a.kitchen+bar
Restaurant · Rittenhouse
135 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
![a.kitchen+bar by a.kitchen+bar [official]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65684055/image003.0.jpg "a.kitchen+bar by a.kitchen+bar [official]")
Highlights
Seasonal small plates & craft beers in a white-oak-lined space.
Seasonal small plates & craft beers in a white-oak-lined space.
"Hidden in the basement of the Hotel AKA Washington Circle in Foggy Bottom, a.kitchen+bar is a sultry, secluded spot that feels like an underground terrarium, with windows peeking onto New Hampshire Avenue and vines trailing along the glass. The Philly transplant’s menu focuses on seasonal American plates—think flank steak, oysters, and ribs—but the highlight is the chickpea panisse. The crispy, steak fry-esque rectangles have a perfectly creamy inside and are served with grilled pickles for a tangy kick. The true star of the menu, however, isn’t on the menu at all—it's the unlisted creamy vegan chocolate sorbet, topped with pralines and toasted sesame. It's impossibly rich and decadent, and quite possibly the best way to end a meal in the entire city." - omnia saed, madeline weinfield, jonathan smith, mekita rivas, allison robicelli, omnia saed, kym backer
"Most people come to Center City’s a.kitchen for things like the perfectly-charred octopus lyonnaise, delicate grilled branzino, or chicken liver toast with strawberries (the best in town). But the fine-dining bistro does everything well, so it’s no surprise that they make a great burger, too. The double patty is topped with deliciously salty cornichons to give it some texture, and the toasty bun keeps all the meat, american cheese, and tangy dijonnaise intact. Split it, along with the little gem salad, and you'll still have room for a dirty chai pot de creme to end your night." - team infatuation
"Most people come to a.kitchen for things like the well-made red curry chicken liver toast or a dozen oysters and a glass of wine from their well-curated wine list. But since the chic seasonal American spot cooks everything well, it’s no surprise that they make a great burger, too. It's big enough to split in case you want to save room for a chocolate tahini cake or maple lavender panna cotta to end your night. Get access to exclusive reservations at this spot with Chase Sapphire Reserve. New cardmembers get $300 in annual dining statement credits." - candis mclean, alison kessler
"You could come to Center City’s a.kitchen and have a great time eating branzino, chicken liver toast, and pasta. But if you don't order the saucy, dijonnaise-drenched burger on a toasty High Street bun, you're not doing the place justice. The patties are juicy, the American cheese is melty, and the cornichon relish gives it a great kick. Get access to exclusive reservations at this spot with Chase Sapphire Reserve. New cardmembers get $300 in annual dining statement credits." - candis mclean, alison kessler
"This Rittenhouse restaurant transforms the typical cheeseburger into something spectacular. Prepared with local ingredients and masterfully seared, it’s a burger that’s received the same respect as some of their cheffier dishes." - Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme
