Saloon Cucina Italiana Reviews

What i love about Philadelphia is that it still has it's local charm. It's what Boston used to be about 15 years ago. Which I wish we still were like philly but thats another story for another time. The Saloon food is excellent the service is superb and the atmosphere is philly all the way! If you don't go here your missing out!

From the ambiance to the food, this place is great. I’ve been here a few times but tonight we came by just to have dessert after dinner. It was amazing per usual. We had a couple cocktails from the bar, cappuccino with Kailua, cannoli cake, peanut butter and chocolate cake and chocolate chip cheesecake. This place is a must go if you are in Philly.

First I must begin with,our waitress was miserable.She obviously did not want to be serving on a Saturday night and it was obvious.Next let's speak about the food.The langoustines were as always outstanding but the entrees were totally terrible.Our surf and turf was served with a cold Lobster tail and a well done (ordered rare Filet that was cold too).Our friends Dover sole was quite bland as well.We come here about three times a year and it used to be a wonderful experience both for food and service.Not anymore.

Appearance was better than the food. I left hungry. The food was average at best for being very expensive. Portions were small. Came in for a business meeting. The atmosphere was fantastic and perfect spot to talk business but my colleague had to send his steak back. My vegetables were cold. I think they were rushing us out of there.

I had high hopes of something special after I heard so much about this restaurant. Six of us had reservations and when we arrived they have a very novel Women & Gentleman entry doors. Seemed kind of cool. The inside of the Saloon is very unique and authentic. The atmosphere nice, but not great. Small dining space overall and I am sure it can be quite noisy at times. Do not expect an intimate dinner with conversation. The service was good, again, not great, and they had a ton of specials in addition to the regular menu. Overall the meals were average at best. No one of the six adults at the table raved about the food. I had the grilled Mediterranean sea bass, but found myself finding many bones in the fish and the taste again was just average. It is an interesting place to go in Philadelphia, but for the money, there are better choices elsewhere in town.

Enter through the door with the world's largest doorknob into an old, ornate bar off the dining room. The service at the bar is prompt and cordial, the drinks divine. In the dining room, the service is amazing and provided by a staff that's been there for a long time. Forget the menu and listen to the 15 specials that are presented - there's surely something in there for you. For special personal occasions or to impress business associates, this is the place.

My wife and I are still talking about dinner here the other night. The ambiance and decor draw you in....then the wait staff impress you with their skills, etc. But, the food...the food is where it is at. We shared the fried oysters for a starter and they were absolutely delicious. For the main course my wife ordered the filet mignon. One of the best either of us have ever tasted. I had a tough time deciding, but opted for the dover sole. Good choice. I have had dover sole many times...mostly in Europe. This ranked right up there with the nest of them. We split a banana desert over coffee. The service was great and the experience makes us both want to come back here again soon. I'm sure we will!

Appetizers of assorted fish and oysters stressed out meal. They were great. Specials were excellent and the Italian offerings are authentic and dinner to perfection. We had the Tuscany reds for wine selection. The saloon will not disappoint it will please your taste buds and put a smile on your face

Average food and we had a snippy server. Eight in our party of senior guys and the daughter of one of us. One of our party spilled a beer and our server was obviously displeased. She sopped up some of the beer and left a soggy napkin on the floor for the entire meal. She exuded an obvious dislike for us for the rest of the meal. The tablecloth at my place was soaked and I took napkins off another table to cover the wet area after waiting for someone to help out. I never got silverware for my clams casino. Five of our party were happy with the food but three thought it average at best. Alcohol was served promptly but I had to ask twice for a diet Coke.

Way back when, there was hardly a Friday evening that we did not dine at the Saloon. In recent years, we had several disappointing experiences. We decided to give another try for this venerable South Philadelphia dining spot. This Friday evening was fine, even if it took a few tables to get a nice one. The cocktails, food, and service were very good. We'll re-add the Saloon to our repertoire.

The prices are a bit steep, but you won't be disappointed. The food is top notch and the service is excellent. I had the salmon topped with crab, it was awesome! Also had a really good Caesar salad. Make sure you leave room for desert, as they have many excellent options.

Went to Saloon for dinner to celebrate health and happiness. Tommy sat us - he’s 80 years old, looks sub-70, been working here for 50 years and was awesome. Rachel, a young very attractive blond, gave us “specials” and was great. Our waiter was Anthony. Been here “half his life” - he’s 34 years old. Great service and attention. 5 stars on food, ambiance and service!

The Saloon is a lovely place, located in a very nice south Philadelphia residential neighborhood. The ambience is cozy, dark wood, muted colors, pleasant music in the background. Staff was very welcoming, from hostess to server to tableboy. Food was also delicious, from beginning to end. I started with an appetizer of spinach wrapped in prosciutto ham - to die for!. We both ordered the veal picante, and they were delicious, as was my side of angel hair pasta in marinara sauce. The menu tends to Italian, as does the theme of the restaurant - including beef, veal, and seafood. But many continental/American dishes are also there. My impression is that all are quality offerings, with fresh ingredients and innovative seasonings and sauces. If you have reason to visit Philly, or live there, I highly recommend a visit to this out-of-the-way south Philly gem. I think you'll enjoy it, likely come back.

This has the feel of an upscale 1950's restaurant. Heavy, dark colors, big staff. Menu is old school: veal parm, caesar salad type fare. The food was solid as were the portions. The prices though are out of whack for South Philly ($35-ish for a Veal dish, $12 for a starter salad) and nothing is particularly innovative or special. Service is pretty inconsistent as well. Not in a rush to return.

Although billed as Northern Italian, the menu is very broad. I had a scallop special that was absolutely outstanding. I was with a group and all were very pleased and satisfied with their dinners. We splurged with some deserts and they did not disappoint. My Ceasar salad was great. Nice and fresh. A solid choice and a place I will go back to. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff.

#1 - The food - Four of us ventured to the Saloon last night, Arriving at 4:40 for our Italian feast. We shared a bottle of wine, which was very good. I had clams casino there was a whole clam under very bland wet bread crumbs. my friend and I had Eggplant Parm was very good tasting, (4 round 3-4 inch round eggplant pieces, with a few spoonfuls of sauce with cheese places in the middle of the eggplant. I think Ralph's is much better. Our friend had Stuffed Salmon (with lump crabmeat) and the was very good, Wifey had Veal Marsala which she loved (it isn't on the menu, when we asked if we could order it, they said we could) Our waitress was a gem, filled our wine glasses just before our last sip. The desserts were very good. One observation we have is an unusual limited appetizer choice... We will return. #2 - The place - FYI I have a walking difficulty. There are 2 steps going into the Saloon, and then when I asked were the mens room was, the host almost freaked out, knowing that the restrooms were down stairs (basement) my friend helped me down L shaped steps with no continuing handrail. Coming back up was a challenge.. With the older crowd this place attracts, one would think hand rails were a must! Next time, make usre I don't have to use restroom.

Placed upstairs in a corner, obviously we were not a preferred regular. Angel Hair with crab so dry it was impossible to eat. Waiter indicated more than once his displeasure with management during our fdinner.

We have been going to the saloon for almost 30 years and it never disappoints. We went on Friday and were stunned at how quiet it is - do yourself a favor and skip the Steven Starr restaurants etc., the food here cannot be topped. Our table ordered their traditional bone in veal chop, a veal parmagiano served bone in (not on the menu with bone - but trust us ask for it to be prepared that way). Bronzino in a divine lemon caper sauce and the house chicken - everything was prepared perfectly and the desserts were out of this world. The Saloon still cares about top notch service and we recommend this restaurant to everyone coming to Philly - it may be slightly off the beaten path for those staying in Center City but it is well worth the $7.50 Uber. They also have on site parking!

We met friends for dinner at Saloon while we were downtown for the night. I used to frequent it years ago when living and working in the city, and remembered it had great food, atmosphere, and service. I my pleasant surprise- it was the same- and better! The wine list was great, the food choices were varied and plentiful. We all seemed to choose seafood and fish choices- all were well prepared and tastefully presented. Our waitress was attentive and our evening came to a close with everyone happy to have returned to a South Philly favorite. I must include that the parking was free! A great plus in today's world where parking is charged for everything! We will be back.

