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Categories: American (New), Vegetarian [Edit]
Neighborhood: Queen VillageDon't Just Wish Someone A Good Holiday, Give Them One With Chili's.
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I ended up at Latest Dish after meeting up with a friend for lunch on south street. after stopping and reading menus at places near by I suggested LD because it looked really cute and I'd checked out their menu online but every time I'd walked by there was at night it was always freakishly packed. It reminded me of places in the East Village or Brooklyn, so I wanted to check it out.
I think my friend and I chose the perfect time to try it out because in the middle of the week around 4pm it was far from crowded. In fact it was probably ideally crowded for a place so small. There was a couple sitting next to us and a few people at the bar. My friend and I got the corner booth seat by the window which was kinda cool because you sit real high up there and have a bird's eye view of the space. Food was standard hearty bar fare. We didn't order anything fancy but I remember liking my chicken sandwich a lot and my friend got tempe or something in that vain and loved it. Also the portions were quite large which is not bad considering it wasn't too expensive. I hate crowds so I'd probably be very picky about coming back here but for dinner/lunch on south street it's definitely an option.
I'd been dying to go back to this cute little joint right off South Street since that one time in college. It was good times: the company was brilliant, the food excellent, and the atmosphere jovial.
So, when I found myself in Old City with my beau and not a plan in mind, I thought of The Latest Dish.
There were something like two tables available. They were kind enough to let us sit at the four top even though there were only the two of us.
On tap: Bell's Two Hearted Ale, Dogfish Head, I forget, I forget, and Hoegaarden.
They give you bread with some pesto and olive oil dip while you wait. It's delicious.
There are some surprise items on the menu, such as the Vietnamese vegetable rolls -- which you shouldn't get. Please. Don't do it. You'll regret it. I wonder if they've ever SEEN Vietnamese rolls... these things were HUGE. There were two when there could have been four. The only reason why I could have finished one in just two bites is because I have a huge mouth (apparently. I bit off half of a roll in one bite and left the other half to die. alone. and cold.) The sauce was damn good, though.
The specials, written on a blackboard hung up on the wall, looked amazing. So amazing, in fact, that my companion changed his mind from what he had chosen on the regular menu (vegan burger) to their penne...something...bay scallops...spinach...vodka...something (sorry, I don't remember what the exact name was). As for me, I marveled at the various choices but ultimately went with the hanger steak (with amazing fingerling potato fries, chive aioli, their homemade steak sauce, and scallions galore -- I love scallions!), medium rare.
The penne was a bit bland, but not bad. The scallops were rather tiny and a bit too...chewy. My steak was tender and delicious (red meat WHAT) and the fingerling potatoes were heavenly. The steak sauce was amazing, the chive aioli brilliant, and omfg scallions.
Our server was great; the hanger steak was her recommendation (in her words, "it's unreal") and she was overall very pleasant and cute.
Safe to say that I still love this place. Aside from the food and the service, I really like that it's got an open kitchen -- for two reasons: first, I like being able to see and hear the kitchen staff at work; I think it's neat that they get to see people enjoy the fruit of their labor, and it pretty much tells me that they've got nothing to hide from us diners. After all, the kitchen is really the heart of a restaurant, and this is a great way to make the dining room and kitchen feel like a cohesive unit. Second, since it's such a small restaurant, it opens up the place a bit. It's just great. I'll be back.
Even though I've been going to Fluid for what seems like forever, and I know a crapload of people who have been raving about The Latest Dish, it has taken me this long to give it a try (as many of you know by now I'm a slacker sometimes.). But since my group and I were in a general consensus that it delivered so well I'm already looking forward to trying it again.
I will say first that the fact that it's connected to a club that has such a diverse offering already makes it impressive. And that's why you should reap that benefit by getting your hand stamped early for reduced or free admission, and then enjoy some good food and drink before you get all dancy pants. But the fact that the Dish also hooks up a good selection of beer, decent fries, and an addicting assortment of cocktails makes it the stuff of pure satisfaction.
Our server was very accommodating, and her suggestions were dead on. I was ready to dive face first into a giant plate of lobster mac & cheese (what can I say, I'm classy like that.), until she sold me with the panko crusted tilapia that the fish tacos offered. and it might of just been the best fish taco that I've ever had. She also sold me on trying Philadelphia Brewing Co.'s newest the ""Fleur de Lehigh". And to find out what I think of that you're just going to have to read my next review.
