Slate
102 S. 21st St.
Philadelphia , PA 19103
215-568-6886
Related reviews:
The newcomer does not fit into an easy niche, but the creative kitchen is off to a good start.
Craig LaBan: Many first-time creations of the region's young restaurateurs are unfinished out of the box, with a lack of polish that risks obscuring the tasty virtues just below the surface.
After savoring my way through some clever comfort-food updates at Slate, from homemade lamb gyros to barbecue pork spring rolls, I'm hoping this newcomer doesn't become a casualty of such shallow first impressions. » Read more
After savoring my way through some clever comfort-food updates at Slate, from homemade lamb gyros to barbecue pork spring rolls, I'm hoping this newcomer doesn't become a casualty of such shallow first impressions. » Read more
Cuisine type: Pub
Meals Served:
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Style:
The sleek new spot in the old Cafe Habana is a 'tweener for the gastropub scene - too polished for the usual hipsters, too casual to be an upscale destination. But a neighborhood crowd is starting to discover Slate's virtues: the long granite bar tended by the personable owner, Laurentiu Muras, and an affordable menu of creative, crafted flavors from talented young Eric Paraskevas, who reinvents lamb gyros, riffs on myriad variations of fresh frites, and lends a deft Latin touch to more sophisticated dishes.
Specialties:
Barbecue pork spring rolls; roasted brie and apricot; queso fresco panzanella salad; scallops with chicory and papaya gazpacho; lamb gyro; pork-and-cheddar sandwich; burger with beer-braised onions and house boursin; tempeh spaghetti; braised chicken thighs; "peanut butter & jelly"; flourless chocolate cake.
Alcohol:
Surprisingly weak considering the owner's bar pedigree, the 13-wine list is small, commercial, and uninspired. The modest beer list has already started to improve with more craft and local options. The drink department as a whole, though, needs to become more distinctive and quality-focused.
Weekend noise:
Too many hard surfaces stoke a 92-decibel roar when the room is full - but it rarely is, so conversation is usually possible. (Ideal is 75 decibels or less.)
Hours: Lunch Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner nightly 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday brunch, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Reservations: Recommended
Prices:
$$
Great food, great atmosphere, great place!!