Kite & Key Reviews

4.1

176 of 4,874 Restaurants in Philadelphia


Reviews

Cute and Casual!

By TinyDiner |

It was pretty crowded when I went here so I do recommend reservations. The place is great to go to for a dinner before going out. The food was awesome :)

The best hamburger in the world!

By NewLuggage |

Ate here with friends on Saturday night of Memorial Day weekend. We got there about 9pm, so it wasn't overly crowded but not deserted either. We ate outside and it was very cool the way the doors to the restaurant were completely opened so you didn't feel like you were just eating out on the sidewalk somewhere. All of the food was awesome as was the service. We had the Spicy Italian Sausage Fondue, Nachos, and Cajun fried which were delicious but the topper was the Kite and Key burger. It was the best burger I've ever had with an appealing and delicious roll and it tasted as though the burger had perhaps been grilled with wood chips. In summary, a very cool place a few blocks from the hustle and bustle of the city. We still talk about the Kite and Key burger and look forward to returning.

Modern Flair Craft Beer Bar with a Blast from the Past

By Joe-and-Kathe |

Stop in on occasion when seeking out some hard to find craft beers such as KBS and the like. Bar was busy and although crowded the bartender was clearly up to the challenge. Was pleased to find mostly young up and coming crowd with a mix of middle age patrons for good measure. The appeal to me stems from the fact that this establishment's building once served as a UAW United Auto Workers Union Hall back in the 70's and 80's to represent union workers from a manufacturing plant located two city blocks away at 1800 Hamilton Street. I know this to be true because I was employed at the plant and visited the Union Hall for meetings to vote on labor contracts etc. . Thus, setting foot into the Kite & Key has added meaning for me and I was especially pleased to see how it has been transformed by the new owners. The place is bustling, hip and easy walking distance from Whole Foods Market, Rodin Museum of the Parkway, coffeeshops, dog walking paths and other nearby attractions.

Catching up with old friends

By Newcomer2012 |

Met former co-workers for drinks and apps. The chicken wings were cooked to perfection with a chili thai sauce, crispy, and tender. The nachos left a lot to be desired.... really no flavor. The chicken fingers were ok and the fries were pretty good. Very noisy at happy hour, had to shout to be heard. Service was fine. Typical bar food. Maybe try an entrée if I ever return to Philly.

Great casual dining

By Richard N |

Informal place with nice food. Good beer selection. Try the Alesmith Speedway Stout if they have it available!

Decent GastroPub

By Chris R |

Pretty good gastropub style food. Atmosphere was the best part with the giant doors that open to the outdoor seating.

Great Food

By R-RYD |

Stopped here for lunch before doing the museums. Great little pub with delicious food and good service. My wife and I decided to give it a try and couldnt be happier we did. The steak (filet) sandwich was fabulous and the butternut squash soup was the best I've had hands down. Within walking distance to the museums.

Good Beer Selections

By BIGDAVE57 |

My wife & I were visiting my brother and sis-in-law who live in a condo just a "stone's throw" from Kite & Key in Philly so we decided to try it for an early dinner. Nice selection of draft beers, I believe there were 17 choices and they rotate. I tried a Flying Fish Summer Ale (Belgian style blonde ale) and liked it very much, easy to drink and refreshing. My brother tried the same and also enjoyed it. My wife tried another blonde ale whose name I can't recall and she enjoyed it as well. The food was pretty good, my wife had the potato soup and the mixed green salad topped with grilled chicken. She thought the chicken was a bit spicy for her liking but liked it anyway. Sis-in-law had the same entree size salad and she liked it very much. My brother & I had the fish tacos made with cod and they were good although l would have enjoyed the fish more if it had not been fried. Prices were not too bad and I would definitely try this place again.

Average Food/Great Waitress

By ambermaiden4129 |

Came here for lunch, on a recommendation from our Uber driver. We were the only ones in the restaurant at 1pm midweek. There were three foul mouthed drunks at the bar, but we dealt with it. Food was average, but drinks were good and strong!! Our waitress was super friendly and attentive! We had the fried pickles and some sweet chilli wings for apps, and I had mussels for an entree.

One of the best gastro pubs in Philly

By SherryNeric |

I'm a local who's been here several times and can vouch for its excellence. Craft beer fans will appreciate the interesting brews on tap, which includes several Belgians and local beers. For the boring people, they also carry bottles of commercial beers. Their food menu includes mussels as well as more typical sandwiches etc. I love their buffalo mussels with blue cheese, paired with a blueberry sour. The location is walking distance from the Art Museum & Rodin, so do yourself a favor and try this most excellent pub.

Incredibly slow service

By jisabr |

The service at a late (1 pm) Saturday lunch was beyond the pale slow. When we arrived, there were multiple empty tables, so we were seated promptly. After 15 minutes, someone took our drink orders. Another 15-20 someone took our food order. When we complainded after several other tables were served which had been seated after us, we were told our order had been lost by the kitchen (who knows?). Substantial beer list, nice atmosphere, food portions were large. Experience ruined by phenominally slow service.

Good Food

By ejvelazquez |

We visited Kite and Key while on the way to The Franklin Institute. Good atmosphere. Excellent service. Wide variety of beers in their menu. Their Flatbreads are really good.

Great service and atmosphere

By twosweet4u2deny |

I stumbled upon this place tonight and what a find. The atmosphere was very friendly. The food was tasty and the prices were reasonable. Three good reasons why you should stop by for a cold beer! I will certainly visit again if in the area. Great for late night or happy hour. Also, the fish and chips and taco salad is delicious! Parking was on the street I can see it being difficult on a nice day.

Friends, Family and Fools all in an incredible place

By Rockrigo77 |

My place to go if I'm thinking the best Bloodymary ever, craft beers, hot wings, and great people. Amazing staff, you'll feel like home always. wanna watch a game and is not on? ask the bartenders, E, Sav or any of them will put it on for you, not before messing around with you. out of the planet bloody marys, 007s to go nuts...and down...a nice and friendly crowd makes the place even more special. Food wise, again, wings are amazing, good burgers among other stuff. A great selection of craft beers that gets change every week and they have SOUR beers on tap as well as great variety of bottled beers too. A nice place in a great area of Philly (museum area), 2 min walk from the Barnes Foundation and the Rodin Museum....just try, simply amazing.

