Sassafras is a restaurant I have wanted to love for years, largely because its reputation and menu promise a refined take on Southern cuisine in a city that could use more thoughtful interpretations of that genre. The reality, however, lands somewhere in the middle. The space itself is intimate and charming, but it often feels dated rather than intentionally nostalgic. Tables are close enough that conversations bleed into one another, which detracts from what should feel like a relaxed, indulgent dining experience. On multiple visits, the room felt understaffed during peak hours, leading to noticeable delays before even basic service steps like drink orders or bread service were addressed.
The food is where Sassafras both shines and disappoints. The menu reads beautifully and shows clear ambition, but execution is inconsistent. Some dishes are genuinely well-composed and flavorful, while others feel heavy, unevenly seasoned, or overly reliant on butter and salt without enough nuance. Proteins have arrived slightly overcooked, and plating can feel rushed or careless for a restaurant positioning itself as upscale. Specials, while enticing, sometimes lack refinement and feel more like test runs than finished offerings. For the price point, diners should expect greater consistency and precision from course to course.
Service is polite and generally well-intentioned, but it lacks the attentiveness and professionalism expected at this level. Servers appear knowledgeable about the menu, yet pacing is often off, with long gaps between courses and minimal check-ins once food has arrived. Requests are fulfilled, but not proactively anticipated, and there is a sense that the front-of-house team is stretched thin rather than confidently in control of the room. Sassafras is not a bad restaurant by any means, but it falls short of its potential. With tighter execution, refreshed service standards, and a more cohesive approach to both food and hospitality, it could easily justify a higher rating. As it stands, it earns a solid three stars for effort and concept, but leaves room for meaningful improvement.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 5
thesachadownes
Food was awesome. Shay was amazing. Vibe is really cozy and chill.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
H G
We were convinced to enter when we heard and saw the jazz musicians through the window.
Excellent atmosphere and service, they somehow managed to get everyone coming through the door seated even though it was packed (very quick work from the bartenders keeps a fast rotation).
We ordered mocktails and the bartender, despite the rush, took the time to talk to us about what sort of flavors we wanted in our drinks. They came out perfectly, maybe the best mocktail I’ve had!
The Brussel sprouts were also pretty good and came out quickly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Nichole L
Service was terrible. They were understaffed and refused to greet us at the door. Had to ask if we should seat ourselves. The bartender was very short with us, rude. Waited 20 minutes at the table before anyone came over. It would have been ok if someone would have just welcomed us and told us there would be a wait. The atmosphere was tense and I would not go back. Drinks were great, food was ok.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Steve Mueller
Great drinks and awesome service. This is the place to visit when in Philly.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Isabella R
We went there to grab a drink, and the atmosphere was fantastic. The drinks were great too! We’ll definitely be coming back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
G.S. Ryan
Looney Tunes on tv ❤️
Maureen Walsh
stellar. My most favorite in Philadelphia. We’re so lucky.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
N. Chandler
Perfectly crafted cocktails by Carl. Hands down the best espresso martini in the city!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thomas Spalla
Came here again for drinks. The selection is great. The bartenders are skilled and professional. Will be back!
Amazing drinks + huge selection! When we came they had live jazz musicians playing all night and they were lovely.
Our waitress Shay was amazing and so flexible with substitutions when ordering food. They have the most amazing mulled wine too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Borst
Jolly time and great vibes. Shoutout to the staff for providing great service. Was the perfect bar while spending a night in philly!! Highly recommend to all! Great prohibition era vibes and live music too boot! A plus 🔥
Als the bathroom was such a vibe!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
star
Food was okay! But, service has been poor due to a change in the bar back. He provided amazing service, and in his absence, it has gone down. Hoping to see him back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Bill Rich
You won't find a better place to grab a classic cocktail!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aneesh Nambiar
The ambience of the place is great. It is a bit congested though, but great atmosphere.
The service and servers were very friendly and top notch.
