Grace & Proper — Restaurant in Philadelphia

My wife and I stopped in the other day and what a great new spot. First of all, the room looks amazing. They did a really great job creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. When we were they, they were playing great music (at least for my taste). It's actually bigger then it looks as they have a side room kind of next to the bar. Don't be deterred if the bar area looks full!

The menu is unique and filled with great stuff. We didn't eat many different items, but what we had was delicious and everything we saw go out looked awesome. We loved that they offered conservas, and it would be great if the selection expanded. The drinks menu is extensive. The Portuguese focus is cool, and there is definitely something for everyone here. Cocktails were nice, and even though small, the selection of sherry/port/madeira/etc. is nice to have as an option as no-one in Philly really stocks that stuff. Prices on everything are incredibly reasonable for what you get.

Service was very friendly and pretty attentive. A couple of hiccups, but they are very new and it was nothing that really took away from our experience.

All in all we liked just about everything about Grace and Proper and we can't...

I had been wanting to try this place for a while. I heard their Bifana sandwich was rated best sandwich in Philly. Well, they were out of it. Okay, no biggie, I'll try something else. Though they were also out of the donuts my friend wanted. I got the BLT, and it was yummy. The staff was a bit snooty. Again, okay, maybe just the "vibe" of the place. So, you order everything at the counter. But the real rub for me was the automatic 20% gratuity they charge your card, THEN tell you about. There is no indication on the menu of this. And it just feels wrong for a restaurant to do this. Its not a tip or gratitude if you force me. And considering it's not even table service, seems a bit pushy to force. I always tip minimum 20% , but to charge my card, THEN tell me, doesn't feel very friendly. Just not an overall particularly...

Honestly the food was the best part, which I didn’t expect to say about a cocktail bar. Great sandwiches and desserts!

The biggest drawback is that they don’t have mocktails, which is so weird considering that fancy, overpriced drinks are basically their thing.

The cocktail I had (their take on an Aperol spritz) was just okay, and the singular non alcoholic option that my fiancee was presented with fell short of her expectations. It was basically just ginger beer.

You guys need to do better! Stock a non alcoholic spirit or two. Or put together 3 or 4 creative options for the non-drinkers who want to enjoy your space. Just put a bit of effort into it, I’m sure...