Walnut Street Cafe is a University City mainstay serving innovative riffs on American comfort food from an award-winning team. Executive Chef Jack Peterson balances elevated techniques and approachability to create seasonal menus that champion high-quality, local ingredients.
Walnut Street Cafe is owned and operated by Warren HQ - the hospitality group behind Sunset Social and The Post also located in the Cira Green building - in partnership with Brandywine Realty Trust.Walnut Street Cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday, serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
Walnut Street Cafe is owned and operated by Warren HQ - the hospitality group behind Sunset Social and The Post also located in the Cira Green building - in partnership with Brandywine Realty Trust.Walnut Street Cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday, serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
Reviews (27)
Jessica Z.
Jan 30, 2022
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Lawrence Teper
Dec 26, 2021
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Ciara H.
Dec 14, 2021
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I'd like to start off this review with the cafe is beautiful - Especially for a surprise birthday brunch. The service is the reason for the low rating. The staff are very kind. We had a table of 7 and first we ordered 2 mimosas kits which come with 3-4 juices of your choice to mix the champagne with. We received 8 test tubes of juice. One test tube wasn't enough to mix our champagne. Overtime we were blessed with one large orange juice. Once we ordered food, some were given sauce and some weren't. We all were tipsy and hungry. We needed condiments and we had to ask for them. We all
Miranda W.
Dec 12, 2021
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I love this damn place.
I came here because so was waiting for my Megabus and had some time to spare. Child...
This food was flipping off the charts. Good Lord!!!! I ordered the waffles and was transported to a new world. Jesus...
My server Chandler was flipping AMAZING!!! I will see you again sir. Then they had a live band there ON A SUNDAY and they were flipping amazing.
I love this place. I would have a picture of my food but ate it so fast....
I came here because so was waiting for my Megabus and had some time to spare. Child...
This food was flipping off the charts. Good Lord!!!! I ordered the waffles and was transported to a new world. Jesus...
My server Chandler was flipping AMAZING!!! I will see you again sir. Then they had a live band there ON A SUNDAY and they were flipping amazing.
I love this place. I would have a picture of my food but ate it so fast....
Olga K.
Dec 07, 2021
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My boyfriend and I came here for the first time for happy hour and loved it! Interior is impeccable and trendy. Service was very good, we loved professional approach. The place has open kitchen concept. We were sitting in the main dining area, and surprisingly were not bothered by any single smell. Place had a very good ventilation! (and high ceilings). It was decorated for Christmas at time of our visit. It looked very tasteful. Happy hour menu was very good on prices and choices. I would love for the place to include one vegan option on the HH menu, however. Otherwise we loved it and will come
Michelle S.
Dec 05, 2021
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COVID update: They no longer have pastries in the cafe, and the cappuccinos I've had the last two times have been artlessly made with gloppy, improperly blended microfoam. The beans themselves still seem fine, but I wouldn't recommend their cappuccinos anymore, and I am sorely missing Joe Coffee.
I had a breakfast sandwich last time I went, and though I was skeptical when it came out because it had a large square of scrambled egg slab, it was surprisingly tasty, with flavorful cheddar cheese and sausage on a delicious English muffin and accompanied by home fries and salad, also good
I had a breakfast sandwich last time I went, and though I was skeptical when it came out because it had a large square of scrambled egg slab, it was surprisingly tasty, with flavorful cheddar cheese and sausage on a delicious English muffin and accompanied by home fries and salad, also good
Grace Walder
Nov 19, 2021
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Tammy M.
Nov 06, 2021
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Mona Al Hendi
Oct 23, 2021
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Let’s start with food: I came here the first time and order a Turkey sandwich and gnocchi and burrata. Everything was fresh and delicious. The food was a bit cold when they served it. My second time, I invited friends over for lunch, and order eggplant lasagna, half chicken and full portion of the gnocchi, as well as the cauliflower as an appetizer. Everything was top notch 👍🏼 the flavors and how everything was cooked and presented is amazing. One thing I didn’t like much is the service. Although they are trying hard, it seemed to me that everyone there is new and have no idea what to
Angie L.
Oct 10, 2021
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Suzanne A.
Oct 06, 2021
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I've been wanting to try the cafe for awhile walking back from Center City in a beautiful Saturday seemed like the perfect time to try the daily happy hour. My daughter and I sat at a table outside. The tables are separated from the sidewalk by a barrier which I like so people passing aren't on top of you. The bench seating was a little low for me but otherwise the table was perfect.
We started with cocktails-only $5 on the happy hour menu!!! All were sooo good but the Daydreamer was my fav. I also loved the vintage glass it was in.
So the food was delicious and tasted very fresh
We started with cocktails-only $5 on the happy hour menu!!! All were sooo good but the Daydreamer was my fav. I also loved the vintage glass it was in.
So the food was delicious and tasted very fresh
Jasmine C.
