Dine cheek to cheek at Philadelphia's own little slice of the West Village, Audrey Claire, a Mediterranean BYOB, one of the city's favorites. Between the South-of-France simplicity, Israeli couscous, mezze, grilled fish served head to tail, and the olive oils of those rustic lands, you'll feel like you've taken the grand tour. Our intimate, open-air restaurant offers a rare opportunity to experience the theatrics of a small kitchen. Get up close and personal at the rustic chef's counter to observe the food being prepared. Throughout spring to early autumn, our cafe windows are wide open, displaying signature arrangements of sunflowers and bowls of crisp Granny Smith apples, and our outdoor tables line the street. Rittenhouse Square neighborhood flair, simplistic atmosphere and innovative fare are just a few of the features that have made us one of Philadelphia's mainstay restaurants.
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: Small but mighty, this gem has been a fixture in the city for over 20 years.
Local Expert tip: Remember that this restaurant is cash only, so bring both your billfold and bubbly to the table.
Seasonal, fresh ingredients abound at this Bella Vista gem. The menu changes frequently but you can catch up on the latest offerings via the updated chalkboard menu. Pair the seafood selection that most interests you with the BYOB option of your choice for a great meal that's not a repeat of things you've tasted and dismissed before. Selections here include such options as Ora King Salmon with bbq mustard, corn, porcini and farro; Monkfish accompanied by maitake, yukon, fermented pepper, pork belly, and perilla will make your mouth water. Combine these with a starter or delicious dessert for a meal you'll swear was delivered by little sea fairies.
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: Cozy, creative and a culinary delight combine to make this little seafood spot a must-try for Philly diners.
Sharon's expert tip: Don't sweat the wine you bring. There's a dish to compliment just about any choice you make at this pretty seafood spot.
In the emerging Loft District, a pizza joint joins older sisters Cafe Lift and Prohibition Taproom to bring wood-fired whole pizzas and slices, salads, soups, desserts and espressos to a tattooed crowd of neighborhood dwellers and curious outsiders. They listen to classic rock and drink craft beer out of growlers purchased at the bar on the street as they munch obscure Neapolitan 'za topped with shaved brussels sprouts, taleggio, speck, and scallions and finished with a balsamic reduction. Reservations not accepted; the "b" at this BYOB should be a growler filled with craft beer chosen from Prohibition Taproom's rotating taps
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: A BYOB option at an Italian joint with an elevated level of classic dishes, this place welcomes your beer, your wine and your appetite.
Sharon's expert tip: Try the saut�ed shrimp over polenta with gorgonzola sauce and be prepared for a bit of noise, as reviewers state it can get a bit loud.
Ingredients foraged from nearby farmers markets dictate the ever-changing menu at this crowded 30-seat East Passyunk BYOB. Here, chef/owner Chris Kearse uses modern gadgets and techniques to prepare new takes on sumptuously-plated French-inspired dishes. This cozy cafe features an earthy feel and a menu to go along with it. He works with the season, the local ingredients he has, and the things he's good at to come up with fare that is inspiring and tasty, creative and delicious. Reservations are recommended here, and white or red wines will work, though a light Viognier, Riesling, or Pinot Noir may work best.
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: The future comes to Philly in the form of Will's gadgetry and modernistic techniques.
Sharon's expert tip: The third Thursday of each month, Chef Chris Kearse curates a tasting menu around one seasonal ingredient.
This Northern Liberties gem puts it focus on fresh, high quality seasonal ingredients that are sourced locally whenever possible. Open for brunch on Sundays and dinner every night except Tuesdays, this eatery impresses with its extreme focus on quality and good service. With dishes like short ribs with almond/orange cake, heirloom carrots, and sunchoke chips as well as hanger Steak with romesco, fingerlings and haricot verts, your tastebuds will be impressed and your hunger satisfied. Paired with the wine or beer of your choice and a dessert and you've got all you need for a great meal.
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: With rave reviews from customers and fresh, local ingredients making up their food choices, you can't go wrong here.
Sharon's expert tip: Fans rave about the octopus here, so don't leave without sampling it.
This Malaysian restaurant specializes in just what the name implies: sate. Sate is a traditional southeastern Asian dish of seasoned, skewered, grilled meat, served with a sauce. The food is cooked over coconut shell charcoal in the open kitchen here, and served in a simple, yet cozy and warm environment. Patrons an eat in the dining area, or in the window area overlooking the street. It is a BYOB, and aims to deliver an authentic, healthy dining experience remnant of the chef's homeland. Choose from pork, beef, chicken or tofu dishes as well as other Malaysian favorites like nasi lemak bungkus, nasi ulam, mee hoon goreng bungkus as well as shareable plates that will tempt your palate and those of your guests.
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: New to the neighborhood, this gem is clean, cozy, satisfying and a little out-of-the-box, making it a great diversion from the same-old thing.
Sharon's expert tip: Be sure to investigate their tasting menu where you can try delicious sate selections in front of the open kitchen.
Philadelphia's top dining critic bestows rare top honors on the 30-seat BYOB "bistro" that elevates French peasant food into fine-dining art. Chef/owner Pierre Calmels boasts an impeccable French culinary pedigree, and his wife, Charlotte, is revered for her graciousness at the front-of-the-house of this East Passyunk staple. This family-run small establishment is great when you want to feel cozy and well-taken-care-of in a setting that's akin to a friend's kitchen. Remember to hit up the ATM before arriving, however, as this spot is cash-only. Reservations recommended, as is a cult bottle of French red worth showing off. 1009 S. 8th St., 215-965-8290, biboubyobcom
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: With a gracious front-of-house to match the finesse delivered by the kitchen, Bibou has arisen as arguably the best French restaurant in Philadelphia.
Sharon's expert tip: Go Sunday for a four-course, $45 prix-fixe dinner, and remember the restaurant is cash only.
