Rex at the Royal

John the bartender is awesome. Cocktails are phenomenal. I actually don't drink often due to health reasons so when I want to really treat myself, I go to the Rex for a cocktail that know will be worth it! Food is also great. Ambiance is lovely. This is my favorite date night spot in Philly. Not too loud.

01.26.24

What a nice looking space! Upon entering the building, it felt like I was about to hang out with Ballers. The entry way, the high ceilings, the curvy contouring bar and individual bathrooms. This place is definitely 'city chic'. For a 'hot minute' it felt like I was in Manhattan.
I made my way over to the bar. I was greeted quickly so I ordered. A Chardonnay paired with oyster shuckers (4 stars), followed by corn and crab chowder(3 star) and fried green tomatoes with pork belly and a remoulade sauce (4 stars).
It started to get a little busy in the bar area. Most of the seats at the bar as well as the bar tables were taken. Service began to taper off at the bar. I was no longer being approached for refills, I had to 'flag down' my bartender for additional drinks. I noticed that another employee started her shift. I kinda got excited because I was thinking that she would pick up the slack. Uhhhh, no. She was a in training. What baffled me was that there were 2 bartenders working the bar since I walked in. One bartender literally complained the entire time that I was there. This isn't an issue unless it affects your work ethic and clearly that was the case. The other bartender was doing his/her best but it was a little overwhelming (I'm reluctant to give genders because I do not believe they should be completely held accountable for this situation). The bar itself is fairly long, it takes more time to make drinks AND bring them around the bar to service the tables. I highly recommend a 'swing' bartender. Someone that can pickup the slack during peak periods.
I will definitely return, more than likely I will go earlier. Before the dinner rush.

SP

This was a really cool spot!

They are aiming to be southern inspired / coastally driven...and I think they hit that out of the park. I had the short rib hash for brunch, and it reminded me of being in Charleston, SC. Most of their menu reflected that sort of vibe to me, or New Orleans (grits, biscuits, oysters) - and that feels like a niche in the Philly food market, so big props to them for pulling it off.

Aside from the food, they have the aesthetic that enhances the vibe. They kept much of the integrity from the original theater, and transformed it into a new gathering space for the community. Bright colors and comfy booth seating, it's really inviting and fun to stick around. I hear on Tuesday's, they have live music; I would love to go back here for a cocktail night and listen to some jams. Their bar looked stunning and while I didn't have any drinks in my visit, you could easily tell that is a draw for many.

The food itself was good, no complaints what-so-ever...but did it leave me feeling like: "what have I been missing out on?" No - not really, but if I am down and around south street for brunch again, I wouldn't mind trying some more things on the menu. I have also heard their burger is a big hit, in case you wanted to try something that is typically recommended.

I visited Rex at the Royal recently with a few friends for dinner and it was a beautiful time. I want to first say that customer service was excellent, seriously the hospitality didn't go unnoticed. A++

Overall everyone liked their entrees but the appetizers were either under seasoned or over cooked. The crab fondue needed more seasoning, the cornbread was so dry we sent it back, and the truffle fries were burnt. We ordered a few more appetizers and everything was just not seasoned enough. I feel like in the rush to get apps out quickly the quality did not hold up. Take your time please. My party loved their food and I was just not here for mine. I ordered the Memphis Jerk Ribs and they tasted more like liquid smoke than jerk. I actually took most of it home and added my own jerk sauce and cooked them more. This dish definitely needs some work. I give the food a C. It's most certainly not the reason I would come back.

Now what sold me on Rex at the Royal was the ambiance and drinks. The cocktails were very delish so I will be coming back for happy hour or just when I want to be in a beautiful setting. This is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city. Kudos to the design team. Very dreamy and sexy. Perfect for a date and drinks.

I'll be back to try out some more of the menu and hopefully update my review. I need to know if the food was just a one off because I'd like to add Rex at the Royal to my favs rotation.

Love this place for a romantic date night!
The dimly lit old theater vibe, great specialty drinks, and delicious New Orleans Cajun food style menu makes for the perfect dining experience! The servers are on the ball & will help you with choices. I recommend the baked oysters & the ribs!

Full of flavor!

I was in town on business travel during restaurant week so I decided to meet a friend for dinner at Rex at the Royal for dinner.

We both went with the restaurant week menu but got different things. I went with the tempura vegetables, chicken with kale & street corn fish, and the key lime pie. My friend got the Caesar salad, shrimp & grits, and bread pudding.

We both loved our food and also loved each other's meals. If I visit Philly again, I'd definitely visit Rex on the Royal again!

I can't get over how good the shrimp and grits here is.

After trying the dish for the first time in New Orleans, I thought I knew what shrimp and grits is supposed to taste like. After going to Rex and Royal, however, I must say that my expectation is calibrated to a different level of standard. The meaty jumbo shrimps were cooked just right, in that they were still juicy and not rubbery. The lumps of crab meat on the dish were a pleasant surprise along with the tangy tomatoes that added a citrusy aroma to the otherwise starchy dish. Everything on it was just delectable. I'll still be on a prowl for a place that serves shrimp and grits as good (or even better) than the one here, but it'll be a high bar for any other establishments to meet/beat.

Aside from their noteworthy culinary offerings, their service and ambience were also grand. Our waitress checked up on us frequent enough to make sure our dishes and beverages were sufficiently served to meet our needs. Overall, dining at Rex is highly recommended experience.

This place is great specially if you can catch live music while there. Their food is tasty if you are into southern food. For me, it was a bit limited as I don't eat red meat and I'm allergic to shellfish so there were only a few things I could order in the menu.

I wish there were more alternatives or vegetarian options here. Their drinks are really good, service and atmosphere were great, though.

Such a gorgeous cocktail bar. Each drink was prepared so beautifully, I love the vibes of this place for a pre or post dinner cocktail. The menu wouldn't be my first choice but that's solely based on my food preferences. I ordered the short rib Mac and cheese and it was delicious but I think the menu was a bit limited.

Its giving NOLA in good ole Philly.

Rex is sorta newish - I think they just celebrated their 1 year being open. It looks like a pandemic venture that's offering something comfortable, different, and served in style.

We came for a late night dinner and it was an easy find on South Street - and also got nearby street parking!

We were seated in the downstairs main dining space which was very comfortable. Inside it's dimly lit creating a lounge type environment. There was some calming jazz music being played as well adding to the effect.

We ordered some small plates - the green tomatoes, Mac and cheese, and the "hoppin' John" - which was this rice based dish with okra, carrots, onions, celery, and black eye peas. We really enjoyed everything really well! Things came out as they were readied and the portions were perfect for two!

Great service as well - we were checked in on plenty and all of our requests were well attended towards.

Would def recommend - enjoy your time!!