White Dog Cafe Reviews

Perhaps a bad day at the restaurant - but me and my friends won't be back any time soon. Met friends for visiting friends who once lived in Philadelphia - returning to a stand-by. Made reservations for Sunday brunch, check. Welcomed and seated in a timely fashion, check., Beverage and food orders taken, check. Then it all went down hill - very quickly. Yes, it was Sunday brunch - but not first rodeo for the White Dog. It took forever to get our meals. Once the meals arrived - they arrived cold. My friend ordered the steak and eggs and specifically asked that the eggs be hard cooked. Apparently that detail didn't reach the kitchen. Dish went back. Returned dish still hadn't been cooked correctly - but seeing we were now almost 2 hours into bunch and my friends had to catch a train - she ate around the runny eggs so she could have something. Yes, the White Dog took the entree off the bill - but that isn't the point. What happened? Used to have consistent service and food, but not today. So disappointing.....

Stopped in for lunch today since we were in the area. Nice building in University City. Food was just ok and definitely not worth the price. My wife had the turkey sandwich which was good, but certainly not worth $17. I had the roast beef sandwich special of the day. It came with cheddar cheese and a horseradish mayo sauce. I asked the server if I could get provolone if they had it, but if not, the cheddar was OK. Came out with no cheese at all and you couldn't even taste the horseradish in the mayo sauce. The chips that came with my sandwich were all crumbles at the bottom. Absolutely not worth the $16.00 they charged for that one either. Joe, our server was good but we won't be back when in university city again. Don't waste your time; there are plenty of other restaurants in the area.

We had the Kung pao cauliflower as a starter, beet salad, lamb rigatoni, locust point chicken and watermelon panzenella salad. The staff was very good about informing us ingredients in the meal that someone might or might not want in the dish such as red onions in the watermelon panzenella salad. Not being surprised was very nice. When the staff wasn’t sure about a question they didn’t make something up, they checked and provided a complete answer. A very enjoyable experience.

We mentioned to the waiter as we ordered that we were in a rush. Nevertheless we waited for our food for an hour, barely received an apology from the waiter or manager. The quality of the ingredients in our dishes was very poor, dining hall food quality at best. It was extremely expensive for what it was. Do not recommend, it was an unpleasant experience.

What a great place for a quiet date! We had mistakenly thought it was pretty small from the outside, but found it to be a charming cluster of separate rooms, each with a quaint feel, and adorable dog-themed decor. Drink specials were delicious! I always go with anything as locally created as possible, and while the food choices are proudly farm-to-table, the drinks are not necessarily. Although, there are a few which are locally produced, like Bluecoat Gin, and Yards Brewery. The cheese board was a chefs choices, and rather tasty. The cheeseburger was one of the best I’ve ever had! I even got extra bacon, despite the bacon-infused sauce, and it made a great burger even better. The servers were attentive, and helped each other when they found time to do so. It was a nicely performed operation, like all restaurants should work. Strongly recommend this place, and we will return!

I only discovered this restaurant three days into mt trip to Philadelphia. I ate 2 dinners here and one breakfast. The staff were very friendly and the menu was interesting and the food tasty

Started to go here for lunch, but decided to come back later for the full dinner menu. So glad we did! It was fantastic! Great atmosphere, perfect wine recommendations, impeccable service & amazing food. Highly recommend.

This place was a real treat! Everything from the hummus, oysters (both) , to the beet salad and pasta was amazing. Staff was patient and attentive. And I love the ambiance.

The outdoor seating option is nice and comfortable. The arepas and salads were good. The Mac and cheese with pulled pork was my favorite. It was delicious. The noodle salad was ehh.

This was my third visit to this location. It was super busy on a Saturday for lunch. I like the ambience but prefer the other location in the suburbs for food , service and ambience . The fries were over spiced ... the steak salad was good. The waffle was too good!

I returned here today, after experiencing horrible service a couple of years back. The service was just as poor: it took multiple requests to get bread for the table, salt shaker was empty (and the food certainly needed it), it took forever for the waiter to show up, in the first place... Food was bland, despite ingredients that normally enhance flavor. The arepas were like eating compressed saw dust -- certainly not worth the price.

Wanted outdoor dining on a Saturday night due to COVID concerns, which they had--only to find that the heat lamps didn't work anyway (just props, apparently). But the food was pretty good and our server was nice, so it was an okay evening.

One of the best restaurants I have eaten at in the US with a varied menu and European sized portions. We ate here on our first night in Philly and returned the following evening, you cannot say more than that!

The café is quite nice with an indoor and outdoor section. The outdoor section would be really nice in the Spring or Summer when the weather is nice. The decor of the café is really cool and great for dog-lovers. The staff are quite friendly, but they seemed a little bit understaffed and so the service wasn't the best. The food was quite nice, but a little bit overpriced.

Went here after follow-up appointment at nearby University hospital. Very well located. Very comfortable outdoor seating. Food was very good and staff was very efficient and friendly.

Great little restaurant with delicious food. Get the mushroom soup with the truffle creme freche so silky and smooth. Great menu items to choose from you can't go wrong.

The management of this restaurant is very kind, caring and accommodating. The food is reasonably priced and the wait staff is very attentive. The atmosphere is great and if you can get so fortunate to sit outside, it makes the experience even better!

Consistently excellent food. Amazing all ingredients are locally sourced. The menu items are creative and flavorful. Wonderful service and beautifully decorated restaurant. I will absolutely return here any chance I can!

The White Dog never disappoints, from the amazing warm rolls with flavored butter, to soups and salads, especially their classic Mushroom, butternut squash and new black bean.

I visited White Dog Cafe for dinner. The decor is dog-themed - charming and warm. My server was nice but a little distracted by her other tables. My burger was exceptional! Everything on it was delicious and fresh. A little less mayo would have been nice; needed many extra napkins. Prices are high but in line with the quality of the food. This will be a "must" anytime I return to Philadelphia.

The food was great. Had the mushroom soup and chicken sandwich. Both were excellent. The building itself is very cool. A great location for lunch or dinner.

We probably have not been here in about 10 years, love the location and eclectic decor. Midweek lunch crowd, they definitely were busy but there were open tables. Our waitress was nice but we started looking for her to ask about our food after we were there 40 minutes- food runner brought them to the table-cold overcooked hamburgers and cold truffle fries. Tables are quite close to each other and we did not really want to complain in front of a large group next to us. We did not understand why our food came out delayed and cold when they have food runners. Tables seated much later than us received their lunches almost immediately after ours, I’m guessing they probably weren’t cold or overcooked. No one asked us how it was. We paid and left but will find somewhere else to go for lunch next time.

We got stuck in traffic and arrived late, but they held our reservations. We hold our server that we had to be out of there in 45 minutes and she made it happen. Food was a good selection and I could easily have chosen 3-4 different things. Food was delicious and good presentation. Our server (sorry I didn't get her name) kept close eye on us but never rushed us. Got out with time to spare. Strongly would recommend it.

