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Category: Steakhouses [Edit]
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
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i decided to hit this place up again after some convincing that i had been dead-wrong about my opinion on this place and that their bone-in filet was not to be missed. boy am i glad i kept an open mind!
holy cow you have not lived until you have had the bone-in filet at barclay! it was ridiculous. beyond delicious, perfectly med rare and for the first time in my life i was more into the meat than the potatoes (what can i say, i'm a carb junkie). it was so good i am embarassed to say there was nothing dainty about how i devoured almost all of it. i wasn't brave enough to retry the lobster bisque (heh) instead i opted for the crab cocktail (enormous, perfect chunks of ice cold fresh crab) which was the perfect start to the meal. also want to give shout outs to the extra dirty martini which was fabulous and the service which, far different than my previous experience, was impeccable. nice work, barclay, living up to the hype!
i don't know if my expectations were too high or if i expected fireworks to go off when i ate my… Read more »
Downtown location with a nice mix of vintage and contemporary decor. Food is expensive, but very good. We came for the steaks and were not disappointed; the sides (sauteed mushrooms and truffle mashed potatoes) were delicious. The ability to choose your steak knife is a novel twist.
They forgot our oyster sampler appetizer, but made up for it by offering complimentary dessert. They got my wife's martini wrong twice, but immediately fixed it. Our server was very personable, and offered a great suggestion for brunch the next morning. Might have been five stars without the snafus, but the staff covered well.
Appetizers and sides ruled my visit here.
Kobe sliders were good. Tuna tartar was fresh and delicious. Lobster bisque was out of this world. Salads were average, maybe even below average.
Steaks were less-than-amazing, which surprised all of the people in my group. None of us had been to BP before but we're all steakhouse "veterans." The steaks were all absolutely charred on the outside while being correctly cooked on the inside for the most part. The rub they slathered the steaks in was odd, as well. I appreciated that the NY strip was grass fed organic, and that was apparent in the flavor of the meat, but the bitter charcoal exterior really detracted from the natural flavor of the meat. This sentiment was echoed by all of my party.
The more traditional steakhouse goers in the group did not appreciate the trendiness, feeling it tried putting an institition like American steakhouses into a prettied up, club-like atmosphere. I didn't echo this as I enjoyed the wood walls and modern tables and chairs.
The mushroom side was AMAZING. I'd strongly recommend. The tatertots were not that great. The asparagus was fresh and perfectly cooked.
The wine list, my favorite part, was standard for a steakhouse. Lots of big cali cabs and little else of note (outside of the 82 first growths like Cheval Blanc for $7400). We settled on a $250 bottle of Plumpjack Cab that was fantastic (if carrying the steakhouse standard 200% markup). This was probably the best part of the meal.
Interestingly, the women in our group liked this place far more than the men here. They said they appreciated that it wasn't so manly.
My mouth waters everytime I think about the kobe steak from Barclay Prime.
We had the kobe sliders and the nueske bacon & scallops for appetizers. Although the kobe sliders was really good, the nueske bacon & scallops are the highlight of the course.
For the main entree, I had the kobe beef fillet and my husband had the regular fillet. He was raving about his fillet until he tried mine. The Kobe beef is soooo tender it melts in your mouth. We shared the truffle mashed potatoes and it was heaven.
All in all, everything we had that night was amazing. Even though we were a couple hundreds poorer, it was all worth it.
While plotting world domination there are several aids ranging from atmospheric to culinary that need to be employed. I discovered this with my friend as we dined at Barclay Prime a few nights ago.
First, the lighting has to be right. You can't have fluorescent overhead lighting while envisioning what the world will look like once you are in power. It doesn't work. You need dim chandeliers and candlelight- exactly as it is at Barclay. It also helps if there are dark wood tones and vintage books everywhere to suggest a sumptuous library/study. Check.
Second, the hootch has to be quality. We've come so close to realizing our dream of taking over the world only to be thwarted by an inferior glass of bubbly. No chance of that happening here.
Third, world domination requires the ability to be ruthless if necessary. The last time I felt ruthless eating something vegetarian was like, never ago. You need meat. Red meat. I had the 12 oz filet rare and it was perfect.
We were presented with knife options (German,Japanese) I chose Japanese. This was largely in part to the Ginzu knife infomercials I watched as a child. I just assume the Japanese have the monopoly on cutlery after seeing the Ginzu slice that tomato after cutting the aluminum can.
So the lobster cocktail-awesome. The filet-awesome. But I must confess, the truffle whipped mashed potatoes are a religious experience. Of course a leather glove would taste good smothered in truffle oil but I'm telling you these potatoes made us forget what we were talking about. Which is why I suppose we will never rule the world. All it takes is one stellar meal and an excellent server (Nalini Kersey) to make us lose the plot.
