
(4)suburban C.
An amazing dinner:) our anniversary was celebrated at barclay prime and the food was incredible. My husband got a ribeye and I ordered short rib- both food coma inducing goodness :) The service was also great but then again, we were one of the few ppl dining at that time... So I hope they're always that nice. We had dessert but they sent us home with a delicious blueberry cake with brown butter frosting..... A delicious treat to take home thanks barclay!
(5)M K.
Where do I begin with this place?! Swanky and gorgeous beyond belief, it transports you to another era but with modern touches. Our server was phenomenal, absolutely wonderful. The food was amaaaaazing. The hamachi crudo was delish, beef tartare so well seasoned. Best I've ever had and I've had this dish at every great steakhouse in NYC. My bone-in filet was out of this world. I usually opt for ribeye and almost switched but our server made me stay with the filet and it was off the charts insane. Hubby had the ribeye and my steak blew it away. Sides were the truffled Mac and cheese and creamed spinach. Heavenly! And I almost forgot the popovers, how ethereal, almost croissant-like with the most exquisite sea salt butter. So yummy. Dessert was banana cake which was delish but paled in comparison to all the other deliciousness. Can't wait to go back!!! All in all one if my most memorable dining experiences ever.
(5)Tam V.
Oh goodness how fantastic is this place?!?! The boyfriend surprised me and had an extended celebration for our 6 year anniversary. After all, that's a bit of an accomplishment. I was overwhelmed by the menu because everything sounded delicious and I wanted to eat everything! I've never had dry aged beef, but I'm glad my first time was here. It was succulent, delicious, perfectly cooked and.. just plain out amazing. The service was attentive and amazing as well as the interesting show of knives. I used the knife designed by Porche to eat my steak :) my boyfriend picked the Japanese knife that was designed like a mini samurai sword. The decor is absolutely beautiful and the entire staff was ridiculously good looking. They must be labeled "models who serve food" Anyway, they gave us a complimentary slice of chocolate cake and wrote Happy Anniversary on it complete with a candle. We plan on returning.
(5)Jay B.
I couldn't find anything wrong with this place. We skimped in the appetizers and the salads knowing we were all in for the main course and dessert. We shared the tuna tartare. Not really my thing but those who obliged, raved about it. There were four of us, 2 of us got the NY Strip (I was one of them) and I can say without a doubt, it was the best steak I've ever had (with Cap. Grille's in close second). The other two got the filet and porterhouse and were blown away as well. You can get a filet anywhere, 3/4 of us went a little more marbled. We went high class with tater tots as a shared side as well as creamed spinach and of course the truffle mac and cheese and can say that all three were the perfect compliment to the steak. We went crazy on desserts since a guy in our party's cousin is the pastry chef here and can't remember everything we got because there were 4 desserts but can say that the s'mores cake is worth jamming in, even when you're stuffed. I'm not sure that it gets any better than the meal we put together here but if it does, please let me know.
(5)Lil L.
I wish I can give them a 3.5 stars..but 3..will do. I love the set up of the whole place and the fact that it was much more modern and hip in comparison to some of the other pricey steakhouses in Philadelphia. The steaks (ny strip & filet) were beautifully cooked. The apps were delicious and the love triangle cocktail was just the right amount of sweetness. I probably wouldn't waste the money on sides again though. The mushrooms were decent. Tots and Brussels sprouts were below par. Truffle Mac and cheese would have been great if there wasn't a piece of hair in the middle of it.... Overall, I definitely would come here again. I think it was just an overall bad night..or unlucky for us. Besides the hair in the Mac, one of the waiters from another table actually dropped food on my friends shoes..he was holding way too many plates! Also for a high end steakhouse, I think finding hair is pretty gross. Even though the waiter comped us for that $17 Mac n cheese...a round of drinks to say sorry would have been better on top of the side...
(3)Mara T.
Amazing. Really amazing. Found this thanks to Yelp and Open Table and our visit was spectacular. This place is money. But the food is seriously worth it. We enjoyed Waygu rib-eye, truffle whipped potatoes, crab cake, rib-eye, a split wedge and various desserts. The service was spot-on, so polite and attentive yet not intrusive at all. Love the posh elegant art deco setup, though gotta say the giant settee/couches are not comfortable at all to sit on for a few hours....though you can make it work with enough alcohol. Speaking of, bartender was on point, mixing me up some raspberry mojito concoction that they kept coming and my husband enjoyed a bit of their wine selection. All in all, so happy we discovered this gem and will be back as often as our budget allows. If you're looking for an upscale steak dining experience, come here.
(5)Bruce W.
I don't usually eat at places this nice. Last night my girlfriend took me out for a graduation celebration, so this was exceptional for me and my review may reflect that. But wow. Those sliders. The rest of the meal was delicious--everything you would expect from such a nice restaurant--but I consider the sliders to be the must-have app. A couple years ago a firm took a bunch of us from school out to eat here and I got to try many of the apps, and those little burgers stole the show then and now. As for the rest of the experience: there is almost nothing inexpensive on the menu. If you're getting wine for two don't expect to leave without having spent at least $100. It's worth it for a nice occasion. Our waiter was extremely friendly, polite, and unobtrusive. The decor was like a warm reading room with the typical Starr twist (a nice modern flair). We got to pick our knives for the steak: I chose one of two German knives and my girlfriend chose a Japanese knife whose design was based off of throwing knives. A fun touch. One word of warning: the famous $100 cheesesteak is no longer on the menu! Apparently you can still order it if you give the chef 48 hours notice.
(5)Melissa N.
Food AND service was amazing. My husband ordered the kobe beef tartare and I ordered the seared scallops as our appetizers. Both were VERY good. The scallops were cooked to its finest!! As for our main course, he ordered the 16 oz mishima ranch ultra ny strip and I ordered the 8 oz mishima ranch ultra filet. The temperature of our steaks were near to almost perfect. I wouldn't expect anything less since this place is pricy. Service was excellent and our waitress was very helpful. We loved it!!
(5)Erica S.
This is the kind of place where Don Draper and Roger Sterling would go for an expensive two-martini lunch. Or perhaps Don would secretly meet here with a free-spirited brunette adultress before going home to Betty. It's all very masculine, dark, and sexy, like a library for dudes who like bourbon and expensive meat. Don Draper would not bring Betty here. The food was amazing. I had the Kobe and it was cooked to perfection. The Kobe beef sliders as an appetizer are an absolute must, and all the sides delivered as well. I remember some fingerling potatoes with garlic, shallots, and bacon (!?). The wine selection was one of those really long and overwhelming ones. Luckily we had a good waiter who suggested a bottle and he was right on. At least two people were taking care of our needs at all times without being overbearing. When it came time to choose our own knives ,we were so excited by the selection that he let us keep and play with them all. Thanks, dude! Don Draper, I'll see you there.
(5)david h.
Cool decor. Sunken, dark library motif. Great funky music. Comfy chairs. Service a tad slow with only 3 tables occupied @ 9:45 on a Sunday night. Appetizers good not great. Steaks had outstanding flavor but were underdone. Potatoes au gratin great. Creamed spinach just okay. Desserts very good. Verdict - typical steakhouse in really cool setting. Smiley face (steak only)
(3)Ryan D.
This place is great. Very comfortable seats along with great service and even greater food. The $100 cheesesteak is worth every penny. Especially when you split it as an appetizer :)
(5)Damon L.
OK the wife and I were out for a special holiday season dinner. I was recommended this place by a co worker and was told I would have my socks blown off....well lets just say that I left with my socks still in place. The server was very nice and we were seated promptly we had an early dinner so it was not very crowded at all. Our server seemed to quite pompous and he seemed to be looking down his nose at us. I thought that it was just the way he and the staff was....until Donovan Mcnabb came in....then OH BOY!!!!! That is when the service picked up.....for him at least. I counted at least 6 different servers and managers that stopped by his table to ensure his visit was a pleasant one. I know that celebrity has its perks....but Damn...the levels of service were so blatantly disparaging......it made me feel like we came in there and ordered a Big Mac. There was another table of big wigs that were being served by our server and I guess since we were privileged enough to SEE him give exquisite service to them.....so we should have been satisfied. Let's get toe the food.....we ordered the Kobe sliders and the shrimp cocktail. we or our slider medium...the came out medium rare....closer to rare. The shrimp cocktail was very cold and the shrimp...though large in size, were rubbery and the cocktail sauce taste like it came out of a Heinz jar. My wife ordered the Medallions for her main course and in her words not mine..."they were good not"....not very good, not great , just good. I ordered the dry aged Porterhouse and it was.....very good. Now onto the sides we shared the creamed spinach and the mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was wonderful......but the spinach was HORRIBLE....some of the blandest, tasteless stuff I have ever eaten. If you like the taste of lukewarm, unseasoned cooked spinach....you will love this dish! I will tell that if you want a a great steak dinner in the Center city area....go to Davio's.....this place is over rated,
(3)Mindy A.
Barclay Prime delivered on the things you expect of a top-notch steakhouse: delicious steaks, cooked to order service that is on point from the host to the bussers appetizing bread selection wonderful potato and veggie sides high prices A cut above on: the specialty drink selection Blew the competition out of the water on: the sexy ambiance. I love the discreet entrance and the small ("boutique") front bar that hides the dining area from view. Honestly, I probably would have given the place five stars without even getting to the food part. *I thought it was a little gimmick-y that we got to pick our knives, but I actually mentioned it to somebody else when I got home, so in truth, I guess it's just an excellent way to set themselves apart. On a few trips to Philly, I have visited 3 Stephen Starr restaurants now, and they are all awesome in their own unique way.
(5)Ryan B.
100% The Best Food I have ever eaten. Great atmosphere, great waiter and fantastic food. My wife and I had a wonderful date night here.
(5)Jennifer J.
Top notch steak house, great for a special dinner. We doubled with another couple for dinner and had a wonderful evening. The wait staff is vert attentive and the ambience is luxurios. My filet was perfectkly prepared as were the sides, truffle whipped potatoes and creamed spinach. Very filling and delicious but don't skip dessert!
(4)Cristin S.
I came here last Thursday with a friend of mine for dinner. This is a very lovely place. The chairs are comfy, though I wish the backs were a little higher for taller gals like me, but super comfy. Our server was extremely attentive and pleasant. Overall I was very happy with the entire experience. I had the 12oz filet cooked medium; it came out a little crispy and burnt for my tastes, but it was edible. I ordered 3 sauces (I'm a sauce whore) -- bearnaise, roquefort, and au poivre. All were very delicious. The bearnaise was like butter, it was melt-in-your-mouth fantastic. The roquefort was good but very strongly flavored. I couldn't eat a lot of it. On the contrary, I could have eaten the bearnaise sauce with a spoon. The au poivre was properly peppery. I also ordered the tater tots -- there were not your standard, mushy, frozen tater tots. These were clearly homemade, very crispy, salty, addicting. My friend ordered the marble potatoes, which were red, yellow, and blue potatoes with green beans and a buerre blanc sauce. They were very tasty. I ordered the El Diablo martini to drink and it.was.fantastic. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about drinking something with jalapeno syrup in it but I couldn't get enough. So I had three. For dessert, I had the s'mores cake. It's like a chocolate lava cake but instead of liquid hot chocolate inside, it was liquid hot marshmallow. It was a very heavy, decadent dessert. Extremely delicious. My friend ordered an assortment of ice creams -- roasted banana, peanut butter, and nutella. Fantastic stuff. Normally I'm a Morton's girl, but this place definitely gave them a run for their money. I'm eager to come back here and dine again, this time with my husband.
(4)Ashwin T.
As I continue my pattern of only coming here on other people's dimes, I can say with pride that Barclay Prime reeks of opulence. A comfortable and spacious lounge area immediately at the entrance provides a nice segue into the spacious main dining tavern. Luxury and comfort is not sacrificed in the pursuit of upscale: the couch style seating provides you with much needed support when hounding down copious amounts of meat and alcohol. In addition to your typical steak house fare, novelty items on the menu include a $100 wagyu and foie gras cheesesteak (not at all worth it). My only complaint with my night was the relatively empty scene on a Monday night. Maybe its the four years of living in New York, but its started to be discomforting to me when a place isnt veritably bursting at the seams...
(4)Sharilyn K.
Fantastic meal, ambience and service. Our server Glen was amazing...very friendly, informative and made our dinner an exceptional experience. Another staff member, Austin was superb and took great care of us. The food was phenomenal-particularly the Wagyu ribeye! We will absolutely be back, and not soon enough.
(5)Heather G.
I was in Philly for the weekend and I love steakhouses! I had to try one I haven't been too so Barclay Prime was my choice. We had a 9:15 reservation and we were a few minutes late but there was no issue. Service was impeccable...wish I remembered our servers name because I would give him props! We ordered the west coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, split a wedge salad, sea bass, and a medium rare filet that was cooked to perfection with martinis. Only thing I would mention and probably shouldn't was the bartender didn't have the perfect pour when it came to martinis...but that could be that I watch too much bar rescue and make Martinis at home so only filling a Martini to slight over half a glass is a no no to me.. But back to the good stuff we ate everything happily including their famous warm popovers...a must have. We passed on the dessert because we were full beyond belief but they gave us salted caramel truffles with our check that completed the meal. If you want a steak house that is not stuffy and dated and the food and service is great this is a great place to go!
(5)Subir G.
Was here with a group of 10 guys for a bachelor party. The NY strip I ordered was likely the best steak I've ever had. Charred perfectly on the outside and with great texture and flavor. Between the ten of us, we must have ordered every variation of meat on the menu except for the porterhouse. One person ordered the $100 cheese-steak and said it was good, but not great (the half bottle of champagne is a big portion of the cost). Some folks had the caviar and said it was fantastic (and these were people who don't normally eat caviar). I had the lobster bisque to start and it was a perfect texture, but perhaps a little on the salty side (more on that later). I wish I hadn't ordered the soup because the NY strip was so fantastic and I couldn't finish the entire 24 oz which felt like an immense waste of great meat. I'd give the place five stars if it weren't for the fact that all the sides we had (creamed spinach, truffle potatoes, broccoli rabe) were over-salted. Cocktails were pretty good and service was unobtrusive and professional. The wine list is a typical steakhouse tome, lots of Bordeaux and big California reds. Markups on wine are a bit higher than I would have expected, but someone's got to pay for the fabulous space I guess. I was pleasantly surprised by the very good (and extensive) selection of white wines.
(4)M. C.
Didn't love our return visit. The dining room was cold (temperature), which made the meal uncomfortable. The pop-over rolls were as delicious as we remembered, the wedge salad was awesome, ordered two NY Strip Steaks cooked medium and both were very undercooked and we ended up sending them back after we started to eat. The chicken dish was very good. Just wasn't feeling it this time, and we hated sending back our steaks.
(3)Geoffrey E.
Pros: - Food. The food is absolutely fantastic. What more can I say. Perfect steaks. - Service. The service is almost overly attentive. - Decor - I love the "library" look. Cons: - Price. Offensively expensive and overpriced. Pretentious. I really hate pretentious places. For some folks, it's a draw. I despise it. - Restrooms. Come on - is there really any reason for unisex restrooms? It's Philadelphia, not Soho in Manhattan. - Decor. The bench seating blows. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons. Hands down, the best food I've ever eaten in Philadelphia.
(4)Devenne R.
By far the best steak place around. Great atmosphere and lighting. Great martinis. Service was very good.
(5)Peter S.
The chips were stacked against it with those high prices and Laban's 2012 demotion, but this was the best steakhouse experience I've had in recent memory. I expected a stuffy environment but the dining room was beautiful and the service was casual but attentive. The filet was absolutely perfect. I expected the potato gratin and brussels sprouts to be throw-away sides but they were both delicious. I usually won't order a s'mores dessert but it was really worth ordering here. The scallops and branzino were both delicious but comparably less memorable as beef is definitely the star here. It is a splurge when you're company's not paying but the value is definitely there.
(5)Chuck F.
We have visited Barclay Prime five or six times over the years, weathered different chefs and have never been disappointed. In my opinion, the number one steak house in Philadelphia; wonderful cuts of meat, excellent service, an elegant setting and a knife menu! My wife and daughter shared the cheesesteak and deemed it worth it but......
(5)Larry F.
Two friends and I went here for the first time, and it turned out to be a very well-rounded experience. To sum it up, the food was AMAZING! Food: The three of us each ordered an appetizer and shared them - scallops, soft shell crab, and hamachi crudo. My favorite among the appetizers by far was the scallops. It was well seasoned and perfectly prepared and seared; it had a slightly crusty, browned texture on the outside, but the inside was so tender! The tempura soft shell crab turned out to be exactly what I expected and wasn't particularly exciting, but I really enjoyed the avocado salad/sauce that came with it. The hamachi crudo was delicious as well. Moving on to the main course, I had the 18oz ribeye. Wow, two days later, and I'm still thinking about it. It was perfectly seasoned, exactly the medium-rare that I wanted. There wasn't a single bite that I didn't enjoy. Even better, we were presented with 5 different knives to pick from; I picked the Samurai knife per the recommendation of the waiter, and that helped me cut through each piece of the steak so smoothly and painstakingly. The other knives looked awesome, too! I think I'm going to have to go back at least 4 more times to try the different knives... We also shared a creamed spinach side. I read some fabulous reviews on Yelp about the creamed spinach, but I wasn't particularly impressed. It tasted like...well, cream and spinach; nothing out of my expectation. Unfortunately, we didn't have the stomach space to fit dessert. We had some chocolate truffles to sweeten up our palates, and that was a good treat to end the night. Thinking back upon it, in terms of the quality of food, this was by far my favorite steakhouse in Philadelphia among the 5 that I've been to. Ambiance: The ambiance was, to say at least, unique, but overall a bit disappointing for me personally. Coming into the restaurant, the traditional, European architecture outside threw me off. We also couldn't find the door very easily. There seemed to be a private guest room, then the hotel entrance, and then in the corner the restaurant's entrance. The left door didn't open, so we thought that wasn't the place, and the door was so tinted and no one came to greet us when we looked lost while trying to open the door. Inside, the restaurant definitely had the contemporary feeling. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed. The Greek and Roman architecture books by the bookshelf we sat by didn't quite add up to the contemporary style. More importantly, the place felt young, but at the same time, too corporate. The window was also directly in front where I sat, and facing west, the setting sun was almost blinding at some point; where were the window shades? Finally, the 90's rock music playing in the background also made the whole place seem rowdier than it really should have been. Service: Nothing outstanding here. Our waiter made good recommendations, although my glass of water was left sitting empty a couple times, everything else was great. In all, great food, and I will definitely come back for that. Ambience was disappointing, but I don't think that can be changed (maybe beside the door part). Service was great, and everyone was friendly!
(4)Gene B.
Food and service were excellent! It was my first visit and I wanted to try someplace new and I will say that I will definitely be back again!
(5)Valerie K.
One of the coolest things about Barclay Prime, amongst its many wonderful attributes, is its classy old-school "rat pack" kind of ambiance, which is pretty kick-ass for a place that is less than 10 years young... In fact, it was quite a surprise for me when I was told that it's a Steve Starr restaurant and not a place where Frank Sinatra had dinner anytime he was crooning or loving in the City of Brotherly Love. The patrons, in their diamonds and pearls, fancy cufflinks, suede loafers, fur colors and white crisp shirts, exude this old money aroma and yet, the overall aura is very relaxed, without even a hint of snobbishness that usually comes as part of the "pockets full of cash" package. Their meat is pure perfection. Their choice of knives can be a bit intimidating when you don't know the difference between a Japanese knife, an Australian knife or the other three sharp options but the staff is always kind enough to offer an explanation and provide a recommendation (been there more than a dozen times and still don't have a clear understanding of which knife to use when). And then there is the $100 cheese-steak... Have you ever had a $100 cheese-steak? I have and I have to admit that it's the best cheese-steak I ever had. Now, is it worth $100? Not to me, only because I am just not a fan of that particular entree but the foodie in me can definitely appreciate how its exquisite ingredients (Kobe beef, shaved truffles, lobster tail, triple cream Taleggio cheaese, carmelized onions and heirloom tomatoes and assembled on a homemade brioche bun) can lead to its exquisite price tag. The verdict? It's a 5 out of 5 for me on all counts! Oh and I forgot to mention that two of my most favorite wines, a 2006 Louis Martini Cabernet and 2004 (I think) Frei Brothers Cabernet, were discovered by while while dining out at Barclay Prime
(5)Kristin W.
Surrounded by bookshelves and low chairs, I felt like all we needed to complete the library feel were some carrels - but I'm glad that we had some tasty food instead. We started with a round of raw oysters, which came out quickly and were delicious. We also sampled from the appetizer menu with the Scallops (good-sized) and Wagyu Slider Duo (so delicious - don't miss these!). We ordered the Miso Black Cod (tasty, but a little too sweet - I prefer the Buddakan version) and the 8oz Filet and concluded that the steak is the way to go here. Throw in some Jumbo Green Asparagus (soft without being mushy) and some decadent Truffled Mashed Potatoes and you have 2 people who could not manage to eat dessert, even on a birthday outing.
(5)Tegan B.
What a great place to have a romantic dinner. We were seated together on a comfy couch in a dimly lit room. The ambience was nice, and the wait staff was nicely dressed. We got here somewhat on the early side and got to it see it gradually fill up. This food exceeded my expectations. I knew that we'd have a good meal, but I had no idea that we'd be blown away from the culinary greatness. I've never been to a better steak house. Although the steak was off the chain, the accompaniments were spectacular. We had the pleasure of having: Seared Scallops Appetizer Rabbit and Foie Gras Terrine Special Gnocchi and Lamb Sausage Appetizer (each) Wagayu NY Strip 28 Days Aged NY Strip Truffle Whipped Potatoes The star of the meal was the gnocchi. At different times, two of the staff came up to our table while we were enjoying it,and said it was their favorite dish. It was so light and fluffy, and you could taste the different ingredients separately - the potato, the cheese. Unreal... The scallops were cooked perfectly with a perfect combination of field onion puree, vermouth foam, and fried pork belly. The rabbit and foie gras terrine was decadent, an the cherry salad complimented it well. Of course the wagayu steak trumped the Dry aged. What a difference. I didn't want to stop eating the Truffle mashed potatoes. They were addictive! I regret that we didn't have enough time for dessert. Everything was made in house and seemed over the top. There will certainly be a next time, though. And a next time, and a next time after that when we really want to splurge.
(5)Michael S.
Downtown location with a nice mix of vintage and contemporary decor. Food is expensive, but very good. We came for the steaks and were not disappointed; the sides (sauteed mushrooms and truffle mashed potatoes) were delicious. The ability to choose your steak knife is a novel twist. They forgot our oyster sampler appetizer, but made up for it by offering complimentary dessert. They got my wife's martini wrong twice, but immediately fixed it. Our server was very personable, and offered a great suggestion for brunch the next morning. Might have been five stars without the snafus, but the staff covered well.
(4)Alexa R.
FULL DISCLOSURE: This review may be biased as I was here for a private event Saturday evening and it was amazing. They may have given us extra wonderful service as we were in a private room and part of a wedding party, but I disgress. From looking at the prices online, I can say that the service and the food far exceeded expectations. As we all know, there are restaurants in Philadelphia that charge astronomical prices for good food and mediocre service. Barclay Prime is not one of those places. The private event space is dark, woody, romantic and luxe. I felt fancy. I started with the shrimp cocktail appetizer (HUGE shrimp) which was filling and delicious. They also brought pop-overs to the table for us to eat with our appetizers - they were warm and had a hint of rosemary. Also amazing. I had the roasted chicken for dinner - "Alexa, who orders chicken?" you ask. Well, I do. I love roasted chicken and Barclay Prime did not disappoint. We were served creamed spinach and mashed potatoes family-style. I was not wild about the creamed spinach, but the mashed potatoes were awesome. I would come back to Barclay Prime and order those alone. For dessert, they did a three part tasting. Also incredible - some chocolate square I loved and a strawberry banana mousse. There was also a panna cotta, but I do not like panna cotta, so I did not eat it. If you are looking for something different and a true place to spoil your guests, this is the place. Service was stellar, too!
(5)Claire O.
I came here over the holidays with my friend who had flown in from LA - we're both ridiculous eaters, so we were psyched. I chose Barclay Prime after seeing how highly it was rated by Philadelphia Magazine among the other steakhouses in Philly. Again, I've had decent experiences with Starr restaurants so far, so I was looking forward to it. It was surprisingly empty for a Sunday night (maybe everyone was still recovering from their New Year's revelry - we went the night before work/class resumed) so there was no way the service could have been more prompt. The interior was pretty neat and intimate for a large space; we were seated in a booth near the wall (lined with books). The chairs did roll about a little uncontrollably, though. Our servers were nice, funny, engaging and knowledgeable. We ordered raw oysters as an appetizer. I think it was only my second time eating raw oysters so I'm definitely not an expert, but they tasted pretty good. I'm not quite sure how to critique them. My friend and I split the 20oz ribeye because we ourselves had just come back from NY for the holiday fun. They were pretty accommodating with splitting the steak into two pieces. We also went with the truffled mash as a side - the serving was huge. The best part was when our server came with a selection of knives. What the hell would we know about knives? They cut, we eat. We weren't at all particular, although I'm sure some steak connoisseur out there would definitely appreciate having all those options. The steak was delicious - totally melted in my mouth. The truffled mash was also delicious. I've eaten at a number of well-reputed steakhouses and Barclay is up there. The steak was seasoned so well and cooked just right (we asked for medium rare). We got the creme brulee for dessert because we are seriously two fat girls trapped in skinny bodies. It was good. A little pricey, but worth it.
(5)Meg B.
I had a great time with a group of friends at Barclay. I loved the decor and the ambience of the place. The service was top notch. The messed the boyfriend's steak by bringing out the tarjima filet instead of the tarjima strip. They had the correct steak out in front of him by the time all of the other dishes and sides were present. The truffled mashed potatoes were delish . The wedge and chopped salads were also very good. I also sampled the smores dessert that my friends had- was absolutely delicious. Dispite all of these positives, There was something lacking that is preventing me from giving this place 4 or 5 stars. I feel like for the money that was spent, I should have been more overwelmed with my steak ( the 28 day dry aged 16 oz strip. Although it did have flavor and was a good piece of meat and cooked the way I requested, I also sampled the $95 tarjima strip. It lacked so much flavor for being a $95 piece of meat. It was a beautiful cut, almost resembling a seared tuna but after biting into it, I could not understand how my $48 steak could taste better. I'm not sure if this was because the wrong steak was brought out first and they and they had to rush this out or if this is the way that it is always served. I just felt like I've had better or the same for a fraction fo the cost. Everything adds up with the sides at $10/pop ( are good to share though with one other person), $5 for the steak compliments. Overall, I don't want to say it was a bad experience or the food was bad baecause that was not the case. I just think food wise, I have gotten my money's worth at better places than this.
(3)Deborah K.
We were very disappointed! We picked this restaurant to celebrate my husband's birthday. No valet parking. A not so friendly hostess. Extremely expensive just "good" food. Not at all what we expected!
(3)nitin a.
Maybe I was expecting more for the price, but I wasn't blown away by Barclay Prime. A quick summary of our experience: -Our waitress was maybe a little too busy or too aloof, but there were a couple of times that we tried to flag her down and couldn't, or that she forgot what we asked for. -Kobe Sliders were the highlight of our meal. I would go back and have a few plates of these as my meal (if they weren't $19 per pair). - Ordered the Filet and it came back a little dry. Was good but I can safely say I've had better. -Sides-I loved the Potato Nachos... greasy and cripsy, you know they're bad for you if they taste that good. Wife liked the truffle-whipped mashed potatoes, but I wasn't as impressed. -Dessert- Got the warm deep dish cookie.... was pretty good, and I would've finished it if I had an room left in my stomach ;) Overall, it was a good dinner experience. I went in expecting mor and it didn't quite live up to it. Perhaps it was that we had a great meal at Cuba Libre the night before, or maybe it was the prices. If back in Philly, I'll go back, if for no other reason than those delicious Kobe Sliders.
(3)Susann E.
Holy Sh*t this place is good! I am very aware that I'm a spoiled spoiled eater, and that because of my job I get to dine out places I have no place being. This may be one of those, but without a doubt ranks as the top Steakhouse experience of my life. After being referred to another restaurant by my hotel's concierge, I turned to my trusty Yelp which ranked that other place with an "eh", and this one with a very well deserved 4.5. I took the left out of the hotel to go to Barclay, and I am so glad. I actually really liked the vibe in Barclay Prime. As a female, it is so hard to find a steakhouse that appeals to both gender of steak gnawers. This one did. The low seating is a little odd, but comfortable, and was nothing that a little good posture on my part helped solve (thanks Grandma!) I ordered the house blackberry vodka on the rocks to start, and it was delish. Both my dining companion and I started with the tomato mozzerella salad, and it was fantastic. Apparently they make the monz in house. For my main course, I actually had the scallop appetizer. There were two humungous scallops wrapped in bacon with a maple glaze. All that on top of two fried green tomatoes. These people knew how to win over this Southern girl. My boss had the ribeye, which his demolished, so I assume it was tasty too. The sides (spinach, tatertots) were fresh and yum, if a little on the salty side. I didn't have any room to even think about dessert, and needed to be rolled back to my hotel room. The price was high, but not ridiculous. I've paid much more for much less. The service was unbelievable. Attentive as L'Ambroisie in Paris, without the pretense. It seemed that everyone really enjoyed working there. Next time I'm in Philly, I will definitely be back. This restaurant just made my top 10 of all time!
(5)Jen L.
This place could have easily gotten 5 stars from me ( and would have if I reviewed them after my past visits). I specifically come here about once a year or so and look forward to ordering literally the BEST steak I have ever had: the Kobe filet mignon. (& worth every penny) During my recent visit they were out of many of the menu items that we wanted to order: - the pork belly app - my beloved Kobe filet - sautéed porcini mushrooms - bone in filet ( I snatched the last one, so my husband who also ordered one was out of luck) Needless to say, even with some of our first picks unavailable we still had an excellent meal. The lobster bisque and beet salad were solid starters. The ribeye was cooked perfectly and was delicious despite the fact that it was aggressively seasoned. The bone in filet, again cooked perfectly and was delicious, but it was a bit fatty. I kind of felt like I must have gotten the last one... The whipped potatoes were good but nothing compared with the spaetzle. They sautéed the spaetzle with garlic and morel mushrooms. It's the best side I have every had from Barclay Prime. ( the menu has changed a little since last we visited) All in all a solid performance from one of the ( if not THE) best steakhouses in the city, just a little disappointing that they were out of so many menu items.
(4)Joy C.
While I never imagined I'd rate a Stephen Starr restaurant the best when it comes to food, Barclay Prime is my top choice for a high-end steakhouse in Philly. The upscale boutique steakhouse is situated within a chic library/den setting...a library with luxe marble tables and gorgeous leather chairs. The service is impeccable...polite, knowledgeable, and consistent. The selection of steak knives they provide is a nice touch, especially for those who really love steak and the nuances of the various cuts of meat. Fun fact for steak connoisseurs, Barclay Prime gets their Ribeye from the same butcher where Peter Luger (in New York) gets their cuts. The Kobe Sliders are definitely one of the best appetizers ever..anywhere..so be sure to get them. (We once went for JUST sliders and drinks which is a nice option when you're in-between meals or wanting smaller portions.) Also, the homemade hush puppies are nice update to the ones I remember from growing up. The Porterhouse is supposedly the way to go steak-wise, which is what my husband gets every time. I stick to the filet mignon - both of which are amazing. Final thoughts... If you're in the mood for steak and have some cash to spend on a nice dinner, run don't walk. Begin with the Kobe sliders to start the night just right.
(5)Shahzad S.
I visited Barclay prime on Valentine's eve. I had reserved a spot and showed up on time. I had to wait for 30 minutes plus in the lounge without anyone so much as asking us for water. I did go to the counter twice in that time to ask about our seating but the front staff was without any answers. Finally, the manager showed up, she did not have a clue that we had reservations and had the audacity to say that she will do us a favor by getting our orders before the kitchen closes. The service was very poor. The food was good..not excellent..and yes I have had excellent steak before.. best advice for two normal eating people get one big steak and side, it should be enough.
(2)Emily P.
I'm not the kind of girl that would usually go to a Steven Starr restaurant, but when my friend offers to foot the bill, I'll give in to curiosity and check it out. Barclay Prime is all hype. I agree with Blake S. on the interior design - it's horrifically campy. It tries far too hard to be edgy (if you've been to the bathrooms there, you know what I mean) and ends up just being mediocre and boring. Why am I giving it one star? Because not one but TWO of the steaks at my table had to be sent back. I ordered mine Medium and recieved it Well Done. It was completely brown the whole way through. My friend (the one who was paying) ordered his steak Rare and got it Medium. My second steak came back as ordered, but his was basically a slab of raw meat--I'm talking beyond rare. Like they put it in the pan for five seconds to sear the smallest outer layer and then gave it to him out of spite. The third member of our party had a perfectly prepared kobe beef steak (medium), and we envied her all night. This kind of screw-up is abominable at any steakhouse, but at a place where you're paying $75-100 per head, it's inexcusable. If you're going to go, definitely spend the extra $$ for the Kobe beef - it tastes exponentially better than their other steaks. The sliders are a great appetizer, too. - but you can get those at other restaurants in rittenhouse (like Alfa) and they taste just as good.
(1)Robert D.
my favorite restaurant in Philly slidders melt in your mouth.........yum yum yum yum yum
(5)Beca M.
I like to think there are few things in life that can match the blush, the flush of life, the rosy richness of a perfectly cooked filet. Perhaps a bride, perhaps a recent graduate, perhaps my smile after dining at the Barclay. This is the best Philadelphia has to offer. I have had both of my favorite dining experiences of my life at the Barclay. That's why I've taken so long to write this review. The memory of that snazzy study I dined in.. well, nothing I could write could possibly compare. Started with the Kobe sliders (5/5 stars) and they did just that, they slipped, the slid, they exploded with flavor. I accompanied them with a cocktail, sidecar I think it's called- with gin and basil- sounds funny, but this drink is no joke. I always have the filet (7/5 stars). I thought I would never love a piece of meat that hadn't been raised on the Argentine grasslands, but I can, thank you Barclay for making beef a feast even when I'm stateside. (I recommend medium rare, but they'll cook whatever temperature you like to perfection). The tater tots (4/5 stars) are quite a delicacy, the creamed spinach is the best I've had in my life (5/5 stars), fuffy and not too heavy. I've also had the asparagus, which I do not recommend, they're just steamed sprigs with bechamel sauce. It's nearly impossible to leave space for dessert, but I've found a way to stretch my stomach muscles so can, and you should give it a try if you're at the Barclay. I have beautiful dreams of the cookie desert (5/5 stars) which is like gooey cookies (snickerdoodle, choco chip and peanut butter) with a ball of vanilla ice cream. Call it pretentious, call it a Starr, I call it the Barclay Prime, Shangri-la for my tastebuds.
(5)Tim H.
Let me begin by saying that I am a social worker and don't make much money. But then again, I live outside of my means. Barclay Prime has always been the one spot in Philly I needed to try... someday. This past Valentine's day it happened, and unlike the movie Troy, this experience did not disappoint. For such an upscale, classy place, I was very comfortable. The waitstaff was knowledgeable as well as amicable. They maintained their professionalism while making you feel at home with gentle conversation. The seating was comfortable, the lighting was easy, and the bar looked inviting. One nice little touch was the knife selection. The waiter brought us a choice of about 6 steak knives. I'm not sure any one would have made a difference in my dining experience, but then again, maybe it did. The food was unbelievable. I love steak, but I'm not sure I needed to taste a $75 Fillet (maybe another time). We went with NY Strip and Rib-eye I believe, and we were both happy with our selections. The seasoning was spot-on. We also had the Nueske Bacon and Scallops. Perhaps the best appetizer I've ever had. I wish I could be more poetic in my description, but I would not pass this dish by. As sides, we had tater tots and sauted mushrooms. Both were great and went well with steak. I highly recommend this place if you have a lot of money. If not, I recommend working some overtime and splurging once on your lover for some nice occasion.
(5)Ronald V.
I must begin by saying that I'm still blissfully delirious from the amount of food I fiendishly consumed at this culinary beacon. Maybe the best meal I've ever had. Now on to the good stuff ! Dinning at Barclay Prime is an experience that will not only reward your palette but your memory. I went there with three other friends, and as soon as we breached those golden doors, I knew it would be special. The first thing you see is a pretty young lady checking you in, then you are seated in probably the most comfortable dinning swatting ever by another pretty young lady. I don't know about you, but that's a perfect way to start a meal off. One of the unique things about Prime is that if you're a returning customer, they keep information on your preferences and the like to personalize your experience. Our server for the evening was witty and knowledgeable. I didn't even bother reading the menu, I just allowed her to give us the menu tour as if we were listening to a good bedtime story only with some of the best food you'll ever eat as the protagonist. The rolls were amazing. Buttery, spongy and crisp. I knew from there I was about to be impressed. And we literally ordered 80% of the menu. The Kobe sliders were as good as advertised. Again, butter crisp brioche bun elevated by the perfectly cooked patty. The gnochi with the lamb sausage...find a better cooked gnocchi, I dare you. With the mild and flavorful lamb sausage, I knew the smile on my face was going to be permanent. Both tartars, the tuna and the Kobe, were melt in you mouth delicious, although the Kobe version was my favorite of the two. I'd have no problem eating copious amounts of either. The olive oil in the Tuna was flavorful and pleasing in it's own right. Even though the bacon wrapped scallops weren't on the menu, the version we received were good, but I'm not a big fan of foams and all that gastronomy. Good nonetheless. Still, the pork belly accompanied by that butternut squash purée was the epitome of pork deliciousness; I could never be Muslim after that. Tender, fatty, smokey, heavenly. I feel like I forgot something from the appetizer round but I'm sure it was good as well. For the main event we ordered the butter poached lobster, twi 28 day aged NY strips, crab cakes and the infamous $100 Kobe cheese steak. In addition we enjoyed, the Mac and cheese,with the panfishes, morels and carmelized onions, truffle mash, tater tots, au gratin, creamed spinach and my personal favorite, the spatzel with it's lighted pillory goodness and roasted garlic flavor. I'm having flashbacks right now.... The steaks were perfectly cooked, the lobster was a an example on how to use butter perfectly. And apparently these lobster this night were flown in from somewhere between nearAfrica and South America were the lobsters are supposed to be the best in the world. If anything the Kobe cheesesteak was too much. The foie gras and the truffles were too strong and rich for my liking. I didn't eat more than two bits as to not overwhelm my palette. If you have the chance to order a $100 cheesesteak do it for shits and giggles but nothing more. I'm not a desert person but the apple butter biegnets, the penna cotta with the strawberry/ rhubarb soup were great but at this point I was stuffed like a piñata. I even needed an expresso to stave of the onset of my food drunkenness. Throughout out this well choreographed food excursion, we sipped on Brooklyn #2 which yielded the best first sip of beer I've ever had. My glass was never empty from there on out. The manager even stopped by our table to check in on us. I can't say anything more about this place. Honestly, for a unforgettable experience I'd put Prime against any place in our fair city. I'm officially sprung.
(5)Grace G.
This place came highly recommended by coworkers when I needed a special occasion dinner spot. I expected it to be over hyped because their signature dish is a $100 cheesesteak. Just to give you an idea how good it is: I was working in Rittenhouse square at the time, and my husband asked me to find out if I could get the cheesesteak as take out. Yeah, that habit could've put a dent in the ol credit card. I throughly enjoyed my steak... until I had a bite of my husband's cheesesteak, full of kobe beef, lobster, truffles, some kind of fancy cheese, all on a fancy roll. It had such a great taste, and melted in my mouth, that my steak paled in comparison. Thankfully the cheesesteak is big enough that my husband didn't mind sharing. While a $100 entree might scare people off, it also includes a 1/2 sized bottle of champagne, which my husband drank instead of getting wine. I take advantage of their lemon drop martinis and wine selection. In subsequent trips, I found it was better to just order a salad and have some of my husband's cheesesteak. I tried doing this with their caesar salad, and ended up barely touching the cheesesteak because of how much I enjoyed my salad. If possible, I'd give this place a 4.5/5 because once you have the cheesesteak, it's hard to enjoy anything else, and it's too expensive for everyone to get their own. But the cheesesteak is so good, it deserves rounding up. I don't mind the decor. Not as cheesy, nor stuffy as places like the Prime Rib. The tables can be close together, but that seems to be a growing norm. We have found the hostess staff to be very accomodating with seating requests. We went once when we had made last minute reservations, and ended up in the bar/lounge by the front door. Unfortunately, it was too small for my 6'5" husband, who could barely fit his legs under table. As soon as we mentioned it, they moved us right into the dining room with no problems at all. I haven't been in a while, but the parking was usually non existant. We would end up parking down a few blocks because there was no valet around, making us late for our reservation. It was very frustrating. The only reason we haven't been back in a while because we are making an effort to try new places rather than getting stuck in a rut of the same places all the time. It's definitely an enjoyable meal, if for no other reason than to say you had a $100 cheesesteak for dinner.
(5)Sean W.
Absolutely fantastic. Expensive, but worth it. They gave me my choice of hand forged steak knives for my 16oz Kobe strip. The waitress was well trained, and very knowledgable.
(5)kathy t.
Barclay executes the deep leather banquette, high ceilinged, plush but hiply decored steakhouse concept perfectly well. Prices are on par with other local steakhouses, chain or not. Our steaks were cooked perfectly to order, and sides look wimpy but involve a lot A LOT of delicious delicious butter. Steak knife options include Globals. (I believe it is wheelchair accessible with big wide aisles- I don't recall any steps at the door.)
(5)Sandi W.
This restaurant was the highlight of our business trip. The food was amazing - oh wow those Kobe sliders! The only bad thing was I could barely eat all of my fillet after those... way too big. The wine was wonderful. Loved the couches. The sides and sauces were delicious. Try the shaved potatoes and onions. So yummy. The Bearnaise sauce was excellent. Silly but fun to be able to choose your own knife. I think I chose a Samurai one. Would love to go back!
(5)Ron W.
This is a follow up to a poor review I wrote about my recent experience at barclays. Within minutes of the review I received a message from the GM asking when I dined there and was "going to make things right." I never heard anything back. Pretty indicative of the overall experience: over promise and under deliver.
(1)Ashley T.
The hubby surprised me with dinner reservations here for our anniversary. I don't often give 5 stars, but this restaurant deserves it! Keep in mind, the menu is PRICY, so it's only a place we would come to for special occasions (although I would love to come more). My husband started with the lobster bisque which was delicious. He ordered a glass of pinot noir (which ended up being $19/glass--outrageous but we were celebrating). The complementary popovers and room temp butter with sea salt is amazing, the bread just melts in your mouth. We both ordered the 8oz filet's and OMG the best filet i've ever had. It was cooked perfectly with an amazingly seasoned crusty outside and extremely tender inside. We ordered sides of truffled mac and cheese which was delicious and creamed spinach which was just ok (it had some kind of spice on it, maybe turmeric? I didn't care for it). They knew it was our anniversary and brought us a complementary little cake dessert with a candle which was nice. We also ordered the smoores dessert--it was good but I was stuffed at that point. Also had cappuccino and espresso with dessert which was very good. One of my favorite things about this place is the amazing service. Very attentive and helpful, but not annoying or pushy. My water glass was never empty, which keeps me happy ;) If you want an amazing steak and don't mind spending a little extra, definitely try Barclay Prime, you won't be disappointed!
(5)David A.
Met my friend Judd here since this is his favorite Philly restaurant. I am not big into steakhouses after living in Dallas for five years and getting my fill of steak. In fact , now I don't eat much red meat at all with the exception of burger cravings (and I prefer Buffalo, with lower fat). Nice dining room, more formal and an older,professional crowd. Service was top shelf as you would expect from an expensive,white tablecloth restaurant. Selected a bottle of Spanish red wine from the Toro region for under $100. A good find from a fairly pricy wine list. Wine drank really well. Based on fellow yelper reviews, tried the Kobe sliders with my friend. They come served with two (with two different toppings). The one I had was just ok. The village Whiskey burger blows away the flavor here. Based on sommelier recommendation to go for the steak since it was my first time here, I splurged and got the bone in ribeye. Ordered it rare and it was cooked perfectly. Flavor, texture, fat composition was all perfect. Just not a steak guy anymore. It was huge and I ate too much. If you love steak (and I have been to quite a few steakhouses around the country over the years) then you will enjoy this. For sides we had the creamed spinach and tatter tots (my friends selections). I prefer sauteed spinach but this was a very good treat and not heavy on the butter or cream. The tatter tots were really underwhelming. Give me the fries at Parc any day over these. No complaints about the overall experience if you want a formal steak house. We split the check and it was about $150 each with tip so not a cheap night but very enjoyable.
(4)Lilli C.
I almost had a heart attack when my friend demanded I take her here for her 30th birthday, ordered the 85 dollar steak, and then when I got the bill. I don't think I've ever spent so much money on a dinner before, let alone a birthday dinner. But grumbling aside, the food really was amazing...the tuna tartare, the kobe beef sliders, the 24oz dry aged porterhouse were all fantastic. I did not however find the 16 oz mashima steak to be worth the 85 dollar price tag...and I much preferred my 58 dollar porterhouse. The ambiance was class and elegant and pretty much aligned with what you'd expect from a place with 5 dollar signs. My favorite part of the meal was when we got to pick our "weapon of choice" for our steak. The server came over with a box of different steak knives and explained the advantages of each one amd was pretty patient when I wanted to try each one out. I would defintiely go back here for a special occasion and although I'm still intrigued by the 100 dollar steak with a 1/2 bottle of champagne, I just don't know if I could justify that. Although I hear the chef has just left Barclay to head to Butcher and Singer so I may give that a shot next time.
(5)Chenhui S.
The waitress was friendly and did a really good service for us. Not only the service is good here, but also the appearance of the restaurant is impressive. It is not same as the normal restaurants, but it is more like a bar. The light was pretty dark but made us feel comfortable. A kind of soft music was played all the time. Actually, I thought it is romantic. There were 2 candles on each table. To be honest, this atmosphere made me feel peaceful. I chose a 24 Oz steak. There was a steak with a leaf on the plate. This steak was bigger than my hand and there was a bone which is shaped as a letter "T" inside of the steak. I ordered a medium raw one. The skin of the steak was a little bit burnt but inside, it was almost raw. This is my favorite level. Before we started, a waiter came with a box, which had many knifes inside and asked us to choose. When I used my knife to cut it, the knife was slided among the meat. It was soft. It tasted fried at first, but when I chew it, I felt it was chewy. At the end, I could not finish it; it was too big. But I enjoyed it
(5)Philip K.
First time we have been to the restaurant even though we have been in Philly for five years since we are not really steak people. But it was well worth the splurge. We started with oysters and a wedge salad - both steak houses staples. Both very good. Wedge salad had a a great blue cheese dressing. Had a couple of the killer pop overs before the meat, also great. For meat, we had the ribeye and a bone in filet, both medium rare. Both were cooked correctly and were nice and red in the middle. Perfect. Finished it off by splitting the s'mores dessert - also tasty. Our waiter managed to steer us to a relatively affordable bottle of cab from Argentina. Only $70. Good value compared to all the overhyped California bottles. Decor is nice, if a bit loud. People told us to check out the coed bathroom, but it seemed like no big deal to us. If I was in the mood for a nice steak again, this would be at the top of the list.
(4)Kelvin W.
Friend's father treated us out for dinner here, definitely the best (and most expensive!) dining experience I've had. We got beef tartar, scallops, and oysters as starters. I'm not a fan of oysters, but everything was delicious. I ordered the 24 oz. porterhouse, and other members of our party got filet mignon, the NY strip, and lamb chops. We got asparagus, whipped potatoes, and creamed spinach on the side. Make sure to get sauces (the house steak sauce is great) for the steaks! I don't think this restaurant can make anything wrong.. everything was so exquisite and delicious. The service was great, though our waiter was a bit lengthy in explaining the menu--there's no need to go over every item on the menu, sir. Another plus--they have a entire selection of steak knives to choose from. How awesome is that?
(5)J S.
Love the Kobe beef sliders. They are so good. I've only been for dinner twice because it is so pricey. Thankfully you can order apps in the bar area so I can enjoy some of the more affordable items on the menu.
(4)Tom B.
The best "real" steak in Philadelphia! Not cheap, but very good prime cuts. I took my wife here on our anniversary and had a great time for about $200.
(5)Vicki S.
I went to Barclay Prime on Saturday with my fiancee and his family. My thoughts: Decor/ambiance: like all other Starr restaurants, the decor and atmosphere was nice. The tables were well-spaced and the pillows in the chairs made for a very comfortable and relaxing dining experience. Service: The waiter didn't introduce himself by name so when my future father-in-law asked, he was a little caught off guard and came back a little snarky as if it was a weird question to ask... but the waiter was nice and attentive throughout the night. Food came out quickly. Water wasn't always full but I never had to ask for it. Food: Here's why I'm giving the restaurant just 3 stars. I thought the popovers and salted butter were amazing to start. I also enjoyed the apps. I got the lobster bisque which was velvety and delicious. Fiancee got the tuna tartare which was also pretty good. The entrees, however, were the biggest downfall. I got the miso cod (I don't enjoy steak) and everything was just overly salty that it was almost unpalatable. Most of his family got steaks which they seemed to enjoy, however, my fiancee and his dad got the same cut of meat and ordered it medium rare. One came out a little too rare and one came out more on the medium-ish side. For an expensive steakhouse, they should be more consistent. Overall experience was good but I'm not really itching to go back anytime soon....
(3)Erika M.
I just want to say THANK YOU to the person who recommended this place to me. While I didn't get a steak, the Jumbo Crab Cake I got was delicious. I tasted little if any filler, which is a big big plus! The table shared Asparagus Spears and Truffle Whipped Potatoes. The Whipped Potatoes were heavenly. If I could eat those every day, I would be one happy girl. While my wallet won't necessarily enjoy it, I will definitely be going back next time I am in Philly!
(5)Matthew Y.
I recently went on a business dinner to Barclay Prime and simply put, the entire meal was outstanding from start to finish. After ordering cocktails, my group had the create-your-own shellfish sampler to start, as well as the hamachi crudo. Everything considered, the shellfish was some of the best seafood I have ever had in my entire life. Two different types of oysters east coast (Bluepoint) and west coast (Pacific) were outstanding, as was the lobster, crab and shrimp. The yellowtail tuna in the hamachi crudo was out-of-this-world good - I could had a few plates of that by itself for dinner and I would have been happy. We then moved on to soup and salads - I had the kale salad, which had finely chopped kale, pine nuts and apple slices with a very light vinaigrette. Also of note were the popovers, which were again out-of-this-world amazing; probably the best pre-dinner bread at any restaurant. From there, we moved on to the main course. I had the 18 oz Gachot & Gachot ribeye, cooked to a perfect medium rare. Other members of my group had the 12 oz filet, the 24 oz porterhouse, 50 oz tomahawk ribeye, dover sole and branzino, and everyone raved. For sides, we shared the Brussels sprouts, truffle mac and cheese, potato gratin, creamed spinach and tater tots. Again, everything was fantastic. The Gachot & Gachot Ribeye was right up there with the best steak that I have ever had in my entire life (the title is reserved for Minetta Tavern and Peter Luger) We finished with dessert and coffee, which was as good as expected. Bottom line: if you are looking for the best steak, freshest seafood, coolest and least stuffy atmosphere, most attentive service service, most complete wine list and the swankiest meal at a steakhouse in Philadelphia, look no further. Another fantastic Starr joint.
(5)Richard K.
This is the best steakhouse in Philadelphia (IMHO). I haven't yet tried their Kobe beef cheese steak sub, but their Kobe beef sliders are sublime. The same goes for their ribeye steak. I also fancy their tray of cutlery that they bring out for your selection before the steak entree comes out.
(5)Marty J.
Totally lives up to it's reputation and recommendations. Not too stuffy, fun and classy ambiance. Great bar, very small, but delicious. Great food. Our waitress was a bit off a weirdo. Nice, but not quite on her A-game that night. However, I will return.
(4)Girl G.
I don't understand how anyone could possibly not like this place! I've been here about four times and it is consistently delicious. The best steak is the porterhouse, SO GOOD I JUST CAN'T EXPLAIN IT. it melts in your mouth and is just perfectly seasoned. The sides are all perfectly yummy (creamed spinach, tater tots, whipped potatoes). And the popovers, OH, the popovers. To die for. The s'mores cake dessert is just YUM. The place is very pretty and comfortable (couches instead of chairs!) and the service is great. And I love how they pour soft drinks in their little glass bottles. Overall, this place is so delicious and classy.
(5)Nancy P.
I don't blame Barclay for feeling sick during the meal. I can't say for certain that it was something I ate here or elsewhere (I eat a lot). But I had been waiting to go to Barclay for so long. The hostess was very accommodating since I was waiting for my bf to return from his flight. The interior of the place is very dark..to me, it was almost too dark (sleazy gentleman's club dark). The manager was nice and sat us with the 'more comfortable' chairs. I was surprised to see the amount of people there (it was a late dinner). But to my disappointment, it was so noisy in the dining area. We started off with the kobe beef tartar and the lobster bisque. The tartar was wonderful and flavorful. The lobster bisque was only okay and if anything, too heavy for me. The popovers, OMG. I couldn't stop eating it. I should have skipped the bisque and ate more of the popover. I ordered the rib eye and my bf got the NY strip. Both were enormous portions, cooked medium rare. (I think this is when the wine didn't mix well in my stomach). The steaks didn't wow me; parts were too chewy. BUT the sides were what saved the day. We ordered the creamed spinach and truffled mashed potatoes. Wow, the creamed spinach was so (disgustingly) perfect. The fat girl in me overpowered my brain, which was thinking about how much I would have to work out to burn these calories. I was feeling too sick for dessert but our server was nice enough to bring out a little something for my birthday. I didn't look at the bill, but I don't think I'd let my bf treat me with Barclay anytime soon.
(3)Benjamin S.
