A few years ago we had lunch at City Tavern in Philadelphia, a “theme restaurant” that features revolutionary period cuisine served by people dressed on period clothing. We had a pretty good experience. However, the person who sent us the following note, did not.
—-
Dear Sirs:
Last Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006, three friend and I ate at your restaurant after seeing a show at the Society HIll Playhouse. We had made reservations, but didn’t really need them as it didn’t seem too busy.
ON one friends suggestion, we all ordered the special of the day. It was steak and shrimp.
We all had soup also. 3 Gumbo and 1 Pepper Pot.
The soups were very good, although expensive.. When our dinners came we were disappointed, but didn’t make a fuss as we didn’t want to embarrass our friend who suggested the restaurant and also made the reservation. Her last name is Yokim.
The steak was tough and the shrimp very over cooked. Needles to say most of our steak went back. I had the feeling that the meals were already cooked and then warmed up just before serving us.
Needless to say we were very disappointed. I am always recommending places to out of town guests, but your restaurant won’t be on my list.
Just thought you might like to know, so maybe some improvements can be made.
Sincerely
Phyllis Reighter
OCTOBERFEST @ CITY TAVERN
Dear Potential City Tavern Guest:
On Saturday, October 27th, 2007, my fiancee and I along with another couple ate at City Tavern specifically for the much advertised Octoberfest. With the owner/head chef hailing from Germany we expected this to be a great dining experience….not the case.
Three of us order off the Octoberfest menu, and also split an Octoberfest entree as an appetiser, totaling 4 offerings from the seaonal menu.
Hungarian Goulash: Shared as an appetizer, this would be a torid entree, consisting of egg noodles and a ‘Campbell’s Soup’-esque topping.
Schlacht Platte: Consisted of 3 links of meat, one completely overcooked and the other two very general in taste. I’ve had them at baseball games.
Fleischkäse: This consisted of what I’d describe as two types of breakfast meats cut into 2″ thick portions, a poached egg and some fried onions, the least appetizing plate of the night.
Kassler Rippchen: Only dish that was worth the price-but by no means worth making the trip for.
City Tavern, surrounded by Philly’s premeire restaurants, has little to offer. The charm of colonial living is quickly lost when your food arrives. Octoberfest was a huge disappointment and complete rip off..$23 avg dish price, for food that was unappetizing and frankly, appeared to be of low quality. Will not be back…ever!!
Sincerely,
Matthew Shellenberger