Really cool dog art on the wall - im serious - i walked around to look at every piece and I bet that artist has made a 5h!tload of money just because of this restaurant and his cool dog art being there. So - the restaurant. 75% of the dishes we got were GREAT, I had am amazing soup, some good fries. But the fish my brother in law ordered honestly was not good. Prices are a little big high, so I cant give it 5 stars, and service a tiny bit slow... Nice beer selection too

This was our first visit to the White Dog after getting rave reviews from our family. We came at an odd hour, after a college tour (4:30). So they didn’t have the full lunch or dinner menu, so we ordered off the bar menu. It had plenty of options for all of us. They claim to be one of the first farm to table restaurants, and all of the menu options confirm that. Everything we ordered was outstandingly prepared and delicious. The fried chicken sandwich was amazing, and you have to try their famous cream of mushroom soup from Kennett Square. The Parmesan fries and fried pickles are also highly recommended. The service was very pleasant and very thorough with attending to our table, although we were one of the few diners in the restaurant at the time. They also had a nice wine list and ample beer options for both draft and bottles, including some great craft beers from local breweries. If you’re a dog fan, you’ll love the quaint decor in each unique dining room, which are usually dog-related. And if you’re not a dog fan, what’s wrong with you? Just kidding. Don’t forget to try out their homemade “cookie jar” for dessert. And if you can’t stay for dessert, get a box to go! They’re delicious. We hope to go back for dinner some time in the near future!

My friend had a burger and liked it but I did not order it as it was described as a double burger. Unclear why. It was big but not two patties. Her french fries were very good. The Caesar salad was the worst on the planet hands down. Little to no dressing. Great big pieces of Romaine that one had to cut to eat. And burnt one quarter chicken breast for an extra upcharge over the 20 cents worth of romaine. $20 total. blech.

We had dinner here recently and enjoyed the atmosphere, decor and ambience very much. That said we also enjoyed the service and the food! Very nicely presented and good tasting. The table started with a number of sharing plates like the whipped ricotta and sourdough. I had the salmon and the my partner enjoyed the trout. The restaurant rates a return.

We went here twice in two days!! We have a variety of allergies and dietary restrictions and everything was perfect. The vegan tofu scramble was great and the vegan carrot ginger soup was also great! Service was excellent as always. On the second day, the waiter didn’t even ask but brought us oat milk for the tea/coffee since we ordered vegan meals. Such great service to do that! Thank you!!

We recently had brunch at the White Dog Cafe and loved it. The restaurant itself is unique with several rooms in the "house", all designed a bit differently but sticking to the dog theme - very cute. The service was good, but a gentle reminder to refill those water glasses! ;) The brunch menu had many good options. The portions were very large - definitely not able to eat it all.

We had a good lunch on the outdoor patio. The server was very attentive, especially with drink refills. The food was good quality, but a bit small on the portions relative to the price. The restaurant interior has a fun, funky vibe.

This was my first visit to the White Dog Cafe, but it won’t be my last!!! This is one of the most interesting and enchanting venues I have experienced anywhere! The dog motif is evident in every room (including the restrooms) with the most delightful touches of whimsy and entertaining designs that incorporate dogs into door handles, wall decorations and artwork of all styles. Our server was Courtney who handled our group of 9 with expertise and ease. She was always present when needed and gave us expert advice on menu selections. I was particularly impressed by her constant attention to our beverages and keeping water and wine glasses fully charged and my iced tea well tended. The bread was fresh out of the oven and well presented. The Truffle Fries were a huge hit as an appetizer and as an side dish. The burgers were fantastic and Caesar salad a cut above the best! Dessert deserves special mention. The “Cookie Jar” comes loaded with gourmet cookies in a dog biscuit container with a mason jar of milk for dipping. The teenagers in our large group loved it along with the apple pie and crepe brûlée that we shared. This was a fantastic experience overall. Everything was perfect and entire staff friendly and engaging. Thank you!! We’ll be back!!

My husband and I had lunch here and just loved it. The restaurant is decorated very tastefully with a dog theme and the exterior has beautiful flowers in window boxes and planters everywhere. There was a crew of people tending to them prior to the restaurant opening for lunch. The food was phenomenal and perfect portions. I had the shrimp tacos and the mushroom soup. My husband had the chicken salad sandwich with corn and cashew soup. Delicious! I enjoyed a mocktail that had tea, lemonade, mint and raspberry in it..unfortunately I don’t recall the name of it. We highly recommend this place and hope to go back again.

I used to frequent the White Dog Cafe in the 90s when I was in college. So, when I had the opportunity to return to the area, I knew I had to take a trip down memory lane. The restaurant has managed to maintain its unique identity in an increasingly competitive industry. The dishes are interesting twists on classics and the decor is equal parts cozy and quirky. It’s nice to know that in the rapidly changing world, some things stay the same.

First the decor - it's the most fun, eclectic mix of design you'll find anywhere around Philly. You can't explain it, you have to see for yourself. The food is great and the whole experience is awesome.

We came here on the recommendation of our innkeeper, and we were not disappointed! Cheese board with a good array of accompanying nibbles and a lot of textures and flavors to go with the cheese. Creamy mushroom soup. Salmon with greens and squashes. Chocolate hazelnut cake accompanied by a small teacup filled with creme brulee. Even though this is located in the midst of a college community, the food is way more than college bar food.

this is a very nice location and the restaurant is very nice and cozy inside. the lamb bolognese was excellent, but the mushroom soup was a bit of a disappointment, cold and so so.

Monday night, really not terribly busy. Asked for a table outside. The hosted seemed flustered over something; “give me 5 minutes” then she disappears. Plenty of tables available. We finally asked someone else and we get seated immediately. We get menus then we wait, and we wait, and we wait. Then flag the waiter and put our entire order. Then we wait. Finally the food arrives, minus the appetizer soup. My friend had ordered a beer which he only got 1/3 of a glass because the tap ran out. “I’ll bring you our favorite beer” and we wait. We ask for the check, then he gets his beer. Again, the check please, ... now we wait...

Friendly, clean pub, little pricey but that is the area. Food is ok, good cocktails and nice beer. The atmosphere is lacking a bit, as it is a little too polished to my taste. But then again, lovely place to spend a relaxing evening in.

This is my new favorite place in Philadelphia. It is a warren of little dining rooms and bars all with a decor that celebrates man's best friend. The dog lover in me fell in love instantly. It is a farm to table restaurant and as such the menu changes seasonally. Great burger. But - I have to say my drink, Rin Tin Toddy was absolutely delicious. I had two of them and the waitress was kind enough to write down the recipe for me. They also have vegetarian and vegan options. Will definitely go back,on my next visit.

Excellent food and service. We had draft beers, mocktails, soup and salads: everything was beautifully presented and extremely tasty. Best beet salad I have ever had. Service was attentive and helpful. If you are a dog lover, you will love the decor.

Ate here for an early dinner prior to a Penn basketball game. Two blocks from a subway stop down a small street with other bars and eateries. The place was eclectic as each room seemed like a small living room in someones house. They were all different and very warm and inviting. Service was quick and friendly. Decent wine list and we had appetizers that were all good. the cookie basket for dessert was great.

Unique restaurant with a diverse menu and atmosphere. Recommend the mushroom soup (yes even in the summer) and the beets salad.

Hosted a business dinner here while working in Philly. Nice atmosphere with good food. Service was good, not great, but the ambiance and food made up for it.

Two out of four meals were inedible. The Thai noodle steak salad was terrible. The steak Frites was not a steak frites. Served with a strange glaze sauce. The wine list was very poor. Very disappointing for a relatively expensive meal.

