The Rook - Review - Manayunk - Philadelphia - The Infatuation
"This house-like neighborhood bar has cozy wood interiors and a nice outdoor space where you can get one of the city's top smashburgers, and drinks with friends. Located far enough up Main Street that you’re not in the middle of the action, the walls of TV’s, large bar space, and polished interiors don’t take away from the t-shirt-heavy atmosphere. Pair your beer with the melt-in-your-mouth cheesesteak and crispy wings before returning to a day of nearby bicycle and record shops. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo video credit: Nicole Guglielmo Pause Unmute Food Rundown Wings It’s always a good thing when these crispy, buffalo sauce-soaked wings make their way to your table. They’re fried to a point where the skin is almost magnetized to the meat, so there’s always a satisfying crunch. The honey habañero are pretty good, too. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo The Big Parm Smashburger Sometimes, especially in this town, there’s a compulsion to add red sauce to things where it's really not needed. A cheesesteak? Once in a while, sure. A hot dog at the Phillies game? We’ve seen it happen. And this smashburger is just the latest in a long run of marinara experiments. The final verdict: it’s a tower of fried mozzarella, two patties, and parm that’s not worth ruining your favorite shirt over. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo The “O” Double Smashburger This is a timeless smashburger. The patties are smashed enough to get a nice sear on them, and the seeded bun soaks up all of the beefy juiciness. Topped with american cheese, onions, and ketchup, it’s a classic you’ll want to have in your hand while celebrating a home run, or just when you need a burger fix. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo Veggie Burger They do their best to dress up these nicely charred pea patties. There’s american cheese, chipotle mayo, and a garden of tomatoes, avocado, crispy onion rings, and arugula layered throughout. There’s a messiness to the whole thing that you might expect. But it makes for a creamy, tangy win. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo Cheesesteak We get it. You have to have a cheesesteak at least once a week. And this one hits the mark: tender shaved ribeye and cooper sharp on a long seeded roll. It has all the cheesy, mushy, and intoxicating richness you’d expect from a cheesesteak. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo" - Candis R. McLean