The good quality and quantity was pretty good. The alcohol was good and strong I had the Sailors punch which was a special and it was perfection.
Sassafras is a restaurant I have wanted to love for years, largely because its reputation and menu promise a refined take on Southern cuisine in a city that could use more thoughtful interpretations of that genre. The reality, however, lands somewhere in the middle. The space itself is intimate and charming, but it often feels dated rather than intentionally nostalgic. Tables are close enough that conversations bleed into one another, which detracts from what should feel like a relaxed, indulgent dining experience. On multiple visits, the room felt understaffed during peak hours, leading to noticeable delays before even basic service steps like drink orders or bread service were addressed.
The food is where Sassafras both shines and disappoints. The menu reads beautifully and shows clear ambition, but execution is inconsistent. Some dishes are genuinely well-composed and flavorful, while others feel heavy, unevenly seasoned, or overly reliant on butter and salt without enough nuance. Proteins have arrived slightly overcooked, and plating can feel rushed or careless for a restaurant positioning itself as upscale. Specials, while enticing, sometimes lack refinement and feel more like test runs than finished offerings. For the price point, diners should expect greater consistency and precision from course to course.
Service is polite and generally well-intentioned, but it lacks the attentiveness and professionalism expected at this level. Servers appear knowledgeable about the menu, yet pacing is often off, with long gaps between courses and minimal check-ins once food has arrived. Requests are fulfilled, but not proactively anticipated, and there is a sense that the front-of-house team is stretched thin rather than confidently in control of the room. Sassafras is not a bad restaurant by any means, but it falls short of its potential. With tighter execution, refreshed service standards, and a more cohesive approach to both food and hospitality, it could easily justify a higher rating. As it stands, it earns a solid three stars for effort and concept, but leaves room for meaningful improvement.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 5
Food was awesome. Shay was amazing. Vibe is really cozy and chill.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were convinced to enter when we heard and saw the jazz musicians through the window.
Excellent atmosphere and service, they somehow managed to get everyone coming through the door seated even though it was packed (very quick work from the bartenders keeps a fast rotation).
We ordered mocktails and the bartender, despite the rush, took the time to talk to us about what sort of flavors we wanted in our drinks. They came out perfectly, maybe the best mocktail I’ve had!
The Brussel sprouts were also pretty good and came out quickly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Service was terrible. They were understaffed and refused to greet us at the door. Had to ask if we should seat ourselves. The bartender was very short with us, rude. Waited 20 minutes at the table before anyone came over. It would have been ok if someone would have just welcomed us and told us there would be a wait. The atmosphere was tense and I would not go back. Drinks were great, food was ok.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Great drinks and awesome service. This is the place to visit when in Philly.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
We went there to grab a drink, and the atmosphere was fantastic. The drinks were great too! We’ll definitely be coming back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Looney Tunes on tv ❤️
stellar. My most favorite in Philadelphia. We’re so lucky.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Perfectly crafted cocktails by Carl. Hands down the best espresso martini in the city!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came here again for drinks. The selection is great. The bartenders are skilled and professional. Will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing drinks + huge selection! When we came they had live jazz musicians playing all night and they were lovely.
Our waitress Shay was amazing and so flexible with substitutions when ordering food. They have the most amazing mulled wine too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jolly time and great vibes. Shoutout to the staff for providing great service. Was the perfect bar while spending a night in philly!! Highly recommend to all! Great prohibition era vibes and live music too boot! A plus 🔥
Als the bathroom was such a vibe!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was okay! But, service has been poor due to a change in the bar back. He provided amazing service, and in his absence, it has gone down. Hoping to see him back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
You won't find a better place to grab a classic cocktail!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The ambience of the place is great. It is a bit congested though, but great atmosphere.
The service and servers were very friendly and top notch.
The good quality and quantity was pretty good.
The alcohol was good and strong
I had the Sailors punch which was a special and it was perfection.
Would definitely recommend this place.
P.S. Danny is just the best.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...