When I go to a restaurant where the prices are quite high (e.g. over 20 dollars for a hot dog), my expectation is that the service will be excellent and when the party requests something, the answer is yes. Unfortunately, that did not happen. When we asked for separate checks, they told us no more than 4 checks for a party of 12 plus. Also, we were told we couldnt pay cash and credit card on a check. I should note other less expensive restaurants I have gone to accomadated the cash and check request. When we received our bread, there wasn't enough butter and no plates at first. The bloody mary was in a tiny glass. And there was one other request that was met with some resistance. So, in a nutshell, the food was quite good, but the service left much to be desired. I personally won't return.

Went there for business lunch with colleague before client meeting. Ate at the bar. Friendly bartender. Big selection of whiskey, scotch, rye on the wall. I had the avocado BLT. Brought out by runner who asked who got what (per peeve of mine - figure out a way to not have to ask!). Sandwich was good, truffle parmesan fries were really good! Wasn't able to try the beer. Will go back when I'm in the neighborhood.

We loved this place! Food was delicious and we enjoyed the choices on the menu. We had lunch here and had a limited amount of time and our waitress was kind enough to point us to menu items that would be ready quickly and she made sure we got our bill and finished in time. Great, fun atmosphere /decor.

We were drawn in by the niche decor and proximity to the Annenberg Center. We were willing to pay the high prices, assuming the food and service were in line with that pricing. Our overall experience was... meh... We were seated in a room that felt like an afterthought. It was bench seating against the wall- so you were seated very close to the table next to you. It was SO HOT in the restaurant! The staff was discussing among themselves how warm it was as well. I felt sorry for them. The tables themselves have a very large base at foot level- and it's difficult to move your feet around them. The food was the most meh part. The footlong hot dog served with a variety of condiments was actually one of the favorites (for $23 it had better be). The BBQ Asian ribs had good flavor, but were served just above room temperature. The crispy brussels were not crispy, and were swimming in liquid- but again, good flavor. Service was better than average, but nothing we were blown away with. Bathrooms clean and decor matches rest of theme. Cute but could be improved upon.

This is a very cute place. Very dog themed. We ate outside on the patio which is actually tables on the sidewalk. It was fine because this is a quiet street. The service was excellent. We started with the pretzel which is really a loaf of bread served with dip mustard and pickles. It was nothing special. We shared 2 salads. The Ceasar was ok. The fruit salad was excellent. We added salmon and shrimp as our proteins. Very well prepared. We shared the blueberry cheesecake. It was good. Dinner was$100. I would eat here again

The menu is full of light and healthful choices. We had the gazpacho and the mushroom soup, generously portioned and flavorful. We also have tried the Thai noodle steak salad and coconut shrimp salad. The Thai salad is better, with a little bite and lots of frisee. The coconut shrimp salad is just a touch too sweet because of the pineapple, although pickled onion provides a nice counterpoint. Pickled onion must be a popular condiment, because it also shows up with the arepas, Venezuelan corn muffins served with cheese and beans.

This is a great place to eat. The food is as good as the service, and even if it is not cheap the atmosphere was very enjoyable

Farm to Table. Expected super Fresh, Crisp Veggies and Fruit. What I got was a soggy mess of a sandwich and overly oiled and super greasy home fries. I ordered the avocado and bacon BLT on sour dough bread. The presentation was awful. A soggy sandwich on thin soggy bread with over ripe tomatoes, fresh avocado and soggy bacon. Squeezed on a small plate with the sandwich was the most greasy oily home fries I have ever seen Positives: fantastic atmosphere! Incredible and nicest staff! A pleasure to be in the restaurant. Just wish the food was better.

Came to UPenn for a quick visit and came across White Dog. So far the best meal I’ve had so far in Phil. Had avocado tuna tartare, pulled pork sandwich and burger.

Went here with my parents and we absolutely loved it! The food was fantastic and I already want to go back. It was a very cute little place. It was very busy at the time we went and the waitress took our drinks off of our bill because of the wait which was very nice.

I tried this restaurant a second time. Again, below average quality food. This time ordered an omelette. A soggy, oily mess. Could only eat some. My son ordered a cheeseburger and could only eat half. The fries were overly seasoned and soggy too. Bleh. Great atmosphere and cozy. Too bad the quality of the food just doesn’t seem to be there.

Having read the reviews on The White Dog we were in the neighborhood of the restaurant and decided to sample their food and service. We were very happy with the food and service. The omelet was great and the brisket gyro was terrific. The mushroom soup was also very good.

Attending my grandson's soccer game at University of Pennsylvania. Had lunch with extended family at the White Dog Café. Loved my Caesar Salad - one of the best I have ever eaten. Everyone else had the burger and raved about it. Waitress was very accommodating and efficient. Will visit again.

Once again I am not impressed. Came for breakfast and loved the look of the place. Coffee comes and it’s transparent and tasted like dishwater. Soggy undercooked bacon. Orange juice that doesn’t taste right. Sometimes things don’t need to be overdone to be made good. Seems that are trying too hard and it’s not working. Did not enjoy. This is our second time here and same results both times.

Recently went to the White Dog cafe for Sunday brunch. The atmosphere was wonderful. Our table was beautiful. Service was excellent. Menu and food was delicious. Would definitely recommend!

Whether the restuarant is busy or not, consider dining at the bar. There are 2 bars, and the one in the back room has less traffic and is quieter than the one at the main entrance. Service is excellent at the bar and the atmosphere is vibrant.

Wonderful retreat from hospital woes.. 3 1/2 blocks from Penn. Excellent service, excellent food. Definitely going back.

We were looking for a happy hour; how fortunate to have picked the White Dog! Customers ranged from college-age to us (whose sons are long out of college), and everyone happily co-existed. The happy hour menu was awesome; we chose oysters on the half shell and added hummus as the evening progressed. Service was excellent, the bar staff was charming and efficient. The only negative was the noise; while those brick walls are elegant and charming, they reflect and magnify those many conversations - maybe hang some tapestries or similar? But regardless, we'll most surely be returning!

went to the White Dog to try something different, overall the experience was average ! parking was a nightmare, plus the restaurant was extremely crowded, and as it was previously a few residences put together,there was lots of stairs, and ups and downs....not very conducive for my elderly mother in law who has a walker....also, the food was just average ! one plus though, the server was excellent and really tried to help make the visit worthwhile.

WE stumble onto this restaurant the first night in Philly and were so taken by the decor initially. each room, every wall, even the bathrooms are decorated with fanatical old painting of dogs. dogs in uniform, dog portraits, all painted by hand. the place itself is located in stylish old 1700, maybe earlier little row house on Sansom street, right on the UPENN border. Drinks, food, oysters, truffle mushroom soup and especially the baked bread they bring out with honey butter sea salt to get you started. so friendly and good, we went back 3 time during out visit. Loved it, check it out if you are there.

What a charming and yummy restaurant. My son and I enjoyed dinner together one evening and he had the steak frites and I enjoyed the entree with the scallop sausage (not a typo) and both were fabulous. Our favorite cocktail is called “reigning cats and dogs” and our appetizers were wonderful. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who is visiting Philadelphia.

Stopped for dinner with my niece on a rainy Thursday evening and everything was so good that I forgot about the rain. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the drinks and especially the meal. Our server was attentive without being annoying and the food was delicious! I can’t wait to go back.