Delicious

By Michele A |

This bar/restaurant was clean and the wait staff were friendly and attentive, but not overly. The food was all delicious--my granddaughter had the pulled pork sandwich and my daughter and I both had the fish tacos----all sandwiches were just delicious. We would definitely go back and eat here again. Thanks.

First Time Visited, Left Happy

By the petal p |

Having taken a tour at the free library around the corner, we were famished and wanted somewhere close by. The Kite and Key is literally "around the corner." There is outdoor seating if you don't mind traffic passing, and the wide doors open up into a bar and behind that, a dining room. I didn't look at the dinner selections because we were there for lunch. My friend is a vegan and she chose the veggie burger: it was a double burger piled high on a bun with a choice of FF or salad. She was very pleased as she could tell that the burger was handmade (and I understand a Philly veggie burger winner) and delicious. I ordered the cheesesteak. It didn't occur to me why the waiter asked me how I wanted it cooked--it's a real steak! It came covered with caramelized onions and chimichurri sauce--I asked for the sauce on the side, and a side of fries although the salad was a side choice. The meat was so tender and fit perfectly on the French baguette. What a nice surprise! We were both pleased with our meal and our waiter, Jonathan, who was friendly and attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant for lunch.

Interesting options

By richardhH2229OB |

Dinner with a group of friends. Interesting menu. Liked the Buffalo Spring Rolls. I just did the fish & chips - which were OK - others more adventurous, but satisfied. The Semifreddo, a first for me and we shared several, was excellent. Friendly, if a bit noisy, but outside tables available.

Great service!

By Becky S |

The hostess and server were smiling and friendly. I had NOT encountered that in many places that I visited in Philly. I had the quiche, salad and French onion soup and it was all good.

Late breakfast

By SashaGRose |

Came across this bar/restaurant while looking for a quick bite. Although, there was a bit of a wait to get our food...the restaurant was full...food was great and service was attentive. Must be a fun local bar at night also. Breakfast burger was a treat!

Just Right Spot

By limerickbee |

Kite & Key was just the perfect spot we were looking for after visiting the Impressionists exhibit at the Art Museum. We opted for this small cafe, their casual and fresh menu appealed to us, as well as their less formal atmosphere. With the weather cooperating we took advantage of their outside, sidewalk seating, a good choice on this nice, not crowded side street. We sampled the flatbread,fish tacos, & a great salad-all good choices & a good selection of brews & wine. Very pleasant & efficient service with good prices and great food. Will definitely make a return visit!

Nice happy hour place

By Jennifer L |

We made this a stop for Philly Beer week this year. Fun atmosphere. Nice outdoor seating and exceptionally friendly staff. They have live trivia some nights. A good gathering place for happy hour.

Nice Pub Type Grub

By PhillyShaney |

Kite & Key has been a neighborhood staple for a while! I hadn’t visited in several years! The menu offers many options, but I see the favs items were still available (fish and chips) and they were tasty! The service was great considering how crowded it was (Rocky Race) happened on day I visited and our server explained what items were sold out and made recommendations! It was a bit loud overall, but it kept it lively and fun! The one note is they need to improve on the cocktails served-that was a miss with two drinks ordered (raspberry mule and whiskey sour)!

Lunch for five ! Come on in !

By CliftonVA |

Really good restaurant for lunch or dinner. Has a pub atmosphere and friendly staff. Menu is vast and service was efficient. Busy lunch time and they never hesitated to invite us in to seat us 5. Bar in front and restaurant in back, the Kite & Key is a terrific spot to meet friends for a brew or food. Parking lot half a block away and we felt safe walking.

Great bar near Barnes

By Robert64 |

Best bacon cheese and tomato sandwich ever. And the beers (local brews) were spectacular, especially the Neshaminy ale. Service was excellent and location near Barnes Foundation perfect

Wonderful Lunch with Outdoor Seating

By mathchef |

We enjoyed a great lunch at the outdoor tables, on our way to visit the Barnes. It is only about a block away. Servings were large. Fries were excellent. I had a great burger, cooked perfectly. My husband enjoyed the fish and chips. Service was pleasant and helpful. Price was appropriate.

Average pub food

By nouglytourist |

The pub is close to the Rodin Museum and the Barnes Foundation. They have a good selection of Amercian and international beers. We had the burgers and fries, which were fine. The music was loud and service was friendly; what you'd expect from a good pub.

Small Pub in Fairmount

By puffy6 |

I went to the Kite and Key restaurant and bar last night for the first time. It was a warm atmosphere with comfort food and good service. The price is inexpensive and for a quick meal on a cold night it was perfect. One of the choices was Tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwich and another was a Veggie Burger with fries both tasty and had large portions. I would definitely go back!

A great find in Philadelphia!

By Vicki G |

Never having been here before, I arrived at this restaurant 2 hours later than my reservation time with a group of seniors from New York. The staff had our food ready upon our arrival. The dishes were excellent, the staff extremely courteous, and the manager beyond accommodating. I would definitely make this restaurant my eating destination the next time I am in Philly.

Brunch

By 523Mac |

Great outdoor place! Everyone is very accommodating! We went w 9 people and a baby and were treated great by all the staff!! Food and drinks brought out in a very timely matter! Love this place!

Great stop after visiting museums on the parkway

By Matthew R |

This place is right by the Barnes & a great place to unwind after a day at the museums. The bar always has a great beer list as well as one of the best places for a beer outside .

Really? You're out of bread and salad?

By dcdanrobb |

Nice staff people and my waitress was very friendly. Food quality (once I figured out what they had left) was not bad at all. However, to start with the waitress said they were out of iceberg lettuce, any bread for sandwiches others than brioche, and numerous other items off of the menu. This was at 6pm so not exactly sure what the reason was behind the lack of items. LOUD patrons in the bar that could be heard all the way through the restaurant so the atmosphere is definitely not to have a conversation. Finally, if you are serving RC Cola, please don't tell me it's Diet Coke. RC is disgusting!

