White Dog Cafe
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3404
Phone: (215) 386-9224
- Price:
- $$$
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30-2:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm, Sun 10:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm
Editorial Review for White Dog Cafe – by Lauren McCutcheon
In Short
Owner Judy Wicks is Philly's own Alice Waters. At her Victorian brownstone, she holds events year round that pair community activism with fine dining. Whatever the day (or occasion), seasonal, pesticide-free produce and humanely raised fish and fowl are transformed into internationally inspired cuisine. Rainbow trout may be topped with Brazilian nuts and rum sauce; locally raised chicken may come roasted and homemade brioche French toast may be topped with pear and cranberry compote.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
When to GoSign up for the restaurant's mailing list and you won't forget to make reservations for New Year's Day Pajama Brunch, dinners with Kevin upstairs at Judy's, social conscience-raising trips and block parties on Bastille Day and Cinco de Mayo.
The ExtrasDon't worry if you can't finish what's on your plate: Your leftovers are destined to be recycled as fare for local farm animals.
Know Before You GoThe menus change according to what's fresh and in season.
User Reviews for White Dog Cafe
05/21/2008 Posted by eeyorebunny
It's hip to like this place. But the bottom line is that the food isn't all that impressive (I get a stomach ache every time I eat there), the tables are tiny and uncomfortable, and the general manager is downright unpleasant to talk to. Oh, and he proudly told me that he has enjoyed dog meat and horse meat! I complained that rabbit (a pet dear to my heart) was being offered on the menu. The response I got was condescending and rude, and the general manager insisted that I was overlooking all of the good that the restaurant does. And yes, as I said above, he informed me that he has eaten dog meat and horse meat. At the end of the day, it appears that the White Dog is happy to serve flesh of animals of all types (apparently if it were legal in the U.S., dogs and horses would be candidates for the menu too). They seem to think that serving "free range" animals makes up for it. Do a little research and you'll learn that free range is not a meaningful standard, and so this insistence that the White Dog is a socially responsible restaurant is why I think that the White Dog is "overstated" in its contributions to the community. If you want to dine at a restaurant with true ethical standards, please patronize one of the vegetarian restaurants our lovely city has to offer (Horizons, Govindas, Singapore, etc.). You will get better food, better customer service, and a truly socially responsible menu.
Pros: Vegan Options
Cons: Dead Bunny on Menu, Rude General Manager, Tiny Tables, Overstated Social Value
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
11/14/2007 Posted by bobbygoren
Very disappointing Not a good place to spend anytime in. Food is mediocre and the service is brusque at best. Had to wait a long time for a our meals and place was not crowded as I've been told it never is. Beer was horrible and the glasses provided were, oh well.. and so it goes. Place is full to types completely painted up with Henna Tattoo's. The owner, I think her name is Judy Licks reminds me someone prancing around in drag. It was not a pleasant experience and place like this would never make it South Brooklyn, South Boston or South Philly for that matter. Bobby Goren South Brooklyn,NY
Pros: None
Cons: To many to mention... Pass on it.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful
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