White Dog was my favorite when I was studying here. Then my must go to every time I visit (I even have their cookbook). So very sad to say it’s no longer a must :( Was always 5 star / excellent rating. Today worst was the service which was always stellar. Hostesses were friendly but we had to remind them to seat us already (we had a dinner reservation were a little bit early like 5 minutes, so were asked to wait while they were setting up, which we did ... but then they started seating others! We were standing beside the hostesses they forgot and were just too busy chatting with each other). Server was either unfriendly to showing somewhat of a forced friendliness. Bus people seemed to plonk stuff on the table uncaringly, also we had to be the ones to move the empty plates for them to put down the new plates and even then they didn’t clear the empty plates! Stellar were the mussels, gazpacho, lamb bolognese and Asian ribs; the desserts were too (maybe come here for desserts - the mud pie and the lemon raspberry cake were delicious) Vegetarian dishes were just ok, as were the Caesar’s salad and the Salmon. The truffle fries which I used to love were just over fried and in small bits! Come on White Dog ??? What happened?

We were greeted by a personable hostess who escorted us through the charmingly quirky rooms directly to the table where our friends were waiting. Great start! Our 4 top was so close to the next table we found ourselves apologizing when we shifted positions (there were open tables). Our server was sweet and helpful, but the drinks arrived warm, generally a clue a martini was shaken long before it left the bar. The menu looked good, but the food disappointed all around. The $10 bread basket was reheated dinner rolls. The ribs were served drowning in a gloppy sauce that tasted primarily of salt. The cabbage and rice side was awful. The other dishes weren’t bad, but nowhere near the high praise this restaurant earned in the past. Maybe we caught an off night??? We won’t hurry back.

We were in Philly for 2 nights and this was really close to our hotel - we ate in the restaurant the first night and enjoyed it so much we came back and sat at the bar and had drinks and dinner! Food was really good!! Wine list is okay - cocktails tasty! Service was great!

Everyone recommends it, but my last two visits the food and service were just average. Great location, great reputation!

We began our long weekend in University City with lunch at the White Dog Cafe. The bright and ample space, set in three Victorian brownstones, was very comfortable, easy to converse in and the decor really embodied a sophisticated rustic charm. We began our meal with cocktails and an Artisan Cheese Plate which was accompanied by fruit, nuts, pickles, crusty bread and the most delicious strawberry and apricot spreads. The cheese selections were unique and very tasty! Definitely a must have as an appetizer or a nosh with cocktails. For our mains, we selected the Spicy Lamb Bolognese and the Impossible Patty Melt. The lamb ragu was very flavorful and the pasta was perfectly cooked. The Impossible Patty Melt was well cooked and the star of the show was the smoky onion jam and spicy pickles. This was a perfect intro to the foodie scene in and about the University City area. The staff was warm and friendly and the overall vibe makes it easy to linger long after the meal is done.

A city block of restaurants in old brick row houses. Bedrooms etc are now several dining rooms. Paintings, photos,stuffed animals,etc,of dogs decorate each room. Farm to table food . Great waiter and food. It was for my birthday from my wife. Would love to go back but I am from north New Jersey.

I'm ready to go back to Philadelphia... just to eat here. The food and ambiance are that good! Every one of the many dining rooms is decorated to be a show-stopper. We took so many photos of the place that a waiter finally asked us if we were from the "press." For brunch, I had Peanut Butter French Toast with Pennsylvania dark maple syrup. It was so good, I'm still dreaming about it.

The White Dog Cafe is hands down my favorite restaurant in Philly. The decor and charm of the space is unparalleled and drew me to this restaurant initially. However, the incredible farm-to-table menu keeps me coming back. I have never had a bad dish here, you truly can't go wrong with whatever you order. I highly recommend the Kennet Square Mushroom Soup which is a decadent truffle filled dish. The fresh bread is heavenly, the burgers are delectable, and the salads taste fresh and unique. Further, the staff here are always so friendly and accommodating.

We went for a dinner with a larger party. The service was very good, in fact they were able to seat us promptly despite the fact that we arrived earlier than our original reservation. They have good selection on the menu, primarily American cuisine. Our server was courteous, friendly and helpful.

I organized a dinner for 6 on a Tuesday night. Wasn't sure a reservation would be necessary, since this is a big place. I walked by, and made one anyway, and was glad I did! The place gets VERY busy, even on a Tuesday evening. It's a large, eclectic restaurant, with very cool, and varied decor spread across a seemingly endless number of rooms of various sizes, shapes and ambiance. Each room seems to have its own personality. What seems to pull it all together are the cool dog sculptures everywhere. Service was top notch. Swift, and pleasant, without being in your face - or in your hair. Cocktails were good, and arrived quickly. Courses were nicely timed, so that we had time to enjoy appetizers and chat before the entrees arrived at the table. Interesting menu items. I can say the yellowfin tuna was good, served quite rare, and tender. Someone at the table got a lamb shank, which made me want to go back again to the restaurant. Sure looked good! Overall, a nice, relaxed and enjoyable dinner. Would recommend the restaurant without hesitation. But DO call ahead to make a reservation, or you might have to wait in a rather crowded foyer area by the bar for a table. If you DO get stuck there, be sure to look up and enjoy the dog-themed quotes on the ceiling.

Quaint old rooms with dog theme; friendly, attentive service and varied menu. Soup and salads were good, as was the red snapper. Did not try dessert.

Stopped on a warm afternoon for light snack and cold drinks. Enjoyed very good service. Had cheese a cheese plate and some deep fried pickles. Washed it down with a gin and tonic. Neat place to dine. Loved the dog photos. Will return

You don’t have to love dogs here, but it helps. Dog art is everywhere, including odes written on the entryway walls and crowns on the ceiling to remind you who is sovereign in our hearts. We went for our teenager’s birthday, and had fantastic service in one of the many small dining rooms. While it has a very cozy, intimate feeling in those rooms, it also has a packed bar, and that seemed like a friendly crowd. As vegetarians, we found the menu more than just ok; we had some creative choices and everything was delicious. Try the crispy cauliflower in Asian sauce. Very inventive and satisfying. We’ll go back, for sure.

My wife and I were visiting Philadelphia and decided to have lunch at one of our favorite restaurants from 25 years ago, the White Dog Cafe on Sansom St. in the UofP area. It is still one of the best for food and service. Our server, Emily was attentive and personable. I ordered the carrot-ginger soup and the curry chicken salad sandwich both of which were outstanding. My wife ordered the fried chicken sandwich which she thoroughly enjoyed. The atmosphere was perfect. We were happy to see some things do not change! Do yourself a favor and try the White Dog.

It is a pretty spot and was extremely busy inside. But we sat outside on a lovely evening where the Service was extremely slow. While the server apologized that he was busy he spent a lot of time chatting rather than serving. The food was good, but not as good as expected for the price.

Popped in one late afternoon for lunch while on the Penn campus. Ended up sitting at the bar, the two of us enjoyed our meals. The Caesar Salad with salmon, though a little on the expensive side, was very good - the salmon was excellently prepared. The bean cake, a patty of sorts, no bun, was wonderfully flavored with spices. Service at the bar was excellent, as you'd expect. Check the menu, it's somewhat more limited than I would have expected. We were more than satisified.

Sansom Street can be a little tricky in terms of parking, but we found a spot. One can eat outside. Inside (NO handicapped access) the first room is rather dark, but then you wind up in the second room which is bright and airy. Competent wait staff. Medium length menu, dishes well prepared. A winner.

