Best Casual Restaurants in University City

209 restaurants available nearby

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant

1. White Dog Cafe - University City

4.6

Exceptional(5461)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • University City

Booked 105 times today

An iconic restaurant in University City since 1983, White Dog Cafe is a leader in using environmentally sustainable, organic, and local foods from farms within 50 miles. Known for warm hospitality, and inspiring award-winning food, the White Dog's historic three brownstones offer charming and whimsical dog décor and artwork in its many unique dining spaces and outdoor dining on the sidewalk.

A photo of Louie Louie Bistro Bar restaurant

2. Louie Louie Bistro Bar

4.6

Exceptional(1771)

Price: Moderate

• French American • University City

Booked 28 times today

Located in University City, Louie Louie is an American bistro with a French inspired menu offering seasonal, ingredient-inspired dishes based on a classical combination of flavors. House-made pastries and an extensive beverage program highlighting wines by the glass and bottle as well as seasonal specialty cocktails and craft beers add to the dining experience. The décor pays homage to Art Nouveau and European cafes with a touch of the 1970s. Traditional wood tones, reclaimed subway tiles, tried and true black and white marble stones as flooring and wainscoting and blue and buttery leathers, fabrics and patterns bring color and graphic identities to the space. The Lounge offers custom lux seating, perfect for gathering with friends for cocktails and snacks. Outdoor seating reminiscent of French cafes is the ideal spot for dining and people watching.

A photo of LaScala's Fire-University City restaurant

3. LaScala's Fire-University City

4.4

Awesome(173)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • University City

Booked 12 times today

LaScala's Fire at University City is located at 32nd & Chestnut on the Drexel University Campus. (This is not our Old City location.)* NOW WITH A FULL BAROpen Table's Diner's Choice 2022, 2023

A photo of The Board and Brew Philadelphia restaurant

4. The Board and Brew Philadelphia

4.3

Awesome(5)

Price: Moderate

• American • University City

Booked 4 times today

Coming Soon!

A photo of Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant

5. Craftsman Row Saloon

4.5

Awesome(1068)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old City

Booked 112 times today

We are famously known to provide holiday pop-ups with all the festivities and delights and are currently showcasing our Holiday Wonderland Pop Up. This holiday season we are even more super-sized and decked out than ever and ready to provide the festivities and delights of the holiday season. The drinks and food items will take you on a full sensory experience of the holiday. Whether inside or out, there is a perfect spot to take your holiday picture so have your camera ready!Our year round Iconic Burgers, Milkshakes and other Sandwiches such as our Doritos Mozzarella Sticks, French Toast Burger and Donut Fried Chicken sandwich are always on the menu as we continuously change it up seasonally. Every moment can be magical time to share experiences with family and friends so check back for our other seasonal pop ups. Proudly featured on The Travel Channel's Food Paradise, Fox29, 6ABC, Opentable’s Holiday lists and more!

6. The Dandelion

4.7

Exceptional(8077)

Price: Moderate

• Gastro Pub • Center City

Booked 142 times today

London's culinary revolution comes to Philadelphia with this unique gastro-pub. Cozy rooms and intimate bars create a storied, Old World aura, while updated seasonal takes on British food make up the menu. In keeping with tradition, our casks and tap craft beers are always rotating and classic family-style roasts are served on Sundays.

7. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(7212)

Price: Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 185 times today

Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr's The Love is a bi-level sanctuary features 150 seats, split between the main dining room, sidewalk seating, and an upper-level loft. The restaurant is a spirited and carefree neighborhood café celebrating everyday American cuisine. The menu is crafted around what’s truly seasonal and local, while the beverage program reflects the best of the region. This creative energy is matched by a front-of-house service staff passionate about providing homey hospitality morning, noon and night.

8. El Vez

4.8

Exceptional(7005)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican / Southwestern • Center City

Booked 84 times today

A contemporary Mexican restaurant, El Vez offers many unique items such as mahi mahi tacos, ahi tuna tostadas, carne asada and pasilla braised pork pozole. Enjoy their made-to-order guacamole & margaritas with fresh-squeezed juices. Top off your meal with "The El Vez," a flourless chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse and carmelized bananas.

9. Aleksandar

4.6

Exceptional(490)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary European • Center City

Booked 21 times today

Aleksandar is the newest addition to the acclaimed Rittenhouse Square restaurant scene. We are inspired by seasonal ingredients, chef-driven techniques, and the traditions and flavors of ancestral and modern Europe. With floor-to-ceiling windows, large-scale original artwork, and cozy wood finishes, we at Aleksandar strive to marry Old World authenticity and modern culinary flare. Aleksandar is an approachable introduction to different corners of Europe, a place to discover new flavors and old traditions. Reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ins are accommodated whenever possible. We look forward to your visit!

A photo of Village Whiskey PHL restaurant

10. Village Whiskey PHL

4.6

Exceptional(591)

Price: Moderate

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 17 times today

Featuring a comprehensive selection of more than 200 whiskeys alongside what has been called the country’s best burger, Village Whiskey is an instant classic. Envisioned by Chef Garces as a spot where he and his team could enjoy a drink and a snack after a long night in the kitchen, the restaurant’s focal point is the central bar that is home to their near-encyclopedic catalogue of Chef Garces’ favorite spirit, whiskey. Our able bartenders shake and stir classic and contemporary cocktails in a space evocative of a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Our Whiskey Menu can be enjoyed with our Award-Winning Village Burger or Tasting Menus offered in our more intimate Dining & Tasting Room

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Saje
1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent service! Food was delicious. Highly recommend the meatloaf and rice pudding!
More info
White Dog Cafe - University CityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• University City
•
4.6
L
Lindsayvip
Philadelphia County •155 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Warm welcome from the host. Grabbed a quick cocktail during happy hour with very friendly service. Enjoyed our dinner and service with John. The Crab Louie salad and deviled eggs were scrumptious. The mussels and fries also packed a ton of flavor. Never take the white cosmo martini off the menu. It’s the best!
More info
Louie Louie Bistro BarPrice: Moderate• French American• University City
•
4.6
T
Tiffany
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Delicious and fun holiday themed food and drinks, the decor is beautiful. But in our 9 years as a family, we have never spent so much on a dinner with 2 kids. Not at Disney, not on vacation. I think that would detour me from going back, honestly.
More info
Craftsman Row SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Old City
•
4.5
G
Gianna
Orlando / Central Florida East •1 review
4.0
Dined on 8 Nov 2024
Only a $6 gaming fee and not overly crowded so we could stay and play games for several hours without worrying about anyone else waiting to take our spot. Great experience!
More info
The Board and Brew PhiladelphiaPrice: Moderate• American• University City
•
4.3
W
William
Tampa / Central Florida West •5 reviews
4.0
Dined on 4 Nov 2024
The waitress forgot my guests cocktail. I had chicken piccata that had very little flavor and the pasta was overcooked Serving size was large. My friend had clams and linguine which she enjoyed very much. All in all a nice place.
More info
LaScala's Fire-University CityPrice: Moderate• Italian• University City
•
4.4

Best Casual Restaurants in University City

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209 restaurants available nearby

1. White Dog Cafe - University City

2. Louie Louie Bistro Bar

3. LaScala's Fire-University City

4. The Board and Brew Philadelphia

5. Craftsman Row Saloon

6. The Dandelion

7. The Love

8. El Vez

9. Aleksandar

10. Village Whiskey PHL

See what locals rave about

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