The food was quite good, the service affable and friendly. I chose it because I wanted a traditional steak house, and the beef did not disappoint. Several of us had a salad that was essentially spinach wrapped in panacetta, and it was very good. The ambience and service are a bit informal, so it wouldn't be my first choice if I wanted something very polished, but the quality of the food and service were both good.

We have been going to the Saloon for years. Always an excellent meal and really top-notch wait staff. The specials are amazing - you really don't even need to look at the menu. The staff is also very good at helping you with (reasonably priced) wine selections. We love the decor and the collections of paintings, historic signs, etc. Great atmosphere for business meeting and a very nice place for me and my wife, or with family and friends. Don't be afraid to try the pablano peppers - yum!

This was my son's pick because it was in the city. Its a very nice restaurant, but not cheap. For the four of us, the bill was $270.00 before tip. Don't get me wrong, he is the big lawyer and we are retired. But your birthday comes ones a year. Don't get mad, get even! The food was excellent. The atmosphere was very good and the wait staff was very good. If you are into looking at people, the male staff probably ranged about 165 pounds and the female staff were probably around 105-110 pounds. The age for the wait staff probably was about 30. Apparently, this was the in place to go for a dinner on a Friday night. Everyone loved their entree and there were no complaints from out table. Parking is free on site.

The food here is really incredible and the service is top notch. I would highly recommend going here either a night out with friends/family or a romantic evening with your significant other. Drinks are excellent as well.

Elaborate setting, just short of pretentious but many diners rather casual (after all it is 2016). Absolutely exquisite food. All of our party thrilled and impressed with their Italian entrées. Very expensive. Very attentive and personable serving staff.

Wonderful service, absolutely delicious food - from appetizers including the basil olive oil they give you with the bread all the way up to dessert - best meal I've had in an extremely long time. The wine list is small but stocked with great choices. Another amazing part? Free parking. Will be coming back!

I just came back from Philadelphia and took 10 people to the Saloon for dinner. The menu was huge and the special seemed to take as long to recite as the actual menu. Everyone loved the appetizers especially the salad roll, soup, and the red pepper and cheeses was delicious. Dinner was the same. The Gnocchi was fabulous as were their signature veal chops. We were all too stuffed from the wonderful dinner to eat dessert. The serving staff was also wonderful and provided friendly and great service. All in all we had a wonderful teim at the Saloon and if I am back in Philadelphia would definately return.

Many diners love the hustle, old school Italian and vintage space. We were not charmed. Nor impressed or well fed. While the evening was good fun the food contributed little beyond elevated pricing for contrived and over engineered *italianate* fare. $38 for Braciole that left a diner hungry. $49 for Dover Sole. On a plate. Alone. A tuna so loaded with bitter peppercorn crust that it was left largely uneaten. The Saloon is a beloved institution. It has lots of loyalists and fans. However $350 can be better spent on a better meal. Elsewhere.

I went for my 50th birthday with my sweetheart. Such an interesting place. The decor is wonderful. The service was good, food was great. The stuffed poblano's were so good. The sauce on the filet was to die for! My veal was fork tender, no need for a knife. The desserts were wonderful. It was a lovely dinner. I see why it is there for all these years and still going strong. Also has free parking which is great.

A step above you traditional Italian restaurant. The spinach salad is unique and tasty. The braised beef shank is excellent. The veal chops were too. Service great. Give this place a try. You won’t be sorry.

After a hard days ride, blazing new trails, a gentleman wants to put his boots up on the rail, wet his whistle with a cold sarsaparilla, and fill his belly with tasty vittles for the next days journey. Saloon was the place, and very much still is. The only difference now, you don't tie your trusty steed the post out front, you give your keys to the bearded gentleman up street. We were invited to dinner by someone who had dined here before, and his enthusiasm certainly was warranted! We shared steamed mussels and calamari for appetizers. We did our best to tip our hats to the rustic ways of yore, we dipped the crusty rolls in the mussel broth. Our entrees were rustled up, veal chops, veal osso buco, and a seafood variety plate. All served promptly, hot and with grace, thank you Alexis for your professionalism and you herd (pun intended) everything we said. We managed to save room for dessert, and were in awe at its natural beauty. Twelve different home made delights; from cannaloni cake to coconut cake to chocolate ganache cake, to tiramisu...total spread, a finish for any palate. The evening was not only delicious but an experience, and we left with a tale to tell our youngins and then eventually their youngins. Salut Saloon!

Beautiful ambience, too much noise , fair service and outrageous prices.Food was generally excellent but one lobster francais was mushy and the veal chop was gristly. Go if you are on an expense account.

I have been going to the Saloon off and on over the years when I am in Philly. It;s always been a good neighborhood place that has become more popular over the years. And with that has come some pretty steep prices. The food is still very good but not the best Italian I have ever had for the price. For an appetizer we had the clams casino--$16. It was so so, we have had much better at many other restaurants. My wife had the Fettuccine Lobster Amatriciana-- described as homemade fettuccine with South African lobster, guanciale, onion, fresh tomato, leeks and sharp provolone cheese in a tomato sauce--$30. It was very good and the fettucine was light and delicate. I had the Linguine Pescatore--described as linguine with jumbo shrimp, calamari, scallops, mussels, & clams; marinara sauce--$28. It was also very good. Neither came with salad or any sides. House chianti at $14 a glass was pretty much outrageous. We eat out quite often and NEVER pay that for a glass of chianti or any house wine.

In a surprisingly residential part of south Philadelphia, this venue provides an unexpectedly vibrant, if noisy, restaurant-bar environment. The service was friendly and helpful. The food was well prepared and served, and the cost "not unreasonable". Not by any means a place to try and hold meaningful business or romantic conversation, but aside from that, a winner.

If I had one night in Philadelphia, this is where I would have dinner... the food, atmosphere, attitude, and service are exceptional. It is decidedly italian fare, however, the steaks and chops are superb.. moreover, the have it your way willingness to alter dishes to your taste is a delight. If you favor spice, add their home made long hot peppers to any dish or do it yourself as a side dish condiment. And oh yes, don't miss the seafood and pasta... I strongly recommend sharing...

We had a fantastic experience as far as ambiance, service, and food! It was our first time there & we were very pleased! I am so glad that we finally made it there and now know why the name speaks for itself! I truly enjoyed the wedding soup as well as the roasted peppers appetizer too!

We dined here on Friday evenings for many years, and so we thought it was time to try again. The dining rooms are still in the fine tradition of the Saloon. There are even a few waiters to complement the waitresses. (The Victorian gal on the place mats must have moved on to the retirement home.) The menu is more brief than in the days when a table was hard to come by. The cocktails are good sized, with the salads and main courses being nice, but not outstanding. Pricing is not inexpensive. Questionable how long it will be to return again.

We started with drinks in the bar. Damien does make a great Martini - knowing that you don't "shake" Gin. We then enjoyed a lovely dinner beginning with the "starter combo" which included stuffed poblanos (which are not to be missed), langostinos and two preparations of clams. We then split the smaller portion of the rigatoni with sweat sausage and sun dried tomatoes. Our entrees were the filet with cream, cognac and mustard sauce and the braciole. Both were delicious and perfectly prepared. We enjoyed a wonderful Barolo throughout our meal. We ended the evening with the chocolate chip cheesecake. Service was friendly and attentive without being fussy. This is now one of our favorite places in South Philly.

This is the place to have a wonderful experience. Food is prepared correctly. Crab cakes at lunch and veal chop for dinner can not be beat. Service is top notch. Parking is not a problem since there are two lots for the restaurant. Wine selection is extensive. Pricing is $$$. A great way to spend a gastronomical delight.

This restaurant is a Philadelphia staple. People travel from the suburbs to enjoy this place. The service is always top notch and the food is so good. It has a full bar so they can make you whatever drink you would like and they also have a wonderful wine selection. On Saturday nights they usually have live music at the bar upstairs.

