The Twisted Tail

4.5

1589 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a booking

2 people

14 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 12 times today

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Charming
Great for live music

Thank you for choosing The Twisted Tail!

High Top tables are only available on the weekends, and are located on the second floor. They are communal style tables, and you will get to enjoy the band after 8:15PM.

The Twisted Tail is a bi-level restaurant, bar and live music venue featuring a charcoal-fired grill, a wealth of bourbon selections and the rollicking ambiance of a "juke joint" (or old school Southern music hall). The inventive menu highlights ingredients in their simplest form, flame-broiled over live coals for rich, authentic flavor.

Inside a warm, welcoming dining space makes The Twisted Tail South Street’s best place to catch a band - and a bite.

Dining areas

Additional information

Location
509 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone number
(215) 558-2471
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Regional American (Southern)
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat 11:00–16:00 Sun 10:00–16:00 Dinner Mon–Thu 16:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–01:00 Sun 16:00–22:00
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Metered street parking is available in front of and behind the restaurant. The closest available parking garage is located on Lombard Street between 2nd and 3rd.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Leo Forneas

Private dining

Grilled QuailUS$13.00
Herb Chimichurri
Diver ScallopsUS$14.00
Almond Romesco, Parsley Oil, Bacon Jam
Pork BellyUS$14.00
Sea Salt, Lime
Grilled OctopusUS$13.00
Gigante Beans, Chorizo, Pasley Oil
Chorizo TacoUS$9.00
Tomatillo, Queso Fresco, Tequila
Jumbo ShrimpUS$12.00
Grilled Pineapple Confit
Lollipop Lamb ChopsUS$15.00
Cauliflower Puree, Parsley Oil

Vegetables and...

Small Plates

Country Ham & ArugulaUS$14.00
Warm Goat Cheese, Shaved Celery, Sherry Vinaigrette
Heirloom BeetsUS$13.00
Yogurt, Candied Ginger, Mizuna
Crispy FlatbreadUS$14.00
Cauliflower, Almond, Bourbon Raisins, Parmesan, Parsley
Lioni BurrataUS$16.00
Heirloom Baby Carrots, Honey, Rosemary, Candied Walnuts
Gem LettuceUS$13.00
Radish, Torn Herbs, Lemon Vinaigrette
Wild Mushroom ToastUS$15.00
Crispy Pumpernickel, Mushroom Puree, Roasted Mushrooms

Everything Else

Small Plates

Big Eye TunaUS$15.00
Wonton Cups, Chili Oil, Avocado, Cucumber, Sesame
Wagyu Beef TartareUS$13.00
Capers, Cornichons, Grilled Bread
Oysters On The Half ShellUS$18.00
Vodka Cocktail Sauce, Mignonette, Hot Sauce
BBQ Smoked RibsUS$15.00
Bourbon, Maple, Celery Slaw
Smoked WingsUS$12.00
BBQ Spice, Buttermilk Dill Dressing
Scallop CevicheUS$13.00
Jalapeno, Tomato, Citrus, Truffle, Crispy Corn Chips
Pan Seared RavioliUS$17.00
Spinach, Ricotta, Sage, Brown Butter

Plates

Fried ChickenUS$24.00
Rosemary-Honey, Sweet Potato
Blue Bay MusselsUS$24.00
Tomato Broth, Scallions, Crispy Bread
Grilled Hanger SteakUS$29.00
Fingerling Potatoes, Shishito, Chimichurri, Truffle Vinaigrette
Shrimp & GritsUS$24.00
Bacon Vinaigrette, Scallions
Double Cut Pork ChopUS$32.00
Roasted Sweet Potato, Brussels Leaves, Honey Mustard
Catch of the day Fish & ChipsUS$23.00
Garlic Parmesan Chips, Malt Mayo, Malt Vinegar, Tartar
Smoked Duck BreastUS$29.00
Kabocha Squash Puree, Candied Figs, Duck Jus
Stuffed Poblano PepperUS$23.00
Asian Pear, Apple, Coconut 'Sour Cream', Avocado, Pecan
Chesapeake Bay Jumbo Lump Crab CakeUS$22.00
Bell Pepper, Mustard, Turnips, Cornflakes
Braised Short RibsUS$26.00
Sweet Potato Puree, Horseradish Gremolata, Broccolini
Ricotta GnocchiUS$18.00
Basil Puree, Toasted Pine Nuts, Wild Mushrooms, Parmesan
Grilled SwordfishUS$28.00
Eggplant Caponata, Pine Nuts, Raisins, Herb Gremolata

Sides

Crawfish Mac & CheeseUS$10.00
Toasted Breadcrumbs
Traditional CornbreadUS$8.00
Rosemary Honey
Shishito PeppersUS$9.00
Salted Lime
Grilled BroccoliUS$10.00
Bagna Cauda, Chili, Parmesan, Breadcrumbs
Crispy Brussels SproutsUS$10.00
Bacon Crumble, Bacon Vinaigrette

What 1,589 people are saying

The Twisted Tail reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Philadelphia
Hot spot

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Twisted Tail offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing food," "exceptional service," and "great live music." Guests rave about standout dishes like the fried chicken, beignets, and cheese platter. The vibrant atmosphere and accommodating staff make it "worth the trip." Perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.

