Saloon Restaurant
750 S 7th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19147
Saloon Restaurant Menu
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Lunch
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Lunch
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Address :
750 S 7th St
Philadelphia, PA, 19147 - Phone (215) 627-1811
- Website https://www.saloonrestaurant.net/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Arthur V.
Our group of 6 went for dinner on a December Saturday evening. We loved it. The convenient free parking got things off to a great start. We had a cocktail at the classic downstairs bar while our group arrived. And, we were seated upstairs near the low-key, excellent band. The ambience is classic, old style Philly. Our server was fun and happy to banter with our table. Appetizers and entrees were all terrific - especially the veal dishes. The Italian and American themed wine list offered a good range of choices to complement our meal. We will definitely be back.
(5)Dan G.
Had dinner at the saloon this eve, The saloon is an oldie but goodie in philadelphia, and while not an inexpensive restaurant it is worth what they are charging. From ambiance, to food to service, they do a great job. Our server Lauren was Friendly without being pretentious or overly familiar, She handled our questions and requests quickly and efficiently while juggling a busy eve. Our food came out exactly as ordered and was Prepared perfectly!!. I have been to the Saloon a couple of times and have NEVER had anything less than a wonderful experience !!!
(5)Junaid M.
Beautiful place. Food was okay, but I would have liked a bit more bang for my buck. Over all good experience.
(4)Melanie J.
This is my favorite "special occasion" restaurant. The food is delicious, the staff is wonderful (and beautiful), the atmosphere is classic and sophisticated. Its also a great place to meet for drinks on a Friday or Saturday night. There is a bar upstairs and downstairs and the last couple of times I went for drink there was live jazz upstairs so it was a lot of fun.
(5)Joseph K.
This place is a very unique place to have dinner. The atmosphere of this establishment is out of this world, feels like I took a time machine back to 20's or 30's. With unique atmosphere this place offers insane selection of Italian food. We ordered many different types of food and every dish were beyond my expectation. I strongly recommend this restaurant to everyone who appreciate quality food, service, and the nostalgic interior design.
(5)Jason B.
My wife and I had a date night this past Saturday. Tickets to a concert and decided to have a nice dinner beforehand. We decided on The Saloon, which we have not been to in quite a while. We now wonder why we hadn't been there in so long! We didn't have too long to eat, so our waitress, Jase, suggested we put in our order right away. She made sure we left with plenty of time to spare. Everything was impeccable! We shared an appetizer that was some sort of field greens wrapped inside of prosciutto along with walnuts, cranberries and an Italian cheese. It was then drizzled with balsamic. Very good. For entrees, my wife had the linguini with lobster in an amazing sauce. The lobster was perfectly done and the homemade linguini melted in your mouth. I had the Bronzino, which was dipped in a very light batter and then topped with crab in a light sauce. The Bronzino couldn't have been done any better! As great as the meal was, it was only outdone by the service provided by Jase (sp?). She was one of the most charming, personable and attentive waitresses I have ever had. All in all...an extremely memorable experience. Great service, food and ambiance!! One that will assure I am back again as soon as I possibly can!!
(5)Michael F.
Everyone at my table agreed that our waitress was rude. In fact, the bus-boy was nicer than she. The food tasted okay, I guess. The best part of the experience was the quartet playing.
(2)Joe A.
The service was perfect. The decor is amazing, fun and a ton of history. The food was delicious and certainly priced fairly. As an original Philadelphian I'm upset I haven't found this neighborhood gem any sooner. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Paul R.
Came here with a buddy for a birthday dinner. Started off with delicious calimari and sipped a few Manhattans. The waitress went over the special's, everything sounded great but in the end I went with a ginormous porterhouse. Fan-freakin-tastic. The night was capped off with a delicious chocolate-peanut butter dessert portioned much larger than most restaurants; it also helped the cute waitress sang happy birthday to me. Decor, ambiance and staff exude class. This is the kind of place Tony, Sil and Paulie would visit if they came to Philly.
(5)Daniel T.
We live in the neighborhood, so we had to try this joint out. I had read that it is a favorite of the Veep when he rolls into town to visit. The ambiance: it has an old-school charm that begins with the maitre' d. He was a delight and got us settled into a nice table. The interior design accents transport you to an old-school dining room at a members-only golf establishment. The drink: started with an Old-fashioned. Solid. The apps: picked the Clams Casino and Fried Oysters. Excellent. The main dish: did the dry-aged NY Strip with mushroom sauce and mashed potatoes, the wifey did the veal also with some sort of mushroom sauce. Didn't blow us away. All in all, a great experience. Certainly feels like a place the Mainline crowd dines when they are in Center City, but for the price, it was just ok for us.
(3)Jay S.
What a fun old time place .... And the food is wonderful !!! The pasta soaked into their gravy ... So so tasty ... Mahattan chowder ... Delicious ... Calamari appetizer ... Yum ...radicchio salad & roasted. Pepper ... Out of this world ... Wow !!!!! The steaks ... Hunky & big ... Perfect in medium rare ... We each ordered a side of pasta w/garlic & oil ....and to top it off ... The old time decor takes us back 50 years !!!! What a fun place !!!
(5)James C.
Excellent Italian food in the middle of South Philly at a reasonable price. The Saloon restaurant is surprisingly big, very comfortable and unpretentious. Visit the bar and talk to some locals before you sit down to eat. This is my new favorite restaurant in South Philly! P.S. Try the hot antipasto, chicken eggplant entree and raspberry Napoleon cake!
(5)Gary G.
Had a great meal here for my fiances bday. This is a place thats great for a special occasion. Its got an old school vibe about it, like back in the day when the whole neighborhood was italian. We ordered the veal chop w mushrooms in a demi and the lobster francaise. My veal was great..seriously great..but if you ever come here you MUST get the lobster francaise. Its seriously the most tender lobster dish around. Like melt in yo mouf good. So there you go.
(5)Ron G.
First, free valet parking is clutch around these parts. Ambience of the restaurant reminds me of where Mr. Burns would choose to dine, which should not be considered an insult. The service is excellent, always available, accommodating, and helpful without being overwhelming. We had a private table for 20 or so and were able to order off the menu. Complimentary bread with pesto sauce was a nice touch. I started off with a caesar salad, that tasted like a good caesar salad, nothing to complain or write home about. Moving on to the main course, I had the small bowl of Rigatoni Sesso, or large rigatoni with a tomato sauce, sweet italian sausage, and sun-dried tomatoes. A good deal at only $10. It satisfied, but not something I'd order again. I then had the Chicken Melanzana, where they stuff chicken with eggplant, smoked mozzarella, and roll it in a white wine sauce served over whipped potatoes. This dish grew on me as I ate it, and really was well balanced and cooked properly. The following dessert tray had a smattering of choices, however, will not get a rise out of a dessert fiend. I would return with colleagues or if I had a big group as they have menu choices for everyone, including vegetarians; however, I would not personally come here with a small group of friends. But that's just me, the ambience and offerings here may certainly satisfy you.
(3)carol f.
The layout of this place is really interesting. Lots of different spaces that create an intimate surrounding. My husband and I shared 2 different appetizer specials. We had a spinach salad rolled with Prosciutto that was very tasty. We also shared an appetizer platter with 2 different kinds of clams, grilled shrimp and stuffed poblano peppers. I had the pepper and found the veal stuffing just as I would like. My husband enjoyed 2 different kinds of stuffed clams and we decided to bring the rest home to make sure we were hungry for our main course. I had Bronzino with crab meat topped with a light wine sauce. I must admit this was the best Bronzino I ever had. Very fresh and the delicate flavors of the fish came through. My husband had the lobster dish off the menu served similarly to my fish. He ate very bite, which for him is unusual. Our wait staff was attentive and knowledgeable, especially our waitress Hannah. Do make sure you ask for the prices of the specials before you order so there are no surprises when the check comes. We thought our appetizer platter to be a bit over priced. We will definitely return as the food was great and the parking was free and convenient, a rarity in the city.
(4)Rebecca C.
Really liked the branzino with crab meat. Lightly battered fish topped with fresh crab. The branzino main was best to share given the large portion Skip the calamari appetizer - didn't like the watery tomato sauce that accompanied the calamari. Pouilly fuisse wine was quite good by the glass.
(3)Ilona D.
So much history on the walls. Very impressive when my boyfriend took me there and everyone knew who his family was. Super welcoming.
(5)Rebecca C.
This place is a hidden gem! Or maybe it's not hidden, but its been around for so long that people don't talk about it anymore? Either way, none of my foodie friends have ever spoken of this place so I figured it wasn't very good. My boyfriend picked where we were going for dinner, and when he saw that this place had 4.5 stars on Open Table I was like "OK. Fine. Whatever, let's do it." First off, this place has free valet parking, so immediately I was like "10 points for Gryffindor", maybe this place isn't so bad after all! We walk in, and the decor is BEAUTIFUL! Very antique-inspired turn-of-the-century type furnishings with lots of Tiffany lamps and old cherry wood furnishings. We had a great server who was very knowledgable of the menu and guided us through an amazing meal. For our appetizers we got the sampler with two clams casino, two clams Pavorotti, two grilled shrimp, and two stuffed poblano peppers. Everything was delicious except for the grilled shrimp which tasted rubbery and freezer burned. The shining star by a landslide was the grilled langostino, which came in their shell, split, and char-grilled in a lemony olive oil sauce. I don't normally eat meat at all, so I've never had langostino before, but I was completely blown away with how tasty they were and how well they had been cooked. For dinner I got the scallops served in a cognac cream sauce, which were on special that night, and they were DELICIOUS. I just highly recommend this place. The prices are relatively high, but I really feel like they deliver on the quality of food they promise. I definitely prefer this place over the tourist traps like Ralph's!
(5)Bruce C.
#1 - The food - Four of us ventured to the Saloon last night, Arriving at 4:40 for our Italian feast. We shared a bottle of wine, which was very good. I had 4 clams casino there was a whole clam under very bland wet bread crumbs ($16). my friend and I had Eggplant Parm ($15) was very good tasting, (4 round 3-4 inch round eggplant pieces, with a few spoonfuls of sauce with cheese places in the middle of the eggplant. I think Ralph's is much better. Our friend had Stuffed Salmon (with lump crabmeat) ($36) and it was very good, Wifey had Veal Marsala (?) which she loved (it isn't on the menu, when we asked if we could order it, they said we could) Our waitress was a gem, filled our wine glasses just before our last sip. The desserts were very good. One observation we have is an unusual limited appetizer choice... We will return. #2 - The place - FYI I have a walking difficulty. There are 2 steps going into the Saloon, and then when I asked were the mens room was, the host almost freaked out, knowing that the restrooms were down stairs (basement) my friend helped me down L shaped steps with no continuing handrail. Coming back up was a challenge.. With the older crowd this place attracts, one would think handrails were a must! Next time, make sure I don't have to use restroom. nice level of noise.
(4)K R.
Went there for a group family dinner on Christmas Eve. The food and service was excellent. Food was yummy but a bit pricey. The decor is like an old saloon from back in the day. Classic and very clean! Consistent good food...we had angel hair pasta with artichokes, garlic and crab meat....YUMMY!!!!!
(5)Gary B.
Took a large client there for dinner and The Saloon never disappoints. A special shout out to Jace and Viktoria who both took care of us and we could not have asked for better service. The food was great and having professionals work with us on the server side make for the perfect evening. Look forward to the next time we are there!!
(5)Kimberly H.
What a lovely restaurant! The live jazz, the food and overall ambiance were just our style and my fiancé and I already can't wait to return! The spinach salad is a delicious work of art; highly recommend it! The only negative was that we were seated next to the loudest, most obnoxious party of 6, who were so boisterous and inconsiderate, it actually infringed on my personal experience of the restaurant. Even our waitress was visibly annoyed as she attempted to shout the specials over their cackling and shrieking. It was pretty empty so I don't think it would've been unreasonable for them to move us but I also won't hold it against them.
(4)Jason H.
The Saloon is a Bella Vista fixture, and is quite an interesting place. It's definitely got that "Italian" feel, which is a big part of its charm. They have a nice menu with seafood, veal, steaks, and chicken along with drinks and appetizers. The food was very good, the portions were large, and the service was a-ok. It's not an especially formal place, but rather a place you can go casual or dressed up and fit in either way. They have given up their "Amex Only" policy, and now take a full range of cards. Cash flipped out of a roll of $100's is perfectly fine, as well.
(4)Trang N.
I came here for dinner with my colleagues and was quite surprised with the level of food and service (in a good way!) The space is warm and inviting with beautiful intricate woodwork throughout. All the dark wood and vintage décor really created a nice ambience to our dining experience. The menu is extensive, there will be something for everyone's palate, if you come here with a big group. Our waitress was welcoming and made some great recommendations! I highly recommend the scallops if they have it on special. The grilled octopus special was nice, and the appetizer was a generous size! I had the The Lobster Francaise was nice, lightly breaded and sautéed. I was in love with the Kale and bacon side order, it was one of the best things I had all night! All in all, the plates left the table completely cleaned, so it's safe to say that everyone enjoyed their meal as I did. They desserts all came out on a tray, we decided to split the chocolate mousse cake, oh my goodness, it was decadent and surprisingly light. I really had a nice experience and can't wait to bring my husband to this place, it is right up his alley. I am so glad we came here for dinner, I would have overlooked this unassuming place tucked quietly on Seventh Street, this is a true hidden gem! A big bonus as they have their own lot, so parking is free!
