Stateside Menu

  • Dinner
  • Small Plates
  • Entrees
  • Mains
  • Sides
  • Dessert
  • Rotating Draft Beer
  • Specialty Cocktails
  • Classic Cocktails
  • Wine By The Glass

Healthy Meal suggestions for Stateside

  • Dinner
  • Small Plates
  • Entrees
  • Mains
  • Sides
  • Dessert
  • Rotating Draft Beer
  • Specialty Cocktails
  • Classic Cocktails
  • Wine By The Glass

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

  • David C.

    My wife and I came here after seeing Stateside featured on an episode of Bourdain's The Layover. After ordering our entrees a waitress brought out a sample of a fish tartare that was absolutely incredible. The best part was that we didn't even order it. The seared duck breast was out of this world, as was the '72 Triumph from the bar. We're pretty stingy with five star ratings, but we were both in agreement that Stateside is the cream of the crop for the Passyunk Square neighborhood and probably one of the stand out local establishments in Philadelphia.

    (5)
  • Michele J.

    This place caters to a specific group: mostly vegans/vegetarians, although there are some meats on the menu. The portions were small but over all tasty. Cheese plate was boring. I believe they fancy themselves as food purists, perhaps that's why there was no salt, pepper on the table, and why I could not get any sweetener besides regular sugar with the unsweetened iced tea that I requested. What was really bizarre was that when my tea came, it came in the form of a 16oz jar of Honest Tea, as in what you get from Wawa. THEN they charged me 2.50 for it! The place was packed, however, so their intended audience must be satisfied.

    (2)
  • tzu c.

    I went here with my friend on Valentines Day and I was not disappointed. We both did the Valentines day tasting menu and it was amazing! The dishes were well thought out and well executed. I believe for the the price it was great quality and well worth it. The atmosphere was low key and intimated. It would be a great "grown up" date place without it being pretentious. I definitely would come back again to check out their regular menu.

    (4)
  • Fran H.

    Stateside a fun place for outside dining but menu clearly inventive and new age. If you want a simple easy dinner, this is not your place. This is for the foodie in everyone that wants to try a new and exciting expereince. The food portions are small plate. The service was good. The menu eclectic this appeals to only a small portion of people. While we were here at least 8 people read the menu and opted against it... perhaps the bone marrow? something turned them away. The 2013 best restaurant award was purchased... definitely better out there. Come warned and enjoy but leave hungry and poor.

    (1)
  • Jane P.

    Sat at the bar instead of outside - mostly because you get a better view at the bar since it's higher up and the windows are wide open. Also, its a lot of fun to watch the bartenders make special drinks. My friend ordered the skirtsteak with watermelon and bleu cheese and I got the scallops. It was very good. I would like to come back and try other menu items - I wasn't as hungry when we went and was still recovering from a night of drinking so I didn't eat or drink much. Nice place to go to on Passyunk.

    (4)
  • Michael N.

    Came by for a drink last night and asked to sit outside. "I'm sorry sir, the outside (all empty tables) are reserved for dinner guests." "Um, I'll get up if someone wants to eat, but all of the tables are empty." "I'm sorry sir, but those tables are reserved for dinner guests." Despite the hostess' refusal, we decided to stay and drink at the bar. Thankfully, the bartender opened the huge windows and let the night air in. Nice place to sit. Good bartender. Interesting beer selection. Everything is domestic in the extensive Whisky selection (except the Whistle Pig, which is still made in Canada). I think I will give it another shot and try some of the food, despite the fact that a lot of people came in wearing fedoras (ironically, I guess).

    (3)
  • elanya m.

    AWESOME!!!! The food, atmosphere and service were outstanding!! We had a 5 minute wait to get seated on a somewhat busy Saturday night which was a nice surprise considering how popular this place has become. We enjoyed the house made goat cheese, bone marrow & truffle sausage and Steamed Manila Clams. The Avenue drink was on point!! As we were leaving it began to rain heavily and the manager was able to give us a umbrella to take!! *reasonably priced *generous portions I will be back here far sooner than I need to be lol GREAT JOB!!

    (5)
  • Martha G.

    My good friend and fellow yelper Adrienne R. cajoled me into a Friday night, post-work, post-happy hour dinner at Stateside with her good friend Daniel B., and my fiance. I agreed to go only if we didn't stop at home to change out of work clothes, because otherwise I probably wouldn't have gotten back out my apartment door. I'm glad she assented to my terms, because otherwise I would have missed out like whoa. Stateside completely wow'ed me. We tried a bunch of yum yums, including: pickled carrots, parmesan croquettes, warm summer bean salad, crispy cauliflower, marinated broccolini, crispy pork belly, and scallops. First off, can I get me some of those carrots to go please? Maybe I would stop eating candy all day at work if I could munch on those savory sticks. They were so good. Great palate cleanser. The parmesan croquettes were really delightful. A warm ooze of cheese emerged from the extra crispy shell. The bean salad was fresh, the scallops flavorful and cooked to perfection, and the pork belly done just right. There came with the pork belly a ball-like item, maybe fried terrine of some sort? I wasn't in love with it, but I'm also not into terrines. The crispy cauliflower and broccolini were the table's faves. One of them came with fried capers. Whoda thought that was a genius idea? Only chef George. The broccolini had a duck fat aioli of some sort that made it finger lickin' good. I cannot remember which dish the following relates to. But one dish had a few cherry tomatoes on it. I bit into one and exclaimed, "what is that!!" It was unlike any cherry tomato I'd ever tasted. Sweet, tangy, citrusy, amazing. Completely unique. Just like the rest of my meal at Stateside. Ok, so there were 4 of us, and we got all 4 desserts. Each was amazing, but the poached peaches were super fresh, the butterscotch mousse on the ice cream sandwich was not too sweet, right amount of salt. But the rice milk panna cotta stole the show for me. The cayenne in the chocolate really came to life a few seconds after you first put the chocolate in your mouth. The avocado was a unique and fun addition, and the panna cotta itself was great. Love love love Stateside. So glad I got here! PS thanks to Daniel B. and his hookups at Stateside for some comp'ed items!

    (5)
  • Ron C.

    This review is just for happy hour and an excellent hour it was. Very nice selection of local drafts and buck a shuck oysters. WHAT! Oh yeah buck a shuck is awesome. Since man (and woman) cannot live on oysters alone we went with the Chefs Charcuterie Board which was very good. Nice selection of cured meats and cheeses. Also when we were there they a Maple Glazed Pork Belly over Polenta. OMG is was delicious. We definitely want to go back for dinner when we get a chance.

    (4)
  • Paul C.

    came here after the HH for dinner...loved the way bar was facing outdoor on the street...but wasn't too impressed with their drinks...we placed our name down, since we didn't had reservation...and we ended up waiting for about hour to get seated...once we got seated, server seemed to be OUT OF IT...as he was explaining something...all of sudden he would just walk away...not rude..but just very unprofessional...he wouldn't even come by and to ask if food was ok...we ordered, poulet, duck breast, hamachi, pork belly, risotto...they were pretty good...but portions were so small considering we ordered entree size...conclusion...not going back...

    (3)
  • Stephanie N.

    Just visited Stateside for the first time since Sabatino left. Only words of advice - DON'T BOTHER!!! I literally just created a Yelp account for the sole purpose of sharing this review. We live in the same neighborhood as Stateside and truly treasured the culinary gem that it has been since opening. I have been dying to take my parents and just did only to find myself embarrassed beyond belief. As Melissa R mentioned, portions have shrunk to four-bite proportions and prices have increased. Throughout dinner we had a view of new executive chef, Elijah Milligan, standing around. Apparently being an executive chef does not entail cooking. I am left mystified how a restaurant could deviate so greatly from the reputation it has come to earn. It is as though they are trying to create an entirely new image. Mind you not a great one!

    (1)
  • Gwen T.

    The best dinner I've had in years (ever?). Really. Since so much of their menu is small plates, the prices can add up quickly if you want to try everything, but listen. Save your money from going out to three mediocre cheaper places and just wait and go to Stateside - the meal you'll get there will be better than any of those other mediocre places combined. Well worth it. This is what we got: Pickled carrots with ginger & cumin, pan roasted brussel sprouts, house made duck sausage, grilled coulette steak, grilled shrimp (on special that night), crispy maple glazed pork belly, and then for dessert (although I'm surprised we even had room for dessert at this point) the chocolate tart and the apple donut. Oh.. and the cocktails, let's not leave those out. Our bartender was awesome, she was so friendly and gave suggestions and would ask what we wanted next when our drinks were getting low rather than wait until they were completely empty. A little thing like that goes a long way. The restaurant is pretty tiny and there's not much standing room if you have to wait. Might not be the best place to go if you have a large group. They don't take reservations on Fridays or Saturdays, which I actually think is a good thing, because you can just decide to go last minute and try your luck. We sat at the bar at first, waiting for a table to open up.. but the bar was so comfortable anyway we decided to just stay and eat there. The manager went around to everyone asking how their dinner was going, definitely made us feel welcome. Chef George Sabatino, please come home and cook for me every night. I could eat those brussel sprouts for every meal of the day.

    (5)
  • Jessica E.

    Went on Thursday for Happy Hour which Amanda C. and I were very excited about because they have buck-a-shuck! No need to go to Oyster House for dollar oysters! And Happy Hour also includes half price draughts and $5 red and white wines. When I got there around 5:15 (happy hour runs 5-7) I was the only one in the bar but it quickly picked up in the next 30 minutes. We sat at the very nice stone bar. They were playing jazz which added nicely to the atmosphere. We had a couple of draught beers (normal selection - nothing crazy, a Lagunitas, a Victory, etc), dollar blue points from CT, and a cheese plate. Everything was delicious. It's also not nearly as pricey as I was expecting - a few drinks each and the food only came to around $30. Would definitely be interested in going back for dinner and possibly upgrading to 5 stars.

    (4)
  • Mandy M.

    I was excited to share Stateside with out of town guests last night. I noticed the place wasn't packed which surprised me on a Friday night. After being seated, I realized that the menu was new. The waitress explained that there was a new chef and the current menu was 1/2 of what it eventually will be. There were about 10 items on the menu. The waitress said the items were meant to be shared and with a group of 4, we would each get a bite. She wasn't kidding. The portions were so small that we each had only 1 bite of each item. The flavor was good and presentations were nice, but the portions were just too small for the price. Our favorites were the brown butter tagliatelle and the rabbit risotto - we just wanted more. We're no strangers to shared plates or haute cuisine, but the small portion sizes were a but out of hand. I would also like to see a little more creativity like we saw from chef Sabatino. The biggest disappointment was dessert. We ordered the Chocolate 3 Ways. This was a simple mouse, a small nub of ganache and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. We left hungry and stopped for a slice of pizza down the block. We were lucky enough to enjoy Stateside before chef Sabatino left. Our first experience was 5 star worthy. I hope the new chef steps it up!

    (3)
  • Marina V.

    I just dined at Stateside this past weekend while visiting friends in Philadelphia. My fiancee and I had ended up in the Passyunk area while doing the Pat's/Geno's thang like total tourists! Coincidentally, my friend Lindsay had been wanting to check out the nearby Stateside Philly. This place is like a lot of places nowadays-- small plates, focus on charcuterie. Luckily, I never get tired of this! C and I split three plates and I was pleased with all of them! If it wasn't the end of our trip (with our funds at their lowest!) and if I'd been a bit hungrier (we'd cheezed it up earlier, remember?), I definitely would've gone hog wild and ordered some more plates... I think the prices were definitely reasonable.. and I was visiting from Austin! Maybe this is due in part that Passyunk is still a bit "up and coming." There was a glass of wine on the menu for $6, so that made me happy... I really hadn't seen anything under $9 all week! And most of the small plates ran between $7-10. If you go into a place like this absolutely famished and get a load of things, sure-- the prices can add up. Really though, I love small plate places because you get a chance to try more things (which is huge for me-- I can never decide on just one entree!) and it just create a more social, "you-have-to-try-this" kinda atmosphere. We got the local corn flan, which was presented in a smooth, buttery cube with some veggies (pickles, hearts of palm, radish). We also had the crispy pork belly, which was just as crisp as promised and delectable (I can be picky about pork belly.. it's hard to find it made just right!). We also had day boat scallops with corn relish, oyster mushrooms, and bone marrow butter (!) They melted in my mouth and left me wanting more, as oysters often do. The service was really laidback, which I enjoyed-- even though it seemed busy, it didn't feel like we were being rushed out of there by any means. This was a great spot to catch up with friends I hadn't seen in years!

    (4)
  • Susan H.

    Just goes to show you Phila Magazine is total bullshit. We had a shaved fennel salad which was loaded with salt, it was hard to swallow. If you can't make a salad, what is the rest of the food like. We were then served a place of average scallops that were raw in the middle. It's amazing with food like this, the restaurant was absolutely packed.

    (1)
  • Beth M.

    My boyfriend and I met for dinner after work and had an excellent time. Its a small resturant overall but not too small. The lighting was done perfectly (dim but not dark) which made for a very relaxing environment. The waitress we had was extremely knowledgable on every menu item and also suggested the order of food. She kept a close eye on our table and the dishes were brought out at the right times. We weren't rushed but we also weren't waiting around for our next dish. The food overall was great. The flavors, presentation and portion size were excellent for sharing. I would highly recommend this resturant for a date or for meeting friends for a drink at the bar! I will be going back!

    (5)
  • Brittini S.

    This place was charmingly casual and delicious! I loved everything we ordered and had a great dinner experience on a random Wednesday night. I went with my brother, who is a chef for Jose Garces, and he is very particular and opinionated. He was very impressed with the variety of the menu and the flavor composition. The smoked pork rillettes were probably my favorite - such an interesting application (served in a jar and meant to be wrapped in bibb lettuce). The cauliflower was surprisingly spicey which I loved. Another one of the people I was with is a vegetarian and there were plenty of options for her (parsnip soup and shaved vegetable salad - both dishes were fresh and had sharp, clean flavors). The chef at Stateside just won a national sausage contest a few months ago, so we had to order the duck sausage which was by far the most delicious meat we had. The pork belly a close second. The portions were perfect for sharing and I left feeling satisfied but not stuffed or comatose. Go here! It's a great neighborhood hang out but could also be a good choice for out of town guests wanting something different yet very "Philly". The beer and wine list was also very good!

    (5)
  • Thor T.

    My visit to Stateside was during beer week and at a time when the place was completely full of folks trying to get out of the rain, so that calls for cutting some slack, especially since one tirelessly running waiter seemed to have to do everything by himself (he showed grace under pressure). As for serving expensive beers in plastic cups: not cool. I will accept that at a street fair but not in a restaurant. The reduced menu offered a barbecue sandwich and we ordered it: the sandwich was basically soft cooked pork in an insipid tomato sauce - not a whiff of barbecue and very underwhelming. I might go back for a more "regular" visit, the reviews are very good, but my first time at Stateside was definitely no more than "a-ok."

    (3)
  • Kristin H.

    The lobster salad fresh and dressed well, the lobster was cooked perfectly. It was very earthy and pleasant. The Parmesan croquettes were good, but the pickled vegetables underneath elevated it to great. The skirt steak was okay, but after the server explained why the steak shouldn't be cooked above medium, it was disappointing that it came out well done and kind of tough. The beets and grilled watermelon were good and the tomato salad was interesting with chili powder and fennel seeds. The cocktails were very good and the beer selection was well thought out. I don't have any major complaints; for the most part the food was well executed and good, but it was ultimately forgettable. For the price we paid, I probably would go back for a drink, or the $1 oysters, but wouldn't sit down to dinner.

    (3)
  • Mavis D.

    ...Although I would catagorize Stateside as "spendy" your options are wonderful. Menu has changed but the whisky is still the same kind of wonderful!! DO have the Steak Tartare, Pate, and note the Salads are GREAT! Just call me Bubbles dahling...

    (4)
  • Nicole C.

    Great!! Sat at the very cool bar, great huge windows with an amazing view of the east passyunk area. This place is small, so either make a reservation if you want a table, or just know that you might wait, but really... The bar is awesome. We had cocktails ( beautifully crafted), top shelf whiskey (all American whiskey), and the beer was a great selection. Everything there is produced STATESIDE. Don't go in looking for tequila. We ate the rabbit roulette, Brussels sprouts, pork belly, steak tartare, oysters,. Goat cheese, and maybe something else. They were all small plates. There were three of us, we were stuffed and the food was just crazy good. I highly suggest you just go in, let one of the very friendly bartenders choose all of your food ( thanks Lenny!), and enjoy yourself. This place was wonderful, not cheap, but very worth it for the money. Same folks who own Green Eggs own this spot. Very well done, just another reason to love Philly!!!

    (5)
  • Ritu K.

    The highlight of our meal- Cauliflower. Wow did I every think I would be raving about Fried Cauliflower? I have to say I really like this place. They throw the windows open during warmer nights, the service was phenomenal and comparable to much higher end restaurants, and the small plates were delicious. I did leave a bit hungry and sometimes I'm not a big fan of the small plate concept, but overall Statewide is a solid choice and great for a date night...

    (4)
  • Brian C.

    Although the small space (which includes a nice long bar and a dining room with 10 or so tables) felt slightly stuffy, Stateside's summer menu was perfect for a hot night out. Comprised of mostly small plates, the menu had plenty of light, fresh options to choose from. I was impressed with the cocktail and beer menu, which included a nice list of drafts (Hell or High Watermelon anyone?) as well as a nice specialty/classic cocktail list and a pretty extensive whisky menu. I tried The Avenue - Ginger infused Jim Beam Rye, sweet vermouth, fresh ginger - which was very refreshing. I saved the cheese/meat/pickle section for next time, but it all sounded awesome. We started with the Chilled Lobster & Bibb Lettuce Salad, which was drenched in a green goddess dressing (a little too much) and the mouthwatering Chilled Cucumber & Yogurt Soup which had tiny cubes of fennel gelatin scattered among nice big chunks of lump crab (highly recommended). Finally we moved onto the delicious Day Boat Scallops (served w/ zuccini puree, corn salad, and oyster mushrooms) and Bone Marrow & Truffle Sausage which was good, but not as amazing as I had hoped. Overall, our dinner was very enjoyable and the service was good. The small plates are a bit overpriced, but pretty well in-line w/ other places like this in the city. I'd definitely go back.

    (4)
  • Kristine D.

    This will be my new neighborhood spot to take visiting family and friends! My husband and I have wanted to try Stateside for a while, and after a long weekend we decided to give it a try last night. Service was helpful, beer list was impressive, and the menu was unique but with a classic twist. I think everyone can find something interesting to them here. We ordered the pickle plate (very good for large parties to share), the Rogue blue cheese (serves with honey, bread and an apple- delicious), Parmesan croquettes (like a fancy mozzarella stick, but in a ball and served over a squash salad. Delicious, and the cheese was not lava hot but still creamy and melted completely. The cucumber and yogurt soup (this one was not our favorite, needs just a tad more flavor), pork belly (cooked to perfection, served with bread) and the bone marrow and truffled sausage. I am not the biggest sausage fan, but this was incredible. Perfectly cooked, with just a hint of the bone marrow flavor. We had ordered the scallops, and were told that we got the last one of the night. When our main dishes came out, our server approached us and said that the scallops had burned and Chef George did not feel comfortable serving them to us. They offered us anything else on the menu in its place. My husband and I were so completely impressed with that. We would much rather have something else then be served burnt food. We applaud you Chef George, this is how you run a successful restaurant. We got the mussels in place of the scallops and I was infatuated. These were some of the best mussels I have ever eaten. Served in a tomato broth with corn and onions, I couldn't help but dunk my break into the broth just to get more of it. I would probably have taken a spoon to it if I had one. 5 stars, well deserved.

    (5)
  • Colleen H.

    Since we are attempting to hit all of the Philly Mag top 50 restaurants, my boyfriend and I panicked a bit when we realized that Chef George Sabatino was leaving Stateside. Luckily, since I stalk Foobooz.com , I had a 30 day notice. Since this place is impossible to get a reservation as it is, we felt very lucky to find a 6 pm opening on Sunday, March 10th (the day before Sabatino's last). It was a beautiful day so the windows were open, which made the ambiance of the cozy (aka small) restaurant that much better. The menu at Stateside was very limited in the eyes of a former picky eater like myself, but I have become quite the foodie lately and have really expanded my horizons so I was excited. For cocktails I went with the Tennesee Sweetheart because it sounded fun, but my bf's classic Dark & Stormy was much tastier. We ordered the perfect amount of food: the cheese plate (best one was their house made ricotta), Baby Carrot & Kale Salad, Pan Seared Brussels Sprouts, Day Boat Scallops w/ cauliflower, Crispy Pork Belly, and a special pork dish that i can't remember the name of. Everything was great. There wasn't one thing I didn't like and none of these are foods that I would "normally" eat. We also had an amazing chocolate dessert. Also, the service was excellent. Overall, I think George Sabatino lived up to all the hype and Stateside is definitely a cool place that I can't wait to visit again. Looking forward to checking out the new chef (and seeing what Sabatino brings to Morgan's Pier).

    (4)
  • El Q.

    As a longtime resident of Passy Ave, I was very excited to see that someone bought and renovated the space on Cross and Passyunk right on the regionally-famous Singing Fountain. The building was absolutely ripe for remodeling with large windows that open onto the street and a great location just south of POPE (aka the medieval dungeon). Occasionally I would check in on their progress. I was elated to see their layout, which places the bar in the corner so that tenders can serve both indoor patrons as they gaze out on the hipster street parade and outdoor ones enjoying the sweet South Philadelphia air. When their menu went up, I was even more excited... pickles, rillettes, pork belly ( yes, yes, and YES). But then I saw their beer taps... Bells 2 Hearted, Yards Love Stout, Victory Prima Pils (yyyyyaaaawwwnnn) and after eating there I can safely say that I have deeply divided views about this place. We started with the Rabbit Rillettes w/ plum preserves which were absolutely amazing. The only thing I could fault is the lack of toast points they serve along with it. I really wanted to savor that fatty goodness longer. Since Stateside has an entire menu section dedicated to pickles, I figured we should try some. Our server recommended the Kohlrabi And Cucumbers with pickling spice & dill... simple but a good litmus test I thought. These were a total disappointment, not so much due to the taste but more to the serving size. For $4 you get about 1/4 of a cucumber all tucked into a tiny pickling jar... umm what? Why would you do that? Cucumbers grow like crazy AND the pickling process is so easy my cat could do it. Next up, small plates. We got the Spotted Skate Wing barley, wild mushroom broth, smoked mussels and Crispy Maple Glazed Pork Belly fried nora mills grits, gala apples, spiced cider jus. FAN-freakin-TASTIC. I mean, so very good. The broth for the Skate was out of this world, my date ate every last drop. The grits for the Pork Belly were pressed into a crispy little cake and perfectly fried. I was floored at how well each component added to the next. After they killed it on the small plates, we decided to get dessert (something I rarely do). The server described the offerings and we settled on a Gala Pear Tart with some kinda sour ice cream. This was actually more like a chopped pear fruit cup with a penny-sized dollop of cream... so sad. Overall the atmosphere was ok, the interior defines the term "urban industrial'," but the bar is sturdy and marble and curvy ... almost kinda sexy. Next time I plan to stay away from the pickles, get a specialty drink, skip dessert, and sit at the bar.

    (3)
  • Beth R.

    Great bar, and I will update as soon as I eat here. Which will hopefully be soon, bc the menu looks excellent. The interior is dark, dark wood, exposed brick, poured cement bar top. I like the use of the large windows behind the bar. They have an extensive list of whiskey and rye, plus some adult cocktails (no appletinis here), and reasonable wines by the glass.

    (4)
  • Brent K.

    I'm a fan of Green Eggs so naturally, I was very excited to check this place out. The four of us went out on Friday around 9:30pm and the place was pretty packed. As you may have read, its not entirely spacious inside but we were lucky enough to get seated for 4. The apps are very tasty, especially the duck sausage. The others are also small plates but they contain much more than tapas style food. The only reason that I did not rate this 5 star is the price per pour of the whiskeys. When compared to a place like Time, the prices are similar but Time has much larger pours from what I've found. Regardless, I look forward to going back again

    (4)
  • Mandi R.

    I absolutely LOVE Stateside, it is my favorite spot in South Philly. They make the best Old Fashioned ever and I love their selection of Rye Whiskeys. Best yet, all of their liquors are made right here in the states! I just love the Fois Gras and yes, the plates are small but you get what you pay for when it comes to the taste. The pork belly is awesome too. And the best part is the open bar... the windows open up to allow one to either sit outside at the bar looking into the bar or one can sit and watch the world go by on Passyunk Ave from the inside as well. It is definitely worth it and I have a great experience each and every time. The bartenders are FANTASTIC and they definitely know how to whip up some sweet cocktails!

    (5)
  • Mike D.

    Had a fantastic experience at Stateside on Saturday night. Had a 9:00 reservation but were not seated until around 9:30 but that was not a bother because everyone was so nice. We sat at the bar and had great drinks. Manager apologized and offered us a cheese plate for the delay and it was amazing. Then, because it is a small place and people were not leaving their tables manager asked one party who was finished to move to a bar table which he set for them and moved us to their dining table. They were very accommodating. Every dish was better than the next especially the Foie Gras, Oysters and Bison Tartare. Service was great, waitress offered great whiskey suggestions as well. All around great experience and I recommend it to anyone.

    (5)
  • David C.

    Went on a Saturday night and had a great experience. Service was outstanding. Couldn't ask for more. It's a casual place, but the service was befitting a coat-and-tie type place. They do small plates that cost $10-24. So it's expensive. Some of the reviewers seem to be shocked by this. I have never been to a small plate/tapas place where each plate didn't cost 10-18. Portion size was standard for a small-plate place. Again, I have no idea where these reviewers giving Stateside 1 star have been eating. Each plate was awesome. My date and I each picked three plates, so six plates total. The pork belly and the venison were highlights, but everything was excellent. Solid drink menu. I'm not that into cocktails, but my date's was good. I had a pumpkin ale that was great. This place is expensive. If you don't know that going in, then your expectations will be off. We had scallops as an appetizer, 6 small plates, and 3 alcoholic drinks for $120. So it's expensive. What you get is delicious food and outstanding service in a fun environment. I'm always concerned with cost and value when eating out. I keep harping on this: I have no idea how yelpers go about rating cost. There is no way that you can get an appetizer + full meal + alcoholic drink at Stateside for less than $60. The vegetable plates are 10-14, and the protein plates are 18-24. Lastly, many of these reviews criticize the service at Stateside. Maybe it used to be that way, but it wasn't at my visit. In fact, it was probably the best service I've gotten in Philly. Every was nice and attentive without being obtrusive. Most of the time, I didn't even notice my water being filled or the plates being cleared. Sure, I'm not going back any time soon because of the cost. But for a special occasion? Totally worth it.

    (5)
  • Carlo D.

    Normally, cocktails and dessert wouldn't bring me to five-star territory, or even review territory, but my experience at Stateside tonight was just that good. We nabbed two seats at the bar before the restaurant got crowded. Over the next couple hours, free seats were sparse, and people came and went when there was nothing available, with a few that got lucky at the right time.

    (5)
  • Alex G.

    Awesome prohibition themed tapas restaurant with great food and amazing libations. It's very small (sits 28 people) so reservations are need. The cocktail list includes a vast selection of bourbon as well as a number of specialty drinks. I had a stateside boulevardier (Buffalo trace, some house aperitif, and sweet dry vermouth) and an old fashioned. My wife had the gangsta's pearadise (spiced pear vodka with moscato,lemon and soda water). All were incredible! The waiter took his time to lead us through the cocktail menu and found the perfect drinks to match what we were looking for. As far as food goes, we had the oysters, marinated broccolini (smoked trout with pickled red onion and pecan crumble), parmesan croquettes, scallops with brown butter, cauliflower, and grapes, and steamed mussels and clams. I thought the mussels and clams could have used more flavor but everything else we ate was awesome.

    (5)
  • Calum S.

    Great little bar. Fantastic food, the cheese platter was awesome. One of the best old-fashioned's I have ever had. The bar staff were very chatty, accommodating, and super lovely. Devon (behind the bar) was a legend. Wish I lived in Philly so I could drink here every week.

    (5)
  • Michelle S.

    6 of us had dinner here on Sunday 9/8/13. OMG!!! Everything - EVERY single thing - was fantastic!!! We were also treated to a few off-menu items. The pasta ribbon with lemons and squash was unbelievable!! I wanted a giant to-go box. We tried so many different things - the duck, the bison tartare, chicken, octopus, caprese salad ... the hits just kept on coming! We brought our own bottle so the bar part is N/A. The service was good - 3.5 out of 5. They also paid attention bc one person was celebrating a birthday so they brought out dessert (comped) and a candle. :) I will definitely eat here again next time I'm visiting Philly.

    (4)
  • Ryan I.

    Ate here tonight with my wife and our little baby, and felt at ease among the diverse patrons. A good draft beer list looked great when I learned most were $3 until the 7 PM happy hour ends. The cheese appetizers were excellent, but the fried homemade goat cheese over sautéed escarole had me feeling giddy. The scallops were another highlight, and the selection of pickles keeps a steady flow of salt and acid complementing the alcohol. The old hardwood floors and an inspired use of an expansive window by the front bar create an organic feeling that this place belongs here, even though I learned the building languished for a long time as a defunct former laundromat. The service was sincere, and the background jazz worked. Looking forward to going back for another weeknight early dinner.

    (5)
  • Abbie P.

    We decided to try a bunch of small plates on Sunday night during our first time at Stateside. Everything we ordered was excellent. Favorites were the Pork Belly, Cauliflower and the Foie Gras. The open seating bar was very inviting and relaxed, intimate atmosphere inside was exactly what we were looking for. Our waitress was very down to earth and knowledgeable about the menu. We had a great experience and will definitely be coming back again soon.

    (5)
  • Jill S.

    We absolutely love this restaurant. Easily rated number one in Philadelphia for our foodie style. The executive chef is very friendly and accommodating. The host was very attentive to our needs. The waitstaff was incredibly friendly and very well-trained. They serve an amuse bouche compliments of the chef that we could have eaten 10 of. We started with a scallop appetizer style dish, scallops crudo. Very fresh with a mix of very nice citrus flavors. Our second course was a bison tartare. So many wonderful flavors and textures. Easily my favorite dish we were served. We had a pasta dish that was fresh and cooked perfectly. The next - was a brussels sprout and broccolini dish. The chef added so many different complimentary spices and sauces. Great flavors. The foie gras dish was well portioned and the flavors worked perfectly. Lastly, the short rib was incredible. The spaetzle was semi crunchy, seemingly pan fried. Perfect portion and price. We were able to taste the chicken liver mousse and a delicious sunchoke Panacata. So amazing and clever. Dessert was a pineapple upside down cake complete with Panacata and an orange Marange. Delicious. Prices were high but very fair for food quality and portion. The bar menu was amazing!! Great pours great selection. We will be back.

    (5)
  • Kari H.

    Amazing......great food and the staff and service outstanding. Duck sausage do not miss.. crispy pork belly just yummy... dessert was a twist on smores. A must try...... great whiskey selection..... can't wait for my birthday because this is where I want to celebrate.

    (5)
  • sean m.

    I cant say enough good things here. Between the decor and the warm greeting you get while entering.. to the windows at the bar to view the cars BLOWING the stop sign. The Drinks that are not only innovative but MIGHTY tasty and served with a smile.. It's very hard to choose one that stands out so we just go down the list, We have been there 2 times already. Then ..... the food. It's just taken to another level. We are vegetarians, not vegan, and this things george does back there in the kitchen will make you swoon! Every dish we have had is cooked to puuuurfection and with a love that u can ~ savour ~ while downing perfectly balanced cocktails or a sweet flavorful beer. Squash Soup, Brussel Sprouts, Charred broccolini, HOUSE MADE GOAT CHEEZEEEEE! oh my.. guess i will make the 3rd trip tonight... this may be the first venture for the Green Eggs peeps into a place such as this but with the team they have put together and george steering the helm HOW CAN U GO WRONG! SOOOO get there early, u wind up lingering as its so comfortable and there is soooo much to try and love...... beat the crowds cause they are coming......

    (5)
  • Nicholas P.

    Went last Saturday with a party of 4 for drinks around 11pm. Place was relatively crowded (not packed) and there was virtually no wait staff on the floor. We stayed for 20-30 mins and were never once approached by anyone. We ordered a beer, two Old Fashions, and one Gin Tonic from the bar - I honestly don't think there was any liquor in any of the drinks - the G&T tasted like sprite and the Old Fashions tasted like sugar/bitters. I'm hardly a cocktail snob, but c'mon, it's easy to detect liquor in an Old Fashioned or Gin Tonic. My friend ordered another Old Fashioned, mentioning the last one was weak to the bartender, and watched him make it up with no alcohol. We promptly left (had already paid for the drinks we did consume at the bar). Maybe it was "Zero-Fcks-Given Night" at Stateside and we didn't see the sign, but it was disheartening, especially since there are cheaper/more attentive bars within a 2-block radius. Have been there multiple times before and always thought highly of them - but this really stood out as a totally apathetic experience on the part of Stateside. Worst part is, this was the first time for two members of our group - i highly doubt they'll ever be back, even tho I'll give Stateside the benefit of the doubt in that it was an off-night.

    (2)
  • Timothy M.

    I get it... Tapas, cool. And the name, stateside = all America stuff, neat. Man up, serve scotch & Real plates. Silly specialty drinks. What I ate wasn't that good anyway.

    (2)
  • Ryan M.

    It pains me to do this because in the past I have had so many great experiences here. When George was chef I was consistently blown away by the food here! Things seem to have changed since he left. Our most recent meal was marred by inconsistent food and service. I hope this was simply an off night. Everyone can have one from time to time. But based on this last experience it will be awhile before I return.

    (2)
  • Claire L.

    Had a really great meal here. Only four stars because service was a little slow at the end of the meal. However the food was amazing! Ordered oysters for happy hour and the mignonette sauce was SO good. They were really refreshing and would recommend again (especially at $1 each for happy hour!!). The charcuterie plate was a little disappointing since it had two pate type items on it out of three meats. The bacon pate was great, but the liver mousse was just ok. Wished the liver could have been subbed out for another sliced meat. The agnolotti was very good, maybe the best dish we ordered. Can't wait to come back in warm weather and do outside seating at the bar.

    (4)
  • Brian M.

    If you enjoy creative small plates and yummy gnocchi with a side of overly pretentious service, I would highly recommend Stateside. Be forewarned the happy and pleasant food runner will completely and totally make up for the pretentious server.

    (2)
  • Jessica Y.

    Artistic Tapas + Local Beers + Good Company = Edible Art Dinner Our server seemed distracted and off putting. Flatbread Crab, Queso Fresco, Gooseberry - $13 - surprisingly amazing, flatbread to toppings ratio was great Rabbit Terrine Foie Gras, Nectarine, Beet - $12 - interesting but too creamy, would benefit with some sort of house-made vegetable crisp to absorb the richness Fluke Crudo Pineapple, Avocado, Yuzu - $11 - quite fishy, just ok Pork Cheek BBQ, Bluefoot, Carrot - $15 Octopus Pork Belly, Salsa Verde, Hoisin - $17 Lamb Merguez, Sunchoke, Fava Bean - $18 - all the components worked well together creating a complex/satisfying flavor Flat Iron Au Poivre, Potato Terrine, Shallot - $18 - who would have thought potato terrine could be sooo delicious and that a small shallot would be so wonderfully potent!

    (4)
  • John H.

    Good place to drink and people watch along Passyunk. We had some sad oysters then hit the cantina for dinner. Good service, but I can't speak to the food.

    (4)
  • Heidi Y.

    LOVE the drinks here. & I hardly like mixed drinks. Super cozy atmosphere for drinks with friends. Cool bar, cool drinks, love it. Food, on the other hand, was alright. A little unimpressed/super salty at times.

    (4)
  • Allan S.

    Jessica Y's review is spot on so I will borrow from hers: "Artistic Tapas + Local Beers + Good Company = Edible Art Dinner" If you are willing to accept attitude from the wait staff you'll enjoy this place. I came here for a business dinner. I don't have a lot of experience with dining in Philly, or Philadelphians in general, so I'm looking forward to this. It's in kind of an eclectic area and well into the gentrification process - not a place I would normally choose for a business dinner, but then again I didn't choose the place. I arrived around 4 just as the place was opening up and cooled my heels until the others arrived. The vibe is what makes this place worthwhile. Attractive female bartender jumps on top of the bar and begins wrestling to open the shutters (love the can-do Phlilly attitude). Cordial, but not friendly, service. I cannot remember what I ordered, but I do recall enjoying every bite. We cycled through many of the craft beers which I also enjoyed. Overall positive experience and I would return if in the area.

    (4)
  • Johnny A.

    Started off on the wrong foot when the hand off between the hostess and waitress left us without service for the first several minutes. But with the right attitude, which they have, I can accept an innocent mistake. Service was very good drinks were excellent, doing new things with vodka and Bourbon ( not together). The food was truly outstanding. Everything was superior. This was a truly enjoyable dining experience on all levels. Looks like a converted former bar. Small and intimate with sidewalk tables. You have to try really hard not to like this place.

    (4)
  • Nina S.

    Excellent dinner and such a cozy atmosphere!! I have only been once and it was a great experience so I will be back. I had the Restaurant Week menu and enjoyed every course! There was even a cocktail pairing that was perfect with each course. The pre-fixed menu for the special restaurant week had a lot of selections. I started with a mushroom lettuce wrap which was delicious! My favorite course I had was the Cod Fillet entree. It was cooked to perfection and so flavorful. The service was a little slower than I would have liked but other than that I have no complaints! Check this place out. The bar area looks so cool so I think I'll be back to check out their happy hour one day soon.

    (4)
  • Carolyn M.

    The food and the service were excellent, but I honestly couldn't get over the sticker shock of a meal for three being well over $250 at a tapas joint. The calamari was fantastic and we were happy with everything we ordered. But with each little plate priced nearly at entree level, it adds up fast. I'd definitely go for drinks and appetizers or something, but probably not for a full meal again unless I'm not planning to bring my appetite.

    (3)
  • John M.

    A few of us were walking by and decided to stop in for a drink and maybe an appetizer on a Monday night. When we got inside it wasn't busy or crowed and we were greeted by the bartender who seemed more annoyed we were there than anything. We asked about the difference between two bourbons and which one would suit us better. His only response was I like it better. I assume he didn't have much knowledge about the bourbon he was serving. Here's the reason why I'm giving Stateside one star. We watched the bartender wipe his sweaty head and beard with a towel that he carried around his sweaty neck. After wiping his head, beard and some of his neck he would use the same towel to polish the glasses after they were cleaned. Just plain nasty and unsanitary! Not going back and could barly finish my drink.

    (1)
  • Kenny W.

    Nice restaurant located in the Passyunk Ave. section of South Philly. Small tables. The table size may not be an issue if you don't order a lot. You have to get really lucky to find a parking spot so I would suggest valet parking. The valet($12) works for most of the restaurants in the area, but not all. If you go to a restaurant that doesn't participate in the valet program then it's roughly $22. This particular day(5/17/15) it was kinda humid, so my guest and I were a little uncomfortable, but I won't blame that on Stateside (although ceiling fans may have helped). The food and service were good. The duck was particularly tasty. A return trip is in order.

    (4)
  • Dan C.

    Absolutely love this place. It's one of those spots that is unpretentious and will surprise you (or maybe not based on all of these great reviews). While I'm presuming Chef George Sabatino (@gwsabatino) has a team, the kitchen staff is skillful, so much in fact, that their creations are not only delectable but a work of art (look him up on Instagram). In short, go to Stateside and taste everything you can. This place is more for the adventurous, and sure our taste buds will all differ, but you can't go wrong. Oh...and the whiskey selection...it's among the best in Philly. Just go here...just not when I'm there so I can still snag a seat.

    (5)
  • Rae P.

    I visited Stateside for a happy hour date with my girlfriends on a Wednesday night. Everything about it was almost great. Like.. so close. Almost. I sat down at the bar and started in on my beer before my friends showed up. Draft list was small but everything seemed high quality and seasonal. I enjoyed staring out the window at frozen South Philadelphians impatiently waiting for their dogs to piss on the steaming sidewalk so they could scramble back indoors. When I'm alone, I like to chat with the bartender, and as an ex-member of the service industry, I appreciate a little effort on the part of the person behind the counter. However, our chatter was... ok. Almost. My girlfriends came and now, with half a beer in my system and left without chatter, I was starving. The girls ordered drinks and I immediately asked for a couple of the menu specials and some oysters. Oysters were great, duck pate & cornichons were tasty but a little dry (and came with half as much crostini as the dish required), and the salt cod & potato fritters were somehow lacking the fabulous salty cod-ness I was craving. Still mostly good... almost. The music was great, the price was right... but it was really cold and too dark. Everything I liked about this place was somehow tempered by something that didn't quite work. I won't say I didn't enjoy my time at Stateside, but in a city with lots of options, I feel I can afford to hold out for the tried & true places that do excellent on all counts every time you come in. I am however, definitely willing to do a redo and let Stateside prove that consistency is possible! My hopes are high.

    (3)
  • Nika J.

    The drinks were great but the transphobia and homophobia weren't anywhere near as palatable. The server misgendered me but was apologetic after I corrected her. No biggie really. The BOH dude with the bushy dark beard glaring at me and the woman with whom I was on a date then shoving his finger down his throat was disgusting and unsanitary. I work at a nearby bar so we left and headed there for food and more drinks. I'm not coming back. I'm also advising lgbt and the friends I've made in the industry over 17 years to avoid this establishment. Ta~

    (1)
  • Abby B.

    Wow, this place is small - but don't let that deter you! If the weather is nice, they open up the windows and there's some cute stools for outdoor seating so you can people watch everyone in the square. The happy hour is pretty awesome - half off beers, some wine specials and $1 oysters, which my husband gladly took advantage of. Other than the oysters, we didn't partake in any food items, but I did glance at the menu. Items were rather pricey, so if you're coming for drinks and dinner, just take note. I can't wait to go back when the weather warms up a bit.

    (4)
  • Emily W.

    I just walked out of stateside after one drink on Labor Day and felt immediately compelled to post my very first yelp review. My boyfriend and I were excited to have off the day together and go to happy hour (which rarely happens for us). We chose stateside because buck a chuck oysters and half off drafts sounded rather appealing. Upon sitting down, we were "greeted" after some time by our sweaty, obviously annoyed-to-be-working bartender who gruffly handed us menus and walked briskly away. Once he returned we asked him about happy hour specials. He walked away to the computer (which we assumed was to check the time), but came back to say, "There's no happy hour today because the kitchen is closed." What does the kitchen being closed have to do with taking half off my draft ? Nonetheless, we each ordered a drink. The grumpy bartender didn't crack a smile till Johnny cash began playing, at which point he began singing along, taking a shot with a fellow coworker and exiting the bar. While he was talking to his friends across the street, we were twiddling our thumbs waiting to pay our tab. All the while, we watched two fellas sit down in front of dirty glassware from previous guests and wait at least 10 minutes to be acknowledged. There was literally no one behind the bar all this time. We planned on staying for a couple drinks but we opted to move on to Devil's Den, where the drinks are bigger and more reasonably priced and the staff is gracious and extremely competent. Lesson learned.

    (1)
  • BostonBestEats X.

    I haven't actually dined at Stateside since the super-hot George Sabatino era and sorely missed Elijah Milligan days, but I can say it is currently a great place to have a few tasty and creative cocktails before dinner at one of the many outstanding restaurants on East Passyunk Ave (Noord, Fond, Laurel, Will, and Le Virtu being my current favs, and looking forward to Townsend). I recently enjoyed (see photos): ~"Bee Sting" with Uncle Val's Botanical Gin, Lemon, Honey, Absinthe ~"Short & Stout" with Old Grand-Dad Bourbon, Vanilla, Whole Egg, Stout I tweeted a photo of the latter on Twitter and Old Grand-Dad himself replied: "I'll have you know I'm a tall, svelte fellow. But that drink looks delicious, however named!" LOL! Stateside is also one of the few Philly bars to offer several different bottlings of Pappy Van Winkle bourbons, although they probably only have one bottle of each so these sell out, and what they may have at the moment will vary. The 15 year-old Family Reserve was 30 per ounce (totally worth it!), and 23 year-old was $60 per ounce. These are served in small grappa or sprit glasses...high-proof, so sniff without swirling! Will have to try new Chef Kevin D'Egidio's (ex-Will) cooking one of these days...

    (4)
  • Lydia H.

    I just got done having a nice night out with a girlfriend and we decided to have a late dinner at stateside. Our server was very sweet and nice. The food was okay. Cauliflower was awesome. However our night took a turn after we called for a cab and sat up at the bar to wait. While we were waiting we told the bartender the cab company told us it could be a thirty minute wait. His response was "there's an awning outside to stand under" now this is at 1:15 am and we were two girls in need of two cabs, it was cold and oh yeah- pouring rain. Thanks Stateside for the hospitality. We are never coming back.

    (2)
  • Kelly T.

    I've been to Stateside multiple times when George Sabatino was the chef. The food was amazing, the drinks were amazing, the service was superb. The restaurant was well-deserving of the number one restaurant in Philly designation. Unfortunately, since that time, there have been two changes of the guard at Stateside. I went after the most recent. My sister bought a house in East Passyunk, and I wanted to take her somewhere delicious in her new neighborhood to celebrate. We were able to get a reservation at Stateside at the last minute (which I should have taken for the omen that it was). The decor and ambiance of Stateside are romantic and cozy, if you get a table in the back and away from the bar. It's a small, dimly-lit space and the bar is usually packed. There are two high top tables abutting the bar. This means that if you are at one of those tables, people waiting for their tables are very, very close to you while you try to enjoy your meal. I recommend that you ask for a low-top table in the back when you make your reservation. To start, we split the cheese plate, which was good, but when served (not by our server), did not have much accompanying explanation as to which cheese was which and what accompaniment it went with. For our entrees, I got the gnocchi, my sister got the Petite Filet. The food took a long time to get to us (as my sister ordered her steak medium well). She loved her steak, and it was well cooked. I got the gnocchi. The flavor was very good, but it was SEVERELY under-cooked. I would have sent it back, if I wasn't starving. I forced myself to eat the sticky gnocchi (at least it tasted decent), but was very disappointed by this serious misstep. The cocktails and wine list still provide an excellent selection. I had the Jack Rose, an Applejack, Lime, and House Grenadine cocktail, served chilled and up. I really enjoyed the sweetness contrasted with Jack Rose. My sister enjoyed her glass of wine. Our main server was wonderful. I overheard that she was formerly of Le Bec Fin, so no big surprise.

    (2)
  • Gauri G.

    The food was great- liked the lobster angnilotti and the tuna tartar. The shrimp sausage that came with the bass entree was amazing. The gnocchi was good too. Best part of the night was eating at the bar and chatting with the bartender Mike- the restaurant gets five stars just for him. He knew how to keep my picky bourbon obsessed boyfriend happy on his boyfriend and was knowledgeable about the food and drinks that were served at the restaurant. Would go back again and again and again just because of the experience he created.

    (5)
  • Jody P.

    Creative tapas perfect for sharing with a group. I would recommend ordering two per person, or three if you're hungry. Every dish was good, but the lamb deserves a special shout out for those that love rich flavors, and the pallet cleanser was a pretzel bite with one of the top 3 mustards of all time. The bar has large windows so that you can sit outside if it's warm. I loved our waitress! She seemed like she was having a great time waiting on us, and she was absolutely on point for delivering and taking away dishes and drinks. She showed up exactly when we wanted to see her, and made us laugh over the loud Saturday night buzz.

    (5)
  • Sharon S.

    Friendly staff who enjoy their menu and patrons! Looking for a fun, local Philadelphia experience we looked to Phillymag.com for the top 50 and found Stateside #1 -- so yeah, that was 2013 but we decided it sounded great and the Yelp reviews were good -- We called from the inbound train and ask for an outside table and directions via public transport - in spite of being cut off in a tunnel, the staff was friendly and helpful. We started out with Moscow Mules and an artisan cheese board. Both excellent. So nice to get local cheeses!! The table next to us said we had to try the Whiskey Sour - it was so good he swore to pay our round if we didn't agree-- too bad he left before we got to round #2-- but he knew his stuff and it was an amazing drink. We also shared a green salad, the heirloom tomato salad (fab!), scallops (good but poor value for the $$), and the filet. It was all very tasty and well presented. The Passyunk area is really diverse- there were old men in the square playing cards and lots of younger people at the restaurants and bars. A great way to spend our one free night in the city!

    (5)
  • D S.

    How to create the perfect uninspired storm. 1. Seat your guest 35 minutes late. 2. Find a way to fail at every dish you could serve your guest. 3. It's important that the first dish you bring is some sort of seafood, make sure that not only the taste and smell are off but that it's presented in a garbage like arrangement. 4. Make sure your wait staff has the ability to tell you that what you think is wrong is actually your unrefined taste. 5. When serving food in tapas style it's important that each dish stands out on its own. Try not seasoning your short ribs, maybe replacing your broccoli dish with three day old Chinese food or bath your crispy fish fillet in olive oil until the skin slides off. 6. Don't forget to serve cheap wine at high prices and for god sakes he's a mixologist not a bar tender. 7. If done just right you'll have excelled at creating a dining experience so bad that months later it's still remembered as the worst expensive meal your customers ever had.

    (1)
  • Miriam B.

    Very disappointing. Had to put down a 50.00 hold for a reservation. Only to have the hostess call my cell after we left to say we were no shows. Mixed drink was awful.

    (1)
  • AJ J.

    The cocktails are superb but the food was a little lacking. Service was average, nothing special but not bad by any account. Certain dishes lacked seasoning which I think was my major issue with the food. The drinks made up for the mediocre dishes!

    (4)
  • Joseph C.

