Garden court eatery is a fairly average bodega-type place, but does what it's supposed to do. A great place to get beer and ice cream- they have sandwiches though I've never tried them. Very good beer selection and priced as you would except for a bottle shop. Right around the corner? Perfect.
(4)
Lenny Z.
This is a pretty good local spot. Nothing fantastic, but it's cheap and does the trick. I ordered the cheesesteak and fries. Both were pretty good. I ordered a combo that was supposed to come with Cole Slaw, which they did not give me. I realized this when I got home and decided it was not worth the trip back to get. My wife got the garden salad with grilled chicken. It wasn't anything special, but she enjoyed it.
(3)
Julia C.
I live nearby but haven't check this place out until today. It is a combo: Convenience Store/Beer store/Deli and diner all rolled into one. There are 3 tables if you order food and decide to eat in. I came in to try the food. I thought the place looked clean and well run. I decided to try a combo meal. I ordered Turkey Cheese burger with lettuce, tomato, grilled onion, pickle and mustard. The sandwich is $3.50 plus they charged me .50 for lettuce and tomato. The burger was single patty and sandwich huge! I ended up not getting combo as the clerk didn't realize I had ordered this and only charged me for diet rootbeer and sandwich. It was filling and a good price. In addition to Sandwiches and cheese steaks, and burritos, they have breakfast platters and sandwiches. The deli - they sell assorted cheeses and deli meats by the pound. Beers - looks like they sell by 6, 12 packs or individually. Employees were nice. I shall come back. I think prices are good and it's so close for when I don't feel like cooking dinner. Plus, I heard the burritos are really good.
(4)
Grace P.
NO. If you've been wondering why you've been getting sick and you've been eating here daily. Now you know why... Mold and seriously revolting things here in the kitchen. Check the reviews online for sanitary things, you'll know what I'm saying. There's a very nice girl who works the counter here sometimes but other than her and closed foods being edible. Would not buy here. Prices here are also changed daily and overcharged based on who you are and who's ringing you up. Sometimes they won't even let you know the price until you're actual checking out either, which is ridiculous. Not worth the prices regularly at all. Be very careful with your receipt too and try to add up as you go because they will not show you how much was what on the receipt either, big scam for a lot of things. Meat or perishables would be HIGHLY unrecommended for this store. Really bad for that area.
(1)
Taylor S.
Bomb A$$, authentic Mexican food in the Garden Court Neighborhood. Try their homemade tortilla chips and you'll be hooked. They're thicker than usual chips, but this makes them crunchy and every once in a while you'll get one with an airbubble that's so light and crispy. They're not greasy and they're perfectly salted. I've had their chicken tacos, they come with a side of lime and a few slices of fresh cucumber--a nice touch. I'm eating their chicken burrito as I write this review. I had to stop mid-meal to log in to write this review because I thought, maybe if more people don't buy their mexican food they'll stop serving it, so I'm writing to get the secret out: If you want authentic Mexican in West Philly, The Eatery is the secret spot you'd never guess would be the place. This review got five stars solely for the Mexican food. Everything else get 2-3 stars because everything else is overpriced and they don't have chocolate ice cream which I think is ridiculous since they sell all other types of ice cream.
(5)
Kat C.
I love the people who work here! They always make my day. The egg sandwiches are great. I wish there were more vegetarian options, and more encouragement to order hot food, but I have to give five stars because I'm thrilled to have this place in my neighborhood.
(5)
Xtopher J.
