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Devon Seafood Grill
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Neighborhood: Rittenhouse SquareRittenhouse Square
225 S 18th St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 546-5940
51 reviews for Devon Seafood Grill
This place has become one of my go-to places ever since the first time I went a few months ago.
Their offerings are solid but sometimes, depending on the type of fish, it can be dry. My first time here I experienced that, while the preparation of the fish was superb, it was leaning toward dry.
My next dining experience involved the four course tasting menu described by faye b. s. in her review (read there for menu details). Not only was this a fantastic value at $35 (+$14 for the wine pairing I got along with it), their large portions of fantastic food made me come back a second time to have the exact same tasting menu.
So my advice is to try a wide-range of food either through a tasting platter or tasting menu that's available. I've had friends come here and get one thing and not like it, others will love what they got, so eat around the menu and see what this place can offer you!
I came here on a friend's recommendation and have been here four times since.
Twice, my husband and I will come here for a monthiversary, and the other two times were with friends who had never been there before. They were all impressed.
Service is impeccable, as is the food. Twice, I've gotten the filet and lobster tail, but the most recent tasting menu blew me away, and at $32 per person, it's a steal:
- Potato-Chive Gnocchi with wild mushrooms, sage, leeks, applewood smoked bacon, parmesan reggiano, and corn jus
- Char-Crusted Tuna with baby greens, haricot verts, roasted yukon gold potatoes, a sesame cracker, with a black olive vinaigrette
- Petite Filet Mignon with Alaskan King Crab, whipped yukon gold potatoes, grilled asparagus, and foyot sauce
- Warm Raspberry Linzer Tart with spiced red wine syrup, vanilla ice cream, and crystallized ginger
Each course was better than the previous one. I think my personal favorite was the gnocchi. GOOOO before it changes!!
This is a happy hour review. I may come back and giver another star after a dinner.
It is restuarant week and I made a reservation anyways for 4 at 5:45pm just in case we needed a table for happy hour. Turns out nope. We were seated outside to enjoy the gorgeous warm fall day. My friends were thrilled with the seating when they arrived.
While I was waiting, the waiter checked on me politely and I said I will wait for a few minutes before ordering. OK yes normal.... wait for it... wait for it.... out comes this sweet man with a platter of fresh biscuits and honey butter and he puts one on my plate. I was super excited as I remember how they were mentioned in the other reviews. The biscuit was hot and crunchy. It's not a flaky pilsbury kind. It's nice but I think it is the honey butter that is the star. Anyways, as I was enjoying the biscuit, the sweet man was passing my table after his round and my waiter barked at him to put biscuits on all the other plates at the table even though my friends were not there yet. Sweetie said No, waiter said Yes. Back and forth in front of me! Then the waiter stomped off and I felt bad. I felt like a child in front of yelling parents.
So I said it is ok if you want to put biscuits on the plates. Sweetie said, no because I don't want your friends to have cold biscuits with flies!
HOW SWEET IS HE! He came back later when all my friends got here and i got a second biscuit.
Luckily, our waiter was nice to us. I think he just had a rough day.
He wasn't excited when my friends ordered house wines I could tell.
I had the strawberry mojito. Very yummy and fruity but not strong enough. Also had the vietnamese spring rolls. It was OK. I probably will not order any vietnamese spring rolls again at a western restuarant though. Have had much better for $2 less. Happy hour price was $6.50 for 2 thin rolls. My friend had the calamari and that is what smart people order! It looked so crispy and warm and juicy! Lots of tentacles! Next time!
I will come again for dinner some time and I will know to stick with western food and maybe order a beer. You can never go wrong with beer.
The atmosphere was good and it was packed on Friday night. The bar didnt look too promising but for dinner it was great. I had a tasting menu which was a very good deal in addition to being delicious. I enjoyed steak, tuna, and gnocchi. All were very good! I recommend going here but it is a bit pricey - more so than it might be worth. But a good spot for a special occasion.
I had never been to the Devon before this and was excited to walk in and find it was a seafood restaurant - my favourite food!
Our table was booked for 6.45 and upon entering we were greeted and waited for a few minutes for our table to be ready.