Overall it's been around enough to the point that it's far from being the latest, and the space can get a little bit cramped. But it offers enough to remain consistent to this day. and I can't wait to come back and try what Marcello dubs the best wings in the city.
Went here a couple of times based on a friends recommendation and it definitely was worth it. Interesting menu that provides a wide variety of choices backed up by very good quality of food... decent beer selection...
Probably my favorite place to grab a bite around South Street...
Good things here. It's consistent in the quality of food, and I love that it sort of flies under the radar. Most of the people I take there have never heard of it, even if they are from Philly, which means it's not too well-known and I can usually easily get a table. Score! Really, they have great fancy drinks and specials, tasty food, good beer selection, decent decor, nice service.
As for food, I've had their tacos, calamari, several other specials, and the lobster mac and cheese is heaven! You know how you can always remember a negative experience? Well, if I ever had anything bad here, I would have remembered it. Never had anything bad, though!
Plus, they are around the corner from my house. I like that it's in the South Street area and doesn't draw the crowds and tourists like a lot of the places ON South Street. It's very unassuming from the outside. Secret treasure!
What a combo: Amazing food, laid back vibe and good drink selection. Great place for an excellent meal that you do not need to dress up for. Went for my birthday dinner and was very impressed. Note, it gets a little loud, so I would suggest going here with a group of people instead of a one on one meal.
Ahhh... The Dish. My kitchen away from home for so many years that it almost goes without saying just how much I love the food within these walls!
The Latest Dish opened in 1997 and was an instant hit - the food was freshly prepared and served with a smile and a bit of sass to boot! The kitchen became famous for two things; incredible calamari and being open until 1:30 on weekends. Soon after, the upstairs was open as Fluid Nightclub and this little corner of the world became the epicenter for underground nightlife in Philadelphia.
DJ icons like Jazzy Jeff, Josh Wink and ?uestlove began nights upstairs - and spent many a night pre-gaming it downstairs with dinner and drinks. The sounds that came through the walls became the pulse of the city and the restaurant was the place to be.
Over time things change - however one thing that has remained strong is the quality of food and service you get at The Latest Dish. With the addition of a new head chef, The Dish has transformed what some thought was a stale, but good, menu - into an ever-changing texture of tastes. Along with a list of standard fare, be sure to check the special boards mounted throughout the space to see just what the chef has up his sleeve that night. One night you're traveling south of the border - the next is a trip to New England. Fascinating stuff indeed!
A few staples stand out and must be tried - the grilled-caramelized tilapia with green rice, citrus marinated avocado and pinto beans in a tomato chili sauce truly melts in your mouth. Also, even if you're a carnivore, don't miss out on the tofu and miso meatballs; crispy fried tofu balls served on sweet black rice with grilled baby bok choy and a spicy/sweet sauce. It's like warm melted balls of cheese - amazing!
Speaking of carnivores, I would be remiss not to mention a true staple of the house - the grilled filet mignon, which comes with white cheddar gratin, seared spinach, fried onion rings and a burgundy demi glace. Rich and heavenly.
A nice mix of salads - my favorite is the spinach and arugula salad with toasted walnuts, manchego cheese, red peppers, capers and a sundried cherry vinaigrette. Desserts are hit or miss - but you can never go wrong with their house bread pudding - it's the perfect way to end the meal - it's like a pillow for your tastebuds!
So - check out The Dish - - perhaps before you come to the next Sex Dwarf - Philly's nonstop new wave dance party; every first Friday @ Fluid. Doors at 9 - so be sure to start your dinner at the Dish by 7:30, so you don't miss the fun upstairs afterward.
**I originally submitted this review to http://phillygrub.ning... in spring 2008**
You can certainly fill up on apps and small plates here. An appetizer and two orders of tacos were far more than enough for a light dinner for two.
The hummus and pita platter is way more than enough for two - about 15 small pita triangles with a generous helping of hummus. I loved the fish tacos (special when I went) - light and fluffy grilled tilapia, with lettuce, red o onion and a little guac. Two of these for $9 made a satisfying meal on top of the hummus.
Atmosphere is definitely a cool, casual vibe... romantic yet laid-back. I walked in wearing my workout attire, drenched from rain, and no one blinked an eye. But I also wouldn't feel out of place here dressed up. Looking forward to going back and trying out some other dishes!
