I took my dad and our family here to celebrate his birthday for our first visit to Elwood. I couldn't believe this restaurant existed and we've walked by it countless times over the years and has no idea ! Honestly - I wanted to love this place, but it didn't hit all the way home for me. What it did hit home for me were the vibes. I loved the interior decor, the small homey vibes , and I could feel the love and passion that went into this place. Small inside, cozy, and I think I only saw a total of 3 staff that ran the place. I really wanted to love them! To be perfectly honest, I'm probably not the best reviewer for this spot. I eat 80% vegan .. and cannot not remember the last time I had beef prior to this meal. However - I didn't find it to be particularly mind blowing. It was cooked to a good temperature , served with salt for you to tailor to your taste and oh I can't forget to mention how much I loved the chefs homemade hot sauce ( which they do sell on site ! ) it was solid , but not something I was personally blown away by for $90 and not something I'd "cheat" on my diet for again to eat. I felt similarly about the striped bass. It was cooked well, but I found it under seasoned. Overall, I don't think it's the spot for me but I DO think it's the spot for many. I definitely recommend you check out this small humble restaurant and give them a shot. It's beautiful and warm inside, and you can feel the love in this establishment Check out Elwood! read more

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Elwood is such a hidden gem. It's so easy to walk by and not know it's there, but it really never disappoints when you're looking for a meal that feels both familiar and unique. The space is cozy and welcoming, and the service is always great. It's a perfect spot to have a family-style meal with family or friends (definitely go for the ham on Easter). They specialize in classic local recipes and techniques, but don't let that fool you on flavor. If you haven't had Pennsylvania Dutch food, etc. it's definitely worth going to Elwood to experience a great execution of this style. The menu is always changing, but expect large portions meant to be shared, so we always prefer going with large groups. We've had almost every dish on their menus so it's hard to go back and reflect on all of them, but definitely start with the pierogies, get your meat of choice, and order the funnel cake for dessert. You can't really go wrong! read more

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i really wanted to love elwood's tea service but it fell short. firstly, the tea selection was good and the taste was lovely especially the spring blend. for the food, i really enjoyed the scrapple, salad, and apple butter. the rest was mid. the idea of PA dutch twist on afternoon tea is awesome and i would love for them to refine some recipes and give larger portion sizes. particularly, the biscuits were quite dry and the butter was not easily spreadable. the small savory bites were okay: again the scrapple was amazing, but the rest was just way too small, despite having decent flavor. the sweets were the worst part of our meal: dry cake & cookie, odd combination of pepper jelly & cheesecake, strange macaroon. the service was perfectly paced. my mom was unsure what tea to get and Chef Adam brought the tea leaves over for her to smell before she ordered which was very kind. the vibe is great for a brunch/tea and the decor is unique and fun. overall, i probably wouldn't return to elwood unless i knew the food was going to be better. i wouldnt strongly discourage folks from going here though because its still a nice tea service overall just be prepared for the food to be lacking. read more

I wasn't going to leave a review but a reminder popped up as soon as I opened the app up. We went here a few weeks ago, mostly because of the great reviews so I figured I would save someone else the trip. Let's start off with the good things. The atmosphere was cute and the service was great. The food was not good. We eat game meat all the time and I was really looking forward to trying something new. But this was disappointing. The place was so pretentious. The food is served on your mom's (correction, your grandmother's) china. We started off with a nice little app from the chef, venison scrapple, served on antlers. Looked super cute. No flavor. And table doesn't come with salt and pepper. On to the apps, also not much flavor. Was served without a knife so I was pushing food onto my fork with my fingers. This is my pet peeve. Please don't make me spend $100 pp for just food and then make me use my fingers. All of the starchy foods were so dry and flavorless. The homemade crackers, potato rolls were just not good at all. I'm not a big eater but the portions were fairly small. The entree was good. Everything looked pretty, but was ok at best. And we left hungry. The food was served at a nice pace. Not too fast or slow. I really hope this guy makes it. But if you prefer how something tastes over how it looks, I would not recommend this place. If you are more concerned with posting pictures for other people to see, this place is perfect for you read more