Oct 01, 2021
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Went for happy hour and not a big fan at all. the vibe was nice and sunset by the river views were good. the service was pretty good as well.
biggest complaints are food and drinks. i got the daydreamer but it just tasted like i just chewed on cucumbers then downed a shot of straight vodka. the chips weren't well seasoned and were overly crispy.
worth a try given their happy hours are longer until 7, but probably won't come back again for drinks especially
biggest complaints are food and drinks. i got the daydreamer but it just tasted like i just chewed on cucumbers then downed a shot of straight vodka. the chips weren't well seasoned and were overly crispy.
worth a try given their happy hours are longer until 7, but probably won't come back again for drinks especially
Matthew M.
Oct 01, 2021
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Man, I want to like Walnut Street Cafe, but it really needs better management- maybe a new owner. It's gorgeous, the best looking restaurant in West for sure. But the food is hit or miss and the service is just always a miss. And this isn't just recent, but over half a dozen visits in the past few years. They used to have these amazing croissants, the menu had been more interesting. But now you're down to a half dozen boring options, a barely acceptable steak, a fried chicken sandwich (burnt beyond recognition), cocktails that are watery and lack any depth, just all disappointing
Gabriella W.
Sep 30, 2021
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Made a 1:45 PM brunch reservation for a Saturday. When we arrived, we were seated immediately. As usual, our service was very attentive. My boyfriend tried their Rum Punch drink, and it was delicious! It was served in a beautiful glass with a little drink umbrella.
To eat, I had the two eggs brunch option and ordered them poached. My boyfriend had the eggs benedict. We also split the coffee cake. Everything came out quickly, and was cooked perfectly! Their hash browns are the thicker side of potato style (versus a thinly sliced alternative) and they are always crispy. The coffee cake was delicious
To eat, I had the two eggs brunch option and ordered them poached. My boyfriend had the eggs benedict. We also split the coffee cake. Everything came out quickly, and was cooked perfectly! Their hash browns are the thicker side of potato style (versus a thinly sliced alternative) and they are always crispy. The coffee cake was delicious
Nae
Sep 30, 2021
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I love that they have happy hour on the weekend. I had the meatballs, Parmesan chips and fried zucchini. Everything I had was good. I gave 4 stars because the service was slow. It wasn’t crowded, but once we got our food we didn’t see our server again. We had to ask another server for the check, 20 minutes passed and we noticed no one came back for the payment. I had to get up, go inside and find someone so I could pay the check.
Chelsea L.
Sep 26, 2021
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I went to the walnut street cafe for happy hour and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. The happy hour menu was great. I had the ricotta toast, fried zucchini, rose sangria, daydreamer and original daiquiri drinks. Off the happy hour menu, I also had a beer battered first sandwich. The staff was great, definitely see Frances if you are there !
Stefani M.
Sep 26, 2021
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Tina L.
Sep 26, 2021
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We came for happy hour to celebrate a friend's birthday. The place is really cute. I wish the food was better. The happy hour was good, but definitely not too filling. I enjoyed the ricotta toast and the shrimp toast. The fried zucchini with the crab dip was amazing. The Shishito peppers were okay. I ordered beef short ribs and I did not like it at all. It is way too bitter for me. I tried to eat half at least, but I wouldn't get it again. The desserts were good. The fig swirl coffee cake is good, a nice balance but was a bit dry. The lemon posset was super good! Looks are deceiving for
Jackie Smith
Sep 24, 2021
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Delicious! Professional. Fancy. Yet well priced.
We were welcomed in even though we just arrived by train and were a bit disheveled. They even stored our luggage!
Our waiter was very personable and checked on some ingredients for us, although we wish we were served more water near the end.
It was casually busy during lunch and very comfortable. The decoration and atmosphere is astoundingly beautiful and comfortable!
The coffee cake was just that. We expected a bit more. It was a little dry but the icing moistened it and was real good.
The lancaster chicken was a bit dry, but letting it soak
We were welcomed in even though we just arrived by train and were a bit disheveled. They even stored our luggage!
Our waiter was very personable and checked on some ingredients for us, although we wish we were served more water near the end.
It was casually busy during lunch and very comfortable. The decoration and atmosphere is astoundingly beautiful and comfortable!
The coffee cake was just that. We expected a bit more. It was a little dry but the icing moistened it and was real good.
The lancaster chicken was a bit dry, but letting it soak
Drew Wilkins
Sep 16, 2021
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I'm not sure where to start with how highly I think of this great location. I mistakenly made a reservation for the wrong day for brunch. Instead of turning us away on a very busy morning, the hostesses were extremely accommodating and sat my wife and I a table nearly right away. They could not have been more kind. The same goes for our waiter who was genuinely friendly and attentive and clearly was knowledgeable regarding the menu. Then there was the food. In a word, it was amazing. Perfectly cooked and simply delicious. Thank you all so much for making it a special morning during our weekend
Christopher P.
Aug 28, 2021
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We came here for the 4-7 happy hour && this place was OK. It wasn't bad but it wasn't spectacular either. I had the double cheeseburger and asked for it medium well and got it medium rare :(. It was still good nonetheless.
My fiancé had the chef's burger and enjoyed It thoroughly. The bacon jam stole the show, it added an extra bit of flavor to an already delicious burger.
