Irwin's

"When deciding where to bring a group of friends for a birthday, picking a place where shareable dishes make up the entire menu is a good place to start. Plus, with views that make you feel like you’re on top of the city (or at least on The Iron Giant’s shoulder), this South Philly Sicilian spot is an easy choice for your birthday dinner. They have excellent handmade pastas, like a spaghetti alle vongole that coats clams in rich white wine sauce, citrusy agrodolce chicken (one of the best in the city), and plenty of other dishes just as good as the view. You won't struggle to find reservations for Irwin's, but your finger may cramp reloading Salvatore's Counter reservations page for those coveted four seats. They drop the reservations during the first of the month. We suggest setting a reminder or slipping a seat on the end to see if the chef will serve you anyway." - candis mclean, alison kessler

"If you ever wanted to know what it feels like to have an exclusive dinner party inside of your high school, head to Irwin’s inside of South Philly’s Bok Building. The restaurant is inside a converted classroom that’s full of plants and mid-century furniture like old bookshelves you haven’t seen since third period English, and they have a large patio that wraps around the outside. Even though the atmosphere is laid back and casual, the Sicilian dishes, like citrusy whole fish, tender agrodolce chicken, and handmade pastas feel like they could be served to somebody who lives in a palace. Come here for a fun group dinner and experience one of the best views in the city. You won't struggle to find reservations for Irwin's, but your finger may cramp reloading Salvatore's Counter reservations page for those coveted four seats. They drop the reservations during the first of the month. We suggest setting a reminder or slipping a seat on the end to see if the chef will serve you anyway." - candis mclean, alison kessler

"We’d eat the wild boar rigatoni ragu at Irwin’s in a Wawa parking lot if we had to. But thankfully, this glam Sicilian restaurant is located on the eighth floor of the Bok Building. In addition to their great gnocchi sardi and spaghetti alle vongole, Irwins serves juicy whole fish topped with citrusy salsa and half a sticky, agrodolce chicken—both of which are just as beautiful to look at as they are to eat. If it's nice outside, try to get a seat on their outdoor patio. You won't struggle to find reservations for Irwin's, but your finger may cramp reloading Salvatore's Counter reservations page for those coveted four seats. They drop the reservations during the first of the month. We suggest setting a reminder or slipping a seat on the end to see if the chef will serve you anyway." - alison kessler, candis mclean

"You’d be forgiven for thinking Irwin’s on the eighth floor of the Bok Building is all about the view — and indeed, there’s nothing like it — but it’s Michael Vincent Ferreri’s family-style dorade, fritto misto, and house-made pastas that really take the cake, especially paired as they are with intriguing natural wines. You can make reservations via Resy for indoor and seasonal outdoor dining." - Ernest Owens

"Sicilian small plates and natural wine are on the table at Irwin’s, the South Philly restaurant on the top floor of Bok Bar with Michael Vincent Ferreri as head chef. The scene is lively, the drinks are inspired, and the swordfish is big enough to share. What’s not to love? You can make reservations online." - Eater Staff