a.kitchen+bar
Restaurant · Rittenhouse
135 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
![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
"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
"This culinary Rittenhouse institution is the definition of wine and dine. A 2024 James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages program, this New American restaurant led by acclaimed chef Eli Collins is serving oyster mushrooms with black truffle, smoked duck breast with roasted stone fruit, and other impressive seasonal dishes that compliment the tastes of the moment." - Emma Orlow
"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." - candis mclean, alison kessler
