John M.
Yelp
I first noticed the Continental Midtown during one of the first walks I took around my new neighborhood in west Center City. At first glance, it actually looks like a diner from the outside, and maybe it was at one time, but that's where the similarities end. After passing it by a couple of times, I added it to my list of places to check out and this weekend, I finally had the chance to go.
In short, I will be going back to the Continental Midtown. Here's why...
Appearance/Atmosphere - 10/10
The exterior of The Continental is definitely eye-catching, with bright, red brick walls, a large neon Continental sign atop, and a giant green martini olive perched above the corner. From the street, the interior of the restaurant looks darkish, but chic in appearance, with high-top, light blue, retro-chic dining booths. The place is very inviting from the outside, and when you go inside...wow!
My friends and I visited the Continental on Saturday night. This place is hella cool! As we entered, the restaurant was audibly buzzing with people. The atmosphere inside was just as I expected it to be. The restaurant calls itself a "total reprieve from the expected," and I couldn't agree more. The place has a great atmosphere and a hip, retro vibe going on.
There are two dining floors and a high, open-air ceiling. The second overlooks the lower dining room, and its rim is lined with tables for two, with basket swings serving as seats. How cool is that? A large, rectangular bar sits on the upper level, though there weren't many people seated there. There is also a rooftop area, which could be cool, but it was a rainy evening anyway. I will check out on a subsequent visit. A large, multi-colored chandelier illuminated the space from above, with blue backlighting for added ambience. The character of the place alone would be a reason to return to the Continental.
Food/Menu - 10/10
The Continental bills itself as a martini bar, and there are five to choose from off the menu. I sampled the War of the Roses, which was rosy and delicious. Other than the wines and beers on hand, the rest of the cocktail menu looked inviting, as well, with tempting libations with names like Stormy Weather, Wooder-Melon Marg, and the one I may have to try the next time, Personality Crisis.
As inventive and festive as the drink menu is, the extensive food menu is just as invitingly creative, with imaginative fusion dishes. The three of us shared an appetizer of French Onion Soup Dumplings, which were tasty, but a bit overcooked. For dinner, it was the Pastrami Fried Rice, which was amazing, and my pals had Korean Fried Chicken and Shrimp Pad Thai, which they both loved.
Just as the ambience of the Continental has me wanting to return, so does the food and drink. With so many other interesting choices to try, I will definitely be bringing people there who come to visit me in Philly.
Service - 8/10
On this particular visit, the service we had at the Continental was adequate. It wasn't exceptional, nor bad, simply okay. Everyone we came across was friendly and helpful, and our waitress was good.