Went for beer - was not disappointed

By OhmZoned |

Went here for some drinks before a birthday dinner. I have not been on this side of the the Parkway before, but it was an easy walk from Suburban Station. The inside was crowded, but they had some outdoor seating. It was beer week, and the restaurant was featuring a beer selection from Founders Brewery. As a beer person, I would certainly say that the beer selection was decent. The prices were a little high, but no more than $5 a glass, though they were not full pints. We did not eat, but the table next to us ordered muscles and they looked excellent. The staff was very friendly, and I was only ordering drinks, so for my purposes, they were plenty quick. Now that I know this place exists, I am sure I will come back. I liked that they had outdoor seating, especially since it was nice weather.

Great atmosphere

By ER15401 |

What can I say about this place? The food was good and the staff was very pleasant. I'm not a beer drinker, but the group of us got drinks and everyone seemed pleased with the selection/options. I would definitely recommend this place for the food alone. A nice array of sandwiches and pub fare that was all very flavorful.

What I expect from pub food

By David M |

The restaurant was OK. For pub food it is about what anyone should expect. They do have a good selection of beers. I had the steak sandwich which was OK. Another person had the taco sald and this was good.

Cute little bar, stopped in for lunch

By Brittany S |

My co worker and I stopped here recently for lunch. Its in the fair-mount area so close walk to Eastern State Penn. She ordered a grilled cheese which looked really good, and I got a grilled chicken Caesar salad. Service was friendly and we enjoyed ourselves. Looks like they have a nice beer selection as well as a full bar, definitely something for everyone. Looks like they have nice outdoor seating for spring/summer. Also not overly priced for CC.

Veggie burger deserves it's high rating!

By Momowow |

The portions were really big, but in the case of the veggie burger, every bit was delicious, and consumed in one sitting!

Good food + great value

By Jo_Abi |

We were in Philadelphia for the Made in America festival and visited the Kite and Key 3 times over a 4 day period. The veggie burger was one of the best I had. Nachos were also great. The only negative was the calamari which was flavourless. All servings were quite large and very well priced.

Good choice for lunch near Barnes and Franklin Institute

By Roberta D |

Comfortable reasonably-priced place to grab a bite near Museum Row. Friendly service. American menu and craft beer. Plenty of choices for meat eaters and vegans. Had a tasty salad: greens, goat cheese and slivered apples w. grilled chicken filet. Good thin cut fries- hot and crisp. Husband said his burger was delicious. Other menu options included fish tacos, pulled pork, sliced steak sandwich, wraps, pasta and salads.

Interesting, unique food and appetizers close to Franklin Institute

By Melanie H |

After a day at the Franklin Institute, my family wanted something walking-distance for dinner. Since it was Father's Day and I had to cancel the reservation at the place I originally found for being too expensive (I'm a college student and the daughter was paying) I thought I was in a tight spot. When I called Kite and Key to ask for a reservation and was told they don't do them for parties less than 8 but I probably wouldn't need one, my spirits were raised a little. My spirits were raised even more when we were seated right away and our server was very friendly. It is a very casual place but the food is much better than what you would expect. We ordered two appetizers, fried pickles with a unique sauce and vegetable spring rolls. Both were better than your average fried pickle or spring roll. My vegetable quesadilla was outstanding, and my mom ordered what is said to be the best Veggie Burger in Philly. Two appetizers and three entrees cost the same as one entree at the restaurant we originally reserved. An excellent stop. After dinner we walked back to the Franklin Institute for our car.

awesome veggie burger

By Becky D |

Stumbled into this place accidentally but it was a really great lunch. The veggie burger was AWESOME, the beer selection was great, and it was a fun, cool vibe. Lots of young people and families so it was noisy in a good way.

Fun and casual stop while sightseeing

By travelisfabulous |

Fun, casual spot to stop in between sightseeing. Inside and outside seating, both very comfortable for relaxing. Highly recommend a conversation with bartender Efrem. Not only does he make your visit enjoyable, if you have to step outside to charge your phone in the car, he puts your Bud Light bottle on ice. Then when you return he offers immediately to plug in your phone, no problem, and even has his own cord hooked up. Great service and a fun time. The mixed drinks he made looked great even though I am a devoted beer fan. Lots of local and craft beers on tap.

Nice Pub Meal Near the Barnes

By isabill |

After visiting the Barnes Foundation, the staff there recommended the Kite and Key for lunch. It’s a quick walk to the place and it has a fun atmosphere with plenty of outdoor seating. Our server was pleasant and accommodating. My husband and I shared the cheesesteak “spring” rolls (listed as spring rolls but they are egg rolls) and Brussels sprouts, both of which were good. Our other family members got a veggie quesadilla, chili and a sandwich, which they seemed to like. The craft beers were enjoyed as well. The Kite and Key is a nice establishment to have a good meal. The menu is creative and the pub vibe is great.

Nice little out of the way pub

By Mickie V |

Although I went with a big group and we (kinda) took over the place the owner was very nice and accommodated us well. The food was good and hearty and the atmosphere was cozy. I'd stop there again on my travels to Philly

Slow as molasses!

By Laurie B |

If your hungry this place isn’t the place to go . They asked what I would like to drink my husband asked for a beer I asked for a chocolate martini ! Beer they could handle not a chocolate martini ( 4 ingredients) ugh . 50 minutes later my hamburger and his fish came out . The food was good but not worth waiting 50 mins for . So it’s one and done for me !

Friendly and efficient staff, Good food - great location and environment

By Heather K |

The Kite & Key accommodated our large group without any problems. The staff was friendly and efficient. The restaurant was 100% clean and pleasant and just a beautiful, fun, relaxing atmosphere.

Great place

By Criticintraining484 |

Great place to hang out with friends or to go on a date. We went on a chilly Tuesday evening. We weren’t sure about the parking situation outside, but the hostess and another employee were very helpful about it. We both enjoyed our food and we’d definitely go back. The block/area this is located is seeing a fair amount of new development.

Neighborhood Gem

By E_Duffy130 |

After not wanting to wait 90 minutes for a table at another popular breakfast spot, we came across the Kite and Key just down the block. It was busy enough but plenty of tables available. We ordered breakfast and it was wonderful. Coffee was very good too. Nice atmosphere and good service. So glad we kept walking!

