This place is very cute. I came here with a friend for dinner (and to celebrate my birthday). The drinks are good. The food was delicious. Our server was phenomenal. The desserts were good, but average. It was so cute that our server out a candle on my dessert. I would come here again and recommend it to friends.
Overview
Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, The Twisted Tail stands as a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking a casual yet vibrant dining experience. Located at 509 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, this gem blends Southern-inspired flavors with an inviting, unpretentious atmosphere that keeps patrons coming back for more.
The moment you step inside The Twisted Tail, you’re greeted by an open, spacious layout with warm wooden accents and rustic charm. The vibe is laid-back, with the sounds of lively conversation and music filling the air, making it the perfect spot for a casual dinner with friends or a family gathering. The restaurant has carved out a niche in the local dining scene with its unique blend of hearty comfort food and craft cocktails.
One of the first things that stands out at The Twisted Tail is its menu, which offers an array of mouthwatering options that cater to a variety of tastes. Whether you're in the mood for a juicy burger, a flavorful seafood dish, or a classic Southern-inspired entrée like fried chicken or shrimp and grits, the restaurant has you covered. The Southern influences are apparent throughout, with dishes like the Cajun BBQ shrimp and the crispy catfish being popular crowd favorites. For those who prefer something lighter, the restaurant also serves up fresh salads and a range of vegetable-forward options.
A visit to The Twisted Tail wouldn’t be complete without indulging in one of their signature cocktails. With an impressive list of house-made concoctions, there’s something to please every palate. The expertly crafted drinks range from classic whiskey cocktails to innovative seasonal specials, ensuring there’s always something new to try. The knowledgeable bartenders take pride in their craft, and their passion for mixology is evident in every drink they prepare.
What truly sets The Twisted Tail apart, however, is its commitment to quality and community. The restaurant emphasizes using fresh, local ingredients, ensuring that each dish is bursting with flavor. The menu changes with the seasons, allowing diners to enjoy dishes that reflect the best of what’s available at the time. This focus on seasonal ingredients not only elevates the dining experience but also showcases the talent of the kitchen team.
Beyond just its food and drink offerings, The Twisted Tail has garnered a reputation for its welcoming and friendly service. The staff is attentive without being overbearing, and they make sure guests feel at home from the moment they walk through the door. It’s this combination of excellent food, exceptional service, and a relaxed, fun atmosphere that has earned the restaurant rave reviews from diners near and far.
Many have praised the restaurant’s ability to create a memorable dining experience that feels both special and accessible. The comfortable setting and welcoming staff ensure that The Twisted Tail is not just a place to eat, but a place where you can truly unwind and enjoy the company of friends and family. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a place to kick back and enjoy great food, The Twisted Tail is a solid choice.
For those looking to enjoy the restaurant's atmosphere in a slightly different way, The Twisted Tail also features live music on select evenings, adding a lively soundtrack to your dining experience. This makes it a fantastic option for those who enjoy a bit of entertainment alongside their meal. It's easy to see why so many visitors make it a point to stop by when they’re in town.
With its prime location in the heart of Philadelphia, The Twisted Tail is a standout dining destination that perfectly combines Southern-inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a local or just passing through, it's a spot worth checking out for a delicious meal and a fun time. If you’re ever in the area, you can be sure that The Twisted Tail will provide a dining experience that's worth remembering.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Fireplace ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great wine list ✓ Live music ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Private dining room ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed ✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1570 reviews
Wonderful atmosphere and exceptional service! We enjoyed live music and chef's tasting menu at slow and pleasure pace. The cocktails were fantastic and out server was one of the best we've ever met! Highly recommend for a laid back evening with wonderful music and food.
The food is decent for brunch with a wide variety - but it’s pretty dark inside given the atmosphere (think like an English or Irish pub vibe). That said, they had a musician come in to sing jazz and play the keyboard, which was LOVELY. A very good brunch vibe, just wish it were a little more well lit.
I went here for Brunch with a few friends and the Twisted Tail was definitely worth it. The menu is extensive enough to cater to all different types of food palattes. They also have Champange sundays which was fun in which you pay 20 bucks for a bottle of champagne and the juice is free. They offer non-alcholic drinks as well, which were a bit pricey, but gives another option for people if they do not wish to drink. The food came out quickly and all tasted delicious. I want to come back for dinner to see how it compares.
Christina H was our server, and she was so sweet! She was very knowledgeable about the menu, and even though I wasn't too hungry, she helped me navigate what foods were good portion sizes for that. The live music was phenomenal and such a vibe. Sitting in a piece of history is remarkable! Cannot recommend this place enough, we had a lovely time!
Upstairs was a must visit. Only tried the popcorn as we only had enough time to pop in for a drink. But very cool ambience and live music! Drinks were cheap and tasty! Will definitely be back!
How can I give this 10 stars? My favorite neighborhood joint. The waitstaff is amazing. The food is wonderful. I wish that they had a little more variety but they are so good at what they do. I’ve been going here for years, and while the staff has changed (bye Chloe and Daniel …. So sad they were the best!), the place continues to be just incredible. Wine and beer selection divine, a monthly cider (love their blueberry cider!), and artisanal cocktails. They have the coziest tv room upstairs with its own bar, but note it gets mobbed during the eagles game day. I feel so lucky I’ve found this gem of a place in headhouse square