The only negative of the evening- no cheese plate. Yeah. I considered knocking a star off for that,so dear to me is my fromage. So dessert was forced upon us and it was fine. Peanut butter smores and banana something or other. Meh. In defense of the pastry chef,nothing was going to please me after hearing about the cheese.
Still, it's one of my top three favorite restaurants in the city.
As a true connoisseur of steak, I can tell you that this is definitely top choice.
I took my girlfriend to Barclay on her first visit to PA since I moved here from Dallas, and both of us were completely satisfied!
Starting with the Kobe Sliders is a must and you can't help but smile as they practically melt in your mouth. Absolute bliss.
After, the first course we chose the Fillet and the Chicken. I will admit the fillet was much better than the organic chicken dish, but it is a steakhouse. The cut was perfect and the temperature was right on - medium rare.
On top of the food and equally important was the outstanding wait-staff and perfectly set ambiance. Unique coed bathrooms, so do not be shocked. Everything perfect down to selecting your own knife, not a must but definitely a point of distinction.
If you love steak and fine dining experiences you must try Barclay Prime!
Possibly the best of Starr's imaginations.
My experience was consistent with other Yelpers. Kobe sliders are awesome. Truffle mashed potatoes were probably the best I ever had. Mushroom side was good but was overshadowed by the other food. The 20oz Rib Eye was cooked perfectly and is easily shared by two people, unless you are from Texas. Prices are very high both for the food and the wine list. If someone else is paying or you are not counting, easily 5 stars. Highly Recommended.
Food: 5/5
Drinks: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Decor: 4/5
Bang 4 the $: 2.5/5
Must try: Kobe Sliders & Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Will come back: Yes (if someone else is paying)
I LOVE this place. Great steak, awesome sides, and the best service possible.
They present various options for your steak knife... Kinda cool.
It's expensive, but worth it!
What a bummer.. should have gone to the Prime Rib around the corner.
Steak ordered Pittsburgh Rare, came out medium (brown center) quality ok the second time areound..should not have to worry about temp
when in an up scale place got a robotic sorry from the server. service was ok the highlight of the nite was choosing the knife....
don't think I going back
Spell "overrated": You guessed it... B-a-r-c-l-a-y P-r-i-m-e.
I went to a reception here a while back and they passed various hors d'oeuvres all night, including the famous sliders. Those sliders were so freakin' awesome, I had high hopes when I returned for dinner. Alas, those hopes were dashed right after I finished my slider appetizer.
Tomato Mozzarella salad: delicious.
Sliders: awesome, as expected.
Steaks: meh (and one of our companions said his was overcooked).
Sides: meh AND small.
Dessert: cute and delicious.
We ordered the broccolini, shaved potatoes and onions, fried onion strings, and sauteed spinach with garlic (which they kindly cooked to order). The broccolini came with aioli, which was ok and kind of a nice change from the usual hollandaise. The fried onion strings were blooming-onion-esque. The shaved potatoes and onions were the clear winner... good caramelization, perfect seasoning... but they lost points on size. I thought steakhouse meant gargantuan steaks and sides (seriously, who can eat 12 ounces of meat in a sitting?). The shaved potatoes and onions were sufficient maybe for a party of two. They were sadly inadequate for our fourtop.
If I ever return, I'm camping out at the bar and eating sliders until I'm ready for dessert.
I came here over the holidays with my friend who had flown in from LA - we're both ridiculous eaters, so we were psyched.
I chose Barclay Prime after seeing how highly it was rated by Philadelphia Magazine among the other steakhouses in Philly. Again, I've had decent experiences with Starr restaurants so far, so I was looking forward to it.
It was surprisingly empty for a Sunday night (maybe everyone was still recovering from their New Year's revelry - we went the night before work/class resumed) so there was no way the service could have been more prompt. The interior was pretty neat and intimate for a large space; we were seated in a booth near the wall (lined with books). The chairs did roll about a little uncontrollably, though.
Our servers were nice, funny, engaging and knowledgeable. We ordered raw oysters as an appetizer. I think it was only my second time eating raw oysters so I'm definitely not an expert, but they tasted pretty good. I'm not quite sure how to critique them.
My friend and I split the 20oz ribeye because we ourselves had just come back from NY for the holiday fun. They were pretty accommodating with splitting the steak into two pieces. We also went with the truffled mash as a side - the serving was huge. The best part was when our server came with a selection of knives. What the hell would we know about knives? They cut, we eat. We weren't at all particular, although I'm sure some steak connoisseur out there would definitely appreciate having all those options.