Just drinks

By norskies |

We stopped at this restaurant after an afternoon of sightseeing. It looked like it could be a fun lunch spot, but we just had cool drinks after all our walking. Nice outdoor seating.

Great restaurant for bites to eat

By Southjp |

Staff full of attention towards the customers, fantastic great selection of draft and bottled beers. Food is second to none and the Pulled pork sandwich is a MUST have. Delicious and spicy. It is located near the centre and the surroundings is really nice where you can seat at the back for dinner or lunch, bar at the front and on sunny days you can even have your meal on terrace.

Nice Beer Selection and Atmosphere, Average Food

By Dave W |

I enjoy going to the Kite and Key to watch the Eagles game on Sundays. A broad array of beers are on tap, with an ongoing rotation of new beers introduced quite frequently. The food menu is average and should be improved.

Awesome lunch after a visit to Franklin Institute.

By suzkal |

We found this restaurant after a search on my phone. We spent the morning at Franklin Inatitute, but didn't want to eat in the cafeteria. It was a quick walk to the restaurant. It is such a fun place inside, with a pub feel to it. We had great service and my party of 4 loved their meals. I got the blackened chicken taco salad and it was delicious. I wish we lived closer because we would go more often.

Nice place!

By Deborah C |

I went to school near the Kite and Key and always wanted to go, but it never happened until last week when I went to an event with a group of friends. What a wonderful experience! The service was amazing and the food was even better. I was especially impressed with the chocolate chip bread pudding! Warm with butter on it, it was heaven! Reasonable prices, good people, great experience!

Great beer selection and pretty good food

By Ausasaurus |

We each had a couple pints of beer that was recommended by our waitress. They were excellent choices and we will be back again. the food was pretty good but i was expecting better. They have Edamame which is a great beer accompaniment. This place is a great place for people looking for micro brewery style beer and a bit of food to go with!

Great surprise for a Wednesday night in town.

By Marie-Anne Nantel |

Food was great, beer list is very good. IPA's were fresh (on tap) and the 5 of us, including the 3 kids, ate very well. On our menu: wings, fried pickles, burger, mussels, pizza and kids menu grilled cheese (adult portion size), no deception. Service is quick and efficient, the only thing was that they placed the 5 of us on a table for 4, ending with a water glass mess at some point, since we were too tight. I would rate it 4.5 on 5.

Cozy spot near Barnes Museum

By RichPCal |

Great beer selection and reasonably priced food. Interesting chicken cutlet sandwich that delivered on flavor and came with crisp fries. Tomato soup smelled great.

Very small restaurant with big service

By The_Dany |

While we were visiting New Jersey, we decided to have a look in Philadelphia for the famous Rocky Balboa statue. Trying to find a parking, we ended up near that restaurant so since it was supper time, we decided to go in. For a small place, it sure was busy. The ambiance was fantastic and while we were with friends, we had 8 kids with us and we were allowed to go in. They have a kids menu I guess since they all found what they wanted to eat. Service was rapid, portions were reasonable and the food was good and hot. You don't always have to go to a big named place like Ritz to have a good meal. This Kite & Key proved that fact. Should I ever go back, I would definitely give them another go.

Great Time All Year Round

By Ash |

This is one of my favorite bars in Philly. My friends, family and I go here whenever we're around this area of town. We love the food and they usually always have a good selection of beers. The atmosphere is always fun and the servers/bartenders are friendly. Decent happy hour prices. Overall, it's a great spot for just about anyone - young and older - to enjoy.

A great place for lunch, a beer, hanging out with friends

By Manbyk |

The Kite & Key is a local pub which serves lunch beginning at 1100 AM. My order of Mussels in white wine sauce was generous in size and very tasty. I'm not a fan of slathered Buffalo Wings so the kitchen adjusted on the fly provided two sauces on the side, thanks. As the noon hour approached nearby construction crew workers lined the bar for a quick bite & a beer before returning to their jobs, hopefully none of them were crane operators? The bartender doubled as the waiter and was friendly, efficient throughout. This is a place where you want to leave a generous tip given the warmth of the staff and the ambiance only found in Philly. A GREAT place to spend an afternoon sipping your favorite beer or cocktail. Nice menu too!

Really disappointing

By Celia F |

I was so disappointed. Three of us went for lunch. I ordered a veggie flatbread. What came out was a pizza with mediocre tomato sauce and very little in the way of vegetables. My sister ordered the portobello quiche - crust was awful and quiche tasted like scrambled eggs. My brother had a breakfast burger which was ok.

Quality food, decent prices

By Jonathan T |

Went here with a friend - they have a decent craft beer selection and modestly priced food. Party of 2, we started with the edamame which was cooked well and a very tasty quesadilla. The pulled pork sandwich was solid and tasty, and the fries were well seasoned.

Don't Do It!!!

By businesstraveler2031 |

Service was awful. Food was awful. End of review... Unless your a frat boy you will not enjoy this place.

Fun sports bar with great beer selection

By TAP98 |

We had some afternoon beers at Kite & Key. The place has great ambiance, great beer selection, and knowledgable staff. We didn't eat there. I'd definitely recommend stopping by.

Nice beer selections

By Cornerturned |

The little place was nicely situated with a reasonable bar menu. The beer choices had a fun variety and the service was helpful.

Great food and service

By Gabriele K |

While visiting the City of Brotherly Love for the day my friends and I had lunch at the Kite & Key. The service and food were excellent!!!!!!! We had such a good meal for lunch that we went back the same night and also had our dinner there as well. I highly recommend the Kite & Key!

Excellent Atmosphere

By Carolyn U |

We stopped at the kite and key after walking around E.S.P. The restaurant has a great atmosphere. Good Beer and I guess a great burger. My husband had it. I had the fish tacos, which I thought were good, but my insides thought otherwise. Yikes! Great neighborhood bar.

Great food and good beer

By bupah |

Found this place on an Urbanspoon spin and was not disappointed. The food was great and everyone in our party commented on each of their choices from the Mussels to the salads. They seem to rotate their beer selection and the choices we had were a good mix of types. Good atmosphere for a smaller bar/restaurant.

