After nearly four years and a $26 million facelift, Old Original Bookbinder's reopened in Old City on February 21, 2005. Since it first served Philadelphians near the end of the Reconstruction Era, Bookbinder's has been one of the nation's premiere seafood dining establishments and a favorite hangout for stars like Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and Julius "Dr. J." Irving.
Located at the corner of 2nd and Walnut, Old Original Bookbinder's serves as the cornerstone of the Old City district. For a special evening with a lover or an expense account meal with some Wharton ballers, Bookbinder's is the place to rub shoulders with Philadelphia's elite.
As long as you aren't a member of Penn's PETA chapter, the Snapper Turtle soup ($5.95 for a large bowl), served in a thick brown broth is a must-try experience. The soup's strong flavors eventually give way to a bitter aftertaste that one can be cured by continuing to indulge in the never-ending bowl.
The must-have appetizer is the massive Yellowfin Tuna Tartar drizzled with soy and fresh ginger ($10.95). This item is new to Bookbinder's, courtesy of Executive Chef David Cunningham and brings hipster flair to the traditional menu.
Be careful when ordering from the raw bar because a half-dozen clams run you $6.95 and oysters or the shelled item of the day can cost double that amount. However, even if you aren't ordering from the raw bar, be sure to observe the workers shucking oysters right in front of you.
Upon arrival in Bookbinder's, one cannot miss the enormous lobster tank that is home to some of the largest lobsters around. Be prepared to sacrifice your little brother if you want to eat one of these giants. Starting at 2.5 pounds (to the tune of nearly $60), and progressing all the way up to 14 pounders. the steamed lobsters are simple yet delicious.
For those not intent on dropping out of Penn to pay for dinner, stick with one of the simply prepared seafood items like Grouper, Halibut, Mahi Mahi, Tuna or Lake Victoria Perch that are served a la carte in either blackened, grilled, or broiled forms.
John E. Taxin, the third generation owner of Bookbinder's proudly displays many photos on the walls of the elite President's Room that features mahogany wood that comes straight from the Amazon. As Taxin points to photos on the walls of ex-presidents, he becomes elated, "Yeah, he was in, him too, yeah he was here a couple of times, yup, yup. We had Bill Clinton in when he was the Governor of Arkansas. But, nobody took a picture with him because we thought, he's just the Governor of some little state, who cares?" Taxin acknowledged the only color photograph, a picture of President George W. Bush, "He's the only one who hasn't come in yet, but I'm sure we'll get him some time."
For desserts (all $7.50) pastry Chef Blair Bleacher knows how to get the job done. Coming most recently from Il Portico, and also working for George Perrier, Bleacher fancily creates S'mores, Lemon Tart and Coconut Cake are the new menu items that are a dessertaholic's heaven. One can also play it safe with the Strawberry Shortcake that sailors and merchants ate by the dozen in the 19th century.
"We get all kinds of customers in here, but there's a lot of people who are here with their grandchildren, and they remember coming here when they were six-years-old themselves, so it brings back great memories for them," notes Cunningham about his clientele. Despite the large 380-person searing capabilities, the combination of tourists and seafood aficionados keep Bookie's eternally busy. As the current hot ticket in town, it is necessary to reserve a table a week in advance.
