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A bottle of wine at Le Bec Fin (1523 Walnut St., 215-567-1000) may cost $200, but you can avoid hefty beverage fees by bringing your drink of choice to a BYOB. Whether it’s wine, beer or champagne, the most you’ll pay at these eclectic eateries is a “corking” fee. Bringing your own has become a Philly tradition with more than 200 BYO destinations to choose from in the region.
Consider this your guide to the best BYOBs … you may never have heard of.
Café Apamate (1620 South St., 215-790-1620) is named for a tree native to Venezuela. It’s also from where this restaurant takes its culinary cues. Tapas and starters are featured for less than $10 a plate, and entrees like Basque-style shrimp and pan-seared pork (all meat comes from organic and local farmers) never exceed $30.
Nicholas (2015 E. Moyamensing Ave., 215-271-7177) is a small 30-seat BYOB in the Pennsport neighborhood of South Philadelphia where you’ll find new American cuisine, including sweet chili-glazed swordfish, smoked pork chops and a bountiful vegetarian plate (which gathers up all the good non-meat food from other dishes).
Conchon BYOB (801 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-923-7675) celebrates its first anniversary this month with a $35 four-course pork tasting menu. This casual, French-inspired BYOB in Queen Village serves rustic fare like fried oysters, braised lamb shank and house-made gnocchi in a casual atmosphere.
La Viola (253 S. 16th St., 215-735-8630) is a white tablecloth eatery that serves up traditional Italian cuisine in the heart of Center City. Think classic pasta, poultry and seafood smothered in homemade vodka and tomato-style sauces.
Ava (518 S. Third St., 215-922-3282) is a creative Italian dining destination in Society Hill from brothers Michael and Anthony Campagna. Named for Michael’s infant daughter, the BYOB boasts a hearty menu of pasta and risotto, as well as veal, chicken, fish and ribeye specialties with a Mediterranean twist.
Bistro 7 (7 N. Third St. 215-931-1560) is Old City’s answer to elegant eats. Chef and owner Michael O’Halloran has a tasteful track record (Fork and the White Dog Café) that continues with his ever-changing tasting and dinner menus. Dishes regularly include pistachio-encrusted duck liver mousse and beet terrine, as well as pan-roasted, bacon-wrapped chicken legs, slow-roasted pork belly and burgundy-braised beef.
La Lupe (1201 S. Ninth St., 215-551-9920) is a very unassuming Mexican restaurant where you can bring your own six-pack of Tecate and treat yourself to budget-friendly enchiladas, tacos and burritos with mouth-watering mole sauce. No frills here, just authentic home cooking from South of the Border.
El Jarocho (1138 S. 13th St., 215-463-2020) is a laid-back lunch and dinner destination near the Italian Market that churns out an authentic Mexican menu, including shrimp, squid and mussels and taco threesomes with a slew of spicy ingredients. Also look for plentiful vegetarian options.
Banana Leaf (1009 Arch St., 215-592-8288) may be located in the heart of Chinatown, but it specializes in Malaysian cuisine, like noodles served in spicy sour lemon grass broth, seafood scramble and steamed chicken. The mix of culture and cuisine is punctuated by a friendly, streamlined atmosphere.
L’Oca (2025 Fairmount Ave., 215-769-0316) is among Fairmount’s newest restaurants. Within walking distance of the Philadelphia Art Museum, the spare, elegant space serves up Italian-inspired dishes of pasta, cured meats, polenta and other gourmet ingredients.
Figs Restaurant (2501 Meredith St., 215-978-8440) has become a much-loved dining spot in Fairmount thanks to its seasonal twist on exotic dishes. Chef and owner Mustapha Rouissiya brings a Morrocan flair to an energetic menu of meats, seafood and vegetables like roasted swordfish, char-grilled chicken and seafood risotto, as well as vegetarian platters. Starting this month, Figs is open for lunch.
A Full Plate Café (1009 N. Bodine St., 215-678-4068) may have begun as a catering company, but it’s cemented its place as a premier BYOB in Northern Liberties for creative comfort food. The vegetarian-friendly menu includes fried green tomato salad, catfish po’ boys, vegetarian pulled “pork,” and chicken divan. Look for little plates starting at $3 each.
Palate (1033 Spring Garden St., 215-236-6061) is nestled on an unlikely block of Spring Garden, but is well worth the visit thanks to a cozy menu of braised beef short ribs, pan-roasted tilapia, Cajun shrimp and good old macaroni and cheese.
Zento (138 Chestnut St., 215-925-9998) is a sleek Old City outpost for Japanese cuisine. Special lunch and dinner combinations come with sushi rolls and salads, as well as beef, seafood and chicken entrees.
La Locanda del Ghiottone (130 N. Third St., 215-829-1465) is a trendy Old City restaurant where you won’t go wrong ordering mussel, crepe and pasta specialties. You’ll even find a few exotic dishes like rabbit and black fettuccini. Just make sure you don’t mind waiting in line for a table. No reservations here.
Vientiane Café (4728 Baltimore Ave., 215-726-1095) is an incredibly affordable Thai restaurant where you’ll eat like a king. They don’t take reservations and the seating is cramped, but this BYO is a favorite among college students who are looking for generous plates of Thai food without spending a king’s ransom.
Bistro Juliana (2723 E. Cumberland St., 215-425-2501) is a BYOB in Port Richmond where you’ll find everything from grilled octopus and calamari to pasta and meat dishes with a slight Italian twist. None of the entrees exceed $20 a plate.
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