1,589 Reviews

C
Chris VIP
Philadelphia18 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was delicious, the bartenders made great mixed drinks, and Daniel, our server, had great recommendations for which food to try.
Is this helpful?
W
Wendy
Philadelphia9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 3 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A perfect place for yummy drinks and varied, delicious small plates. And there’s live music every night but Monday!
Is this helpful?
T
Tammy VIP
Philadelphia5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 21 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We enjoyed a variety of small plates, that were absolutely delicious. Cocktails were spot on and server made some wonderful suggestions. Great food, nice atmosphere A+
Is this helpful?
L
Laura
Philadelphia2 reviews
3.0
Dined on 20 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing service! I wasn’t expecting long overly cramped table seating with strangers, so I was a bit thrown off by that. The food was just ok and not worth the price at all. I wouldn’t order food there again. I liked the environment overall and would go back for a drink. But again, our server was wonderful!
Is this helpful?
d
dwgroucho VIP
Philadelphia63 reviews
5.0
Dined on 20 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
I love the food, service and the ambience BUT was not thrilled to have a blues duo playing the entire time we were there! Made conversation difficult but the dinner was awesome and our server was the best!!!
Is this helpful?
A
Ahyonna VIP
Philadelphia15 reviews
3.0
Dined on 16 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Bourbon punch bowl was delicious, that I would highly recommend. The cheese curds with the dipping sauces were great as well. Corn bread was fine, expected more flavor and a bigger size. It’s under the menu as for the table but was brought a little skillet of corn bread. Entrees were very lack luster. I thought I was playing it safe by getting a burger, but it had little to no flavor. Other members of my party were not happy with their meals either. Seems like the only hit at the table was the steak and eggs, so I guess I recommend that. Waiter was fine, I’m going to give her grace and say she was just a little overwhelmed and busy but she was not attentive to my table at all. Kept walking away quickly even while we were still talking to her, barely checked on us! Super loud in there that we practically had to yell to communicate.
Is this helpful?
A
Angelo
Philadelphia3 reviews
3.0
Dined on 16 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Place was nice. Quick service. Waiter was nice. Food was okay. For my bill with what I got I thought it was way too expensive. Two diver scallops for $14. All in all for 3 people. 1 appetizer and 1 entre each. 3 total drinks for $230 including tip. Certainly for me too much for what we got for me.
Is this helpful?
J
Jack
New York City9 reviews
4.0
Dined on 15 February 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Exciting atmosphere. Duck was succulent. Service staff was attentive but interuptive: a short pause to be noticed prior to barging into a conversation distinguishes good service from great servive.
Is this helpful?
C
Claude VIP
Philadelphia1 review
2.0
Dined on 15 February 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
They took so long to give us our food that we missed our comedy show. We got there at 7:45 and didn’t get our entree until 9:45. The food was also cold. I was very disappointed.
Is this helpful?
F
Frederic
Philadelphia9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 8 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was excellent. We had the chefs tasting menu and got to try many items on the menu. Will definitely go back
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Twisted Tail does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. The Twisted Tail also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 558-2471.

The Twisted Tail is rated 4.5 stars by 1589 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

14 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 12 times today

509 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Dining areas

Additional information

Phone number
(215) 558-2471
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Regional American (Southern)
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat 11:00–16:00 Sun 10:00–16:00 Dinner Mon–Thu 16:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–01:00 Sun 16:00–22:00
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Metered street parking is available in front of and behind the restaurant. The closest available parking garage is located on Lombard Street between 2nd and 3rd.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Leo Forneas

The Twisted Tail

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Private Dining

Custom inquiry

From the Charcoal Grill

Grilled QuailUS$13.00

Diver ScallopsUS$14.00

Pork BellyUS$14.00

Grilled OctopusUS$13.00

Chorizo TacoUS$9.00

Jumbo ShrimpUS$12.00

Lollipop Lamb ChopsUS$15.00

Vegetables and...

Country Ham & ArugulaUS$14.00

Heirloom BeetsUS$13.00

Crispy FlatbreadUS$14.00

Lioni BurrataUS$16.00

Gem LettuceUS$13.00

Wild Mushroom ToastUS$15.00

Everything Else

Big Eye TunaUS$15.00

Wagyu Beef TartareUS$13.00

Oysters On The Half ShellUS$18.00

BBQ Smoked RibsUS$15.00

Smoked WingsUS$12.00

Scallop CevicheUS$13.00

Pan Seared RavioliUS$17.00

Plates

Fried ChickenUS$24.00

Blue Bay MusselsUS$24.00

Grilled Hanger SteakUS$29.00

Shrimp & GritsUS$24.00

Double Cut Pork ChopUS$32.00

Catch of the day Fish & ChipsUS$23.00

Smoked Duck BreastUS$29.00

Stuffed Poblano PepperUS$23.00

Chesapeake Bay Jumbo Lump Crab CakeUS$22.00

Braised Short RibsUS$26.00

Ricotta GnocchiUS$18.00

Grilled SwordfishUS$28.00

Sides

Crawfish Mac & CheeseUS$10.00

Traditional CornbreadUS$8.00

Shishito PeppersUS$9.00

Grilled BroccoliUS$10.00

Crispy Brussels SproutsUS$10.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does The Twisted Tail offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Twisted Tail restaurant rated?

Is The Twisted Tail currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information