Good food, service

By tejida |

A friend who works at the Franklin Institute recommended Kite & Key. Recently, I stopped in on a weekday for lunch. My friend and I chose to be seated inside. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was very comfortable even with several tv screens tuned to the world cup match being played. I enjoyed the caesar salad I ordered. My friend loved the veggie burger. I would definitely eat at Kite & Key again

Neighborhood Hangout

By Valerie V |

Great food and great drinks. I liked being able to order at the window and have my food brought to me at the picnic tables outside. The Kite & Key Burger is the best!

Perfect Choice for a Relaxed Dinner

By Susan J |

At the end of a long day full of museums and sight seeing with friends, this was the perfect choice for an early dinner. We relaxed at an outside table and enjoyed a wonderful meal. The menu choices are varied and imaginative without being over the top trendy. The food was well prepared, satisfying and delicious. They have no problem accommodating requests to modify a dish according to personal preferences. Generous portions, moderate prices, friendly, gracious and efficient wait staff. We would definitely eat here again.

Good food!

By Sand20 |

Went for dinner there, cool atmosphere, has some nice space outside, steak was good and had a really good dessert. Nice waiters!

Wonderful place and will definitely visit again

By Marianne C |

Attained with 60 other Outlander fanatics. The restaurant was wonderful, organized and lest I forget the food was delicious. I would definitely revisit since parking is across the street and it takes me down memory lane (high school down the street). I loved my steak sandwich and the bread pudding.

First dinner in Philadelphia !

By Sakhdeep S |

Our first dinner in Philadelphia- a stone’s throw away from our hotel- really good food and lots of variety. Great choice of beers ales and wine- I loved my Californian rose wine - it was delicious! A really nice start to out US adventure !

Great pub fare

By Eric12302 |

Came across this pub on our way to the Barnes museum. Great food, friendly service and a huge selection of beer. Convenient to museums.

walking distance to the Franklin Institute...

By JR-FamilyTrips |

pub-grub, an ok fare...nice that it was within walking distance after visiting FI...decent food and setting but limited menu items...nothing fancy but fills you up after museum visit...

Good bar food!

By KCKC |

We stopped in after visiting nearby museums. The burger was yummy. The veggie quesadilla was very fresh and even better than we expected. Would go back when in the area.

Great place for a leisurely meal

By eliza39 |

this is one of the local "joints" that maybe off the radar of a visitor and as such I never think to review it, which does it a disservice because it's an excellent restaurant. I'm a local so this is my "go-to" place to eat when we don't want to cook and don't want the usual pizza. The menu is diverse enough to not be boring and it also has bar "favorites". I love the french onion soup and the entire family loves their wings (they have two different varieties) Burgers are excellent as are the mussels. nice bar area and in the summer outdoor seating is great.

Great Atmosphere and hardworking staff

By evansvuk |

Stopped here for lunch while checking out the Pompeii exhibit at the Franklin Institute. Walking distance from the museum area. Kid friendly but also a great place for adult time. Patrons were a mix of college age, families with kids, older folks, and everything in between. A good mix for whatever crowd...everybody fits in. Menu was pub fare but with some twists. Portions were huge. The place was packed but the staff were amazing. Wait staff was attentive despite being completely overwhelmed by an lunch time rush. Well done!

Sunday after a marathon

By Pistol Pete |

Stopped in as a beer stop while waiting for my wife to finish a race. So happy we found this place. Good "bar food", decent vegetarian options, good beer selection, accommodating servers, and, decent prices!

Delicious!

By llmcat |

This restaurant was delicious! Street side seating was fun to watch people and enjoy the fresh air. The fish and chips were mouth watering!!

What a Find!

By b-n-wm-n |

We haven't been to Philly in a few years but were at the Franklin Institute today and parked at a very convenient city lot on Callowhill (and 19th) which happens to be right next to the Kite and Key. EXCELLENT beer menu, very fair prices for delicious food in generous portions. However, the real standout was our server Amy who took a great pub find and elevated it to an amazing experience that was a terrific cap on our day. Friendly without being overly familiar, excellent recommendations, anticipated every need without hovering. Genuinely cheerful (or made a very good show of it!) I told my two teenage girls, "THAT'S how you provide great customer service--take note!" We will definitely return when we can get back to Philly. Cobb Salad was cheerfully served exactly as specified despite my requesting a couple of off-menu changes and it was big and fresh. Buffalo chicken flatbread was spicy yet flavorful--no gratuitous fire drowning out the rest. Burger medium rare was truly pink inside (perfect!) and crispy fried onions were great add. Special cordon bleu sandwich impressed my husband despite his "not being a chicken sandwich guy." Fries were not oily or greasy--tasty shoestring, fresh flavor. Beer selection outstanding and a sample was offered to make sure we'd be pleased.Highly recommend.

Close to the Barnes

By OrlieK |

Came here for a couple of beers and something light after visiting the Barnes. Liked it so much we returned for dinner another night. Outdoor seating, good food, nice selection of draft beers, nice friendly staff and the price was right. I would definitely come back here again.

Ben Franklin knew what he was doing with this restaurant/bar!

By mcacw |

Great roasted vegetable sandwich on a warm brioche roll accompanied by shoestring fries that will leave you licking your fingers! The service is welcoming and friendly. The location was a convenient walk from the Franklin Institute. Don't let the bar atmosphere fool you, it has a menu that will please even the little ones!

Unexpected surprise

By Skylane_Dave |

Not wanting to wait in line at Sabrina's, we decided to stop in here for lunch on Independence Day. So glad we did. While I only had fish & chips and a margarita, the food and service was superb. They have a very extensive beer list (lots of IPAs) and a nice atmosphere. I'm sure we'll be back.

Good Pub Food, Great Beer

By Martha S |

Needed a super casual American food place downtown Philly in walking distance of hotel. Recommended by hotel staff. Ate outside patio, service very friendly. Our server helped us with beer choices and offered samples which helped us choose from the huge beer menu. We had a couple of their signature burgers with tasty fries. Had also the quesadilla and blackened chicken sandwich, served quick and hot. All good, prices reasonable. Calamari was ok, not great as an appetizer. Good choice for family with teens.

A Must Restaurant!