Everything tasted good and the experience is unique (classic South Philly) yet none of the food was top-notch Italian. I liked the house salad, it was a great portion size. The eggplant Parmesan was fine — three thin slices of eggplant with a little cheese (not in a casserole, like I prefer). The roasted sweet peppers were good. The sautéed spinach with olive oil and garlic was the highlight. Service was excellent!!

My husband, 15 month old and I were tired after a long day sight seeing and walked into this restaurant after seeing the good reviews. The staff was so accommodating considering how difficult a small child can be at a nicer restaurant. It gave my husband and I am opportunity for a nice somewhat romantic dinner out. While expensive, it was worth it! The scallops were delicious.

The most redeeming feature of Saloon is the beautiful wood work . Also free parking a big plus. Food finished with a very heavy hand. Would prefer smaller portions with a more delicate approach .

My husband I have eaten dinner here many times, but not recently. Last night we stopped by for dessert and a nightcap. We sat at the bar which we had never done before and shared the tiramisu dessert, which was disappointing. It didn't taste fresh and was mostly fluff. I did like the bar, it is classy and there is a foot rail. Saloon is not handicapped friendly, there are a few steep steps leading into the restaurant and you need to go down a flight of stairs for the restrooms. There is parking on a small lot one street before the restaurant.

I have to say everything I had was very good. The only disappointment was that I couldn't order 2 entrees! The apps were excellent. I had a steak which was very good as was the octopus salad. Tasted a little bit of everything. All good. Highly recommend. The one negative... short pour on the single malt scotch I enjoy.

Outstanding old style Italian restaurant; in a converted old South Philly "row house" handsome decor, yes, Free parking!

I normally love this place (for 40 years). This visit however I'm giving mixed reviews. The no personality bartender had a pineapple mango bellini special - it had so much pulp in it it was hard to drink. I should have asked him to strain it. My fault. My husband's martini was warm - no chilled glass, vodka not very chilled. His fault - should have asked for a cold one. $40. worth of drinks and we left a $10. tip. My dinner was great - Dover sole with sauteed spinach - $45. My husband's entree veal parm ($30.) was good add a side of spaghetti for $9. made it expensive. So after total tab with tip approx $200. it was a less than the usual great experience.

Awesome restaurant for friends and large groups. Super friendly and helpful staff! Jana was patient, knowledgeable, and went out of her way to take care of us. Food was fabulous as well. There wasn't an empty dish all night!

Interesting decor and menu, attentive and friendly service, and each person in our group enjoyed his or her meal. This is an expensive restaurant but good quality for what you pay. The staff was vested in your experience and it showed.

A great thing about Philadelphia is because there are so many dining options, you can live here forever & still have a new place to try. My brother suggested the Saloon for a recent pre-flight lunch & it was an excellent choice. Located on a quiet street in Bella Vista there are two parking lots available for customers which is a big plus in South Philly. The ambiance is masculine, dark, filled with cool vintage pieces and immaculately kept. Because of our late reservation, the room was relatively quiet without being lifeless and we could enjoy our conversation. I started with a delicious fresh appetizer of fresh spinach wrapped in wonderful prosciutto delicately finished with olive oil. A perfect dish where the ingredients are not tampered with and their flavors are allowed to shine. For my main, a creamy but not overly heavy mushroom soup and to finish a satisfying banana and caramel tart with nuts. Others in the group had heartier meals of veal, chicken and pasta. Service was professional, accommodating and warm. Prices are on the high side, but not exorbitant. Portions are large and the menu is very accessible, so picky eaters should have no problem. This would be an excellent choice for a business meeting or a special family occasion like a graduation dinner etc.

We ordered an appetizer, two entrees and dessert. The lobster fettucini was delicious and the portion was large. My wife very much enjoyed her Bronzino as well. The calamari appetizer was a bit unexpected. It was served in a pomodoro sauce with peas...it was ok but tasted kinda fishy. The chocolate cake was good but there was nothing standout about it. It could have been from any bakery in any town in the U.S. Here are the reasons I'm giving 3 stars: 1) Too pricey. My wife had two glasses of house wine with her dinner. We ordered directly from the waitress as there was no wine menu at our table. House wine usually costs ~$6-$8 a glass but this wine was $14 a glass - this knowledge could have been useful prior to ordering. Many of the entrees were $30+. The waitress had recited many options that weren't on the print menu...I belive there were more options off the menu than on the menu. But you can't see the price when you order this way....we suffered sticker shock when the check came ($130 before tip). The food was good. NOT that good. 2) Our waitress. I don't know her name but she was borderline rude to me while kissing my wife's [--] during the meal. She would stop by and comment on the food to my wife ("don't you just love the tender part of the fish's head"), and when I tried to join in the banter I was instantly snubbed. She avoided eye contact when speaking to us and seemed disappointed when I didn't order one of her recommended specials. When she dropped off the check, she turned her head as she put it down on my side of the table, leaving no chance for eye contact. She did say thank you as she dropped it off, but it was clearly a snub after we watched her take her time with all the other customers around us. If she was so sure that I'd be picking up the tab, she should've shown a little more respect and appreciation when dropping off the check. There was a lot of sauce left after eating the calamari. Our waitress stopped to chat with my wife "Isn't this sauce sooo good? Isn't it the best for dipping bread in it?" She failed to notice that we had no bread left and didn't bring us bread either. I still tipped well and I'm sure this isn't going to be the experience for everyone, but it this was our experience. We are not big spenders so I remember the last time we spent that much on dinner. It was at Roys on 15th and Sansom and the food & service there was much better in my opinion. There are too many options for this level of dining in Philadelphia, and we will not be returning to Saloon.

This was our third visit to Saloon. Amazing as always.... Started with the martini special - sweet and full. For an appetizer, we split the clam trio - fresh and unique. Entrees were veal, and petite fillet - both prepared beautifully and just as delicious. It was my friends birthday and I motioned to the server to put a candle in it. She did!!!! A great, great meal. Outstanding service. Beautiful atmosphere. Nice people. Truly our favorite restaurant in Philadelphia!

one of Philadelphia's top 10. The food the service the ambiance the romantic spotwhether it be family or couples.

We decided on the Saloon to celebrate our daughter's 18th birthday because of the other positive reviews on this site, as well as its relative proximity to access I-95, and the availability of free parking. I researched many restaurants and we settled on this one. It did not disappoint, and we all enjoyed a wonderful meal. My husband and I both got the fish specials and thought they were delicious and well-presented. Our daughter got a grilled chicken caesar salad (she is not very adventurous) and enjoyed it, too. They have an extensive menu so there is something for everyone. We decided to eat on the early side, 6 pm, so the restaurant was quiet and rather empty. By 7 there was more activity, and I would assume it got even busier as the evening wore on. What at pleasure to walk outside to get our car from the lot next door...so easy and convenient. We will definitely be back when we are in the area again.

I have been going to the Saloon since 1985, off and on, always trying something new but come back to the Saloon. Love the pampering you receive. I first started going with girlfriends for special dinners and now it is up to college graduation dinners. My husband feels very comfortable and really enjoy the variety of items on the menu and the specials. My sister and I always try a new drink, had the martini with pineapple water ice (from a corner water ice stand), delicious. I highly recommend; we most likely will be going to celebrate an engagement next!

Family dined here on Valentine's Day after raving about how wonderful Saloon is and they have it right. The food is extraordinary; service is impeccable and the wine list is delightful. I had Italian wedding soup, which was unlike any I've had before; my sister was disappointed that her bowl had only one meatball. Seriously, we could have eaten just meatballs! I ordered veal for the entree and have not had anything prepared like that in a long time. And the Napoleon with raspberry sauce... Cannot wait to return!