    You're paying for Georgia but getting Delaware. We ordered drinks before the meal. for $8.50, I expected my average beer to be served in a standard pint glass, not a glorified shot glass. The food is very good, but unless there's a famine going on, there's no reason for a $17 scallop dinner to be served with just 2 scallops and some edible decor. The $15 beef plate was served with a side of bok choy - a single leaf of bok choy. But hey, what do I know. By the time we finished our meals, the place was packed. Our table was a hot commodity and people were staring us down. No plans to return.

    (2)
  • Caroline L.

    Wow. I went to Stateside on a Monday, having forgot most restaurants on Passyunk are closed. We were entertaining an out-of-town guest and wanted to show off South Philly. We decided to try out Stateside, initially because it was open and also their invited open air space looked inviting. Stateside looked like a gastropub, but I had no idea that the Stateside was worlds apart from a gastropub. Instead, I was delighted by the menu of interesting tapas, good beer selection, and novel cocktails. Our table of 3 selected 6 plates and 1 dessert and shared them. I loved every dish especially the salmon tartare. The service was excellent and the server brought us a complimentary amuse and small dessert. The restaurant had the right mix of casual atmosphere and original, upscale food. And the price! With the happy hour specials and complimentary tastes, the bill was unbelievably low. Granted, we weren't drinking, but still the check amounted to under $20 per person. That was what earned Stateside the extra star. In sum, Stateside is a revelation. With only one visit, I knew this had become among my top choice of South Philly restaurants. And our out-of-town visitor was amazed. Stateside made us look good and proved that South Philly is a "go-to" destination.

    (5)
  • Rachel G.

    Best happy hour in South Philly! 1/2 off drafts, $1 oysters, and $5 wines from 5-7pm. They also have fantastic, inventive cocktails. The staff is amazingly kind and attentive. Our friends consider this place our "Cheers".

    (5)
  • Matt R.

    Still haven't tried the food but have been twice for drinks/beers. Their draft list is always unique and offers a nice variety. Cocktails were big and delicious. The bar is pretty small, but offers lost of seating.

    (4)
  • Terry B.

    Hometown bar feel without the bad bar food! This tiny gem is one of those places you'll always go back to. Inventive and classic cocktails and great small plates (no wings or poppers!) All the dishes are thoughtful, unique and flavorful, whether you're at a table or bellied up to the stone bar. I'd love to see the wine list expanded beyond the "one of each flavor " range. Service was stellar, though, and that makes up for a lot.

    (4)
  • Barbara B.

    IAte dinner at Stateside tonight as part of Passyunk Avenue Restaurant week. It was utterly incredible. First of all, the restaurant is small, which keeps the sound level low and the bustle under control. My friend and I had a three course meal, but we were allowed to talk and linger and spent two hours eating our dinner. The restaurant is quite dark, and the presentations of the food are quite unusual, so you really have to focus on the tastes in each dish. What they do with vegetables is amazing. The flavors are intense....and the combinations unusual....bringing out unusual flavor accents. The selection of bourbon is incredible. I had a bourbon pairing with each course and was astounded by the difference in taste, smell, and smoothness of each drink. I think this is a restaurant that requires food sophistication. The servings are small, and require attention to appreciate the presentation and taste of each element. It was a wonderful experience and I definitely want to go back many times!

    (5)
  • Simon Y.

    On Oscars Sunday Night, 6 of my friends and I decided to dine at Stateside for East Passyunk Restaurant Week. Except for one person, we had never dined at Stateside before, but the Yelp reviews and the online menu looked promising; therefore, we decided to give it a shot. Upon arrival, the friendly wait staff informed us that our table is ready and seated us immediately. Perusing the cocktail menu, we opted for an assortment of different aperitifs while waiting for the wait staff to take our dining choice orders. Because it was Restaurant Week, the menu was prix fix consisting of an appetizer, a main course and a dessert. After we placed our order, we were puzzled that we each had a bread plate as a part of our table setting, yet we were never offered any bread. We assumed it was an oversight and continued to enjoy our well-made cocktails. Shortly, the appetizers arrived and we began our dining experience in earnest. Three members of our party ordered the shrimp choke flower soup and commented that bread would be a nice accompaniment; therefore, I finally asked for what we assumed was the overlooked bread and received a paltry six inches thinly sliced baguette. The appetizers were an appropriate portion, but it was the measly portion of the octopus cassoulet main course ( one half of a tentacle and beans) that began my dissatisfaction with the meal. I admittedly didn't have the octopus, I opted for the pork tenderloin, which despite being served on the rare side, was tough and chewy. It was on the smaller side of dinner portions, but a lot more acceptable than the octopus. Needless to say, three members of our party left the restaurant hungry, and four could have enjoyed a little more food, especially when each is paying $66:00 for dinner in South Philadelphia. A dining experience should never include the statement "perhaps a stopover at a fast food restaurant is a good choice before returning home and watching The Oscars." I am all about the fine dining experience, but I definitely can't say this was a satisfactory dinner, not when half the party returns home hungry. To add insult to the whole thing, remember the paltry six inches of thinly sliced bread? There was an up charge of $2:00 on the total bill. I imagine we would have been hungrier had I not asked for the assumed forgotten loaf.

    (2)
  • Michael H.

    Fantastic night with dad and dad-in-law. I highly recommend a flight of whiskeys for tasting. The bartenders were fun and knowledgeable, but I'd have to say the pork belly dish stole the night! Fantastic and perfect to pair with endless libations!

    (5)
  • Michele R.

    Service just lovely Pretty much small plates Very tasty Good bar Only American booze Would go back

    (4)
  • Devin A.

    The largest tapas I think I've ever eaten. What a treat it was to share with friends and try the unique variety they offer here. We got the duck, salad, tuna, funnel cake, carrot pie, soup, New York strip, octopus and scallops. Each dish was crafted and sourced in the United States, hence the name. What an exquisite place!

    (5)
  • Amanda C.

    Stateside really fills a void in South Philly food, upscale american fare in the land of mexican and italian restaurants? Who knew. Buck a shuck happy hour oyster, a cheap cheese plate, and a great duck terrine. I was impressed with the beer list and the fact you can get a beer for $2-$4 dollars during happy hour. Best Happy Hour on Passyunk, it goes from 5-7pm.

    (4)
  • Liz C.

    Stateside was a disappointment. We started with the cheese plate, which is a total rip-off. For $20 you get 4 tiny pieces of cheese, a few walnuts (seriously like 3), a smear of jam, and a few pieces of bread. I spent $25 on cheese at DiBruno earlier in the day and got about 10 times more cheese, and DiBruno is overpriced as it is. We each had a 'small plate' and an entree. The best small plates were the mushroom tagliatelle, which I got, and the cauliflower. Both were tasty. One of my friends had the 'scallop' (he was concerned that the menu said 'scallop' and not scallops' and he was right) - it was basically one scallop cut up into little pieces and mixed with other stuff. My fiance had the beets & venison, which was okay. For dinner I had the soft shell crab, which was tasty, but I've had better at both Fare & Dmitri's. My fiance had the duck, which was good but small. Someone else had some kind of meat, I forget which one, and he said he could barely cut through it. We all left hungry, after spending $130 a couple. My fiance came home and had a taco. The wine was fine, but nothing to write home about, especially for $10-14 a glass. The service was slow, and it was a Tuesday night, not overly busy. Certainly not the #1 restaurant in Philly.

    (3)
  • Perry H.

    Still my favorite place in town after another stellar meal. I had to try the new fall menu and it didn't disappoint. The only drawback the entire meal was the huge windows were open the entire time - it was super chilly and from me, that's saying something. The food, however, was flawless with the parsnip soup with vanilla poached lobster being the highlight along with the chef's board. I could have eaten my weight in chicken liver mousse...so romantic...I know... The duck sausage with sweet potato puree was also outstanding. Honestly, everything was great down to the pickled carrots and the beer. The service was also good and attentive; I'm not sure what people are fussing about, if you want to have a conversation with someone, go to a coffee shop...

    (5)
  • Abby W.

    I am both updating and downgrading my original rating based on my inability to have another meal here! Chef Sabatino was most accommodating to my food allergies on our first visit and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. A few weeks later, on a whim, we decided to walk over to Stateside to have a drink and see if we could have a bite as well. I realized on our way over that the odds of me getting food were slim since we hadn't provided notice, but I figured nothing ventured nothing gained. As I had feared, the menu was off-limits for me that night but the host said Chef Sabatino would help me out if I gave him advance notice in the future like I had before. We stayed for a drink and decided that night that we would attempt to dine there again on the following Sunday, so I promptly emailed the chef accordingly. No response. On the day of I tried again, and still no response. A week or two later, still craving the grilled shrimp and thinking perhaps the chef went on vacation, I tried emailing again. Still, no reply. Maybe I should call, but now I'm feeling like that desperate girl that the guy doesn't want to date anymore. Email worked before, why should a change in communication medium be necessary? To this day I haven't heard back from Chef Sabatino since the original email exchange before our first meal. I am saddened to say that this is no longer a place I would recommend to a food-allergy-sufferer, and it's a real bummer because their food and drinks were really fantastic on the one occasion I was privileged enough to enjoy them.

    (3)
  • Ben P.

    I gave Stateside 5 stars the first time, digging their creative menu and attentive, well-trained service. This experience couldn't have been more opposite. Service was, quite simply, a disaster. From the manager who forgot that we were waiting in their outside bar area, walked past us and took another group to the table for which we were waiting, to the 3 staff members who made eye contact with and then ignored me while I was waiting to speak to Mr. Forgetful, to the clueless and awkward server who was coursing a small-plates meal like it was the last supper to the interminably slow bartender....just a disaster. Their menu has totally shifted towards the boring and clearly there is less attention to detail in the kitchen. Plates and drinks were auctioned at the table. In general, staff are unsmiling, unfriendly and unwelcoming. But with a manager who can't properly seat a restaurant (the whole dining room flipped at the same time twice), I can imagine that the servers are miserable and the kitchen gets weeded. But their problems are their problems and I'm going to avoid them.

    (1)
  • Steven B.

    So I'm wandering Passyunk Ave checking out the scene and I pop into Stateside. I did what one of the servers called the "Stateside Double Take." I thought I'd been caught in one of those Star Trek transporter beams and zapped over to Rittenhouse Square! This place doesn't look like it belongs on Passyunk Ave. It's a tiny, beautifully appointed contemporary space. It's immediately apparent that you won't be ordering a cheese steak wit. I stopped by just to have a drink as I was heading for another event. As I sipped on premium vodka from California I perused the menus. It was clear that this place focuses on small plates. The choices looked delicious and the friendly bartender answered all my questions. I had and opportunity to see some of the food served to other patrons and it was beautifully plated. My limited visit for just a drink was a pleasure. I've bookmarked this place and plan to bring the lovely wife for what I expect will be a memorable dinner.

    (4)
  • Lilli C.

    Great food and great service. Came in for dinner on a Saturday at around 7pm. The place was pretty empty so we got seated pretty quickly. They also have outdoor tables and an outdoor walk-up bar. For drinks, I had a moscow mule which was pretty refreshing although it seemed to have a bit too much ginger beer. I also had the chilled yogurt-cucumber soup with crab which was really good except for the fact that it had little clear jello pieces in it. I'm not sure what the point of that was as it didn't add anything, nor did it have a taste. I also had the pork belly with a cabbage slaw which was amazing as was the beef tartar with a quail egg, which came with a crispy, buttery, baguette slices. For dessert I had the vanilla spiced doughnut with a blueberry jam filling which was really great. I tried my friend's chocolate sout pannna cotta which was good too- tasted like chocolate milk. It actually looked like chocolate milk as it came in a short glass and had a foamy top. The description also said peanut butter caramel, but I didn't taste any of that. I will definitely be back to try their other tapas items and to try their great selection of whiskey.

    (4)
  • Nancy L.

    Stateside is a solid choice but didn't live up to my expectations for a number one restaurant, as Philly mag states. (I'd give that honor to Marigold Kitchen with Zahav being a close second.) The food was very good, but nothing was outstanding or a new experience. The venison carpaccio was notable and the rabbit risotto was tasty. I'd say the stars of the night were remarkably fresh east coast oysters and the mint julep. Overall the service was okay but our waitress seemed absentminded and occasionally brought us wrong dishes/drinks.

    (4)
  • Nate E.

    This was the worst meal I've had in Philadelphia for the price point. To start things off, they cut all cold items from their menu "because it was a slow day." The waitress didn't know, and couldn't make a suggestion regarding, two of the wines from the relatively limited list of wines by the glass- the Cab Franc I ordered was not good (particularly at the price). The kitchen forgot one of the vegetable items (kimchi) from a plate of three hot vegetables. When I asked about it, they said they forgot, didn't offer to take it off the bill, brought a side of cold kimchi that had clearly been taken out of a jar in the refrigerator, acted like that was how it would have been served (despite saying cold dishes were off the menu), and acted surprised when I told them it was a terrible dish at the end of the meal. "Charred grapes" accompanying the foie gras (a concept that sounded great) were warm but showed zero visible sign of heat- if they think that was charred... The place was virtually empty and I assume that's because the city realizes that it does not deserve even close to the #1 Philly Mag ranking or a corresponding price point. This meal would have been disappointing, but not infuriating, at half the cost. I hope the next time restaurant rating groups (e.g. Philly Mag) decide to shake up their rankings, they take into consideration whether the presently successful chef has been around long enough to develop a strong staff that could replace him. George Sabatino did not develop Elijah Mulligan or any other successor during his one year at Stateside, and the ranking left when he did. This should not be a Top 50 restaurant in Philly.

    (1)
  • Brad P.

    Hot buttered rye - Butter improves everything. Don't believe me? Next time you hear a crazy crying baby in an airplane, rub some warm butter on its big crying face. The baby will instantly shut up and you will be a hero. Bam - Baby improved by butter. In a similar manner, rye is also improved by butter. What would otherwise be a downright fetid spirit is transformed by skillful preparation, heat, and butter. This drink is fucking delicious. It is perfect for a cold, rainy evening. Stateside is now my favorite restaurant on Passyunk. It took me one visit and nothing has impressed me more in this area. Usually I associate Passyunk with miserable parking and people begging me to take them for a cheese steak. Now, I will associate it only with Stateside. At first glance, you may think that Stateside is trying to be the next Village Whiskey. They've got old-timey type on their menu, rye, and a tantalizing choice of pickles as appetizers. However, that is where the similarities end. Stateside has its own well-defined identity and I applaud their creativity. Here are a few of the other things I've managed to consume: Sunchoke and leek soup - Very good. This is thick and hearty with nice chunks of lobster in it. salt roasted beets - excellent. maple glazed pork belly - This is excellent and it comes with a side of fried grits that perfectly complements the dish. I'm serious about pork belly in Philly and this has got to be amongst the best. Shaved Vegetable Salad - This has toasted chickpeas in it, which is pretty cool. This is a good dish, although it did not impress me as the others. As far as dessert goes, there is a caveat - these things are tiny as hell. If you're going to do dessert here, get a dessert per person. Even though they are small, they pack a great, big punch. Smoked Chocolate Tart - Awesome. It is like Bruce Lee was resurrected by a mad necromancer at his full strength and he kicked you in the mouth with a foot made of s'more. Ice Cream Sandwich - Awesome. This dessert is painfully unique. I've made this review too long already to go into it. Just get it. on the action-movie-parallel-satisfaction-scale, Stateside is Shoot 'Em Up but Clive Owen has been replaced by a CG The Predator, who is on fire throughout the entire film.

    (5)
  • Andrew K.

    Very cool place, good location, and contrary to some of the other reviews, very good service. we started off with the chef's board and steak tartare app, as recommended by our server. both were very good. we then tried the scallops, beef cheek, and sausage. i particularly enjoyed the beef cheek. cocktail menu was extensive. if you plan on drinking, it can get expensive as most cocktails are about $10. all in all a great time and i look forward to returning.

    (5)
  • Jonny R.

    Probably the best gastropub in town, to be honest. It is thrilling to be here. I loved every moment of my meal here. And the mint chocolate dessert? Incredibly, and intimately, delicious.

    (5)
  • Bora M.

    Interesting place, great location, loved their drinks and food but service leaves a lot to be desired especially last Monday (October 8th). Girl that was working behind the bar during happy hour was hands down the rudest / passive aggressive bartender I've ever encountered in Philly. My girlfriend and I left agreeing never to come back again.We both understand that mistakes in service happen on busy nights but our bartender was just intentionally rude and it wasn't even busy.

    (2)
  • Vinny P.

    Judging by the amount of people dining at Stateside on a Wednesday evening, people already know that the food is awesome. With that in mind, I'll just relay my experience. I popped in here to meet up with a friend after taking a run. Fortunately she arrived slightly earlier than me and snagged the last available table in the corner. The bar seats and all the tables were full. Being this was my first time at this restaurant, I was a little shocked at how many people were there. We started with the cheese plate which had three types on it. One was exotic, one was a little adventurous and one was an aged cheddar. The presentation was beautiful and the selections really opened us up for the remaining food. The pickled carrots with ginger and cumin were a fun pick because well, I don't order them much and I felt like some funky flavors. The salt roasted beets, also with lovely presentation were cooked to perfection. The real star of the show was the maple glazed pork belly. It was in a bowl with some cider and beautifully cheese grits. I mean, holy hell did it rock my world. Service was excellent and the design of this place is fun. Lots of raw but well seated details and shiny surfaces. It was a touch loud due to the open ceiling but that seems to be a restaurant trend. It's definitely worth coming back here I just need to figure out when it's not packed.

    (4)
  • Tim H.

    I really like the food and drinks, but I wasn't as big a fan of the actual space. Kind of small and restricting but I guess for some people that's their thing.

    (3)
  • Michelle C.

    Normally, cocktails and dessert wouldn't bring me to five-star territory, or even review territory, but my experience at Stateside tonight was just that good. We nabbed two seats at the bar before the restaurant got crowded. Over the next couple hours, free seats were sparse, and people came and went when there was nothing available, with a few that got lucky at the right time. As we watched the bartender (Jen) whisk drinks together, the smells were simply intoxicating. The Hot Butter Rye was too aromatic to pass up, so the boyfriend went for it. Literally made with butter, brown sugar, rye, whipped cream and other delicious ingredients, I stole sips whenever possible, praying the calories per sip weren't too horrendous. Meanwhile, my Gasparilla was like a wintry version of a rum-infused creamsicle. Delicious. We also tried the smoked chocolate ganache dessert, topped with sea salt and served over creamy marshmallow and graham crackers. The warm sugared doughnut with maple bacon syrup was equally fantastic. La Colombe coffee is served at Stateside. We couldn't bring ourselves to call it quits, so we went for one more round. Clover Clubs had just the right bite of gin but enough other flavors to round out the sharpness. Drinks are very reasonably priced, and I'd even go so far to say one of the best deals on quality cocktails in the city. And with pleasant, smart service like Jen's, a trip to Stateside's bar will be a no-brainer in the future. My only regret? Calling it a night and asking for our check moments before David Ansill sat down next to us. Surely that would have made the evening even more interesting.

    (5)
  • Colleen S.

    Basically, I felt like I was Gail Simmons on Top Chef (not Padma, cause, you know, who feels like they could be Padma?) Went to Stateside this weekend with some friends who were in from out of town. The ambiance was great - pretty casual, but still upscale feeling. The food was absolutely terrific. The portions were very small, but the flavors were the kind of thing you could never get out of your own kitchen. I could have eaten 100 of the chestnut gnocchi. Had foie gras for the first time. It was served with monkey bread of all things, and some roasted grapes. Somehow it came together beautifully. The brassicas (brussels sprouts, broccolini) were fantastic. My first raw scallop. Delish. Oh, and don't skip dessert. This was the kind of place that makes you realize what the difference is between a good cook and a real chef. An eating experience that you pay for.

    (4)
  • Monica L.

    What catches people's eye as they pass by Stateside is the unique outdoor seating that faces the bar. Their happy hour is really great for beer lovers (half off drafts) which we indulged in. The bartenders were really attentive and explained their selection well. Apparently, they have some of the best whiskeys in the country. The decor was awesome with hanging caged single light bulbs and a stone bar. We all agreed to come back to try their small plates sometime soon!

    (4)
  • Theresa A.

    Stateside is in our hood, so we have desperately tried to like it. Unfortunately, three strikes and you're out. First of all, anyone who lives in, near, works around, or has been to South Philly knows that it is a true neighborhood. Especially the Passyunk Square area. This is not center city with parking garages full of NJ license plate vehicles looking for "trendy/clublike/hip/flashy" restaurants. It is a community--when you live in the area you can't walk out your front door without seeing someone you recognize. With that said, Stateside--the owners, servers, BARTENDERS, etc.--need to take a lesson in how to treat their customers, aka their neighbors. The first time I went here was for happy hour with two girlfriends. The restaurant had just opened and we wanted to give it a try. The three of us arrived at separate times and each met up with the other at the bar. The restaurant itself was empty (tables) but the bar was filling up. In total I would say there were 20 people in the bar. It's a small area so it felt "full". The big deal was trying to get the attention of the "MIXOLOGIST" in order to get a glass of wine. At most any bar I have been to in my life, the bartender is able to multitask, i.e. mix one drink and at least looks up at/acknowledge other patrons. The bartender was standing in front of us, shaking the drink of the person next to us. I asked if I might have a glass of the house white when they got a chance. The response was a dirty look and "I'm in the middle of something". Very strange behavior if you ask me. The girl never returned to take my order. I then went to the other side of the bar where a man was working. I asked if we could get some drinks. He said in a moment. I went back to my seat. We sat AT the bar for over 15 minutes and counting before we could get served. I asked the hostess if we could sit at a table to get a server to wait on us and she said only if we ordered food and that they could not honor the happy hour specials. Oy. My other girlfriend was successful in getting the girls' attention and this time ordered 2 glasses of wine and a beer. They moved at a snails pace and there was not a smile, a "thank you", or any feeling of comfort or welcome to be found. We paid for those drinks and then left. The second time we were there was for drinks with friends yet again. They were already there or I might have warned otherwise. We decided we wanted specialty cocktails. We asked if we could see the menu and if they had any suggestions. He said "they're all good". Great salesman! Anyway, we ordered our drinks which were weak, small portioned, and certainly not worth $10+. We left still unimpressed. This last time however I said let's try the food and go on a true "date" here. We went on a Wednesday night just the two of us. They sat us in a table in the middle next to a slightly older couple who were against the wall. I felt bad for them instantly because it was obvious it was way too dark in there for them to read the menu and the printing was very small. We offered the flashlight on our phone and they were appreciative. When our server came to the table we each began to order a specialty cocktail. When he ordered his she told us they couldn't make that. He picked an alternative and she said they couldn't make that either. He settled on something else quickly and regretted it the minute it showed up with an egg on top--he must have missed that in the pressure to reselect. I suppose it would have been nice to have been offered a suggested alternative. A total waste of $10+. When we told her we didn't realize it had an egg on it she said "it says it in the menu". I made the mistake of asking about one of the drinks ingredients: Rhuby. She said "it's the liquor..you know from Art in the Age". Unfortunately, typing this response does not dictate the tone she said this in, which was one that insinuated I was offending her by asking this. Regardless of the fact that I am familiar with the shop in old city "Art in the Age" which sells specialty liquors such as "Root" (root beer) and "Snap" (ginger snap), I was NOT AWARE that there was a "Rhuby" (rhubarb) one. Thanks for making me feel stupid and for not offering up any further explanation whatsoever. For food, we ordered the cucumber pickles, pan seared brussel sprouts, duck and roasted garlic sausage, and the chicken breast. The cucumbers were our least favorite dish...too much of this and not enough of that. They just weren't good. The brussel sprouts were almost inedible because they were swimming in a pool of butter. The sausage was good, but it needed more seasoning. The chicken was the best part of the meal but it was a small portion which left a lot to be desired for $21. All in all this is a shame. The staff could make you feel like you want to come back but instead they make you feel like you can't wait to leave. Sorry, Stateside, but your neighbors are not impressed.

    (1)
  • Jessica W.

    I was very impressed with Stateside! We started off strong with 8 oysters in a delicious pomegranate mingnionette (during happy hour they're only $1 each!!!) and the pickled cucumbers & celery root. We then had the foie gras and butternut squash mousse, which was truly outstanding. The housemade goat cheese could have used a touch of salt and the brussel sprouts were good, but not particularly exciting (I still maintain that Sampan has the best brussels in the city). We also got the vegetable salad and beef cheek--both of which were very good. The only big disappointment of the night was the donut for dessert. It could have been greatly improved with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and the candied bacon felt very gimmick-y. Overall, we will certainly be back. Happy hour is a great deal with half-priced drafts and $1 oysters. It's a cozy, intimiate environment and a great addition to the Passyunk neighborhood!

    (4)
  • Nancy C.

    Grew up in that area. Glad to hear of all great restaurants up Passyunk Avenue and stateside being number one. We ran. Ok small plate place = small plates of okay food for same price as regular size meals at other great restaurants. Oysters were delicious yet ate one that had off smell and taste and I couldnt eat anymore oysters. Just mentioned it to waitress got a blank stare. Drinks were fun to try since they were olden day drinks that you only hear about. But would have enjoyed having full happy tummy for $ we spent from the NUMBER 1best of phila.

    (2)
  • Lauren B.

    This is a solid 3.5 star review- I rounded up. Went here last night (a Thursday) and required reservations. The Best of Philly thing has really made it tricky to just swing by this neighborhood spot. The drink menu has changed from what is online. So my friend and I were upset we couldn't order the "Gangsta's Pearadise" a concoction of champagne, pear vodka and pear puree...sounds good right? We were super bummed. Ah well. Red wine always fits the bill. We go to order the first round of small plates and are told we have to order everything in one shot. No biggie. The menu is on the smaller side, with a few vegetarian options for my friend. We decided to get cauliflower and pickled veggies to start and then I would get the rib eye and she was getting the tagliatelle with mushrooms. My favorite thing was the cauliflower. The rib eye was cooked perfectly, but I wasn't super over the moon about it. My friend loved her pasta, and I think I'll order that next time. For dessert we ordered the carrot cake with blue cheese frosting. The cake itself was really good, however the blue cheese frosting overwhelmed the cake so we just ate around it. I understood what they were going for, but the cheese was a little too potent. The prices of this place are fairly reasonable for the amount of food you get, just don't expect to scoot out of here without dropping $80 for 2 people.

    (4)
  • courtney blue d.

    great place. I really think it's a great place. because it's great. AND it's a place.

    (5)
  • Diem L.

    I was here for Valentines and opted to have their Valentine Tasting Menu which was delicious! We started off with oysters with pomegranate & horseradish foam - simply divine, followed by Beef shortrib & seared scallop - the shortribs were so tender, and then 2 very rich dessert dishes: Rose variations & Black Forest Cake. Last but not least they had homemade salted caramel. I couldn't have asked for a better meal. The one issue I did have was, we were originally seated right in front of the door. As it is February and Valentines, my friend and I had dressed up and did not want to sit bundled up - especially when we took the pain to get dressy. When we requested to have our seat moved, the hostess moved us one table back - still directly in line with the door. Once we voiced our concern, they finally moved us to the back corner. the place was not packed at that point yet so it wouldn't have been an issue to move us at our first request. Nevertheless, after the mishap everything else went smoothly.

    (4)
  • Christine B.

    Made it here on a Friday night with a pretty late reservation. This was during the final weeks of George Sabatino's reign. First, there was a delay in getting seated and the manager said we could get a drink on the house, but that didn't happen. I did have a mint julep was tasty. It was a Friday during Lent, so I was limited to the vegetarian/fish options. We shared the vegetarian board which was actually really good, and a nice start. There was some cheese, some pickled vegetables, and some other vegetable options. It was on the smaller size but there was enough for our group of 4. As far as the other dishes, we ordered many. The scallops were really nice. I loved the brussel sprouts. Others had great things to say about the pork belly and the short rib. I believe the menu has changed, and I'm glad I had the chance to check it out.

    (4)
  • Michael T.

    I often only write reviews when I feel like a place is amazing (or horrible), but I felt like Stateside was only mediocre. My spouse and I recently went there for a dinner date with a friend and her fiancee and weren't thrilled with the experience. First, the food was delicious. A small, great menu that definitely satisfied -- we ordered a selection of plates and the chef's board, which wasn't quite enough to share between all of us. Regardless, we enjoyed everything we tasted. We didn't stay for dessert, but the selection of after dinner treats and drinks looked like a great topper to the meal. Our issue was with the service. Stateside was very well-staffed for only having a dozen tables and a small bar. We arrived shortly after our friends, who had already been seated. We took our seats and looked through the drink menu -- when our server arrived, she dropped off their drinks and immediately walked away. No greeting, no drink orders. The bar was nearly empty, and there were only two other tables seated at the time. It took another ten minutes to come back and take our drink order -- another long wait for our drinks. Finally, we ordered our dinner with the chef's board to share. They brought out our plates at odd times. We received a lone cold dish and waited twenty more minutes before our hot dishes came out. This seemed a little strange to us, since we didn't want to stagger our eating. We tried to order more drinks, but our server never bothered to ask when we had empty glasses. We've been to small plate and tapas restaurants before -- Stateside just felt like a let-down because of the service. Would we go back? Likely not, with the number of other, similar restaurants in the city.

    (3)
  • Brian M.

    This place is exactly what it should be. Went there on a Sunday night after a Philly Beer Week event so the place was pretty packed, put my name in for a table then walked down East Passyunk while we waited. The hostess said it'd be about 45 minutes, but when I came back around that time she very apologetically said that no tables had freed up. Got a table about 15 minutes later which wasn't a huge issue, but regardless they comped us our first round of drinks for the inconvenience. Great service extended through dinner as well. The food was approachable, yet exciting. Bone marrow & truffle sausage was delicate and accented nicely by the sunchoke pickle. I don't know what a sunchoke is, but it was damn good. Maple glazed pork belly was similarly well done, with the strong maple flavor somehow not being overpowered by the citrus from the apple and vice versa. Tried some scallops and whipped goat cheese as well, both were excellent. Just had one beer but the list was extensive enough for most.

    (5)
  • Neil K.

    Degidio's turn at the helm is fantastic. I really loved the chicken mousse with the dulce de leche. It was so unusual and yet delicious. Isn't that why we all are foodies? To be surprised yet explore new tastes. It is rare that a chef can take you there. I loved the deserts and the Monkey Bread was a must try!

    (5)
  • Stephen B.

    We had appetizers which were very good. The Steak Tartar was a 3.8 out of 5. Tough to get Tartar (much like Bloody Mary's) to be excellent in my book. The staff was terrific. The dining area and bar were rather cold on the wintery day we visited. But the real BEEF I have is a $7.00 up-charge for a $11.00 cocktail, so a Manhattan cost $18.00!!. Who charges that? Not even the bar at the Ritz. And know that this upcharge was not for some precious liqueur! But Rittenhouse Rye. A Rye that retails for $21.99 at most retailers. Just a few dollars more then Jim Beam sells for!! So, in addition to being unbelievably offensive to be gouged to such an extreme. It makes one wonder where else this establishment is gouging their customers.

    (1)
  • Jeff H.

    The food is delicious, and it's all tapas and small plates. I knew that going in but I was surprised at exactly how small a small plate is here. We ordered their Chef's Board and I was very let down with what we received for $25. Very very impressive bourbon list. We had a 5 o'clock reservation and when we walk in at 4:55 they tell us that they weren't open yet and to come back in a few minutes. Mind you it's 35 degrees outside and my fiance has a cold. Then when we do get back in there drink service is a crawl. Slow service and not a good start. Glad I tried it but I won't be back.

    (2)
  • Michael P.

    I'm not sure what to make of Stateside. I'm not sure if it's the small, slightly awkward space with the bar seating facing the windows. That actually has a bit of a charm to it, enabling people watching on the avenue. The menu is ambitious, with prices to match, and maybe it's just the escalation of the neighbourhood, but it feels pricier than it is. It's almost like someone transplanted a Rittenhouse or Washington West gastropub into affordable, down to earth Passyunk. It seems like they've realised their beer prices were on the high side, as since my visit their menu seems to have adjusted anything that would be a dollar more than at neighboring bars. Their exclusively American whiskey list on the other hand is more reasonable then center city peers but still shockingly expensive at the low end ($9 for a shot of Jack Daniels?), while their cocktail list thankfully doesn't break the $10 barrier. For food, we split a cheese plate with the 3 daily options, all delicious and well paired, but as is par for the course there were too few slices of bread to go around, resulting in some dagwoodesque piling of the remaining cheese on the last slices. A housemade duck sausage hit the spot, despite being somewhat underspiced. I am looking forward to getting back there in the spring, when the windows open to the avenue and the street is alive with people exploring one of this city's best neighborhoods, as it continues to grow, with new options like Stateside.

    (4)
  • Ravi A.

    The specialty cocktails were terrific and so was the food. Definitely going back.

    (5)
  • Melanie S.

    This was one of the worst dining experiences I've had in a while. To start, it took the bartender 10 minutes to take our drink order (there were maybe 5 other people in the entire restaurant). From there, we sat for about 15 additional minutes before he was able to make time to take our dinner order. Mind you, it was 5 PM, on a Sunday. He was probably one of the worst bartenders I've ever had, in terms of personality, friendliness, and tentativeness. I asked which oysters were smaller and more briny and he replied with "I hate oysters so I can't help you." Can't you at least make a BS answer up?? I shared oysters and lobster lettuce wraps with a friend, all were terrible and bland. The lettuce wraps were lacking flavor and thrown on a plate and mixed in a tasteless curry sauce. The oysters were probably some of the worst I've had for price. I'm really disappointed. I've been wanting to check out Stateside for quite some time. We had never wanted to get out of a restaurant so badly. This will definitely be the first and last time I'll ever dine there. What a disappointment.

    (1)
  • Sook K.

    Been dying to go here, we ordered 2 apps, 2 entrees. I liked one app and that's it. Over priced for decent food. Would not go back

    (3)
  • Cristy M.

    Beat bar stools: no back and slippery seat. An initial bummer followed by the cocky bartender with serious attitude. Another bummer. Ordered a bite and it was so, so. Didn't love it here.

    (2)
  • Carrie D.

    The what restaurant in town! Great food and service. Devin is the nicest bartender and he makes delicious drinks- the cocktails are amazing.

    (5)
  • Susan H.

    The decor and design of this restaurant is great and the inside/outside bar is very cool.The food however is unimpressive. I love the small plate concept but if you're paying $15-$20 for a small appetizer size portion it really should be stellar. The food was relatively tasteless and not particularly well-prepared. The green salad had no flavor, the flatbread had sunchokes which were woody and a strange tasting tomato-y sauce, and the lamb was chewy. The octopus with pork belly was a good dish and we had the funnel cake dessert which was good as well (but really, how hard is it to make a funnel cake). I'd go back just to sit at the bar and enjoy a drink but skip the food.

    (2)
  • David H.

    First time there. Love the place, but the small plates/big prices aspect is pretty out of whack. Honestly, we get the small plates concept--it's ok. We've been through the tapas phase, and all of it since it emerged. And I have to say, the food, the drinks, the service and the vibe were all very, very good. But we were pretty disappointed with how small the portions were--it left us feeling a bit odd and awkward about how much food to take from each other's plates---even with the ordering of 2 dishes per person, and then a couple more on top. And the prices seem high for what you get--$16 for a small sharing plate? Net net, price for 4, with drinks and 2 desserts and 2 coffees, was $252. Again, the food was very tasty. But really, when you see tiny portions on big plates, and this kind of bill, there just seems to be better value up and down the street. Stateside, if you can enlarge things just a little, you'd have our business all the time.

    (3)
  • Rob S.

    A nice atmosphere inside with the poured concrete bar and Prohibition era photos on the walls. It was a Sunday and despite the smaller space it was quiet, so it has the potential to be a nice place for a quiet, cozy and romantic meal. For drinks they have some interesting cocktails on the menu plus a good selection of draft and bottled beers. Initially I thought some of the beers were very reasonably priced until I found out that every draft pour is only a 10oz. goblet. I don't even think they have pint glasses. This is just an incorrect way to present certain beers, especially if when looking at prices you are expecting 6 more ounces of beer. I felt a bit cheated. Some of the bottles, considering you get a couple extra ounces, are more reasonably priced. After getting 10oz. draft of Sierra Nevada Celebration (6.8%) for $6, I later got a 12oz. bottle of Troegs Java stout (7.5%) for $4. That's a better deal. They focus mostly on small plates with some large plates and seafood specials, cheese/meat plates and "pickle" plates as well. Most of the plates we had were pretty good. The maple glazed pork belly was my favorite. The meat was very tender, the sauce was delicious and it was paired nicely with apple. The duck sausage was also great; the mustard and sweet potatoes paired very well with the duck. The beer braised beef cheeks were some of the most tender meat I've ever eaten though I think the sauce was less impressive. Overall, very well thought out, inspired and attractive plates. As far as gourmet tapas go, it's probably priced right. It came to about $36 or 37 per person including 1-2 drinks and tip. However, this is a little much for me, even despite the quality of the food, considering I wasn't quite full after dropping about 40 bucks... This plus the beer presentation (I care more about beer than how gourmet my meal is) is the reason for removing 1 star. Sorry, I guess I'm popping the 5 star cherry here, but i take price into account in my reviews. And for the price it's not a place I will frequent.

    (4)
  • Joan P.

    Go here for the excellent seafood. The scallops were the best I've had in a long time, and the octopus was delicious. Order from that part of the menu rather than the vegetables: the heirloom tomato salad and brassicas were nothing special. The outdoor seating is very pleasant, while inside is quite loud.

    (4)
  • Aruna A.

    So I'm a big cocktail fan, and as such, I think that over time, I've learned the difference between a good cocktail, and a poorly made one. My stomach, palate, and throat certainly can. I like the cocktails at Stateside. I've had a few, and they were all pretty good. Additionally, the space is interesting, the bar is homey and comfy, and I can't wait until they have sidewalk seating in the summer (which I'm totally just assuming they will - and they really ought to!). I am excited to go back and try their food options sometime soon! Drinks I recommend: old fashioned, clover club (though a little sweeter than I like clover clubs to be). They also had a great number of beers that I enjoy.

    (4)
  • George R.

    This is a special place with a nice vibe. Be prepared to spend a little, especially if you are hungry. Not a place for a hearty meal, but definitely a place for a tasty meal. Because it is so small, it is tough to get in at a peak time without a wait, but the nice thing is that you can leave your cell phone number and they will call you when a table is available. This means that you can take a stroll to any number of spots along the Passyunk corridor while you wait for your call. Everything I tasted was good: bone marrow sausage, pork belly, ice cream sandwich, vanilla donut (not that exciting but good), charred brocollini (wonderful), cauliflower (amazing), croquettes (very unique taste). My fiancee is a fan of Campari, and of course with the exclusive American theme, they didn't have it -- however, they had something homemade in the spirit of Campari that was delicious. It's nice that they try to accommodate unique tastes with some unique interpretations. Another quality addition to the Avenue.

    (4)
  • Meg e.

    A neighborhood favorite!! Great for all types of occasions...romantic date, dinner with friends, drinks with a girlfriend. The parsnip soup with lobster is my favorite food in the city!! Great drinks and a good vibe, which is especially fun in the summer when they open up their huge windows. Love, love, love.

    (5)
  • Sue S.

    We sat at the bar because no tables were available and it was an incredible experience. The bartender is fab and the food is a marvel. Deserves the accolades. No idea what will happen now that the original chef is gone.

    (5)
  • Abby L.

    Don't come here if you're legitimately hungry. It is advertised as a small plates restaurant and it most certainly is! The food is magnificent but will leave you wanting more, and will also leave you with a hefty bill. The place is very quaint, small and intimate. There is a great selection of cocktails and other drinks. The service was amazing. Everyone was so friendly and helpful when suggesting beer. Overall a good place, but I would say not worth the prices.

    (3)
  • Emily K.

    Opening night at Stateside was delightful. Despite an inevitable air of over-enthusiasm, jitteriness and confusion, the staff and kitchen held it together beautifully. Great job from the Green Eggs team. The space itself is lovely - 1930's americana/industrial themed, I suppose. Poured concrete bar makes for a great centerpiece, and the faux exposed bricks look stellar. View from the corner seat at the bar makes Passyunk Square seem almost epic. In the summer there will be seating at an outside bar running the length of the windows. Real game changer for the Square. In accordance with their theme, all drinks are domestic. Makes for some fun cocktail improv when you go to order a Tanqueray and Tonic. The beer list is small but perfectly crafted. It's unbelievably clear here that the chef is of the 13th Street family. My boyfriend actually said to me not knowing this: "Stateside is like the South Philly Barbuzzo!" So as you may imagine, the menu centers around a diverse array of small plates, offering something for everyone. The Foie Gras with Butternut Mousse was, for me personally, delightful. The richness of foie tempered by the sweet, delicate squash made for a decadent but not at all overwhelming treat. But at $12 for a tiny jam jar half full, it's probably not going to be a regular indulgence. A mound of Steak Tartare, though, might be. Prepared untraditionally, it touted small tender flakes of steak instead of a minced or ground paste. The outstanding texture of the beef was, unfortunately, thrown off by the misguided addition of hazelnuts - but none of that mattered when distracted by the slight crunch of truffle from the devilishly good vinaigrette. Brussel Sprouts were out-shined by their oyster mushroom neighbors, and the Skate Wing, while well cooked, was ruined by a lack of flavor and excess of chewy barley. That said, it was an overall wonderful meal in a charming space on one of my favorite corners. Not a cheap one (at $80 for 2), but a really nice ritzy one. In fact, we only left out of respect to the establishment to give others a chance to enjoy the "South Philly Barbuzzo" experience. We certainly could have sat there all night. And we probably will. Watch out, wallet. JUST AN ASIDE: Groups beware - it's cozy!

    (5)
  • Cara S.

    I follow the chef of Stateside on Instagram so I had to go and try what I've been drooling over for months!! This place was GREAT. Surprisingly, it was not crazy busy or expensive. It got a little more crowded as the night went on but my mom, sister and I were able to walk in and get a seat at 7 pm on a Friday which is impressive for how good the food is. When I looked at the menu I was tempted to question the combinations - grapes and cauliflower?? lemon rind and fried parmesan?? But after the first dish I decided I could trust the chef and enjoyed every part! My only desire would be for them to add a chocolate dessert that DOESN'T have mint and bananas....But that's kind of a personal taste! :) Definitely go here!!!

    (4)
  • Walter K.

    I'm really down with Stateside. A good happy hour is one of the quickest ways to my heart, and Stateside has one of the best. 5-7 M-F the decent beer list, which is already reasonably priced, is half off. To top it off, dollar oysters are served up by the plateful. The atmosphere here is pretty cool, they're going for the classy 1950s era where cocktails were king. The bartenders are dressed smartly, and the whole concept just seems to work. For the food, none of the small plates are large enough or tasty enough to leave a memorable impression. It's good at the time; but that's about the best I can say. I won't be back for a meal any time soon. The staff is working out some kinks to this new place, and the space is small, but I'm down. The new American tapas is an interesting concept, albeit a bit pricey. At the very least, check it out for happy hour before this place gets mobbed.

    (4)
  • Sondra C.

    I really wanted to love it. It was ... okay. Brussel sprouts and cauliflower were amazing. Pate du jour was somewhat tasteless - except for that tiny crystal of salt that made it onto the plate. No mention that it is "de campagne". Major failure. Would not have ordered it - and no, I don't feel I should have to ask. Fois gras was a half-dollar sized portion of a mousseline-like substance. $15 is outrageous for this. Tagliatelle with mushrooms and rabbit risotto were both delicious, but small portion. Smoked duck medallions were a bit dry, again, small portion. Service: waitress said the bartender could not make a pomegranate martini. Not sure why. She suggested a different drink from the menu that would be "fruity". It was made with gin. C'mon - recommending a gin drink to replace a vodka drink? We asked her if 4 appetizers and 2 entrees would be enough. She agreed. Portions are very small - even the entrees - so when the rabbit risotto came out, we ordered the tagliatelle. We were still hungry at the conclusion of the meal.

    (4)
  • Lisa C.

    Cauliflower soup and Kale salad are a must!!!! Really tasty. Bartenders were friendly and on point. The brussel sprouts were a little too salty. Mussel/clam dish was good, but wouldn't get them again for $22. Decent beer selection, cool atmosphere.

    (4)
  • Jemma C.

    Good drinks, great location, cool bar but nothing short of horrific food! Go for the drinks, linger at the bar, order oysters if you have to but avoid everything else on the menu. Food is completely in contrast to the vibe of the place with poorly thought out ingredients and recipes. Add to that it's vastly overpriced. Would love to see the menu change direction and a new chef here.

    (2)
  • chuck w.

    Went to Stateside for dinner last night and it was a comedy of errors. We sat down for dinner at 7:30. Out of only four large plate offerings they were out of one. Doesn't leave one much choice. They should have had a back up replacement for the fourth entree, if they only offer four choices. Our server was a nice enough person, but didn't have a clue when it came to food service. Served 3 of us a dozen oysters, no side plates. Bison tartare with no crostini, toast points or bread. When we asked for bread to go with our small plates, it came after we were done, took at least 15 mins. Small wine list. Asked for the pinot noir, they were out of pinot, etc, etc. We had oysters, two small plates and two large plates and it took 3 hours. Not that we were in a rush, but they were just not with it. It was very apparent to me that this restaurant is all about what is convenient for them, not customer focused. This is my second time here and same vibe. It's all about them, not the customer. There are plenty of other spots with good, plentiful food and wine, and much better service. Number 1 best of Philly restaurant. I don't think so. The experience was laughable.

    (2)
  • Adrienne C.

    Really, really good. The plates - while small - are bursting with flavor. They can also do an Old Fashioned really, really well. A couple tips: -Unless you have a reso, go early. We went at 6 p.m. on a Saturday and managed to get 2 seats at the bar. By 7 p.m., it was standing room only. -You'll prob need 2-3 plates/person in order to feel satisfied. -Must-try: rabbit risotto, brown butter tagliatelle

    (4)
  • Diana E.

    Dinner at Stateside was the highlight of a stay-cation weekend in Philadelphia and became a frequent point of conversation/recent-past reminiscing for a good 48 hours after the actual dining occurred. My date and I discussed each aspect of our meal the way I think most romantics and/or perverts look back fondly on "that one really great time". Standouts: pickled wax beans, pork belly (oh, god, that pork belly...), lobster salad and crispy cauliflower. Sure, you say, how can anyone screw up pork belly or lobster? Fair enough. Now tell me how often you see someone swoon over cauliflower and wax beans? Also, I consider myself the mayor of dirty martinis and mine was absolutely perfect. My date (who is both pickier and cuter than I) knocked off one star because they didn't change the plates and flatware between small courses. I was too busy trying to legalize pork belly marriage to take much notice.

    (4)
  • Sarah S.

    I really wanted to LOVE this place but this place just didn't live up to my expectations. My friend and I ordered the Chef's Board, Steak Tartare, Scallops, Brussel Sprouts, and Short Ribs. The New Hampshire cheese on a pear puree was my favorite on the Chef's board. The rest was not too memorable. I also really liked the brussel sprouts and scallops. These were delicious. Steak tartare was good. But, I felt that the short rib was under-seasoned. Not a bad experience but I was hoping for more.

    (3)
  • Pete W.

    Plus: Chef's board was sufficiently plentiful, diverse and delicious. The crispy pork belly lived up to its name (and its fitting appearance on Philly Mag's Top 50 Restaurants cover). Bourbon and rye were spot-on. Minus: Dark and crowded. Took a good twenty minutes til I was able to get a seat by the bar. Overall: Very good but not great experience. Not convinced of its #1 spot on Philly Mag's 50. Probably within the top ten or fifteen.

    (4)
  • erin o.

    Disappointed to have been scolded by our waitress for not informing her of my fish allergy before she delivered our gratis amuse bouche (which included crab) after the Joe and I ordered NOTHING of fish. She threatened, "We might have prepared the duck breast on the same grill with the trout!" Or something like that. Don't. Scold. Paying. Customers. It's bad enough I can't eat fish without anaphylaxis, but you didn't ask, so I didn't tell you, Food service Worker! I informed her that the Joe had, in fact, informed the person answering the phone of my allergy when he made our reservation...and...crickets... Everything else was delicious. It was a little pricier than the last half-dozen times we had enjoyed Sabatino's pickled delights and whipped meats...however, we were both pleased with our cold nectarine soup and duck breasts, respectively. I miss George's ability to make delicious food without breaking my bank. The funnel cake was awesome for a summer dessert! However, it was not, as our food service worker promised, "gourmet funnel cake". It was regular funnel cake with gourmet sauces...which were awesome.

    (3)
  • Ted L.

    Unbelievable loud. We were at a table for four and could only speak to the person directly opposite us. Diagonal conversations weren't possible. Screaming, maybe. My ears were ringing the next day and my voice was hoarse. Surly and condescending service. Frankly, I don't the guy cared at all. Food was average. Tip for business: Sound baffles! Curtains, soft panels, anything!

    (2)
  • Joan H.

    TERRIBLE. Have never had a staff be so rude to me in my life. After the rave reviews this restaurant received, my best friend thought it would be the perfect place to take me for my birthday dinner. She made reservations on Opentable.com and received a phone call to confirm our reservations. But when we got to the restaurant, the dumbfounded (and, frankly, plain ol' dumb) host could not find our reservation. We showed her both the confirmation email and the record of the confirmation call. She said she was booked with other reservations and that she didn't have room for us. We pointed out that we had a reservation and that they had lost it, which was their fault, not ours and that we shouldn't be penalized for their mistake. She then sent us to the bar to wait while she and other staff frantically conferenced about what to do. At this point, the restaurant was nearly empty, but we, a reservation-holding duo, were made to wait at the bar in case people who had later reservations actually showed up. After about 15 minutes, the host broke apart two smaller tables that had been pushed together and made two tables for two. One was against the wall and one was in the middle of the restaurant. I asked to sit in the one next to the wall and she refused, saying that they were going to squeeze three people in that table. I said she could just as easily fit three at the other table and sat down at the table against the wall. Ten minutes passed and no one came to the table, not even for water. Finally, a server came over and insisted that we have to move to the table in the middle of the restaurant because fire code wouldn't permit them to seat three at that table. Having worked in restaurants for five years, I was certain that was bullshit. I argued with him for a minute before giving up and walking out. We walked over to Noord, where they promptly and politely seated us. The meal was delicious. I highly recommend it.