As a gluten free eater I felt super comfortable. The server brought me GF bread in a bowl with separate honey butter. (some places use cutting boards which is bad for cross contamination and don't give you a separate butter)

Food was awesome, ambiance was awesome, service was awesome! We ordered the deviled eggs and cheese tray for starters. Was delightful. I initially ordered the yellow fin tuna however they were out, which was understanble since we were there a little late in the evening. I went with the burger instead. Wow, it was awesome! My mom had the chicken which was fantastic and my aunt had the lamb bolognese- amazing. I had a blueberry smash? drink that really puts you on your tail lol it has bourbon. Will definitely visit again.

Has a few different of options on the menu. However pretty expensive. Opted for the burger it was a bit greasy and loads of cheese lots of sauce. Ended up just eating the burger without bun $20. Also ordered oysters they were good but didn’t seem like the normally prince Edwards ones accustomed to. Not sure if they are a bar/cafe/ or nice restaurant. Claims to be kid friendly however not sure how “friendly” they are. Would recommend other places with small children. Service was OK but took a long time to get certain things. For the $ per plate I expected a little better. Plus they were able to seat us quickly. Need to keep the music up so you don’t ease-drop on peoples FaceTime convos.

I’ve been coming here off and on for many years. The space is just fun, with many dog-themed pieces throughout the restaurant. The food was good, and the service was excellent. Our only complaint was that an order of fingerling potatoes was somewhat undercooked, but the first-timers agreed that they would definitely return.

We got a table here for a late lunch on a nice Saturday afternoon, and it was still quite crowded. Fortunately, we managed to get a spot outside, which was more comfortable for us. Menu was mainly brunch fare with salads, sandwiches, and some burgers. Service was attentive, and the meal was good.

We had been here numerous times, but just went for the first time with our children and were so pleasantly surprised at how kid friendly it is. Food was delicious and had plenty they liked. We went for brunch and it was busy but not overly crowded. The waitress was also very attentive!

I cannot say enough bad things about our experience at this restaurant. In over 70 years dining in over 60 countries, it was the worst experience I have ever had. The Staff at the White Dog Cafe ruined the College Graduation Dinner for my Daughter and our Family for their unexplained inability to bring the Graduation Cake to our table. I brought the cake to the restaurant the day before and explained when I wanted it brought to the table. Jessica understood and was very accommodating. The next evening I asked the hostess to have the cake brought to the table at the beginning for the meal so I could use it as the centerpiece of a toast to my Daughter. It took over an hour and over five different requests, discussions with the server and two different managers, the delivery of the wrong cake, and various other incidents (and dirty looks from staff and inattention) to finally get the cake to the table just before we left. By then the photograph on the cake was ruined as someone cut into it. The Staff made this the worst meal of my life, a moment which I had been planning for 23 years. To top it all off, the server gave the check to the wrong person at the table despite specific instructions to the contrary.

Can't say the food was anything special, but we had a really fun time nevertheless. Glad we had a reservation because the line was out the door - on a Monday! This place is huge - dozens of tiny rooms; if you go to the bathrooms you need a map to find your way back to your table. Service was attentive and friendly, although our server was definitely stressed and in the weeds. The menu was nothing exciting and the food was average at best. The restaurant decor is crazy. Seems like there is not a square inch that doesn't have some type of dog image/art. Really fun to walk around and look. Each room has a different vibe as well.

Of foremost importance is that the food here was excellent. My colleague was happy with her swordfish which looked great. Rather than an entree, I enjoyed three smaller dishes. To start I had a wonderful apple onion bacon bisque with little cubes of Granny Smith floating in it. The tartness and crunch of those cubes made a great contrast to the creamy and mild sweetness the onions lent to the soup. Punctuating it was a mild smokiness from the bacon. Next was a superb side dish of mushrooms from the region. Firmly textured, beautifully sautéed, there were more than I could finish. Along with this I had an arugula and roasted beet salad. It was a mix of yellow and purple beets whose sweet flavor went well with the peppery arugula. After dinner cappuccinos for us both plus a scoop of mango apricot sorbet for my colleague left us happy campers. Our server was also attentive and pleasant. The cafe is decorated with truly wonderful paintings, carvings and a few photos of different breeds of dogs. It was so much fun looking at them. I went through the whole restaurant before I left. Honestly, pet-loving me would go back to see the art even if the food wasn’t super good—which it was.

The food was very good and the service was friendly, if a bit slow. Very convenient location between Penn and Drexel.

We had dinner with our 15 mo old daughter while staying in university city. The food was delicious. The staff were friendly and accommodating. We were pleasantly surprised when the young waiter and hostess realized without us asking that we could benefit from a rush on our food. They made our meals quickly and encouraged us to stay as long as we wanted to (or as long as our daughter would allow it). It was truly a great experience all around. We will be back

Recommended by our B and B owner for a family celebration. It has something for everyone on it's menu and did not disappoint! Fun atmosphere and delicious food.

My wife and I took our grandson here and loved it. The ambience is special with a definitive dog motif. The staff is friendly, the food is very good, and the décor is just really cool. The food is a little pricey ($19 hamburger), but I enjoyed it very much.

We went with some friends who ate here more than 10 years ago and remember it being quite good. We had a room to ourselves and a knowledgeable waitperson who helped us with wine and food choices. 3 out of 4 of us ordered the trout which was perfect. It was a perfect spot to hang out, catch up and dine !

Eating here is a fun experience. It is an upscale but casual American restaurant aimed at college students and their parents -- or even just their parents alone! We ate dinner here a few months ago and loved the creative menu and youthful atmosphere. We ate here a second time last week for lunch. The lunch menu is a little less imaginative but still very tasty. Service is prompt, and the mood is relaxed.

The restaurant is in a nice area, the food is good and the ambient is relaxing. Good place to have dinner with friends.

This is a cute restaurant with great decore and enough space that we never felt rushed to finish our food despite how busy it seemed. The food was cooked flawlessly, but some of the flavors did not always seem to go together- like too many sauces in one dish. Overall I would go back!

I ate here with two friends when visiting Philadelphia this week. It’s quite a large place and the food is more restaurant standard than cafe. Having said that, they have a number of small items on the menu plus plenty of vegetarian choices, so something for everyone. This restaurant specializes in ‘farm to table’ eating which I believe means sourcing their food directly from farm suppliers. We shared starters of burrata and tomato salad and hummus served with bread and pita bread after which I ordered the rainbow trout with asparagus and chips (fries). It was absolutely delicious and my two dining companions said their meals were of the same standard. We tried two of the desserts - chocolate cake and also another chocolate confection and could hardly stop eating them. Service was friendly and efficient and the bill, although more restaurant than ‘cafe’. Was still fairly reasonable for what we all agreed was an outstanding dining experience. It’s worth visiting Philly just to eat at this place - don’t miss it.

We were in Philadelphia for some medical appointments at the University of Pennsylvania and had time for a nice lunch. This restaurant was about 8-10 minutes walking distance from the Perelman Center of Advanced Medicine. I do recommend reservations, as it was quite busy. As a vegan, I was so excited by the variety of options and decided on a wonderful salad with tofu made to perfection. The others in my party included vegetarians and non-veg and everyone enjoyed their meals. I thought the prices were pretty reasonable, as well. Definitely would go back!

The mushroom soup tasted horrible to me. I was not happy with the Service either. No napkins or refill on water. I had to ask for spoon 3 times.