This place makes me want to move back to my old apartment so bad that sometimes I'll just go walk around my old 'hood and cry. Real tears. The food is not across-the-board great; the fryolator works fine, and anything Diego touches is gold. But if Diego, that handsome Latin man with the most honest smile I've ever seen, isn't there, stick to the fried foods and nothing else from the menu. You can occasionally get a good cheesesteak in a pinch, but never a great one. Basically, this is the epicenter of "what? It's midnight already? Shit! OK, I'll take..." and then you order, and it's just enough to make you remember you're still alive in there, deep down and beyond all the insults and heartaches. Mozzarella sticks: $4.75 a dozen. And they're great. Maybe make your own marinara... Beer: get a Sixer of any kind you like (stay away from the Lord Chesterfield Ale, lest you spend a day blowing corrosion away from the base of your toilet bowl with your hearty thunder) and take that home. Get a 40 or a quart of your favorite beer, sit down and drink that while you're there. Eat some Haribo Happy Colas with that. Listen to the radio and relax! I'm pretty sure, as others here might have mentioned, that the owners are awful. But you'll only run into them during the day. They are completely bad enough that I've canceled a transaction with one of them mid-sale, though. Ideally, you want Diego at the griddle and Guy Who Knows (or his pal, Guy Who Knows A Little Less) at the register. Great, funny and cool guys. Keep in mind, though: it is a convenience store. Sure, there are better buys than others, but like a clothing store or grocery store, they sell in their niche. Here, it's convenience. That is the product, so don't throw yourself into a shallow ravine because the micro-greens aren't organic and the Terra chips cost 4 bucks. It's midnight, you're drunk: enjoy these people and go enjoy your life. 4/5, only because that lady behind the counter during the day is a dyed-in-the-wool agent of the Dark Lord.
(4)
Marissa C.
Sandwiches are pretty good. On more than one occasion they have not given the correct amount of change back. Count it before you leave!
(2)
Joseph K.
Where else can you get beer at midnight on Christmas? Who stayed open through superstorm Sandy and kept me from starving? These guys. The short order grill is great, the beer selection fab. The owners can be jerks (yelling at employees, treating regular customers poorly), but fortunately they're seldom there.
(4)
Sudo N.
The beer selection is excellent. And they are open late and have a lot of useful food. But be careful what you buy, because the food is not always fresh. In the past I've been sold bread that was too stale to eat. Recently I bought a pint of ice cream and had to throw away the top inch, which was freezer-burnt and gummy. I give them three stars because that is pretty much what I expect from an all-night convenience store. The sign in the window promises seafood, but I don't think I would want to try it.
(3)
Phil T.
Sure, it may be "officially" known as Garden Court Eatery. But if you want people to know what you're talking about, there's only one thing to call it. Beer Breakfast Dungeness Crab. No commas, no air-quotes, no pauses. Say it like it's one word and let it roll off the tongue. Inhale... beerbreakfasdungenesscrab. Why? Well, if you happen to be walking down the 4700 block of Pine Street late one night in hopes of finding a bodega, you won't find a well-lit sign for the Garden Court *Whatever*. What you will spy is a sign featuring illegible text at the top and "Beer Breakfast Dungeoness Crab" emblazoned across the bottom in patriotic fashion. I am proud to be an American. A Dungeness crab-scarfin' American. Yes, I realize "Dungeness" is misspelled in the sign. That's because it's a proper name, like "Rite Aid" or "Dunkin' Donuts." Dungeoness. Pure geniuseoness. Go for the beer selection. Go for the questionable breakfast. And definitely go for the crab, the dish so rare I don't know anyone who's actually ordered it. I would but I'm allergic to seafood. Highly. "Yo, I'm headed to Beer Breakfast Dungeness Crab. Need anything?" You bet I do. Grab me a pack of god-it's-good-to-be-at-Beer-Breakfast-Dungeness-Crab. Yeah. bit.ly/c9Ehl5
(3)
Mike B.
As mentioned by miss f., I've only ever heard this spot referred to as "Dungeoness." Having spent most of my adult years in the midwest, that word still seems to conjur up images far more sinister than the delicious crabs that are intended. Seriously, leather restraints, mild whipping....shiver. I guess that is more telling of me than of the Garden Court Eatery though. So, what will you find at GCE? Well, anything you'd find at a traditional corners store PLUS, a decent deli case and some good cooks to go with it AND, a good selection of pre-chilled beers that aren't any more egregious in price than other take-out spots. GCE is a good spot to pop in when you need a quick sandwich or forgot to hit the beer distributor before the party. If you are in the area, you'll find your own reason to appreciate it sooner or later. *whip cracks* Crabs!
(3)
Jessica P.
The chicken burrito here is fantastic. Expect a wait, because they grill a whole chicken breast to order for this bad boy. Served on a whole wheat wrap - it's the size of a small child. Fresh rice, balck beans, pico, fresh slices of jalapeno, sour cream, and guacamole. Mmmm, mmm good! Two of us split it for about $7 - honestly it's so good I don't pay attention to the price anymore. Do yourself a favor and get one!