quiet & quaint spot for afternoon tea! the menu was preset, we got the jasmine tea and lapsong souchong. the tea was fresh and fragrant. the food was cute, but nothing to write home about. some of the bites were very dry, and the sweets were extremely sweet. some of my favorites were the spinach salad, the smoked trout bite, and venision scrapple. some of my least favorites were the chicken salad on croissant, the macaron, and the cheesecake. it was more of a "for the experience" meal in my opinion. we were the only two people in the entire restaurant, so service was very prompt. we were served by who i presume to be the owner, which was a nice personal touch. he also was so kind to bring us complementary rose sorbets at the end of our meal since we were celebrating a graduation. i would definitely be interested in returning to try out dinner! read more

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Visited here for the afternoon tea and would highly recommend a visit. I loved the different spin on tea that the owner and manager has come up with. It's a Pennsylvania Dutch-focused spread and is done thoughtfully. It was an absolute blast and I also learned about traditions central and eastern PA foods too. The setup is extremely cute, with dried flowers and gold rimmed porcelain tea sets. It's very instagrammable. Our server was also the owner and he was really kind, explained what everything was (which was helpful, since some of it is definitely inusual for an afternoon tea!) I particularly loved the tomato salad and the smoked trout with caviar. It was definitely enough food to be lunch, too. For $35 it is an excellent value, and we weren't rushed at all. I was really impressed by the creativity and fun atmosphere here and would definitely recommend it for a fun afternoon date or a friends group afternoon out. I'm excited to try out the dinner menu too! read more

Elwood - Second tea platter - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Unique dining experience. I'm looking forward to going back again. It was such a relaxing small enclave in the heart of Philly. The dishes are all elegantly mismatched, it's delightful to sit with the door open to the patio for a warm evening under the stars. The food delicious and the husband and wife team very accommodating. read more

Incredible unique menu, clear that a lot of love goes into it. Very cozy vibe. Highly recommend!

Small BYOB providing a unique experience you can only find in PA. Dutch PA cuisine takes you on a trip to the past. The service was top notch and the food was outstanding. Amuse Bouche- Venison scrapple, tasty with a cool presentation Appetizers - Potato Rolls, Pierogi, and Catfish and waffles. The Pierogi and Catfish and waffles are a must get. The pierogis might have been the best I've ever had and the catfish and waffles was an experience, once the server explained the thoughtfulness in the preparation I understood why it was so good Entree - Whole Striped Bass with accompaniments, was cooked perfectly and those mashed potatoes were addictive. The multiple sauces and pickled vegetables rounded out the dish Dessert- Cheesecake Tart & Funnel Cake, the berry cheesecake tart was so good and if I wasn't so full I wanted to devour it on the spot. The funnel cake was your standard fare, coming with a side of jams and sugar Overall Venison Scrapple 4/5 Pierogi - 5/5 Catfish and waffles 5/5 Potato Roll 4/5 Striped Bass and sides 5/5 Cheesecake Tart 5/5 Funnel cake 3/5 read more

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It was good! Tea was fragrant and afternoon tea bites were yummy and interesting. Service was good and the location was a little hard to find, but the interior is is pretty. read more

"Pennsylvania Dutch themed fine dining" isn't normally a phrase calling me to the table, but there was something about a place serving a venison scrapple amuse bouché and pierogi that demanded investigation. Fortunately I was joined by some locals who were able to help me further discover some menu items I might otherwise have passed on, most notably the delicious Kensington Snapper Soup (accompanied by egg and hot sherry). We also enjoyed the foie gras, a delicious main course Sturgeon with brown butter, and a playful Funnel Cake dessert. One of the local cheeses also deserves mention if only for its name: Hootenanny. Some recent reviewers seem put off by the more subtle flavors, and I suppose if you are used to high-octane, in-your-face sodium amped food maybe Elwood isn't your place. I, however, enjoyed the subtlety of the dishes and their celebration of local cuisine. read more

