White Dog Cafe - University City

Sort by

1. WL

   WineLover

   Philadelphia

   50 reviews

   4.0

   50 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   Dined outside for lunch on a nice day... so quiet relative to inside. Food was solid... and good variety.
   

   Report
2. KS

   KimS

   Philadelphia

   10 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   10 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall4food4service3ambience3

   Food was interesting but very flavorful. Service felt very disconnected. Waitress full blown yawned while taking our order. At the end asked if we wanted anything else but never offered a dessert menu. Tiny little things that I noticed but didn’t prevent us from a nice meal. I guess that’s what happens when tip is included (we were a party of 6).
   

   Report
3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   The meal was delicious. The choices were excellent. The staff, to a person, was friendly, professional, and quick. The only reason I gave a marginally-les-than perfect rating for noise is that, at the adjoining table, the diners had loud voices - but thats hardly the restaurant’s fault. Overall, the experience was delightful.
   

   Report
4. KR

   KRose

   Philadelphia

   43 reviews

   4.0

   43 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall4food4service4ambience5

   Great spot for brunch and lunch. Cool decor. Prices are good on the food. Staff is friendly.
   

   Report
5. C

   Carl

   Atlanta Metro

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 19, 2023

   overall3food4service3ambience2

   We went to White Dog at around 6:30 on a Friday night and sat outside. When we sat down, most of the crowd seemed to be there for after work snacks and drinks — a few tables were boisterous. By the time we left it had filled in with an older dinner crowd that felt like it had been imported straight from the main line — a bit rude to the staff, a bit flippant about their impact on surrounding tables, a few possessing small dogs that were not well tended. The server was kind but seemed indifferent about our experience, a bit aloof and slow to check on us, drawing the meal out considerably longer than it needed to be. In general the pacing was strange. It took some time to get an order in so we ordered drinks, apps and entrees all at once. The appetizer came immediately but our cocktails didn't arrive until the appetizer plate had been cleared away — moments before our entrees. Everything we got was good but would have been better without the extras that had been appended. Our Tuna Tartare was excellent but was, for some reason, topped with what amounted to guacamole in a volume more than double the tuna (we mostly removed this an ate it separately). The lamb ragu was delicious, bathed in a rich sauce with perfectly sauteed spinach, but it was served with a big spoonful of cold ricotta that steered it into mom's lasagna territory (I mostly ignored this). If White Dog had half the tables it does and focused on putting out excellent cuisine, I think it could be a truly outstanding restaurant. As it is it seems to be more interested in putting out fancy-looking dishes to as many as possible without giving adequate attention to any one table. We'd go again if we were at Penn for some reason, but we'd go with moderated expectations.
   

   Report
6. Z

   Zaria

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 19, 2023

   overall2food3service1ambience2

   My friends and I went for their happy hour and while the food was enjoyable, the service was absolutely horrendous. When we were seated it took them 10 minutes to even bring us water and we requested straws multiple times to not get any. Once we ordered, our food took a lengthy amount of time to arrive and once it did we did not see our waitress again until after happy hour had concluded, literally immediately after. Happy hour lasts from 4-6 pm, we were seated at 5:20 and did not get a chance to order more drinks again until our waitress reappeared at 6:02. After happy hour had concluded you could see our waitress making many more rounds to tables but still not providing us with things we requested. Once we were ready to pay our check she never brought it to us and we had to walk up to the hostess stand to request our check at which point they brought us the wrong bill. When they finally brought us the proper bill, we could see our waitress simply standing doing nothing instead of attending to the tables she was assigned. Overall, the experience was unsatisfactory and neither myself or my friends will be returning to this establishment. Save yourself the trouble of being ignored and treated as second and go to another restaurant.
   

   Report
7. H

   Honey215

   Philadelphia

   22 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   22 reviews

   Dined on May 18, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   I’ve been to this (University City) location numerous times, and it never disappoints. The host & the server were both great and very accommodating.  I got the Cesar salad with shrimp added, and my friend got the blackened shrimp salad. Both were amazing. Will definitely get both again!
   

   Report
8. DC

   DeborahC

   Philadelphia

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 16, 2023

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   Good experience. Felt like the price was on the high side
   

   Report
9. D

   Diner

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 15, 2023

   overall3food4service4ambience4

   Pros: High quality food. Friendly waitstaff and service was uncharacteristically speedy. Was not rushed in lingering at table. Cons: Frustrating and somewhat unfriendly check-in experience. Seemed unnecessarily restrictive not to allow substituting an item in an omelet, especially at the cost of the omelet. Experimental credit card payment at the table failed and did not install confidence that I would not be charged on my card two or three times.
   

   Report
10. EG

    EdwardG

    Philadelphia

    64 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience3

    Have always given White Dog 4&5 star ratings. This time very bad service ruined the meal. Server acted like she didn’t want to be there and was not accommodating whatsoever.
    

    Report
11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4

    Nice restaurant with great food. Extremely slow but kind service.
    

    Report
12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5

    Dined her for brunch on Mama Day. Overall, it was a great experience. My only complaint is that our waitress was extremely slow.
    

    Report
13. RR

    RolitaR

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    The food was really good,celebrating mother's day, it was busy but we enjoyed the food and the place
    

    Report
14. CE

    CarolE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Food was good. Service was fine just a bit rushed
    

    Report
15. LE

    LynE

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The White Dog did not disappoint!! It was both Mother's Day and graduation weekend, so my expectations were tempered but everything was excellent! Service was attentive and food was, as always, outstanding, even for our large party on perhaps the busiest brunch day of the year! Always an outstanding choice.
    

    Report
16. BE

    BarbaraE

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent food and service. I have loved this restaurant for over 30 years!
    

