Philly: Silk City Diner

As it has only been a week since I got back to Philadelphia, I haven’t had many chances to get back into the restaurant scene. So when my mom came down for my History Honors Society induction last night, it seemed like a good opportunity to get back in the swing of things. John, Dave, Mackenzie, and of course Aaron joined us at Silk City Diner in Spring Garden/Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia. Mackenzie and John recommended the remix diner and after taking a look at the amazing menu, I couldn’t think of any other choice.

When you walk in you quickly realized, this is not your average diner. It has the classic chrome metal structure, booths, and a bar, but that is probably the only things that make it a “diner” in the traditional sense.

The atmosphere is made complete with neon lighting, two full bars, and a very un-diner menu. First off they have a great drinks and cocktail menu that we explored while waiting for a table. It does get pretty crowded and due to limited seating, you may be waiting for a little while, but make sure you go hungry.

I started off with a jaded ruby martini consisting of Absolut ruby red, grapefruit juice, lime, and a sugar rim. This was not bitter but not overly sweet, instead it was just right.

While waiting we decided to order the edaname with sweet chili sauce and calamari.

The calamari was buttery and probably some of the best I have had in a long time. I love that they also fry up red peppers to dip in the aioli for an extra kick.

When we finally got to sit down, we all ordered another drink and one of the many varieties of food. I had the Asian spiced tuna burger on a brioche bun with greens and ginger aioli with their incredible potato fries with homemade cheese sauce. Yum yum. This was sushi grade but I ordered it medium which was perfect.

Kenzie and Aaron both ordered the chicken enchilada wrap off the daily specials. It looked good but I don’t think they were terribly impressed other than the sriracha aioli for their fries.

Dave and Mom split the buttermilk fried chicken with mashed potatoes, bacon collard greens, jalapeño corn muffin and honey chili butter.

They also had a beet and arugula salad with goat cheese and pistachio honey. I was a little jealous.

John had a delicious looking Reuben sandwich with sauerkraut and Russian dressing.

I would have loved to try their tantalizing dessert menu but we were so stuffed we couldn’t bear another bit.

This is such a cool place. I would love to come here for their brunch or late night when they have live bands in their second room. They are open 7 days a week until late night. The prices are actually quite reasonable for a nice dinner: 5-7 for appetizers, 12-17 for entrees, 7-9 for drinks, 6 or so for desserts.

The menu had lots of great options with sides including homemade mac-n-cheese, onion rings, and mashed sweet potatoes. I would love to try their vegetarian tomato soup with basil oil and cheese puff or another one of their delicious cocktails. The only downfall is lack of parking and small amount of tables. I would love to come back in the summer when they have lots of outdoor seating in their multi-coloured beer garden. This is definitely one of the most unique restaurants in Philadelphia without going over the top like other places. If you are looking for a unique night out just outside center city Philadelphia, try Silk City Diner, you won’t be disappointed.

Love,

The College Cuisiner