They seated us at the edge of the dining section in a booth which was comfortable. There are old pictures of various fish on the walls and a big, old clock face opposite our table. This restaurant has a very classic feel, lots of wooden fixtures and a clean look; white table clothes, china and nice low lighting
Our server was extremely friendly and knowledgeable regarding the evenings specials. There were so many good things on the menu we were hesitant as to what to pick.
We decided on the 4 course tasting menu; a beet salad with walnuts and apple, scallops cooked to perfection with fennel greens, grilled swordfish over the most amazing risotto I've ever tasted and finally an upside down apple cake (it was a little dry and thick but I was still thinking about the risotto!). This tasting menu was a deal at $35 per head and the portions were the perfect size. We each had a glass of wine, a generous serving enough for the whole meal.
I cannot praise the food and the service more in this place so to my reason for only 4 stars not 5. I only have a minor gripe about our experience which could be easily rectified.
The music from the bar was not extremely loud but it was a little over powering for those at the edge of the dining area. Also the fact that they were playing techno-dance music was not entirely appropriate for this setting especially on a week night.
Besides this, I really only have great things to say. Great atmosphere, friendly service, amazing food and an excellent selection.
My bff from high school and I made plans to get together for drinks and dinner. Since she doesn't do the city thing very often, I wanted her to have a Rittenhouse experience but without spending boatloads of cash. I checked out Devon's website and discovered their "privileged guest" program. After providing my contact info, I received a $10 gift certificate via email that we were able to use towards dinner.
Our reservations were for 7 on a Friday night but we arrived early to hit the bar for happy hour. I checked in with the hostesses, who all wore vapid expressions and showed very few signs of life or friendliness (Jenna C., it's not just NoLibs afterall!). We proceeded to the bar area and secured a couple seats. The specials from 5 - 7 are great, but the cocktails we tried were very heavy on the mixers. Next time I'll stick to wine or beer.
We enjoyed sitting in the bar area near the bright, open windows facing the Square, but a trip to the ladies' revealed a restaurant interior that was badly in need of some renovations or at the very least, a good scrub-down.
When happy hour was over, we were seated at a table by the open windows, as requested in my reservation. Our server was friendly but forgetful. She didn't seem to know much about the menu and when special requests were made with regards to sauces, she was a little helpless. The food itself was good but not particularly exciting. The tuna tartare was nice and spicy, although it was one of the offerings at the bar during happy hour so it would have made more sense to order it there. My salmon entrée came with fresh green beans and asparagus risotto. My friend's cioppino was tasty, but had she not agreed to the optional pasta add-on, the dish would have been very light for an entrée.
I'll be back for dinner if I receive another promotion that is too good to pass up, but most likely I'll return for happy hour only.
Everytime I've tried to get into Rouge and was unable because it's always PACKED, I've ended up at Devon and had more fun there than I ever would have at Rouge.
The bar is cozy and great for meeting new people while eating the finest seafood. The food is amazing and atmosphere is very formal.
It used to be a Houlihans but they've upgraded it into a chic Rittenhouse bar where you're able to relax.
When the biscuit person comes to your table just ask for 2 biscuits, you'll regret it if you don't .
Secondly you must order the crabcake platter. It comes with mashed potatos ( you will need no other seasoning they come out perfect) and asparagus. You will be very very happy.
I never have room for dessert.
I LOVE Seafood and this is by far the best place.
My boyfriend took me here for our first date and ever since I fell in love with Devons haha, yes I choose food over anybody any day.
Anyways, I revisited Devons with a friend when we were walking aimlessly through Rittenhouse square and fell in love again with Devons. Although this time I didn't come for Happy Hour, since it was a Saturday, the food was still very fresh and delicious.
First I must comment on their biscuits, it is just soo good, I made a huge mistake by eating it wayy too fast, though I was too embarrassed to ask for seconds.
Secondly, the portions are very generous, and since we snacked before we came here, we ordered 2 appetizers and splits an entree which was perfect, though very very filling.
Finally, the atmosphere, its a hot summer day, so we sat near the window and it is the city so it can get noisy but other than that, the staff is friendly, although our waitress was a bit slow, it was a busy day. I think we enjoyed our food too much to even care about how she was not completely 100% with us.