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Updating to include our review on a few additional items - the pork tenderloin, duck and braised short rib. On a recent visit with friends, we feasted. And there was nothing left. The dishes were all perfectly seasoned and cooked. And didn't disappoint. As always, the service was spectacular. Looking forward to Easter and the ham!!! read more

Elwood - Duck, short rib, pork tenderloin - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I went here for my birthday on MDW and absolutely loved our experience. The owner was incredibly kind, the ambience is very comforting, and we loved every dish we were served. I'm dying to go back for their tea service one day - it's a gorgeous setting for an afternoon tea. read more

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I recently celebrated a milestone birthday with a dinner at Elwood with family and friends. Chef Adam and Jenny were wonderful to work with and the meal was absolutely delicious. Everyone loved the venison scrapple amuse bouche. We shared several orders of perogies and cheese platters to kick off the meal, followed by a couple of orders of the tri- tip beef, the sea bass, and the rabbit, which are served family style with a whole host of accompaniments, including exceptional mashed potato that got rave reviews and deserves it's own mention. Several of the diners had never had rabbit, but they all tried it and it was a hit! I already have plans to come back with some friends for an afternoon tea, and my husband and I will definitely be back for dinner and/or one of the dining events that Chef Adam host. Adam & Jenny, thank you for my birthday dinner one to remember! read more

Oh baby! I've lived in this city for 20 years and I have learned here how to love a number of cuisines from around the world, yet ironically, I haven't known the cuisine of my native Pennsylvania. After one stop at Elwood, I can't wait to learn more. We came for Mothers' Day tea, and my wife and my mom couldn't have been more pleased. I have not been to a tea service anywhere that approached this quality or class, from the perfectly brewed array of Premium Steap teas to the lovely ceramics in which everything is served. Who ever thought of putting pepper jelly on cheesecake? Who thought venison scrapple would taste so mild? Why don't more of my brunches involve dustings of caviar? Everything worked so well. The space, too, is more beautiful and elegant than your standard restaurant. It turns out the chef's architect wife designed it. It really shows! I can't wait to get back for dinner. If you're like me and you learned how to appreciate lamb and haloumi at Zahav, you've got to get to Elwood! read more

Need to try dinner But the tea was amazing Cheesecake for the win* *this is a cute little place and it felt very homey because the owner of the restaurant was serving us. He was cool and conversational. Will def be back for more food read more

Sunday tea was very cute! Definitely recommend checking it out. They have a whole tea menu from a local provider and the teas were really tasty! You each get to select your own little pot I have been other places where the table has to agree. He brought some extra cups so we could try one another's blends as well! The snacks were great and unique a perfect taste of each item and you could tell the chef/owner really took pride in the items! Would be great for a baby shower read more

Elwood - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Still one of the most underrated restaurants in Philly! Not much to add from my review a year ago, expect that Elwood continues to astound, impress, and satisfy that home cooked food craving in all the right ways! read more

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Charming, elegant, delicious & heartfelt. The meal was generous, unique, but simple & thoroughly satisfying. The chef is a talented, humble man that know hospitality. Treat yourself & make a reservation. Thank you for a lovely evening. read more

I absolutely love Elwood and come here all the time for the best tea service I've ever had, even compared to my old favorites in NYC! I've also been here for dinner once before, but I came back again last night to finally try the Christmas Goose!!! It was cooked perfectly with a rich, deep flavor. I loved how it paired with the mushroom ketchup and chili sauce, along with the other accompaniments of picked vegetables and mashed potatoes. We had plenty of leftovers, so we'll definitely enjoy some more of it at home. To start our meal, we ordered Pierogi, which just melted in our mouths. I had to stop myself from ordering more because I knew I had a big goose coming. The cheesecake tart was the perfect, sweet end to round out our meal. What a fun experience! read more

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Went for dinner with my boss. We shared the duck. Loved the family style pf serving dishes. The duck was delicious as well as the side dishes and appetizers that cane with it. Service was impeccable. Very recommended! read more