    (1)
  • Jacqueline L.

    I came to Stateside on a Monday night with a college friend. I love East Passyunk and recommended this spot after reading reviews and wanting to check it out myself. The place itself is cozy and dark. Maybe a little too dark to read the menu but it fit the atmosphere of the restaurant. The food overall though was only A-OK in my opinion. Nothing truly stood out that we tried, and there were 5 of us, so we had quite a few dishes. The plates overrall are on the smaller side, so plan on ordering a few per person. I had a few of the whiskey sours to drink, and being a big fan of the egg white addition into my drink and whiskey sours in general, I was a fan. The other folks also seemed to enjoy their drink choices. I would probably recommend this place to someone going out for a few drinks and a snack or two but that's it.

    (3)
  • Lauren S.

    When I heard the chef that made Stateside the number one restaurant in Philly for 2012 was leaving and than realize the week of I still hadn't made it there my friends and I on the second to last night took a chance at getting a spot at the bar. We lucked out and after waiting in the not really meant for standing bar area with a beer we lucked out and snagged a seat. And it was well worth it. Stateside is small but the bar was pretty cool, we tired some of the cocktails in addition to the beer. If your in a small group of 2 or 3 its a great place to hang out but definitely not good for large group there just not a ton of space. I want to make it back here now that is warmer out for the bar opens up and you can sit outside which expands its size. Plus I need to see how the food is under the new chef.

    (5)
  • Mike H.

    Been to Stateside 4 times, first 3 times drinks only, dinner with last visit. The space is small but decor and vibe are spot on. During summer months, the huge windows open up and you're seating from outside at the bar. We stopped in for a drink after dinner at Le Virtu. Had a whiskey sour and a boulevardier. Loved them both. Their cocktail game is solid. The bartenders were friendly but really didnt engage us but it was busy and it was a cocktail hit and we all know how that goes, ok, maybe not all of us. All in all service and cocktails are solid. Last visit we decided on dinner. I thought dinner was ok. Nothing bad but nothing great. I'll still stop in at Stateside for my night caps.

    (4)
  • Emily C.

    Truly outstanding meal. I was visiting a friend in Philly for the weekend and after a gorgeous (55 degrees in January) day in the city, we decided to try out Stateside for dinner. My friend, a fellow foodie and food blogger, had been hearing rave reviews and seeing food porn-esque photos all over Instagram so we succumbed to the lure of Stateside. And I'm so glad we did. The small plates menu is simply epic. The beer and wine list is perfectly adequate (draft brews list = niiice!). Whiskey and bourbon selection is impressive. And the service is remarkable-- especially commendable for a fairly new restaurant. I overheard the waitress saying they've only been open for two months! We started with some funky sour cherry beers and a plate of Bayley Hazen bleu cheese with salted bacon caramel. @#$%%$#$. Goooorgeous flavor medley. In addition to the bleu cheese, we opted to share several selections from the small plate offerings. And, it's safe to say, we made all of the right choices. But I think it's hard to go wrong here. Read 'em and drool: -Foie Gras & butternut squash mousse, spread on baguette slices with blood orange gelee and parsley. -Housemade duck sausage with sweet potato, sour cherry mustard, and frisee salad -(nightly special) charred octopus with blood orange and fingerling potatoes. This was our least favorite of the small plates, because it didn't have a ton of flavor The star of the night: Crispy maple glazed pork belly with fried nora mills grits, gala apples, and spiced cider jus...YOWZA!! The entire bill rang up less than $70....with 5 small plates (which were still generous in size) and two beers, that ain't so bad!

    (5)
  • Lindsay H.

    I've heard and read a lot about Stateside. Needless to say, I was pretty excited that we snagged reservations on a Friday night with a group of friends. The inside was casual and cozy which was perfect on a cold winter night. What we ordered... The Chef's plate. YUM. This came with one of their pickled items (carrots and celery), pork rillettes with kale, and some sort of amazing soft cheese that I've been dreaming about for days.I obviously enjoyed this. And the most amazing part was that they actually gave us enough bread. In addition we had the steak tartare with an egg and truffled sauce which was out of this world, brussel sprouts with tiny mushrooms and a lardo sauce(wow) and the crispy pork belly. Honestly, the only thing I didn't think of great was the pork belly. It was a tiny bit dry and hard to cut. I love pork belly and this was tasty but it wasn't great. Food aside, the service was good. Their liquors are all local so that was a bit difficult to choose from but thankfully the waitress helped me out and I was happy with my vodka choice. All in all I thought it was very good and I am looking forward to my next visit.

    (4)
  • Victoria L.

    I finally made it to Philly Mag's #1 restaurant of the year! (Though I should say I always disagree with the order of their list.) Because of this, I had very high expectations for the restaurant.... and I wouldn't say they were all met. Don't get me wrong, everything was good but not #1 in my book. We started with the meat board, which featured pork rillettes, foir gras, and bone marrow. I heard good things about the pork rillettes, but I guess they're not for everyone and I'm included in that. The foie gras is phenomenal and was like liquid gold in your mouth. Highly recommend that! My friend had the cauliflower soup with creme fraiche, caviar, blood orange segments, an oil drizzle, and an ash. All those things sound good in theory, but it was a little much in one bowl I think. For entree, we shared pork belly, scallops, and clams and mussels. The pork belly is so flavorful and the crispy onions are perfect. The scallops left a little more to be desired and I wasn't crazy about the grapes and cauliflower paired with it. The clams and mussels came in a starchy potato broth with chunks of pork belly, which was good; I just prefer my mussels in broth. That said, they were extremely tender and delicious while the clams were much too small. I'm not against giving Stateside another chance, and maybe come back when it's not Restaurant Week crowd.

    (3)
  • Diana K.

    After all of the great things I have heard about Stateside, I really was let down when I visited for happy hour. The look and feel of the place was great and made me want to stay, and the beer specials were also welcoming. However, our food choices just didn't live up to the hype. Our buck-a-shuck oysters were kind of strange and extremely salty. They definitely did not want to waste their good oysters on us happy hour folks. When we splurged for the $25 charcuterie plate, I was expecting something amazing. It was obviously made with a lot of effort and love, but the flavors of the pates, steak and accompaniments were very bland overall. I felt robbed afterwards. Good thing we still had a long evening of eating ahead of us elsewhere!

    (3)
  • Erin B.

    Monday night is usually a dinner date night for me and Mr. I wanted something good, but as usual, had no idea what I wanted. At first we were going to stick with one of our oldies but goods - Alla Spina, Dmitris, Raddichios, N3. Love them all, but with this non-cooking wife, we've been there and done that soooo many times! Wanting to try something new, I thumbed through Philly Magazine's most recent Top 50 restaurants and there it was at #1 ... STATESIDE! A Monday night, senior citizen (5:15 PM) dinner, secured us our choice of table, even with their newfound #1 status. And just in time for happy hour, double SCORE! Upon entering , I instantly fell in love w/ the exposed brick and pipe work and the old South Philadelphia (prohibition era) photos ... charming! Luckily the food and drinks didn't disappoint either. The bartender made an AMAZING whiskey sour (egg whites and all) ... so nice, that I had to do it twice! For our meal we shared the smoked pork rillettes (not at all what I expected, but delicious), pan seared brussel sprouts (not your grandma's brussel sprouts), crispy pork belly and sausage stuffed chicken breast ... leaving our bellies totally stuffed & satisfied! The food and drinks were totally 5 star worthy... However, there were so many waitresses hovering in the back and discussing their weekend in far too much detail! The restaurant is just so small that having those sorta discussions in the back is equivalent to telling us about how "effing wasted you were this weekend" while giving us the daily specials! I also just read that the head chef is leaving Stateside, which could possibly be a total game changer... See article: philadelphia.grubstreet.…

    (4)
  • Matt K.

    Well, it's hard to review this place for a meal because I couldn't have one. No open tables on a Thursday night for several hours. The hostess didn't offer to take my name or put me on a waiting list or even tell me I could eat at the bar. (you can eat at the bar) The bar stools were all taken so I started the second, standing room only row. Another person arrived and another. Finally a seat opened up. No one seemed to be in a hurry to leave or drink or serve. I grabbed the seat and waited. And mind you, I am outgoing, I am not a wallflower. Great drink menu, and all alcohol is made in the USA. Nice touch. Cool food menu. Yeah, it felt like everyone was chillin'. Including the help. The bartendress, who was engaged to Chef Sabatino, was more interested in chatting with her friends about Twitter than serving. The other bartender dude was slow, non-communicative, and non-friendly. The bartendress, when I asked how much a certain Rye was, said "I don't know it by heart, here's a menu." Instead of looking it up herself. And she wasn't busy. Felt like everyone was so "mellow" that this place couldn't possibly be making any money on alcoholic beverages. I stayed for 40 minutes, and had two drinks. No seat opened up, and very few drinks were served. Bizarre. I could have eaten, but the person who was meeting me could not have. Anthony Bourdain visited here recently and filmed his segment on Philly. Did they get an ego or something after he came? Anyways, the whiskey sour was well done, a nice whiskey I have never had and the sour was fresh and not too sweet, and it had an egg white. When they actually feel like working, they make good drinks. I may try again for the food which is recommended, but the people here seem to have an attitude problem.

    (2)
  • Alessia K.

    I was a little hesitant about trying this place as immediately after they received Philly Mag's #1 restaurant in Philadelphia, I noticed the reviews were highly divided. The fiancé made reservations weeks in advance for a Saturday night at 8:00 so we were really looking forward to it..until he got a call on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 that our reservations would either have to be rescheduled or moved until 9:30 since they overbooked. I was a little taken aback especially since my usually sweet fiancé said the tone on the phone was anything but apologetic but he took the change anyway since 9:30 is not too bad for us on a Saturday. Long story short, we seriously considered going anywhere else that night as I was annoyed that they did not seem apologetic, but that's what a #1 award can do to a place. Unfortunately Philly is blowing up right now and we basically got laughed at for calling on a Saturday afternoon to get a reservation at any of the other hot places we have been wanting to try. Needless to say I walked in there not expecting much but I have to say the overall vibe was warm, lively and welcoming. We were seated right away and the amazing night started from there. Our server was great. He took time explaining the cocktail list for us so we both got fantastic whiskey drinks to begin. We then ordered a few small plates to start as well as our main dishes (which are small...but seriously, it's crafted to perfection) including the steak tartare, brussel sprouts, marinated broccolini, 1/2 dozen oysters, and the special of the night which were short ribs. The food was great. I think if you're going to try it, that's what is already known. I don't know if the bad reviews were just off nights, but I honestly think it was one of the best meals I've had. So good that we were are such weirdos and were trying to dissect which was our least favorite if we even had to pick it. It was hard to do, but I think we settled on the brussel sprouts. Again, the review is based not solely on the food but because we were shafted with the reservation and they way they redeemed themselves was commendable. Our server brought us a dozen oysters instead of 1/2...just to say thanks for being understanding (which I was not initially but I genuinely appreciated it) and he bought us scallops on the house too. It was a dish we considered ordering but ended up not, so getting a complimentary dish was just awesome. More drinks and food was enjoyed etc. etc. So, yes they were bestowed a somewhat controversial award, depending on how seriously people take those results in Philly Mag, but so what...and honestly relax a little with the visceral reactions. Good for them and I hope they remain grounded and continue to execute dishes like we were able to enjoy. Everyone in the place seemed relaxed and was enjoying their night, so it was a great experience. Getting bumped from your reservation never makes you feel cool, but they treated us really well and I appreciate the consideration.

    (5)
  • Adam F.

    Trendy spot on East Passayunk next to the fountain. Apparently they now have a new head chef --- went there on his first night so had a limited but delicious menu. Highlights included: - butternut squash soup - pork belly - foie gras Grab a stiff whiskey drink and enjoy. Waitresses were very slow though and didn't even explain the dishes we were eating. I know it's a small thing, but when you pay good money for good food, they can at least tell you the details of the dish they bring you. (-1 point). Food came out promptly, though.

    (4)
  • Nick S.

    What can be said about Stateside that hasn't been said about perfection in its truest form. The identity of Stateside can arguably lie between gastropub and artsy neighborhood watering hole.Starting from the top, we began with a sample of cheeses all of local origin, the Amish Noble Cheddar one being the most prominent. I love me some stinky, non-subtle cheese sometimes! Ample toasted baguettes provided assistance with the awesomeness that was this platter. We coupled this with a side of pickled cucumber and celery root that added the right amount of acidity to begin with. Went for the Steak Tartare since this is why we came in the first place. Had to try it! Was not disappointed! Tiny morsels of steak cubes chilled and chopped with hazelnuts and truffled viniagrette made this the best dish of the night. Went for the Charred Broccolini whose spicyness tasted very close to Japanese shichimi pepper. $1 oysters on the halfshell with pomegranate mignonette was awesome, right amount of acidity and just very delicious. Tried the Foie Gras & Butternut Squash Mousse, on point. Not exactly my taste but still on point. Finished the dinner with house reds and made sense of it all. Will be returning, probably this week actually. :)

    (5)
  • Susan H.

    Though it has a great look and vibe with a bar that spills into the sidewalk, very European, the food, particularly portions, fell short. Small portions (even the large plates were small) and prices that were way out of line. Great presentation if you like a big plate with food covering about an 1/8 of the territory! I did like my cauliflower small plate which was a reasonable size (maybe cause it's a veggie)? The duck large plate tasted okay, was not particularly tender and a serrated knife would have helped. Other note, really loud, hard to converse and the exposed air conditioning duct above our heads dripped. A server would regularly come by to swab it! If I came back, I'd stick with getting a beer at the bar. Nice selection for beers!

    (2)
  • Garrett W.

    If you're living in Philadelphia and you have never had a proper cocktail I have two things to tell you: Firstly, you are an idiot. Philly has its cocktail game on lockdown. Secondly, go to Stateside in South Philly. Impose upon the bartender your favorite poison and watch as a master craftsman conducts his business before you. You will find yourself with a renewed zest for life and may find yourself consuming beverages with an extra zeal and gusto to which you are hitherto unaccustomed. Additionally, the Brussel sprouts are a delight.

    (5)
  • Andrew B.

    I'm somewhere between a 3 and a 4 star rating. The location is great on the corner, open, overlooking the little piazza. Drinks were good, but a little overpriced. The bartender was attentive, but on hyperspeed unnecessarily. The food looked good, but it seemed as if they were trying to do too much. The bar seemed to be the focal point. I would go for A drink, not more; unless you want to shell it out. If you want a 15$ drink, go to Franklin investment co.

    (3)
  • Eric J.

    I'm a really big fan of Passyunk Square and all of the surrounding bars and restaurants, and am really glad about how the neighborhood has progressed in the past few years. Stateside is no exception and I had a really good time here. When I first asked about whether I should visit Stateside for dinner, my friends seemed very polarized about their experiences: some said that they had an amazing time, and others downright hated it. As a result, my friend and I decided on getting dinner elsewhere and drinks at Stateside afterwards. We came in for drinks on a warm spring night, and were promptly greeted by the bartender about the specials and recommended cocktails. The great thing about Stateside is that the bar has windows and you can actually sit "outside" the restaurant, but still at the bar. We ended up sitting inside, so we could get a good view of the square. I ended up ordering my usual Old-Fashioned multiple times, before switching over to some of the draft beers afterwards. The bartender really made a great Old-Fashioned, and didn't skimp on the bourbon, which was very appreciated. She was actually also a really good sport throughout the night, because my friend and I keep talking about our disdain for a certain acquaintance named Emily, which happened to also be her name. We joked around and had a good laugh about it. We ended up staying at the bar for about 4 hours since the weather was perfect and in general, it was such an enjoyable night. The service at the bar was very prompt and attentive, and we could see the amount of time and care they put into the drinks, which was a good sign. I saw all the people sitting around in the small dining area, and they all seemed to really be enjoying their food and drinks. To my knowledge, the staff working at the time working at the time were all pretty attentive, just like the bartenders, and they kept churning through the dinner and post-dinner crowd pretty efficiently. Perhaps I'm being a bit hasty with this review without trying the food, but after seeing people really enjoy their time at Stateside, I'm very inclined to come back for the dining experience. Until then, I can safely say that you can come here for a great cocktail and enjoy the relaxed ambiance.

    (4)
  • Gino C.

    The great thing about sharing small plates with friends is that you can all enjoy (or in some cases, critique) the food together. It's not just, "here try a bite of this", but rather, "let's all try this together." There's something about that shared experience that makes the table come alive. In my opinion, the only thing more enjoyable than a tasty meal is sharing it with others and having the enjoyment heightened. And at Stateside, they've nailed it. Food was incredible and we had a blast. The pork belly may have been the best thing I have ever had in my mouth. Mushrooms were creative and perfectly paired with fav beans. We also tried lamb ribs (great char and almost as good as the pork belly), an amazing rabbit dish and lettuce wraps with octopus among others. While normally I would sample from the great draft list or the many whiskeys they have (an entire book!), on this night I couldn't pass up the Passyunk East Side cocktail (gin, lemon juice, elderflower, cucumber and bitters). It did not disappoint. One of my friends had the Gershwin (a nice, gingery concoction) and I'd recommend that drink as well. Our server, Nina, was friendly and attentive from start to finish. She cheerfully answered our questions and was fantastic. I'm glad to live so close to such a great spot. I'll be back to try a whiskey flight and some more great food.

    (5)
  • Chad C.

    Stopped by for a few drinks after dinner and we really enjoyed Stateside! No food this time but plan on coming back soon. Great drinks, awesome bartenders and really cool layout (try to sit at the outside bar)!

    (5)
  • Kristin W.

    After walking around the South Philly to see the impressive holiday lights, we did a quick check on OpenTable for available reservations nearby. When we saw Stateside was open, we snagged it, gleeful after having heard rave reviews. Once we were sitting down, I checked Yelp...only 3.5 stars as evidently management has changed over a couple times since the original excitement about Stateside. And that is why you check Yelp BEFORE you sit down. But since we were seated, we had committed to staying. Our server recommended 2 little dishes and a big dish per person, but we opted for 1 little and 1 big each and were completely full. The seafood dishes were just OK...the Scallops were camouflaged to look like the accompanying gnocchi, but we estimated we only got 4 skinny, oversalted scallops in the dish. The Branzino was definitely overcooked, including the skin that was beyond crispy. The Octopus was decent, although a little chewy. My favorite dish of the night, the only non-seafood dish we tried, was Foie Gras Mousse, which had a nice balance of flavors and textures.

    (2)
  • Gloria H.

    I went to Stateside the other night in a party of four, which was definitely the most people I'd go to this place with. We sort of stumbled across it while looking for a new and good place to eat in the area and were intrigued by the decor. It is VERY cool inside! The bar and deco all looks cozy and interesting and just really inviting. It's very small inside though so I wouldn't go with a big group or if it was too packed. On to the food... It was all very tasty and I definitely recommend getting a bunch of different plates to share with the table. The portions are all plated to share and very delicious. There are three different "sizes" of plates, and they are all very small. Even the biggest portions, which are the entree sized plates, are really not a lot of food. We were shocked when our waiter advised us to order 2-3 plates per person, but he probably was right. We only ended up ordering 1-2 plates a person and it was definitely not enough food, bu still very expensive. I would recommend this place more for a happy hour or appetizer kind of situation, not if you're looking to fill up on a real full meal. Overall the drink selection was good, the food was delicious (aside from the meats all being a bit fatty) and the atmosphere is really nice... BUT it's really pretty expensive for what it is, and dont expect to leave stuffed! Which could be a good thing...

    (4)
  • Adam N.

    We went last night for some light food and a few drinks. The happy hour specials make it a great spot to have a couple beers or glasses of wine. The dollar oysters were also awesome. Overall the dishes were really good and the ambiance makes it a place worth hanging out. The staff were nice and very attentive, aside from waiting on our check.

    (5)
  • Steve C.

    The food is good but a little on the pricy side. It's nice in the spring or summer when the bar opens to the outside.

    (4)
  • Paparomeroalpha P.

    Good food with fair service. A very small place that should get better with time.

    (4)
  • Joy M.

    Wow, did this place take a dive with popularity and success! I had a great experience here 3 years ago. But Saturday night was horrendous! The lamb ribs were a gastronomical stretch, $8 for 1 slice of an heirloom tomato was nearly offensive, and my husband who is usually far more tolerant than I, said the cheese board tasted as if it came from the Acme Supermarket around the corner. What a tragic disappointment! Yet, a perfect example of an establishment throwing overpriced morsels to desperate foodies based on some culinary hype that has long ago faded. Okay, the drinks were acceptable! But the best thing to arrive on a plate, was the fried okra, which accompanied those mushy lamb ribs that I personally wouldn't have served to my dog. Oh, and I mention the subpar table service? Well, I suppose in actuality, the service wasn't that bad... Still, at the table next to us, a woman decided to do a Face Time on her iPhone with the volume set at outrageously annoying and when I mentioned it to the waitress, poor Morticia said that it wasn't her place to say anything. Moron! It was totally your place! Newsflash: when there's a problem or discomfort between guests: yes, it's your place/role to mediate and if you feel uncomfortable, then stop slinging overpriced small plates and go get the manager. And with that, I simply asked the other customer if she might mind lowering the volume of her call and thankfully, the other customer was happy to do so. In fact, she actually apologized. So, just to summarize: Great food 3 years ago. Slipping beyond mediocrity today... Cocktails acceptable... food and service mostly not.

    (2)
  • George M.

    Will people who are complaining about the smallness of the plates please just go to olive garden. To begin, I lived here 22 years ago when it was a few storefronts and the Ac-a-me supermarket. Now the East Passyunk strip is trasformed into a tastefully trendy food mecca. This was our fav place so far. Friendly service is a bit slow. Outdoor tables with tablecloths on a quiet side street and largish bar on the corner walls open to pashunk ave. The food was fantastic under the new chef. Meatballs spicy and unique, octopus tender, mushroom variety and presentation out of this world even if a bit too crispy. And the gnocchi with broccoli perfect. We only got to check out two places with outdoor (i.e. dog friendly) joints but there are loads around. Oh and there is an independent valet parking service on the square! I didn't see that coming to these parts of south Philly.

    (5)
  • Food For T.

    Ordered the oysters, scallops w/cauliflower, octopus, foie gras and the lettuce wrap. Foie gras was excellent but not so much the scallop, octopus and the lettuce wrap. It was a little on the salty side especially the mushrooms in the lettuce wrap. The service was ok. For being ranked #1 in the best of philly mag last year, Definitely no wow factor here and not what it's cranked up to be.

    (3)
  • Matt D.

    Unfortunately, I have to report that Stateside isn't quite the same since the chef swapping occurred. It's still good, and a great place to catch a few oysters, great drinks, and a bite.

    (4)
  • Kate C.

    I had the WORST experience here! It was so loud that we had to move from a table to the bar area (still really loud). Then I ordered a vodka martini and they gave me a gin martini. After trying to get the bartender's attention for about ten minutes another very rude bartender tried to convince me I was wrong. Really? Anyways - we left. The manager was super sweet and paid for my friends drink (I didn't drink mine). We went over to Sophia's instead and had a delightful meal.

    (1)
  • Jessica M.

    I'm a visiting New Yorker who comes to Philadelphia about once or twice a month, and this was the best meal I've had in recent memory. Everything was so lovely that I wished I'd photographed each plate. I woke the next morning wishing I could go back that evening. We had: The Chef's board- While this can be prepared vegetarian, it is a meat lover's dream. Flavorful duck terrine with peanuts crumbled atop to provide just the right amount of crunch, the smoked capon sausage was earthy and had a delightful texture (served cold), and the pork rilletes delicious wrapped in bib lettuce leaves. I was in love with the pickled vegetables; waxy yellow beans, beets, caulliflower and carrots. My only complaint was that there weren't more. The Steak tartare- This was my least favorite item, but I think this was just a matter of preference in an otherwise perfect dining experience. I am not a huge lover of hazelnuts, but the quail egg was fresh, and the flavor of the meat was good, if not great. The toasts served alongside were so yummy, toasted to crunchy perfection. If you love tartare, try it, but there are so many other all stars on the menu... Chilled Golden Beet Soup- I loved this soup. Perfect for summer, each bite introduced a new flavorful surprise, now a sliver of fresh orange, now the tangy taste of horseradish cream, or a flake of smoked trout. Really complex flavors executed in such a simple, no frills way. I wish it would always be on the menu, but this dish will likely cycle off after the dog days of summer. Sigh. The Pork Belly- Everyone has pork belly on the menu, and I feel obligated to order it all of the time, but so rarely does it live up to what I hope it will be. This was crispy smoky perfection, with just the right amount of sweet. I think my favorite part was the hint of mustard and the house-made cabbage slaw in balance with the buttery fat of the pork and the sweetness of the honey ginger glaze. Don't skip this. Day Boat Scallops- Last but certainly not least. My favorite thing we This was the best scallop I can ever recall having. It was cooked perfectly... Seared with butter, it was decadent, and each side had the perfect sear (could it be the marrow butter?) I was certain it had been done with a flambe torch, but our waitress assured us-- just eloquent timing, a good pan, and butter! I loved the corn relish, with jersey corn. So seasonal and perfect for this time of year. Cocktails- I had the Fish House Punch (Blackheart Rum, Brandy, Pomegranate Tea, Lemon Ginger, Peach Bitters) and it was light and refreshing, but the food was so fantastic, I wish I had stuck to wine or beer pairings, and saved the complex cocktail for after. They have a great selection of California wines by the glass, but don't expect anything not produced in the US. Service & Ambiance- Both of these things suited my taste. The service was not overly fussy, but was careful and attentive. Our server was very knowledgeable, and willing to share information. It's a romantic space, with a hip feel, and a cool open wood bar. It did get a bit loud towards the end of our meal, so if noisy bothers you, I might visit on a weekday night. We didn't have a reservation and my party of 2 was seated on a Friday evening around 8pm with no wait, but I'm sure this place will soon build a reputation, particularly as chef George Sabatino just won the Ommegang HopChef title. I might call first to see if a table can be held! Do yourself a favor and go!

    (5)
  • Nicole H.

    I was quite disappointed by my dinner at Stateside last month. Obviously I had high hopes, since they'd just won top restaurant in Philly from Philadelphia Magazine (no matter how much flack they got for that list, the #1 had to be at least decent, right?!) - while the food itself was alright, it was nothing to write home about. We started with some dollar oysters and a bunch of happy hour drinks. The happy hour specials were by far the highlight of the night - we ordered all the remaining oysters (only a dozen left when we arrived at 6) and they were delicious. The drinks were good, but one of my friends noted that their regular prices and selection of some liquors left a little to be desired. We ordered the large charcuterie plate (had heard great things about it), and nearly every small plate. The waitress pretty much forced us to order something else, which is a pet peeve of mine, so we added the mussel entree. Not one single item was memorable. The food, like I said, was by no means bad. But a group of 4 of us, who eat out quite often in and around Philadelphia, all agreed that we wouldn't return anytime soon. The service was okay, but extrememly rushed. I understand it's a small place (20 seats or so with a bar), but when we make a 6 pm reservation we expect to stay for an hour and a half or so. It wasn't a cheap meal - about $45 a person all in - and it's not cool to rush us out like they did. Not to mention the diners who were waiting were packed into the place like sardines, even though it was warm enough outside to wait there. We left as quickly as we could because of it, and headed somewhere else for dessert. Honestly I considered giving Stateside 2 stars, but decided it wasn't fair to downgrade simply based on high expectations. That being said, I wouldn't rush there...there are tons of much better restaurants on the same block that I would recommend well ahead of Stateside.

    (3)
  • Dale M.

    We just stopped in for a drink and really enjoyed it. They have some awesome, unique cocktails, especially if you're a bourbon or rye fan. I had the Stateside Boulevardier, which was delicious and well made. The price is par for the course for any great, creative cocktail in the city. We sat inside at the bar, which was fine on a nice day because the other side of the bar was open to square and the street to get some air and people watch. There are actually stools built into the side of the bar that you can just walk up to from the street. Very cool. Would definitely stop in for a drink again and, hopefully, try some of the highly-acclaimed food next time.

    (5)
  • Josh G.

    If you're into small plates and fancy cocktails, this is the place for you. I, unfortunately, am not. I gotta give Stateside credit: the food was exceptionally good. Really interesting and well-executed combinations of flavors (though not much for the vegetarians out there). My palate was completely satisfied. My stomach, however, was not. It's kind of a deal breaker for me to spend this much money on a meal and feel hungry less than an hour later. Stateside was a nice experience to have once, but I won't be seeking it out again.

    (3)
  • Kate D.

    Breaking foodie ground in new neighborhood this was the first dinning experience we headed to 4th of July weekend. Unsure if it was because of the holiday weekend that they cut staff but service (though fantastic) was ridiculously slow. Took over 15 minutes for someone to come to our table. We ordered each a delish cocktail (great assortment of those!) and some tapas. Our tapas arrived before our drinks.... I'm chalking it up to the holiday weekend. Food was ok but the drinks were the shinning stars of the evening by far (desert was good too - although forget what it was - but was great) Our friend joined us later & we all cheers to new beginnings in the soon to be hood!

    (4)
  • Natalee F.

    Once again - amazing service from the waitstaff. They are seriously top notch. Also the food remains delicious. You should totally get the Old Cuban cocktail!! It's sooo yummy. I like the added garnish of the vanilla bean pod. I could drink these all night.

    (5)
  • Dan K.

    I am really hoping this was just an off night. We've had several great meals at Stateside. But, last night was pretty bad. Slow service. Poor presentation. I hate to say it, but the food was tasteless. Over the hill cheese plate. Lamb way over cooked. Pork belly way undercooked and mushy. Again, hoping these guys were just off their game. But, lots of empty tables when we arrived was a new sight as well. Please don't go in the tank, Stateside.

    (1)
  • Matthew B.

    My long-awaited visit to stateside, while enjoyable, didn't live up to the hype. The food was good, no doubt, but a bit pricey and not as outrageously tasty as i suspected based on other reviews. The specialty drinks? Again good - but not great. A little small and perhaps to scientifically apportioned for my taste. I'll take the drinks at Franklin Mortgage for inspired cocktails. Cool ambiance - a little dark for me , but OK. I guess I really expected more for the money. While above average, not enough to draw me back for seconds.

    (3)
  • Melissa V.

    We sat at the bar on a relatively nice day, with the windows open. The bartender was attentive. We were there for happy hour and had $1 oysters, which were delicious. Half priced drafts too. Great deal! We had lettuce wraps and three other small plates. All were creative, fresh and quickly served. The plate was described when dropped off. We also had two desserts (cherry pie, yum!). The staff was friendly and the restaurant was very clean. Great experience all around!

    (5)
  • Mel S.

    place was alright. Service wasn't great.. it wasn't bad....alright. food was decent. I love to try different things. But i could give you two recommendations out of the 10 dishes we tried. I was very disappointed. I had made res. here before it had become phillys top and was sad when we visited but we knew someone who worked there and wanted to try it out. sad to say i was disappointed ..not to say i would never eat there but not the caliber i was expecting. will prob not return. Best of luck I do love the neighborhood.

    (3)
  • Hoang T.

    Trying to figure out what to eat on a random weekday night, I drove by Stateside and remembered reading them in Philly Mag. (I forgot what # they were, but after reading reviews, it was #1). I assumed we couldn't get a table without a reservation and I was right. We did happen to score 2 seats at the bar. I was a bit surprised by the sparse menu (and price) considering it was a East Passyunk restaurant. Either way, I thought the items on the menu warranted some positives for their ingredient pairings. The place felt cozy and definitely approachable for being philly mag's #1 restaurant. I had a long day so I looked over the drink menu. I decided to skip the beer and go for a cocktail. I'm not a gin fan, but ordered the Bee Sting (gin, lemon, ginger, absinthe). The drink was strong but a bit pricey for the size, no big deal. Now onto the food. We dithered between the cauliflower and cobb salad for a starter, ended up with the cauliflower. I think the dish was good, but needed more sauce. I'm all for nice presentation with a "dash" and "squeeze" of sauce, but every bite should have sufficient sauce, shouldn't it? Also, its fairly dark in there, so i'm sure we had more broccoli in the dish than cauliflower. Not a deal breaker. Entrees. I love trying non-traditional meats at restaurants. I opted for the rabbit risotto. I thought the rabbit was really tasty. Although the risotto tasted undercooked, it was also delicious. Again, a smear of sauce just doesn't cut it for this dish. Considering how rich risotto is, I couldn't taste the sauce at all. Another entree was the pork belly. I'm not sure how I feel about pork belly prepared American style. Don't call me prejudice, but Chinese crispy pork belly is pretty damn good... you can get huge servings for a fraction of the cost. Stateside's pork belly was good, but nothing to write home about. The sauces were also good. Overall, it was an enjoyable meal. It was unfortunate that the original chef left and how other reviewers are saying things have "Changed".

    (4)
  • Andrew W.

    Stateside is an excellent restaurant on par with Vernick, but with a better drink list. I've been for drinks and for a full dinner and thoroughly enjoyed myself both times. The drinks, while pricey, are excellent. The menu offered an interesting selection and the food was expertly executed. I went as a group of three and split 5 items, so I feel like I got to try nearly all they had to offer. My only complaint would be related to the price... those 5 items didn't come cheap... but then again I don't think you go to a place like this expecting a $10 meal.

    (5)
  • Andrew M.

    I was lucky enough to eat at one of the pop-ups they had at at Green Eggs. This was one of the best meals that I've ever had in my entire life. The first reviewer went through the menu in a fairly detailed way, so I wont rehash most of it. The beer braise beef cheek just dissolved in my mouth. Its the first time i've had this cut of meat and I hope it wont be the last. The apply bacon donut was also amazing. I cant wait for this place to open up on Passyunk.

    (5)
  • Chris T.

    Too many rules, not enough seats. This place is not special.

    (1)
  • Phyllis D.

    How disappointing! We are foodies who appreciate a great dining experience. After the raves in Philly mag, we were anticipating our visit to Stateside. It was such a letdown. No large plates, out of some selections, the rest was good but not great other than the cauliflower which was exceptional. The waitress was so clueless it was surreal!! She couldn't hear anything I said ( never ever a problem ..) she seemed super flustered as if serving us was stressful. I asked for a to go order of cauliflower and she didn't understand. Coffee was not good. I wonder what happened and how they got such good ratings. Half of the dining experience is the service. Doesn't have to be fussy but needs to be friendly and knowledgeable. NOT!!

    (2)
  • Shin Yi L.

    Recommendations for the tapas: brussels sprout, cauliflower soup, beef tartare and scallops were a-ma-zing. The desserts were to die for - delicious but yet light and not overwhelming (chestnut brûlée, sugar cookie and chocolate chiffon) :) The mussels/clams were a little undercooked in the center but my friend liked it that way. This is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Philly now and I wish I don't need a car to get here!

    (5)
  • Lea S.

    I would change this to 4 1/2 stars and Yay! I'm a BIG fan. I had read them reviews- both critic and wanna-be critics- and entered Stateside with high expectations for this elevated corner bar. And yes, the chef earned all the merit badges bestowed upon him. Everything we tried was absolutely delicious. Even simple soup was something special. Definitely worth a visit if you haven't been there yet.

    (4)
  • Regina F.

    Beauty in words should be reserved for only maximal dining experiences. That said, if there were such a thing as poetic injustice, trying to write a baroque review of Stateside would certainly qualify. ...Because when your meal begins with a toasty drink - a hot buttered rye - that's so amicable to your esophagus and piquant to your papillae that it makes you forget the vile, scathing, burning sensation of shooting cold rye, you musn't try to protract the experience. ...Because when the crispy cauliflower is as golden as the palatial pillars of the Taj Mahal, and buttery enough to beguile any toddler into eating his whites, you ought not attempt to convince your colleagues that cauliflower really does have a slight nutty flavor if roasted well. ...Because when the crispy maple glazed pork belly with a fat to meat ratio of 1:4 and a moisture to dryness ratio of 100:0 promotes a silent fork battle between you and your mate interspersed with the occasional clamor of (affable?) silver, you know you've found the perfect dish to "shut the f*ck up for a minute and comfortably enjoy the silence" (thanks Mia and Vincent). ...Because when the desserts are petite and ordering two is still innocuous to any diet, and the ginger snap is soft and topped with a chilled caramel mousse the texture of a fluffy budino, and the chocolate tart with homespun marshmallow fluff tastes like a freshly toasted s'more birthed by the smokey flames of a tumbleweed ignited campfire on the plans of Kansas, you know you've found a new home on Passyunk.

    (5)
  • Blake F.

    brussels craving = satisfied! after penning my previous review, said craving set in hard, and i found myself back at stateside for dinner. but before indulging in my most favorite of sprouts, i nibbled on some pickles (cauliflower = whoa good!), shaved veggie salad (kale + crunchy toasted chickpeas = win!), and house made (!!) goat cheese over a bed of escarole and pine nuts. and then....the brussels. pan roasted in a chestnut brown butter sauce with mushrooms (can you say decadent?), those bad boys had me literally squealing with delight. LITERALLY. i intentionally didn't finish so i could enjoy as leftovers again the next day, and enjoy i did. ...and by not eating all my veggies, i had room for dessert! in this case, the maple panna cotta. mmm...a perfect end to another perfect meal.

    (5)
  • Grace C.

    This was a great place to hit for a light meal before going out on the town. The menu is small, but everything on it sounds delicious (def not a burger and fries place, though) and the drink menu is full of great options. We ordered 4 plates to share and a dessert; it was a perfect amount of food for 2 of us. It's a tapas style place, so don't expect to order one dish and leave full. The food was wonderful except for the dessert. The service seemed bad at first, but later they had a chance to shine and they really rose to the occasion. Once we had our drinks, it took forever to order; when our server realized this (she noticed without us having to say anything), she apologized and comped our drinks. The dessert we ordered was pretty awful; it was a panna cotta that just tasted wrong. As soon as we let the server know, she offered to take it back, remove it from our bill and asked us if we would like to order a different dessert. We ordered a funnel cake and it was perfect. Overall, the experience was a good one with good food and good staff. The place is a bit pricy, but we knew that going in and the ingredients they use justify the price.

    (4)
  • Carla F.

    I would give this place a 3.5. The place is beautiful. Great aesthetics. My waitress was pretty terrible, one of the worst ones I have had in a while. The food that we ordered was really great. I will say that I don't eat meat and there were very few selections that did not have some sort of meat ingredient. They were happy to omit these when asked however. I will say that in a city full of great restaurants this one holds its own but beyond that, there is nothing terribly special about this place.

    (3)
  • K M.

    Overall this place is good. There isn't any strong reason I wouldn't go back, but also no reason I would. Drinks are really good with a great assortment, food was great and the outdoor seating was nice. The prices are ridiculous. The amount of food you get for the price is silly. Not to mention they were out of three of those dishes. I get that they are tapas but tapas shouldn't have entree prices. Our waitress was also not the friendliest. Not rude, just nothing exceptional. Over all I would go back to grab a drink at the outside portion of the bar, but head to one of the neighboring restaurants for food.

    (3)
  • Bill C.

    Top Three Favorite Restaurants In The City. They do everything well. Beautifully-paired cheeses, great small bites and shareable stuffs - and last time I was there my dad and I split a whole fish and it was perfect.

    (5)
  • Andrew T.

    I'm perplexed writing this review. It was one of the better meals I will have for under $40 and we ordered a ton of plates if not over ordered, but nothing sang to me to the point where I want to always come back. We had most the menu, the Broccolini was special served cold w/ a curry mayo flavor, assorted pickle plate one of my favorite dishes to snack on, steak tar tar was the absolute winner of the night. On to main plates; the pork slider was pork belly and some dried potato crisps had alot of flavor but maybe under salted? Short rib (they didn't have cheek) was tender and soft, but nothing to die for. The sausage for me was very special and tasted like an elevated version of a ballpark worst with sour kraut, but again borderline felt like something I could possibly make at home. Pork rillettes were smoky flavor and a ham -like taste as it went down very very hard to put down, not something I could ever possibly make at home. The mussels and clams were more like clams, butter soup, bread and a mussel. there were actually 5 mussels in the dish. I'd rather not have any mussels than 1.25 of a mussel for everyone at the table btw $21 dish... I've been to flex mussels and for roughly the space premium they don't fu@k around you'll get a Costco serving worth of mussels for the same price. Would I take a friend from home visiting, absolutely. Would I come back and try more food sadly no. I'm good, it was a one time only thing. They get a 4 because the service was impeccable, the whisky sour will be dreamed about and to taste so many different foods in one sitting is absolutely rare. Go, but I think you'll agree it may be one and done.

    (4)
  • Matthew O.

    Terrific cocktails. Very good food. Service was a little overwhelmed and the menu was a little small.

    (4)
  • Sean K.

    Went out here for a few cocktails last night an was thoroughly impressed. The bartender was extremely friendly and attentive with me an my girlfriend. I ordered a whiskey sour which was absolutely awesome. My girlfriend ordered their Pom Collins which again was very good. We the. Stuck around for a few beers an must say if you have not been here you are missing out. I am looking forward to going back an soon!

    (5)
  • Katie P.

    The drink, Gangster Paradise was amazing! I'd go back for this drink any day.... the small plates were underwhelming and expensive. I'll probably pass on dinner next time.

    (2)
  • Ameena E.

    Creative for sure. An assortment of tapas on the menu. Service was friendly. Tried many different items...food was good, but not up to the hype. Will def. give it another try.

    (3)
  • Vincent T.

    Great place if you love American bourbon because they have a very huge selection. For brunch, the chicken and waffles is a must get. When you cut the chicken, you would think it'll be hard to cut, but it cuts so smooth like butter and it's extremely juicy when you eat it. The maple syrup has just enough spice to make both the waffles and chicken full of flavor.

    (5)
  • Jill L.

    Visited Stateside a while back when they first opened, but my husband and I decided to stop by again to get a few drinks and some cheese before we headed out for dinner reservations on a Tuesday night. Upon arrival around 530 pm, we were glad to see there were plenty of seats at the bar, inside tables, and outside tables. We took two seats at the bar. The bartender was very gracious in giving me a sample taste of the pumpkin beer on tap (I'm sorta particular about my pumpkin beers). It wasn't for me, so I went with the Ommegang Witte. My husband went with an IPA bottle. The beer list is awesome here- definitely some interesting beers both on tap and in bottles. I love the cheese plates here so despite our dinner reservation later in the night, I had to hit dat cheeeeeeeese. We did the 3 selections for $13- a blue cheese with honey, a hard parmesan-type with fennel, and a soft brie-type cheese with pecan brittle. Yum yum yum! The location itself is pretty awesome. And I'm not saying that because its a 5 minute walk from my abode. It is located right on Passyunk Square- perfect for people (and dog) watching. And with those huge windows- its great! So why did it lose a star? I feel like this place has a teeeeeeeeensy bit too much attitude. Why? 1) There is a note that says $15 food minimum per person during dinner service. If you don't want people to come and drink, then don't build a bar that takes up half the space! And don't offer such awesome beers! 2) They have a happy hour that is totally not advertised! No signs outside, no signs on the bar, not mentioned on the website, not mentioned by the bartenders. Are we at a 1920s speakeasy? Do I need a password to be informed of the specials? My husband probably would have gotten a draft if he knew it was half price. 3) As we finished our beers, the hostess asked us to shift seats at the bar so two more patrons could sit down. Now I totally get that the "empty seat between strangers" is annoying to restaurants, but I thought it was strange because there were plenty of seats at empty tables. Maybe the patrons really wanted to sit at the bar? I don't know- but it struck me as odd. Next time we are craving some beers and cheese, we will make sure to get there between 5 and 7 and take advantage of happy hour specials!

    (4)
  • Josh S.

    I'm a Bourbon fanatic so Stateside is right up my alley...they even have Parker's Heritage (which is unheard of). Small plates, so you can sample a bit of everything. I reccomend the pork belly (in fact if you are anywhere that sells pork belly you need to order it). The service is phenomenal, not over intrusive and always right there when you need something. We came around 5:00pm on a Friday and were surprised how empty it was. There was a happy hour crowd but not too big. Give it a try, expect a high check, but if you love small plates and most importantly Bourbon, you will find Stateside is perfect for you as well.

    (5)
  • Mary N.

    It is sad that after being rated #1 in Phillymag, the chef left and the new chef has to meet high expectations. The food was good but not great. Nothing I ate there was a"wow". I did enjoy their chocolate mousse. The service was good and the waitress was very attentive n sweet. If you are looking for just regular food then this would be your place.

    (3)
  • Ean S.

    A great menu of small plates and a rotating selection of different dishes... and also a wonder selection of oysters. Also, I am not a bourbon fan at all, but they've turned me into a believer. A diamond in South Philly!

    (4)
  • Mortimer S.

    This is going to make me sound like a total brat but let's get this out of the way: I like to be the first to review a place whenever possible. I will go out of my way to make that happen. So it's really annoying when two people have reviewed Stateside even though they didn't eat at the restaurant, but rather the chef's trial runs at Green Eggs. Note that Green Eggs is a different restaurant than Stateside. If Morimoto himself came to your kitchen to cook you a private dinner that doesn't mean you can review Morimoto's restaurant. Point taken? So tonight I actually WENT to Stateside because this was their first night in operation. I felt a little awkward there by my lonesome. But I had just gotten back from a night of gay men's chorus-ing and wanted to just head there right afterwards as I live a mere two blocks away. I was prepared to only order the foie gras and butternut squash mousse and two glasses of wine. This plan snowballed into a larger, nearly $70 (after tip) extravaganza of decadence. Wow--they are really not fucking around with the food here. Some of the best food I've had in the city, no doubt about it, and everything exceeded my expectations. Said mousse ($12) was delightful and the blood orange and parsley salad provided a lovely relief from the richness. The accompanying crostini were also very good. I had this with a glass of sauvignon blanc ($6) which was OK. They could probably swankify their wine list a bit more to match their food, and all the wines were American which I thought was a little odd. This was followed by two delectable cubes of maple-glazed pork belly with fried grits (also in cube form, and it looked just like the pork), apples and cider jus, all very artfully presented and topped with microgreens ($12). This was quite phenomenal--very tender pork and amazing grits. My chosen accompaniment of Founder's breakfast stout ($8) was also very enjoyable and my first time trying that beer. I know people always make a big fuss about it so it was nice to actually have one. For dessert, another Founder's (why not) and another strong offering from the kitchen: smoked chocolate tart (I wouldn't have called it a tart--it was more like a cube of pot de creme) with crumbled graham crackers and house-made marshmallows (the texture of this was more like a creme anglaise--in any case it was way, way better than what one normally thinks of as a marshmallow). Quite a small portion but big on taste and richness. Reasonably priced for $6. The space is pretty small and tastefully designed in an industrial chic manner--very cool brick work, NYC-loft-esque lighting and modern feel. Many of the people there were trying their best to be chic with it. Center City dwellers who deigned to venture south of Washington for one night, some locals and a few errant hipsters--they were all there. Think of Stateside as Passyunk's answer to Tria, albeit a different sort of concept. It will be interesting to see what effect (if any) this place has on other bars and restaurants in close proximity. Food-wise it blows most everything around it out of the water. Generally speaking the food is the sort of stuff you'd find at Fond--not Watkins Drinkery, the POPE, Cantina or the like. You will pay a pretty penny for what you get at Stateside but the food is of the highest quality. They do have a few larger plates and I would like to see them have a few more. The one faux pas of the evening was that I was charged a dollar for extra crostini which were brought to me but I didn't order (even though I was going to ask for more to finish the mousse) but this was taken care of by the waitress without a problem. I hope I can restrain myself having this place so close to me, but I also eagerly await my next visit.

    (5)
  • Adam L.

    So happy a good spot like this has opened. More than a gastro-pub, less than a fine dining spot, Stateside is an excellent choice for anyone who loves whiskey, is an adventurous eater, and has some deep pockets. As the title implies, the drink are from the bourbon trail, which is a wonderful theme. I got a perfectly made Old Fashioned- wow it was good. The food was quite good too. Loved the small and large plates. Loved the items, especially the pork belly and the cheddar cheese plate. The pork belly was so mch more decadent that the bacon-impressionist pork bellies I have had at a few other places. Now, there are a few bum notes. Actually, only one. The prices vs.portion-size are all sorts of out of whack. If me and a friend spend $120, we should go home well fed. Just saying. And I am pretty sure they know this, as the waiter specifically asked me how I felt about the plate sizes (after I ordered a SECOND cheddar plate.... it simply wasnt enough). I am confident that this spot will be one of the best eateries in Passyunk, if not all of Philly, very soon.

    (4)
  • Dee C.

    What a lovely little place right on my door step. We sat at the bar ordered cocktails of a very large drink list of mostly whiskeys. Bartender was nice but he couldn't really keep a conversation. I wouldn't be back cos I love the bartender (it's a skill he didn't have) but for the tasty food. We had the squash soup with some kind of foam that made the soup so airy I could have been eating a cloud. Entrees we had beer braised beef cheeks, duck sausage and pork belly. All very tasty in their own. (they don't have salt at their tables cos I thought the chef was cocky but you didn't need). We ordered it together but my pork belly came out. Then 7 mins later the duck then a whole 10mins after we finish our meals the cheeks. It was odd that it came out like that. But again we shared and it was tasty so all forgiven. I'll be back with the hubby.

    (4)
  • M M.

    Salty food and poor service. Sorry Stateside, you are on the decline.

    (2)
  • Adina R.

