White Dog Café

Frommer's Review

To understand this very tweedy, yet very socially left yet very, very Penn restaurant and bar, you must understand its owner, Judy Wicks. Wicks is not a chef. She is, however, one of the founders of White Dog Café -- and one of Philadelphia's great citizens. She gives generously to charities, holds thought-provoking dinners with authors and international academics, and always buys from and promotes small local farmers. Inside the two row houses that contain her day-through-night restaurant are cozy living spaces converted into dining rooms. Checkered tablecloths, antique furniture, lights, and white dogs accessorize the look.

I like to hang out at the bar here, drinking warm (spiked) apple cider in the winter, or chatting with the affable bartenders over a glass of house chardonnay. The servers -- forgive them, for most are Penn students -- deliver small to major platefuls of seasonal fare. I like the veggie plates, rosemary-grilled strip steak, and, during lunch, the Cuban Reuben.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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