You're downtown, alone and hungry, but you only have $9 in your pocket. You're roaming through Rittenhouse Square, but as you look at the menus in the windows, the prices make you grit your teeth. Alas, the only escape from your misery as you hoof your way back to Penn is the odd fast food joint and gas station. But, just before you head over the mighty Schuylkill ... lo-and-behold, you pass The Caf‚ at 2011 Walnut St. Enter here, tired pauper, where a Hamilton in the pocket will feed you like a prince.
The shining star of the Caf‚'s discount selection is the "Dine for $9" menu, served between 4 p.m. and 1 a.m. on weeknights. It's really as simple as 1-2, uh, 2. You choose an entr‚e from a list that includes shrimp Parmesan, chicken cordon bleu and stuffed flounder. Once you've completed that task, you choose a "signature side" to accompany your main course. Choices range from the simple dishes, such as roasted potatoes and mixed vegetables, or something a little bit more exotic, like shrimp pot stickers over rice. For some local Philadelphia fare, the honey-chipotle chicken wings stand out, or if British food is your thing, try the mini beef shepherd's pie.
The $9 menu is the brainchild of chef Colleen McAvaddy, who spent years honing her craft at the Zeta Psi frat here on campus. While perusing the various bargain selections of the Caf‚, you really get the feeling that McAvaddy has a knack for catering to budget-bound students without sparing quality.
But, suppose you are in the same situation following a weekend frollick through the Square. Though the Dine for $9 is not in effect on these nights, there is an even more economical deal: if you arrive between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. for the Early Bird Special, you can get a three-course extravaganza for $12. Not too shabby, especially on a college budget.
The Caf‚ is ideal for a late meal, as most Philadelphia institutions stop serving their grub by 11 p.m. It is owned by the Irish Pub that it connects to next door, so never fear that the keg will be kicked. The Caf‚ provides a nice balance of bar stools, booths and tables to make it an ideal location for an inexpensive date or a group dinner. It's worth your time, and money as the best value pit-stop on the long and dangerous road back to University City.