    Woah. This may be my favorite spot in Philly. I'd first tasted a few of Chef George's delicious bites at a Yelp event. But it took me a while to get back to Passyunk and I'm so glad I did. It was after some Philly going away drinks with friends. I'd had a fantastic year in Philly, enjoyed some really phenomenal food and drinks, which helped me on my way to Yelp elite, but the year was coming to a close. But I was pretty drunk already...and hungry. We were going to meet a friend who's more familiar with the Passyunk scene and much more in touch with exactly what to order and where, so we ended up at Stateside. Again, woah. That crispy pork belly. The cauliflower, omfg. Parmesan croquettes. I'm out of Philly now, but I can't wait to go back just to go to Stateside. Thanks Chef George!

    (5)
  • CC C.

    We have been celebrating our recent engagement with various friends and decided to have dinner here on a Sunday with another couple. I actually have never written a review before but I decided this experience was so bad that I needed to warn others. We waited for approximately 10 minutes before we were greeted by our waitress for drinks. We ordered one of everything on the menu except for the oysters, which is exactly how we told our waitress when we ordered. She was visibly annoyed by that and said "just tell me specifically what you want." Awkwardly, my fiance read the whole menu to the waitress omitting the first item, the Oysters. When I asked for a diet coke instead of a cocktail because I was driving she barely acknowledged my request for it and just walked away. The food came out sporadically and when we asked her to identify certain things on the plate, she didn't know. She walked by our table frequently and regularly, but never made eye contact with us so we couldn't get her attention when we needed something. I said "excuse me" as she passed our table four times before getting her attention. We were seated right across from the door right in the middle of the restaurant and everytime someone walked in, we shivered. We wanted to try everything but the plates were so unbelievably small that we were meticulously siphoning strands of food off our forks to make sure we could each get a taste. We were equally unimpressed by those tastes. They weren't abysmal, but it definitely nothing special. Additionally, we were disappointed about the lack of protein options on the menu. When it came time for dessert, we were, of course, still hungry. The waitress gave us one dessert menu which listed three desserts on it. She proceeded to tell us that they were out of two of the desserts and they HAD NO COFFEE. We ordered the sticky toffee pudding. It was decadent but way overpriced for the size. I was really disappointed in this place after looking forward to it for weeks. We will absolutely not be back for an encore performance.

    (1)
  • bm p.

    How do you rate a place that says, "no thanks, we're too good for your money?". The good: on my one and only visit, the food was great and the drinks list was interesting. The problem, when I tried to visit again: on a perfect summer Friday night, at around 8:30pm, every single one of their outdoor tables was empty, so we stopped by and asked to sit outside for drinks. We were told that the outside tables were reserved for dinner only, but come back at 10pm and they'd open up for drinks. We might have been able to squeeze in at the bar, but it was ridiculously noisy - and why sit inside on the perfect summer night? For various reasons (forgotten phones, etc) we ended up walking by Stateside a couple of times after that and the outdoor tables remained empty. Around 10:20pm, we thought we'd try again. First, the waitress didn't believe that we'd been told that drinks were allowed outside after 10pm. Finally I remembered the specific guy who told us and she disappears into the back - where my companion is waiting to use the restroom - and the waitress loudly bitches to other staff that people are trying to have drinks only at the outdoor tables. Once again, not a single table outside is occupied. She comes back and tells me that we could sit outside after 11pm. I'm bummed to have to rate Stateside so low - the first time I went, the food and drink were great, I would have kept going back, but when a restaurant tells me that it can't seat me even though it has 5+ empty tables that remain unoccupied for the next 2 hours, I just can't give them my business. Basically, I said, "Hey, I'd like to give you money to sit at your table" and they said, "Yeah, no thanks."

    (1)
  • Bridget M.

    Reminded us of the dearly departed Adsum. So many unique dishes to choose from! A well-rounded beer, wine and cocktail list. Started with the Rabbit Rillettes and the pickle plate. The Rillette was different than expected. And thats probably because we had no idea what rillette was! It was mild and salty, topped with a delicious pear preserve. The pickle plate had all four offered pickled veggies plus one that wasn't on the menu! A little sweet, a little salty, even one that was a little spicey. The special of the night was an octopus small plate. Its always a gamble getting octopus, because so often it comes out rubbery and over-seasoned. Not so at Stateside. It was as tender as sausage and was finished with just the right amount of seasoning. We finished off the meal with their Apple Stuffed Donut, which comes in a pool of caramel syrup and is sprinkled with bacon. This was absolutely divine! In this vein, maybe Stateside will think about resurrecting the Bacon Snickers from Adsum..pretty please! An excellent meal all around with superb food and spot-on service!

    (5)
  • Rodrigo V.

    Lovely place, very small restaurant, but with a lot of charm. The waitress explained the concept of tapas and that we should order about three dishes each on the menu to be satisfied. We did, but we left starving. At $15 dollars each plate we expected more. The dished were well executed, but there were enough for a one taste of each item. Seriously the smaller tapas I have seen in my life. The food is good, but way too small. When you try something for the first time you need at least a second bite to enjoy the flavors, to understand where the chef is coming from...... Drinks were really good, also on the smaller side too, but again well executed. No bread is served at this place, I paid my bill and I was still hungry.... Maybe this place is running low in cash and they had to split one dish into 5 and still sell it at the same price. What a joke.... Sadly I won't be coming back.... If you go there, eat something before because you will be hungry

    (2)
  • Jose A.

    Went opening night, love the area, love the spot. Great design with the big windows opening to the square, the pics of 30s americana on the walls, and the industrialish vibe. Had the rabbit rilletes, house smoked trout, charred broccolini, and the steamed littleneck clams. Loved the broccolini, thought everything else was great. The clams reminded me of a similar dish at koozeedoo but better, the trout salad was perfectly dressed and the subtle incorporation of trout was just the right note (the gf thought there should be more). The rabbit rilletes was really good, but paled compared to the other dishes. I thought everything besides the broccolini had a touch too much salt, but that's being a bit picky. Not sure about the bar design, the space is small/intimate and having 2 deep crowds at the bar brings down the vibe a bit. There's a nice draft beer list that's very well priced. I'd probably give this 4.5 stars if I could, but it's close enough to 5 to be deserving.

    (5)
  • Chloe B.

    Pork Rillettes and Steak Tartare were both delicious, but the meal was mostly underwhelming. Glad to say I've been to the number 1 restaurant in Philadelphia, but it's definitely not my number 1.

    (3)
  • Mickey Z.

    We only went for beers and there happened to be seats at the bar. Very cool space and the selection of booze was very unique. Would definitely go back.

    (4)
  • Craig I.

    It's easy to get sucked in to this place. I just wanted to check the place out for a drink, and before I knew it I had stayed for more than two hours. The setting was upscale but unpretentious. Alone, I was able to strike up friendly conversations at the bar (this is far from a pick-up-joint, however). I got comfortable at the bar with a Big Eye IPA. The rest of their beer list is just as great. After watching plate after plate whizzing by for the first 20 minutes, I decided to try two of the cheeses. A cheddar from Lancaster was out-of-this-world, and the blue , from VT, was milder than I typically like but still very good. The portions and prices for the cheese were very fair. In fact, I would say the portions were bigger than some comparable plates I've had recently at Vintage, Tria, and Talula's Garden. While I downed my second beer, I checked out the wine list. I wouldn't call it extensive, but it seems to be carefully selected and very reasonable (nearly every selection was $6 or $7 per glass). One particular red, the Firesteed Pinot Noir from Oregon, I had tried only a week earlier at Vintage, and it was excellent. I'm pretty sure it was $11 per glass at Vintage, so at $7 a glass at Stateside, I'd say the prices are more than fair. It's also only $35 per bottle, so it would be a suitable companion to dinner. After talking to the bartender for a while about lots of the menu items (she was warm and friendly, by the way), I decided to try the duck sausage and brussel sprouts. Both were amazing--I don't even know where to start. I'll just say that I'll order them during every future visit. The bartender and I also talked about some of the cocktails, which seemed to be prepared with the same care and preparation as everything on the food menu. On future visits, I look forward to trying some of the cocktails, as well as some of the large plates. I'm excited to have this place in my neighborhood, whether for a drink or a full meal. You won't be disappointed, either, if you decide to take it for a spin.

    (5)
  • Lene P.

    Everything about this place is great and I've only been here once but I loved it. You can only sit at a table if you're ordering a certain dollar amount of food, otherwise you have to sit at the bar. The food is great, though! I only had their small plates (steak tartare, scallops, pork belly) and dessert (panna cotta, coffee martini). I haven't had a bad dish here yet. Very highly recommended!

    (5)
  • Kimberly S.

    The owners of Green Eggs have once again hit a homerun. Stateside is a great addition to the Philly restaurant scene and is my favorite restaurant of the moment. The Passayunk Square/Italian Market area was in need of something like this...a casual, yet refined restaurant with a decent whisky and craft beer selection, amazing cocktails and quality dishes reminiscent of higher-end establishments, all served by an extremely polite and attentive staff. For the quality and presentation of the food, prices are pretty reasonable, too. Here are the must-try items, which are all Ahhhhh-mazing!! -Hot buttery rye- this is THE PERFECT winter cocktail -Pork belly -Fois gras -Sunchoke soup with lobster -Beef cheek -Broccolini -Scallops If there's anything they could improve on, it's the desserts and happy hour. The desserts aren't bad, but they could use a little oomph.The happy hour features oysters, and although I've tried to like oysters throughout the years, it seems I am just physically unable to like them. I wish they would feature some other snacks for the non-oyster eaters.

    (4)
  • Pete C.

    Wow, what a place! Went there Saturday for the bourbon (yes, had the Winkle- just one though ;-) and was surprised how great the food was. My wide and I sat outside, the service was great, very attentive. The small plates are outstanding. I had foi gras, octopus and oysters on the half. The wife had baby kale and grilled zucc. After din din we went into the bar. Great bar! Windows open, looking out to square, bar stools outside too. Pro bar tenders there- mixologistsss makin great drinks- I forgot the first cocktail- with bourbon- it was very tasty, unique flavor- just ask for recommendation on a good bourbon cocktail, that's what I did. Then had a bourbon whisky sour with egg white- best I ever had! We were at bar for a while, so got another octo plate- it melts in your mouth- better than lobster to me! Background music was low and rockish. If I lived in Phila, I'd be there once a week!

    (4)
  • Sinéad O.

    So amazing. I can't wait to go back again. Two must-haves: 1. Hazen Blue Cheese with bacon caramel... I never want to know blue cheese, bacon, and caramel any other way again. 2. And the duck sausage. Ohh the duck sausage. Mmmmm. Atmosphere was cozy, service was friendly. Drink list was awesome. I would not mind becoming a regular.

    (4)
  • Charles R.

    Stopped by for drinks after dinner across the street and the first thing I noticed was how small this place is. We managed to sit outside on interesting anchored stools. Tried a couple of their special drinks and one with rye was very good, the other one that included ginger was way too heavy on the ginger. Nice girl sitting next to us was waiting for friends and she had a couple of the other drinks and liked them. Here's where I was disappointed in Stateside, at least for drinks. The girl next to us ordered one of the special drinks and I asked what she thought, and she said it was super sweet. When I read what the drink was supposed to be I said, where's the black tea? She didn't know herself and when asking the bartender she said that they were out of the Peach Schnapps and tea so she subsituted. Bartender was nice, and took the drink back and replaced it with something else. My quesiton is why would you serve one of your speciality cocktails if you are out of 2 of the main ingredients? Plus, how can you be out of tea? Anyway, they do have a wonderful list of bourbons and rye's, not so much on scotch. I thought the prices were higher than Village Whiskey for 1 oz pour. Both bartenders were really nice, but I think I'll stick with Village Whiskey.

    (3)
  • Sal M.

    Good food and great portions.....if you're a baby. They actually serve many of their dishes in baby food jars. Seriously. The house made duck sausage left much to be desired also. It was cold, and like everything else, VERY tiny.

    (2)
  • Bryce Q.

    We had a good meal last night at Stateside, but I had had higher hopes that the food was going to come through in a bigger way. Vegetable Carbonara - was unique and very good. More like a shredded root vegetable salad with a creamy dressing with pancetta. Probably the best dish I had. Pork Belly - good, but definitely not great. I ordered it after the good mentions here, but was a little disappointed. Usually I expect pork belly to be closer to a smokey bacon flavor rather than roasted pork and this was not the case. I certainly enjoyed it, but it didn't deliver to me what I thought it could have. Duck leg confit - again, definitely good, but I felt it was just shy of being great. The one dish that others at dinner raved about was the scallops. Really interesting and unique cocktails and one of the longest bourbon lists I've seen (and definitely the longest list of ryes that I have ever seen), but I was a bit put off by how many of the bourbons and ryes were $15+ for a 2oz pour.

    (3)
  • B M.

    Bad experience. My expectations were tempered, yet it still managed to disappoint all around. The lowlights were mediocre service, watered down and flavorless cocktails, and oysters that tasted as if they were sprayed with windex. At $120+ for two diners, this place is a must-miss.

    (1)
  • Abby I.

    After reading that Stateside was voted #1 restaurant according to Philadelphia Magazine (above some of my favorite restaurants in Philadelphia- Osteria, Zahav, Vernick, Amada...), I expected no short of perfection. Stateside is a cozy restaurant. 50% restaurant, 50% bar. Small and simple space in the heart of South Philadelphia. I couldn't help but feel like the manager was constantly peering at our table to make sure everything was okay. I appreciated the attention but I was very distracted at the same time. The front door was also kept open for the entire duration of our dinner which I was not a fan of as someone who easily gets cold. I enjoyed my Tennessee Sweetheart (bulleit, pomegranate juice, lemon, honey) as I studied the menu. The server recommended that each person order 2-3 plates as portions are small and meant to be shared. For appetizers, I had the duck pate, charred scallop crudo, bibb lettuce and goat cheese salad and cauliflower. Out of the 4 plates we ordered, I'd recommend the scallop crudo and yes, the cauliflower was pretty amazing. For entree, I had the mushroom tagliatelle. Delicious but I still prefer Osteria's homemade pastas. I also sampled the roasted poulet (bacon champagne emulsion, zucchini, pearl onions) as well as the crispy pork belly (smoked beer mustard, apricot, kale). Again, no real winners. The most disappointing part of the evening was the dessert. I love dessert but not dessert from Stateside. The carrot chiffon cake was incredibly dry with very little to taste in the blue cheese icing. Foie gras panna cotta again had very little flavor. The best out of the bunch was the bourbon banana bread pudding mainly because of the caramel and spiced chocolates served on the side. The positives= the service. Waiters were very attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable but at the end of the day, it's all about the food and Stateside is lacking here.

    (2)
  • Lauren C.

    OK so we'd been wanted to checkout Stateside for a while, but we got the motivation after it won Best of Philly. Going into it, we knew it wasn't the best move since it would likely be a madhouse, but we were able to get a res so we figured we'd give it a whirl. So we were directed to our table via a 'point' which may be a modern twist at being taken over and having the chair pulled out for you... but that seems stuffy and formal, so I sat down, took off my coat, and took to the drink menu. I had seen a drink- Gangsta's PEARadise, on their online menu that sounded delish!!! It wasn't on their drink menu though, so we asked. Turns out the online menu is out of date. No offers to make the drink anyway, since they likely had everything on hand. So we went for wine- a Cab Sav. At $9/glass, it was a quasi-light pour... but ok.... Then we opened our menus. They were out of the beets, which bummed me out, but they had a pickle plate to fill in for it. Being a pickle-a-holic, I was stoked! We coordinated our choices and then ordered. We were going to start off with appetisers so we could think about our entree choices for a bit, but apparently this restaurant has rules, and you have to order everything together. Maybe a modern twist on ordering? I found the rigidity a bit confining, and frustrating. For starters we had the cauliflower, and the pickled stuff, and for our entree my friend had the steak special, and i had the tagliatelli. Cauliflower was to die for. Every bite was different and delicious. I had no idea that this basic basic vegetable could have so much potential! The peanuts really took it to the next level. I was enamoured. Then came the pickles. Couldn't even finish them. Most of the pickled items were carrots, or what we deducted to be fennel. There were sweeter pickles, peppered pickles, but none were particularly awesome. The carrots were particularly icky. I preferred the fennel the most... but even that was more hunger than anything. Then came our entrees. My friend said her steak was alright, but nothing she'd come running back for. My tagliatelli was pretty awesome. Very small portion though, which i know is what you get at this place, but for $11, i really would have loved just a few more bites. We were planning on ordering desert, but were told we'd have to get our order in before we were done our entrees since the kitchen was closing... at 10p. You think after you get Best of Philly, you take advantage of that and push for maybe an extra hour? The place was still packed. Modern dining? We got dessert- decided to share the carrot cake with blue cheese frosting. It sounded really interesting. Intersting it was... the cake was delicious, but the blue cheese in the frosting was just too overpowering. We ended up scraping it off, and just splitting the little piece of cake. All in all, our experience at Stateside was consistent with what I'd expect of a place that just won Best of Philly. The food was hit or miss, but if you hit... it was amazing. The misses just didn't quite work the same way. I'd like to give this Best of Philly some breathing room, then head back. The drop-in little neighborhood gem that this restaurant used to be has had some attitudnal shifts... and I'd like to go back to my fond memories of a cute little spot with good booze and good food.

    (4)
  • Jimmie B.

    Nice atmosphere. A little pricey. Menu has variety but portions are small. Bartenders are good depending on who you get. Outside benches are uncomfortable and awkward. Passyunk Ave People Watching Station!

    (3)
  • Krista P.

    I am very sad to report a three star experience at Stateside. I have wanted to go to Stateside for at least 6 months, and finally, a group of 5 of us went a few Fridays ago for a birthday. We couldn't get in until 9:30, which was fine, we were excited to get in at all on relatively short notice. We arrived and saw why. The place is teeny tiny. And adorable. LOVE the space. Brick wall, very dark, definitely my kind of atmosphere. We were sat immediately and settled in. One of the people in our party had been pumped about the Bourbon menu. He chose an unusual one, and was disappointed to hear that both his first and second choice were unavailable. He chose something a little more standard, but felt a bit tricked by the long list of Bourbons that may not really exist. Because there were 5 of us, we chose many things to share and were able to taste about 80% of the menu... to be honest, I only remember a few things that we ordered (brussel sprouts, chef's board, scallops, steak tartar) because everything was just fine. Nothing was GREAT, nothing was bad. Everything was just OK. But Stateside does not give OK portions, nor do they have OK prices, so their food needs to be much better than that for me to feel anything other than "OK" about the experience. One thing I will say, the chef's board was a terrible deal. For $20+ it was 2-3 SMALL croquettes, a 1inch by 1inch block of cheese, and 2-3 other small items. I would say it was barely enough for 2 people to each get a bite, much less a chef's board for the table. Would definitely not get that again.

    (3)
  • Kyle S.

    I had been here for drinks before, and after some very good specialty cocktails (the Old Cuban is my favorite), my boyfriend and I decided to try Stateside for dinner sometime. Well, last night, we finally did, and we enjoyed our food and drink even if we didn't enjoy the bill. Per our server's suggestion to get 2 to 3 plates per person to share with each other, we started off with the flatbread (shrimp, caesar, shitshito) and the lamb carpaccio (huckleberry, argan oil, green olive). Both were good, very fresh, and very flavorful. I would recommend the lamb carpaccio over the flatbread, it was a bit more distinctive. Next we had the scallops (corn, chanterelle, gnocchi) and the pork cheek (BBQ, carrot, apple). When we first got the scallops, it took us a little bit to realize that the scallops were formed into the same shape as the gnocchi, and they looked indistinguishable from each other. A nice touch. The pork cheek was extremely tender and flavorful, and the scallops were some of the better ones I have my had in my admittedly limited scallop-consuming experience. Again, the toppings were fresh and fairly creative, as one would expect from a trendy tapas-esque place such as this. In short, the food was good, the drinks were good, and the service was good, but at nearly $100 for two people before tip, I would have expected at least one out of the four dishes we had to ravish my taste buds. None of them did. I would come back for drinks, but not for dinner.

    (3)
  • Neil B.

    Stateside recently was awarded the number one spot in Philadelphia Magazine's Top 50 Restaurants ranking, and we made reservations over a month in advance to see what the buzz was about. All I can tell you is what a complete and total disappointment. Out of curiosity, I had gone on their website the day of our reservation which was 3/16/13, to look over the menu. It looked promising. They made themselves out to be a whisky bar with an impressive selection of bourbon and rye, which they have. The first disappointment came when I asked the bartender for a recommendation, and he told me he had only had first hand knowledge of a few of what they carried. He did make a recommendation, and it was good, but one would expect a little more expertise in the area they are touting. When the rest of our party showed up, we sat down, and were given a 4" x 10" single sheet of paper with a total of maybe 8 items on it. We asked where was the menu we saw online, and were told that the chef had left, and they had a new chef, and this was his menu. We were also told that they were tapas sized to be shared. We placed a drink order, and since had a party of 5 we ordered everything on the menu except for the soup. We even doubled up on the duck, and oysters. What was sent out was the most ludicrously tiny portions I had ever seen. The aforementioned duck ($15.00) was approximately one quarter of one half of a duck breast, for a total of three minuscule slices. The beet dish was even more laughable at $9.00. It was literally one half of a radish sized beet in an oversized bowl. After 20 minuets and no drinks, I looked over and saw that the bar had exactly 3 people sitting there and two bartenders. We grabbed our waitress, and asked about our drinks, and her reply was that it was up to the bartenders. No apology, no "let me check on that" just some smug comment that set me on edge. The food, what little of it there was, was good, but what a complete and total rip off. Between our bar tab and food we were over $320.00 into this meal and all felt robbed. When asked, some of our table neighbors shared the same opinion. One even said this place sucks. I walked over to our waitress and asked if an owner or manager was in. She said no owner, but the manager was there. I asked to speak with him, and she just stared at me with a deer in the headlights look, and then stated, without even checking, that he was busy. I asked "too busy to speak with a customer" and was told yes. I walked back to my table really pissed off, when all of the sudden one of the bartenders appears and claims to be the manager. When we told him about our experience, he said there was nothing he could do since we had already paid. He just threw his business card on the table and said to call him next time we come in. What a fool. Did he really think there would ever be a next time? We were all still so hungry that we walked down the street to Birra, and had an order of mussels, and two pizzas. Our bill there was $50.00 with drinks. The owner sat and talked with us, and what a difference. He was a guy that cared about his customers, and what they thought! I am not one to complain, but I feel it is my responsibility to let others know what is going on at Stateside. Avoid it!!!

    (1)
  • Eileen K.

    Went for a post happy hour drink and some oysters. I should note we were unaware at the time of the new menu having heard great things about the old Stateside, we finally got a chance to go. We were soorly disappointed.They asked if we had a reservation, we did not, but they tried to accommodate us by letting one of us sit on a barstool while waiting for another seat. This was awkward when no one left and everyone was wondering why this guy was standing behind them. I ordered a dirty vodka martini, any self respecting bartender should know how to get this right, it was subpar and too sweet, in my opinion, the best place in the city for a good martini is Southwark, but i digress, you typically want what you want no matter where you are. Im not the type to return anything unless i absolutely cannot choke it down. I quickly rethought this philosophy when i ordered oysters, HUGE MISTAKE. They are labelled on the menu as $3 a piece east or west. I thought that was a little steep so I ordered 3, the bartender informed me (though this was not on the menu anywhere) that you can only order a half dozen or a dozen! So trying to save face, I ordered a half dozen. Then they came out... A half dozen oysters were emptied of their liquor and instead topped with fucking blueberry puree!!! WTF! Oh yeah and they tasted like crap. Very little on the new menu looked appealing. Whatever the new chef is doing to try to keep this living up to the hype it was...not working.

    (2)
  • Jared S.

    Pretty epic. Probably more like a 4.5er, but I went ahead and gave em the 5 stars for their average. I didn't drink alcohol, which was probably a mistake as I am a whiskey lover. Next time, for sure. I will be going back. Great service! I was very impressed with the "mis en place" or whatever you wanna call it and our server was very knowledgeable. Plates come out as they are prepared which happened to be a little annoying since my mother ordered all cold dishes and I ordered all hot. I mean it's not like we didn't share bites, but she got all her courses as I just sat there salivating. Oh wait I forgot about the cheese. I wanted that one and it came first. I only ordered one but that bacon caramel that comes with the VT blue is phenomenal. For reals. Some other highlights included the red snapper crudo, and the salt roasted beets. Everything was good though. I tried the pork belly everyone raves about and it was well cooked but the apple cider au jus and whatnot were kinda meh. I had a nice seafood chowder as well as the duck sausage. My mother thought the chowder was the low point, and it probably was, but it was still very good just a little heavy on the onion. The duck sausage was great. Sour cherry mustard prepared with it was a highlight. This place would probably be much better with a bigger group of people, however, I would recommend about 6 max as the interior is quite small. Really no complaints. Some of the portion sizes are smaller than expected, but some are larger so it kinda balances out. I guess the beer list is a little weak but the cocktail list seems to make up for that. Great spot though. Highly recommend.

    (5)
  • Elizabeth A.

    My husband and I were given a gift certificate from a friend for Stateside--our friend is friends with the owner. I was hesitant because I had not heard of this place and don't normally spend a lot of time in South Philly. Boy am I glad that we made the trek! We went on a weekend evening, and did have to wait for a table. The bar was full, so we were unable to sit, but the drinks were so good that I really didn't mind (I had the one with the gin, wine, and lime...its name escapes me). We had a one hundred dollar certificate, so we decided to eat anything and everything we wanted....and the food was amazing! It is daring (meaning, the chef does prepare organ meat in a very enjoyable manner), and just plain delicious. The desserts were fabulous. And, the service was prompt, courteous, willing to offer suggestions and very friendly. We loved the place and are looking forward to our next visit!

    (5)
  • Kaitlyn W.

    I really loved our dinner at Stateside on Saturday night. My BIL and his girlfriend were visiting from NYC and we wanted to show off a cool restaurant and neighborhood. I was a bit worried that we wouldn't be able to get a table, but we arrived at around 7:30 and were seated immediately (a good thing because it started pouring about 2 minutes later!) We started with the chef's board and a round of cocktails, which we all enjoyed. Then we had a sampling of most of the small plates (anything with pork in it, pretty much). Standouts were the duck rillettes (from the chef's board), the sausage and the brussels sprouts. As we ate our meal, the restaurant filled in a bit and there was a nice buzz, but it never got too loud. The waitress was superhelpful as well, suggesting a great substitute for the Zinfandel they were out of. Just a great experience overall!

    (5)
  • Vincent F.

    I love it here. The service and cocktails and the food are just so nice. Since I've written my review I've been here about 6 times and for the most part, it's rocked. Sure, there are some things I didn't love but I don't care because there is passion and love in that place and that's what keeps me coming back

    (4)
  • Charlotte G.

    I was incredibly excited to eat here, so maybe my problem was I expected too much. No, probably my problem was that I came here the weekend that Chef Sabatino was competing in Hop Chef. (Yes, I know he won) I probably should have waited until another night, when I could have tasted his handiwork. Hostess was at best - vague, at worst - rude. When she told us there were no tables available, she then just stared at us for a full minute. I asked if I could give her my name for one , and she sort of rolled her eyes and just said "I'll find you" Um...ok. So we sat at the bar, which looks beautiful (everything looks beautiful in there) and were served lovely cold glasses of water filled with ice. It was very hot , despite being late evening. Two seconds later , it turns out there IS a table. Ok great. We relocate to said table, and greeted by our server. She then pours our water glasses with tepid water (no ice) from a pitcher. I sure wish I'd brought mine from the bar. Come on people, it was HOT. So, Ok, - I'm putting it behind me as we order. Pickled carrots were delightful - albeit a bit boring. My husband's drink (can't remember the name, some kind of Punch) was AWESOME. But our server's boyfriend came in a few minutes after us - and she made no secret about sitting with him, and hugging him while we waited for our food. Kind of weird in a place where you will drop the kind of money you will in Stateside. Just a little too casual. But the real problem was the oysters. Husband ordered half dozen - East coast. I abstained, not really into them unless I'm literally on the water. Turns out I was wise - not ten minutes after eating them , the poor guy was violently puking in the toilet. He said he knew as soon as he ate them that something wasn't right. Now, I know this is a risk that you run when you consume anything raw. I get it. But , it sure ruined the rest of the meal. I gulped down the scallops (which were, i have to say - delicious) We had to leave - he was ill the entire evening until he got them all out. So, I would go back - to drink. But goddamned if I'm going to spend that kind of money on the food again. Don't go away again Sabatino!

    (2)
  • Fernando Q.

    Any time! excellent service and awesome view to The Fountain on Passyunk Square. I highly recommend it.

    (5)
  • Erica M.

    4 stars for the food, 1 off for the service. Our waitress was just surly and seemed to be annoyed any time we would ask a question. She also failed to tell us the special and that they were out of mussels (until we went to order the mussels and she said, "oh, yeah, we're out of those. sorry."). We asked for bread at some point and we got a slice baguette with nothing to go on it, so we asked for olive oil and she seemed quite annoyed. We were charged for the bread (the menu says additional bread $$, but we didn't think we would be charged for the first batch). We had the beet salad, which was only OK - nothing special. The cauliflower was INCREDIBLE. The best cauliflower I've ever had!!! We also got the clams with chorizo. The flavors of the broth and chorizo were fantastic. The clams themselves were only ok, but the flavors made up for it. Overall, it was a good meal. I'm not sure if we would go out of our way to go there again unless we were in the area, but I enjoyed the atmosphere and the flavors.

    (3)
  • James M.

    Is it me, or has Phillymag's "Top 50" "jumped the shark" this year? Here's a review of the meal (food, service, atmosphere) in one word "Nice." Why? Here's why. Ambience B- typical example of a casual, intimate neighborhood spot. Tight spaces, neutral colors and decor, where the small but popular bar takes up 50%+ of the real estate and the crowd intrusively spills into the dining space. They weren't going for anything exceptional here, and it's fine, but not #1. Cauliflower Soup A- It was creamy and rich, but also fresh and not heavy or buttery. It let through the vegetable and spice flavors, and was what every good cream of _______ shouIld be. Broccolini C- a heavy, saucy, salt-laden mess of smoked fish and veg drowning in a ranch-like dressing. Can we do dressing and shredded-fish on the side next time, hope so??? Rilllettes B. It's a fatty pork spread. Not pate, and not on many menus for a reason. Try it once if you're curious, you'll probably agree that's enough. Oysters C - east coasts were murky smelling and the entire dozen had bits of shell in the flesh. I could've broken a few teeth. Cheek B+ very good, crispy outside moist inside. Small, fatty and flavorful. Drinks. B Tried a few. Decent, but not timely served - the bartenders were overwhelmed. Service was very good otherwise. I felt like Phillymag was trying to teach us all a valuable lesson, even if at their own expense, about the influence some of us allow their "Top" list to have over our decisions. Maybe they are crumbling under the pressure of the fact that their readers are increasingly availing themselves of other credible crowd-based sources (like Yelp) and were thinking "shock and awe" (and maybe so much awe) could bring some attention. Maybe this signals the end of an era. I can tell you that if I read one more "article"/post/rant by Jason Sheehan that contains the f-bomb or others of his fav expletives, I'm calling the FCC. No, it's not that I'm self-righteous, I'm so not... it's more that these writings bring out the appallingly obvious fact that our city rag's head food critic is about as articulate as a monkey, and his culinary reflections only buttress the conclusion that he is a simpleton, and an arrogant one at that.... And in light of that, it's no wonder that his preferences are so profoundly pedestrian. If Phillymag wants to remain relevant, it must make some meaningful changes to regain credibility.

    (3)
  • Phil W.

    Apparently no one has told the staff that when your restaurant is this good the food is supposed to come with a side of either pretentiousness or excessive hipster. These folks just seem to be having a great time making astoundingly flavorful dishes effortlessly. Every plate is a little gem. Everyone raves about the pork bellies, and with good reason, so a word about the butternut squash soup instead. It was hot with just a touch of spice, topped with an apple froth that gave a little sweetness. The pumpkin seeds added a nutty flavor that I have been thinking about ever since I left. I can't remember a better meal. Go. Go now.

    (5)
  • Mary D.

    I don't know how this was rated the top restaurant in Philadelphia for 2013 by Philly Mag. There are definitely better places to eat in this city. Food was mediocre. Service was slow and pretty poor. Timing was off with everything. Lack of attention. Poor execution. Nothing innovative on the menu. Ok for a relaxed neighborhood dinner that you stumble upon but hardly up there as a showcase of what Philadelphia has to offer. Good selection of whiskey- looks as though that is what they have focused on. Butter and salt occupy most of the flavor on the very small menu. Unimpressed.

    (2)
  • Stefanie A.

    My boyfriend, who's in the industry, had been wanting to come here for awhile. It's small, so it's hard to get in. His birthday fell on a Monday so I finally got a reservation (nothing available before 8). It was so worth the wait. While the menu is on the small side, we had a hard time narrowing down which items we'd choose. We ended up ordering the special creamy rutabaga soup, the foie gras Tureen, the mushroom tagliatelle, and the steak. The soup was hearty and had a ton of flavor--plus ham and pickled carrots. The steak was tender and perfectly seasoned and well-cooked. The foie gras had a unique consistency and flavor--more like a hard cream cheese--and was accompanied by salty mini-beignets. The pasta was good, but not quite as flavorful as the other dishes, though it was cooked to perfection. They sent over a venison tartare and my boyfriend could not get enough of it. He's still raving about the flavor of the venison and the accompanying crispy yams, I think they were. Drinks were also inventive and delicious. The staff was super gracious, friendly, and accommodating. It's not cheap, and portions aren't huge, but the food is hearty and delicious so I say splurge on a date, with a girlfriend, or have someone with an expense account take you. It's not a great place for picky eaters--no chicken or burgers on the menu--but def fit for foodies.

    (5)
  • Shannon C.

    Loved the cocktails, duck sausage, pork belly, dessert, and beets. Good looking space, great service, we're fans of this place! Can't wait to go back again.

    (4)
  • Mum D.

    Ok, has anyone tried the new menu? I wanted to try Stateside for a loooong time and finally got around to it. The spot is very intimate and cozy, in fact they could definately add 3-4 extra tables and make more room for the people lining up at the door... Happy hour wine is pretty good, bread is fine, but... the rest? OMG, I've never had such a flavorless pate. Spam is BETTER. On top, it is served with 2 tiny pieces of toast( we are talking 2 half slices, TWO by TWO inch!). You are forced to ask for extra and pay for it. The foie gras is OK, but again , no bread to spread it on, just some miniscule beignets, as small as yout thumb nails. Seriously?!? Our server did a good job, so no complaints there, just the food. The entrees came with no starch, just a few bites of something. I mean, I understand the concept of small plates, but you are charging for a FULL price entree, damn it! The highlight of our evening was the foie gras dessert, not sweet at all and you could definately taste the foie. I thought that was exceptional and very creative. Compliments on that one for sure! But the pate...please add some seasoning( salt, pepper, herbs, nuts etc would be nice). I may revisit, just order something else. And...if you really want a GOOD pate or foie gras, go to Zinc, or Morimoto...

    (2)
  • Annette J.

    This glass is half empty... I guess I had a radically different experience from others here. I went for the first time this weekend- and will not be going back. I love a good Old Fashioned. That is not what I received. The glass was crammed with liquor-soaked fruit, and very little liquor. I kind of wanted a drink with my drink, you know? I mentioned that none of our glasses were full, I was just told that the components were measured- full stop. The portions on the small plates were ridiculously small - and in the beets and white asparagus pickle, there were exactly two whisps of shaved asparagus. It's like they're trying to be Jose Garces' Trading Company, and failing miserably. Sad- because I really wanted to like it- great atmosphere. If the food can't deliver though, forget it.

    (1)
  • Sue O.

    Despite the negative reviews out there, I still wanted to check it out...I made a mistake. Food portions were unbelievably skimpy. We ordered the recommended 2-3 plates per person, and found ourselves on the way to the Iron Hill for something to eat AFTER our dinner! I could go on and on about the food... but I don't want to sound like a negative Nancy. I have had the pleasure of some wonderful dining experiences in the city... Osteria, Barbuzzo, Vetri, Distritos, Amada, Vernick, etc... Stateside cannot compare to any of these places. Food was average, service was average, plate size was down right poor, and should not be acceptable. On a side note, they get two stars b/c the speciality cocktails were creative, refreshing, and down-right good. Might be worth a drink at the bar, while you enjoy the view of the hustle of the neighborhood. But, save yourself some cash, and general annoyance of wasting money.. trust me, don't eat here.

    (2)
  • JEAN S.

    Just had my second meal here last night, a marathon dinner for 5 lasting over 2 hours. We pretty much tried everything on the menu - cheese plate, smoked trout salad, oysters, clams, duck sausage, beef cheeks, salads, fried goat cheese, pork belly, and the most fantastic steak tartare ever to touch my lips. Everyone just kept oohing and ahhing and passing plates. Cocktails are awesome - my fave is the movie star. After all that we tried four desserts, all were good but the standout was a donut with bacon. mmm thinking about it now I could totally eat it again for breakfast. This place is really raising the bar for Passyunk.

    (5)
  • Diana M.

    Another wonderful addition to East Passyunk. I will be coming back soon!

    (5)
  • Laura C.

    The menu is very unique and reasonably priced. The bone marrow and sausage was awesome! There are also some interesting specialty drinks. We didn't try any of them, but they were also reasonably priced. They had a ton of beer and liquor options ranging from $3 Yuenglings to $20+ shots of Whistle Pig--there is definitely something for everyone here. The waitresses were so so so great--very nice, friendly, and attentive. The owner happened to be there as well, and also a pretty nice guy. Unfortunately, there was a fella working there who took himself a bit too seriously, and was just kind of rude in my opinion. After the place pretty much cleared out for the night, a few friends met us there for some birthday cocktails. When a friend pulled a chair up to our table, he immediately came over and told her that she couldn't put a chair there because it would be blocking the "aisle" (which it wasn't by the way). I totally understand that there are regulations and rules that he needs to adhere to, but he was just rude about it. I believe he told us to "respect the aisle way". Power trip? He could have been way more polite about it. He is the only reason that I will not give this place 5 stars. He should take a tip from his waitstaff on how to interact with people and make them feel welcome. The ambiance is also cool--low lights, great music, and plain decor that just feels right.

    (4)
  • Sheila F.

    I called for a reservation last week, and I was thrilled when they were able to squeeze us in for Saturday night. When my husband and I arrived, and we were being seated a woman at the table next to ours leaned over to let us know "the food is great, but the portions are extremely small we are leaving to go get hamburgers we are starved". We brushed off the comment because we love Stateside as do the friends that we were meeting. Truly we were not prepared for how incredibly small the portions were. The food is delicious and our waiter was fantastic, but we were disappointed with the portions. We ordered 7 dishes and left hungry? We were in luck because Marra's was still open and took our order for a large pepperoni pizza - at last we were full. We are not "big" eaters, but we expect to feel somewhat full after meal that cost over $150.00. Hopefully this will not become the norm because the four of us love Stateside and want to return one day soon.

    (3)
  • Jason E.

    Amazing small plates very creative use of local ingredients, great wine list fantastic selection of Bourbon and American whiskey. Service was excellent very well trained knowledgeable staff. As a chef I was very impressed.

    (5)
  • Eric W.

    Awesome spot on the Ave. Small plates, house made pickles, amazing seafood and cheese plate. Great selection of whiskey, rye and bourbon. If you go, save room for dessert as the doughnut with candied bacon is so good! Ended our stay with drinks at the bar and the bartender made me a great old fashion. Will be back for sure.

    (5)
  • Vanessa L.

    This review is a little late. We went right before Christmas. Our experience was very positive. The food great, beer great. We didn't do cocktails so I can't speak to that. We took our time and even though the place filled up after a while they never rushed us. Our server was super friendly and funny. Definitely go.

    (4)
  • Gina L.

    This place has excellent food. My major complaint is that it should be rated $$$ not $$. Reason being that a typical meal recommendation by the server was two to three small plates (per person) and one large plate plus drinks left us at $180 including tip. Our server was excellent but the wait for drinks from the bar was a bit long (bartender was chatting with people at the bar while we waited). We enjoyed the brussell sprouts, clams, diver scallops, grits and pork belly all of which were perfectly prepared. Wine averaged between 40 and 60 dollars per bottle. We each had one specialty cocktail. I had the Martinez but it was way too strong for me with the gin. I wasn't really a fan. My boyfriend had the South Philly Sangria which was more tasty. The bar has a window in the front that they can open up which was nice to feel the night air while eating. Overall, I would say we had a great experience here. Just keep in mind, the plates add up and think of it more of a $$$ place rather than a $$!

    (4)
  • Justin M.

    I don't do 5 stars, but Stateside deserves that many. Go get it, guys and gals! In a sea of small plate mediocrity, these folks blew us away. Holy cow, EVERY dish made us happy. Just ask yourself. When was the last time that happened?

    (5)
  • Rich H.

    Ok this is perhaps my favorite place now although hard to get there often. First the staff is incredibly friendly in a very real way. Just down to earth nice people. My wife absolutely loves the cocktail selection and the sips I have had have been excellent. The beer selection always top notch and interesting. The food is not only great but served in reasonably priced and sized portions so that you can walk out and not waddle out and you don't have to drop $120 for a weeknight meal. Get the kale salad. Large and excellent with softened kale, chickpeas and a good creamy dressing. Get the duck sausage with sweet potato hash. Great idea to use a honey mustard in the dish as it just ties everything together. Get any of the side vegetables as the vegetables here whether as an accompaniement on your plate or as a stand alone plate are always top notch and can be very creative. If you don't just eat the food here but as you eat try to follow along in the thought process the chef had in putting together each dish you'll realize he will be around for a long long time to come

    (5)
  • Jane D.

    This place was pretty good. I went in with a friend after the gym because we wanted to try it, it was local and we were hungry. Maybe its because we were dressed in gym clothes but we felt a little pretentious air from the beginning. The food was good. We got the mussels, pork belly and another dish that is slipping my mind right now. I would try here again when I am not in a rush so I can enjoy it more and actually try the drinks.

    (3)
  • christina j.

    creative cocktail menu and a lot of food options from small to large plates. i tried "the avenue" along with the shrimp & cauliflower appetizer; i preferred the cocktail. i would go back for drinks and try some of the other small plates offered. and maybe a glass of wine too. if you enjoy wine, the wine menu has something for everyone.

    (3)
  • Susan U.

    Sorry, Stateside, but you've lost my business for good. Two girlfriends and I arrived here about 8PM on a Friday evening and there were several empty tables inside and about ten empty tables outside. The bar was full. We opted to sit outside and enjoy the cooler summer day and do some people watching. We took our time looking over the drink menu and oohed and aahed at the cocktail options. While my friends were looking over drinks, I looked at the food menu and saw at the bottom that there was a **$15 minimum per person on food.** Ok, I go to plenty of restaurants that I love and I spend $15 or more on food, but somehow, seeing that in writing as a house rule really bugged me. We were hoping to get a cocktail and a smaller plate and maybe spend $20 total on food and drinks. If the place had been busier, we would have gotten up right away, but since it was on the empty side, I asked our waitress if it would be alright if we didn't spend the $15 minimum on food, but spent a slightly smaller amount. She asked us to wait and went and got her manager. When he came outside, the first thing he said when he approached us was, "I hear we have a problem." That immediately put us on the defensive- but maybe that was his point. We explained that we only wanted a drink and a smaller plate and was wondering if they would make an exception to their $15 minimum. He responded saying that Friday nights were VERY busy and that it wasn't THAT hard to spend $15. Both of these statements are valid, but, frankly, the place was about half empty at that point and we wanted to be able to decide how much or how little we wanted to spend. Overall, we were very surprised by his response. I then asked him directly if he wanted us to leave if we were to buy a small plate and drink, but not spend the $15 minimum. He said yes. So we did. Stateside, I know Anthony Bourdain has paid you some attention, but that does not necessitate being rude to your customers. If the manager has explained that the $15 minimum was their policy and then apologized for the inconvenience, we may have stayed anyway, but his aggressive and rude responses were extremely off-putting. I'm glad I didn't spend a penny here, and I never will.

    (1)
  • Crystal H.

    My husband and I went to this restaurant/bar for happy hour. Like other reviewers suggested, we got there right at 5:00 pm because it fills up fast. The buck-a-shuck oyster happy hour was great! The Frank's Red Hot mignonette was amazing! I really enjoyed the Ithaca they had on draft for happy hour. As much as it hurts, the only reason I am deducing one star is because of the small plates we ordered. My husband and I love small plates and, in comparison, we have had better for the price. All-in-all you cannot go wrong here, especially happy hour! It was delicious, and I will definitely return!

    (4)
  • Marie S.

    i'd give this place 3 1/2 stars if i could. the brussell sprouts were REALLY GREAT. i'm very picky about brussell sprouts and pretty much only like them when they're crispy and drenched in some kind of fat. everything else we had was good but not particularly memorable. oh except the sausage in the manila clams was awesome. great consistency and flavor. other than the clams, i felt the rest of the dishes were quite small and a bit pricy. another thing i didn't care for is that there is absolutely nowhere to wait for a table... the entrance is located on the side of the building and there is a POS machine right there. so you can't wait there without being in the way. and the bar area is very cramped - nowhere to wait there either. i'll definitely be back to give this place another try.

    (3)
  • Alexa B.

    The boyfriend and I went to Stateside Friday night for dinner just in time to take advantage of the end of their happy hour drink special which was pretty good (they have some $5 wines and also beer specials but didn't pay attention to the latter). We shared five plates. The salt roasted beets were my favorite. We also had the housemade goat cheese, the pork belly (tasty but if you dislike maple syrup like me, you might not like it and the grits that it was served over were drowned in syrup). Only my bf had the mackerel croquettes which he said were only ok. We also had the scallops which I liked alot. They really seem to like peas as they were present kind of superfluously in two of the dishes. Overall, food and service were great. I would definitely go back and probably order six things if we were just doing the small plates again. We were full when we left (I wanted to save room for capogiro) but got hungry soon after.

    (4)
  • Ellen L.

    went here friday nite, sat at the bar and had a couple of appetizers. The Bartender was not very friendly- polite , but didn't make us feel super welcome. Had the shrimp appetizer which was very good- 2 pieces of shrimp- which was a bit pricey for the amount of food. Also shared the Cauliflower app - that was good too. Fun place to grab a quick bite and a drink- but wouldn't go out of my way to come back.

    (3)
  • Julia S.

    This place is amazing! Homemade pickles, pates & terrines, filet mignon steak tartar, bone marrow and truffle sausage, and some of the most perfect oysters I have ever eaten. Their cocktails are fantastic too. Creativity and balance in every dish, and we have sampled nearly the entire menu. Make a reservation. It is a special place.

    (5)
  • Gary K.

    We arrived at Stateside just after 5 PM, in time for the Happy Hour, which is a good deal for beer drinkers - half price on their (good) list of draft beers. There was a farmer's market going on in the little square across the street, and I could hear the country music quartet playing, through the large open windows surrounding the bar. There were two or three other couples sitting at tables and the bar. The weather was sunny and mild, and looking out the large open windows, it was a beautiful scene. We perused the menu and ordered, sat back to take in the scene, and then...someone switched on the music, and the whole lovely experience came crashing down. Loud, insipid 1950s rock music blared out of the loudspeakers, and Stateside became just another cookie-cutter Philly bar/restaurant experience. They couldn't even be bothered to play the original recordings - "Summertime Blues" was NOT by Eddie Cochran. The food was OK, not as good as Tria, but more than acceptable. However, that doesn't matter, because I won't be going back anytime soon. It is a mystery to me why Philadelphians flock to restaurants in order to be bombarded with loud obnoxious music, for the privilege of eating mediocre food.

    (2)
  • Michael S.

    Had a very pleasant New Year's Eve experience at Stateside. Interesting fixed menu and attentive service. Am hoping to go back on a more normal night to experience the food and drink selections.

    (4)
  • Bruce B.

    Everything went right tonight. I had a wonderful meal and I didn't have to watch the eagles lose to the Cowgirls. We wandered up and my son said he had heard good things about this restaurant. I bet he did. We had some great beers and then ordered a bunch of small plates. Each one that came out was better than the next. We luckily ordered the chef's plate which had a wonderful cheese, duck bruschetta and chicken pate. All were extremely tasty. We were fortunate that our son didn't get the message and came late. We convinced him to order a second plate which we all wolfed down on him. The pork belly, scallops, shaved salad, grits and parmesan croquettes were all worth the energy we spent eating them. The service was fine, everything we wanted came when we needed it. The food was timed so we always had plates on the table and the next plate right behind. Can't wait to go back to this place. It wasn't cheap, but is was money well spent. Makes me glad my son lives int the neighborhood, perfect excuse to go visit and doubtful he'll turn us down. Stateside goes way high on my list of places to eat at.

    (5)
  • Megan K.

    flawless from beginning to end. we went to celebrate my bday on friday night. i have been hearing how awesome this place is and it had only been open one day shy of 3 weeks. good wine selections. all fancy beers. theres a great focus on the liquors and cocktails. the service is knowledgeable, attentive and friendly. the decor is very cozy. dimly lit and sexy. brick and exposed duct work. but lets just get to the food, shall we? holy hell. we started with the potted rabbit. then the beef cheeks. rabbit was good, but the beef cheeks? im still thinking about. like butta. then we had the scallop dish and skate wing. every bite was a surprise of yum. great flavors and presentation. theses are small plates. my boo has an endless pit for a stomach. when we had the first plate he says"you realize i'm going to have to get a cheese steak after we leave here". but after dinner was done he was perfectly satisfied. we did partake in dessert of course. he had an apple stuffed doughnut. it had bacon on it! he loved it. i had some pear thing that was out of this world. the only problem i had was no coffee. i kinda need it to finish dinner. but i was told they just dont have the coffee set up yet. so next time.its ok stateside, i aint mad at ya. we couldnt have picked a better place. super impressed with this spot. again, passyunk steppin it up. fab spot without the crazy center city prices.