The steak was delicious - totally melted in my mouth. The truffled mash was also delicious. I've eaten at a number of well-reputed steakhouses and Barclay is up there. The steak was seasoned so well and cooked just right (we asked for medium rare).
We got the creme brulee for dessert because we are seriously two fat girls trapped in skinny bodies. It was good.
A little pricey, but worth it.
This place came highly recommended by coworkers when I needed a special occasion dinner spot. I expected it to be over hyped because their signature dish is a $100 cheesesteak. Just to give you an idea how good it is: I was working in Rittenhouse square at the time, and my husband asked me to find out if I could get the cheesesteak as take out. Yeah, that habit could've put a dent in the ol credit card.
I throughly enjoyed my steak... until I had a bite of my husband's cheesesteak, full of kobe beef, lobster, truffles, some kind of fancy cheese, all on a fancy roll. It had such a great taste, and melted in my mouth, that my steak paled in comparison. Thankfully the cheesesteak is big enough that my husband didn't mind sharing. While a $100 entree might scare people off, it also includes a 1/2 sized bottle of champagne, which my husband drank instead of getting wine. I take advantage of their lemon drop martinis and wine selection.
In subsequent trips, I found it was better to just order a salad and have some of my husband's cheesesteak. I tried doing this with their caesar salad, and ended up barely touching the cheesesteak because of how much I enjoyed my salad. If possible, I'd give this place a 4.5/5 because once you have the cheesesteak, it's hard to enjoy anything else, and it's too expensive for everyone to get their own. But the cheesesteak is so good, it deserves rounding up.
I don't mind the decor. Not as cheesy, nor stuffy as places like the Prime Rib. The tables can be close together, but that seems to be a growing norm. We have found the hostess staff to be very accomodating with seating requests. We went once when we had made last minute reservations, and ended up in the bar/lounge by the front door. Unfortunately, it was too small for my 6'5" husband, who could barely fit his legs under table. As soon as we mentioned it, they moved us right into the dining room with no problems at all.
I haven't been in a while, but the parking was usually non existant. We would end up parking down a few blocks because there was no valet around, making us late for our reservation. It was very frustrating. The only reason we haven't been back in a while because we are making an effort to try new places rather than getting stuck in a rut of the same places all the time. It's definitely an enjoyable meal, if for no other reason than to say you had a $100 cheesesteak for dinner.
Delicious.
I tried the kobe sliders, nueske bacon & scallops, lobster bisque, 12 oz. filet, creamed spinach, asparagus, peas & onions, buttered corn, lyonnaise potatoes and tater tots - all of which were incredible!
I could only afford this because I was with my dad and he was paying. It was one of the best dinners I've ever had.
It was also my first experience with a co-ed restroom and knife options (I chose the shun to cut my filet). Bizarre. :)
This is the kind of place where Don Draper and Roger Sterling would go for an expensive two-martini lunch. Or perhaps Don would secretly meet here with a free-spirited brunette adultress before going home to Betty. It's all very masculine, dark, and sexy, like a library for dudes who like bourbon and expensive meat. Don Draper would not bring Betty here.
The food was amazing. I had the Kobe and it was cooked to perfection. The Kobe beef sliders as an appetizer are an absolute must, and all the sides delivered as well. I remember some fingerling potatoes with garlic, shallots, and bacon (!?). The wine selection was one of those really long and overwhelming ones. Luckily we had a good waiter who suggested a bottle and he was right on. At least two people were taking care of our needs at all times without being overbearing.
When it came time to choose our own knives ,we were so excited by the selection that he let us keep and play with them all. Thanks, dude!
Don Draper, I'll see you there.
I went here once with an out of town friend who wanted a 'good steak'. I'm not really a steak connoisseur, per se. I tend to be a taco/falafel/dim sum person so I had to ask around and see where to take him. Barclay Prime was recommended the most and it was located near his hotel (The Rittenhouse) so we went there.
The decor at the entrance is nice but the dining room is kinda laughable. My friend said that they 'fell victim to fashion' and I agree. It looks like if ikea and something with slightly more style and a much higher price point (DWR !) had a baby. If you get a chance check out the books on the bookshelf. HILL-ARRRR-I-OUS! You'd think that a classy upstanding restaurant would decorate their bookshelves with some classics or something halfway decent but they have terrible throw-away novels that look like they came off of a free book shelf. Old Michael Crichton and John Grisham novels kinda stuff. Like, Stephen Star gave the decorator $100 and said 'go buy some books to fill up all these bookshelves' and they tried to make it work.