I must conclude on this note: Seafood is not only fresh here, but it is also put together with different flavors that I would not expect to go well with Seafood. This is a must go! :) And if you have time, try their happy hour!
Absolutely loved Devon! Could have had something to do with a balmy May evening on our last night in Philly as well as the excellent food and an attentive server.
We had reservations for 8 PM and had to wait a bit to get an outside table but it was well worth waiting for. The bar was crowded and the bar staff not super attentive, but we did get a good drink and were at our table before we finished it. Loved overlooking Rittenhouse Square and people watching as we enjoyed our dinner and a bottle of wine.
As appetizers, the prosciutto crusted scallops were to die for, and the duck trapped smoked salmon excellent also.
We split a filet and crab cake entree, but added a second crab cake on the advice of our server - and very good advice it was!
Awesome place - I highly recommend it!
I ping ponged between 3 and 4 stars.
The extra star is for a creativity of menu, interesting combinations and decent non seafood items( i always feel bad for people who don't like seafood but want to join their friends)
Also the fact that i thought i was going to a bar, for a burger or such, so wasn't dressed appropriately for a Rittenhouse Square restaurant. No one from the staff batted an eye, I will remember that at Tip time.
My entree was nicely plated, and the shaved fennel salad blended perfectly with the lemon risotto. I absolutely think scallops should be served with risotto every time. Here is the issue....There was sand in my scallops, they were to gritty for a seafood place in Philadelphia. i also thought the calamari was dry and over fried, bar food style.
My friend had shrimp quesadeas and holy yum they were good, get that if you go.
Despite some rough issues, it was a nice experience. Better than most Center City seafood places. The price for right across from the square is pretty good, which is a definite factor in returning.
Been here only once. Would definitely go again.
I went for lunch and had salmon. It was very good! The service and staff were all very friendly as well.
OMG! I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT HERE!
I went here for restaurant week last night and omg the food was soooo good! Better than any seafood restaurants that I have been too!! The service was really great and he always refilled my water in time, which i love!
Devon's even have a more selections and bigger portions than the past restaurants I went to for restaurant week, and it definitely filled up my stomach and made my money's worth!!
Appetizer was from either a house salad, ceasars salad, lobster bisque, or new england calm chowder. I chose the lobster bisque and that was soo good!! very flavorful! I love it!! And my friend got the house salad, and the vinegrette dressing was very very good and flavorful! The soup was big and plenitful that I felt full from it already. They gave us hot biscuits right from the baking tray and with a side of some banging honey butter - that butter is the bestest butter i ever had!!! I LOVE IT!!
Yes i was so happy lol, and then entrees was from i think some fish, salmon, crab cakes, or filet mignon! i was like wowo!! I love crab cakes and i told my friend to get the salmon cuz i wanted to try it too lol. So my crab cakes were sooo good!! they were very tasty! and it came with a side of mash potatoes and asparagus, omg they were sooo good! lol. my friends salmon was pretty big portion and it definitely filled us both up right away! love it!!
Then our desserts we got to choose from a kahlua chocolate chip something lol and creme brulee MY FAVE!!! and chocolate fondant which they call lava cake lol. so as much as i love drinking kahlua, i just cant pass up my fave dessert of all time creme brulee! and they gave me a big bowl of it! they werent cheap at all!! my friend got the lava cake and i was like thats a chocolate fondant, i make that all the time!! lmao! and that came with a side of ice cream with toffee flower chip thing, omg it was too good that she couldnt finish it lol. i got too full!
And i also ordered calamari on the side because i just love calamari! they definitely gave us a lot of it and it came with like side dips, so did my crab cakes, and the calamari had like fried sliced carrots which were really good! I dont like carrots that much, but that was good last night!
All in all, love it! Would definitely go there again just to eat! And I dont think their regular prices menus were expensive at all! The appetizers were like mostly from 10ish range, which isnt bad at all! LOVE IT!!
My friend dine's at Devon frequently. Our dinner was fantastic, but the wine list was sub par (special on Chateau St. Michelle's- a $15 bottle at the store?) The biscuit's that come to the table are amazing. I ordered the summer platter, and was very pleased with my selection. For a Price Fixe of $30, I was provided with a Caprese salad, scallops and chocolate mousse for dessert. Scrumptious!
