Armed with the rare ability to "convert non-sushi eaters", this Fairmount Asian treat works its magic with beautiful, creative arrangements that are as lovely to look at as they are delicious to eat. The fact that's a BYOB lets you save on drinks and still indulge. With attentive service and contemporary decor, it's intimate enough to be the perfect date spot (just be sure to make reservations, even during the week). Start out with something like Tapas For Two made up of vegetable spring rolls with sweet-citron, shrimp shumai with champagne-saffron, vegetable gyoza with citrus-soy, and edamame. Follow things up with items from their main menu - or their sushi menu depending on your preference.
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: When BYOBs often mean Italian venues, it's nice to shake it up with some Japanese cuisine once in a while.
Sharon's expert tip: If you're a sushi fan, you'll thank yourself for trying items from this menu that pair well with your favorite beverage.
Serving modern Filipino cuisine, Perla is a pleasant BYOB in the East Passyunk area of the city. The eatery prides itself on its use of local, seasonal ingredients and dishes that are relevant to the ingredients available and current seasonal environment. An a la carte menu is available Thursday to Saturday. The highlight, however, is their Kamayan Feast on Wednesdays and Sundays. Priced at at $48 per person, this meal includes sinangag, chicken inasal, fried pork, lumpia, fish, pinkabet, and dessert. Private parties are welcome, as well. A gem worth investigating.
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: When it comes to great little places you want to talk about but yet don't want everyone to flock to your spot, this is it.
Sharon's expert tip: Make space to partake in the Kamayan Feast, as this is their specialty, and worth pairing with your favorite beverage.
Charley Dove, a Mediterranean BYOB, is a new take on an old favorite. Previously, the space was occupied by the restaurant Audrey Claire. This intimate, open-air restaurant offers a rare opportunity to experience the theatrics of a small kitchen. Get up close and personal at the rustic chef's counter to observe the food being prepared. Throughout spring to early autumn, cafe windows are wide open, displaying signature arrangements of sunflowers and bowls of crisp Granny Smith apples, and outdoor tables line the street. Rittenhouse Square neighborhood flair, simplistic atmosphere and innovative fare are just a few of the features you'll find at this little gem.
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: A newcomer to a popular corner in Rittenhouse Square, this restaurant brings fresh vision and new dishes to delight patrons.
Sharon's expert tip: Remember that this restaurant is cash only, so bring both your billfold and bubbly to the table.
Venture into this eatery in Philadelphia's fish town section and treat yourself to a culinary experience that fosters comfort, camaraderie and country goodness. Local, fresh ingredients go into making the innovative dishes pulled from chef Adam Diltz's country roots and the rich culinary history of Pennsylvania. Served family-style in a cozy and comfortable setting, the food runs the gamut from Asparagus Soup to Heirloom Tomatoes to Whole Gobbler's Ridge Farm Rabbit to Fork's Farm Grass Fed Beef to Cheesecake Tart. Feel like you've gone home to the cooking of yesteryear shared with friends, family, neighbors and coworkers alike.
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: A BYOB option with an elevated level of classic dishes, this place welcomes your beer, your wine and your appetite.
Sharon's expert tip: Don't miss their weekend tea service for a special treat right out of the PA Dutch countryside.
Handcrafted Italian specialties are where A Mano shines. This quintessential cash-only BYOB in the pretty Fairmount section of the city varies their menu dependent on the season with special attention to balancing flavors in the most harmonious and delicious manner possible. Stop by for dishes like braised pork shank with taleggio polenta and pilacca pickled fennel, or barramundi with eggplant, a roasted pepper caper vinaigrette and pine nuts. Don't deny yourself a sampling of their dessert menu, which they spend as much time on as other courses. Coupled with your favorite vino, the hand made Italian dishes here never tasted so good. Reservations are accepted, but not necessary.
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: When the chef, Michael Millon, curates his menu according to the seasons, you can expect a dynamic dining experience.
Sharon's expert tip: Consider trying the 3- or 4-course family-style servings for larger groups that love to share.
