L2 Restaurant & Bar

Overpriced, but worth it to avoid the crowds

I went here with a group of friends a week ago around 7:30pm. Our waiter was personable and could tell you every ingredient in the foods. the food was reasonably priced and the view was wonderful. You could see the sunset over the city. Over all, a great experience but not worth doing more that maybe twice.

My wife and I went here for date night last night, and really enjoyed it (and will be back, which might get it to five stars — the fifth star is for consistent excellence in my book). The décor was great — not fancy, but fun, and featuring local art for sale, which I’m always a fan of. It was a quiet night, which I’m also completely fine with — I don’t need a bunch of strangers making noise around me to enjoy my dinner. The service was very personal, and not at all rushed.
The prices were very reasonable, and the options nicely varied (which makes a short menu fine). No wine list — just a few reliable options. The wine tasted great, and was very reasonably priced ($ 5 a glass). The food was also reasonably priced. I had meatloaf, which was good, and reasonable at $ 15. My wife had the filet, which was outstanding, for $ 25. I would probably get the filet next time. We also had a beet salad to start, which was good, and finished with a very rich flourless chocolate cake.
I can see why some other people aren’t fans. Some people want a fancy wine list to choose from, while this has a short list of reliable options and reasonable prices. Some people want to get in and out, while this was very deliberately paced (though I have a feeling they could have gone faster if we’d been on a schedule, but we weren’t). Some people want a lively crowd, while this was quiet and intimate. They might run out of a few things, and vary the sides from day to day, but it seems like their kitchen is using fresh and in-​season everything to the extent possible. There is a lot of things that this place is not, but it is great for exactly what it is. It was a great meal, and a reasonable price (helped by a
certificate). It was at about our limit for a night out (student budget — we spent about $ 60 after tax/​tip, after applying the certificate), but it was an outstanding three-​course meal (including a filet mignon!), with wine, making it a steal.

Walked into L2 on a Friday evening at around 7:30 and thought I had walked into a senior center. There were about 4 really old people with walkers in there migrating around the bar so my friend and I opted to sit outside.
This place has NO beers on tap and about 5 beers in bottles. I think the choices were like Miller’s light, Coors Light, Amstel Light, Hoegarden and I can’t remember the last one. They also don’t have a cocktail list. I requested a mojito– the bartender came outside to gather mint so it seemed promising. The mojito was really disgusting. It tasted really bitter and strong and nothing like a mojito. Because the drink was so bad we decided not to get food here so left shortly after that drink.
Well, at least I know now what this neighborhood place is like that I’ve been so curious about. I don’t think I’ll be back here again.

A friend and I happened upon L2 and we were very hapy with the experience. We were in from out of town to celebrate a graduation but had no plans for the evening, so we struck out on an adventure to find dinner. We arrived around 9 pm and the restaurant was not very busy, which was nice (We were a little concerned and asked why they weren’t busy and the staff explained several festivals that were going on in other areas of the city that weekend). The service was very attentive and the food was fantastic.
We split the Philly cheese steak spring rolls, which we quickly dubbed ‘East Meets East’ and they were so yummy! I tried one of the evening’s specials, Chicken Sambucca with asparagus and it was excellent. I rarely eat my entire entrée but this was so good I didn’t stop. My friend had the Braised Short Ribs and swooned over their tenderness and flavor.
This was a great find and I’d definitely go back the next time I visit Philly.

Great place to have dinner or drinks. We had crab cakes an drinks. The place is clearly campy and a little dated but who cares — good service, good food. You really cannot ask for more.

They have this amazing garlic hummus that would most likely be my reason for going back. However, the food is too pricey for what it is. Basically, it’s something that I could make myself at home for a fraction of the cost. They also have a poor selection of both wine and beer. I might go back, but like I said, only because of the appetizer they serve.

Nice and clean. Prices were bit high for the area.

Poor service, attitude, and food make this place a two star kinda joint in my book. Came to see a show that was going on later in the evening and decided to do dinner here too.
To start they seemed appalled that we didn’t have reservations and told us we’d have to sit in the DRAFTY front room because they had nothing available in the back. Not sure why you’d make your own restaurant sound uninviting, but whatevs.
Got seated and then waited a good 30 mins before our order was taken. Some older woman (possibly owner or manager) even checked on us during this time, knew we were ready to order, and then went about her merry way without helping us. Good times!
The worst part was witnessing this same woman be a complete jerk to the ladies at the table next to us. One had been sitting at the bar for over an hour drinking (aka spending money) waiting for her friend to arrive. When she finally did, she asked the bartender if they could move to a table and he said yes. After they moved to a table the older lady first made a huge scene at the bar questioning the employees on who gave the girls approval to move and the bartender lied.
Then she went to the girls and in a huffy and rude manner asked them who said they could sit there, so much that the girls offered to leave which she said she didn’t want but then spent the next 5 mins scolding/​biatching to them about how that table was reserved and how she «told the bartender to never let anyone fuc*ing move from the bar to a table without her permission in advance». Yeah not exactly a pleasant addition to a meal. Oh and the party that had «reserved» the table never showed up. There were only 3 parties eating in the front room.
Food was bland, mushy, and only tasted worse after dealing with the pompous attitude of the staff.