I have lived in Philadelphia for over 20 years. And for years I have always heard about the Saloon Restaurant. My aunt and uncle used to go there every year for their anniversary. So, I had clients coming into the city and they wanted to go to a “South Philly Italian place”. I figured let’s try the Saloon. The food was supposed to be good and there is free valet parking. I booked a reservation on a Wednesday night so it would be easy to get to as you would not have to deal with the weekend crowds on South Street. So to jump to the end of my review, the best part of the evening was the free valet parking. Based on the other reviews I read on TA I thought we would have a great dining experience. Based on how crowded the parking lot was when we arrived I figured the reviews were correct and that the restaurant would be hopping. We were seated in the first dining room adjacent to the bar. A very nice table next to the window. At 8 PM there were only 3 other tables occupied. Before we could even get seated and organized a waitress came up and asked if we wanted cocktails. The service went downhill from there. Basically the food is less mediocre. To start, my guests ordered the appetizer sampler which they enjoyed. I ordered the beef Carpaccio ($15). The portion was small and the Carpaccio was covered with salad greens. The main reason to order Carpaccio is to see the beautiful thinly sliced tenderloin. I had no idea it was there. And, I almost forgot my colleague ordered the grilled shrimp with white beans. Our waitress returned to verbalize the specials of the day. For future reference there is an “o” at the end of Prosciutto that you should pronounce. Moving on…for mains we ordered the Filet – while they charge Prime Beef prices, it is only Choice Beef. Basic super market fare. My guest left half of it on the plate. The Osso Buco was boring and the Veal Parmigiana was non-descript. My other guest did order the Porterhouse topped with jumbo lump crab meat which he liked. The wine list, like the food menu was horribly overpriced. We had an Antinori Chianti Classico Peppoli 2009 which they had at $ 55. And this was one of the cheaper bottles on the list. Seriously, this is a restaurant that lives off its previous reputation. They are trying to play keep up with the Jones’ in a very hot food town. Our party of 4 spent over $ 525 for 3 courses each and 2 bottles of wine. A memorable amount for a not so memorable meal.

We went to this Old Faithful of ours for our Anniversary. We hadn't been in about five years, and used to go more frequently in the past. It did not disappoint. The food was excellent. The service is classic Saloon - attentive and professional but not stuffy. The prices are not bad, all things considered. The Filet Moda - with the cognac and peppercorn sauce - was just to die for! My husband had the Veal Chop Parmesan and he was delighted as well. We will rush back.

Had dinner last night with some colleagues and can't wait to go back with my family. Scallops were divine. Ravioli was homemade pasta and heaven. Great wine selection. Only thing better was the ambiance. Love the decor. Very old world very cool.

For my wife and I, nice to see traditional menu and great food, freshly prepared, hot with focused service in an atmosphere that show South Philly Italian is doing more than surviving but thriving on people like us. Nice to see a menu less fancy but focused on great traditional food. Hats off to the management the Chef and Staff. I think a lot of new restaurants reach to find dishes that are just overdone or unexplainable. I assure you, you will love the food and understand everything you are ordering and it will come hot an delicious. The complements come from Winslow, NJ resident and would go back as well deserved destination restaurant. Enjoy!

Victorian saloon with incredible Italian food, from the salads to the desserts. Simultaneously creative and traditional, like a fennel salad with Pecorino Romanoand a grapefruit vinaigrette. Beef bracciole was superb. Extensive wine list, well selected. Service is old school professional.

We travel to the Saloon from the Lehigh Valley and have never had a bad experience or meal! Love Frank at the bar <3 and have had great service and food at each visit. Love eating the olives and cheese at the bar while enjoying a cocktail and conversation with Frank! Will be back on our next trip to Philly in March!!

The cuisine is largely southern Italian, with marvelous seafood and meat selections. The service was very good and there wasn't a weak dish on the table. I could have made a meal from the octopus salad alone, but the hits kept on coming. Go there hungry.

Went here on recommendation of a friend. Service was excellent. Food was super delicious. My husband loved the woodwork. It was pricy but worth it. Would love to go back soon

50 years in business near the Italian Market. Saloon features exquisite Italian dining in an elegant atmosphere. The wait staff is top notch, knowledgeable and friendly. Our seafood appetizer for two was the perfect beginning to our meal. Veal Mondolaise:stuffed with proscuitto, mozzarella, sage, parmigiano topped with mushroom marsala wine sauce was heavenly. My wife's Braciole served with homemade cheese ravioli was exceptional. Highly recommended for a special dining experience.

Attended a business dinner upstairs and was pleasantly surprised by the food and wine. Had gone to the Saloon many times years ago before Philly became a trendy retaurant incubation town and thought it stood out as a special occasion place. The shadowy characters that occasionally came in were almost as entertaining as the wait staff (old school and very attentive). So it was good to see that some dishes had been updated and overall the meal was very good - dessert was the disappointment (they ised to have great tiramisu, but mine is now better).

I chose this restaurant for my son's birthday dinner and for the most part we were quite happy with the choice. Our server was very gracious, and the food was delicious. For appetizers I had the clams Pavarotti, which were absolutely luscious, and he enjoyed the broccoli rabe, cannellini beans and sausage. For an entree I tried the veal mondelaise and while it was good I felt the sauce overwhelmed the rest of the ingredients. My son proclaimed his fettucine lobster Amatriciana to be "the best thing I've eaten in ages". He ordered a dessert - can't remember what it was but he loved it - and then they also brought us a cannoli cake since it was his birthday (and thankfully no one felt compelled to sing happy birthday). On to the reason for four stars rather than five: upon entering the restaurant we received a very chilly reception from the host, which took me aback because I had just witnessed him joking with the patrons who had checked in ahead of us. Then he directed another employee to seat us at what was probably one of the worst tables in the house - directly at the top of the staircase and opposite a wait station. It didn't faze my son at all, in fact he liked that table because he could watch all the (very attractive) waitresses from his seat, but it diminished my enjoyment of the evening to an extent.

FOOD SUCKS. Old, old food, old people, old everything. Food is way over priced and so mediocre. Also, why are there so many old Italians trying to act like they're in the mafia here? You're not in the mafia, there is no mafia, go home.

This is the kind of restaurant that should be on the Must try list for anyone who visits phila. I always bring out of Towners here. It’s the kind of wood paneled, dark and old time look. Menu is extensive with Italian favorites, steaks, chops and seafood. Their daily special list is almost as extensive. Do try the poblano stuffed with ground veal and covered with cheese or the octopus salad for apps. I always get a veal chop which are scrumptious.

2 couples visited the Saloon to celebrate an anniversary # 53. The service was outstanding. The dinner was the best we ever had. The crab cake was all lump crab, fresh and no filler. The steak was done perfect to medium rare. The pasta was aldente and the sauce magnifico. Over all great evening , perfect service, food, and surroundings.

A Salmon was undercooked but the perfect filet mignon evened the score.

Spent our 35th wedding anniversary weekend in Philadelphia. Last visited the Saloon on our 5th anniversary. If anything the food and service got better overtime if that is possible. Staff was friendly and food incredible.Highly recommend eating here when in Philadelphia.

Old style decor made comfortable .. service..grade a ..both my daughter and I started with the mussels in white wine sauce..delicious...she had the 7 Oz filet..I had the strip steak with mushrooms and red wine reduction...finished with the ricotta cheese cake ..and coffee.. it was all great I like wait staff that makes you feel like you are the one that is important...Lauren did just that from start to finish...can't wait to go back to try the bone in veal parm..

I was taken here by a local who wanted to 'show off' his city, and what a great choice of restaurant this was! We were seated downstairs, which was a pity, as after our meal we headed to the bar upstairs and the room here is really very special indeed, and I think probably quite unique! Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable and we had our drinks ordered straight away. The food was very special. We started with the 'Italian wedding soup' and then shared some fresh pasta, both of which were delicious. I had the 7oz fillet steak cooked perfectly (blue) which was also delicious, and I just about had room for a very tasty chocolate and mascarpone torte. The red wine that my host ordered - a Barolo - was delicious, but I guess at the sort of price this was probably marked up at it ought to be! All in all a great meal in a great restaurant. If I'm ever visiting Philadelphia with my family this is definitely somewhere we'd seek out.

Old school South Philly Italian food. Every dish we tried was delicious. The pasta, the seafood, the meat were all cooked to perfection. Service was great. Loved the classic vibe.

