Review of Pennsylvania 6
Last Friday night, we were delighted to dine at Pennsylvania 6, an upscale contemporary american restaurant and raw bar with an extensive craft beer and wine list. Only just opened in April 2013, Pennsylvania 6 has already been named by philly.com as one of the top 20 hottest restaurants. Located along the corner of Spruce and 12th street, Pennsylvania 6 is the perfect place for a relaxing drink, intimate dinner, or even a festive event with friends. From the 1940’s-inspired art deco feel to the cheerful and informative waitstaff, Pennsylvania 6 is a unique dining experience that is sure to appeal to the 21-and-up-club looking for a night out in Washington Square West. In addition to dinner and drinks, the restaurant also serves brunch and lunch. And we’re sure that those menus are just as satisfying as the one which we had the privilege of trying!
From raw oysters to Southern staples, bar favorites to sophisticated entrees, and innovative appetizers to classic sandwiches, the menu has just about enough options to please anyone. In addition to the listed items, Pennsylvania 6 also runs a variety of specials–including $1 oysters!
Reminiscent of an old Hollywood restaurant, Pennsylvania 6’s stunning interior contained red and black furniture, black and white photos, and clean, white plates and bowls. The ideal setting for groups, visit Pennsylvania Six and enjoy a variety of east or west coast oysters at the bar or reserve a table in the upstairs lounge for a more intimate setting.
Our meal began with an impressive arrangement of oysters. I squirted lemon juice onto mine– which may have slightly overpowered the actual taste of the oyster. Although it was my first time slurping the purest form of seafood, I did enjoy the slightly slimy and salt-water enhanced taste–after the initial shock, of course. For the adventurous spirit on spirits, try the Pennsylvania Six burbon oyster shooter – the real fruit de mer.
Non seafood lovers need not worry, though. The duck fat fries in lemon truffle oil are spectacular – light and crisp, without the grease component, and with a punch of citrusy truffle flavor. They are the perfect sharable side for gourmets on a budget and they’re absolutely irresistible. That’s right, Pennsylvania 6, you get the coveted Penn Appetit seal of french fry approval. Okay, we don’t actually have a seal, but if we did, you would win.
Stuffed with mustard, the soft-shell crab appetizer special was more than special. The mustard oozed in and out of the crab meat adding layers of flavor, while the radish salad offered a refreshing coating.
For main course fair, the pan seared branzino with artichoke barigoule, saffron, and tomato compote is sure to please.
Our waiter told us that the chicken was one of his favorites, and it certainly lived up to its expectations. Perfectly tender with a crispy skin, the bone-in chicken and potatoes sopped up the satisfying meyer lemon and rosemary chicken jus. The crunchy english peas complemented the crispy skin of the chicken, giving the dish a well-rounded texture and taste.
Our meal ended with the lighting of a candle and an enticing desert menu. Although we were too full to try the dessert, our waiter highly recommended the Mason Jar Vanilla Cheesecake and the Dark Chocolate Pot de Creme. We can’t wait to go back and get our “just desserts!”
Pennsylvania Six offers an expansive seafood menu, with a variety of non-shellfish options, that makes this restaurant an inviting place for people to try new things along with the familiar.
Pennsylvania 6 is open Monday thru Friday from 5pm to 2am and Saturday thru Sunday from 11am to 2am. The restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner along with drinks and a raw bar. Reservations can be made online. For more information call 267.639.5606, visit their website, or email info@pennsylvania6philly.com.
Pennsylvania 6 is located at 114 S. 12th Street.
–Katie Behrman and KC Boas