Restaurants
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19125
Submitted by Bee Boyer on 09/11/2022
First, let me say that I failed to see on the menu that this was a tapas style restaurant, because it is not stated. I think given the prices it’s easy to assume the dished present full course entrees.
Secondly, people should know that since it’s reopening post pandemic it has almost entirely transitioned from a beef- centric to a seafood restaurant.
The pros: our wait person was superb. Attentive, knowledgeable, available without being pushy. When we found pieces of shell in our unlabeled tray of 6 oysters they were promptly removed and replaced with appropriately shucked, shell free and labeled oysters.
The drinks were original and fresh and tasty.
The outdoor patio was not overly crowded on a Saturday night and lovely to behold.
Cons: First and foremost, the prices of the dishes. I’ve had tapas from New York to California to Ottawa Canada. This was by far the most expensive tapas experience I’ve encountered for relatively small amounts of food.
Two of us consumed said oysters plus 4 tapas plus 2 cocktails each. With tip it was over 200 dollars. The food varied from excellent to banal.
I might come back for happy hour but as a dining experience I think one can get more exquisite food for less money in many other restaurants.
Submitted by Nicole Meyer on 08/14/2022
Stylish, intimate and great casual date spot. It's got a modern bar lol but serves fancy restaurant style small plates. Everything was delicious! Great drink selection too. Highly recommend the Tuna, calamari and duck entrées!
Submitted by Allysa Dong on 07/29/2022
This place left a wonderful first impression on me. I sat upstairs at the bar with two friends for happy hour / early dinner, and everything was divine, from the ambiance to the food to the service. I would recommend the oysters, scallops, and yellowtail crudo. Most importantly, get a drink - my bartender Jason made the most incredible concoction for me, and I was left wanting more of the grapefruity goodness.
Submitted by Sarah S on 07/09/2022
We had a great time here, and our server Isabelle was very kind and attentive but didn’t smother us. All 3 oyster options were beautiful, the swan oyster was my personal favorite paired with a glass of their dry Riesling. Highly recommend, perfect atmosphere for good friends and good food. Can’t wait to come back!
Submitted by Osula Lam on 06/21/2022
I came here by bus for dinner on a Monday evening in late June 2022. The reservation said only patio seating was available but their entire dining room was empty and allowed for indoor seating if you desired. Their entire menu is tapas style while the last two sections are "more substantial entrees/tapas".
I ordered three Nova Scotia and three Velvet Sea Oysters but since only one Velvet Sea Oyster was available, I substituted two of them with Barstool Cocktail Oysters. They were all delicious. I also got the Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, which was also very nice but it didn't wow me.
I then had their Cacio E Pepe pasta which was also just okay and did not wow me. I then had the Grilled Octopus which was also just okay. It was pretty bland even though it was cooked very well. The entire dish needed seasoning. I even had to ask for lemon wedges, which only helped mildly.
I will say however, that the Oysters were shucked very well. The service was also very good. Those are the only redeeming qualities though. Don't go out of your way for this place. If you do, don't order anything I did except for maybe the Oysters.
Submitted by Autumn Spadaro on 06/04/2022
Easy to say the food was amazing, drinks were spectacular but the best part for me was the service. I travel a lot for work, spoiled by growing up in Austin with a service filled town I have struggled to find what I personally feel is overwhelmingly good service from staff.
The food is stunning so far everything we’ve had in both visits this summer have made us leave saying, “actually felt welcome and worth every penny spent”
Submitted by John on 04/19/2022
While out to Philly for business, we were told this place is a must go. We completely agree. Jason the bartender and Claudia were awesome and the Sugar Shack oysters were some of the best I’ve ever eaten.
Submitted by Erik Keith on 10/30/2021
Wow. This place is a must see, whether in Fishtown or just Philly proper. Incredible culinary and cocktail experience. I immensely enjoyed each bite and sip, spending much longer than anticipated meandering through their mouthwatering menu. Jason, Alex, and the entire team put this place over the top. Attentive, insanely fun and knowledgeable, the KQ team are THE best. Thank you all.
Submitted by James Dennin on 09/08/2021
This restaurant is serving up some of the best seafood out there. Imaginative, meticulously prepared dishes with incredible combinations that still don't overpower or upstage perfect pieces of fish. The tuna tar tar with brown butter and grapefruit, the raw scallops with pickled plum, the cacio e pepe with (caviar?) stirred through will stick with me for a long time. Don't sleep on the milk bread with that insane tomato stuff either. The service is also ????. If you like fresh seafood and small plates you'll be in heaven.
Submitted by Anna D. W. on 08/14/2021
Great brunch menu! Super friendly service, tasty options. Eggs Florentine on awesome milk bread. Tender omelette and delicious potatoes, only thing is size:) my husband said he would eat more :) and of course jelly donut, freshly made! And couldn’t not to point out the hay straw, quite cool eco friendly option and it will last through the brunch time, not like paper ones. Lastly they have inside and outside spaces, definitely kids friendly.