What can I say. I am a foodie (and in the Food biz) and travel for a living- fortunately I am able to enjoy some of the best local restaurants in many cities. Saloon tops my list. My knowledge of Italian Cuisine is not up to par, but wanted to give it a try anyway. Frankie the Bartender (Works M, W and Sat) has been there over 30 years and I put my ordering in his hands. Clams Pavarotti, Octopus Salad (OMG-awesome!), Cabbage Soup, Bronzino (Mediterranean Bass) over a mound of Crab meat and housemade Tira Misu for dessert. Don't pass this gem up- and say hi to Frankie!

It has been at least 10 years since I've had the pleasure of dinning at The Saloon. During the 70"and 80's, I was a semi-regular. In fact, I go back to a time when they only accepted cash, and then began to accept American Express. My wife and I were scheduled to fly out of Phila at 10:00 PM on Saturday Match 16th for the beginning of a trip to London and Paris to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The decision to dine at The Saloon ending up being one of the best decisions I made, because it set the mood with a replay of everything we remembered about the absolute perfection of the food and service the saloon has always been famous for. Expensive? Yes, But worth every cent. Wait staff as friendly and as competent as you will every find. Warm, inviting, Italian, upscale, cozy, elegant - all of them. What a winner, and maybe EVEN BETTER, after all these years.

warm old school atmosphere, great quality italian food with a good splash of creatity and high quality tastiness. nice place for a romantic date, or a fun dinner with a group.

We needed four hands to turn the huge brass door knob to enter the Saloon. It's exquisite atmosphere matched the five star epicurean delight we experienced. I definitely recommend this eatery for a special celebration. The wait staff treats you like royalty; the food is prepared perfectly. I had the braciole with ravioli. It melted in my mouth. Make your reservations now!

Place is phenomenal!!! You want a real Italain experince in South Philly, this is the spot. Although its been there for 100 years its still somewhat of the radar. Your getting center city food for a cheaper price and free parking!!! This is the gem of Italian food in philly, quite underrated!!! Lobster franchase is on a whole other level of good!!!!

great food, nice wine selection, great wait staff, the owner personally comes over to your table to make sure all is well. Excellent bar. I highly recommend this place.

My daughter treated me to the Saloon last night for Fathers Day/Birthday. Had reservations and seated right away. My apitizer of fried oysters was wonderful...N.Y. strip was very good, cooked just as I had asked. I can't say enough about our wonderful waitress Amy. Great job Amy!. My daughter had the side order of spinach with garlic and oil, very tasty. Fresh bread and very nice wine list. Ambiance is very nice. Will surely return. No charge for valet parking.

What a great place, a real hidden gem. It's slightly off the beaten track but well worth finding. Fantastic building and atmosphere, great staff and tremendous food. Its specialities are veal and steak but there's masses of choice. The menu is very extensive, then the waiter reeled of the specials which probably doubled the selection. We went as a party of twelve and they coped without any problems. Undoubtedly the best tiramisu I've ever had, and that's saying something as it's one of my favourite deserts.

Had dinner at the Saloon with the family. It was very good food with a decent selection and styles. They have high end steaks and seafood along with some reasonably priced pasta dishes and apps. The beer and wine list is selective and all beer is in bottles. The ambience is cool, vintage, Italian with Rat Pack music playing in the background. Most folks were dressed rather formally although it isn't mandatory. Great place for large parties.

Saloon was recommended by a local business colleague and we really enjoyed. My wife and i were looking for a nice, neighborhood Italian location for a relatively quiet meal for two at the end of business trip to Philadelphia. We really enjoyed the food, service, location and decor of this cozy but comfortable restaurant. The spinach salads wrapped in prosciutto were great as were the veal entree. Great place for business dinner or catching up with a special person.

Came to Saloon for a dinner with a big group of friends and reserved the large private dining room in the back. Overall the setting was acceptable but nothing special. There were about 15 of us (from all over the world) and the overwhelming opinion was that the food, while plentiful, was basic, unimaginative and tasteless. I personally had the veal parmigiana and it just tasted like tomato purée and cheese. We were ordering middle of the road wine, so no one was expecting anything special (and we ordered a lot of it) so when a bottle arrived that was corked, I didn't expect to be questioned by the very young waitress as to whether "it really was!!"? Another pet hate is wine being poured to the top of the glass. Pushing sales is one thing, but emptying a bottle into 4 glasses is silly and unnecessary. Finally, the cocktails!! When we arrived for dinner we order a round of "cocktails" (Old Fashions, Sazerac and the like). They were awful! If you don't have a cocktail barman, you shouldn't offer cocktails...plain and simple. Probably the highlight of the night was walking into the street at the same time as Franky Avalon and getting photo with him. Come on Philly!! You've got an affinity with Italy (as Francis Avollone will attest to!!). Don't ruin it with poor interpretations of Italian restaurants!

My husband picked me up from Philly airport last Saturday evening. He had earmarked his Zagat for a handful of really great restaurants and wanted me to choose one. We had been to the Saloon many years ago, and I remembered how wonderful the meal there had been, so we called and got a table for two (luckily, because it was crowded, even at 6 pm). I had the bracciole (melt in your mouth filet of beef) and we shared the gnocchi, which was awesome with pear and blue cheese and walnut. I have never had better. My husband had the veal chop and raved about that, too. We were so happy we chose this restaurant.

Party of 4 dined on 10/26/13. Shared app sampler for the table. Entrees included osso bucco, veal chop, braciole, angel hair with crab meat. All were good! Ravioli were a stand-out. Dessert selection is vast and looked yummy! Berry crisp was tasty. Service was attentive and homey. The decor is old world and eclectic including a cigar store Indian, lawn jockey, and giant rifle above the bar. Great experience, but don't feel compelled to return. Free parking down the street is a nice bonus! The lot attendant was extremely pleasant and efficient.

My coworker and I recently dined here for lunch... We waited a while to be seated as there is only one waitress working. There were only 2 other tables so they must not do a big lunch. Somewhat limited lunch menu-15 items in all between apps, salads and entrees. I ordered the Mediterranean salad which was supposed to have shrimp, crab meat and tuna. They forgot the tuna but Im not one to complain/ send back. The salad was good though. I wouldn't rush ack for lunch but would try it again for dinner.

Probably the nicest dining experience I have had in recent memory. Visited on a Valentine's Day weekend. Not your typical romantic restaurant, so I thought we would avoid the typical crush of couples. It was an excellent experience. Probably would be most suitable for a group. The place is immense. We ate on the third floor but could hear the live music in the second floor bar area. There is also a bar on the first floor which seemed like it might be more of a local gathering spot for the regulars. Food was outstanding, creative and well prepared.

If you want authentic, hearty and top end cuisine, this is the place. The veal and the porterhouse are to die for. Totally recommend.

From the service at the bar to the atmosphere when I walked through the door, I knew I was in for a great night! Upscale crowd, great ambience. Calamari in red sauce and peas, mmmmmm! Salad was amazing, Veal chop even better! I can't say enough good about the saloon. Would and will recommend to all friends and family.

This historic building can tell many stories --- all in tremendous environment. Staff is excellent and tailors meals to customer's desires -- all done superbly! Drinks --- cosmos, martinis, wine --- all very good. While it is Italian and caters to that taste, all 8 of our meals were excellent.

The name "saloon" suggests cigar smoke, spittoons, stale beer aromas, and restrooms you'd never show to your mother. But this place was none of that: it's classy and well worth the visit. Parking is easy. There are two lots staffed by friendly attendants who will tell you that the parking is free, which it is, believe it or not. There is a bar and dining area on the first floor. That is where we dined, enjoying a superb meal which our server Stacy supplied flawlessly. We had three fish dinners and one veal chop as well as a bottle of cab and one dessert cobbler. All were fantastic! Don't miss this place on 7th in South Philly. You'll be in no need of what you thought was a saloon! This is a good use of your time. What the heck, you deserve it.

Ran across this place in an issue of Philadelphia Magazine. Dropped in around noon on 2/29 just to check it out but decided to stay for lunch. Jana our hostess/waitress/bartender was friendly, accommodating and hard working (she was taking care of 7 tables and the bar). My wife and I both had seafood dishes and they were excellent. Jana recommended coming on a Saturday night when things are a lot livelier. On our next Philly visit we plan to do so.