This is certainly one of my favorite restaurants. I always always get their house salad which is a nice toss of fresh greens, cheeses, and crouton - and its $6 which is cheaper than a Cosi salad. I usually get their soup of the day because it sounds so yummy. My favorite is the tomato soup with a little grilled to perfection cheese sandwich delicately cut into fours in the middle of the bowl. The food is clean, never over sauced or overdressed, and kinda interesting. They also have a great liquor (including Bluecoat gin!!!!) and beer selection.
The only reason this place is not getting 5 stars is the waitstaff which can sometimes be rude and cold.
I think the my fellow yelpers are being quite generous with their reviews for The Latest Dish. I have been here for food and drinks on several occassions and the experiences have ranged from OK to bad. The food is decent, I actually cannot say I ever got anything that was bad, but on the other hand I never got anything that was really that great or memorable. The menu is very approachable, with the usual suspects and proteins/flavors that can appeal to just about anyone. This can make for a boring dining experience, but when choosing a restaurant for a group its a safe bet. The cocktails are weak and small which loses big points in my book, but I do believe they have an extensive beer list. I personally do not drink beer so this does not benefit me. The service has usually been the biggest deal breaker on most occassions. Servers are usually slow and unattentive, and the bartender on a few occassions has been outright rude. Overall if you are going to dinner with a fussy eater or the family, The Latest Dish might be an OK idea because it is basic food that is appealling to the masses. But dont expect a life changing dining experience, actually don't expect much at all....
I have always liked the food here, and the staff are so friendly, you can get really comfortable. the big five star rating is for their vegetarian selection. My oldest friend was in town, and we wanted a good dinner without a lot of hassle. I am always worried when taking out a vegetarian about finding places that give them some options without being strictly vegetarian. The latest dish was just that, and the seitan meatloaf sounded so good, i ordered myself. I made the right choice, all around.
You can never go wrong with The Latest Dish! The macaroni and cheese alone is enough reason to go there. The atmosphere is nice and the service is wonderful.
This is the kind of neighborhood restaurant that I'd visit every few weeks - unpretentious, good patrons and staff, and a solid menu. The appetizers were basic but the chef managed to fuse the max amount of flavor in them. The side dishes were delicious, and even though the salmon entree wasn't exactly my thing, it was well prepared and the sweet potato hash beds were fantastic.
They've got great taste in wine/beer too, and I've gotta wonder how they found these selections. Montevina is a friend's winery in California, and you don't often see it in the East or the South. Hitachino Nest from Japan? I had the ginger ale and it was just what the doctor ordered.
Highly recommended for a casual and excellent dinner, especially for the value. Props!
Popped in last night for a bite after work with a friend, had no idea what i was in store for. Beautifully decorated space, lovely talkative staff, opened window to SPOTLESS kitchen, wonderful wine, and best of all delicious crab wantons. They were perfectly fried high quality crab meat and plated beautifully!
Will be back to try everything on the menu and check out upstairs!
This is my FAVORITE restaurant in Philadelphia. Every morsel of food I have eaten from this place is absolute heaven. Their menu changes seasonally, always keeping it fresh, but there are a few staple menu items that are so good, they never go away.
Some of my favorites:
Grilled Filet Mignon: tender deliciousness with crispy fried onion rings and potatoes au gratin.
Stuffed Pork Chop: stuffed with plaintains and drizzled with balsamic. Always juicy and never dry.
Macadamia Crusted Salmon: tropical twist on this atlantic fish, with a pineapple glaze and served with rice. Yummmm.
There are also plenty of Vegetarian options, including the famous mac & cheese. They also have a lobster mac & cheese (I haven't tried it yet but I'm sure its amazing.)
If you're not that hungry the salads are good too, and they offer many sides for a minimal price. The calamari with the sweet chili sauce is a good appetizer.
Only con is trying to get a table when they're busy because it's small, but I'm usually willing to wait. Their staff is awesome... friendly, attentive, cool peeps. Also not the best place for a first date or if you need to talk, it can get a bit loud in there. Other than that, the most important part, the food, is ON POINT.
Don't miss out!
The Dish was good. I'm not going to compose a love poem to it or anything, but I had a nice time there and left feeling pretty happy. The spicy scallops really live up to their name...man, were they spicy! So be warned...you may need to smuggle some Tums in your evening bag so you don't offend everyone in a 50 foot vicinity. That's just gross, and I am a lady. Usually.