Lovely brunch to celebrate my daughter’s birthday, with a wonderful server, Joe and good food! The mushroom soup was delicious! Smooth, slightly rich with delicate creaminess. I had the special omelette with pull pork which was a large portion but slightly dry (I prefer a moister egg mixture). My daughter had the Cobb salad, which was loaded with toppings and it had a little spice in it but it was very good! My sister-in-law had the pork belly and she said it was very good. The desserts were really great! The creme brûlée was awesome! The chocolate hazelnut cake was very good ~ the coffee ice cream with it made it very good! The white chocolate berry bread pudding was exceptional! Overall, great place to eat and celebrate! Will be going back!

My daughter, granddaughter, and i were in Philly so my granddaughter could visit colleges and we stopped here for lunch. The decor is so interesting, always something to look at. We started with the pretzel bread and it came out so warm and soft, so good I tried to convince my granddaughter to go to school in Philly just to have an excuse to eat pretzel bread. Our lunch was very good and it was just a fun, relaxing atmosphere. It was cold out so sitting outside wasn’t an option but I would love to visit in the summer to eat outside. We all enjoyed it very much.

Adorable from the outside and full of interesting decor on the inside, but food is forgettable and it would be far better if the staff took customers as seriously as they take themselves. Went in for a late lunch on a weekday and had to wait over half an hour for two salads and an appetizer. When we asked our waitress to check on our order, she snarled at us somewhat sarcastically. When we pointed out that the neighboring table got their cooked orders (including a well-done burger) before we had our appetizer, she was argumentative. She went to check the timing of the orders on the computer instead of checking with the kitchen! (Our order was only a few minutes before theirs, in case that makes it any better.) The heirloom tomatoes in the $25 salad were mushy and while the grilled cheese "croutons" were delicious, they didn't make up for the wilted frisee leaves that had black tips.

Very enjoyable atmosphere with ample seating for both small and large parties. With plenty of windows, you’re sure to get lots of natural light and a good view. The burger was great, but the Truffle Parmesan Fries were very heavy on the garlic. You may want to substitute for regular fries. The old fashioned was disappointing.

requested the burger be prepared well done. The Burger was not even undercooked. It just was not cooked at all!!!

I went there for lunch with a business colleague. We both ordered salads and they were fresh and the portions were generous. The server was not very attentive. She did not come around to see if we needed anything. It was not that busy at that point.

There is a good reason the WDC is on top of the list of best restaurants in Philadelphia. Fantastic farm-to-table dinning coupled with stellar service. The ambiance is a huge plus. This place is worth driving in from the suburbs.

Really lovely outdoor seating area. We had lunch there and stopped back for drinks with friends in the evening. Delicious food and wine.

Cozy, welcoming stuff, decent food. Overall a good experience; asian short ribs recommended as well as the fried pickles.

We went on Sunday at noon. It was very crowded. There was only a brunch menu available. Food was tasty but quite rich. The ambiance was excellent. Service was ok.

Great neighborhood near the University- imaginatively morphed into many classy rooms over about five row houses. Inside , great pictures of dogs everywhere, four or five different dining rooms, some more elegant or whimsical than others. Our food was very good - and we liked our waiter although service was slow. We had the burrrata- terrific appetizer- the blt sandwiches- very tasty with avocado- and the fried chicken sandwich- also very good. It was not heavy duty cuisine- but we ordered modes dishes. Such an upper to be there though- could be a favorite haunt if I lived in the city. ( ps liked their mocktails)

We really like White Dog. That said, it's actually really poorly managed. This visit we had an excellent server, attentive etc. But the management is horrendous. This was for brunch, and the restaurant has 11 different rooms. That said, to no apparent reason they had giant tables with children in seemingly every space. A couple asked to be moved and were seated next to us instead of beside the table with 5 under 5. The "hostess" was rude to them, we spoke up in support of their position, suggesting that they might want to create some family friendly spaces, or couple-friendly spaces, and she told us that we were being discriminatory against children. I don’t think family friendly spaces are discriminatory, and I actually think that a lot of parents would prefer not to have to keep shushing their children. Her attitude was absolutely unacceptable, and I would imagine that she has cost them more than just their and our repeat business. It's a shame, great food, fun menu and an otherwise great staff undermined by a bitter person who doesn't care at all about the business. I would as a business owner absolutely have a very hard time writing her a check.

Fun spot for very decent if not exceptional food. Between us we had seafood bucatini and a salmon dish. Good service, quirkily decorated, close quarters, lively and friendly crowd.

Still fresh, still local. This has been a mainstay in the Philly dining scene for years, and it's still as good as it's always been. A focus on seasonal ingredients makes every visit special, and the hospitality is top-notch.

I had the pulled pork sandwich and found it very good. The price was normal for the restaurants in Philly. The waitress was friendly and attentive to our table.

We had been to the White Dog years ago, when our daughter lived in Philadelphia. This time, we were in town to attend a concert at World Cafe Live. We decided to park near the venue and walk to dinner. It was a Sunday night, so we hoped to get in without a reservation. Fortunately, we did. I ordered mushroom soup as a first course, with the flounder in lemon caper sauce as my second. My husband skipped the starter and ordered the duck. I tried a white wine from a Chadd's Ford winery, and my husband ordered two different local craft brews. What a fabulous meal! It was one of those times when everything is so delicious that you can't stop eating, but you know you should slow down and savor the experience. And when you have a few bites left, you pause for a moment and regret that it's almost gone. Everything was just beyond scrumptious. I haven't dined so well in a very long time. Service was warm and attentive. It had been too long since our last visit, and I hope to return sooner rather than later.

I went here for dinner with my husband. I had the vegan udon noodle salad with tofu that was spectacular and he had the beef burger which he said wasn’t good at all. I’ve been her 8-9 times and everything has always been excellent so I’m not sure what happened with his burger.

Lovely spot for Saturday brunch. Venue is easy to find and laid out very well. Staff was very helpful, the coffee was good, and our food was great.

My daughter has been talking about this restaurant for months. We finally made it. Parking was a tad tricky since we visited on a busy weekday. But this place is so quaint and a lot of thought was put into the design and menu. Love the Dog theme and the fresh food (farm to table). We purchased two waters, an iced tea, cheese (3 pieces) / fruit (grapes) platter, 6 assorted devilled eggs, and two berry salads. The bill totalled 62.00 plus tip. The service was good. The food was fresh and earthy. However, this lil place is just so adorable!!!! Worth a visit for sure. Just be cautious... They only serve lunch till a certain time, then offer a bar menu, then dinner menu. Enjoy!!

Great quality food. Interesting menu. Quite busy. Friday lunch will be busy so don't expect a quite place for a business meeting. This is a lively cafe environment. Loved the mushroom soup

We were visiting UPenn and a member of the University introduced us to this restaurant. It is cozy and warm and the atmosphere lends itself to comfortable conversation. The wait staff was attentive, but not overly so. We ordered the deviled eggs (absolutely creamy, tasty, and amazing!) and the mushroom soup and turkey sandwich. The flavored tea cocktails were refreshing and just sweet enough (not overly so). We had every intention of ordering dessert, but the soup and sandwich was a WHOLE sandwich. The spread on the sandwich was so so so good -- I just wanted to eat it with the delicious fries. My friend said the burger was fabulous as well (and it looked it!). I can imaging this restaurant would be prohibitively pricey for students, but a wonderful treat if you'd like to treat your student. Can't wait to come back!

