The Dandelion (https://thedandelionpub.com) is one of my husband and my favorite bars in Center City Philadelphia. However, we don’t normally dine here. We were in Philadelphia for a nearby event and decided to book dinner reservations at the restaurant. The Dandelion is a cozy spot, perfect for fall and winter, or for a date night during any season. It offers a modern take on British pub fare.
We arrived ahead of our reservation, but thankfully were seated immediately. The hostess escorted us up to our window table on the second floor. Shortly after being seated, our friendly waitress came by to begin our dinner service. She asked if we preferred sparkling or still water, told us about the menu and took our drink order. I ordered a seasonal cocktail with cider, gin and shrub; my husband stuck to beer.
Water and a large bread basket arrived first, shortly followed by our drinks. The shrub in my cocktail was so overpowering, it tasted like a glass of vinegar. I am not one to send food or drinks back, but I could not stand to take another sip of the cocktail and asked to order a different drink, saying I would gladly pay for my original order. Our waitress insisted they would remove it from the bill, as I should enjoy what I ordered. I appreciated the gesture and thoroughly enjoyed my replacement drink.
For our meal, we decided to split several plates. To start, we ordered the smoked salmon and trout pâté with toasted pumpernickel bread, beef tartare, heirloom tomato salad and chilled tomato soup. As our main course, we split seared salmon with curry chickpea stew. Every bite was delicious, though I most fondly remember the smoky pâté and the tart, yet refreshing soup. We cleaned all of our plates and were far too full to eat dessert. Next time!
The service, ambiance and cuisine make The Dandelion a dependable yet surprising stop in Philadelphia.
The Dandelion
124 S. 18th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
tel 215 558 2500
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