Elwood - a woman sitting at a table with an antelope on it - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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While the service was excellent and the atmosphere cozy and elegant, I was unfortunately disappointed by the food and flavors. We got the pierogis, cheese plate, and rabbit entree. The pierogis were crispy with a nice filling, but nothing mind blowing or unique about them. The cheese plate was good, came with a few spreads and jams that I found to be a bit strange in flavor and just preferred the cheeses by themselves or with honey. And the rabbit entree was just a bit boring, it tasted like it was just roasted with salt and pepper and the mashed potatoes and veggies it came with were also not noteworthy. I think for what they're going for, which is simple Pennsylvania Dutch food, they do it well. I think it's just not very exciting or different, or worth the high price point. read more

It's a small place but it's cozy and endearing for that reason. The service was brilliant. But the food left something to be desired. We ordered pierogis, ham pot pie, and the rabbit entree. The only thing that seemed seasoned was the vegetables that came with the rabbit. The pierogis were delicious but buttery potatoes are hard to beat. For such an expensive meal, it would have been nice for it to have at least been salted. I think the fact that we were the only people in there at 7pm on a Friday says it all too. read more

We have been to Elwood a number of times. All great experiences. Owner and staff are great. Food is amazing and decor rocks.

A very small name plate on a black door, unassuming as can be. Parking right across the street all right by the Fillmore show venue, which we were also very impressed with. (A good sized open ground floor with couches surrounding the GA viewing, and all clear views from the 2nd level seats encircle it.) It has a very small menu - like 5 or 6 things - all of superlative quality and proudly described by the one who makes and serves it. I saw a kitchen apprentice or 2, but they are tasked with more prep and clean than preparing) As most know Norma and I almost never order seperate dishes....and this is exactly our style. Very tasty small appetizer dish and the Entree - which is LARGE (with the promise no on leaves hungry) is served family style for 2. Our way...not only select what you want (light or dark meat, etc) but with many (like 6 or 7) small but very special flavor and texture enhancing accompanyments. A little pickled carrot, or marinated beet (and a large smooth whipped potatoe) and more ....makes each bite unique. And yes of course we had enough left over it made dinner the next day. (And its BYOB so whether you do or don't it just ends up saving on the big bar bill). And you know - being there in this lovely comfortable romantic hideaway with one of the worlds prettiest women - does make one feel "arrived". read more

Elwood is a carnivore's paradise that is completely chef-driven, in both food and decor, and unhindered by the common compromises of the restaurant business. Must get: pork dinner for 2, turtle soup, ham pot pie, venison scrapple, potato rolls Meh: celery, funnel cake, pumpkin pie Missed out: rabbit I've been hearing whispers about Elwood and this place is definitely a must visit for Fishtown dining scene. All of the menu items are created by Chef Adam with a passionate focus on the culinary history in Philadelphia and every item is farm to table. The level of service was incredible, it reminded me of a highly attentive Michelin restaurant where the staff continued to buzz to and from the kitchen with the same level of professionalism and hospitality. The silverware are wonderfully unique, literally, no plate is the same as the next, as Chef Adam purchases them specifically with a design in mind. The overall ambiance is..colonial, with very Philly-centric paintings displayed across the walls and a open fireplace in the back. In terms of the food, I'll say that the dinner for 2 is really a dinner for 2 families, and the appetizers are slightly expensive and not really meant for sharing. The memorable ones were the turtle soup, potato rolls (with both butter and lard) and the ham pot pie. The turtle soup was served with an optional sherry sauce that I strongly recommend trying it solo before dabbling the sherry sauce. The braised celery was highly recommended, but I could not appreciate subtle baked cheese and soft cheeses within the celery. For the main meal, we opted for both the pork and goose special. I absolutely looooved the pork, which contained very generous portions of pulled pork, pork loins and also a large chunk of pork belly. The goose was equally impressive in size and presentation, but the skin was incredibly tough to chew and I was unable to dissect the meat from the legs or neck, as I normally can for leaner birds such as turkey or even duck. However, it was so amazing to have Chef Adam bring over the half-goose hot from the oven before breaking it down in the kitchen for each order. These larger meals are also served with a generous heaping of winter vegetables (turnips), pickled fruits and vegetables, mashed potatoes, jams and so many more. As for the dessert, I thought the pumpkin pie was ok, and the funnel cake not that out of the ordinary and also a bit over priced. But, we were incredibly full by the end and that may have skewed the experience. Overall, definitely make a reservation, come early and find street parking (which can be rough) and save plenty of room for the meat dishes. Food: 5 stars Service: 5 stars Ambiance: 4 stars Price: 4 stars read more