My friends liked their food, and the beer list was admirable. It's just too bad that I couldn't hear a word my companions said...it was pretty darn loud in there. Oh the humanity! Think of all of the scintillating details I missed out on. Thank goodness for Yelp...now my friends always know where to find me and I'll never have to have someone screaming in one ear while a couple breaks up next to me. Now that's progress.
Great beer selection! Good gourmet entrees and generous salads! I thoroughly enjoyed this place. A nice tasteful restaurant/bar tucked away off South Street, The Latest Dish is great for a small party who forgot to BYO, but still wants a gourmet dinner in the South St. area.
I had the special fish entree: seared sesame tuna (sushi-grade) over fried green tomatoes with crab and cucumber salad. It was fabulous. If they don't have this when you go, don't despair, the regular menu has at least 3 types of fish that I had trouble deciding between. The spinach and arugula salad was a good starter for two.
A great low-key place with candlelight setting. Seating is a little tight, but comfortable under the ceiling fans on a warm night. I'll definitely be returning!
This place is delicious. I'm an avid meat-eater, and I can't get enough of the seitan meatloaf...it's just that good. They always have a good beer selection on tap, and the waitstaff has always been friendly, even when the kitchen is slammed. Proces are reasonable, too. I'll be back here often.
I'm partial to bread with garlicy olive oil, so The Latest Dish had me at hello.
I went here with two friends. We devoured the bread + oil and ordered the fondue as an appetizer. I was slightly disappointed in the fondue, but maybe I'm just not into that type of thing. The asparagus was my favorite to dip into the cheese. Amazing. My one friend ordered the hummus and pita. It was phenominal. I, of course, had the steak and made the horrible decision of asking for a side of mashed potatoes in addition the potatoes they already give you. It was too filling for me, but that's all my fault. I must have been malnourished on this particular day, because I recall having about five refills on my drink, and our server didn't miss a beat. My other friend had the salmon and soup (I can't remember which one) and from what I tasted, both were great, too. I'll definitely be back.
Latest Dish is the kind of place where the seating really matters. The quarters for most table are very tight, but there is one nice private two top and a table that can hold about 6 in the left hand corner. Getting these table will vastly improve the dining experience.
We were more for appetizers than dinner. Which were good, but a little over spiced. I would have like to be able to taste more of the food and less of the burn.
There beer menu is big and has enough variety to make most people happy.
We were there on Saturday and the music was turned up way too loud. I've head that it's not always so loud.
The Latest Dish... I would give you 5 stars if only you were open for lunch!
I have never had a bad meal here. I've munched on the hummus + pita chips late at night when I wasn't hungry, I've destroyed the mac and cheese, it's quite possibly the best I've had. I've had the filet (perfect!), the chicken (perfect!), the wings (really really good) and I know I'm forgetting one more dish that I tried but I can safely say it was probably close to perfect.
I love the atmosphere, the art on the wall, the open kitchen, and the staff are super friendly.
Definitely one of my favorite restaurants. They certainly do serve greatness in every single dish as Jixolet M. says. I love love love their Mac N Cheese and Crab Wontons. Yumm. Everything they serve is delicious and the place is clean. Great atmosphere!
The mac n cheese is the stuff of dreams--especially if you're soused from drinking all day, and need a little pick me up. Their margaritas and mojitos are surprisingly refreshing, when you decide, after inhaling the mac, that's it's time to resume immmmmbiiiibationsinings.....thud. oops fell off my bar stool.
Go now.
whenever i go out to dinner with my dad, it is usually here because we both love their food/know our dietary needs (vegan and gluten free) will be accommodated. their vegan burger is very good, as are the vietnamese summer rolls with tofu. i also had a really excellent salad there a while ago that was something with arugula, strawberries and fried shallots. very good. dad usually gets a fish thing and is always happy with it.
You wouldn't imagine from the location, but this place has some decent dishes. Their chips and guacamole are so so so good. The rest of their menu items are a bit gourmet (dumplings, hamburger with blue cheese and Gorgonzola). I recommend stopping in for lunch of dinner if you've never been.
If you are eating in, note that the dining room is really small and sometimes the place can get lout.