Well i finally got to BP this evening! I give it three.5 stars, and thats not a bad thing. Let me explain... It was delicious, no doubt about that. It was also pricey... i don't mind paying for a meal, but would rather go to ten+ other places in Philly for a fraction of the price. BP is def worth a visit though, but don't think it merits a return trip anytime soon. My gal, a friend, and myself showed up for a 9:30 reservation, and didn't get seated until 9:50. This drives some people crazy in a place like this, but I don't mind waiting 15-20 minutes for a table. I am happy to hit up a bar and get my drink on. The thing that did bother me was that we stood there for 10 minutes before a bartender even acknowledged our presence. To be fair, they were busy, but in a place like this you don't want to stand around empty handed for too long, and i was thirsty!!! Your paying big money and you want to be treated accordingly... I finally ordered 3 drinks. A glass of cab, a capt and coke, and a jameson on the rocks = $50 Bucks! It was a BIG glass of Jamo 12 year(don't think they have reg Jamo), so i can't complain too much. The bar itself is a lil small, and only seats about 8 tops. The front of house girls were amazing. They thanked us for our patience on numerous occasions, and i appreciate that. The service was also top notch! Our waiter was very friendly, extremely helpful, and grew a mean beard! i love the atmosphere. the dining room is well lit(it's all about the lighting), the tables were spacious, and the chairs were very comfy. you could relax, kick back and EAT! we started with the lobster bisque, caesar salad, and the kobe beef tartar. Easily one of the best bisques I have ever tasted! It had a few chunks of perfectly cooked lobster in it. It was spot on. The ceasar salad was good. Nothin crazy, but good. Would have LOVED to see a few anchovies on there! The kobe beef tartar was out of this world, and moan inducing! I ordered the 24oz porterhouse, med-rare. It was very tender, cooked perfectly, BUT it was too salty! It took away from the meat itself. It was such a big steak, by the time i got to the end of it(yes, i did finish it!) my mouth was SO dry! I got the bone marrow to compliment my steak. It was good when you put it on the steak like jam. The two i were with got the the 28 day dry aged strip, 16oz. One got it medium, one got it med-rare. Med-rare was definitely the way to go, it was much more tender. On the med strip were the caramelized onions. They were good, but i think they were a little over-powering, but that could be a preferance thing. They would have been better if they came on the side, not slathered on top of the steak. They are under the compliments part of the menu along with lobster, shrimp, etc... my friend got the lobster on his med rare strip. It was cooked well, and delicious, but for $16 i don't know if it was worth it. We all shared 3 sides. The creamed spinach which was amazing, the tater tots that were great but a bit salty, and the truffle oil mashed which were VERY good. I also LOVED how you get to pick your steak knife! I am very into cooking knives. I collect them, and have my own sharpening stones, etc... so this for me was just a cool thing for a steak house to offer. ps-get the shun steak knife! it glides thru beef! I gotta wrap this up. I apologize if this seems long winded. If your gonna pay the big bucks, you wanna know what your in for though! I would go back, but not anytime soon. I would like to check out a bunch of other restaurants first, or go to some of my go-to's... the wine list is great, the service is very good, and the food was good. I just don't know if it was $500 without-the-tip-good though...
(4)Cath R.
We went to barclay prime this weekend for our anniversary and can't believe it took us this long to give it a try. First thing first: yes, valet is located in front of Parc, but we counted the steps - 116 walking steps. Probably a pain if it is rainy or icy but perfectly short walk, if you can even call it that. FOOD: One of the best steaks I have ever had. Before coming to Baraclay, we were Cap Grille fans but this steak is right up there with it, if not better. We got the scallops to start which were wrapped in a smoky bacon and on top of a fried green tomato and a light maple syrup - delicious! Next up was a 20oz ribeye for me and a 16oz strip for my husband - I no way could have finished the ribeye but never had one before as I usually go with the filet but I was not disappointed. Cooked to perfection (medium rare) with a nice char on the outside that made the inside even more tender. For sides we got the truffle mashed potatoes which were rich but delicious and the creamed spinach that I didn't care for (i like Cap Grille's much better) but I think they used an herb I may not like - but the consistency and creaminess looked great. Ended with a cookie dessert and a glass of scotch which both I could barely get down because I was so stuffed from a great meal. If I had to do it again, or should I say, when I do it again, I will probably stick with the ribeye or move to the filet and sitll get the mashed potatoes and try and another side. SERVICE: Amazing. our waiter was always available when needed but never stalked us. they were on top of filling wine glasses and recommending sides and desserts. Definetly pricy, but not too much more than your average city steak house. The only odd thing is that you would expect this to have a dark steak house feel but instead you kinda feel like you are in a Sprite bottle with lots of oranges, greens and whites. Don't get me wrong, I kind of liked it but if you are expecting a dark old steakshouse, this isn't it but it still has a good feel.
(5)victoria g.
i decided to hit this place up again after some convincing that i had been dead-wrong about my opinion on this place and that their bone-in filet was not to be missed. boy am i glad i kept an open mind! holy cow you have not lived until you have had the bone-in filet at barclay! it was ridiculous. beyond delicious, perfectly med rare and for the first time in my life i was more into the meat than the potatoes (what can i say, i'm a carb junkie). it was so good i am embarassed to say there was nothing dainty about how i devoured almost all of it. i wasn't brave enough to retry the lobster bisque (heh) instead i opted for the crab cocktail (enormous, perfect chunks of ice cold fresh crab) which was the perfect start to the meal. also want to give shout outs to the extra dirty martini which was fabulous and the service which, far different than my previous experience, was impeccable. nice work, barclay, living up to the hype!
(5)Dasha B.
Thank you Barclay Prime for making it a wonderful anniversary evening for us on Saturday May 14th. The customer service was excellent from the hostess, to our wonderful server with a ( I want to say British) accent, and the maitre d' who folded the napkins anytime one of us got up from the table. The food was excellent - lobster bisque and ceasar salad - the best we ever had - can't forget that deliciously light and airy bread - and the main course of a NY strip and crab cake. It is not every day we go to places like this in the city - but we sure picked right to come here.
(5)Mark P.
dear god in heaven this place is unreal. Last night I had one of the greatest meals of my life here. Why was it so amazing you ask? Was it the 2 glasses of Macallan 18 I had before the meal? Was it the Kobe beef sliders or the scallops wrapped in bacon on top of fried green tomato? Could it have been the truffled mac and cheese with bacon or the truffled mashed potatoes? Possibly the 4 bottles of wine from the amazing (but way over priced - $80 for a $15 bottle) wine list? I'm thinking it could have been the 24oz dry aged porterhouse with lump crab meat on top? Maybe it was the nueske bacon aka crack on a plate or the potato nachos. Possibly could have been the 28 day dry aged NY strip I tasted...or one of multiple insane deserts. No. Wait! It was not having to pay for any of it - god bless expense accounts! My meal here was by far one of the best meals I have ever had. The steaks were beyond perfection. everything was cooked perfectly and the service was amazing. This is definitely a special occasion place unless you are Juwan Howard from the Blazers who was sitting next to us.
(5)Blake S.
This restaurant is a farce! The food is adequate at best. There is nothing special about this restaurant except for the stratospheric prices. I don't mind spending money on good food but please do not insult me by charging these prices for average cuts of meat. I recommend that you hire a professionally trained cook (i.e. personal chef) to come to your home and prepare you a steak. The cost will be the same and you will have a better meal. Further, you do not have to subject yourself to that horrific interior design. This place belongs in Las Vegas, near the airport.
(2)Frank N.
Hands down, the best steakhouse in the city. Maybe the country. Elegant without being stuffy, classy without being pretentious. The atmosphere is top notch, which is no surprise considering this is a Stephen Starr restaurant. The food is spectacular and I love the fact that you get to choose your own steakknife before your meal! The bar is also a great place to chill and take in the scene.
(5)Kaz H.
I LOVE this place. Great steak, awesome sides, and the best service possible. They present various options for your steak knife... Kinda cool. It's expensive, but worth it!
(5)Lily L.
Went here for the first time for my fiancé's birthday and was extremely happy with the service and food here. The steak was cooked perfectly at medium rare, a great feat considering most places botch this up even at this level of restaurant. The soft shell crab app was probably the best cooked soft shell crab I've had and I almost always order this if I see it on the menu at any restaurant. The lobster bisque was good but the little amount of caviar they put in there was ridiculous. They might as well not have mentioned it in the description. Deceptively undescriptive under the side dishes was the delicious spicy broccoli rabe which would make a vegetarian happy to enter a steakhouse. The portion was larger then what most steakhouse would serve for veggies. Their truffle whipped potato was good but it doesn't compare to the one I've had at Mr. and Mrs. Bund in Shanghai which was even lighter, fluffier, and creamier. As for the drink, I just had the seersucker and it was pretty good. The waiter later told me it was the staff favorite before they decided to put it on the menu. Beware b/c it's one of those creeper drinks.
(4)Yo J.
I had to try their cheestake one more time just can't get enough of it and of course their mash potato truffle yumm! Their steaks are still unbelievably good the size is just right and not overwhelming :) the appetizers ugh!! Pick whatever you want depends on your mood because they are all great! From the scallops to the eggs I tried them all and as usual I'm never disappointed ..I just wish the ambience was a little but more romantic but the food compensates for it so it's ok.
(4)Amanda S.
My colleague and I had no problem deciding where we wanted to go for dinner after taking a glimpse at the menu. We arrived a bit early for dinner service and were quickly given our drinks. It's quite possible that I just had the best Blue Sapphire Martini (with 3 olives) here! We started with Maine diver Scallops which were seared medium rare. Superb! I'm a fan of a wedge salad and I love how different restaurants try to present it in a different way. Barclay Prime was all business with this salad. It was colorful, it stuck to the rules, it was fresh and it was the best I've had in a while. I chose not to finish it simply because of the high calories in the dressing. My colleague loved the Lobster Bisque. I had the Salmon for the main event and broccoli rabe. The salmon was great! Flaky, tasty, and no self loathing after having such a filling, delectable meal. My colleague chose the Dry aged ribeye and said it was grilled as he asked and it was perfect. The service was great. Food was impressive. The wine was great as was the ambiance. I'll be back in October!
(4)Soumendra B.
Awesome! $100 Chesesteak: Get It Done. First couple of bites, you have to get into it (Foie Gras and Ketchup have fairly different flavor profiles, so you have to orient your palate). Once you do, you're hooked. The cheesesteak is unlike any other sandwich you've ever had, and totally worth it. Also, comes with a split of decent champagne - probably part of that $100. My fiancée (to my great surprise) got a Kobe fillet, medium, and it was excellent. Beautiful preparation (just crispy, charred, fatty, and salty enough) and an excellent piece of meat to begin with. Sides: Mushrooms and Tater Tots: both great preparations. I recommend the Tots when you're getting the Cheesesteak. App: Caviar Deviled Eggs: Pretty good Deviled eggs, but the overhwhelming flavor is Deviled Egg, not caviar. It's good, but don't get it if you're expecting something other than a good Deviled Egg. Bread is pretty sweet too. It's a massive popover, which is extremely fluffy and delicious. In short, Barclay Prime is good stuff. We decided to dessert at Yogorino because I'm a fan, but their desserts looked awesome, too. Next visit, we're absolutely getting another Cheesesteak but maybe also something like the Butter Poached Lobster (yup, you heard right) or some raw bar selections to start off. Kobe Sliders are also a possible, though that might be too much sandwich for one meal...
(5)Don W.
Got to go with my buddy, Dave, on this one. This is THE BEST steak money can buy anywhere in the country, and I've had some pretty awesome steaks in Manhattan. Enjoy the great ambiance and talented bartender in the lounge before you go to the dining room. The drinks are generous, and the appetizers as great as the steaks. Of course, you can make a meal of the appetizers, but the dining room is not to be missed. Elegantly appointed, and the service, AAAAAAA. If you want to impress a date, this is the place!
(5)John G.
Let me start with , I am not a huge steakhouse fan. I find the mass market food found in most over priced and nothing special. However i was delightfully surprised by Barclay Prime. I have been back 4 times now, all for business dinners. And I must say that as far as steak houses go, this is at the top of my list in philly. A very comfortable room, conducive to conversation. Perfect for conducting a little business over dinner. The staff is excellent ! Very helpful and never far. For appetizers, the Kobe sliders done 3 ways, awesome. While I am not a seafood fan, friends have raved about the bacon wrapped scallops and the Shrimp cocktail. I have tried several different cuts as far as the steak goes, so far my favorite tends to be the dry aged ribeye. I have had the wedge everytime, but after reading other reviews I may have to try the Chopped salad on my next visit. The sides are on par if not a little better than other steak houses in the city. And the deserts, well one word "warm snickerdoodle cookie something", okay four words If you have a sweet tooth , you have to try it. If you have room. A word to the wise - the restroom can be a little disconcerting, after several glasses of wine, it is a WC set up with men and women sharing the main room with your own private cubicle for "business". Needles to say having a lady hold the door open for you in the restroom can lead to a double take if your not expecting it. Barclay Prime has become a favorite go to place for a nice business dinner !
(4)Winston C.
This is not your father's steakhouse! Cool decor, and high-end aged beef makes Barclay Prime one of the better steakhouses in Philadelphia. I thought the sides, not including the tater tots, lacked originality, but the desserts- especially the chocolate chip creme brulee more than made up for it.
(4)Christine T.
love barclay prime. have been there many times, with many people - and its always awesome. the steaks are cooked perfectly and to me - thats the most important part of the steak house. the atmosphere is dark wood and couches, but comfortable ones which dont make you feel like you are sitting in a hole. the servers are very nice - and go out of their way (one time they even surprised us by decorating all of our desserts after listening to why we were there). the martinis and wine are great and the sides are good sized portions (the asparagus and spinach are my favorites). the desserts are great too - my favorites are the deep dish cookie and the smores, although there are other delicious and super creative ones. oh - and they let you choose your steak knife - cant get much better than that!
(5)Grapes T.
Fine Dining with matching prices. Not a typical place you would go weekly but as a once in a while treat, this steakhouse will give you a meal to remember. Food: Nueske Bacon appetizer was a sheer joy to eat. Several flavors and textures invading your mouth all together was incredible. Scallops and bacon has always worked, but the sauce and crispy green tomato adds a texture crunch that works wonders. Steak was wonderful. Aged porterhouse. Seared perfectly to give you the most of the medium temp beef inside. Sides were only so-so. I ordered the creamed spinach which was average, and the truffle mac and cheese wasn't worth the $16. It was mac and cheese with an overpowering bacon taste to it. Service: Service was indeed excellent. It was a model of fine dining and everything I would except from an upper-end establishment. The dining room is more modern than the old/formal look of dark mahogany wood as most places are, and I feel more comfortable and relaxed. I will indeed be going back to this place for special events and the price is well worth the experience.
(5)Kate T.
My mouth waters everytime I think about the kobe steak from Barclay Prime. We had the kobe sliders and the nueske bacon & scallops for appetizers. Although the kobe sliders was really good, the nueske bacon & scallops are the highlight of the course. For the main entree, I had the kobe beef fillet and my husband had the regular fillet. He was raving about his fillet until he tried mine. The Kobe beef is soooo tender it melts in your mouth. We shared the truffle mashed potatoes and it was heaven. All in all, everything we had that night was amazing. Even though we were a couple hundreds poorer, it was all worth it.
(5)Caitlin C.
If you're not into gold leaf and stuffy butler-esce waiters at Prime Rib, you need Barclay Prime. And although Barclay is a member of the Death Starr, I think that this one the best steak I ever had (perfectly cooked, melt-in-your mouth, so tasty). Cool decor is a welcome for a steakhouse, and this is defiantly a hip place to be seen. They are serious about their meat, too, and servers will offer you a choice of steak knifes. The sides and sauces will cost you small fortune, but don't do without the hollandaise.
(5)William H.
The ribeye was the best steak I've ever eaten. Period. The service was spot on and the whole place just shines really. It also feels more comfortable than some other high end places.
(5)Dave A.
Shame on you Barclay Prime! The only reason to go to a steakhouse is to have a fabulously amazing steak cooked to perfection. Two of us went on a wednesday night, one ordering a porterhouse and the other the ribeye, both medium rare. The porterhouse was perfect in every way. The ribeye was a burnt charred mess that I wouldn't even feed to a dog. They chalk it up to the ribeye having a lot of fat and marbling due to it being such a quality cut of meat. That only flies if you just toss the meat on the grill and don't pay attention to it. Flare ups happen, as anyone with enough grilling experience can attest to. This ribeye looked and tasted as if it had been thrown into the fire like a 17th century witch. The manager, Jennifer, was very apologetic and they replaced the steak with a filet that was "more lean" and therefore less prone to burning. I am left wondering though, do they always serve burnt ribeye? If so they seriously need to examine their methods of cooking the meat as that's inexcusable.
(2)Al F.
Embarrassing. Friends said this was the best, but soon after we ordered smoke poured out of the kitchen and soon fireman passed us on the way in. Then the manager says the kitchen is closed but perhaps we'd like to eat our salads in the smoke-filled room and then leave? Nope, we said. And out we went looking for pure-aired refuge in a nearby Rittenhouse Sq. restaurant that doesn't hire staff who cause the exhaust hoods to malfunction.
(1)Vicki Z.
That's the most impressive dinner we had in Philly. The tajima ny strip was out of the world, in New York, that piece could easily get double priced. Smoked bacon is also heavenly. House special filet wrap was an O-kay. Decor kinda odd, an old elegant ceiling with deli-like tables and chairs, a whole wall of books. For foodies, the food means everything though. I am looking forward to going back. I am planning to eat up that 16 oz piece of goodness and bacon mixed with mashed potato all by myself!!! lol :) :P
(5)Sarah C.
Ambience here is beautiful, the lighting, everything. We started with the kobe sliders (HIGHLY recommend them!), and each had the filet. They bring you a choice of knives and you can pick which one to use to make your dining experience even better. The sides were deeeee liscious. We had the broccolini, and the lyonnaise potatoes. After all the delicious wine and food, I was so stuffed and enjoyed my leisurely walk afterwards around rittenhouse square. Totally perfect location, totally perfect food, totally perfect service....now...the price, however, is for those who make a lot of money. I think I'll only eat here a couple times a year. I highly highly recommend!
(5)Justin B.
When someone asks me about the best steak I have ever had, Barclay's always comes up. I have had steak from Australia, to Hawaii, to California and East Coast. Definitely it is in my top 2 places and I can't think of who is second... Maybe Mastros. You even get to select the knife of choice to cut your steak with. I always had the ribeye and couple that with a bottle of Super Tuscan wine.... done.
(5)Lauren C.
Ah Barclay Prime....been trying to get there forever but just can't seem to justify the $200 dinner. But then a miracle struck. Gift Cards! Definitely the type of place where you feel slightly less classy walking in with gift cards rather than the Black Amex. But I digress. It was Friday, and it was lent, and for all those good going Catholics out there, well they were at the fish place across the street. I however, was ready to get busy on a 12 oz rib eye. We started with the scallops wrapped in bacon over fried green tomatoes. Bangin. I'm talking party in my mouth types of flavors. My man had the shrimp cocktail, aka tiny lobsters that were tender and presented well. We ordered salads but the kitchen had a minor brain fart and forgot to bring them out. The staff was extremely apologetic (they obviously didn't know we had gift cards yet) and offered up free dessert. My man and I got the rib eyes. His, medium rare, was cooked nicely on the inside but was cold on the outside. They realized this when the meal was brought out. Quickly cooked him up another steak and told him it was on the house. They did this willingly which I thought was nuts, but still pretty sweet. It's clear they want you to leave happy and also realize that you're paying an arm and a leg for their food. There's clearly no room for error. Sides, oh lord I love my sides. Whipped mashed and peas and onions. Can't get more original than that. BP knew how to cook them up right. Dessert was well worth it. On a regular day we wouldn't have had room, but we had to rise to the occasion. After having the smores, praline cheesecake and some chocolate situation that was mighty tasty, we finished off our bottle of Louis Martini and got the bill. We had been unexpectedly compted on two different items, so we ended up saving the gift cards for another day. Stephen Starr knows what's up. Even though he makes you sell your first born for a good meal, you usually end up leaving not feeling too guilty (especially on special occasions), as is the case when visiting Barclay Prime.
(3)Nicole B.
This was one of the best (and most expensive) meals we have ever had. Took the bf here for his birthday. Started off with some fabulous martinitis with blue cheese olives. Then moved onto champagne before dinner. I was wondering how a popover could get so much hype on all the reviews. Then I tasted these things! OMG! and the butter has like sea salt on it or something. and they are hollow inside but crispy and crusty on the outside. Might be the best part of the meal! We started off with beef tartar which was excellent and also the sliders. Not something I would usually get when ready to order steak but felt it was a must after all the reviews. Dont' get me wrong-they were good but not great. Not worth 16.00. I have had better. I had the porterhouse steak with house steak sauce on the side -rare and te bf had lamb chops. Steak was cooked perfectly and was the best I have ever had. He said the same about the lamb. For dessert we had cinnamon cheesecake with eggnog icecream. also top notch! I would go here again in a second but only if somene else was paying! Also the service was fabulous and they knew how much we enjoyed the bread. they gave us popovers to go. also was the bf's birthday. they gave us some truffles with happy birthday on the plate and also a mini red velvet cake to go!
(5)Michael B.
Sometimes you just gotta have a nice expensive steak. Sometimes you have to have an expensive steak in an expensive looking place. Barclay is a very luxurious place where you can have a very luxurious steak. It was just me this time. I had a craving and had a few extra bucks so I had some of their ala carte items in the cushy leather seats in the bar. The service was right on time. The spinach was a little too salty, but the filet was perfect. The Bearnaise sauce was superb. I'm eating and I'm thinking, this is very close to the perfect steak meal. I got my choice of steak knives; the one I picked was finely balanced and sharp. The steak was of a delicate texture and just flavorful as all get out. I want to go back and try more of their meats.
(4)Winnie C.
amazing food. excellent service, great cocktails! one disappointment however- the truffle mac and cheese didn't taste like truffle at all. it was overwhelmed by the taste of bacon, and there literally was not a hint of truffle in the taste.
(5)Gina L.
Okay, Where do I start?! Ladies, think about the book "The Debutante"...Men, wear your sports coat and plan to talk about business, golf, or wine. This is a beautiful venue for cocktails with your professional network of friends who have money to splurge. I went on a Saturday night, and although I had reservations, there was a bit of a wait for the main dining area. Myself and Crew decided to have wine and light fare in the cocktail room. Well, leave it to a Leo male to order everything on the Appetizer menu: the cheese plate, the meat selection, the wings,and ....oh yes, he ordered a $200 bottle of vino and plenty of cocktails to go around. So I must say, for 4 people we had a great start. The appetizers were all great!! Thanks to him, I am an "official" food critic. Anyway, Our "light fare" bill for 4 people ran about $300/$400. After all this, we were seated in the dining area. This is a Steven Starr Restaurant, so ... Top Notch! Once seated, I found myself just looking around at the mix of modern, yet classic decor... and books (I love books). The menu is a la carte and very expensive for what it seemed to be worth... Don't get me wrong, the dinner was good, but not worth the money. :-( I am pretty sure our dinner for 4 was somewhere around $400/$500. So bottom line is, if you can't do math, don't go!! I will be back! But ,only to for cocktails and to talk business, golf, and wine. :-)
(5)David F.
Noisy, overpriced, and way douchebaggy. I will not come back unless I am forced to.
(3)Meghan H.
Love the kobe sliders. Love the kobe cheesteak (really not that outrageously priced if you consider that two people can eat it AND it comes with a half-bottle of champagne). Love the kobe fillet. I even love the non-kobe steaks I've tried. By far my favorite steak place in Philly (and New York, for that matter).
(5)Rocio U.
By far the best Restaurant I have visited in Philadelphia lately. Food and drinks were excellent, service was good, decoration was elegant, sober and nice.
(5)Aaron H.
Perhaps the only Stephen Starr restaurant where it isn't completely obvious that you're in a Stephen Starr restaurant. Typically the Starr formula is 50% decor + 30% food + 20% service (not that there's anything wrong with that... if you know what you're in for) but BP, like Morimoto, is more evenly balanced. Great Steak-house meets 70s library decor, with big comfy seats... a little too big if you're looking for close conversation across the table, but after several pounds of beef and wine, that recline is some sweet action. I've been four times, and the steaks themselves have always been phenomenal... pick any, you can't go wrong. The kobe sliders are also amazing -- I might actually consider getting a few orders as my entree. And yes, without question, get the tots. As for the infamous and brilliantly marketed $100 cheesesteak, don't order it as an entree, it's too rich, and you'll probably feel cheated -- unless someone else is paying (which is, incidentally, highly recommended). But if you're in a group, get it as a starter, and think of it as an experience -- plus that way you all get the absurd story-telling rights.
(5)Tim H.
Best. Steak. Ever.
(5)Erik s.
Typical high end steakhouses...It is what you expect when u shell out 2 bills for a dinner for 2- nice cuts of steaks and the sliders & chicken are all very good- plus u get a pretty bad ass steak knife...the atmosphere is nice w/o being stuffy ... they have a 100 dollar cheesesteak...if u order that u probably the same deutsch bag that bought the 10000 dollar iphone.. if that is the case i hope u drive off the ben franklin bridge while u talk on your diamond studded iphone while suffering a massive heart attack from eating your hundred dollar cheesesteak.
(3)Gina N.
I liked that Tom G. called himself a steakhouse "veteran". It is a good description of myself. I have eaten as most of the big name steakhouses in NYC. On a trip to Philly, I would up a Barclay Prime. The kobe beef is all it is cracked up to be. They give you this stupid line about how it is good to share. It is only two sliders, so there isn't much but it is soo good, soo perfectly cooked, it was worth it. I ordered the 12 oz. fillet and my BF had the 4 1/2 pound lobster special. We ordered the asparagus, which was fine, not great or anything, and the potato nachos. The potato nachos were new to the menu. They are the amazing fried potatoes with that thick cut bacon they serve in steak places and some kind of amazing cheese melted on top. The fillet was excellent. Perfectly cut, juicy, amazing. The lobster was great too. Coated in butter and removed from the shell, so no mess at all. It wound up being a lot of food and we were stuffed before dessert. The dessert was probably my favorite. The most amazing cookie bowl with ice cream ever. The place is pricey though, be prepared to spend.
(4)Chris B.
The first time I went to Barclay Prime I was disappointed. I did not feel the food lived up to the hype. However, I am happy I gave this steakhouse a second chance. On subsequent visits the food and service exceeded expectations. The decor is fun, because it is not your typical steakhouse. The sleek and stylish ambiance is definitely unique. I would recommend this steakhouse to any steak lover. Make sure to check out the Kobe sliders, they are the signature item on the menu and live up to their reputation.
(4)Megan K.
was bouncing around rittenhouse, rockstarrin it. smith and wolensky, rouge, ladder. we stopped in here. a friend wanted to visit the staff (former employee) it was the lamest of our stops. and close to 50 bucks for 3 drinks? get over yourself starr. it seems like this place, which maybe used to be cool, back in the day, has not an ounce of cool left. its even more cheesy then i remembered. with all the dope spots in the city, why bother with this one? i dont even know what kind of crowd was in there. were they tourists? main liners who follow starr like sheep? everywhere else we went, we had a ball. ran into friends, laughed, danced. in barclay i felt out of place. awkward. like, i couldnt wait to go where the cool kids were. we stayed for one lame round of drinks, then went back to the fun.
(2)Azra A.
Excellent service, great food. I took my boyfriend there on his birthday, everyone was very accommodating. True it's a splurge, but one that's worth it!!! Only thing, I found the co-ed bathroom style a bit weird. However I will be back!!
(5)Shari N.
I agree with Aaron H.'s assessment of Starr's restaurants, which is why I typically avoid most of them. That said, we ate at Barclay Prime last night and I LOVED it! The funky decor is fun and inviting--it feels like you're eating in a Rat Packer's home office or library. (I did find the ornate crown-molded ceilings and crystal chandeliers to be odd and distracting...but, hey, I'm no interior designer and they certainly didn't detract from the quality of the food.) Speaking of food...our party of 4 went all out!! We started with jumbo shrimp cocktail, bacon-wrapped scallops and soft-shelled crab...all fabulous!! Then we split the harvest and chopped salads...which were also excellent. My husband opted for the 24-oz Porterhouse ($46) and, not to be outdone, I actually ordered the 16-oz Kobe strip steak ($90)!! WOW!! Both steaks came out, as ordered, perfectly rare and mine melted in my mouth faster than the scallops I'd had minutes earlier. We split several sides (tater tots, sauteed mushrooms, asparagus, fried onions) that were good...but largely underwhelming compared to the rest of the food. I don't remember what the others had for dessert because I was savoring the largest creme brulee I've ever seen. YUM! We paired all of this with two bottles of Malbec from the wine list. It's a terrific list--very extensive--although the mark-up prices seemed even higher than usual. The staff was the most fun, sincere and down-to-earth I've ever experienced in a Starr restaurant. The hostesses were welcoming and sweet and actually skipped the head-to-toe once-over you often get. Our server was well-poised and knowledgeable...happily fielding our questions while wittingly responding to our jokingly-irreverent comments. Even our fellow diners were pleasant...not your typical "here to see and be seen crowd." As for the dress code, my hubby wore the "preferred" dinner jacket...but gave me a look when he noticed that other men were wearing tees and hawaiian shirts. As great as it was, I've crossed it off the list and don't see myself ever going back...hence the less-than-5-star rating. Finally, note to Steven Starr: STOP WITH THE UNISEX BATHROOMS...they're CREEPY!!
(4)Glenn J.
After being to many of the steak houses in Philadelphia I'd have to give BP 4 stars overall. The decor was amazing both lobby and seating area, the drinks well well crafted, menu's thought out well all the way down to the presentation, and the wait staff very attentive, which makes for seamless service. They function as a team... you don't see things getting delegated to others because of hierarchy. My first cocktail was the El Diablo and it was amazing they also have outstanding Martini's. For starters warm bread was brought to the table with house salted butter to me a heavy hand was used when salting the butter. I ordered the Rhode Island Oysters and the Beef Tar Tar. The oysters were Briney in my opinion not as chilled as I would have liked I give them a 3/5. the Tar Tar was amazing very delicious I would have liked another piece of toast to have accompanied it though 4/5. For the main course I ordered the Porterhouse as sides I had creamed spinach and the mac&cheese. The creamed spinach was very tasty 4/5. The Mac&Cheese to me was lackluster I've had much better else where 2/5. The main entree the Porterhouse was under seasoned I used several condiments to try and make it better to no avail. The quality and preparation of the steak without question; top notch, but lacked in flavor. I saw that the steak sauce some what mimicked that of Union Trust's steak sauce, but could not hold a candle to UT's! Capital Grille maybe some what "stuffy" atmosphere wise and this place is far more trendier, but I feel CG still offers the best overall dry aged steak. When talking wet aged that goes to Union Trust along with their amazing steak sauce lol.
(4)Kenneth K.
Definitely pricey and the place is high on pretension but you can't argue with the results. Highlights: Rib eye, porterhouse, truffle mashed potatoes. Service is excellent, they even let you choose your own steak knife. If you really want to drop some serious coin, try the $100 kobe beef cheesesteak (which comes with a small bottle of champagne). If you're with large group, split 6 ways as an appetizer. For a cheaper taste of the kobe beef, go for the sliders. But definitely focus on the rib eye and porterhouse for steaks. Don't be fooled. There is excellent food behind the trendy buzz.
(5)Janelle M.
I came here for my boyfriends birthday. I don't even eat meat and it was awesome. Words can't express my happiness. I had the Bronzino fish cooked to a crisp and it was perfect. They also paired the right veggies with it. I have no clue what was on my plate other than peppers (maybe broccoli rabe) but it was worth it. I also had the lobster bisque......ah-mah-zing. My bf had the aged porterhouse steak but since I don't eat it I can't say much but he loved it. He also had the Kobe sliders and he said that it was some of the best damn mini burgers he's ever had. And that says a lot. He ate the whole serving, with toppings and all and he's usually a cheese and ketchup ONLY kinda guy. Not a fan of the truffle Mac and cheese. Very pungent. We mentioned that it just wasn't our fancy and they took it off our bill and we weren't even going to ask. Bonus points for that. Has potential but just too much for our taste. However the mashed potatoes were great. We had the dark and stormy for drinks and they were pretty damn awesome. Plus the server was great. Oh and even though we didn't want dessert they still gave us sorbet with some happy bday writing free of charge. Def expensive but I'll def be back.
(5)Abby J.
Best steak ever. I really love Sullivan's but my steak - prime ribeye - was flavorful and soft. Again maybe the best steak I ever had. The man had Chilean sea bass and it was done perfectly. He even says maybe the best he ever had. Pop over rolls were delicious - eat while hot. Mac and cheese side was awesome. Tator tots are worth skipping. The man does not like cauliflower but even HE enjoyed it there. Nice twist with the sauce and not over done. The artichoke side was also good. Waiter was awesome and very knowledgable. Atmosphere of being in a library was very funky. Unisex group bathroom was a little hard for the man to get used to (think Alley McBeal). The smores dessert and latte were awesome!!! Save room for that dessert if you can.
(5)Sarah K.
Best steak in philly. If you can swing it order a strip, split it with your companion, and get the lobster. Most amazing lobster ever. Poached in butter, served warm with butter and lemon. No work, no mess, soooo worth it. All the sides are amazing! Make sure you get a popover, the salty butter is mouthwatering. Don't come here if your being economical or watching your waist. For those who want to splurge it's perfect!
(5)Monique B.
There is not enough I can say about Barclay Prime. The bill is going to put a dent in your wallet, but it is worth every penny. The drinks at the bar are perfectly made, the service in the main dining room is impeccable. The food is impeccably cooked, and the freshest cuts of meat. Save your money and check it out. Worth every penny!
(5)Ma L.
Had a second visit with my bf. Really amazing experience. We ordered the Satsuma Wagyu steak, and it was soooooooooo good!!!! We loved it with creamed spinach. The scallops are nice, the Foie gras is simply amazing. It's a must.
(5)Ryan A.
Wow! The atmosphere, service and food were all exceptional. We started with delicious rolls which were light, buttery and crispy. We then moved to the waygu slider duo which melted in our mouths. We each got a salad. I went with the wedge salad which had an excellent dressing and bacon topping. We were both in the mood for filet mignon, so we cannot account for the aged or fattier steaks (like ribeye, yum). Still, I got the 12 oz prime filet. My wife got the American waygu filet. Both were seared perfectly with a nice spice that blended nicely with the juicy flavor inside. Both steaks were cooked perfectly to a medium rare and had excellent flavor. The American waygu was noticeably more tender (as it should be). As for price: it was as expected with a top tier steakhouse. In all, we left full, satisfied and happy. I would recommend coming here for special occasions or if you're in the town and want an excellent steak!
(5)Benjamin Y.
This steakhouse is truly incredible. First, the high level of service is tough to beat; the staff is always attentive to your needs. This reminds you of a different era. Second, the steak is absolutely succulent and delicious. It is the best steak I've ever had. This is paired with great side dishes and decadent dessert. If you want to treat yourself to a celebratory meal, would highly recommend. In terms of the atmosphere, Barclay Prime is a very comfortable lounge environment. The seating is on couches and couch chairs, and it is seating that you just want to sink into. The location is great, right on Rittenhouse Square. Do note the lighting is very dark to create an intimate atmosphere. Overall, would highly recommend. If you are looking for steak, and not on a budget, definitely the right choice!
(5)Alex J.
My boyfriend and I had a very nice dinner here on NYE. We both ordered several glasses of wine, salads, the 8 oz filet, potato sides, and split the cheesecake. The pinot grigio (unfortunately I forget the name) we ordered was delicious! My bf got the chop salad and I the caesar, both excellent. I ordered the potato gratin with my filet and my boyfriend ordered the mashed potatoes. I didn't love my side, but his mashed potatoes were one of the best I've ever tasted! In my opinion the potato gratin were not rich enough and a little bland for my taste. The filets were just out of this world, cooked perfectly. I am very snobby when it comes to dessert and felt that the cheesecake was just OK. We also loved the bread they served before our meals!!! The atmosphere in Barclay Prime is classy, chic, and artsy with books on the walls and chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. Our waitress was attentive, but not overly nice--however being NYE I can imagine it being a more stressful night for the waitstaff. What was really cool was that when my bf got up to use the restroom, a man came over and re-folded his napkin for him :)) All in all, great experience at Barclay Prime. Was super impressed and will definitely be back!
(4)Jamie L.
When you go into a restaurant and they don't have salt or pepper on the table, you know the meal is going to be either really bad or really good. It takes a lot of courage for a restaurant to have that high level of confidence. And in this case, Barclay Prime delivers. Every detail of the meal was perfection. From the bread and seasoned butter they served, to the sides, to the best steak I have _ever_ eaten. The sear, the cook, the flavor, everything was spot on. Then came the cheesecake. Wow. Just wow. Even the plating was art. The server (Drew) was fantastic, distant when I wanted him to be and right there when I wanted him to be. It's like he could read my mind. Will DEFINITELY come again.
(5)Colleen M.
I gave this place another shot after being contacted by the manager in response to my last review. While there was improvement on my overall experience, I still can't see myself giving Barclay Prime more than 3-stars. We arrived and were promptly seated. The server was really great. He was knowledgeable about the drink menu and made good suggestions for wine to accompany my meal, as well as providing feedback on their variety of side dishes. Our party of 3 ordered a round of soup/salads/appetizers before our entrees. The waygu sliders really hit the spot and I loved that they were able to up the portion to 3 sliders without a hassle. The lobster bisque and wedge salads were all quite good. We each ordered steaks as our main course. Mine was the filet, which I asked to be done medium-well, but "more well than medium" (after being told "medium" would be red/pink throughout). Unfortunately, when I received my filet it was red, red, red, red throughout. I would have described it as medium-rare, closer to rare. My boyfriend, who likes his meat medium-rare thought it was pretty undercooked as well. While I realize this is a rather thick cut of meat, I still anticipated it being cooked to my request; especially since I was so specific about my desired done-ness. I was able to send it back without an issue and with apologies from my server. When it returned it was cooked much more to my liking. On the upside, everyone else's entree was cooked to perfection and the side dishes were outstanding. Overall, this one is "A-OK" but not up the the standards I expect from Stephen Starr restaurants. I'll stick with my good old standards - Buddakan, Talulahs, Jones, El Vez, etc. all of which top my list of faves in Philly.
(3)Sarah G.
Simply delicious. The food and service were both excellent. I got the following: Wagyu beef sliders Filet mignon with bearnaise sauce Truffle mac and cheese Tater tots Smores dessert Everything was excellent. The filet was perfectly cooked and melted in my mouth, the sauce was creamy and flavorful, etc. Would highly recommend.
(5)Adam L.
Well... after years and years of living in the city... I finally made it here. The wait was completely worth it. This is Starr dining at its absolute finest. Located on the corner of the Barclay building right on Rittenhouse Square, looks very unassuming for what is inside. The decor was not what I was expecting but I thought the restaurant looked fantastic. Honestly, I was expecting some stuffy high class place for Barclay Prime, and it really was not. Don't get me wrong, you still need to dress up and look decent, but the place still had a very relaxed atmosphere. I ordered the veal porterhouse (honestly, I didn't even know you could get a veal porterhouse) and the beet salad. I don't think I could say enough good things about the porterhouse, the veal was just perfectly done and topped with an amazing mushroom sauce. The salad was good too... but a bit small. Anyway, back to the meat. I was with a larger group and I tried the filet, strip, and of course their famous $100 cheesesteak. It was all just fantastic. Finally, the service. The service was just impeccable. There really isn't much else to say.If you are celebrating some special occasion absolutely go.
(5)Somaira H.
This is now one of my favorite steakhouses in Philadelphia. It has a very classy and romantic feel, but more importantly, the food, wine and cocktails were amazing. We ordered the kobe sliders and beef tartare to begin with. However, the bread that was brought over before the food was the best I've ever had at any restaurant - soft on the inside, crispy on the outside. For our main course, I ordered an 8 oz. American Wagyu steak and others ordered the 18 oz. Before our steaks came out we were all able to choose a steak knife from 5 unique options - one was from Germany, another made in Japan, etc. I chose one that was made by Porsche and it did not disappoint (I pretty much wanted to take it home!). For dessert we all shared the cookie topped with ice cream and cheesecake - both were delicious! If you want to impress someone or just feel like having a fancy night, this is the perfect spot.
(5)Danan R.
If you are a steak lover, then you must come here at least once. The aged porterhouse is excellent; it is very flavorful and always seared to a perfect medium rare. I never stray from that order but I have tried the ribeye and been pleased with the marbling and flavor. The sole is nicely seasoned and almost melts in your mouth. The sides are all decent but I highly recommend the truffled mac and cheese; it's indulgently rich and creamy. The octopus ceviche is okay, but I have had better ceviche. Then again, you come here for steak, not ceviche. I would go with the bacon wrapped scallops instead. The wine list is pretty good; we had an excellent merlot on a past occassion. Finish off with the chocolate chip creme brulee; it's very creamy and rich but you only live once so your taste buds deserve it. The service is always flawless; it's attentive without any hovering. A great place to get quality steaks.
(4)Erica E.
Do not waste your money on this place!! I have been here 3 times and ONE time had a decent meal. For the price, I expect every time to be better than the next. First experience was great. It was Sunday night and the restaurant was practically empty so maybe then the kitchen/staff could handle the volume? The second time I came here I had been studying for 7 hours straight that day. All I was looking forward to was a juicy, mouth watering steak that would make me forget what I had been doing all day. I came here so excited for a meal and wow it was the biggest disappointment I have ever had. First it took forever to get my entree, at least there were appetizers to hold me over. When the steak finally came out it was ice cold, it literally tasted like it had been sitting somewhere waiting to be brought to me for an hour. I am not one to send back food but in this instance, for this $50+ bone in filet that I was dreaming of, I could not accept this extremely sub par piece of meat they had brought me. The third time I came here I was with one of my girl friends who wanted to try their cheesesteak and I believe in second chances. We went around 5 and the restaurant was empty, not one table seated and the hostess actually told us that they were completely booked and had no tables in any section of the restaurant. The way this came off to me was just so absurd and beyond pretentious. I had to bring up my past experience mentioned above and then BOOM somehow magically a table had opened up for us to be seated. The cheesesteak was cold too and just not tasty at all. I'm done with giving this place any more chances, save your money there are soooo many other steak houses in the city!!
(1)Brian C.
Yum...I wish i could afford to eat here more often! Not much i like better than a good steak, and this place knows how to do it right! I've "picked my cut" of beef in several restaurants, but never before was I asked to pick out my steak knife! I went with the German knife, bigger and heavier than the Japanese knives. Whatever knife you choose, you will have NO problem cutting into these delicious tender steaks! I had the Kobe Sliders, and a Kobe NY Strip...oddly, its Australian Kobe Beef, which I was unfamiliar with...but quite pleased when I finally got to taste it...The prices here are as you would expect...HIGH! But so is the quality of food and service. If you are a die-hard steak fan, you should check this place out at least once. Service...very attentive...atmosphere...it was a bit "stiff" for a business casual restaurant...I find Morton's and Smith and Wollensky's to be slightly more laid back. I do like the design of the Barclay Prime, which for some reason mimics a library... Unless you have too much money on your hands, in which case you should friend request me immediately, you won't visit this place too often. But I highly recommend it for a special occasion for any steak lover!
(5)Evan C.
Favorite stake place in Philadelphia. The Kobe beef sliders are amazing!
(5)Natalie S.
Barclay Prime always delivers on taste. Went this past weekend and wasn't disappointed. They have a great wine list, and delicious appetizers. We had the Kobe beef sliders and they're always super tender and flavorful. Of course the popovers are amazing, and the server was happy to give my husband an extra one when he asked, which is always nice. For entrees I got the 8 oz filet, and he got the ny strip. What's cool is you get to "choose your weapon" so to speak, and pick which steak knife you want. For sides we got the truffled whipped potatoes and asparagus. Yum. This place is definitely on the expensive side, but the quality of the food justifies the price. I've never left here disappointed.
(5)james c.
Excellent bread, potatoes, and the Japanese kobe is excellent. The spinach dip is decent too. Been there 4 times, consistency should be better for what they chafe but no major disasters.
(4)Tinique P.
Non traditional steakhouse...casual, yet upscale. High energy environment, serving excellent food-for the foodies. The servers were very attentive and knowledgable of the menu items and wine selections. Enjoyed a great red wine to compliment the porterhouse, caviar and many sides- bill over $700 for four people and well worth it. Looking forward to returning.
(5)Hanney E.
Good steaks...good service.
(4)Chris M.
In terms of taste, this could be the best restaurant I've ever been to - ever. I mean, eating here was a sort of religious experience. I had better start from the beginning... My wife and I went here for Valentine's Day this year. She really enjoys the Stephen Starr franchise, so I thought I would treat her to their flagship offering. While she absolutely loved it, I think that I enjoyed it as much as, if not more than, she did. We went right after one of the huge snowstorms that hit Philadelphia this year, so we planned to valet park (so as to avoid snowbanking the car on the street or her ruining her shoes walking from a nearby garage). The valet parking was pretty steep at $24 (+tip), but it was worth it. Though, you should note that it is not in front of Barclay; it's down the block in front of Parc, so you will have to a walk a little. Our waiter was extremely nice and knowledgeable. This was one of those time where the waiter actually adds to the overall experience of the restaurant. The food was nothing short of life-changing. We started with the chopped salad, which was a sort of enigma. All advertised ingredients - kalamata olives, hear of palm, tomato, etc. - along with the lettuce were chopped to homogeneous fractals. When consuming a forkful of said geometric shapes, you could taste each and every one of the ingredients - amazing. Also, I hate to admit this (don't judge me), but this was the first time I have ever had a dry-aged steak. I will not even attempt to describe the deliciousness of the 20oz ribeye. It was actually worth the $48 - seriously. (being extremely cheap, that is the highest praise coming from me). My only minor quibble (see aforementioned note on my cheapness) was that the side dishes seemed to be unreasonably priced at $10 - for mashed potatoes or broccoli, etc. Anyway, while the check was not slight, I will always remember the experience - which is really what you pay for, I think, at a restaurant like this.
(5)Eric H.
Best steakhouse ever, maybe the best restaurant I've dined in. drinks were good not great. kobe sliders juicy, melt in your mouth. crab, yellowtail, large, succulent shrimp perfect. lobster bisque just the right consistency with large chunks of lobster. medium rare bone-in filet super tender, best in city. Capital Grille is the only restaurant that compares. This blew away Del Friscos, Mortons, Union Trust, Ruth Chris, Prime Rib, you name it. The sides are what truly set this place apart. Mac and cheese was amazing, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, tater tots didn't disappoint. Dessert was solid as well, pineapple cheesecake and mango sorbet. One in our group went vagal from the food bolus it was so good. If I were to come to Philly, this would be the restaurant I would go to first. Now if I could lose my food baby...
(5)Craig D.
(4) ~ Overall Food & Service OUR MENU: * Popovers(bread) = (4) very good...they're HUGE. * El Diablo(drink) = (4) very good...it's like a margarita w. a kick!;-) * "virgin" Mojito = (4) very good * Water(tap) = (3) ok * Gnocchi & Lamb Sausage = (4) very good, the Gnocchi is Amazing, the sausage was slightly salty. * Caesar salad = (3.5) good * 8 oz. Fillet = (3.5) good * Roquefort sauce = (4) very good * Spaetzle (side) = (4.5) Very Good * Glazed Carrots = (3.5) good * Panna Cotta = (4) very good * Chocolate Bavarois = (3.5) good * Rooibos Mint Tea = (4) very good * Coffee = (4) very good NOTE: When facing the building the Restaurant Door is the one on the far Right.
(4)Thuy C.
Barclay Prime is a treat. Wow, what can I say? This place is one of the best steakhouses I've ever been to. Never have I experienced anything like this. I made reservations and was seated promptly. They did seat me at this low table with two huge lounge chairs. The chair kind of swallowed me and it was a little hard for me to sit back because if I did I would be basically lying down, haha but on with the food. The lightings were dimmed and the atmosphere was sophisticated and romantic. I forgot my waiter's name but he was great. He was very knowledgable, made great recommendations, and made my first experience comfortable. I started off with the tuna tartare, GREAT, the tuna was soft, perfectly seasoned, just delicious. I skipped soup/salad and went straight for the steak. I had the australian wagyu filet, holy god it was amazing! The great thing is they let me choose my own knife! How great and special is that? The steak itself was sooooo good, just unbelievably easy to cut with my specially nifty japanese knife, the steak melted in my mouth, THE BEST STEAK I'VE EVER HAD, period the end. I ordered a couple sides that i can't recall at the moment because all i can remember is that delicious steak. But this is the place you'd want to go for fine dining steakhouse. Do it, you won't regret it I promise.
(4)M H.
I've eaten here a million times and I've had just about everything on the menu. Bob is hands down the best bartender in town. They always have a cute hostess and the service is always great. Do yourself a favor and get the dry aged rib eye... I've eaten all the more expensive steaks and the rib eye is the best.
(4)Jessica M.
Done and done. Gorgeous. From the personable, friendly greeting at the front desk from the hostess team when you walk in. Over the top and still down to earth. Incredible bartender, Bob, he kept me company until my friend arrived. Jason, a generous host. James, we relied on his recommendations for dinner all night. Beautiful, great music, upbeat. The food was excellent, so was the company. Best.
(5)TJ K.
Was here last week. It's not often I eat a steak, but I was looking forward to it. The popovers they brought out before dinner was delicious...and I had two. As for the steak, I had asked for it to be cooked "whatever is slightly pink inside". Unfortunately, it came out not pink at all. I was hungry and knew it would take a while to get another done to my temp, so I ate it. It was tasty, but not what I had hoped for. The side of asparagus was excellent.
(3)Jeffrey M.
Amazing... After eating at this place I want to be a better person; to appreciate the many fragrances, textures and flavors life offers. I actually think a portion of my brain became active for the first time when I sank my teeth into my New York Strip at Barclay Prime, First of all - MAKE A RESERVATION. They get very crowded. The bar and waiting area is fun and comfortable. The dining room reminds me of a living room from a 60's sitcom...paneling, book shelves with eclectic books and huge glass chandeliers. The tables are all marble topped, with seats that are either sofa's for two or swivel mid-century modern lounge chairs. The decor and atmosphere led me to believe that Frank and the rat pack would come through the door at any minute. The service is some of the best I have ever seen. Any waiter or staff person that passes by your table at any time will see that you need something - and it just appears. The wait staff are extremely knowledgeable of the menu and make very good recommendations. They come to your table before the main course and let you choose one of a variety of steak knives - very classy. I recommend the beet salad as an appetizer. If you get a side with your steak...share it...the steak alone will fill you. Please save room for dessert. When you eat at a place like this, you do not want to miss a course. I will definitely be coming back next time I am in Philadelphia.
(5)DAVID W.
My wife and I had an incredible evening here. The oysters are to die for, and when it comes to steak - forget the $75 Wagyu Filet; the Ribeye is where it's at! We also had the Slider app which was delicious, and asparagus, tater tots, and sautéed mushrooms as our sides - all spot on. For dessert, you can't miss with the Devil's Food Cake! Our server was fantastic - best dining experience I ever had! Only complaint would be that they packed all of our leftovers (a piece of my wife's steak, asparagus, tater tots, and mushrooms) all in one box, which seems incredibly silly. The tater tots got all soggy and everything now tastes like mushrooms. Otherwise, everything about this place is top notch!
(5)Caroline B.
My husband and I have been coming here for years. We love this place. It is not only our favorite restaurant in the city but one of our favorite restaurants of all time. If you appreciate a good steak and excellent service, BP is where you need to go. Don't leave without having the deep dish cookie for dessert. We plan on returning as often as possible. Our server this last time was Glen. We will ask for him the next time we go.
(5)Jonathan M.
Had no reservation, but was seated quickly. The most memorable part of dinner were the "Kobe" sliders and the tartare. The atmosphere was modern and classy. Perfect for impressing clients, albeit overpriced.
(3)Martin F.
This place is supposed to be "all that" and it was good, if laughably pretentious at times (the display case of a selection of high-end steak knives brought to the table by the waiter just made me laugh it was so silly). We took potential clients out for dinner and spent a fortune, and while the food was very good to incredible at times, it's quite crowded, very loud and too damn dark for middle-aged folks to be able to read the 7 point cursive font on the menu. Service is top-notch, just what you'd home for in a place like this. I had the Fillet Mignon with a side of asparagus. Portions were tiny, but exquisite. Every morsel is perfect in preparation and presentation. The deserts were delightful constructions of sweet stuff and wonder, I had some kind of a torte with raspberries and chocolate and it was wonderful. Great for client meetings, special occasions or when you just want a really good steak.
(3)Noah R.
The best in Town, hands down..lobster bisque our of this world....tator tots... med rare bone in rib eye....fell asleep in my seat......love it...
(5)Hee Jin C.
Incredible service - from the moment you step in, it's all about the service: the hostesses are keen to accommodate your seating preferences (if you don't have a reservation, not to fret; the lounge is fantastic - closer proximity to the drinks ;)), the waiters/waitresses will recommend the best wine, dishes, appetizer, etc....everything short of washing your hands for you. I had a kobe beef tartar, some hamachi crudo, tuna tartar...and *GASP* the 100 dollar kobe beef cheesteak (not on the menu - served with a 500ml bottle of moet). My companion and I LOVED the crudo and tuna tartar, but we were positively speechless at the kobe beef tartar....I SWEAR, that thing is sprinkled with OPIUM or CRACK Cocain, or something...it is OUT OF THIS WORLD. As for the anticipated cheesteak....let's just say you should NEVER, and i mean NEVER bastardize the grandeur of kobe beef with cheese, regardless of how expensive that cheese may be, regardless of the fact that it comes topped with your choice of lobster of foie gras...just don't do it. Stick with the steak and the tartar. Don't get me wrong, it was absolutely delicious, but after two bites, the date and I looked at each other and went..."uh...."it was simply WAAAY too over the top. Also, it being a Starr restaurant, the bathrooms are unisex - this was an unsettling revelation for me at first, as I uneasily looked back to see three men following me into the bathroom and wondered if the night was going to take a very *ahem* odd turn, but it's just a unisex bathroom...don't be the country bumpkin that I am and freak out when you witness a co-ed group of seven go into the bathroom at once. I'd give this place 20 out of 10. I'm still gushing.
(5)Bryanne R.
Just Delicious! What I loved: Drink: Barclay Bellini Ap: West Coast Oysters & Gnocchi and Lamb sausage Ent: Mishma Ranch Ultra Filet Des: S'mores and instead of rolls...you get a warm popover! Perfect for a special occasion. Perfect for getting an amazing meal when you're tired of your normal routine. Yes they ask you to pick a knife...maybe that's cheesy....but go with it..you're out to dinner for the experience. Treat yourself :-)
(5)Dave H.