(4)
Elisha C.
Long story of why I will always call this place Crabs 'N Beer, but whatever I call it, it's always there for me in a pinch. Today's review is brought to you by a blizzard. Emergency conditions declared, day off from work, and because Wine and Spirits closed so early the day before I was high and dry and dreaming of something to make the day at home worthwhile. Enter Crabs 'N Beer, aka the Garden Court Eatery, which stayed open no matter what the weather was to provide me some badly needed refreshment (and much more beer selection than your usual deli provides, yay) and a bag of Dirty Chips. My meat-loving roommate went home with a cheesesteak that kept her just as happy as my pint bottle of Stella kept me. Yeah, I'm a fan now.
(4)
miss f.
I only ever go here for beer or soda and the occasional Luna bar or candy. Beer-wise, they reliably stock everything from crap to Brooklyn Local 1 BUT the selection doesn't change all that often. It's a reliable place for a 6-pack anytime. And as the other review mentions, GC definitely has the best signage. I refer to it simply as "Dungeoness" with my roommates.
(3)
J P.
This is a little nicer than the corner bodega. They have a really good beer selection and their hoagies are closer to that of a real deli than they are of the corner spot. They've got a great selection of chocolates, chips, drinks, cereal and all that food stuff too. It's not cheap, but its convenient. They don't bitch at me when I bring my bike inside too. That's what the 4th star is for.
(4)
Paul S.
Dungeoness Crab (as the sign prominently advertises) is the one Dungeon you don't want to buy beer (or anything in). $8 for a small bag of Terra Chips. $14 for a 6 pack? $4.50 PLUS tax for a 40oz? Gimme a break. It's the quintessential rip-off deli. If everywhere else is closed, I will then consider debating going there. Otherwise, pass and save your wallet.
(1)
Heavenly O.
This place is the best. It's a convenience store, so some of the items are on the pricey side. But here's where to go to pick up your beer and grab a cheeseburger for late-night snack attacks. The guy behind the counter is super-nice, too.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Late Night Parking : Street Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : Yes Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Wed, Thu, Sat Coat Check : No Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Marshall S.
Garden court eatery is a fairly average bodega-type place, but does what it's supposed to do. A great place to get beer and ice cream- they have sandwiches though I've never tried them. Very good beer selection and priced as you would except for a bottle shop. Right around the corner? Perfect.
(4)Lenny Z.
This is a pretty good local spot. Nothing fantastic, but it's cheap and does the trick. I ordered the cheesesteak and fries. Both were pretty good. I ordered a combo that was supposed to come with Cole Slaw, which they did not give me. I realized this when I got home and decided it was not worth the trip back to get. My wife got the garden salad with grilled chicken. It wasn't anything special, but she enjoyed it.
(3)Julia C.
I live nearby but haven't check this place out until today. It is a combo: Convenience Store/Beer store/Deli and diner all rolled into one. There are 3 tables if you order food and decide to eat in. I came in to try the food. I thought the place looked clean and well run. I decided to try a combo meal. I ordered Turkey Cheese burger with lettuce, tomato, grilled onion, pickle and mustard. The sandwich is $3.50 plus they charged me .50 for lettuce and tomato. The burger was single patty and sandwich huge! I ended up not getting combo as the clerk didn't realize I had ordered this and only charged me for diet rootbeer and sandwich. It was filling and a good price. In addition to Sandwiches and cheese steaks, and burritos, they have breakfast platters and sandwiches. The deli - they sell assorted cheeses and deli meats by the pound. Beers - looks like they sell by 6, 12 packs or individually. Employees were nice. I shall come back. I think prices are good and it's so close for when I don't feel like cooking dinner. Plus, I heard the burritos are really good.
(4)Grace P.
NO. If you've been wondering why you've been getting sick and you've been eating here daily. Now you know why... Mold and seriously revolting things here in the kitchen. Check the reviews online for sanitary things, you'll know what I'm saying. There's a very nice girl who works the counter here sometimes but other than her and closed foods being edible. Would not buy here. Prices here are also changed daily and overcharged based on who you are and who's ringing you up. Sometimes they won't even let you know the price until you're actual checking out either, which is ridiculous. Not worth the prices regularly at all. Be very careful with your receipt too and try to add up as you go because they will not show you how much was what on the receipt either, big scam for a lot of things. Meat or perishables would be HIGHLY unrecommended for this store. Really bad for that area.
