Audrey Claire Restaurant Cafe

12/24/08

Audrey Claire - politically and socially incorrect

by afrederi at Citysearch

We tried to go to Audrey Claire on a weeknight with my mother, who happens to be disabled. She would have been able to step up the one step into the restaurant and walk the couple of steps to the open table that was there. However, as we attempted to help her into the restaurant, we were met at the door by a server who immediately insisted that if we did not have a reservation then we could not eat there. I was surprised to learn that they take reservations, especially since in the past when we have attempted to make reservations, we were told that they do NOT take reservations. Perhaps they have changed their policy. However, what made the whole interaction worse is that the server could not have been more condescending to us. She talked to us as if we were mentally disabled rather than physically disabled, speaking to us loudly and unusually slow. I was giving Audrey Claire a second chance (I had a terrible meal there several months ago) however, after that treatment, I don't think they deserve a second chance. I recommend that management talk to the staff about how they interact with disabled customers.

11/20/08

Don't bring a good bottle of wine here

by bas30 at Citysearch

The juice glasses used for wine may be hip, but you can't tell the difference between an $8 bottle and an $80 drinking out of them (can't smell the wine and the thick juice cup lip splashes the wine too far back in the throat--try drinking wine out of a shot glass and you'll have the right impression).

Ok, so clearly I have a problem with the stemware. The truth is many BYOs in the city use cheap stemware with low likelihood of breaking during dishwashing. After all, they aren't making money off the wine.

My real problem with dinner was that the food was thrown on the table so fast I was still trying to finish my appetizer as they were taking it away to put the main down. One of my colleagues commented afterwards that it was like eating at Applebees--efficient, but very rushed.

Finally, this is also not the restaurant to come to if you need a receipt. They really have no desire to provide for one (they use the one they write up to give you the bill to do there own accounting and won't rewrite it so that you can have a copy). So if you are dining for work--go somewhere else. This place won't satisfy your employer or the IRS with it's cash only, no receipt policy.

I'm being generous here with my two stars. There are great BYOs in the city, as such I don't need to eat at this one again.

• Pros: quick, reasonable food
• Cons: rushed meal, no wine glasses, loud, no receipts

09/21/08

Amazing food. Great service.

by LovesFood1029 at Citysearch

Went to Audrey Claire for the first time tonight after multiple people had recommended it and I thought it was absolutely fabulous. We ordered the lamb and the grilled tuna -- both were delicious. They were cooked perfectly and the Mediterranean accents (couscous, yogurt, etc.) added a wonderful flavor to the meal. There was no wait (on a Sunday night) and the service was excellent. I would say that the only negative is that it is cash only. But, I definitely plan to go back!

• Pros: Nut-free restaurant (for people with food allergies)
• Cons: Cash only.

04/13/08

Very Good

by phillycmc at Citysearch

This was a good experience all around. First off, the host was terrific and the waiter was very helpful too. While the place was packed both were pleasant, nice, attentive and honest. The food too was very well done. The octopus appetizer came atop salad, which was a surprise. I was just expecting some grilled octopus in a vinagrette. The two fish entrees - tuna and rock fish - were well done. The seasoning could have been a bit more zesty, the fish was of good quality and well prepared. They both came atop Israeli couscous and excellent haricot verts. I would recommend sitting at the bar if an option, because it's quieter than other tables in the very loud restaurant, and watching the cooks turned out to be entertaining and informative. I'm looking forward to returning.

• Pros: byob, service, food
• Cons: cash only, LOUD

02/01/08

Best Mussels in Philly!

by katielevy at Citysearch

Two weeks ago was my first trip to Audrey Claire and I firmly believe it is one restaurant in Philadelphia that absolutely cannot be missed. Mussels are among my favorite foods, and the mussels at Audrey Claire were the best I have every had. Definitely the best BYO I've been to as well. It's small and popular, with good reason, so be sure to get there early, or be prepared to wait. Don't miss this restaurant!

• Pros: incredible food, atmosphere
• Cons: tiny, but that's part of the charm!