“Whet Your Appetite.” Written on the wall in the main dining area, I was already impressed by the clever wordplay when I walked into Whetstone Tavern. Whetstone just opened this past summer, and as I took my seat, the restaurant was already packed. Located in Queen Village, Whetstone’s cozy, rustic tavern is a great neighborhood restaurant to try when you’re looking to get off campus and go somewhere new.
Whetstone’s menu gives customers a variety of options with its seasonal dinner menu. Appetizers range from chicken wings to soups and salads, including their very own Whetstone Salad ($8). It was refreshing and light, but make sure you get it with vinaigrette over their blue cheese dressing, so that you’re not full before you get to your main course.
While they have American Classics, don’t miss their Whetstone Classics. From the Passyunk Pork with sharp provolone polenta and broccoli rabe ($24) to Stuffed Zucchinis with herbed parmesan breadcrumbs ($19), it’s comfort food at its finest. To make it even better they have gluten free and vegan options too. You don’t even have to defensively and cautiously ask, they note it on the menu.
In addition to the great service and food, check out their bar and charcuterie and cheese menu. You can go with the fun Shine Me Up cocktail ($9) or stick to a traditional glass of chardonnay ($12). They also have a wide selection of ales, lagers and ciders to go with your housemade Riesling Salami or Quadrello di Bufala all the way from Italy (charcuterie plates range from $14 to $26).
Whetstone Tavern used to just be open for dinner, but luckily they’ve started serving brunch every day. As much as I know I’m supposed to be drawn to the Duck Confit Hash with duck fat fried fingerling potatoes ($14), the Banana Bread French Toast ($9) sounds too good to pass up. They also have “brunchy drinks” like the Brandy Punch if you’re tryna make it boozy. So, if you’re looking to change it up, you should probably brunch there this weekend too.
Location: 700 S. 5th Street
@whetstonephilly
TL;DR: This new down–to–earth comfort food tavern takes its food seriously, as you should too.
Don’t miss: The Passyunk Pork, a Whetstone Classic. It fills you up, but you’ll still have room for dessert
Skip: The Mussels. While they can make a great main course, eating mussels out of a shell takes concentration that can take away from the rest of your dining experience
When to Go: 6pm on a Sunday night—a good way to break up your studying with with a great meal
Price Range: $$-$$$
