A.bar Reviews

Very good french toast. Good coffee, for America. Pleasant staff and nice surroundings. The menu is basic and could be good, but our demands were slight.

I loved sitting at the kitchen bar and watching the chef and his line prepare, with meticulous care and attention, the 5-course chef's menu that I ordered. While one of the sous chefs was relatively new, and still learning, the rest were practiced and professional. Everything should have been spectacular. In practice, though, only those they spent the least amount of attention on were great - a single oyster, for example, and a melon-based soup. The rest of the dishes were over-flavored - too many competing ideas - and also too similarly flavored. The restaurant's specialty is the open fire grill, which I love as a style of cuisine, but it tends to dry out seafood, so I understand the inclination to add back flavor... if only they spent a little less time with sauces and trying to plate the food (less is more!)... this could be one of the highlights of Philadelphia dining experience.

Despite the fact that it's really a beautiful restaurant and the serving staff was friendly I can say I wouldn't go again for the food or price. We went with a group for restaurant week and the menu looked great however we noticed each dish had a large herb on it which really took over the taste profile. My fiancé had the chicken and it was too salty for him so I swapped with him thinking I'd be able to eat it (my favorite food is a good loaf of bread, butter, and sea salt on top) however is was actually inedible. I didn't eat it, the waitress noted I told her I couldn't because it was too salty (and sitting at the chefs table you could see why it was so salty... Handfuls one every piece of meet on the grill). She brought it back, I watched her tell the kitchen and nothing else was said about it. $140 (each couple!!!) later left me not only hungry but with a bitter AND salty taste in my mouth. I wouldn't go again nor would I recommend it.

I loved this restaurant and will return on my next visit to Philadelphia. What was special was each meal was unique. They took standard brunch fare and kicked it up a notch. Although the menu was not huge, we each found several meals that sounded tasty. And they were. The French toast was highly recommended. However, I had to order the grilled Caesar salad with rye crisps. I was intrigued by the idea of rye crisps. They did not disappoint. Yum! And I tasted my companions' potatoes. Wow! The best ever. Can't wait to return. BTW, our server was outstanding!

Friends took me here for a birthday dinner. The staff was super helpful and efficient, the food was varied and delicious ( and they did have vegetarian options) , and the recommended wine was superb. It is a small dining room so reservations are a must.

Our table of 4 really enjoyed our recent meal at a.Kitchen. Not every dish was successful; the large plate of mushrooms and the chicken breast plates were disappointing. However, the tilefish, grilled carrots, spiced cauliflower, roasted potatoes and salmon gravlax were all excellent. Our server was charming, competent and attentive. Gave just the right amount of information without being overbearing. My only other complaint? It can get really really loud. So a business meeting or romantic dinner for two could be difficult.

We were about 30 minutes late to our reservation at a.Kitchen, but were able to be seated within 5 minutes anyway. We sat outside, which is “heated,” just not enough. We have pleasant servers, the food was good, and we enjoyed our meal. Because we sat outside on the sidewalk, you could people watch, but they could also watch you... Randomly a man walked up to our table quickly and grabbed my husband’s glass and slammed it back down before running away. We explained this to our server, who brought us a new napkin to clean up the mess, but didn’t ever bring a new water. Despite the weird glass grabbing, the restaurant was good and we’d likely return.

I booked the AKA because my office's travel agency found it appropriately priced, and since I needed to work I went to the a.bar downstairs since working at a bar I feel is ok. One lady was at the bar with her laptop so I felt OK in there and the other clientele turned over through the evening from work groups and friends to the dating crowd and travel workers returning for a nightcap before heading upstairs. I enjoy offal so got the liver mousse and a cocktail (something about "bees" but I don't remember the name). Both were great but not a good pairing so I asked for help the next round, knowing I wanted a spicy red. Turns out the whole staff know their menu intimately and are passionate (and fun!!!). I went on to a tempranillo (my spicy red) and pate, then burrata (my selection) and syrah rose. Finally my server told me about the secret menu - dessert! I got their super fancy take on a reese's bar, and paired with a small batch bourbon. The menu is very small so know that it is salty and fantastic and not a huge meal. They know how to make the meny yours: pairings and selections. And the people watching is good, volume is moderate, and interactions with the staff energizing. I will sleep well tonight having gotten work done, eaten well, and gotten to hang out with some cool folks.