    Report
17. DB

    DebraB

    Caribbean

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    Great breakfast bread and fried pickles. Very nice server
    

    Report
18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was amazing, very good and quick service. The interior has multiple different rooms, each with a different theme. I highly recommend the Pork Belly Benedict
    

    Report
19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I really enjoyed my pork belly eggs Benedict meal. It was tasty. The coffee was good too. 
    

    Report
20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    DELICIOUS! Perfect place for brunch with a girlfriend in town for the weekend. Ordered the strawberry & peach Bellini, house bread (cornbread) starter, side of truffle fries, and hot chicken French toast, all of which I’d order again. Eclectic environment with incredible food—highly recommend!
    

    Report
21. R

    Rebecca

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience4

    Great food and atmosphere. Service was not on level. We were served food and our appetizer plates were not cleared away. No one came to see how our meal was after being served. We ordered dessert and had to ask for additional silverware to eat it two times.
    

    Report
22. KV

    KomeyV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We were here to celebrate graduations. The food was wonderful. The friendly front staff found us the most beautiful and intimate spot in the wine room. As we were leaving the front staff asked if we enjoyed the space and food.
    

    Report
23. RC

    RitaC

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    White Dog Cafe is a gem. It's casual but feels special, has a real romantic feel, tables aren't too close, decor is charming and the food is interesting and delicious. Pretty broad menu for restaurants these days. All that right in the middle of Penn's campus. You can't go wrong sitting inside or outside. We had fish and pasta -- both excellent.
    

    Report
24. LO

    LactoOvo

    Philadelphia

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We love the White Dog Cafe! One of their new seasonal items is vegetable arepas and they were delicioso!
    

    Report
25. MV

    MikeV

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall2food4service4ambience1

    It seems that after booking via OpenTable, we made it known about a nut allergy and being there for a birthday, both of which were missed by the staff. Also, we were a party of 4 and White Dog was not that busy for our 4:15 reservation. They sat us down right next to 2 young ladies in a small room and preceded to keep packing in our corner with a very obnoxious college woman on a first date. Everyone was annoyed at how loud she was speaking and even though she wasn’t allowed to have alcohol because she couldn’t produce an ID, she kept on sneaking her drinking from her dates glass. She was so rude that an elderly couple asked to me relocated due to her. We usually love visiting WDC from SJ but we are not planning on coming back anytime soon.
    

    Report
26. LK

    LindaK

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Charming restaurant! Food was artistic in presentation and inventive in flavor. We will definitely be back!
    

    Report
27. ES

    EllaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    absolutely lovely atmosphere, service, food quality, etc. the prices seem high but they match the portions and value of the food. wonderful early mother’s day brunch :) also love the sustainability!!
    

    Report
28. M

    Matthew

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always a fantastic, well-executed meal with personalized service. Highly recommend.
    

    Report
29. NM

    NicoleMG

    Central Coast

    45 reviews

    3.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Our server Holly was nice and answered questions we had about the menu items. The food, while good, didn’t feel like it’s cost was justifiable. But I enjoyed reuniting with my friend whom I hadn’t seen in five years so that made it quite pleasant. Overall though, it was a good experience.
    

    Report
30. L

    Livingfresh

    Philadelphia

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was our first time at this restaurant. The menu had great options (including vegetarian) and the specials were complex. The whipped ricotta appetizer and short ribs special were delicious! The place was fun inside with dog decor everywhere. So many small rooms to make it an intimate dining experience.
    

    Report
31. t

    trina271

    Philadelphia

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I have been visiting the White Dog cafe for 50 years! First as a student at Penn, then as a bride to be for small informal bridal shower and then as a place to meet friends over the years for good memories, food and drink. Yesterday for lunch was beautiful in the old Black Cat gift shop converted into more White Dog seating and another Bar a little quieter. than the original one. Menu varied with vegan options, allergy awareness all sound delicious. My wedge salad was delicious as was a shareable app. It is pretty pricey, my only real criticism. ($72 for 1 app and 2 salads and coffee)
    

    Report
32. TG

    TristaG

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience3

    Lighting was a bit dark problems reading the menu and it table was a bit too close to the service station for the waiters in the basement
    

    Report
33. L

    Lezlieh

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience4

    Food was underwhelming and over priced. Service was pretty good.
    

    Report
34. G

    tomG

    New York Area

    39 reviews

    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Responsive service. Excellent ambience quality food very nice :-) highly recommend.
    

    Report
35. SC

    StephenC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Service was fantastic. Food was good and portions perfect. Deviled eggs were great.
    

    Report
36. H

    Halfmiler

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Prices have gone up but can be blamed on inflation. My wife and I always have a lovely meal here when we come to the Penn Relays. We are never disappointed.
    

    Report
37. O

    Otis

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    Mushroom soup Excellent. $22 burger was mediocre at best.
    

    Report
38. D

    Deborah

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    The waitress was lovely but the room was packed—the servers could barely get around us—and we had to search for her to get our bill. Even more disappointing, the food was really just okay. It’s not the same White Dog it used to be.
    

    Report
39. JC

    JulieC

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3

    Always loved White Dog- this time a bit disappointing. Very noisy and tables too close together, hard to see where we were in corner table Food excellent - thanks Server (Rachel) did not point out gratuity was included and I did not see that point noted on the copy I signed hence I left a cash tip IN ADDITION to the gratuity already added. $183. Bill PLUS $43 tip. I’m disappointed and feel I overpaid
    

    Report
40. BW

    BonnieW

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always love coming back to the White Dog Cafe. The color palate and artwork is calming and food was delicious. Service was fantastic and friendly.
    

    Report