(5)Dave B.
First, I love the atmosphere! Classy, refined and antique deco makes this place an any occasion restaurant. We had a large party of 21+ and they were very accommodating and the staff were amazing. I started my meal with the crab bisque and it was good.. It had plenty of real crab meat. The spinach salad wrapped in prosciutto was absolutely amazing! I would definitely come back again!
(4)Viktoria G.
Great find! Having grown up in Philadelphia but lived away for 30+ years, I'm always looking for good restaurants when we visit family in Center City. Since parking is an issue, I expanded my search area and am so glad that I did! This restaurant was perfect. It's not a place to go for spaghetti and meatballs but if you want excellent dinners, you will find them here! We had seafood and meat dishes and everyone cleaned their plates. We did go early and had no problem with parking, I can imagine as it gets later it could get more complicated. Will definitely add to our list when we're back in town. Great ambience, great service. But it is true that if you're older, you might need some help getting in and out of the place.Just watch your step, it's worth the effort !
(5)Colleen Z.
Darn, just lost a nice review I wrote! Bottom line is this. The service was impeccable. The environment classic, warm and rich. The food was tasty or at least my peppercorn ahi tuna was awesome. Wine list was well-rounded to accompany items on the menu. We didn't try dessert but the tray was filled with delectable looking pieces of yummy. Parking service available. I'll be back when traveling to Philadelphia!
(5)Larissa S.
Late night review - Gorgeous atmosphere. Felt a bit under dressed when my boyfriend walked in and needed to use the restroom post last bar status. The bartender incredible. He fit right into where we were. I got an old fashioned as recommended... it wasn't very good. They seem to have some regulars, who were extremely rude. Mostly going though menopause. Would like to come again for dinner. as far as cocktails...this is not the place.
(3)Nina S.
I just moved into Bella Vista and wanted to check out all of the local spots nearby. I haven't heard much about Saloon and I was actually expecting it to be just a small dingy bar but as soon as I walked in I was so impressed! The decor is classic Italian with an inviting atmosphere. It is a full service restaurant with a welcoming bartender, Franky, who greeted my friends and I as soon as we walked it. I just a a small bit to eat and a drink at the bar and I'm already hooked and can't wait to return. They have a full dinner menu with great Italian cuisine selections. I had the stuffed peppers and really enjoyed them. Two come to an order and it's only $8! They are poblano peppers stuffed with ground veal and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It has a bit of a kick to it so if you don't like spicy food don't order it. This is a great neighborhood spot with amazing service, delicious food and an extensive drink selection. I will certainly be back for a full meal soon!
(4)Gabriel D.
This place is terrific, and a surprise in any number of ways. The crowd trends a bit older, and deceptively casual, but the staff is well schooled on the cuisine and the food is out of sight. The octopus salad is a must have and the steaks are served in a plain fashion, but are perfectly cooked to order and full of flavor. If you order wine, the offerings by the glass are slim, but go by the bottle where there are some nice higher-end options that are really fairly priced. the cured meat ingredients are top notch as well. The seating is nicely spread out to offer more intimate group settings. All in all, good service, great food and a solid and inviting atmosphere in a clean, classic setting.
(4)David A.
Went before the Flyers game Monday night and we were tight on time. They were aware and got the food out fast and service was great. Started with a hot appetizer sampler for the table. It was so good we had two! Had stuffed hot peppers (fantastic!), stuffed clams, shrimp, etc. The had the Veal Chop cooked medium rare (and cooked like I ordered it) with long hots. Don't eat red meat all that often and it was a treat. Not a very impressive wine list but had one of the few Brunellos on the menu (a Banfi 2004) so all was good. Would like to chill out a bit more the next time and not rush through it. This place, after all the years, continues to offer great service and consistently good, old school Italian food.
(4)Vinny G.
This is a classic old style establishment. You can tell once stepping in the front door. There are multiple bars that offer an opportunity to experience your drink with atmosphere. Hmm if i only could of had a cigar too.... We had a great meal here. The food was good quality and there were a wide variety of specials to choose from. Of the various apps the one that stood out most was the octopus which was very tender. I had the Langostino which were cooked perfect sweet and tender. My wife ordered the lobster fra diavolo. Our complaint was that it was lite on the pasta and the lobster wasn't Maine but rock lobster instead. FYI, All sides were ala carte. Another in our party got a veal chop. The other dishes looked good as well. The deserts were ok and the best was the banana creme pie. I would certainly return again for both the atmosphere and the food.
(4)JB J.
Drinks were great , food was really good, lobster francaise in cognac sauce. Service was excellent , jazz band great also.
(5)Margaret P.
The ambience of this restaurant is beautiful but it is definitely suffering from the amount of competition there is in Philadelphia. On a Saturday night, it was pretty empty. It used to be great but the food quality is not up to par and it is very expensive for what you get. When we ordered salads, no fresh ground pepper was offered, the crab in the salad tasted old. The bread was warm on the outside but cold on the inside. The wine list is very limited and the wine per glass, despite being pricey, tasted off, as if it had not been stored well. I tried two types of wine and both were not underwhelming for $16 per glass and very small pours. The entrees for $30 dollars or more, only include one piece of meat and no sides such as vegetables, roast potatoes etc. When your son says that the Veal Parmigiano tastes better at home than at the restaurant and that there is no point to go out, you know there is a problem.
(2)P B.
Nice surprise! Had an excellent, upscale meal here. Great service. White tablecloths. Delish food with good selection. Neat ambiance. Overall, everything was really great. One minor snafu was the italian bread was crusty/warm on the outside but had a cool/cold center. but we didn't even mind that too much, as the bread is served with a delicious pesto! Highly recommend. Also, I think they may have live music some nights.
(5)A K.
Solid italian food - enjoyed the salads especially Nice old world ambience - no intrusive music Free parking and easy to find Knowledgeable wait staff Expensive Smallish portions Our particular server had a great memory for the specials but not for the things we requested
(3)Rachel Z.
I went to the saloon restaurant last night. The place has an old but unique set up and decor. Our waitress was amazing and very accommodating. Even though our meal was super expensive, it was delicious. The daily specials are the way to go, you'll be paying a little more but won't be disappointed.
(4)Jonny S.
My dinner there was phenomenal. I have not been here in at least 5 years and had to entertain a particular (and important) client. Everything was great. The fillet I had was perfectly prepared, the wine suggestion that my server - Stacey - made was excellent. Throughout she was prompt and attentive as well as the other staff. My client and her nephew had various seafood dishes that were interesting and wonderfully prepared. Dessert was great and their coffee was excellent. It was one of those nights where if I had suggested the wrong place it could have been a train wreck but the Saloon definitely was a good call.
(5)Tony C.
Definitely one of my regular weekly restaurants I visited at least 2-5 times a week whether for drinks or lunch and dinner in one day. I was a regular there Frankie the bartender and Tommy the host know me. Love the overall vibe from the staff with their friendly attentive service and great tasting food. If I'm ever back home in South Philly again or visiting Philly again (live in Las Vegas now) I will pick up my old routine of going there regularly again,
(5)Tim D.
Dinner last night 11/26/2011: Party of 8 for a Bday party. This was the BEST DINNER that I have had in YEARS! I ordered the roasted peppers, provolone & mozzarella for appetizer. And then I couldn't decide between meat or lobster so I got the surf and turf which included a filet and lobster tail. The filet melted in my mouth! Literally! I have never had a better filet. The lobster was stuffed with crab. Although it was not giant size the lobster tail was PERFECT. Drank Perroni and a glass of Cab. I just love this place. Will be coming back soon.
(5)Charles R.
One of the better places in downtown. Everything we had was good to great. It's pricey , but their veal was super tender, the steak was as better than a few of the "steakhouses" downtown. App's were great as was the Tiramisu and other desserts. I don't rave about many places, but loved Saloon. Only reason I didn't go to 5 stars was the portion size. They have a lot close by so parking, which can be a pain in the Italian Market area, is not a problem. Lively bar scene.
(4)Jim K.
A true Philadelphia treasure. Food and service were top shelf on a busy Valentines night!!!!!
(5)Dave M.
My wife and I went to dinner at the Saloon last minute. Made a reservation through open table. Which made life very easy. The food and the service were awesome. The bar menu was great. They had a great beer list. Also, reasonably priced. We will absolutely go back in the near future.
(5)Jill T.
I'm looking forward to trying their food! I've been to the Saloon for pre and/or post dinner drinks on more than one occasion. The Saloon is surrounded by quite a few BYOB's so it's nice to be able to pop in somewhere for a glass of wine. The bartender is wonderful. He's super friendly and accommodating. While just having a glass of wine on each visit we were welcomed with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, olives, and potato chips. Check out the old cash register behind the bar- super neat! The bathrooms are very nice too! The menu looks and smells delicious so I'll be sure to come back for dinner soon!
(4)Dilip Y.
Porterhouse steak, perfectly done. Service was top notch. Decor and ambience cant be matched. Philly's best kept secret!
(5)Ted C.
I really liked this place. The atmosphere is very warm, classy, and a little vintage with its decor. I would describe this place as a true gentleman's bar/restaurant. I've walked by this place a bunch of times and decided to finally check it out. The host and hostess were very welcoming. I might have not been dressed for the occasion since I had a nice button down with jeans. Meanwhile everyone else was in business casual. Nevertheless they took our coats and I felt very welcomed. The only reason I can not give this place 5 stars is because of the prices $$$$. I got a bottle of wine with dessert and ended up with a bill of $75. In the end I was not upset about it because the dining experience was truly amazing and one of a kind. You can tell they really know how to take care of their customers here. Oh yeah, and the dessert was an Apple Crisp with Gelato on the side. It was so good. My favorite part was the giant door knob on the door. lol
(4)Steve P.
From top destination to tourist and nostalgia trap. Lots better and cheaper alternatives nearby.
(3)jeffrey c.
Food on the whole was average at best. Service was not up to what we were expecting. When we were seated we got shuffled from one server to the next. My wife ordered the Dover sole and we asked that it be deboned. Well the room is dark and the bones were not removed very well so to say the least she was disappointed. I had the Ravioli and would consider it average. I am rating the overall experience with 3 stars and overall it could have been two, but when we complained they did take off the price of the sole. We went here on the recommendation of long time Philadelphia residents, and would try it again reluctantly.
(3)Bella M.
It pains me to write this review because we used to go to the Saloon all the time. Since the economic downturn we almost never go there anymore. I wanted my husband to have a special meal before an important event the next morning, so I ordered him an appetizer and the veal chop. We had it wrapped to go. He ate it immediately after we got home. He ended up throwing out the saccatino (sp?) because he said the seafood tasted funny and not fresh. His veal chop was just edible, not anything to justify the price. I'm sorry to say he actually became very ill the next morning and for the next 2 days with stomach problems that we believe were from the food. The food was eaten right away, not left out for a long period of time or anything. This used to be a place where we love to go, but after our last experience, we won't be back.
(1)J V.
Absolutely loved this place, my favorite restaurant in Philly and maybe ever. The decor is warm and inviting (not to mention a photo of my Great Grand Pop is on the wall). Unfortunately, I forget our waitresses name but she was incredible...helpful, nice and funny. We ordered a lot of food...so I can't remember it all. I had the Petite Filet in a port wine sauce. Easily the best steak I've ever had, ever. Very simple, cooked perfectly and HUGE. We also had the calamari which wasn't oily and mushy as I sometimes have gotten it at restaurants. My boyfriend ordered the Linguine Pescatore, which was awesome, no shortage of seafood in there. I'll make it clear that I've only been here once, but it left a great impression and I can't wait to go back!!
(5)Meghan C.
Not really my scene so I wasn't really THAT excited about it. Definitely old school, definitely expensive, definitely quality ingredients, definitely excellent service. I kept getting a bloody nose so maybe that's why I was cranky, but our friends seemed to really love it. I probably won't go back because while very well prepared, the food was reeeeeeally boring to me and $26 for a bowl of pasta with veggies is a little ridiculous.
(3)Mare M.
This used to be in my top10 - and fell way off the list a few years back. Sadly, it isn't coming back. What happened to this place? The 'old saloon salad' that I looked forward to before my entree- was big enough for 2 filled with everything, is now a few pieces of lettuce, cherry tomatoes and a few croutons. How sad. I miss my old fave.
(2)Christina V.
This is not to be missed if you are in Philadelphia. The ambiance and service get five stars. I love all of the heavy-duty woodwork. The menu and attention to detail is exceptional and executed with finesse and flair. The one time I dined there as a vegetarian ( now reformed for many years), the chef wowed me with a specific pasta plate to suit my palate. Absolutely make a reservation and enjoy this culinary...no words to describe. Pack your wallet and do this right. Grab some fine wine with your antipasti to start, and end with after dinner cordials and desert. This surely makes a memorable dining experience you will want to repeat again and again.
(5)Karen N.