(1)Taylor S.
Bomb A$$, authentic Mexican food in the Garden Court Neighborhood. Try their homemade tortilla chips and you'll be hooked. They're thicker than usual chips, but this makes them crunchy and every once in a while you'll get one with an airbubble that's so light and crispy. They're not greasy and they're perfectly salted. I've had their chicken tacos, they come with a side of lime and a few slices of fresh cucumber--a nice touch. I'm eating their chicken burrito as I write this review. I had to stop mid-meal to log in to write this review because I thought, maybe if more people don't buy their mexican food they'll stop serving it, so I'm writing to get the secret out: If you want authentic Mexican in West Philly, The Eatery is the secret spot you'd never guess would be the place. This review got five stars solely for the Mexican food. Everything else get 2-3 stars because everything else is overpriced and they don't have chocolate ice cream which I think is ridiculous since they sell all other types of ice cream.
(5)Kat C.
I love the people who work here! They always make my day. The egg sandwiches are great. I wish there were more vegetarian options, and more encouragement to order hot food, but I have to give five stars because I'm thrilled to have this place in my neighborhood.
(5)Xtopher J.
This place makes me want to move back to my old apartment so bad that sometimes I'll just go walk around my old 'hood and cry. Real tears. The food is not across-the-board great; the fryolator works fine, and anything Diego touches is gold. But if Diego, that handsome Latin man with the most honest smile I've ever seen, isn't there, stick to the fried foods and nothing else from the menu. You can occasionally get a good cheesesteak in a pinch, but never a great one. Basically, this is the epicenter of "what? It's midnight already? Shit! OK, I'll take..." and then you order, and it's just enough to make you remember you're still alive in there, deep down and beyond all the insults and heartaches. Mozzarella sticks: $4.75 a dozen. And they're great. Maybe make your own marinara... Beer: get a Sixer of any kind you like (stay away from the Lord Chesterfield Ale, lest you spend a day blowing corrosion away from the base of your toilet bowl with your hearty thunder) and take that home. Get a 40 or a quart of your favorite beer, sit down and drink that while you're there. Eat some Haribo Happy Colas with that. Listen to the radio and relax! I'm pretty sure, as others here might have mentioned, that the owners are awful. But you'll only run into them during the day. They are completely bad enough that I've canceled a transaction with one of them mid-sale, though. Ideally, you want Diego at the griddle and Guy Who Knows (or his pal, Guy Who Knows A Little Less) at the register. Great, funny and cool guys. Keep in mind, though: it is a convenience store. Sure, there are better buys than others, but like a clothing store or grocery store, they sell in their niche. Here, it's convenience. That is the product, so don't throw yourself into a shallow ravine because the micro-greens aren't organic and the Terra chips cost 4 bucks. It's midnight, you're drunk: enjoy these people and go enjoy your life. 4/5, only because that lady behind the counter during the day is a dyed-in-the-wool agent of the Dark Lord.
(4)Marissa C.
Sandwiches are pretty good. On more than one occasion they have not given the correct amount of change back. Count it before you leave!
(2)Joseph K.
Where else can you get beer at midnight on Christmas? Who stayed open through superstorm Sandy and kept me from starving? These guys. The short order grill is great, the beer selection fab. The owners can be jerks (yelling at employees, treating regular customers poorly), but fortunately they're seldom there.
(4)Sudo N.
The beer selection is excellent. And they are open late and have a lot of useful food. But be careful what you buy, because the food is not always fresh. In the past I've been sold bread that was too stale to eat. Recently I bought a pint of ice cream and had to throw away the top inch, which was freezer-burnt and gummy. I give them three stars because that is pretty much what I expect from an all-night convenience store. The sign in the window promises seafood, but I don't think I would want to try it.
(3)Phil T.