The waitstaff was super informative. They knew their stuff and were excited about the food. They made a lot of recommendations and we ordered a lot of food. I had the bacon and scallops for an ap. I would get them again because they are killer! It's been a couple of weeks since I tried them so I can't say for sure what they tasted like other than 'really yummy' and I'd get them again in a heartbeat. My friend ordered a salad that they kept getting wrong for some reason...
The steaks were fantastic. I ordered the fillet. My friend ordered the strip. It was fantastic. Better than my fillet. Both were cooked to perfection.
The sides were great. We were hungry so we ordered sauteed mushrooms, asparagus, nuseke bacon, sweet corn, and whipped potatoes. All were excellent. (The next day I combined the rest of the potatoes, corn, and mushrooms and bits of steak and ate them for lunch. It was really good, I highly recommend it.)
We had a really good $100 bottle of wine that the sommelier/server suggested. It was a Portuguese wine that wasn't too sweet or too bitter. (That's sort of cheap for Barclay Prime as they have $450 bottles.)
For dessert we had the Key Lime Cheesecake. It was to die for and was presented nicely.
Overall, it was good. I'd go back if I had another steak-lover friend come visit me. My friend was quite satisfied with the meal and that's all that mattered. I'd get the cheese steak if I went back with cash to burn...
I liked that Tom G. called himself a steakhouse "veteran". It is a good description of myself. I have eaten as most of the big name steakhouses in NYC. On a trip to Philly, I would up a Barclay Prime. The kobe beef is all it is cracked up to be. They give you this stupid line about how it is good to share. It is only two sliders, so there isn't much but it is soo good, soo perfectly cooked, it was worth it. I ordered the 12 oz. fillet and my BF had the 4 1/2 pound lobster special. We ordered the asparagus, which was fine, not great or anything, and the potato nachos. The potato nachos were new to the menu. They are the amazing fried potatoes with that thick cut bacon they serve in steak places and some kind of amazing cheese melted on top. The fillet was excellent. Perfectly cut, juicy, amazing. The lobster was great too. Coated in butter and removed from the shell, so no mess at all. It wound up being a lot of food and we were stuffed before dessert. The dessert was probably my favorite. The most amazing cookie bowl with ice cream ever.
The place is pricey though, be prepared to spend.
Holy Sh*t this place is good! I am very aware that I'm a spoiled spoiled eater, and that because of my job I get to dine out places I have no place being. This may be one of those, but without a doubt ranks as the top Steakhouse experience of my life. After being referred to another restaurant by my hotel's concierge, I turned to my trusty Yelp which ranked that other place with an "eh", and this one with a very well deserved 4.5. I took the left out of the hotel to go to Barclay, and I am so glad.
I actually really liked the vibe in Barclay Prime. As a female, it is so hard to find a steakhouse that appeals to both gender of steak gnawers. This one did. The low seating is a little odd, but comfortable, and was nothing that a little good posture on my part helped solve (thanks Grandma!)
I ordered the house blackberry vodka on the rocks to start, and it was delish. Both my dining companion and I started with the tomato mozzerella salad, and it was fantastic. Apparently they make the monz in house.
For my main course, I actually had the scallop appetizer. There were two humungous scallops wrapped in bacon with a maple glaze. All that on top of two fried green tomatoes. These people knew how to win over this Southern girl.
My boss had the ribeye, which his demolished, so I assume it was tasty too. The sides (spinach, tatertots) were fresh and yum, if a little on the salty side.
I didn't have any room to even think about dessert, and needed to be rolled back to my hotel room. The price was high, but not ridiculous. I've paid much more for much less.
The service was unbelievable. Attentive as L'Ambroisie in Paris, without the pretense. It seemed that everyone really enjoyed working there. Next time I'm in Philly, I will definitely be back. This restaurant just made my top 10 of all time!
I'm not the kind of girl that would usually go to a Steven Starr restaurant, but when my friend offers to foot the bill, I'll give in to curiosity and check it out.
Barclay Prime is all hype. I agree with Blake S. on the interior design - it's horrifically campy. It tries far too hard to be edgy (if you've been to the bathrooms there, you know what I mean) and ends up just being mediocre and boring.
Why am I giving it one star? Because not one but TWO of the steaks at my table had to be sent back. I ordered mine Medium and recieved it Well Done. It was completely brown the whole way through. My friend (the one who was paying) ordered his steak Rare and got it Medium. My second steak came back as ordered, but his was basically a slab of raw meat--I'm talking beyond rare. Like they put it in the pan for five seconds to sear the smallest outer layer and then gave it to him out of spite. The third member of our party had a perfectly prepared kobe beef steak (medium), and we envied her all night.
This kind of screw-up is abominable at any steakhouse, but at a place where you're paying $75-100 per head, it's inexcusable.