Fun atmosphere in room decorated with bat boxes. Unusual and artistic. As was the food presentation. I had mac and cheese with pulled pork. Appetizer size but I couldn't finish the portion. Served with great rolls and butter with a taste of honey. Delicious. Friend had shrimp ceviche salad topped with popcorn. Really, popcorn. Fun but she said the popcorn was tough and sometimes soggy. Otherwise salad and dressing delicious. Friendly server who checked in often enough. We both had white sangria and tea. No room for dessert.

This is a great happy hour spot, conveniently located a block from UPenn on a charming little street. While there was sidewalk seating, because of the warm day we opted for the bar, where we found five adjoining seats that provided a wonderful show as the bartenders practiced their trade. More important, the happy hour menu, while small, offered just what we wanted--oysters for two of us (they were out of East Coast, but the West Coast ones were fine, briny and tasty); a cheeseburger for another; mussels for a third; and truffled parmesan frites, tasty but somewhat disappointed because they arrived lukewarm. The bartender was efficient, friendly, quick to make note of our need for refills. The menu is exceptionally reasonably priced. We'll make more time on our next visit for a dining room experience; admittedly the menu items are more substantial, but the restaurant is lovely, the staff welcoming, and the menu very tempting. For happy hour, at least, we can vouch that it's a great choice.

I highly recommend the carrot and ginger soup which was delicious. The bread basket was also very good. The food here is both tasty and healthy. The service was very friendly. We ate outside which we always like to see as an option.

Host was welcoming. Waitress very nice. Soup cold. Fries served for all three people who ordered burgers after half there meal was eaten and also cold! I have been hear a few times. Not likely we will return

This restaurant is has amazing rooms to dine in, all feeling warm and cozy, while still feeling current. The food was delicious and the service excellent. We made a reservation, as it seems like a popular spot in a good location.

We were attending a summer institute at Penn and the organizers recommended this place. We are so glad they did! The decor is unique and the food is delicious! We sat in the tea room, yes, decorated like a tea room, including upside-down tea cups as lights. I had the salmon which was perfectly cooked and the zucchini pancake and curry sauce that came with it were so delicious! Everyone else in my party enjoyed their meals, but the carrot ginger soup (which we all got to taste) was just amazing! I would definitely order that soup if I visited again. Highly recommend!

We went (4 adults and 2 6-year-olds) went for a Sunday lunch. The food was very tasty. Some of the side items were a little pricey ($5 for a biscuit). Service was slow to begin. Perhaps it was a result of shortage. We finished and sat with all the dirty dishes for at least 15 minutes until we got the check and left. That was unacceptable.

Saw this restaurant on a walk back to the hotel. I’m so glad I did it was terrific. The inside is really interesting. I didn’t get to walk around enough to see everything. The food was great and service was good. The room I was in you could have a conversation with out an issue. The bar looked great but packed when I left.

We went here after a live at noon concert at World Cafe Live. The food here was excellent and well presented. I also liked the interior decor as it fit well with their city country theme.

Really enjoyed the restaurant - we ate a variety of food - the deviled eggs were a favorite. Our waiter Matthew made the visit special - Great conversation and service

Sunday brunch was the occasion, and not an empty belly to be found. This place is crowded, and people are squeezed into small places, but the food and service were excellent. I’m not sure White Dog is handicapped accessible, but they might be able to make accommodations. We ordered and shared hot waffles, coated in cinnamon sugar, plus an omelette. There was plenty to share, and it was a memorable meal. The dog theme goes beyond the name, as portraits of dogs decorated every wall. Our server was knowledgeable and quick— she was able to answer my question about pork belly from the menu, and our food appeared promptly. Not to complain too much, we were tucked into a very small raised booth (and I am a large person), but it did not interfere with enjoying the meal. There is outdoor seating, but I cannot tolerate the sun, so a quick switch was made (which is probably how we ended up in a booth). The restrooms, unfortunately, are down a steep set of stairs, then down a long hallway (a long haul), but I didn’t ask about alternate access. I was more than satisfied, despite any restrictions, and I would eagerly make a return visit.

I enjoyed dining here on several occasions during my recent visit to Philly. The food and the service are very good! Excellent choices of beer compliment the menu which has a variety of options if you are dining with friends with varied tastes.

I hadn't been here for perhaps 10 years. It used to be one of my favorite places to eat and meet friends from Penn. Something has seriously changed. First, there was no beer on tap, because their system for dispensing beer was down. OK. It can happen to anyone. But then the service was atrocious. We were not ready to order immediately upon sitting down, but wanted to peruse the menu after being told the specials. Big mistake. No one attended to us for the next 25 minutes. At the 25 minute mark we left and made our way back to center city where we got immediate attention at Royal Boucherie.

My friends and I went to White Dog for happy hour one day and I did not disappoint. All of the food was fantastic and the drinks were good too. I had sangria and it wasn’t obnoxiously watered down like some other places do. They also were able to accommodate the vegetarian in the group very well which was great! I’ve gone here many times and I know this wasn’t the last time you’ll see me here

Dinner was great, cheese board was an excellent beginning. Blackened catfish for meal was amazing, all the rich and spicy flavors one would expect in such a dish. Greek salad was very good, as was pasta dish with a very rich sauce. The seasonal choices are very appealing. Drink menu also very good, representing local cuisines, in keeping with their farm-to-table concept. Would have enjoyed a few additional wine options, and once finished with first drink, it would have been nice to have the offer of having a second pour in a timely way, not forty minutes later. Atmosphere is eccentric and has a cool vibe. The place still has the bones of several row homes interconnected.

Food was pretty good, as was the service, and drinks were pretty creative. Atmosphere is very eclectic and fun, and there's a good bar area too.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it's also my favorite meal. With that in mind, I think I know a good breakfast, and I know you won't find one better than that at the White Dog Cafe. My family and I have eaten multiple breakfasts at this location over a good span of time, and I'm finally putting our satisfaction in print. The White Dog is an extremely neat restaurant with an eclectic sense of style. Each room is a bit different than the other with a common dog-art theme that brings it all together. The best part of the restaurant is regardless of where you are sitting the food is always extraordinary!!! The dishes rotate based on the season and the local ingredients and overall presentation by the chef always brings out the best in each plate. In addition to the culinary excellence of the White Dog, the staff from hostess to wait team is always on top of their game. You will find the worst part of the White Dog is having to leave! All time great!

We ordered the Kung Pao Cauliflower and Broad Wing Farm Heirloom Tomato & Buratta for appetizers. Both were delicious. Entrees included blackened catfish, Udon noodle salad,and the summer vegetable arepas. Everything was scrumptious. Make sure you check out the cozy rooms and decor as well as the dog portraits, all was a real treat!

We enjoyed our food-the portions were pretty big. Nice server and they have a nice cocktail list. Would go back if we return to the area

Just loved this place! We went there for brunch with the kids (10 & 16). Perfect for everyone. FYI they have a kids menu which was great for our little one but the rest of enjoyed the lovely delicious food!! The pork belly is to die for.

This is my go-to razzle and dazzle spot for Friends. The fried chicken sandwich (that I put on a biscuit!!) was awesome, as were the drinks. There were a few misses—like dessert and some slow wait times—and my suggestion would be for staff to really address the deficiencies. (The desserts where underwhelming ...but the wait staff didn’t seem to care some of the quality was a “miss.”). Because of a few of these misses, I might think twice if I want an “amazing” brunch, but overall it’s a solid pick.