Wow. Let me preface this review by saying I wasn't paying so can't really speak to the "bang for the buck". However, my meal was potentially in the top 10 of my entire LIFE! And I'm no spring chicken. And I don't particularly like Italian restaurants. The bar area was old-time wood and heavy bar stools - the bartender mixed a perfect pre-dinner Jack-and-Ginger. Then started with some decadent appetizer plate with amazing stuff green peppers and some calamari that was decent. And then my spinach salad wrapped in Prosciutto was simply delicous. I was confused as I had never seen a salad wrapped up like an eggroll; however, when I cut into the Prosciutto and the spinach and other salad ingredients spilled out, it was heavenly. And then time for the Braciole. Oh my!!! Filet so tender and thin, rolled with spinach, parm and pancetta and topped with a wonderful tomato sauce. The homemade cheese ravioli was in the "to die for" category. (And according to local lore, the Saloon was a mob hangout, so maybe that is true..) I am a hearty eater and I literally forced myself to eat half of everything and believe me, that was plenty. If I am ever back in South Philly, I'll stop by the Saloon.
(5)Rob S.
Just went in for some drinks after midnight on a Friday. Really cool looking inside. Very classic restaurant/bar feel. The bar was completely empty and it appeared that people were slowly filtering out from dinner. The bartender was really friendly. Terrible beer selection, but it doesn't matter because this is the sort of place where you come for a DRINK. Four stars is based simply on the feel of the place. Made me want to come back for a cocktail when it's busier and try it for dinner sometime.
(4)Jim R.
Been meaning to write this one for a few weeks. Been years since i visited the Saloon. WTH was i thinking? Lol. Food and vibe here rocks. Clams casino were my favorite. They do it right here. Old school w/ flavor & solid execution.
(5)Beth J.
I went here with a big group as the guest of a vendor we work with. Wow, it was a great meal. We didn't order off the regular menu--it was a limited menu, probably for our group. Still, there was a good selection for all tastes. I was seriously full after and I couldn't even finish my lobster fettucini! The building is kind of a strange place, almost like someone's house that they refurbished as a restaurant. It has a definite "saloon" atmosphere, but not in a bad way. I would probably not bring children there--you do need to walk through the bar area. It seems like an adult place.
(4)Caroline H.
I was lucky enough to be invited to a corporate function at the Saloon. I would have never even known it existed and would have missed out on something really great if I hadn't had this opportunity. My workplace bought the restaurant out for the evening so we had open bar and a 4 course sit down dinner. I started out with a starter sized pasta dish which was to die for that combined penne and crumbled sausage in a wonderful tomato sauce. Next up was a house salad which was also fantastic...nothing crazy but still good. For my main entree I chose the Veal Chop. When it came out all around me wished they had ordered it as well! It was HUUUGE and served with a pan sauce that was beyond amazing. Probably one of the best dishes I had ever eaten. The waitresses were great too...some fun ladies! If you get the chance to go here you must! I have heard they only accept cash and possibly american express though I don't know if that still applies.
(5)Jeffrey M.
I could not imagine a nicer dining experience. Excellent decor, service and quality of food and drinks! Love it. Freshly made pesto, wonderful cheeses, seafood, steaks, etc. Wonderful martinis. Definitely a place for a great meal or special occasion. And parking is free on site.
(5)Tim P.
Great atmosphere and great food. Waitresses were awesome and really made us feel at home.
(4)Mr P.
The Saloon was a total surprise. Just moved into the new place in the neighborhood and was looking for a place to get a drink and relax. I was so wrong thinking this is just a neighborhood old man's bar. Deco is old fashion, lots of wood and tiles. Bar tender Frankie is very friendly but not in an intrusive way. We had some wine, split the app for two and the octopus salad. Let me tell you, it was outrageously good. The grill octopus was so tender it melt in your mouth. The app for two had two had lots of items on it, but the most outstanding item on the app was the grilled langassino (sp?) And above all, the pesto they serve with the bread was so good I can just sit there and have that and bread and wine all night long. Wonder if they sell the pesto by itself. I can do a lot with it.
(5)Adrienne M.
This was the first amazing dinner I had in Philly upon moving here a few years ago. My dad was in town and had visited this place in the past, and decided this was a place I needed to check out, so he took me, and I was impressed. Firstly, it has a great ambiance. It's classic decor and very warm. As another user had described it - like a gentleman's restaurant. We were seated against the window, which is exactly what I love in the dead of winter. Snowing outside while you're nice and warm inside dining on a delectable dinner. The clams casino were very, very good. I've had this dish from numerous restaurants and this was tops. The Saloon seems to be known for their steaks so my dad and boyfriend both ordered a Porterhouse - with no complaints. I had the Lobster Francaise and it was incredible. The lobster tail was... well, lobster. Sweet and dense and fresh, and just lightly battered. It was topped with lump crab and a rich butter-lemon white wine sauce. The service was great as well. The waiters were polite and professional. As the weather was so dismal that evening, they even called us a cab before we left so we didn't have to walk for one. Great place.
(5)nigel r.
Ill be honest... I wasnt expecting it to be more than a stuffy whatever spot and I rolled up to the bar upstairs last night to have a drink with a real estate client/friend... Patti the bar tender was very nice. She has been there since 1992! Slammin! Many of the people who work there have been for a loooonng time. The bar was small but fun! NIce people up there... we didnt eat, and I know the food is to die for, but we did enjoy some wine and cheese. I spent about 20 minutes rubber necking the stuff on the wall and the exposed brick interior that isnt polished and cleaned up like one would normally encounter. Very nice... good pregame spot or mingle with the patrons. Good times.
(5)Frank S.
Average at best. Way overpriced. Tourist trap for sure. You can get twice the meal at half the price ANYWHERE else in south Philly. Definitely will NOT go back. Disappointed to say the least.
(2)John P.
Quite tasty italian food. I had the Clams Casino which were quite bacon-y. The Caprese salad was good. Broccoli was solid.
(3)Trauts N.
Often go here when taking guests out on business meals. Only drawback is that it can get noisy.
(5)Gourmet G.
This family-owned and operated South Philly favorite has been attracting wise guys and goodfellas, macho young men looking to impress an overly-coiffed date, business diners, and locals looking for a special night out for the past forty years. With its wood paneling, wall sconces, oil paintings, antiques, and Tiffany lamps, it probably looks much like it did when it opened four decades ago - and a couple of bartenders look like they're part of the original fixtures, too. You can peruse the long menu and list of daily specials while savoring the pesto tapenade, Parmesan, and olive oil delivered with the bread. While the kitchen favors the standard Italian classics and old standbys - such as lightly breaded veal slices with sweet and hot peppers, thick veal chops stuffed with spinach and cheese, and hearty bowls of homemade linguine with seafood - they also include some contemporary touches like sauteed radicchio with shiitake mushrooms on the side. They're known for their huge herbed and marinated steaks, so prime sirloin steak, filets mignon, and a 26-ounce porterhouse are popular choices. An individual pot of perfect tiramisu or a banana Napolean makes the perfect dessert. Even when the place is crowded, the servers make you feel like you can linger as long as you like. How good is this place? During one three-night stay, I ate here twice, and I've returned several times since.
(5)Kathryn M.
Not knowing where to go for a special New Years Eve meal and not finding a menu that wasn't prixe fix at most restaurant we were interested in, the man remembered this old-timey restaurant in his old neighborhood called Saloon. I cannot tell you how wonderfully this place delivered on service, food, ambiance...everything! To begin the meal, the waitress brought over a basket of soft and hot bread to be smeared with their house pesto. Let me repeat that: HOUSE PESTO! Did you hear that?! After getting drinks (and seriously diving into that pesto and bread) we ordered the Steamed Mussels in a red sauce to share and OH MY GOODNESS. These are by far the absolutely best mussels that I have had since moving to Philadelphia and possibly the best broth/sauce I have ever eaten. Forget about the Monk's, Eulogy, etc. etc. and get to Saloon if you are in the mood for some ridiculously good mussels. I can only really recommend the red sauce though as I didn't even see the white. We loved these things so much that the busser (I believe) noticed we had run out of bread to sop up the remaining red sauce (I am still blown away by how good it was) and so brought us a new basket. Sadly however, our entrees were ready and the waitress quickly whisked away our bowl of leftover red sauce as me and the bf stared glaringly at eachother (angry that neither of us said anything and sad that the experience of the red sauce was now over). For my entree I tried the evening house special (they had about 10 specials that evening) Lamb Chop crusted with rosemary and in a white wine sauce topped with three different types of mushrooms. So. Good. It was also huge and had a side of Yukon Gold mashed potatoes beside it. The man ordered the Penne Sesso which was ground sweet Italian sausage and sun-dried tomatoes in a spicy tomato sauce. It was also amazing although he ate it all and begrudgingly gave me two or three bites. I'm pretty sure this was a sincere testament of his feelings toward me as he really didn't want to share. I had heard good things about the dessert but at this point I was a couple of glasses of wine deep and could not fathom where I would put the dessert should we order it (oh and I already had a to-go bag with the rest of my lamb waiting next to me). I also need to mention that the service was impeccable. The host sat us and then took our coats bringing back a coat check tag about 5 minutes later. The waitresses and bussers seem to work together so there were about three people serving and cleaning our table throughout the evening. OH and they have a parking lot! No joke, there is a Saloon parking lot about half a block south of the restaurant on 7th street - and it's free. I will definitely be back. It's a bit pricey, but worth every single last cent.
(5)Arthur V.
Our group of 6 went for dinner on a December Saturday evening. We loved it. The convenient free parking got things off to a great start. We had a cocktail at the classic downstairs bar while our group arrived. And, we were seated upstairs near the low-key, excellent band. The ambience is classic, old style Philly. Our server was fun and happy to banter with our table. Appetizers and entrees were all terrific - especially the veal dishes. The Italian and American themed wine list offered a good range of choices to complement our meal. We will definitely be back.
(5)JB J.
Drinks were great , food was really good, lobster francaise in cognac sauce. Service was excellent , jazz band great also.
(5)Dan G.
Had dinner at the saloon this eve, The saloon is an oldie but goodie in philadelphia, and while not an inexpensive restaurant it is worth what they are charging. From ambiance, to food to service, they do a great job. Our server Lauren was Friendly without being pretentious or overly familiar, She handled our questions and requests quickly and efficiently while juggling a busy eve. Our food came out exactly as ordered and was Prepared perfectly!!. I have been to the Saloon a couple of times and have NEVER had anything less than a wonderful experience !!!
(5)Junaid M.
Beautiful place. Food was okay, but I would have liked a bit more bang for my buck. Over all good experience.
(4)Melanie J.
This is my favorite "special occasion" restaurant. The food is delicious, the staff is wonderful (and beautiful), the atmosphere is classic and sophisticated. Its also a great place to meet for drinks on a Friday or Saturday night. There is a bar upstairs and downstairs and the last couple of times I went for drink there was live jazz upstairs so it was a lot of fun.
(5)Margaret P.
The ambience of this restaurant is beautiful but it is definitely suffering from the amount of competition there is in Philadelphia. On a Saturday night, it was pretty empty. It used to be great but the food quality is not up to par and it is very expensive for what you get. When we ordered salads, no fresh ground pepper was offered, the crab in the salad tasted old. The bread was warm on the outside but cold on the inside. The wine list is very limited and the wine per glass, despite being pricey, tasted off, as if it had not been stored well. I tried two types of wine and both were not underwhelming for $16 per glass and very small pours. The entrees for $30 dollars or more, only include one piece of meat and no sides such as vegetables, roast potatoes etc. When your son says that the Veal Parmigiano tastes better at home than at the restaurant and that there is no point to go out, you know there is a problem.
(2)P B.
Nice surprise! Had an excellent, upscale meal here. Great service. White tablecloths. Delish food with good selection. Neat ambiance. Overall, everything was really great. One minor snafu was the italian bread was crusty/warm on the outside but had a cool/cold center. but we didn't even mind that too much, as the bread is served with a delicious pesto! Highly recommend. Also, I think they may have live music some nights.
(5)A K.
Solid italian food - enjoyed the salads especially Nice old world ambience - no intrusive music Free parking and easy to find Knowledgeable wait staff Expensive Smallish portions Our particular server had a great memory for the specials but not for the things we requested
(3)Rachel Z.
I went to the saloon restaurant last night. The place has an old but unique set up and decor. Our waitress was amazing and very accommodating. Even though our meal was super expensive, it was delicious. The daily specials are the way to go, you'll be paying a little more but won't be disappointed.
(4)Jason H.
The Saloon is a Bella Vista fixture, and is quite an interesting place. It's definitely got that "Italian" feel, which is a big part of its charm. They have a nice menu with seafood, veal, steaks, and chicken along with drinks and appetizers. The food was very good, the portions were large, and the service was a-ok. It's not an especially formal place, but rather a place you can go casual or dressed up and fit in either way. They have given up their "Amex Only" policy, and now take a full range of cards. Cash flipped out of a roll of $100's is perfectly fine, as well.
(4)Jason B.
My wife and I had a date night this past Saturday. Tickets to a concert and decided to have a nice dinner beforehand. We decided on The Saloon, which we have not been to in quite a while. We now wonder why we hadn't been there in so long! We didn't have too long to eat, so our waitress, Jase, suggested we put in our order right away. She made sure we left with plenty of time to spare. Everything was impeccable! We shared an appetizer that was some sort of field greens wrapped inside of prosciutto along with walnuts, cranberries and an Italian cheese. It was then drizzled with balsamic. Very good. For entrees, my wife had the linguini with lobster in an amazing sauce. The lobster was perfectly done and the homemade linguini melted in your mouth. I had the Bronzino, which was dipped in a very light batter and then topped with crab in a light sauce. The Bronzino couldn't have been done any better! As great as the meal was, it was only outdone by the service provided by Jase (sp?). She was one of the most charming, personable and attentive waitresses I have ever had. All in all...an extremely memorable experience. Great service, food and ambiance!! One that will assure I am back again as soon as I possibly can!!