So great! The waitress was so nice and attentive, and the food was delicious! We had hummus and pita, but it was so much better than I've had at other restaurants. The pita was warm and sliced into triangles. The hummus had a scoop of olive oil in the middle with spices sprinkled on top, and it came with a tiny wedge of lime and lemon. I had a salad that was one of the specials, and it was the best salad I've ever had in my life! Baby spinach, arugula, walnuts, thinly sliced cheese, and sundried cherry vinaigrette. SO GOOD! My bf had chicken tacos with guacamole and lime sour cream. The kitchen looked very professional, and the beer selection was good. However, I just cannot imagine being there when it's crowded at night. It's a small establishment crammed with tables. It's worth it for the tasty, well-priced food though.
I found the food here really good and all the staff was great. I ate there alone on a Sat. night and sometimes they can make you feel awkward. Not here. Also, I ate the pot roast. It could not have been better.
The bar has a decent draught beer selection and their by the glass wine list was good too.
I next went to Beyond the Wall http://www.yelp.com/bi... where you can get a poster at a discount: http://www.beyondthewa...
went last week for the first time. my friend just started working there, so we went to check it out. the crowd was eclectic and cool. we sat at the bar. megan was our bar tender. she was great. we tried a couple dishes. all tastey. my fav being the lobster macaroni n cheese. i will def go again. but next time i will actually sit at my friends table. she didnt benefit from my visit at all. sorry dehuff!
I'm not really sure how it came to be that I had never been here before last night... but regardless... it was worth the wait! Mark P and i headed over after the Yelp Elite event last night, and come to think of it I'm not sure how either of us were still hungry OR able to drink more but again... not the point. We had the calamari (which apparently is NOT just the little suckers cut off but the actual body diced up) which was delicious although neither of us could stomach eating the ones that look like whole baby octopus and chicken caesar salads... SO GOOD! I plan on starving myself for a day before the next time I go back so I can fit dessert in after the meal :)
The Latest Dish is by far one of my favorite restaurants in the city. I have never had a bad meal there. From the seared tuna to the filet to the greatest mac n cheese on earth - everything is amazing. The beer selection is incredible as well..hefewiesen and golden monkey are my 2 favs and they are always on tap. The chicken cesar salad is unreal - they use these small potatoes instead of crutons...the mac and cheese has 3 kinds of cheese and a nice crust on top...another fav is the crab and cheese wontons...jesus my mouth is watering thinking about it...def hiting it up wed night before Josh Wink at Fluid this week!
this is a great place. excellent food, friendly service, comfortable warm atmosphere, did i mention excellent food? so tasty!
sadly, every time i've been there getting a table is darn near impossible. then when a table is had, it's crammed, cramped and bumped around.
conversation can be difficult with the crowd and noise, definitely not for a romantic meal unless you go early.
My friend has been raving about the Lobster mac and cheese here for ages. So we finally went, and even paid to park due to South Street's busy Friday night. The restaurant was packed tight with diners eager for the excellent fare. "Comfort food" has been used to describe this place as well as "affordable" and "delicious". All were correct as I devoured my cherished latest dish! Their bread was homemade and dense and served with a nice olive oil seasoned with fresh herbs. Sitting at the bar only made this experience even more quaint and cozy.
YUM!! I finally got to eat at The Latest Dish this past Saturday. My husband & I were walking home from Center City in those bitter cold temps that hung around Philly for a few days last week. The original plan was to go to the trusty Royal Tavern on the way and then hoof it the rest of the way home. By the time we got to South Street, though, my legs were practically popsicles and I had to stop soon and hang out in a cozy place for a while. The Latest Dish happened to be half a block away from where I made this decision, and I am so happy that I did. I ordered the vegan burger and I have to say that it is the best black bean burger I have ever eaten. It comes with a side of their frites. The hubs ordered the chicken cordon bleu sandwich which also comes with the frites. We chowed down and relaxed in a warm, comfy, cozy environment and also enjoyed some fancy beers. Also, the waiter that we had was very friendly and accomodating. We will go back time & time again, not just when it feels like the Antarctica outside.
The most consistent destination along the South Street corridor is the eptiomy to hipster chic, with an outstanding selection of brews, a menu that never wears out its welcome, and the city's most consistently laid back staff.
pretty good. they have a good beer selection - draft and bottles - and an interesting menu. plus, they're open later than anywhere else in the neighborhood.
i use to come here allmost every night back in the day when i work on south street, it is still the only good place to come on or around south street, but i have not been to gayle res. so i shouldn't be making that statement. as always we got the calamari, it is the best in the city, great selection of booze and great atmosphere, and service.
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Category: American (New)
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