    (5)
  • Ritu K.

    The highlight of our meal- Cauliflower. Wow did I every think I would be raving about Fried Cauliflower? I have to say I really like this place. They throw the windows open during warmer nights, the service was phenomenal and comparable to much higher end restaurants, and the small plates were delicious. I did leave a bit hungry and sometimes I'm not a big fan of the small plate concept, but overall Statewide is a solid choice and great for a date night...

    (4)
  • Michelle S.

    6 of us had dinner here on Sunday 9/8/13. OMG!!! Everything - EVERY single thing - was fantastic!!! We were also treated to a few off-menu items. The pasta ribbon with lemons and squash was unbelievable!! I wanted a giant to-go box. We tried so many different things - the duck, the bison tartare, chicken, octopus, caprese salad ... the hits just kept on coming! We brought our own bottle so the bar part is N/A. The service was good - 3.5 out of 5. They also paid attention bc one person was celebrating a birthday so they brought out dessert (comped) and a candle. :) I will definitely eat here again next time I'm visiting Philly.

    (4)
  • Dan C.

    Absolutely love this place. It's one of those spots that is unpretentious and will surprise you (or maybe not based on all of these great reviews). While I'm presuming Chef George Sabatino (@gwsabatino) has a team, the kitchen staff is skillful, so much in fact, that their creations are not only delectable but a work of art (look him up on Instagram). In short, go to Stateside and taste everything you can. This place is more for the adventurous, and sure our taste buds will all differ, but you can't go wrong. Oh...and the whiskey selection...it's among the best in Philly. Just go here...just not when I'm there so I can still snag a seat.

    (5)
  • Kimberly S.

    The owners of Green Eggs have once again hit a homerun. Stateside is a great addition to the Philly restaurant scene and is my favorite restaurant of the moment. The Passayunk Square/Italian Market area was in need of something like this...a casual, yet refined restaurant with a decent whisky and craft beer selection, amazing cocktails and quality dishes reminiscent of higher-end establishments, all served by an extremely polite and attentive staff. For the quality and presentation of the food, prices are pretty reasonable, too. Here are the must-try items, which are all Ahhhhh-mazing!! -Hot buttery rye- this is THE PERFECT winter cocktail -Pork belly -Fois gras -Sunchoke soup with lobster -Beef cheek -Broccolini -Scallops If there's anything they could improve on, it's the desserts and happy hour. The desserts aren't bad, but they could use a little oomph.The happy hour features oysters, and although I've tried to like oysters throughout the years, it seems I am just physically unable to like them. I wish they would feature some other snacks for the non-oyster eaters.

    (4)
  • Pete C.

    Wow, what a place! Went there Saturday for the bourbon (yes, had the Winkle- just one though ;-) and was surprised how great the food was. My wide and I sat outside, the service was great, very attentive. The small plates are outstanding. I had foi gras, octopus and oysters on the half. The wife had baby kale and grilled zucc. After din din we went into the bar. Great bar! Windows open, looking out to square, bar stools outside too. Pro bar tenders there- mixologistsss makin great drinks- I forgot the first cocktail- with bourbon- it was very tasty, unique flavor- just ask for recommendation on a good bourbon cocktail, that's what I did. Then had a bourbon whisky sour with egg white- best I ever had! We were at bar for a while, so got another octo plate- it melts in your mouth- better than lobster to me! Background music was low and rockish. If I lived in Phila, I'd be there once a week!

    (4)
  • Sinéad O.

    So amazing. I can't wait to go back again. Two must-haves: 1. Hazen Blue Cheese with bacon caramel... I never want to know blue cheese, bacon, and caramel any other way again. 2. And the duck sausage. Ohh the duck sausage. Mmmmm. Atmosphere was cozy, service was friendly. Drink list was awesome. I would not mind becoming a regular.

    (4)
  • Charles R.

    Stopped by for drinks after dinner across the street and the first thing I noticed was how small this place is. We managed to sit outside on interesting anchored stools. Tried a couple of their special drinks and one with rye was very good, the other one that included ginger was way too heavy on the ginger. Nice girl sitting next to us was waiting for friends and she had a couple of the other drinks and liked them. Here's where I was disappointed in Stateside, at least for drinks. The girl next to us ordered one of the special drinks and I asked what she thought, and she said it was super sweet. When I read what the drink was supposed to be I said, where's the black tea? She didn't know herself and when asking the bartender she said that they were out of the Peach Schnapps and tea so she subsituted. Bartender was nice, and took the drink back and replaced it with something else. My quesiton is why would you serve one of your speciality cocktails if you are out of 2 of the main ingredients? Plus, how can you be out of tea? Anyway, they do have a wonderful list of bourbons and rye's, not so much on scotch. I thought the prices were higher than Village Whiskey for 1 oz pour. Both bartenders were really nice, but I think I'll stick with Village Whiskey.

    (3)
  • Sal M.

    Good food and great portions.....if you're a baby. They actually serve many of their dishes in baby food jars. Seriously. The house made duck sausage left much to be desired also. It was cold, and like everything else, VERY tiny.

    (2)
  • Neil B.

    Stateside recently was awarded the number one spot in Philadelphia Magazine's Top 50 Restaurants ranking, and we made reservations over a month in advance to see what the buzz was about. All I can tell you is what a complete and total disappointment. Out of curiosity, I had gone on their website the day of our reservation which was 3/16/13, to look over the menu. It looked promising. They made themselves out to be a whisky bar with an impressive selection of bourbon and rye, which they have. The first disappointment came when I asked the bartender for a recommendation, and he told me he had only had first hand knowledge of a few of what they carried. He did make a recommendation, and it was good, but one would expect a little more expertise in the area they are touting. When the rest of our party showed up, we sat down, and were given a 4" x 10" single sheet of paper with a total of maybe 8 items on it. We asked where was the menu we saw online, and were told that the chef had left, and they had a new chef, and this was his menu. We were also told that they were tapas sized to be shared. We placed a drink order, and since had a party of 5 we ordered everything on the menu except for the soup. We even doubled up on the duck, and oysters. What was sent out was the most ludicrously tiny portions I had ever seen. The aforementioned duck ($15.00) was approximately one quarter of one half of a duck breast, for a total of three minuscule slices. The beet dish was even more laughable at $9.00. It was literally one half of a radish sized beet in an oversized bowl. After 20 minuets and no drinks, I looked over and saw that the bar had exactly 3 people sitting there and two bartenders. We grabbed our waitress, and asked about our drinks, and her reply was that it was up to the bartenders. No apology, no "let me check on that" just some smug comment that set me on edge. The food, what little of it there was, was good, but what a complete and total rip off. Between our bar tab and food we were over $320.00 into this meal and all felt robbed. When asked, some of our table neighbors shared the same opinion. One even said this place sucks. I walked over to our waitress and asked if an owner or manager was in. She said no owner, but the manager was there. I asked to speak with him, and she just stared at me with a deer in the headlights look, and then stated, without even checking, that he was busy. I asked "too busy to speak with a customer" and was told yes. I walked back to my table really pissed off, when all of the sudden one of the bartenders appears and claims to be the manager. When we told him about our experience, he said there was nothing he could do since we had already paid. He just threw his business card on the table and said to call him next time we come in. What a fool. Did he really think there would ever be a next time? We were all still so hungry that we walked down the street to Birra, and had an order of mussels, and two pizzas. Our bill there was $50.00 with drinks. The owner sat and talked with us, and what a difference. He was a guy that cared about his customers, and what they thought! I am not one to complain, but I feel it is my responsibility to let others know what is going on at Stateside. Avoid it!!!

    (1)
  • Eileen K.

    Went for a post happy hour drink and some oysters. I should note we were unaware at the time of the new menu having heard great things about the old Stateside, we finally got a chance to go. We were soorly disappointed.They asked if we had a reservation, we did not, but they tried to accommodate us by letting one of us sit on a barstool while waiting for another seat. This was awkward when no one left and everyone was wondering why this guy was standing behind them. I ordered a dirty vodka martini, any self respecting bartender should know how to get this right, it was subpar and too sweet, in my opinion, the best place in the city for a good martini is Southwark, but i digress, you typically want what you want no matter where you are. Im not the type to return anything unless i absolutely cannot choke it down. I quickly rethought this philosophy when i ordered oysters, HUGE MISTAKE. They are labelled on the menu as $3 a piece east or west. I thought that was a little steep so I ordered 3, the bartender informed me (though this was not on the menu anywhere) that you can only order a half dozen or a dozen! So trying to save face, I ordered a half dozen. Then they came out... A half dozen oysters were emptied of their liquor and instead topped with fucking blueberry puree!!! WTF! Oh yeah and they tasted like crap. Very little on the new menu looked appealing. Whatever the new chef is doing to try to keep this living up to the hype it was...not working.

    (2)
  • Jared S.

    Pretty epic. Probably more like a 4.5er, but I went ahead and gave em the 5 stars for their average. I didn't drink alcohol, which was probably a mistake as I am a whiskey lover. Next time, for sure. I will be going back. Great service! I was very impressed with the "mis en place" or whatever you wanna call it and our server was very knowledgeable. Plates come out as they are prepared which happened to be a little annoying since my mother ordered all cold dishes and I ordered all hot. I mean it's not like we didn't share bites, but she got all her courses as I just sat there salivating. Oh wait I forgot about the cheese. I wanted that one and it came first. I only ordered one but that bacon caramel that comes with the VT blue is phenomenal. For reals. Some other highlights included the red snapper crudo, and the salt roasted beets. Everything was good though. I tried the pork belly everyone raves about and it was well cooked but the apple cider au jus and whatnot were kinda meh. I had a nice seafood chowder as well as the duck sausage. My mother thought the chowder was the low point, and it probably was, but it was still very good just a little heavy on the onion. The duck sausage was great. Sour cherry mustard prepared with it was a highlight. This place would probably be much better with a bigger group of people, however, I would recommend about 6 max as the interior is quite small. Really no complaints. Some of the portion sizes are smaller than expected, but some are larger so it kinda balances out. I guess the beer list is a little weak but the cocktail list seems to make up for that. Great spot though. Highly recommend.

    (5)
  • Elizabeth A.

    My husband and I were given a gift certificate from a friend for Stateside--our friend is friends with the owner. I was hesitant because I had not heard of this place and don't normally spend a lot of time in South Philly. Boy am I glad that we made the trek! We went on a weekend evening, and did have to wait for a table. The bar was full, so we were unable to sit, but the drinks were so good that I really didn't mind (I had the one with the gin, wine, and lime...its name escapes me). We had a one hundred dollar certificate, so we decided to eat anything and everything we wanted....and the food was amazing! It is daring (meaning, the chef does prepare organ meat in a very enjoyable manner), and just plain delicious. The desserts were fabulous. And, the service was prompt, courteous, willing to offer suggestions and very friendly. We loved the place and are looking forward to our next visit!

    (5)
  • Kaitlyn W.

    I really loved our dinner at Stateside on Saturday night. My BIL and his girlfriend were visiting from NYC and we wanted to show off a cool restaurant and neighborhood. I was a bit worried that we wouldn't be able to get a table, but we arrived at around 7:30 and were seated immediately (a good thing because it started pouring about 2 minutes later!) We started with the chef's board and a round of cocktails, which we all enjoyed. Then we had a sampling of most of the small plates (anything with pork in it, pretty much). Standouts were the duck rillettes (from the chef's board), the sausage and the brussels sprouts. As we ate our meal, the restaurant filled in a bit and there was a nice buzz, but it never got too loud. The waitress was superhelpful as well, suggesting a great substitute for the Zinfandel they were out of. Just a great experience overall!

    (5)
  • Vincent F.

    I love it here. The service and cocktails and the food are just so nice. Since I've written my review I've been here about 6 times and for the most part, it's rocked. Sure, there are some things I didn't love but I don't care because there is passion and love in that place and that's what keeps me coming back

    (4)
  • Charlotte G.

    I was incredibly excited to eat here, so maybe my problem was I expected too much. No, probably my problem was that I came here the weekend that Chef Sabatino was competing in Hop Chef. (Yes, I know he won) I probably should have waited until another night, when I could have tasted his handiwork. Hostess was at best - vague, at worst - rude. When she told us there were no tables available, she then just stared at us for a full minute. I asked if I could give her my name for one , and she sort of rolled her eyes and just said "I'll find you" Um...ok. So we sat at the bar, which looks beautiful (everything looks beautiful in there) and were served lovely cold glasses of water filled with ice. It was very hot , despite being late evening. Two seconds later , it turns out there IS a table. Ok great. We relocate to said table, and greeted by our server. She then pours our water glasses with tepid water (no ice) from a pitcher. I sure wish I'd brought mine from the bar. Come on people, it was HOT. So, Ok, - I'm putting it behind me as we order. Pickled carrots were delightful - albeit a bit boring. My husband's drink (can't remember the name, some kind of Punch) was AWESOME. But our server's boyfriend came in a few minutes after us - and she made no secret about sitting with him, and hugging him while we waited for our food. Kind of weird in a place where you will drop the kind of money you will in Stateside. Just a little too casual. But the real problem was the oysters. Husband ordered half dozen - East coast. I abstained, not really into them unless I'm literally on the water. Turns out I was wise - not ten minutes after eating them , the poor guy was violently puking in the toilet. He said he knew as soon as he ate them that something wasn't right. Now, I know this is a risk that you run when you consume anything raw. I get it. But , it sure ruined the rest of the meal. I gulped down the scallops (which were, i have to say - delicious) We had to leave - he was ill the entire evening until he got them all out. So, I would go back - to drink. But goddamned if I'm going to spend that kind of money on the food again. Don't go away again Sabatino!

    (2)
  • Fernando Q.

    Any time! excellent service and awesome view to The Fountain on Passyunk Square. I highly recommend it.

    (5)
  • Erica M.

    4 stars for the food, 1 off for the service. Our waitress was just surly and seemed to be annoyed any time we would ask a question. She also failed to tell us the special and that they were out of mussels (until we went to order the mussels and she said, "oh, yeah, we're out of those. sorry."). We asked for bread at some point and we got a slice baguette with nothing to go on it, so we asked for olive oil and she seemed quite annoyed. We were charged for the bread (the menu says additional bread $$, but we didn't think we would be charged for the first batch). We had the beet salad, which was only OK - nothing special. The cauliflower was INCREDIBLE. The best cauliflower I've ever had!!! We also got the clams with chorizo. The flavors of the broth and chorizo were fantastic. The clams themselves were only ok, but the flavors made up for it. Overall, it was a good meal. I'm not sure if we would go out of our way to go there again unless we were in the area, but I enjoyed the atmosphere and the flavors.

    (3)
  • James M.

    Is it me, or has Phillymag's "Top 50" "jumped the shark" this year? Here's a review of the meal (food, service, atmosphere) in one word "Nice." Why? Here's why. Ambience B- typical example of a casual, intimate neighborhood spot. Tight spaces, neutral colors and decor, where the small but popular bar takes up 50%+ of the real estate and the crowd intrusively spills into the dining space. They weren't going for anything exceptional here, and it's fine, but not #1. Cauliflower Soup A- It was creamy and rich, but also fresh and not heavy or buttery. It let through the vegetable and spice flavors, and was what every good cream of _______ shouIld be. Broccolini C- a heavy, saucy, salt-laden mess of smoked fish and veg drowning in a ranch-like dressing. Can we do dressing and shredded-fish on the side next time, hope so??? Rilllettes B. It's a fatty pork spread. Not pate, and not on many menus for a reason. Try it once if you're curious, you'll probably agree that's enough. Oysters C - east coasts were murky smelling and the entire dozen had bits of shell in the flesh. I could've broken a few teeth. Cheek B+ very good, crispy outside moist inside. Small, fatty and flavorful. Drinks. B Tried a few. Decent, but not timely served - the bartenders were overwhelmed. Service was very good otherwise. I felt like Phillymag was trying to teach us all a valuable lesson, even if at their own expense, about the influence some of us allow their "Top" list to have over our decisions. Maybe they are crumbling under the pressure of the fact that their readers are increasingly availing themselves of other credible crowd-based sources (like Yelp) and were thinking "shock and awe" (and maybe so much awe) could bring some attention. Maybe this signals the end of an era. I can tell you that if I read one more "article"/post/rant by Jason Sheehan that contains the f-bomb or others of his fav expletives, I'm calling the FCC. No, it's not that I'm self-righteous, I'm so not... it's more that these writings bring out the appallingly obvious fact that our city rag's head food critic is about as articulate as a monkey, and his culinary reflections only buttress the conclusion that he is a simpleton, and an arrogant one at that.... And in light of that, it's no wonder that his preferences are so profoundly pedestrian. If Phillymag wants to remain relevant, it must make some meaningful changes to regain credibility.

    (3)
  • Phil W.

    Apparently no one has told the staff that when your restaurant is this good the food is supposed to come with a side of either pretentiousness or excessive hipster. These folks just seem to be having a great time making astoundingly flavorful dishes effortlessly. Every plate is a little gem. Everyone raves about the pork bellies, and with good reason, so a word about the butternut squash soup instead. It was hot with just a touch of spice, topped with an apple froth that gave a little sweetness. The pumpkin seeds added a nutty flavor that I have been thinking about ever since I left. I can't remember a better meal. Go. Go now.

    (5)
  • Mary D.

    I don't know how this was rated the top restaurant in Philadelphia for 2013 by Philly Mag. There are definitely better places to eat in this city. Food was mediocre. Service was slow and pretty poor. Timing was off with everything. Lack of attention. Poor execution. Nothing innovative on the menu. Ok for a relaxed neighborhood dinner that you stumble upon but hardly up there as a showcase of what Philadelphia has to offer. Good selection of whiskey- looks as though that is what they have focused on. Butter and salt occupy most of the flavor on the very small menu. Unimpressed.

    (2)
  • Stefanie A.

    My boyfriend, who's in the industry, had been wanting to come here for awhile. It's small, so it's hard to get in. His birthday fell on a Monday so I finally got a reservation (nothing available before 8). It was so worth the wait. While the menu is on the small side, we had a hard time narrowing down which items we'd choose. We ended up ordering the special creamy rutabaga soup, the foie gras Tureen, the mushroom tagliatelle, and the steak. The soup was hearty and had a ton of flavor--plus ham and pickled carrots. The steak was tender and perfectly seasoned and well-cooked. The foie gras had a unique consistency and flavor--more like a hard cream cheese--and was accompanied by salty mini-beignets. The pasta was good, but not quite as flavorful as the other dishes, though it was cooked to perfection. They sent over a venison tartare and my boyfriend could not get enough of it. He's still raving about the flavor of the venison and the accompanying crispy yams, I think they were. Drinks were also inventive and delicious. The staff was super gracious, friendly, and accommodating. It's not cheap, and portions aren't huge, but the food is hearty and delicious so I say splurge on a date, with a girlfriend, or have someone with an expense account take you. It's not a great place for picky eaters--no chicken or burgers on the menu--but def fit for foodies.

    (5)
  • Shannon C.

    Loved the cocktails, duck sausage, pork belly, dessert, and beets. Good looking space, great service, we're fans of this place! Can't wait to go back again.

    (4)
  • Mum D.

    Ok, has anyone tried the new menu? I wanted to try Stateside for a loooong time and finally got around to it. The spot is very intimate and cozy, in fact they could definately add 3-4 extra tables and make more room for the people lining up at the door... Happy hour wine is pretty good, bread is fine, but... the rest? OMG, I've never had such a flavorless pate. Spam is BETTER. On top, it is served with 2 tiny pieces of toast( we are talking 2 half slices, TWO by TWO inch!). You are forced to ask for extra and pay for it. The foie gras is OK, but again , no bread to spread it on, just some miniscule beignets, as small as yout thumb nails. Seriously?!? Our server did a good job, so no complaints there, just the food. The entrees came with no starch, just a few bites of something. I mean, I understand the concept of small plates, but you are charging for a FULL price entree, damn it! The highlight of our evening was the foie gras dessert, not sweet at all and you could definately taste the foie. I thought that was exceptional and very creative. Compliments on that one for sure! But the pate...please add some seasoning( salt, pepper, herbs, nuts etc would be nice). I may revisit, just order something else. And...if you really want a GOOD pate or foie gras, go to Zinc, or Morimoto...

    (2)
  • Annette J.

    This glass is half empty... I guess I had a radically different experience from others here. I went for the first time this weekend- and will not be going back. I love a good Old Fashioned. That is not what I received. The glass was crammed with liquor-soaked fruit, and very little liquor. I kind of wanted a drink with my drink, you know? I mentioned that none of our glasses were full, I was just told that the components were measured- full stop. The portions on the small plates were ridiculously small - and in the beets and white asparagus pickle, there were exactly two whisps of shaved asparagus. It's like they're trying to be Jose Garces' Trading Company, and failing miserably. Sad- because I really wanted to like it- great atmosphere. If the food can't deliver though, forget it.

    (1)
  • Sue O.

    Despite the negative reviews out there, I still wanted to check it out...I made a mistake. Food portions were unbelievably skimpy. We ordered the recommended 2-3 plates per person, and found ourselves on the way to the Iron Hill for something to eat AFTER our dinner! I could go on and on about the food... but I don't want to sound like a negative Nancy. I have had the pleasure of some wonderful dining experiences in the city... Osteria, Barbuzzo, Vetri, Distritos, Amada, Vernick, etc... Stateside cannot compare to any of these places. Food was average, service was average, plate size was down right poor, and should not be acceptable. On a side note, they get two stars b/c the speciality cocktails were creative, refreshing, and down-right good. Might be worth a drink at the bar, while you enjoy the view of the hustle of the neighborhood. But, save yourself some cash, and general annoyance of wasting money.. trust me, don't eat here.

    (2)
  • JEAN S.

    Just had my second meal here last night, a marathon dinner for 5 lasting over 2 hours. We pretty much tried everything on the menu - cheese plate, smoked trout salad, oysters, clams, duck sausage, beef cheeks, salads, fried goat cheese, pork belly, and the most fantastic steak tartare ever to touch my lips. Everyone just kept oohing and ahhing and passing plates. Cocktails are awesome - my fave is the movie star. After all that we tried four desserts, all were good but the standout was a donut with bacon. mmm thinking about it now I could totally eat it again for breakfast. This place is really raising the bar for Passyunk.

    (5)
  • Diana M.

    Another wonderful addition to East Passyunk. I will be coming back soon!

    (5)
  • Laura C.

    The menu is very unique and reasonably priced. The bone marrow and sausage was awesome! There are also some interesting specialty drinks. We didn't try any of them, but they were also reasonably priced. They had a ton of beer and liquor options ranging from $3 Yuenglings to $20+ shots of Whistle Pig--there is definitely something for everyone here. The waitresses were so so so great--very nice, friendly, and attentive. The owner happened to be there as well, and also a pretty nice guy. Unfortunately, there was a fella working there who took himself a bit too seriously, and was just kind of rude in my opinion. After the place pretty much cleared out for the night, a few friends met us there for some birthday cocktails. When a friend pulled a chair up to our table, he immediately came over and told her that she couldn't put a chair there because it would be blocking the "aisle" (which it wasn't by the way). I totally understand that there are regulations and rules that he needs to adhere to, but he was just rude about it. I believe he told us to "respect the aisle way". Power trip? He could have been way more polite about it. He is the only reason that I will not give this place 5 stars. He should take a tip from his waitstaff on how to interact with people and make them feel welcome. The ambiance is also cool--low lights, great music, and plain decor that just feels right.

    (4)
  • Sheila F.

    I called for a reservation last week, and I was thrilled when they were able to squeeze us in for Saturday night. When my husband and I arrived, and we were being seated a woman at the table next to ours leaned over to let us know "the food is great, but the portions are extremely small we are leaving to go get hamburgers we are starved". We brushed off the comment because we love Stateside as do the friends that we were meeting. Truly we were not prepared for how incredibly small the portions were. The food is delicious and our waiter was fantastic, but we were disappointed with the portions. We ordered 7 dishes and left hungry? We were in luck because Marra's was still open and took our order for a large pepperoni pizza - at last we were full. We are not "big" eaters, but we expect to feel somewhat full after meal that cost over $150.00. Hopefully this will not become the norm because the four of us love Stateside and want to return one day soon.

    (3)
  • Jason E.

    Amazing small plates very creative use of local ingredients, great wine list fantastic selection of Bourbon and American whiskey. Service was excellent very well trained knowledgeable staff. As a chef I was very impressed.

    (5)
  • Eric W.

    Awesome spot on the Ave. Small plates, house made pickles, amazing seafood and cheese plate. Great selection of whiskey, rye and bourbon. If you go, save room for dessert as the doughnut with candied bacon is so good! Ended our stay with drinks at the bar and the bartender made me a great old fashion. Will be back for sure.

    (5)
  • Vanessa L.

    This review is a little late. We went right before Christmas. Our experience was very positive. The food great, beer great. We didn't do cocktails so I can't speak to that. We took our time and even though the place filled up after a while they never rushed us. Our server was super friendly and funny. Definitely go.

    (4)
  • Gina L.

    This place has excellent food. My major complaint is that it should be rated $$$ not $$. Reason being that a typical meal recommendation by the server was two to three small plates (per person) and one large plate plus drinks left us at $180 including tip. Our server was excellent but the wait for drinks from the bar was a bit long (bartender was chatting with people at the bar while we waited). We enjoyed the brussell sprouts, clams, diver scallops, grits and pork belly all of which were perfectly prepared. Wine averaged between 40 and 60 dollars per bottle. We each had one specialty cocktail. I had the Martinez but it was way too strong for me with the gin. I wasn't really a fan. My boyfriend had the South Philly Sangria which was more tasty. The bar has a window in the front that they can open up which was nice to feel the night air while eating. Overall, I would say we had a great experience here. Just keep in mind, the plates add up and think of it more of a $$$ place rather than a $$!

    (4)
  • Justin M.

    I don't do 5 stars, but Stateside deserves that many. Go get it, guys and gals! In a sea of small plate mediocrity, these folks blew us away. Holy cow, EVERY dish made us happy. Just ask yourself. When was the last time that happened?

    (5)
  • Rich H.

    Ok this is perhaps my favorite place now although hard to get there often. First the staff is incredibly friendly in a very real way. Just down to earth nice people. My wife absolutely loves the cocktail selection and the sips I have had have been excellent. The beer selection always top notch and interesting. The food is not only great but served in reasonably priced and sized portions so that you can walk out and not waddle out and you don't have to drop $120 for a weeknight meal. Get the kale salad. Large and excellent with softened kale, chickpeas and a good creamy dressing. Get the duck sausage with sweet potato hash. Great idea to use a honey mustard in the dish as it just ties everything together. Get any of the side vegetables as the vegetables here whether as an accompaniement on your plate or as a stand alone plate are always top notch and can be very creative. If you don't just eat the food here but as you eat try to follow along in the thought process the chef had in putting together each dish you'll realize he will be around for a long long time to come

    (5)
  • Jane D.

    This place was pretty good. I went in with a friend after the gym because we wanted to try it, it was local and we were hungry. Maybe its because we were dressed in gym clothes but we felt a little pretentious air from the beginning. The food was good. We got the mussels, pork belly and another dish that is slipping my mind right now. I would try here again when I am not in a rush so I can enjoy it more and actually try the drinks.

    (3)
  • christina j.

    creative cocktail menu and a lot of food options from small to large plates. i tried "the avenue" along with the shrimp & cauliflower appetizer; i preferred the cocktail. i would go back for drinks and try some of the other small plates offered. and maybe a glass of wine too. if you enjoy wine, the wine menu has something for everyone.

    (3)
  • Susan U.

    Sorry, Stateside, but you've lost my business for good. Two girlfriends and I arrived here about 8PM on a Friday evening and there were several empty tables inside and about ten empty tables outside. The bar was full. We opted to sit outside and enjoy the cooler summer day and do some people watching. We took our time looking over the drink menu and oohed and aahed at the cocktail options. While my friends were looking over drinks, I looked at the food menu and saw at the bottom that there was a **$15 minimum per person on food.** Ok, I go to plenty of restaurants that I love and I spend $15 or more on food, but somehow, seeing that in writing as a house rule really bugged me. We were hoping to get a cocktail and a smaller plate and maybe spend $20 total on food and drinks. If the place had been busier, we would have gotten up right away, but since it was on the empty side, I asked our waitress if it would be alright if we didn't spend the $15 minimum on food, but spent a slightly smaller amount. She asked us to wait and went and got her manager. When he came outside, the first thing he said when he approached us was, "I hear we have a problem." That immediately put us on the defensive- but maybe that was his point. We explained that we only wanted a drink and a smaller plate and was wondering if they would make an exception to their $15 minimum. He responded saying that Friday nights were VERY busy and that it wasn't THAT hard to spend $15. Both of these statements are valid, but, frankly, the place was about half empty at that point and we wanted to be able to decide how much or how little we wanted to spend. Overall, we were very surprised by his response. I then asked him directly if he wanted us to leave if we were to buy a small plate and drink, but not spend the $15 minimum. He said yes. So we did. Stateside, I know Anthony Bourdain has paid you some attention, but that does not necessitate being rude to your customers. If the manager has explained that the $15 minimum was their policy and then apologized for the inconvenience, we may have stayed anyway, but his aggressive and rude responses were extremely off-putting. I'm glad I didn't spend a penny here, and I never will.

    (1)
  • Crystal H.

    My husband and I went to this restaurant/bar for happy hour. Like other reviewers suggested, we got there right at 5:00 pm because it fills up fast. The buck-a-shuck oyster happy hour was great! The Frank's Red Hot mignonette was amazing! I really enjoyed the Ithaca they had on draft for happy hour. As much as it hurts, the only reason I am deducing one star is because of the small plates we ordered. My husband and I love small plates and, in comparison, we have had better for the price. All-in-all you cannot go wrong here, especially happy hour! It was delicious, and I will definitely return!

    (4)
  • Marie S.

    i'd give this place 3 1/2 stars if i could. the brussell sprouts were REALLY GREAT. i'm very picky about brussell sprouts and pretty much only like them when they're crispy and drenched in some kind of fat. everything else we had was good but not particularly memorable. oh except the sausage in the manila clams was awesome. great consistency and flavor. other than the clams, i felt the rest of the dishes were quite small and a bit pricy. another thing i didn't care for is that there is absolutely nowhere to wait for a table... the entrance is located on the side of the building and there is a POS machine right there. so you can't wait there without being in the way. and the bar area is very cramped - nowhere to wait there either. i'll definitely be back to give this place another try.

    (3)
  • Alexa B.

    The boyfriend and I went to Stateside Friday night for dinner just in time to take advantage of the end of their happy hour drink special which was pretty good (they have some $5 wines and also beer specials but didn't pay attention to the latter). We shared five plates. The salt roasted beets were my favorite. We also had the housemade goat cheese, the pork belly (tasty but if you dislike maple syrup like me, you might not like it and the grits that it was served over were drowned in syrup). Only my bf had the mackerel croquettes which he said were only ok. We also had the scallops which I liked alot. They really seem to like peas as they were present kind of superfluously in two of the dishes. Overall, food and service were great. I would definitely go back and probably order six things if we were just doing the small plates again. We were full when we left (I wanted to save room for capogiro) but got hungry soon after.

    (4)
  • Ellen L.

    went here friday nite, sat at the bar and had a couple of appetizers. The Bartender was not very friendly- polite , but didn't make us feel super welcome. Had the shrimp appetizer which was very good- 2 pieces of shrimp- which was a bit pricey for the amount of food. Also shared the Cauliflower app - that was good too. Fun place to grab a quick bite and a drink- but wouldn't go out of my way to come back.

    (3)
  • Julia S.

    This place is amazing! Homemade pickles, pates & terrines, filet mignon steak tartar, bone marrow and truffle sausage, and some of the most perfect oysters I have ever eaten. Their cocktails are fantastic too. Creativity and balance in every dish, and we have sampled nearly the entire menu. Make a reservation. It is a special place.

    (5)
  • Gary K.

    We arrived at Stateside just after 5 PM, in time for the Happy Hour, which is a good deal for beer drinkers - half price on their (good) list of draft beers. There was a farmer's market going on in the little square across the street, and I could hear the country music quartet playing, through the large open windows surrounding the bar. There were two or three other couples sitting at tables and the bar. The weather was sunny and mild, and looking out the large open windows, it was a beautiful scene. We perused the menu and ordered, sat back to take in the scene, and then...someone switched on the music, and the whole lovely experience came crashing down. Loud, insipid 1950s rock music blared out of the loudspeakers, and Stateside became just another cookie-cutter Philly bar/restaurant experience. They couldn't even be bothered to play the original recordings - "Summertime Blues" was NOT by Eddie Cochran. The food was OK, not as good as Tria, but more than acceptable. However, that doesn't matter, because I won't be going back anytime soon. It is a mystery to me why Philadelphians flock to restaurants in order to be bombarded with loud obnoxious music, for the privilege of eating mediocre food.

    (2)
  • Michael S.

    Had a very pleasant New Year's Eve experience at Stateside. Interesting fixed menu and attentive service. Am hoping to go back on a more normal night to experience the food and drink selections.

    (4)
  • Bruce B.

    Everything went right tonight. I had a wonderful meal and I didn't have to watch the eagles lose to the Cowgirls. We wandered up and my son said he had heard good things about this restaurant. I bet he did. We had some great beers and then ordered a bunch of small plates. Each one that came out was better than the next. We luckily ordered the chef's plate which had a wonderful cheese, duck bruschetta and chicken pate. All were extremely tasty. We were fortunate that our son didn't get the message and came late. We convinced him to order a second plate which we all wolfed down on him. The pork belly, scallops, shaved salad, grits and parmesan croquettes were all worth the energy we spent eating them. The service was fine, everything we wanted came when we needed it. The food was timed so we always had plates on the table and the next plate right behind. Can't wait to go back to this place. It wasn't cheap, but is was money well spent. Makes me glad my son lives int the neighborhood, perfect excuse to go visit and doubtful he'll turn us down. Stateside goes way high on my list of places to eat at.

    (5)
  • Megan K.

    flawless from beginning to end. we went to celebrate my bday on friday night. i have been hearing how awesome this place is and it had only been open one day shy of 3 weeks. good wine selections. all fancy beers. theres a great focus on the liquors and cocktails. the service is knowledgeable, attentive and friendly. the decor is very cozy. dimly lit and sexy. brick and exposed duct work. but lets just get to the food, shall we? holy hell. we started with the potted rabbit. then the beef cheeks. rabbit was good, but the beef cheeks? im still thinking about. like butta. then we had the scallop dish and skate wing. every bite was a surprise of yum. great flavors and presentation. theses are small plates. my boo has an endless pit for a stomach. when we had the first plate he says"you realize i'm going to have to get a cheese steak after we leave here". but after dinner was done he was perfectly satisfied. we did partake in dessert of course. he had an apple stuffed doughnut. it had bacon on it! he loved it. i had some pear thing that was out of this world. the only problem i had was no coffee. i kinda need it to finish dinner. but i was told they just dont have the coffee set up yet. so next time.its ok stateside, i aint mad at ya. we couldnt have picked a better place. super impressed with this spot. again, passyunk steppin it up. fab spot without the crazy center city prices.

    (5)
  • Mavis D.

    ...Although I would catagorize Stateside as "spendy" your options are wonderful. Menu has changed but the whisky is still the same kind of wonderful!! DO have the Steak Tartare, Pate, and note the Salads are GREAT! Just call me Bubbles dahling...

    (4)
  • Nicole C.

    Great!! Sat at the very cool bar, great huge windows with an amazing view of the east passyunk area. This place is small, so either make a reservation if you want a table, or just know that you might wait, but really... The bar is awesome. We had cocktails ( beautifully crafted), top shelf whiskey (all American whiskey), and the beer was a great selection. Everything there is produced STATESIDE. Don't go in looking for tequila. We ate the rabbit roulette, Brussels sprouts, pork belly, steak tartare, oysters,. Goat cheese, and maybe something else. They were all small plates. There were three of us, we were stuffed and the food was just crazy good. I highly suggest you just go in, let one of the very friendly bartenders choose all of your food ( thanks Lenny!), and enjoy yourself. This place was wonderful, not cheap, but very worth it for the money. Same folks who own Green Eggs own this spot. Very well done, just another reason to love Philly!!!

    (5)
  • Mel S.

    place was alright. Service wasn't great.. it wasn't bad....alright. food was decent. I love to try different things. But i could give you two recommendations out of the 10 dishes we tried. I was very disappointed. I had made res. here before it had become phillys top and was sad when we visited but we knew someone who worked there and wanted to try it out. sad to say i was disappointed ..not to say i would never eat there but not the caliber i was expecting. will prob not return. Best of luck I do love the neighborhood.

    (3)
  • Andrew M.

    I was lucky enough to eat at one of the pop-ups they had at at Green Eggs. This was one of the best meals that I've ever had in my entire life. The first reviewer went through the menu in a fairly detailed way, so I wont rehash most of it. The beer braise beef cheek just dissolved in my mouth. Its the first time i've had this cut of meat and I hope it wont be the last. The apply bacon donut was also amazing. I cant wait for this place to open up on Passyunk.

    (5)
  • Chris T.

    Too many rules, not enough seats. This place is not special.

    (1)
  • elanya m.

    AWESOME!!!! The food, atmosphere and service were outstanding!! We had a 5 minute wait to get seated on a somewhat busy Saturday night which was a nice surprise considering how popular this place has become. We enjoyed the house made goat cheese, bone marrow & truffle sausage and Steamed Manila Clams. The Avenue drink was on point!! As we were leaving it began to rain heavily and the manager was able to give us a umbrella to take!! *reasonably priced *generous portions I will be back here far sooner than I need to be lol GREAT JOB!!

    (5)
  • Chad C.

    Stopped by for a few drinks after dinner and we really enjoyed Stateside! No food this time but plan on coming back soon. Great drinks, awesome bartenders and really cool layout (try to sit at the outside bar)!

    (5)
  • Kate C.

    I had the WORST experience here! It was so loud that we had to move from a table to the bar area (still really loud). Then I ordered a vodka martini and they gave me a gin martini. After trying to get the bartender's attention for about ten minutes another very rude bartender tried to convince me I was wrong. Really? Anyways - we left. The manager was super sweet and paid for my friends drink (I didn't drink mine). We went over to Sophia's instead and had a delightful meal.

    (1)
  • Adam N.

    We went last night for some light food and a few drinks. The happy hour specials make it a great spot to have a couple beers or glasses of wine. The dollar oysters were also awesome. Overall the dishes were really good and the ambiance makes it a place worth hanging out. The staff were nice and very attentive, aside from waiting on our check.

    (5)
  • Steve C.

    The food is good but a little on the pricy side. It's nice in the spring or summer when the bar opens to the outside.

    (4)
  • Paparomeroalpha P.

    Good food with fair service. A very small place that should get better with time.

    (4)
  • Garrett W.

    If you're living in Philadelphia and you have never had a proper cocktail I have two things to tell you: Firstly, you are an idiot. Philly has its cocktail game on lockdown. Secondly, go to Stateside in South Philly. Impose upon the bartender your favorite poison and watch as a master craftsman conducts his business before you. You will find yourself with a renewed zest for life and may find yourself consuming beverages with an extra zeal and gusto to which you are hitherto unaccustomed. Additionally, the Brussel sprouts are a delight.

    (5)
  • Andrew B.

    I'm somewhere between a 3 and a 4 star rating. The location is great on the corner, open, overlooking the little piazza. Drinks were good, but a little overpriced. The bartender was attentive, but on hyperspeed unnecessarily. The food looked good, but it seemed as if they were trying to do too much. The bar seemed to be the focal point. I would go for A drink, not more; unless you want to shell it out. If you want a 15$ drink, go to Franklin investment co.

    (3)
  • Abby L.

    Don't come here if you're legitimately hungry. It is advertised as a small plates restaurant and it most certainly is! The food is magnificent but will leave you wanting more, and will also leave you with a hefty bill. The place is very quaint, small and intimate. There is a great selection of cocktails and other drinks. The service was amazing. Everyone was so friendly and helpful when suggesting beer. Overall a good place, but I would say not worth the prices.

    (3)
  • Eric J.

    I'm a really big fan of Passyunk Square and all of the surrounding bars and restaurants, and am really glad about how the neighborhood has progressed in the past few years. Stateside is no exception and I had a really good time here. When I first asked about whether I should visit Stateside for dinner, my friends seemed very polarized about their experiences: some said that they had an amazing time, and others downright hated it. As a result, my friend and I decided on getting dinner elsewhere and drinks at Stateside afterwards. We came in for drinks on a warm spring night, and were promptly greeted by the bartender about the specials and recommended cocktails. The great thing about Stateside is that the bar has windows and you can actually sit "outside" the restaurant, but still at the bar. We ended up sitting inside, so we could get a good view of the square. I ended up ordering my usual Old-Fashioned multiple times, before switching over to some of the draft beers afterwards. The bartender really made a great Old-Fashioned, and didn't skimp on the bourbon, which was very appreciated. She was actually also a really good sport throughout the night, because my friend and I keep talking about our disdain for a certain acquaintance named Emily, which happened to also be her name. We joked around and had a good laugh about it. We ended up staying at the bar for about 4 hours since the weather was perfect and in general, it was such an enjoyable night. The service at the bar was very prompt and attentive, and we could see the amount of time and care they put into the drinks, which was a good sign. I saw all the people sitting around in the small dining area, and they all seemed to really be enjoying their food and drinks. To my knowledge, the staff working at the time working at the time were all pretty attentive, just like the bartenders, and they kept churning through the dinner and post-dinner crowd pretty efficiently. Perhaps I'm being a bit hasty with this review without trying the food, but after seeing people really enjoy their time at Stateside, I'm very inclined to come back for the dining experience. Until then, I can safely say that you can come here for a great cocktail and enjoy the relaxed ambiance.

    (4)
  • Gino C.

    The great thing about sharing small plates with friends is that you can all enjoy (or in some cases, critique) the food together. It's not just, "here try a bite of this", but rather, "let's all try this together." There's something about that shared experience that makes the table come alive. In my opinion, the only thing more enjoyable than a tasty meal is sharing it with others and having the enjoyment heightened. And at Stateside, they've nailed it. Food was incredible and we had a blast. The pork belly may have been the best thing I have ever had in my mouth. Mushrooms were creative and perfectly paired with fav beans. We also tried lamb ribs (great char and almost as good as the pork belly), an amazing rabbit dish and lettuce wraps with octopus among others. While normally I would sample from the great draft list or the many whiskeys they have (an entire book!), on this night I couldn't pass up the Passyunk East Side cocktail (gin, lemon juice, elderflower, cucumber and bitters). It did not disappoint. One of my friends had the Gershwin (a nice, gingery concoction) and I'd recommend that drink as well. Our server, Nina, was friendly and attentive from start to finish. She cheerfully answered our questions and was fantastic. I'm glad to live so close to such a great spot. I'll be back to try a whiskey flight and some more great food.

    (5)
  • Kristin W.

    After walking around the South Philly to see the impressive holiday lights, we did a quick check on OpenTable for available reservations nearby. When we saw Stateside was open, we snagged it, gleeful after having heard rave reviews. Once we were sitting down, I checked Yelp...only 3.5 stars as evidently management has changed over a couple times since the original excitement about Stateside. And that is why you check Yelp BEFORE you sit down. But since we were seated, we had committed to staying. Our server recommended 2 little dishes and a big dish per person, but we opted for 1 little and 1 big each and were completely full. The seafood dishes were just OK...the Scallops were camouflaged to look like the accompanying gnocchi, but we estimated we only got 4 skinny, oversalted scallops in the dish. The Branzino was definitely overcooked, including the skin that was beyond crispy. The Octopus was decent, although a little chewy. My favorite dish of the night, the only non-seafood dish we tried, was Foie Gras Mousse, which had a nice balance of flavors and textures.

    (2)
  • Gloria H.

    I went to Stateside the other night in a party of four, which was definitely the most people I'd go to this place with. We sort of stumbled across it while looking for a new and good place to eat in the area and were intrigued by the decor. It is VERY cool inside! The bar and deco all looks cozy and interesting and just really inviting. It's very small inside though so I wouldn't go with a big group or if it was too packed. On to the food... It was all very tasty and I definitely recommend getting a bunch of different plates to share with the table. The portions are all plated to share and very delicious. There are three different "sizes" of plates, and they are all very small. Even the biggest portions, which are the entree sized plates, are really not a lot of food. We were shocked when our waiter advised us to order 2-3 plates per person, but he probably was right. We only ended up ordering 1-2 plates a person and it was definitely not enough food, bu still very expensive. I would recommend this place more for a happy hour or appetizer kind of situation, not if you're looking to fill up on a real full meal. Overall the drink selection was good, the food was delicious (aside from the meats all being a bit fatty) and the atmosphere is really nice... BUT it's really pretty expensive for what it is, and dont expect to leave stuffed! Which could be a good thing...

    (4)
  • Fran H.

    Stateside a fun place for outside dining but menu clearly inventive and new age. If you want a simple easy dinner, this is not your place. This is for the foodie in everyone that wants to try a new and exciting expereince. The food portions are small plate. The service was good. The menu eclectic this appeals to only a small portion of people. While we were here at least 8 people read the menu and opted against it... perhaps the bone marrow? something turned them away. The 2013 best restaurant award was purchased... definitely better out there. Come warned and enjoy but leave hungry and poor.

    (1)
  • Joy M.

    Wow, did this place take a dive with popularity and success! I had a great experience here 3 years ago. But Saturday night was horrendous! The lamb ribs were a gastronomical stretch, $8 for 1 slice of an heirloom tomato was nearly offensive, and my husband who is usually far more tolerant than I, said the cheese board tasted as if it came from the Acme Supermarket around the corner. What a tragic disappointment! Yet, a perfect example of an establishment throwing overpriced morsels to desperate foodies based on some culinary hype that has long ago faded. Okay, the drinks were acceptable! But the best thing to arrive on a plate, was the fried okra, which accompanied those mushy lamb ribs that I personally wouldn't have served to my dog. Oh, and I mention the subpar table service? Well, I suppose in actuality, the service wasn't that bad... Still, at the table next to us, a woman decided to do a Face Time on her iPhone with the volume set at outrageously annoying and when I mentioned it to the waitress, poor Morticia said that it wasn't her place to say anything. Moron! It was totally your place! Newsflash: when there's a problem or discomfort between guests: yes, it's your place/role to mediate and if you feel uncomfortable, then stop slinging overpriced small plates and go get the manager. And with that, I simply asked the other customer if she might mind lowering the volume of her call and thankfully, the other customer was happy to do so. In fact, she actually apologized. So, just to summarize: Great food 3 years ago. Slipping beyond mediocrity today... Cocktails acceptable... food and service mostly not.

    (2)
  • George M.

    Will people who are complaining about the smallness of the plates please just go to olive garden. To begin, I lived here 22 years ago when it was a few storefronts and the Ac-a-me supermarket. Now the East Passyunk strip is trasformed into a tastefully trendy food mecca. This was our fav place so far. Friendly service is a bit slow. Outdoor tables with tablecloths on a quiet side street and largish bar on the corner walls open to pashunk ave. The food was fantastic under the new chef. Meatballs spicy and unique, octopus tender, mushroom variety and presentation out of this world even if a bit too crispy. And the gnocchi with broccoli perfect. We only got to check out two places with outdoor (i.e. dog friendly) joints but there are loads around. Oh and there is an independent valet parking service on the square! I didn't see that coming to these parts of south Philly.

    (5)
  • Michele J.

    This place caters to a specific group: mostly vegans/vegetarians, although there are some meats on the menu. The portions were small but over all tasty. Cheese plate was boring. I believe they fancy themselves as food purists, perhaps that's why there was no salt, pepper on the table, and why I could not get any sweetener besides regular sugar with the unsweetened iced tea that I requested. What was really bizarre was that when my tea came, it came in the form of a 16oz jar of Honest Tea, as in what you get from Wawa. THEN they charged me 2.50 for it! The place was packed, however, so their intended audience must be satisfied.

    (2)
  • Nicholas P.

    Went last Saturday with a party of 4 for drinks around 11pm. Place was relatively crowded (not packed) and there was virtually no wait staff on the floor. We stayed for 20-30 mins and were never once approached by anyone. We ordered a beer, two Old Fashions, and one Gin Tonic from the bar - I honestly don't think there was any liquor in any of the drinks - the G&T tasted like sprite and the Old Fashions tasted like sugar/bitters. I'm hardly a cocktail snob, but c'mon, it's easy to detect liquor in an Old Fashioned or Gin Tonic. My friend ordered another Old Fashioned, mentioning the last one was weak to the bartender, and watched him make it up with no alcohol. We promptly left (had already paid for the drinks we did consume at the bar). Maybe it was "Zero-Fcks-Given Night" at Stateside and we didn't see the sign, but it was disheartening, especially since there are cheaper/more attentive bars within a 2-block radius. Have been there multiple times before and always thought highly of them - but this really stood out as a totally apathetic experience on the part of Stateside. Worst part is, this was the first time for two members of our group - i highly doubt they'll ever be back, even tho I'll give Stateside the benefit of the doubt in that it was an off-night.

    (2)
  • Timothy M.

    I get it... Tapas, cool. And the name, stateside = all America stuff, neat. Man up, serve scotch & Real plates. Silly specialty drinks. What I ate wasn't that good anyway.

    (2)
  • Ryan M.

    It pains me to do this because in the past I have had so many great experiences here. When George was chef I was consistently blown away by the food here! Things seem to have changed since he left. Our most recent meal was marred by inconsistent food and service. I hope this was simply an off night. Everyone can have one from time to time. But based on this last experience it will be awhile before I return.

    (2)
  • Claire L.