(5)Joseph K.
This place is a very unique place to have dinner. The atmosphere of this establishment is out of this world, feels like I took a time machine back to 20's or 30's. With unique atmosphere this place offers insane selection of Italian food. We ordered many different types of food and every dish were beyond my expectation. I strongly recommend this restaurant to everyone who appreciate quality food, service, and the nostalgic interior design.
(5)Michael F.
Everyone at my table agreed that our waitress was rude. In fact, the bus-boy was nicer than she. The food tasted okay, I guess. The best part of the experience was the quartet playing.
(2)Joe A.
The service was perfect. The decor is amazing, fun and a ton of history. The food was delicious and certainly priced fairly. As an original Philadelphian I'm upset I haven't found this neighborhood gem any sooner. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Paul R.
Came here with a buddy for a birthday dinner. Started off with delicious calimari and sipped a few Manhattans. The waitress went over the special's, everything sounded great but in the end I went with a ginormous porterhouse. Fan-freakin-tastic. The night was capped off with a delicious chocolate-peanut butter dessert portioned much larger than most restaurants; it also helped the cute waitress sang happy birthday to me. Decor, ambiance and staff exude class. This is the kind of place Tony, Sil and Paulie would visit if they came to Philly.
(5)Daniel T.
We live in the neighborhood, so we had to try this joint out. I had read that it is a favorite of the Veep when he rolls into town to visit. The ambiance: it has an old-school charm that begins with the maitre' d. He was a delight and got us settled into a nice table. The interior design accents transport you to an old-school dining room at a members-only golf establishment. The drink: started with an Old-fashioned. Solid. The apps: picked the Clams Casino and Fried Oysters. Excellent. The main dish: did the dry-aged NY Strip with mushroom sauce and mashed potatoes, the wifey did the veal also with some sort of mushroom sauce. Didn't blow us away. All in all, a great experience. Certainly feels like a place the Mainline crowd dines when they are in Center City, but for the price, it was just ok for us.
(3)Jay S.
What a fun old time place .... And the food is wonderful !!! The pasta soaked into their gravy ... So so tasty ... Mahattan chowder ... Delicious ... Calamari appetizer ... Yum ...radicchio salad & roasted. Pepper ... Out of this world ... Wow !!!!! The steaks ... Hunky & big ... Perfect in medium rare ... We each ordered a side of pasta w/garlic & oil ....and to top it off ... The old time decor takes us back 50 years !!!! What a fun place !!!
(5)James C.
Excellent Italian food in the middle of South Philly at a reasonable price. The Saloon restaurant is surprisingly big, very comfortable and unpretentious. Visit the bar and talk to some locals before you sit down to eat. This is my new favorite restaurant in South Philly! P.S. Try the hot antipasto, chicken eggplant entree and raspberry Napoleon cake!
(5)Gary G.
Had a great meal here for my fiances bday. This is a place thats great for a special occasion. Its got an old school vibe about it, like back in the day when the whole neighborhood was italian. We ordered the veal chop w mushrooms in a demi and the lobster francaise. My veal was great..seriously great..but if you ever come here you MUST get the lobster francaise. Its seriously the most tender lobster dish around. Like melt in yo mouf good. So there you go.
(5)Gary B.
Took a large client there for dinner and The Saloon never disappoints. A special shout out to Jace and Viktoria who both took care of us and we could not have asked for better service. The food was great and having professionals work with us on the server side make for the perfect evening. Look forward to the next time we are there!!
(5)Kimberly H.
What a lovely restaurant! The live jazz, the food and overall ambiance were just our style and my fiancé and I already can't wait to return! The spinach salad is a delicious work of art; highly recommend it! The only negative was that we were seated next to the loudest, most obnoxious party of 6, who were so boisterous and inconsiderate, it actually infringed on my personal experience of the restaurant. Even our waitress was visibly annoyed as she attempted to shout the specials over their cackling and shrieking. It was pretty empty so I don't think it would've been unreasonable for them to move us but I also won't hold it against them.
(4)Ron G.
First, free valet parking is clutch around these parts. Ambience of the restaurant reminds me of where Mr. Burns would choose to dine, which should not be considered an insult. The service is excellent, always available, accommodating, and helpful without being overwhelming. We had a private table for 20 or so and were able to order off the menu. Complimentary bread with pesto sauce was a nice touch. I started off with a caesar salad, that tasted like a good caesar salad, nothing to complain or write home about. Moving on to the main course, I had the small bowl of Rigatoni Sesso, or large rigatoni with a tomato sauce, sweet italian sausage, and sun-dried tomatoes. A good deal at only $10. It satisfied, but not something I'd order again. I then had the Chicken Melanzana, where they stuff chicken with eggplant, smoked mozzarella, and roll it in a white wine sauce served over whipped potatoes. This dish grew on me as I ate it, and really was well balanced and cooked properly. The following dessert tray had a smattering of choices, however, will not get a rise out of a dessert fiend. I would return with colleagues or if I had a big group as they have menu choices for everyone, including vegetarians; however, I would not personally come here with a small group of friends. But that's just me, the ambience and offerings here may certainly satisfy you.
(3)carol f.
The layout of this place is really interesting. Lots of different spaces that create an intimate surrounding. My husband and I shared 2 different appetizer specials. We had a spinach salad rolled with Prosciutto that was very tasty. We also shared an appetizer platter with 2 different kinds of clams, grilled shrimp and stuffed poblano peppers. I had the pepper and found the veal stuffing just as I would like. My husband enjoyed 2 different kinds of stuffed clams and we decided to bring the rest home to make sure we were hungry for our main course. I had Bronzino with crab meat topped with a light wine sauce. I must admit this was the best Bronzino I ever had. Very fresh and the delicate flavors of the fish came through. My husband had the lobster dish off the menu served similarly to my fish. He ate very bite, which for him is unusual. Our wait staff was attentive and knowledgeable, especially our waitress Hannah. Do make sure you ask for the prices of the specials before you order so there are no surprises when the check comes. We thought our appetizer platter to be a bit over priced. We will definitely return as the food was great and the parking was free and convenient, a rarity in the city.
(4)Rebecca C.
Really liked the branzino with crab meat. Lightly battered fish topped with fresh crab. The branzino main was best to share given the large portion Skip the calamari appetizer - didn't like the watery tomato sauce that accompanied the calamari. Pouilly fuisse wine was quite good by the glass.
(3)Ilona D.
So much history on the walls. Very impressive when my boyfriend took me there and everyone knew who his family was. Super welcoming.
(5)Rebecca C.
This place is a hidden gem! Or maybe it's not hidden, but its been around for so long that people don't talk about it anymore? Either way, none of my foodie friends have ever spoken of this place so I figured it wasn't very good. My boyfriend picked where we were going for dinner, and when he saw that this place had 4.5 stars on Open Table I was like "OK. Fine. Whatever, let's do it." First off, this place has free valet parking, so immediately I was like "10 points for Gryffindor", maybe this place isn't so bad after all! We walk in, and the decor is BEAUTIFUL! Very antique-inspired turn-of-the-century type furnishings with lots of Tiffany lamps and old cherry wood furnishings. We had a great server who was very knowledgable of the menu and guided us through an amazing meal. For our appetizers we got the sampler with two clams casino, two clams Pavorotti, two grilled shrimp, and two stuffed poblano peppers. Everything was delicious except for the grilled shrimp which tasted rubbery and freezer burned. The shining star by a landslide was the grilled langostino, which came in their shell, split, and char-grilled in a lemony olive oil sauce. I don't normally eat meat at all, so I've never had langostino before, but I was completely blown away with how tasty they were and how well they had been cooked. For dinner I got the scallops served in a cognac cream sauce, which were on special that night, and they were DELICIOUS. I just highly recommend this place. The prices are relatively high, but I really feel like they deliver on the quality of food they promise. I definitely prefer this place over the tourist traps like Ralph's!
(5)Bruce C.
#1 - The food - Four of us ventured to the Saloon last night, Arriving at 4:40 for our Italian feast. We shared a bottle of wine, which was very good. I had 4 clams casino there was a whole clam under very bland wet bread crumbs ($16). my friend and I had Eggplant Parm ($15) was very good tasting, (4 round 3-4 inch round eggplant pieces, with a few spoonfuls of sauce with cheese places in the middle of the eggplant. I think Ralph's is much better. Our friend had Stuffed Salmon (with lump crabmeat) ($36) and it was very good, Wifey had Veal Marsala (?) which she loved (it isn't on the menu, when we asked if we could order it, they said we could) Our waitress was a gem, filled our wine glasses just before our last sip. The desserts were very good. One observation we have is an unusual limited appetizer choice... We will return. #2 - The place - FYI I have a walking difficulty. There are 2 steps going into the Saloon, and then when I asked were the mens room was, the host almost freaked out, knowing that the restrooms were down stairs (basement) my friend helped me down L shaped steps with no continuing handrail. Coming back up was a challenge.. With the older crowd this place attracts, one would think handrails were a must! Next time, make sure I don't have to use restroom. nice level of noise.
(4)K R.
Went there for a group family dinner on Christmas Eve. The food and service was excellent. Food was yummy but a bit pricey. The decor is like an old saloon from back in the day. Classic and very clean! Consistent good food...we had angel hair pasta with artichokes, garlic and crab meat....YUMMY!!!!!
(5)Trang N.
I came here for dinner with my colleagues and was quite surprised with the level of food and service (in a good way!) The space is warm and inviting with beautiful intricate woodwork throughout. All the dark wood and vintage décor really created a nice ambience to our dining experience. The menu is extensive, there will be something for everyone's palate, if you come here with a big group. Our waitress was welcoming and made some great recommendations! I highly recommend the scallops if they have it on special. The grilled octopus special was nice, and the appetizer was a generous size! I had the The Lobster Francaise was nice, lightly breaded and sautéed. I was in love with the Kale and bacon side order, it was one of the best things I had all night! All in all, the plates left the table completely cleaned, so it's safe to say that everyone enjoyed their meal as I did. They desserts all came out on a tray, we decided to split the chocolate mousse cake, oh my goodness, it was decadent and surprisingly light. I really had a nice experience and can't wait to bring my husband to this place, it is right up his alley. I am so glad we came here for dinner, I would have overlooked this unassuming place tucked quietly on Seventh Street, this is a true hidden gem! A big bonus as they have their own lot, so parking is free!
(5)Dave B.
First, I love the atmosphere! Classy, refined and antique deco makes this place an any occasion restaurant. We had a large party of 21+ and they were very accommodating and the staff were amazing. I started my meal with the crab bisque and it was good.. It had plenty of real crab meat. The spinach salad wrapped in prosciutto was absolutely amazing! I would definitely come back again!
(4)Viktoria G.
Great find! Having grown up in Philadelphia but lived away for 30+ years, I'm always looking for good restaurants when we visit family in Center City. Since parking is an issue, I expanded my search area and am so glad that I did! This restaurant was perfect. It's not a place to go for spaghetti and meatballs but if you want excellent dinners, you will find them here! We had seafood and meat dishes and everyone cleaned their plates. We did go early and had no problem with parking, I can imagine as it gets later it could get more complicated. Will definitely add to our list when we're back in town. Great ambience, great service. But it is true that if you're older, you might need some help getting in and out of the place.Just watch your step, it's worth the effort !
(5)Colleen Z.
Darn, just lost a nice review I wrote! Bottom line is this. The service was impeccable. The environment classic, warm and rich. The food was tasty or at least my peppercorn ahi tuna was awesome. Wine list was well-rounded to accompany items on the menu. We didn't try dessert but the tray was filled with delectable looking pieces of yummy. Parking service available. I'll be back when traveling to Philadelphia!
(5)Larissa S.
Late night review - Gorgeous atmosphere. Felt a bit under dressed when my boyfriend walked in and needed to use the restroom post last bar status. The bartender incredible. He fit right into where we were. I got an old fashioned as recommended... it wasn't very good. They seem to have some regulars, who were extremely rude. Mostly going though menopause. Would like to come again for dinner. as far as cocktails...this is not the place.
(3)Nina S.
I just moved into Bella Vista and wanted to check out all of the local spots nearby. I haven't heard much about Saloon and I was actually expecting it to be just a small dingy bar but as soon as I walked in I was so impressed! The decor is classic Italian with an inviting atmosphere. It is a full service restaurant with a welcoming bartender, Franky, who greeted my friends and I as soon as we walked it. I just a a small bit to eat and a drink at the bar and I'm already hooked and can't wait to return. They have a full dinner menu with great Italian cuisine selections. I had the stuffed peppers and really enjoyed them. Two come to an order and it's only $8! They are poblano peppers stuffed with ground veal and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It has a bit of a kick to it so if you don't like spicy food don't order it. This is a great neighborhood spot with amazing service, delicious food and an extensive drink selection. I will certainly be back for a full meal soon!
(4)Gabriel D.
