Loved every moment here. I celebrated a girlfriend’s birthday, and we dined during brunch. The oysters were fresh. I enjoyed the cooked oysters as well…and my preference is usually raw. The pretzels were superb: I think that was our selling point of dining. Our server, Tony was fun! We’ll return and be sure to ask for him ☺️
2
The Good: Let me start by saying we had a great server. It was pretty busy outside, but he checked on us periodically and was very friendly. The prosecco we ordered from the happy hour menu was crisp and solid offering.
The Bad: We ordered a dozen raw East Coast oysters and found a live worm squirming on one of them. I’m not one to complain and I wasn’t even going to mention this, but the exterior of the oysters were also dirty (ie. Ocean particles and sand still attached) and shell fragments had to be spit out in some pieces. Needless to say, it kind of killed our appetite. They did the bare minimum and took the oyster order off our check. Really disappointing when a place prides themselves on seafood and it has live critters in it.
2
We checked in at the front for our reservation and noticed there was no one sitting outside, so we asked the host if we could and he told us we needed to go outside and talk to the server there to be sat. So that’s what we did. When we got to the server we told her that there was 2 for outside, she had an attitude right from the jump “ you need to go talk to the host” we told her we did so she sat us. The rest of the time there so was so ignorant. We would say thank you for bringing us stuff and she was just roughly set it on the table and not say anything. We had a table next to us so we could hear their interactions and she was very nice to them. She didn’t come and see if we needed refills, another cocktail or if the food was good the entire time. The table next to us was done and she nicely walked over and asked if there was anything else she could do or if they wanted dessert. I sat for 10 more minutes without a single plate in the table. When she finally comes back she just outs the check on the table and stands there. I’ve come to this place many times and had amazing service, this girl Gabrielle L has ruined my experience. She should not be a server or leave whatever bias she has at the door. It’ll be awhile before I come back because of her. The food however, was delicious!
5
PJ Clarke's is one of those places that reminds you why classic restaurants never go out of style. The atmosphere is timeless, and the location in Philadelphia is absolutely beautiful. Walking up the stunning marble staircase already makes the experience feel special, and the moment you walk in, you're greeted by warm, professional staff who make you feel genuinely welcome.
The food is fantastic from start to finish. Every appetizer we tried was delicious, and the entrees were just as impressive.
If you stop by the bar, do yourself a favor and ask for Nick. He makes the best cocktails in Philadelphia, trust me. While you're there, ask to see the little drawers behind the bar filled with notes guests have left over the years. It's such a fun, unique tradition. My personal favorite is the drawer dedicated to exes. 😂
PJ Clarke's is more than just a great meal. it's an experience. I'll definitely be back.
