The Twisted Tail

4.5

1589 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

About this restaurant

Great for creative cocktails
Charming
Great for live music

Thank you for choosing The Twisted Tail!

High Top tables are only available on the weekends, and are located on the second floor. They are communal style tables, and you will get to enjoy the band after 8:15PM.

The Twisted Tail is a bi-level restaurant, bar and live music venue featuring a charcoal-fired grill, a wealth of bourbon selections and the rollicking ambiance of a "juke joint" (or old school Southern music hall). The inventive menu highlights ingredients in their simplest form, flame-broiled over live coals for rich, authentic flavor.

Inside a warm, welcoming dining space makes The Twisted Tail South Street’s best place to catch a band - and a bite.

Dining areas

Additional information

Location
509 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone number
(215) 558-2471
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Southern
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat 11:00 am–4:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–1:00 am Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Metered street parking is available in front of and behind the restaurant. The closest available parking garage is located on Lombard Street between 2nd and 3rd.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Leo Forneas

Private dining

Grilled Quail$13.00
Herb Chimichurri
Diver Scallops$14.00
Almond Romesco, Parsley Oil, Bacon Jam
Pork Belly$14.00
Sea Salt, Lime
Grilled Octopus$13.00
Gigante Beans, Chorizo, Pasley Oil
Chorizo Taco$9.00
Tomatillo, Queso Fresco, Tequila
Jumbo Shrimp$12.00
Grilled Pineapple Confit
Lollipop Lamb Chops$15.00
Cauliflower Puree, Parsley Oil

Vegetables and...

Small Plates

Country Ham & Arugula$14.00
Warm Goat Cheese, Shaved Celery, Sherry Vinaigrette
Heirloom Beets$13.00
Yogurt, Candied Ginger, Mizuna
Crispy Flatbread$14.00
Cauliflower, Almond, Bourbon Raisins, Parmesan, Parsley
Lioni Burrata$16.00
Heirloom Baby Carrots, Honey, Rosemary, Candied Walnuts
Gem Lettuce$13.00
Radish, Torn Herbs, Lemon Vinaigrette
Wild Mushroom Toast$15.00
Crispy Pumpernickel, Mushroom Puree, Roasted Mushrooms

Everything Else

Small Plates

Big Eye Tuna$15.00
Wonton Cups, Chili Oil, Avocado, Cucumber, Sesame
Wagyu Beef Tartare$13.00
Capers, Cornichons, Grilled Bread
Oysters On The Half Shell$18.00
Vodka Cocktail Sauce, Mignonette, Hot Sauce
BBQ Smoked Ribs$15.00
Bourbon, Maple, Celery Slaw
Smoked Wings$12.00
BBQ Spice, Buttermilk Dill Dressing
Scallop Ceviche$13.00
Jalapeno, Tomato, Citrus, Truffle, Crispy Corn Chips
Pan Seared Ravioli$17.00
Spinach, Ricotta, Sage, Brown Butter

Plates

Fried Chicken$24.00
Rosemary-Honey, Sweet Potato
Blue Bay Mussels$24.00
Tomato Broth, Scallions, Crispy Bread
Grilled Hanger Steak$29.00
Fingerling Potatoes, Shishito, Chimichurri, Truffle Vinaigrette
Shrimp & Grits$24.00
Bacon Vinaigrette, Scallions
Double Cut Pork Chop$32.00
Roasted Sweet Potato, Brussels Leaves, Honey Mustard
Catch of the day Fish & Chips$23.00
Garlic Parmesan Chips, Malt Mayo, Malt Vinegar, Tartar
Smoked Duck Breast$29.00
Kabocha Squash Puree, Candied Figs, Duck Jus
Stuffed Poblano Pepper$23.00
Asian Pear, Apple, Coconut 'Sour Cream', Avocado, Pecan
Chesapeake Bay Jumbo Lump Crab Cake$22.00
Bell Pepper, Mustard, Turnips, Cornflakes
Braised Short Ribs$26.00
Sweet Potato Puree, Horseradish Gremolata, Broccolini
Ricotta Gnocchi$18.00
Basil Puree, Toasted Pine Nuts, Wild Mushrooms, Parmesan
Grilled Swordfish$28.00
Eggplant Caponata, Pine Nuts, Raisins, Herb Gremolata

Sides

Crawfish Mac & Cheese$10.00
Toasted Breadcrumbs
Traditional Cornbread$8.00
Rosemary Honey
Shishito Peppers$9.00
Salted Lime
Grilled Broccoli$10.00
Bagna Cauda, Chili, Parmesan, Breadcrumbs
Crispy Brussels Sprouts$10.00
Bacon Crumble, Bacon Vinaigrette

What 1,589 people are saying

The Twisted Tail reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Philadelphia
Hot spot

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Twisted Tail offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing food," "exceptional service," and "great live music." Guests rave about standout dishes like the fried chicken, beignets, and cheese platter. The vibrant atmosphere and accommodating staff make it "worth the trip." Perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.

