Thursday, May 6, 2010

Victor Cafe

Two weeks ago John and I went out to dinner... with friends... in the city.  Yeah, I about died from shock, too!
Amy, my roommate from college, was in town for a weekend with her hubby and wanted to meet us somewhere for dinner.  I asked John for a restaurant suggestion and he mentioned The VictorCafe. His Aunt Shirley has raved about the place for years but we have never had the opportunity to go-- until now.
 
The VictorCafe is in South Philadelphia just off Broad Street on 13th or 14th and Dickensen.  It is a tiny hole-in-the-wall Mom and Pop kind of place that you find all over in South Philly.  But what makes this restaurant so special is that every 15 minutes or so a member or two of the wait staff burst into song.  These aren't your run of the mill, generic, happy-birthday-singing waiters (although they do sing that particular song very well and in four part harmony); these are actual trained musicians.  They are musicians who are posing as waiters not the other way around.  The musical selections ranged through opera, Broadway and art songs.  Amy and I, who both love to sing, were totally in our element.  And the food was awesome, too!  Amy's husband, Aaron, who had been remarkably patient through the entire evening, was more interested in following the football draft on his phone.  Toward the end of the evening (we were there for over two and a half hours) the bell rang indicating another performance and Aaron sighed loudly, "Again?!"  People at the nearby tables were cracking up.

It was so great to see Amy and to catch up.  It was also so great to find a new favorite restaurant!  I plan on going back there soon.  John strutted around the house for a week because he was so proud of his suggestion.  I encouraged it, only because he totally deserved it.  My husband rocks!

So if you are looking for a good place to go in the city, I highly recommend The VictorCafe.  Entrees range from $18-$38ish.  Desserts are about $7.  Trust me, you want to plan on having your own dessert!

4 comments:

Emily and Austin Gray said...

We love Victor Cafe too! Yet another of the things I miss about Philadelphia.

Becca said...

victor cafe was mine and ty's first date in philly!! I totally love that place. they actually allow guest performances. :) you just tell them what track you want to do and they'll find it. my parents and ty coaxed me into doing 'ach ich fuhls' from the magic flute when we were there last. it was thrilling! :)

totally missing philly today :(

Zack said...

We love High Note Cafe -- same concept, slightly smaller (and through a Pizzeria). The food is cheaper than at Victor and (I'm told -- never been to Victor) the food is a little bit better.

Erin said...

Sounds like a lot of fun!