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Chef Adam brings a whole new level of cuisine to the Philly Food Scene. This is Pennsylvania Dutch food but brought to you at a HIGH level of cuisine. Comfort food at is best. This is the food I grew up eating, and my entire meal brought back so many wonderful memories of family time and delicious food. My husband and I were thoroughly impressed with the dishes. We ordered so much food and ate it all! We cannot wait to return for our next meal after the holidays. Parking recommendation is across the street at the Fillmore Center $15.00. Street parking is difficult around the area. read more

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So the experience is quite unique and quite good. They are chasing an idiom here and they do it well. But I do want to emphasize how well they accommodate the non-carnivore-enthusiasts. So much of the meal was... Just so unique an experience. This is so unique, I think to any where in the world... You simply must try it. Something to note: we were overwhelmed with the amount of accoutrements and sides that went with our meal. You think you are just getting duck, but you are getting 10 different sides with it, including the best mashed potatoes I've ever had (and I don't even like mashed potatoes). Point is: or ends up actually being very affordable for the amount of food you get. read more

Went for the tea service on Sunday. Adam was a great host, served each dish with enthusiasm and thoughtfulness. An education along with tasty bites! Definitely plan on coming back for dinner. Highly recommend! read more

Elwood tl;dr this Fishtown BYOB is the perfect tribute to Pennsylvania cuisines, showcasing sophisticated takes on regional classics Despite Philly's ever-growing list of restaurants, Elwood manages to be a first: upscale, Pennsylvania fare. Committed to using oft-forgotten ingredients, all locally-sourced, chef Adam Diltz adds his own flair into traditional dishes like turtle soup. The small house opens directly into the kitchen, with the dining room and a full garden toward the back. The dining space takes cues from a Victoria living room, channeling white-clothed tables and chic, comfortable grey cushioned seating. Early-American landscape paintings and fauna watercolors decorated the muted grey walls. The porcelain China mirrors the artwork flora, and the ceiling is covering with a material resembling tree bark. Mid-century acoustic music plays unobtrusively in the background. My partner and I arrived early Friday afternoon eager to explore the adventurous menu. We decided upon the Kensington Snapper (Turtle) Soup, the frog leg appetizer special, the Potato Rolls, and the venison top roast family-style entree special. As we finished up our order, chef Adam Diltz took a moment to make his rounds about the tables. Affable and easygoing, chef Diltz's appearance didn't feel forced -- he gave us a rundown of some of his favorite menu items and talked a bit about his background in PA. I was mildly surprised throughout our meal by how relatively empty the restaurant was. Only a handful of other 2-person parties decided on Elwood for dinner, even as we approached prime time on Friday night. Before beginning our meal, an amuse-bouche of venison scrapple, topped with harissa and spruce jam, was served on a staghorn. With a crispy exterior and a soft, rich interior, the zingy bite was a fitting homage to PA Dutch classic. Within minutes, our appetizers were brought out. The snapper soup was served in a traditional soup bowl, with sides of hard-boiled egg and sherry vinegar The soup itself had a thick, stewy consistency, and the generous helping of turtle was reminiscent of pulled pork. The broth transformed to sweet-and-sour notes with the addition of the sherry, followed by a lingering spice. The potato rolls were fluffy and coated with caramelized fall honey (made by chef Diltz's wife's personal beehive), complemented by salted pork lard. Moving on, the frog legs were coated in cattail pollen and grilled, served above a mound of frog feet and a floral-garlic broth. Although each leg was only two bites, each contained an entree worth of flavor; that being said, the chewy, fishy frog feet and the one-dimensional broth both fell flat. For each family-style entree, the maître d showed the final product to the table before it was carved -- when he brought our venison out, the smokey aroma turned heads from tables around the room, as other patrons regretted not ordering it themselves. The venison was hickory-smoked and served medium-rare, glazed in syrup, and drizzled with a salty-savory red-wine pan sauce. Seasonal accompaniments to balance out the gamey plate of meat included pickled turnips and apples, sauerkraut, garlic stem, apple butter, fluffy buttery mashed potatoes, and a roasted squash medley. The hearty meal left us barely able to move, much less make room for dessert. Our total worked out to $130 after tax and tip; surprisingly fair considering the sheer size of each plate. Each dish was net hit, and with a seasonal menu, I'm excited to try out Elwood again once Diltz has a bevy of new ingredients. read more