If you're going to go, definitely spend the extra $$ for the Kobe beef - it tastes exponentially better than their other steaks. The sliders are a great appetizer, too. - but you can get those at other restaurants in rittenhouse (like Alfa) and they taste just as good.
While I never imagined I'd rate a Stephen Starr restaurant the best when it comes to food, Barclay Prime is my top choice for a high-end steakhouse in Philly.
The upscale boutique steakhouse is situated within a chic library/den setting...a library with luxe marble tables and gorgeous leather chairs. The service is impeccable...polite, knowledgeable, and consistent. The selection of steak knives they provide is a nice touch, especially for those who really love steak and the nuances of the various cuts of meat. Fun fact for steak connoisseurs, Barclay Prime gets their Ribeye from the same butcher where Peter Luger (in New York) gets their cuts.
The Kobe Sliders are definitely one of the best appetizers ever..anywhere..so be sure to get them. (We once went for JUST sliders and drinks which is a nice option when you're in-between meals or wanting smaller portions.) Also, the homemade hush puppies are nice update to the ones I remember from growing up. The Porterhouse is supposedly the way to go steak-wise, which is what my husband gets every time. I stick to the filet mignon - both of which are amazing.
Final thoughts...
If you're in the mood for steak and have some cash to spend on a nice dinner, run don't walk. Begin with the Kobe sliders to start the night just right.
Ambience here is beautiful, the lighting, everything. We started with the kobe sliders (HIGHLY recommend them!), and each had the filet. They bring you a choice of knives and you can pick which one to use to make your dining experience even better. The sides were deeeee liscious. We had the broccolini, and the lyonnaise potatoes. After all the delicious wine and food, I was so stuffed and enjoyed my leisurely walk afterwards around rittenhouse square. Totally perfect location, totally perfect food, totally perfect service....now...the price, however, is for those who make a lot of money. I think I'll only eat here a couple times a year. I highly highly recommend!
Pros:
- Food. The food is absolutely fantastic. What more can I say. Perfect steaks.
- Service. The service is almost overly attentive.
- Decor - I love the "library" look.
Cons:
- Price. Offensively expensive and overpriced.
Pretentious. I really hate pretentious places. For some folks, it's a draw. I despise it.
- Restrooms. Come on - is there really any reason for unisex restrooms? It's Philadelphia, not Soho in Manhattan.
- Decor. The bench seating blows.
Overall, the pros outweigh the cons. Hands down, the best food I've ever eaten in Philadelphia.
Hands down, the best steakhouse in the city. Maybe the country. Elegant without being stuffy, classy without being pretentious. The atmosphere is top notch, which is no surprise considering this is a Stephen Starr restaurant.
The food is spectacular and I love the fact that you get to choose your own steakknife before your meal! The bar is also a great place to chill and take in the scene.
Ah Barclay Prime....been trying to get there forever but just can't seem to justify the $200 dinner. But then a miracle struck. Gift Cards! Definitely the type of place where you feel slightly less classy walking in with gift cards rather than the Black Amex. But I digress. It was Friday, and it was lent, and for all those good going Catholics out there, well they were at the fish place across the street. I however, was ready to get busy on a 12 oz rib eye.
We started with the scallops wrapped in bacon over fried green tomatoes. Bangin. I'm talking party in my mouth types of flavors. My man had the shrimp cocktail, aka tiny lobsters that were tender and presented well.
We ordered salads but the kitchen had a minor brain fart and forgot to bring them out. The staff was extremely apologetic (they obviously didn't know we had gift cards yet) and offered up free dessert.
My man and I got the rib eyes. His, medium rare, was cooked nicely on the inside but was cold on the outside. They realized this when the meal was brought out. Quickly cooked him up another steak and told him it was on the house. They did this willingly which I thought was nuts, but still pretty sweet. It's clear they want you to leave happy and also realize that you're paying an arm and a leg for their food. There's clearly no room for error.
Sides, oh lord I love my sides. Whipped mashed and peas and onions. Can't get more original than that. BP knew how to cook them up right.
Dessert was well worth it. On a regular day we wouldn't have had room, but we had to rise to the occasion. After having the smores, praline cheesecake and some chocolate situation that was mighty tasty, we finished off our bottle of Louis Martini and got the bill. We had been unexpectedly compted on two different items, so we ended up saving the gift cards for another day.
Stephen Starr knows what's up. Even though he makes you sell your first born for a good meal, you usually end up leaving not feeling too guilty (especially on special occasions), as is the case when visiting Barclay Prime.