Be prepared to really enjoy yourself because Devon does fine dining right.
Our server was fantastic -- thoughtful and timely. He presented us our wine and did so in a way that was proper but didn't make us feel like we were at a stuffy country club.
The crab cakes were out of this world delicious and the creme brulee was perfect. Not to mention the biscuits with honey butter.
The restaurant has these beautifully tiled arches, cherry wood, a slightly exposed kitchen, and a soundtrack of jazz playing.
Best part -- I went for Restaurant Week and still got exceptional service. That is where they get 5 stars... I can't wait to go back!
I suggest when making a reservation ask to be seated in a booth if possible.
Wife and I had our second meal at Devon. I had the tasting meal. It was fantastic and a true value at $32.00. The attention to detail and quality and variety was first rate. Every dish was excellent. Service was professional. Never had to worry about an empty water glass or getting a clean fork or knife. Back room is much quieter then the room in front. Go, enjoy.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/7/2009
Excellent fresh seafood, priced around $30 for main courses. Oysters Rockefeller were tasty. Was a… Read more »
Probably the first time I've been completely satiated by every course of a restaurant week meal!
First, the waiter was very good, tho seemed to be a bit harried by the extra restaurant week crowd. He did wait around to make sure the steak was cooked to his liking, recommended a good wine, and didn't rush us at all. The place itself is much bigger inside than it seems, and has a nice relaxed but classy feel to it. (I hadn't been there since I was a kid and it was Houlihan's with the big wood bear statue in the entrance. Aw...)
The house salad was delicious, and probably also the first time I've finished a salad; mixed greens with a light vinaigrette, pine nuts, goat cheese, dried cranberries and grape tomatoes. The salmon was cooked really well and so good with the butternut squash risotto. Even though I didn't really have any room left, I couldn't leave a single bite of the lava cake, which came with ice cream in a praline cup with those little round wafer cookies I can never remember the name of.
My hubby had the chowder, the steak, and the cheesecake, and we happily rolled our way home.
Went there for dinner. Food was just average. The three stars are for the location (right on rittenhouse sq). Service was fine.
If you care about food quality, I'd recommend The Parc or Rouge which are on the same block and offer excellent food.
Great for eating outside right next to the park. The portions are very generous. While the fish was well prepared, I have to admit I was a bit bored with the types of preparation. I kind of thought it would be a little more creative for the price. We also didn't get any of their famed biscuits!! Extra star for a nice wine list.
As this was my first night in the city for a conference, I wanted some place that I can just walk in to and out of without waiting too long for service. The employee at the hotel that I was staying at highly recommended this place, so I took his advice and came here to sit at the bar.
You can't go to a seafood grill and not get clam chowder and fried shrimp! The chowder was spot on (though not as good as a recent bowl I had in Monterey, CA), but the shrimp was a little overcooked. Service was decent, and I think it has a bit to do with me being a pretty low-maintenance customer.
Overall, the experience was nothing special. It'll probably be one of those places I'll try to remember in a few months when someone asks me where they should go since they're going to be in the Rittenhouse Square area, and I'll be like "Oooh yeah, there's this one seafood place I went to.. hmm.. what's the name again.. ?"
Poor all the way around. Wait staff and the food was fair.
If you don't get full off their biscuits alone, I'd be surprised. They only give you one, but you can ask for more. The butter that comes with it is whipped, sweet, and quite frankly, heaven.
I've been to Devon on more than one occasion, and I have always been impressed. Service is good, the food is fantastic and I'm a fan of the atmosphere. It is semi-difficult to get in and out in an hour (if you're here on a lunch break, time accordingly).
One rule when coming here, you MUST save room for dessert and order what can only be described as a slab of carrot cake.
Since Devon is in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, the location alone influences those seafood lovers to dine here. I love that it is next to another popular hot spot, Parc, which makes it an ideal place to gaze at a variety of interesting pedestrians strolling by.
I am fond of the old dark wood with warm earth tone interior design and of course an inviting bar. I also love the nostalgic feeling I get when I hear Frank Sinatra faintly playing.
