Race Street Cafe

4.5 ( 921 reviews )
Checking... 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
208 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
+1 215-627-6181

Race Street Cafe, situated in the heart of Philadelphia, has rapidly become a beloved local gem. Renowned for its exceptional brisket and a diverse menu that caters to various dietary needs, this café stands out as an ideal spot for both casual diners and those with culinary restrictions. Patrons have consistently praised the attentive service, with staff going above and beyond to ensure every visitor feels welcome and satisfied.

One standout aspect of Race Street Cafe is its commendable ability to accommodate gluten-free and dairy-free requests, as highlighted in reviews by satisfied customers like Lily Schurra and Aleja Veintimilla. Whether it’s the juicy burgers with crispy buns or the mouthwatering tacos, the food offers delightful flavors at reasonable prices. The atmosphere is equally inviting, with comfortable seating and a relaxed vibe, perfect for families and friends alike.

Reviewers have also noted the café's friendly bartenders, who enhance the dining experience with their knowledge and hospitality. With minimal wait times and outdoor seating, it's an ideal place to unwind in the city. Highly recommended for those seeking delicious food and exceptional service, Race Street Cafe makes dining out a pleasure worth returning for.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Does not have assistive hearing loop
    • No wheelchair-accessible car park
    • No wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • No wheelchair-accessible seating
    • No wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Has fireplace
    • Has great beer selection
    • Serves great cocktails
    • Has great wine list
    • Good for watching sport
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves happy-hour drinks
    • Serves healthy options
    • Quick bite
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves vegan dishes
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has gender-neutral toilets
    • Has toilet
    • Has Wi-Fi
    • Free Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
    • Popular with university students
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • Has changing table(s)
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Paid street parking
  • Pets
    • Dogs allowed outside

Reviews For Race Street Cafe

Big Buddy
Jun 27,2025
OMG . I am so happy I found this place. The best brisket I've ever had in my life. Audrey was the best and I'm here for a government contract for the next 4 months and this is my new go to place!!
Lily Schurra
May 21,2025
Race Street Cafe was an unplanned stop for us on our way through Philly. We were staying nearby and needed dinner for a hungry toddler and ourselves, and we’d just spent a whole southern NJ vacation trying to manage eating out with food allergies and dietary restrictions. I was fully prepared to arrive and have them say they couldn’t meet our dietary needs (as many restaurants had before them). What a pleasant surprise this place was! The bartender (maybe owner? I’m not sure) was beyond kind to our family, making sure we all had everything we needed to feel comfortable. Our waitress and the kitchen made sure we all had not only something to eat, but a wonderful, full meal. My and our baby’s dairy-free needs were easily met, and all of us had a wonderful meal! We loved seeing the staff be so friendly with everyone around us - we saw hugs all around and it really gave the feel of a local, beloved spot. We feel lucky to have found it and so grateful for our time there. Thank you to all who made our experience so lovely!
Chris Denton
May 12,2025
Food is above average for a bar/cafe. Great friendly service. Hardly ever a wait. Not too loud. Some outdoor seating.
Aleja Veintimilla
May 6,2025
During our recent visit to Pennsylvania, my partner and I had the pleasure of dining at a fantastic spot that truly exceeded expectations. For a very reasonable price of 59, we enjoyed a delicious spread, including tacos with a side of chili, two burgers with fries, tea, and two waters. One of the standout features was that everything on the menu could be made gluten-free, which was a huge plus for us. The buns on the burgers were especially delicious—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The atmosphere was just right—not too loud or crowded—creating a relaxed and welcoming vibe. The service was top-notch as well. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed throughout the meal. A nice touch is the digital payment option on the receipt, where you can easily pay and leave a tip with a code. Overall, the experience was fantastic, and we are definitely looking forward to coming back the next time we’re in the area. If you’re in PA and craving some great food in a comfortable setting, this place is highly recommended! Thank you for such a wonderful experience!
Jason Dudley
Apr 28,2025
Best Bar in Philly!!! Mark was an absolutely amazing bartender who really cared about the experience for us. He worked hard to ensure we enjoyed our great time. Mike was awesome and ensured we had a fun time! Definitely recommend!!!
talia nicole
Apr 26,2025
We stopped for a quick bite to eat before a concert. Our server was great and the atmosphere was pleasant. The food came quick and was delicious but we were expecting slightly larger portions for the price (the salmon but big but there wasn’t a lot of pasta). It was great anyway. If you’re unsure of where to eat- go here.
Robert Bentley
Apr 24,2025
Great little neighborhood eatery and bar. Very pub-like in a good way. Food was quite good, we very much enjoyed lunch here. Very convenient if you're visiting one of the museums in this part of town; it's around the corner from the Museum of Art in Wood and close to a couple of parking lots.
Stefanie Lau
Apr 21,2025
Everything tastes homemade in a good way. They’re reasonable portions for the price and have a killer Caesar salad dressing. Will be a staple for us as we’re new to the neighborhood and having a quick, reliable spot is necessary.

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