Nestled in a Rittenhouse brownstone, this New American eatery delights with upscale small and large plates, creative cocktails, and a charming atmosphere perfect for intimate dining.
"For many people, Vernick is a special occasion restaurant. Reservations typically book up weeks in advance and getting in sometimes feels like the plot from a future Mission Impossible sequel. But if you work or live nearby, you’ll know that it’s actually pretty easy to get a table if you show up early enough. Plus, most small plates on the menu are under $25, and are actually pretty substantial." - candis mclean, alison kessler
"Every Philadelphian has to go on at least one date at Vernick Food & Drink on Walnut. Get a seasonal sampling of Greg Vernick’s fine-dining specialties, such as swordfish a la plancha and pork milanese, alongside an excellent wine selection, which you can also take home from the Vernick Wine Shop next door. Try your luck for a seat at the first-come-first-served bar or chef’s table, where you can still access the full menu, or make a reservation on Tock, where you could also opt for a tasting menu." - Ernest Owens
"A Night Out With Your Boss Think of Vernick when you have to survive a fancy business meal with someone who could fire you. This is not the time for a 30-minute wait and three Parc martinis, even if you want it to be. What you need is a painless reservation, one bottle of expensive wine, and some nice roast chicken. The food here is seasonal American and consistently great, but it's also safe. Think crudo, steaks the size of plates, and pasta like tagliatelle bolognese, all of which will appeal to someone who earns more money than you will in your lifetime. " - candis mclean
"Vernick is a seasonal American restaurant that makes great roast chicken, rotating pasta, and citrusy whole fish. But they often serve Middle Eastern-inflected dishes, too. Like Zahav, it works for a nice night out when you want to eat a grilled rack of lamb with rose harissa. A big difference? You can usually walk in and get a spot at the bar." - candis mclean
"Quarantine cooking fatigue is a real thing. To combat kitchen burnout, Vernick has transformed its next-door wine shop into a world of inspiration with sauces, spices, dry goods, and preserves that will inspire even the most exhausted home cook. The current list of provisions lines up spices from New York’s La Boîte, Kiki Aranita’s new range of Poi Dog Hawaiian seasonings, imported Abruzzese pastas, and salami made by former Vernick beverage manager J.B. Bernstein at his family’s heritage pork farm. Order online for pickup and delivery." - Caroline Coral