We were attending a fair in the square . This was a good choice for a bite before. I was able to get a very decent breakfast and daughter the tuna melt. We sat at the bar. The drinks were well prepared. Service was excellent from Paul and Ashley. I thought the prices were very reasonable. I highly recommend.

Dinner was a delightful experience. Highly recommend the mushroom soup, focaccia and the pork entree. The vegetables, one broccoli and one pepper medley were wonderfully seasoned menu is designed for sharing "small plates or large plates."

My wife and I saw a.kitchen when we were on our way to another establishment. We decided to try it out. The restaurant is across the street from Rittenhouse Square. The wood grill oven made the ambiance very warm and inviting through the amber glow and the smell of the wood. We scored a table by the huge front window which allowed us to enjoy people watching as pedestrians strolled by the restaurant. Too many stopped and stared which gave it a bit of a zoo feeling. The menu was very non-traditional. They specialize in combinations of flavors that are enhanced by wood fire grilling. The combinations of items in every dish was something that we had never experienced before. We liked that. Unfortunately some of the ingredients they used were not among our favorites.

Small and intimate should never be mistaken for underwhelming and a.kitchen & bar is proof.  The lower case letters of its name display a cool confidence in the quality of the food without the arrogance and fatal mistake of overly complicated menus and techniques which characterize other restaurants.  On separate visits we enjoyed : ― eggplant cutlet sandwich with basil mayonnaise and ricotta ― seared albacore tuna with new potatoes vinaigrette ― smoked onion soup ― white bean hummus with duck confit and preserved lemon The eggplant sandwich is nothing short of fantastic, and is well paired with the smoked onion soup as a starter.  The surprises hardly end there.  The signature cocktails, "a.mericano" and "ashes to ashes" are knockouts.  The former is made with Cocchi Torino, aperol, angostura and soda; the latter, with Fernet Branca, and the holy trinity of palate pleasers, i.e., honey, lemon and ginger.  The service, from the moment you walk in, is impeccable.

We had the prix fixe lunch, soup and sandwich. Both were outstanding, it had been a while since we were here but it won't be long before we come back. The prix fixe is a bargain. The burger was amazing and so was the onion soup. I'm still dreaming of it.

Fun meeting place...even solo. Early Friday evening I sat watching the passersby along Walnut Street @ Rittenhouse Square. Others enjoyed their drinks and food along with lively conversation. The atmosphere is upbeat with friendly staff. Less attitude than other places on the Square. The food is fresh and appetizing! One of the Barristas was quite helpful in wine selection. Chin-Chin!

There on business, I had the cheese plate app the monkfish entrée both were very good. Staff was friendly, atmosphere was cozy and quaint.

I was alone at the bar here on a Friday evening eating a cheese plate and drinking a glass of red. Great atmosphere and a really nice bar guy. Got chatting to a friendly older couple beside me who clearly frequent the place regularly and it has a nice vibe. It's right on Rittenhouse Square so it's buzzing but still managed to feel intimate.

We stopped at A.bar on our way to dinner nearby. We glanced in and loved the place; great vibe, fun crowd. We sat at the bar and had amazing cocktails and yummy bar food and enjoyed the theatrics of the bartenders. Great craft cocktails and very unusual. Loved it.

We stopped her for drinks and a snack and I'm so glad we did. I've had good experiences here for dinner before as well, but I loved the atmosphere for brunch. Friendly service, great drinks, yummy food. Sit outside or at the bar if you can!