Barclay Prime is yet another Stephen Starr creation, a luxury meat and seafood "boutique". I think they can get away with the term; they're already infamous for their $100 Kobe steak! Unadorned and austere from the outside to the inside, their dining room and bar has a dark, black color scheme. The usual Starr spit-and-polish on presentation can be seen. When asked about virgin cocktails, our bartender, Mark, could only make a margarita - it was the saltiest concoction ever! (Though now he probably can make more items) A diner next to me had ordered oysters which looked appetizing. With an order of his entree he was offered a selection of knives. I saw a wickedly refined Porsche metal blade from Japan and another from France. Ordered a lobster cocktail ($12-$15, can't recall). The lobster was well done. Thick and suitably seasoned, it took up almost as much room as the sauce. There was a side of bread, which could be slid to one side and ignored. Reservations recommended but they accept walk-ins. While it wasn't crowded on our visit, limited seating may make it harder for larger parties to be seated unannounced. My verdict? I am intrigued enough to visit again, but I think I'll order wine or water with my meal.
(4)Gia H.
I think this will be the last time I have high hopes for a restaurant because when I do, the meal ends up turning bad or just okay. The service for this restaurant is impeccable. Only hiccup is when I asked the server to pick a sauce for my filet and it came when I had consumed 2/3 of my steak. The table started with lobster bisque, scallops and caesar salad. The lobster bisque was okay. I've had better or maybe my palate is not as exquisite as I thought. They do place large pieces of lobster which was a plus. My friend's bf was not impressed with the scallops and I was not impressed with my bf's caesar salad, at which he liked. Next the table ordered two steaks, two crab cakes, truffle mac and cheese, truffle mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts and creamed spinach. The truffel mashed potatoes were the biggest hit. The macaroni and cheese was the second biggest hit, but it just had too much going on in that little bowl for me - I think there was spinach and mushrooms in it? In addition, I asked my server to surprise me with a sauce for my steak, at which she did. However, when it arrived, I had ate most of my entree but tasted a bit of it and I didn't want anymore. Why me? I just wanted to like everything here. Lastly, because we were all stuffed, we decided to take desserts home. I had a dessert whose main ingredient was banana, at which I tasted no banana. My before ordered a peanut butter dessert that was awesome! The highlight of the night was 'Oh my, there is Stephen Starr.' I never knew what he looked like, but now I do :) Oh and the popovers :)
(3)Lin B.
This is by far one of the best steakhouses in the country. But we don't even eat steak and we love it! All of food is stellar in preparation, presentation and taste. The waitstaff is so attentive and friendly, but professional. You really cannot go wrong choosing this restaurant to dine with clients, a romantic dinner or dinner with friends. It's as close to perfect as you get. One of our clients calls it his favorite restaurant in the US (and he's dined in 100s of places)!
(5)Jill T.
Wow. Just WOW! This place is fabulous! I have to admit, I originally tried to make a reservation at Butcher & Singer, but they were booked from 6:30pm on, and since we were going to dinner after work 6:30 was just cutting it too close for me. Barclay Prime really exceeded all of my expectations. Everything was cooked so perfectly. My husband and I shared scallops as an appetizer- and they were literally "melt in your mouth" good. Then came the filets! Again, perfectly cooked, and so delicious. I think that allowing the diners to choose their own knife is a very nice touch. I enjoyed that part! Of course the only downside is the price, but it truly is worth every penny! The service is excellent!
(5)Robbin C.
I was really looking forward to eating at Barclay Prime and was very disappointed. While the atmosphere was nice, the service was just mediocre. The Filet was tasty but for the price I think it should have been unforgettable. I think there are so many steak houses to choose from that you can go elsewhere, spend less and have a better meal.
(3)Jennifer C.
This place was absolutely amazing!!! The atmosphere was incredible- a fun blend of modern and retro with low tables and love seats/chairs to sit in. The entrees are all a la carte but the sides are big enough to share! The 18oz ribeye is by far the best- it had the most amazing flavor! The truffle whipped potatoes are also definitely a must have. And no meal is complete without dessert and I must say- the only way to go is with the S'mores cake. It's a deconstructed s'more basically with a decedent chocolate lava cake with marshmallow and chocolate filling, and toasted marshmallow on top, and graham cracker ice cream on the side ( yes I did say graham cracker ice cream!). Take a spoon full of each part and prepare to be taken away to dessert paradise. The restaurant also has some cool features, say a coed bathroom? Yes this place does in fact have a coed bathroom!! You walk in one door and there are a line of doors on the right-hand side labeled L and M.... pick your door and there you go. What an experience! Also when you're steak comes they bring out a tray of at least 8 different varieties of steak knives for you to choose from. What a fun way to make eating a steak an exciting experience! I will definitely have to go back!
(5)Borracho G.
An amazing steak joint! I could not complain at all about this place. Love the huge popovers that come out before the meal and if you dip it in the lobster bisque you will be in flavor bliss. The filet was so tender and melted like butter. If you are not into red meat then go for the roasted chicken in a pot as an option. You will not envy the meat eaters with this chicken dish. All the appetizer's were great and you can do no wrong with any of them. The price is high depending on the cuts and types of meat but you will get what you pay for and you wont be disappointed. Barclay Prime is truly a fine meal in Philly.
(4)Kelly G.
You're in Philly. You want a cheesesteak. This place was near my hotel and rumor had it they have a $100.00 cheesesteak. Of course I had to swing by. By the time I ordered, I'd chickened out. It was so cold and blustery out. I ordered the lobster bisque and a dark and stormy instead. This was the best lobster bisque I've ever had in my life. The soup base was so velvety smooth, flavorful, with just a touch of heat (cayenne or Tabasco I guess). Oh Lord, I loved this soup. Then there was the lobster. I noticed one whole claw (for the visual effect, I guess). But as I delved deeper into the soup, there were other numerous huge chunks of that delectable lobster meat. So tender. So flavorful. I tore my roll into pieces and tossed them into the dish at the end in order to soak up all remaining drops of soup or leftover pieces of lobster. This was so good. OMG! And the presentation? It came out of the kitchen in a mini-tureen. OMG. The loveliness of keeping my steam in my bowl until it was in front of me. Let ME get the first whiffs of lobstery goodness. Wash it all down with a couple of dark & stormys, and life was good. Mmm. I wanted to return to this lovely spot. All warming and welcoming with the dark brown wood interior and single candles on each of the conversationally placed tables. Alas, the work people limited my restaurant choices. No worries. Philly is close enough to DC that I can zip up here on a whim and return to all of my favorite spots! Yes!
(4)Robert D.
Mr. Starr, you really out did your self this time !! If you're looking for a unique upscale dining experience, please indulge. You will not be disappointed. Upscale retro yet comfortable ambiance, sheik decor , impeccable service, and succulent cuisine. I've dined at just about every high end steak house in the city and this one by far is the upper crest of the top 5 list! Everything from the homemade pop ems to the lobster bisque with a touch of caviar. Need I say more?? You cant go wrong with this one folks! So spend a little extra scratch for one of the best dining experiences you will ever have. It's well worth your while....guaranteed beyond your satisfaction!!
(5)SD C.
Strip steak tasting was melt in your mouth delicious. Got three sauces to try with it and liked Bearnaise the best. Whipped potatoes and broccoli rabe were perfect accompaniments.
(5)Melissa G.
This review is two months past due but i thought better late than never! My husband and I went here for our birthdays and we had a fantastic evening! Our server, Eric, was very knowledgeable about the menu and we enjoyed everything he suggested! We never had to wait for our drinks and our food came out promptly. First, I have to say I absolutely loved the popover bread! I could have made a meal out of that alone. We started out with two appetizers: the raw oysters and the hamachi crudo. They were both delicious and very fresh. My husband got the NY strip tasting menu. It was expensive but we figured why not splurge for our birthdays? Best decision we made that day! I do not remember which steak he liked the best but I do know his plate was empty in record time! I got the Australian wagyu filet. It was incredible! It was cooked to perfection and one of the best steaks I have ever had! We split the truffle mac and cheese which was also very good. I am more partial to the lobster mac and cheese at capital grille but will take the steaks at Barclay! We did not partake in dessert as we were meeting up with friends for drinks, but we did get a sample of their truffles. Our waiter, Eric must have overheard us mention our birthdays and he brought over the small plate of truffles complete with a candle! It was very sweet of him. Overall we had a great dinner. Be prepared to spend some money but well worth it!
(5)Mikey M.
Best steakhouse in Philadelphia hands down! Barclay prime is worth every penny and we go here for special occasions only. It's a very pricey restaurant but promise you there isn't a better place out there. The waiters are super helpful and are on their game in this joint. The layout inside is pretty cool looking, they designed it to look oldschool. The 28 day dry aged porterhouse was the last steak I had and it was phenomenal, however the Kobe filet was great too. You can't go wrong with their steaks. The side dishes are amazing too. The Mac and cheese and tatter tots or the au gratin potatoes. Every time I go I always get the creme brûlée for desert, it's the best I've ever had. The food really is awesome here but like I said it's big bucks so be prepared to drop some money.
(5)Kevin W.
Came in here today with the intention of adding the Kobe beef sliders to my burger collection.I always say the service at these upscale places are second to none,so that isn't an issue.I decided to read the menu and that decision cost me a few extra dollars.I chose to "take the gloves off " and order a steak.I love the cutlery they bring out before the meal it makes the experience "extra fancy".The steak was just about perfect,tender and very nicely seasoned.Ilove the steak at Smith and Wollensky but I have to admit this one is a better cut and better tasting.I was looking forward to the Kobe beef sliders so maybe I will come back tomorrow.In my opinion this is the best steak money can buy
(4)Daniel H.
Intelligent. Sophisticated. Seductive. Delicious. Luckily for me, these words describe the restaurant and its food, as well as my company for the evening. Barclay Prime is a must if you're looking to take in a fine dining experience in Philadelphia. Slower on a Sunday night, but the service from entry to exit was excellent. Greeted very nicely with a coat check and seated promptly in a cozy spot along the dimly lit wall (these were most likely decorated with books that nobody wanted, but charming nonetheless). Our Malbec by the glass was full-bodied and went well with our nueske bacon and scallops, which were cooked perfectly, capturing all of the intricate flavors that this yummy combo offers. The bacon was thinly wrapped around a jumbo scallop, and both were placed atop a fried green tomato. Our server said that it was his favorite appetizer; we could see why. Dinner didn't disappoint, either. First, it came out fairly quickly, but not too quickly. My 8oz Tajima fillet was cooked medium-rare, and was pleasantly pink on the inside and crisp on the outside. Her de-shelled, 3lbs lobster was bathing in delicious butter, and both were great choices. Sides come a la carte (the menu says they're $10 each, but be forewarned, that's not what we paid for them!), and we chose truffle whipped potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and truffle mac 'n cheese. My favorite was the mushrooms (mushrooms and steak, always good); her favorite were the whipped potatoes. The mac 'n cheese was good, but the bacon didn't do it for me. The entire dinner was very rich and very satisfying. We had leftovers from all three sides. Dessert. Seemingly simple, but don't let the deep dish cookie's title fool you. This dessert was well crafted and as decadent as you'd want. Divided in thirds and served warm, there were samples of a warm triple chocolate chunk, snicker-doodle, and peanut butter cookie; with vanilla ice cream on top and caramel sauce on the side (we didn't even use it!). We both thought the triple chocolate chunk cookie was the best, with the snicker-doodle coming in second. Throughout the evening one of the servers helped to rile up a bit of competition by pointing out which of us kept our dining area neater; the joke was well received, but more importantly the constant attention to cleanliness was appreciated. One of the cooler tidbits is that I was provided with a selection of steak knives - our server came over and asked me to, "choose my weapon." Very cool. I went with a Japanese knife, which we all thought was fit for the kill. A longer review, but hopefully worth it; the meal certainly was. Probably gets four stars but the atmosphere and circumstances around the night bump it up a notch. Check out Barclay Prime - you'll be glad you did! ----------------------------------------UPDATES---Â-------------------------------------------------- I couldn't stand that this review wasn't my first that showed up, so I deleted the update and will post the main point here. DO NOT GET THE $100 CHEESE STEAK! (from 8/1/2011) Another important update - went for my 2-year anniversary with the lady and informed the restaurant on open table... they provided such amazing service, served us dessert that said Happy Anniversary, and sent us home with a special mini anniversary cake. TREMENDOUS. (from 12/18/2012)
(5)Kate S.
Not worth the money you spend! I usually love Stephen Starr restaurants but this was by far my worst restaurant experience ever! Lobster bisque was one of the worst I've ever tasted. The beef tar tar had way too many onions/shallots in it to even appreciate the flavor of the beef. The 15oz. Veal chop lacked any kind of delicious veal flavor, it was like eating an overcooked pork chop -- not what I want to spend $47 on! The NY Strip was ok, but frankly, I could have cooked it 10x better at home and for 1/5th the price. The truffle mac n cheese tasted as if a whole bottle of truffle oil was used in just our one portion, inedible! Not only was the food not good, the service lacked too! I've had better service at an Applebees! I will never go back there and I suggest you don't waste your money on it either! Very disappointing.
(1)Marie D.
Although steaks are the centerpiece at Barclay Prime, the sides and apps are not to be overlooked. They could certainly be a meal on their own. On my last visit I took about three bites of my crusty, juicy dry-aged NY strip but had to wrap up the rest after I'd indulged in large popovers, literally as big as my outstretched hand, shrimp that shrimped the first course forks, a tangy Ceasar salad, and the majority of the side dish menu, including potato gratin, tater tots, creamed spinach, sauteed mushrooms, lobster mac and cheese with bacon and truffled mashed potatoes.
(5)Jah F.
$100.00 CheeseSteak. Ingredients fit for a king.
(4)Mariya G.
When looking for a new restaurant to try, I turn to trusty yelp and start skimming. Then I say a little prayer and hope that I have more in common with whoever wrote the 5-star reviews than with the poor saps who are exclaiming, 'NO! Stay Away!' No luck tonight. The much-hyped kobe sliders were dry. Kobe steak itself was actually pretty good (albeit nothing special). Everything else we tried fell squarely in the 'low-average' category. Most of Philly's 'New American' style places routinely turn out better food for lower prices.
(2)Justin S.
This is by far my favorite steak place in Philadelphia. When I feel like a really nice meal, I go straight here. I have done everything from the raw shellfish starters, to salads, to porterhouse, to the $100 cheesesteak. I have never been disappointed. I would highly recommend a trip here for either business or to celebrate something really great.
(5)Gerry F.
It does not get any better than this. We had a going away dinner for one of our co-workers and everyone was blown away with te food and service!
(5)Lisa W.
Yum! Came here to celebrate our 4th anniversary and were quickly ushered to our table by a pleasant hostess. Our waiter came right over and wished us a happy anniversary and provided us with drink lists and menus. He was very bubbly (husband said he reminded him of Lloyd from Entourage) and made recommendations for both drinks and food. Started out with the Kobe sliders, cooked to a perfect medium rare. One was topped with a tomato mixture, the other stuffed with cheese (gouda, I think). Both were marvelous, almost too good to share. We also had a caesar salad which was good and plenty for both of us. For entrees we went with the ribeye and dry aged strip. Both were served as we requested- rare and were very tender. The ribeye had more flavor than the strip and was served bone-in. We also got whipped potatoes and sauteed squash to share. The potatoes were so velvety and buttery I felt like I was eating a cloud if that cloud had rolled through a butter stick. The squash was just ok and lacked any seasoning or taste. For dessert we shared the smores and I think the highlight for both of us was the graham cracker ice cream. Definitely a surprising little treat that went perfect with the chocolate cake. Barclay Prime seems like a great place to get a little dressed up and celebrate a special occasion. Oh, I almost forgot! You get to pick your own steak knife. How silly!
(5)David T.
Best steak I have ever had, such an awesome experience. I'm already a fan of Stephen Starr, so I came in with high expectations and was NOT disappointed. I ordered the 20oz ribeye and it was like slicing through butter. Meaty, delicious, perfectly seasoned, medium-rare butter. Also, being offered a selection of steak knives (each with its own attributes and stories) was cool. The rest of the group had the NY strip, 3.5lb lobster, sides of mushrooms, potatoes, bacon, mac and cheese, the Kobe slider app. Everything was delicious and the red and white wine we had went well with the whole meal. By far the best steakhouse in Philadelphia and I can't wait to go back. Oh, and if you're trying to impress a girl, bring her here. Big thank you to Victor, Harry and Thi for this great dinner and opportunity to dine here.
(5)Don R.
From the time I opened the door til it closed behind us, this restaurant became my favorite in Philadelphia. When it comes to fine dining in Philadelphia, I've had some great experiences and I've had some extremely annoying experiences. The best will obviously include attentive service, amazing cuisine while the latter usually involves sitting too close to other diners at a kindergarten table yelling over their incredibly assinine conversations. So the usual over priced finger food on small plates and euro trash tag alongs to the side were instantly transformed into a phenomenally cooked filet and incredibly prepared sides like creamed spinach and kobe beef marvels to start with. The wine was perfect and I could actually hear what my girlfriend was saying during dinner, and I became a happy man. For some restaurants in this town, giving me what I want seems to be an incredible hassle for them and I apologize in advance for the inconvenience. Although remember....I am paying YOU afterall....what could I possibly be thinking. lol
(5)Ken L.
Went back to BP for a quick luxurious dinner. The service is 5 star. The decor is very Hip and the menu changed slightly. The Kobe Beef Tartare is now Prime beef tartare, and I liked it much better as it did not have an over rich sauce but the ingredients were not to my liking. It was very spicy and had a very unusual taste almost middle eastern spice that I could not identify. I am a purist and love just great beef and maybe some capers and toast points. The Shrimp cocktail, 3 U6 for $19 seemed reasonable given the size and flavor. I was a little upset that my DP had her app a delicious tuna tartare and my app took at least 15 min after hers. I did order two apps so I can not kill them on this flaw as i did not specify what order to bring these. The popovers were delicious, chive-cheddar I believe and they do not refill them unless you ask and they seem perplexed by the request for additional popovers. they were served with a heavily salted butter. I would have preferred unsalted. The caviar selection looked great and reasonable from petrossian but we were not in the mood. Maybe another time. One dish on the app side was a burrata cheese from Vermont (via Murray cheese in NY) served with caviar. Interesting pairing. It did not specify which caviar and it seemed pricey at $ 19. On to the Entrees. I really think that BP had evolved into a fine dining restaurant from upscale steakhouse. They have at least 4 non meat selections, a turbot, a Bronzino, crabcake (not crab cakes...a personal pet peeve as I prefer two crab cakes ), and lobster that is butter poached and they did make a great steamed lobster for my DP sans butter. The steaks are from all different purveyors and I went with the NY Strip sampler of 2 La Frieda cuts , a wet and dry aged, and one of the australian kobe cuts. It still baffles me that they do not have japanese kobe on this menu. The Sampler was great but I was getting full. Side dishes were good. The tater tots which are usually awesome were sickly salty and the mushrooms and asparagus were right on. we took a peanut butter kinda dessert home and it was fair, nothing special. Overall, besides a very nice and competent server Jason, the whole experience is very robotic and the usual SRO experience. The last time we went the food was right on, this time there were some weird taste profiles that I did not complain about because we were in a hurry to relieve our babysitter. We will go back but they definitely have dropped down in food quality and taste in my opinion. I prefer Union Trust, or Smith and Wollensky or Palm for a more authentic steakhouse experience. This is a steakhouse for date night or business account dinners or non steak eaters who like the gliterazzi. I do miss lunch there as they stopped serving it 5 or 6 years ago. If not for our excellent server, I would have given the restaurant 3 stars.
(4)Risa M.
No need to go into what I order here. You will not be disappointed. The wine list, the caviar... Everything is perfect and consistent. Love the lounge-ey feel and music too.
(5)Ben M.
The first time I went here it was one of the best meals (overall) that I've ever had. Unfortunately the second time was not quite as nice-- I think the menu has downgraded somewhat-- but we're still talking about a fantastic restaurant. It is of course a very expensive restaurant, but I think it lives up to its expectations, and I really do like Stephen Starr's places. The steaks (especially the first time) were incredible, and the cocktails they serve were inventive and delicious. The dessert menu stands to be improved, but it is at least creative. Highly recommended.
(5)Steve L.
Barclay Prime, the restaurant that made me get off my ass and create a Yelp account. Yes, it was that good; food, service, design. My girlfriend treated me to an unbelievable meal at Barclay Prime for my birthday. The food and the entire experience was the perfect present. The decor was beautiful. It was arranged to resemble a dimly lit study room of a mansion. Books were assembled against the walls on wooden shelves. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, while emitting only a dainty amount of light. Comfortable sofas of a muted green color gave the room an extra flair of hip and modernness, an essence that the STARR Restaurants want to acquire. Menu design was clean, very minimalistic. Good sense of hierarchy, as the meats took center of attention. All menus were framed onto leather tablets, giving a sense simplicity with this tablet-centric world. Onto the food. Our waiter started us off with some popover buns. I wouldn't necessarily talk about the bread and butter before the real meal, but these buns were on the money. Crisp and flakey, resembling a delicious croissant. As much as I wanted to eat it all, didn't want to spoil my appetite. My main present was the glorious $100 cheesesteak. A brioche bun that was stuffed with kobe beef hangar steak. If i didn't get your attention at kobe beef, maybe the inclusion of poached lobster, taleggio cheese, foie gras, and topped off with some truffles would entice you. It was delicious, flavorful, moist, and honestly indescribable. One does not throw all these fine ingredients together and get anything subpar. It was like eating gold. I would suggest toasting the bun a tiny bit? Did I mention that the cheesesteak came with a half bottle of Moet White Star Champagne? I don't know much about champagne, but it complimented the greasy sandwich it came with. Next on the agenda was the signature 28 day dry aged 16oz NY strip. It came out simply plated, a la carte style, so we added the truffle whipped potatoes. We also had the ability to choose our steak-knife-weapon of choice. I opted for the knife that was showcased at the MOMA, a knife that would not tip over and touch the contents of the table on which it was placed. This steak was simply the best. Meat was cooked ever so perfectly, at medium rare. I noticed how tender and packed with hidden flavor in every bite. Some of the edges were charred and gave the meat a smoky flavor. It was absolutely amazing. I can really get used to this dry aged thing. The potatoes were a creamy perfection. You will not be disappointed. The service was also wonderful. Very attentive and delighted to answer all of our questions. It was probably the best steak I have ever had. I will gladly return once my wallet heals. Thank you. PS Stephen Starr, keep rocking with the beautifully designed bathrooms. They are brilliant.
(5)Cath R.
We went to barclay prime this weekend for our anniversary and can't believe it took us this long to give it a try. First thing first: yes, valet is located in front of Parc, but we counted the steps - 116 walking steps. Probably a pain if it is rainy or icy but perfectly short walk, if you can even call it that. FOOD: One of the best steaks I have ever had. Before coming to Baraclay, we were Cap Grille fans but this steak is right up there with it, if not better. We got the scallops to start which were wrapped in a smoky bacon and on top of a fried green tomato and a light maple syrup - delicious! Next up was a 20oz ribeye for me and a 16oz strip for my husband - I no way could have finished the ribeye but never had one before as I usually go with the filet but I was not disappointed. Cooked to perfection (medium rare) with a nice char on the outside that made the inside even more tender. For sides we got the truffle mashed potatoes which were rich but delicious and the creamed spinach that I didn't care for (i like Cap Grille's much better) but I think they used an herb I may not like - but the consistency and creaminess looked great. Ended with a cookie dessert and a glass of scotch which both I could barely get down because I was so stuffed from a great meal. If I had to do it again, or should I say, when I do it again, I will probably stick with the ribeye or move to the filet and sitll get the mashed potatoes and try and another side. SERVICE: Amazing. our waiter was always available when needed but never stalked us. they were on top of filling wine glasses and recommending sides and desserts. Definetly pricy, but not too much more than your average city steak house. The only odd thing is that you would expect this to have a dark steak house feel but instead you kinda feel like you are in a Sprite bottle with lots of oranges, greens and whites. Don't get me wrong, I kind of liked it but if you are expecting a dark old steakshouse, this isn't it but it still has a good feel.
(5)victoria g.
i decided to hit this place up again after some convincing that i had been dead-wrong about my opinion on this place and that their bone-in filet was not to be missed. boy am i glad i kept an open mind! holy cow you have not lived until you have had the bone-in filet at barclay! it was ridiculous. beyond delicious, perfectly med rare and for the first time in my life i was more into the meat than the potatoes (what can i say, i'm a carb junkie). it was so good i am embarassed to say there was nothing dainty about how i devoured almost all of it. i wasn't brave enough to retry the lobster bisque (heh) instead i opted for the crab cocktail (enormous, perfect chunks of ice cold fresh crab) which was the perfect start to the meal. also want to give shout outs to the extra dirty martini which was fabulous and the service which, far different than my previous experience, was impeccable. nice work, barclay, living up to the hype!
(5)Caitlin C.
If you're not into gold leaf and stuffy butler-esce waiters at Prime Rib, you need Barclay Prime. And although Barclay is a member of the Death Starr, I think that this one the best steak I ever had (perfectly cooked, melt-in-your mouth, so tasty). Cool decor is a welcome for a steakhouse, and this is defiantly a hip place to be seen. They are serious about their meat, too, and servers will offer you a choice of steak knifes. The sides and sauces will cost you small fortune, but don't do without the hollandaise.
(5)Mark P.
dear god in heaven this place is unreal. Last night I had one of the greatest meals of my life here. Why was it so amazing you ask? Was it the 2 glasses of Macallan 18 I had before the meal? Was it the Kobe beef sliders or the scallops wrapped in bacon on top of fried green tomato? Could it have been the truffled mac and cheese with bacon or the truffled mashed potatoes? Possibly the 4 bottles of wine from the amazing (but way over priced - $80 for a $15 bottle) wine list? I'm thinking it could have been the 24oz dry aged porterhouse with lump crab meat on top? Maybe it was the nueske bacon aka crack on a plate or the potato nachos. Possibly could have been the 28 day dry aged NY strip I tasted...or one of multiple insane deserts. No. Wait! It was not having to pay for any of it - god bless expense accounts! My meal here was by far one of the best meals I have ever had. The steaks were beyond perfection. everything was cooked perfectly and the service was amazing. This is definitely a special occasion place unless you are Juwan Howard from the Blazers who was sitting next to us.
(5)Blake S.
This restaurant is a farce! The food is adequate at best. There is nothing special about this restaurant except for the stratospheric prices. I don't mind spending money on good food but please do not insult me by charging these prices for average cuts of meat. I recommend that you hire a professionally trained cook (i.e. personal chef) to come to your home and prepare you a steak. The cost will be the same and you will have a better meal. Further, you do not have to subject yourself to that horrific interior design. This place belongs in Las Vegas, near the airport.
(2)John G.
Let me start with , I am not a huge steakhouse fan. I find the mass market food found in most over priced and nothing special. However i was delightfully surprised by Barclay Prime. I have been back 4 times now, all for business dinners. And I must say that as far as steak houses go, this is at the top of my list in philly. A very comfortable room, conducive to conversation. Perfect for conducting a little business over dinner. The staff is excellent ! Very helpful and never far. For appetizers, the Kobe sliders done 3 ways, awesome. While I am not a seafood fan, friends have raved about the bacon wrapped scallops and the Shrimp cocktail. I have tried several different cuts as far as the steak goes, so far my favorite tends to be the dry aged ribeye. I have had the wedge everytime, but after reading other reviews I may have to try the Chopped salad on my next visit. The sides are on par if not a little better than other steak houses in the city. And the deserts, well one word "warm snickerdoodle cookie something", okay four words If you have a sweet tooth , you have to try it. If you have room. A word to the wise - the restroom can be a little disconcerting, after several glasses of wine, it is a WC set up with men and women sharing the main room with your own private cubicle for "business". Needles to say having a lady hold the door open for you in the restroom can lead to a double take if your not expecting it. Barclay Prime has become a favorite go to place for a nice business dinner !
(4)Winston C.
This is not your father's steakhouse! Cool decor, and high-end aged beef makes Barclay Prime one of the better steakhouses in Philadelphia. I thought the sides, not including the tater tots, lacked originality, but the desserts- especially the chocolate chip creme brulee more than made up for it.
(4)Christine T.
love barclay prime. have been there many times, with many people - and its always awesome. the steaks are cooked perfectly and to me - thats the most important part of the steak house. the atmosphere is dark wood and couches, but comfortable ones which dont make you feel like you are sitting in a hole. the servers are very nice - and go out of their way (one time they even surprised us by decorating all of our desserts after listening to why we were there). the martinis and wine are great and the sides are good sized portions (the asparagus and spinach are my favorites). the desserts are great too - my favorites are the deep dish cookie and the smores, although there are other delicious and super creative ones. oh - and they let you choose your steak knife - cant get much better than that!
(5)Grapes T.
Fine Dining with matching prices. Not a typical place you would go weekly but as a once in a while treat, this steakhouse will give you a meal to remember. Food: Nueske Bacon appetizer was a sheer joy to eat. Several flavors and textures invading your mouth all together was incredible. Scallops and bacon has always worked, but the sauce and crispy green tomato adds a texture crunch that works wonders. Steak was wonderful. Aged porterhouse. Seared perfectly to give you the most of the medium temp beef inside. Sides were only so-so. I ordered the creamed spinach which was average, and the truffle mac and cheese wasn't worth the $16. It was mac and cheese with an overpowering bacon taste to it. Service: Service was indeed excellent. It was a model of fine dining and everything I would except from an upper-end establishment. The dining room is more modern than the old/formal look of dark mahogany wood as most places are, and I feel more comfortable and relaxed. I will indeed be going back to this place for special events and the price is well worth the experience.
(5)Kate T.
My mouth waters everytime I think about the kobe steak from Barclay Prime. We had the kobe sliders and the nueske bacon & scallops for appetizers. Although the kobe sliders was really good, the nueske bacon & scallops are the highlight of the course. For the main entree, I had the kobe beef fillet and my husband had the regular fillet. He was raving about his fillet until he tried mine. The Kobe beef is soooo tender it melts in your mouth. We shared the truffle mashed potatoes and it was heaven. All in all, everything we had that night was amazing. Even though we were a couple hundreds poorer, it was all worth it.
(5)William H.
The ribeye was the best steak I've ever eaten. Period. The service was spot on and the whole place just shines really. It also feels more comfortable than some other high end places.
(5)Geoffrey E.
Pros: - Food. The food is absolutely fantastic. What more can I say. Perfect steaks. - Service. The service is almost overly attentive. - Decor - I love the "library" look. Cons: - Price. Offensively expensive and overpriced. Pretentious. I really hate pretentious places. For some folks, it's a draw. I despise it. - Restrooms. Come on - is there really any reason for unisex restrooms? It's Philadelphia, not Soho in Manhattan. - Decor. The bench seating blows. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons. Hands down, the best food I've ever eaten in Philadelphia.
(4)Dave A.
Shame on you Barclay Prime! The only reason to go to a steakhouse is to have a fabulously amazing steak cooked to perfection. Two of us went on a wednesday night, one ordering a porterhouse and the other the ribeye, both medium rare. The porterhouse was perfect in every way. The ribeye was a burnt charred mess that I wouldn't even feed to a dog. They chalk it up to the ribeye having a lot of fat and marbling due to it being such a quality cut of meat. That only flies if you just toss the meat on the grill and don't pay attention to it. Flare ups happen, as anyone with enough grilling experience can attest to. This ribeye looked and tasted as if it had been thrown into the fire like a 17th century witch. The manager, Jennifer, was very apologetic and they replaced the steak with a filet that was "more lean" and therefore less prone to burning. I am left wondering though, do they always serve burnt ribeye? If so they seriously need to examine their methods of cooking the meat as that's inexcusable.
(2)Al F.
Embarrassing. Friends said this was the best, but soon after we ordered smoke poured out of the kitchen and soon fireman passed us on the way in. Then the manager says the kitchen is closed but perhaps we'd like to eat our salads in the smoke-filled room and then leave? Nope, we said. And out we went looking for pure-aired refuge in a nearby Rittenhouse Sq. restaurant that doesn't hire staff who cause the exhaust hoods to malfunction.
(1)Vicki Z.
That's the most impressive dinner we had in Philly. The tajima ny strip was out of the world, in New York, that piece could easily get double priced. Smoked bacon is also heavenly. House special filet wrap was an O-kay. Decor kinda odd, an old elegant ceiling with deli-like tables and chairs, a whole wall of books. For foodies, the food means everything though. I am looking forward to going back. I am planning to eat up that 16 oz piece of goodness and bacon mixed with mashed potato all by myself!!! lol :) :P
(5)Sarah C.
Ambience here is beautiful, the lighting, everything. We started with the kobe sliders (HIGHLY recommend them!), and each had the filet. They bring you a choice of knives and you can pick which one to use to make your dining experience even better. The sides were deeeee liscious. We had the broccolini, and the lyonnaise potatoes. After all the delicious wine and food, I was so stuffed and enjoyed my leisurely walk afterwards around rittenhouse square. Totally perfect location, totally perfect food, totally perfect service....now...the price, however, is for those who make a lot of money. I think I'll only eat here a couple times a year. I highly highly recommend!
(5)Lauren C.
Ah Barclay Prime....been trying to get there forever but just can't seem to justify the $200 dinner. But then a miracle struck. Gift Cards! Definitely the type of place where you feel slightly less classy walking in with gift cards rather than the Black Amex. But I digress. It was Friday, and it was lent, and for all those good going Catholics out there, well they were at the fish place across the street. I however, was ready to get busy on a 12 oz rib eye. We started with the scallops wrapped in bacon over fried green tomatoes. Bangin. I'm talking party in my mouth types of flavors. My man had the shrimp cocktail, aka tiny lobsters that were tender and presented well. We ordered salads but the kitchen had a minor brain fart and forgot to bring them out. The staff was extremely apologetic (they obviously didn't know we had gift cards yet) and offered up free dessert. My man and I got the rib eyes. His, medium rare, was cooked nicely on the inside but was cold on the outside. They realized this when the meal was brought out. Quickly cooked him up another steak and told him it was on the house. They did this willingly which I thought was nuts, but still pretty sweet. It's clear they want you to leave happy and also realize that you're paying an arm and a leg for their food. There's clearly no room for error. Sides, oh lord I love my sides. Whipped mashed and peas and onions. Can't get more original than that. BP knew how to cook them up right. Dessert was well worth it. On a regular day we wouldn't have had room, but we had to rise to the occasion. After having the smores, praline cheesecake and some chocolate situation that was mighty tasty, we finished off our bottle of Louis Martini and got the bill. We had been unexpectedly compted on two different items, so we ended up saving the gift cards for another day. Stephen Starr knows what's up. Even though he makes you sell your first born for a good meal, you usually end up leaving not feeling too guilty (especially on special occasions), as is the case when visiting Barclay Prime.
(3)Nicole B.
This was one of the best (and most expensive) meals we have ever had. Took the bf here for his birthday. Started off with some fabulous martinitis with blue cheese olives. Then moved onto champagne before dinner. I was wondering how a popover could get so much hype on all the reviews. Then I tasted these things! OMG! and the butter has like sea salt on it or something. and they are hollow inside but crispy and crusty on the outside. Might be the best part of the meal! We started off with beef tartar which was excellent and also the sliders. Not something I would usually get when ready to order steak but felt it was a must after all the reviews. Dont' get me wrong-they were good but not great. Not worth 16.00. I have had better. I had the porterhouse steak with house steak sauce on the side -rare and te bf had lamb chops. Steak was cooked perfectly and was the best I have ever had. He said the same about the lamb. For dessert we had cinnamon cheesecake with eggnog icecream. also top notch! I would go here again in a second but only if somene else was paying! Also the service was fabulous and they knew how much we enjoyed the bread. they gave us popovers to go. also was the bf's birthday. they gave us some truffles with happy birthday on the plate and also a mini red velvet cake to go!
(5)Michael B.
Sometimes you just gotta have a nice expensive steak. Sometimes you have to have an expensive steak in an expensive looking place. Barclay is a very luxurious place where you can have a very luxurious steak. It was just me this time. I had a craving and had a few extra bucks so I had some of their ala carte items in the cushy leather seats in the bar. The service was right on time. The spinach was a little too salty, but the filet was perfect. The Bearnaise sauce was superb. I'm eating and I'm thinking, this is very close to the perfect steak meal. I got my choice of steak knives; the one I picked was finely balanced and sharp. The steak was of a delicate texture and just flavorful as all get out. I want to go back and try more of their meats.
(4)Winnie C.
amazing food. excellent service, great cocktails! one disappointment however- the truffle mac and cheese didn't taste like truffle at all. it was overwhelmed by the taste of bacon, and there literally was not a hint of truffle in the taste.
(5)Gina L.
Okay, Where do I start?! Ladies, think about the book "The Debutante"...Men, wear your sports coat and plan to talk about business, golf, or wine. This is a beautiful venue for cocktails with your professional network of friends who have money to splurge. I went on a Saturday night, and although I had reservations, there was a bit of a wait for the main dining area. Myself and Crew decided to have wine and light fare in the cocktail room. Well, leave it to a Leo male to order everything on the Appetizer menu: the cheese plate, the meat selection, the wings,and ....oh yes, he ordered a $200 bottle of vino and plenty of cocktails to go around. So I must say, for 4 people we had a great start. The appetizers were all great!! Thanks to him, I am an "official" food critic. Anyway, Our "light fare" bill for 4 people ran about $300/$400. After all this, we were seated in the dining area. This is a Steven Starr Restaurant, so ... Top Notch! Once seated, I found myself just looking around at the mix of modern, yet classic decor... and books (I love books). The menu is a la carte and very expensive for what it seemed to be worth... Don't get me wrong, the dinner was good, but not worth the money. :-( I am pretty sure our dinner for 4 was somewhere around $400/$500. So bottom line is, if you can't do math, don't go!! I will be back! But ,only to for cocktails and to talk business, golf, and wine. :-)
(5)David F.
Noisy, overpriced, and way douchebaggy. I will not come back unless I am forced to.
(3)Meghan H.
Love the kobe sliders. Love the kobe cheesteak (really not that outrageously priced if you consider that two people can eat it AND it comes with a half-bottle of champagne). Love the kobe fillet. I even love the non-kobe steaks I've tried. By far my favorite steak place in Philly (and New York, for that matter).
(5)Rocio U.
By far the best Restaurant I have visited in Philadelphia lately. Food and drinks were excellent, service was good, decoration was elegant, sober and nice.
(5)Aaron H.
Perhaps the only Stephen Starr restaurant where it isn't completely obvious that you're in a Stephen Starr restaurant. Typically the Starr formula is 50% decor + 30% food + 20% service (not that there's anything wrong with that... if you know what you're in for) but BP, like Morimoto, is more evenly balanced. Great Steak-house meets 70s library decor, with big comfy seats... a little too big if you're looking for close conversation across the table, but after several pounds of beef and wine, that recline is some sweet action. I've been four times, and the steaks themselves have always been phenomenal... pick any, you can't go wrong. The kobe sliders are also amazing -- I might actually consider getting a few orders as my entree. And yes, without question, get the tots. As for the infamous and brilliantly marketed $100 cheesesteak, don't order it as an entree, it's too rich, and you'll probably feel cheated -- unless someone else is paying (which is, incidentally, highly recommended). But if you're in a group, get it as a starter, and think of it as an experience -- plus that way you all get the absurd story-telling rights.
(5)Tim H.
Best. Steak. Ever.
(5)Erik s.
Typical high end steakhouses...It is what you expect when u shell out 2 bills for a dinner for 2- nice cuts of steaks and the sliders & chicken are all very good- plus u get a pretty bad ass steak knife...the atmosphere is nice w/o being stuffy ... they have a 100 dollar cheesesteak...if u order that u probably the same deutsch bag that bought the 10000 dollar iphone.. if that is the case i hope u drive off the ben franklin bridge while u talk on your diamond studded iphone while suffering a massive heart attack from eating your hundred dollar cheesesteak.
(3)Gina N.
I liked that Tom G. called himself a steakhouse "veteran". It is a good description of myself. I have eaten as most of the big name steakhouses in NYC. On a trip to Philly, I would up a Barclay Prime. The kobe beef is all it is cracked up to be. They give you this stupid line about how it is good to share. It is only two sliders, so there isn't much but it is soo good, soo perfectly cooked, it was worth it. I ordered the 12 oz. fillet and my BF had the 4 1/2 pound lobster special. We ordered the asparagus, which was fine, not great or anything, and the potato nachos. The potato nachos were new to the menu. They are the amazing fried potatoes with that thick cut bacon they serve in steak places and some kind of amazing cheese melted on top. The fillet was excellent. Perfectly cut, juicy, amazing. The lobster was great too. Coated in butter and removed from the shell, so no mess at all. It wound up being a lot of food and we were stuffed before dessert. The dessert was probably my favorite. The most amazing cookie bowl with ice cream ever. The place is pricey though, be prepared to spend.
(4)Chris B.
The first time I went to Barclay Prime I was disappointed. I did not feel the food lived up to the hype. However, I am happy I gave this steakhouse a second chance. On subsequent visits the food and service exceeded expectations. The decor is fun, because it is not your typical steakhouse. The sleek and stylish ambiance is definitely unique. I would recommend this steakhouse to any steak lover. Make sure to check out the Kobe sliders, they are the signature item on the menu and live up to their reputation.
(4)Megan K.
was bouncing around rittenhouse, rockstarrin it. smith and wolensky, rouge, ladder. we stopped in here. a friend wanted to visit the staff (former employee) it was the lamest of our stops. and close to 50 bucks for 3 drinks? get over yourself starr. it seems like this place, which maybe used to be cool, back in the day, has not an ounce of cool left. its even more cheesy then i remembered. with all the dope spots in the city, why bother with this one? i dont even know what kind of crowd was in there. were they tourists? main liners who follow starr like sheep? everywhere else we went, we had a ball. ran into friends, laughed, danced. in barclay i felt out of place. awkward. like, i couldnt wait to go where the cool kids were. we stayed for one lame round of drinks, then went back to the fun.
(2)Azra A.
Excellent service, great food. I took my boyfriend there on his birthday, everyone was very accommodating. True it's a splurge, but one that's worth it!!! Only thing, I found the co-ed bathroom style a bit weird. However I will be back!!
(5)Shari N.
I agree with Aaron H.'s assessment of Starr's restaurants, which is why I typically avoid most of them. That said, we ate at Barclay Prime last night and I LOVED it! The funky decor is fun and inviting--it feels like you're eating in a Rat Packer's home office or library. (I did find the ornate crown-molded ceilings and crystal chandeliers to be odd and distracting...but, hey, I'm no interior designer and they certainly didn't detract from the quality of the food.) Speaking of food...our party of 4 went all out!! We started with jumbo shrimp cocktail, bacon-wrapped scallops and soft-shelled crab...all fabulous!! Then we split the harvest and chopped salads...which were also excellent. My husband opted for the 24-oz Porterhouse ($46) and, not to be outdone, I actually ordered the 16-oz Kobe strip steak ($90)!! WOW!! Both steaks came out, as ordered, perfectly rare and mine melted in my mouth faster than the scallops I'd had minutes earlier. We split several sides (tater tots, sauteed mushrooms, asparagus, fried onions) that were good...but largely underwhelming compared to the rest of the food. I don't remember what the others had for dessert because I was savoring the largest creme brulee I've ever seen. YUM! We paired all of this with two bottles of Malbec from the wine list. It's a terrific list--very extensive--although the mark-up prices seemed even higher than usual. The staff was the most fun, sincere and down-to-earth I've ever experienced in a Starr restaurant. The hostesses were welcoming and sweet and actually skipped the head-to-toe once-over you often get. Our server was well-poised and knowledgeable...happily fielding our questions while wittingly responding to our jokingly-irreverent comments. Even our fellow diners were pleasant...not your typical "here to see and be seen crowd." As for the dress code, my hubby wore the "preferred" dinner jacket...but gave me a look when he noticed that other men were wearing tees and hawaiian shirts. As great as it was, I've crossed it off the list and don't see myself ever going back...hence the less-than-5-star rating. Finally, note to Steven Starr: STOP WITH THE UNISEX BATHROOMS...they're CREEPY!!
(4)Glenn J.
After being to many of the steak houses in Philadelphia I'd have to give BP 4 stars overall. The decor was amazing both lobby and seating area, the drinks well well crafted, menu's thought out well all the way down to the presentation, and the wait staff very attentive, which makes for seamless service. They function as a team... you don't see things getting delegated to others because of hierarchy. My first cocktail was the El Diablo and it was amazing they also have outstanding Martini's. For starters warm bread was brought to the table with house salted butter to me a heavy hand was used when salting the butter. I ordered the Rhode Island Oysters and the Beef Tar Tar. The oysters were Briney in my opinion not as chilled as I would have liked I give them a 3/5. the Tar Tar was amazing very delicious I would have liked another piece of toast to have accompanied it though 4/5. For the main course I ordered the Porterhouse as sides I had creamed spinach and the mac&cheese. The creamed spinach was very tasty 4/5. The Mac&Cheese to me was lackluster I've had much better else where 2/5. The main entree the Porterhouse was under seasoned I used several condiments to try and make it better to no avail. The quality and preparation of the steak without question; top notch, but lacked in flavor. I saw that the steak sauce some what mimicked that of Union Trust's steak sauce, but could not hold a candle to UT's! Capital Grille maybe some what "stuffy" atmosphere wise and this place is far more trendier, but I feel CG still offers the best overall dry aged steak. When talking wet aged that goes to Union Trust along with their amazing steak sauce lol.
(4)Kenneth K.
Definitely pricey and the place is high on pretension but you can't argue with the results. Highlights: Rib eye, porterhouse, truffle mashed potatoes. Service is excellent, they even let you choose your own steak knife. If you really want to drop some serious coin, try the $100 kobe beef cheesesteak (which comes with a small bottle of champagne). If you're with large group, split 6 ways as an appetizer. For a cheaper taste of the kobe beef, go for the sliders. But definitely focus on the rib eye and porterhouse for steaks. Don't be fooled. There is excellent food behind the trendy buzz.
(5)Shahzad S.
I visited Barclay prime on Valentine's eve. I had reserved a spot and showed up on time. I had to wait for 30 minutes plus in the lounge without anyone so much as asking us for water. I did go to the counter twice in that time to ask about our seating but the front staff was without any answers. Finally, the manager showed up, she did not have a clue that we had reservations and had the audacity to say that she will do us a favor by getting our orders before the kitchen closes. The service was very poor. The food was good..not excellent..and yes I have had excellent steak before.. best advice for two normal eating people get one big steak and side, it should be enough.
(2)Emily P.
I'm not the kind of girl that would usually go to a Steven Starr restaurant, but when my friend offers to foot the bill, I'll give in to curiosity and check it out. Barclay Prime is all hype. I agree with Blake S. on the interior design - it's horrifically campy. It tries far too hard to be edgy (if you've been to the bathrooms there, you know what I mean) and ends up just being mediocre and boring. Why am I giving it one star? Because not one but TWO of the steaks at my table had to be sent back. I ordered mine Medium and recieved it Well Done. It was completely brown the whole way through. My friend (the one who was paying) ordered his steak Rare and got it Medium. My second steak came back as ordered, but his was basically a slab of raw meat--I'm talking beyond rare. Like they put it in the pan for five seconds to sear the smallest outer layer and then gave it to him out of spite. The third member of our party had a perfectly prepared kobe beef steak (medium), and we envied her all night. This kind of screw-up is abominable at any steakhouse, but at a place where you're paying $75-100 per head, it's inexcusable. If you're going to go, definitely spend the extra $$ for the Kobe beef - it tastes exponentially better than their other steaks. The sliders are a great appetizer, too. - but you can get those at other restaurants in rittenhouse (like Alfa) and they taste just as good.
(1)Robert D.
my favorite restaurant in Philly slidders melt in your mouth.........yum yum yum yum yum
(5)david h.
Cool decor. Sunken, dark library motif. Great funky music. Comfy chairs. Service a tad slow with only 3 tables occupied @ 9:45 on a Sunday night. Appetizers good not great. Steaks had outstanding flavor but were underdone. Potatoes au gratin great. Creamed spinach just okay. Desserts very good. Verdict - typical steakhouse in really cool setting. Smiley face (steak only)
(3)Ryan D.
This place is great. Very comfortable seats along with great service and even greater food. The $100 cheesesteak is worth every penny. Especially when you split it as an appetizer :)
(5)C K.
Amazing steak. Expensive but fun things like picking the knives. Their mashed potatoes with truffle oil were amazing and the service was even more amazing.
(5)Superfly T.
What's not to like about Barclay Prime? Service and atmosphere are always good to great, and all menu items I ever tasted are perfect, especially the steaks and sliders. Price is the only draw back, it can get expensive, especially if you order a larger slab of meat and like to drink good wine from the nice but pricey list. However, I recently went with wife and friend and we each ordered the sliders from the app menu (2), and one side each and shared which brings the food portion of your bill to only around $30 per person. And while the wine choices can get costly, there are some reasonably priced bottles on the list that are very good.
(4)Beca M.
I like to think there are few things in life that can match the blush, the flush of life, the rosy richness of a perfectly cooked filet. Perhaps a bride, perhaps a recent graduate, perhaps my smile after dining at the Barclay. This is the best Philadelphia has to offer. I have had both of my favorite dining experiences of my life at the Barclay. That's why I've taken so long to write this review. The memory of that snazzy study I dined in.. well, nothing I could write could possibly compare. Started with the Kobe sliders (5/5 stars) and they did just that, they slipped, the slid, they exploded with flavor. I accompanied them with a cocktail, sidecar I think it's called- with gin and basil- sounds funny, but this drink is no joke. I always have the filet (7/5 stars). I thought I would never love a piece of meat that hadn't been raised on the Argentine grasslands, but I can, thank you Barclay for making beef a feast even when I'm stateside. (I recommend medium rare, but they'll cook whatever temperature you like to perfection). The tater tots (4/5 stars) are quite a delicacy, the creamed spinach is the best I've had in my life (5/5 stars), fuffy and not too heavy. I've also had the asparagus, which I do not recommend, they're just steamed sprigs with bechamel sauce. It's nearly impossible to leave space for dessert, but I've found a way to stretch my stomach muscles so can, and you should give it a try if you're at the Barclay. I have beautiful dreams of the cookie desert (5/5 stars) which is like gooey cookies (snickerdoodle, choco chip and peanut butter) with a ball of vanilla ice cream. Call it pretentious, call it a Starr, I call it the Barclay Prime, Shangri-la for my tastebuds.
(5)Tim H.
Let me begin by saying that I am a social worker and don't make much money. But then again, I live outside of my means. Barclay Prime has always been the one spot in Philly I needed to try... someday. This past Valentine's day it happened, and unlike the movie Troy, this experience did not disappoint. For such an upscale, classy place, I was very comfortable. The waitstaff was knowledgeable as well as amicable. They maintained their professionalism while making you feel at home with gentle conversation. The seating was comfortable, the lighting was easy, and the bar looked inviting. One nice little touch was the knife selection. The waiter brought us a choice of about 6 steak knives. I'm not sure any one would have made a difference in my dining experience, but then again, maybe it did. The food was unbelievable. I love steak, but I'm not sure I needed to taste a $75 Fillet (maybe another time). We went with NY Strip and Rib-eye I believe, and we were both happy with our selections. The seasoning was spot-on. We also had the Nueske Bacon and Scallops. Perhaps the best appetizer I've ever had. I wish I could be more poetic in my description, but I would not pass this dish by. As sides, we had tater tots and sauted mushrooms. Both were great and went well with steak. I highly recommend this place if you have a lot of money. If not, I recommend working some overtime and splurging once on your lover for some nice occasion.
(5)ben c.
if you like steak and fine dining then this is the place. it's located next to the nice area of rittenhouse square. the place has a nice relaxed atmosphere. the bathrooms are cool, they're unisex. so dont be startled to find someone of the opposite sex in the stall next to you or washing their hands next to you. the bathrooms create a mysterious and fun environment for the place. the service is quick and the food is above avg. their menu changes from season to season. however, if you get the opportunity to, try their raw oysters. it is surprisingly heaven in your mouth. the kobe sliders are always a favorite appetizer. any of their steaks is good if cooked properly. if youre steak is overcooked or undercooked, have them redo it. i've had 1 or 2 steaks not cooked to my likings. their truffle mashed potatoes and truffle mac and cheese are also both very good. and i hate anything with mushrooms! barclay is a place i would always go back when i feel like splurging a bit and want some nice steak.
(4)jen m.
3 words: KOBE BEEF SLIDERS i went here for a pre-dinner snack. i had my eye set on the prize. the kobe beef sliders. 2 for $15. pricey but worth every last penny. the sliders come out on this funky little plate that holds the two of them perfectly. one in each cup-like slot. my bf and i split them. one a piece. the slider was like the most perfect burger i've ever had. just in miniature form. it was this toasted bun with kobe beef (medium-rare), gruyere cheese, and carmelized onions. that's it! but OH MY WORD, it was so good. i ate a TON of food while in philly but this dish was by far my favorite. it just blew me away. i know it sounds ridiculous to fawn over a miniature burger, but you can't knock it til you try it. it's hands down, THE BEST! as for decor. at first i thought it was a bit too stiff for my liking. not as funky and fun as some of the other starr restaurants. but then i took a closer look and realized the brilliance of it all. when you first step in it looks very swank and pricey. lots of dark wood and such. but then you start noticing all the greenish-hued accents. the green chairs. and the green menus. and then you notice the library feel with all the shelves of books around you. and then you realize that this is one hip, swank, spot. the chandeliers are a nice touch as well. i have to say i was quite impressed. two very enthusiastic thumbs up and 5 brilliant stars!
(5)matthew w.
Well where do I begin. I started with a Macallan 18 and moved on to the kobe sliders. That was a match made in heaven. For $16 you get two kobe sliders served rare. One comes with heirloom tomato the other with guyrere (spelling) cheese. It was awsome. Then I moved on to the lobster sliders. They were pretty good although its hard to do a half a lobster tail on brioche cause its kinda chewy, but still very good. I also had the tater tots good adaptation very well executed. It was mashed but fried. Best of both worlds. Then I had another scotch and moved on.
