As we exit the express elevator on the eleventh floor of the Cambria Hotel, my ears are bombarded with loud music. I look around and see a millennial’s dream—plants everywhere with huge windows and a fully stocked bar.
We sit down at a table in the greenhouse–like rooftop, and I almost don’t realize our server is already next to us, sporting jeans and a comfy black tee (like most of the diners here). Looking at the small notice on our table, we realize it’s happy hour, so most of the food on the menu is drastically cheaper.
Our server recommends that we start with sikil pak—a Mayan dip made with pumpkin seeds and zucchini. I’m not a big fan of either, but I’m pleasantly surprised. The burnt orange dip is smoky and flavorful, and I’m still thinking about the warm flatbread it was paired with.
Next, we receive house–baked soft pretzels, a Philly favorite. The smoked honey mustard really makes this dish—it’s so spicy I start to cry (in a good way). We follow the pretzels with short rib croquettes on skewers that resemble cake balls. They’re smothered in goat cheese and so filling that we almost regret ordering another dish.
It’s definitely hard to follow the previous three dishes we’ve consumed. The last dish we receive is the vegan dan–dan noodles with mushroom “sausage,” and unfortunately, it doesn’t live up to my expectations. Dan–dan noodles are supposed to be spicy, and there’s just not enough chili oil in this dish to pack a punch. My dinner partner and I are both omnivores, and the mushroom “sausage” doesn’t taste much like anything, let alone sausage.
Although our last course is disappointing, we continue to munch on our beloved sikil pak and ogle the plethora of plants as the sun goes down, flooding the restaurant with Insta–worthy light. For atmosphere, Attico gets a 10—with the food following closely behind.
TL;DR: Casual restaurant with a great atmosphere and unique small plates.
Location: 219 South Broad St Rooftop
Hours: Mon.–Wed. 5 p.m.–11p.m.
Thurs. 5 p.m. –12 a.m.
Fri.– Sat.: 5 p.m.–2 a.m.
Sun.: 2 p.m.–8 p.m.
Price: $$
