Twenty Manning
Philadelphia, PA 19103-5633
Phone: (215) 731-0900
- Price:
- $$$
- Hours:
- Sun-Wed 5pm-11pm, Thu-Sat 5pm-1am
Editorial Review for Twenty Manning – by Jason Clampet
The Scene
Twenty Manning's sidewalk tables are some of the city's best--diners never feel like they're competing for space with pedestrians. Glass, leather, concrete and small vases of faux wheat grass inside create an atmosphere akin to a low-lit Armani furniture showroom. A concrete communal table roughly divides in half the bar-lounge from the dining area, but does nothing to quiet the bar chatter. Staff, while polite, is disinterested.
The Food
Inattention to major details for many of the entrees--lukewarm soup, overcooked New York strip steak, indelicate tuna sashimi--and a muddled Pan-Asian theme distract from what works on the menu. Namely, small plates suited for cocktails and conversation. A market-fresh grilled fish is the only consistent entree, while side dishes like sauteed baby bok choy, shiitake red-jasmine rice, sticky rice covered in chili-citrus vinegar and a baked Brie-and-chive potato pancake steal the show. (Photo courtesy of K.Ciappa)
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkSweetly simple pomegranate margaritas top a list of creative combinations that change with the seasons.
Where to SitTables placed along Manning Street offer a quieter dining and drinking option.
Know Before You GoMost good bottles of wine hit the $45 mark, while by-the-glass prices are in the $8 to $11 range.
Look GoodThe later it gets, the more crowded the slim bar becomes. This is a popular spot for people in the biz.
User Reviews for Twenty Manning
07/14/2008 Posted by tdn115
I came here Friday after work with two co-workers and was pleasantly surprised with the evening We were seated promplty without having reservations (granted it was rather early) in a great seat by the window.The cocktails were delicious, as was the food. The waitress was quite attentive, she came back several times- we were consumed in conversation, so we didn't get around to ordering right away- she was quite patient and just came back each time ready to take our order. We skipped appetizers and went straight to entrees, I had the short ribs- and they were fantastic. The location was great, the street was quiet with people watching was great, it was a friendly mix of people and pets. I highly recommend Twenty Manning, the quality of food for the price was an added surprise. we were having such a great time that one co-worker ended up missing her train, but we just ended up staying later for more drinks. A definate must.
Pros: Great food. location, ambience
Cons: no parking
02/05/2008 Posted by IROeater
I went here with good hopes, but was ultimately disappointed. the hostess was nice and we were seated quickly, but the tables are basically on top of each other. We had 3 people at a 4 top table, but it could have been 6 we were so close to the other table. Our waitress took about 20 minutes to get to us. Then she only took our order (without writing it down, which she then forgot what drinks we wanted), with no greeting or speil. It turned out they had specials (we heard from another waiter) that we never even heard about! We got our appetizers before the wine, which is unacceptable. We got the dim sum and calamari. the dim sum was Ok, the calamari was good, I liked the spice of the hot peppers. then our entrees. I got the seared tuna, and it was good, if not exceptional. The taste was good, and the vegetable, tuna, and black rice paired well. My companions however got the pumpkin ravioli, whichi was mediocre. The flavor was weak, and uninspired. The desserts were the best part. After barely talking to our waitress (yet again) we got the strawberry shortcake (very good) and the bread pudding. Both were yummy, but as dessert is the easiest dish to do well, I was unimpressed. All in all, I won't go back. Horrible service, mediocre food, and too many candles coupled with tight tables made it a waste. There are better places.
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