We had a wonderful meal, impeccably served and prepared. The lunch menu was deceptively simple and absolutely delicious. We recommend it enthusiastically

My boyfriend and I were looking for a place to have a drink around Rittenhouse Square before dinner and we were happy we found this place. Can't beat the daily happy hour specials from 4-6. And for a happy hour special I was shocked how strong my rum daquiri was! The place was packed for a 5:30 on a Sunday night. Would definitely return next time in the area.

We chose to eat here as it was located in our hotel. The food exceeded our expectations and will will return next time we are in town even if we don’t stay here (but we will stay here, the hotel was amazing). We had the beet salad and bronzino (for 2). Prices were better than we expected for Rittenhouse Square. You should reall check this place out

We had a business dinner for 8 at A.Kitchen and we have been raving about it ever since. First off, the food is exquisite, especially if you are a fan of mussels, steak tartare, or bronzino. The service was impeccable and everything was set up properly for us, with wine ordered in advance and more than enough servers for our three-hour meal. Definitely an attraction for foodies who want to try something a little different - the "fried pickles" are actually a variety of pickled and battered veggies, including broccoli, radishes, and mushrooms - and who want flawless service and a very friendly, knowledgeable staff. Will definitely visit again!

I visited A.bar with family and had a great experience. We just stopped in for some drinks and appetizers. They had great wine and mixed drinks. Their cheese plate was also pretty good. It was a great place to just stop in for a short visit.

I was a Friday night walk in and was seated at the bar where diners can watch the food being prepared on an open coal fire. That was one of the highlights. The outstanding service was a real plus. The server helped me chose the duck breast which was pink and so tender and delicious. There were 3 medallions and with the caesar salad it was a very satisfying meal. I ordered a glass of Malbec which was extremely good but something like a wine tasting pour. The experience was very different for me and I think it would be fund to try 4 different plates with the variety of wine offering. In my culinary dining book A.kitchen would be considered an expensive night out. It is not a restaurant for the tourist who came to Philadelphia for Italian Food or the meat and potatoes kind of guy. The check for salad, entree, and a glass of wine totaled almost 60.00 dollars with small portions. The lettuce for the Caesar Salad was cooked quickly on the grill and was good but I still prefer my greens crunchy. The server gave me the name of the French Malbec and I have found the wine in the Washington, DC area. I enjoyed eating at A. Kitchen because the food was terrific and service superlative.

Wonderful show watching the mixologists at work. Best vibe in the city, & we drank at quite a few establishments. Great wine. Great pour. Perfect place to people watch!

Stayed at AKA Rittenhouse Fri and Sat night. Spent some time in A.bar, very nice little bar. Had cocktails there a couple of times. Very enjoyable and casual. Couple of things. ALL of their red wine is chilled. This was very unusual to me. Can't drink that, the coolness affects the flavor. BUT, we ordered a bottle of white wine with our cheeseburger dinner, it was not chilled. This mystified me. It is an upscale location. They also do not have Bailey's Irish Cream. Their substitute for it is not too good. A little quirky but we enjoyed ourselves.

Met friends here for Sunday brunch. I'm giving this restaurant a poor review because one of my friends wanted soft-boiled or poached eggs. The waitress said that he could get only scrambled or fried eggs. What kind of restaurant can't boil or poach an egg?? And the menu didn't specify that scrambled and fried eggs were the only option. Also, we had to wait longer than we should have to get our food, even though the place wasn't full.

Delightful intimate bar for a craft cocktail. They have some food on the menu too, but I've never had it. This is one of my go to spots for a well made cocktail after dinner. Also great people watching if seated at one of the tables.

The best cocktails I've ever had, bar none. Staff are v friendly and knowledgeable too, made for a great evening and mini celebration. Will be back.