One of the very best Steakhouses in Philly. Located inside the posh Barclay residence on Rittenhouse Square, Barclay Prime is Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr's steakhouse concept. The upscale steakhouse is both classic and contemporary: while its walls are lined with old-fashioned bookshelves, its chairs are utterly modern, designed in bright green and white leather. The same goes for its menu, where executive chef James LoCascio offers traditional signature steaks like dry aged rib eye and New York strip, alongside more creative, fun items like kobe beef sliders and tater tots. With its swanky décor, decadent menu, and first-class service, Barclay Prime is the perfect spot for that special occasion dinner.
Steakhouses tend to be so manly. Barclay Prime is sexy, you can go with your girlfriends and not feel like the youngest person there and you don't , I repeat don't have to wear a business suit. It's trendy, the service is amazing and the food....oh the food. Kobe Beef cheesesteak was a hit for the out of towners in my group. I had the yellowtail ceviche which was divine and the lobster bisque which was everything I wanted it to be and more. I won't even get into the steaks, they were perfect, as expected.
Best. Steak. Ever.
This restaurant is a farce! The food is adequate at best. There is nothing special about this restaurant except for the stratospheric prices. I don't mind spending money on good food but please do not insult me by charging these prices for average cuts of meat.
I recommend that you hire a professionally trained cook (i.e. personal chef) to come to your home and prepare you a steak. The cost will be the same and you will have a better meal. Further, you do not have to subject yourself to that horrific interior design. This place belongs in Las Vegas, near the airport.
THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!!!!! sure, you might call the design of the place pretentious, but its not obtrusive at all. Judging by the lack of a white-linen tablecloth and the unimportance of dress code, this place is about FOOD, not being fancy.
kobe beef sliders. thats all i have to say bout THAT.
I got the kobe filet and we also ordered the tuna tartare- both were out of control good. like makes your brain melt good. like gives you the shivers good.
DEFINITELY would recommend this place for anyone who loves steak!
also, the service is only paralleled by the service we recieved at kitchen 233. which basically means that it was the best service possibly provided by actual living breathing human beings.
wonderful.
i'm STILL stuffed from last night.
Perhaps the only Stephen Starr restaurant where it isn't completely obvious that you're in a Stephen Starr restaurant. Typically the Starr formula is 50% decor + 30% food + 20% service (not that there's anything wrong with that... if you know what you're in for) but BP, like Morimoto, is more evenly balanced.
Great Steak-house meets 70s library decor, with big comfy seats... a little too big if you're looking for close conversation across the table, but after several pounds of beef and wine, that recline is some sweet action. I've been four times, and the steaks themselves have always been phenomenal... pick any, you can't go wrong. The kobe sliders are also amazing -- I might actually consider getting a few orders as my entree. And yes, without question, get the tots. As for the infamous and brilliantly marketed $100 cheesesteak, don't order it as an entree, it's too rich, and you'll probably feel cheated -- unless someone else is paying (which is, incidentally, highly recommended). But if you're in a group, get it as a starter, and think of it as an experience -- plus that way you all get the absurd story-telling rights.
Barclay executes the deep leather banquette, high ceilinged, plush but hiply decored steakhouse concept perfectly well. Prices are on par with other local steakhouses, chain or not. Our steaks were cooked perfectly to order, and sides look wimpy but involve a lot A LOT of delicious delicious butter. Steak knife options include Globals.
(I believe it is wheelchair accessible with big wide aisles- I don't recall any steps at the door.)
If you're not into gold leaf and stuffy butler-esce waiters at Prime Rib, you need Barclay Prime.
And although Barclay is a member of the Death Starr, I think that this one the best steak I ever had (perfectly cooked, melt-in-your mouth, so tasty).
Cool decor is a welcome for a steakhouse, and this is defiantly a hip place to be seen. They are serious about their meat, too, and servers will offer you a choice of steak knifes. The sides and sauces will cost you small fortune, but don't do without the hollandaise.
Love the kobe sliders. Love the kobe cheesteak (really not that outrageously priced if you consider that two people can eat it AND it comes with a half-bottle of champagne). Love the kobe fillet. I even love the non-kobe steaks I've tried. By far my favorite steak place in Philly (and New York, for that matter).
Barclay Prime is yet another Stephen Starr creation, a luxury meat and seafood "boutique". I think they can get away with the term; they're already infamous for their $100 Kobe steak! Unadorned and austere from the outside to the inside, their dining room and bar has a dark, black color scheme. The usual Starr spit-and-polish on presentation can be seen.
When asked about virgin cocktails, our bartender, Mark, could only make a margarita - it was the saltiest concoction ever! (Though now he probably can make more items)
A diner next to me had ordered oysters which looked appetizing. With an order of his entree he was offered a selection of knives. I saw a wickedly refined Porsche metal blade from Japan and another from France.