This place is terrific, and a surprise in any number of ways. The crowd trends a bit older, and deceptively casual, but the staff is well schooled on the cuisine and the food is out of sight. The octopus salad is a must have and the steaks are served in a plain fashion, but are perfectly cooked to order and full of flavor. If you order wine, the offerings by the glass are slim, but go by the bottle where there are some nice higher-end options that are really fairly priced. the cured meat ingredients are top notch as well. The seating is nicely spread out to offer more intimate group settings. All in all, good service, great food and a solid and inviting atmosphere in a clean, classic setting.
(4)David A.
Went before the Flyers game Monday night and we were tight on time. They were aware and got the food out fast and service was great. Started with a hot appetizer sampler for the table. It was so good we had two! Had stuffed hot peppers (fantastic!), stuffed clams, shrimp, etc. The had the Veal Chop cooked medium rare (and cooked like I ordered it) with long hots. Don't eat red meat all that often and it was a treat. Not a very impressive wine list but had one of the few Brunellos on the menu (a Banfi 2004) so all was good. Would like to chill out a bit more the next time and not rush through it. This place, after all the years, continues to offer great service and consistently good, old school Italian food.
(4)Vinny G.
This is a classic old style establishment. You can tell once stepping in the front door. There are multiple bars that offer an opportunity to experience your drink with atmosphere. Hmm if i only could of had a cigar too.... We had a great meal here. The food was good quality and there were a wide variety of specials to choose from. Of the various apps the one that stood out most was the octopus which was very tender. I had the Langostino which were cooked perfect sweet and tender. My wife ordered the lobster fra diavolo. Our complaint was that it was lite on the pasta and the lobster wasn't Maine but rock lobster instead. FYI, All sides were ala carte. Another in our party got a veal chop. The other dishes looked good as well. The deserts were ok and the best was the banana creme pie. I would certainly return again for both the atmosphere and the food.
(4)jeffrey c.
Food on the whole was average at best. Service was not up to what we were expecting. When we were seated we got shuffled from one server to the next. My wife ordered the Dover sole and we asked that it be deboned. Well the room is dark and the bones were not removed very well so to say the least she was disappointed. I had the Ravioli and would consider it average. I am rating the overall experience with 3 stars and overall it could have been two, but when we complained they did take off the price of the sole. We went here on the recommendation of long time Philadelphia residents, and would try it again reluctantly.
(3)Bella M.
It pains me to write this review because we used to go to the Saloon all the time. Since the economic downturn we almost never go there anymore. I wanted my husband to have a special meal before an important event the next morning, so I ordered him an appetizer and the veal chop. We had it wrapped to go. He ate it immediately after we got home. He ended up throwing out the saccatino (sp?) because he said the seafood tasted funny and not fresh. His veal chop was just edible, not anything to justify the price. I'm sorry to say he actually became very ill the next morning and for the next 2 days with stomach problems that we believe were from the food. The food was eaten right away, not left out for a long period of time or anything. This used to be a place where we love to go, but after our last experience, we won't be back.
(1)J V.
Absolutely loved this place, my favorite restaurant in Philly and maybe ever. The decor is warm and inviting (not to mention a photo of my Great Grand Pop is on the wall). Unfortunately, I forget our waitresses name but she was incredible...helpful, nice and funny. We ordered a lot of food...so I can't remember it all. I had the Petite Filet in a port wine sauce. Easily the best steak I've ever had, ever. Very simple, cooked perfectly and HUGE. We also had the calamari which wasn't oily and mushy as I sometimes have gotten it at restaurants. My boyfriend ordered the Linguine Pescatore, which was awesome, no shortage of seafood in there. I'll make it clear that I've only been here once, but it left a great impression and I can't wait to go back!!
(5)Meghan C.
Not really my scene so I wasn't really THAT excited about it. Definitely old school, definitely expensive, definitely quality ingredients, definitely excellent service. I kept getting a bloody nose so maybe that's why I was cranky, but our friends seemed to really love it. I probably won't go back because while very well prepared, the food was reeeeeeally boring to me and $26 for a bowl of pasta with veggies is a little ridiculous.
(3)Ted C.
I really liked this place. The atmosphere is very warm, classy, and a little vintage with its decor. I would describe this place as a true gentleman's bar/restaurant. I've walked by this place a bunch of times and decided to finally check it out. The host and hostess were very welcoming. I might have not been dressed for the occasion since I had a nice button down with jeans. Meanwhile everyone else was in business casual. Nevertheless they took our coats and I felt very welcomed. The only reason I can not give this place 5 stars is because of the prices $$$$. I got a bottle of wine with dessert and ended up with a bill of $75. In the end I was not upset about it because the dining experience was truly amazing and one of a kind. You can tell they really know how to take care of their customers here. Oh yeah, and the dessert was an Apple Crisp with Gelato on the side. It was so good. My favorite part was the giant door knob on the door. lol
(4)Steve P.
From top destination to tourist and nostalgia trap. Lots better and cheaper alternatives nearby.
(3)Jonny S.
My dinner there was phenomenal. I have not been here in at least 5 years and had to entertain a particular (and important) client. Everything was great. The fillet I had was perfectly prepared, the wine suggestion that my server - Stacey - made was excellent. Throughout she was prompt and attentive as well as the other staff. My client and her nephew had various seafood dishes that were interesting and wonderfully prepared. Dessert was great and their coffee was excellent. It was one of those nights where if I had suggested the wrong place it could have been a train wreck but the Saloon definitely was a good call.
(5)Tony C.
Definitely one of my regular weekly restaurants I visited at least 2-5 times a week whether for drinks or lunch and dinner in one day. I was a regular there Frankie the bartender and Tommy the host know me. Love the overall vibe from the staff with their friendly attentive service and great tasting food. If I'm ever back home in South Philly again or visiting Philly again (live in Las Vegas now) I will pick up my old routine of going there regularly again,
(5)Tim D.
Dinner last night 11/26/2011: Party of 8 for a Bday party. This was the BEST DINNER that I have had in YEARS! I ordered the roasted peppers, provolone & mozzarella for appetizer. And then I couldn't decide between meat or lobster so I got the surf and turf which included a filet and lobster tail. The filet melted in my mouth! Literally! I have never had a better filet. The lobster was stuffed with crab. Although it was not giant size the lobster tail was PERFECT. Drank Perroni and a glass of Cab. I just love this place. Will be coming back soon.
(5)Charles R.
One of the better places in downtown. Everything we had was good to great. It's pricey , but their veal was super tender, the steak was as better than a few of the "steakhouses" downtown. App's were great as was the Tiramisu and other desserts. I don't rave about many places, but loved Saloon. Only reason I didn't go to 5 stars was the portion size. They have a lot close by so parking, which can be a pain in the Italian Market area, is not a problem. Lively bar scene.
(4)Jim K.
A true Philadelphia treasure. Food and service were top shelf on a busy Valentines night!!!!!
(5)Dave M.
My wife and I went to dinner at the Saloon last minute. Made a reservation through open table. Which made life very easy. The food and the service were awesome. The bar menu was great. They had a great beer list. Also, reasonably priced. We will absolutely go back in the near future.
(5)Jill T.
I'm looking forward to trying their food! I've been to the Saloon for pre and/or post dinner drinks on more than one occasion. The Saloon is surrounded by quite a few BYOB's so it's nice to be able to pop in somewhere for a glass of wine. The bartender is wonderful. He's super friendly and accommodating. While just having a glass of wine on each visit we were welcomed with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, olives, and potato chips. Check out the old cash register behind the bar- super neat! The bathrooms are very nice too! The menu looks and smells delicious so I'll be sure to come back for dinner soon!
(4)Dilip Y.
Porterhouse steak, perfectly done. Service was top notch. Decor and ambience cant be matched. Philly's best kept secret!
(5)Mare M.
This used to be in my top10 - and fell way off the list a few years back. Sadly, it isn't coming back. What happened to this place? The 'old saloon salad' that I looked forward to before my entree- was big enough for 2 filled with everything, is now a few pieces of lettuce, cherry tomatoes and a few croutons. How sad. I miss my old fave.
(2)Christina V.
This is not to be missed if you are in Philadelphia. The ambiance and service get five stars. I love all of the heavy-duty woodwork. The menu and attention to detail is exceptional and executed with finesse and flair. The one time I dined there as a vegetarian ( now reformed for many years), the chef wowed me with a specific pasta plate to suit my palate. Absolutely make a reservation and enjoy this culinary...no words to describe. Pack your wallet and do this right. Grab some fine wine with your antipasti to start, and end with after dinner cordials and desert. This surely makes a memorable dining experience you will want to repeat again and again.
(5)Karen N.
Wow. Let me preface this review by saying I wasn't paying so can't really speak to the "bang for the buck". However, my meal was potentially in the top 10 of my entire LIFE! And I'm no spring chicken. And I don't particularly like Italian restaurants. The bar area was old-time wood and heavy bar stools - the bartender mixed a perfect pre-dinner Jack-and-Ginger. Then started with some decadent appetizer plate with amazing stuff green peppers and some calamari that was decent. And then my spinach salad wrapped in Prosciutto was simply delicous. I was confused as I had never seen a salad wrapped up like an eggroll; however, when I cut into the Prosciutto and the spinach and other salad ingredients spilled out, it was heavenly. And then time for the Braciole. Oh my!!! Filet so tender and thin, rolled with spinach, parm and pancetta and topped with a wonderful tomato sauce. The homemade cheese ravioli was in the "to die for" category. (And according to local lore, the Saloon was a mob hangout, so maybe that is true..) I am a hearty eater and I literally forced myself to eat half of everything and believe me, that was plenty. If I am ever back in South Philly, I'll stop by the Saloon.
(5)Rob S.
Just went in for some drinks after midnight on a Friday. Really cool looking inside. Very classic restaurant/bar feel. The bar was completely empty and it appeared that people were slowly filtering out from dinner. The bartender was really friendly. Terrible beer selection, but it doesn't matter because this is the sort of place where you come for a DRINK. Four stars is based simply on the feel of the place. Made me want to come back for a cocktail when it's busier and try it for dinner sometime.
(4)Jim R.
Been meaning to write this one for a few weeks. Been years since i visited the Saloon. WTH was i thinking? Lol. Food and vibe here rocks. Clams casino were my favorite. They do it right here. Old school w/ flavor & solid execution.
(5)Caroline H.
I was lucky enough to be invited to a corporate function at the Saloon. I would have never even known it existed and would have missed out on something really great if I hadn't had this opportunity. My workplace bought the restaurant out for the evening so we had open bar and a 4 course sit down dinner. I started out with a starter sized pasta dish which was to die for that combined penne and crumbled sausage in a wonderful tomato sauce. Next up was a house salad which was also fantastic...nothing crazy but still good. For my main entree I chose the Veal Chop. When it came out all around me wished they had ordered it as well! It was HUUUGE and served with a pan sauce that was beyond amazing. Probably one of the best dishes I had ever eaten. The waitresses were great too...some fun ladies! If you get the chance to go here you must! I have heard they only accept cash and possibly american express though I don't know if that still applies.
(5)Jeffrey M.
I could not imagine a nicer dining experience. Excellent decor, service and quality of food and drinks! Love it. Freshly made pesto, wonderful cheeses, seafood, steaks, etc. Wonderful martinis. Definitely a place for a great meal or special occasion. And parking is free on site.
(5)Tim P.
Great atmosphere and great food. Waitresses were awesome and really made us feel at home.
(4)Mr P.
The Saloon was a total surprise. Just moved into the new place in the neighborhood and was looking for a place to get a drink and relax. I was so wrong thinking this is just a neighborhood old man's bar. Deco is old fashion, lots of wood and tiles. Bar tender Frankie is very friendly but not in an intrusive way. We had some wine, split the app for two and the octopus salad. Let me tell you, it was outrageously good. The grill octopus was so tender it melt in your mouth. The app for two had two had lots of items on it, but the most outstanding item on the app was the grilled langassino (sp?) And above all, the pesto they serve with the bread was so good I can just sit there and have that and bread and wine all night long. Wonder if they sell the pesto by itself. I can do a lot with it.
(5)Adrienne M.
This was the first amazing dinner I had in Philly upon moving here a few years ago. My dad was in town and had visited this place in the past, and decided this was a place I needed to check out, so he took me, and I was impressed. Firstly, it has a great ambiance. It's classic decor and very warm. As another user had described it - like a gentleman's restaurant. We were seated against the window, which is exactly what I love in the dead of winter. Snowing outside while you're nice and warm inside dining on a delectable dinner. The clams casino were very, very good. I've had this dish from numerous restaurants and this was tops. The Saloon seems to be known for their steaks so my dad and boyfriend both ordered a Porterhouse - with no complaints. I had the Lobster Francaise and it was incredible. The lobster tail was... well, lobster. Sweet and dense and fresh, and just lightly battered. It was topped with lump crab and a rich butter-lemon white wine sauce. The service was great as well. The waiters were polite and professional. As the weather was so dismal that evening, they even called us a cab before we left so we didn't have to walk for one. Great place.
(5)nigel r.
Ill be honest... I wasnt expecting it to be more than a stuffy whatever spot and I rolled up to the bar upstairs last night to have a drink with a real estate client/friend... Patti the bar tender was very nice. She has been there since 1992! Slammin! Many of the people who work there have been for a loooonng time. The bar was small but fun! NIce people up there... we didnt eat, and I know the food is to die for, but we did enjoy some wine and cheese. I spent about 20 minutes rubber necking the stuff on the wall and the exposed brick interior that isnt polished and cleaned up like one would normally encounter. Very nice... good pregame spot or mingle with the patrons. Good times.