We hadn't been to White Dog Cafe in years (except once when we tried to go, not realizing it was Penn Alumni weekend!!) and decided to give it a try after a Saturday morning program at the Penn Museum. The host led us through the building and down stairs to the solarium, which was bright and very attractively decorated and much more intimate a setting than the dining room were we were seated the previous time. We started with tuna tartare, a very tasty and beautifully presented appetizer. My husband enjoyed his burger with truffle fries, and my shrimp salad was equally delicious, with high quality shrimp and a remoulade sauce. Service was good throughout. House white wine was $9.00 a glass for a decent pour. Our lunch was not inexpensive, but we felt it was a decent value given our surroundings.

First night ever in Philadelphia, White Dog was close to our hotel and seemed interesting. It's farm-to-table with a really inventive and varied menu. First, the food. People in our group ordered a variety of appetizers to share, and I enjoyed a great seasonal watermelon panzanella salad. My entree, the blackened catfish was surprisingly spicy, on the etouffee side, but interesting. Second, the detractor. All of the walls are decorated with plaster heads of small dogs, all mounted on plaques and staring back at you. It reminded me of a big game hunter's trophy room: a bit creepy and definitely overdone. Some heads had fallen off and there were empty plaques with dried globs of glue. The BIG problem. Our server mistakenly served my friend an alcoholic beverage when she had clearly ordered a "mocktail," even pointing to it on the menu. While he comped her two drinks, this was a BIG, BIG mistake.

Located near Upenn and Drexel, White Dog cafe has the right mix of casual and sophistication. This was probably my fourth time and I am always satisfied when I leave.The farm to table menu is both simple and sophisticated enough to please many palates and has a good amount of gluten free items. Our waitress was pleasant and efficient and our food came quick and hot. Everybody was satisfied with their entrees and overall we had a good time. My main concern is the half hour wait for our table even though we had reservations. I give this restaurant my GoldnAdvice seal of approval.

Love love love the character and decor of this cafe! Lots of smaller rooms with unique decor, so awesome. We went for brunch, food very food, server attentive and friendly. My friend went back for dinner and said her steak was like butter!

The food is outstanding and the service is wonderful. Great happy hour. Big place with several different areas to sit and hang out.

Enjoyed a nice lunch while visiting University City. Cozy spot with a nice bar area and fun dog oriented decor. The place is bigger than it looks with seating also downstairs; tables are small and close together so it can be a little tight when busy. Service was very pleasant and friendly. Enjoyed the deviled egg sampler-it definitely satisfied the craving. Also enjoyed the fried chicken sandwich, the avocado BLT, and the spinach and apple salad with grilled salmon. Everything was cooked perfectly with very fresh ingredients. Nice specialty cocktail menu. Looking forward to a return visit soon.

We’re gluten-free, so we were pleasantly surprised when Chris, our waiter, provided us with a menu that listed possible allergens for each dish. He also made good wine suggestions. We ordered the carrot ginger bisque to start with, and steak frites for our entrées. Unfortunately, the soup did not come out before the entrées. Chris apologized profusely, and gave us a complementary dessert, and then boxed up the soup for us to take home at no charge. The steaks we’re cooked perfectly medium rare and were so tender you could cut them with just a fork. The steak was subtly seasoned and topped with a delicious demi-glaze. It was literally the best steak I’ve had in years. Great service with personal care, delicious food, and nice ambience made this meal great! We can’t wait to come back.

Visited the White Dog Cafe alone. A special thanks to my server Becca, who was absolutely wonderful!!! She made me feel welcome, informing me of the history of the restaurant and very attentive. The food/drinks were great. My only regret, I leave Philli tomorrow and unable to return.

Little gem. This is not your college hangout. Beautiful rooms and decor. Very professional, accommodating, and friendly staff. And the food was amazing from presentation to portions to taste. Fresh, clean farm-to-table food. Will be back every time I'm in Philly.

Terrific lunch. My son-in-law Larry brought us here. He worked here for 3 years in the old White Dog, owned by Judy Wicks in the early 90's, before law school. We had a great lunch. Thanks to Kevin Scullin, great service and bar tending. We'll be back (all the way from home in LA).

I spent a week in Philadelphia doing research in the archives and giving a lecture. They took me to the White Dog Cafe for supper before my lecture and I returned on my own because I couldn't bear to leave the City without another visit. The food is fresh and locally-sourced. The menu is vegan- and omnivore-friendly. The service is great.

We truly enjoyed our lunch at the White Dog Cafe! The atmosphere is cozy and unique, with lots of different seating areas and private books. The service was friendly and very attentive! Our food was great—enjoyed having the hearty soup and sandwich combinations. And the peanut butter dessert was not to be missed!

Bar food really and we hung at the nice bar and had drinks and the bill came and WAY overpriced. They charge too much and then charge a credit charge surcharge and then tax on that credit card surcharge. I get it they are a for-profit business, but the food was really just alright (bar food really). Not going back........

Very good cocktails & delicious soups make up for the so-so efforts of the kitchen. Highly recommend the mushroom soup (of course) and their autumn offering of sweet potato. The Bloody Marys are excellent & I can we recommend their Bellini made with pear and ginger. Egg dishes were fine, nothing memorable and while the service is pleasant it’s seems perfunctory.

Came here with a party of 12 on Saturday November 2nd Our party was originally a party of 10. We understood that a table wouldn't be available at our originally reserved time and fortunately all found seats at the bar while we waited..and waited...and waited. I eventually approached the host to ask him roughly what time we should expect to be seated. He told us that he called us 17 times but no answer. I asked him how that's possible as we had been sitting in front of him at the bar for the past hour. He stated with over 600 people coming and going that morning, people hard to keep track of (that's your job fyi) I walked away irritated and he quickly called me back still with an extremely rude tone but nevertheless assured me a table would be ready in 10 minutes. We were seated downstairs in the back corner- perfect. We were served by the rudest, without exaggerating, waitress ever. We had to laugh about it the service was so bad. I've never been so nervous to place an order or ask for more coffee. My coffee was cold-I just drank it. The eggs were also cold. Extremely disappointing. We should have stayed at the bar. Bartenders were friendly and drinks were good.

My family enjoyed our Saturday brunch. Close tables, but noise wasn’t too much of an issue. Enjoyed our omelets and French toast. Lots of coffee flowing frequently. Enjoyed the decor, dog pictures all around. Bathrooms down the stairs, tight quarters.

Thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the White Dog. The short rib was cooked perfectly and the cocktails were delicious. Fantastic warm, fresh bread with honey butter was memorable but dessert was not worth the calories. I would definitely recommend for the ambiance, great food and drinks and cute neighborhood.

Dined here on a weeknight with a business colleague. Busy happy hour crowd, but no problem getting a table. Huge place. Service was a tad slow, but ok. Decent drink menu. Excellent food menu. The Kung Pao Cauliflower was awesome (and spicy). Same for the spicy lamb dish. The appetizer portion is a good size for dinner if you have anything else. Overall, a great meal if you are staying at one of the many nearby hotels.

The food was average. Nothing horrible but nothing memorable. Staff not very welcoming. Interesting decor.

Ordered spicy bolognese, was pretty nice and the size was huge. Would really recommend, however if you do not eat pork, it will be a little challenging, because there is no variety of options for people who do not eat pork.