Philadelphia's Best BYOB Restaurant 2008

Neighborhood BYOB serves innovative takes on New American staples.

Reviews:

• “Really good eats”
• “Hateful Staff”
• “Best BYO in philly?”
• “Good food but not fun!”
• “food that’s worth the wait”

Tips: Reservations are not accepted; arrive early if you want to get a table on weekends.

Chloe

Contemporary and cozy, this hot little Italian B.Y.O.B. is a perfect fit for a blind date or an impromtu supper.

Reviews:

• “Great BYOB”
• “Unique menu offerings, great food, awesome deserts!”
• “Best BYO in Philly”
• “Lives up to its reputation”
• “Imaginative, great Italian food”

Tips: The no-reservations policy can extend weekend night waits into the hour range. Go early or late—or plan to have a cocktail across the street at the bar of Valanni.

Mercato

Reviews:

• “Bad service, mediocre food”
• “EXTREMELY RUDE Staff”
• “good food, ok service”
• “Food A-, Ambiance B+, Service C+”
• “Impeccable!”

Branzino

Neighborhood B.Y.O.B. deserves to be on every seafarer’s map.

Reviews:

• “Great atmoshpere”
• “horrible”
• “little fish”
• “Fun night”
• “Good Catch”

Tips: Sunday nights brings a five-course prix fix for just $28.

Little Fish
email Little Fish

This South Street B.Y.O.B. features an ever-changing menu of mostly seafood dishes in a cozy neighborhood setting.

Reviews:

• “Great restaurant”
• “Micrososcop.ic portions”
• “Now try the Deserts !!!”
• “Great small BYOB”
• “Great Service, Great food…”

Tips: The small dining room can get a bit noisy when a large group is present.

Pumpkin

This busy B.Y.O.B. boasts long waits and authentic Tuscan fare.

Reviews:

• “Best BYO in Philly!”
• “Good Food; But Very Noisy”
• “Is this a joke?”
• “Pappardelle Tartufate…..WOW!!!!!!!!!”
• “simply the best!!!!”

Tips: First come, first served is the seating policy here. Expect a two-hour wait on weekends. But once you’re in, you’re in for as long as you’d care to stay.

Melograno

Bare-bones B.Y.O.B. still sets standards with fresh seafood and casual dining.

Reviews:

• “Fresh is the word.”
• “Better BYOs are out there..”
• “Get a table if you can!”
• “Dimitri’s”
• “Resting on their laurels”

Tips: Dmitri’s doesn’t take reservations, seats about 25 and can have up to a two-hour wait for a table.

Dmitri’s

New generation BYOB re-creates the casual, subtle neighborhood elegance of a European bistro.

Reviews:

• “Great food but small portions and oh the wait!”
• “So Cute”
• “incredible”
• “Incredible Food, Get a Decent Table”
• “Waited nearly 30 minutes before our waitress took our order!!”

Tips: The nearest wine shop is just two blocks away, between on Fifth Street between Pine and Lombard streets. Look for Alsatian white, pinot grigio, chardonnay or lighter reds and pinot noirs.

Django

Laid-back B.Y.O.B. with a feel-good atmosphere provides chow at a leisurely pace.

Reviews:

• “It might leave you wanting”
• “Lively, bustling BYOB with great food and great service!”
• “Never a disappointment”
• “Not a Bad Thing”
• “You’re lucky to be allowed to eat here”

Tips: The closest wine shop is at 4049 Market St., open Mon-Sat, 9am-9pm.

Rx

A delightful little B.Y.O.B. spruces up a drab block.

Reviews:

• “Not very good lunch”
• “OVERRATED! Trying to be hip, but not very good food…”
• “My favorite restaurant in Philly”
• “Amazing!!!”
• “intimate”

Tips: Last-minute planners take heart: Two tall tables at the front of the house accommodate walk-ins.

Matyson

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