(5)Frank S.
Average at best. Way overpriced. Tourist trap for sure. You can get twice the meal at half the price ANYWHERE else in south Philly. Definitely will NOT go back. Disappointed to say the least.
(2)John P.
Quite tasty italian food. I had the Clams Casino which were quite bacon-y. The Caprese salad was good. Broccoli was solid.
(3)Trauts N.
Often go here when taking guests out on business meals. Only drawback is that it can get noisy.
(5)Kathryn M.
Not knowing where to go for a special New Years Eve meal and not finding a menu that wasn't prixe fix at most restaurant we were interested in, the man remembered this old-timey restaurant in his old neighborhood called Saloon. I cannot tell you how wonderfully this place delivered on service, food, ambiance...everything! To begin the meal, the waitress brought over a basket of soft and hot bread to be smeared with their house pesto. Let me repeat that: HOUSE PESTO! Did you hear that?! After getting drinks (and seriously diving into that pesto and bread) we ordered the Steamed Mussels in a red sauce to share and OH MY GOODNESS. These are by far the absolutely best mussels that I have had since moving to Philadelphia and possibly the best broth/sauce I have ever eaten. Forget about the Monk's, Eulogy, etc. etc. and get to Saloon if you are in the mood for some ridiculously good mussels. I can only really recommend the red sauce though as I didn't even see the white. We loved these things so much that the busser (I believe) noticed we had run out of bread to sop up the remaining red sauce (I am still blown away by how good it was) and so brought us a new basket. Sadly however, our entrees were ready and the waitress quickly whisked away our bowl of leftover red sauce as me and the bf stared glaringly at eachother (angry that neither of us said anything and sad that the experience of the red sauce was now over). For my entree I tried the evening house special (they had about 10 specials that evening) Lamb Chop crusted with rosemary and in a white wine sauce topped with three different types of mushrooms. So. Good. It was also huge and had a side of Yukon Gold mashed potatoes beside it. The man ordered the Penne Sesso which was ground sweet Italian sausage and sun-dried tomatoes in a spicy tomato sauce. It was also amazing although he ate it all and begrudgingly gave me two or three bites. I'm pretty sure this was a sincere testament of his feelings toward me as he really didn't want to share. I had heard good things about the dessert but at this point I was a couple of glasses of wine deep and could not fathom where I would put the dessert should we order it (oh and I already had a to-go bag with the rest of my lamb waiting next to me). I also need to mention that the service was impeccable. The host sat us and then took our coats bringing back a coat check tag about 5 minutes later. The waitresses and bussers seem to work together so there were about three people serving and cleaning our table throughout the evening. OH and they have a parking lot! No joke, there is a Saloon parking lot about half a block south of the restaurant on 7th street - and it's free. I will definitely be back. It's a bit pricey, but worth every single last cent.
(5)Beth J.
I went here with a big group as the guest of a vendor we work with. Wow, it was a great meal. We didn't order off the regular menu--it was a limited menu, probably for our group. Still, there was a good selection for all tastes. I was seriously full after and I couldn't even finish my lobster fettucini! The building is kind of a strange place, almost like someone's house that they refurbished as a restaurant. It has a definite "saloon" atmosphere, but not in a bad way. I would probably not bring children there--you do need to walk through the bar area. It seems like an adult place.
(4)Gourmet G.
This family-owned and operated South Philly favorite has been attracting wise guys and goodfellas, macho young men looking to impress an overly-coiffed date, business diners, and locals looking for a special night out for the past forty years. With its wood paneling, wall sconces, oil paintings, antiques, and Tiffany lamps, it probably looks much like it did when it opened four decades ago - and a couple of bartenders look like they're part of the original fixtures, too. You can peruse the long menu and list of daily specials while savoring the pesto tapenade, Parmesan, and olive oil delivered with the bread. While the kitchen favors the standard Italian classics and old standbys - such as lightly breaded veal slices with sweet and hot peppers, thick veal chops stuffed with spinach and cheese, and hearty bowls of homemade linguine with seafood - they also include some contemporary touches like sauteed radicchio with shiitake mushrooms on the side. They're known for their huge herbed and marinated steaks, so prime sirloin steak, filets mignon, and a 26-ounce porterhouse are popular choices. An individual pot of perfect tiramisu or a banana Napolean makes the perfect dessert. Even when the place is crowded, the servers make you feel like you can linger as long as you like. How good is this place? During one three-night stay, I ate here twice, and I've returned several times since.
(5)Caroline H.
I was lucky enough to be invited to a corporate function at the Saloon. I would have never even known it existed and would have missed out on something really great if I hadn't had this opportunity. My workplace bought the restaurant out for the evening so we had open bar and a 4 course sit down dinner. I started out with a starter sized pasta dish which was to die for that combined penne and crumbled sausage in a wonderful tomato sauce. Next up was a house salad which was also fantastic...nothing crazy but still good. For my main entree I chose the Veal Chop. When it came out all around me wished they had ordered it as well! It was HUUUGE and served with a pan sauce that was beyond amazing. Probably one of the best dishes I had ever eaten. The waitresses were great too...some fun ladies! If you get the chance to go here you must! I have heard they only accept cash and possibly american express though I don't know if that still applies.
(5)Jeffrey M.
I could not imagine a nicer dining experience. Excellent decor, service and quality of food and drinks! Love it. Freshly made pesto, wonderful cheeses, seafood, steaks, etc. Wonderful martinis. Definitely a place for a great meal or special occasion. And parking is free on site.
(5)Jason B.
My wife and I had a date night this past Saturday. Tickets to a concert and decided to have a nice dinner beforehand. We decided on The Saloon, which we have not been to in quite a while. We now wonder why we hadn't been there in so long! We didn't have too long to eat, so our waitress, Jase, suggested we put in our order right away. She made sure we left with plenty of time to spare. Everything was impeccable! We shared an appetizer that was some sort of field greens wrapped inside of prosciutto along with walnuts, cranberries and an Italian cheese. It was then drizzled with balsamic. Very good. For entrees, my wife had the linguini with lobster in an amazing sauce. The lobster was perfectly done and the homemade linguini melted in your mouth. I had the Bronzino, which was dipped in a very light batter and then topped with crab in a light sauce. The Bronzino couldn't have been done any better! As great as the meal was, it was only outdone by the service provided by Jase (sp?). She was one of the most charming, personable and attentive waitresses I have ever had. All in all...an extremely memorable experience. Great service, food and ambiance!! One that will assure I am back again as soon as I possibly can!!
(5)Joseph K.
This place is a very unique place to have dinner. The atmosphere of this establishment is out of this world, feels like I took a time machine back to 20's or 30's. With unique atmosphere this place offers insane selection of Italian food. We ordered many different types of food and every dish were beyond my expectation. I strongly recommend this restaurant to everyone who appreciate quality food, service, and the nostalgic interior design.
(5)Michael F.
Everyone at my table agreed that our waitress was rude. In fact, the bus-boy was nicer than she. The food tasted okay, I guess. The best part of the experience was the quartet playing.
(2)Joe A.
The service was perfect. The decor is amazing, fun and a ton of history. The food was delicious and certainly priced fairly. As an original Philadelphian I'm upset I haven't found this neighborhood gem any sooner. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Paul R.
Came here with a buddy for a birthday dinner. Started off with delicious calimari and sipped a few Manhattans. The waitress went over the special's, everything sounded great but in the end I went with a ginormous porterhouse. Fan-freakin-tastic. The night was capped off with a delicious chocolate-peanut butter dessert portioned much larger than most restaurants; it also helped the cute waitress sang happy birthday to me. Decor, ambiance and staff exude class. This is the kind of place Tony, Sil and Paulie would visit if they came to Philly.
(5)Daniel T.
We live in the neighborhood, so we had to try this joint out. I had read that it is a favorite of the Veep when he rolls into town to visit. The ambiance: it has an old-school charm that begins with the maitre' d. He was a delight and got us settled into a nice table. The interior design accents transport you to an old-school dining room at a members-only golf establishment. The drink: started with an Old-fashioned. Solid. The apps: picked the Clams Casino and Fried Oysters. Excellent. The main dish: did the dry-aged NY Strip with mushroom sauce and mashed potatoes, the wifey did the veal also with some sort of mushroom sauce. Didn't blow us away. All in all, a great experience. Certainly feels like a place the Mainline crowd dines when they are in Center City, but for the price, it was just ok for us.
(3)Jay S.
What a fun old time place .... And the food is wonderful !!! The pasta soaked into their gravy ... So so tasty ... Mahattan chowder ... Delicious ... Calamari appetizer ... Yum ...radicchio salad & roasted. Pepper ... Out of this world ... Wow !!!!! The steaks ... Hunky & big ... Perfect in medium rare ... We each ordered a side of pasta w/garlic & oil ....and to top it off ... The old time decor takes us back 50 years !!!! What a fun place !!!
(5)James C.
Excellent Italian food in the middle of South Philly at a reasonable price. The Saloon restaurant is surprisingly big, very comfortable and unpretentious. Visit the bar and talk to some locals before you sit down to eat. This is my new favorite restaurant in South Philly! P.S. Try the hot antipasto, chicken eggplant entree and raspberry Napoleon cake!
(5)Gary G.
Had a great meal here for my fiances bday. This is a place thats great for a special occasion. Its got an old school vibe about it, like back in the day when the whole neighborhood was italian. We ordered the veal chop w mushrooms in a demi and the lobster francaise. My veal was great..seriously great..but if you ever come here you MUST get the lobster francaise. Its seriously the most tender lobster dish around. Like melt in yo mouf good. So there you go.
(5)Gary B.
Took a large client there for dinner and The Saloon never disappoints. A special shout out to Jace and Viktoria who both took care of us and we could not have asked for better service. The food was great and having professionals work with us on the server side make for the perfect evening. Look forward to the next time we are there!!
(5)Kimberly H.
What a lovely restaurant! The live jazz, the food and overall ambiance were just our style and my fiancé and I already can't wait to return! The spinach salad is a delicious work of art; highly recommend it! The only negative was that we were seated next to the loudest, most obnoxious party of 6, who were so boisterous and inconsiderate, it actually infringed on my personal experience of the restaurant. Even our waitress was visibly annoyed as she attempted to shout the specials over their cackling and shrieking. It was pretty empty so I don't think it would've been unreasonable for them to move us but I also won't hold it against them.
(4)Ron G.
First, free valet parking is clutch around these parts. Ambience of the restaurant reminds me of where Mr. Burns would choose to dine, which should not be considered an insult. The service is excellent, always available, accommodating, and helpful without being overwhelming. We had a private table for 20 or so and were able to order off the menu. Complimentary bread with pesto sauce was a nice touch. I started off with a caesar salad, that tasted like a good caesar salad, nothing to complain or write home about. Moving on to the main course, I had the small bowl of Rigatoni Sesso, or large rigatoni with a tomato sauce, sweet italian sausage, and sun-dried tomatoes. A good deal at only $10. It satisfied, but not something I'd order again. I then had the Chicken Melanzana, where they stuff chicken with eggplant, smoked mozzarella, and roll it in a white wine sauce served over whipped potatoes. This dish grew on me as I ate it, and really was well balanced and cooked properly. The following dessert tray had a smattering of choices, however, will not get a rise out of a dessert fiend. I would return with colleagues or if I had a big group as they have menu choices for everyone, including vegetarians; however, I would not personally come here with a small group of friends. But that's just me, the ambience and offerings here may certainly satisfy you.
(3)carol f.
The layout of this place is really interesting. Lots of different spaces that create an intimate surrounding. My husband and I shared 2 different appetizer specials. We had a spinach salad rolled with Prosciutto that was very tasty. We also shared an appetizer platter with 2 different kinds of clams, grilled shrimp and stuffed poblano peppers. I had the pepper and found the veal stuffing just as I would like. My husband enjoyed 2 different kinds of stuffed clams and we decided to bring the rest home to make sure we were hungry for our main course. I had Bronzino with crab meat topped with a light wine sauce. I must admit this was the best Bronzino I ever had. Very fresh and the delicate flavors of the fish came through. My husband had the lobster dish off the menu served similarly to my fish. He ate very bite, which for him is unusual. Our wait staff was attentive and knowledgeable, especially our waitress Hannah. Do make sure you ask for the prices of the specials before you order so there are no surprises when the check comes. We thought our appetizer platter to be a bit over priced. We will definitely return as the food was great and the parking was free and convenient, a rarity in the city.
(4)Rebecca C.
Really liked the branzino with crab meat. Lightly battered fish topped with fresh crab. The branzino main was best to share given the large portion Skip the calamari appetizer - didn't like the watery tomato sauce that accompanied the calamari. Pouilly fuisse wine was quite good by the glass.
(3)Ilona D.
So much history on the walls. Very impressive when my boyfriend took me there and everyone knew who his family was. Super welcoming.
(5)Rebecca C.