1,589 Reviews

C
Chris VIP
Philadelphia18 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was delicious, the bartenders made great mixed drinks, and Daniel, our server, had great recommendations for which food to try.
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W
Wendy
Philadelphia9 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A perfect place for yummy drinks and varied, delicious small plates. And there’s live music every night but Monday!
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T
Tammy VIP
Philadelphia5 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 21, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We enjoyed a variety of small plates, that were absolutely delicious. Cocktails were spot on and server made some wonderful suggestions. Great food, nice atmosphere A+
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L
Laura
Philadelphia2 reviews
3.0
Dined on February 20, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing service! I wasn’t expecting long overly cramped table seating with strangers, so I was a bit thrown off by that. The food was just ok and not worth the price at all. I wouldn’t order food there again. I liked the environment overall and would go back for a drink. But again, our server was wonderful!
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d
dwgroucho VIP
Philadelphia63 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
I love the food, service and the ambience BUT was not thrilled to have a blues duo playing the entire time we were there! Made conversation difficult but the dinner was awesome and our server was the best!!!
Is this helpful?
A
Ahyonna VIP
Philadelphia15 reviews
3.0
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Bourbon punch bowl was delicious, that I would highly recommend. The cheese curds with the dipping sauces were great as well. Corn bread was fine, expected more flavor and a bigger size. It’s under the menu as for the table but was brought a little skillet of corn bread. Entrees were very lack luster. I thought I was playing it safe by getting a burger, but it had little to no flavor. Other members of my party were not happy with their meals either. Seems like the only hit at the table was the steak and eggs, so I guess I recommend that. Waiter was fine, I’m going to give her grace and say she was just a little overwhelmed and busy but she was not attentive to my table at all. Kept walking away quickly even while we were still talking to her, barely checked on us! Super loud in there that we practically had to yell to communicate.
Is this helpful?
A
Angelo
Philadelphia3 reviews
3.0
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Place was nice. Quick service. Waiter was nice. Food was okay. For my bill with what I got I thought it was way too expensive. Two diver scallops for $14. All in all for 3 people. 1 appetizer and 1 entre each. 3 total drinks for $230 including tip. Certainly for me too much for what we got for me.
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J
Jack
New York City9 reviews
4.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Exciting atmosphere. Duck was succulent. Service staff was attentive but interuptive: a short pause to be noticed prior to barging into a conversation distinguishes good service from great servive.
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C
Claude VIP
Philadelphia1 review
2.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
They took so long to give us our food that we missed our comedy show. We got there at 7:45 and didn’t get our entree until 9:45. The food was also cold. I was very disappointed.
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F
Frederic
Philadelphia9 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was excellent. We had the chefs tasting menu and got to try many items on the menu. Will definitely go back
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Twisted Tail does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. The Twisted Tail also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 558-2471.

The Twisted Tail is rated 4.5 stars by 1589 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

509 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Dining areas

Additional information

Phone number
(215) 558-2471
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Southern
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat 11:00 am–4:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–1:00 am Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Metered street parking is available in front of and behind the restaurant. The closest available parking garage is located on Lombard Street between 2nd and 3rd.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Leo Forneas

The Twisted Tail

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Private Dining

Custom inquiry

From the Charcoal Grill

Grilled Quail$13.00

Diver Scallops$14.00

Pork Belly$14.00

Grilled Octopus$13.00

Chorizo Taco$9.00

Jumbo Shrimp$12.00

Lollipop Lamb Chops$15.00

Vegetables and...

Country Ham & Arugula$14.00

Heirloom Beets$13.00

Crispy Flatbread$14.00

Lioni Burrata$16.00

Gem Lettuce$13.00

Wild Mushroom Toast$15.00

Everything Else

Big Eye Tuna$15.00

Wagyu Beef Tartare$13.00

Oysters On The Half Shell$18.00

BBQ Smoked Ribs$15.00

Smoked Wings$12.00

Scallop Ceviche$13.00

Pan Seared Ravioli$17.00

Plates

Fried Chicken$24.00

Blue Bay Mussels$24.00

Grilled Hanger Steak$29.00

Shrimp & Grits$24.00

Double Cut Pork Chop$32.00

Catch of the day Fish & Chips$23.00

Smoked Duck Breast$29.00

Stuffed Poblano Pepper$23.00

Chesapeake Bay Jumbo Lump Crab Cake$22.00

Braised Short Ribs$26.00

Ricotta Gnocchi$18.00

Grilled Swordfish$28.00

Sides

Crawfish Mac & Cheese$10.00

Traditional Cornbread$8.00

Shishito Peppers$9.00

Grilled Broccoli$10.00

Crispy Brussels Sprouts$10.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does The Twisted Tail offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Twisted Tail restaurant rated?

Is The Twisted Tail currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information