Sure, it may be "officially" known as Garden Court Eatery. But if you want people to know what you're talking about, there's only one thing to call it. Beer Breakfast Dungeness Crab. No commas, no air-quotes, no pauses. Say it like it's one word and let it roll off the tongue. Inhale... beerbreakfasdungenesscrab. Why? Well, if you happen to be walking down the 4700 block of Pine Street late one night in hopes of finding a bodega, you won't find a well-lit sign for the Garden Court *Whatever*. What you will spy is a sign featuring illegible text at the top and "Beer Breakfast Dungeoness Crab" emblazoned across the bottom in patriotic fashion. I am proud to be an American. A Dungeness crab-scarfin' American. Yes, I realize "Dungeness" is misspelled in the sign. That's because it's a proper name, like "Rite Aid" or "Dunkin' Donuts." Dungeoness. Pure geniuseoness. Go for the beer selection. Go for the questionable breakfast. And definitely go for the crab, the dish so rare I don't know anyone who's actually ordered it. I would but I'm allergic to seafood. Highly. "Yo, I'm headed to Beer Breakfast Dungeness Crab. Need anything?" You bet I do. Grab me a pack of god-it's-good-to-be-at-Beer-Breakfast-Dungeness-Crab. Yeah. bit.ly/c9Ehl5
(3)Mike B.
As mentioned by miss f., I've only ever heard this spot referred to as "Dungeoness." Having spent most of my adult years in the midwest, that word still seems to conjur up images far more sinister than the delicious crabs that are intended. Seriously, leather restraints, mild whipping....shiver. I guess that is more telling of me than of the Garden Court Eatery though. So, what will you find at GCE? Well, anything you'd find at a traditional corners store PLUS, a decent deli case and some good cooks to go with it AND, a good selection of pre-chilled beers that aren't any more egregious in price than other take-out spots. GCE is a good spot to pop in when you need a quick sandwich or forgot to hit the beer distributor before the party. If you are in the area, you'll find your own reason to appreciate it sooner or later. *whip cracks* Crabs!
(3)Jessica P.
The chicken burrito here is fantastic. Expect a wait, because they grill a whole chicken breast to order for this bad boy. Served on a whole wheat wrap - it's the size of a small child. Fresh rice, balck beans, pico, fresh slices of jalapeno, sour cream, and guacamole. Mmmm, mmm good! Two of us split it for about $7 - honestly it's so good I don't pay attention to the price anymore. Do yourself a favor and get one!
(4)Elisha C.
Long story of why I will always call this place Crabs 'N Beer, but whatever I call it, it's always there for me in a pinch. Today's review is brought to you by a blizzard. Emergency conditions declared, day off from work, and because Wine and Spirits closed so early the day before I was high and dry and dreaming of something to make the day at home worthwhile. Enter Crabs 'N Beer, aka the Garden Court Eatery, which stayed open no matter what the weather was to provide me some badly needed refreshment (and much more beer selection than your usual deli provides, yay) and a bag of Dirty Chips. My meat-loving roommate went home with a cheesesteak that kept her just as happy as my pint bottle of Stella kept me. Yeah, I'm a fan now.
(4)miss f.
I only ever go here for beer or soda and the occasional Luna bar or candy. Beer-wise, they reliably stock everything from crap to Brooklyn Local 1 BUT the selection doesn't change all that often. It's a reliable place for a 6-pack anytime. And as the other review mentions, GC definitely has the best signage. I refer to it simply as "Dungeoness" with my roommates.
(3)J P.
This is a little nicer than the corner bodega. They have a really good beer selection and their hoagies are closer to that of a real deli than they are of the corner spot. They've got a great selection of chocolates, chips, drinks, cereal and all that food stuff too. It's not cheap, but its convenient. They don't bitch at me when I bring my bike inside too. That's what the 4th star is for.
(4)Paul S.
Dungeoness Crab (as the sign prominently advertises) is the one Dungeon you don't want to buy beer (or anything in). $8 for a small bag of Terra Chips. $14 for a 6 pack? $4.50 PLUS tax for a 40oz? Gimme a break. It's the quintessential rip-off deli. If everywhere else is closed, I will then consider debating going there. Otherwise, pass and save your wallet.
(1)Heavenly O.
This place is the best. It's a convenience store, so some of the items are on the pricey side. But here's where to go to pick up your beer and grab a cheeseburger for late-night snack attacks. The guy behind the counter is super-nice, too.
(5)