Dancerobot

Philly Restaurant Dancerobot Is a Great Group Dining Restaurant | Eater Philly

"Right off Rittenhouse Square, it looks unassuming, but open the big wooden doors to vibey neon lights and vintage Japanese movie posters; this 1980s-inspired follow-up from Royal Sushi & Izakaya’s Jesse Ito and Justin Bacharach serves yoshoku, blending Western and Japanese influences, and is a Center City hotspot for after-work drinks and late-night hangs. Your server might steer you to the tsukemono (three pickled vegetables, $10) or kobachi (six vegetable small plates, $20) — smart moves since the rich, comfort-leaning menu benefits from something crunchy and fresh. Don’t miss the softball-sized kare pan ($15), cracked with a spoon to reveal panko crunch, brioche-doughnut-like fluff, and braised beef cheek in Japanese curry, or the fluffy omelet topped with mentaiko mayo ($15) with a gooey Cooper Sharp cheese center; there are also French onion soup à la Japonaise, wagyu roast beef, katsu curry, and nostalgic pizza toast. The main room, anchored by a large bar and tavern-like dark wood, feels designed for lingering, with a more secluded side section and counter seats facing the kitchen; book early if you want a reservation, but go late for the best vibes. It’s a drinking spot at heart, best with a group sharing a spread, and the extensive sake list makes it easy to settle in." - Bettina Makalintal