Barclay Prime

“First off, the bread was incredible. They come out warm, they're unlimited, and honestly it's hard not to fill up on them. Our server was fantastic and gave us some great recommendations throughout the meal. We started with a half dozen East Coast and West Coast oysters, which were fresh and delicious. The bone marrow was rich and flavorful, the Caesar salad was well done, and the truffle mac and cheese was excellent. The mashed potatoes had some of the softest, creamiest texture I've ever had, absolutely worth ordering. The creamed spinach was good, though I've had better elsewhere. For mains, the filet of sole was perfectly cooked, but the star of the night was definitely the Omi striploin, absolute chef's kiss. The only awkward moment of the evening had nothing to do with the restaurant. A couple seated next to us asked to be moved because they felt we were dressed too casually. Despite that, the staff remained professional and treated us with the same level of respect and hospitality as everyone else, which we really appreciated. Great food, great service, and an overall excellent dining experience. We'll definitely be back.”

“Probably the best overall experience I've had at a steak house. It's the first steak house I've been to that gives you a selection of knives to choose from. We each ordered a different cut and they offered to slice and put them on a cutting board to allow us to share and try eat cut. Service was very attentive and impeccable. We will be going back again since my daughter is going to school in Philadelphia, but if you are ever in Philadelphia and haven't been to Barclay Prime, you have to go at least once.”

“Food Quality & Taste: 4 Barclay is a great steakhouse with high-quality steak and accompaniments. The steaks are seasoned well and cooked to the requested temperature the first time. My favorites? The Fillet Mignon Oscar Style, the tator tots, and the sliders. Service: 5 Service is excellent. Servers are courteous, fast, and very knowledgeable of the menu. Your water glass is always full, and they're very attentive if you order a bottle of wine or champagne. Once, I did not enjoy my meal, and while I did not complain, I left an honest review. They reached out to me, refunded the dish I did not like, and (unbeknownst to me at the time), placed a note in my profile to check in with me on my next visit. I really appreciate the proactive service. NOTE: I'd recommend a reservation as they do get busy. Atmosphere: 5 It is a great atmosphere. It is dimly lit, setting a nice dinner mood. Perfect for a date night! There is traditional bar seating, a casual bar "lounge" seating, and a traditional restaurant section that has a little more lighting. The decor is amazing. Value: 3 Barclay Prime is quite expensive. If I were to grade the steaks alone, I'd say a 4, but holistically, the value is 3. While everything tastes good, there are some dishes that are not worth the price. For example, the Cheesesteak. Opportunities for Learning: 4 There are many ingredients that might challenge you (Foie Gras, Black Truffle, etc.) and there's a full wine list that will have you googling. This restaurant is also on the ground floor of an apartment building, with much to be learned about the history of the restaurant and Rittenhouse Square.”

“Barclay Prime definitely sets the bar high when it comes to ambiance and service. The vibe is sophisticated and romantic, and the staff—like our server, who’d been there for over a decade—made the evening feel personal. The beef tartare, topped with caviar and quail egg, was absolutely sublime—probably one of the best I’ve had. On the flip side, the famed luxury cheesesteak didn’t live up to the hype for me, and some dishes—like the sea bass—lacked flavor. Still, the presentation, texture, and overall elegance of the experience were undeniable. While some dishes didn’t match my personal taste, the impeccable service and atmosphere made it a memorable evening. I’d give it four stars—worth it for the vibe and the service!”

“Fantastic meal and overall experience. Our server recommended a few cocktails that were spot on and a great way to start the evening. The Wagyu cheesesteak was the only miss—the plating felt underwhelming and the dish was overly rich without enough balance. That said, this is a great spot for an intimate meal and a place we’d gladly return to”