Ordered a lobster cocktail ($12-$15, can't recall). The lobster was well done. Thick and suitably seasoned, it took up almost as much room as the sauce. There was a side of bread, which could be slid to one side and ignored.
Reservations recommended but they accept walk-ins. While it wasn't crowded on our visit, limited seating may make it harder for larger parties to be seated unannounced. My verdict? I am intrigued enough to visit again, but I think I'll order wine or water with my meal.
Noisy, overpriced, and way douchebaggy. I will not come back unless I am forced to.
first time i went, it was absolutely fantastic! next time i went back, it was aweful, so on average, i'm giving it a pretty bad review. for the prices you shell out on these steaks, you should ALWAYS get an amazing experience. if i wanna gamble, i'll take my money to ac and at least be more entertained! if you're looking for good steak, look elsewhere
I agree with Aaron H.'s assessment of Starr's restaurants, which is why I typically avoid most of them. That said, we ate at Barclay Prime last night and I LOVED it! The funky decor is fun and inviting--it feels like you're eating in a Rat Packer's home office or library. (I did find the ornate crown-molded ceilings and crystal chandeliers to be odd and distracting...but, hey, I'm no interior designer and they certainly didn't detract from the quality of the food.)
Speaking of food...our party of 4 went all out!! We started with jumbo shrimp cocktail, bacon-wrapped scallops and soft-shelled crab...all fabulous!! Then we split the harvest and chopped salads...which were also excellent. My husband opted for the 24-oz Porterhouse ($46) and, not to be outdone, I actually ordered the 16-oz Kobe strip steak ($90)!! WOW!! Both steaks came out, as ordered, perfectly rare and mine melted in my mouth faster than the scallops I'd had minutes earlier. We split several sides (tater tots, sauteed mushrooms, asparagus, fried onions) that were good...but largely underwhelming compared to the rest of the food. I don't remember what the others had for dessert because I was savoring the largest creme brulee I've ever seen. YUM! We paired all of this with two bottles of Malbec from the wine list. It's a terrific list--very extensive--although the mark-up prices seemed even higher than usual.
The staff was the most fun, sincere and down-to-earth I've ever experienced in a Starr restaurant. The hostesses were welcoming and sweet and actually skipped the head-to-toe once-over you often get. Our server was well-poised and knowledgeable...happily fielding our questions while wittingly responding to our jokingly-irreverent comments. Even our fellow diners were pleasant...not your typical "here to see and be seen crowd." As for the dress code, my hubby wore the "preferred" dinner jacket...but gave me a look when he noticed that other men were wearing tees and hawaiian shirts.
As great as it was, I've crossed it off the list and don't see myself ever going back...hence the less-than-5-star rating.
Finally, note to Steven Starr: STOP WITH THE UNISEX BATHROOMS...they're CREEPY!!
Sometimes you just gotta have a nice expensive steak. Sometimes you have to have an expensive steak in an expensive looking place. Barclay is a very luxurious place where you can have a very luxurious steak.
It was just me this time. I had a craving and had a few extra bucks so I had some of their ala carte items in the cushy leather seats in the bar. The service was right on time. The spinach was a little too salty, but the filet was perfect. The Bearnaise sauce was superb.
I'm eating and I'm thinking, this is very close to the perfect steak meal. I got my choice of steak knives; the one I picked was finely balanced and sharp. The steak was of a delicate texture and just flavorful as all get out.
I want to go back and try more of their meats.
Let me begin by saying that I am a social worker and don't make much money. But then again, I live outside of my means. Barclay Prime has always been the one spot in Philly I needed to try... someday. This past Valentine's day it happened, and unlike the movie Troy, this experience did not disappoint.
For such an upscale, classy place, I was very comfortable. The waitstaff was knowledgeable as well as amicable. They maintained their professionalism while making you feel at home with gentle conversation. The seating was comfortable, the lighting was easy, and the bar looked inviting.
One nice little touch was the knife selection. The waiter brought us a choice of about 6 steak knives. I'm not sure any one would have made a difference in my dining experience, but then again, maybe it did.
The food was unbelievable. I love steak, but I'm not sure I needed to taste a $75 Fillet (maybe another time). We went with NY Strip and Rib-eye I believe, and we were both happy with our selections. The seasoning was spot-on. We also had the Nueske Bacon and Scallops. Perhaps the best appetizer I've ever had. I wish I could be more poetic in my description, but I would not pass this dish by. As sides, we had tater tots and sauted mushrooms. Both were great and went well with steak.