BYOB restaurants do not have to be all Italian. Some days you may feel like adding a little Mediterranean flair to your meal. The cuisine at Kanella is Greek that leans a bit towards Turkish. Bring the beverage that works with that the best and enjoy a lunch or dinner that awakens your senses. Salmon kebob, chicken shish kebob, spanakopita, seared halloumi, cyprus potato chips or falafel are all terrific choices to feed your appetite. Eat inside or out, take away your meal, have it delivered, or enjoy it with a bottle of something you've been waiting to drink with people you care about.
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: A Greek BYOB with delicious food and a homey, fresh atmosphere is a welcome change to any humdrum dietary routine.
Sharon's expert tip: Try the prix fixe, three-course tasting menu for $39 per person if you've got a party of 8 or more.
Seasonal, fresh ingredients abound at this Bella Vista gem. The menu changes frequently but you can catch up on the latest offerings via the updated chalkboard menu. Pair the seafood selection that most interests you with the BYOB option of your choice for a great meal that's not a repeat of things you've tasted and dismissed before. Selections here include such options as Ora King Salmon with bbq mustard, corn, porcini and farro; Monkfish accompanied by maitake, yukon, fermented pepper, pork belly, and perilla will make your mouth water. Combine these with a starter or delicious dessert for a meal you'll swear was delivered by little sea fairies.
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: Cozy, creative and a culinary delight combine to make this little seafood spot a must-try for Philly diners.
Sharon's expert tip: Don't sweat the wine you bring. There's a dish to compliment just about any choice you make at this pretty seafood spot.
This quaint Philadelphia restaurant is really just part of a larger enterprise including a cafe and a market. The restaurant utilizes fresh local ingredients (resulting in a menu that changes daily) and manages to retain an elegant rusticity mirroring its fresh-from-the-farm dishes. While the menu is subject to frequent updates, diners can expect dishes including Maine scallops in a lemon sauce, sea bream with a cauliflower puree, and pan-roasted Lancaster chicken served with stir-fried greens among other delicious options. Located in Rittenhouse Square, this place is also close to shopping, luxury hotels and pleasant scenery, making your dinner choice perfect for an entire evening out.
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: When a fresh choice in American cuisine is your preference, Pumpkin fits the bill nicely. Accompany that with the BYOB option - perfect!
Sharon's expert tip: For the serious BYOB patrons, the five-course Sunday dinner option here is not to be missed.
Tradition meets invention at this lively Italian BYOB, popular for pre-theater feasts, special occasions or simple everyday indulgence. Patrons rave about the top-notch staff as well as the seasonal menu that fuses old-world Italian cuisine with modern inspirations. Tantalize taste buds with tender grilled octopus in a basil-lemon vinaigrette or grilled artichoke with bright citrus aioli before diving into elegant entrees like short rib ragu over ricotta gnocchi or spicy cioppino brimming with fresh seafood. Investigate the entrees blossoming this season and pair it with the beverage of your choice for a terrific evening with friends or family.
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: Cozy quarters accompanied by a small, yet powerful menu makes this venue perfect for BYOB seekers who want an Italian flair.
Sharon's expert tip: Leave yourself a bit of time to sit and savor the inventive cuisine offered here. No need to be overly fancy, as its rustic setting is perfect for a more casual evening as well.
This Northern Liberties gem puts its focus on a casual atmosphere where family, friends and soon-to-be-friends can gather and enjoy each other's company alongside good food and the beverage of their choice. The restaurant is cash only, so bring your greenbacks and then settle in for delicious small and large plates as well as desserts the will keep you coming back. Octopus with tomato marmalade, new potato and chorizo or frog legs accompanied by jezebel sauce cornbread, fresno chili and brown butter. More hungry patrons can try the fish n chips with whole bronzino, crispy fingerlings, green goddess and pickles or the new york strip steak with baby boy chow, onions, mushrooms, and unagi sauce. Feel free to sing here, as the chef often does. Come in, relax, be yourself, and leave satisfied and already planning to come back.
Recommended for BYOB Restaurants because: With rave reviews from customers, good food, and cozy, casual environment, you can't go wrong here.
Sharon's expert tip: Fans rave about the octopus here, so don't leave without sampling it.