What made my experience somewhat unique, is that I was carded not once but twice, which was odd at first, but undoubtedly a very nice compliment. The waitress had the manager come over to analyze my ID, because she told him it may be fake (perhaps she has never seen a CA license). The manager scrutinzed my ID with flattering comments and then was offered the wine on the house. So that was pretty cool, and the fact that they put the game on per my request... the Lakers were killing Magic!
The Pinot Noir was perfect; the shrimp cocktail were tender, yummy and Jumbo... again perfect; tomato mozzarella was very good; the mixed grilled seafood: lump crabcake, scallops, shrimp, salmon w/ mashed potatoes were delicious. The filet, I was told was so tender and amazing. Finally, the creme brûlée did not disappoint.
So yes, I highly recommend this phenomenal restaurant.
Great service, great food. I had the Jumbo Lump Crab Melt with slaw and fries. The fries were nice and crisp with seasoning. This is exactly how I love my fries. I love the Rittenhouse Square location, although it's never fun trying to park in Center City. Luckily I used to live in the area, so it wasn't so painful. I only wish we had gotten the biscuits since the other reviews rave about how awesome they are.
I would love to come back and try more of their food. Highly recommended.
I went there again two nights ago- definitely had to give them a 5th star. The food is fresh and prepared to perfection. The service was great and the scene is pretty cool as well.
I've been here a few times and thought it was a pretty good scene. It's a nicer seafood place, which is always fun.
Last night, I went with my roommate. For the first time, I skipped over the lobster bisque (I was nervous to do so, as it is some of the best bisque I've ever had) in favor of the caesar salad (I know, lame, but I was in the mood for it), and luckily was not disappointed. It was real good, with a glob of that fried cheese that looks like it may be some type of bread, but when you bite into it, it turns out to be full of cheesy goodness. Roomie stuck with the bisque, and raved about it again.
Again, I was adventurous on the entree and skipped the ole crab cakes - which are FANTASTIC, by the way - in favor of the Cod. Equally as good - it came on top of rice, with a bunch of grilled veggies around the side, in some sweet (but not overbearing sauce). I don't like it when the sauce/accessories to the fish overpower the flavor of the fish, and luckily this did not happen. In fact, I'm kind of excited that I couldn't finish and had to bring some home - round two should be good!
Annnnd, let's not forget the biscuits they serve. Sweet and good, and not too dry (I hate a super dry biscuit). And they bring you a nice butter, and the biscuits are always warm (how do they do this?)! YUMM. Don't skip this part, and if you ask nicely, they will even bring you a second one! (Yeah, I do this pretty much every time).
Basically, I think this is a nice spot for a high quality seafood experience. I really like seafood, so I don't mind paying just a bit more than my average meal for a good ole hunk of it in a fun downtown place.
Every time I visit my friends in Philadelphia we go here several times for lunch and/or dinner. The food is excellent and the setting is lovely overlooking Rittenhouse Square. For lunch, I like to sit outside at the sidewalk tables which are covered by a canopy. The air conditioning drifts out of the large open windows and keeps you cool on the hottest, muggy day of the year,
Seafood restaurants can feel healthy and light - or just as decadent as a steak and burger joint. This place is definitely the latter.
There was so much cream and cheese in my chipotle shrimp enchiladas that I almost forgot the tasty morsels I found wedged in the cheese were the shrimp themselves.
and damn was it tasty.
to add to the food, the bar is HUGE and spacious, and the waiters/raw bar guy were attentive, friendly, and in a great mood on a relatively busy evening.
a definite return visit on future business trips.
It's hard to decide how many stars to give Devon... it really depends on my last experience. It's hit and miss.
Before I wrote a review, I read all of the other reviews and the lack of consistency confirmed what I planned to say - it depends. I went there twice in the last week. Once I had a fabulous meal. One of the best pieces of fish I've ever had. Once I had an overpriced, mediocre meal. I left thinking I'd never go back (too bad that was the second time that week).
I've probably eaten at Devon 10 times - equally split between lunch and dinner. Generally, I would say lunch is too expensive for what it is. I'm not opposed to buying a nice lunch, but I don't think what Devon has to offer at lunch is worth the prices they charge. When I look back at my experiences, I also find that I tend to be dissatisfied more often at lunch than at dinner.