By Helen H |

When visiting Philadelphia don't miss Kite & Key! It is a gem near the museum area. The staff is welcoming, the menu selections varied and the food delicious. I had the vegetarian quesadilla and my daughter the hamburger and fries. The selection of beers is extensive with both draft and bottled. Accolades to the owner and staff! I look forward to the next time.

Quick bite

By indigotima |

Walking past we were tempted by the beer menu and the outdoor seating so sat for a quick lunch. The beer is good. Goooooood beer. The staff were friendly. The food was quite nice and well priced. The French fries were just about perfect (though I like mine really crispy). I'd go back for more beer tasting, without a doubt.

Nice Selection of Artisan Beers on Tap

By Jimad |

A nice new pub to duck into for a pint on a Sunday afternoon. The service was friendly and attentive. The spicy wings were a little too sweet for my taste.

Great Atmosphere and Food

By ddeluna1 |

I was part of a large group visiting Philly and we made reservations for lunch at the Kite and Key. Throughout the entire process the owner was helpful and accommodating. As a group we nearly took over the place but we were made to feel welcome. The atmosphere of the restaurant was cozy and clean. The bar area was inviting. The food was delicious. I had the steak sandwich. The meat was grilled to perfection, the bun toasty and the french fries perfectly cooked. If I was in the downtown Philly area again I wouldn't hesitate to eat here again

Good choice

By Alan L |

I went solo when I arrived on a Sunday evening just before a conference. I ordered mahi mahi tacos and a beer. The bartender was very nice and attentive. The beer was good, cold and properly served. Sadly, the mahi mahi was overcooked and dry, but the cabbage and other toppings was a nice combination. It came with fries, a bit strange to me, but they were delicious. In retrospect, I think I should have ordered a more traditional pub dish. The giant burger next to me looked great. They also had a shepard's pie special that night. Maybe I should have had that. I will definitely return and give it another try...and I hope the chef hears about this a cooks that mahi mahi less! :)

Fun Pub with Good Food

By Susy C |

Came here with a group of women to have a bite before going to the Library for an Author event. Our server was very good, which always impresses me when it is a larger group - there were 10 of us. I shared the Margarita Flatbread with a friend and it was the perfect amount. Others had the Burger or the Quesdallia and all raved about them. My friends kept thanking me for taking them there. This was my second time and both times the food came out in a timely manner and was very good. When we first got there it was crowded for Happy Hour but I called ahead and they had a table for us.

so good visited twice during vacation in Philly

By Suz1884 |

My husband and I are here - close to Logan Circle. Service was great. Had eggplant dish which I asked to have served on bed of greens instead of bread - very accommodating. Husband had pulled pork. Both dishes wonderfully tasty. Fries are done perfectly. When rest of our family showed up reunion, brought them here. Everyone was very pleased. Only one comment - would have preferred fish in taco to be grilled.

Love this spot for brunch, and great beer spot!

By Kelly G |

I have been to Kite and Key for brunch (admittedly when I failed to call ahead for Sabrina's and did not want to wait), and it was very good! The food was more upscale than most bars or pubs, so I would definitely go back. It is also now my go to place to hang out for drinks/apps while waiting for a table at Sabrina's. This brought me here this past week during beer week. They were having an event with Founders Brewery, and it was fantastic! The waitress really knew her stuff, and we got to try some amazing beers. I am always reminded when I go here just how well they do beer. I want to go back for full dinner, and will soon so that I can see if they do that just as well as brunch and beer! :) I also forget just how close of a walk it is from center city - just a few short blocks from the parkway!

Just ok

By Karen V |

Nothing really stood out here food wise. Good selection of beers for beer drinkers. Next time I'd order the burger- saw lots of those coming out. Caesar doesn't even remotely resemble a caesar & bacon bits on wedge salad are fake bacon but the bleu cheese dressing is ok. Staff was nice.

Going to the Library? Hit Kite and Key on the Way!

By Marc_Schuster |

My wife and I enjoy many of the readings hosted by the Free Library of Philadelphia, and the Kite and Key is located just around the corner from their main branch in Center City. Service is always good, and the beer selection is impressive.

Sunday lunch time

By Sanna |

We chose this pub type casual eatery as it was close to the Barnes Foundation. Enjoyed a nice outdoor lunch though the food was just average; fish tacos were a bit bland and the fish itself was overly breaded The nachos were below average and lacked flavor and spice. Nice atmosphere but I'd stick with drinks at this place.

Neat little bar/restaurant

By butrfli480 |

We went to eat after a visit to the art museum. The atmosphere was lively as there was world cup soccer on tv. The place is small but the service was great, they had a great selection of craft beer, and the food was delicious. The prices were not too bad either, pretty affordable. Good place to get a beer or a full meal.

Good for Breakfast too.

By JMH101 |

The Mushroom Vegetable Quiche was delicious. It was moist and nicely seasoned and had a tasty crust too. My dining partner had the Breakfast Burrito and said it was really good. They also have great Bloody Mary's.

Great Value in a Key Location

By CombsB65 |

On a Thursday night this place alone was jammed to the gills for several hours, while 3 Zagat rated places nearby had thin custom. It seems people are voting with their feet. Food was quite good, pricing reasonable, service was good given the abundance of customers, mostly college folks as you would expect. Don't get me wrong, the other Zagat rated places deserve their reps too. All I can say is, Kite and Key really draws a crowd when the others don't.

Fait

By Travels101 |

Food was ok. Not worth a return visit. Chicken was dry on both salads that were ordered. The two sandwiches were fair. Fries were good. Service was good. Nice open air front for summer days. Might be better to just visit the bar for drinks.

When headed to the museums, a great quick bite!

By hawaiianwannabe |

We were having a family day at the Franklin Institute and walked a few blocks to see if Sabrina's was busy. It was packed. We headed next door to Kite & Key and were not disappointed. My husband had a burger and I had mussels. A great quick meal before hitting the sights. My kids ate off the children's menu and it was much tastier and cheaper than McDonald's for them!

Good lunch before Barnes

By Ellen B |

The restaurant is close to Barnes, Franklin Institute and the Rodin Museum. Our server was awesome, friendly and knowledgeable of the menu and beer selection. The grilled cheese with bacon was delicious - perfect for a drizzling, cool day. The bread was crispy and the cheese perfectly melted. There was a good beer selection too. Will definitely come back when we are in the area.