Locals steer visitors looking for good Italian food to Saloon on the south side, and with good reason. For both ambience and cuisine, it’s hard to get more authentic than this. The corner door opens straight onto a bar, and a maitre d’ who could be Paulie Walnuts’ brother mans the welcome podium. The downstairs vibe is studied old-school, dripping with red curtains and dark corners, but the upstairs dining room is considerably more relaxed and funky. The menu excels in traditional dishes exceptionally well prepared. Our party of four’s choices ranged from a tasty branzino (filetted tableside) to a juicy steak and a savory pasta dish, all deemed incredibly satisfying. No room for dessert remained, despite our knowledgeable server’s best efforts at persuasion.

Recommended by a lifelong South Philly resident (84 years old). I eat at MANY restaurants and this was near the top of my list. Our server was wonderful and well informed about the menu, the staff was pleasant and helpful, the atmosphere is old world and fun, and best of all the food was over the top amazing. I was there with two friends and we all had different items and each was perfection (shared the tastes as well). Three dishes at the table has seafood and prepared with excellence. I will go back, over and over again. BTW the other two people at the table also felt the same way.

Celebrated a birthday with family and enjoyed every bite - still wonderful after all these years! It doesn't matter if you order seafood, Italian or steak, the food is prepared beautifully, served with panache and satisfied even our pickiest of eaters. We shared a memorial bowl of Fettuccine Alfredo in honor of a missing family member and we swooned as we shared twirls of perfectly sauced, perfectly cooked pasta. Each salad was composed, each entree perfectly cooked and the desserts....worth saving room to finish with a sweet!

This came highly recommended and is visually stunning. They took 3 row buildings and over time made one large restaurant. The history inside is powerful and hats off to Saloon for being here since 1967. The food was good, our server was not at his best this night.

Enjoyed an outstanding dinner last night for my birthday celebration . My daughter made a reservation after a work colleague raved-about his dining experience . We were amazed with Kira’s, our server, knowledge of the menu and her ability to memorize all of the specials. She made our night wonderful . Food was off the charts. Outstanding selections! We ordered and ate everything from appetizers to dessert. Great job , Saloon! Marla Czumble

I used to love right down the street, and I would stop in to say hi to Frankie, the bartender, as often as I could. The food is delicious, and Stacy is the best server around. I would recommend this place to anyone looking to have a great meal with an old school vibe!

Old world Italian restaurant loaded with local charm but with enough modern touches to keep it current. Food was amazing and service was equally good.

Everyone was very nice, service was really good - they know how to take care of you but the pricing seems to be a bit high for the the food not that portion sizes are small just not complex dishes for the monies... I understand it popularly it was just not for me... But service and overall experience was good!!

I ordered Angel Hair with crab meat, it was delicious! I left nothing on the plate! For dessert I had a Coconut Cream puff, again I ate it all. Ambiance was classy without being snotty. The bar was lively, but did not distract from our dining experience. The only thing they should change is requiring their female wait staff to wear high heals. I am certain it’s a requirement because I have never witnessed a busy wait staff wearing high heels. Trust me, they are just as beautiful wearing sensible work shoes. You will not be disappointed if you eat here, bravo Saloon!

Food and service were excellent, pricey but worth it. Bartenders were friendly and helpful and the surprise semi private room overlooking the street below was a nice touch. The ragtime trio playing in the upstairs bar, piano, clarinet and banjo was a great way to put a night cap on a perfect evening.

This was one of the best meals I have ever had. We started with clams. Delicious! Entrees were filet & lobster. The lobster had a very light batter. It was perfect. We had vanilla cheesecake for desert. Tremendous. Our server was a delight. They had many specials, and she was very kind to repeat and explain them. They had a live band that evening. We enjoyed a cappuccino to end our meal, and were not rushed. This was my third visit to Philadelphia, and by far this is my favorite restaurant there. I will go back!!!

We dinned at the Saloon in the early part of June, not only were we disappointed by the food, but the prices are outrageously expensive. $17.00 for an appetizer,consisting of four small fried oysters and a veal dish $25.00 consisting of three small medallions of veal with no sides, side of spinach $7.00 ridiculous. My husband and I enjoy good food, but this establishment is average at best. I would not recommend this restaurant, there are far more better restaurants in Philly than this place. Our service was great, but we will not be going back.

Recommended by hotel saying it's a favorite of his parent's. Sounded like an honest recommendation and we weren't disappointed. Cleaned our plates (wedding soup, unusual spinach salad...spinach wrapped in prosciutto, chicken parm, pasta, steak). Dessert too! Since went for an early dinner and told our server, Jana, that we loved architecture, she gave us a tour of the building. Terrific experience. Our first time in Philly and we plan a return and will definitely return to The Saloon.

While we found the food to be delicious, we were a bit taken aback by a few things. #1 - a basic "saloon" salad was $12 and there was absolutely nothing special about it. #2 -Special drink of the night was a small bellini for $12! (the price was not disclosed). Requested two glasses of the first pinot grigio on the wine list which was $8 and we got the $12 pinot grigio according to the bill. Waitress said she misunderstood, but we were very clear. #3 - One of the desserts was presented clearly as being served with gelato, but on the bill we were charged extra for the gelato! We brought up all of these issues with the waitress. We ended up spending a good $60 more than should have been and nothing was done except "apologizing for the mixup"! ! Really!?? While I was prepared to return because of the food, we have decided we will NOT go back because of the multiple "rip offs". Beware!

We finally decided to try the Saloon after hearing about it from several people, and we are so happy that we did. It is a very cool space-definitely take the time to look around. All of our food was excellent; I had veal, which can be hit or miss in restaurants but this was a fantastic, high quality example. The appetizers and salad were also terrific. They graciously substituted Alfredo sauce for me on my side of pasta, which was so good even my husband lived it, and he is normally a red sauce devotee. There was one minor glitch that was addressed by management to our complete satisfaction. There was a misunderstanding about which bottle of wine we ordered; we were served (and happily drank) an extremely expensive bottle but didn't notice it until the check came and my card was run. We mentioned the discrepancy, hoping for after-dinner drinks on the house, but the manager refunded my card and charged us for the bottle we had intended to order. We were so grateful and impressed by this; that's the kind of gesture that will guarantee our loyalty for a long time. We can't wait to go back to the Saloon!

What a wonderful place to celebrate a special anniversary. The special were fabulous. The service amazing. (Can't believe she remembered everything!) Drinks were delicious!

While visiting the Mario Lanza Museum we discovered the retaurant, The Saloon. the four of us ate lunch at the bar. If you love ambience and great food, this is a real find. Young woman was an excellent bartender and then proceeded to show us around..same owner sincelater 60s, and collector of art and aritfacts..Made reservations for larter in month for a Saturday dinner when they have a jazz group in the upstairs, incredible bar/dining area. Certainly worth a try.

First, make sure to make reservations! Even on a Thursday night, it gets very busy here. Also, don't make a judgement on what to order off the online menu...the list of specials is practically as long as main menu. I ordered the Veal Piccata for my entree and I'm glad I ordered a side of pasta. The veal does not come with a side. If you're hungry, it won't be enough. Which is great because the portion size is just right. You don't walk out completely stuffed. One last item...make sure to bring your wallet. Saloon is not inexpensive. Dinner for two, with tip, came out to around $250

The ambience of the place reminds me movies about gangsters. The poster by my table was that of The Godfather. The ambience made me order a cocktail, instead of my usual wine. The food was not bad nor was it great. I ate well nonetheless. Good comfort Italian food.

Every time I get a chance to visit Philadelphia, I always make time for the Saloon. It has that rare blend of being treated like a long lost relative combined with some very creative cooking. I am always overwhelmed. The last time in we started with a spinach salads wrapped with prosciutto. The favorite special at our table was scallops with a sauce that was impossible to describe but overwhelming in flavor. whether you used the menu or the daily specials, you will never be disappointed with an evening at the Saloon.