(5)Laurel M.
Barclay Prime is an absolutely fabulous experience no lover of meat should pass up. This particular Starr restaurant is inside the old Barclay Hotel in Rittenhouse Square, but once you walk in, you will feel like you've entered the most swank, sexy and funky library in the modern world. Of all the Starr restaurants I've had the pleasure of dining in, Barclay Prime definitely had the most exclusive atmosphere --- with prices on the menu to match. (I will advise this is not the restaurant you want to visit if you're on a budget for the evening). The main dining room disguised as a library is dimly lit by several chandeliers and filled with marble tables and luxuriously comfortable modern leather chairs in cream and lime. The service here was excellent --- knowledgeable, pleasant, helpful and I never felt at want for anything while at the same time I also never felt as if I was being hovered over by my waiter, which in my opinion is no mean feat! The wine menu is certainly broad enough, both in regards to what's available by the glass or by the bottle. I tried a few different reds by the glass, my personal fave being a Cecci sangiovese. My meal was absolutely stellar, simple as that. Never one to turn down an opportunity to dig into a tomato & mozzarella salad I found Barclay's version to have more flavor than most, however the mozzarella seemed dryer than I'm used to in this salad. It didn't ruin the dish, but I noticed it instantly. This is also my one complaint of the entire evening and its really pretty minor in my opinion. I do wonder if the dryness of the mozzarella was on purpose, to aid in the way it was presented --- sliced and spiraled around some greens. In any case, one sip of the lobster bisque made me forget the salad. Keep in mind I'm not even a huge fan of lobster. The bisque was incredible rich and creamy and full of flavor. Seeing the end of the bowl was sad indeed. Now, one of the nifty-keen aspects of this restaurant is that you get to choose your steak knife! There were four options, two German & two Japanese, all very sleek. Now you know its time for your steaks. I love steak, and had high expectations for Barclay's entrees. I was not disappointed in the least. I ordered the Kobe filet, which was outrageously delicious. I was amazed with each bite I took. It could not have been cooked more perfectly and melted in my mouth. The waiter recommended I order it without any sauces or toppings and I am so glad I experienced the taste of the filet for exactly what it was. My boyfriend ordered a 21-day dry-aged ribeye that was also exceptional (although I by far preferred my Kobe filet). He had it topped with a generous amount of lump crabmeat, which was very succulent and fresh. We shared a side of monstrous asparagus stalks with a hollandaise sauce that was pretty close to perfect. I often find hollandaise to be a little strong tasting for my liking but this was not overpowering at all. Dinner had been very rich and filling but what is a great dining experience if you leave out dessert? So, on came the warm cheesecake truffles, paired with four different sauces --- various fruit and chocolate. I was afraid they'd be too rich for my already filled stomach, but not so. Once again, another perfect dish. What about Barclay Prime's much talked about $100 Kobe cheesesteak (which, mind you, comes complete with a (small) bottle of Veuve Clicquot)? Sadly, I did not try it this trip, but my boyfriend and are certainly hoping to return with a couple friends who would be interested in splitting it as an appetizer. My entire experience here was wonderful and very memorable. Barclay Prime provided an outstanding dining experience on all fronts. My only true disappointment was that I hadn't tried the place sooner!
(5)Mike C.
I must agree with the Kobe Beef Slider recommendations, they are absolutely delicious and the perfect appetizer. The decor is very swanky and for the most part has a greenish color scheme which some may find obnoxious/tacky but I liked it. The Rib Eye was good but not great although I'll give them the benefit of the doubt as I've only been there once and every restaurant has an off night. I tried pretty much all of the desserts on the menu and found them all to be pretty delicious. I must say though the service was the best I have ever received at any restaurant. Our server came around just enough to be attentive but not intrusive, recommended some great wine/cognac and was actually a pretty funny guy. I settled on 4 stars but if the steak was a bit better prepared it would get a 5.
(4)Janelle M.
I came here for my boyfriends birthday. I don't even eat meat and it was awesome. Words can't express my happiness. I had the Bronzino fish cooked to a crisp and it was perfect. They also paired the right veggies with it. I have no clue what was on my plate other than peppers (maybe broccoli rabe) but it was worth it. I also had the lobster bisque......ah-mah-zing. My bf had the aged porterhouse steak but since I don't eat it I can't say much but he loved it. He also had the Kobe sliders and he said that it was some of the best damn mini burgers he's ever had. And that says a lot. He ate the whole serving, with toppings and all and he's usually a cheese and ketchup ONLY kinda guy. Not a fan of the truffle Mac and cheese. Very pungent. We mentioned that it just wasn't our fancy and they took it off our bill and we weren't even going to ask. Bonus points for that. Has potential but just too much for our taste. However the mashed potatoes were great. We had the dark and stormy for drinks and they were pretty damn awesome. Plus the server was great. Oh and even though we didn't want dessert they still gave us sorbet with some happy bday writing free of charge. Def expensive but I'll def be back.
(5)Dasha B.
Thank you Barclay Prime for making it a wonderful anniversary evening for us on Saturday May 14th. The customer service was excellent from the hostess, to our wonderful server with a ( I want to say British) accent, and the maitre d' who folded the napkins anytime one of us got up from the table. The food was excellent - lobster bisque and ceasar salad - the best we ever had - can't forget that deliciously light and airy bread - and the main course of a NY strip and crab cake. It is not every day we go to places like this in the city - but we sure picked right to come here.
(5)Justin S.
This is by far my favorite steak place in Philadelphia. When I feel like a really nice meal, I go straight here. I have done everything from the raw shellfish starters, to salads, to porterhouse, to the $100 cheesesteak. I have never been disappointed. I would highly recommend a trip here for either business or to celebrate something really great.
(5)Alika Marie W.
On a first time trip to Philadelphia, my boyfriend and i dined here in late May 2008. It is located on Rittenhouse Sq.housed in an austere old luxury hotel from the 1920's. This place is pretty posh, so we made an early evening reservation. The decor is contemporary and looks like an old library. It was very comfortable and the server was very knowledgeable and sweet. My boyfriend and i ordered three courses. We shared the Carmelized onion tart...the goat cheese on it was so soft and smooth we marveled over how something so simple could be so complex in flavor and texture. For second course i had the caesar salad with fish. It arrived crisp and cold perfectly dressed with another delicious grated cheese over the top. My italian companion had (of course) the tomato and mozzarella with another fantastic slightly salty wonderful cheese and a little balsamic and evoo. The tomatoes were perfectly ripe heirlooms with lots of juicy flavor. Knowing how full i would be i passed on entree but instead ordered an appetizer of the Kobe Beef Tartare-which was nice with a creamy accompanying sauce and chive. My man's huge 24 oz bone-in porterhouse arrived cooked to a perfect Med rare, it was buttery tender and had a slight corn flavor. He was presented a tray of knives from which to choose to carve his steak. Wow. We shared sides of Truffle mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. He was unable to finish it...we took it away knowing after the end of the planned long evening out we would surely devour it later. The wine list was overpriced. There are many that were at a 80 percent mark up. Which was why we ordered a red from chile... Montes Alpha Cabernet which i believe was $60. I was more interested in food... We ran out at about 8pm to catch a show, so no dessert and absolutely stuffed anyway. But i'm sure it would have been amazing also... We both loved this place it was romantic and delicious and one of the nicest meals we have had together. This must be one of the best steak houses in the country. The leftovers at 2 am were even good cold, i think they remedied what may have been a sorry hangover from having a really really good time in Philly. go... barclayprime.com
(4)lori m.
This place is sick. Went with my husband and 4 other friends. 2 of our friends just got married so we went to celebrate. Before tonight my favorite restaurant in the whole world was peter luger in brooklyn. Tonight, that all changed. We ordered the shellfish sampler and had the biggest, most delicious shrimp in addition to oysters and crab. For my entree i got the porterhouse and we ordered the creamed spinach, truffle mac and cheese and baked potato. I can only speak to the spinach and mac and cheese since i dont eat baked potatoes but they were both outstanding. The mushrooms were insane. Oh and the popovers were ridiculous. They put regular dinner rolls to shame. Our waiter was quite personable and even picked up that we were there celebrating a wedding so he brought out a dessert for the happy couple with 'congratulations' written on the plate without any prompting. Yes it's pricey but it's a cool vibe, phenomenal food and friendly staff. I know what im going to wish for on my birthday next year :)
(5)Steven D.
I'm amazed at some of the high ratings on yelp for this place. I have eating at this place twice. The first time was with four adults and our bill was over $500. I remember being somewhat shocked because I really didn't think the food was that great, it was good, but not great. We did have a good time and the atmosphere was good as it is in most Steven Star restaurants. I decided to go back there with my wife and daughter for my birthday. While I am not the biggest steak eater my wife is. I decided to get the crab cakes as they were recommended by the waitress. Without question the most expensive crab cakes in the world and they tasted like sh*t. Dry and tastless. My wife said her steak was so so. Again the bill was enough to set your hair on fire. I like nice places and really don't mind expensive food but the food and experience should match the price. This place doesn't, simply as that. I will not go back.
(2)Steve L.
Barclay Prime, the restaurant that made me get off my ass and create a Yelp account. Yes, it was that good; food, service, design. My girlfriend treated me to an unbelievable meal at Barclay Prime for my birthday. The food and the entire experience was the perfect present. The decor was beautiful. It was arranged to resemble a dimly lit study room of a mansion. Books were assembled against the walls on wooden shelves. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, while emitting only a dainty amount of light. Comfortable sofas of a muted green color gave the room an extra flair of hip and modernness, an essence that the STARR Restaurants want to acquire. Menu design was clean, very minimalistic. Good sense of hierarchy, as the meats took center of attention. All menus were framed onto leather tablets, giving a sense simplicity with this tablet-centric world. Onto the food. Our waiter started us off with some popover buns. I wouldn't necessarily talk about the bread and butter before the real meal, but these buns were on the money. Crisp and flakey, resembling a delicious croissant. As much as I wanted to eat it all, didn't want to spoil my appetite. My main present was the glorious $100 cheesesteak. A brioche bun that was stuffed with kobe beef hangar steak. If i didn't get your attention at kobe beef, maybe the inclusion of poached lobster, taleggio cheese, foie gras, and topped off with some truffles would entice you. It was delicious, flavorful, moist, and honestly indescribable. One does not throw all these fine ingredients together and get anything subpar. It was like eating gold. I would suggest toasting the bun a tiny bit? Did I mention that the cheesesteak came with a half bottle of Moet White Star Champagne? I don't know much about champagne, but it complimented the greasy sandwich it came with. Next on the agenda was the signature 28 day dry aged 16oz NY strip. It came out simply plated, a la carte style, so we added the truffle whipped potatoes. We also had the ability to choose our steak-knife-weapon of choice. I opted for the knife that was showcased at the MOMA, a knife that would not tip over and touch the contents of the table on which it was placed. This steak was simply the best. Meat was cooked ever so perfectly, at medium rare. I noticed how tender and packed with hidden flavor in every bite. Some of the edges were charred and gave the meat a smoky flavor. It was absolutely amazing. I can really get used to this dry aged thing. The potatoes were a creamy perfection. You will not be disappointed. The service was also wonderful. Very attentive and delighted to answer all of our questions. It was probably the best steak I have ever had. I will gladly return once my wallet heals. Thank you. PS Stephen Starr, keep rocking with the beautifully designed bathrooms. They are brilliant.
(5)Noell M.
When I think back to my visit at Barclay Prime I am still blown away and amazed at how sensational it was! Barclay Prime is Stephen Starr's flagship restaurant. The classic steakhouse feel runs throughout the dining room, hallways, and bar area. Tasteful wooden paneling, built in bookshelves, and high ceilings with crystal chandeliers make it feel as though the gang from Mad Men would come here for a special occasion dinner. We started with the chopped salad, it was beautiful to look at and even more beautiful to taste. The minute pieces of tomato, heart of palm, and olives were tossed in a vinaigrette that made my taste buds dance with every bite. The main course was a religious experience. I am salivating right now even thinking about it!! The steak was beyond melt in your mouth, it was a cathartic experience. Just a few notes.......sides are not included with your meal so be prepared to shell out more money if you want truffle whipped mashed potatoes,broccolini, or butter corn. Also, valet parking is in front of Parc, a block down the street, so wear your "walking"shoes. If you love steak this place needs to go to the top of your list!
(5)Adelle R.
Barclay Prime is always a great and consistent place to grab a great steak. My husband and I often go to the bar and split a porter house steak with a couple of sides and usually a scallop app. The steak is always cooked perfectly. And they always bring out those fabulous pop overs! They are almost as good as the steak! (I did say almost!). The bar doesn't usually get too crowded on weeknights, so it ends up being a pretty laid back meal. Drinks are good and the bartender (I think his name is Bob, but I always forget) is known for his cocktails, especially his Manhattans.
(4)Han P.
I would have to elect Barclay Prime Best of the Best in Steakhouses for Philly. I've been to most of the steakhouses in Philly and in my mind, this one edges out the rest. Every aspect of my dining experience was impeccable starting from the moment I walked in the door to the moment I walked out. I've heard so much about Barclay Prime from my friends that it had pretty high expectations to meet. Since this was my first time here, I have to admit that I got a little out of hand with my order. FYI, just so you don't think I'm a complete pig, everything but my steak was shared with my buddy. See below for my foodie fare. Appetizer (Shared) - Nueske Bacon Entree - 28 Day Dry Aged NY Strip Steak Entree (Shared) - Butter Poached Lobster Sides (Shared) - Tator Tots and Creamed Spinach Desserts (Shared) - Warm Deep Dish Cookie Everything listed above was top-notch and what you would expect from a place like this. Also, I'm a surf and turf guy so that's why you see both the steak and lobster. Yum. They were both prepared perfectly. I highly recommend either entree or you could be ridiculous like me and order both. One clarification though, the Nueske Bacon is one of the sides that we ordered as an appetizer. I was told that the Nueske Bacon and Scallops appetizer wasn't that great. BTW, Nueske Bacon is probably the tastiest and meatiest bacon I've ever had. I can't wait to go back for a repeat experience! This has become my favorite Philly Steakhouse.
(5)Fred C.
To put it succinctly, there is no finer restaurant in the Greater Philadelphia area. The food is most excellent, the service flawless and the ambiance lovely.
(5)Katrina S.
Birthday dinner! We ordered: Tuna Tartare: Amazing! Really... melt in your mouth good. Suggestion: Add something with a crunch for a bit of contrast Hamachi Crudo: I have no suggestions for this. It was perfect. Light and amazing and flavorful. Bone-in filet: It was ok. I go to a steak place expecting to be wowed, I was less than wowed. The whole thing was luke warm instead of having a "cool center" as it should (medium rare) and it lacked flavor. Dry aged NY strip: Boyfriend really enjoyed this, I tried it and the flavor was great but it was a little chewy. Vanilla Cheesecake: Good, it was cheesecake... they did write happy birthday in chocolate on the plate which was really cute. They give you popovers at the start and will give you as many as you want, they are great, but I suggest they serve them warm (or hot!) so the butter gets all melty. The butter was also great, perfectly spreadable and I really liked the salt on top. Choosing your own steak knife seems gimicky to me, but I'm not a knife expert so its basically an eenie-meenie-miney-moe/which one is prettiest game. The room/ambiance is great but it was fairly empty and they seated a rather loud group right behind our table which was surprisingly annoying for us (there was one guy who had to tell everyone how much he knew about wine/steak/fish/[insert other random thing] and had to tell them loudly). I really ruined the intimate feel of our table by the wall. Our service started out eh but took a turn for the better when someone else inadvertently took over our table when we were ready to place our drink orders. I got the Barclay Bellini which was great and boyfriend got the ginger soda. The appetizers were definitely the stars of the evening and it seemed to go downhill from there. I may go back, but not for steak.
(3)Stephany B.
I have been here two times, one in the bar with the bar menu with a few of my coworkers; the other in the main dining room for full dunner. Highlights of each - Wedge Salad (bar) -- delicious. fresh bleu cheese as expected of a steak house. it had fresh crab meat as well as a garnish which was a nice accent - kobe sliders -- i've had about 10 different kobe sliders at various upscale restaurants. (including the foie gras and kobe sliders at 1 Micheline starred L'Atellier in Vegas) These were hands down the best. The meat was medium rare (to perfection) and something about the brioche was what really differentiated these from the pack. MUST HAVE - Lamb -- very good. ordered medium rare and was very tender and flavorful. I have had better Colorado Lamb (being from Colorado and having it at my fingertips my whole life) but this was in the top 3 or 4 I've ever had. - NY Strip -- very good. Flavorful as you would expect any aged steak and was a bit over cooked ( it was ordered medium rare and it came much more medium) Aside from the temp. It was maybe top 3 NY Strips I've had. The quality of meat was definitely what stood out. We did not have room for sides which we ordered but were too full to enjoy. Same with dessert. I believe you can order the sliders in the bar as well which is what i would recommend if you are not interested in blowing a couple hundred bucks here. Bottom Line: very expensive, but very good
(4)Hannah K.
Can I say that this was a dream come true? Absolutely the best experience ever. Stephen Starr really outdid himself with this restaurant. We went as a a party of 6, & had the opportunity to sit in the lounge area. It probably wasn't such a good idea that we were all starving when we started to order. For appetizers, we ordered the tuna tartar, truffle mac & cheese, tater tots, lobster bisque, the nueske bacon & scallops & the east/west oysters. All of the appetizers were absolutely amazing but the stand out star was definitely the bacon & scallops on top of fried green tomatoes. Never have I had a fried green tomato but I will definitely try them again! They were delicious, almost candied & tasted like yams. For the entrées, we ordered the filet, the ribeye, the kobe beef special, the wild king salmon, & for sides we ordered sauteed mushrooms, creamed spinach, truffle mashed potatoes, asparagus & potato gratin. Hands down the best creamed spinach I have ever eaten. A few cocktails were ordered: the dark & stormy & the Venetian fizz & the whole table shared a bottle of German Riesling. Dessert had to be the best part. The chocolate chip creme brulee was out of this world delicious. & as asked, they had written happy anniversary on my creme brulee. The service was amazing. Attentive & helpful with the menu. My only gripe was that one of our food runners was new, & when I had asked him to pack our leftovers, he packed the sides I didn't want & threw away the ones I had wanted! To cap of the amazing night, our server presented us with small silver boxes filled with 1 caramel filled chocolate & 1 raspberry gelee. This restaurant was the best that I have been to in Philly & I will definitely return!
(5)Kim D.
In short: I expected much better for the price. Several people in my group had their steaks cooked incorrectly, which is pretty inexcusable considering what you're paying. The experience wasn't terrible, but it in no way lived up to the hype.
(3)Robert S.
Not worth it! Service with an attitude, good but not great food, and at $300 for two people I was hoping for a lot more.
(2)Gerry F.
It does not get any better than this. We had a going away dinner for one of our co-workers and everyone was blown away with te food and service!
(5)Subir G.
Was here with a group of 10 guys for a bachelor party. The NY strip I ordered was likely the best steak I've ever had. Charred perfectly on the outside and with great texture and flavor. Between the ten of us, we must have ordered every variation of meat on the menu except for the porterhouse. One person ordered the $100 cheese-steak and said it was good, but not great (the half bottle of champagne is a big portion of the cost). Some folks had the caviar and said it was fantastic (and these were people who don't normally eat caviar). I had the lobster bisque to start and it was a perfect texture, but perhaps a little on the salty side (more on that later). I wish I hadn't ordered the soup because the NY strip was so fantastic and I couldn't finish the entire 24 oz which felt like an immense waste of great meat. I'd give the place five stars if it weren't for the fact that all the sides we had (creamed spinach, truffle potatoes, broccoli rabe) were over-salted. Cocktails were pretty good and service was unobtrusive and professional. The wine list is a typical steakhouse tome, lots of Bordeaux and big California reds. Markups on wine are a bit higher than I would have expected, but someone's got to pay for the fabulous space I guess. I was pleasantly surprised by the very good (and extensive) selection of white wines.
(4)M. C.
Didn't love our return visit. The dining room was cold (temperature), which made the meal uncomfortable. The pop-over rolls were as delicious as we remembered, the wedge salad was awesome, ordered two NY Strip Steaks cooked medium and both were very undercooked and we ended up sending them back after we started to eat. The chicken dish was very good. Just wasn't feeling it this time, and we hated sending back our steaks.
(3)Ashley T.
The hubby surprised me with dinner reservations here for our anniversary. I don't often give 5 stars, but this restaurant deserves it! Keep in mind, the menu is PRICY, so it's only a place we would come to for special occasions (although I would love to come more). My husband started with the lobster bisque which was delicious. He ordered a glass of pinot noir (which ended up being $19/glass--outrageous but we were celebrating). The complementary popovers and room temp butter with sea salt is amazing, the bread just melts in your mouth. We both ordered the 8oz filet's and OMG the best filet i've ever had. It was cooked perfectly with an amazingly seasoned crusty outside and extremely tender inside. We ordered sides of truffled mac and cheese which was delicious and creamed spinach which was just ok (it had some kind of spice on it, maybe turmeric? I didn't care for it). They knew it was our anniversary and brought us a complementary little cake dessert with a candle which was nice. We also ordered the smoores dessert--it was good but I was stuffed at that point. Also had cappuccino and espresso with dessert which was very good. One of my favorite things about this place is the amazing service. Very attentive and helpful, but not annoying or pushy. My water glass was never empty, which keeps me happy ;) If you want an amazing steak and don't mind spending a little extra, definitely try Barclay Prime, you won't be disappointed!
(5)David A.
Met my friend Judd here since this is his favorite Philly restaurant. I am not big into steakhouses after living in Dallas for five years and getting my fill of steak. In fact , now I don't eat much red meat at all with the exception of burger cravings (and I prefer Buffalo, with lower fat). Nice dining room, more formal and an older,professional crowd. Service was top shelf as you would expect from an expensive,white tablecloth restaurant. Selected a bottle of Spanish red wine from the Toro region for under $100. A good find from a fairly pricy wine list. Wine drank really well. Based on fellow yelper reviews, tried the Kobe sliders with my friend. They come served with two (with two different toppings). The one I had was just ok. The village Whiskey burger blows away the flavor here. Based on sommelier recommendation to go for the steak since it was my first time here, I splurged and got the bone in ribeye. Ordered it rare and it was cooked perfectly. Flavor, texture, fat composition was all perfect. Just not a steak guy anymore. It was huge and I ate too much. If you love steak (and I have been to quite a few steakhouses around the country over the years) then you will enjoy this. For sides we had the creamed spinach and tatter tots (my friends selections). I prefer sauteed spinach but this was a very good treat and not heavy on the butter or cream. The tatter tots were really underwhelming. Give me the fries at Parc any day over these. No complaints about the overall experience if you want a formal steak house. We split the check and it was about $150 each with tip so not a cheap night but very enjoyable.
(4)Lilli C.
I almost had a heart attack when my friend demanded I take her here for her 30th birthday, ordered the 85 dollar steak, and then when I got the bill. I don't think I've ever spent so much money on a dinner before, let alone a birthday dinner. But grumbling aside, the food really was amazing...the tuna tartare, the kobe beef sliders, the 24oz dry aged porterhouse were all fantastic. I did not however find the 16 oz mashima steak to be worth the 85 dollar price tag...and I much preferred my 58 dollar porterhouse. The ambiance was class and elegant and pretty much aligned with what you'd expect from a place with 5 dollar signs. My favorite part of the meal was when we got to pick our "weapon of choice" for our steak. The server came over with a box of different steak knives and explained the advantages of each one amd was pretty patient when I wanted to try each one out. I would defintiely go back here for a special occasion and although I'm still intrigued by the 100 dollar steak with a 1/2 bottle of champagne, I just don't know if I could justify that. Although I hear the chef has just left Barclay to head to Butcher and Singer so I may give that a shot next time.
(5)Jesse M.
I took my girlfriend here for her birthday and it was by far the best steaks she and I have ever had.
(5)Paige G.
I was not impressed. After reading all the reviews I was very excited to go. The Kobe Sliders and Lobster Bisque were incredible so I was very excited to get my Porterhouse which was highly recommended. I was very disappointed. It was like a salt lick and no taste to it. I have had much better. The $10 sides were mediocre at best. The amount of money you spend you should expect the best and I certainly did not get my money's worth. Our serves was no help at all. I would go back for appetizers but never for a main course again.
(2)Chenhui S.
The waitress was friendly and did a really good service for us. Not only the service is good here, but also the appearance of the restaurant is impressive. It is not same as the normal restaurants, but it is more like a bar. The light was pretty dark but made us feel comfortable. A kind of soft music was played all the time. Actually, I thought it is romantic. There were 2 candles on each table. To be honest, this atmosphere made me feel peaceful. I chose a 24 Oz steak. There was a steak with a leaf on the plate. This steak was bigger than my hand and there was a bone which is shaped as a letter "T" inside of the steak. I ordered a medium raw one. The skin of the steak was a little bit burnt but inside, it was almost raw. This is my favorite level. Before we started, a waiter came with a box, which had many knifes inside and asked us to choose. When I used my knife to cut it, the knife was slided among the meat. It was soft. It tasted fried at first, but when I chew it, I felt it was chewy. At the end, I could not finish it; it was too big. But I enjoyed it
(5)Philip K.
First time we have been to the restaurant even though we have been in Philly for five years since we are not really steak people. But it was well worth the splurge. We started with oysters and a wedge salad - both steak houses staples. Both very good. Wedge salad had a a great blue cheese dressing. Had a couple of the killer pop overs before the meat, also great. For meat, we had the ribeye and a bone in filet, both medium rare. Both were cooked correctly and were nice and red in the middle. Perfect. Finished it off by splitting the s'mores dessert - also tasty. Our waiter managed to steer us to a relatively affordable bottle of cab from Argentina. Only $70. Good value compared to all the overhyped California bottles. Decor is nice, if a bit loud. People told us to check out the coed bathroom, but it seemed like no big deal to us. If I was in the mood for a nice steak again, this would be at the top of the list.
(4)Kelvin W.
Friend's father treated us out for dinner here, definitely the best (and most expensive!) dining experience I've had. We got beef tartar, scallops, and oysters as starters. I'm not a fan of oysters, but everything was delicious. I ordered the 24 oz. porterhouse, and other members of our party got filet mignon, the NY strip, and lamb chops. We got asparagus, whipped potatoes, and creamed spinach on the side. Make sure to get sauces (the house steak sauce is great) for the steaks! I don't think this restaurant can make anything wrong.. everything was so exquisite and delicious. The service was great, though our waiter was a bit lengthy in explaining the menu--there's no need to go over every item on the menu, sir. Another plus--they have a entire selection of steak knives to choose from. How awesome is that?
(5)J S.
Love the Kobe beef sliders. They are so good. I've only been for dinner twice because it is so pricey. Thankfully you can order apps in the bar area so I can enjoy some of the more affordable items on the menu.
(4)Tom B.
The best "real" steak in Philadelphia! Not cheap, but very good prime cuts. I took my wife here on our anniversary and had a great time for about $200.
(5)Vicki S.
I went to Barclay Prime on Saturday with my fiancee and his family. My thoughts: Decor/ambiance: like all other Starr restaurants, the decor and atmosphere was nice. The tables were well-spaced and the pillows in the chairs made for a very comfortable and relaxing dining experience. Service: The waiter didn't introduce himself by name so when my future father-in-law asked, he was a little caught off guard and came back a little snarky as if it was a weird question to ask... but the waiter was nice and attentive throughout the night. Food came out quickly. Water wasn't always full but I never had to ask for it. Food: Here's why I'm giving the restaurant just 3 stars. I thought the popovers and salted butter were amazing to start. I also enjoyed the apps. I got the lobster bisque which was velvety and delicious. Fiancee got the tuna tartare which was also pretty good. The entrees, however, were the biggest downfall. I got the miso cod (I don't enjoy steak) and everything was just overly salty that it was almost unpalatable. Most of his family got steaks which they seemed to enjoy, however, my fiancee and his dad got the same cut of meat and ordered it medium rare. One came out a little too rare and one came out more on the medium-ish side. For an expensive steakhouse, they should be more consistent. Overall experience was good but I'm not really itching to go back anytime soon....
(3)Erika M.
I just want to say THANK YOU to the person who recommended this place to me. While I didn't get a steak, the Jumbo Crab Cake I got was delicious. I tasted little if any filler, which is a big big plus! The table shared Asparagus Spears and Truffle Whipped Potatoes. The Whipped Potatoes were heavenly. If I could eat those every day, I would be one happy girl. While my wallet won't necessarily enjoy it, I will definitely be going back next time I am in Philly!
(5)Glenn P.
Can't believe the overall rating is only 4 stars. This place is top notch. The service is excellent, the food is terrific. The only downside is the price, but that is the cost of excellence. Our party had both the sliders and the raw seafood spreads to start off with. There was a generous portion of crab in the tray. The sprimp and oysters were also good. For entrees, I had a dry aged ribeye for an entree. We also had lobster to share for the table Overall it was a great night. You can't go wrong here.
(5)X V.
Food, wine, & service were all great.... Kobe sliders are the best! The steaks are one of the best in Philly (it's "sister" restaurant Butcher & Singer also with the other best Philly steak)... The prices are high, but well worth the food & experience.....the $100 cheesesteak is overrated (foie gras & truffles).....
(5)Zulma L.
By far one of the GREATEST restaurant experiences I have had in my life. Barclay Prime had the best steak I have ever tasted. The meat literally melts in your mouth. The macaroni and cheese is out of this world and the Halibut with truffle oil was MAGNIFICENT. If you want to try a little piece of heaven, save room for the S'mores dessert - TO DIE FOR.
(5)Matthew Y.
I recently went on a business dinner to Barclay Prime and simply put, the entire meal was outstanding from start to finish. After ordering cocktails, my group had the create-your-own shellfish sampler to start, as well as the hamachi crudo. Everything considered, the shellfish was some of the best seafood I have ever had in my entire life. Two different types of oysters east coast (Bluepoint) and west coast (Pacific) were outstanding, as was the lobster, crab and shrimp. The yellowtail tuna in the hamachi crudo was out-of-this-world good - I could had a few plates of that by itself for dinner and I would have been happy. We then moved on to soup and salads - I had the kale salad, which had finely chopped kale, pine nuts and apple slices with a very light vinaigrette. Also of note were the popovers, which were again out-of-this-world amazing; probably the best pre-dinner bread at any restaurant. From there, we moved on to the main course. I had the 18 oz Gachot & Gachot ribeye, cooked to a perfect medium rare. Other members of my group had the 12 oz filet, the 24 oz porterhouse, 50 oz tomahawk ribeye, dover sole and branzino, and everyone raved. For sides, we shared the Brussels sprouts, truffle mac and cheese, potato gratin, creamed spinach and tater tots. Again, everything was fantastic. The Gachot & Gachot Ribeye was right up there with the best steak that I have ever had in my entire life (the title is reserved for Minetta Tavern and Peter Luger) We finished with dessert and coffee, which was as good as expected. Bottom line: if you are looking for the best steak, freshest seafood, coolest and least stuffy atmosphere, most attentive service service, most complete wine list and the swankiest meal at a steakhouse in Philadelphia, look no further. Another fantastic Starr joint.
(5)Richard K.
This is the best steakhouse in Philadelphia (IMHO). I haven't yet tried their Kobe beef cheese steak sub, but their Kobe beef sliders are sublime. The same goes for their ribeye steak. I also fancy their tray of cutlery that they bring out for your selection before the steak entree comes out.
(5)Marty J.
Totally lives up to it's reputation and recommendations. Not too stuffy, fun and classy ambiance. Great bar, very small, but delicious. Great food. Our waitress was a bit off a weirdo. Nice, but not quite on her A-game that night. However, I will return.
(4)Girl G.
I don't understand how anyone could possibly not like this place! I've been here about four times and it is consistently delicious. The best steak is the porterhouse, SO GOOD I JUST CAN'T EXPLAIN IT. it melts in your mouth and is just perfectly seasoned. The sides are all perfectly yummy (creamed spinach, tater tots, whipped potatoes). And the popovers, OH, the popovers. To die for. The s'mores cake dessert is just YUM. The place is very pretty and comfortable (couches instead of chairs!) and the service is great. And I love how they pour soft drinks in their little glass bottles. Overall, this place is so delicious and classy.
(5)Nancy P.
I don't blame Barclay for feeling sick during the meal. I can't say for certain that it was something I ate here or elsewhere (I eat a lot). But I had been waiting to go to Barclay for so long. The hostess was very accommodating since I was waiting for my bf to return from his flight. The interior of the place is very dark..to me, it was almost too dark (sleazy gentleman's club dark). The manager was nice and sat us with the 'more comfortable' chairs. I was surprised to see the amount of people there (it was a late dinner). But to my disappointment, it was so noisy in the dining area. We started off with the kobe beef tartar and the lobster bisque. The tartar was wonderful and flavorful. The lobster bisque was only okay and if anything, too heavy for me. The popovers, OMG. I couldn't stop eating it. I should have skipped the bisque and ate more of the popover. I ordered the rib eye and my bf got the NY strip. Both were enormous portions, cooked medium rare. (I think this is when the wine didn't mix well in my stomach). The steaks didn't wow me; parts were too chewy. BUT the sides were what saved the day. We ordered the creamed spinach and truffled mashed potatoes. Wow, the creamed spinach was so (disgustingly) perfect. The fat girl in me overpowered my brain, which was thinking about how much I would have to work out to burn these calories. I was feeling too sick for dessert but our server was nice enough to bring out a little something for my birthday. I didn't look at the bill, but I don't think I'd let my bf treat me with Barclay anytime soon.
(3)Lily L.
Went here for the first time for my fiancé's birthday and was extremely happy with the service and food here. The steak was cooked perfectly at medium rare, a great feat considering most places botch this up even at this level of restaurant. The soft shell crab app was probably the best cooked soft shell crab I've had and I almost always order this if I see it on the menu at any restaurant. The lobster bisque was good but the little amount of caviar they put in there was ridiculous. They might as well not have mentioned it in the description. Deceptively undescriptive under the side dishes was the delicious spicy broccoli rabe which would make a vegetarian happy to enter a steakhouse. The portion was larger then what most steakhouse would serve for veggies. Their truffle whipped potato was good but it doesn't compare to the one I've had at Mr. and Mrs. Bund in Shanghai which was even lighter, fluffier, and creamier. As for the drink, I just had the seersucker and it was pretty good. The waiter later told me it was the staff favorite before they decided to put it on the menu. Beware b/c it's one of those creeper drinks.
(4)Yo J.
I had to try their cheestake one more time just can't get enough of it and of course their mash potato truffle yumm! Their steaks are still unbelievably good the size is just right and not overwhelming :) the appetizers ugh!! Pick whatever you want depends on your mood because they are all great! From the scallops to the eggs I tried them all and as usual I'm never disappointed ..I just wish the ambience was a little but more romantic but the food compensates for it so it's ok.
(4)Amanda S.
My colleague and I had no problem deciding where we wanted to go for dinner after taking a glimpse at the menu. We arrived a bit early for dinner service and were quickly given our drinks. It's quite possible that I just had the best Blue Sapphire Martini (with 3 olives) here! We started with Maine diver Scallops which were seared medium rare. Superb! I'm a fan of a wedge salad and I love how different restaurants try to present it in a different way. Barclay Prime was all business with this salad. It was colorful, it stuck to the rules, it was fresh and it was the best I've had in a while. I chose not to finish it simply because of the high calories in the dressing. My colleague loved the Lobster Bisque. I had the Salmon for the main event and broccoli rabe. The salmon was great! Flaky, tasty, and no self loathing after having such a filling, delectable meal. My colleague chose the Dry aged ribeye and said it was grilled as he asked and it was perfect. The service was great. Food was impressive. The wine was great as was the ambiance. I'll be back in October!
(4)Soumendra B.
Awesome! $100 Chesesteak: Get It Done. First couple of bites, you have to get into it (Foie Gras and Ketchup have fairly different flavor profiles, so you have to orient your palate). Once you do, you're hooked. The cheesesteak is unlike any other sandwich you've ever had, and totally worth it. Also, comes with a split of decent champagne - probably part of that $100. My fiancée (to my great surprise) got a Kobe fillet, medium, and it was excellent. Beautiful preparation (just crispy, charred, fatty, and salty enough) and an excellent piece of meat to begin with. Sides: Mushrooms and Tater Tots: both great preparations. I recommend the Tots when you're getting the Cheesesteak. App: Caviar Deviled Eggs: Pretty good Deviled eggs, but the overhwhelming flavor is Deviled Egg, not caviar. It's good, but don't get it if you're expecting something other than a good Deviled Egg. Bread is pretty sweet too. It's a massive popover, which is extremely fluffy and delicious. In short, Barclay Prime is good stuff. We decided to dessert at Yogorino because I'm a fan, but their desserts looked awesome, too. Next visit, we're absolutely getting another Cheesesteak but maybe also something like the Butter Poached Lobster (yup, you heard right) or some raw bar selections to start off. Kobe Sliders are also a possible, though that might be too much sandwich for one meal...
(5)Don W.
Got to go with my buddy, Dave, on this one. This is THE BEST steak money can buy anywhere in the country, and I've had some pretty awesome steaks in Manhattan. Enjoy the great ambiance and talented bartender in the lounge before you go to the dining room. The drinks are generous, and the appetizers as great as the steaks. Of course, you can make a meal of the appetizers, but the dining room is not to be missed. Elegantly appointed, and the service, AAAAAAA. If you want to impress a date, this is the place!
(5)Alex P.
Fabulous from beginning to end. My in-laws took us here when they were in town this past week and we had such a great time. I had been meaning to dine here for years but never made it happen. We started with some drinks at the bar as we were early for our reservation and the bartender was just wonderful. She was extremely easy to talk to and very hospitable, would go back for happy hour just for her! When we sat for dinner we had a lovely waiter, unfortunately I don't remember anyone's names. My in-laws are from CA and we all love wine and he was great at selecting some choices my father-in-law was quite pleased with. The popovers they bring out are ridiculous, I want them everyday. We had salads and soup as appetizers. The lobster bisque was delicious yet different...had some fall spices in it my husband wasn't a huge fan of but it was still tasty. As expected, our steaks were cooked to perfection. I had the 8oz filet with blue cheese sauce on the side and it was perfect with or without the sauce. The bit on coarse salt on top is a nice touch. Creamed spinach was good, very cheesy. I heard the mashed potatoes were delicious but we went for regular potatoes that were also very good. Choosing your own steak knife is a nice touch as well. Can't wait to go back and try dessert!
(5)Justin B.
When someone asks me about the best steak I have ever had, Barclay's always comes up. I have had steak from Australia, to Hawaii, to California and East Coast. Definitely it is in my top 2 places and I can't think of who is second... Maybe Mastros. You even get to select the knife of choice to cut your steak with. I always had the ribeye and couple that with a bottle of Super Tuscan wine.... done.
(5)Richie R.
first time i went, it was absolutely fantastic! next time i went back, it was aweful, so on average, i'm giving it a pretty bad review. for the prices you shell out on these steaks, you should ALWAYS get an amazing experience. if i wanna gamble, i'll take my money to ac and at least be more entertained! if you're looking for good steak, look elsewhere
(2)Tyrone D. S.
I'm working my way through the Forbes List Top 20 Steakhouses and while some restaurants on the list disappoint Barclay's did not. The ambiance, service and food quality all exceeded my expectations. Barclay Prime easily makes it into my Top 5. 1) Prime 112 2) Pappas Bros. 3) Peter Luger 4) Barclay Prime 5) Gibsons 6) St. Elmo 7) House of Prime 8) Carnevino 9) Killen's 10) Dickie Brennan's - no dry aged steaks wtf! Weights Food - 50% Service - 30% Ambiance - 20% Technically not a steakhouse, House of Prime, was included in the Forbes List.
(5)Shirlana D.
The first time I went to this restaurant I went because my bf took me here. It was love at first bite. From the moment we walked into the restaurant it seemed intimate and quaint. The drawback for me were the low seating chairs. While the chairs are large and comfy, they seemed very close to the floor. While trying to create an intimate or exclusive atmosphere, the lighting was poor. Despite those few challenges, the wait staff was extremely helpful and attentive. The moment that the bread was brought to the table and I put it in my mouth, it was heavenly. I felt like the bread was melting in my mouth, and then realized that there is some guyere cheese (I believe) in the bread. While I have been here several times (it has become my annual choice for my birthday meal) I always order the veal chop. The veal was moist, succulent, and perfectly prepared. The onion soubise & mushrooms that is served with the veal was flavorful and the perfect accompaniment. The dessert is always sweet yet not overpowering. I will be coming here for years to come for I love the food and staff, but nothing beats the great company I am always with :).
(5)Terri O.
A wonderful place to celebrate a birthday dinner! At first when we were seated too close to another couple we were bummed out but we quickly realized it was OK! Our cocktails were great - I had a Vodka Martini with blue cheese olives! yummy! And a beer from the nice selection of craft beers. Appetizers-Oysters and jumbo shrimp were perfect starters- Entries-Bone in prime Rib and NY strip were cooked to perfection and we chose sides: roasted cauliflower (excellent) sautéed mushrooms and thanks to other Yelp suggestions- Tator Tots (would not have opted for these except for Yelp, and they were wonderful)! Dessert- Peach special was devine and the sorbet sampler was a small tasting of three delicious flavor- the cantaloupe was very tasty! A wonderful evening- great service, food and ambiance!
(5)Jason C.
Kudos to Steven Starr for having a wonderful establishment in Philadelphia. As much as I dislike going to restaurateur moguls who own multiple restaurants serving cuisine from every country imaginable, I find that Steven Starr restaurants always deliver and execute well above my expectations while others constantly fail to deliver. DECOR: reminds you of a more modernly decorated room out of a Harry Potter movie. There was a classic element to the decor and the bookshelves with sparsely populated books and the chandeliers added to that feeling. The chairs were modern (green, yellow, and white) which made the entire area less "stuffy". I could imagine it would have felt like an extremely stuffy environment if we had classic wooden chairs. Whoever designed this place made the decor acceptable to a large demographic customer base. Whoever designed this is clever. SERVICE: the highlight of the night goes to immaculate service from Glenn. He is extremely knowledgeable about everything on the menu, very professional, and does not feel pushy in his recommendations even in the slightest sense. Overall, I'd say his level of service pushed the review 1 additional star from a 4 to 5. I had an excellent and pleasant dinner thanks to him. STEAK KNIFES: I was quite impressed that they were giving us the option to choose among 5 top end steak knifes. I remember 4 of them (2 were Zwilling Henckel, 1 was a Shun, and the last was a Wusthof). I was impressed that they were providing such high end knives here. FOOD: the food was a solid 4*. For my steak, I ordered a 28-day dry aged NY strip steak which cost about ~$50. This was cooked a perfect medium rare and it was seasoned very well. At this price, I would take this steak any day over say Capital Grille, Palms, Morton, Gibson's or any other chain restaurant steak. One of the things I was tempted to try was the Japanese Wagyu steak at $115 but I didn't feel a compelling need to go eat something at such a high price point when there are fantastic options such as Peter Luger which probably serve better steak and lower price points. Appetizers: I shared the main diver SCALLOPS. We got 3 pieces that were well cooked & seasoned with a bit of a spice kick coming from their sauce. My scallop cooled down by the time it reached my table. This appetizer was acceptable and about what I expected from a restaurant like this. The highlight was the fried SOFT SHELL CRAB. It was fantastically well fried blue crab that was extremely flavorful with a great texture. It was one of the rare times I felt I was chewing more crab than I was batter. When I was first introduced to the Philly steakhouse scene I was told that Butcher and Singer was the top recommended steakhouse. I was led to believe that until I was introduced to Barclay's. The service, the large number of selections, and the food quality are in a league far above Butcher and Singer. At this price point, I wholeheartedly recommend this place for steak in Philly. On a side note, Barclay's sells the most expensive cheesesteak in Philly (perhaps the world). $100 for a freakin cheesesteak (wagyu beef, foie gras, truffled cheese)..............would anyone care to split an order with me in the future? :P
(5)Ade B.
A steakhouse with a more romantic setting than other steakhouses. So it's more appropriate for date night as opposed to a guys night out. This place is known for the Kobe sliders and Kobe cheesesteak. I've only had the sliders. They don't taste as good now as when the restaurant first opened. I'm talking about moving down from a perfect 10 to a 9, so not a huge dropoff. I suspect they might be using American Kobe now when they used Austrailian Kobe when they first opened. But that's just a guess. The steaks here are amazing, but you can get steaks just as good for a lower price elsewhere. When it comes to date night it's not always a good idea to count pennies. And for a date night at a steakhouse it doesn't get any better than Barclay Prime.
(4)Dan W.
Giving this place a 5 star for their ribeye steak, beef steak tartare, bread/butter, and friendly/professional waiters/staff! Came here with a couple guys for a friend's birthday dinner so had a chance to try a good amount of their menu, here is my opinion of them in no particular order: complimentary bread/butter: amazing! has croissant texture, butter is smooth and easy to spread truffle mac and cheese: good light creamy, crumb texture/taste, use real truffles (found a small truffle piece) that leaves a lasting taste in your mouth compared to synthetic truffle tator tots: very similar to a traditional tator tot taste except inside is more creamy versus grainy lobster bisque: fair portion of lobster bits that delivers a punch of a typical lobster bisque flavors that leave you wanting more beef steak tartare: refreshing, citrus, light, meaty texture/taste that is complimented with salty (alittle too much for my liking) fried thin bread slices on the side wagyu sliders: unfortunately even smaller than I expected but the meat was cooked good (medium) ribeye steak (medium rare): the BEST steak I have tasted so far...each bite is full of juices and salty/herb flavors that marinate in your mouth, leaving you wanting more ny strip steak (medium rare): similar to ribeye steak except has a more fatty and lighter texture taste 8 oz. filet mignon (medium rare): compared to the ribeye and ny strip steak, had a more traditional meaty/gamy taste given the high quality meats that are offered here, everything is slightly overpriced still in my opinion - a good solid place for any special occasion but definitely not somewhere to go on a regular basis.
(4)Nina T.
This place was amazing! Took my date here for his birthday in April and everything was exquisite. Our meals were tasteful and the dessert was the best I've had in a long time. He had the 12oz prime filet and was left speechless at how good it was. I had the roasted chicken while we shared the truffle mac n cheese and potato gratin, absolutely no complaints. The best was telling the waiter that the birthday boy was picking the dessert and them bring in it out with a Happy Birthday written on the plate. Good job paying attention! Oh and you can't forget the choice of knives they gave us. That was fun :) Definitely will be going back when I'm in the Philly area again!
(5)The Food D.
PLEASE READ REVIEW FOR MORE DETAILS ON TWO STAR RATING Another restaurant that I have been trying to come to for years... After years of reading other Yelp reviews... I finally made it. I have had dreams about the $120.00 cheese steak... Beautiful inside, a bit dimly lit for my taste... but a very "sexy" feel. Host was friendly, and took us to our table. I feel like the wait for meet our waiter was a bit long... especially for fine dining. Waiter was friendly and knew the menu pretty well. Waiter was nice enough to check to see if another champagne could be served with the cheese steak. The substituted bottle in my opinion wasn't to my liking. It was okay, probably sweeter than the other one but too harsh for my liking. I'm not a big drinker, so not a big deal. Our order: Gruyere Popover (Free Bread) Shrimp Cocktail 3lb Lobster (Butter pouched) Tater Tots $120.00 Cheese Steak Cookie Dessert (Took back to hotel) Popover: WOW! Delicious bread...I haven't had a popover that delicious in a long long time. My second one was very slightly under cooked which I actually enjoyed as the inside was super super moist and absolutely delicious. Shrimp Cocktail: 3 JUMBO shrimp. When I say JUMBO I mean JUMBO. Cocktail sauce was standard, nothing special. Shrimp weren't over cooked but not properly thawed. Not sure why, but the insides tasted a bit too cold and took away from the shrimp flavor. I wouldn't order again . -1 Stars 3lb Lobster (Butter pouched): One word - HORRIBLE! I am not one to send back items, but if there has ever been an item I needed to send back this would have been it. $85.00 for the absolute WORST lobster I have ever tasted. The meat was extremely tough to the point that it was incredibly difficult to chew. The lobster had no flavor. I have never experienced such a bad piece of seafood ever. I really should have complained, but it's not in my nature. I took nearly the entire order to our hotel room hoping it would taste better the next morning... it was even worse...Practically $85.00 worth of lobster went into the garbage. -2 Stars Tater Tots: OMG! Delicious... in the top 3 potato side dish I have ever had. Extremely creamy chive mashed potato inside a very very very light coating. Every tot had a slight crisp shell and then they exploded with the creamy mashed potato like inside... I HIGHLY recommend this item. $120.00 Cheese Steak... Next time I would skip the champagne... which I believe would make the cheese steak only $70.00. To me a traditional Philly cheese steak isn't something I REALLY enjoy. But this sandwich is something I REALLY enjoyed. The only problem is... it's too rich in my opinion to be eaten as a main course. The bread was perfect for this sandwich as it was greasy...but the bread did an awesome job soaking it all up. Cookie Dessert (Took back to hotel): Very good! Delicious mix of three different types of cookie baked into one. I only wanted to try a bite and before I knew it I was licking the container clean. I would order again. Over all... would I could here again... maybe. I would only order a beer, the cheese steak and tater tots. I cannot stress enough that the lobster should never be ordered. Service was standard... nothing amazing for fine dining... Overall because of the seafood... specially the lobster... a disappointment. $273.10 (Bill) + $65.00 (Extremely Generous Tip) = $338.10... not worth the price.
(2)Esther K.
The best steak I've ever had and best tater tots. Definitely going to go back someday!
(5)Nando F.
Did you ever just want to go to a respectable upscale types of place like Barclay and just say to the waiter/waitress : I want a T-bone steak, cheese eggs and Welch's grape? I find myself wanting to say that every time I know of a spot that is nothing but top notch in the dinning scene. You never know they might know the lyrics to "Big Poppa" by Notorious B.I.G. and hit you with a line. Barclay has that warm relax feel to it. A comfortable vibe to it , with a decor like no other. Barclay is well basically sexy , the decor is definitely unique with the lounge style tables and chairs. I haven't seen any other establishment like this they way they have things set up. Barclay has 3 different dinning areas, and all 3 have a different style to it, all leading back to that word again, what was it again, I know ... Sexy! The drinks were flowing, with a great friend by my side as our evening couldn't get any better, but it does. The food , the food that Barclay puts out words simply can not express the enjoyment you are about to encounter. What will be heard is slight little moans , because once those flavors hit your taste buds it's an instant rush of satisfaction. The wine has been poured, now lets dive into this starting with the appetizer. Appetizer: Alaskan King Crab- This was nicely cut down the center with each piece full of meat. Cold and fresh with the different dipping provided I highly recommend this. You'll get the same enjoyment from it as I did. Our entree was a 10 oz. Satsuma Wagyu NY Strip steak , which was prepped Pittsburgh style. Simply the best steak I have ever had in my life. Every bite I would take would simply just melt in my mouth. My mouth is watering as I write about it, along with some of the sauces they provide for you. Out of the sauces we went with a bearnaise and a horseradish crème fraîche. I am telling you this clearly put my taste buds into a full tilt, and yes I was turning this into an "R" rated experience with moans of pleasure with every bite. If you are curious what "Wagyu" is , this is cattle that was imported from Japan. A sort of Kobe beef, but with a lot more to it. Basically these types of cattle have been massaged through their life seeing the the areas where they would breed the space was limited. Wagyu has some intense marbling and to producing a high percentage of oleaginous unsaturated fat. The meat from such wagyu cattle is known for its quality. Clearly worth every penny as it melts in your mouth. I can't wait to come back here again and enjoy another fantastic meal.
(5)Magen S.
Dined here on a Thursday evening around 7pm. We had a reservation booked ahead of time so we did not have to wait. The ambiance is great, as my guests put it, the decor reminds them of Mad Men. Food was delicious. Ordered the lobster bisque soup first, which is perfect with the cheese popover complimentary to all guests. The lobster chunks were delicious. On to the steak, ordered the 12 oz prime filet mignon medium. Cooked to perfection with exceptional flavor. The quality of their beef is top notch, probably the best in Philadelphia. Our table ordered a bunch of sides including the artichokes, broccoli, mash potatoes, truffle mac and cheese. All were delish, I just was in awe over the steak so I didn't take note of my favourite side. Finished off with raspberry sorbet which was light and delicious after a large meal. Service - our waiter carefully explained the entire menu and offered suggestions for splitting appetizers and sides since we had a large party. The menu is pricey, but it's worth it if you can afford. The next time I'm here I'd definitely like to try the wagyu beef!
(5)Abby S.
Barclay Prime, wow. Took my bf here for his birthday, it was delicious and beautiful from the start! We started with martinis, yum. The service was fabulous as well. We then got taken to our table. We started with the Yellowtail Hamachi and scallops, both were so delicious. Next we each had a salad which was cold and perfect. The popovers, holy wow. That's really all I can say about them, they were also served with salted butter which was a perfect compliment. The most fun part about Barclay Prime is choosing which knife you want to use with your steak. You feel very special and like a VIP being presented with beautiful options. I had the filet which was perfect. Ended the night with complimentary sweets for the bf's birthday which was super nice. Can't wait to go back here!
(5)Jeff M.
Not good. I had always wanted to go to Barclay Prime while at Villanova. When I finally got there 10 years afterwards, I was extremely disappointed. First, the library ambiance is weird. And the service was unpolished and kind of douchey. The caesar salad was good to my taste because the dressing was very light. The meal went downhill from here. I feel like that with a group of three guys that we could have been warned that the side asparagus only included 10 asparagus... so much for getting our veggies in. The au gratin potatoes were very creamy and seemed cheap because of the dried oregano in them. A sirloin medium rare came out medium and the under seasoned tomahawk ribeye asked for medium came out medium rare. We didn't figure out how to return a pre-cut steak to a d-bag server. Adding to the disaster the slices were not even cut evenly. The table next to us had to send their steak back. Was this amateur night?
(1)John K.