    Had a really great meal here. Only four stars because service was a little slow at the end of the meal. However the food was amazing! Ordered oysters for happy hour and the mignonette sauce was SO good. They were really refreshing and would recommend again (especially at $1 each for happy hour!!). The charcuterie plate was a little disappointing since it had two pate type items on it out of three meats. The bacon pate was great, but the liver mousse was just ok. Wished the liver could have been subbed out for another sliced meat. The agnolotti was very good, maybe the best dish we ordered. Can't wait to come back in warm weather and do outside seating at the bar.

    (4)
  • Brian M.

    If you enjoy creative small plates and yummy gnocchi with a side of overly pretentious service, I would highly recommend Stateside. Be forewarned the happy and pleasant food runner will completely and totally make up for the pretentious server.

    (2)
  • Jessica Y.

    Artistic Tapas + Local Beers + Good Company = Edible Art Dinner Our server seemed distracted and off putting. Flatbread Crab, Queso Fresco, Gooseberry - $13 - surprisingly amazing, flatbread to toppings ratio was great Rabbit Terrine Foie Gras, Nectarine, Beet - $12 - interesting but too creamy, would benefit with some sort of house-made vegetable crisp to absorb the richness Fluke Crudo Pineapple, Avocado, Yuzu - $11 - quite fishy, just ok Pork Cheek BBQ, Bluefoot, Carrot - $15 Octopus Pork Belly, Salsa Verde, Hoisin - $17 Lamb Merguez, Sunchoke, Fava Bean - $18 - all the components worked well together creating a complex/satisfying flavor Flat Iron Au Poivre, Potato Terrine, Shallot - $18 - who would have thought potato terrine could be sooo delicious and that a small shallot would be so wonderfully potent!

    (4)
  • John H.

    Good place to drink and people watch along Passyunk. We had some sad oysters then hit the cantina for dinner. Good service, but I can't speak to the food.

    (4)
  • Heidi Y.

    LOVE the drinks here. & I hardly like mixed drinks. Super cozy atmosphere for drinks with friends. Cool bar, cool drinks, love it. Food, on the other hand, was alright. A little unimpressed/super salty at times.

    (4)
  • Allan S.

    Jessica Y's review is spot on so I will borrow from hers: "Artistic Tapas + Local Beers + Good Company = Edible Art Dinner" If you are willing to accept attitude from the wait staff you'll enjoy this place. I came here for a business dinner. I don't have a lot of experience with dining in Philly, or Philadelphians in general, so I'm looking forward to this. It's in kind of an eclectic area and well into the gentrification process - not a place I would normally choose for a business dinner, but then again I didn't choose the place. I arrived around 4 just as the place was opening up and cooled my heels until the others arrived. The vibe is what makes this place worthwhile. Attractive female bartender jumps on top of the bar and begins wrestling to open the shutters (love the can-do Phlilly attitude). Cordial, but not friendly, service. I cannot remember what I ordered, but I do recall enjoying every bite. We cycled through many of the craft beers which I also enjoyed. Overall positive experience and I would return if in the area.

    (4)
  • Johnny A.

    Started off on the wrong foot when the hand off between the hostess and waitress left us without service for the first several minutes. But with the right attitude, which they have, I can accept an innocent mistake. Service was very good drinks were excellent, doing new things with vodka and Bourbon ( not together). The food was truly outstanding. Everything was superior. This was a truly enjoyable dining experience on all levels. Looks like a converted former bar. Small and intimate with sidewalk tables. You have to try really hard not to like this place.

    (4)
  • Nina S.

    Excellent dinner and such a cozy atmosphere!! I have only been once and it was a great experience so I will be back. I had the Restaurant Week menu and enjoyed every course! There was even a cocktail pairing that was perfect with each course. The pre-fixed menu for the special restaurant week had a lot of selections. I started with a mushroom lettuce wrap which was delicious! My favorite course I had was the Cod Fillet entree. It was cooked to perfection and so flavorful. The service was a little slower than I would have liked but other than that I have no complaints! Check this place out. The bar area looks so cool so I think I'll be back to check out their happy hour one day soon.

    (4)
  • Carolyn M.

    The food and the service were excellent, but I honestly couldn't get over the sticker shock of a meal for three being well over $250 at a tapas joint. The calamari was fantastic and we were happy with everything we ordered. But with each little plate priced nearly at entree level, it adds up fast. I'd definitely go for drinks and appetizers or something, but probably not for a full meal again unless I'm not planning to bring my appetite.

    (3)
  • John M.

    A few of us were walking by and decided to stop in for a drink and maybe an appetizer on a Monday night. When we got inside it wasn't busy or crowed and we were greeted by the bartender who seemed more annoyed we were there than anything. We asked about the difference between two bourbons and which one would suit us better. His only response was I like it better. I assume he didn't have much knowledge about the bourbon he was serving. Here's the reason why I'm giving Stateside one star. We watched the bartender wipe his sweaty head and beard with a towel that he carried around his sweaty neck. After wiping his head, beard and some of his neck he would use the same towel to polish the glasses after they were cleaned. Just plain nasty and unsanitary! Not going back and could barly finish my drink.

    (1)
  • Kenny W.

    Nice restaurant located in the Passyunk Ave. section of South Philly. Small tables. The table size may not be an issue if you don't order a lot. You have to get really lucky to find a parking spot so I would suggest valet parking. The valet($12) works for most of the restaurants in the area, but not all. If you go to a restaurant that doesn't participate in the valet program then it's roughly $22. This particular day(5/17/15) it was kinda humid, so my guest and I were a little uncomfortable, but I won't blame that on Stateside (although ceiling fans may have helped). The food and service were good. The duck was particularly tasty. A return trip is in order.

    (4)
  • Jane P.

    Sat at the bar instead of outside - mostly because you get a better view at the bar since it's higher up and the windows are wide open. Also, its a lot of fun to watch the bartenders make special drinks. My friend ordered the skirtsteak with watermelon and bleu cheese and I got the scallops. It was very good. I would like to come back and try other menu items - I wasn't as hungry when we went and was still recovering from a night of drinking so I didn't eat or drink much. Nice place to go to on Passyunk.

    (4)
  • Rae P.

    I visited Stateside for a happy hour date with my girlfriends on a Wednesday night. Everything about it was almost great. Like.. so close. Almost. I sat down at the bar and started in on my beer before my friends showed up. Draft list was small but everything seemed high quality and seasonal. I enjoyed staring out the window at frozen South Philadelphians impatiently waiting for their dogs to piss on the steaming sidewalk so they could scramble back indoors. When I'm alone, I like to chat with the bartender, and as an ex-member of the service industry, I appreciate a little effort on the part of the person behind the counter. However, our chatter was... ok. Almost. My girlfriends came and now, with half a beer in my system and left without chatter, I was starving. The girls ordered drinks and I immediately asked for a couple of the menu specials and some oysters. Oysters were great, duck pate & cornichons were tasty but a little dry (and came with half as much crostini as the dish required), and the salt cod & potato fritters were somehow lacking the fabulous salty cod-ness I was craving. Still mostly good... almost. The music was great, the price was right... but it was really cold and too dark. Everything I liked about this place was somehow tempered by something that didn't quite work. I won't say I didn't enjoy my time at Stateside, but in a city with lots of options, I feel I can afford to hold out for the tried & true places that do excellent on all counts every time you come in. I am however, definitely willing to do a redo and let Stateside prove that consistency is possible! My hopes are high.

    (3)
  • Nika J.

    The drinks were great but the transphobia and homophobia weren't anywhere near as palatable. The server misgendered me but was apologetic after I corrected her. No biggie really. The BOH dude with the bushy dark beard glaring at me and the woman with whom I was on a date then shoving his finger down his throat was disgusting and unsanitary. I work at a nearby bar so we left and headed there for food and more drinks. I'm not coming back. I'm also advising lgbt and the friends I've made in the industry over 17 years to avoid this establishment. Ta~

    (1)
  • Abby B.

    Wow, this place is small - but don't let that deter you! If the weather is nice, they open up the windows and there's some cute stools for outdoor seating so you can people watch everyone in the square. The happy hour is pretty awesome - half off beers, some wine specials and $1 oysters, which my husband gladly took advantage of. Other than the oysters, we didn't partake in any food items, but I did glance at the menu. Items were rather pricey, so if you're coming for drinks and dinner, just take note. I can't wait to go back when the weather warms up a bit.

    (4)
  • Food For T.

    Ordered the oysters, scallops w/cauliflower, octopus, foie gras and the lettuce wrap. Foie gras was excellent but not so much the scallop, octopus and the lettuce wrap. It was a little on the salty side especially the mushrooms in the lettuce wrap. The service was ok. For being ranked #1 in the best of philly mag last year, Definitely no wow factor here and not what it's cranked up to be.

    (3)
  • Matt D.

    Unfortunately, I have to report that Stateside isn't quite the same since the chef swapping occurred. It's still good, and a great place to catch a few oysters, great drinks, and a bite.

    (4)
  • Emily W.

    I just walked out of stateside after one drink on Labor Day and felt immediately compelled to post my very first yelp review. My boyfriend and I were excited to have off the day together and go to happy hour (which rarely happens for us). We chose stateside because buck a chuck oysters and half off drafts sounded rather appealing. Upon sitting down, we were "greeted" after some time by our sweaty, obviously annoyed-to-be-working bartender who gruffly handed us menus and walked briskly away. Once he returned we asked him about happy hour specials. He walked away to the computer (which we assumed was to check the time), but came back to say, "There's no happy hour today because the kitchen is closed." What does the kitchen being closed have to do with taking half off my draft ? Nonetheless, we each ordered a drink. The grumpy bartender didn't crack a smile till Johnny cash began playing, at which point he began singing along, taking a shot with a fellow coworker and exiting the bar. While he was talking to his friends across the street, we were twiddling our thumbs waiting to pay our tab. All the while, we watched two fellas sit down in front of dirty glassware from previous guests and wait at least 10 minutes to be acknowledged. There was literally no one behind the bar all this time. We planned on staying for a couple drinks but we opted to move on to Devil's Den, where the drinks are bigger and more reasonably priced and the staff is gracious and extremely competent. Lesson learned.

    (1)
  • BostonBestEats X.

    I haven't actually dined at Stateside since the super-hot George Sabatino era and sorely missed Elijah Milligan days, but I can say it is currently a great place to have a few tasty and creative cocktails before dinner at one of the many outstanding restaurants on East Passyunk Ave (Noord, Fond, Laurel, Will, and Le Virtu being my current favs, and looking forward to Townsend). I recently enjoyed (see photos): ~"Bee Sting" with Uncle Val's Botanical Gin, Lemon, Honey, Absinthe ~"Short & Stout" with Old Grand-Dad Bourbon, Vanilla, Whole Egg, Stout I tweeted a photo of the latter on Twitter and Old Grand-Dad himself replied: "I'll have you know I'm a tall, svelte fellow. But that drink looks delicious, however named!" LOL! Stateside is also one of the few Philly bars to offer several different bottlings of Pappy Van Winkle bourbons, although they probably only have one bottle of each so these sell out, and what they may have at the moment will vary. The 15 year-old Family Reserve was 30 per ounce (totally worth it!), and 23 year-old was $60 per ounce. These are served in small grappa or sprit glasses...high-proof, so sniff without swirling! Will have to try new Chef Kevin D'Egidio's (ex-Will) cooking one of these days...

    (4)
  • Kelly T.

    I've been to Stateside multiple times when George Sabatino was the chef. The food was amazing, the drinks were amazing, the service was superb. The restaurant was well-deserving of the number one restaurant in Philly designation. Unfortunately, since that time, there have been two changes of the guard at Stateside. I went after the most recent. My sister bought a house in East Passyunk, and I wanted to take her somewhere delicious in her new neighborhood to celebrate. We were able to get a reservation at Stateside at the last minute (which I should have taken for the omen that it was). The decor and ambiance of Stateside are romantic and cozy, if you get a table in the back and away from the bar. It's a small, dimly-lit space and the bar is usually packed. There are two high top tables abutting the bar. This means that if you are at one of those tables, people waiting for their tables are very, very close to you while you try to enjoy your meal. I recommend that you ask for a low-top table in the back when you make your reservation. To start, we split the cheese plate, which was good, but when served (not by our server), did not have much accompanying explanation as to which cheese was which and what accompaniment it went with. For our entrees, I got the gnocchi, my sister got the Petite Filet. The food took a long time to get to us (as my sister ordered her steak medium well). She loved her steak, and it was well cooked. I got the gnocchi. The flavor was very good, but it was SEVERELY under-cooked. I would have sent it back, if I wasn't starving. I forced myself to eat the sticky gnocchi (at least it tasted decent), but was very disappointed by this serious misstep. The cocktails and wine list still provide an excellent selection. I had the Jack Rose, an Applejack, Lime, and House Grenadine cocktail, served chilled and up. I really enjoyed the sweetness contrasted with Jack Rose. My sister enjoyed her glass of wine. Our main server was wonderful. I overheard that she was formerly of Le Bec Fin, so no big surprise.

    (2)
  • Gauri G.

    The food was great- liked the lobster angnilotti and the tuna tartar. The shrimp sausage that came with the bass entree was amazing. The gnocchi was good too. Best part of the night was eating at the bar and chatting with the bartender Mike- the restaurant gets five stars just for him. He knew how to keep my picky bourbon obsessed boyfriend happy on his boyfriend and was knowledgeable about the food and drinks that were served at the restaurant. Would go back again and again and again just because of the experience he created.

    (5)
  • Jody P.

    Creative tapas perfect for sharing with a group. I would recommend ordering two per person, or three if you're hungry. Every dish was good, but the lamb deserves a special shout out for those that love rich flavors, and the pallet cleanser was a pretzel bite with one of the top 3 mustards of all time. The bar has large windows so that you can sit outside if it's warm. I loved our waitress! She seemed like she was having a great time waiting on us, and she was absolutely on point for delivering and taking away dishes and drinks. She showed up exactly when we wanted to see her, and made us laugh over the loud Saturday night buzz.

    (5)
  • Sharon S.

    Friendly staff who enjoy their menu and patrons! Looking for a fun, local Philadelphia experience we looked to Phillymag.com for the top 50 and found Stateside #1 -- so yeah, that was 2013 but we decided it sounded great and the Yelp reviews were good -- We called from the inbound train and ask for an outside table and directions via public transport - in spite of being cut off in a tunnel, the staff was friendly and helpful. We started out with Moscow Mules and an artisan cheese board. Both excellent. So nice to get local cheeses!! The table next to us said we had to try the Whiskey Sour - it was so good he swore to pay our round if we didn't agree-- too bad he left before we got to round #2-- but he knew his stuff and it was an amazing drink. We also shared a green salad, the heirloom tomato salad (fab!), scallops (good but poor value for the $$), and the filet. It was all very tasty and well presented. The Passyunk area is really diverse- there were old men in the square playing cards and lots of younger people at the restaurants and bars. A great way to spend our one free night in the city!

    (5)
  • D S.

    How to create the perfect uninspired storm. 1. Seat your guest 35 minutes late. 2. Find a way to fail at every dish you could serve your guest. 3. It's important that the first dish you bring is some sort of seafood, make sure that not only the taste and smell are off but that it's presented in a garbage like arrangement. 4. Make sure your wait staff has the ability to tell you that what you think is wrong is actually your unrefined taste. 5. When serving food in tapas style it's important that each dish stands out on its own. Try not seasoning your short ribs, maybe replacing your broccoli dish with three day old Chinese food or bath your crispy fish fillet in olive oil until the skin slides off. 6. Don't forget to serve cheap wine at high prices and for god sakes he's a mixologist not a bar tender. 7. If done just right you'll have excelled at creating a dining experience so bad that months later it's still remembered as the worst expensive meal your customers ever had.

    (1)
  • Miriam B.

    Very disappointing. Had to put down a 50.00 hold for a reservation. Only to have the hostess call my cell after we left to say we were no shows. Mixed drink was awful.

    (1)
  • AJ J.

    The cocktails are superb but the food was a little lacking. Service was average, nothing special but not bad by any account. Certain dishes lacked seasoning which I think was my major issue with the food. The drinks made up for the mediocre dishes!

    (4)
  • Terry B.

    Hometown bar feel without the bad bar food! This tiny gem is one of those places you'll always go back to. Inventive and classic cocktails and great small plates (no wings or poppers!) All the dishes are thoughtful, unique and flavorful, whether you're at a table or bellied up to the stone bar. I'd love to see the wine list expanded beyond the "one of each flavor " range. Service was stellar, though, and that makes up for a lot.

    (4)
  • Caroline L.

    Wow. I went to Stateside on a Monday, having forgot most restaurants on Passyunk are closed. We were entertaining an out-of-town guest and wanted to show off South Philly. We decided to try out Stateside, initially because it was open and also their invited open air space looked inviting. Stateside looked like a gastropub, but I had no idea that the Stateside was worlds apart from a gastropub. Instead, I was delighted by the menu of interesting tapas, good beer selection, and novel cocktails. Our table of 3 selected 6 plates and 1 dessert and shared them. I loved every dish especially the salmon tartare. The service was excellent and the server brought us a complimentary amuse and small dessert. The restaurant had the right mix of casual atmosphere and original, upscale food. And the price! With the happy hour specials and complimentary tastes, the bill was unbelievably low. Granted, we weren't drinking, but still the check amounted to under $20 per person. That was what earned Stateside the extra star. In sum, Stateside is a revelation. With only one visit, I knew this had become among my top choice of South Philly restaurants. And our out-of-town visitor was amazed. Stateside made us look good and proved that South Philly is a "go-to" destination.

    (5)
  • Rachel G.

    Best happy hour in South Philly! 1/2 off drafts, $1 oysters, and $5 wines from 5-7pm. They also have fantastic, inventive cocktails. The staff is amazingly kind and attentive. Our friends consider this place our "Cheers".

    (5)
  • Matt R.

    Still haven't tried the food but have been twice for drinks/beers. Their draft list is always unique and offers a nice variety. Cocktails were big and delicious. The bar is pretty small, but offers lost of seating.

    (4)
  • Simon Y.

    On Oscars Sunday Night, 6 of my friends and I decided to dine at Stateside for East Passyunk Restaurant Week. Except for one person, we had never dined at Stateside before, but the Yelp reviews and the online menu looked promising; therefore, we decided to give it a shot. Upon arrival, the friendly wait staff informed us that our table is ready and seated us immediately. Perusing the cocktail menu, we opted for an assortment of different aperitifs while waiting for the wait staff to take our dining choice orders. Because it was Restaurant Week, the menu was prix fix consisting of an appetizer, a main course and a dessert. After we placed our order, we were puzzled that we each had a bread plate as a part of our table setting, yet we were never offered any bread. We assumed it was an oversight and continued to enjoy our well-made cocktails. Shortly, the appetizers arrived and we began our dining experience in earnest. Three members of our party ordered the shrimp choke flower soup and commented that bread would be a nice accompaniment; therefore, I finally asked for what we assumed was the overlooked bread and received a paltry six inches thinly sliced baguette. The appetizers were an appropriate portion, but it was the measly portion of the octopus cassoulet main course ( one half of a tentacle and beans) that began my dissatisfaction with the meal. I admittedly didn't have the octopus, I opted for the pork tenderloin, which despite being served on the rare side, was tough and chewy. It was on the smaller side of dinner portions, but a lot more acceptable than the octopus. Needless to say, three members of our party left the restaurant hungry, and four could have enjoyed a little more food, especially when each is paying $66:00 for dinner in South Philadelphia. A dining experience should never include the statement "perhaps a stopover at a fast food restaurant is a good choice before returning home and watching The Oscars." I am all about the fine dining experience, but I definitely can't say this was a satisfactory dinner, not when half the party returns home hungry. To add insult to the whole thing, remember the paltry six inches of thinly sliced bread? There was an up charge of $2:00 on the total bill. I imagine we would have been hungrier had I not asked for the assumed forgotten loaf.

    (2)
  • Michael H.

    Fantastic night with dad and dad-in-law. I highly recommend a flight of whiskeys for tasting. The bartenders were fun and knowledgeable, but I'd have to say the pork belly dish stole the night! Fantastic and perfect to pair with endless libations!

    (5)
  • Michele R.

    Service just lovely Pretty much small plates Very tasty Good bar Only American booze Would go back

    (4)
  • Devin A.

    The largest tapas I think I've ever eaten. What a treat it was to share with friends and try the unique variety they offer here. We got the duck, salad, tuna, funnel cake, carrot pie, soup, New York strip, octopus and scallops. Each dish was crafted and sourced in the United States, hence the name. What an exquisite place!

    (5)
  • Barbara B.

    IAte dinner at Stateside tonight as part of Passyunk Avenue Restaurant week. It was utterly incredible. First of all, the restaurant is small, which keeps the sound level low and the bustle under control. My friend and I had a three course meal, but we were allowed to talk and linger and spent two hours eating our dinner. The restaurant is quite dark, and the presentations of the food are quite unusual, so you really have to focus on the tastes in each dish. What they do with vegetables is amazing. The flavors are intense....and the combinations unusual....bringing out unusual flavor accents. The selection of bourbon is incredible. I had a bourbon pairing with each course and was astounded by the difference in taste, smell, and smoothness of each drink. I think this is a restaurant that requires food sophistication. The servings are small, and require attention to appreciate the presentation and taste of each element. It was a wonderful experience and I definitely want to go back many times!

    (5)
  • Joseph C.

    You're paying for Georgia but getting Delaware. We ordered drinks before the meal. for $8.50, I expected my average beer to be served in a standard pint glass, not a glorified shot glass. The food is very good, but unless there's a famine going on, there's no reason for a $17 scallop dinner to be served with just 2 scallops and some edible decor. The $15 beef plate was served with a side of bok choy - a single leaf of bok choy. But hey, what do I know. By the time we finished our meals, the place was packed. Our table was a hot commodity and people were staring us down. No plans to return.

    (2)
  • Bryce Q.

    We had a good meal last night at Stateside, but I had had higher hopes that the food was going to come through in a bigger way. Vegetable Carbonara - was unique and very good. More like a shredded root vegetable salad with a creamy dressing with pancetta. Probably the best dish I had. Pork Belly - good, but definitely not great. I ordered it after the good mentions here, but was a little disappointed. Usually I expect pork belly to be closer to a smokey bacon flavor rather than roasted pork and this was not the case. I certainly enjoyed it, but it didn't deliver to me what I thought it could have. Duck leg confit - again, definitely good, but I felt it was just shy of being great. The one dish that others at dinner raved about was the scallops. Really interesting and unique cocktails and one of the longest bourbon lists I've seen (and definitely the longest list of ryes that I have ever seen), but I was a bit put off by how many of the bourbons and ryes were $15+ for a 2oz pour.

    (3)
  • B M.

    Bad experience. My expectations were tempered, yet it still managed to disappoint all around. The lowlights were mediocre service, watered down and flavorless cocktails, and oysters that tasted as if they were sprayed with windex. At $120+ for two diners, this place is a must-miss.

    (1)
  • Abby I.

    After reading that Stateside was voted #1 restaurant according to Philadelphia Magazine (above some of my favorite restaurants in Philadelphia- Osteria, Zahav, Vernick, Amada...), I expected no short of perfection. Stateside is a cozy restaurant. 50% restaurant, 50% bar. Small and simple space in the heart of South Philadelphia. I couldn't help but feel like the manager was constantly peering at our table to make sure everything was okay. I appreciated the attention but I was very distracted at the same time. The front door was also kept open for the entire duration of our dinner which I was not a fan of as someone who easily gets cold. I enjoyed my Tennessee Sweetheart (bulleit, pomegranate juice, lemon, honey) as I studied the menu. The server recommended that each person order 2-3 plates as portions are small and meant to be shared. For appetizers, I had the duck pate, charred scallop crudo, bibb lettuce and goat cheese salad and cauliflower. Out of the 4 plates we ordered, I'd recommend the scallop crudo and yes, the cauliflower was pretty amazing. For entree, I had the mushroom tagliatelle. Delicious but I still prefer Osteria's homemade pastas. I also sampled the roasted poulet (bacon champagne emulsion, zucchini, pearl onions) as well as the crispy pork belly (smoked beer mustard, apricot, kale). Again, no real winners. The most disappointing part of the evening was the dessert. I love dessert but not dessert from Stateside. The carrot chiffon cake was incredibly dry with very little to taste in the blue cheese icing. Foie gras panna cotta again had very little flavor. The best out of the bunch was the bourbon banana bread pudding mainly because of the caramel and spiced chocolates served on the side. The positives= the service. Waiters were very attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable but at the end of the day, it's all about the food and Stateside is lacking here.

    (2)
  • Melissa V.

    We sat at the bar on a relatively nice day, with the windows open. The bartender was attentive. We were there for happy hour and had $1 oysters, which were delicious. Half priced drafts too. Great deal! We had lettuce wraps and three other small plates. All were creative, fresh and quickly served. The plate was described when dropped off. We also had two desserts (cherry pie, yum!). The staff was friendly and the restaurant was very clean. Great experience all around!

    (5)
  • Nancy L.

    Stateside is a solid choice but didn't live up to my expectations for a number one restaurant, as Philly mag states. (I'd give that honor to Marigold Kitchen with Zahav being a close second.) The food was very good, but nothing was outstanding or a new experience. The venison carpaccio was notable and the rabbit risotto was tasty. I'd say the stars of the night were remarkably fresh east coast oysters and the mint julep. Overall the service was okay but our waitress seemed absentminded and occasionally brought us wrong dishes/drinks.

    (4)
  • Lauren C.

    OK so we'd been wanted to checkout Stateside for a while, but we got the motivation after it won Best of Philly. Going into it, we knew it wasn't the best move since it would likely be a madhouse, but we were able to get a res so we figured we'd give it a whirl. So we were directed to our table via a 'point' which may be a modern twist at being taken over and having the chair pulled out for you... but that seems stuffy and formal, so I sat down, took off my coat, and took to the drink menu. I had seen a drink- Gangsta's PEARadise, on their online menu that sounded delish!!! It wasn't on their drink menu though, so we asked. Turns out the online menu is out of date. No offers to make the drink anyway, since they likely had everything on hand. So we went for wine- a Cab Sav. At $9/glass, it was a quasi-light pour... but ok.... Then we opened our menus. They were out of the beets, which bummed me out, but they had a pickle plate to fill in for it. Being a pickle-a-holic, I was stoked! We coordinated our choices and then ordered. We were going to start off with appetisers so we could think about our entree choices for a bit, but apparently this restaurant has rules, and you have to order everything together. Maybe a modern twist on ordering? I found the rigidity a bit confining, and frustrating. For starters we had the cauliflower, and the pickled stuff, and for our entree my friend had the steak special, and i had the tagliatelli. Cauliflower was to die for. Every bite was different and delicious. I had no idea that this basic basic vegetable could have so much potential! The peanuts really took it to the next level. I was enamoured. Then came the pickles. Couldn't even finish them. Most of the pickled items were carrots, or what we deducted to be fennel. There were sweeter pickles, peppered pickles, but none were particularly awesome. The carrots were particularly icky. I preferred the fennel the most... but even that was more hunger than anything. Then came our entrees. My friend said her steak was alright, but nothing she'd come running back for. My tagliatelli was pretty awesome. Very small portion though, which i know is what you get at this place, but for $11, i really would have loved just a few more bites. We were planning on ordering desert, but were told we'd have to get our order in before we were done our entrees since the kitchen was closing... at 10p. You think after you get Best of Philly, you take advantage of that and push for maybe an extra hour? The place was still packed. Modern dining? We got dessert- decided to share the carrot cake with blue cheese frosting. It sounded really interesting. Intersting it was... the cake was delicious, but the blue cheese in the frosting was just too overpowering. We ended up scraping it off, and just splitting the little piece of cake. All in all, our experience at Stateside was consistent with what I'd expect of a place that just won Best of Philly. The food was hit or miss, but if you hit... it was amazing. The misses just didn't quite work the same way. I'd like to give this Best of Philly some breathing room, then head back. The drop-in little neighborhood gem that this restaurant used to be has had some attitudnal shifts... and I'd like to go back to my fond memories of a cute little spot with good booze and good food.

    (4)
  • Jimmie B.

    Nice atmosphere. A little pricey. Menu has variety but portions are small. Bartenders are good depending on who you get. Outside benches are uncomfortable and awkward. Passyunk Ave People Watching Station!

    (3)
  • Krista P.

    I am very sad to report a three star experience at Stateside. I have wanted to go to Stateside for at least 6 months, and finally, a group of 5 of us went a few Fridays ago for a birthday. We couldn't get in until 9:30, which was fine, we were excited to get in at all on relatively short notice. We arrived and saw why. The place is teeny tiny. And adorable. LOVE the space. Brick wall, very dark, definitely my kind of atmosphere. We were sat immediately and settled in. One of the people in our party had been pumped about the Bourbon menu. He chose an unusual one, and was disappointed to hear that both his first and second choice were unavailable. He chose something a little more standard, but felt a bit tricked by the long list of Bourbons that may not really exist. Because there were 5 of us, we chose many things to share and were able to taste about 80% of the menu... to be honest, I only remember a few things that we ordered (brussel sprouts, chef's board, scallops, steak tartar) because everything was just fine. Nothing was GREAT, nothing was bad. Everything was just OK. But Stateside does not give OK portions, nor do they have OK prices, so their food needs to be much better than that for me to feel anything other than "OK" about the experience. One thing I will say, the chef's board was a terrible deal. For $20+ it was 2-3 SMALL croquettes, a 1inch by 1inch block of cheese, and 2-3 other small items. I would say it was barely enough for 2 people to each get a bite, much less a chef's board for the table. Would definitely not get that again.

    (3)
  • Kyle S.

    I had been here for drinks before, and after some very good specialty cocktails (the Old Cuban is my favorite), my boyfriend and I decided to try Stateside for dinner sometime. Well, last night, we finally did, and we enjoyed our food and drink even if we didn't enjoy the bill. Per our server's suggestion to get 2 to 3 plates per person to share with each other, we started off with the flatbread (shrimp, caesar, shitshito) and the lamb carpaccio (huckleberry, argan oil, green olive). Both were good, very fresh, and very flavorful. I would recommend the lamb carpaccio over the flatbread, it was a bit more distinctive. Next we had the scallops (corn, chanterelle, gnocchi) and the pork cheek (BBQ, carrot, apple). When we first got the scallops, it took us a little bit to realize that the scallops were formed into the same shape as the gnocchi, and they looked indistinguishable from each other. A nice touch. The pork cheek was extremely tender and flavorful, and the scallops were some of the better ones I have my had in my admittedly limited scallop-consuming experience. Again, the toppings were fresh and fairly creative, as one would expect from a trendy tapas-esque place such as this. In short, the food was good, the drinks were good, and the service was good, but at nearly $100 for two people before tip, I would have expected at least one out of the four dishes we had to ravish my taste buds. None of them did. I would come back for drinks, but not for dinner.

    (3)
  • Lauren S.

    When I heard the chef that made Stateside the number one restaurant in Philly for 2012 was leaving and than realize the week of I still hadn't made it there my friends and I on the second to last night took a chance at getting a spot at the bar. We lucked out and after waiting in the not really meant for standing bar area with a beer we lucked out and snagged a seat. And it was well worth it. Stateside is small but the bar was pretty cool, we tired some of the cocktails in addition to the beer. If your in a small group of 2 or 3 its a great place to hang out but definitely not good for large group there just not a ton of space. I want to make it back here now that is warmer out for the bar opens up and you can sit outside which expands its size. Plus I need to see how the food is under the new chef.

    (5)
  • Mike H.

    Been to Stateside 4 times, first 3 times drinks only, dinner with last visit. The space is small but decor and vibe are spot on. During summer months, the huge windows open up and you're seating from outside at the bar. We stopped in for a drink after dinner at Le Virtu. Had a whiskey sour and a boulevardier. Loved them both. Their cocktail game is solid. The bartenders were friendly but really didnt engage us but it was busy and it was a cocktail hit and we all know how that goes, ok, maybe not all of us. All in all service and cocktails are solid. Last visit we decided on dinner. I thought dinner was ok. Nothing bad but nothing great. I'll still stop in at Stateside for my night caps.

    (4)
  • Emily C.

    Truly outstanding meal. I was visiting a friend in Philly for the weekend and after a gorgeous (55 degrees in January) day in the city, we decided to try out Stateside for dinner. My friend, a fellow foodie and food blogger, had been hearing rave reviews and seeing food porn-esque photos all over Instagram so we succumbed to the lure of Stateside. And I'm so glad we did. The small plates menu is simply epic. The beer and wine list is perfectly adequate (draft brews list = niiice!). Whiskey and bourbon selection is impressive. And the service is remarkable-- especially commendable for a fairly new restaurant. I overheard the waitress saying they've only been open for two months! We started with some funky sour cherry beers and a plate of Bayley Hazen bleu cheese with salted bacon caramel. @#$%%$#$. Goooorgeous flavor medley. In addition to the bleu cheese, we opted to share several selections from the small plate offerings. And, it's safe to say, we made all of the right choices. But I think it's hard to go wrong here. Read 'em and drool: -Foie Gras & butternut squash mousse, spread on baguette slices with blood orange gelee and parsley. -Housemade duck sausage with sweet potato, sour cherry mustard, and frisee salad -(nightly special) charred octopus with blood orange and fingerling potatoes. This was our least favorite of the small plates, because it didn't have a ton of flavor The star of the night: Crispy maple glazed pork belly with fried nora mills grits, gala apples, and spiced cider jus...YOWZA!! The entire bill rang up less than $70....with 5 small plates (which were still generous in size) and two beers, that ain't so bad!

    (5)
  • Lindsay H.

    I've heard and read a lot about Stateside. Needless to say, I was pretty excited that we snagged reservations on a Friday night with a group of friends. The inside was casual and cozy which was perfect on a cold winter night. What we ordered... The Chef's plate. YUM. This came with one of their pickled items (carrots and celery), pork rillettes with kale, and some sort of amazing soft cheese that I've been dreaming about for days.I obviously enjoyed this. And the most amazing part was that they actually gave us enough bread. In addition we had the steak tartare with an egg and truffled sauce which was out of this world, brussel sprouts with tiny mushrooms and a lardo sauce(wow) and the crispy pork belly. Honestly, the only thing I didn't think of great was the pork belly. It was a tiny bit dry and hard to cut. I love pork belly and this was tasty but it wasn't great. Food aside, the service was good. Their liquors are all local so that was a bit difficult to choose from but thankfully the waitress helped me out and I was happy with my vodka choice. All in all I thought it was very good and I am looking forward to my next visit.

    (4)
  • Victoria L.

    I finally made it to Philly Mag's #1 restaurant of the year! (Though I should say I always disagree with the order of their list.) Because of this, I had very high expectations for the restaurant.... and I wouldn't say they were all met. Don't get me wrong, everything was good but not #1 in my book. We started with the meat board, which featured pork rillettes, foir gras, and bone marrow. I heard good things about the pork rillettes, but I guess they're not for everyone and I'm included in that. The foie gras is phenomenal and was like liquid gold in your mouth. Highly recommend that! My friend had the cauliflower soup with creme fraiche, caviar, blood orange segments, an oil drizzle, and an ash. All those things sound good in theory, but it was a little much in one bowl I think. For entree, we shared pork belly, scallops, and clams and mussels. The pork belly is so flavorful and the crispy onions are perfect. The scallops left a little more to be desired and I wasn't crazy about the grapes and cauliflower paired with it. The clams and mussels came in a starchy potato broth with chunks of pork belly, which was good; I just prefer my mussels in broth. That said, they were extremely tender and delicious while the clams were much too small. I'm not against giving Stateside another chance, and maybe come back when it's not Restaurant Week crowd.

    (3)
  • Diana K.

    After all of the great things I have heard about Stateside, I really was let down when I visited for happy hour. The look and feel of the place was great and made me want to stay, and the beer specials were also welcoming. However, our food choices just didn't live up to the hype. Our buck-a-shuck oysters were kind of strange and extremely salty. They definitely did not want to waste their good oysters on us happy hour folks. When we splurged for the $25 charcuterie plate, I was expecting something amazing. It was obviously made with a lot of effort and love, but the flavors of the pates, steak and accompaniments were very bland overall. I felt robbed afterwards. Good thing we still had a long evening of eating ahead of us elsewhere!

    (3)
  • Nicole H.

    I was quite disappointed by my dinner at Stateside last month. Obviously I had high hopes, since they'd just won top restaurant in Philly from Philadelphia Magazine (no matter how much flack they got for that list, the #1 had to be at least decent, right?!) - while the food itself was alright, it was nothing to write home about. We started with some dollar oysters and a bunch of happy hour drinks. The happy hour specials were by far the highlight of the night - we ordered all the remaining oysters (only a dozen left when we arrived at 6) and they were delicious. The drinks were good, but one of my friends noted that their regular prices and selection of some liquors left a little to be desired. We ordered the large charcuterie plate (had heard great things about it), and nearly every small plate. The waitress pretty much forced us to order something else, which is a pet peeve of mine, so we added the mussel entree. Not one single item was memorable. The food, like I said, was by no means bad. But a group of 4 of us, who eat out quite often in and around Philadelphia, all agreed that we wouldn't return anytime soon. The service was okay, but extrememly rushed. I understand it's a small place (20 seats or so with a bar), but when we make a 6 pm reservation we expect to stay for an hour and a half or so. It wasn't a cheap meal - about $45 a person all in - and it's not cool to rush us out like they did. Not to mention the diners who were waiting were packed into the place like sardines, even though it was warm enough outside to wait there. We left as quickly as we could because of it, and headed somewhere else for dessert. Honestly I considered giving Stateside 2 stars, but decided it wasn't fair to downgrade simply based on high expectations. That being said, I wouldn't rush there...there are tons of much better restaurants on the same block that I would recommend well ahead of Stateside.

    (3)
  • Dale M.

    We just stopped in for a drink and really enjoyed it. They have some awesome, unique cocktails, especially if you're a bourbon or rye fan. I had the Stateside Boulevardier, which was delicious and well made. The price is par for the course for any great, creative cocktail in the city. We sat inside at the bar, which was fine on a nice day because the other side of the bar was open to square and the street to get some air and people watch. There are actually stools built into the side of the bar that you can just walk up to from the street. Very cool. Would definitely stop in for a drink again and, hopefully, try some of the highly-acclaimed food next time.

    (5)
  • Josh G.

    If you're into small plates and fancy cocktails, this is the place for you. I, unfortunately, am not. I gotta give Stateside credit: the food was exceptionally good. Really interesting and well-executed combinations of flavors (though not much for the vegetarians out there). My palate was completely satisfied. My stomach, however, was not. It's kind of a deal breaker for me to spend this much money on a meal and feel hungry less than an hour later. Stateside was a nice experience to have once, but I won't be seeking it out again.

    (3)
  • Kate D.

    Breaking foodie ground in new neighborhood this was the first dinning experience we headed to 4th of July weekend. Unsure if it was because of the holiday weekend that they cut staff but service (though fantastic) was ridiculously slow. Took over 15 minutes for someone to come to our table. We ordered each a delish cocktail (great assortment of those!) and some tapas. Our tapas arrived before our drinks.... I'm chalking it up to the holiday weekend. Food was ok but the drinks were the shinning stars of the evening by far (desert was good too - although forget what it was - but was great) Our friend joined us later & we all cheers to new beginnings in the soon to be hood!

    (4)
  • Natalee F.

    Once again - amazing service from the waitstaff. They are seriously top notch. Also the food remains delicious. You should totally get the Old Cuban cocktail!! It's sooo yummy. I like the added garnish of the vanilla bean pod. I could drink these all night.

    (5)
  • Dan K.

    I am really hoping this was just an off night. We've had several great meals at Stateside. But, last night was pretty bad. Slow service. Poor presentation. I hate to say it, but the food was tasteless. Over the hill cheese plate. Lamb way over cooked. Pork belly way undercooked and mushy. Again, hoping these guys were just off their game. But, lots of empty tables when we arrived was a new sight as well. Please don't go in the tank, Stateside.

    (1)
  • Matthew B.

    My long-awaited visit to stateside, while enjoyable, didn't live up to the hype. The food was good, no doubt, but a bit pricey and not as outrageously tasty as i suspected based on other reviews. The specialty drinks? Again good - but not great. A little small and perhaps to scientifically apportioned for my taste. I'll take the drinks at Franklin Mortgage for inspired cocktails. Cool ambiance - a little dark for me , but OK. I guess I really expected more for the money. While above average, not enough to draw me back for seconds.

    (3)
  • Bora M.

    Interesting place, great location, loved their drinks and food but service leaves a lot to be desired especially last Monday (October 8th). Girl that was working behind the bar during happy hour was hands down the rudest / passive aggressive bartender I've ever encountered in Philly. My girlfriend and I left agreeing never to come back again.We both understand that mistakes in service happen on busy nights but our bartender was just intentionally rude and it wasn't even busy.

    (2)
  • Nancy C.

    Grew up in that area. Glad to hear of all great restaurants up Passyunk Avenue and stateside being number one. We ran. Ok small plate place = small plates of okay food for same price as regular size meals at other great restaurants. Oysters were delicious yet ate one that had off smell and taste and I couldnt eat anymore oysters. Just mentioned it to waitress got a blank stare. Drinks were fun to try since they were olden day drinks that you only hear about. But would have enjoyed having full happy tummy for $ we spent from the NUMBER 1best of phila.

    (2)
  • Hoang T.

    Trying to figure out what to eat on a random weekday night, I drove by Stateside and remembered reading them in Philly Mag. (I forgot what # they were, but after reading reviews, it was #1). I assumed we couldn't get a table without a reservation and I was right. We did happen to score 2 seats at the bar. I was a bit surprised by the sparse menu (and price) considering it was a East Passyunk restaurant. Either way, I thought the items on the menu warranted some positives for their ingredient pairings. The place felt cozy and definitely approachable for being philly mag's #1 restaurant. I had a long day so I looked over the drink menu. I decided to skip the beer and go for a cocktail. I'm not a gin fan, but ordered the Bee Sting (gin, lemon, ginger, absinthe). The drink was strong but a bit pricey for the size, no big deal. Now onto the food. We dithered between the cauliflower and cobb salad for a starter, ended up with the cauliflower. I think the dish was good, but needed more sauce. I'm all for nice presentation with a "dash" and "squeeze" of sauce, but every bite should have sufficient sauce, shouldn't it? Also, its fairly dark in there, so i'm sure we had more broccoli in the dish than cauliflower. Not a deal breaker. Entrees. I love trying non-traditional meats at restaurants. I opted for the rabbit risotto. I thought the rabbit was really tasty. Although the risotto tasted undercooked, it was also delicious. Again, a smear of sauce just doesn't cut it for this dish. Considering how rich risotto is, I couldn't taste the sauce at all. Another entree was the pork belly. I'm not sure how I feel about pork belly prepared American style. Don't call me prejudice, but Chinese crispy pork belly is pretty damn good... you can get huge servings for a fraction of the cost. Stateside's pork belly was good, but nothing to write home about. The sauces were also good. Overall, it was an enjoyable meal. It was unfortunate that the original chef left and how other reviewers are saying things have "Changed".

    (4)
  • Andrew W.

    Stateside is an excellent restaurant on par with Vernick, but with a better drink list. I've been for drinks and for a full dinner and thoroughly enjoyed myself both times. The drinks, while pricey, are excellent. The menu offered an interesting selection and the food was expertly executed. I went as a group of three and split 5 items, so I feel like I got to try nearly all they had to offer. My only complaint would be related to the price... those 5 items didn't come cheap... but then again I don't think you go to a place like this expecting a $10 meal.

    (5)
  • Erin B.

    Monday night is usually a dinner date night for me and Mr. I wanted something good, but as usual, had no idea what I wanted. At first we were going to stick with one of our oldies but goods - Alla Spina, Dmitris, Raddichios, N3. Love them all, but with this non-cooking wife, we've been there and done that soooo many times! Wanting to try something new, I thumbed through Philly Magazine's most recent Top 50 restaurants and there it was at #1 ... STATESIDE! A Monday night, senior citizen (5:15 PM) dinner, secured us our choice of table, even with their newfound #1 status. And just in time for happy hour, double SCORE! Upon entering , I instantly fell in love w/ the exposed brick and pipe work and the old South Philadelphia (prohibition era) photos ... charming! Luckily the food and drinks didn't disappoint either. The bartender made an AMAZING whiskey sour (egg whites and all) ... so nice, that I had to do it twice! For our meal we shared the smoked pork rillettes (not at all what I expected, but delicious), pan seared brussel sprouts (not your grandma's brussel sprouts), crispy pork belly and sausage stuffed chicken breast ... leaving our bellies totally stuffed & satisfied! The food and drinks were totally 5 star worthy... However, there were so many waitresses hovering in the back and discussing their weekend in far too much detail! The restaurant is just so small that having those sorta discussions in the back is equivalent to telling us about how "effing wasted you were this weekend" while giving us the daily specials! I also just read that the head chef is leaving Stateside, which could possibly be a total game changer... See article: philadelphia.grubstreet.…

    (4)
  • Matt K.

    Well, it's hard to review this place for a meal because I couldn't have one. No open tables on a Thursday night for several hours. The hostess didn't offer to take my name or put me on a waiting list or even tell me I could eat at the bar. (you can eat at the bar) The bar stools were all taken so I started the second, standing room only row. Another person arrived and another. Finally a seat opened up. No one seemed to be in a hurry to leave or drink or serve. I grabbed the seat and waited. And mind you, I am outgoing, I am not a wallflower. Great drink menu, and all alcohol is made in the USA. Nice touch. Cool food menu. Yeah, it felt like everyone was chillin'. Including the help. The bartendress, who was engaged to Chef Sabatino, was more interested in chatting with her friends about Twitter than serving. The other bartender dude was slow, non-communicative, and non-friendly. The bartendress, when I asked how much a certain Rye was, said "I don't know it by heart, here's a menu." Instead of looking it up herself. And she wasn't busy. Felt like everyone was so "mellow" that this place couldn't possibly be making any money on alcoholic beverages. I stayed for 40 minutes, and had two drinks. No seat opened up, and very few drinks were served. Bizarre. I could have eaten, but the person who was meeting me could not have. Anthony Bourdain visited here recently and filmed his segment on Philly. Did they get an ego or something after he came? Anyways, the whiskey sour was well done, a nice whiskey I have never had and the sour was fresh and not too sweet, and it had an egg white. When they actually feel like working, they make good drinks. I may try again for the food which is recommended, but the people here seem to have an attitude problem.

    (2)
  • Andrew T.

    I'm perplexed writing this review. It was one of the better meals I will have for under $40 and we ordered a ton of plates if not over ordered, but nothing sang to me to the point where I want to always come back. We had most the menu, the Broccolini was special served cold w/ a curry mayo flavor, assorted pickle plate one of my favorite dishes to snack on, steak tar tar was the absolute winner of the night. On to main plates; the pork slider was pork belly and some dried potato crisps had alot of flavor but maybe under salted? Short rib (they didn't have cheek) was tender and soft, but nothing to die for. The sausage for me was very special and tasted like an elevated version of a ballpark worst with sour kraut, but again borderline felt like something I could possibly make at home. Pork rillettes were smoky flavor and a ham -like taste as it went down very very hard to put down, not something I could ever possibly make at home. The mussels and clams were more like clams, butter soup, bread and a mussel. there were actually 5 mussels in the dish. I'd rather not have any mussels than 1.25 of a mussel for everyone at the table btw $21 dish... I've been to flex mussels and for roughly the space premium they don't fu@k around you'll get a Costco serving worth of mussels for the same price. Would I take a friend from home visiting, absolutely. Would I come back and try more food sadly no. I'm good, it was a one time only thing. They get a 4 because the service was impeccable, the whisky sour will be dreamed about and to taste so many different foods in one sitting is absolutely rare. Go, but I think you'll agree it may be one and done.

    (4)
  • Matthew O.

    Terrific cocktails. Very good food. Service was a little overwhelmed and the menu was a little small.

    (4)
  • Sean K.

    Went out here for a few cocktails last night an was thoroughly impressed. The bartender was extremely friendly and attentive with me an my girlfriend. I ordered a whiskey sour which was absolutely awesome. My girlfriend ordered their Pom Collins which again was very good. We the. Stuck around for a few beers an must say if you have not been here you are missing out. I am looking forward to going back an soon!

    (5)
  • Katie P.

    The drink, Gangster Paradise was amazing! I'd go back for this drink any day.... the small plates were underwhelming and expensive. I'll probably pass on dinner next time.

    (2)
  • Ameena E.

    Creative for sure. An assortment of tapas on the menu. Service was friendly. Tried many different items...food was good, but not up to the hype. Will def. give it another try.

    (3)
  • Vincent T.

    Great place if you love American bourbon because they have a very huge selection. For brunch, the chicken and waffles is a must get. When you cut the chicken, you would think it'll be hard to cut, but it cuts so smooth like butter and it's extremely juicy when you eat it. The maple syrup has just enough spice to make both the waffles and chicken full of flavor.

    (5)
  • Jill L.

    Visited Stateside a while back when they first opened, but my husband and I decided to stop by again to get a few drinks and some cheese before we headed out for dinner reservations on a Tuesday night. Upon arrival around 530 pm, we were glad to see there were plenty of seats at the bar, inside tables, and outside tables. We took two seats at the bar. The bartender was very gracious in giving me a sample taste of the pumpkin beer on tap (I'm sorta particular about my pumpkin beers). It wasn't for me, so I went with the Ommegang Witte. My husband went with an IPA bottle. The beer list is awesome here- definitely some interesting beers both on tap and in bottles. I love the cheese plates here so despite our dinner reservation later in the night, I had to hit dat cheeeeeeeese. We did the 3 selections for $13- a blue cheese with honey, a hard parmesan-type with fennel, and a soft brie-type cheese with pecan brittle. Yum yum yum! The location itself is pretty awesome. And I'm not saying that because its a 5 minute walk from my abode. It is located right on Passyunk Square- perfect for people (and dog) watching. And with those huge windows- its great! So why did it lose a star? I feel like this place has a teeeeeeeeensy bit too much attitude. Why? 1) There is a note that says $15 food minimum per person during dinner service. If you don't want people to come and drink, then don't build a bar that takes up half the space! And don't offer such awesome beers! 2) They have a happy hour that is totally not advertised! No signs outside, no signs on the bar, not mentioned on the website, not mentioned by the bartenders. Are we at a 1920s speakeasy? Do I need a password to be informed of the specials? My husband probably would have gotten a draft if he knew it was half price. 3) As we finished our beers, the hostess asked us to shift seats at the bar so two more patrons could sit down. Now I totally get that the "empty seat between strangers" is annoying to restaurants, but I thought it was strange because there were plenty of seats at empty tables. Maybe the patrons really wanted to sit at the bar? I don't know- but it struck me as odd. Next time we are craving some beers and cheese, we will make sure to get there between 5 and 7 and take advantage of happy hour specials!