Elwood - Frog Legs - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I was attracted by the 5 star reviews and I was pleased with the service space and good food Unique menu. Everything was great. Loved the hot apple cider to start ( where else is that offered) warm rolls followed by the celery appetizer ( those two words are generally not seen together). I picture the meal served at the manor house of an 19 th century noble's country estate. The venison was tender and flavorful. The chef stopped by to check on us and I like the intimate atmosphere as well as the open kitchen where the chefs great you as you walk in. A very fairly priced menu. Come hungry there is ample food . Can't wait to go again to see what else will be on the menu (goose?). Be sure to try the pumpkin pie. read more

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We went to Elwood for a special event dinner and it was great . Chef Adam and his team are professional and very friendly. The food and ambiance were top notch. Highly recommended. read more

I had an 8-hour layover in Philadelphia and was not going to spend it sitting in the airport. So i called an old friend whom I hadn't seen in a dozen years or so and asked her to make us a tea and walking tour adventure. We got to ELWOOD at opening on Saturday. Because of the threat of rain, they opted out of opening table service al fresco. We were served on Bavarian china with gold colored flatware. Teas were served hot and we were given the 2-3 minute recommendation on steeping times as we had both opted for caffeinated blends (I set my stop watch app!) Our table-server was impeccably dressed in a dark green suit with white buttons. He wore a gold tie that matched his cuff links and shoes. His spotless white shirt was a white puckered cotton. He seemed comfortable navigating the close space (seating is somewhat intimate and he was very helpful explaining the menu and having us let the kitchen know of our dietary restrictions or concerns). When the plate arrived, it looked as if we were being offered amuse-bouches or hors d'oeuvres. The offerings were bite size. What we hadn't expected was the actual density of the savory fares. Everything was presented with explanation and we left completely satisfied. The only downside to the experience--and this in NO WAY is meant to disparage the establishment, owner, or staff--was the noise. After we had established ourselves at the table and the meal was underway, a group of about eight very young women gathered in celebration of an event. They were exceptionally loud. Their interactions among themselves had reached a point where my friend and i could no longer hear each other speak. Fortunately, however, we had some walking adventures in Fishtown ahead of us so we were not saddened about leaving. We opted out of eating the venison scrapple and were given an alternate option. If you get the chance to take tea during nice weather, I would suggest going outside. I would gladly return in a heartbeat! read more

Chef Adam Diltz's food is always perfectly prepared. His regional cuisine is anything but ordinary, and portions are generous. The dining room is simple, yet tasteful and elegant with lovely regionally historic prints and paintings. Weather permitting, the outdoor area is delightful. read more

Really exceptional service. The food was exquisite. The ambiance was a whole thing- idk how to describe it but I'll try- really eclectic dishes and silverware. Johnny Cash. Surprise extras in terms of food. Garden fresh. Thoughtful. I will eat there again. read more