A few weeks back, the GF and I were in the mood for steak and more importantly, we were looking to celebrate our 4th anniversary together. So, we thought it was high time that we finally tried Barclay Prime. Starr restaurants are always spot on in terms of vibe and design. Expect no less from Barclay Prime, which is highly emblematic of the Mad Men era. Power lunches and expense account meals are to be enjoyed here. Seating is extremely comfortable - you feel as though you're lounging and that's not a bad thing! Ophelia's Fizz [$15] Ketel One orange vodka, prosecco, muddled strawberry & basil We had some bubbly back at home and considering the markups, we opted for a few cocktails for dinner in lieu of a bottle of vino. The GF went with the effervescent vodka sparkler, which was perfect for her. Not cloyingly sweet with the muddled strawberry, the herbaceousness of the basil really shined through each sip. The Stamford Bridge [$16] Woodford Reserve, Bodegas Toro Albala PX Gran Reserva, black licorice & orange-tea infused dolin blanc vermouth I enjoyed the bourbon-based tipple, which featured an everyday drinking favorite - Woodford Reserve. A Spanish desert wine backed up the bourbon with deep aromas of caramel and toffee. Very nice. Popover Gruyere Who doesn't love a popover to start your meal a la BLT Steak or Sbraga? This was one of the best I've had - crispy exterior studded with gruyere, with an inside that was light and fluffy. Perfectly paired with a pat of room-temp butter (thank the heavens!) topped with fleur de sel. Alaskan King Crab Cocktail [$29] Cocktail sauce While this is a hefty $13.50 a leg, the king crab was cooked perfectly and was delicious. No seasoning or cocktail sauce needed here - just a small spritz of lemon to enjoy the sweet meat. Maine Diver Scallops [$18] Cauliflower couscous, marcona almond, romesco The GF had the scallops, which were seared properly and were tender within. The accoutrements took an interesting Middle Eastern turn with some cumin interspersed within the cauliflower couscous, which had great texture. The romesco added some brightness and the marcona almonds provided richness and additional texture to each bite. Foie Gras [$25] Quince terrine, mustard greens, sherry sauce Unsurprisingly, I went with the foie, which featured a small, but perfectly seared lobe of lusciousness. The quince terrine was great, featuring interesting texture and a subtly sweet countervailing element to the heft of the foie. The mustard greens provided some contrast as well. And from there, it was on to the steaks! You know it's time when the knives are presented, each with its own back story. The GF and I opted to go with the Samurai and Porsche design, respectively. 12 oz. Prime Filet Mignon [$53] With her weapon firmly secured, the GF had the right tools to enjoy her prime beef filet. While there wasn't much seasoning here, the steak was properly charred and came as requested - medium. A pickled red onion and watercress salad appears to come with your steak. 18 oz. 28-Day Dry-Aged Prime Ribeye [$51] I almost went with the 50 oz tomahawk, but decided to take it down a notch and opted for the dry-aged ribeye. Ordered medium-rare, this had great beefiness, with enough marbling throughout. I could have used a bit more seasoning, but the quality of the beef was undeniable. Tater Tots [$11] The tater tots had to be ordered - they were crispy on the outside with a creamy texture that had great chive flavor within. Easy to enjoy. Truffle Mac & Cheese [$18] The truffle mac and cheese was a no-brainer as well. Barclay Prime might very well offer my favorite version of mac and cheese. Bonus? They did not overdo it with the truffle oil. The secret to their cheese sauce? It's literally the MAC - mascarpone, asiago, and cheddar. The sweetness of the mascarpone was understated, but definitely provided a contrasting element to the sharp cheddar and salty asiago. In addition to al dente cavatappi nestling the cheese sauce perfectly, there was a nice crunchy crumble on top that almost popped in your mouth with each bite. Tiny broccoli florets were sparingly studded in the dish as well A must order. And as we moved on to dessert, Nicole came out with some champagne to toast our special night, compliments of the house. Much appreciated! Toasted Chocolate S'Mores [$10] Back in 2013, I saw Pastry Chef Christina Diekewicz create the toasted chocolate s'mores at the Rittenhouse Row Festival . So naturally, we opted for this dessert. The ice cream was the true star for me, studded with graham cracker crumbles and had a lusciousness that complemented the molten chocolate cake topped with s'mores marshmallow. Delicious. The pastry chef also sent out some star-shaped chocolate short-bread cookies.And a tiny chocolate cake to enjoy at home. What a nice touch! So if you're looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a steak-night out - do stop by!
(5)Krina S.
Oh. My. Goodness. If you want a serious date night with amazing food, go ahead and make a reservation here. The restaurant is gorgeous; dimly lit, chandeliers everywhere, dark brown wood shelves with books, deep cushioned seats, etc. We got some filet steaks, the truffle macaroni, and whipped potatoes. All were delectable. I venture to say everything else on the menu is too.
(5)Sal K.
Best steak I've ever had. I ordered the boneless ribeye and it cut like butter and tasted better than any meat I've ever prepared for myself. Brought the wife here for our anniversary. Service, meal and everything in between were exemplary. Will come back!
(5)Dave S.
Beautiful Room! Great Service! Lamb Chop is amazing! Hot Popovers served gratis before each meal with soft butter--I could have eaten three of them but then I wouldnt have been able to finish my lamb. The $100 cheesesteak was NOT good! However, they happily took it off the bill when they saw we left half of it on the plate hence the 5 stars. Perfect food is nice but even better is when something is not perfect and they correct it immediately with a smile.
(5)Phillip L.
The long trail of 5-star reviews for this establishment is well deserved. The location along Rittenhouse Square is convenient and provides for a nice option for a pre or post-dinner walk, and there is a parking lot (paid of course) that is just across the street south of the restaurant, which made for a very convenient arrival. Upon entering the restaurant, the maitre de greeted us and we were promptly shown to our table. I was actually enjoying the ambiance of the front bar area as we were walking through towards the dining room, and would eagerly try that if I were stopping in solo or meeting for drinks, but we were seated so quickly that I didn't pause there. Bread service was terrific -- I would describe it as a puff with a crispy shell and a hallow inside, perfect for buttering with the salted butter that accompanied it. For appetizers we tried the crab cakes and scallops. Both were phenomenal. The crab cakes were fried just enough to have a golden brown surface, were filled with tasty crab, and I detected no filler of any kind. For dinner I tried the 18oz Ribeye, and the table shared sauteed mushrooms and scalloped potatoes. The ribeye came out prepared precisely the way that I had requested. The mushrooms were delicious, that dish was cleaned bare by the time dinner was over. For dessert our table of three shared a warm cookie (3 kinds) in a skillet, with a scoop of ice cream on top. I particularly liked the oatmeal portion of the cookie, but my wife's favorite was the brownie-like center. This is the easiest 5-star review to give: exemplary service, one of the best steaks I've ever had, outstanding sides and dessert, and convenient location. I would eagerly come back for another special occasion in the future.
(5)Monica Q.
Pro: fantastic food. Great bread (popovers) and the meat is cooked deliciously and tastes so very fresh. The veal portion is enormous and so very tasty. Tuna tartare puts many sushi restaurants to the test. Mashed potato sides were good. Cons: price. Omg the price. It's nice to go with a large group because then you can get sides that only cost one or two more bucks each. However, keep in mind this place is $70+ and more if you like to drink!
(4)Paul C.
I'm a huge steak fan...we got porterhouse, rib eye, bone in filet, beef tartar, scallops, asparagus, tater tots, few cocktails, chocolate caramel cake, and bottle of wine... Good: beef tartar, scallops, chocolate caramel cake Average: all the steaks, asparagus, tater tots, Service Bad: Cocktails, Over priced wine... Perhaps my expectations were too high...but considering this place cost more than Capital Grille...i expected to be better... I'm definitely not going back here again...
(3)Acer V.
Went on a Saturday night and it was packed - service was superb as if we were the only people there. This was my fifth time there and it was time to give kudos. Foie Gras was amazing, the ribeye perfect. If you haven't ordered the wedge salad, you must! Atmosphere is mesmerizing, welcoming and warm. very hard to leave this place after the amazing food and service.
(5)Justine J.
I took my boyfriend here for his birthday dinner and it was incredible, both service and food. We started off with the Alaskan king crab and half a dozen oysters from the cold bar. The crab came with two legs, with half of the shell perfectly sliced off. All you had to do was just peel the meat off the bottom half of the shell. Hands down the most convenient and delicious crab I have ever had. Feel free to spritz some fresh lemon and cocktail sauce on it As for the raw oysters? Amazing.We had three from east coast and three from west,all of which were fresh and juicy. Their vinaigrette was amazing. No buck a shuck here though :( Crab cake was pretty good, except I don't care for crab cakes so I don't have anything fair to say. Birthday boy devoured them so that says enough. It came with 2 generous lumps of crab meat with very few of this corn meal filler nonsense most other places try to pull off. It was perfectly seared and was super juicy. I would say this is a must if you are a crab cake lover. Not to mention it came with avocados. There is also a complimentary Gruyere and chive bread (puff) that is so freakin' good. It's so soft and fluffy and with their whipper butter... so damn good. Lobster bisque was great. Rich, creamy, and a chuck of lobster meat or two with every bite. Generous portion too for only $15. I would say it' close to 12 fl oz. The steaks, were just wow. First, you get to chose your own cutting knife.They had 4 or 5 to choose from, which is super cool. The steaks were grilled to perfection and very tender. You can cut the steak with a spoon. The 24 oz 29-day aged porterhouse was amazing. It was well seasoned and very flavorful. The 12 oz filet migon was also delicious, but not quite as flavorful. The cut was very thick, so only the outer portion was bursting with flavor and the inner portion just melts in your mouth. I could definitely get used this. We also got two sides: sauteed mushrooms and butterball potatoes (pretty much just fancy home fries) with garlic aioli, both of which were great compliments to the juice velvety steaks we had. We also had a bottle of red wine (Camino de Navaherreros) which was amazing. The hazelnut bread pudding was amazing. It was warm, moist, and very fluffy. It came with warm cream on the side and you pour it onto the plate. The service was amazing. The table was constantly kept clean and water and wine glass were always well attended to. Perfect everything!
(5)Stephanie H.
The food steak was great, but a $200 wagyu ribeye better be. Wine was also very good. I have to say, however, that I expected a bit classier of a place and pristine service. I know restaurants are changing - who dresses up for a $600 meal right? But little things were lacking from making this worth the price - like both times I got up to use the restroom my napkin was not folded by the server it was laying on my chair just how I left it when I got up. I really don't mean this to be negative, we truly did enjoy our meal, but just expected a different type of place. Also, it played weird upbeat, trendy music - not what I expect at a nice dinner out.
(3)Reena N.
I've been slowly chipping away at the best steakhouses in the country and Barclay Prime was on the list. I've been to a few Starr restaurants without realizing it, but after reading the reviews, figured it would be great to give a try on a trip to Philly as we double dated with my sister. Ambiance: It's a very low lit intimate setting with warm bookshelves all around the room. Most of the seating is modern but with a vintage modern feel. Each table feels like its own lounge. As another reviewer mentioned, you feel like your walking onto the set of a Mad Men episode. Service: Premium. The wait staff did not make us feel rushed or like were overworked. They had the time to pay attention to all their table needs and ensure that food and appetizers as well as drinks were served promptly. If they saw that your drink was nearing its end, they would be on top of it to offer you another one. Everything felt under control and as a guest, you felt like all your needs would be anticipated and met. A unique part of this restaurant is that they offer the ability to choose your steak knife. The staff are happy to make recommendations based on the cut you ordered. If you come here enough times you can go through them all to see the one that fits best with your hand. I choose a Ferrari knife for this first experience. Food: To start off with, their Gruyere popovers are AMAZING. I bought a popover pan because they became my new obsession! I would come here just for these if I could. As a test, my husband and I always order the porterhouse medium rare. We also shared the Creamed Spinach and Truffled mac and Cheese. Both sides were fantastic, but the steak was the real prize. Perfectly cooked to Medium rare and salted just right. It really hit the spot, we were scraping off the bone just to get a better taste. This was PRIME meat, well cared for and well seasoned. Overall, 5 star experience.
(5)Mark D.
I don't want my three star review to be misinterpreted as meaning Barclay Prime is merely average - it is not. It's very good. I just don't see it as being worthy of its billing, or its price. The interior of the restaurant has a modern, upscale but homey feel. I'm not sure how I feel about it. It's definitely nice, but something about sitting on essentially a shared booth seat with other customers doesn't feel quite right at a restaurant of this caliber. Take it as you will. On to the food. I had the 18 oz ribeye, my wife had the 8 oz filet. They were good steaks - but not otherworldly. When I take a bite of a steak at a restaurant like this, I expect it to melt in your mouth, I expect to be shocked by how good it was. That wasn't really the case here. It was a good steak, but not phenomenal. That said both steaks were cooked correctly to order. Side dishes were a bit overpriced but good. Service was prompt and professional. I wouldn't say it was overly friendly or helpful, but we were very quickly attended to by multiple people, the manager checked in on us a few times as well. The best part about eating here is probably the choice of knives - I've never had that before at a steakhouse, it's kinda fun. The bathrooms weirded me out a bit. Maybe it's just a European style that I'm not accustomed to, but a single bathroom with shared sinks and gender-labeled stalls just felt...odd. I dunno. I didn't like it, and I would imagine women would like it less. Barclay Prime is a very good restaurant, but Philadelphians are fortunate enough to have a number of excellent steak houses to choose from - and if you're paying this amount of money, I would choose a competitor next time. I've been much happier with my experience at other Starr restaurants.
(3)Elliot P.
Was this the best restaurant experience of my life? Probably. Everything was absolutely perfect. Came here for my birthday a couple of weeks ago. Delightful waitstaff. We started off with a couple of cocktails, both trying two of their specialty cocktails. They were unique and delicious and used some fascinating ingredients. As I've recently become a huge fan of foie gras, I ordered the appetizer which was easily the best foie gras i ever had. It was served with a grape jam and mashed peanut topping. Incredible. A taste explosion, really. We ordered steaks - me the ribeye, she the new york. both cooked masterfully and just wonderful cuts of meat. Thick and juicy, what else do you need? Tried a new bottle of wine - recommended by our waiter that was just perfect and did not try to upsell. Had a side of the au gratin which were cheesy and delicious and the wife had the best creamed spinach either one of us had ever tasted. But oh those popovers. They were flaky and cheesey and warm and served with this awesome tasting butter. So fantastic. Double up on those popovers. They're that good. Had a chocolate cake thing for dessert that was, not surprisingly super sweet and smooth. An all around excellent experience. This is the kind of place that motivates you to be successful. Some lucky people have the opportunity to eat at places of this caliber often, and if you are one of those, I am jealous! For those of you that dine at places like this rarely, it's worth it. If you only get out to a nice restaurant once a year or once every five years, you won't be disappointed. And for those that are intimidated by fancy restaurants: don't be. We are not "fancy folk" and we were made to feel very welcome and comfortable. A+++
(5)Joey M.
Holy Cow! (literally!!) FYI: The entrance is very discrete and easily missed. I absolutely adored the decor in this restaurant. It was like an old English study with dim lighting and a loungy feel. The walls were lined wtih book shelves and books haphazardly arranged to make it appear natural. As much as I love food I cannot wrap my head around these prices so I consider myself fortunate that I was invited here for a work party. To say I was blown away is an understatement. First off the service is second to none. For the table we had several orders of : Oysters (both types offered) , lobster, crab, giant shrimp from the raw bar, kobe sliders, HUGE scallops and the $100+ cheesesteak (was sliced like a hero and served as an appetizer) I have to be honest, I am normally not a fan of cheesesteak (faux pas for a Philadelphian I know!) but this was unbelievable! It was so moist and had so much flavor and was a very unexpected surprise to my taste buds! Yum Yum Yum! Steak for dinner: Satsuma wagyu NY strip kyushu island This was the most prciey steak on the menu ringing in at over $100 Never had such an expensive steak before and it was mind blowing! Melted in my mouth! If you can afford such pleasures I recommend it! The table was also filled with every side order on the menu. Though I was highly preoccupied with my steak, I sampled the spinach (good), mac n cheese (good), potatoses (wished I'd saved the room for more steak!). For dessert: Toasted chocolate s'mores Ahhhhmazing! Especially if you have a sweet tooth like I do. It is very decadent. I Look forward to more work events here!
(5)Feny S.
Everything about this place is just AHH-MMAAHH-ZING!! Fantastic elegant decor, top notch service and the food are phenomenal!! It is pricey - yes ... but this review is not about their prices. I let my husband worry about that ... haha ... But yes ... other than being a little pricey, everything else are just perfect. My husband first took me here for our wedding anniversary. We had a really nice, intimate and romantic dinner. Then we came back for his birthday with a group of friends. We had a blast! That said, this place is good for an intimate romantic dinner for lovebirds, but also has that comfortable-vibe to hang with your friends. The two time I was there, Barclay maintains their superiority in all aspects. We had the oyster ... I can't eat oyster. I just can't swallow it ... just eeewww! But my husband said theirs was really good and fresh. So there. I take his words on reviewing the oyster here. I had the bone marrow which was so delicate and tasty. They also gave us this complimentary bread. I don't what it's called exactly. But it's some kind of their home-made bread but not really a bread as it had layers similar to a croissant. It was warm, flaky, soft and buttery. I had the dry aged NY strip, and my husband had the Australian Wagyu steak ... both steaks were cooked medium rare perfectly. Both steaks were tender and juicy. But the wagyu ... it just melt in you mouth! Seriously, it didn't feel like I was chewing a meat ... more like chewing jelly. It's THAT tender! For the sides, we had creamed spinach, mushrooms and potato gratin. The tenderness, the flavor ... everything was just beautiful! But oh my dear Yelpers ... I am sorry to tell you that I didn't feel this much love for their Cheesesteak. My friend ordered it and I had a bite. Yes it was good ... but it's not worth $100 to me. I just didn't see the beauty in this, nothing to rave about. Now let's talk about service ... as I said, it was TOP-NOTCH! Everyone from the hosts, hostesses, and servers were all polite, friendly and know their stuff. Our server, both times, were wonderful. He suggested wonderful choices of wine pairing with our food, they answered to all our questions concerning the menu ... and ohh, did I mention about choosing your own steak knife? Yeah, so the server would bring out a set of steak knives for you to choose one! I never had any experience like that. So choosing my own steak-knife, I felt like a "samurai" of the day ... hahaha .. it was definitely unique and fun in it's own way. At the end, it's been an all around excellent dining experience. Definitely, positively, highly recommended place to try!
(5)Becca R.
The filet mignon was unreal. Cooked perfectly throughout the middle and charred beautifully on the outside, this steak did not last long on my plate. I inhaled the thing. Woke up the next morning still thinking about it. My lucky boyfriend brought home leftovers so he's having a delicious breakfast this morning. And the whipped mashed potatoes? I fought strong urges not to lick the bowl they were served in. The popovers and salted butter that came out first was also a nice touch - the bread was fluffy, light, and made me throw my carb-watching ways to the wind. Someone here mentioned that they are gruyere popovers? That may explain the unique flavor. Yum. I don't know my ass from my elbow when it comes to steak knives either, so it was a new experience to choose which one I wanted to use for my meal (decided on the Samurai steak knife, btw. The steak was so tender that you barely needed it though.) As a broke college kid right now, wanting to dine at places like Barclay more often is a huge motivator to keep working hard.....
(5)Mark L.
I've had steak all over the Delaware Valley....one of the best Prime Ribs, I've ever eaten....
(5)Laura A.
I love Philly because it has amazing food and one of my favorite restaurants to vista while I'm there is Barclay Prime. I love coming here because the service is always excellent and on point! From the hostess to the waiting staff. The dinning room is so elegant and feels very high class. They have Valet which I can certainly appreciate when wearing 6 inch heels. Ok now on to the good stuff. Food: the complimentary Popovers are OMG delicious- They are these little warm breads served with butter on the side which have these raw pieces or salt sprinkled on top. This place takes bread basket to another level of deliciousness. The oysters were some of the best I've had, and believe me I've been to Paris and had some good oysters. The steak wow!! aged and cooked to perfection. The wine selection is sophisticated enough for any wine aficionado but simple enough for a beginner to select a good pairing, if not ask the amazing staff. The desserts amazing!!! Oh, and the complimentary petit fours they gave us were Delicious. Listen, I could go on and on about this place- But, until you make a reservation and try it for yourself you are certainly missing out. Now get out there and leverage your steak house palate you Foodie you!! :)
(5)Presley E.
Everything about this place was awesome. The ambiance is great, the servers was superior and the food.....PHENOMENAL. I had the Lobster and it would literally melt in your mouth. My boyfriend had the ribeye steak and potatoes and it was tender and juicy and cooked to perfection. I would definitely recommend this place!
(5)Abby J.
Best steak ever. I really love Sullivan's but my steak - prime ribeye - was flavorful and soft. Again maybe the best steak I ever had. The man had Chilean sea bass and it was done perfectly. He even says maybe the best he ever had. Pop over rolls were delicious - eat while hot. Mac and cheese side was awesome. Tator tots are worth skipping. The man does not like cauliflower but even HE enjoyed it there. Nice twist with the sauce and not over done. The artichoke side was also good. Waiter was awesome and very knowledgable. Atmosphere of being in a library was very funky. Unisex group bathroom was a little hard for the man to get used to (think Alley McBeal). The smores dessert and latte were awesome!!! Save room for that dessert if you can.
(5)Sarah K.
Best steak in philly. If you can swing it order a strip, split it with your companion, and get the lobster. Most amazing lobster ever. Poached in butter, served warm with butter and lemon. No work, no mess, soooo worth it. All the sides are amazing! Make sure you get a popover, the salty butter is mouthwatering. Don't come here if your being economical or watching your waist. For those who want to splurge it's perfect!
(5)Monique B.
There is not enough I can say about Barclay Prime. The bill is going to put a dent in your wallet, but it is worth every penny. The drinks at the bar are perfectly made, the service in the main dining room is impeccable. The food is impeccably cooked, and the freshest cuts of meat. Save your money and check it out. Worth every penny!
(5)Ma L.
Had a second visit with my bf. Really amazing experience. We ordered the Satsuma Wagyu steak, and it was soooooooooo good!!!! We loved it with creamed spinach. The scallops are nice, the Foie gras is simply amazing. It's a must.
(5)Ryan A.
Wow! The atmosphere, service and food were all exceptional. We started with delicious rolls which were light, buttery and crispy. We then moved to the waygu slider duo which melted in our mouths. We each got a salad. I went with the wedge salad which had an excellent dressing and bacon topping. We were both in the mood for filet mignon, so we cannot account for the aged or fattier steaks (like ribeye, yum). Still, I got the 12 oz prime filet. My wife got the American waygu filet. Both were seared perfectly with a nice spice that blended nicely with the juicy flavor inside. Both steaks were cooked perfectly to a medium rare and had excellent flavor. The American waygu was noticeably more tender (as it should be). As for price: it was as expected with a top tier steakhouse. In all, we left full, satisfied and happy. I would recommend coming here for special occasions or if you're in the town and want an excellent steak!
(5)Benjamin Y.
This steakhouse is truly incredible. First, the high level of service is tough to beat; the staff is always attentive to your needs. This reminds you of a different era. Second, the steak is absolutely succulent and delicious. It is the best steak I've ever had. This is paired with great side dishes and decadent dessert. If you want to treat yourself to a celebratory meal, would highly recommend. In terms of the atmosphere, Barclay Prime is a very comfortable lounge environment. The seating is on couches and couch chairs, and it is seating that you just want to sink into. The location is great, right on Rittenhouse Square. Do note the lighting is very dark to create an intimate atmosphere. Overall, would highly recommend. If you are looking for steak, and not on a budget, definitely the right choice!
(5)Alex J.
My boyfriend and I had a very nice dinner here on NYE. We both ordered several glasses of wine, salads, the 8 oz filet, potato sides, and split the cheesecake. The pinot grigio (unfortunately I forget the name) we ordered was delicious! My bf got the chop salad and I the caesar, both excellent. I ordered the potato gratin with my filet and my boyfriend ordered the mashed potatoes. I didn't love my side, but his mashed potatoes were one of the best I've ever tasted! In my opinion the potato gratin were not rich enough and a little bland for my taste. The filets were just out of this world, cooked perfectly. I am very snobby when it comes to dessert and felt that the cheesecake was just OK. We also loved the bread they served before our meals!!! The atmosphere in Barclay Prime is classy, chic, and artsy with books on the walls and chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. Our waitress was attentive, but not overly nice--however being NYE I can imagine it being a more stressful night for the waitstaff. What was really cool was that when my bf got up to use the restroom, a man came over and re-folded his napkin for him :)) All in all, great experience at Barclay Prime. Was super impressed and will definitely be back!
(4)Jamie L.
When you go into a restaurant and they don't have salt or pepper on the table, you know the meal is going to be either really bad or really good. It takes a lot of courage for a restaurant to have that high level of confidence. And in this case, Barclay Prime delivers. Every detail of the meal was perfection. From the bread and seasoned butter they served, to the sides, to the best steak I have _ever_ eaten. The sear, the cook, the flavor, everything was spot on. Then came the cheesecake. Wow. Just wow. Even the plating was art. The server (Drew) was fantastic, distant when I wanted him to be and right there when I wanted him to be. It's like he could read my mind. Will DEFINITELY come again.
(5)Colleen M.
I gave this place another shot after being contacted by the manager in response to my last review. While there was improvement on my overall experience, I still can't see myself giving Barclay Prime more than 3-stars. We arrived and were promptly seated. The server was really great. He was knowledgeable about the drink menu and made good suggestions for wine to accompany my meal, as well as providing feedback on their variety of side dishes. Our party of 3 ordered a round of soup/salads/appetizers before our entrees. The waygu sliders really hit the spot and I loved that they were able to up the portion to 3 sliders without a hassle. The lobster bisque and wedge salads were all quite good. We each ordered steaks as our main course. Mine was the filet, which I asked to be done medium-well, but "more well than medium" (after being told "medium" would be red/pink throughout). Unfortunately, when I received my filet it was red, red, red, red throughout. I would have described it as medium-rare, closer to rare. My boyfriend, who likes his meat medium-rare thought it was pretty undercooked as well. While I realize this is a rather thick cut of meat, I still anticipated it being cooked to my request; especially since I was so specific about my desired done-ness. I was able to send it back without an issue and with apologies from my server. When it returned it was cooked much more to my liking. On the upside, everyone else's entree was cooked to perfection and the side dishes were outstanding. Overall, this one is "A-OK" but not up the the standards I expect from Stephen Starr restaurants. I'll stick with my good old standards - Buddakan, Talulahs, Jones, El Vez, etc. all of which top my list of faves in Philly.
(3)Sarah G.
Simply delicious. The food and service were both excellent. I got the following: Wagyu beef sliders Filet mignon with bearnaise sauce Truffle mac and cheese Tater tots Smores dessert Everything was excellent. The filet was perfectly cooked and melted in my mouth, the sauce was creamy and flavorful, etc. Would highly recommend.
(5)Adam L.
Well... after years and years of living in the city... I finally made it here. The wait was completely worth it. This is Starr dining at its absolute finest. Located on the corner of the Barclay building right on Rittenhouse Square, looks very unassuming for what is inside. The decor was not what I was expecting but I thought the restaurant looked fantastic. Honestly, I was expecting some stuffy high class place for Barclay Prime, and it really was not. Don't get me wrong, you still need to dress up and look decent, but the place still had a very relaxed atmosphere. I ordered the veal porterhouse (honestly, I didn't even know you could get a veal porterhouse) and the beet salad. I don't think I could say enough good things about the porterhouse, the veal was just perfectly done and topped with an amazing mushroom sauce. The salad was good too... but a bit small. Anyway, back to the meat. I was with a larger group and I tried the filet, strip, and of course their famous $100 cheesesteak. It was all just fantastic. Finally, the service. The service was just impeccable. There really isn't much else to say.If you are celebrating some special occasion absolutely go.
(5)Somaira H.
This is now one of my favorite steakhouses in Philadelphia. It has a very classy and romantic feel, but more importantly, the food, wine and cocktails were amazing. We ordered the kobe sliders and beef tartare to begin with. However, the bread that was brought over before the food was the best I've ever had at any restaurant - soft on the inside, crispy on the outside. For our main course, I ordered an 8 oz. American Wagyu steak and others ordered the 18 oz. Before our steaks came out we were all able to choose a steak knife from 5 unique options - one was from Germany, another made in Japan, etc. I chose one that was made by Porsche and it did not disappoint (I pretty much wanted to take it home!). For dessert we all shared the cookie topped with ice cream and cheesecake - both were delicious! If you want to impress someone or just feel like having a fancy night, this is the perfect spot.
(5)beth s.
My husband and I were lucky enough to get a late NYE reservation at Barclay Prime and like most Stephen Starr restaurants, the service was outstanding. Our waitress, Tara, was fun, energetic, knowledgeable, and just an overall cool chick. She really set the stage for an awesome ringing in of the new year. I wouldn't say I am a steak connoisseur, but having moved from NY last year I will say that I have been to my fair share of amazing steakhouses and nothing in my life has compared to the filet mignon I had last night. HOLY MOLY. First of all, I was able to choose the type of knife I wanted to use and there was no way I was passing up a Japanese throwing knife.....but I digress....that steak. The way it is seared gives the outside a slight "crunch" (for lack of a better word) and the most amazing flavor. Then you get to the middle and the meat is melt in your mouth, thank you Jesus, oh no you didn't...types of deliciousness. I can not even explain in words how good it was. We also got mashed potatoes, broccoli, Mac and cheese, dranks, and salads (plus the complimentary popovers), but the show stealer was obviously the meat. I can't wait to go back....in fact, I just made another reservation. I would like to thank Barclay Prime and Mr. Starr for giving my taste buds the ride of their lives.
(5)Hannah C.
Barclay Prime is NOT the kind of place I go to- I mean, I would, but I'd have to win the lottery or something. Somehow I found myself in there for happy hour and it was an incredible experience! For me and my wallet! I usually expect a happy hour cocktail menu to have two or three drinks on special, but they have at least five or more $6 cocktails to choose from. Manhattan was delicioius. You are offered warm popovers, beautiful puffy breads with salted butter, FOR FREE. I had two, of course. Their happy hour food menu includes several different plates for $6- the sliders were small and awesome. Oysters, $1.50 a pop. So so good. Obviously, the service was immaculate. I was pleasantly surprised that my waiter was actually a nice, friendly guy who just wanted to give me as many popovers as I wanted, and that I wasn't made to feel out of place. Maybe one day I'll go back for a $100 cheesesteak, but for now, this happy hour will hit the "fancy as hell" spot.
(5)Diana K.
I visited Barclay Prime telling myself "I'm not getting the steak. I'm getting something light, like seafood or a salad and I'll be satisfied with just a bite of the steak that my boyfriend ends up getting. Yep, no problem, just keepin' it light." Okay, here's what really happened: I ended up with my own 16 oz. dry-aged NY strip and I ate every bite. With a side of buttery potatoes. Oh, and a Roquefort cheese dipping sauce to boot. I rolled out of there with no regrets! To be fair, we did also down the kale salad, which was lovely and just as light as I expected. The popovers served with sea salt butter were unbelievable - I almost want to come back just to have another taste. And I had a few bites of the 18 oz. dry-aged ribeye - honestly the best piece of steak I have ever tried. Our server was a huge help throughout the night, she pointed us in the right direction for each dish and came around often to see how we were doing. To keep this place really fancy and exciting, they like to let you choose your own steak knife and they describe each one to you (as if you understand the difference). Not to mention, the steaks were all dinosaur sized! Honestly, they could probably charge more for steaks of this size and quality - I feel like I ate my money's worth! Barclay Prime was a treat!
(5)Serena D.
This was my second time dining here. Ever since I tried their $150 Philly cheesesteak last time, I thought I will always stick with Butcher&Singer. I mean, their cheesesteak was great, juicy and has lots of flavors, but for the price you pay, I don't think I will ever order it again. This time, I ordered the 12 o.z prime filet mignon, the steak was fantastic! It was cooked as requested. They didn't put a lot of seasonings on the steak because good steak doesn't need that. Before the steak is served, you gotta choose your own "weapon"- the knives to cut steaks with, which i thought is very cool! For the appetizer, we ordered the crabcake and foie gras. The crabcake was ok, didn't "wow" me, but the foie gras was really good, I highly recommend it. For the drinks, we ordered a bottle of wine (forgot the name of the wine) that was recommend by the server. Ordering a glass of wine can be kinda expensive there, maybe sharing a bottle of wine is the way to go. If you want cocktail, my favorite is called "love triangle". I ordered the bread pudding for the dessert, it really hit the spot! I'm not a sweets fan, I usually just try one or two spoons of dessert, but not this time! :) Oh, did I mention their complimentary Gruyere popovers? Can't get enough of it! :) The ambience of this place is classy, I love the dim lighting. The place looks like an old English study -wood shelves with books, comfy cushioned seats, full of chandeliers, etc. This is a pricy restaurant but worth every penny you spend. If you are looking for a place to celebrate special occasion or simply just want to enjoy great steak, you can't go wrong with this place!
(5)George W.
A really cool joint. Deader than a Kennedy on Wednesday night. Seniors drinking martinis at one table, terminally single yuppies recounting walks of shame at another. Not sure who is their target demographic. I really hope this place does well as so many famous restaurants in Philly just aren't there anymore. The food was better than average, but not spectacular. Been to much better chop houses that were not as expensive. Caution: They tend to overlook the steaks and can't pour a Black and Tan to save their life.
(3)Jason H.
Barclay Prime is a Stephen Starr restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city, and in my opinion the best steakhouse in the city. The decor is an odd mix of old and new, with the dining room sparsely decorated with 70's retro furniture, dark wood, and half-full (or half-empty, as you see it) bookshelves. Definitely a contrast to Starr's other steakhouse, Butcher & Singer, which has a much more consistent and clubby/1940's vibe. While Butcher & Singer tends to be a throwback, Barclay is definitely a modern variation on the steakhouse in both decor and menu. The raw bar is replete with oysters, fish crudo, tuna tartare, both jumbo and colossal shrimp cocktails, as well as lobster and king crab cocktails. They also have a shellfish sampler platter where you can create your own sampler, complete with what I'm sure is a gut-heaving price. The caviar selection is also top-notch, with not only American White Sturgeon and Royal Ossetra, but also kaluga which is a river beluga (as the menu explains) and is priced nearly twice the ossetra, at $225/oz. Between the raw bar, and the caviar options, you could spend $750 without even trying, and not even have made it to the appetizers yet. Appetizer range from the familiar, foie gras terrine and diver scallops, to the slightly more rarified, wagyu sliders and porcini agnolotti, to the old standards, bone marrow and steak tartare. I'll skip the salads and the soups...not why you go here. The menu has a surprising selection of fish options for a steakhouse, including branzino, dover sole, chilean sea bass, and butter poached lobster. The steaks are the best you can find in Philadelphia, and the Wagyu options seem to be persistently on the menu, including a filet, NY strip, and shortrib. The Wagyu is outstanding, and I recommend the filet, as the marbling give it a flavor that simply can't be had with any other way. As an incredibly lean and tender cut, the filet is also the most lacking in flavor; the Wagyu variety provides the marbling that makes it a truly outstanding option. An now...the cheesesteak. A contentious menu item from the day the restaurant opened, primarily due to the foie gras in the recipe. A wagyu, foie gras, truffled cheese whiz delight with a 1/2 bottle of champagne to wash it all down. Love it or hate it...it's something you should try at least once. If you're looking for a real "special" occasion type of place, or just have an expense account to play with, Barclay won't let you know. The food, service, and atmosphere consistently make it one of the must-visit restaurants in Philadelphia. Cash in some of your retirement fund...and have a decadent night out to remember.
(5)Chad W.
I'm a poor college kid. But the time I was treated to Barclay Prime in Rittenhouse is a night I will never forget. Everything was so very decadent. Our table tried everything from the 8 oz Australian cut to the 40 oz Porterhouse, and every appetizer in between. I never felt more fancy, just an all around great experience. Truly remarkable. I'm going to start saving my money so I can take my mom and dad here for their anniversary. Lovely..
(5)Kelly T.
As a mostly vegetarian, I will probably never head to Barclay Prime for dinner (though I know the chef cooks an excellent vegan dinner from a Foobooz After Dark appearance). However, the happy hour at this fine establishment (where the cast of Anchorman would seem to fit in nicely--in character of course) is excellent and offers some delicious vegetarian options. Happy hour runs from 5:00 to 6:30, and you can end up making this happy hour at one of the priciest steakhouses in Philly an actual good deal. Drinks are $6 each as are a select number of small plates. You have to order correctly to make this a good value investment--avoid the $6 Yuengling and Amstel Lite--as well as the $6 Vinho Verde. Slightly effervescent Vinho Verde is one of my favorite summer wines, but I've never seen a bottle more than $12, so this is probably not a very good deal. Go for the well-crafted cocktails. On our trip, I had a Manhattan, which was as excellent as to be expected at a steakhouse. I followed that up with a gin cocktail, flavored with cucumber and St. Germain and served on the rocks. It was very refreshing and would probably be excellent served up. The ice in the cocktail in combination with the cucumber juice really seemed to water down the drink. As a result, the last sip was not as good as the first. For bites, I had the truffled mac and cheese (normally $17), which came in a small casserole or very large ramekin sized dish. It was incredibly cheesy and indulgent, and the toasted breadcrumbs on top added a nice texture. That dish alone was probably enough for my dinner (and I only ate half). I also ordered the mushroom bruschetta, which came with three generous garlic scented toasts. The mushrooms were topped with a cheesy truffle sauce. The truffle flavoring was subtle and the salty, garlicky toasts were delicious. My companions and I could probably have eaten 10 of these toasts! I would give this place five stars, but as the bar filled up toward the end of happy hour, the bartender got very busy and I didn't have a chance to order another drink in the half hour before happy hour ended. Also, although we ordered a ton of food (my friend even got the $100 50-ounce steak) and we were out of drinks for a while, the bartender never offered us water or a refill. My friend ate a good 30 ounces of steak with no drink. More power to him, but something to wet the whistle while we enjoyed that spectacle would have been nice.
(4)Suzie L.
Totally what you would expect from a Steven Starr Restaurant. Ambiance is great, the food and drinks are delicious. The noise level is on the louder aspect so be ready to listen carefully to your server while they tell you the specials for the night. This is not the place to go to if you're looking to dine and bounce as each course is well spaced out. If a place is known for their $100 Cheesesteak, obviously you have to get it. Be advised that this is really rich and creamy therefore, sharing it as an appetizer is the way to go. If you want it all to yourself, more power to you. It was melt in your mouth delicious. The meat was super tender, came with truffled cheese wiz, foie gras and a side of pickled sweet/hot peppers on a sesame roll. Oh and not to mention a bottle of champagne and Perrier Jouet to be exact. I also got the 28 day aged NY Strip with a 1/2 Lobster cooked medium rare. The steak was cooked to perfection and had tons of flavor. The server brings you a plate of knives of your choice to dig into your meal. Overall, had a great time here with good company. Worth a try and would most likely try to come back for their other menu options like their seafood options.
(4)Casi C.
I don't normally pay $40 for steak, but when I do I get it from Barclay Prime! The food and the atmosphere were great but they did one thing that really stood out to me. They let you choose your own steak knife! They bring out a platter of knives and you can choose which one you prefer. They all cut really well but I have to say I liked the throwing knife the best. Thanks to Edward at Sofitel we were able to get a last minute reservation. We weren't seated in the main dining room but we still had full service at the bar area. The only reason they don't get 5 stars is because of the tables. This sounds really picky but the tables in the bar area are so low that you can just barely fit your legs under it.
(4)N H.
My boyfriend took me here for my bday. Turned out I forgot to put ID in my new evening purse- my bad, but here's what ended up happening. We show up, are asked to wait at the bar lounge which is really beautiful... Until we meet the bartender. I request a whiskey cocktail and get recommended a bourbon (not the same thing but I'll try). Then I realise I forgot my ID and both of us kindly decline to drink from there to not embarrass ourselves. It seems the bartender though had other plans. She called the manager unsolicited which made me feel like I was causing a scene. Again, we both just ordered a non-alcoholic iced tea- jeez! Then she carded my boyfriend and rudely told me she's going to serve him (he'd already declined). By the time that was over I was so uncomfortable I simply wanted to walk out, I felt like I was being shamed, goodness and for what, and on my bday! Right when we almost walked out we were told our table was ready. I give it five stars for our actual server, the brilliant steak, the foi gras was truly spectacular, the decor, and the attention to detail in the service. However, by then I was feeling really down about the way if been treated and just didn't enjoy being there.
(2)J K.
$85 Philly cheesesteak! $125 with the split of bubbly. Wagyu beef, foie gras, truffled cheese whiz. Man if was outstanding! Very very rich. Probably better shared as it is very rich. I sat at the bar which was dimly lit and cozy atmosphere. The main dinning room looked very nice also.
(4)Brian T.
Perfection! From the truffled mac & cheese, to the succulent fillet, the flavorful complementary puffs, and the excellent service, Barclay Prime has just become one of my top-3 steakhouses. I am very curious about the $100 cheesesteak, which I will have to try next time as a shared appetizer.
(5)Gigi L.
Last night my family and i had a fantastic dinner. We had the wagyu American filet, ribeye and bone in filet. It was melt in your mouth to die for. I would change one thing, we had a few appetizers one including the truffle risotto. The flavor was awesome but it was a little soupy. Out of all the steak places in Philadelphia, Barclay Prime tops it. The service was impeccable. Our waitress was very accommodating and helpful to any questions we had. If you have not eaten here I suggest you do so. We are very impressed. We will be back again. - Lagana family
(5)Vinayak B.
We dined here to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary and it was a very memorable experience. My wife was longing to go to a good steakhouse for a few months and this was reason enough to make a reservation here. We got the Hamachi Crudo for an appetizer and the Lobster Bisque soup. The Hamachi Crudo was a small portion but was really amazing in flavor profile. The contrast between the chili pepper ponzu and the buttery yellowtail and avocado was perfectly balanced. The garnish of crispy rice noodles brought the plate together really well in terms of texture. The lobster bisque had the right amount of creaminess to it and had some caviar garnish for extra oomph. When it came to the steaks, we got the 24oz Dry Aged Porterhouse and the 18oz Gachot & Gachot Prime Dry Aged Ribeye. Must say that these were the two best steaks we've had till date. They were cooked medium rare like we ordered and rested prior to serving. The tenderloin on the porterhouse was huge and super buttery. The ribeye was very rich, meaty and packed with flavor. We tried to finish as much as we could, but had to doggie bag the rest. For the sides, we chose the truffled mac and cheese and the butterball potatoes with aioli. The aioli was light and airy like it should be and not a liquid mush that many restaurants call aioli. But the truffled mac and cheese was way too salty and this sort of ruined the good flavor from the truffle oil. We were really stuffed so we decided to share "The Barclay" from the dessert menu. The hazelnut chocolate, chocolate ganache and the peanut butter praline base were a heavenly trio. The peanut butter ice cream had an incredible flavor. Service was impeccable and they really took care of us and put in a lot of extra effort to ensure that our anniversary dinner was very memorable. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion or simply in a mood for splurging a little bit. You won't be disappointed PS: The bathrooms are unisex which is slightly eccentric on the part of architect and interior designer India Mahdavi haha.
(5)Mike Z.
Wow! Thats all I can say. If you want take your girlfriend out, have a guys night out, take out an important client, this is the place to go. This is my favorite steak/sea food spot in the city. The atmosphere is super cool! The service is outstanding...the hostess took our jackets and took us to our seats. Our server was very helpful and knowledgeable in helping us decide on which wine to choose from their huge selection to go with our steak. She even brought 4 samples for us to try to make sure we didnt choose something we didnt like. Next, she brought out a trey of 8 different steak knives for each of us to choose one. They were all unique and made in all different parts of the world. I got the one thats made like a samurai sword. Ok lets get to the food and ill make it short and sweet.... We ordered oysters, filet with sautéed mushrooms , and their signature cheese steak which is $100. Its Obnoxious and hilarious all at the same time. All of the food was awesome! Best steak in the city! Ive also tried their NY strip in the past and it was incredible. We skipped dessert this time because it was too much food. Ive had dessert here before and it was very good. This restaurant is expensive and worth every penny. Before we knew it wAs 1230am and nobody tried to tell us to leave. When we asked when they close, they simply said they are here until customers are ready to leave and offered us more coffee. Top Notch Service! I can keep going about how 5 star this place is! Cant wait for my next dinner here. The
(5)S B.
Picked Barclay Prime for our sole dinner on a quick trip to Philadelphia based on yelp reviews and we were not disappointed. Grabbed a Saturday night reservation on opentable - lucked out and got one at a good time. Would recommend booking in advance as the place was pretty packed when we arrived. Checked in 15 mins early and made ourselves comfortable at the bijou bar - barman was great, really quick service and within minutes I was sipping on something delish made with lemon, lavender & champagne...I was happy to see that the extensive wine list had some nice and unusual grapes on the menu as well as a decent by the glass selection (I like to hop around the wine list and not commit to one bottle). Our table was ready bang on the reservation time and we were escorted through to the much brighter and more modern feeling dining room. Our 2 person table had a large enough surface area (hate it when there is no room for waters, bread, wines, flowers, candles, cutlery etc and the whole meal is like a game of chess) and whilst it was close to our neighbours we are used to an inch gap sometimes in NY so did not find this obtrusive. Our server was right over dealing with our water option and providing wine lists and menus. We had picked the place for its steaks and whilst the bf was procrastinating about ordering the $100 cheesesteak I knew he was not serious - we did take a while discussing the merits of each of the steaks available. Our server did not hurry us and instead took wine orders which were quickly filled and sent popovers our way - I had pre-warned him I don't eat carbs and he ensured that the bread guy did not try to tempt me. The bf did make lots of appreciative nods as he tried his. For appetizers we both opted for the steak tartare as we are both fans and I am so pleased we did. The portion size was great, made up of small cuts of filet bathed in a rich dijon & egg yolk sauce with just enough sharp capers and red onion to cut through the richness. Some crispy onions and pea shoots on top complimented the dish. Easily in my top 3 of tartares....might even be #1. For entrees we went steak all the way (although the fish options were tempting). The bf took a 16oz 28 day dry aged NY strip and I opted for the 12oz prime filet. I thought the 'pick your steak knife' selection was a nice touch - especially as the knife I chose was razor sharp (another pet peeve for me is dull knives). My steak came 'blue' as I ordered with a succulant and well seasoned crisp on the outside but with a cool and raw centre - it was a great peice of meat, perfectly seasoned and cooked just how I like it...sublime. The bf opted for a medium-rare cook and his steak came with a similar well seasoned crust but just cooked a little more allowing the fat to render and add heaps of delicious flavour. We passed on the carby sides (knowing we wanted our appetites to be sated by the meat) and opted for creamed spinach and roasted brocolli. The spinach was nice but nothing special although I really liked that it was not swimming in cream or overly fatty but the real star was the roasted brocolli...it was super crispy and chared with just the right about of red chili flakes to pep it up but not kill the flavour. I was tempted to order a second serving. Opted for coffees rather than deserts and were left alone by our servers to relax and enjoy our table for as long we wanted. The bill was not hideous - came out to about $300 all in, which I thought was fair given the quality of the food & drinks, great service and enjoyable atmosphere.
(5)Mobola O.
Excellent ambiance, great service, simple yet satisfying menu, and great food! Was very impressed with BP!!! I'm I'm typically not a huge fan of expensive steakhouses but this one was great! My friend and I ordered appetizers...I ordered the lobster bisque and she ordered the shrimp cocktail. We were pleasantly surprised when we were offered popovers, they were absolutely delicious!! For our main course, she ordered the prime rib and I ordered the New York strip steak...both were cooked to perfection and as we requested and they were excellent! Our sides consisted of the truffle mac & cheese and the creamed spinach both were great as well. Five stars for a delicious meal, great service, fast service and enjoyable atmosphere!!! Will definitely visit again and recommend to friends!!
(5)Paige B.
We stumbled in to the dim, sexy, and black leather-clad bar, sans reservation, on NYE 2013. It was my boyfriend's first time at Barclay. After our meal, he proclaimed it his new favorite restaurant in the city. 28 Day Dry Aged 16 Oz. NY Strip - 5 out or 5. We opted for the medium rare preparation without any of the sauces. Believe me, the meat is so flavorful you won't want, or need, to augment it. Truffle Mac & Cheese - 4.5 out of 5 Whenever I dine at Barclay, I always get the side of Truffle Mac. The black truffle is always so pronounced, earthy, and mesmerizing. The first time I tried this dish, the experience was "roll-your-eyes-back-in-your-head-and-sink-back-Âin-your-chair" good. This time, I detracted 0.5 stars because the pasta was a little too al dente, or firm. It could have cooked for a minute or two longer and would have been perfect. The cheese was oozing and the perfect accompaniment to the cellentani (large, hollow, corkscrew) pasta. Beef Steak Tartare (Hand-Chopped Filet Mignon with Dijon Sauce) - 5 out of 5 My boyfriend ordered this dish and we both agreed that the texture, acidity, and creaminess were in perfect balance. While I had a small bit of doubt about ordering raw steak, I was amazed at how flavorful and silky the steak tasted. The crostini was nicely prepared thin and toasted with some seasoning and oil. I would order it again! Hamachi Crudo - 5 out of 5 Fantastic. We loved the light marinade and the crunchy noodles on top. This dish was simple, elevated, and addictive. Overall, Barclay delivers--and then some. It was lovely to spend NYE there and we look forward to going back as soon as another special occasion arises!
(5)Eun Jung P.
Steak was amazing. Oysters were fresh. Server was experienced. It was a little noisy, but I'd go again for the food.
(5)Ari N.
Quite simply the best meal I have ever had. From the service, atmosphere and ambience to the wine paired with the food by the server, and finally the selection of knives brought out to choose from to eat our steaks. This is hands down my favorite restaurant to date and their take on the Philly Cheesesteak with foie gras was a revelation. Easily the best tasting thing I've ever eaten. This place is universal for satisfying all parties and occasions. Thank you for bestowing such awesomeness on the restaurant world, Stephen Starr. Bravo, sir.
(5)Brett F.
Had I appropriately written this review years ago, it would have been five stars across the board. See what happens when I procrastinate, Barclay? I go from loving you unabashedly to feeling like you're more so-so these days. Unfortunate, the things that time can do. What used to be my favorite restaurant in Philadelphia and my go-to spot for entertaining clients has fallen from grace as of late. It's hard for me to put my finger on it exactly (aside from some major service woes) but things just seem.... different. My favorite side dish - ahem, BACON - has long been removed from the menu. WRONG! Temperature issues have arisen with steaks on a few occasions and wine knowledge amongst the servers is amiss. At this price point, and in a restaurant so beautifully appointed (the dining room really is beautiful) these issues should be nonexistent. But, as I mentioned, my biggest complaint lies with service and what has recently revealed itself in the form of some really strange training. I've had it happen multiple times, and with different servers, but always the same thing... hovering just slightly away from the table, waiting for an acknowledgement to approach. Just come over! You're creeping me out, man. Then there is the OVERexplaining of everything on the menu as if you've never dined out before. They speak to the customer as if we're totally unschooled in fine dining. I find it offensive and condescending. You don't need to explain in great detail what Wagyu beef is. Unless, of course, I ask... then have at it. Assume your diner is educated unless they request the edification. Upon my last visit especially, I felt like I had just gotten lectured. So not conducive to what a relaxing, luxurious, upscale steakhouse should be. Fix this. Bring back the old days. And the bacon. Bacon makes everything better, even creepster service.
(3)Katherine R.
Oh My Goodness. Filet mignon. We've always sat up front in the bar area where it's much more chill. AND the scallops. They were so good we had an order of scallops, split the filet and had an order of scallops for dessert. Fuck cake. The wines are also fabulous. I've been curious about the $100 cheesesteak for a long time. Would anyone like to share?
(5)Kristen S.
I came here when my mom came into town and wanted to take me out to dinner, as I probably wouldn't spend so much on a meal myself. But it was definitely worth it. The service was great and the food was very good. The complimentary popovers are AMAZING. As it's a steak house, the steak was obviously perfect, but what I would go back for is more of those popovers.
(5)John M.
i got the 10oz ny strip steak, and it was the best i've had in my life. service was incredible too. overall it was one of the best dining experiences i had this year. the oysters from northern california were also to die for.
(5)Mark C.
This place is super nice, love the feel of the place. Kind of like how the bar is hidden. Steaks are big and thick just like me :) Anyways, service is outstanding. Honestly, I only came here to choose out of a big selection of steak knives, I choose 3 knives (the Global was too thick of a knife).
(5)Lizzie L.
All steakhouses are not created equal. Dinning at Barclay Prime is an experience of a lifetime. From the moment we walked in the library style bar we knew we were in for a treat. We felt transported back to the mid century Mad Men days with low velour contemporary seating and built in wood paneling bookcases. The ambiance is swanky yet classic with an air of haute intellectualism, perhaps simply from all the shelved hardbacks. Perfect place to don your little black dress or blazer and cozy up on a love seat or share a dimly lit romantic meal. Even if the vibe may seem high brow, the staff are down to earth and seem devoted to serving up authentic conversation and to making the meal easy and stress free. The culinary classics are executed so well. The poached buttered lobster melts in your mouth as much as the tender Wagyu steak. Try it medium rare puhleese! The creamed spinach is a spoonful of heaven. The cocktails are shaken to perfection and the wine selection accommodates even the novice palate. Bonus there are an assortment of exceptional steak knives served table side for your selection. Of course this experience comes at a cost. Entrees are close to $100 give or take. Worth the splurge for any special occasion or to seal that business deal. I will be dreaming of next time. Bon appetite!
(5)Sultan M.
First off, I didn't order the $100 Cheesesteak. My dinner companion did and couldn't finish it (which, as a former football player is saying something). Truffle Mac n Cheese, Tater Totes and a very nice filet. Excellent - truly excellent. On top of that, the bartender made 2 absolutely perfect cocktails for me. He made the drinks and brought them out each time himself and made sure I was happy with them before going back. Only downside - holy @#$@#$ is it expensive. 2 people, a few drinks and dinner and we were pushing $400. In NYC, Tokyo, London or Singapore I wouldn't blink (and I haven't), but in Philly it was a bit shocking. Still, looking back, it was totally worth it. Wish I'd taken pictures but I was too busy enjoying myself.
(4)Jamila G.
Had my birthday dinner here on Jan 30th & it was excellent just as I remember from my first visit here a few years back. Our server was friendly, extremely accommodating & also nice to look at, lol. I ordered a drink that ended up being a little on the bitter side to which he offered to take back & have the bar-tender customize it to my taste. I had the butter-poached lobster which was magnificent & they also sent out a little birthday treat on the house. Can't wait to return. Well worth the hefty price tag!!!