I am jumping on the Unilocal train to help out poor unsuspecting diners who may want to give this place a try… please don’t… The wait staff was inattentive and a bit brash… the food sucked except for the shumai (which by the way are Trader Joes Chicken Cilantro Wontons that you can buy a whole bag of for less than five dollars instead of paying $ 7.50 for five!!!) L2 I hope you read these and take some notes because everything about your restaurant is lame… I’d recommend spending your money at Ten Stone, Graces, or Sidecar if you are in the area… its cheaper and much better!

Dinner was very nice and good service. All of it went to waste when they would not take our
gift certificate. Is it really worth rubbing a customer the wrong way to save 20 dollars. Their certificate made no mention of holiday exclusions while others did. Just the way they treated us when they said no. It was like our business did not even matter to them. Please work on customer service.

L2 is as comfortable and warm as a nice glass of red wine.
Located on South Street west, it is one more reason this area is becoming a go to dinning destination.
The bar at L2 is nicely stocked with bottles displayed on slanted shelves. As Tom C. points out, they pour a stiff drink, and I suspect the shelves may level out if you stay long enough.
The dinning room is charming, with plaster and brick walls adorned with 18^th and 19^th century portrait paintings. The décor is exactly opposite of the white wall austere, popular in some trendier spots.
The food is very straight forward, but prepared well, and just how you order it. The pumpkin pie we had for dessert was from the owners grand-mom’s recipe and tasted very much authentic and classic.
The staff are friendly and accommodating, they make you feel at home. This is a great spot if you want to enjoy your company as well as your meal.
As we were leaving, Our waiter said he hoped to see more of us. I can almost guarantee it.

Their cheese steak spring rolls are the BEST… I do prefer them without ketchup.
The staff is really friendly, sometimes a little sarcastic.
The vibe is cool and very much about sitting around with your friends and drinking wine. It reminds me of my hairdresser in Florida… miss you, Kevin :-)

I made a Unilocal account just so I could review this place. I read the other reviews, and was skeptical, but decided to give this place a try anyway.
We got there, were promptly seated, and asked for a wine list. The server laughed and said «the list is so short there is no list!» and told us the 2 types of white and 2 types of reds they had.
He told us the swordfish was the special for the night, left, came back with our drinks, and took our order. A minute later he came back and informed us that they were out of swordfish. How can a special BE OUT? So then we ordered, 3 ducks, 1 crabcake and 1 chicken parm. He brings out a plate of bread with 3 pieces on it and some type of chickpea mash. He also tells us that one of the appetizers we ordered was out.
We get our food, it is fine, the portions are uneven (3 slivers of zucchini as a vegetable side?) and my mashed potatoes were literally a flavorless mashed potato. My crabcake is good, I tasted the duck — very good. We hear him tell the next table over that the kitchen is now out of duck too!
Overall I would have given this place better review because the food was decent and the atmosphere was fine, but the fact is that they have a small menu and 30% of the items were out on a saturday night really bothers me and I won’t return just because of that.

Now, I may be biased… As a lifelong 19146er, I actually had my sweet sixteen upstairs at L2. I also refer to my mother as the Paris Hilton of L2 because whenever we go, she has to say hi to every single person there. Everybody knows her name.
So when we finally sit down, we always order a beet salad, which is always delicious. Sometimes we order the fried tomatoes or the onion soup which are both great as well.
Bill and David are our favorite waitors. They are sarcastic and friendly and always on top of it. They make fun of me because I have ordered the salmon every time I have eaten there since the day they opened (I can’t help that I need my omega 3s!).
The hubs orders the lamb, and my mother orders some version of beef… either the filet or the bar steak (they have a great bar menu!). Also, they have a flourless mocha cake that is amazing and I can’t actually leave the premises without at least having a taste.
Pretty decently priced, decent wine list and friendly staff.
We love it here.
xo

Heavy hand bar keep
Pay attention, don’t be cute
Next day I want more
Had a great night with a group of 10. Alcohol is a wonderful social lubricant and two sips into our cocktails everyone was old friends. If you can’t read between the lines I am saying they pour a stiff drink here!
Our waiter was nice enough, but got a little snarky with a girl who was having a hard time deciding and ultimately got part of her order wrong because he was trying to be funny… at least he calmed down once he realized. I second Brad, that sea bass was great. Several in our party had the Crab Cake and all seemed pleased with the copious amounts of lump crab. Most of our party had one of their varied salads and all were huge and delicious. It’s the Tuesday after and I’m thinking of going back for the beet salad… I never give salads this much thought!
Love the atmosphere. Simple and understated. A bit of shock at how reasonably priced the place is… and you will be too.
Lastly, if you are not familiar with this neighborhood (as I am not) then be warned that there aren’t parking garages everywhere. At least none that I could find in my expanding circling for parking. Offer up a sacrifice to the parking gods before you leave the house and hope your prayers are answered…