You can get a good meal at dinner at Devon if you know what to order. My advice, order what they tell you is the freshest thing. They are usually candid about that. The menu items are okay... but again, hit and miss. There is a pattern... too bad it seems to be unpredictable.
The atmosphere - I suspect it depends on what you are looking for. It's not a small, intimate spot. It's large and noisy. If you're seated in front, you hear the bar crowd the whole time. It's not a great date spot. Basically, it's probably a good place to go with a group of people you know well enough to drink and be noisy with.
It sort of sounds like I don't like it. I'm not sure I do... but I keep going back. Actions speak louder than words I guess.
This place is great. I especially liked the lobster bisque- the best I've had in forever. This is a great place for standbys, I wouldn't go here for a "culinary adventure" but if you want an amazing crabcake, perfect bisque, delish house salad, the BEST mussels in white sauce, then this is your place.
Even though other reviewers said the service wasn't great, they were older reviews...there was a waiter and a bus person and both were totally on their game. You'll be psyched.
We went to this place when I had some family visiting from the Great Plains of Kansas and they wanted to eat some seafood. I suppose they were under the false impression that the Atlantic Ocean still supports sea life and that Philadelphia is a thriving seafaring port city. Regardless of their oversights, this place was recommended to me and it was here that we went. We all ordered fairly standard seafood dishes including a rare Ahi steak with ginger sauce, some sauteed scallops, and the crabcakes for appetizers. Everything was delicious and everyone in the party was pleased with the results. Service was excellent and no complaints with the cocktails. I can't give five stars because there was nothing exceptional, but there were also no deficiencies. I deem Devon a solid choice for well prepared seafood and an inviting, not too over the top, atmosphere.
Why is everyone giving this such good reviews? Because they like the Rittenhouse scene? In terms of FOOD, I just got back from an extremely mediocre lunch, especially considering the price.
The restaurant is a chain, owned by the Houlihan's people. 'Nuf said? No?
Atlantic salad salad: Not bad, but what the heck were those croutons? Butter-soaked Wonder bread?
Tomato mozzarella salad: 1992 called. It wants its vertically stacked, red onion ribboned, squeeze bottle orange and green mystery sauce squiggled-plated salad back. The tomatoes were fresh and good, the mozz was indifferent
Lobster bisque: Fine
Crab melt sandwich: Why would you ruin nice crab meat with cheddar cheese and more too-greasy Wonder bread?
"Vietnamese" crab spring rolls: There was mayo in there, and precious little crab. Since when does mayo go in Vietnamese ANYTHING?
If it's Rittenhouse dining you want, go to Rouge or Parc.
i've been telling my girlfriend about Devon for the last two years. Couldnt wait to take her based on my positive experiences from about 10 years ago. I couldnt wait to treat her to oysters and Martini's. I was extremely disappointed. The oysters arrived NOT set on top of a bed of ice, but mushed into the melted ice. The server put them there and watched as i held the oysters in place while i drained the water. When the martini's arrived there was too much room at the top of the glass. Too much cash for too little 'tini. The Cioppino was average at best. Oh well, at least the biscuits were phenomenal as was the chocolate lava cake with coffee. Definitely won't be back.
Fancy.
Wear your heals or your necktie (or both!) and get ready to cozy on up to either the bar or the table. This place is very pretty, comfortable and the service is pretty sharp.
But..
don't save your appetite for dining here.
Fish is this restaurants 'specialty' but frankly I was very disappointed in the quality of the cooking.
I had the cioppino- the scallops, mussels and fish were very dry, the linguine however was fresh
For an appetizer I had the Tuna tartar -one of my favorite dishes -thinking this was a safe choice given the restaurant, but I just couldn't taste the fish as it was drenched in a wasabi/soy sause.
The white wine's were good and the atmosphere was working really well for me as the waitstaff treated us like royalty. But for me, if the food isn't there then there is nothing in the package to tie it all together.