(5)Jemma C.
Place is entirely cliche but in a great way! Food was delicious, amazing quality and cooked perfectly. Portions were huge, too big for myself and my husband (who's a giant human!), but such a non complaint. Lovely dining room. Insanely good waiter. Incredibly expensive (we did drink A LOT though). Go for a special occasion or date night. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Kimberly Y.
Sorry this review is so long, but I just want to rave about the amazing experience I had here... one of the best steaks I've ever had, with great service and a cozy atmosphere to go along with it! Although there wasn't much decor, I enjoyed the minimalistic atmosphere. There were a few wooden bookshelves and the most comfortable couches to dine on! Definitely the nicest seating I've ever had at a restaurant. I'm short, and the table wasn't too tall for me, which was awesome. Each table had quite a bit of space to itself, too. The food was delicious, and each portion was considerably large. Two friends and I ordered the 50 oz tomahawk ribeye ($85), caesar salad ($12), and fingerling potatoes with aioli ($10), ringing the check up to ONLY $36/person + tax + tip! * Caesar salad: I was a little irritated that my friend had ordered the caesar salad of all things since pretty much every restaurant serves caesar salad, but wow, Barclay Prime's caesar salad delivered! And only for $12, which some very meh places can almost get up to since salads are so expensive for some reason. The caesar dressing was just right--not too tangy or creamy, but with great flavor--and the lettuce was fresh. * Seafood cocktail: Since our steak was 50 oz (in one piece!), it took forever to cook. Barclay Prime gave us a complimentary seafood cocktail for waiting, which obviously made us all very happy! Without it, it would definitely have been a long and hungry wait for the steak. * Tomahawk ribeye: When the steak finally came out, I was pleasantly surprised that even though the steak was so thick, all the meat was still juicy! (I did not have that experience at Butcher & Singer the one time I went.) The steak was a little undercooked in the middle since it was extremely thick, so we mentioned it to the waiter, and he kindly took those pieces back to cook some more. My two friends said this was definitely the best steak they've ever had, and it was definitely up there for me. * Fingerling potatoes: The potatoes were pretty good, but not as outstanding as the rest of the food we had. We were already full by the time we got to it anyway. The next time I come, I may just get an appetizer and a 50 oz ribeye. * We were too full for dessert, but the server gave us a few caramel chocolate truffles anyway. Server did not push us to order more than we wanted to. At the end of the meal, we mentioned we were so full, and the waiter mentioned that some people eat the entire 50 oz steak by themselves. But he seemed to be fine with how much we had ordered in the beginning + the 2 freebies, so that was great. He stopped by decently often and was very accommodating!
(5)Elyse K.
Hands down - Best restaurant ever. Be prepared to spend a pretty penny but it will be well worth it. The food is amazing. And the service is extraordinary both knowledgable and helpful.
(5)Shel K.
It's been 2 days since our recent dinner and I'm still full! My favorite specialty cocktail was their Love Triangle and my favorite appetizer was the Foie Gras (we also had the beef tartare and crab cake). For entrees I ordered their infamous cheesesteak and my husband ordered the 24oz dry aged porterhouse. They were both cooked incredibly well. I love being able to choose our own steak knives. My husband chose the German one (the name escapes me right now) since he said the tip of the knife would help him de-bone the porterhouse and I chose the samurai throwing one for no specific reason. Haha. The fried artichoke side was different (but not bad) and the truffle mac&cheese was good. For dessert we went with the toasted chocolate smores and the coconut cream pie. The smores is an indulgently rich dessert and the coconut cream pie was the perfectly lighter pair of the two. Celebrating many special occasions here, this is certainly our favorite restaurant around the Philadelphia/South Jersey area.
(5)Chris B.
One of my favorite steakhouses on the east coast. Great service and atmosphere.
(5)Daniel T.
This place has one of the most extensive and expensive wine lists ever. The ambiance is classy and romantic. The interior is a mix between classic and modern. The menu is not too long but includes many delicious items. My date and I enjoyed the scallop appetizer and had the infamous cheesesteak and sea bass as our main courses. We had sorbet/ice cream for desert. The scallops and sea bass were both excellent. Scallops were huge and well-cooked & the sea bass was the best I've had outside of a Japanese establishment. The cheesesteak was alright. Way too greasy, could not really taste the wagyu. I guess it's cool to try once but I would not order it again. Definitely would rather pay for a wagyu filet so I can actually enjoy it.
(5)Angela O.
Perfectly cooked steaks and impeccable service. Went for my husband's birthday dinner around the holidays and everything from the cocktails, wine/champs, oysters, lobster bisque, both Satsuma and American wagyu steaks, potato and asparagus sides and peppermint creme brûlée special was delicious. Not the steakhouse type but this is the exception. Love the top notch restaurants in philly - putting this up there with Vetri.
(5)Joe S.
Best steak house in Philadelphia... I have been here several times for several different occasions. I have never been disappointed. My favorite place to take clients. They always leave with a good lasting impression.
(5)Dana S.
Best kept secret is their Happy Hour! Good snacks and drinks!
(4)Tony M.
Barclay Prime is what you would expect from a fine steakhouse: great service and excellent steaks and food. I thought the steaks lacked a little seasoning. Highlights of the meal were the sliders app and s'mores dessert. The worst part of the experience were the chairs! They were extremely uncomfortable. Overall, the decor needs a little help.
(4)Inna L.
I can't believe how disappointed I was. I'm sure it has a lot to do with what you actually order as I didn't have steaks. The $100 cheese steak has been on my bucket list and I absolutely wanted to cross it off. We ordered two cocktails to start which were both delicious. The service was impeccable. The inside is cute enough but it felt like an old cigar club to me, which isn't necessarily a problem. My disappointment was specifically in the food. We ordered the half lobster chilled appetizer. It was fine. Nothing spectacular and to be honest it's hard to ruin lobster. It was chilled, which is also fine but I don't know if that's what made it taste a bit dry? I've seen other review mention the butter poached lobster. I imagine they switch up their menu a bit and I would have probably preferred to do that. As a main course we split the infamous cheesesteak and got the onion shoestring onions as a side. Now I've looked up the cheesesteak so I'm fully aware of what goes into it. The roll... a sesame seeded roll claimed to be made at their sister location parc fresh daily. Ok fresh bread, great. Not spectacular by any means. And with all due respect for the reputation and the cost I expect spectacular. I took the top half of the bread off. Tasted like any other roll I've ever had, and I would not be pressured to say I've had better. Baked fresh daily is not a huge accomplishment; I could've bought the roll at the grocery store and not known the difference. The steak is made with Wagu beef. Wagu beef is one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted and again pretty hard to ruin. When you chop up such a succulent flavorful piece of meat into a grainy pulp and dilute it with a bucket of sauce it loses its appeal. It was good, but again not that good. For something like this I would almost think you can retain the flavor by doing a pats/ginos type of presentation and keep it in big chunks. The cheesesteak was supposed to have foie gras on top. We avoided getting foie gras as an appetizer with the expectation that we would have some in the entre. If there was foie gras in the cheesesteak I promise you it's completely undetectable. Then there are the French chesses and truffles on top. This was quite possibly the only thing you can actually taste in the cheese steak. Holy hell the whole thing was basically liquid, seriously it was so overwhelming and greasy I had a difficult time digesting it (honestly I got food poisoning... I'll spare the details). The steak was fine, it was edible and you can kind of pick out the flavors, but it tasted like a greasy fatty mess. Overall its more than enough to share for two people and maybe even 4 because we each ate the second piece out of pure gluttony. The shoestring onions were a huge flop. I am a huge fan of the shoestring fries at the continental and expected something similar. The shoestring onions are basically long thin onion rings (I get it expected) but if you don't eat them in the first minute they get super greasy. Again had better at dinners. Avoid this side it was just plain not good. Also the $100 cheesteak is actually $120 and comes with a half bottle of champagne. I guess they had to do something to raise the appeal? I don't doubt the quality of this restaurant at all... just saying maybe watch what to order. Maybe they should just stick to steaks?
(3)Gary G.
Top notch. Its pretty awesome when they bring out a pillow thing with different knives for you to choose. I went with the samurai style knife..kung fu'd the shit out of my steak. Great restaurant w great service
(5)Katherine M.
After getting a gift card for our birthday suggesting we go and get the $100 cheesesteak, we decided to go for it and reserve here. The atmosphere is interesting - like you are in a 1960s book lounge. It's also incredibly dark. I suppose that's nice, but it feels weird that in my 20s I'm thinking 'damn, I wish I could see this thing I am eating'. The chairs we got were comfortable, and being seated along a wall, I had a little bookshelf to put my clutch on which I liked. Service was fantastic. Like downright amazing. I chose to get a cocktail, which was amazing, to start off with. Their drinks seem well thought out, and the cocktail I ordered (Ophelia's something or the other) proved that to me at least. We got the truffle mac and cheese as an appetizer. I'd say it's OK - a little thin, and definitely not the best I've had in terms of higher-end mac and cheeses. We weren't overly impressed. The cheesesteak? We ate half of it, and I'm sad to say, the other half was wasted. It was strangely rich. At first, it was good, then the textures and flavors started to not be ok together, especially as it cooled on the plate. It seems their steaks are better, and I would suggest going that way. The champagne that comes alongside, though, was amazing. As an end, we got a descontructed s'more for dessert. It was delicious and the best part of the meal. We decided they were really good at sweets (the dessert and fairly sugary cocktail were the highlights). Would I go back? Maybe? I wouldn't jump for joy to go back, but I wouldn't say no. The food just wasn't all it was made up to be, especially not for the price. Atmosphere and service though - amazing and perfect.
(3)Vincent D.
Plain and simple - Barclay Prime is the best restaurant in Philadelphia. Their service is exactly what you would expect from a five star restaurant and the quality of food is unmatched, plus what other restaurant allows you to select your own unique steak knife. I've eaten at gourmet restaurants across the country and throughout Europe - I can easily say that Barclay Prime's Wagyu Filet is the best piece of steak I've ever had. Just make sure you don't fill up on the bread turnovers (it's hard not to).
(5)Gordon R.
The first time I realized I was rich was Dinner at Barclay Prime. I'm not kidding. We went on a double date anniversary splurge walked in without reservations and spent a grand without blinking. Insane, but we'll never forget it. Flawless service from beginning to end. Again, you should always let the staff know why you're there! We had every appetizer and paired it with 3 wines that made us feel in heaven. If you want to really have a good time order steak. Order things you won't make at home. Mac & Cheese? Okay it was amazing, but if you balk at the prices - you'll resent it forever. Let go and just enjoy the fact that Barclay has been doing it right forever and will continue to be a Rittenhouse staple. I'm making it a point to make an annual pilgrimage home to Philly AND Barclay Prime now. This is the kind of place you take someone you need to impress. And you will. *Wink*
(5)Richie A.
Went here with my fiance and had a great time. The steak was superb and the atmosphere was very calm. If you want to impress your other and not disappoint your taste buds then you must come here. If you are a true philadelpgian you will eat the $150 cheese steak. Yum!
(5)Trisha G.
Trendy restaurant with exceptional service and food. Our waiter was by far one of the most attentive we have had in fine dining experience. My husband and I started with the $98 caviar - which although small, blows your tastebuds away. We then went onto the foie gras appetizer, which I think was around $30 and very tasty. My husband really wanted to try to the $100 cheesesteak (which turned out to be highly overrated and overpriced). You are much better going with the steak here - our mouths were gushing seeing some of the freshest steaks going to nearby tables. For the price and difference in the look of the foods, you are much better off going with a fish or steak dish. I got the salmon - very flavorful and nice sized dish - very good pricing. This is definitely a pot my husband and I will visit again soon!!
(5)H M.
DELISH as always... OMG... From the pop overs, tuna crudo, steak tar tar, fried artichokes, truffle Mac & cheese, 18oz prime and filet... Great service, food was cooked to perfection, fantastic atmosphere. Very she-she without feeling pretentious! Love me some BP!
(5)Allison B.
My fiance took me to Barclay Prime to celebrate my 26th birthday. I desperately wanted to go to a steakhouse, but was a little concerned Barclay Prime wouldn't live up to expectations (or its price tag). Don't worry, it did. AMBIANCE Think super swanky Mad Men-era fine dining. Cushy cozy leather seats, marble tables, built-in bookshelves and lots of muted greens, yellows and oranges. Dim lighting and tiny candles. High as heaven ceilings and crystal chandeliers. The Brady Bunch goes to Vegas. FOOD Complimentary popovers were the best Pillsbury croissant you ever tasted, served warm with room temp salty butter. Smother that shit. Zack and I loved the tuna tartare appetizer, which was rich and meaty while maintaining lightness with a lemony vinaigrette. Excellent. I had the filet mignon and Zack indulged in 16 ounces (that's a pound, people) of dry aged NY Strip. Medium rare for both of us, the meat was insanely tender. The dry aged steak had a really unique super flavor- I would definitely recommend it. Truffle whipped potatoes and broccoli rabe were our sides, and damn did we choose well. The richness of the potatoes cut through the bitter garlicky goodness of the rabe perfectly. DRINKS We shared the least expensive bottle of red (Malbec, $48). Very good. SERVICE Choosing our knives was silly, but fun. Pretty handles for everyone! Our server knew it was my birthday and while we passed on dessert because we were already so satisfied, he brought out two caramel truffles with a birthday candle, plus a mini-cake (!!) in a to-go box. Really nice. Barclay Prime is a special occasion place. Get dressed up and enjoy every bite.
(5)Julia L.
Joe had lost a bet with me and I had my pick of Philly restaurants and chose Barclay Prime steakhouse since I've never been. We were seated in a gorgeous dining area, very modern vibe to it. As Joe and I poured over the menu, they brought out these pop-overs with gruyere cheese in the middle. Amazing! I ended up getting 2! I saw lobster bisque on the menu and had to order it. The lobster bisque was good, but not great. The restaurant was very nice and split our order into 2 bowls so that we would have an easier time eating. The wagyu steak on the menu was over $100 so to experience the wagyu beef, we got an order of the sliders. The sliders were amazing, tender and juicy. Joe ordered the 18 oz Gachot & Gachot prime dry aged ribeye. Joe likes his steak medium-rare. He thoroughly enjoyed his rib-eye. We got the side order of truffle mac and cheese. I had really high expectations for this dish because it had great reviews online. However, when we got it, it was super bland. I was disappointed to say the least. I had the 28 day dry aged NY strip steak. It was delicious and I thoroughly enjoyed my steak.
(5)Liz C.
Fellow mere mortals, I have good news: you can have a very satisfying meal at Barclay Prime and not go bankrupt. My husband and I had: Popovers (free, and the best baked good you will ever eat) Caesar salad (huge!) and wedge salad, each around $12 Three delish glasses of wine about $15 a pop 8 oz filet for me, rib eye for him Mashed potatoes and mushrooms (both delish!!) All said and done, the bill was $250 and the meal was well worth it. My husband said it was definitely one of the best steaks he's ever had. The service is excellent, decor is cool, and the chairs are comfy enough to make me consider a nap mid-meal.
(5)Y. Isabel L.
My boyfriend and I came here for our 5 year anniversary. Barclay Prime does not disappoint. Everything that was placed on our table was great. I had the $100 cheese steak and it was the best cheese steak I've ever had! Was it worth the price tag? Probably not, but it's one of those things where you want to experience it once. We also ordered the crabcakes...AMAZING! My boyfriend had the steak, which was thick cut. We didn't quite expect that, but it was still pretty good. The service was EXCELLENT!
(5)Caroline R.
Barclay Prime is by far one of the greatest restaurants Philly has to offer. The food is amazing - best steak I have ever had - and the service is impeccable. I've eaten here several times now and the quality of the food and service is consistent and you will always have an amazing time. Try to save room for dessert - they are delicious!!!
(5)Dave H.
This is far and away the best steakhouse in Philadelphia. The steaks are exceptionally high quality and very well seasoned (something many other steakhouses fall short on). Aside from that, everything on their menu is incredibly good.
(5)DJ D.
Got engaged here over the summer...everything about the experience was wonderful. The staff helped with everything and sent over complimentary champagne and dessert to myself and my fiancé. Beyond that the food was amazing. Probably one of the best filets I've ever had. Will be returning for many future anniversaries.
(5)Dennis L.
Everything that's been said about this place is true. It's delicious and amazing. The decor is stylish, the food delish, the ambiance... a bit loud even when relatively empty on a Tuesday night. The popovers were amazing as all pop overs should be, unfortunately mine was a bit on the cold side so it didn't feel quite out of the oven. We ordered beef tartar as a starter. It came seasoned deliciously with some interesting crispy tempura type of topping on top with 4 sliced bread style crackers, there were definitely not enough crackers, 6 would've been perfect. I had the 28 day aged ny strip steak and my date had the 12 oz fillet mignon, both cooked a nice medium rare (more rare than medium). The cuts were thick slabs of meat. The NY strip had a nice salt crust and flavor whereas the fillet was more a mild taste but melt in your mouth tender. This was a delicious meal that we were unable to finish. 12 and 16 oz seem less on paper than on your plate.
(5)Matthew D.
This place was fabulous. the decor is elegant, simple, and modern. i enjoyed the leather lounge chairs, the chandeliers, and the bookcases that line this wonderful space. but the food is why people come . . . . And i think i would say it was the best steak that we have ever had. it is hard to say if it was really the best steak - or my taste buds were swayed by all the hype. we got the potterhouse. it was cooked to perfection. also got the macorini and cheese with truffles (wasn't that impressed). the asparagus (a little stringy), and some mushroom appetizer with pasta (amazing), wedge salad (hit the mark) and a mouse like desert/pie, can't remember the name (that was exeptional) overall - the steaks, pasta with mushrooms, and desert were outstanding (some of the best i could ask for) the macorini and cheese wth truffles was ok the wedge salad was adequate the asparagus was stringy - not good everything should be perfect with the price tag attached. as a result, i wouldn't go back, but enjoyed the one time expereince........
(4)Sarah K.
I still love this place, even though it wasn't as amazing as I last remembered. I was last here 2 years ago and thinking back fondly might have heightened my expectations - especially in terms of service. I had a reservation for 5 at 8:30 PM on a Friday night. While a member of my party was struggling to find parking, but within the vicinity, we were not seated until he had arrived. Even so, it actually seemed like they were struggling to find an open table for us, despite our reservation. The hostesses were extremely polite regardless. When we were seated, we were greeted and shown the drink menu and asked what type of water we'd like. Then with a server came by and dropped down some popovers and 2 ramekins of salted butter without a word and left. Entrees took a very long time to come out - which I think is a standard with Barclay Prime. Even so, before our entrees, a server came by with a platter of knives for us to choose. Unlike last time, our server did not describe the type of knives, which was a little disappointing - but perhaps it was because we had told the server we had been here before? A server came by to refill our water a few times, and when we asked for our food to be packed up, only the left over steak was packed (not the sides). I understand sides would probably not be as good later, but it was still a little irksome, as the food here is expensive. The food itself is great! My mother had a filet mignon, I had the 28 day dry aged new york strip, and my brother and father each had a gachot & gachot prime ribeye, and my sister had the branzino. I liked the dishes in that order - the filet mignon was incredibly tender. The new york strip and the ribeye were similar in terms of texture and taste. We also ordered creamed spinach, whipped potatoes, and truffle mac and cheese - all of which were extremely heavy and decadent. I'm not sure what kind of truffles they put in the mac and cheese, but it tasted like aged cheese. So far, especially when considering the price, it was a pretty standard nice, steak meal. Dessert was what blew us away - I ordered the s'more dessert and did not regret it one bit! The graham cracker ice cream was amazing, especially with the warm, luxuriously dense, chocolate lava cake. It's a little funny that the best part of our steak meal was the dessert. This place is extremely expensive, so I wouldn't come here except to splurge on an especially significant occasion. Otherwise, this place has extremely polite and refined service, a beautiful and modern interior (green couches, marble tables, and wooden bookshelves), and mouth watering food. By no exception is it different from other Stephen Starr restaurants - pricey, beautifully decorated, well themed, with tasty food.
(5)Keith R.
If you're willing to drop some cash, Barclay Prime lives up to the billing. We had some massive amounts food including a huge hunk of steak that made my Uncle's eyes bulge and provided enough food for two meals. A non meat eater even raved about the sliders and the bevy of side dishes has something for every starch lover. You may leave with a lighter wallet but are well compensated by a full belly.
(5)John M.
Ok so here's the thing. I LOVE FOOD. I love high end restaurants and feeling special when I go somewhere elegant...here at Barclay I felt like an emperor. Seriously, the staff were so authentic and kind from the moment we walked in the door. I was taking a gentleman with special needs along for the experience and everyone was really friendly and sweet to him. Did I mention the ambiance of the place? Relaxing and intimate and BEAUTIFUL. Now, into the food. All I can say is OH. MY. GOD. No exaggeration, it was a religious experience. Stephen Starr is a culinary God. We started with the fois gras and porcini agnolotti, the flavors were SENSATIONAL!!! The popovers with gruyere were served warm and flaky and I literally think I'm going to be dreaming about them for a long time. For dinner I ordered an 18oz dry aged ribeye and we ordered whipped potatoes and the truffle mac and cheese to share. Perfection. The steak melted in my mouth....the potatoes were from Jesus...the mac and cheese was flavorful and just SO DELISH!! I was one happy fat kid, let me tell you. Finally, dessert. Peanut butter cup ice cream sandwich. HOLY COW. Incredible. If you're considering going to BP stop right now. Considering is over. JUST GO. Run as fast as you can for the best meal of your life!!!!!
(5)Jay G.
I went to Barclay Prime to celebrate a special occasion with my girlfriend as well as to try the Barclay Prime cheeseteak. The restaurant staff were very friendly and we had a very good waiter who had a great attitude and made some jokes while maintaining a high standard of service. The interior had a very interesting feel to it as it was themed like a library lounge type setting with books on the sides of the room and big relaxing chairs. It provided a nice experience compared to the typical steakhouse with tight seating or fancy wooden chairs. For appetizers, my girlfriend and I shared the east & west coast oysters while I mainly ate the beef steak tartare. The beef steak tartare was different than other places as they added a different array of toppings which provided a different type of flavor than I usually expect but it was still pretty good and worth ordering. The oysters were very good and seemed to be fresh with a nice flavor. For entrees, I decided to go full out and buy the Barclay Prime cheesesteak while I pushed my girlfriend to order a 16 oz. bone-in filet since she wasn't sure which steak to order from the menu. On the side, we ordered the jumbo green asparagus which arrived peeled and the truffle mac & cheese. The Barclay Prime cheesesteak was amazing. The flavor of the cheesesteak made with wagyu ribeye, foie gras, and truffled cheese whiz was awesome and no cheesesteak in Philadelphia can beat the amazing flavor brought on by this expensive cheesesteak. Fortunately, it came with a half a bottle of Perrier Grand Brut which seemed decently expensive by itself on the menu. It was a nice compliment to the overall sense of fulfillment from this cheesesteak. Even my girlfriend really loved the cheesesteak even though she doesn't like foie gras. That shows you how good it is. As per the filet, she claims it was very delicious and devoured the entire thing which was an amazing feat for her. The sides were both very good but obviously I'd recommend the truffle mac & cheese over any kind of asparagus any day. For dessert we ordered the coconut cream pie which was very good with a nice balanced flavor. On top of this, the waiter brought us a plate with "Congratulations!" written on it and two caramel chocolates made by the chefs at the restaurant. The chocolates were very good and it was a very nice gesture by the restaurant to provide us with this plate. Overall, Barclay Prime is a great steakhouse in Philadelphia and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good meal.
(5)Jean Y.
Dining at Barclay Prime was quite the classy experience. I really liked the library-like interior and the comfortable armchairs. Service was great. The steaks were amazing. Perfect, juicy, the right amount of fat. I had the 24 oz dry aged porterhouse ($59), and my bf had the 18 oz Gachot & Gachot dry aged ribeye ($48). My favorite part of the experience was when we were presented with a tray of 5 steak knives. Choose your own weapon! We tried 2 sauces ($3 each): au poivre and horseradish crème fraiche. I really enjoyed the au poivre, with its intense beef and pepper flavors. The horseradish was extremely mild. I would have liked it spicier. The sides here are large and perfect for sharing. The truffle mac + cheese ($17) was made with cavatappi and delightfully creamy. I couldn't really taste the truffle, but the bf said he could. The fried artichokes and lemon ($11) were also very good. The artichokes were meaty, and the addition of deep fried parsley was nice. I was disappointed by the gruyere chive popovers. They were gigantic and irregularly shaped. I thought they could have used more gruyere and more chives, been less burnt on the edges, and been served hotter. (I've made popovers before with a recipe I found on Pinterest that was inspired by Barclay Prime's popovers, and I liked those better, even though my first two attempts failed partially.) The weakest part of the meal was definitely the cocktails. $15 for a cocktail is expensive, unless it is made with top shelf booze. My cocktail tasted bad. The ice cubes were too small and watered down the drink quickly.
(4)Dawn S.
Let me start this review with a little tune: Barclay you're my everything, you're all I ever wanted Your steaks did it real big, bigger I've ever had it You were up on everything, other steaks ain't ever on it I want your steaks forever, I swear I could spend whatever on them But you make me wait every time I hit you up After I reserved a spot, you saw that I lived it up You made me beg for it, till you gave it up And I said this same thing with every single bite I said... "This be the freaking' best (x4, please) Best steak I ever had, Steak I ever had (x3 please)" That basically sums it up. Barclay Prime served me the best steak I've ever had -- (which, by the way, was the 28 day dry aged 16 Oz. NY strip). THE STEAK, ON ITS OWN, GETS 5 (or 6?) STARS. I went here for my law school graduation dinner and it was a great way to celebrate. It doesn't have a very "steakhousey" type of feel -- for that, you might want to go to Ruth's Chris or Prime Rib. Instead, it feels like you're eating in someone's fancy mod living room. There are bookshelves on the walls and you sit in lounge chairs, not dining chairs. Also, its worth noting that Barclay Prime has all the typical aspects that you'd expect of a Stephen Starr restaurant -- it's a tad overdone and glitzy as hell: the restaurant is hyper detail-oriented, and you pick your own steak-knife, which you must admit is unnecessary, albeit kinda cool. In fact, I'd give the atmosphere 3 stars. I'd also give the rest of the food and drinks (I got one of their gin cocktails) 4 stars. For these reasons I gave the restaurant 4 stars.
(4)Linda S.
Me and my husband came for our anniversary last night. Walking in, I wasn't really greeted. I was just stared at. I usually expect hostesses to greet me first but I had to say hi first. Kinda awkward. We ordered the tuna tartare to start with. The chips tasted like homemade Lays original potato chips but 10xs better. The tuna itself was yummy. Melted in my mouth like butter. Recommend. We both had the filet mignon with sides of truffle Mac & cheese and sautéed mushrooms. The steak was made to perfection. I've never had a steak that good. Ever. The Mac and cheese could have been better. Sautéed mushrooms were delicious. Also, ordered an amazing bottle of wine that our waiter recommended for us. It was 2011 Lapostolle Casa from Rapel Valley. Delicious. The only downside in the night was when our waiter brought our anniversary "dessert," it came with a candle and 2 small chocolate star cookies. And then he said there was a cake in a box that he also handed us. I was confused because I thought it would've made more sense to give us the cake on the plate too with the candle? At that point I felt like, "well, maybe he's ready for us to go." Overall, I enjoyed my experience here. Loved the food, wine, and environment.
(5)Catherine C.
I took my husband here for his birthday a couple of weeks ago and we absolutely loved it! We decided to order the hamachi crudo, roasted foie gras, 18 Oz 28 day aged prime ribeye, butterball potato, and cheesecake. We only had to order one steak because we had so much food and we ended up taking the potatoes home. Everything was divine and the steak was perfectly cooked to our desired medium rare. A great steak doesn't need any sauces or crazy seasonings, just salt, pepper, and sometimes butter. This steak was so flavorful and tender, I enjoyed each and every bite. They also offered us each a choice of culinary knives to cut our steaks with. I've never had an easier time cutting my steak. The roasted foie gras was also soft and tender and had a sweet kick to it. The butterball potatoes also went really well with the steak. Cheesecake topped off the night and was delicious. The ambience was quiet and classy. We also enjoyed the puffy cheese bread and they gave us a free individual sized cake to take home for later. It was a perfect birthday dinner and I would come back here again in a heartbeat.
(5)Sean M.
I've been wanting to come here for a while now, and boy was I disappointed. Don't get me wrong the food is good. However I've had better meals at Ruth's Chris for less money. I definitely expected to get a much steak then the one the served me. Maybe I'll give it another try.
(3)Michael C.
Favorite steakhouse in Philly. The pop-overs are to die for. Steak is always perfect. Seafood apps are wonderful.
(5)Kristie C.
From the popovers at the start, to the lovely desserts at the end... Everything was so delicious. The special part about this place is that they let you choose your own knife, there is basically a story to each one-- really neat! Food: - popovers (comes with your meal, so good and warm) - lobster and shrimp appetizer: preferred the lobster - seared ahi tuna with yuzu: very flavorful and not overpowered by the sauce. Substituted the chard for asparagus, which they nicely peeled so it was tender and delicious Dessert: - seasonal fruit platter was decent, pineapple was a bit sour - sorbets were refreshing and very fruity which was awesome - smore with homemade marshmallow was really tasty! Basically a chocolate lava cake with delectable vanilla sides Wine we ordered was perfect, service was fantastic, couldn't have asked for more! Would definitely come back :)
(5)Scott W.
This is a great restaurant especially for special occasions. The dining room has a good atmosphere, loud but tolerable. You would never expect the furniture, most notable are the chairs. You feel like you are in your living room. On to the food. The menu has nice options. We decided to not order an appetizer and instead, grab soup and salads. For what it's worth there were not a lot appetizer choices, but some did sound good. My Cesar salad was big, I decided not to eat the whole thing. My son loved the lobster bisque and my wife and daughter split a delicious kale salad. We all got different entrees. The steaks are big and delicious (16oz Ribeye and 12oz filet...a little undercooked, but still acceptable). Rack of lamb was spot on and the Chilean Sea Bass was outstanding. Several reasons why I did not give 5 stars: 1) Parking is tricky, the valet is expensive and finding the door entrance was hard., 2) Prices are steep. Come prepared to drop a lot of money...glass of wine was surprisingly expensive, 3) Service was fine, but I just had some issues with my waiter. He did not speak clearly and seemed to speed us out. Bottom line is I would definitely go back, maybe in the summer after I save up enough money for another great meal.
(4)Sam T.
The best steak in philly!
(5)Joe K.
Very good steak at 90 Dallors had a great time
(4)Carmen M.
We visit this restaurant for the steak reputation and did not dissapoint us. We had the filet mignon and the gachot & gachot ribeye that were well prepared and tasty. I love foie gras so I ordered one as an appetizer but it was over-cooked. For our side-dish we ordered a potato gratin but had so many cheese that it was swimming in it and was not appealing. In overall the steaks were great but not my other choices.
(3)Dan L.
This is possibly the best steakhouse in the US. Hands down excellent cut of meat, the sides are unbelievable, and the bread the serve has an addictive quality to it that is simply insatiable. Highly recommended. It is however, quite pricey. If you know you're spending a lot on dinner, you'll have an amazing- perhaps best steak meal of your life- dinner.
(5)Suzanne S.
After a horrible meal at Continental Midtown last year, I wrote a complaint and received a $150 "gift letter" which I could redeem at ANY Starr restaurant in the city. I decided it would be a good time to try Barclay Prime since I had been yearning to try it since its inception. I took my mother with me as a belated mother's day gift and the restaurant was everything I expected (I had high expectations for this place and it met every one of them). The service: Everyone from the hostess to the bus boys were welcoming and courteous and didn't have the stuck-up attitude that some other high-end restaurants can have. Our server, Nicole, was a doll and was prepared for every question I had to ask her. I really appreciated the fact that nobody rushed me through my meal and the next course didn't come out until they were sure we were completely finished with what we had on the table. The manager also came to our table to make sure everything was okay. For dinner we had: 1. Popovers with sea-salted butter- these are given to you after your orders are in and they are delectable. I need to get a recipe for something like this. 2. Kobe Sliders-these bite-sized burgers practically melted in my mouth. I was sad I had to share them lol 3. Wedge Salad-I loved the twist on this salad; instead of bacon they use crab meat and the blue cheese crumbles were really soft and of high quality 4. Chopped salad-very good 5. Lobster Bisque soup-YUCK. This was the only thing I didn't like. Aside from the fact that the caviar gave it a taste of "fishy", without it, the soup would have been really bland. 6. Aged NY Strip-EXCELLENT-BEST STEAK I have had in PHILADELPHIA (Del Frisco's in NYC may have been better but I really think its a tie) 7. Jumbo Lump Crab Cake- Loved it, but Devon's still takes the cake in my book. 8. Truffle Mac and Cheese-Good 9. Potatoes Au Gratin-DELICIOUS 10. Asparagus- A little too salty, but perfect consistency. All of the food above was enough for 4 people. Lucky for my husband, he got a really good doggy bag. For dessert we ordered a banana cake with banana caramel ice cream and caramelized banana-balls and we all really enjoyed it. All in all probably the best steak in Philly.
(5)Lia B.
ok ok ok yelp- you got me- i didn't get a steak! this review is pointed towards the veg people on yelp. if you veg/vegans have a chance to dine at barclay - seriously go! just call ahead. i had a very amazing dinner. basically i knew i was going to barclay - i checked the menu online and didn't see anything vegan so i called a day in advance and let Carlos the chef know i was planning on dining there the next day - much to my delight, he crafted a delicious appetizer, salad, entree, and an amazing dessert. i loved everything i got, and i also loved the surprise of not knowing what i was going to get and not having to look at the menu. it was really delightful. the appetizer was a vegan butternut squash soup with garlic croutons; the salad was made of beets, tomatoes, and a champagne vinaigrette; my entree was grilled delish tofu- cooked perfectly- on a bed of lemon/garlic cous cous; my dessert was passion fruit and mango sorbet. everything was amazing! the soup was flavorful, i passed the beet salad around and shared it with friends - everyone agreed it was the best salad (preferred over the wedge and the Cesar) and my entree was off the charts i cant even tell you how much i loved it. the sorbet had amazing flavors that really popped. also it was super funny when the server glen (who was fabulous by the way!) still let me pick out my "steak" knife. haha i was definitely taking my time choosing my knife. just hey barclay prime - can you take the fois gras off that cheese steak? come on - that's just cruel!
(5)Ivan R.
Went here for my Brothers Birthday last janurary and my God it was an experience. Service: Amazing, i literally felt like our server was born for the job. Literally, he reminded me of a butler from any fancy movie you could possibly conjure up from your memories right now. Everything was on time, never had to ask for water, wine or anything else that was required, it was asked by him on a very pleasant and timely timeline. Even though i'd enjoy a hot blonde waitress, this guy totally had the class to pull off a $250 tip. Food: Never knew i'd enjoy beet salad w/ goat cheese until i had it here. I'm a vegetable person but this didn't sound good what-so-ever, until i tried it and it was quite amazing. The little loafs and buttered bread were literally to die for. Steak impeccable as anyone would expect from a place like this. TL DR; Service top notch, you won't ever feel bad about tipping 20%+ at this place and Food, AMAZING!!! and NOT the typical arrangement you'll find everywhere.
(5)Andrew F.
Wow, wow, wow. A night after being underwhelmed at a private party at The Continental I wasn't sure what to expect at Barclay Prime. My previous experience at Barclay Prime had been a positive one, but it was quite brief, with just two orders of sliders in the lounge area. This experience would build upon that one and show me how amazing a Starr restaurant truly can be. I went there on a fixed menu for my brother's graduation dinner. Our menu included two options for appetizers; three options for main, though everyone ordered the steak; and a tasting menu of desserts. Wine and alcohol were not included, and once you threw those in it was well above $150 per person. The pre-appetizer popover was delectable. Crunchy, buttery, smooth and warm, and inventive for a starter at a steakhouse. Though butter was provided it wasn't needed, but being a glutton for fattening foods I couldn't help but dole out my serving. Those popovers were popalicious. Following our popovers our appetizers were served. A larger than expected caesar salad dished out with just the right amount of dressing and perfect greens. Topped with what seemed like enough croutons even for me, and I love croutons. The whole caesar was very good, in fact one of the people in our party, a former newspaper food critic, remarked that it was "The best caesar salad in Philadelphia." I trust that statement. Now being the gastronomical addicted human being I am I couldn't get just the caesar as a starter. I need more. Accordingly I ordered the other starter, the Wagyu Beef Sliders. Though, since I don't usually mix meat and cheese (I have some weird, mostly self-imposed dietary restrictions) I ordered them without the gruyere cheese that normally comes with them. These sliders were just as tasty as my previous experience had me expecting they would be. The wagyu beef was cooked to a medium temperature and the brioche bun was the perfect complement to the sophisticated beef flavor of the wagyu. For those that have never had wagyu, I can attest that it truly does taste different than regular beef, and on the four occasions that I have enjoyed the pleasure of it I have noted the strong but subtle beef flavor that is distinct from that of regular prime or choice USDA grade beef. Following these two fattening but delicious appetizers it was time for the piece de resistance. BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEF. Did you hear me when I said that? Beef. But not just any beef. Twelve ounces (after cooking) of delicious top shelf filet mignon, seasoned to perfection and cooked perfectly. Not too little, not too much. Everyone in the party agreed, no place cooks a steak as perfectly on temperature as they do at Barclay Prime. But what came next was a gimmick that I loved. Picking your steak knife. Prior to the delivery of your beefy goodness a server comes around with a tray of knives .Each a steak knife with supreme cutting power but each uniquely designed and interesting. Faced with an epic dilemma I asked for the servers advice, and landed upon a knife designed by the Porsche design company. Yes, that Porsche, the men and women engineers who construct Porsche cars that race around the track at insane speeds. I found this knife perfectly suited for cutting beef. The most amazing things about Barclay Prime are they get all the details right. Even so far as delivering everyone their steak without having to ask what temperature each person had ordered. This is a very important aspect that brings a meal over the top. My medium temperature steak arrived cooked pink. With just a tiny hit of red in the center this steak stared right back at me. This beef required no sauces or additional seasonings. It had clearly been seasoned perfectly in the kitchen and arrived on the table as a big chunk of delicious cow. The plate consisted of the steak and a tiny bit of garnish on one corner. But the steak was the standout of the presentation, or lack thereof. This is not a complaint in any way, but it was clear that the steak was the star of the show. Honoring the delicious cow bred and raised for us to enjoy on this momentous day of my brother's graduation from college. The presentation in its simplicity conveyed all of this. After the time spent enjoying our steaks, and the delicious sides of french fries, mashed potatoes, and corn, our meal was coming to an end. I would talk more about the sides but their taste was overpowered by the strong beef flavor of the filet, and just 14 hours after the meal I don't remember much about the main course section of the meal aside from the meat. Now I'll skip talking about the dessert because I'm no dessert aficionado. But here is what is important. The beef. Yes, the beef. If you eat chicken or salmon then you may like this place. The atmosphere with faux bookshelves and cool heavily padded seating areas in a surprisingly cozy atmosphere may make your dining experience a pleasant one. But if you eat beef, your dining experience will rock.
(5)Lana L.
The atmosphere makes you think as though you are in the cozy library of a rich man's house. It's an intimate setting. I got the aged porterhouse to share with a friend and it came out well. Love how we could select our own knives. The sides were great too! Truffle mac and cheese, potato gratin. I'd skip on the $100 cheese steak though- not worth the price tag though champagne does come with it. Also fyi- the bathroom is unisex, with the actual stall separated by doors labeled M and W for men and women, respectively.
(4)Colleen B.
Go! This lovely treat in the heart of Rittenhouse Square really may be my new favorite steak house in Philly. Stephen Starr's luxury meat and seafood "boutique" really blew me away. Everything is so chic and sexy. From the small, intimate bar to the couch seating with marble tables, just gorgeous. My family has a yearly steak meal on Christmas eve and this was the best I can remember. You must try the Barclay Bellini if you are a fan of Bellini's; best I ever had. It has some vanilla in it and it's so refreshing. Glen was a fabulous server. He was extremely friendly, informative and warming. He gave us great suggestions and told us fun stories, he was a treat. The popovers everyone is talking about literally melt in your mouth. Warm and crispy outside and velvety inside. The fresh sea salt butter was just the diamonds on top. We started with the Scallops, Ceviche and fresh Crab... all of them were mouth watering. The scallops were pan seared perfectly, the ceviche was crispy and flavorful and the crab was perfection. Just great. The Filet was perfect and the sides, creamed spinach, baby carrots with honey glaze and truffle oil mashed potatoes did not disappoint. I could have bathed in the truffle oil mashed potatoes. They accidentally brought out the regular whipped potatoes and those were velvety perfection as well. For dessert we went with the Creme brûlée cake and coconut ice cream, it was the perfect end. The ice cream was clearly house made and I want to know if they can ship it to my house.... DELICIOUS! I can NOT wait to return!!
(5)Danan R.
If you are a steak lover, then you must come here at least once. The aged porterhouse is excellent; it is very flavorful and always seared to a perfect medium rare. I never stray from that order but I have tried the ribeye and been pleased with the marbling and flavor. The sole is nicely seasoned and almost melts in your mouth. The sides are all decent but I highly recommend the truffled mac and cheese; it's indulgently rich and creamy. The octopus ceviche is okay, but I have had better ceviche. Then again, you come here for steak, not ceviche. I would go with the bacon wrapped scallops instead. The wine list is pretty good; we had an excellent merlot on a past occassion. Finish off with the chocolate chip creme brulee; it's very creamy and rich but you only live once so your taste buds deserve it. The service is always flawless; it's attentive without any hovering. A great place to get quality steaks.
(4)Erica E.
Do not waste your money on this place!! I have been here 3 times and ONE time had a decent meal. For the price, I expect every time to be better than the next. First experience was great. It was Sunday night and the restaurant was practically empty so maybe then the kitchen/staff could handle the volume? The second time I came here I had been studying for 7 hours straight that day. All I was looking forward to was a juicy, mouth watering steak that would make me forget what I had been doing all day. I came here so excited for a meal and wow it was the biggest disappointment I have ever had. First it took forever to get my entree, at least there were appetizers to hold me over. When the steak finally came out it was ice cold, it literally tasted like it had been sitting somewhere waiting to be brought to me for an hour. I am not one to send back food but in this instance, for this $50+ bone in filet that I was dreaming of, I could not accept this extremely sub par piece of meat they had brought me. The third time I came here I was with one of my girl friends who wanted to try their cheesesteak and I believe in second chances. We went around 5 and the restaurant was empty, not one table seated and the hostess actually told us that they were completely booked and had no tables in any section of the restaurant. The way this came off to me was just so absurd and beyond pretentious. I had to bring up my past experience mentioned above and then BOOM somehow magically a table had opened up for us to be seated. The cheesesteak was cold too and just not tasty at all. I'm done with giving this place any more chances, save your money there are soooo many other steak houses in the city!!
(1)J W.
Fantastic food and ambience, one of the better dining experiences that I have had in Philadelphia. Went here on a double date with a friend and our girlfriends and everyone was quite impressed. The seating is interesting, with one side of the table having a couch and the other side having leather chairs (as you would typically have in your living room or somewhere), it was a nice touch and creates a good amount of space between the tables so that you have a sense of privacy. Overall a great place and I would highly recommend it for a nice date or celebratory dinner... Also they had a $100 cheesetake on the menu, which I did not try but it was slightly tempting!
(5)Brian C.
Yum...I wish i could afford to eat here more often! Not much i like better than a good steak, and this place knows how to do it right! I've "picked my cut" of beef in several restaurants, but never before was I asked to pick out my steak knife! I went with the German knife, bigger and heavier than the Japanese knives. Whatever knife you choose, you will have NO problem cutting into these delicious tender steaks! I had the Kobe Sliders, and a Kobe NY Strip...oddly, its Australian Kobe Beef, which I was unfamiliar with...but quite pleased when I finally got to taste it...The prices here are as you would expect...HIGH! But so is the quality of food and service. If you are a die-hard steak fan, you should check this place out at least once. Service...very attentive...atmosphere...it was a bit "stiff" for a business casual restaurant...I find Morton's and Smith and Wollensky's to be slightly more laid back. I do like the design of the Barclay Prime, which for some reason mimics a library... Unless you have too much money on your hands, in which case you should friend request me immediately, you won't visit this place too often. But I highly recommend it for a special occasion for any steak lover!
(5)Evan C.
Favorite stake place in Philadelphia. The Kobe beef sliders are amazing!
(5)Natalie S.
Barclay Prime always delivers on taste. Went this past weekend and wasn't disappointed. They have a great wine list, and delicious appetizers. We had the Kobe beef sliders and they're always super tender and flavorful. Of course the popovers are amazing, and the server was happy to give my husband an extra one when he asked, which is always nice. For entrees I got the 8 oz filet, and he got the ny strip. What's cool is you get to "choose your weapon" so to speak, and pick which steak knife you want. For sides we got the truffled whipped potatoes and asparagus. Yum. This place is definitely on the expensive side, but the quality of the food justifies the price. I've never left here disappointed.
(5)james c.
Excellent bread, potatoes, and the Japanese kobe is excellent. The spinach dip is decent too. Been there 4 times, consistency should be better for what they chafe but no major disasters.
(4)Tinique P.
Non traditional steakhouse...casual, yet upscale. High energy environment, serving excellent food-for the foodies. The servers were very attentive and knowledgable of the menu items and wine selections. Enjoyed a great red wine to compliment the porterhouse, caviar and many sides- bill over $700 for four people and well worth it. Looking forward to returning.
(5)Hanney E.
Good steaks...good service.
(4)Chris M.
In terms of taste, this could be the best restaurant I've ever been to - ever. I mean, eating here was a sort of religious experience. I had better start from the beginning... My wife and I went here for Valentine's Day this year. She really enjoys the Stephen Starr franchise, so I thought I would treat her to their flagship offering. While she absolutely loved it, I think that I enjoyed it as much as, if not more than, she did. We went right after one of the huge snowstorms that hit Philadelphia this year, so we planned to valet park (so as to avoid snowbanking the car on the street or her ruining her shoes walking from a nearby garage). The valet parking was pretty steep at $24 (+tip), but it was worth it. Though, you should note that it is not in front of Barclay; it's down the block in front of Parc, so you will have to a walk a little. Our waiter was extremely nice and knowledgeable. This was one of those time where the waiter actually adds to the overall experience of the restaurant. The food was nothing short of life-changing. We started with the chopped salad, which was a sort of enigma. All advertised ingredients - kalamata olives, hear of palm, tomato, etc. - along with the lettuce were chopped to homogeneous fractals. When consuming a forkful of said geometric shapes, you could taste each and every one of the ingredients - amazing. Also, I hate to admit this (don't judge me), but this was the first time I have ever had a dry-aged steak. I will not even attempt to describe the deliciousness of the 20oz ribeye. It was actually worth the $48 - seriously. (being extremely cheap, that is the highest praise coming from me). My only minor quibble (see aforementioned note on my cheapness) was that the side dishes seemed to be unreasonably priced at $10 - for mashed potatoes or broccoli, etc. Anyway, while the check was not slight, I will always remember the experience - which is really what you pay for, I think, at a restaurant like this.
(5)Eric H.
Best steakhouse ever, maybe the best restaurant I've dined in. drinks were good not great. kobe sliders juicy, melt in your mouth. crab, yellowtail, large, succulent shrimp perfect. lobster bisque just the right consistency with large chunks of lobster. medium rare bone-in filet super tender, best in city. Capital Grille is the only restaurant that compares. This blew away Del Friscos, Mortons, Union Trust, Ruth Chris, Prime Rib, you name it. The sides are what truly set this place apart. Mac and cheese was amazing, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, tater tots didn't disappoint. Dessert was solid as well, pineapple cheesecake and mango sorbet. One in our group went vagal from the food bolus it was so good. If I were to come to Philly, this would be the restaurant I would go to first. Now if I could lose my food baby...
(5)Craig D.
(4) ~ Overall Food & Service OUR MENU: * Popovers(bread) = (4) very good...they're HUGE. * El Diablo(drink) = (4) very good...it's like a margarita w. a kick!;-) * "virgin" Mojito = (4) very good * Water(tap) = (3) ok * Gnocchi & Lamb Sausage = (4) very good, the Gnocchi is Amazing, the sausage was slightly salty. * Caesar salad = (3.5) good * 8 oz. Fillet = (3.5) good * Roquefort sauce = (4) very good * Spaetzle (side) = (4.5) Very Good * Glazed Carrots = (3.5) good * Panna Cotta = (4) very good * Chocolate Bavarois = (3.5) good * Rooibos Mint Tea = (4) very good * Coffee = (4) very good NOTE: When facing the building the Restaurant Door is the one on the far Right.
(4)Thuy C.
Barclay Prime is a treat. Wow, what can I say? This place is one of the best steakhouses I've ever been to. Never have I experienced anything like this. I made reservations and was seated promptly. They did seat me at this low table with two huge lounge chairs. The chair kind of swallowed me and it was a little hard for me to sit back because if I did I would be basically lying down, haha but on with the food. The lightings were dimmed and the atmosphere was sophisticated and romantic. I forgot my waiter's name but he was great. He was very knowledgable, made great recommendations, and made my first experience comfortable. I started off with the tuna tartare, GREAT, the tuna was soft, perfectly seasoned, just delicious. I skipped soup/salad and went straight for the steak. I had the australian wagyu filet, holy god it was amazing! The great thing is they let me choose my own knife! How great and special is that? The steak itself was sooooo good, just unbelievably easy to cut with my specially nifty japanese knife, the steak melted in my mouth, THE BEST STEAK I'VE EVER HAD, period the end. I ordered a couple sides that i can't recall at the moment because all i can remember is that delicious steak. But this is the place you'd want to go for fine dining steakhouse. Do it, you won't regret it I promise.
(4)M H.
I've eaten here a million times and I've had just about everything on the menu. Bob is hands down the best bartender in town. They always have a cute hostess and the service is always great. Do yourself a favor and get the dry aged rib eye... I've eaten all the more expensive steaks and the rib eye is the best.
(4)Jessica M.
Done and done. Gorgeous. From the personable, friendly greeting at the front desk from the hostess team when you walk in. Over the top and still down to earth. Incredible bartender, Bob, he kept me company until my friend arrived. Jason, a generous host. James, we relied on his recommendations for dinner all night. Beautiful, great music, upbeat. The food was excellent, so was the company. Best.
(5)TJ K.
Was here last week. It's not often I eat a steak, but I was looking forward to it. The popovers they brought out before dinner was delicious...and I had two. As for the steak, I had asked for it to be cooked "whatever is slightly pink inside". Unfortunately, it came out not pink at all. I was hungry and knew it would take a while to get another done to my temp, so I ate it. It was tasty, but not what I had hoped for. The side of asparagus was excellent.
(3)Maxim M.
My experience was consistent with other Yelpers. Kobe sliders are awesome. Truffle mashed potatoes were probably the best I ever had. Mushroom side was good but was overshadowed by the other food. The 20oz Rib Eye was cooked perfectly and is easily shared by two people, unless you are from Texas. Prices are very high both for the food and the wine list. If someone else is paying or you are not counting, easily 5 stars. Highly Recommended. Food: 5/5 Drinks: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Decor: 4/5 Bang 4 the $: 2.5/5 Must try: Kobe Sliders & Truffle Mashed Potatoes Will come back: Yes (if someone else is paying)
(4)Jeffrey M.
Amazing... After eating at this place I want to be a better person; to appreciate the many fragrances, textures and flavors life offers. I actually think a portion of my brain became active for the first time when I sank my teeth into my New York Strip at Barclay Prime, First of all - MAKE A RESERVATION. They get very crowded. The bar and waiting area is fun and comfortable. The dining room reminds me of a living room from a 60's sitcom...paneling, book shelves with eclectic books and huge glass chandeliers. The tables are all marble topped, with seats that are either sofa's for two or swivel mid-century modern lounge chairs. The decor and atmosphere led me to believe that Frank and the rat pack would come through the door at any minute. The service is some of the best I have ever seen. Any waiter or staff person that passes by your table at any time will see that you need something - and it just appears. The wait staff are extremely knowledgeable of the menu and make very good recommendations. They come to your table before the main course and let you choose one of a variety of steak knives - very classy. I recommend the beet salad as an appetizer. If you get a side with your steak...share it...the steak alone will fill you. Please save room for dessert. When you eat at a place like this, you do not want to miss a course. I will definitely be coming back next time I am in Philadelphia.
(5)DAVID W.
My wife and I had an incredible evening here. The oysters are to die for, and when it comes to steak - forget the $75 Wagyu Filet; the Ribeye is where it's at! We also had the Slider app which was delicious, and asparagus, tater tots, and sautéed mushrooms as our sides - all spot on. For dessert, you can't miss with the Devil's Food Cake! Our server was fantastic - best dining experience I ever had! Only complaint would be that they packed all of our leftovers (a piece of my wife's steak, asparagus, tater tots, and mushrooms) all in one box, which seems incredibly silly. The tater tots got all soggy and everything now tastes like mushrooms. Otherwise, everything about this place is top notch!
(5)Caroline B.
My husband and I have been coming here for years. We love this place. It is not only our favorite restaurant in the city but one of our favorite restaurants of all time. If you appreciate a good steak and excellent service, BP is where you need to go. Don't leave without having the deep dish cookie for dessert. We plan on returning as often as possible. Our server this last time was Glen. We will ask for him the next time we go.
(5)Jonathan M.
Had no reservation, but was seated quickly. The most memorable part of dinner were the "Kobe" sliders and the tartare. The atmosphere was modern and classy. Perfect for impressing clients, albeit overpriced.
(3)Martin F.
This place is supposed to be "all that" and it was good, if laughably pretentious at times (the display case of a selection of high-end steak knives brought to the table by the waiter just made me laugh it was so silly). We took potential clients out for dinner and spent a fortune, and while the food was very good to incredible at times, it's quite crowded, very loud and too damn dark for middle-aged folks to be able to read the 7 point cursive font on the menu. Service is top-notch, just what you'd home for in a place like this. I had the Fillet Mignon with a side of asparagus. Portions were tiny, but exquisite. Every morsel is perfect in preparation and presentation. The deserts were delightful constructions of sweet stuff and wonder, I had some kind of a torte with raspberries and chocolate and it was wonderful. Great for client meetings, special occasions or when you just want a really good steak.