This place is a hidden gem! Or maybe it's not hidden, but its been around for so long that people don't talk about it anymore? Either way, none of my foodie friends have ever spoken of this place so I figured it wasn't very good. My boyfriend picked where we were going for dinner, and when he saw that this place had 4.5 stars on Open Table I was like "OK. Fine. Whatever, let's do it." First off, this place has free valet parking, so immediately I was like "10 points for Gryffindor", maybe this place isn't so bad after all! We walk in, and the decor is BEAUTIFUL! Very antique-inspired turn-of-the-century type furnishings with lots of Tiffany lamps and old cherry wood furnishings. We had a great server who was very knowledgable of the menu and guided us through an amazing meal. For our appetizers we got the sampler with two clams casino, two clams Pavorotti, two grilled shrimp, and two stuffed poblano peppers. Everything was delicious except for the grilled shrimp which tasted rubbery and freezer burned. The shining star by a landslide was the grilled langostino, which came in their shell, split, and char-grilled in a lemony olive oil sauce. I don't normally eat meat at all, so I've never had langostino before, but I was completely blown away with how tasty they were and how well they had been cooked. For dinner I got the scallops served in a cognac cream sauce, which were on special that night, and they were DELICIOUS. I just highly recommend this place. The prices are relatively high, but I really feel like they deliver on the quality of food they promise. I definitely prefer this place over the tourist traps like Ralph's!
(5)Bruce C.
#1 - The food - Four of us ventured to the Saloon last night, Arriving at 4:40 for our Italian feast. We shared a bottle of wine, which was very good. I had 4 clams casino there was a whole clam under very bland wet bread crumbs ($16). my friend and I had Eggplant Parm ($15) was very good tasting, (4 round 3-4 inch round eggplant pieces, with a few spoonfuls of sauce with cheese places in the middle of the eggplant. I think Ralph's is much better. Our friend had Stuffed Salmon (with lump crabmeat) ($36) and it was very good, Wifey had Veal Marsala (?) which she loved (it isn't on the menu, when we asked if we could order it, they said we could) Our waitress was a gem, filled our wine glasses just before our last sip. The desserts were very good. One observation we have is an unusual limited appetizer choice... We will return. #2 - The place - FYI I have a walking difficulty. There are 2 steps going into the Saloon, and then when I asked were the mens room was, the host almost freaked out, knowing that the restrooms were down stairs (basement) my friend helped me down L shaped steps with no continuing handrail. Coming back up was a challenge.. With the older crowd this place attracts, one would think handrails were a must! Next time, make sure I don't have to use restroom. nice level of noise.
(4)K R.
Went there for a group family dinner on Christmas Eve. The food and service was excellent. Food was yummy but a bit pricey. The decor is like an old saloon from back in the day. Classic and very clean! Consistent good food...we had angel hair pasta with artichokes, garlic and crab meat....YUMMY!!!!!
(5)Jason H.
The Saloon is a Bella Vista fixture, and is quite an interesting place. It's definitely got that "Italian" feel, which is a big part of its charm. They have a nice menu with seafood, veal, steaks, and chicken along with drinks and appetizers. The food was very good, the portions were large, and the service was a-ok. It's not an especially formal place, but rather a place you can go casual or dressed up and fit in either way. They have given up their "Amex Only" policy, and now take a full range of cards. Cash flipped out of a roll of $100's is perfectly fine, as well.
(4)Trang N.
I came here for dinner with my colleagues and was quite surprised with the level of food and service (in a good way!) The space is warm and inviting with beautiful intricate woodwork throughout. All the dark wood and vintage décor really created a nice ambience to our dining experience. The menu is extensive, there will be something for everyone's palate, if you come here with a big group. Our waitress was welcoming and made some great recommendations! I highly recommend the scallops if they have it on special. The grilled octopus special was nice, and the appetizer was a generous size! I had the The Lobster Francaise was nice, lightly breaded and sautéed. I was in love with the Kale and bacon side order, it was one of the best things I had all night! All in all, the plates left the table completely cleaned, so it's safe to say that everyone enjoyed their meal as I did. They desserts all came out on a tray, we decided to split the chocolate mousse cake, oh my goodness, it was decadent and surprisingly light. I really had a nice experience and can't wait to bring my husband to this place, it is right up his alley. I am so glad we came here for dinner, I would have overlooked this unassuming place tucked quietly on Seventh Street, this is a true hidden gem! A big bonus as they have their own lot, so parking is free!
(5)Dave B.
First, I love the atmosphere! Classy, refined and antique deco makes this place an any occasion restaurant. We had a large party of 21+ and they were very accommodating and the staff were amazing. I started my meal with the crab bisque and it was good.. It had plenty of real crab meat. The spinach salad wrapped in prosciutto was absolutely amazing! I would definitely come back again!
(4)Viktoria G.
Great find! Having grown up in Philadelphia but lived away for 30+ years, I'm always looking for good restaurants when we visit family in Center City. Since parking is an issue, I expanded my search area and am so glad that I did! This restaurant was perfect. It's not a place to go for spaghetti and meatballs but if you want excellent dinners, you will find them here! We had seafood and meat dishes and everyone cleaned their plates. We did go early and had no problem with parking, I can imagine as it gets later it could get more complicated. Will definitely add to our list when we're back in town. Great ambience, great service. But it is true that if you're older, you might need some help getting in and out of the place.Just watch your step, it's worth the effort !
(5)Colleen Z.
Darn, just lost a nice review I wrote! Bottom line is this. The service was impeccable. The environment classic, warm and rich. The food was tasty or at least my peppercorn ahi tuna was awesome. Wine list was well-rounded to accompany items on the menu. We didn't try dessert but the tray was filled with delectable looking pieces of yummy. Parking service available. I'll be back when traveling to Philadelphia!
(5)Larissa S.
Late night review - Gorgeous atmosphere. Felt a bit under dressed when my boyfriend walked in and needed to use the restroom post last bar status. The bartender incredible. He fit right into where we were. I got an old fashioned as recommended... it wasn't very good. They seem to have some regulars, who were extremely rude. Mostly going though menopause. Would like to come again for dinner. as far as cocktails...this is not the place.
(3)Nina S.
I just moved into Bella Vista and wanted to check out all of the local spots nearby. I haven't heard much about Saloon and I was actually expecting it to be just a small dingy bar but as soon as I walked in I was so impressed! The decor is classic Italian with an inviting atmosphere. It is a full service restaurant with a welcoming bartender, Franky, who greeted my friends and I as soon as we walked it. I just a a small bit to eat and a drink at the bar and I'm already hooked and can't wait to return. They have a full dinner menu with great Italian cuisine selections. I had the stuffed peppers and really enjoyed them. Two come to an order and it's only $8! They are poblano peppers stuffed with ground veal and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It has a bit of a kick to it so if you don't like spicy food don't order it. This is a great neighborhood spot with amazing service, delicious food and an extensive drink selection. I will certainly be back for a full meal soon!
(4)Gabriel D.
This place is terrific, and a surprise in any number of ways. The crowd trends a bit older, and deceptively casual, but the staff is well schooled on the cuisine and the food is out of sight. The octopus salad is a must have and the steaks are served in a plain fashion, but are perfectly cooked to order and full of flavor. If you order wine, the offerings by the glass are slim, but go by the bottle where there are some nice higher-end options that are really fairly priced. the cured meat ingredients are top notch as well. The seating is nicely spread out to offer more intimate group settings. All in all, good service, great food and a solid and inviting atmosphere in a clean, classic setting.
(4)David A.
Went before the Flyers game Monday night and we were tight on time. They were aware and got the food out fast and service was great. Started with a hot appetizer sampler for the table. It was so good we had two! Had stuffed hot peppers (fantastic!), stuffed clams, shrimp, etc. The had the Veal Chop cooked medium rare (and cooked like I ordered it) with long hots. Don't eat red meat all that often and it was a treat. Not a very impressive wine list but had one of the few Brunellos on the menu (a Banfi 2004) so all was good. Would like to chill out a bit more the next time and not rush through it. This place, after all the years, continues to offer great service and consistently good, old school Italian food.
(4)Vinny G.
This is a classic old style establishment. You can tell once stepping in the front door. There are multiple bars that offer an opportunity to experience your drink with atmosphere. Hmm if i only could of had a cigar too.... We had a great meal here. The food was good quality and there were a wide variety of specials to choose from. Of the various apps the one that stood out most was the octopus which was very tender. I had the Langostino which were cooked perfect sweet and tender. My wife ordered the lobster fra diavolo. Our complaint was that it was lite on the pasta and the lobster wasn't Maine but rock lobster instead. FYI, All sides were ala carte. Another in our party got a veal chop. The other dishes looked good as well. The deserts were ok and the best was the banana creme pie. I would certainly return again for both the atmosphere and the food.
(4)JB J.
Drinks were great , food was really good, lobster francaise in cognac sauce. Service was excellent , jazz band great also.
(5)Arthur V.
Our group of 6 went for dinner on a December Saturday evening. We loved it. The convenient free parking got things off to a great start. We had a cocktail at the classic downstairs bar while our group arrived. And, we were seated upstairs near the low-key, excellent band. The ambience is classic, old style Philly. Our server was fun and happy to banter with our table. Appetizers and entrees were all terrific - especially the veal dishes. The Italian and American themed wine list offered a good range of choices to complement our meal. We will definitely be back.
(5)Dan G.
Had dinner at the saloon this eve, The saloon is an oldie but goodie in philadelphia, and while not an inexpensive restaurant it is worth what they are charging. From ambiance, to food to service, they do a great job. Our server Lauren was Friendly without being pretentious or overly familiar, She handled our questions and requests quickly and efficiently while juggling a busy eve. Our food came out exactly as ordered and was Prepared perfectly!!. I have been to the Saloon a couple of times and have NEVER had anything less than a wonderful experience !!!
(5)Junaid M.
Beautiful place. Food was okay, but I would have liked a bit more bang for my buck. Over all good experience.
(4)Melanie J.
This is my favorite "special occasion" restaurant. The food is delicious, the staff is wonderful (and beautiful), the atmosphere is classic and sophisticated. Its also a great place to meet for drinks on a Friday or Saturday night. There is a bar upstairs and downstairs and the last couple of times I went for drink there was live jazz upstairs so it was a lot of fun.
(5)Margaret P.
The ambience of this restaurant is beautiful but it is definitely suffering from the amount of competition there is in Philadelphia. On a Saturday night, it was pretty empty. It used to be great but the food quality is not up to par and it is very expensive for what you get. When we ordered salads, no fresh ground pepper was offered, the crab in the salad tasted old. The bread was warm on the outside but cold on the inside. The wine list is very limited and the wine per glass, despite being pricey, tasted off, as if it had not been stored well. I tried two types of wine and both were not underwhelming for $16 per glass and very small pours. The entrees for $30 dollars or more, only include one piece of meat and no sides such as vegetables, roast potatoes etc. When your son says that the Veal Parmigiano tastes better at home than at the restaurant and that there is no point to go out, you know there is a problem.
(2)P B.
Nice surprise! Had an excellent, upscale meal here. Great service. White tablecloths. Delish food with good selection. Neat ambiance. Overall, everything was really great. One minor snafu was the italian bread was crusty/warm on the outside but had a cool/cold center. but we didn't even mind that too much, as the bread is served with a delicious pesto! Highly recommend. Also, I think they may have live music some nights.
(5)A K.
Solid italian food - enjoyed the salads especially Nice old world ambience - no intrusive music Free parking and easy to find Knowledgeable wait staff Expensive Smallish portions Our particular server had a great memory for the specials but not for the things we requested
(3)Rachel Z.
I went to the saloon restaurant last night. The place has an old but unique set up and decor. Our waitress was amazing and very accommodating. Even though our meal was super expensive, it was delicious. The daily specials are the way to go, you'll be paying a little more but won't be disappointed.
(4)Jonny S.
My dinner there was phenomenal. I have not been here in at least 5 years and had to entertain a particular (and important) client. Everything was great. The fillet I had was perfectly prepared, the wine suggestion that my server - Stacey - made was excellent. Throughout she was prompt and attentive as well as the other staff. My client and her nephew had various seafood dishes that were interesting and wonderfully prepared. Dessert was great and their coffee was excellent. It was one of those nights where if I had suggested the wrong place it could have been a train wreck but the Saloon definitely was a good call.
(5)Tony C.
Definitely one of my regular weekly restaurants I visited at least 2-5 times a week whether for drinks or lunch and dinner in one day. I was a regular there Frankie the bartender and Tommy the host know me. Love the overall vibe from the staff with their friendly attentive service and great tasting food. If I'm ever back home in South Philly again or visiting Philly again (live in Las Vegas now) I will pick up my old routine of going there regularly again,
(5)Tim D.
Dinner last night 11/26/2011: Party of 8 for a Bday party. This was the BEST DINNER that I have had in YEARS! I ordered the roasted peppers, provolone & mozzarella for appetizer. And then I couldn't decide between meat or lobster so I got the surf and turf which included a filet and lobster tail. The filet melted in my mouth! Literally! I have never had a better filet. The lobster was stuffed with crab. Although it was not giant size the lobster tail was PERFECT. Drank Perroni and a glass of Cab. I just love this place. Will be coming back soon.
(5)Charles R.
One of the better places in downtown. Everything we had was good to great. It's pricey , but their veal was super tender, the steak was as better than a few of the "steakhouses" downtown. App's were great as was the Tiramisu and other desserts. I don't rave about many places, but loved Saloon. Only reason I didn't go to 5 stars was the portion size. They have a lot close by so parking, which can be a pain in the Italian Market area, is not a problem. Lively bar scene.