I highly recommend this place if you have a lot of money. If not, I recommend working some overtime and splurging once on your lover for some nice occasion.
Barclay Prime is an absolutely fabulous experience no lover of meat should pass up. This particular Starr restaurant is inside the old Barclay Hotel in Rittenhouse Square, but once you walk in, you will feel like you've entered the most swank, sexy and funky library in the modern world. Of all the Starr restaurants I've had the pleasure of dining in, Barclay Prime definitely had the most exclusive atmosphere --- with prices on the menu to match. (I will advise this is not the restaurant you want to visit if you're on a budget for the evening). The main dining room disguised as a library is dimly lit by several chandeliers and filled with marble tables and luxuriously comfortable modern leather chairs in cream and lime.
The service here was excellent --- knowledgeable, pleasant, helpful and I never felt at want for anything while at the same time I also never felt as if I was being hovered over by my waiter, which in my opinion is no mean feat!
The wine menu is certainly broad enough, both in regards to what's available by the glass or by the bottle. I tried a few different reds by the glass, my personal fave being a Cecci sangiovese.
My meal was absolutely stellar, simple as that. Never one to turn down an opportunity to dig into a tomato & mozzarella salad I found Barclay's version to have more flavor than most, however the mozzarella seemed dryer than I'm used to in this salad. It didn't ruin the dish, but I noticed it instantly. This is also my one complaint of the entire evening and its really pretty minor in my opinion. I do wonder if the dryness of the mozzarella was on purpose, to aid in the way it was presented --- sliced and spiraled around some greens. In any case, one sip of the lobster bisque made me forget the salad. Keep in mind I'm not even a huge fan of lobster. The bisque was incredible rich and creamy and full of flavor. Seeing the end of the bowl was sad indeed.
Now, one of the nifty-keen aspects of this restaurant is that you get to choose your steak knife! There were four options, two German & two Japanese, all very sleek. Now you know its time for your steaks. I love steak, and had high expectations for Barclay's entrees. I was not disappointed in the least. I ordered the Kobe filet, which was outrageously delicious. I was amazed with each bite I took. It could not have been cooked more perfectly and melted in my mouth. The waiter recommended I order it without any sauces or toppings and I am so glad I experienced the taste of the filet for exactly what it was.
My boyfriend ordered a 21-day dry-aged ribeye that was also exceptional (although I by far preferred my Kobe filet). He had it topped with a generous amount of lump crabmeat, which was very succulent and fresh. We shared a side of monstrous asparagus stalks with a hollandaise sauce that was pretty close to perfect. I often find hollandaise to be a little strong tasting for my liking but this was not overpowering at all.
Dinner had been very rich and filling but what is a great dining experience if you leave out dessert? So, on came the warm cheesecake truffles, paired with four different sauces --- various fruit and chocolate. I was afraid they'd be too rich for my already filled stomach, but not so. Once again, another perfect dish.
What about Barclay Prime's much talked about $100 Kobe cheesesteak (which, mind you, comes complete with a (small) bottle of Veuve Clicquot)? Sadly, I did not try it this trip, but my boyfriend and are certainly hoping to return with a couple friends who would be interested in splitting it as an appetizer.
My entire experience here was wonderful and very memorable. Barclay Prime provided an outstanding dining experience on all fronts. My only true disappointment was that I hadn't tried the place sooner!
3 words: KOBE BEEF SLIDERS
i went here for a pre-dinner snack. i had my eye set on the prize. the kobe beef sliders. 2 for $15. pricey but worth every last penny. the sliders come out on this funky little plate that holds the two of them perfectly. one in each cup-like slot. my bf and i split them. one a piece. the slider was like the most perfect burger i've ever had. just in miniature form. it was this toasted bun with kobe beef (medium-rare), gruyere cheese, and carmelized onions. that's it! but OH MY WORD, it was so good. i ate a TON of food while in philly but this dish was by far my favorite. it just blew me away. i know it sounds ridiculous to fawn over a miniature burger, but you can't knock it til you try it. it's hands down, THE BEST!
as for decor. at first i thought it was a bit too stiff for my liking. not as funky and fun as some of the other starr restaurants. but then i took a closer look and realized the brilliance of it all. when you first step in it looks very swank and pricey. lots of dark wood and such. but then you start noticing all the greenish-hued accents. the green chairs. and the green menus. and then you notice the library feel with all the shelves of books around you. and then you realize that this is one hip, swank, spot. the chandeliers are a nice touch as well. i have to say i was quite impressed.
two very enthusiastic thumbs up and 5 brilliant stars!
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: Steakhouses
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: Steakhouses
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: American (Traditional)
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: French
Neighborhood: Market East
Category: Steakhouses
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