Nick Piro
Google
I recently revisited North 3rd, a spot I enjoyed when I first moved to Philadelphia, drawn in by its inviting, art-filled atmosphere and neighborhood charm. Unfortunately, this time the food and service fell far short of the promise set by its warm, eclectic interior.
After browsing the menu, we decided on the Pickle Juice Martini, French Onion Soup, Mac & Cheese, Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich, and the Pork Italiano Sandwich with Eggplant Fries. The drink arrived quickly, and the rest of the food followed just as fast — all at once. There was no coursing or pacing; the soup and sandwiches landed on the table simultaneously, creating a rushed and disjointed dining experience.
The service was infrequent and lackluster throughout the meal, ultimately earning a disappointing 2.5 out of 5 stars.
The food was, quite simply, underwhelming. The Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich arrived as a towering mass of fried breading with barely a trace of chicken inside — after one bite, it was clear the sandwich was mostly crispy coating rather than actual meat. 2/5 stars.
The Pulled Pork Italiano Sandwich fared no better. Served on a long seeded roll, it contained minimal pork hidden beneath layers of cheese and spinach, resulting in an overly salty, unbalanced bite that was nearly inedible.
The Mac & Cheese was uninspired and almost entirely devoid of flavor — two bites were enough to set it aside.
The French Onion Soup, however, was a small saving grace. Comforting and classic, it delivered as expected.
The eggplant fries were decent, offering a slight reprieve from the otherwise disappointing meal.
The Pickle Juice Martini, made with bottom-shelf vodka, was surprisingly tolerable, though unremarkable. 3/5 stars.
Where North 3rd truly shines is in its atmosphere. The walls adorned with vibrant paintings, the cozy, dim lighting, and the lively (if slightly loud) music created a setting that felt inviting and intimate. 5/5 stars.
At a total of $73 (including a 20% tip), the price felt steep and left me with regret, especially considering we barely touched much of the food and even had the chicken sandwich removed from the bill. Overall, we rate the experience a 2/5 — a place with great potential in its ambiance, but unfortunately let down by its food and service.