The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar

Restaurant · Old City

The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar

Restaurant · Old City

4

138 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

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The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by @TheInfatuation
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by Max Grudzinski
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null
The Continental Restaurant and Martini Bar by null

Highlights

Stephen Starr's first restaurant serves an eclectic menu & classic martinis in a neo-diner space.  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater
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138 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Get directions

@continentaloldcity

$$ · Menu

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138 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Get directions

+1 215 923 6069
@continentaloldcity

$$ · Menu

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reservations

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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@eater

"The Continental was one of Stephen Starr's first restaurants in Philadelphia, located in Old City. Known for its retro-chic diner style, it played a significant role in Starr's early career. It closed in 2020." - Emma Orlow

Pod, Stephen Starr’s Restaurant, Is Closing After Nearly 25 Years in Philly - Eater Philly
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@eater

"Stephen Starr’s retro martini bar/diner, which kicked off an Old City renaissance when it opened 25 years ago, closed on October 3 for 'at least the fall and winter seasons.'" - Rachel Vigoda

Philly Restaurants That Closed During the Coronavirus Pandemic - Eater Philly
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@infatuation

"Stop: 2nd Street Station (Market-Frankford Line) During the summer, or on a day when the temperature isn’t lower than your dog’s age, walking is necessary for your general wellbeing. But during the winter, walking is the enemy. Continental, a diner and martini bar in Old City, is so close to the 2nd Street station that a child could hit it with a snowball, and it’s perfect for a fun, casual dinner with a few friends. Get a few orders of shoestring fries and a skillet cookie, and thank the powers that be that you don’t live in Alaska or Greenland." - Sydney Mcelwee

Restaurants That Are Extremely Close To SEPTA Stops For When It’s Too Cold To Walk Outside - Philadelphia - The Infatuation
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@infatuation

"The Continental - which has locations in both Old City and Center City - is basically an upscale diner that serves alcohol. You can come here for any meal of the day, and, while they’re not open 24/7 like a normal diner, they do serve dinner until 1am, which is about the latest you can get food anywhere in the city. They also have a great brunch that includes a pretty perfect huevos rancheros, and a Bloody Mary topped with beer that will make you forsake all other Bloody Marys" - Sydney McElwee

Continental Restaurant & Martini Bar Review - Old City - Philadelphia - The Infatuation
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Viviana Laverde

Google
Really good location! Service was pretty good- staff was attentive and quick even though we got here about 45 minutes before closing. The lobster mac and cheese (which is actually like risotto) is so freakin’ bomb. Most lobster mac and cheese is overpowered by cheese and you can barely taste the lobster but this one? It’s so fresh and delicate, like you definitely taste the lobster, the use of risotto (or whatever rice like pasta used) is super light and just delicious. The calamari was pretty good as well. Not too breaded or chewy and I loved that marinara! I had a stout beer that was super fresh & light. Would definitely recommend this place ☺️

Sue R

Google
Opens late! That's a plus. But the food is so salty and greasy. Korean style chicken was so chewy and fatty. Peach virgin drink tasted like tap water. Price was not reasonable compare to the quality of food. Waitress was kind, but careless about basic things. Overall, it was a disappointing experience.

Nia, Lens Go

Google
Great for brunch. Fast service. Comfortable, plush couch style seating. Weird but I saw a cigarette vending machine in the long hallway that connects the two sides of the restaurant. I definitely prefer the far side of the restaurant. It is usually less crowded and has a less diner like feel. I got the brussel sprout omelet. Sadly they use soybean oil in the home fries (and other menu options like most other restaurants) so I had to get a side of grits for an upcharge. The menu is moderately priced so it was not an issue. The food was good.

Kas

Google
I've walked passed this place a million times and my girlfriend's decided we should stop in for a few drinks. The outside looks almost like an old silver diner but when you go inside it's a very small modern restaurant. We ordered some salads and a few appetizers and the food was phenomenal. Excellent service as well! I forget the young man's name who helped us but he was very polite and answered all our questions about drinks and food. The drinks we ordered were very strong maybe could tone it down just a bit, but other than that this was a great first time visit here. They have a huge drink and cocktail selection and a very random food menu. It's a bit pricey but definitely worth it!!

V Hines

Google
This restaurant has mastered catering to differing crowds. During the day and/or front it is an upscale 50s diner. At night, and in the back, it's a ritzy and elegant establishement. While I would highly recommend their cocktails, their food is just as remarkable. The service, day and night, is wonderful and food arrives quickly.

Liz Brunton

Google
Cool vibe and interesting food ideas. Spotty service on the Friday we dined (and yes we were warned about how the food comes out as its made) but once received it was great. Especially loved the french onion dumplings!

Leanne M

Google
Beautiful restaurant and bar!!! Being here is an experience, it is a very nice interior. They are a cocktail bar so they have a variety of delicious items to try and they usually have one on special. The food is also great although pricey and you do not get much for your money. They offer happy hour drinks and food specials with kind staff.

Cheila Santiago

Google
Awesome eggs Benedict !! Steak and eggs burger was alright not a place for burgers a little dry and the Asian pear and blood orange mimosas not to my liking so I'll stick to my regular mimosas but overall great !!!!