Southwark

07/05/2008 Posted by secondstreet

The menu is simple with mostly local, fresh ingredients. The plates are very accessible compared to Ansill which is more eccentric but equally pleasing. If you eat late expect certain things to run out, evidence of the fresh ingredients. The bar is also worth a stop; try a sazerac. It's also the only place I have found in the city that sells Junipero gin.

Pros: Local ingredients, outdoor seating, great bar

11/03/2007 Posted by jp712

nice ambience, dining in the courtyard was nice. service was fine, and the food was pretty good too, but some of the portions were way too small for the price. we both work in fine restaurants, and couldn't believe the 2 (underseasoned) scallops on the "large plates" menu for $23. overall, it was a little bit disappointing because we walked in with high expectations.

08/23/2007 Posted by zneroladivad

I am surprised that there were bad reviews of this restaurant. The staff is so efficient, knowledgable and pleasant I don't know what sort of person you'd have to be to elicit a negative response out of them. I believe someone complained that their food came too quickly, so I guess some people are unpleasable. If you have a litlle bit of class, an appetite for excellent, intelligent, seasonal food and a thirst for the best cocktail of your liking then make Southwark a regular stop. This place has a unpretentious style which completely blindsides you with excellence.

04/14/2007 Posted by pennfoodies

but a bit forgettable...reliable good american food, but nothing out of the ordinary...great if you're not adventurous...

10/01/2006 Posted by sgalspach

I hestitate to even write this review - maybe I just misordered? We were so excited to try Southwark, which always looks so inviting. While I'd still definitely give the bar a shot, our meal was incredibly disappointing. Served so quick you'd swear we were at McDonalds, the food tasted as though it had been sitting out all night. The brisket/beef that I had was rubbery in texture and seemed as though the sauce was an after thought. The service was fantastic - attentive and knowledgable. Too bad the meal disappointed.

09/20/2006 Posted by raymurray

A friend and I went to Southwark last night and had a frustratingly bad time. When it came to order, there were two salads offered, a goat cheese salad and an arugula salad with blue cheese. I asked for the arugula salad but if they could replace the blue cheese with the goat cheese. The waiter, with a surprisingly haughty attitude told me, "No substitutions." I then asked if I could have the arugula salad, but hold the blue cheese and I'd like to order a side order of goat cheese. Determined not to bend, the waiter said, "I can not do it, all of the goat cheese is reserved. We don't have any extra." I eat out almost 6 nights a week and did a first - I walked out of the restaurant. Interestingly, the place was empty, only one other table occupied, so you would think they would offer some service. Obviously, I will never go back.

Pros: none

Cons: Terrible service, waiters with an attitude

09/06/2006 Posted by janetappel

Let me start by saying to the people who think that the staff is rude... it's a non-offensive, appropriate style of humor which is appreciated by individuals who can grasp that, even though its bold of them. Its everything but snooty. Just because certain individuals can afford to eat there doesnt mean that they think they are better than others. The hostesses are always polite and if your late for your reservation(and called) too bad for you, be more efficient and considerate so that she/he, the staff and the kitchen isnt put in a bad position when her 8h30 reservation arrives and your behind is still in it. Not to mention the kitchen who will be backed-up in orders causing your and everyone elses food to take longer than it should. There is a reason she has a job, respect it. Our 7 year old niece is always welcomed and adored with her napkin on her lap and ability to discuss arts in an adult conversation, whilst ordering from the grown up menu. So in conclusion i couldn't imagine what your talking about in reg. to complaints. Fabulous home made parmesan bread... i'd die fo rthe recipe, clams a must, lamb perfectly tender, quail mouth watering, cheese platter tiny but exquisite. Desserts lovely, great nutty tawny port you can get per bottle from the PLCB on 5th&spruce on an available SLO order for $12/bottle. Victoria tawny butler. The owner was kind enough to tell me where to get it without a moments hesitation. You can even eat heart there. Intense but succulant. Do you have an adventurous palet? small menu but so what? everything is recommended philly, everything.

Pros: Never dissapointed

Cons: Too many people know about it so tables are harder to get! lol

07/06/2006 Posted by gazooo123

We have visited this restaurant for the 4th time in the last 6 or so months. Excellent! We absolutely love the place. When you first enter you are greeted by the two bartenders, Kip and George. Kip is the owner along with his wife who I believe is the Chef, though I have never met her. Friendly atmosphere with a beautiful long bar and martini's are served always with a little extra on the side (man I love that). Two of the four visits were strictly drinks and the other two were enjoyed with dinner. I am not a person who has dinner at a bar but I have to tell you this is an exception. George served us that day with appetizers a main course and coffee. Dinner was delicious and we were comfortable sitting at this bar. The one time we sat down for dinner, we enjoyed friendly service from our hostess and waiter which always helps to set the mood. We ordered a grilled fish which was done wonderfully served with grilled vegetables. We returned to the bar which was filling up and ended the night with a coffee and drink. We look forward to our visits to this establishment, definitely worth a try.

Pros: ambiance and food

Cons: limited space

06/08/2006 Posted by kikidog

we eat out a lot and do it all from Stewart's to Babbo; we're still reeling from this one. Wine & beer is great - but as Woody Allen said - Food is terrible; and such small portions! Husband ordered the "rib"; literally one rib served on an appetizer sized oval plate w/sides set up like garnishes. It was inedible, couldn't work thru the fat & bone and gave up. Told waiter it was inedible - he returned to the table shortly and asked jokingly if he'd like it wrapped. I asked if the chef was difficult about it & he responded that he hadn't told her!! The lamb was mediocre - there was a knowledge of ingredients, but they didn't come together; the tastes did not work for us. We left very hungry - and we are light eaters. Stick to the bar - good drinks and a lively scene in the front.

01/24/2006 Posted by chiendeux

It was difficult to enjoy the meal after being treated so rudely by the hostess. We were running a bit late for a 6:30 reservation, and called to let them know, only to be told that no matter what, she needs the table for an 8:30 reservation and they will be seated at that time. She never broke a smile. Once seated, while discussing our obnoxious greeting, the waiter who overheard our conversation said "you're still talking about that?", as though we asked him...Food was mediocre at best, I've had much better in many other places. Dessert was downright poor, not one of the four of us had an interest in finishing what we ordered - highly unusual for this group. We'll never go back, nor recommend.

Pros: Atmosphere

Cons: Staff, Overall treatment