Lively Upscale Pub

By David J |

Walking around looking for a place to eat in Franklin town, we stopped at Kite and Key (thanks Ben). there specialty is steamed mussels. they have four varieties to please any muscle lover. Di i say beer? Yea that got that too. huge selection on tap. Friendly, fast service and good pricing this is ideal for lunch, dinner or brunch. And they have outside tables in front! DJ

Good food, fun atmosphere, reasonable prices

By 4PATravellers |

Walked up here from the Franklin Institute after it closed. had dinner while waiting for rush hour to clear. very generous portions, great service.

Casual place just when we needed it

By Gary R |

In town for a wedding, we searched the night before for a place to eat. The first was a tavern that was overflowing with NCAA Tournament fans. The din would have made dinner conversation tough. Next choice was a pizza place in the opposite direction. The wait was 20-30 minutes. My wife waited while I went scouting. I found Kite and Key and was glad I did. Although it, too, was crowded (it was a Friday night, after all), we got a table right away. Our server was quite busy, but made sure we knew she was around and thanked us for our understanding. Their beer list was a good one and the food was better than the traditional bar fare. We each had a roast beef sandwich and enjoyed it. We were grateful that we found a place we could get seated immediately, but even moreso that we had found a good establishment.

Stick To Drinks

By PhillyShaney |

I have come to Kite and Key a few times before my last visit and decided - OK - I will try a few more food items before I do a review int he hopes that it would be a better experience than previous ones. On past trips, I had the calamari, salads and today it was the Nachos with Edamame. The calamari was a miss - under seasoned; the salads were passable, nothing special. The Nachos were awful - no descriptors will be offered - just a microwaved mess. When I looked at previous reviews - everyone went with the Burger - if I happen to come thru Kite and Key in the future (trust me it won't be my choice - so if you see me I may be in a kidnapped situation..Help Me...LOL) I will get the burger. The two stars is because the bartender provided attentive service.

Very Cool place for a relaxation

By Brad A |

Stopped here on Saturday afternoon after walking around downtown for awhile. It came highly recommended from friends of ours. They hit the nail on the head. We sat at the bar, the bartender was helpful on beer selection and answered our questions on the menu. The ambience was very cool. Our food was good and the beers were very good. I can see how this place probably rocks at night. Will definitely be back!

Sweet Brunch Spot

By chris d |

Stop in for the brunch burger (Egg, beef burger, bacon) delicious..... And a mimosa- quite tasty, great staff!

Good stop for a beer or dinner

By sthomas311 |

During my recent visit to Philadelphia, I visit Kite & Key to grab a quick drink with a friend. I was very impressed with the great beer selection and large menu they had to offer. I'll definitely visit again.

Great beer!

By Katie P |

I was in Philly this weekend and I was looking for someplace with a good beer list. Since I was staying in the museum area near the Franklin Institute, Kite & Key jumped out. I went with a group of 5 friends about 6pm on Saturday night. The bar area was busy and several tvs were showing sports. The dining area is small, but seems flexible for large and small groups. I ordered the O'Reilly's Irish Stout from their beer list. I know that I can't give Kite & Key credit for making the beer, but for this one they chose well. We shared the fried pickles first (they were thick slices - 5 pieces I think). I ordered the burger for my meal. It was tasty with crispy bacon and cheddar cheese but the best part was the pile of perfect french fries that came on the plate. I was happy with my dinner and my friends were too. Service was good and I would recommend Kite & Key to anyone in the area.

Great outdoor place

By Josh C |

Amazing bar with friendly patrons and staff. I'm not a local to the Fairmount neighborhood and there seemed to be a regular crowd. I'm not surprised by that--it had a great set of beers and a bartender happy to make recommendations. Didn't get a chance to try any food.

Great meal, excellent service

By Fauxqui |

Late dinner after a great trip to the Barnes. We ate outside to avoid the noise. The Italian vegetable soup with sausage was spicy and tasty. I had meatloaf wrapped in bacon, my first meatloaf in years. Served with wonderful mashed potatoes and crisp green beans, it was delicious. My wife had the Thai mussels, an excellent choice, sweet and spicy. Great beer menu, too. Our waiter was very responsive and provided excellent service. Very good value, too. For five the bill was $100 with drinks.

Good food and beer!

By za_rubezhom |

This is a nice bar with young crowd. Food was great, especially Calamari!!! Waitress was very pleasant, fast service even in the busy hour, plenty of seating (including some outside tables), flat screen TVs, good selection of draft beers.

Another great neighborhood eatery

By EBJ99 |

Love their grilled cheese sandwich with their tomato soup. Also enjoy the fact that you can eat inside while feeling as if you are outdoors if you sit by the front windows. We ate during a thunderstorm but still had the fresh air to enjoy. Great place to go for lunch, dinner or snack.

If you're there for the beer you're in luck.

By kirkwood_FL |

Went there with some family after visiting nearby Museums. Food quality was good (nachos especially good) but short of gourmet which was expected. Visiting on a weekday between Christmas and New Years the staff was overwhelmed even though place is not that big. If service had risen to adequate then overall rating could have been very good. Overall, this seems like a beer joint for the college crowd but no one told the chef so the kitchen still puts out very good offerings.

AMMAAAAAzziiinnngggg!!!

By decksteck |

My cousin told me about this place and boy were we not disappointed! I had the fish and chips and it was the best fish and chips i've had since I went to Alaska. The staff was so nice and pleasant, the food was quickly made and hot. And we saw a dog :)

Perfect

By Silke B |

Great place! Very American style, nice staff, good food, fast service.also the kids loved it. We would come again!

Best Burger Ever

By ruckbar |

We took my grandson here for lunch and he is a burger guy. His critique was "Best Burger Ever" and he was right on. Great friendly place, great staff!

Good burgers and veggie burgers

By 67lakeshore |

We didn't feel like waiting over an hour on a Sunday afternoon for Sabrina's so we tried Kite & Key. The seating was immediate and the service was good. The burgers were a fair and a good size. The veggie burgers were good and larger than the burgers. The fries were good as was the Caesar salad. Very good beer selection.

Great food, atmosphere, location and prices--what's not to love?!!!

