Saloon Restaurant — Restaurant in Philadelphia

I've been trying to write this review for Saloon since I went a month ago, but I just haven't been able to. This has never happened to me before. I'm not sure why my writer's block has been so formidable, but I really haven't been able to pen anything. The only thing I can think of is that Kendrick Lamar lyric when he says:

"Writer's block for two years, nothin' moved me, Asked God to speak through me..."

It's just on loop for me when I try to detail how beautiful this place is. The only words I have been able to come up with to describe the authentic Italian energy and decor of Saloon is "Quintessential New York," but I don't want to say that because it's so trite and boring.

I begin detailing how fantastic this 11oz Truffle Filet topped with herb truffle butter and a side of mashed potatoes was, but all I can hear between my ears is Kendricks weird, nasally voice saying "Writers block for two years, nothin moved me..."

As I try to find the words to describe how delicious this homemade bolognese was and pair those adjectives with a witty and kind of funny metaphor, I just start thinking "God I hope this writer's block doesn't last two years......."

Maybe it's because Saloon is my girlfriend's favorite restaurant in Philly, and I know she'll be going over this with a fine tooth comb. Or Perhaps it's because I felt so underdressed in my plain white t, oversized Alo corduroy button down, and Jeans that I don't want to relive that experience. Or it could be that the Negroni and glass of Montepulciano I had hit me harder than I thought and I can't authentically recall the experience like I want to.

It could simply be that I'm just not who I thought I was. Maybe I don't deserve the Yelp Rookie of the year award. Or maybe, just maybe, it's because certain experiences are so moving that they are truly ineffable.

Sorry, Saloon. I'll come back one day and update a review that isn't brought to you by writers block, because you deserve it.

IG...

I have dined at the Saloon for intimate special occasions and with a group for work over the years. I have recommended to many visitors at my place of business, mostly foreign and out-of-towners, to the Saloon, knowing that they will be very impressed and also dine at a Philadelphia mainstay. You don't stay in the restaurant business for over 50 years unless you're doing something very right.

I had a 9 PM reservation for my sister's birthday (it's her favorite restaurant) on a Saturday and we arrived a bit early and were seated immediately. The place was full, as is no surprise. Service, from start to finish was impeccable, as always, and drinks/wine were perfect. We started with a tomato & burrata stack for an app that was flavorful and melted in your mouth! Next, the entrees. They were not. I had Linguine Pescatore in a marinara sauce and I was quite disappointed at how bland it was. It was marinara sauce? No way. Pasta is my go-to when at an Italian restaurant. I wished that I had tried the Branzino Grenoblast instead. My sister had the Braciole and said the same thing. The tomato sauce lacked flavor. Both of us were surprised and me even more so, as this was a special occasion. Maybe, being it was the end of the night, is that the reason? But, the Saloon has been in this game far too long for that to be the case. Are they getting lax? I will note, that we did not tell the server this and asked to have our dinners boxed up. We did have dessert and coffee. Coffee was the last 2 cups in the pot (apparently) and not fresh and the "cream" for the coffee was not 1/2 & 1/2, but milk. Waa-waaa-waaa. I would expect more based on the prices, reputation, and what I have experienced before at the Saloon. It's a little pet peeve of mine when you order coffee. But the dessert (banana cream tart, I think) and my sister's carrot cake were delicious! I will be back, but will give it time. But not at the end...

We have always been enjoying our experiences dining at the Saloon, food , service and the atmosphere far exceeded our expectations. We chose to dine here to celebrate a birthday as usual we were greeted and seated in a timely manner served bottled water and bread immediately. As time went on it was a while till our waitress finally greeted our table. We ordered drinks Halfway through telling us the specials she excused herself said the other table order was up ill be back to tell you about specials. It was a while till she came back she took orders then said will be back still no drinks When we got our appetizers the muscles had a strong fish smell when going through many of the muscles were closed dead. The sauce had a sour taste not the usual exceptional ones we had on other visits. I never received a sauteed pepper appetizer we ordered when waitress came back she took order again and said she will get our drinks from the upstairs bar she did not know what was going on with the downstairs bartender he was off his game when we finally got the order we received the roasted peppers not the sauteed we ordered and the portion was far less then we had on previous visits. My main dish the portion was far less than I had previously we wanted refills on our empty drinks no waitress!

Our dinning experience did not meet up to our expectations that we are accustomed to with this fine quality establishment The diners at the other table agreed the food and service declined it may be due to staff shortages or quality of supplies however at the prices of this establishment we expect more. Will give another try but not was our usual experience which generally...