Add this to list of places in my neighborhood that make it awesome. For a few dollars more, walk an extra block and pass up Ten Stone in favor of L2. Though I’ve had drinks here before, I had never sat down for a meal (in the back dining room that I didn’t even know about!!! It’s so cushy and cozy and awesome.) until this past weekend, and I am so glad I did.
On Friday after work, when trying to decide what to do for dinner, I narrowed it down to the most unreasonable checklist ever: it has to be delicious, small/​cozy, affordable, close to my house, and not obscenely crowded at 8PM on a Friday. The only place we could think of that even remotely matched that description was L2. So we set out.
Their wine by the bottle is reasonably priced for a restaurant, and we had a seat in the corner where we could people watch to our heart’s content. The food was really yummy, and it seemed like everyone was having a really great conversation with the person across from them.
I have always loved the décor in this place, and even moreso now that I know about the back room. Definitely check this place out – it’s an excellent go-​to place to eat.

I was invited to a group dinner at L2 and honestly, had very low expectations. I had never heard of the place, and after reviewing the menu, the cost of the entrees seemed unusually low. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised.
I started with a bleu cheese salad that consisted of romaine lettuce, crisp bacon and the perfect amount of bleu cheese dressing. For my entrée I had the crab cake which was loaded with lump crab meat and practically no filler. It was accompanied with tasty mashed potatoes and perfectly grilled zucchini and red peppers. I had an espresso to end the night, which I found to be a bit weak.
The décor was warm and inviting — including exposed brick, dark woods, high ceilings covered with pressed tin, and random artwork. And the waiter, though a wisenheimer at various points, was attentive and informative.
We ended the night (and actually closed the place down) at the front bar. Drinks were reasonably priced and the staff was very friendly.
I highly recommend L2, though don’t overcrowd the place making it impossible for me to get back in!

Wow!!! I am gonna go out on a limb here and give these fine people the full 5 stars (some may argue its a 4 star experience — but what we had last night was truly 5 stars all the way.)
NOTE: We also went BACK on 4÷4÷09 and it was fabulous AGAIN!
Starting with the bar and terrific bartender who mixed me a fine Whiska-​retto Sour (That’s a Canadian Club Whisky Sour with a splash of Amaretto to sweeten it up. — YUM.). The bar has a retro feel with colored shelves that slant at different angles to display the bottles of liquor.
Next we (there were 4 of us) were seated by our gracious host/​waiter/​manager (possibly owner?) and ordered lots of tasty treats.
We started with an appetizer course. I had a terrific goat cheese (mild — not too goaty) and beet salad. 2 of us has the slightly salty but very tasty French Onion Soup, and we all tasted the Chicken Shumai (obviously frozen — but tasty nonetheless.).
Also the stuffed portabello mushroom is SO TERRIFIC.
Since one of the entrees — Pasta «Mikey» appealed to all of us — we ordered one order and split it 4 ways on 4 little plates as a pasta course. The pasta was penne, coated in a rich, creamy pink sauce accented with shavings of proscuitto. Very tasty and perfect as an app. (May be too rich to eat a big plateful.)
For entrees the standout was the lamb — a gorgeous frenched rack of 8 chops total, served with airy riced potatoes and asparagus spears. The meatlof entrée (with more of the delicious mash) and my husband’s «special» of flaky-​crusted chicken pot pie, all disappeared.
We were nearly stuffed by now, but stayed for delicious rich cups of freshly brewed coffe and decaf. And split amongst us 1 cheesecake (classic and creamy) and a decadent chocolate bourbon pecan pie. (The crust of which was outstanding.).
We have returned twuce. What lovely evenings we have had, surrounded by gorgeous decorations and the classic portraits that adorn the walls.
This is a unique place that seems like «nothing» when you walk by. Go INSIDE!!! Go!!!
You will not be disappointed.

After a wine-​filled dinner out with two girlfriends, we decided to pass on dessert and instead continue our night with an after-​dinner drink. Someone suggested L2 since it was nearby so off we went.
It felt like fate when we walked into the bar and three front and center bar stools were available. I proceeded to order a chocolate martini from Liz, the friendly tattooed bartender who was positively jamming to the Prince CD playing in the background. The martini was so good and seemed perfectly matched with the Goldfish crackers that were in glass milk jugs on the bar. The combination reminded me of my youth, which was awesome.
DISCLAIMER: Next time I want to re-​create a childhood snack, I’m going to stick with good old-​fashioned chocolate milk, because three chocolate milks will not cause the side-​splitting headache effect that three chocolate martinis (and many glasses of wine) will the next morning. However, if I’m ever again jonesin’ for ONE really good chocolate martini, L2 is my place!