By Margaret M |

I was meeting up with out-of-town friends and they picked Kite and Key since it was walk-able from their Race Street hotel. From the moment we walked in we had a great experience. The hostess and wait staff were great, our food arrived in record time and was delicious! Our waitress was very helpful in making our food and drink selections, and based on her suggestion I ordered one of the day's specials, the pulled pork sandwich. YUMMY!!

Good bar food

By NickSFCB |

We were walking back from Eastern State Pen and was hungry. So we decided to stop in here for a drink and some food. Was quiet at the time we visited, as it was around 2pm, but the server was friendly and made good conversation. We only had a margarita flatbread, but this was good, good selection of beers.

Good Food

By Stanley Z |

Great place for a bite and a beer. The lunch menu was fairly priced and the food was good. I'll eat here next time I'm in Philly.

Good Burger!

By Terri e |

Stopped in for lunch on a Tuesday afternoon. Sat inside due to the heat but liked the outdoor seating. We ordered burgers which were very good and came with a mountain of delicious shoestring fries. Staff was very friendly. The food was a little slow coming out of the kitchen.

Pretty Good

By D L |

It was a cute little place to stop for lunch. My sandwich wasn't great but everyone else loved their lunch.

Barely Bar Service, and Barfood

By DJKTraveler |

On a relatively busy Sunday afternoon on May 3, 2015, the staff of amateurs at this seemingly popular restaurant just couldn't coordinate its service either at tables or in the kitchen. It was pathetic. After giving our order, which included a request for a cup of coffee as a pre dinner drink by one person in our party, we watched and waited as our blondie waitress Sylwia scampered around, accomplishing nothing. After 20 minutes, not even the simple cup of coffee had arrived. A waiter approached our table with someone else's order, which surely was breathed on by many before it reached its proper destination. The table for four next to us was nearly finished eating when, after a 30 minute wait, our meal of grilled sandwiches finally arrived, leading us to believe quite obviously that our airhead waitress had forgotten to put in our order with the kitchen, initially. My veggie burger was a messy equivalent of a Big Mac minus the meat and within an hour I had indigestion, even though blondie waitress told me that the veggie burger had been voted the number one veggie burger in Philly. "Compared to what?" was all that I could wonder. Another person in our group was reaching for Pepto Bismol within an hour after eating a grilled chicken sandwich. All in all, it was barffood and less than bar service. We would NEVER go back, except perhaps to accept an apology.

Lunch after Barnes Museum

By Dive4dlr |

We found on google search and reviews were good and just a short walk. Cozy and Awesome food and drink. Artichokes were my favorite; beer was cold, margherita was tasty, and we were made to feel at home. Will go back

Great tomato soup.....

By Cdntraveller060 |

We stopped in for a mid afternoon lunch after visiting the Barnes Foundation which is just around the corner. I ordered the tomato soup and a sandwich. I thought the soup was one of the best I've had...... Service was good - atmosphere nice - good selection of beers. I'd go back!

convenient location but coul be so much more

By Josie053 |

I was referred here by the staff at the Franklin Institute. A hike of about 5 blocks found me in a local residential/ business area where the pub is located . the staff was friendly and the pub was buzzing with locals out for lunch and a drink the day before Thanksgiving. the Vibe was great but alas the food only okay. the onion soup wasn't rich in taste and the pizza I ordered was flat and crispy but was short on taste. I suspect most people come here for the drinks and the food is secondary . the people at the table next to me did say their calamari was superb so perhaps I chose the wrong items to enjoy

Subpar food, even worse service

By Alexa S |

Kite & Key's staff lacks energy and its chefs aren't trained in the art of flavor, let alone the art of presentation. We stopped in for a bite last evening and left dissatisfied and annoyed. To start off, Kite & Key lacks ambiance: cluttered bookcases filled with dusty books, knick-knacks and beer bottles and music blaring from the bar isn't my idea of a great setting. But, the atmosphere didn't bother me half as much as the quality of the food and service. As soon as we sat down, I could tell that our waitress, Tatiana, was bored, tired, and/or unhappy with her job. She mumbled as she spoke, walking and talking without energy. When I asked for a recommendation off of the menu, she copped an attitude and seemed confused. When we ordered the nachos, the "homemade" chips were chewy and too cheesy, and they were smothered in sour cream, guacamole and flavorless tomato -- the furthest thing from a genuine nacho plate. The cheeseburger and grilled chicken sandwich we ordered came out quickly, and tasted overcooked. My boyfriend's cheeseburger was crusty, the edges of his cheese burned to a crisp, and my chicken sandwich was dry and had an odd herbal taste. Throughout the meal, our waitress continued to ignore the dirty plates crowding our table that were attracting flies for 20 more minutes. Just how hard is it to clear a table? I don't expect the waitstaff at any restaurant to be 100% sunshine, but I do appreciate a server who is friendly and attentive. Besides the fact that my boyfriend's burger gave him a stomachache, having Tatiana as our server made us decide to NEVER return.

Nice hangout

By Brian D |

Okay the place first of all is a nice hangout for the Summer with its open and roomy floor plan and opportunity to eat outside as well. So me and my wife when we entered were greeted right away by a friendly hostess which is a plus. The waitress was not so friendly and her personality was very flat. We ordered chicken wings and they were like a honey chipotle type and they were not bad, They were not the worst, but not the very best either. They could have been cooked longer to give them a little extra crispiness. Their fries were good. We were not overly impressed with the place as far as the food, but definitely a nice place to hang out.

Don’t arrive hungry

By dlee424 |

Friendly service can not compensate for mediocre food. Waited for over an hour for food to be served. The entre salad which was finally served was not the salad ordered. Waitress removed the salad, but did not remove it from the bill. All in all, a disappointing experience.

Good restaurant convenient to the Barnes Foundation.

By 4onpark |

Nice restaurant just blocks from the Barnes Foundation with good menu and nice selection of craft beers to go with it. Enjoyed salads and a burger

Simple, tasty, large portions

By dalm0m |

Tasty. Hearty. Simple. There's nothing fancy about this place but the food is good. The portions are large. I laughed when I saw the "manmosas" on the menu for those who want more without the delicate glasses.