(4)Jim K.
A true Philadelphia treasure. Food and service were top shelf on a busy Valentines night!!!!!
(5)Dave M.
My wife and I went to dinner at the Saloon last minute. Made a reservation through open table. Which made life very easy. The food and the service were awesome. The bar menu was great. They had a great beer list. Also, reasonably priced. We will absolutely go back in the near future.
(5)Jill T.
I'm looking forward to trying their food! I've been to the Saloon for pre and/or post dinner drinks on more than one occasion. The Saloon is surrounded by quite a few BYOB's so it's nice to be able to pop in somewhere for a glass of wine. The bartender is wonderful. He's super friendly and accommodating. While just having a glass of wine on each visit we were welcomed with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, olives, and potato chips. Check out the old cash register behind the bar- super neat! The bathrooms are very nice too! The menu looks and smells delicious so I'll be sure to come back for dinner soon!
(4)Dilip Y.
Porterhouse steak, perfectly done. Service was top notch. Decor and ambience cant be matched. Philly's best kept secret!
(5)Ted C.
I really liked this place. The atmosphere is very warm, classy, and a little vintage with its decor. I would describe this place as a true gentleman's bar/restaurant. I've walked by this place a bunch of times and decided to finally check it out. The host and hostess were very welcoming. I might have not been dressed for the occasion since I had a nice button down with jeans. Meanwhile everyone else was in business casual. Nevertheless they took our coats and I felt very welcomed. The only reason I can not give this place 5 stars is because of the prices $$$$. I got a bottle of wine with dessert and ended up with a bill of $75. In the end I was not upset about it because the dining experience was truly amazing and one of a kind. You can tell they really know how to take care of their customers here. Oh yeah, and the dessert was an Apple Crisp with Gelato on the side. It was so good. My favorite part was the giant door knob on the door. lol
(4)Steve P.
From top destination to tourist and nostalgia trap. Lots better and cheaper alternatives nearby.
(3)jeffrey c.
Food on the whole was average at best. Service was not up to what we were expecting. When we were seated we got shuffled from one server to the next. My wife ordered the Dover sole and we asked that it be deboned. Well the room is dark and the bones were not removed very well so to say the least she was disappointed. I had the Ravioli and would consider it average. I am rating the overall experience with 3 stars and overall it could have been two, but when we complained they did take off the price of the sole. We went here on the recommendation of long time Philadelphia residents, and would try it again reluctantly.
(3)Bella M.
It pains me to write this review because we used to go to the Saloon all the time. Since the economic downturn we almost never go there anymore. I wanted my husband to have a special meal before an important event the next morning, so I ordered him an appetizer and the veal chop. We had it wrapped to go. He ate it immediately after we got home. He ended up throwing out the saccatino (sp?) because he said the seafood tasted funny and not fresh. His veal chop was just edible, not anything to justify the price. I'm sorry to say he actually became very ill the next morning and for the next 2 days with stomach problems that we believe were from the food. The food was eaten right away, not left out for a long period of time or anything. This used to be a place where we love to go, but after our last experience, we won't be back.
(1)J V.
Absolutely loved this place, my favorite restaurant in Philly and maybe ever. The decor is warm and inviting (not to mention a photo of my Great Grand Pop is on the wall). Unfortunately, I forget our waitresses name but she was incredible...helpful, nice and funny. We ordered a lot of food...so I can't remember it all. I had the Petite Filet in a port wine sauce. Easily the best steak I've ever had, ever. Very simple, cooked perfectly and HUGE. We also had the calamari which wasn't oily and mushy as I sometimes have gotten it at restaurants. My boyfriend ordered the Linguine Pescatore, which was awesome, no shortage of seafood in there. I'll make it clear that I've only been here once, but it left a great impression and I can't wait to go back!!
(5)Meghan C.
Not really my scene so I wasn't really THAT excited about it. Definitely old school, definitely expensive, definitely quality ingredients, definitely excellent service. I kept getting a bloody nose so maybe that's why I was cranky, but our friends seemed to really love it. I probably won't go back because while very well prepared, the food was reeeeeeally boring to me and $26 for a bowl of pasta with veggies is a little ridiculous.
(3)Mare M.
This used to be in my top10 - and fell way off the list a few years back. Sadly, it isn't coming back. What happened to this place? The 'old saloon salad' that I looked forward to before my entree- was big enough for 2 filled with everything, is now a few pieces of lettuce, cherry tomatoes and a few croutons. How sad. I miss my old fave.
(2)Christina V.
This is not to be missed if you are in Philadelphia. The ambiance and service get five stars. I love all of the heavy-duty woodwork. The menu and attention to detail is exceptional and executed with finesse and flair. The one time I dined there as a vegetarian ( now reformed for many years), the chef wowed me with a specific pasta plate to suit my palate. Absolutely make a reservation and enjoy this culinary...no words to describe. Pack your wallet and do this right. Grab some fine wine with your antipasti to start, and end with after dinner cordials and desert. This surely makes a memorable dining experience you will want to repeat again and again.
(5)Karen N.
Wow. Let me preface this review by saying I wasn't paying so can't really speak to the "bang for the buck". However, my meal was potentially in the top 10 of my entire LIFE! And I'm no spring chicken. And I don't particularly like Italian restaurants. The bar area was old-time wood and heavy bar stools - the bartender mixed a perfect pre-dinner Jack-and-Ginger. Then started with some decadent appetizer plate with amazing stuff green peppers and some calamari that was decent. And then my spinach salad wrapped in Prosciutto was simply delicous. I was confused as I had never seen a salad wrapped up like an eggroll; however, when I cut into the Prosciutto and the spinach and other salad ingredients spilled out, it was heavenly. And then time for the Braciole. Oh my!!! Filet so tender and thin, rolled with spinach, parm and pancetta and topped with a wonderful tomato sauce. The homemade cheese ravioli was in the "to die for" category. (And according to local lore, the Saloon was a mob hangout, so maybe that is true..) I am a hearty eater and I literally forced myself to eat half of everything and believe me, that was plenty. If I am ever back in South Philly, I'll stop by the Saloon.
(5)Rob S.
Just went in for some drinks after midnight on a Friday. Really cool looking inside. Very classic restaurant/bar feel. The bar was completely empty and it appeared that people were slowly filtering out from dinner. The bartender was really friendly. Terrible beer selection, but it doesn't matter because this is the sort of place where you come for a DRINK. Four stars is based simply on the feel of the place. Made me want to come back for a cocktail when it's busier and try it for dinner sometime.
(4)Jim R.
Been meaning to write this one for a few weeks. Been years since i visited the Saloon. WTH was i thinking? Lol. Food and vibe here rocks. Clams casino were my favorite. They do it right here. Old school w/ flavor & solid execution.
(5)Kathryn M.
Not knowing where to go for a special New Years Eve meal and not finding a menu that wasn't prixe fix at most restaurant we were interested in, the man remembered this old-timey restaurant in his old neighborhood called Saloon. I cannot tell you how wonderfully this place delivered on service, food, ambiance...everything! To begin the meal, the waitress brought over a basket of soft and hot bread to be smeared with their house pesto. Let me repeat that: HOUSE PESTO! Did you hear that?! After getting drinks (and seriously diving into that pesto and bread) we ordered the Steamed Mussels in a red sauce to share and OH MY GOODNESS. These are by far the absolutely best mussels that I have had since moving to Philadelphia and possibly the best broth/sauce I have ever eaten. Forget about the Monk's, Eulogy, etc. etc. and get to Saloon if you are in the mood for some ridiculously good mussels. I can only really recommend the red sauce though as I didn't even see the white. We loved these things so much that the busser (I believe) noticed we had run out of bread to sop up the remaining red sauce (I am still blown away by how good it was) and so brought us a new basket. Sadly however, our entrees were ready and the waitress quickly whisked away our bowl of leftover red sauce as me and the bf stared glaringly at eachother (angry that neither of us said anything and sad that the experience of the red sauce was now over). For my entree I tried the evening house special (they had about 10 specials that evening) Lamb Chop crusted with rosemary and in a white wine sauce topped with three different types of mushrooms. So. Good. It was also huge and had a side of Yukon Gold mashed potatoes beside it. The man ordered the Penne Sesso which was ground sweet Italian sausage and sun-dried tomatoes in a spicy tomato sauce. It was also amazing although he ate it all and begrudgingly gave me two or three bites. I'm pretty sure this was a sincere testament of his feelings toward me as he really didn't want to share. I had heard good things about the dessert but at this point I was a couple of glasses of wine deep and could not fathom where I would put the dessert should we order it (oh and I already had a to-go bag with the rest of my lamb waiting next to me). I also need to mention that the service was impeccable. The host sat us and then took our coats bringing back a coat check tag about 5 minutes later. The waitresses and bussers seem to work together so there were about three people serving and cleaning our table throughout the evening. OH and they have a parking lot! No joke, there is a Saloon parking lot about half a block south of the restaurant on 7th street - and it's free. I will definitely be back. It's a bit pricey, but worth every single last cent.
(5)Tim P.
Great atmosphere and great food. Waitresses were awesome and really made us feel at home.
(4)Mr P.
The Saloon was a total surprise. Just moved into the new place in the neighborhood and was looking for a place to get a drink and relax. I was so wrong thinking this is just a neighborhood old man's bar. Deco is old fashion, lots of wood and tiles. Bar tender Frankie is very friendly but not in an intrusive way. We had some wine, split the app for two and the octopus salad. Let me tell you, it was outrageously good. The grill octopus was so tender it melt in your mouth. The app for two had two had lots of items on it, but the most outstanding item on the app was the grilled langassino (sp?) And above all, the pesto they serve with the bread was so good I can just sit there and have that and bread and wine all night long. Wonder if they sell the pesto by itself. I can do a lot with it.
(5)John P.
Quite tasty italian food. I had the Clams Casino which were quite bacon-y. The Caprese salad was good. Broccoli was solid.
(3)Trauts N.
Often go here when taking guests out on business meals. Only drawback is that it can get noisy.
(5)Beth J.
I went here with a big group as the guest of a vendor we work with. Wow, it was a great meal. We didn't order off the regular menu--it was a limited menu, probably for our group. Still, there was a good selection for all tastes. I was seriously full after and I couldn't even finish my lobster fettucini! The building is kind of a strange place, almost like someone's house that they refurbished as a restaurant. It has a definite "saloon" atmosphere, but not in a bad way. I would probably not bring children there--you do need to walk through the bar area. It seems like an adult place.
(4)Gourmet G.
This family-owned and operated South Philly favorite has been attracting wise guys and goodfellas, macho young men looking to impress an overly-coiffed date, business diners, and locals looking for a special night out for the past forty years. With its wood paneling, wall sconces, oil paintings, antiques, and Tiffany lamps, it probably looks much like it did when it opened four decades ago - and a couple of bartenders look like they're part of the original fixtures, too. You can peruse the long menu and list of daily specials while savoring the pesto tapenade, Parmesan, and olive oil delivered with the bread. While the kitchen favors the standard Italian classics and old standbys - such as lightly breaded veal slices with sweet and hot peppers, thick veal chops stuffed with spinach and cheese, and hearty bowls of homemade linguine with seafood - they also include some contemporary touches like sauteed radicchio with shiitake mushrooms on the side. They're known for their huge herbed and marinated steaks, so prime sirloin steak, filets mignon, and a 26-ounce porterhouse are popular choices. An individual pot of perfect tiramisu or a banana Napolean makes the perfect dessert. Even when the place is crowded, the servers make you feel like you can linger as long as you like. How good is this place? During one three-night stay, I ate here twice, and I've returned several times since.
(5)Adrienne M.
This was the first amazing dinner I had in Philly upon moving here a few years ago. My dad was in town and had visited this place in the past, and decided this was a place I needed to check out, so he took me, and I was impressed. Firstly, it has a great ambiance. It's classic decor and very warm. As another user had described it - like a gentleman's restaurant. We were seated against the window, which is exactly what I love in the dead of winter. Snowing outside while you're nice and warm inside dining on a delectable dinner. The clams casino were very, very good. I've had this dish from numerous restaurants and this was tops. The Saloon seems to be known for their steaks so my dad and boyfriend both ordered a Porterhouse - with no complaints. I had the Lobster Francaise and it was incredible. The lobster tail was... well, lobster. Sweet and dense and fresh, and just lightly battered. It was topped with lump crab and a rich butter-lemon white wine sauce. The service was great as well. The waiters were polite and professional. As the weather was so dismal that evening, they even called us a cab before we left so we didn't have to walk for one. Great place.
(5)nigel r.
Ill be honest... I wasnt expecting it to be more than a stuffy whatever spot and I rolled up to the bar upstairs last night to have a drink with a real estate client/friend... Patti the bar tender was very nice. She has been there since 1992! Slammin! Many of the people who work there have been for a loooonng time. The bar was small but fun! NIce people up there... we didnt eat, and I know the food is to die for, but we did enjoy some wine and cheese. I spent about 20 minutes rubber necking the stuff on the wall and the exposed brick interior that isnt polished and cleaned up like one would normally encounter. Very nice... good pregame spot or mingle with the patrons. Good times.
(5)Frank S.
Average at best. Way overpriced. Tourist trap for sure. You can get twice the meal at half the price ANYWHERE else in south Philly. Definitely will NOT go back. Disappointed to say the least.
(2)