    (4)
  • Josh S.

    I'm a Bourbon fanatic so Stateside is right up my alley...they even have Parker's Heritage (which is unheard of). Small plates, so you can sample a bit of everything. I reccomend the pork belly (in fact if you are anywhere that sells pork belly you need to order it). The service is phenomenal, not over intrusive and always right there when you need something. We came around 5:00pm on a Friday and were surprised how empty it was. There was a happy hour crowd but not too big. Give it a try, expect a high check, but if you love small plates and most importantly Bourbon, you will find Stateside is perfect for you as well.

    (5)
  • Mary N.

    It is sad that after being rated #1 in Phillymag, the chef left and the new chef has to meet high expectations. The food was good but not great. Nothing I ate there was a"wow". I did enjoy their chocolate mousse. The service was good and the waitress was very attentive n sweet. If you are looking for just regular food then this would be your place.

    (3)
  • Liz C.

    Stateside was a disappointment. We started with the cheese plate, which is a total rip-off. For $20 you get 4 tiny pieces of cheese, a few walnuts (seriously like 3), a smear of jam, and a few pieces of bread. I spent $25 on cheese at DiBruno earlier in the day and got about 10 times more cheese, and DiBruno is overpriced as it is. We each had a 'small plate' and an entree. The best small plates were the mushroom tagliatelle, which I got, and the cauliflower. Both were tasty. One of my friends had the 'scallop' (he was concerned that the menu said 'scallop' and not scallops' and he was right) - it was basically one scallop cut up into little pieces and mixed with other stuff. My fiance had the beets & venison, which was okay. For dinner I had the soft shell crab, which was tasty, but I've had better at both Fare & Dmitri's. My fiance had the duck, which was good but small. Someone else had some kind of meat, I forget which one, and he said he could barely cut through it. We all left hungry, after spending $130 a couple. My fiance came home and had a taco. The wine was fine, but nothing to write home about, especially for $10-14 a glass. The service was slow, and it was a Tuesday night, not overly busy. Certainly not the #1 restaurant in Philly.

    (3)
  • Perry H.

    Still my favorite place in town after another stellar meal. I had to try the new fall menu and it didn't disappoint. The only drawback the entire meal was the huge windows were open the entire time - it was super chilly and from me, that's saying something. The food, however, was flawless with the parsnip soup with vanilla poached lobster being the highlight along with the chef's board. I could have eaten my weight in chicken liver mousse...so romantic...I know... The duck sausage with sweet potato puree was also outstanding. Honestly, everything was great down to the pickled carrots and the beer. The service was also good and attentive; I'm not sure what people are fussing about, if you want to have a conversation with someone, go to a coffee shop...

    (5)
  • Abby W.

    I am both updating and downgrading my original rating based on my inability to have another meal here! Chef Sabatino was most accommodating to my food allergies on our first visit and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. A few weeks later, on a whim, we decided to walk over to Stateside to have a drink and see if we could have a bite as well. I realized on our way over that the odds of me getting food were slim since we hadn't provided notice, but I figured nothing ventured nothing gained. As I had feared, the menu was off-limits for me that night but the host said Chef Sabatino would help me out if I gave him advance notice in the future like I had before. We stayed for a drink and decided that night that we would attempt to dine there again on the following Sunday, so I promptly emailed the chef accordingly. No response. On the day of I tried again, and still no response. A week or two later, still craving the grilled shrimp and thinking perhaps the chef went on vacation, I tried emailing again. Still, no reply. Maybe I should call, but now I'm feeling like that desperate girl that the guy doesn't want to date anymore. Email worked before, why should a change in communication medium be necessary? To this day I haven't heard back from Chef Sabatino since the original email exchange before our first meal. I am saddened to say that this is no longer a place I would recommend to a food-allergy-sufferer, and it's a real bummer because their food and drinks were really fantastic on the one occasion I was privileged enough to enjoy them.

    (3)
  • Ben P.

    I gave Stateside 5 stars the first time, digging their creative menu and attentive, well-trained service. This experience couldn't have been more opposite. Service was, quite simply, a disaster. From the manager who forgot that we were waiting in their outside bar area, walked past us and took another group to the table for which we were waiting, to the 3 staff members who made eye contact with and then ignored me while I was waiting to speak to Mr. Forgetful, to the clueless and awkward server who was coursing a small-plates meal like it was the last supper to the interminably slow bartender....just a disaster. Their menu has totally shifted towards the boring and clearly there is less attention to detail in the kitchen. Plates and drinks were auctioned at the table. In general, staff are unsmiling, unfriendly and unwelcoming. But with a manager who can't properly seat a restaurant (the whole dining room flipped at the same time twice), I can imagine that the servers are miserable and the kitchen gets weeded. But their problems are their problems and I'm going to avoid them.

    (1)
  • Steven B.

    So I'm wandering Passyunk Ave checking out the scene and I pop into Stateside. I did what one of the servers called the "Stateside Double Take." I thought I'd been caught in one of those Star Trek transporter beams and zapped over to Rittenhouse Square! This place doesn't look like it belongs on Passyunk Ave. It's a tiny, beautifully appointed contemporary space. It's immediately apparent that you won't be ordering a cheese steak wit. I stopped by just to have a drink as I was heading for another event. As I sipped on premium vodka from California I perused the menus. It was clear that this place focuses on small plates. The choices looked delicious and the friendly bartender answered all my questions. I had and opportunity to see some of the food served to other patrons and it was beautifully plated. My limited visit for just a drink was a pleasure. I've bookmarked this place and plan to bring the lovely wife for what I expect will be a memorable dinner.

    (4)
  • Lilli C.

    Great food and great service. Came in for dinner on a Saturday at around 7pm. The place was pretty empty so we got seated pretty quickly. They also have outdoor tables and an outdoor walk-up bar. For drinks, I had a moscow mule which was pretty refreshing although it seemed to have a bit too much ginger beer. I also had the chilled yogurt-cucumber soup with crab which was really good except for the fact that it had little clear jello pieces in it. I'm not sure what the point of that was as it didn't add anything, nor did it have a taste. I also had the pork belly with a cabbage slaw which was amazing as was the beef tartar with a quail egg, which came with a crispy, buttery, baguette slices. For dessert I had the vanilla spiced doughnut with a blueberry jam filling which was really great. I tried my friend's chocolate sout pannna cotta which was good too- tasted like chocolate milk. It actually looked like chocolate milk as it came in a short glass and had a foamy top. The description also said peanut butter caramel, but I didn't taste any of that. I will definitely be back to try their other tapas items and to try their great selection of whiskey.

    (4)
  • Brad P.

    Hot buttered rye - Butter improves everything. Don't believe me? Next time you hear a crazy crying baby in an airplane, rub some warm butter on its big crying face. The baby will instantly shut up and you will be a hero. Bam - Baby improved by butter. In a similar manner, rye is also improved by butter. What would otherwise be a downright fetid spirit is transformed by skillful preparation, heat, and butter. This drink is fucking delicious. It is perfect for a cold, rainy evening. Stateside is now my favorite restaurant on Passyunk. It took me one visit and nothing has impressed me more in this area. Usually I associate Passyunk with miserable parking and people begging me to take them for a cheese steak. Now, I will associate it only with Stateside. At first glance, you may think that Stateside is trying to be the next Village Whiskey. They've got old-timey type on their menu, rye, and a tantalizing choice of pickles as appetizers. However, that is where the similarities end. Stateside has its own well-defined identity and I applaud their creativity. Here are a few of the other things I've managed to consume: Sunchoke and leek soup - Very good. This is thick and hearty with nice chunks of lobster in it. salt roasted beets - excellent. maple glazed pork belly - This is excellent and it comes with a side of fried grits that perfectly complements the dish. I'm serious about pork belly in Philly and this has got to be amongst the best. Shaved Vegetable Salad - This has toasted chickpeas in it, which is pretty cool. This is a good dish, although it did not impress me as the others. As far as dessert goes, there is a caveat - these things are tiny as hell. If you're going to do dessert here, get a dessert per person. Even though they are small, they pack a great, big punch. Smoked Chocolate Tart - Awesome. It is like Bruce Lee was resurrected by a mad necromancer at his full strength and he kicked you in the mouth with a foot made of s'more. Ice Cream Sandwich - Awesome. This dessert is painfully unique. I've made this review too long already to go into it. Just get it. on the action-movie-parallel-satisfaction-scale, Stateside is Shoot 'Em Up but Clive Owen has been replaced by a CG The Predator, who is on fire throughout the entire film.

    (5)
  • Nate E.

    This was the worst meal I've had in Philadelphia for the price point. To start things off, they cut all cold items from their menu "because it was a slow day." The waitress didn't know, and couldn't make a suggestion regarding, two of the wines from the relatively limited list of wines by the glass- the Cab Franc I ordered was not good (particularly at the price). The kitchen forgot one of the vegetable items (kimchi) from a plate of three hot vegetables. When I asked about it, they said they forgot, didn't offer to take it off the bill, brought a side of cold kimchi that had clearly been taken out of a jar in the refrigerator, acted like that was how it would have been served (despite saying cold dishes were off the menu), and acted surprised when I told them it was a terrible dish at the end of the meal. "Charred grapes" accompanying the foie gras (a concept that sounded great) were warm but showed zero visible sign of heat- if they think that was charred... The place was virtually empty and I assume that's because the city realizes that it does not deserve even close to the #1 Philly Mag ranking or a corresponding price point. This meal would have been disappointing, but not infuriating, at half the cost. I hope the next time restaurant rating groups (e.g. Philly Mag) decide to shake up their rankings, they take into consideration whether the presently successful chef has been around long enough to develop a strong staff that could replace him. George Sabatino did not develop Elijah Mulligan or any other successor during his one year at Stateside, and the ranking left when he did. This should not be a Top 50 restaurant in Philly.

    (1)
  • Amanda C.

    Stateside really fills a void in South Philly food, upscale american fare in the land of mexican and italian restaurants? Who knew. Buck a shuck happy hour oyster, a cheap cheese plate, and a great duck terrine. I was impressed with the beer list and the fact you can get a beer for $2-$4 dollars during happy hour. Best Happy Hour on Passyunk, it goes from 5-7pm.

    (4)
  • David C.

    My wife and I came here after seeing Stateside featured on an episode of Bourdain's The Layover. After ordering our entrees a waitress brought out a sample of a fish tartare that was absolutely incredible. The best part was that we didn't even order it. The seared duck breast was out of this world, as was the '72 Triumph from the bar. We're pretty stingy with five star ratings, but we were both in agreement that Stateside is the cream of the crop for the Passyunk Square neighborhood and probably one of the stand out local establishments in Philadelphia.

    (5)
  • Andrew K.

    Very cool place, good location, and contrary to some of the other reviews, very good service. we started off with the chef's board and steak tartare app, as recommended by our server. both were very good. we then tried the scallops, beef cheek, and sausage. i particularly enjoyed the beef cheek. cocktail menu was extensive. if you plan on drinking, it can get expensive as most cocktails are about $10. all in all a great time and i look forward to returning.

    (5)
  • Jonny R.

    Probably the best gastropub in town, to be honest. It is thrilling to be here. I loved every moment of my meal here. And the mint chocolate dessert? Incredibly, and intimately, delicious.

    (5)
  • Vinny P.

    Judging by the amount of people dining at Stateside on a Wednesday evening, people already know that the food is awesome. With that in mind, I'll just relay my experience. I popped in here to meet up with a friend after taking a run. Fortunately she arrived slightly earlier than me and snagged the last available table in the corner. The bar seats and all the tables were full. Being this was my first time at this restaurant, I was a little shocked at how many people were there. We started with the cheese plate which had three types on it. One was exotic, one was a little adventurous and one was an aged cheddar. The presentation was beautiful and the selections really opened us up for the remaining food. The pickled carrots with ginger and cumin were a fun pick because well, I don't order them much and I felt like some funky flavors. The salt roasted beets, also with lovely presentation were cooked to perfection. The real star of the show was the maple glazed pork belly. It was in a bowl with some cider and beautifully cheese grits. I mean, holy hell did it rock my world. Service was excellent and the design of this place is fun. Lots of raw but well seated details and shiny surfaces. It was a touch loud due to the open ceiling but that seems to be a restaurant trend. It's definitely worth coming back here I just need to figure out when it's not packed.

    (4)
  • Tim H.

    I really like the food and drinks, but I wasn't as big a fan of the actual space. Kind of small and restricting but I guess for some people that's their thing.

    (3)
  • Michelle C.

    Normally, cocktails and dessert wouldn't bring me to five-star territory, or even review territory, but my experience at Stateside tonight was just that good. We nabbed two seats at the bar before the restaurant got crowded. Over the next couple hours, free seats were sparse, and people came and went when there was nothing available, with a few that got lucky at the right time. As we watched the bartender (Jen) whisk drinks together, the smells were simply intoxicating. The Hot Butter Rye was too aromatic to pass up, so the boyfriend went for it. Literally made with butter, brown sugar, rye, whipped cream and other delicious ingredients, I stole sips whenever possible, praying the calories per sip weren't too horrendous. Meanwhile, my Gasparilla was like a wintry version of a rum-infused creamsicle. Delicious. We also tried the smoked chocolate ganache dessert, topped with sea salt and served over creamy marshmallow and graham crackers. The warm sugared doughnut with maple bacon syrup was equally fantastic. La Colombe coffee is served at Stateside. We couldn't bring ourselves to call it quits, so we went for one more round. Clover Clubs had just the right bite of gin but enough other flavors to round out the sharpness. Drinks are very reasonably priced, and I'd even go so far to say one of the best deals on quality cocktails in the city. And with pleasant, smart service like Jen's, a trip to Stateside's bar will be a no-brainer in the future. My only regret? Calling it a night and asking for our check moments before David Ansill sat down next to us. Surely that would have made the evening even more interesting.

    (5)
  • Colleen S.

    Basically, I felt like I was Gail Simmons on Top Chef (not Padma, cause, you know, who feels like they could be Padma?) Went to Stateside this weekend with some friends who were in from out of town. The ambiance was great - pretty casual, but still upscale feeling. The food was absolutely terrific. The portions were very small, but the flavors were the kind of thing you could never get out of your own kitchen. I could have eaten 100 of the chestnut gnocchi. Had foie gras for the first time. It was served with monkey bread of all things, and some roasted grapes. Somehow it came together beautifully. The brassicas (brussels sprouts, broccolini) were fantastic. My first raw scallop. Delish. Oh, and don't skip dessert. This was the kind of place that makes you realize what the difference is between a good cook and a real chef. An eating experience that you pay for.

    (4)
  • Monica L.

    What catches people's eye as they pass by Stateside is the unique outdoor seating that faces the bar. Their happy hour is really great for beer lovers (half off drafts) which we indulged in. The bartenders were really attentive and explained their selection well. Apparently, they have some of the best whiskeys in the country. The decor was awesome with hanging caged single light bulbs and a stone bar. We all agreed to come back to try their small plates sometime soon!

    (4)
  • Theresa A.

    Stateside is in our hood, so we have desperately tried to like it. Unfortunately, three strikes and you're out. First of all, anyone who lives in, near, works around, or has been to South Philly knows that it is a true neighborhood. Especially the Passyunk Square area. This is not center city with parking garages full of NJ license plate vehicles looking for "trendy/clublike/hip/flashy" restaurants. It is a community--when you live in the area you can't walk out your front door without seeing someone you recognize. With that said, Stateside--the owners, servers, BARTENDERS, etc.--need to take a lesson in how to treat their customers, aka their neighbors. The first time I went here was for happy hour with two girlfriends. The restaurant had just opened and we wanted to give it a try. The three of us arrived at separate times and each met up with the other at the bar. The restaurant itself was empty (tables) but the bar was filling up. In total I would say there were 20 people in the bar. It's a small area so it felt "full". The big deal was trying to get the attention of the "MIXOLOGIST" in order to get a glass of wine. At most any bar I have been to in my life, the bartender is able to multitask, i.e. mix one drink and at least looks up at/acknowledge other patrons. The bartender was standing in front of us, shaking the drink of the person next to us. I asked if I might have a glass of the house white when they got a chance. The response was a dirty look and "I'm in the middle of something". Very strange behavior if you ask me. The girl never returned to take my order. I then went to the other side of the bar where a man was working. I asked if we could get some drinks. He said in a moment. I went back to my seat. We sat AT the bar for over 15 minutes and counting before we could get served. I asked the hostess if we could sit at a table to get a server to wait on us and she said only if we ordered food and that they could not honor the happy hour specials. Oy. My other girlfriend was successful in getting the girls' attention and this time ordered 2 glasses of wine and a beer. They moved at a snails pace and there was not a smile, a "thank you", or any feeling of comfort or welcome to be found. We paid for those drinks and then left. The second time we were there was for drinks with friends yet again. They were already there or I might have warned otherwise. We decided we wanted specialty cocktails. We asked if we could see the menu and if they had any suggestions. He said "they're all good". Great salesman! Anyway, we ordered our drinks which were weak, small portioned, and certainly not worth $10+. We left still unimpressed. This last time however I said let's try the food and go on a true "date" here. We went on a Wednesday night just the two of us. They sat us in a table in the middle next to a slightly older couple who were against the wall. I felt bad for them instantly because it was obvious it was way too dark in there for them to read the menu and the printing was very small. We offered the flashlight on our phone and they were appreciative. When our server came to the table we each began to order a specialty cocktail. When he ordered his she told us they couldn't make that. He picked an alternative and she said they couldn't make that either. He settled on something else quickly and regretted it the minute it showed up with an egg on top--he must have missed that in the pressure to reselect. I suppose it would have been nice to have been offered a suggested alternative. A total waste of $10+. When we told her we didn't realize it had an egg on it she said "it says it in the menu". I made the mistake of asking about one of the drinks ingredients: Rhuby. She said "it's the liquor..you know from Art in the Age". Unfortunately, typing this response does not dictate the tone she said this in, which was one that insinuated I was offending her by asking this. Regardless of the fact that I am familiar with the shop in old city "Art in the Age" which sells specialty liquors such as "Root" (root beer) and "Snap" (ginger snap), I was NOT AWARE that there was a "Rhuby" (rhubarb) one. Thanks for making me feel stupid and for not offering up any further explanation whatsoever. For food, we ordered the cucumber pickles, pan seared brussel sprouts, duck and roasted garlic sausage, and the chicken breast. The cucumbers were our least favorite dish...too much of this and not enough of that. They just weren't good. The brussel sprouts were almost inedible because they were swimming in a pool of butter. The sausage was good, but it needed more seasoning. The chicken was the best part of the meal but it was a small portion which left a lot to be desired for $21. All in all this is a shame. The staff could make you feel like you want to come back but instead they make you feel like you can't wait to leave. Sorry, Stateside, but your neighbors are not impressed.

    (1)
  • Jessica W.

    I was very impressed with Stateside! We started off strong with 8 oysters in a delicious pomegranate mingnionette (during happy hour they're only $1 each!!!) and the pickled cucumbers & celery root. We then had the foie gras and butternut squash mousse, which was truly outstanding. The housemade goat cheese could have used a touch of salt and the brussel sprouts were good, but not particularly exciting (I still maintain that Sampan has the best brussels in the city). We also got the vegetable salad and beef cheek--both of which were very good. The only big disappointment of the night was the donut for dessert. It could have been greatly improved with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and the candied bacon felt very gimmick-y. Overall, we will certainly be back. Happy hour is a great deal with half-priced drafts and $1 oysters. It's a cozy, intimiate environment and a great addition to the Passyunk neighborhood!

    (4)
  • Lauren B.

    This is a solid 3.5 star review- I rounded up. Went here last night (a Thursday) and required reservations. The Best of Philly thing has really made it tricky to just swing by this neighborhood spot. The drink menu has changed from what is online. So my friend and I were upset we couldn't order the "Gangsta's Pearadise" a concoction of champagne, pear vodka and pear puree...sounds good right? We were super bummed. Ah well. Red wine always fits the bill. We go to order the first round of small plates and are told we have to order everything in one shot. No biggie. The menu is on the smaller side, with a few vegetarian options for my friend. We decided to get cauliflower and pickled veggies to start and then I would get the rib eye and she was getting the tagliatelle with mushrooms. My favorite thing was the cauliflower. The rib eye was cooked perfectly, but I wasn't super over the moon about it. My friend loved her pasta, and I think I'll order that next time. For dessert we ordered the carrot cake with blue cheese frosting. The cake itself was really good, however the blue cheese frosting overwhelmed the cake so we just ate around it. I understood what they were going for, but the cheese was a little too potent. The prices of this place are fairly reasonable for the amount of food you get, just don't expect to scoot out of here without dropping $80 for 2 people.

    (4)
  • courtney blue d.

    great place. I really think it's a great place. because it's great. AND it's a place.

    (5)
  • Diem L.

    I was here for Valentines and opted to have their Valentine Tasting Menu which was delicious! We started off with oysters with pomegranate & horseradish foam - simply divine, followed by Beef shortrib & seared scallop - the shortribs were so tender, and then 2 very rich dessert dishes: Rose variations & Black Forest Cake. Last but not least they had homemade salted caramel. I couldn't have asked for a better meal. The one issue I did have was, we were originally seated right in front of the door. As it is February and Valentines, my friend and I had dressed up and did not want to sit bundled up - especially when we took the pain to get dressy. When we requested to have our seat moved, the hostess moved us one table back - still directly in line with the door. Once we voiced our concern, they finally moved us to the back corner. the place was not packed at that point yet so it wouldn't have been an issue to move us at our first request. Nevertheless, after the mishap everything else went smoothly.

    (4)
  • Christine B.

    Made it here on a Friday night with a pretty late reservation. This was during the final weeks of George Sabatino's reign. First, there was a delay in getting seated and the manager said we could get a drink on the house, but that didn't happen. I did have a mint julep was tasty. It was a Friday during Lent, so I was limited to the vegetarian/fish options. We shared the vegetarian board which was actually really good, and a nice start. There was some cheese, some pickled vegetables, and some other vegetable options. It was on the smaller size but there was enough for our group of 4. As far as the other dishes, we ordered many. The scallops were really nice. I loved the brussel sprouts. Others had great things to say about the pork belly and the short rib. I believe the menu has changed, and I'm glad I had the chance to check it out.

    (4)
  • Michael T.

    I often only write reviews when I feel like a place is amazing (or horrible), but I felt like Stateside was only mediocre. My spouse and I recently went there for a dinner date with a friend and her fiancee and weren't thrilled with the experience. First, the food was delicious. A small, great menu that definitely satisfied -- we ordered a selection of plates and the chef's board, which wasn't quite enough to share between all of us. Regardless, we enjoyed everything we tasted. We didn't stay for dessert, but the selection of after dinner treats and drinks looked like a great topper to the meal. Our issue was with the service. Stateside was very well-staffed for only having a dozen tables and a small bar. We arrived shortly after our friends, who had already been seated. We took our seats and looked through the drink menu -- when our server arrived, she dropped off their drinks and immediately walked away. No greeting, no drink orders. The bar was nearly empty, and there were only two other tables seated at the time. It took another ten minutes to come back and take our drink order -- another long wait for our drinks. Finally, we ordered our dinner with the chef's board to share. They brought out our plates at odd times. We received a lone cold dish and waited twenty more minutes before our hot dishes came out. This seemed a little strange to us, since we didn't want to stagger our eating. We tried to order more drinks, but our server never bothered to ask when we had empty glasses. We've been to small plate and tapas restaurants before -- Stateside just felt like a let-down because of the service. Would we go back? Likely not, with the number of other, similar restaurants in the city.

    (3)
  • Brian M.

    This place is exactly what it should be. Went there on a Sunday night after a Philly Beer Week event so the place was pretty packed, put my name in for a table then walked down East Passyunk while we waited. The hostess said it'd be about 45 minutes, but when I came back around that time she very apologetically said that no tables had freed up. Got a table about 15 minutes later which wasn't a huge issue, but regardless they comped us our first round of drinks for the inconvenience. Great service extended through dinner as well. The food was approachable, yet exciting. Bone marrow & truffle sausage was delicate and accented nicely by the sunchoke pickle. I don't know what a sunchoke is, but it was damn good. Maple glazed pork belly was similarly well done, with the strong maple flavor somehow not being overpowered by the citrus from the apple and vice versa. Tried some scallops and whipped goat cheese as well, both were excellent. Just had one beer but the list was extensive enough for most.

    (5)
  • Neil K.

    Degidio's turn at the helm is fantastic. I really loved the chicken mousse with the dulce de leche. It was so unusual and yet delicious. Isn't that why we all are foodies? To be surprised yet explore new tastes. It is rare that a chef can take you there. I loved the deserts and the Monkey Bread was a must try!

    (5)
  • Stephen B.

    We had appetizers which were very good. The Steak Tartar was a 3.8 out of 5. Tough to get Tartar (much like Bloody Mary's) to be excellent in my book. The staff was terrific. The dining area and bar were rather cold on the wintery day we visited. But the real BEEF I have is a $7.00 up-charge for a $11.00 cocktail, so a Manhattan cost $18.00!!. Who charges that? Not even the bar at the Ritz. And know that this upcharge was not for some precious liqueur! But Rittenhouse Rye. A Rye that retails for $21.99 at most retailers. Just a few dollars more then Jim Beam sells for!! So, in addition to being unbelievably offensive to be gouged to such an extreme. It makes one wonder where else this establishment is gouging their customers.

    (1)
  • Jeff H.

    The food is delicious, and it's all tapas and small plates. I knew that going in but I was surprised at exactly how small a small plate is here. We ordered their Chef's Board and I was very let down with what we received for $25. Very very impressive bourbon list. We had a 5 o'clock reservation and when we walk in at 4:55 they tell us that they weren't open yet and to come back in a few minutes. Mind you it's 35 degrees outside and my fiance has a cold. Then when we do get back in there drink service is a crawl. Slow service and not a good start. Glad I tried it but I won't be back.

    (2)
  • Michael P.

    I'm not sure what to make of Stateside. I'm not sure if it's the small, slightly awkward space with the bar seating facing the windows. That actually has a bit of a charm to it, enabling people watching on the avenue. The menu is ambitious, with prices to match, and maybe it's just the escalation of the neighbourhood, but it feels pricier than it is. It's almost like someone transplanted a Rittenhouse or Washington West gastropub into affordable, down to earth Passyunk. It seems like they've realised their beer prices were on the high side, as since my visit their menu seems to have adjusted anything that would be a dollar more than at neighboring bars. Their exclusively American whiskey list on the other hand is more reasonable then center city peers but still shockingly expensive at the low end ($9 for a shot of Jack Daniels?), while their cocktail list thankfully doesn't break the $10 barrier. For food, we split a cheese plate with the 3 daily options, all delicious and well paired, but as is par for the course there were too few slices of bread to go around, resulting in some dagwoodesque piling of the remaining cheese on the last slices. A housemade duck sausage hit the spot, despite being somewhat underspiced. I am looking forward to getting back there in the spring, when the windows open to the avenue and the street is alive with people exploring one of this city's best neighborhoods, as it continues to grow, with new options like Stateside.

    (4)
  • Ravi A.

    The specialty cocktails were terrific and so was the food. Definitely going back.

    (5)
  • Melanie S.

    This was one of the worst dining experiences I've had in a while. To start, it took the bartender 10 minutes to take our drink order (there were maybe 5 other people in the entire restaurant). From there, we sat for about 15 additional minutes before he was able to make time to take our dinner order. Mind you, it was 5 PM, on a Sunday. He was probably one of the worst bartenders I've ever had, in terms of personality, friendliness, and tentativeness. I asked which oysters were smaller and more briny and he replied with "I hate oysters so I can't help you." Can't you at least make a BS answer up?? I shared oysters and lobster lettuce wraps with a friend, all were terrible and bland. The lettuce wraps were lacking flavor and thrown on a plate and mixed in a tasteless curry sauce. The oysters were probably some of the worst I've had for price. I'm really disappointed. I've been wanting to check out Stateside for quite some time. We had never wanted to get out of a restaurant so badly. This will definitely be the first and last time I'll ever dine there. What a disappointment.

    (1)
  • Sook K.

    Been dying to go here, we ordered 2 apps, 2 entrees. I liked one app and that's it. Over priced for decent food. Would not go back

    (3)
  • Cristy M.

    Beat bar stools: no back and slippery seat. An initial bummer followed by the cocky bartender with serious attitude. Another bummer. Ordered a bite and it was so, so. Didn't love it here.

    (2)
  • Carrie D.

    The what restaurant in town! Great food and service. Devin is the nicest bartender and he makes delicious drinks- the cocktails are amazing.

    (5)
  • Susan H.

    The decor and design of this restaurant is great and the inside/outside bar is very cool.The food however is unimpressive. I love the small plate concept but if you're paying $15-$20 for a small appetizer size portion it really should be stellar. The food was relatively tasteless and not particularly well-prepared. The green salad had no flavor, the flatbread had sunchokes which were woody and a strange tasting tomato-y sauce, and the lamb was chewy. The octopus with pork belly was a good dish and we had the funnel cake dessert which was good as well (but really, how hard is it to make a funnel cake). I'd go back just to sit at the bar and enjoy a drink but skip the food.

    (2)
  • David H.

    First time there. Love the place, but the small plates/big prices aspect is pretty out of whack. Honestly, we get the small plates concept--it's ok. We've been through the tapas phase, and all of it since it emerged. And I have to say, the food, the drinks, the service and the vibe were all very, very good. But we were pretty disappointed with how small the portions were--it left us feeling a bit odd and awkward about how much food to take from each other's plates---even with the ordering of 2 dishes per person, and then a couple more on top. And the prices seem high for what you get--$16 for a small sharing plate? Net net, price for 4, with drinks and 2 desserts and 2 coffees, was $252. Again, the food was very tasty. But really, when you see tiny portions on big plates, and this kind of bill, there just seems to be better value up and down the street. Stateside, if you can enlarge things just a little, you'd have our business all the time.

    (3)
  • Rob S.

    A nice atmosphere inside with the poured concrete bar and Prohibition era photos on the walls. It was a Sunday and despite the smaller space it was quiet, so it has the potential to be a nice place for a quiet, cozy and romantic meal. For drinks they have some interesting cocktails on the menu plus a good selection of draft and bottled beers. Initially I thought some of the beers were very reasonably priced until I found out that every draft pour is only a 10oz. goblet. I don't even think they have pint glasses. This is just an incorrect way to present certain beers, especially if when looking at prices you are expecting 6 more ounces of beer. I felt a bit cheated. Some of the bottles, considering you get a couple extra ounces, are more reasonably priced. After getting 10oz. draft of Sierra Nevada Celebration (6.8%) for $6, I later got a 12oz. bottle of Troegs Java stout (7.5%) for $4. That's a better deal. They focus mostly on small plates with some large plates and seafood specials, cheese/meat plates and "pickle" plates as well. Most of the plates we had were pretty good. The maple glazed pork belly was my favorite. The meat was very tender, the sauce was delicious and it was paired nicely with apple. The duck sausage was also great; the mustard and sweet potatoes paired very well with the duck. The beer braised beef cheeks were some of the most tender meat I've ever eaten though I think the sauce was less impressive. Overall, very well thought out, inspired and attractive plates. As far as gourmet tapas go, it's probably priced right. It came to about $36 or 37 per person including 1-2 drinks and tip. However, this is a little much for me, even despite the quality of the food, considering I wasn't quite full after dropping about 40 bucks... This plus the beer presentation (I care more about beer than how gourmet my meal is) is the reason for removing 1 star. Sorry, I guess I'm popping the 5 star cherry here, but i take price into account in my reviews. And for the price it's not a place I will frequent.

    (4)
  • Joan P.

    Go here for the excellent seafood. The scallops were the best I've had in a long time, and the octopus was delicious. Order from that part of the menu rather than the vegetables: the heirloom tomato salad and brassicas were nothing special. The outdoor seating is very pleasant, while inside is quite loud.

    (4)
  • Walter K.

    I'm really down with Stateside. A good happy hour is one of the quickest ways to my heart, and Stateside has one of the best. 5-7 M-F the decent beer list, which is already reasonably priced, is half off. To top it off, dollar oysters are served up by the plateful. The atmosphere here is pretty cool, they're going for the classy 1950s era where cocktails were king. The bartenders are dressed smartly, and the whole concept just seems to work. For the food, none of the small plates are large enough or tasty enough to leave a memorable impression. It's good at the time; but that's about the best I can say. I won't be back for a meal any time soon. The staff is working out some kinks to this new place, and the space is small, but I'm down. The new American tapas is an interesting concept, albeit a bit pricey. At the very least, check it out for happy hour before this place gets mobbed.

    (4)
  • Sondra C.

    I really wanted to love it. It was ... okay. Brussel sprouts and cauliflower were amazing. Pate du jour was somewhat tasteless - except for that tiny crystal of salt that made it onto the plate. No mention that it is "de campagne". Major failure. Would not have ordered it - and no, I don't feel I should have to ask. Fois gras was a half-dollar sized portion of a mousseline-like substance. $15 is outrageous for this. Tagliatelle with mushrooms and rabbit risotto were both delicious, but small portion. Smoked duck medallions were a bit dry, again, small portion. Service: waitress said the bartender could not make a pomegranate martini. Not sure why. She suggested a different drink from the menu that would be "fruity". It was made with gin. C'mon - recommending a gin drink to replace a vodka drink? We asked her if 4 appetizers and 2 entrees would be enough. She agreed. Portions are very small - even the entrees - so when the rabbit risotto came out, we ordered the tagliatelle. We were still hungry at the conclusion of the meal.

    (4)
  • Lisa C.

    Cauliflower soup and Kale salad are a must!!!! Really tasty. Bartenders were friendly and on point. The brussel sprouts were a little too salty. Mussel/clam dish was good, but wouldn't get them again for $22. Decent beer selection, cool atmosphere.

    (4)
  • Jemma C.

    Good drinks, great location, cool bar but nothing short of horrific food! Go for the drinks, linger at the bar, order oysters if you have to but avoid everything else on the menu. Food is completely in contrast to the vibe of the place with poorly thought out ingredients and recipes. Add to that it's vastly overpriced. Would love to see the menu change direction and a new chef here.

    (2)
  • chuck w.

    Went to Stateside for dinner last night and it was a comedy of errors. We sat down for dinner at 7:30. Out of only four large plate offerings they were out of one. Doesn't leave one much choice. They should have had a back up replacement for the fourth entree, if they only offer four choices. Our server was a nice enough person, but didn't have a clue when it came to food service. Served 3 of us a dozen oysters, no side plates. Bison tartare with no crostini, toast points or bread. When we asked for bread to go with our small plates, it came after we were done, took at least 15 mins. Small wine list. Asked for the pinot noir, they were out of pinot, etc, etc. We had oysters, two small plates and two large plates and it took 3 hours. Not that we were in a rush, but they were just not with it. It was very apparent to me that this restaurant is all about what is convenient for them, not customer focused. This is my second time here and same vibe. It's all about them, not the customer. There are plenty of other spots with good, plentiful food and wine, and much better service. Number 1 best of Philly restaurant. I don't think so. The experience was laughable.

    (2)
  • Adrienne C.

    Really, really good. The plates - while small - are bursting with flavor. They can also do an Old Fashioned really, really well. A couple tips: -Unless you have a reso, go early. We went at 6 p.m. on a Saturday and managed to get 2 seats at the bar. By 7 p.m., it was standing room only. -You'll prob need 2-3 plates/person in order to feel satisfied. -Must-try: rabbit risotto, brown butter tagliatelle

    (4)
  • Diana E.

    Dinner at Stateside was the highlight of a stay-cation weekend in Philadelphia and became a frequent point of conversation/recent-past reminiscing for a good 48 hours after the actual dining occurred. My date and I discussed each aspect of our meal the way I think most romantics and/or perverts look back fondly on "that one really great time". Standouts: pickled wax beans, pork belly (oh, god, that pork belly...), lobster salad and crispy cauliflower. Sure, you say, how can anyone screw up pork belly or lobster? Fair enough. Now tell me how often you see someone swoon over cauliflower and wax beans? Also, I consider myself the mayor of dirty martinis and mine was absolutely perfect. My date (who is both pickier and cuter than I) knocked off one star because they didn't change the plates and flatware between small courses. I was too busy trying to legalize pork belly marriage to take much notice.

    (4)
  • Sarah S.

    I really wanted to LOVE this place but this place just didn't live up to my expectations. My friend and I ordered the Chef's Board, Steak Tartare, Scallops, Brussel Sprouts, and Short Ribs. The New Hampshire cheese on a pear puree was my favorite on the Chef's board. The rest was not too memorable. I also really liked the brussel sprouts and scallops. These were delicious. Steak tartare was good. But, I felt that the short rib was under-seasoned. Not a bad experience but I was hoping for more.

    (3)
  • Pete W.

    Plus: Chef's board was sufficiently plentiful, diverse and delicious. The crispy pork belly lived up to its name (and its fitting appearance on Philly Mag's Top 50 Restaurants cover). Bourbon and rye were spot-on. Minus: Dark and crowded. Took a good twenty minutes til I was able to get a seat by the bar. Overall: Very good but not great experience. Not convinced of its #1 spot on Philly Mag's 50. Probably within the top ten or fifteen.

    (4)
  • erin o.

    Disappointed to have been scolded by our waitress for not informing her of my fish allergy before she delivered our gratis amuse bouche (which included crab) after the Joe and I ordered NOTHING of fish. She threatened, "We might have prepared the duck breast on the same grill with the trout!" Or something like that. Don't. Scold. Paying. Customers. It's bad enough I can't eat fish without anaphylaxis, but you didn't ask, so I didn't tell you, Food service Worker! I informed her that the Joe had, in fact, informed the person answering the phone of my allergy when he made our reservation...and...crickets... Everything else was delicious. It was a little pricier than the last half-dozen times we had enjoyed Sabatino's pickled delights and whipped meats...however, we were both pleased with our cold nectarine soup and duck breasts, respectively. I miss George's ability to make delicious food without breaking my bank. The funnel cake was awesome for a summer dessert! However, it was not, as our food service worker promised, "gourmet funnel cake". It was regular funnel cake with gourmet sauces...which were awesome.

    (3)
  • Ted L.

    Unbelievable loud. We were at a table for four and could only speak to the person directly opposite us. Diagonal conversations weren't possible. Screaming, maybe. My ears were ringing the next day and my voice was hoarse. Surly and condescending service. Frankly, I don't the guy cared at all. Food was average. Tip for business: Sound baffles! Curtains, soft panels, anything!

    (2)
  • Michael N.

    Came by for a drink last night and asked to sit outside. "I'm sorry sir, the outside (all empty tables) are reserved for dinner guests." "Um, I'll get up if someone wants to eat, but all of the tables are empty." "I'm sorry sir, but those tables are reserved for dinner guests." Despite the hostess' refusal, we decided to stay and drink at the bar. Thankfully, the bartender opened the huge windows and let the night air in. Nice place to sit. Good bartender. Interesting beer selection. Everything is domestic in the extensive Whisky selection (except the Whistle Pig, which is still made in Canada). I think I will give it another shot and try some of the food, despite the fact that a lot of people came in wearing fedoras (ironically, I guess).

    (3)
  • tzu c.

    I went here with my friend on Valentines Day and I was not disappointed. We both did the Valentines day tasting menu and it was amazing! The dishes were well thought out and well executed. I believe for the the price it was great quality and well worth it. The atmosphere was low key and intimated. It would be a great "grown up" date place without it being pretentious. I definitely would come back again to check out their regular menu.

    (4)
  • Joan H.

    TERRIBLE. Have never had a staff be so rude to me in my life. After the rave reviews this restaurant received, my best friend thought it would be the perfect place to take me for my birthday dinner. She made reservations on Opentable.com and received a phone call to confirm our reservations. But when we got to the restaurant, the dumbfounded (and, frankly, plain ol' dumb) host could not find our reservation. We showed her both the confirmation email and the record of the confirmation call. She said she was booked with other reservations and that she didn't have room for us. We pointed out that we had a reservation and that they had lost it, which was their fault, not ours and that we shouldn't be penalized for their mistake. She then sent us to the bar to wait while she and other staff frantically conferenced about what to do. At this point, the restaurant was nearly empty, but we, a reservation-holding duo, were made to wait at the bar in case people who had later reservations actually showed up. After about 15 minutes, the host broke apart two smaller tables that had been pushed together and made two tables for two. One was against the wall and one was in the middle of the restaurant. I asked to sit in the one next to the wall and she refused, saying that they were going to squeeze three people in that table. I said she could just as easily fit three at the other table and sat down at the table against the wall. Ten minutes passed and no one came to the table, not even for water. Finally, a server came over and insisted that we have to move to the table in the middle of the restaurant because fire code wouldn't permit them to seat three at that table. Having worked in restaurants for five years, I was certain that was bullshit. I argued with him for a minute before giving up and walking out. We walked over to Noord, where they promptly and politely seated us. The meal was delicious. I highly recommend it.

    (1)
  • Jacqueline L.

    I came to Stateside on a Monday night with a college friend. I love East Passyunk and recommended this spot after reading reviews and wanting to check it out myself. The place itself is cozy and dark. Maybe a little too dark to read the menu but it fit the atmosphere of the restaurant. The food overall though was only A-OK in my opinion. Nothing truly stood out that we tried, and there were 5 of us, so we had quite a few dishes. The plates overrall are on the smaller side, so plan on ordering a few per person. I had a few of the whiskey sours to drink, and being a big fan of the egg white addition into my drink and whiskey sours in general, I was a fan. The other folks also seemed to enjoy their drink choices. I would probably recommend this place to someone going out for a few drinks and a snack or two but that's it.

    (3)
  • Jessica M.

    I'm a visiting New Yorker who comes to Philadelphia about once or twice a month, and this was the best meal I've had in recent memory. Everything was so lovely that I wished I'd photographed each plate. I woke the next morning wishing I could go back that evening. We had: The Chef's board- While this can be prepared vegetarian, it is a meat lover's dream. Flavorful duck terrine with peanuts crumbled atop to provide just the right amount of crunch, the smoked capon sausage was earthy and had a delightful texture (served cold), and the pork rilletes delicious wrapped in bib lettuce leaves. I was in love with the pickled vegetables; waxy yellow beans, beets, caulliflower and carrots. My only complaint was that there weren't more. The Steak tartare- This was my least favorite item, but I think this was just a matter of preference in an otherwise perfect dining experience. I am not a huge lover of hazelnuts, but the quail egg was fresh, and the flavor of the meat was good, if not great. The toasts served alongside were so yummy, toasted to crunchy perfection. If you love tartare, try it, but there are so many other all stars on the menu... Chilled Golden Beet Soup- I loved this soup. Perfect for summer, each bite introduced a new flavorful surprise, now a sliver of fresh orange, now the tangy taste of horseradish cream, or a flake of smoked trout. Really complex flavors executed in such a simple, no frills way. I wish it would always be on the menu, but this dish will likely cycle off after the dog days of summer. Sigh. The Pork Belly- Everyone has pork belly on the menu, and I feel obligated to order it all of the time, but so rarely does it live up to what I hope it will be. This was crispy smoky perfection, with just the right amount of sweet. I think my favorite part was the hint of mustard and the house-made cabbage slaw in balance with the buttery fat of the pork and the sweetness of the honey ginger glaze. Don't skip this. Day Boat Scallops- Last but certainly not least. My favorite thing we This was the best scallop I can ever recall having. It was cooked perfectly... Seared with butter, it was decadent, and each side had the perfect sear (could it be the marrow butter?) I was certain it had been done with a flambe torch, but our waitress assured us-- just eloquent timing, a good pan, and butter! I loved the corn relish, with jersey corn. So seasonal and perfect for this time of year. Cocktails- I had the Fish House Punch (Blackheart Rum, Brandy, Pomegranate Tea, Lemon Ginger, Peach Bitters) and it was light and refreshing, but the food was so fantastic, I wish I had stuck to wine or beer pairings, and saved the complex cocktail for after. They have a great selection of California wines by the glass, but don't expect anything not produced in the US. Service & Ambiance- Both of these things suited my taste. The service was not overly fussy, but was careful and attentive. Our server was very knowledgeable, and willing to share information. It's a romantic space, with a hip feel, and a cool open wood bar. It did get a bit loud towards the end of our meal, so if noisy bothers you, I might visit on a weekday night. We didn't have a reservation and my party of 2 was seated on a Friday evening around 8pm with no wait, but I'm sure this place will soon build a reputation, particularly as chef George Sabatino just won the Ommegang HopChef title. I might call first to see if a table can be held! Do yourself a favor and go!

    (5)
  • Phyllis D.

    How disappointing! We are foodies who appreciate a great dining experience. After the raves in Philly mag, we were anticipating our visit to Stateside. It was such a letdown. No large plates, out of some selections, the rest was good but not great other than the cauliflower which was exceptional. The waitress was so clueless it was surreal!! She couldn't hear anything I said ( never ever a problem ..) she seemed super flustered as if serving us was stressful. I asked for a to go order of cauliflower and she didn't understand. Coffee was not good. I wonder what happened and how they got such good ratings. Half of the dining experience is the service. Doesn't have to be fussy but needs to be friendly and knowledgeable. NOT!!

    (2)
  • Shin Yi L.

    Recommendations for the tapas: brussels sprout, cauliflower soup, beef tartare and scallops were a-ma-zing. The desserts were to die for - delicious but yet light and not overwhelming (chestnut brûlée, sugar cookie and chocolate chiffon) :) The mussels/clams were a little undercooked in the center but my friend liked it that way. This is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Philly now and I wish I don't need a car to get here!

    (5)
  • Lea S.

    I would change this to 4 1/2 stars and Yay! I'm a BIG fan. I had read them reviews- both critic and wanna-be critics- and entered Stateside with high expectations for this elevated corner bar. And yes, the chef earned all the merit badges bestowed upon him. Everything we tried was absolutely delicious. Even simple soup was something special. Definitely worth a visit if you haven't been there yet.

    (4)
  • Regina F.

    Beauty in words should be reserved for only maximal dining experiences. That said, if there were such a thing as poetic injustice, trying to write a baroque review of Stateside would certainly qualify. ...Because when your meal begins with a toasty drink - a hot buttered rye - that's so amicable to your esophagus and piquant to your papillae that it makes you forget the vile, scathing, burning sensation of shooting cold rye, you musn't try to protract the experience. ...Because when the crispy cauliflower is as golden as the palatial pillars of the Taj Mahal, and buttery enough to beguile any toddler into eating his whites, you ought not attempt to convince your colleagues that cauliflower really does have a slight nutty flavor if roasted well. ...Because when the crispy maple glazed pork belly with a fat to meat ratio of 1:4 and a moisture to dryness ratio of 100:0 promotes a silent fork battle between you and your mate interspersed with the occasional clamor of (affable?) silver, you know you've found the perfect dish to "shut the f*ck up for a minute and comfortably enjoy the silence" (thanks Mia and Vincent). ...Because when the desserts are petite and ordering two is still innocuous to any diet, and the ginger snap is soft and topped with a chilled caramel mousse the texture of a fluffy budino, and the chocolate tart with homespun marshmallow fluff tastes like a freshly toasted s'more birthed by the smokey flames of a tumbleweed ignited campfire on the plans of Kansas, you know you've found a new home on Passyunk.

    (5)
  • Lydia H.

    I just got done having a nice night out with a girlfriend and we decided to have a late dinner at stateside. Our server was very sweet and nice. The food was okay. Cauliflower was awesome. However our night took a turn after we called for a cab and sat up at the bar to wait. While we were waiting we told the bartender the cab company told us it could be a thirty minute wait. His response was "there's an awning outside to stand under" now this is at 1:15 am and we were two girls in need of two cabs, it was cold and oh yeah- pouring rain. Thanks Stateside for the hospitality. We are never coming back.

    (2)
  • Brittini S.

    This place was charmingly casual and delicious! I loved everything we ordered and had a great dinner experience on a random Wednesday night. I went with my brother, who is a chef for Jose Garces, and he is very particular and opinionated. He was very impressed with the variety of the menu and the flavor composition. The smoked pork rillettes were probably my favorite - such an interesting application (served in a jar and meant to be wrapped in bibb lettuce). The cauliflower was surprisingly spicey which I loved. Another one of the people I was with is a vegetarian and there were plenty of options for her (parsnip soup and shaved vegetable salad - both dishes were fresh and had sharp, clean flavors). The chef at Stateside just won a national sausage contest a few months ago, so we had to order the duck sausage which was by far the most delicious meat we had. The pork belly a close second. The portions were perfect for sharing and I left feeling satisfied but not stuffed or comatose. Go here! It's a great neighborhood hang out but could also be a good choice for out of town guests wanting something different yet very "Philly". The beer and wine list was also very good!

    (5)
  • Thor T.

    My visit to Stateside was during beer week and at a time when the place was completely full of folks trying to get out of the rain, so that calls for cutting some slack, especially since one tirelessly running waiter seemed to have to do everything by himself (he showed grace under pressure). As for serving expensive beers in plastic cups: not cool. I will accept that at a street fair but not in a restaurant. The reduced menu offered a barbecue sandwich and we ordered it: the sandwich was basically soft cooked pork in an insipid tomato sauce - not a whiff of barbecue and very underwhelming. I might go back for a more "regular" visit, the reviews are very good, but my first time at Stateside was definitely no more than "a-ok."