We had an excellent meal at Saloon. The decor was antique and had almost a Mob vibe. Service was friendly and excellent. Our table had the langoustines, octopus, and clams for appetizers. All were excellent. For my entree I had the scallops special. They were finished with a veal Demi glacé and a hint of orange. The chef did an excellent job. I'd recommend Saloon if you are in the area.

Saloon was recommended by a business colleague. Went out with my wife, son, and daughter-in-law. Great selection on menu and nightly specials. Cool atmosphere with live jazz music. A must trip to the upstairs bar. Looking forward to a return trip.

Enjoyed Saloon for a business dinner and was very pleased. The service from Victoria was top notch. I started off with a summer tomato salad with onions, it had a very good/light dressing. For the main course I had the veal chop special and it was cooked to perfection with a very flavorful glaze and sautéed Mushrooms. Dinner was a little expensive, but worth it.

The years since I was last at this iconic south Phila restaurant haven’t been kind. While it looks like my old favorite -the food was abominable. The waiter was on speed and could care less about our table well- it was a real disappointment. If you are new to this restaurant then good for you enjoy it.

We love this place and typically the bartenders are on their game. Well this weekend the cocktails were so disappointing. They were too syrupy, thick, and sweet. It was as though they used cocktail mixers. Other than that the service was excellent and the food was amazing!

One of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at!!!! The ambiance was out of this world but their food was out of this solar system and the drinks were out of this galaxy!!!!! I had a Sazerac to start with... hardly anyone north of the Mason Dixon line serves this drink.... tremendous... I had Ossobucco and I NEVER have tasted anything as tender and as delicious....the very best!!!!!!!! The wine was a Napa Cab, Oberon, probably at 2012 but perhaps a 2013??? I'm going to call the restaurant today and find out the vintage... for a dessert drink I had Grappa.... just what the doctor ordered... superb and I do mean superb!!!! Great service and I would be back in a second if I didn't live a state away to the west!!!!!

Wonderful couples dinner at the Saloon on Valentine's Day. Service and food is very good and the atmosphere is even better. The place has a real 50's feel to it - right out of the Godfather. Items are pricey, but the quality is high. Full bar and good wine list. Great desserts, too.

LOVED this place! Apparently it has been owned by the same family for around 50 years. The ambiance is awesome . . if walls could talk!! The food was GREAT. My salad was so fresh and flavorful. The scallops in the almond sauce were AMAZING! Hubs had the prosciutto wrapped spinach salad followed by the filet with roasted hot & sweet peppers (he loved it . . . I sampled and concurred)! Go here . . . get out of downtown and down to South Philly! Old school is cool!

Thought we'd give this once highly rated restaurant a shot, as we had been to the majority of Italian restaurants in Philly...not good. Food was mediocre,service was poor and prices were very expensive. There are so many other good Italian restaurants in Philly for half the price!

Went for dinner on a business trip. The location is a bit away from the main part of Philly but we used Uber and no trouble both ways. Food is nicely prepared. House salad was fresh and tasty. Fettuccine with lobster was good with a decent amount of lobster. Pasta was a bit overdone and sauce was ok but nothing special. Others in my group had the veal chop, which they said was excellent.

This used to be my favorite restaurant so I was terribly disappointed when I went for my grandson's birthday. My food was very salty--the steaks were cold as was the inside of the bread as if it was frozen and nuked, although the waitress denied that. Desserts were good and service was OK but not like it used to be. We were sorry to see the Saloon going down hill.

After reading a few disparaging reviews decided to return anyway. We were not disappointed as the food and service was very good. Meal was above average price but didn't seem that out of line for a restaurant closed too downtown. Clams Pavaratti remain superb. service very good.

good food and service, mob hangout

The Saloon was everything I had hoped it would be and more. Old school interior and clientele, exceptional service, a bar to envy any big name steakhouse, and food that you can't get this good anywhere else. We left stuffed, happy, and anticipating our return. Great for date night, special occasions, or just when you feel like heading out on a Friday, like we did. Can't recommend enough.

oldest son attends college in the city so we went to take him to a nice dinner to celebrate his birthday - knowing he like Italian we booked a table for dinner - free parking just steps from the restaurant - sat right away - great setting inside - old school Italian - linen tables cloths - baskets of fresh bread with a great homemade basil/pesto dipping sauce - we had 4 different entrees - grilled veal chop - veal parm - ravioli's (fresh made) - and the braciole - everything was delicious - served hot cooked perfectly - cheesecake and chocolate mousse deserts great finish to the night - server was Gianna and she was excellent and even the busboy was attentive and helpful- definitely worth a visit

Just ate at the Saloon Restaurant tonight - wished I had gone elsewhere. Service was slow and poor. Waiter was preoccupied with large table of 9 next to ours. He kept on bumping into my wife's chair as he went by and I had to stop him several times to take our order and requests. Had to ask for bread. The two different clam appetizers were something I would have expected at a retirement home - particulary the Clams casino as it had no individual bits of clams, onions or celery -- was a tomato paste. My wife's filet with mustard sauce was very good but my $34 New York Strip was a cheap piece of meat -- very tough and fatty. Only highlight of my entree was the marsala sauce, mushrooms and Yukon mashed potatoes -- everything except the main meal itself. Saturday night is our date night and I hate going somewhere that is not up to par. Save yourself some money and go to the Capital Grille instead.

Between the great reviews everywhere online and friends recommendations we had build up some really high expectations. Unfortunately we were disappointed. Food was good but the price/quality ratio definitely not there. Top this with mediocre service and you have one unhappy customer right there.

Went last night with a group of 10. I walked into what hands down is one of the most interesting dining spaces that I have eaten in in Philly. A major throwback to the age of elegance in dining in many ways, crossed with some fun kitsch "saloon era" decor just for fun. Menu is enormous and crosses many categories -- fresh pasta, seafood, steaks and chops. As large as the menu was, there were as many specials -- which were rattled off from memory by our great waiter Anthony. Our table had several questions and he was able to answer each (he knew the menu inside and out). Service was relaxed but attentive. Food was amazing. A little pricy, but worth it for an occasion. Additionally, they absolutely know how to handle large groups. Can't wait to go back!!

This is not a tourist trap. It is the real deal, old school Italian restaurant. We had a large party and still got great service. The food was good and the portions large. Unlike similar local places it was quiet enough to have a conversation without yelling. I would go back and I recommend it.

This is an amazing restaurant. First visit. Taken here by friends who have been before and are “locals.” Us, from out of town. Beautiful restaurant with interesting decor. Top notch staff. Great food, great service. Totally enjoyed our dining experience. I had a special as my main course, a bone in veal parmigiana. Outstanding. If I lived nearby, this would be my “go to” place. Thanks to our friends for introducing us to this superior restaurant!

I had been to the Saloon before for business dinners and always enjoyed it. I found myself in Philadelphia with my wife and daughter and thought I would take a step back in time and take them there. WE LOVED IT! The food was as food as good as I remembered, the service was great and the atmosphere was perfect. I started with the house salad which showed an attention to detail often lost on a starter dish. I then had the braciole which was a 12 on a scale of 10. The meat was tender and delicious and the sauce was as good as it gets. My daughter had a steak which was perfectly prepared and my wife's lobster dish was wonderful as well. Now that my daughter is going to school in Philly, I will be at Saloon every chance I get!

Recently celebrated my father's 60th bday at Saloon. We had a party of 6 and all agreed, it was certainly a meal / celebration to remember! Started out with a few apps to share; I'd suggest getting either or both of the Pablano Peppers and the Langostinos any time you come here! For our entrees; The Braciole was great, the signature veal chops were as good as advertised, and the Branzino was buttery, light and delicious. The surprising entree hit of the night was the Scallops special! Will certainly be back and would definitely recommend!

When I asked my husband where he wanted to go for his 65th Birthday, he suggested the Saloon - and we live 5 hours away. We both first went to the Saloon in 1972, and went back for a number of special occasions for years afterward. But we haven't been back in almost 20 years. Our dinner, and the whole evening couldn't have been better. From the moment we walked in the door, we were greeted with great service and wonderful aromas of Italian cooking. The decor is definitely old, traditional Italian from the wooden bar to the black & white tile floor. We were given a great table on the second floor and our server Kim gave us phenomenal service. The menu provides a nice variety of traditional favorites, but the long list of specials was just amazing. In any case, between our friends and us, we were able to taste several of the appetizers, entrees and desserts. Everything was absolutely delicious. We have since concluded that we will make dinner at the Saloon at least an annual event, regardless of how far away we may live.

