Alfa Restaurant & Bar

Doesn't Recommend

philly81

Joined 5 years ago

LAME. I don't know what kind of standards the other reviewers on this site have, but Alfa is pretty lame. Granted it isn't a stuffy, superficial Rittenhouse bar, the decor is tacky and their sound system is awful. It's basically just a space that a bunch of people in their late 20s-mid 30s go drink. Oh, and lots of cougars hang out there too. If you don't care about atmosphere, you have zero interest in hearing music at a bar, and like being picked up by old women with Jersey accents, then you will love Alfa.

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Tara Nurin

Joined 5 years ago

Contemporary American bar, lounge and restaurant attracts a balanced mix of professionals in their late 20's and up.. In Short
Although it's every bit as urbane as any Rittenhouse establishment, Alfa wraps its guests in an ambiance that feels genuinely welcoming and plastic surgery-free. One gets the sense that patrons aren't drawn there to show off their new Coach, but rather to relax into some pleasant chit-chat or intellectual banter after a day at the firm. With a new chef as of summer 2008, Alfa successfully accomplishes the task of dividing its focus between its identities as both a bar and restaurant. Contemporary American dishes rotate seasonally and source locally, and a different liquor is featured monthly. Veggie options abound, although house specialties include beer-braised lamb and house-smoked pulled pork. Eight taps carry mostly local and imported brews that vary depending on the temperature outside.

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volanova

Joined 5 years ago

great food, good service, intriguing atmosphere. Went there on restaurant week 2008 with a group, mainly because it was the first place we called at the last minute that still had a reservation available (well over 24 hours prior to the reservation time...). So, it was a bit of a shot in the dark. Very low key entrance, easy to miss, but once you get inside the atmosphere is great. They make a relatively small interior space seem large by utilizing large open areas. We had the four course restaurant week dinner (I had the duck appetizer and a main course of the braised pork chop). It was absolutely amazing, especially for a grand total of $35 per person, plus drinks, which were the $5 happy hour cocktails, and were great in and of themselves. The pork chop I had was very easily the best I've ever had in my life, not overcooked, amazingly tender, with a glaze that was only very slightly sweet. It certainly seemed like a meal that would cost much more than $35. But, according to their regular menu, the same thing (or similar) would normally not be much more than that. The clientele seemed to be pretty wide ranging, but that of course is not necessarily a good normal cross section considering the fact that it was restaurant week.

Doesn't Recommend

onestopman

Joined 5 years ago

Horrible Service!!!!!. I had high hopes, the ambience was very nice, and the menu looked great! But beyond that, my hopes were dashed. our appetizers didn't arrive for 30 MINUTES and they were cold. No one took our drink orders while we were sitting, so we trapsed back and forth to the bar ourselves for water and wine. When the entrees arrived, there were substitutions that we were not told about when ordering. No apology, just attitude from the waitstaff. The place turns into something of a dance club once it gets late, we had people bumping into our backs while we were trying to finish our cold apps and crappy entrees. I will not be returning, and advise others to spend their money on an establishment with a shred of management self-respect. My advice fire the GM, FOH manager and Shoot the Chef!!!

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adg87

Joined 5 years ago

Very nice atmosphere. Just the type place to go after a nice show for drinks or for a nightcap after a date. I will say that as nice as the place was, the food left a little to be desired. Won't stop me from going back, but nice establishments that offer the whole package shouldn't be overcooking wings or serving bland, boring quesadillas. I'm a fair enough person, that I won't damn an establishment off of one experience, especially since the waiter was a pretty nice guy, and seemed genuinely interested in me and wife's satisfaction level, but I would hesitate to choose Alfa if I'm looking for the full experience of good drinks AND good grub. (as we were that night)

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brezzyguy

Joined 5 years ago

Just agreeing with everyone else!. I just had to write a review, because I Agree with Hotflygirl that just posted 6/7. We stopped in on Friday night on a friend's recommendation... Just fabulous place. I made reservation for a table for 10 of us.... We ended up being more like 15; they were great accommodating us. The hostess was really terrific and hot. They made more space for us in the lounge. The atmosphere was simply great. The crowd of interesting, good looking girls provided a pleasant backdrop to our group. The food was perfect, especially the mini sliders were fantastic. The specialty drinks are amazing, be careful though they are deceptively strong. Amazing Mojitos (my personal favorite). DJ was spinning some seriously fun music. We are going to become regulars. Our waitress had a slightly diva-like attitude, but she kept the drinks coming. No Complaints. You should check it out, we had a blast!!!

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hotflygirl

Joined 5 years ago

Perfect Place for my Birthday. Last night 3 friends took me to ALFA for my birthday and the evening couldn't have been better! From the decor, drink menu, great booth for a group of 4, friendly & helpful staff, to the amazing food. We all drank, ate and laughed and will definitely be back again! The recommendation of the Caribbean Duck on special was perfect as well as the rest of the menu...no one had a single complaint!

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alphamale411

Joined 5 years ago

Visiting Philly? Go to Alfa Restaurant & Bar!. Went to happy hour with my coworkers while we were visiting Philly. I suggested Alfa because I came in about a month ago and I liked the low key atmosphere with reasonably priced drinks and unbelievably awesome food! -- this was just what we were looking for! But best of all the bartender, Eric. He was so friendly and remembered my name (I mean, doesn't everybody wanna go to a bar where everyone knows your name??)! Definitely go here!

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phillygirl4891

Joined 5 years ago

29th Birthday Dinner Party @ Alfa. Last night (4/4) I threw my 29th Birthday dinner party @ Alfa and my god - not one complaint from any my guests! Every single person left saying they had a great time. I loved it, I've eaten at Alfa a couple times last month, so I know the food is amazing. But several times I got the impression that the servers don't know much about food, for example I ask about a menu item and totally get some off the wall description. That really doesn't matter the kitchen staff @ ALFA knocks it right out of the park, into Jersey! I highly recommend this place for any party, it's crowded, but their bar staff are incredibly fast and really nice. Good Food, Good Atmosphere, and Good Drinks.

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daddysgir

Joined 5 years ago

Fun Place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. I am generally not a Rittenhouse scene type of personality,.but this place is not what I expected at all. ALFA is totally down to earth! The staff is totally unpretentious, the service is above average, the food is AMAZING, Happy Hour is awesome, and furthermore the customers seem pretty cool too.