(3)Noah R.
The best in Town, hands down..lobster bisque our of this world....tator tots... med rare bone in rib eye....fell asleep in my seat......love it...
(5)Hee Jin C.
Incredible service - from the moment you step in, it's all about the service: the hostesses are keen to accommodate your seating preferences (if you don't have a reservation, not to fret; the lounge is fantastic - closer proximity to the drinks ;)), the waiters/waitresses will recommend the best wine, dishes, appetizer, etc....everything short of washing your hands for you. I had a kobe beef tartar, some hamachi crudo, tuna tartar...and *GASP* the 100 dollar kobe beef cheesteak (not on the menu - served with a 500ml bottle of moet). My companion and I LOVED the crudo and tuna tartar, but we were positively speechless at the kobe beef tartar....I SWEAR, that thing is sprinkled with OPIUM or CRACK Cocain, or something...it is OUT OF THIS WORLD. As for the anticipated cheesteak....let's just say you should NEVER, and i mean NEVER bastardize the grandeur of kobe beef with cheese, regardless of how expensive that cheese may be, regardless of the fact that it comes topped with your choice of lobster of foie gras...just don't do it. Stick with the steak and the tartar. Don't get me wrong, it was absolutely delicious, but after two bites, the date and I looked at each other and went..."uh...."it was simply WAAAY too over the top. Also, it being a Starr restaurant, the bathrooms are unisex - this was an unsettling revelation for me at first, as I uneasily looked back to see three men following me into the bathroom and wondered if the night was going to take a very *ahem* odd turn, but it's just a unisex bathroom...don't be the country bumpkin that I am and freak out when you witness a co-ed group of seven go into the bathroom at once. I'd give this place 20 out of 10. I'm still gushing.
(5)Bryanne R.
Just Delicious! What I loved: Drink: Barclay Bellini Ap: West Coast Oysters & Gnocchi and Lamb sausage Ent: Mishma Ranch Ultra Filet Des: S'mores and instead of rolls...you get a warm popover! Perfect for a special occasion. Perfect for getting an amazing meal when you're tired of your normal routine. Yes they ask you to pick a knife...maybe that's cheesy....but go with it..you're out to dinner for the experience. Treat yourself :-)
(5)Dave H.
Barclay Prime is yet another Stephen Starr creation, a luxury meat and seafood "boutique". I think they can get away with the term; they're already infamous for their $100 Kobe steak! Unadorned and austere from the outside to the inside, their dining room and bar has a dark, black color scheme. The usual Starr spit-and-polish on presentation can be seen. When asked about virgin cocktails, our bartender, Mark, could only make a margarita - it was the saltiest concoction ever! (Though now he probably can make more items) A diner next to me had ordered oysters which looked appetizing. With an order of his entree he was offered a selection of knives. I saw a wickedly refined Porsche metal blade from Japan and another from France. Ordered a lobster cocktail ($12-$15, can't recall). The lobster was well done. Thick and suitably seasoned, it took up almost as much room as the sauce. There was a side of bread, which could be slid to one side and ignored. Reservations recommended but they accept walk-ins. While it wasn't crowded on our visit, limited seating may make it harder for larger parties to be seated unannounced. My verdict? I am intrigued enough to visit again, but I think I'll order wine or water with my meal.
(4)Gia H.
I think this will be the last time I have high hopes for a restaurant because when I do, the meal ends up turning bad or just okay. The service for this restaurant is impeccable. Only hiccup is when I asked the server to pick a sauce for my filet and it came when I had consumed 2/3 of my steak. The table started with lobster bisque, scallops and caesar salad. The lobster bisque was okay. I've had better or maybe my palate is not as exquisite as I thought. They do place large pieces of lobster which was a plus. My friend's bf was not impressed with the scallops and I was not impressed with my bf's caesar salad, at which he liked. Next the table ordered two steaks, two crab cakes, truffle mac and cheese, truffle mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts and creamed spinach. The truffel mashed potatoes were the biggest hit. The macaroni and cheese was the second biggest hit, but it just had too much going on in that little bowl for me - I think there was spinach and mushrooms in it? In addition, I asked my server to surprise me with a sauce for my steak, at which she did. However, when it arrived, I had ate most of my entree but tasted a bit of it and I didn't want anymore. Why me? I just wanted to like everything here. Lastly, because we were all stuffed, we decided to take desserts home. I had a dessert whose main ingredient was banana, at which I tasted no banana. My before ordered a peanut butter dessert that was awesome! The highlight of the night was 'Oh my, there is Stephen Starr.' I never knew what he looked like, but now I do :) Oh and the popovers :)
(3)Lin B.
This is by far one of the best steakhouses in the country. But we don't even eat steak and we love it! All of food is stellar in preparation, presentation and taste. The waitstaff is so attentive and friendly, but professional. You really cannot go wrong choosing this restaurant to dine with clients, a romantic dinner or dinner with friends. It's as close to perfect as you get. One of our clients calls it his favorite restaurant in the US (and he's dined in 100s of places)!
(5)Jill T.
Wow. Just WOW! This place is fabulous! I have to admit, I originally tried to make a reservation at Butcher & Singer, but they were booked from 6:30pm on, and since we were going to dinner after work 6:30 was just cutting it too close for me. Barclay Prime really exceeded all of my expectations. Everything was cooked so perfectly. My husband and I shared scallops as an appetizer- and they were literally "melt in your mouth" good. Then came the filets! Again, perfectly cooked, and so delicious. I think that allowing the diners to choose their own knife is a very nice touch. I enjoyed that part! Of course the only downside is the price, but it truly is worth every penny! The service is excellent!
(5)Robbin C.
I was really looking forward to eating at Barclay Prime and was very disappointed. While the atmosphere was nice, the service was just mediocre. The Filet was tasty but for the price I think it should have been unforgettable. I think there are so many steak houses to choose from that you can go elsewhere, spend less and have a better meal.
(3)Jennifer C.
This place was absolutely amazing!!! The atmosphere was incredible- a fun blend of modern and retro with low tables and love seats/chairs to sit in. The entrees are all a la carte but the sides are big enough to share! The 18oz ribeye is by far the best- it had the most amazing flavor! The truffle whipped potatoes are also definitely a must have. And no meal is complete without dessert and I must say- the only way to go is with the S'mores cake. It's a deconstructed s'more basically with a decedent chocolate lava cake with marshmallow and chocolate filling, and toasted marshmallow on top, and graham cracker ice cream on the side ( yes I did say graham cracker ice cream!). Take a spoon full of each part and prepare to be taken away to dessert paradise. The restaurant also has some cool features, say a coed bathroom? Yes this place does in fact have a coed bathroom!! You walk in one door and there are a line of doors on the right-hand side labeled L and M.... pick your door and there you go. What an experience! Also when you're steak comes they bring out a tray of at least 8 different varieties of steak knives for you to choose from. What a fun way to make eating a steak an exciting experience! I will definitely have to go back!
(5)Borracho G.
An amazing steak joint! I could not complain at all about this place. Love the huge popovers that come out before the meal and if you dip it in the lobster bisque you will be in flavor bliss. The filet was so tender and melted like butter. If you are not into red meat then go for the roasted chicken in a pot as an option. You will not envy the meat eaters with this chicken dish. All the appetizer's were great and you can do no wrong with any of them. The price is high depending on the cuts and types of meat but you will get what you pay for and you wont be disappointed. Barclay Prime is truly a fine meal in Philly.
(4)Kelly G.
You're in Philly. You want a cheesesteak. This place was near my hotel and rumor had it they have a $100.00 cheesesteak. Of course I had to swing by. By the time I ordered, I'd chickened out. It was so cold and blustery out. I ordered the lobster bisque and a dark and stormy instead. This was the best lobster bisque I've ever had in my life. The soup base was so velvety smooth, flavorful, with just a touch of heat (cayenne or Tabasco I guess). Oh Lord, I loved this soup. Then there was the lobster. I noticed one whole claw (for the visual effect, I guess). But as I delved deeper into the soup, there were other numerous huge chunks of that delectable lobster meat. So tender. So flavorful. I tore my roll into pieces and tossed them into the dish at the end in order to soak up all remaining drops of soup or leftover pieces of lobster. This was so good. OMG! And the presentation? It came out of the kitchen in a mini-tureen. OMG. The loveliness of keeping my steam in my bowl until it was in front of me. Let ME get the first whiffs of lobstery goodness. Wash it all down with a couple of dark & stormys, and life was good. Mmm. I wanted to return to this lovely spot. All warming and welcoming with the dark brown wood interior and single candles on each of the conversationally placed tables. Alas, the work people limited my restaurant choices. No worries. Philly is close enough to DC that I can zip up here on a whim and return to all of my favorite spots! Yes!
(4)Robert D.
Mr. Starr, you really out did your self this time !! If you're looking for a unique upscale dining experience, please indulge. You will not be disappointed. Upscale retro yet comfortable ambiance, sheik decor , impeccable service, and succulent cuisine. I've dined at just about every high end steak house in the city and this one by far is the upper crest of the top 5 list! Everything from the homemade pop ems to the lobster bisque with a touch of caviar. Need I say more?? You cant go wrong with this one folks! So spend a little extra scratch for one of the best dining experiences you will ever have. It's well worth your while....guaranteed beyond your satisfaction!!
(5)SD C.
Strip steak tasting was melt in your mouth delicious. Got three sauces to try with it and liked Bearnaise the best. Whipped potatoes and broccoli rabe were perfect accompaniments.
(5)Melissa G.
This review is two months past due but i thought better late than never! My husband and I went here for our birthdays and we had a fantastic evening! Our server, Eric, was very knowledgeable about the menu and we enjoyed everything he suggested! We never had to wait for our drinks and our food came out promptly. First, I have to say I absolutely loved the popover bread! I could have made a meal out of that alone. We started out with two appetizers: the raw oysters and the hamachi crudo. They were both delicious and very fresh. My husband got the NY strip tasting menu. It was expensive but we figured why not splurge for our birthdays? Best decision we made that day! I do not remember which steak he liked the best but I do know his plate was empty in record time! I got the Australian wagyu filet. It was incredible! It was cooked to perfection and one of the best steaks I have ever had! We split the truffle mac and cheese which was also very good. I am more partial to the lobster mac and cheese at capital grille but will take the steaks at Barclay! We did not partake in dessert as we were meeting up with friends for drinks, but we did get a sample of their truffles. Our waiter, Eric must have overheard us mention our birthdays and he brought over the small plate of truffles complete with a candle! It was very sweet of him. Overall we had a great dinner. Be prepared to spend some money but well worth it!
(5)Mikey M.
Best steakhouse in Philadelphia hands down! Barclay prime is worth every penny and we go here for special occasions only. It's a very pricey restaurant but promise you there isn't a better place out there. The waiters are super helpful and are on their game in this joint. The layout inside is pretty cool looking, they designed it to look oldschool. The 28 day dry aged porterhouse was the last steak I had and it was phenomenal, however the Kobe filet was great too. You can't go wrong with their steaks. The side dishes are amazing too. The Mac and cheese and tatter tots or the au gratin potatoes. Every time I go I always get the creme brûlée for desert, it's the best I've ever had. The food really is awesome here but like I said it's big bucks so be prepared to drop some money.
(5)Kevin W.
Came in here today with the intention of adding the Kobe beef sliders to my burger collection.I always say the service at these upscale places are second to none,so that isn't an issue.I decided to read the menu and that decision cost me a few extra dollars.I chose to "take the gloves off " and order a steak.I love the cutlery they bring out before the meal it makes the experience "extra fancy".The steak was just about perfect,tender and very nicely seasoned.Ilove the steak at Smith and Wollensky but I have to admit this one is a better cut and better tasting.I was looking forward to the Kobe beef sliders so maybe I will come back tomorrow.In my opinion this is the best steak money can buy
(4)Daniel H.
Intelligent. Sophisticated. Seductive. Delicious. Luckily for me, these words describe the restaurant and its food, as well as my company for the evening. Barclay Prime is a must if you're looking to take in a fine dining experience in Philadelphia. Slower on a Sunday night, but the service from entry to exit was excellent. Greeted very nicely with a coat check and seated promptly in a cozy spot along the dimly lit wall (these were most likely decorated with books that nobody wanted, but charming nonetheless). Our Malbec by the glass was full-bodied and went well with our nueske bacon and scallops, which were cooked perfectly, capturing all of the intricate flavors that this yummy combo offers. The bacon was thinly wrapped around a jumbo scallop, and both were placed atop a fried green tomato. Our server said that it was his favorite appetizer; we could see why. Dinner didn't disappoint, either. First, it came out fairly quickly, but not too quickly. My 8oz Tajima fillet was cooked medium-rare, and was pleasantly pink on the inside and crisp on the outside. Her de-shelled, 3lbs lobster was bathing in delicious butter, and both were great choices. Sides come a la carte (the menu says they're $10 each, but be forewarned, that's not what we paid for them!), and we chose truffle whipped potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and truffle mac 'n cheese. My favorite was the mushrooms (mushrooms and steak, always good); her favorite were the whipped potatoes. The mac 'n cheese was good, but the bacon didn't do it for me. The entire dinner was very rich and very satisfying. We had leftovers from all three sides. Dessert. Seemingly simple, but don't let the deep dish cookie's title fool you. This dessert was well crafted and as decadent as you'd want. Divided in thirds and served warm, there were samples of a warm triple chocolate chunk, snicker-doodle, and peanut butter cookie; with vanilla ice cream on top and caramel sauce on the side (we didn't even use it!). We both thought the triple chocolate chunk cookie was the best, with the snicker-doodle coming in second. Throughout the evening one of the servers helped to rile up a bit of competition by pointing out which of us kept our dining area neater; the joke was well received, but more importantly the constant attention to cleanliness was appreciated. One of the cooler tidbits is that I was provided with a selection of steak knives - our server came over and asked me to, "choose my weapon." Very cool. I went with a Japanese knife, which we all thought was fit for the kill. A longer review, but hopefully worth it; the meal certainly was. Probably gets four stars but the atmosphere and circumstances around the night bump it up a notch. Check out Barclay Prime - you'll be glad you did! ----------------------------------------UPDATES---Â-------------------------------------------------- I couldn't stand that this review wasn't my first that showed up, so I deleted the update and will post the main point here. DO NOT GET THE $100 CHEESE STEAK! (from 8/1/2011) Another important update - went for my 2-year anniversary with the lady and informed the restaurant on open table... they provided such amazing service, served us dessert that said Happy Anniversary, and sent us home with a special mini anniversary cake. TREMENDOUS. (from 12/18/2012)
(5)Kate S.
Not worth the money you spend! I usually love Stephen Starr restaurants but this was by far my worst restaurant experience ever! Lobster bisque was one of the worst I've ever tasted. The beef tar tar had way too many onions/shallots in it to even appreciate the flavor of the beef. The 15oz. Veal chop lacked any kind of delicious veal flavor, it was like eating an overcooked pork chop -- not what I want to spend $47 on! The NY Strip was ok, but frankly, I could have cooked it 10x better at home and for 1/5th the price. The truffle mac n cheese tasted as if a whole bottle of truffle oil was used in just our one portion, inedible! Not only was the food not good, the service lacked too! I've had better service at an Applebees! I will never go back there and I suggest you don't waste your money on it either! Very disappointing.
(1)Marie D.
Although steaks are the centerpiece at Barclay Prime, the sides and apps are not to be overlooked. They could certainly be a meal on their own. On my last visit I took about three bites of my crusty, juicy dry-aged NY strip but had to wrap up the rest after I'd indulged in large popovers, literally as big as my outstretched hand, shrimp that shrimped the first course forks, a tangy Ceasar salad, and the majority of the side dish menu, including potato gratin, tater tots, creamed spinach, sauteed mushrooms, lobster mac and cheese with bacon and truffled mashed potatoes.
(5)Jah F.
$100.00 CheeseSteak. Ingredients fit for a king.
(4)Mariya G.
When looking for a new restaurant to try, I turn to trusty yelp and start skimming. Then I say a little prayer and hope that I have more in common with whoever wrote the 5-star reviews than with the poor saps who are exclaiming, 'NO! Stay Away!' No luck tonight. The much-hyped kobe sliders were dry. Kobe steak itself was actually pretty good (albeit nothing special). Everything else we tried fell squarely in the 'low-average' category. Most of Philly's 'New American' style places routinely turn out better food for lower prices.
(2)Lisa W.
Yum! Came here to celebrate our 4th anniversary and were quickly ushered to our table by a pleasant hostess. Our waiter came right over and wished us a happy anniversary and provided us with drink lists and menus. He was very bubbly (husband said he reminded him of Lloyd from Entourage) and made recommendations for both drinks and food. Started out with the Kobe sliders, cooked to a perfect medium rare. One was topped with a tomato mixture, the other stuffed with cheese (gouda, I think). Both were marvelous, almost too good to share. We also had a caesar salad which was good and plenty for both of us. For entrees we went with the ribeye and dry aged strip. Both were served as we requested- rare and were very tender. The ribeye had more flavor than the strip and was served bone-in. We also got whipped potatoes and sauteed squash to share. The potatoes were so velvety and buttery I felt like I was eating a cloud if that cloud had rolled through a butter stick. The squash was just ok and lacked any seasoning or taste. For dessert we shared the smores and I think the highlight for both of us was the graham cracker ice cream. Definitely a surprising little treat that went perfect with the chocolate cake. Barclay Prime seems like a great place to get a little dressed up and celebrate a special occasion. Oh, I almost forgot! You get to pick your own steak knife. How silly!
(5)David T.
Best steak I have ever had, such an awesome experience. I'm already a fan of Stephen Starr, so I came in with high expectations and was NOT disappointed. I ordered the 20oz ribeye and it was like slicing through butter. Meaty, delicious, perfectly seasoned, medium-rare butter. Also, being offered a selection of steak knives (each with its own attributes and stories) was cool. The rest of the group had the NY strip, 3.5lb lobster, sides of mushrooms, potatoes, bacon, mac and cheese, the Kobe slider app. Everything was delicious and the red and white wine we had went well with the whole meal. By far the best steakhouse in Philadelphia and I can't wait to go back. Oh, and if you're trying to impress a girl, bring her here. Big thank you to Victor, Harry and Thi for this great dinner and opportunity to dine here.
(5)Don R.
From the time I opened the door til it closed behind us, this restaurant became my favorite in Philadelphia. When it comes to fine dining in Philadelphia, I've had some great experiences and I've had some extremely annoying experiences. The best will obviously include attentive service, amazing cuisine while the latter usually involves sitting too close to other diners at a kindergarten table yelling over their incredibly assinine conversations. So the usual over priced finger food on small plates and euro trash tag alongs to the side were instantly transformed into a phenomenally cooked filet and incredibly prepared sides like creamed spinach and kobe beef marvels to start with. The wine was perfect and I could actually hear what my girlfriend was saying during dinner, and I became a happy man. For some restaurants in this town, giving me what I want seems to be an incredible hassle for them and I apologize in advance for the inconvenience. Although remember....I am paying YOU afterall....what could I possibly be thinking. lol
(5)Ken L.
Went back to BP for a quick luxurious dinner. The service is 5 star. The decor is very Hip and the menu changed slightly. The Kobe Beef Tartare is now Prime beef tartare, and I liked it much better as it did not have an over rich sauce but the ingredients were not to my liking. It was very spicy and had a very unusual taste almost middle eastern spice that I could not identify. I am a purist and love just great beef and maybe some capers and toast points. The Shrimp cocktail, 3 U6 for $19 seemed reasonable given the size and flavor. I was a little upset that my DP had her app a delicious tuna tartare and my app took at least 15 min after hers. I did order two apps so I can not kill them on this flaw as i did not specify what order to bring these. The popovers were delicious, chive-cheddar I believe and they do not refill them unless you ask and they seem perplexed by the request for additional popovers. they were served with a heavily salted butter. I would have preferred unsalted. The caviar selection looked great and reasonable from petrossian but we were not in the mood. Maybe another time. One dish on the app side was a burrata cheese from Vermont (via Murray cheese in NY) served with caviar. Interesting pairing. It did not specify which caviar and it seemed pricey at $ 19. On to the Entrees. I really think that BP had evolved into a fine dining restaurant from upscale steakhouse. They have at least 4 non meat selections, a turbot, a Bronzino, crabcake (not crab cakes...a personal pet peeve as I prefer two crab cakes ), and lobster that is butter poached and they did make a great steamed lobster for my DP sans butter. The steaks are from all different purveyors and I went with the NY Strip sampler of 2 La Frieda cuts , a wet and dry aged, and one of the australian kobe cuts. It still baffles me that they do not have japanese kobe on this menu. The Sampler was great but I was getting full. Side dishes were good. The tater tots which are usually awesome were sickly salty and the mushrooms and asparagus were right on. we took a peanut butter kinda dessert home and it was fair, nothing special. Overall, besides a very nice and competent server Jason, the whole experience is very robotic and the usual SRO experience. The last time we went the food was right on, this time there were some weird taste profiles that I did not complain about because we were in a hurry to relieve our babysitter. We will go back but they definitely have dropped down in food quality and taste in my opinion. I prefer Union Trust, or Smith and Wollensky or Palm for a more authentic steakhouse experience. This is a steakhouse for date night or business account dinners or non steak eaters who like the gliterazzi. I do miss lunch there as they stopped serving it 5 or 6 years ago. If not for our excellent server, I would have given the restaurant 3 stars.
(4)Risa M.
No need to go into what I order here. You will not be disappointed. The wine list, the caviar... Everything is perfect and consistent. Love the lounge-ey feel and music too.
(5)Ben M.
The first time I went here it was one of the best meals (overall) that I've ever had. Unfortunately the second time was not quite as nice-- I think the menu has downgraded somewhat-- but we're still talking about a fantastic restaurant. It is of course a very expensive restaurant, but I think it lives up to its expectations, and I really do like Stephen Starr's places. The steaks (especially the first time) were incredible, and the cocktails they serve were inventive and delicious. The dessert menu stands to be improved, but it is at least creative. Highly recommended.
(5)Jessica H.
We went to Barclay Prime for our six month wedding anniversary. It was a Sunday night, so the restaurant was not busy at all. The main dining room is striking--it's a large room with many relatively low-to-the-ground sofas bookending simply decorated tables, and some smaller tables with chairs along the edges of the room. The walls are lined with bookshelves, most with books in them, which we liked. The room is dimly lit, but it never felt dark. There are large windows lining one wall. Our server was wonderful. She was very friendly and knowledgeable, but not overbearing. For our meal, we ordered: -Kobe beef sliders -20oz prime bone-in ribeye (one each) -creamed spinach -truffle mac & cheese -the waitress also sent us (gratis) the truffle mashed potatoes, which we had asked about but not ordered We loved the kobe beef sliders, the steak, and the creamed spinach. Not surprisingly, they really know how to cook beef. I was surprised by the creamed spinach (not normally something I would order), but it was delicious. We did not enjoy the mac and cheese and the mashed potatoes. It may have been the truffle oil, but both dishes tasted overwhelmingly salty. There was also a lot of oil in both dishes--made clear the next day when we reheated our leftovers and found a pool of oil around the mashed potatoes (we couldn't finish about half of our meal--it was a lot of food!) Ultimately, we would have preferred more subtle side dishes to complement the steak.
(4)Michael B.
Barclay Prime is a fantastic overall experience. The food is excellent, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the service is even better. There is an elegant bar when you walk in where you can have a great drink or two before dinner. The dining room has a modern edge to it that makes you feel a bit like a celebrity. It is an expensive place, but I would imagine most people would save it for a special occasion, and it is absolutely worth it if you are looking for a great steak and a good time. The only reason I did not give it five stars is because I am a snob, and have experienced some of the best steakhouses around, and honestly, there are better steaks out there at other steakhouses. However, that is my foodie self talking. If your looking for top tier food, and a great overall experience, this is your place!
(4)Matt C.
Very fun restaurant. Awesome ambiance, beautiful dining room, exceptional service. The wait staff is not only on point but also fun - blending themselves into your dining experience with wit, humor, and knowledge of the menu without ever seeming obtrusive... They bring out a selection of spectacular steak knives for you to choose from, also a really fun part of the meal that adds to the vibe. Hands down the best side dishes I've ever had at a steak house. The kobe beef tartare is crazy good. The truffle mashed potatoes blew my mind. The truffle mac & cheese is phenomenal. Hell, even the creamed spinache was some of the best I've ever had. Every one of their steak sauces is exceptional as well. The only thing that didn't blow my mind about Barclay Prime? The steak! That was very odd for me, being everything else is at such an elite level. The steaks are good enough to justify coming here for the overall dining experience or for a fun night out, but if you're hunting for the best steak money can buy you can definitely do better.
(5)S P.
Great Service, great food. A great place in Center City, that feels like you are in a world class city.
(5)B M.
We had reservations for 9:15 on a Friday. After deciding on Thursday that we wanted a good steak dinner we read a few reviews and tried to get a table at Capitol Grille... however they were booked. I think this turned out to be a good thing. We fell in love with Barclay Prime! We were a few minutes early and were seated just about the time of our reservation. The staff was helpful, courteous, and unassuming. We had never been to Barclay Prime before and hadn't read too many reviews or seen photos. We were pleasantly surprised by the simple, tasteful decor. It felt like you were in someone's home... but fancy. We loved the armchairs at our table for two and really enjoyed checking out the book titles that lined the shelves. The music also was perfect - that retro Americana that is part mod-60s and part timeless. Our server, Jason A, was great. He suggested a few things on menu, had excellent recommendations for sauce and side order pairings. We didn't feel any pressure to "up order," either, which is always a plus. We started our meal with a gruyere and chive popover (the bread of the night) and delicious salted butter. These popovers were so light and airy - but also filling! I only ate half of mine and wish I had thought to bring it home with me! Jason also bought over a selection of knives for us to choose from... something different and surprising but still fun! I ordered the 8 oz. filet with the bernaise sauce on the side. Jason had recommend the bernaise as best with the filet... I felt it was a bit too sweet and was glad that he had recommended it on the side. The potatoes au gratin were phenomenal and such a huge portion. I am eating the leftovers as I type and they are just as good re-heated! I was really pleased with the price of the 8 oz. filet - at $35 I felt it was very reasonable. He had the dry-aged rib eye...YUM. Perfect sear. So delicious... I was a little jealous! He also had the creamed spinach. When he didn't finish Jason recommend an excellent next-morning omelette creation with the creamed spinach. Sounded great! We opted our of dessert... but enjoyed complimentary hazlenut truffles with a salted caramel center. I would recommend Barclay Prime to anyone wanting a great meal, fun atmosphere, and reasonable upscale pricing. We will be back... I kind of want to try that $100 cheesesteak!
(5)Jim D.
Next to Gibson's in Chicago, one of my all time favorite steak houses. Most of the ingredients are local and extremely fresh. I recommend the bone in filet if you're going for steak, but the seafood choices are equally as good. The menu is seasonal and many of the sides/appetizers change regularly. The dinner rolls are dreamy and resemble a huge Yorkshire pudding. The service is outstanding.
(5)Le L.
I've been here a few times with my boyfriend and the food and service is excellent. It's pretty cute and cozy in there but just a little too dim. I like to see what I am eating.... The fried green tomatoes and bacon wrapped scallops is a great start. Kobe sliders were pretty good. They have the best Kobe Filet.... Super lean and tender. The Lamb was tasty too. The sides were pretty good (except for the gi'normous asparagus) The dessert is just as good and any other Steven Starr restaurants. Beware.... your bill will add up, but the food and service is well worth the experience. (you also get to choose you own steak knife)
(4)Brandon M.
Best restaurant in the city, in my opinion. Surprised even myself, considering this is a Starr joint. The place oozes retro cool, from the stark contrast checkerboard floor that greets you in the waiting area to the 70s-style living room/lounge feel of the main dining area -- not to mention the unisex bathroom (which isn't as awkward as you'd think; the stalls are completely enclosed and the lighting is dim. It's more like the bathroom of a nice club than restaurant). So far, so Starr. But unlike a typical Starr joint, the service is remarkably attentive and competent, too. Waiters are professional without being snobby (I hate snobby waiters -- you're the one serving me!), and have a good grip of the menu and wines by the glass (the wine list itself is extensive, albeit pricey at ~4x markup...cocktails are excellent), and busboys are quick to refill water and clear plates. Sure, they lay it on a little thick by confirming your rare steak as "velvety red with a cool center" and laying out an arsenal of knives from which you select one to use, but that's part of the show. As for the food, BP's got steakhouse fare down. The oysters are very good, but I usually go with the Kobe sliders, which is possibly the best item on the menu. There's no shortage of cuts of beef, although my one gripe is that their feature steak for the last few months has been a 28-day dry aged strip...I think a steakhouse of this caliber should at least offer up a 5/6/7/8-week dry-aged steak. In any case, the steak itself is on par with or better than comparable cuts I've had at places like Peter Luger, Craftsteak and Jacobs & Co. Prices for food are pretty reasonable for what you get; I don't understand everyone here saying it's overpriced -- 18-oz. dry-aged steaks aren't going to get much cheaper than $45. You pay more for a steak at Morton's or the Palm and you get a lot more here. Desserts are delicious too. I usually opt for something chocolate. All in all, this is a near-perfect dining experience.
(5)Hong P.
As a steak lover, and a big fan of upscale steak dining....this place was a huge dissapointment. Took my date to impress her, believe me, this place had a very nice decor. BUT BUT, they burned our steak to a point, it was not edible. You don't burn a medium steak!!!!!! I was pressed for time because I had to take my date to a play. I spoke to the manger, she says "this is how we cook our medium steak".....and no apologies??????? If I was not pressed for time, I would have asked for another steak. Try, Fleming's or Capital Grille. Basically I was embarresed to even take a date here.......
(1)Francis C.
Superb in every aspect, from the decanted wine (Australian shiraz, Noon Winery, 2010), to the finest filet I've ever eaten, to the sides, and the dessert, and especially the service. A choice of steak knives was offered each guest. It was my 70th birthday dinner; I was brought a surprise mini-birthday cake at the end.
(5)Ava W.
For the price, I would say it's really just OK. Part of it was the waiter who served us- really rude. The other part was the steak sauce - there was no A1 sauce and their home-made steak sauce was kinda sour... But beyond those two factors, I enjoyed everything about it - the appetizer which was a baked croissant thingy was really good. We order Kobe Sliders which were decent (not super gd though). Then, my bf had a NY strip and I ordered a 12 oz filet and that was really soft and good steak - OH! do'nt forget the sides - I had mushroom and cameralized onions which turned out to be really good, even better than the steaks... :) But I did have a gd dinner w/ my bf =P Overall, still worth a try if you haven't!
(3)Joanna L.
As another reviewer wrote, I don't usually eat places this nice (or this expensive). So my visit to Barclay Prime was a nice treat. We requested a specific server - Jason - after having him as our server at the Starr/Talula's Table Pop-Up a couple weeks ago. He is ridiculously helpful and courteous and he *really* knows what he's talking about both food and wine-wise. And he's cute. We were a party of 5 - shared a bunch of apps - bacon and scallops on top of a fried green tomato, kobe tartare (amazing), and tuna tartare (not as good as the beef, but still delicious). I had the dry aged NY strip ($48! oy), medium rare, with some lobster on top. You can skip the lobster for the paltry amount you get. The steak was so buttery and melty and delicious. Most of us had this steak and everyone was happy. For our sides, we had tater tots (I think Jason described them as golden pillows of deliciousness, and that's what they were), sauteed mushrooms (omg I don't even want to know how much butter they use to make these so delicious), creamed spinach (perfect amount of creaminess), and the truffle mac and cheese (which I would have inhaled if I didn't have this ridiculous steak in front of me). We actually had room for dessert - the warm deep dish cookie thing with ice cream on top was out of this world. Glad I wasn't paying. :)
(5)Dominic P.
Hands down the best steak in Philly. Brussels sprouts were excellent, as well!
(5)Grant E.
Food exceptional (5 stars). Service not bad (4 stars). Atmosphere (3 stars). Hostess and Manager collusive and inept (1 star). I have been to Barclay Prime 5 or 6 times now. Food: The food has always been exceptional from the muffin top to the excellent steak. It is probably the best steak I have ever enjoyed in my life. There are restaurants that I can say are my favorite (dessert, seafood, thai, sushi, soup....), this is the best steak. Table Service: The wait staff is very attentive and does an excellent job explaining the menu and meeting your entire requests. They will never let your requests go unnoticed. Atmosphere: Very unique and doesn't really meet my expectations of a fine steakhouse. It has an eclectic diner feel. For some reason, the fancy diner is a Philadelphia trademark. The chairs are in constant motion which makes you feel awkward while eating. There is nothing classy or classic about the atmosphere (unless you consider the Waffle House a top notch steakhouse). The wait staff is in constant motion. Add the wait staff's fast pace, the moving chairs and a few drinks and you will think you are at a county fair. Hostess: The hostess has been there for quite sometime. They are the young girls that think they are too cute, when they are actually pretty trashy. I consider them 10% girls (they think they are about 10% better looking than they really are). We requested the hostess (the blonde ditz) to move us to another table. She lied and said that table is going to be for 4 people and moved us to horrible table in exchange. During the dinner we noticed they sat 2 groups of 2 at that table. The beverage manager said it was his decision and did not know of our request. The difference between a great restaurant and a good restaurant in the details. People will remember the experience more than the food. If the restaurant would spend more time teaching etiquette to the trashy hostesses and fine tuning the atmosphere, it would be a Top Restaurant. Otherwise, it falls to mediocre.
(3)John B.
One word: overrated. Steak was nothing that special, although properly cooked to medium rare. The fat distribution on the meat was weird...it seems like the meat had fat clusters rather than nicely distributed marbling. Their sliders are actually excellent and they have a rather nice list of single-malts. The decor is nice enough that you can bring dates you want to impress.
(3)JB K.
On a recent business trip, we opted for this locally-owned steakhouse instead of the usual chain. The food was excellent but the experience may have outshone the food, which is not a bad thing. The decor was certainly beautiful and sumptuous--creamy white leather with lime green velvet pillows, dark wood, crystal chandeliers; nice but not stuffy. Two of our guests were kids not exactly dressed for the occasion, and the waitstaff made us all feel welcome. The waiter also bore our jokes about ordering the $7500 bottle of 1982 Chateau Cheval- Blanc well, though I'm pretty sure he'd heard that joke before. We were asked to choose a knife from a selection of steak knives--a first for all of us. And then there was the unisex bathroom--certainly two idiosyncratic features that people will remember and talk about. I had the filet of course--and while it was cooked to perfection, I had just had the same at Ruth's Chris the week before, and this one suffered by the comparison. I am partial to RC's butter preparation, so I'm sure this was outstanding filet by any other standard but mine. There were 11 of us so we shared a bunch of the sides and got to try a little of everything--the nueske (smoked) bacon was amazing, and the others (truffle mac & cheese, creamed spinach, potato nachos, broccolini, whipped potatoes, sauteed mushrooms, asparagus) were excellent but not exceptionally inventive. And then there was the standout dessert. You simply cannot pass on the chocolate-chip creme brulee. At the end of a great meal with good wine and company, I wanted nothing more than to be alone with that particular dessert.
(4)Kevin S.
I just got back home from an amazing meal at Barcley Prime. The food was super delicious and the service was stellar. The vibe throughout the dining room was mellow, dimly lit and visually appealing. I especially enjoyed the layout of the seating as we were both sat on separate couches between a table. Quaint, masculine and chill, just the way I like to dine. We started with the bacon wrapped scallops served over a fried green tomato and a light white maple syrup glaze. This appetizer was seriously worth a trip back! For dinner we both decided on the 28 day dry aged 16 oz. NY strip steak. Simply splendid taste, cooked pink on the inside, providing a juicy-yummy mouthwatering piece of meat - bite after bite. Additionally we had the broccolini as a side - seasoned to perfection. The 5-star service only added to the amazing dining experience. We were attended to by two servers, both were extremely knowledgeable of the menu, wine list, etc. I was very impressed all around, from the host to the extremely attentive waitstaff. Although the prices are super high - It is worth every penny on a special occasion.
(5)Craig R.
Wow. What a great steak. One of the best steaks I have had in a very long time. Order the New York Strip, Pittsburgh style (with cracked pepper)...yum. Inside the restaurant looks like my mother's 1970's living room...you know, the room with the pleather furniture and cheap tables....time to update your look. They also give you your choice of knives for your meal. Nice touch, sets them apart from others. Last but not least is the price...holy SH&T...you have to be kidding me...way too overpriced. Great steak yes, but not the best for this price.
(4)Sean D.
Went there last night for our 6 year anniversary. We had reservations at a competitor and I happened to go online to look for another place to go to afterwards for some dessert when I saw the reviews for Barclay. I remember looking a few years back and not seeing as high reviews. After reading all the reviews on here, we decided to cancel our reservations elsewhere and go to Barclay. Very glad we did. The dining hall is small and quiet and every part of the meal was amazing. We both ended up getting the 12oz filet's with truffle mashed potatoes and cream spinach. Then for dessert tried their smores dessert which was amazing. Also had a very nice wine selection. I have tried pretty much every steakhouse in Philly and would agree with the below comments that this is surely up there for the best steakhouse.
(5)Louis K.
I was in the city the other night for a party and my wife and I wanted to get a relatively quick meal in the lounge at Barclay Prime. Knowing that it was Saturday we went pretty early around 630. We walked into the Lounge area and it was no more then half full, at least 8-10 tables open. We asked to be seated and the hostess said that they were booked. I told her we weren't looking to camp out all night and that we would be out by 730. She told us to wait by the bar, a ten minute deliberation between the Robert Palmer hostesses ensued. In that time a nice gentleman offered my wife his seat and the seat opened up next to her, eventually one of the hostesses came over and said they could accommodate us, at that point we decided to eat at the bar. From that point on we had a lovely time, our bartender, Bob, was super pleasant and attentive to our needs. My wife and I split an order of the oysters which were delicious and I had the 8 oz filet which was cooked to perfection with sides of the truffled whipped potatoes (YUM!) and roasted brussel sprouts that were out of this world. When we were finished the lounge still had empty tables and that is why I'm deducting 1 star from what could have been a 5 star rating. The girls up front need to know when to be accommodating .
(4)Bill q.
Overpriced and Underwhelming Lobster: $100 Sole: $80 four slices of raw scallop: $18 Why do people go to Starr restaurants? Why did I? Because someone wanted to take me. Good thing I wasn't paying. Food was very so-so, service is bizarre, choose my knife? Choose my knife?
(2)Hannah M.
This place is delicious. When my fiance was trying to convince me to move from NYC to Philly with him, he took me here, and it worked. The filet mignon was incredible, as was everything else. Big portions of delicious food with a more fun ambiance than your typical stuffy steakhouse. I really enjoyed it, will be back soon!
(5)Edwin M.
This place is AMAZING! My wife and I ar from North Jersey but we try to make the trip to this great steakhouse every year. Typically around our anniversary. Anyway enough about us... LOL. We like to try diff things when eating here however the Mac'N cheese truffle is a staple for us everytime we go it's REALLY that good! Top notch service and every waiter we have ever has been helpful in helping us decide. No they don't always pick the highest items either... The ambiance is nice as well. Steaks are tender and have great taste. Overall, great expierence. Not the cheapest but again you get what you pay for
(5)Tom G.
Appetizers and sides ruled my visit here. Kobe sliders were good. Tuna tartar was fresh and delicious. Lobster bisque was out of this world. Salads were average, maybe even below average. Steaks were less-than-amazing, which surprised all of the people in my group. None of us had been to BP before but we're all steakhouse "veterans." The steaks were all absolutely charred on the outside while being correctly cooked on the inside for the most part. The rub they slathered the steaks in was odd, as well. I appreciated that the NY strip was grass fed organic, and that was apparent in the flavor of the meat, but the bitter charcoal exterior really detracted from the natural flavor of the meat. This sentiment was echoed by all of my party. The more traditional steakhouse goers in the group did not appreciate the trendiness, feeling it tried putting an institition like American steakhouses into a prettied up, club-like atmosphere. I didn't echo this as I enjoyed the wood walls and modern tables and chairs. The mushroom side was AMAZING. I'd strongly recommend. The tatertots were not that great. The asparagus was fresh and perfectly cooked. The wine list, my favorite part, was standard for a steakhouse. Lots of big cali cabs and little else of note (outside of the 82 first growths like Cheval Blanc for $7400). We settled on a $250 bottle of Plumpjack Cab that was fantastic (if carrying the steakhouse standard 200% markup). This was probably the best part of the meal. Interestingly, the women in our group liked this place far more than the men here. They said they appreciated that it wasn't so manly.
(4)Susan M.
Food was delicious. Steak was cooked perfectly. Shrimp cocktail were huge and tasty. Loved to Popover bread they serve in the beginning. Nice touch of letting you choose your own personal steak knife. Beautiful looking restaurant but expect to drop a small fortune. Very Very Exprensive!!!
(4)Lily Q.
This is definitely my least favorite Steven Starr restaurant, unthinkably disappointing service and the food was just ok at best. I came here for a friend's bday party a few months ago, I had been really looking forward to coming here, it was the only Starr restaurant in Philly I hadn't tried yet and I absolutely love Butcher & Singer so I came in with very high expectations...oops We were seated in the front cigar-room-like area, they had placed a row of small tables together accommodate our large party. As soon as we were seated, I noticed that my table was very wobbly, to the point where the slightest weight shift would splash my water and I couldn't set my martini on the table because it would spill everywhere. We told the waiter at least twice before he even bothered to look at it and when he did he just assured me that the tabletop would not fall down on me (the screw holding the heavy table top down was so loose it really did feel like the top would slide off any second) and he took no measures to try to secure it, when we asked him if he could just swap it with a stable table he said he'd look into it and never got back to us. By this point we were having so many other issues with the waiter- I asked 3-4 times for lemon for my water and never got them, drink refills were absurdly slow as he would only stop by our table once every 20 or 30 mins- it just became ridiculous. I had the pleasure of eating my $100+ meal on a see-saw table with the silverware and plates sliding around and banging together everytime i cut my steak. The food unfortunately did not come close to making up for the horrendous service. The only thing I liked were the cocktails and the kobe tartar, but this is a steak house... and my porterhouse came out completely overcooked (totally burnt on the outside) and flavorless. The vegetable sides were dry and burnt, the spaeztle was ok but my boyfriend said it was sub-par. One guy in our party who got his steak 30 minutes before I did sent his steak back for being too tough and overcooked and it took almost an hour for him to get the new steak so I didn't even bother with trying to wave down our no-where-to-be-seen waiter to send mine back. Our dinner ended up taking 4 hours and believe me that was not by choice. To top everything off, my credit card was charged twice. Disappointing experience would be an understatement....never again
(1)Theresa K.
The food was beyond amazing....everything was cooked to perfection! The West Coast oysters...OUT OF THIS WORLD! Drinks were really good too and the service (James) was astounding, very knowledgeable...answered all of our questions and was ALWAYS right there when we needed him! Dessert was excellent! We had a wonderful experience and will definitely go back!
(5)Meg H.
Went there for the first time Sunday night. Place was PACKED!!! I heard alot of great things so I had to check it out for myself!!! OMG!!!! The best steak i have ever had and the Truffle mashed potatoes to die for!!!!! Will definitely be back!!!!
(5)Robert K.
Overpriced & overrated. My $48 NY strip was too salty. Lined w/ hard gristle (had to spit some out or swallow big pieces), and undercooked. Charged us an extra $6 to bring a dessert we ordered for someone's birthday- I guess b/c they wrote 'happy birthday' in chocolate on the plate.
(2)Benjamin S.
As a true connoisseur of steak, I can tell you that this is definitely top choice. I took my girlfriend to Barclay on her first visit to PA since I moved here from Dallas, and both of us were completely satisfied! Starting with the Kobe Sliders is a must and you can't help but smile as they practically melt in your mouth. Absolute bliss. After, the first course we chose the Fillet and the Chicken. I will admit the fillet was much better than the organic chicken dish, but it is a steakhouse. The cut was perfect and the temperature was right on - medium rare. On top of the food and equally important was the outstanding wait-staff and perfectly set ambiance. Unique coed bathrooms, so do not be shocked. Everything perfect down to selecting your own knife, not a must but definitely a point of distinction. If you love steak and fine dining experiences you must try Barclay Prime! Possibly the best of Starr's imaginations.
(5)Janet B.
My fiancé and I went to dinner to celebrate it being six months until we get married. The dinner was the best we have had in Philadelphia in a long time. The service was impeccable and we had a great night. Looking forward to going back again!
(5)alexis g.
Spell "overrated": You guessed it... B-a-r-c-l-a-y P-r-i-m-e. I went to a reception here a while back and they passed various hors d'oeuvres all night, including the famous sliders. Those sliders were so freakin' awesome, I had high hopes when I returned for dinner. Alas, those hopes were dashed right after I finished my slider appetizer. Tomato Mozzarella salad: delicious. Sliders: awesome, as expected. Steaks: meh (and one of our companions said his was overcooked). Sides: meh AND small. Dessert: cute and delicious. We ordered the broccolini, shaved potatoes and onions, fried onion strings, and sauteed spinach with garlic (which they kindly cooked to order). The broccolini came with aioli, which was ok and kind of a nice change from the usual hollandaise. The fried onion strings were blooming-onion-esque. The shaved potatoes and onions were the clear winner... good caramelization, perfect seasoning... but they lost points on size. I thought steakhouse meant gargantuan steaks and sides (seriously, who can eat 12 ounces of meat in a sitting?). The shaved potatoes and onions were sufficient maybe for a party of two. They were sadly inadequate for our fourtop. If I ever return, I'm camping out at the bar and eating sliders until I'm ready for dessert.
(3)Ferit U.
amazing wagnu steak
(5)Ron H.
Kitchen had redeemed itself with the new menu from last years all time low, and it was quickly becoming my favorite steakhouse again, but this visit was all disappointment. Ate in the bar area at 9:30, got appetizer salad ok within 10 minutes. Did the kobe sliders for dinner and they didn't come out until 11:03...requested "medium", but they are still raw enough inside to split open at first bite. I had to scrape out the raw meat and eat just the outer seared ends. Supposed to have shallots on one of them, they were completely missing with only the gruyere cheese on top. Other one had a ton of onions and sometype of sauce on the bottom. I also had the shrimp cocktail: a great size dish to compliment the sliders and round out a latenight lite meal, but tonight the shrimp was overcooked and rubbery in texture. I hope the chef is out sick with the flu as this has always been one of my favorite steakhouse and I'd hate for it to have gone back to last years standards... Service was well below par for any of Starr's places...and this is supposed to be one of his best. I've eaten here over 20 times in the last few years and this is the first bad experience. We'll be back in the next two weeks so look for a new review once we do. I guess when you're a regular, you're bound to hit them on an off night, but still disappointing none the less
(3)Rosie C.
If the Brady Bunch hit the jackpot and hired an interior designer, their house would resemble Barclay Prime. And that's a huge compliment in my book. The two areas of the restaurant don't totally mesh, but they're both awesome. When you walk into the bar area, you'd think Barclay Prime takes itself fairly seriously--there is dark, rich wood and a library feel to it. The only nod to the whimsy of the dining room is the retro black and white floor (which I loved!) Walking into the dining room almost feels like walking into a separate restaurant. It is light and airy, with comfy 60s/70s low olive green couches and chairs paired with more modern-looking marble tables and fancy crystal chandeliers. I'm used to being scrunched into tiny NYC restaurants, so the table felt spacious and roomy. But onto the food: Raw Bar: We had a sampling of seafood, and all of it was pretty much the best ever. Tasty lobster, GIANT shrimp, and oysters that made me love oysters (I didn't love them previously). Sides: Truffle mac and cheese was the clear winner. I could have eaten it as an entrée. Everything was delicious, but the other standouts were the whipped potatoes and the brussel sprouts. I wasn't as crazy about the creamed spinach as everyone else here seems to be. Entrée: I had the Ahi Tuna, which was very, very good, but in retrospect, I wish I had chosen the crabcake. Dessert: I tried a little bit of everything (don't judge--we were a big group!), and my favorite surprised me. I LOVED the warm cookie, which was actually sectioned into sugar cookie, chocolate chip, and oatmeal raisin. The seasonal cheesecake was topped with apple, which was a strange pairing. The Barclay was a hit at our table. The service was generally impeccable, as you can imagine. The only flaw was that there seemed to be an oddly long lag time for wine, even though we ordered well in advance. We sat at the table at several points with nothing to drink. But other than that tiny blip, dinner was magnificent, and I hope I'm lucky enough to return!
(5)Chad W.
Reviewed for the food, as a cliche steakhouse, Barclay's is top notch. We had a great dinner here between four people, and none of us had complaints on the meal. I'm docking them a star however for what many of you may consider a trivial note.... I am annoyed that I was given a "knife" menu. The knife menu is a gimmick at best. If you're bringing me 6 different knives to cut my steak, you best be on your game to discuss the pros and cons of each because A: I think your proposal is stupid and B: I will test you on your knowledge and C: I will ridicule you and your lack of knife-knowledge. "Q: Is the knife on the far right Damascus steel? A: I don't know. Q: How often do you sharpen your knives? A: Every day. (suuuure) Q: Let me see it (I try it against my fingernail, the easiest sharpness test.) This is dull. Could I try a different one? No?" Do not B.S. me, oh server-of-the-knives. You have not sharpened said knife since you've opened the place, and dollars-to-donuts you've recently run said knife through the dishwasher (for shame!) I am not allowed to trade said knife in now that I have tested said knife. Fail. All of this said, their scallop was the best cooked scallop I've had, the wedge salad was on point, and the steaks were cooked perfectly. Dispose of the douchey knife selection, and you're a 5 star joint. Finally, last word of advice...don't come here on a budget, as you will leave in tears.
(4)Mike D.
The Finest. Came back a week later because it was so good. The beef tartare appetizer was outstanding. Loved the hint of mustard in it. The lobster bisque was fantastic as well. The ribeye is so tender and pairs great with the bernaise. I'd skip the horseradish creme. It took away from the taste of the steak. The spicy broccoli on special was the perfect light side. We also tried the potato gratin, but were underwhelmed. The warm cookie dessert, though!! Washed it all down with the Blueprint Shiraz. James was my waiter both times - he spent the perfect amount of time at the table. Wasn't there enough to be disruptive, but never let a glass so empty. Super knowledgeable about how to describe the foods on the menu. Also love how trendy the atmosphere is here.
(5)Jeff M.
Dinner here was very good. The flavor to my new york strip was probably the best/most complex I have ever had. The tuna tartare was delicious. I think they peeled the skin off the asparagus, which sounds painful. The only negative thing that sticks out in my mind was the waiter nonchalantly suggested we add an expensive lobster to the order when no one had even mentioned shellfish. If the table wanted a lobster, the table would ask for a lobster. It was also not what I was expecting design-wise. There was nothing wrong with it- kind of like modern study/library, but it is a pretty big departure from the usual steak house look.
(5)Jay G.
The place has a cafeteria slash library feel and it is quite pricey. Food is overall top notch and service is too. This is definitely a place that was trendy at one time and now attracts anyone who can shell out 150 per person. For me if I am going to hand over my wallet I would much rather do it in a more snobbish and elegant atmosphere so I will stick with the sister venue Butcher & Singer down the street. It is also funny that for the prices charged the seating all needs repairs so get ready for a wobbly ride and don't drink too much or you may fall off your white stool! Happy trails.....
(4)Sarah F.
I'm a huge fan of Barclay Prime...in fact, I think this is the best steakhouse in the city. The atmosphere is very relaxed since the entire place feels like you are lounging in a study. The staff is super friendly (BIG shout out to Jason my waiter last night, you da best) and made my birthday dinner a perfect one! To start...everyone gets a hot, out of the oven popover they are simply to die for. These are unbelievably dangerous and the staff will keep offering them to you. Just say no. You are going to want to be hungry for the food to come. Our party of 6 ordered appz and entrees that all came out perfectly cooked (steaks were amazing, duh) and in a timely fashion. I had the heirloom tomato salad. Love how they do it here. Everything is chopped up and piled in a bowl. Super tasty. MUST HAVE: the full bronzino if you are in a fish mood....which you should be at least once if you come here. I can dream about this dish it's so good. Desserts: Warm banana cake Devils food cake Complimentary birthday cake (amazing...come for your birthday...seriously) Put your eating clothes on and enjoy!
(5)Samantha B.
Barclay Prime wasn't on my radar at all, mostly because I don't frequent steakhouses, but we decided to stop in for impromptu dessert and drinks one night recently. The dining room is beautiful, and younger and hipper than other steakhouses in Philly. We thought we might be shunned for opting just for dessert and a drink, but our server was fine with it. We ordered the warm banana cake for dessert, and each got a drink. As I browsed the drink menu, it pained me that the wine I had earlier in the night for 10 dollars a glass was 16 a glass at BP...this turned me off a bit, but I guess it's to be expected. Both our drinks and dessert were really delicious, and service was excellent. I'd love to come back for dinner in the future, even though those high prices are truly a shot to the wallet.
(4)G V.
Expensive but you definitely get what you pay for. Ordered the prime filet - medium rare. It was literally best steak I have ever had - and I have had them at the best steakhouses in NY, CHI, LA, BOS, etc. They also had a $100 cheesesteak sandwich which I couldn't bring myself to order. Next time! Great wine selection and ambiance. Sounds silly but try the tater tots. They're awesome. The truffle Mac and cheese is insane - what I would ask for in a last meal. Don't balk at prices. It's worth it.
(5)Keith M.
Excellent experience here. Had the 12 ounce filet with Roquefort cheese-- highly recommended. Attentive service and relaxing ambiance. Potatoes gratin were an excellent side. Cocktails were top notch as well.
(5)Naomi B.
I've dined here for a recent birthday celebration with a party of four and my experience there cannot even be compared to what I shall write, even though I will try. Our waiter was a sweetheart, explaining the menu to us, recommending a few dishes; and drinks that went with it. The truffle mac and cheese was phenomenal, as well as the ahi tuna I've also ordered. The steak (medium, what else?) was so deliciously made, I wanted to kiss the chef that made it. When it came time to pay the bill, our waiter remembered it was two of my parties birthday and surprised us with a delicious cake, wishing them both well. I'll definitely come back again soon.
(5)Ceasar B.