We had a large crowd (11) and they accommodated us with a nice setting, almost like a private room. The food was fantastic and the service was excellent - would go back there again any time that I am in the area.

Incredible food and atmosphere. This should be rated much higher than #158 of Philadelphia restaurants!!

My wife and I made reservations at this 50 yr old Italian restaurant. It was fabulous, our simple Clams Casino was perfectly prepared. Only to be outdone by our main courses. Branzino was one of the best pieces of fish I've ever tasted. If you have a chance to get to the Saloon. I suggest go there, great romantic restaurant. Staff was professional and very well dressed.

Saloon is one of our favorite restaurants in Philadelphia. Yet, it may be getting too expensive. We started with two cocktails. They were perfect. We shared the prawn appetizer. It was one of the specials. It was $45! Delicious but definitely not worth the price. My company had the petite fillet. I had the scallop special. Both dinners were very good. We shared a chocolate dessert. It was good, not great. The bill was over $200. The prices are getting too high, which is a shame.

Sir Charles recommended this restaurant. We were seated and treated wonderfully. The Spanish octopus salad and the spinach salad were very nice. Bronzino with crab was outstanding. The Veal Picante is a regular menu item that is very good. Sazerac cocktail reminiscent of New Orleans. The Berry cobbler with ice cream was wonderful. Thank you.

Place is a setback in time. Old style Italian restaurant with lots of ornate decor. Dolled up waitresses to match. Menu is on the heavy side, as an old Italian restaurant would be. Also on the expensive side and everything is a la carte. We ordered Branzino (very good) 2 chicken dishes and a pasta seafood dish, they were just ok and did not match the prices. Great entertainment in the bar area upstairs and free parking are two big plusses.

The restaurant has a certain charm. The staff are attentive. The restaurant do provides free parking which is a benefit. But it is way overpriced. The price, quality, and quantity of the food do not align. I have dined all over the world- literally. Including Michelin rated restaurants. This cannot compete. I would not be able to recommend this as much as I would like to be able to do so. The restaurant was the location of our wedding rehearsal dinner.

Came here for business. Sat right down. Free parking. Bread basket served with drinks that range in the $12-15 range. Everything a la carte. Caeser salad for $10 was very good as was Pea Soup for $7. Entrees included chicken Parm $23, lobster pasta, seafood sampler and rolled stuffed steak. All the entrees were very good. Sides of vegetables ordered for $9 and pasta was another $9. Food and service good but $75 a person.

An oldie but a goodie... this gem in south philadelphia is a must!! From the atmosphere to the service , especially Anthony behind the bar... but let’s not forget the reason we came here for the fabulous food .. The clams were the best I ever had so fresh and the lobster was awesome!! I went on a Saturday night and what a surprise we had with some live music which was great!! Let’s not forget the Free Parking!! So all around I would say what a great night !!

The Saloon has been one of my favorites for over 30 years. We just started to go back more frequently over the past few months after the pandemic opened up Philadelphia. The Saloon has classic decor. Beautiful wood work walls with classic artwork and posters. There are three floors. There are bars on the first and second floors. Classic old style bars. The food is very good. The regular menu has a lot of great offerings. I typically like to go for their specials. The veal Osso Buco is amazing here. Some of the pastas are home made here, and their red sauce has a wonderful balance and has a great flavor. They also serve oysters. This is my wife’s favorite. The clams casino are the best I’ve ever had. There is a great mix of entrées and appetizers on the menu, ranging from pasta, seafood, meats. The wine list is good, but not extensive. The wine prices are fair. The service is excellent. All the waitresses do a great job. They are all good looking too. Taylor served us tonight and do a fantastic job. She had plenty of support to bus the tables and take care of any of the details; i.e. water, butter, silverware change, etc. These young guys were on top of providing great service. They offer free parking on 7th Street before and after the Saloon. The attendants have been there over 30 years. They only work for tips, so take care of them. Great guys. Enjoy!!!

I haven't been to The Saloon for years. We decided to have dinner here & we were not disappointed. We started with a Beet Salad with Spinach & Mozzarella & Poblano Peppers both delicious. Dinner we ordered Rigatoni Sesso... the pasta was cooked to perfection & the sauce was delicious. The Veal Mondolaise was also delectable. The Saloon has old world charm with delicious food. I would definitely recommend this restaurant. (FYI parking is free)

On very short notice, my three companions and I called the Saloon and asked if they could seat us within 30 to 45 minutes on a Friday evening. The gracious host said he would accommodate us. Upon arrival we were seated near the staircase on the first floor. We had not visited the Saloon in many years and were very happy to see the beautiful rooms, entertainment and extremely good service were the same. The restaurant was full and there were two parties upstairs. Our server was very lovely and made suggestions on menu selections and specials of the day, which were numerous. We all split the veal/pepper appetizer and the roasted peppers, which were very tasty. I had the octopus salad as an appetizer. It was served on a bed of arugula and was tender and the dressing was light and delicious. My companions also had enjoyable salads. My main course, the pork chop was one of the specials of the evening. It was served with a red sauce and cooked to perfection!! My friends were very happy also with their eggplant, chicken and steak entrees The server brought the dessert tray with a tempting array of sweets. She informed us that the management wanted to pick up the tab for our dessert selections, which was more than kind. Overall, it was a great dining experience and we will certainly return soon.

Before going on, I've got to say that our server was fantastic, and as I looked around, it was obvious that the service at the Saloon, in general, was friendly, helpful, timely, just what anyone could ever want. For appetizers we had a variety which included different salads and I had steam mussels in a wonderful white sauce. The appetizers were all first rate. For our main courses, three of us had two different kinds of Branzino. I had a pair of Branzino filets, lightly battered/breaded and fried, dressed with crab on top. The others had a whole Branzino served with steamed, garlic'd spinach and roasted new potatoes. The Branzino was a bit overcooked for us all. My crabmeat was perfect on top of the fish. The spinach on the other two dishes was delicious, and the potatoes were good. Our fourth had a chicken dish (all breast meat) that was clearly overcooked as it was on the tough side and somewhat dried out. We finished our fish. Half the chicken was left on the plate. Two of us had dessert. Neither were worth writing home about. I think lack of flavor describes both. Because one in our party can't walk stairs well, we sat downstairs. The area we were in was very noisy. We were near the bar and we were even closer to a table with each adult feeling the need to virtually yell during their entire meal. We've eaten upstairs every time we've come to the Saloon. Upstairs, from a noise standpoint is a very good experience.

After 40 days in spain, greece, and italy, I can assure all foodies this spot has them beat... do not doubt, and the service is old school delightful

Staff made us feel like regulars even though hadn't visited in 10+ years. The salads were amazing, drinks were strong, and the steaks were perfect. Probably the best dinner experience I can remember thanks to the attentive staff. Free parking next door.

The atmosphere is amazing in this place. They have such delicious dry rub wings and you MUST have the brusselsprouts!! Great range of drinks. Perfect place to grab drinks and visit with friends!!

I loved the ambiance in this restaurant. The customer service was good and my meal was delicious. I got the crab stuffed salmon and mashed potatoes. I will def be back!

This reastaurant has been in South Philly for over 25 years but it is as fresh as it was in the beginning. The food is excellent and the service attentive and helpful. I had the special fish entree that was heavenly..light, moist with a sauce that was not overpowering. My husband had the veal chop and thoroughly enjoyed; I don't particularly like veal but couldn't resist tasting it and it was scrumptous. Will go back again in the very near future.

I love the food and atmosphere here. Service is always great

. Food is amazing, waitstaff is on point, good food choices. Yes, it is pricey but worth it for a special occasion or entertaining out of town visitors. Nice little bar in front and a great upstairs area. This has been my go to restaurant for entertaining Clients for 30 years and I have never had a complaint. Parking is valet before and after the front door. Well worth a visit