We then order the truffle chips which were also ok. The horseradish creek fraiche sauce was good and thankfully didn't have that horseradish/wasabi kick to it that burns your mouth lol.
We both
My fiancé had the chef's burger and enjoyed It thoroughly. The bacon jam stole the show, it added an extra bit of flavor to an already delicious burger.
We then order the truffle chips which were also ok. The horseradish creek fraiche sauce was good and thankfully didn't have that horseradish/wasabi kick to it that burns your mouth lol.
We both
Lilly Jiang
Aug 12, 2021
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We loved this place! Went for a late lunch with another couple. They have "Golden Hour" specials at 4pm so we waited a bit to order from the specials menu.
The food was delicious - we ordered the meatballs, shishito peppers, and fried zucchini. Meatballs were definitely the crowd favorite and I really enjoyed the shishito pepper. Fried zucchini were crispy and tasty.
For dinner, I ordered the chef's burger which was really yummy. I didn't really get a lot of the truffle from the aioli but I thought the whole burger came together nicely. The fries were delicious too, thin and crispy with a fluffy
The food was delicious - we ordered the meatballs, shishito peppers, and fried zucchini. Meatballs were definitely the crowd favorite and I really enjoyed the shishito pepper. Fried zucchini were crispy and tasty.
For dinner, I ordered the chef's burger which was really yummy. I didn't really get a lot of the truffle from the aioli but I thought the whole burger came together nicely. The fries were delicious too, thin and crispy with a fluffy
Juanita Harris
Aug 02, 2021
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My daughter and I had a lovely time at the Walnut Street Cafe'. We went there for brunch and the food was delish! I was happy that they had gluten-free options. I had the Shakshuka with hash browns and a latte'. The Cafe' is designed beautifully and has lots of natural lighting which makes the experience even more pleasant. They have indoor and outdoor seating. Staff is professional and pleasant. We also did not wait too long for our food even though the restaurant was crowded.
Caitlin L.
Aug 01, 2021
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While the food is definitely not this cafe's strong suit, the vibe is just right & the Irish coffee really made up for everything! I though the shakshuka was alright, probably not worth the price, & I could've made it at home. The standard egg breakfast with toast, potatoes, & spring mix, was... standard. I really liked the restaurant service & the shady outdoor seating was great. The Irish coffee had a great mix of coffee & alcohol--the perfect way to start my day!
Angie L.
Jul 17, 2021
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This may have been more of a 4.5/5 star situation, but I'm looking back at these "Golden Hour" prices and internally crying over how cheap they are compared to food in NYC. $5 for drinks and food?? Like bro.... I had it good....
Daydreamer cocktail -- citrus vodka, cucumber jasmine green tea, w lemon. I'm a sucker for any summer mixed drink that somehow incorporates cucumber or watermelon. Talk about refreshing.
Fries -- they were good
Meatballs -- the Thai sweet chili glaze really work!
Brussel sprouts -- can't quite compare to the brussel sprouts from Suraya or even
Daydreamer cocktail -- citrus vodka, cucumber jasmine green tea, w lemon. I'm a sucker for any summer mixed drink that somehow incorporates cucumber or watermelon. Talk about refreshing.
Fries -- they were good
Meatballs -- the Thai sweet chili glaze really work!
Brussel sprouts -- can't quite compare to the brussel sprouts from Suraya or even
Robert Z.
Jun 08, 2021
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CUTE PLACE NEAR CIRA GREEN!
Came here on a Sunday morning for brunch while waiting for our train! The restaurant is quite nice! Love the interior design- matches the woody tones of a walnut but with highlights of modernism. The service was friendly and fast! Provided both indoor and outdoor seating. Would highly recommended sitting outside on a nice day!
We orders the mimosa kit for the table which does serve a table of four. It is pretty fun because we got to choose two different juice flavors and definitely got more for our buck. They food is good!! Came out really quick and all together.
Came here on a Sunday morning for brunch while waiting for our train! The restaurant is quite nice! Love the interior design- matches the woody tones of a walnut but with highlights of modernism. The service was friendly and fast! Provided both indoor and outdoor seating. Would highly recommended sitting outside on a nice day!
We orders the mimosa kit for the table which does serve a table of four. It is pretty fun because we got to choose two different juice flavors and definitely got more for our buck. They food is good!! Came out really quick and all together.
Angela C.
May 13, 2021
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Very upscale atmosphere. We came on a Saturday night without making reservations, so we were asked to sit outside (fair). It was noisy since it's off the busy road and that evening it was COLD. Our waitress Athena was incredible and told us that if a table opened up inside and there weren't any more reservations to accommodate, she would move us indoors.
Halfway through our meal she kept to her word and we were able to dine inside. I loved the cafe / bookstore / elegant dining feel - very unique. I was also impressed by the bathroom sink fixture because the soap dispenser was connected
Halfway through our meal she kept to her word and we were able to dine inside. I loved the cafe / bookstore / elegant dining feel - very unique. I was also impressed by the bathroom sink fixture because the soap dispenser was connected
