Tale of the Tape: Rittenhouse Tavern

Rittenhouse Tavern is now open in the historic Philadelphia Art Alliance building with Le Bec-Fin alum Nicholas Elmi in the kitchen. The contemporary American restaurant aims to be the destination spot such a fine building deserves.

Rittenhouse Tavern: The Space

• Located in the historic Wetherill Mansion, now home of the Art Alliance of Philadelphia.
• Four distinctive areas make up Rittenhouse Tavern:
• main dining room
• salon
• bar
• outdoor garden
• Designed by Elisabeth Knapp, Elisabeth Knapp Architect.
• Knapp has also designed Zahav, Xochitl and Percy Street Barbecue.
• Space keeps classic tones and elegance.
• Original 1920s mural created by artist Richard Blossom Farley, depicting a flock of geese and other birds wraps around the main dining area.
• Bar and lounge rooms anchored by marble fireplace
• Garden tucked away from 18th Street
• Surrendouded by greenery and potted fresh herbs for the chef’s “secret” garden
• 100 seats in total.

Rittenhouse Tavern Food

• Nicholas Elmi, Executive Chef
• Was most recently at Le Bec-Fin
• Has also worked at Brasserie Perrier as well as Lutècec, Union Pacific and Oceana in New York
• Ed Brown, Senior Vice President at Restaurant Associates
• Also is chef/owner of Ed’s Chowder House in New York City
• Dinner is served Tuesday through Sunday (Lunch and Brunch to come).
• Menu highlights include:
• Deviled Eggs with pork scrapple
• New Jersey Striped Bass with Tuscan kale, mushrooms and hibiscus-red wine
• RT Burger, La Frieda dry aged blend, Yard’s ESA roll,Ed’s special sauce, sharp provolone, watercress
• Rack of Berkshire Pork with crisp belly, purple mustard, quinoa crust, endive
• Blueberry Red Wine Soup with thyme, lemon-sage ice cream
• Prices range from $15 to $29 for entrees
• Sunday night a family style whole fried amish chicken with buttermilk biscuits and daily side is available for $18 per person.
• Rittenhouse Tavern Dinner Menu (PDF)

Rittenhouse Tavern Drink

• Sixteen beers by the bottle, including local beers both well known and below the radar.
• 30 bottle wine list with 20 available by the glass.
• Specialty Cocktail List:
• Garden Sazerac with Bulleit Rye, Vieux Carré Absinthe and bitters
• Paloma Fizz with Sauza Tequila, pink grapefruit and housemade lemon-lime soda
• Price Range:
• Beer ranges from $4 to $6
• Cocktails cost between $9 and $13
• Wine by the glass ranges between $7 and $19
• Wine by the bottle: $29 to $89
• Rittenhouse Tavern Drink Menu (PDF)