We loved our experience at Elwood. When you enter off Frankford Ave, you encounter an open kitchen setup. There you'll likely meet chef and owner, Adam Diltz. Adam is extremely thoughtful and was a presence throughout the meal. When we dined, he visited every table to talk about the history of each dish and answer questions. Elwood is a restaurant of Pennsylvania Dutch roots of his family, and it's cool how he helps you learn about them. The restaurant is situated in a small rowhome. It's narrow but comfortable. Decor feels like a modern twist on rustic. When you're there, it doesn't feel like it's trying too hard. Guests are also encouraged to check out the garden in the rear, and when we dined the doors were open allowing a cool breeze in. Every dish we had was high quality. The menu includes a large portion of starters to share, a few entrees, and a selection of larger family-style signatures. Overall the cuisine was really enjoyable. The PA Dutch dishes mixed rich flavor with a sense of home that was comforting. Presentation was lovely. We started the Simpson Lettuce, a deliciously unhealthy bacon-driven salad. Next, the catfish and waffle. This is no "chicken and waffle." It's more like a flat ice cream cone waffle you assemble into a flatbread with fish, mushroom gravy, and cabbage if you choose. It's a bit small, but enjoyable. For our entrees we had the Guinea Hen and the Beef. Both were fantastic. The Guinea Hen had a crispy outside, tender and juicy, served with spelt and ramps. It's a fabulous alternative to a traditional chicken dish. Meanwhile the beef felt less "unique" in the theme of PA Dutch tradition, but had robust flavor--served with assorted mixed veggies in a delicious jus. We did not do dessert, but the selection holds true to PA Dutch roots. No chocolate dishes, but options with apple schnitzel, funnel cake, etc. Elwood is a true gem from a chef who clearly cares about his craft. This new upscale spin on the PA Dutch tradition was unique and feels true to the neighborhood. We'll certainly be back. read more

Elwood - Appetizers: Catfish & Waffle (front) and Simpson Lettuce (rear) - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This place was an experience! Was stoked to try Pennsylvania-Dutch food. Everything was delicious. The staff was super nice. We really enjoyed ourselves in this unique dining experience. They take reservations too! read more

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All week, my friend and I had planned to get together Friday night for dinner. However, as per usual, we forgot to make a reservation until Friday afternoon. So I went on Resy, and look for a place that had a reservation in the 7 o'clock hour. Elwood happened to have a table open. Just before leaving my apartment to catch my Uber, I checked the website and saw that Elwood is BYOB. I grabbed a bottle of cab and was out the door and on my way to Fishtown. When I entered the restaurant, I was shown straight to my table. Elwood has a small dining room, so all of the tables are close together. However, they are close together meaning that the chairs back up to one another, so you didn't feel like you have someone right next to you listening in on your conversation. Elwood is farm to table, uses the whole animal, and offers dishes as individual dishes or family style for two. My friend and I decided to order the potato rolls, she ordered the lobster bisque, I ordered the beaver soup, and we decided to share the goose, which was on special. We ordered the potato rolls because the server said they were his favorite. While they were definitely high-quality bread, I wouldn't say they were anything really outstanding, as he had implied. My beaver soup had an interesting and unique flavor that I enjoyed, but as someone who really loves as much flavor as possible, I found it to be milder than I expected. Still, the presentation was lovely as it mimicked a beaver's dam. I had a taste of my friends lobster bisque, and it was quite possibly the most well-developed and pungent lobster bisque I have ever tasted. If you like lobster and strong flavors (like I do), this soup is for you! Before they brought the goose out for us to eat, they brought out the goose whole so we could see it before it was carved. The goose was served with mashed potatoes, and a number of pickled vegetables and fruits, which were all delicious. The meal tasted like an excellent home-cooked holiday dinner. Overall, the service was excellent (the chef came out twice to get feedback on the dishes) and the food was good. If you're looking for local home cooked cuisine, and don't mind dropping a pretty penny for it, this place is for you. While I enjoyed my meal, I don't know that I feel it was worth spending over $70 each. I would certainly return again, but only if someone else was paying, as I work in education and cannot afford to pay this much for something I could make at home if I really tried. read more

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Just go. Don't make me explain it. Delicate, delicious, and different. Our heritage never tasted so good read more

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Everything about this place is a masterpiece. The tea was excellent. The food served with afternoon tea was both extraordinary AND filling (which feels like magic considering it was all tiny). The owners are kind and attentive. I can't wait to come back here again and again. read more