Garces vs. Starr

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Who wins according to my reviews of their restaurants...

 1. Tinto

114 S 20th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-9150

Categories: Tapas Bars, Lounges

Neighbourhoods: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

5.0 star rating
  3/7/2011

My experiences here can be summed up in one dish: the Truffled Chestnut Soup-- Absolutely delicious, well made, artfully plated, and brought a smile to my face.

I'm not going to pretend like this is an affordable meal, you'll drop some change here to…More »

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 2. Frankford Hall

1210 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 634-3338

Categories: Pubs, German

5.0 star rating
  12/13/2011

My crush on this place grows stronger every time I enter Frankford Hall. Seriously, it's kind of an issue. I become giddy in anticipation. I even blush when I first enter.

The beer selection is pretty awesome. I loved the many Octoberfests offered…More »

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 3. Alma de Cuba

1623 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 988-1799

Categories: Latin American, Caribbean

Neighbourhoods: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

5.0 star rating
  10/15/2010

It has been about 12 hours since I left Alma and I have yet to stop thinking about the deliciousness I experienced while there.
On a super rainy afternoon, a friend and I craved warmth, sun, and of course, booze. We decided to try Alma for happy hour.…More »

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 4. Amada

217-219 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-2450

Category: Tapas Bars

Neighbourhood: Olde City

4.0 star rating
  1/21/2010

I went here last night with two friends for Restaurant Week and really enjoyed the entire meal. The tapas style serving allowed us to share everything, so we managed to test most of the menu offered. Highlights: the garlic shrimp were delicious but…More »

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 5. El Rey

2013 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 563-3330

Categories: Mexican, Tex-Mex

Neighbourhoods: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

4.0 star rating
  Update - 10/12/2010

Continuing my never ending quest for cheap and delicious food, I went back to El Rey for their new $9.99 lunch deal. The two course meal, plus chips and salsa seemed to good to pass up. And it was. nom.

I had the wild mushroom soup and short rib…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 3.0 star rating
    6/7/2010

    Solid food. Pretty good prices. Low key decor. I was pleasantly surprised with El Rey overall. I had… Read more »

 6. Continental

138 Market St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 923-6069

Categories: American (New), Breakfast & Brunch

Neighbourhood: Olde City

4.0 star rating
  4/13/2011

Ah. The original Continental is exactly what I am craving whenever I end up at Continental Midtown instead: it's got character, ambiance, and tasty food. Unless you're in desperate need of a roof deck, I suggest heading over to this Continental in…More »

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 7. Village Whiskey

118 S 20th St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-1088

Categories: American (New), Burgers

Neighbourhoods: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

4.0 star rating
  5/27/2010

The burgers here are amazing. They almost border on too big honestly. I always leave here sort of uncomfortably full, but no one is forcing me to eat every last bite plus a side of duck fat fries. I like the build your own burger options, but…More »

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 8. Butcher and Singer

1500 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 732-4444

Categories: American (Traditional), Steakhouses

Neighbourhoods: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

4.0 star rating
  8/25/2010

Butcher and Singer made me want to order a martini, puff on my quellazaire, say things like "dahling", and discuss the latest black & white film to hit theaters.
I absolutely loved the chance to indulge in this fantasy, especially with the August…More »

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 9. Chifa

707 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-5555

Categories: Asian Fusion, Peruvian

Neighbourhood: Market East

4.0 star rating
  1/21/2010

I just went here for lunch during Restaurant Week and really enjoyed the experience. The ceviche (both options) were very tasty, and I liked the red curry, although it wasn't the best I've had. Everything had a nice spice to it; not too overwhelming.…More »

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 10. The Dandelion Pub

18th and Sansom St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 558-2500

Categories: Gastropubs, British

Neighbourhoods: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

4.0 star rating
  2/14/2011

Before I start my review, I must mention that I am bothered by the name of this place; it doesn't have the right British Pub feel to me.  So for the rest of this review I will refer to it as "The Dandy Lion Pub". Which I find to be so much more…More »

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 11. Guapos Tacos

Philadelphia, PA 19104
(267) 284-7979

Categories: Food Stands, Mexican

Neighbourhood: Powelton Village

4.0 star rating
  5/12/2011

Anyone that thinks it's a good idea to decorate an entire food truck in beer bottle caps is clearly after my heart. When you then go a step further and fill this food truck with Mexican treats, well, I'm head over heels.

Each order comes with two…More »

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 12. SquareBurger

200 N 6th St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 629-4026
3.0 star rating
  8/1/2010

There are few things that please my not-so-inner fat kid more than SquareBurger's Tastykake Cake Shake. Tastykakes through a straw?! Why didn't I think of that? I must have been feeling uncharacteristically nice that day (I'm going to blame the…More »

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 13. Continental Midtown

1801 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 567-1800

Categories: Lounges, American (New), Breakfast & Brunch

Neighbourhoods: Rittenhouse Square, Penn Center

3.0 star rating
  2/4/2010

I want to like Continental Midtown. I do. But I always leave here feeling kind of "eh" about my meal. I've had quite the assortment of stuff from here, lobster mac n cheese, BBQ quesadillas, spinach ravioli, etc and still have yet to find something…More »

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 14. Distrito

3945 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 222-1657

Categories: Mexican, Bars

Neighbourhood: University City

3.0 star rating
  3/5/2010

I couldn't stop staring at things in this place. It's a bit of a sensory overload, but I enjoy that every now and then. The servers are good humored and pleasant. The food was pretty good, but not necessarily worth the price. Their sangria was pretty…More »

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 15. Pizzeria Stella

420 S 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 320-8000

Category: Pizza

Neighbourhood: Society Hill

3.0 star rating
  6/24/2011

I wanted to like this place. When I walked in, I was pleasantly surprised with how low-key it seemed. I was honestly kind of mad at myself for never visiting Stella before that moment.

The pizza was tasty. It reminded me of pizza in Italy, just a bit…More »

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 16. Jones

700 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 238-9600

Category: American (New)

Neighbourhood: Market East

3.0 star rating
  1/31/2011

So I was sort of expecting comfort food,  but better. How? I have no clue,  just "better" comfort food.  Sadly, I didn't really get that out of my meal. I tried both the mac and cheese and the grilled cheese with tomato soup. The mac & cheese, was…More »

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Review votes:
1003 Useful, 501 Funny, and 811 Cool

Location

Philadelphia, PA

Yelping Since

January 2010

Things I Love

BYO's, eclectic food, trying new things, finding great deals, pumpkin everything, Guinness, all things Philly

Find Me In

Old City

My Hometown

Upper Darby, PA

My Blog Or Website

http://www.icancooktha...

When I'm Not Yelping...

i'm eating.. or thinking about eating :)

Why You Should Read My Reviews

I review all: good, bad, and mediocre

My Second Favourite Website

http://www.icancooktha...

The Last Great Book I Read

Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef

My First Concert

America (the Horse with No Name people)