I had a very weird experience at A Kitchen a few days ago. I like the place, have eaten there a few times...I went in with my sister in law at 12:10. We had a 12:15 reservation. Apparently this really unsettled the maitre d'esse who had a special consultation with the boss before explaining that they simply couldn't see us....the reasons were really unimportant and groundless, something about taxing the waiters. There were three tables occupied and eight available. After coming back to us with this message it was already 12:12. No, we still can't seat you. We left. Inexplicable and inexcusable. And not the maitre d'esse's fault...the directive seemed to come from one high. Too bad.

Nice to find a place that makes really good cocktails. Small, modern decor, and I will say it once more, excellent cocktails!

We were a group of 6 and everyone loved each plate we got. It is hard to please everyone's palate but they rose to the challenge. Recommend the monkfish, fluke and charcuterie platter. It was easy for me to find low carb options.

So glad a friend recommended A.Kitchen. Right on Rittenhouse, we had missed it too long! Eli Kulp and Ellen Yin of Fork have managed to create another winning combination at Aka! The menu offers choices from appetizers and progresses to larger dishes. We tried the not to be missed Hamachi crudo stacked with velvety fish, and an irresistable fresh sourdough with house made butter that could have been a meal itself. Interesting cocktail options and wine list, but a nice touch is the good cidre bouche and softer options, and delicate teas... We had the fresh burrata which the kitchen thoughtful split for us. The fresh cheese sits on a grilled onion in an amazing roasted onion soup (here comes that bread again...)! Then we enjoyed grilled octopus (something my spouse would normally avoid but happily ate) spiced with cumin and married with sweet potatoes, pistaschios, and sprinkled with pomegranite seeds. Our other choice was the beautifully prepared and incredible duck, perfectly rare, on an enormous bed of chanterelles... We barely managed room for dessert. Glad we did, as the ice cream was well worth it and just enough to fill the sweet tooth. Service deserves a mention - very accommodationg, helpful and attentive. The staff was a pleasure and made the experience more enjoyable. Well done! Looking forward to our next visit...

Stumbled upon this place when out walking around Rittenhouse Square. The wine list attracted me 😜. My wife and I stopped in for what turned out to be a deliciously healthy lunch. Try the warm endive salad or the roasted carrot salad (both delicious) as starters. The fish main was simply and perfectly cooked and served with a wonderful assortment of unusual veg. Wonderful. Simple, tasty food, cooked perfectly and presented beautifully. All washed down with a light Californian Chardonnay

We stumbled into this place for lunch because we were hot and tired after sightseeing around Philadelphia. We should have pushed on. Limited menu, overpriced, and rather indifferent service. Further along, on Rittenhouse Square itself, is Parc Restaurant, where we had dinner and which was much nicer.

We picked this spot for a pre-dinner drink based on its inclusion in a 'best cocktail bars of Philadelphia' list and we were not steered wrong. It is small and unpretentious with an amazing list of seasonally changing cocktails. We eventually ordered a couple of apps to help soak up the drinks and the Crispy Oyster Mushrooms were awesome!

This is what I ordered: -Roasted mushrooms soup: nebrodini mushrooms, parsnip, pear -Pan roasted chicken breast: poached turnips, roasted mushrooms Absolutely delightful and worth every dollar. Intimate environment where the light compliments the design and the experience

We walked in on a busy night and Graham welcomed us right away. I told him I’d like a fancy vodka cocktail and it was awesome!

we were staying at the AKA so just went down for a great meal. the restaurant week menu was on which was good value at 35 bucks for 4 courses ! the atmosphere was buzzy and service great

We randomly happened stumbled across a.bar and so glad we went in. It’s a small, dark, and cozy bar. The drinks are made with precision and the bar staff was very friendly and made you feel welcomed. I don’t live in Philly but would definitely go back if I’m in town! Great mix of people also!

We were a party of six who decided to have their tasting menu and wine flight. The modern American food was imaginative and delicious and nicely paired with the wine. They offered several dishes for each course and the service was impeccable. The only false note was their decision to offer gendered puddings and dessert wines without asking, we had never experienced that before! Compared to London prices it was extraordinarily good value and we thoroughly enjoyed the evening.