    (3)
  • Kristin H.

    The lobster salad fresh and dressed well, the lobster was cooked perfectly. It was very earthy and pleasant. The Parmesan croquettes were good, but the pickled vegetables underneath elevated it to great. The skirt steak was okay, but after the server explained why the steak shouldn't be cooked above medium, it was disappointing that it came out well done and kind of tough. The beets and grilled watermelon were good and the tomato salad was interesting with chili powder and fennel seeds. The cocktails were very good and the beer selection was well thought out. I don't have any major complaints; for the most part the food was well executed and good, but it was ultimately forgettable. For the price we paid, I probably would go back for a drink, or the $1 oysters, but wouldn't sit down to dinner.

    (3)
  • Brian C.

    Although the small space (which includes a nice long bar and a dining room with 10 or so tables) felt slightly stuffy, Stateside's summer menu was perfect for a hot night out. Comprised of mostly small plates, the menu had plenty of light, fresh options to choose from. I was impressed with the cocktail and beer menu, which included a nice list of drafts (Hell or High Watermelon anyone?) as well as a nice specialty/classic cocktail list and a pretty extensive whisky menu. I tried The Avenue - Ginger infused Jim Beam Rye, sweet vermouth, fresh ginger - which was very refreshing. I saved the cheese/meat/pickle section for next time, but it all sounded awesome. We started with the Chilled Lobster & Bibb Lettuce Salad, which was drenched in a green goddess dressing (a little too much) and the mouthwatering Chilled Cucumber & Yogurt Soup which had tiny cubes of fennel gelatin scattered among nice big chunks of lump crab (highly recommended). Finally we moved onto the delicious Day Boat Scallops (served w/ zuccini puree, corn salad, and oyster mushrooms) and Bone Marrow & Truffle Sausage which was good, but not as amazing as I had hoped. Overall, our dinner was very enjoyable and the service was good. The small plates are a bit overpriced, but pretty well in-line w/ other places like this in the city. I'd definitely go back.

    (4)
  • Kristine D.

    This will be my new neighborhood spot to take visiting family and friends! My husband and I have wanted to try Stateside for a while, and after a long weekend we decided to give it a try last night. Service was helpful, beer list was impressive, and the menu was unique but with a classic twist. I think everyone can find something interesting to them here. We ordered the pickle plate (very good for large parties to share), the Rogue blue cheese (serves with honey, bread and an apple- delicious), Parmesan croquettes (like a fancy mozzarella stick, but in a ball and served over a squash salad. Delicious, and the cheese was not lava hot but still creamy and melted completely. The cucumber and yogurt soup (this one was not our favorite, needs just a tad more flavor), pork belly (cooked to perfection, served with bread) and the bone marrow and truffled sausage. I am not the biggest sausage fan, but this was incredible. Perfectly cooked, with just a hint of the bone marrow flavor. We had ordered the scallops, and were told that we got the last one of the night. When our main dishes came out, our server approached us and said that the scallops had burned and Chef George did not feel comfortable serving them to us. They offered us anything else on the menu in its place. My husband and I were so completely impressed with that. We would much rather have something else then be served burnt food. We applaud you Chef George, this is how you run a successful restaurant. We got the mussels in place of the scallops and I was infatuated. These were some of the best mussels I have ever eaten. Served in a tomato broth with corn and onions, I couldn't help but dunk my break into the broth just to get more of it. I would probably have taken a spoon to it if I had one. 5 stars, well deserved.

    (5)
  • Colleen H.

    Since we are attempting to hit all of the Philly Mag top 50 restaurants, my boyfriend and I panicked a bit when we realized that Chef George Sabatino was leaving Stateside. Luckily, since I stalk Foobooz.com , I had a 30 day notice. Since this place is impossible to get a reservation as it is, we felt very lucky to find a 6 pm opening on Sunday, March 10th (the day before Sabatino's last). It was a beautiful day so the windows were open, which made the ambiance of the cozy (aka small) restaurant that much better. The menu at Stateside was very limited in the eyes of a former picky eater like myself, but I have become quite the foodie lately and have really expanded my horizons so I was excited. For cocktails I went with the Tennesee Sweetheart because it sounded fun, but my bf's classic Dark & Stormy was much tastier. We ordered the perfect amount of food: the cheese plate (best one was their house made ricotta), Baby Carrot & Kale Salad, Pan Seared Brussels Sprouts, Day Boat Scallops w/ cauliflower, Crispy Pork Belly, and a special pork dish that i can't remember the name of. Everything was great. There wasn't one thing I didn't like and none of these are foods that I would "normally" eat. We also had an amazing chocolate dessert. Also, the service was excellent. Overall, I think George Sabatino lived up to all the hype and Stateside is definitely a cool place that I can't wait to visit again. Looking forward to checking out the new chef (and seeing what Sabatino brings to Morgan's Pier).

    (4)
  • Mandi R.

    I absolutely LOVE Stateside, it is my favorite spot in South Philly. They make the best Old Fashioned ever and I love their selection of Rye Whiskeys. Best yet, all of their liquors are made right here in the states! I just love the Fois Gras and yes, the plates are small but you get what you pay for when it comes to the taste. The pork belly is awesome too. And the best part is the open bar... the windows open up to allow one to either sit outside at the bar looking into the bar or one can sit and watch the world go by on Passyunk Ave from the inside as well. It is definitely worth it and I have a great experience each and every time. The bartenders are FANTASTIC and they definitely know how to whip up some sweet cocktails!

    (5)
  • Mike D.

    Had a fantastic experience at Stateside on Saturday night. Had a 9:00 reservation but were not seated until around 9:30 but that was not a bother because everyone was so nice. We sat at the bar and had great drinks. Manager apologized and offered us a cheese plate for the delay and it was amazing. Then, because it is a small place and people were not leaving their tables manager asked one party who was finished to move to a bar table which he set for them and moved us to their dining table. They were very accommodating. Every dish was better than the next especially the Foie Gras, Oysters and Bison Tartare. Service was great, waitress offered great whiskey suggestions as well. All around great experience and I recommend it to anyone.

    (5)
  • Emily K.

    Opening night at Stateside was delightful. Despite an inevitable air of over-enthusiasm, jitteriness and confusion, the staff and kitchen held it together beautifully. Great job from the Green Eggs team. The space itself is lovely - 1930's americana/industrial themed, I suppose. Poured concrete bar makes for a great centerpiece, and the faux exposed bricks look stellar. View from the corner seat at the bar makes Passyunk Square seem almost epic. In the summer there will be seating at an outside bar running the length of the windows. Real game changer for the Square. In accordance with their theme, all drinks are domestic. Makes for some fun cocktail improv when you go to order a Tanqueray and Tonic. The beer list is small but perfectly crafted. It's unbelievably clear here that the chef is of the 13th Street family. My boyfriend actually said to me not knowing this: "Stateside is like the South Philly Barbuzzo!" So as you may imagine, the menu centers around a diverse array of small plates, offering something for everyone. The Foie Gras with Butternut Mousse was, for me personally, delightful. The richness of foie tempered by the sweet, delicate squash made for a decadent but not at all overwhelming treat. But at $12 for a tiny jam jar half full, it's probably not going to be a regular indulgence. A mound of Steak Tartare, though, might be. Prepared untraditionally, it touted small tender flakes of steak instead of a minced or ground paste. The outstanding texture of the beef was, unfortunately, thrown off by the misguided addition of hazelnuts - but none of that mattered when distracted by the slight crunch of truffle from the devilishly good vinaigrette. Brussel Sprouts were out-shined by their oyster mushroom neighbors, and the Skate Wing, while well cooked, was ruined by a lack of flavor and excess of chewy barley. That said, it was an overall wonderful meal in a charming space on one of my favorite corners. Not a cheap one (at $80 for 2), but a really nice ritzy one. In fact, we only left out of respect to the establishment to give others a chance to enjoy the "South Philly Barbuzzo" experience. We certainly could have sat there all night. And we probably will. Watch out, wallet. JUST AN ASIDE: Groups beware - it's cozy!

    (5)
  • Cara S.

    I follow the chef of Stateside on Instagram so I had to go and try what I've been drooling over for months!! This place was GREAT. Surprisingly, it was not crazy busy or expensive. It got a little more crowded as the night went on but my mom, sister and I were able to walk in and get a seat at 7 pm on a Friday which is impressive for how good the food is. When I looked at the menu I was tempted to question the combinations - grapes and cauliflower?? lemon rind and fried parmesan?? But after the first dish I decided I could trust the chef and enjoyed every part! My only desire would be for them to add a chocolate dessert that DOESN'T have mint and bananas....But that's kind of a personal taste! :) Definitely go here!!!

    (4)
  • Alessia K.

    I was a little hesitant about trying this place as immediately after they received Philly Mag's #1 restaurant in Philadelphia, I noticed the reviews were highly divided. The fiancé made reservations weeks in advance for a Saturday night at 8:00 so we were really looking forward to it..until he got a call on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 that our reservations would either have to be rescheduled or moved until 9:30 since they overbooked. I was a little taken aback especially since my usually sweet fiancé said the tone on the phone was anything but apologetic but he took the change anyway since 9:30 is not too bad for us on a Saturday. Long story short, we seriously considered going anywhere else that night as I was annoyed that they did not seem apologetic, but that's what a #1 award can do to a place. Unfortunately Philly is blowing up right now and we basically got laughed at for calling on a Saturday afternoon to get a reservation at any of the other hot places we have been wanting to try. Needless to say I walked in there not expecting much but I have to say the overall vibe was warm, lively and welcoming. We were seated right away and the amazing night started from there. Our server was great. He took time explaining the cocktail list for us so we both got fantastic whiskey drinks to begin. We then ordered a few small plates to start as well as our main dishes (which are small...but seriously, it's crafted to perfection) including the steak tartare, brussel sprouts, marinated broccolini, 1/2 dozen oysters, and the special of the night which were short ribs. The food was great. I think if you're going to try it, that's what is already known. I don't know if the bad reviews were just off nights, but I honestly think it was one of the best meals I've had. So good that we were are such weirdos and were trying to dissect which was our least favorite if we even had to pick it. It was hard to do, but I think we settled on the brussel sprouts. Again, the review is based not solely on the food but because we were shafted with the reservation and they way they redeemed themselves was commendable. Our server brought us a dozen oysters instead of 1/2...just to say thanks for being understanding (which I was not initially but I genuinely appreciated it) and he bought us scallops on the house too. It was a dish we considered ordering but ended up not, so getting a complimentary dish was just awesome. More drinks and food was enjoyed etc. etc. So, yes they were bestowed a somewhat controversial award, depending on how seriously people take those results in Philly Mag, but so what...and honestly relax a little with the visceral reactions. Good for them and I hope they remain grounded and continue to execute dishes like we were able to enjoy. Everyone in the place seemed relaxed and was enjoying their night, so it was a great experience. Getting bumped from your reservation never makes you feel cool, but they treated us really well and I appreciate the consideration.

    (5)
  • Adam F.

    Trendy spot on East Passayunk next to the fountain. Apparently they now have a new head chef --- went there on his first night so had a limited but delicious menu. Highlights included: - butternut squash soup - pork belly - foie gras Grab a stiff whiskey drink and enjoy. Waitresses were very slow though and didn't even explain the dishes we were eating. I know it's a small thing, but when you pay good money for good food, they can at least tell you the details of the dish they bring you. (-1 point). Food came out promptly, though.

    (4)
  • Nick S.

    What can be said about Stateside that hasn't been said about perfection in its truest form. The identity of Stateside can arguably lie between gastropub and artsy neighborhood watering hole.Starting from the top, we began with a sample of cheeses all of local origin, the Amish Noble Cheddar one being the most prominent. I love me some stinky, non-subtle cheese sometimes! Ample toasted baguettes provided assistance with the awesomeness that was this platter. We coupled this with a side of pickled cucumber and celery root that added the right amount of acidity to begin with. Went for the Steak Tartare since this is why we came in the first place. Had to try it! Was not disappointed! Tiny morsels of steak cubes chilled and chopped with hazelnuts and truffled viniagrette made this the best dish of the night. Went for the Charred Broccolini whose spicyness tasted very close to Japanese shichimi pepper. $1 oysters on the halfshell with pomegranate mignonette was awesome, right amount of acidity and just very delicious. Tried the Foie Gras & Butternut Squash Mousse, on point. Not exactly my taste but still on point. Finished the dinner with house reds and made sense of it all. Will be returning, probably this week actually. :)

    (5)
  • Susan H.

    Though it has a great look and vibe with a bar that spills into the sidewalk, very European, the food, particularly portions, fell short. Small portions (even the large plates were small) and prices that were way out of line. Great presentation if you like a big plate with food covering about an 1/8 of the territory! I did like my cauliflower small plate which was a reasonable size (maybe cause it's a veggie)? The duck large plate tasted okay, was not particularly tender and a serrated knife would have helped. Other note, really loud, hard to converse and the exposed air conditioning duct above our heads dripped. A server would regularly come by to swab it! If I came back, I'd stick with getting a beer at the bar. Nice selection for beers!

    (2)
  • Ean S.

    A great menu of small plates and a rotating selection of different dishes... and also a wonder selection of oysters. Also, I am not a bourbon fan at all, but they've turned me into a believer. A diamond in South Philly!

    (4)
  • Mortimer S.

    This is going to make me sound like a total brat but let's get this out of the way: I like to be the first to review a place whenever possible. I will go out of my way to make that happen. So it's really annoying when two people have reviewed Stateside even though they didn't eat at the restaurant, but rather the chef's trial runs at Green Eggs. Note that Green Eggs is a different restaurant than Stateside. If Morimoto himself came to your kitchen to cook you a private dinner that doesn't mean you can review Morimoto's restaurant. Point taken? So tonight I actually WENT to Stateside because this was their first night in operation. I felt a little awkward there by my lonesome. But I had just gotten back from a night of gay men's chorus-ing and wanted to just head there right afterwards as I live a mere two blocks away. I was prepared to only order the foie gras and butternut squash mousse and two glasses of wine. This plan snowballed into a larger, nearly $70 (after tip) extravaganza of decadence. Wow--they are really not fucking around with the food here. Some of the best food I've had in the city, no doubt about it, and everything exceeded my expectations. Said mousse ($12) was delightful and the blood orange and parsley salad provided a lovely relief from the richness. The accompanying crostini were also very good. I had this with a glass of sauvignon blanc ($6) which was OK. They could probably swankify their wine list a bit more to match their food, and all the wines were American which I thought was a little odd. This was followed by two delectable cubes of maple-glazed pork belly with fried grits (also in cube form, and it looked just like the pork), apples and cider jus, all very artfully presented and topped with microgreens ($12). This was quite phenomenal--very tender pork and amazing grits. My chosen accompaniment of Founder's breakfast stout ($8) was also very enjoyable and my first time trying that beer. I know people always make a big fuss about it so it was nice to actually have one. For dessert, another Founder's (why not) and another strong offering from the kitchen: smoked chocolate tart (I wouldn't have called it a tart--it was more like a cube of pot de creme) with crumbled graham crackers and house-made marshmallows (the texture of this was more like a creme anglaise--in any case it was way, way better than what one normally thinks of as a marshmallow). Quite a small portion but big on taste and richness. Reasonably priced for $6. The space is pretty small and tastefully designed in an industrial chic manner--very cool brick work, NYC-loft-esque lighting and modern feel. Many of the people there were trying their best to be chic with it. Center City dwellers who deigned to venture south of Washington for one night, some locals and a few errant hipsters--they were all there. Think of Stateside as Passyunk's answer to Tria, albeit a different sort of concept. It will be interesting to see what effect (if any) this place has on other bars and restaurants in close proximity. Food-wise it blows most everything around it out of the water. Generally speaking the food is the sort of stuff you'd find at Fond--not Watkins Drinkery, the POPE, Cantina or the like. You will pay a pretty penny for what you get at Stateside but the food is of the highest quality. They do have a few larger plates and I would like to see them have a few more. The one faux pas of the evening was that I was charged a dollar for extra crostini which were brought to me but I didn't order (even though I was going to ask for more to finish the mousse) but this was taken care of by the waitress without a problem. I hope I can restrain myself having this place so close to me, but I also eagerly await my next visit.

    (5)
  • Adam L.

    So happy a good spot like this has opened. More than a gastro-pub, less than a fine dining spot, Stateside is an excellent choice for anyone who loves whiskey, is an adventurous eater, and has some deep pockets. As the title implies, the drink are from the bourbon trail, which is a wonderful theme. I got a perfectly made Old Fashioned- wow it was good. The food was quite good too. Loved the small and large plates. Loved the items, especially the pork belly and the cheddar cheese plate. The pork belly was so mch more decadent that the bacon-impressionist pork bellies I have had at a few other places. Now, there are a few bum notes. Actually, only one. The prices vs.portion-size are all sorts of out of whack. If me and a friend spend $120, we should go home well fed. Just saying. And I am pretty sure they know this, as the waiter specifically asked me how I felt about the plate sizes (after I ordered a SECOND cheddar plate.... it simply wasnt enough). I am confident that this spot will be one of the best eateries in Passyunk, if not all of Philly, very soon.

    (4)
  • Dee C.

    What a lovely little place right on my door step. We sat at the bar ordered cocktails of a very large drink list of mostly whiskeys. Bartender was nice but he couldn't really keep a conversation. I wouldn't be back cos I love the bartender (it's a skill he didn't have) but for the tasty food. We had the squash soup with some kind of foam that made the soup so airy I could have been eating a cloud. Entrees we had beer braised beef cheeks, duck sausage and pork belly. All very tasty in their own. (they don't have salt at their tables cos I thought the chef was cocky but you didn't need). We ordered it together but my pork belly came out. Then 7 mins later the duck then a whole 10mins after we finish our meals the cheeks. It was odd that it came out like that. But again we shared and it was tasty so all forgiven. I'll be back with the hubby.

    (4)
  • M M.

    Salty food and poor service. Sorry Stateside, you are on the decline.

    (2)
  • Adina R.

    Woah. This may be my favorite spot in Philly. I'd first tasted a few of Chef George's delicious bites at a Yelp event. But it took me a while to get back to Passyunk and I'm so glad I did. It was after some Philly going away drinks with friends. I'd had a fantastic year in Philly, enjoyed some really phenomenal food and drinks, which helped me on my way to Yelp elite, but the year was coming to a close. But I was pretty drunk already...and hungry. We were going to meet a friend who's more familiar with the Passyunk scene and much more in touch with exactly what to order and where, so we ended up at Stateside. Again, woah. That crispy pork belly. The cauliflower, omfg. Parmesan croquettes. I'm out of Philly now, but I can't wait to go back just to go to Stateside. Thanks Chef George!

    (5)
  • CC C.

    We have been celebrating our recent engagement with various friends and decided to have dinner here on a Sunday with another couple. I actually have never written a review before but I decided this experience was so bad that I needed to warn others. We waited for approximately 10 minutes before we were greeted by our waitress for drinks. We ordered one of everything on the menu except for the oysters, which is exactly how we told our waitress when we ordered. She was visibly annoyed by that and said "just tell me specifically what you want." Awkwardly, my fiance read the whole menu to the waitress omitting the first item, the Oysters. When I asked for a diet coke instead of a cocktail because I was driving she barely acknowledged my request for it and just walked away. The food came out sporadically and when we asked her to identify certain things on the plate, she didn't know. She walked by our table frequently and regularly, but never made eye contact with us so we couldn't get her attention when we needed something. I said "excuse me" as she passed our table four times before getting her attention. We were seated right across from the door right in the middle of the restaurant and everytime someone walked in, we shivered. We wanted to try everything but the plates were so unbelievably small that we were meticulously siphoning strands of food off our forks to make sure we could each get a taste. We were equally unimpressed by those tastes. They weren't abysmal, but it definitely nothing special. Additionally, we were disappointed about the lack of protein options on the menu. When it came time for dessert, we were, of course, still hungry. The waitress gave us one dessert menu which listed three desserts on it. She proceeded to tell us that they were out of two of the desserts and they HAD NO COFFEE. We ordered the sticky toffee pudding. It was decadent but way overpriced for the size. I was really disappointed in this place after looking forward to it for weeks. We will absolutely not be back for an encore performance.

    (1)
  • bm p.

    How do you rate a place that says, "no thanks, we're too good for your money?". The good: on my one and only visit, the food was great and the drinks list was interesting. The problem, when I tried to visit again: on a perfect summer Friday night, at around 8:30pm, every single one of their outdoor tables was empty, so we stopped by and asked to sit outside for drinks. We were told that the outside tables were reserved for dinner only, but come back at 10pm and they'd open up for drinks. We might have been able to squeeze in at the bar, but it was ridiculously noisy - and why sit inside on the perfect summer night? For various reasons (forgotten phones, etc) we ended up walking by Stateside a couple of times after that and the outdoor tables remained empty. Around 10:20pm, we thought we'd try again. First, the waitress didn't believe that we'd been told that drinks were allowed outside after 10pm. Finally I remembered the specific guy who told us and she disappears into the back - where my companion is waiting to use the restroom - and the waitress loudly bitches to other staff that people are trying to have drinks only at the outdoor tables. Once again, not a single table outside is occupied. She comes back and tells me that we could sit outside after 11pm. I'm bummed to have to rate Stateside so low - the first time I went, the food and drink were great, I would have kept going back, but when a restaurant tells me that it can't seat me even though it has 5+ empty tables that remain unoccupied for the next 2 hours, I just can't give them my business. Basically, I said, "Hey, I'd like to give you money to sit at your table" and they said, "Yeah, no thanks."

    (1)
  • Bridget M.

    Reminded us of the dearly departed Adsum. So many unique dishes to choose from! A well-rounded beer, wine and cocktail list. Started with the Rabbit Rillettes and the pickle plate. The Rillette was different than expected. And thats probably because we had no idea what rillette was! It was mild and salty, topped with a delicious pear preserve. The pickle plate had all four offered pickled veggies plus one that wasn't on the menu! A little sweet, a little salty, even one that was a little spicey. The special of the night was an octopus small plate. Its always a gamble getting octopus, because so often it comes out rubbery and over-seasoned. Not so at Stateside. It was as tender as sausage and was finished with just the right amount of seasoning. We finished off the meal with their Apple Stuffed Donut, which comes in a pool of caramel syrup and is sprinkled with bacon. This was absolutely divine! In this vein, maybe Stateside will think about resurrecting the Bacon Snickers from Adsum..pretty please! An excellent meal all around with superb food and spot-on service!

    (5)
  • Rodrigo V.

    Lovely place, very small restaurant, but with a lot of charm. The waitress explained the concept of tapas and that we should order about three dishes each on the menu to be satisfied. We did, but we left starving. At $15 dollars each plate we expected more. The dished were well executed, but there were enough for a one taste of each item. Seriously the smaller tapas I have seen in my life. The food is good, but way too small. When you try something for the first time you need at least a second bite to enjoy the flavors, to understand where the chef is coming from...... Drinks were really good, also on the smaller side too, but again well executed. No bread is served at this place, I paid my bill and I was still hungry.... Maybe this place is running low in cash and they had to split one dish into 5 and still sell it at the same price. What a joke.... Sadly I won't be coming back.... If you go there, eat something before because you will be hungry

    (2)
  • Jose A.

    Went opening night, love the area, love the spot. Great design with the big windows opening to the square, the pics of 30s americana on the walls, and the industrialish vibe. Had the rabbit rilletes, house smoked trout, charred broccolini, and the steamed littleneck clams. Loved the broccolini, thought everything else was great. The clams reminded me of a similar dish at koozeedoo but better, the trout salad was perfectly dressed and the subtle incorporation of trout was just the right note (the gf thought there should be more). The rabbit rilletes was really good, but paled compared to the other dishes. I thought everything besides the broccolini had a touch too much salt, but that's being a bit picky. Not sure about the bar design, the space is small/intimate and having 2 deep crowds at the bar brings down the vibe a bit. There's a nice draft beer list that's very well priced. I'd probably give this 4.5 stars if I could, but it's close enough to 5 to be deserving.

    (5)
  • Chloe B.

    Pork Rillettes and Steak Tartare were both delicious, but the meal was mostly underwhelming. Glad to say I've been to the number 1 restaurant in Philadelphia, but it's definitely not my number 1.

    (3)
  • Mickey Z.

    We only went for beers and there happened to be seats at the bar. Very cool space and the selection of booze was very unique. Would definitely go back.

    (4)
  • Craig I.

    It's easy to get sucked in to this place. I just wanted to check the place out for a drink, and before I knew it I had stayed for more than two hours. The setting was upscale but unpretentious. Alone, I was able to strike up friendly conversations at the bar (this is far from a pick-up-joint, however). I got comfortable at the bar with a Big Eye IPA. The rest of their beer list is just as great. After watching plate after plate whizzing by for the first 20 minutes, I decided to try two of the cheeses. A cheddar from Lancaster was out-of-this-world, and the blue , from VT, was milder than I typically like but still very good. The portions and prices for the cheese were very fair. In fact, I would say the portions were bigger than some comparable plates I've had recently at Vintage, Tria, and Talula's Garden. While I downed my second beer, I checked out the wine list. I wouldn't call it extensive, but it seems to be carefully selected and very reasonable (nearly every selection was $6 or $7 per glass). One particular red, the Firesteed Pinot Noir from Oregon, I had tried only a week earlier at Vintage, and it was excellent. I'm pretty sure it was $11 per glass at Vintage, so at $7 a glass at Stateside, I'd say the prices are more than fair. It's also only $35 per bottle, so it would be a suitable companion to dinner. After talking to the bartender for a while about lots of the menu items (she was warm and friendly, by the way), I decided to try the duck sausage and brussel sprouts. Both were amazing--I don't even know where to start. I'll just say that I'll order them during every future visit. The bartender and I also talked about some of the cocktails, which seemed to be prepared with the same care and preparation as everything on the food menu. On future visits, I look forward to trying some of the cocktails, as well as some of the large plates. I'm excited to have this place in my neighborhood, whether for a drink or a full meal. You won't be disappointed, either, if you decide to take it for a spin.

    (5)
  • Lene P.

    Everything about this place is great and I've only been here once but I loved it. You can only sit at a table if you're ordering a certain dollar amount of food, otherwise you have to sit at the bar. The food is great, though! I only had their small plates (steak tartare, scallops, pork belly) and dessert (panna cotta, coffee martini). I haven't had a bad dish here yet. Very highly recommended!

    (5)
  • Blake F.

    brussels craving = satisfied! after penning my previous review, said craving set in hard, and i found myself back at stateside for dinner. but before indulging in my most favorite of sprouts, i nibbled on some pickles (cauliflower = whoa good!), shaved veggie salad (kale + crunchy toasted chickpeas = win!), and house made (!!) goat cheese over a bed of escarole and pine nuts. and then....the brussels. pan roasted in a chestnut brown butter sauce with mushrooms (can you say decadent?), those bad boys had me literally squealing with delight. LITERALLY. i intentionally didn't finish so i could enjoy as leftovers again the next day, and enjoy i did. ...and by not eating all my veggies, i had room for dessert! in this case, the maple panna cotta. mmm...a perfect end to another perfect meal.

    (5)
  • Grace C.

    This was a great place to hit for a light meal before going out on the town. The menu is small, but everything on it sounds delicious (def not a burger and fries place, though) and the drink menu is full of great options. We ordered 4 plates to share and a dessert; it was a perfect amount of food for 2 of us. It's a tapas style place, so don't expect to order one dish and leave full. The food was wonderful except for the dessert. The service seemed bad at first, but later they had a chance to shine and they really rose to the occasion. Once we had our drinks, it took forever to order; when our server realized this (she noticed without us having to say anything), she apologized and comped our drinks. The dessert we ordered was pretty awful; it was a panna cotta that just tasted wrong. As soon as we let the server know, she offered to take it back, remove it from our bill and asked us if we would like to order a different dessert. We ordered a funnel cake and it was perfect. Overall, the experience was a good one with good food and good staff. The place is a bit pricy, but we knew that going in and the ingredients they use justify the price.

    (4)
  • Carla F.

    I would give this place a 3.5. The place is beautiful. Great aesthetics. My waitress was pretty terrible, one of the worst ones I have had in a while. The food that we ordered was really great. I will say that I don't eat meat and there were very few selections that did not have some sort of meat ingredient. They were happy to omit these when asked however. I will say that in a city full of great restaurants this one holds its own but beyond that, there is nothing terribly special about this place.

    (3)
  • K M.

    Overall this place is good. There isn't any strong reason I wouldn't go back, but also no reason I would. Drinks are really good with a great assortment, food was great and the outdoor seating was nice. The prices are ridiculous. The amount of food you get for the price is silly. Not to mention they were out of three of those dishes. I get that they are tapas but tapas shouldn't have entree prices. Our waitress was also not the friendliest. Not rude, just nothing exceptional. Over all I would go back to grab a drink at the outside portion of the bar, but head to one of the neighboring restaurants for food.

    (3)
  • Bill C.

    Top Three Favorite Restaurants In The City. They do everything well. Beautifully-paired cheeses, great small bites and shareable stuffs - and last time I was there my dad and I split a whole fish and it was perfect.

    (5)
  • Martha G.

    My good friend and fellow yelper Adrienne R. cajoled me into a Friday night, post-work, post-happy hour dinner at Stateside with her good friend Daniel B., and my fiance. I agreed to go only if we didn't stop at home to change out of work clothes, because otherwise I probably wouldn't have gotten back out my apartment door. I'm glad she assented to my terms, because otherwise I would have missed out like whoa. Stateside completely wow'ed me. We tried a bunch of yum yums, including: pickled carrots, parmesan croquettes, warm summer bean salad, crispy cauliflower, marinated broccolini, crispy pork belly, and scallops. First off, can I get me some of those carrots to go please? Maybe I would stop eating candy all day at work if I could munch on those savory sticks. They were so good. Great palate cleanser. The parmesan croquettes were really delightful. A warm ooze of cheese emerged from the extra crispy shell. The bean salad was fresh, the scallops flavorful and cooked to perfection, and the pork belly done just right. There came with the pork belly a ball-like item, maybe fried terrine of some sort? I wasn't in love with it, but I'm also not into terrines. The crispy cauliflower and broccolini were the table's faves. One of them came with fried capers. Whoda thought that was a genius idea? Only chef George. The broccolini had a duck fat aioli of some sort that made it finger lickin' good. I cannot remember which dish the following relates to. But one dish had a few cherry tomatoes on it. I bit into one and exclaimed, "what is that!!" It was unlike any cherry tomato I'd ever tasted. Sweet, tangy, citrusy, amazing. Completely unique. Just like the rest of my meal at Stateside. Ok, so there were 4 of us, and we got all 4 desserts. Each was amazing, but the poached peaches were super fresh, the butterscotch mousse on the ice cream sandwich was not too sweet, right amount of salt. But the rice milk panna cotta stole the show for me. The cayenne in the chocolate really came to life a few seconds after you first put the chocolate in your mouth. The avocado was a unique and fun addition, and the panna cotta itself was great. Love love love Stateside. So glad I got here! PS thanks to Daniel B. and his hookups at Stateside for some comp'ed items!

    (5)
  • Ron C.

    This review is just for happy hour and an excellent hour it was. Very nice selection of local drafts and buck a shuck oysters. WHAT! Oh yeah buck a shuck is awesome. Since man (and woman) cannot live on oysters alone we went with the Chefs Charcuterie Board which was very good. Nice selection of cured meats and cheeses. Also when we were there they a Maple Glazed Pork Belly over Polenta. OMG is was delicious. We definitely want to go back for dinner when we get a chance.

    (4)
  • Paul C.

    came here after the HH for dinner...loved the way bar was facing outdoor on the street...but wasn't too impressed with their drinks...we placed our name down, since we didn't had reservation...and we ended up waiting for about hour to get seated...once we got seated, server seemed to be OUT OF IT...as he was explaining something...all of sudden he would just walk away...not rude..but just very unprofessional...he wouldn't even come by and to ask if food was ok...we ordered, poulet, duck breast, hamachi, pork belly, risotto...they were pretty good...but portions were so small considering we ordered entree size...conclusion...not going back...

    (3)
  • Stephanie N.

    Just visited Stateside for the first time since Sabatino left. Only words of advice - DON'T BOTHER!!! I literally just created a Yelp account for the sole purpose of sharing this review. We live in the same neighborhood as Stateside and truly treasured the culinary gem that it has been since opening. I have been dying to take my parents and just did only to find myself embarrassed beyond belief. As Melissa R mentioned, portions have shrunk to four-bite proportions and prices have increased. Throughout dinner we had a view of new executive chef, Elijah Milligan, standing around. Apparently being an executive chef does not entail cooking. I am left mystified how a restaurant could deviate so greatly from the reputation it has come to earn. It is as though they are trying to create an entirely new image. Mind you not a great one!

    (1)
  • Gwen T.

    The best dinner I've had in years (ever?). Really. Since so much of their menu is small plates, the prices can add up quickly if you want to try everything, but listen. Save your money from going out to three mediocre cheaper places and just wait and go to Stateside - the meal you'll get there will be better than any of those other mediocre places combined. Well worth it. This is what we got: Pickled carrots with ginger & cumin, pan roasted brussel sprouts, house made duck sausage, grilled coulette steak, grilled shrimp (on special that night), crispy maple glazed pork belly, and then for dessert (although I'm surprised we even had room for dessert at this point) the chocolate tart and the apple donut. Oh.. and the cocktails, let's not leave those out. Our bartender was awesome, she was so friendly and gave suggestions and would ask what we wanted next when our drinks were getting low rather than wait until they were completely empty. A little thing like that goes a long way. The restaurant is pretty tiny and there's not much standing room if you have to wait. Might not be the best place to go if you have a large group. They don't take reservations on Fridays or Saturdays, which I actually think is a good thing, because you can just decide to go last minute and try your luck. We sat at the bar at first, waiting for a table to open up.. but the bar was so comfortable anyway we decided to just stay and eat there. The manager went around to everyone asking how their dinner was going, definitely made us feel welcome. Chef George Sabatino, please come home and cook for me every night. I could eat those brussel sprouts for every meal of the day.

    (5)
  • Jessica E.

    Went on Thursday for Happy Hour which Amanda C. and I were very excited about because they have buck-a-shuck! No need to go to Oyster House for dollar oysters! And Happy Hour also includes half price draughts and $5 red and white wines. When I got there around 5:15 (happy hour runs 5-7) I was the only one in the bar but it quickly picked up in the next 30 minutes. We sat at the very nice stone bar. They were playing jazz which added nicely to the atmosphere. We had a couple of draught beers (normal selection - nothing crazy, a Lagunitas, a Victory, etc), dollar blue points from CT, and a cheese plate. Everything was delicious. It's also not nearly as pricey as I was expecting - a few drinks each and the food only came to around $30. Would definitely be interested in going back for dinner and possibly upgrading to 5 stars.

    (4)
  • Mandy M.

    I was excited to share Stateside with out of town guests last night. I noticed the place wasn't packed which surprised me on a Friday night. After being seated, I realized that the menu was new. The waitress explained that there was a new chef and the current menu was 1/2 of what it eventually will be. There were about 10 items on the menu. The waitress said the items were meant to be shared and with a group of 4, we would each get a bite. She wasn't kidding. The portions were so small that we each had only 1 bite of each item. The flavor was good and presentations were nice, but the portions were just too small for the price. Our favorites were the brown butter tagliatelle and the rabbit risotto - we just wanted more. We're no strangers to shared plates or haute cuisine, but the small portion sizes were a but out of hand. I would also like to see a little more creativity like we saw from chef Sabatino. The biggest disappointment was dessert. We ordered the Chocolate 3 Ways. This was a simple mouse, a small nub of ganache and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. We left hungry and stopped for a slice of pizza down the block. We were lucky enough to enjoy Stateside before chef Sabatino left. Our first experience was 5 star worthy. I hope the new chef steps it up!

    (3)
  • Marina V.

    I just dined at Stateside this past weekend while visiting friends in Philadelphia. My fiancee and I had ended up in the Passyunk area while doing the Pat's/Geno's thang like total tourists! Coincidentally, my friend Lindsay had been wanting to check out the nearby Stateside Philly. This place is like a lot of places nowadays-- small plates, focus on charcuterie. Luckily, I never get tired of this! C and I split three plates and I was pleased with all of them! If it wasn't the end of our trip (with our funds at their lowest!) and if I'd been a bit hungrier (we'd cheezed it up earlier, remember?), I definitely would've gone hog wild and ordered some more plates... I think the prices were definitely reasonable.. and I was visiting from Austin! Maybe this is due in part that Passyunk is still a bit "up and coming." There was a glass of wine on the menu for $6, so that made me happy... I really hadn't seen anything under $9 all week! And most of the small plates ran between $7-10. If you go into a place like this absolutely famished and get a load of things, sure-- the prices can add up. Really though, I love small plate places because you get a chance to try more things (which is huge for me-- I can never decide on just one entree!) and it just create a more social, "you-have-to-try-this" kinda atmosphere. We got the local corn flan, which was presented in a smooth, buttery cube with some veggies (pickles, hearts of palm, radish). We also had the crispy pork belly, which was just as crisp as promised and delectable (I can be picky about pork belly.. it's hard to find it made just right!). We also had day boat scallops with corn relish, oyster mushrooms, and bone marrow butter (!) They melted in my mouth and left me wanting more, as oysters often do. The service was really laidback, which I enjoyed-- even though it seemed busy, it didn't feel like we were being rushed out of there by any means. This was a great spot to catch up with friends I hadn't seen in years!

    (4)
  • Susan H.

    Just goes to show you Phila Magazine is total bullshit. We had a shaved fennel salad which was loaded with salt, it was hard to swallow. If you can't make a salad, what is the rest of the food like. We were then served a place of average scallops that were raw in the middle. It's amazing with food like this, the restaurant was absolutely packed.

    (1)
  • Beth M.

    My boyfriend and I met for dinner after work and had an excellent time. Its a small resturant overall but not too small. The lighting was done perfectly (dim but not dark) which made for a very relaxing environment. The waitress we had was extremely knowledgable on every menu item and also suggested the order of food. She kept a close eye on our table and the dishes were brought out at the right times. We weren't rushed but we also weren't waiting around for our next dish. The food overall was great. The flavors, presentation and portion size were excellent for sharing. I would highly recommend this resturant for a date or for meeting friends for a drink at the bar! I will be going back!

    (5)
  • El Q.

    As a longtime resident of Passy Ave, I was very excited to see that someone bought and renovated the space on Cross and Passyunk right on the regionally-famous Singing Fountain. The building was absolutely ripe for remodeling with large windows that open onto the street and a great location just south of POPE (aka the medieval dungeon). Occasionally I would check in on their progress. I was elated to see their layout, which places the bar in the corner so that tenders can serve both indoor patrons as they gaze out on the hipster street parade and outdoor ones enjoying the sweet South Philadelphia air. When their menu went up, I was even more excited... pickles, rillettes, pork belly ( yes, yes, and YES). But then I saw their beer taps... Bells 2 Hearted, Yards Love Stout, Victory Prima Pils (yyyyyaaaawwwnnn) and after eating there I can safely say that I have deeply divided views about this place. We started with the Rabbit Rillettes w/ plum preserves which were absolutely amazing. The only thing I could fault is the lack of toast points they serve along with it. I really wanted to savor that fatty goodness longer. Since Stateside has an entire menu section dedicated to pickles, I figured we should try some. Our server recommended the Kohlrabi And Cucumbers with pickling spice & dill... simple but a good litmus test I thought. These were a total disappointment, not so much due to the taste but more to the serving size. For $4 you get about 1/4 of a cucumber all tucked into a tiny pickling jar... umm what? Why would you do that? Cucumbers grow like crazy AND the pickling process is so easy my cat could do it. Next up, small plates. We got the Spotted Skate Wing barley, wild mushroom broth, smoked mussels and Crispy Maple Glazed Pork Belly fried nora mills grits, gala apples, spiced cider jus. FAN-freakin-TASTIC. I mean, so very good. The broth for the Skate was out of this world, my date ate every last drop. The grits for the Pork Belly were pressed into a crispy little cake and perfectly fried. I was floored at how well each component added to the next. After they killed it on the small plates, we decided to get dessert (something I rarely do). The server described the offerings and we settled on a Gala Pear Tart with some kinda sour ice cream. This was actually more like a chopped pear fruit cup with a penny-sized dollop of cream... so sad. Overall the atmosphere was ok, the interior defines the term "urban industrial'," but the bar is sturdy and marble and curvy ... almost kinda sexy. Next time I plan to stay away from the pickles, get a specialty drink, skip dessert, and sit at the bar.

    (3)
  • Beth R.

    Great bar, and I will update as soon as I eat here. Which will hopefully be soon, bc the menu looks excellent. The interior is dark, dark wood, exposed brick, poured cement bar top. I like the use of the large windows behind the bar. They have an extensive list of whiskey and rye, plus some adult cocktails (no appletinis here), and reasonable wines by the glass.

    (4)
  • Brent K.

    I'm a fan of Green Eggs so naturally, I was very excited to check this place out. The four of us went out on Friday around 9:30pm and the place was pretty packed. As you may have read, its not entirely spacious inside but we were lucky enough to get seated for 4. The apps are very tasty, especially the duck sausage. The others are also small plates but they contain much more than tapas style food. The only reason that I did not rate this 5 star is the price per pour of the whiskeys. When compared to a place like Time, the prices are similar but Time has much larger pours from what I've found. Regardless, I look forward to going back again

    (4)
  • David C.

    Went on a Saturday night and had a great experience. Service was outstanding. Couldn't ask for more. It's a casual place, but the service was befitting a coat-and-tie type place. They do small plates that cost $10-24. So it's expensive. Some of the reviewers seem to be shocked by this. I have never been to a small plate/tapas place where each plate didn't cost 10-18. Portion size was standard for a small-plate place. Again, I have no idea where these reviewers giving Stateside 1 star have been eating. Each plate was awesome. My date and I each picked three plates, so six plates total. The pork belly and the venison were highlights, but everything was excellent. Solid drink menu. I'm not that into cocktails, but my date's was good. I had a pumpkin ale that was great. This place is expensive. If you don't know that going in, then your expectations will be off. We had scallops as an appetizer, 6 small plates, and 3 alcoholic drinks for $120. So it's expensive. What you get is delicious food and outstanding service in a fun environment. I'm always concerned with cost and value when eating out. I keep harping on this: I have no idea how yelpers go about rating cost. There is no way that you can get an appetizer + full meal + alcoholic drink at Stateside for less than $60. The vegetable plates are 10-14, and the protein plates are 18-24. Lastly, many of these reviews criticize the service at Stateside. Maybe it used to be that way, but it wasn't at my visit. In fact, it was probably the best service I've gotten in Philly. Every was nice and attentive without being obtrusive. Most of the time, I didn't even notice my water being filled or the plates being cleared. Sure, I'm not going back any time soon because of the cost. But for a special occasion? Totally worth it.

    (5)
  • Carlo D.

    Normally, cocktails and dessert wouldn't bring me to five-star territory, or even review territory, but my experience at Stateside tonight was just that good. We nabbed two seats at the bar before the restaurant got crowded. Over the next couple hours, free seats were sparse, and people came and went when there was nothing available, with a few that got lucky at the right time.

    (5)
  • Alex G.

    Awesome prohibition themed tapas restaurant with great food and amazing libations. It's very small (sits 28 people) so reservations are need. The cocktail list includes a vast selection of bourbon as well as a number of specialty drinks. I had a stateside boulevardier (Buffalo trace, some house aperitif, and sweet dry vermouth) and an old fashioned. My wife had the gangsta's pearadise (spiced pear vodka with moscato,lemon and soda water). All were incredible! The waiter took his time to lead us through the cocktail menu and found the perfect drinks to match what we were looking for. As far as food goes, we had the oysters, marinated broccolini (smoked trout with pickled red onion and pecan crumble), parmesan croquettes, scallops with brown butter, cauliflower, and grapes, and steamed mussels and clams. I thought the mussels and clams could have used more flavor but everything else we ate was awesome.

    (5)
  • Calum S.

    Great little bar. Fantastic food, the cheese platter was awesome. One of the best old-fashioned's I have ever had. The bar staff were very chatty, accommodating, and super lovely. Devon (behind the bar) was a legend. Wish I lived in Philly so I could drink here every week.

    (5)
  • Ryan I.

    Ate here tonight with my wife and our little baby, and felt at ease among the diverse patrons. A good draft beer list looked great when I learned most were $3 until the 7 PM happy hour ends. The cheese appetizers were excellent, but the fried homemade goat cheese over sautéed escarole had me feeling giddy. The scallops were another highlight, and the selection of pickles keeps a steady flow of salt and acid complementing the alcohol. The old hardwood floors and an inspired use of an expansive window by the front bar create an organic feeling that this place belongs here, even though I learned the building languished for a long time as a defunct former laundromat. The service was sincere, and the background jazz worked. Looking forward to going back for another weeknight early dinner.

    (5)
  • Abbie P.

    We decided to try a bunch of small plates on Sunday night during our first time at Stateside. Everything we ordered was excellent. Favorites were the Pork Belly, Cauliflower and the Foie Gras. The open seating bar was very inviting and relaxed, intimate atmosphere inside was exactly what we were looking for. Our waitress was very down to earth and knowledgeable about the menu. We had a great experience and will definitely be coming back again soon.

    (5)
  • Jill S.

    We absolutely love this restaurant. Easily rated number one in Philadelphia for our foodie style. The executive chef is very friendly and accommodating. The host was very attentive to our needs. The waitstaff was incredibly friendly and very well-trained. They serve an amuse bouche compliments of the chef that we could have eaten 10 of. We started with a scallop appetizer style dish, scallops crudo. Very fresh with a mix of very nice citrus flavors. Our second course was a bison tartare. So many wonderful flavors and textures. Easily my favorite dish we were served. We had a pasta dish that was fresh and cooked perfectly. The next - was a brussels sprout and broccolini dish. The chef added so many different complimentary spices and sauces. Great flavors. The foie gras dish was well portioned and the flavors worked perfectly. Lastly, the short rib was incredible. The spaetzle was semi crunchy, seemingly pan fried. Perfect portion and price. We were able to taste the chicken liver mousse and a delicious sunchoke Panacata. So amazing and clever. Dessert was a pineapple upside down cake complete with Panacata and an orange Marange. Delicious. Prices were high but very fair for food quality and portion. The bar menu was amazing!! Great pours great selection. We will be back.

    (5)
  • Kari H.

    Amazing......great food and the staff and service outstanding. Duck sausage do not miss.. crispy pork belly just yummy... dessert was a twist on smores. A must try...... great whiskey selection..... can't wait for my birthday because this is where I want to celebrate.

    (5)
  • sean m.

    I cant say enough good things here. Between the decor and the warm greeting you get while entering.. to the windows at the bar to view the cars BLOWING the stop sign. The Drinks that are not only innovative but MIGHTY tasty and served with a smile.. It's very hard to choose one that stands out so we just go down the list, We have been there 2 times already. Then ..... the food. It's just taken to another level. We are vegetarians, not vegan, and this things george does back there in the kitchen will make you swoon! Every dish we have had is cooked to puuuurfection and with a love that u can ~ savour ~ while downing perfectly balanced cocktails or a sweet flavorful beer. Squash Soup, Brussel Sprouts, Charred broccolini, HOUSE MADE GOAT CHEEZEEEEE! oh my.. guess i will make the 3rd trip tonight... this may be the first venture for the Green Eggs peeps into a place such as this but with the team they have put together and george steering the helm HOW CAN U GO WRONG! SOOOO get there early, u wind up lingering as its so comfortable and there is soooo much to try and love...... beat the crowds cause they are coming......

    (5)
  • Aruna A.

    So I'm a big cocktail fan, and as such, I think that over time, I've learned the difference between a good cocktail, and a poorly made one. My stomach, palate, and throat certainly can. I like the cocktails at Stateside. I've had a few, and they were all pretty good. Additionally, the space is interesting, the bar is homey and comfy, and I can't wait until they have sidewalk seating in the summer (which I'm totally just assuming they will - and they really ought to!). I am excited to go back and try their food options sometime soon! Drinks I recommend: old fashioned, clover club (though a little sweeter than I like clover clubs to be). They also had a great number of beers that I enjoy.

    (4)
  • George R.

    This is a special place with a nice vibe. Be prepared to spend a little, especially if you are hungry. Not a place for a hearty meal, but definitely a place for a tasty meal. Because it is so small, it is tough to get in at a peak time without a wait, but the nice thing is that you can leave your cell phone number and they will call you when a table is available. This means that you can take a stroll to any number of spots along the Passyunk corridor while you wait for your call. Everything I tasted was good: bone marrow sausage, pork belly, ice cream sandwich, vanilla donut (not that exciting but good), charred brocollini (wonderful), cauliflower (amazing), croquettes (very unique taste). My fiancee is a fan of Campari, and of course with the exclusive American theme, they didn't have it -- however, they had something homemade in the spirit of Campari that was delicious. It's nice that they try to accommodate unique tastes with some unique interpretations. Another quality addition to the Avenue.

    (4)
  • Meg e.

    A neighborhood favorite!! Great for all types of occasions...romantic date, dinner with friends, drinks with a girlfriend. The parsnip soup with lobster is my favorite food in the city!! Great drinks and a good vibe, which is especially fun in the summer when they open up their huge windows. Love, love, love.

    (5)
  • Sue S.

    We sat at the bar because no tables were available and it was an incredible experience. The bartender is fab and the food is a marvel. Deserves the accolades. No idea what will happen now that the original chef is gone.

    (5)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :5:00 pm - 12:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : No
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : No
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : No
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Music : Background
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : Yes
    Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun
    Coat Check : Yes
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Dogs Allowed : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Stateside

Share with your social network

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

© 2024 Restaurant Listings. All rights reserved.