I dined here with my brother and sister for Center City Restaurant Week. I had never had red snapper before, but decided to try it since I didn't know when the next chance I'd dine at such a nice establishment. The snapper was well prepared and definitely not too fishy. It came with mashed sweet potatoes and a lemon aioli, which was delicious! We all ordered the lava cake for dessert which was amazing in its own right, but was paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a peanut/praline-like shell cup - DIVINE!
One word describes what this restaurant has become....Inconsistent.
I used to love brunching at Devon....I mean it! You have a great view of the park you can drag along the dog...you get those FANTASTIC biscuits with the WONDERFUL honey butter, and what used to be a great California Cobb Salad. Well...now the salads are really lacking...the service is getting poor. One afternoon I believe it was saint Patty's day...I was in the resturant ordering take out...to consume over in the park with my significant other...when he noticed that the mananger was arguing with a server ON THE FLOOR! The manager procceded to YELL at this poor guy right in front of customers...no no no...you don't do that! That is why there is an office. Since that incident I've been really reluctant to return..well that and because they have that scaffolding blocking the sidewalk so there is no seating outside. Anyway it used to be a much better place.
Go no later than 7 PM on the w/e or risk getting inconsistent service. We had 8 pm reservations, were seated at 8:10...not terrible, but shouldn't be acceptable at a restaurant charging 30/plate.
Our calamari was overdone and oily, the lobster bisque was phenomenal (albiet rich) and our dinner entrees were generous portions which made it easier for us to stomach the expense. Service was sloooow. It took 15m for our drinks to come and another 5 for waters. In fact, the service felt like Devon was serving based on the needs of the kitchen instead of the readiness of the table. The atmosphere was very old world Chicago, so loud, dark, and large. Not sure how all the white collars handle it but judging by the slew of Aston Martins, Maseratis, and Bentlys out front, they find a way!
There were 7 of us, hungry and a little tipsy from just leaving happy hour. Needless to say, we were also not the quietest bunch in the place. Let's just say the service was excellent, especially considering they had to put up with a bunch of loud guys.
To start out the evening we had Calamari, Mussels, and Clams for appetizers. For the main course I decided on the Chilean Sea Bass. Everything was delicious, seasoned just right, and fresh. The menu offers a large selection of items so deciding on what to order can be a challenge. Some of the guys chose the sampler platter which offers a variety of items including salmon, a crab cake, and scallops. The wine selection is very good and will have something for everyone.
As for desert, well, we were too full so we had to skip it. It'll have to wait for the next time I'm in Philly.
Devon is just the right kind of seafood restaurant. Lively and clean, busy and bright. You see eating seafood, especially shellfish is a brisk and boisterous affair. You gotta get your fingers into it.
Devon is elegant but still brisk. The waitstaff is handsome and professional, and the food is first rate.
If you can get a seat, get ready for feast size platters cooked to perfection. The wine list is tremendous, and although I'm not a huge wine fanatic, I know a good Riesling when I taste one, and a good Riesling is de rigeur if you're doing serious shellfish. Well, that's how my mama raised me.
The main dining room is in a clever cave-like section that looks rather like a refurbished subway tunnel. That's a good thing, it's very tastefully done and it adds to just the right atmosphere of fun, even though this is a fairly classy joint.
Right on Rittenhouse Square, Devon is in the high zoot neighborhood and last time I went by there was a convertible Aston-Martin DB9 parked out front. (Yes it had paddle shifters). So scrub your face and bring your wallet, and your appetite.
Now as far as I'm concerned there are just a few signature dishes that tell me how good a seafood restaurant is. The first (and the only one I tried here) is the Lobster Bisque. Devon's gets four stars, and so does the restaurant.
Anything on Rittenhouse square is going to be hype, and as a result there is quite an expectation to the detriment of the restaurants. Devon was a good experience of course thanks to the quality of its food but the service around it is way too much and does not necessarily contribute positively to the overall experience. Don't get me wrong service was very good, but at times I was thinking: OTT! Anyway, the tuna tartare was a bliss, but the crab cakes were a miss...not enough carbohydrates in those cakes. As for the dessert, disappointing, it does not live up to the rest. I would probably go back but stick to what many people recommend, dinner at the bar! A fish starter with a wine of Sancerre, and off we go!