The first thing that you notice is that the inside is beautiful. Lots of wood and dim lights-- Very classical kind of style. It kind of makes me think of what many hotels are going for, except in this case it doesn't feel like they're trying-- it just truly is authentic. Service is fantastic. The head waiter will check your coat, and your actual waiter is very knowledgeable on the menu, calm, and friendly. Water was of course never an issue. Before dining, they bring out a knife tray of various knives from around the world-- Two German, one French, and two Japanese. I don't know if there is a reason for this, or if it's just for show. In any case, it was a sort of highlight as we guessed what it meant for so-and-so to pick so-and-so knife. The steaks are of course pricey (think at least $50). I am not really qualified to judge, but my impression was that the first bite was delicious, and the rest was harder to appreciate (which is not surprising). In retrospect I paid more attention to the other guests than my food. Mashed potatoes were very buttery, but enjoyable. Wish I could say more. For dessert I had the coconut cream pie and stole a bite of a cheesecake dish. Everything on the table looked fantastic though, and of the two I tasted they were extremely delicious-- not overly sweet and just perfectly pleasant.
(5)Delvia W.
First time here July 19th. Love the decor. I had the Love Triangle cocktail and it was very strong :-) and good. Love the bar area. Service was empeccable. I will go back.
(4)John L.
Barclay Prime is something which has to be done when in Philly, as it is the place to drop some dough and get a good piece of dry aged steak. It is the stereotypical place to go if you need to have a fancy business dinner with some clients, and want to impress. The steak? Amazing. Wine? Superb. Service? Impeccable. Atmosphere? On the spot. It doesn't offer surprises such as price, selection, or mood. But then again you know what you're getting when you drop that grand, and you know to enjoy!
(4)Brad S.
Really great restaurant. Location is amazing, right off Rittenhouse Square with gorgeous views of the Park. Service was speedy and exemplary, with the food calibre to match. Steak tartare was the richest I've ever eaten, and both the lamb and the veal chops were delicious. Excellent bread as well, and quite reasonable pricing for this caliber of establishment, I think our total bill was around $150 for two, including tip. Would highly recommend for anybody seeking great food in Philadelphia
(5)Alexandra S.
My first steakhouse experience was in Charleston, SC with some girlfriends. I wanted to have a nice steakhouse dinner with my fiancé so we chose Barclay Prime. We had a reservation for 8pm and walked in right about that time. We were immediately sat at a nice table for two. Our waitress was very nice and explained the menu, including recommending some of her favorites. As an appetizer my fiancé ordered the wagyu beef sliders which he said were very good. From the homemade rolls to the patties, everything was well done. I had the wedge salad which was just ok. The cut on the wedge was a bit sloppy and there was way too much blue cheese dressing for my liking. For our dinner we each got the 8oz filet with the house steak sauce, with the fried artichokes and truffle max and cheese. The sides were large enough to share. The steaks were cooked to our liking and the house steak sauce was thick and reminiscent of BBQ sauce which we enjoyed. The artichokes were delicious. The Mac and cheese was late coming out, so we were each given a glass of wine on the house. It was worth the wait, and I'd say it was the best part of the meal. It was thick and creamy with breadcrumbs on top. Two extra things to point out, the decor was an odd mix of modern and vintage. The chairs were a bit uncomfortable. Also they have a unisex bathroom which is strange. I would recommend Barclay Prime to anyone looking for a sophisticated steakhouse experience at a nice spot in the city but it didn't exceed my first steakhouse experience in Charleston.
(4)Sean M.
My fiancé and I came here for no special reason, just a nice dinner down in the city. We had a reservation for 8pm and walked in right about that time. We were immediately sat at a nice table for two. Our waitress was very nice and explained the menu, including recommending some of her favorites. As an appetizer I ordered the wagyu beef sliders which were very good. From the homemade rolls to the patties, everything was well done. My fiancé got the wedge salad which she was not as impressed with. The cut on the wedge was a bit sloppy and there was way too much blue cheese dressing for her liking. For our dinner we each got the 8oz filet with the house steak sauce, with the fried artichokes and truffle max and cheese. The sides were large enough to share. The steaks were cooked to our liking and the house steak sauce was thick and reminiscent of BBQ sauce which we enjoyed. The artichokes were delicious, I had never eaten them before. The Mac and cheese was late coming out, so we were each given a glass of wine on the house. It was worth the wait, and I'd say it was the best part of the meal. It was thick and creamy with breadcrumbs on top. Two extra things to point out, the decor was an odd mix of modern and vintage. The chairs were a bit uncomfortable. Also they have a unisex bathroom which is strange. I would still recommend Barclay Prime to anyone looking for a sophisticated steakhouse experience at a nice spot in the city.
(4)suburban C.
An amazing dinner:) our anniversary was celebrated at barclay prime and the food was incredible. My husband got a ribeye and I ordered short rib- both food coma inducing goodness :) The service was also great but then again, we were one of the few ppl dining at that time... So I hope they're always that nice. We had dessert but they sent us home with a delicious blueberry cake with brown butter frosting..... A delicious treat to take home thanks barclay!
(5)M K.
Where do I begin with this place?! Swanky and gorgeous beyond belief, it transports you to another era but with modern touches. Our server was phenomenal, absolutely wonderful. The food was amaaaaazing. The hamachi crudo was delish, beef tartare so well seasoned. Best I've ever had and I've had this dish at every great steakhouse in NYC. My bone-in filet was out of this world. I usually opt for ribeye and almost switched but our server made me stay with the filet and it was off the charts insane. Hubby had the ribeye and my steak blew it away. Sides were the truffled Mac and cheese and creamed spinach. Heavenly! And I almost forgot the popovers, how ethereal, almost croissant-like with the most exquisite sea salt butter. So yummy. Dessert was banana cake which was delish but paled in comparison to all the other deliciousness. Can't wait to go back!!! All in all one if my most memorable dining experiences ever.
(5)Tam V.
Oh goodness how fantastic is this place?!?! The boyfriend surprised me and had an extended celebration for our 6 year anniversary. After all, that's a bit of an accomplishment. I was overwhelmed by the menu because everything sounded delicious and I wanted to eat everything! I've never had dry aged beef, but I'm glad my first time was here. It was succulent, delicious, perfectly cooked and.. just plain out amazing. The service was attentive and amazing as well as the interesting show of knives. I used the knife designed by Porche to eat my steak :) my boyfriend picked the Japanese knife that was designed like a mini samurai sword. The decor is absolutely beautiful and the entire staff was ridiculously good looking. They must be labeled "models who serve food" Anyway, they gave us a complimentary slice of chocolate cake and wrote Happy Anniversary on it complete with a candle. We plan on returning.
(5)Jay B.
I couldn't find anything wrong with this place. We skimped in the appetizers and the salads knowing we were all in for the main course and dessert. We shared the tuna tartare. Not really my thing but those who obliged, raved about it. There were four of us, 2 of us got the NY Strip (I was one of them) and I can say without a doubt, it was the best steak I've ever had (with Cap. Grille's in close second). The other two got the filet and porterhouse and were blown away as well. You can get a filet anywhere, 3/4 of us went a little more marbled. We went high class with tater tots as a shared side as well as creamed spinach and of course the truffle mac and cheese and can say that all three were the perfect compliment to the steak. We went crazy on desserts since a guy in our party's cousin is the pastry chef here and can't remember everything we got because there were 4 desserts but can say that the s'mores cake is worth jamming in, even when you're stuffed. I'm not sure that it gets any better than the meal we put together here but if it does, please let me know.
(5)Lil L.
I wish I can give them a 3.5 stars..but 3..will do. I love the set up of the whole place and the fact that it was much more modern and hip in comparison to some of the other pricey steakhouses in Philadelphia. The steaks (ny strip & filet) were beautifully cooked. The apps were delicious and the love triangle cocktail was just the right amount of sweetness. I probably wouldn't waste the money on sides again though. The mushrooms were decent. Tots and Brussels sprouts were below par. Truffle Mac and cheese would have been great if there wasn't a piece of hair in the middle of it.... Overall, I definitely would come here again. I think it was just an overall bad night..or unlucky for us. Besides the hair in the Mac, one of the waiters from another table actually dropped food on my friends shoes..he was holding way too many plates! Also for a high end steakhouse, I think finding hair is pretty gross. Even though the waiter comped us for that $17 Mac n cheese...a round of drinks to say sorry would have been better on top of the side...
(3)Mara T.
Amazing. Really amazing. Found this thanks to Yelp and Open Table and our visit was spectacular. This place is money. But the food is seriously worth it. We enjoyed Waygu rib-eye, truffle whipped potatoes, crab cake, rib-eye, a split wedge and various desserts. The service was spot-on, so polite and attentive yet not intrusive at all. Love the posh elegant art deco setup, though gotta say the giant settee/couches are not comfortable at all to sit on for a few hours....though you can make it work with enough alcohol. Speaking of, bartender was on point, mixing me up some raspberry mojito concoction that they kept coming and my husband enjoyed a bit of their wine selection. All in all, so happy we discovered this gem and will be back as often as our budget allows. If you're looking for an upscale steak dining experience, come here.
(5)Devenne R.
By far the best steak place around. Great atmosphere and lighting. Great martinis. Service was very good.
(5)Peter S.
The chips were stacked against it with those high prices and Laban's 2012 demotion, but this was the best steakhouse experience I've had in recent memory. I expected a stuffy environment but the dining room was beautiful and the service was casual but attentive. The filet was absolutely perfect. I expected the potato gratin and brussels sprouts to be throw-away sides but they were both delicious. I usually won't order a s'mores dessert but it was really worth ordering here. The scallops and branzino were both delicious but comparably less memorable as beef is definitely the star here. It is a splurge when you're company's not paying but the value is definitely there.
(5)Chuck F.
We have visited Barclay Prime five or six times over the years, weathered different chefs and have never been disappointed. In my opinion, the number one steak house in Philadelphia; wonderful cuts of meat, excellent service, an elegant setting and a knife menu! My wife and daughter shared the cheesesteak and deemed it worth it but......
(5)Larry F.
Two friends and I went here for the first time, and it turned out to be a very well-rounded experience. To sum it up, the food was AMAZING! Food: The three of us each ordered an appetizer and shared them - scallops, soft shell crab, and hamachi crudo. My favorite among the appetizers by far was the scallops. It was well seasoned and perfectly prepared and seared; it had a slightly crusty, browned texture on the outside, but the inside was so tender! The tempura soft shell crab turned out to be exactly what I expected and wasn't particularly exciting, but I really enjoyed the avocado salad/sauce that came with it. The hamachi crudo was delicious as well. Moving on to the main course, I had the 18oz ribeye. Wow, two days later, and I'm still thinking about it. It was perfectly seasoned, exactly the medium-rare that I wanted. There wasn't a single bite that I didn't enjoy. Even better, we were presented with 5 different knives to pick from; I picked the Samurai knife per the recommendation of the waiter, and that helped me cut through each piece of the steak so smoothly and painstakingly. The other knives looked awesome, too! I think I'm going to have to go back at least 4 more times to try the different knives... We also shared a creamed spinach side. I read some fabulous reviews on Yelp about the creamed spinach, but I wasn't particularly impressed. It tasted like...well, cream and spinach; nothing out of my expectation. Unfortunately, we didn't have the stomach space to fit dessert. We had some chocolate truffles to sweeten up our palates, and that was a good treat to end the night. Thinking back upon it, in terms of the quality of food, this was by far my favorite steakhouse in Philadelphia among the 5 that I've been to. Ambiance: The ambiance was, to say at least, unique, but overall a bit disappointing for me personally. Coming into the restaurant, the traditional, European architecture outside threw me off. We also couldn't find the door very easily. There seemed to be a private guest room, then the hotel entrance, and then in the corner the restaurant's entrance. The left door didn't open, so we thought that wasn't the place, and the door was so tinted and no one came to greet us when we looked lost while trying to open the door. Inside, the restaurant definitely had the contemporary feeling. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed. The Greek and Roman architecture books by the bookshelf we sat by didn't quite add up to the contemporary style. More importantly, the place felt young, but at the same time, too corporate. The window was also directly in front where I sat, and facing west, the setting sun was almost blinding at some point; where were the window shades? Finally, the 90's rock music playing in the background also made the whole place seem rowdier than it really should have been. Service: Nothing outstanding here. Our waiter made good recommendations, although my glass of water was left sitting empty a couple times, everything else was great. In all, great food, and I will definitely come back for that. Ambience was disappointing, but I don't think that can be changed (maybe beside the door part). Service was great, and everyone was friendly!
(4)Gene B.
Food and service were excellent! It was my first visit and I wanted to try someplace new and I will say that I will definitely be back again!
(5)Valerie K.
One of the coolest things about Barclay Prime, amongst its many wonderful attributes, is its classy old-school "rat pack" kind of ambiance, which is pretty kick-ass for a place that is less than 10 years young... In fact, it was quite a surprise for me when I was told that it's a Steve Starr restaurant and not a place where Frank Sinatra had dinner anytime he was crooning or loving in the City of Brotherly Love. The patrons, in their diamonds and pearls, fancy cufflinks, suede loafers, fur colors and white crisp shirts, exude this old money aroma and yet, the overall aura is very relaxed, without even a hint of snobbishness that usually comes as part of the "pockets full of cash" package. Their meat is pure perfection. Their choice of knives can be a bit intimidating when you don't know the difference between a Japanese knife, an Australian knife or the other three sharp options but the staff is always kind enough to offer an explanation and provide a recommendation (been there more than a dozen times and still don't have a clear understanding of which knife to use when). And then there is the $100 cheese-steak... Have you ever had a $100 cheese-steak? I have and I have to admit that it's the best cheese-steak I ever had. Now, is it worth $100? Not to me, only because I am just not a fan of that particular entree but the foodie in me can definitely appreciate how its exquisite ingredients (Kobe beef, shaved truffles, lobster tail, triple cream Taleggio cheaese, carmelized onions and heirloom tomatoes and assembled on a homemade brioche bun) can lead to its exquisite price tag. The verdict? It's a 5 out of 5 for me on all counts! Oh and I forgot to mention that two of my most favorite wines, a 2006 Louis Martini Cabernet and 2004 (I think) Frei Brothers Cabernet, were discovered by while while dining out at Barclay Prime
(5)Kristin W.
Surrounded by bookshelves and low chairs, I felt like all we needed to complete the library feel were some carrels - but I'm glad that we had some tasty food instead. We started with a round of raw oysters, which came out quickly and were delicious. We also sampled from the appetizer menu with the Scallops (good-sized) and Wagyu Slider Duo (so delicious - don't miss these!). We ordered the Miso Black Cod (tasty, but a little too sweet - I prefer the Buddakan version) and the 8oz Filet and concluded that the steak is the way to go here. Throw in some Jumbo Green Asparagus (soft without being mushy) and some decadent Truffled Mashed Potatoes and you have 2 people who could not manage to eat dessert, even on a birthday outing.
(5)Peter N.
This is one comfortable restaurant. Their steaks are really good and they have large cuts for us with big appetites. My waiter was very knowledgeable about bourbon and cocktails. The amazing thing about this restaurant is the seating. They are large single leather seats that have rollers beneath . The lighting is very comforting and makes you forget you are in Philly. The service is worth the price tag on the money.
(4)Victoria H.
My favorite cuisine is STEAK. Thus I've been to so many steak houses that I know Barclay is a great place to go. it's classy but it's chill and thus is a great place to enjoy a meal. the appetizers we're pretty good but not amazing. then I ordered the 115 dollar Wagyu beef and had some pretty high expectations (given I've been to japan and countries in Europe that serve amazing Wagyu beef) but it did not meet my expectations. It was good but not worth the 115 dollars. however my boyfriend ordered the fillet mignon and that was amazing. one of the best I've ever had. thus I think it's good to go there for traditional steak but nothing imported such as the Wagyu steak. also, they're dessert was pretty good - try the creme brûlée !
(4)Sabrina S.
Well...It s hard for me to write this review. Even though Barclay Prime is one of the best steakhouses in Philly, it also provides the the worst services. We went to Barclay Prime to celebrate a passing exam. We had a very high expectation to this restaurant because of the rating on yelp and well-known high reputation. We were impressed by the design of decorations in the lounge, but the decorations are too plain in the dinning room. They should have small paintings all the wall to compromise with chandelier and the 19th atmosphere. Our servant was literally average. Usually, waiter or waitress would be more enthusiastic in a restaurant like this. We were satisfied with the appetizers, beef tarte and oyster sashimi, but we had a big problem with the steak later. Apparently..we found a one-nail big bug in the vegetables that are served as a side of filet mignon. We talked with the manager, and he replaced another dish for us. They took off the dish of filet mignon from entire check, but we expected they would have more good faith. For a fancy restaurant like this and a $300 bill, we certainly expect more. The two stars are are for the chef who made my filet mignon, but I suggest he or she would serve at a better restaurant he or she deserves, like Butcher and Singer. P.S I went to Butcher and Singer last year, they absolutely have better decorations, better services (our waiter was very nice and polite), and better dishes (at least no bug). I would highly recommend you to visit Butcher and Singer, rather than this one. (I am not working for them btw~)
(2)Sue P.
For all the hype and the price, we were thinking that the food was going to be good. Unfortunately, I must say that we were completely disappointed with this place. The steak was super salty and tough. The fish was dry and not good. Next time, I'll take my money elsewhere.
(1)Ryan B.
100% The Best Food I have ever eaten. Great atmosphere, great waiter and fantastic food. My wife and I had a wonderful date night here.
(5)Jennifer J.
Top notch steak house, great for a special dinner. We doubled with another couple for dinner and had a wonderful evening. The wait staff is vert attentive and the ambience is luxurios. My filet was perfectkly prepared as were the sides, truffle whipped potatoes and creamed spinach. Very filling and delicious but don't skip dessert!
(4)Rebecca S.
After reading through about a million reviews of different restaurants, my husband and I decided to go to Barclay Prime to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and I'm glad we did. The food was absolutely delicious, and if the service had been as good as the food I would have given them 5 stars... Overall it was a very good experience and I would definitely go back. It was very cold the night we went, so my husband dropped me off while he went to park the car. I checked in with the hostess and then decided to grab a drink at the bar while I was waiting. My husband walked in right as our table was ready, so that was perfect timing. They offered to carry my drink to the table for me, but I wasn't letting go of that drink once I got it. ;-) We ordered the foie gras to start, which was absolutely wonderful. It just melted in our mouths. For our main course I ordered the 12 oz prime filet and my husband ordered the 14 oz dry aged New York Strip, and we got the truffle mac and cheese and the fried artichokes as our sides. Our waiter never asked us if we wanted any sauces with our steaks, or really even said anything at all. I was considering getting the Bearnaise sauce with my steak but the waiter was gone so quickly after I told him the steak I wanted that I didn't have a chance to even ask about it. It was probably best anyway since I didn't need any additional calories after this dinner, but even still it was a little odd. Our steaks were perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender, and the truffle mac and cheese was amazing, but the artichokes were just on the verge of being too salty. The bread that they brought was also very good. The biggest disappointment of the night was the timing of the food. Our appetizer was brought out very soon after ordering, then within seconds of finishing that they brought us the bread, and after having only 1 bite or so of the bread the steaks and sides were being brought out. It felt very rushed, which is disappointing when you are spending a lot of money to have an amazing meal. We shared a piece of cheesecake for dessert, which was delicious and extra special because they wrote happy anniversary on the plate in chocolate, and then they also sent us home with a dessert as an anniversary present, which was a nice touch. All in all a very delicious anniversary dinner.
(4)Sarah S.
oooh! I'm not much of a steak eater but I guess when I do go for steak, I go all out. I got the ribeye (medium rare) and it was SO delicious and SO huge. We also got the beef tartar. very good. and the chocolate carmel cake was SOOO good. I'm not much of a sweets person but this cake was DELICIOUS. For it being a bit on the pricer side, I enjoyed the atmosphere. And the service was excellent. The only reason I wouldn't go here more often would probably be the $$ but I have no regrets!
(4)Kevin D.
Designed by India Mahdavi, the lounge, dining and rest rooms have the flair and coloration of a classic 1960's spy flick: dark wood tones, creams, blacks, and the occasional lime green for pop... the place felt relaxed but upscaled, and of course the food was great. More people should follow Stephen Starr's lead for destination dining... Afterall, taste is just as important as presentation. ;)
(5)Paul V.
The best steak since a long time. That is the reason why you go to a place like this. The rest of the food is good, but does not give you the wow factor (e.g. potatoes or asparagus). But I will come back, for the steaks.
(4)Michelle C.
It had been years since my first visit to Barclay Prime. Since before my Yelp days, even. On that trip, I made the fateful mistake of ordering seared tuna as my entree. And not that the tuna was bad by any means (it was great), but I've long regretted not ordering the house specialty: steak. The other defining moment of that particular experience was that I tried mushrooms and, for the first time in my life, liked them. I've met many a mushroom since that I haven't been into, but I'll always credit Barclay Prime for enabling me to enjoy them on some occasions. My boyfriend and I had been talking about a splurge-y date night at Barclay for at least a year when that fateful LaBan re-review came out, demoting the restaurant from three bells to two. It affected our decision to dine there, and we talked about plans at another Starr favorite of ours, Il Pittore, instead. As luck would have it, the boyfriend was invited (with guest!) to dine at Barclay Prime. Consider this a disclaimer to my review if you wish, but our meal was excellent across the board. The service was excellent, the drinks were excellent and the food was excellent. And from our cushy seats in the center of the dining room, it appeared we weren't alone. Every table looked well-attended to, from the long row of teenagers (!) to the couple who were not shy about making out in full view (it was the end of the night, to be fair). We started with a half dozen oysters from British Columbia. They were delicious on their own with a squirt of lemon. In my opinion, the red wine mignonette was too acidic. My Kettle martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives was the perfect match. Next up for me was the wedge salad. It was served slightly differently than a traditional wedge, with crab in place of bacon. For dressing, I went half and half with the two available options, as suggested by my server. The flavors were awesome, and I highly recommend going the half/half route. My entree, an eight ounce filet with a crabmeat sidecar and au poivre on the side, was cooked perfectly for my requested medium. With sides of mushrooms (naturally!) and potato gratin, this was easily one of my richest meals in recent memory. Honestly, I may have gained a few pounds just from this dinner but it was so worth every calorie. And just when I thought life couldn't get better, I tried the twenty-eight day dry aged NY Strip. Wow. I've never before tasted so much flavor in a steak, and I say that with 100% confidence. Suggested wines paired perfectly, of course, although they would probably be (way) out of our price range on a date night. The drink prices will definitely get you where it hurts at Barclay, that is for sure. For dessert, the warm banana cake and the cheesecake. Both were wonderful but the cheesecake had the edge for me. After a glass of champagne sent over by the GM, our meal was complete. It was a memorable one that I'll not soon forget. I've already requested Barclay Prime as our next special-occasion meal.
(5)Catherine G.
Best Happy Hour....be sure to try the Cosmo. The Cosmo is made from only fresh ingredients and is very light and so de-lish... The Happy Hour food is right off the dinner menu and with upscale comfort food like beef sliders. We got the chopped salad , yellowtail tuna and the mushroom bruschetta. All must trys..... The decor is reminiscent of old supper club.
(5)Trish B.
This is the best restaurant I have ever been to, and I go out to restaurants A LOT! The second you walk in the door you are taken back by the beautiful decor. I never would have guessed that was what the restaurant looked like from the outside. We had the jumbo shrimp cocktail as an appetizer. The shrimp tasted so fresh and the cocktail sauce was out of this world. I had an "Ophelia's Fizz" to drink, which was outstanding. A perfect balance of sweet, bubbly, and the basil really nailed it. For entrees we both had the 8 oz. filet with a half lobster. The steak was the best I ever had!! The staff was so friendly and went out of their way to make sure everything was PERFECT. I would recommend this place for a very special occasion because of the high prices.
(5)Damon L.
OK the wife and I were out for a special holiday season dinner. I was recommended this place by a co worker and was told I would have my socks blown off....well lets just say that I left with my socks still in place. The server was very nice and we were seated promptly we had an early dinner so it was not very crowded at all. Our server seemed to quite pompous and he seemed to be looking down his nose at us. I thought that it was just the way he and the staff was....until Donovan Mcnabb came in....then OH BOY!!!!! That is when the service picked up.....for him at least. I counted at least 6 different servers and managers that stopped by his table to ensure his visit was a pleasant one. I know that celebrity has its perks....but Damn...the levels of service were so blatantly disparaging......it made me feel like we came in there and ordered a Big Mac. There was another table of big wigs that were being served by our server and I guess since we were privileged enough to SEE him give exquisite service to them.....so we should have been satisfied. Let's get toe the food.....we ordered the Kobe sliders and the shrimp cocktail. we or our slider medium...the came out medium rare....closer to rare. The shrimp cocktail was very cold and the shrimp...though large in size, were rubbery and the cocktail sauce taste like it came out of a Heinz jar. My wife ordered the Medallions for her main course and in her words not mine..."they were good not"....not very good, not great , just good. I ordered the dry aged Porterhouse and it was.....very good. Now onto the sides we shared the creamed spinach and the mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was wonderful......but the spinach was HORRIBLE....some of the blandest, tasteless stuff I have ever eaten. If you like the taste of lukewarm, unseasoned cooked spinach....you will love this dish! I will tell that if you want a a great steak dinner in the Center city area....go to Davio's.....this place is over rated,
(3)Mindy A.
Barclay Prime delivered on the things you expect of a top-notch steakhouse: delicious steaks, cooked to order service that is on point from the host to the bussers appetizing bread selection wonderful potato and veggie sides high prices A cut above on: the specialty drink selection Blew the competition out of the water on: the sexy ambiance. I love the discreet entrance and the small ("boutique") front bar that hides the dining area from view. Honestly, I probably would have given the place five stars without even getting to the food part. *I thought it was a little gimmick-y that we got to pick our knives, but I actually mentioned it to somebody else when I got home, so in truth, I guess it's just an excellent way to set themselves apart. On a few trips to Philly, I have visited 3 Stephen Starr restaurants now, and they are all awesome in their own unique way.
(5)Jay Y.
The service was absolutely disappointing. Don't get me wrong the restaurant staff (including everyone except our waiter) was a delight ! It's sad that this guy had really ruined our experience which was highly anticipated. The guy never introduced himself, he was very dry and inattentive. The food was heavy and ok nothing to write home about. But some people are into that large portion /stuff yourself kinda thing. The decor was nice, good ambience but again not the best. In a nut shell is it worth all the fuss ? NO . Being from New York I know thing or two about good restaurants. I also love exploring the Philadelphia restaurant scene. There are plenty of great places in Philly to spend your hard earned cash where you just might get the waiters name ! My husband and I joked if we are ever in the mood for a $100 cheese steak we will have it delivered through diningin.com .
(3)Annie S.
Love it. Nice service, delicious dessert and waitresses are always friendly.
(5)Rachel K.
Super upscale steakhouse :) I went here for a friend's birthday party and I think all 10 of us loved our meal. TRY: Australian wagyu filet - yes. it melts in your mouth. Truffle mac & cheese (i had a beet salad to start the meal but it was ok...nothing special. sames goes for tater tots and truffle whipped potatoes as sides) SERVICE: Excellent! Very polite and professional service. AMBIANCE: Looooooove their atmosphere here. Super classy and hip at the same time. and it's always nice to walk across the street to the Rittenhouse and walk off that 10000 calories you just consumed. LOL
(4)Cristin S.
I came here last Thursday with a friend of mine for dinner. This is a very lovely place. The chairs are comfy, though I wish the backs were a little higher for taller gals like me, but super comfy. Our server was extremely attentive and pleasant. Overall I was very happy with the entire experience. I had the 12oz filet cooked medium; it came out a little crispy and burnt for my tastes, but it was edible. I ordered 3 sauces (I'm a sauce whore) -- bearnaise, roquefort, and au poivre. All were very delicious. The bearnaise was like butter, it was melt-in-your-mouth fantastic. The roquefort was good but very strongly flavored. I couldn't eat a lot of it. On the contrary, I could have eaten the bearnaise sauce with a spoon. The au poivre was properly peppery. I also ordered the tater tots -- there were not your standard, mushy, frozen tater tots. These were clearly homemade, very crispy, salty, addicting. My friend ordered the marble potatoes, which were red, yellow, and blue potatoes with green beans and a buerre blanc sauce. They were very tasty. I ordered the El Diablo martini to drink and it.was.fantastic. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about drinking something with jalapeno syrup in it but I couldn't get enough. So I had three. For dessert, I had the s'mores cake. It's like a chocolate lava cake but instead of liquid hot chocolate inside, it was liquid hot marshmallow. It was a very heavy, decadent dessert. Extremely delicious. My friend ordered an assortment of ice creams -- roasted banana, peanut butter, and nutella. Fantastic stuff. Normally I'm a Morton's girl, but this place definitely gave them a run for their money. I'm eager to come back here and dine again, this time with my husband.
(4)Ashwin T.
As I continue my pattern of only coming here on other people's dimes, I can say with pride that Barclay Prime reeks of opulence. A comfortable and spacious lounge area immediately at the entrance provides a nice segue into the spacious main dining tavern. Luxury and comfort is not sacrificed in the pursuit of upscale: the couch style seating provides you with much needed support when hounding down copious amounts of meat and alcohol. In addition to your typical steak house fare, novelty items on the menu include a $100 wagyu and foie gras cheesesteak (not at all worth it). My only complaint with my night was the relatively empty scene on a Monday night. Maybe its the four years of living in New York, but its started to be discomforting to me when a place isnt veritably bursting at the seams...
(4)Sharilyn K.
Fantastic meal, ambience and service. Our server Glen was amazing...very friendly, informative and made our dinner an exceptional experience. Another staff member, Austin was superb and took great care of us. The food was phenomenal-particularly the Wagyu ribeye! We will absolutely be back, and not soon enough.
(5)Heather G.
I was in Philly for the weekend and I love steakhouses! I had to try one I haven't been too so Barclay Prime was my choice. We had a 9:15 reservation and we were a few minutes late but there was no issue. Service was impeccable...wish I remembered our servers name because I would give him props! We ordered the west coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, split a wedge salad, sea bass, and a medium rare filet that was cooked to perfection with martinis. Only thing I would mention and probably shouldn't was the bartender didn't have the perfect pour when it came to martinis...but that could be that I watch too much bar rescue and make Martinis at home so only filling a Martini to slight over half a glass is a no no to me.. But back to the good stuff we ate everything happily including their famous warm popovers...a must have. We passed on the dessert because we were full beyond belief but they gave us salted caramel truffles with our check that completed the meal. If you want a steak house that is not stuffy and dated and the food and service is great this is a great place to go!
(5)Chris S.
What did I just spend $250 dollars on? The overall meal and service was good but definitely not worth the price. The apps and sides were good but the steaks tasted like something I could have bought at Costco.
(2)mike d.
What a bummer.. should have gone to the Prime Rib around the corner. Steak ordered Pittsburgh Rare, came out medium (brown center) quality ok the second time areound..should not have to worry about temp when in an up scale place got a robotic sorry from the server. service was ok the highlight of the nite was choosing the knife.... don't think I going back
(2)Bruce W.
I don't usually eat at places this nice. Last night my girlfriend took me out for a graduation celebration, so this was exceptional for me and my review may reflect that. But wow. Those sliders. The rest of the meal was delicious--everything you would expect from such a nice restaurant--but I consider the sliders to be the must-have app. A couple years ago a firm took a bunch of us from school out to eat here and I got to try many of the apps, and those little burgers stole the show then and now. As for the rest of the experience: there is almost nothing inexpensive on the menu. If you're getting wine for two don't expect to leave without having spent at least $100. It's worth it for a nice occasion. Our waiter was extremely friendly, polite, and unobtrusive. The decor was like a warm reading room with the typical Starr twist (a nice modern flair). We got to pick our knives for the steak: I chose one of two German knives and my girlfriend chose a Japanese knife whose design was based off of throwing knives. A fun touch. One word of warning: the famous $100 cheesesteak is no longer on the menu! Apparently you can still order it if you give the chef 48 hours notice.
(5)Melissa N.
Food AND service was amazing. My husband ordered the kobe beef tartare and I ordered the seared scallops as our appetizers. Both were VERY good. The scallops were cooked to its finest!! As for our main course, he ordered the 16 oz mishima ranch ultra ny strip and I ordered the 8 oz mishima ranch ultra filet. The temperature of our steaks were near to almost perfect. I wouldn't expect anything less since this place is pricy. Service was excellent and our waitress was very helpful. We loved it!!
(5)Erica S.
This is the kind of place where Don Draper and Roger Sterling would go for an expensive two-martini lunch. Or perhaps Don would secretly meet here with a free-spirited brunette adultress before going home to Betty. It's all very masculine, dark, and sexy, like a library for dudes who like bourbon and expensive meat. Don Draper would not bring Betty here. The food was amazing. I had the Kobe and it was cooked to perfection. The Kobe beef sliders as an appetizer are an absolute must, and all the sides delivered as well. I remember some fingerling potatoes with garlic, shallots, and bacon (!?). The wine selection was one of those really long and overwhelming ones. Luckily we had a good waiter who suggested a bottle and he was right on. At least two people were taking care of our needs at all times without being overbearing. When it came time to choose our own knives ,we were so excited by the selection that he let us keep and play with them all. Thanks, dude! Don Draper, I'll see you there.
(5)Ron W.
This is a follow up to a poor review I wrote about my recent experience at barclays. Within minutes of the review I received a message from the GM asking when I dined there and was "going to make things right." I never heard anything back. Pretty indicative of the overall experience: over promise and under deliver.
(1)Tegan B.
What a great place to have a romantic dinner. We were seated together on a comfy couch in a dimly lit room. The ambience was nice, and the wait staff was nicely dressed. We got here somewhat on the early side and got to it see it gradually fill up. This food exceeded my expectations. I knew that we'd have a good meal, but I had no idea that we'd be blown away from the culinary greatness. I've never been to a better steak house. Although the steak was off the chain, the accompaniments were spectacular. We had the pleasure of having: Seared Scallops Appetizer Rabbit and Foie Gras Terrine Special Gnocchi and Lamb Sausage Appetizer (each) Wagayu NY Strip 28 Days Aged NY Strip Truffle Whipped Potatoes The star of the meal was the gnocchi. At different times, two of the staff came up to our table while we were enjoying it,and said it was their favorite dish. It was so light and fluffy, and you could taste the different ingredients separately - the potato, the cheese. Unreal... The scallops were cooked perfectly with a perfect combination of field onion puree, vermouth foam, and fried pork belly. The rabbit and foie gras terrine was decadent, an the cherry salad complimented it well. Of course the wagayu steak trumped the Dry aged. What a difference. I didn't want to stop eating the Truffle mashed potatoes. They were addictive! I regret that we didn't have enough time for dessert. Everything was made in house and seemed over the top. There will certainly be a next time, though. And a next time, and a next time after that when we really want to splurge.
(5)Michael S.
Downtown location with a nice mix of vintage and contemporary decor. Food is expensive, but very good. We came for the steaks and were not disappointed; the sides (sauteed mushrooms and truffle mashed potatoes) were delicious. The ability to choose your steak knife is a novel twist. They forgot our oyster sampler appetizer, but made up for it by offering complimentary dessert. They got my wife's martini wrong twice, but immediately fixed it. Our server was very personable, and offered a great suggestion for brunch the next morning. Might have been five stars without the snafus, but the staff covered well.
(4)Alexa R.
FULL DISCLOSURE: This review may be biased as I was here for a private event Saturday evening and it was amazing. They may have given us extra wonderful service as we were in a private room and part of a wedding party, but I disgress. From looking at the prices online, I can say that the service and the food far exceeded expectations. As we all know, there are restaurants in Philadelphia that charge astronomical prices for good food and mediocre service. Barclay Prime is not one of those places. The private event space is dark, woody, romantic and luxe. I felt fancy. I started with the shrimp cocktail appetizer (HUGE shrimp) which was filling and delicious. They also brought pop-overs to the table for us to eat with our appetizers - they were warm and had a hint of rosemary. Also amazing. I had the roasted chicken for dinner - "Alexa, who orders chicken?" you ask. Well, I do. I love roasted chicken and Barclay Prime did not disappoint. We were served creamed spinach and mashed potatoes family-style. I was not wild about the creamed spinach, but the mashed potatoes were awesome. I would come back to Barclay Prime and order those alone. For dessert, they did a three part tasting. Also incredible - some chocolate square I loved and a strawberry banana mousse. There was also a panna cotta, but I do not like panna cotta, so I did not eat it. If you are looking for something different and a true place to spoil your guests, this is the place. Service was stellar, too!
(5)Claire O.
I came here over the holidays with my friend who had flown in from LA - we're both ridiculous eaters, so we were psyched. I chose Barclay Prime after seeing how highly it was rated by Philadelphia Magazine among the other steakhouses in Philly. Again, I've had decent experiences with Starr restaurants so far, so I was looking forward to it. It was surprisingly empty for a Sunday night (maybe everyone was still recovering from their New Year's revelry - we went the night before work/class resumed) so there was no way the service could have been more prompt. The interior was pretty neat and intimate for a large space; we were seated in a booth near the wall (lined with books). The chairs did roll about a little uncontrollably, though. Our servers were nice, funny, engaging and knowledgeable. We ordered raw oysters as an appetizer. I think it was only my second time eating raw oysters so I'm definitely not an expert, but they tasted pretty good. I'm not quite sure how to critique them. My friend and I split the 20oz ribeye because we ourselves had just come back from NY for the holiday fun. They were pretty accommodating with splitting the steak into two pieces. We also went with the truffled mash as a side - the serving was huge. The best part was when our server came with a selection of knives. What the hell would we know about knives? They cut, we eat. We weren't at all particular, although I'm sure some steak connoisseur out there would definitely appreciate having all those options. The steak was delicious - totally melted in my mouth. The truffled mash was also delicious. I've eaten at a number of well-reputed steakhouses and Barclay is up there. The steak was seasoned so well and cooked just right (we asked for medium rare). We got the creme brulee for dessert because we are seriously two fat girls trapped in skinny bodies. It was good. A little pricey, but worth it.
(5)Meg B.
I had a great time with a group of friends at Barclay. I loved the decor and the ambience of the place. The service was top notch. The messed the boyfriend's steak by bringing out the tarjima filet instead of the tarjima strip. They had the correct steak out in front of him by the time all of the other dishes and sides were present. The truffled mashed potatoes were delish . The wedge and chopped salads were also very good. I also sampled the smores dessert that my friends had- was absolutely delicious. Dispite all of these positives, There was something lacking that is preventing me from giving this place 4 or 5 stars. I feel like for the money that was spent, I should have been more overwelmed with my steak ( the 28 day dry aged 16 oz strip. Although it did have flavor and was a good piece of meat and cooked the way I requested, I also sampled the $95 tarjima strip. It lacked so much flavor for being a $95 piece of meat. It was a beautiful cut, almost resembling a seared tuna but after biting into it, I could not understand how my $48 steak could taste better. I'm not sure if this was because the wrong steak was brought out first and they and they had to rush this out or if this is the way that it is always served. I just felt like I've had better or the same for a fraction fo the cost. Everything adds up with the sides at $10/pop ( are good to share though with one other person), $5 for the steak compliments. Overall, I don't want to say it was a bad experience or the food was bad baecause that was not the case. I just think food wise, I have gotten my money's worth at better places than this.
(3)Deborah K.
We were very disappointed! We picked this restaurant to celebrate my husband's birthday. No valet parking. A not so friendly hostess. Extremely expensive just "good" food. Not at all what we expected!
(3)nitin a.
Maybe I was expecting more for the price, but I wasn't blown away by Barclay Prime. A quick summary of our experience: -Our waitress was maybe a little too busy or too aloof, but there were a couple of times that we tried to flag her down and couldn't, or that she forgot what we asked for. -Kobe Sliders were the highlight of our meal. I would go back and have a few plates of these as my meal (if they weren't $19 per pair). - Ordered the Filet and it came back a little dry. Was good but I can safely say I've had better. -Sides-I loved the Potato Nachos... greasy and cripsy, you know they're bad for you if they taste that good. Wife liked the truffle-whipped mashed potatoes, but I wasn't as impressed. -Dessert- Got the warm deep dish cookie.... was pretty good, and I would've finished it if I had an room left in my stomach ;) Overall, it was a good dinner experience. I went in expecting mor and it didn't quite live up to it. Perhaps it was that we had a great meal at Cuba Libre the night before, or maybe it was the prices. If back in Philly, I'll go back, if for no other reason than those delicious Kobe Sliders.
(3)Susann E.
Holy Sh*t this place is good! I am very aware that I'm a spoiled spoiled eater, and that because of my job I get to dine out places I have no place being. This may be one of those, but without a doubt ranks as the top Steakhouse experience of my life. After being referred to another restaurant by my hotel's concierge, I turned to my trusty Yelp which ranked that other place with an "eh", and this one with a very well deserved 4.5. I took the left out of the hotel to go to Barclay, and I am so glad. I actually really liked the vibe in Barclay Prime. As a female, it is so hard to find a steakhouse that appeals to both gender of steak gnawers. This one did. The low seating is a little odd, but comfortable, and was nothing that a little good posture on my part helped solve (thanks Grandma!) I ordered the house blackberry vodka on the rocks to start, and it was delish. Both my dining companion and I started with the tomato mozzerella salad, and it was fantastic. Apparently they make the monz in house. For my main course, I actually had the scallop appetizer. There were two humungous scallops wrapped in bacon with a maple glaze. All that on top of two fried green tomatoes. These people knew how to win over this Southern girl. My boss had the ribeye, which his demolished, so I assume it was tasty too. The sides (spinach, tatertots) were fresh and yum, if a little on the salty side. I didn't have any room to even think about dessert, and needed to be rolled back to my hotel room. The price was high, but not ridiculous. I've paid much more for much less. The service was unbelievable. Attentive as L'Ambroisie in Paris, without the pretense. It seemed that everyone really enjoyed working there. Next time I'm in Philly, I will definitely be back. This restaurant just made my top 10 of all time!
(5)Jen L.
This place could have easily gotten 5 stars from me ( and would have if I reviewed them after my past visits). I specifically come here about once a year or so and look forward to ordering literally the BEST steak I have ever had: the Kobe filet mignon. (& worth every penny) During my recent visit they were out of many of the menu items that we wanted to order: - the pork belly app - my beloved Kobe filet - sautéed porcini mushrooms - bone in filet ( I snatched the last one, so my husband who also ordered one was out of luck) Needless to say, even with some of our first picks unavailable we still had an excellent meal. The lobster bisque and beet salad were solid starters. The ribeye was cooked perfectly and was delicious despite the fact that it was aggressively seasoned. The bone in filet, again cooked perfectly and was delicious, but it was a bit fatty. I kind of felt like I must have gotten the last one... The whipped potatoes were good but nothing compared with the spaetzle. They sautéed the spaetzle with garlic and morel mushrooms. It's the best side I have every had from Barclay Prime. ( the menu has changed a little since last we visited) All in all a solid performance from one of the ( if not THE) best steakhouses in the city, just a little disappointing that they were out of so many menu items.
(4)Joy C.
While I never imagined I'd rate a Stephen Starr restaurant the best when it comes to food, Barclay Prime is my top choice for a high-end steakhouse in Philly. The upscale boutique steakhouse is situated within a chic library/den setting...a library with luxe marble tables and gorgeous leather chairs. The service is impeccable...polite, knowledgeable, and consistent. The selection of steak knives they provide is a nice touch, especially for those who really love steak and the nuances of the various cuts of meat. Fun fact for steak connoisseurs, Barclay Prime gets their Ribeye from the same butcher where Peter Luger (in New York) gets their cuts. The Kobe Sliders are definitely one of the best appetizers ever..anywhere..so be sure to get them. (We once went for JUST sliders and drinks which is a nice option when you're in-between meals or wanting smaller portions.) Also, the homemade hush puppies are nice update to the ones I remember from growing up. The Porterhouse is supposedly the way to go steak-wise, which is what my husband gets every time. I stick to the filet mignon - both of which are amazing. Final thoughts... If you're in the mood for steak and have some cash to spend on a nice dinner, run don't walk. Begin with the Kobe sliders to start the night just right.
(5)Frank N.
Hands down, the best steakhouse in the city. Maybe the country. Elegant without being stuffy, classy without being pretentious. The atmosphere is top notch, which is no surprise considering this is a Stephen Starr restaurant. The food is spectacular and I love the fact that you get to choose your own steakknife before your meal! The bar is also a great place to chill and take in the scene.
(5)Kaz H.
I LOVE this place. Great steak, awesome sides, and the best service possible. They present various options for your steak knife... Kinda cool. It's expensive, but worth it!
(5)Lisa G.
Love, love , love this place! Barclay Prime is within my top three most favorite placed to dine. The atmosphere is amazing, the wine list is impressive and the food is beyond fantastic. For appetizers definately try the sliders (they are tdf) you will not regret. All of the side dishes are amazing and rather large servings. If you are a steak person you will not be disappointed.
(5)steve s.
I may have had the best thing I have ever eaten. The gnocchis with lamb sausage appetizer. The gnocchi melted in my mouth like light pillows of deliciousness drove up from Washington DC just to eat here. The Service is unmatched. The steaks are unbelievable. They were very accommodating, I changed my reservation time 3 times. It is very very pricey. I was there for my 25th anniversary. I would definitely go again for a special occasion.
(5)Sandi W.
This restaurant was the highlight of our business trip. The food was amazing - oh wow those Kobe sliders! The only bad thing was I could barely eat all of my fillet after those... way too big. The wine was wonderful. Loved the couches. The sides and sauces were delicious. Try the shaved potatoes and onions. So yummy. The Bearnaise sauce was excellent. Silly but fun to be able to choose your own knife. I think I chose a Samurai one. Would love to go back!
(5)Ronald V.
I must begin by saying that I'm still blissfully delirious from the amount of food I fiendishly consumed at this culinary beacon. Maybe the best meal I've ever had. Now on to the good stuff ! Dinning at Barclay Prime is an experience that will not only reward your palette but your memory. I went there with three other friends, and as soon as we breached those golden doors, I knew it would be special. The first thing you see is a pretty young lady checking you in, then you are seated in probably the most comfortable dinning swatting ever by another pretty young lady. I don't know about you, but that's a perfect way to start a meal off. One of the unique things about Prime is that if you're a returning customer, they keep information on your preferences and the like to personalize your experience. Our server for the evening was witty and knowledgeable. I didn't even bother reading the menu, I just allowed her to give us the menu tour as if we were listening to a good bedtime story only with some of the best food you'll ever eat as the protagonist. The rolls were amazing. Buttery, spongy and crisp. I knew from there I was about to be impressed. And we literally ordered 80% of the menu. The Kobe sliders were as good as advertised. Again, butter crisp brioche bun elevated by the perfectly cooked patty. The gnochi with the lamb sausage...find a better cooked gnocchi, I dare you. With the mild and flavorful lamb sausage, I knew the smile on my face was going to be permanent. Both tartars, the tuna and the Kobe, were melt in you mouth delicious, although the Kobe version was my favorite of the two. I'd have no problem eating copious amounts of either. The olive oil in the Tuna was flavorful and pleasing in it's own right. Even though the bacon wrapped scallops weren't on the menu, the version we received were good, but I'm not a big fan of foams and all that gastronomy. Good nonetheless. Still, the pork belly accompanied by that butternut squash purée was the epitome of pork deliciousness; I could never be Muslim after that. Tender, fatty, smokey, heavenly. I feel like I forgot something from the appetizer round but I'm sure it was good as well. For the main event we ordered the butter poached lobster, twi 28 day aged NY strips, crab cakes and the infamous $100 Kobe cheese steak. In addition we enjoyed, the Mac and cheese,with the panfishes, morels and carmelized onions, truffle mash, tater tots, au gratin, creamed spinach and my personal favorite, the spatzel with it's lighted pillory goodness and roasted garlic flavor. I'm having flashbacks right now.... The steaks were perfectly cooked, the lobster was a an example on how to use butter perfectly. And apparently these lobster this night were flown in from somewhere between nearAfrica and South America were the lobsters are supposed to be the best in the world. If anything the Kobe cheesesteak was too much. The foie gras and the truffles were too strong and rich for my liking. I didn't eat more than two bits as to not overwhelm my palette. If you have the chance to order a $100 cheesesteak do it for shits and giggles but nothing more. I'm not a desert person but the apple butter biegnets, the penna cotta with the strawberry/ rhubarb soup were great but at this point I was stuffed like a piñata. I even needed an expresso to stave of the onset of my food drunkenness. Throughout out this well choreographed food excursion, we sipped on Brooklyn #2 which yielded the best first sip of beer I've ever had. My glass was never empty from there on out. The manager even stopped by our table to check in on us. I can't say anything more about this place. Honestly, for a unforgettable experience I'd put Prime against any place in our fair city. I'm officially sprung.
(5)Grace G.
This place came highly recommended by coworkers when I needed a special occasion dinner spot. I expected it to be over hyped because their signature dish is a $100 cheesesteak. Just to give you an idea how good it is: I was working in Rittenhouse square at the time, and my husband asked me to find out if I could get the cheesesteak as take out. Yeah, that habit could've put a dent in the ol credit card. I throughly enjoyed my steak... until I had a bite of my husband's cheesesteak, full of kobe beef, lobster, truffles, some kind of fancy cheese, all on a fancy roll. It had such a great taste, and melted in my mouth, that my steak paled in comparison. Thankfully the cheesesteak is big enough that my husband didn't mind sharing. While a $100 entree might scare people off, it also includes a 1/2 sized bottle of champagne, which my husband drank instead of getting wine. I take advantage of their lemon drop martinis and wine selection. In subsequent trips, I found it was better to just order a salad and have some of my husband's cheesesteak. I tried doing this with their caesar salad, and ended up barely touching the cheesesteak because of how much I enjoyed my salad. If possible, I'd give this place a 4.5/5 because once you have the cheesesteak, it's hard to enjoy anything else, and it's too expensive for everyone to get their own. But the cheesesteak is so good, it deserves rounding up. I don't mind the decor. Not as cheesy, nor stuffy as places like the Prime Rib. The tables can be close together, but that seems to be a growing norm. We have found the hostess staff to be very accomodating with seating requests. We went once when we had made last minute reservations, and ended up in the bar/lounge by the front door. Unfortunately, it was too small for my 6'5" husband, who could barely fit his legs under table. As soon as we mentioned it, they moved us right into the dining room with no problems at all. I haven't been in a while, but the parking was usually non existant. We would end up parking down a few blocks because there was no valet around, making us late for our reservation. It was very frustrating. The only reason we haven't been back in a while because we are making an effort to try new places rather than getting stuck in a rut of the same places all the time. It's definitely an enjoyable meal, if for no other reason than to say you had a $100 cheesesteak for dinner.
(5)Sean W.
Absolutely fantastic. Expensive, but worth it. They gave me my choice of hand forged steak knives for my 16oz Kobe strip. The waitress was well trained, and very knowledgable.
(5)kathy t.
Barclay executes the deep leather banquette, high ceilinged, plush but hiply decored steakhouse concept perfectly well. Prices are on par with other local steakhouses, chain or not. Our steaks were cooked perfectly to order, and sides look wimpy but involve a lot A LOT of delicious delicious butter. Steak knife options include Globals. (I believe it is wheelchair accessible with big wide aisles- I don't recall any steps at the door.)
(5)Benjamin S.
Well i finally got to BP this evening! I give it three.5 stars, and thats not a bad thing. Let me explain... It was delicious, no doubt about that. It was also pricey... i don't mind paying for a meal, but would rather go to ten+ other places in Philly for a fraction of the price. BP is def worth a visit though, but don't think it merits a return trip anytime soon. My gal, a friend, and myself showed up for a 9:30 reservation, and didn't get seated until 9:50. This drives some people crazy in a place like this, but I don't mind waiting 15-20 minutes for a table. I am happy to hit up a bar and get my drink on. The thing that did bother me was that we stood there for 10 minutes before a bartender even acknowledged our presence. To be fair, they were busy, but in a place like this you don't want to stand around empty handed for too long, and i was thirsty!!! Your paying big money and you want to be treated accordingly... I finally ordered 3 drinks. A glass of cab, a capt and coke, and a jameson on the rocks = $50 Bucks! It was a BIG glass of Jamo 12 year(don't think they have reg Jamo), so i can't complain too much. The bar itself is a lil small, and only seats about 8 tops. The front of house girls were amazing. They thanked us for our patience on numerous occasions, and i appreciate that. The service was also top notch! Our waiter was very friendly, extremely helpful, and grew a mean beard! i love the atmosphere. the dining room is well lit(it's all about the lighting), the tables were spacious, and the chairs were very comfy. you could relax, kick back and EAT! we started with the lobster bisque, caesar salad, and the kobe beef tartar. Easily one of the best bisques I have ever tasted! It had a few chunks of perfectly cooked lobster in it. It was spot on. The ceasar salad was good. Nothin crazy, but good. Would have LOVED to see a few anchovies on there! The kobe beef tartar was out of this world, and moan inducing! I ordered the 24oz porterhouse, med-rare. It was very tender, cooked perfectly, BUT it was too salty! It took away from the meat itself. It was such a big steak, by the time i got to the end of it(yes, i did finish it!) my mouth was SO dry! I got the bone marrow to compliment my steak. It was good when you put it on the steak like jam. The two i were with got the the 28 day dry aged strip, 16oz. One got it medium, one got it med-rare. Med-rare was definitely the way to go, it was much more tender. On the med strip were the caramelized onions. They were good, but i think they were a little over-powering, but that could be a preferance thing. They would have been better if they came on the side, not slathered on top of the steak. They are under the compliments part of the menu along with lobster, shrimp, etc... my friend got the lobster on his med rare strip. It was cooked well, and delicious, but for $16 i don't know if it was worth it. We all shared 3 sides. The creamed spinach which was amazing, the tater tots that were great but a bit salty, and the truffle oil mashed which were VERY good. I also LOVED how you get to pick your steak knife! I am very into cooking knives. I collect them, and have my own sharpening stones, etc... so this for me was just a cool thing for a steak house to offer. ps-get the shun steak knife! it glides thru beef! I gotta wrap this up. I apologize if this seems long winded. If your gonna pay the big bucks, you wanna know what your in for though! I would go back, but not anytime soon. I would like to check out a bunch of other restaurants first, or go to some of my go-to's... the wine list is great, the service is very good, and the food was good. I just don't know if it was $500 without-the-tip-good though...
(4)