All Things Walnut Street Café!
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Years of experience
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Jan 14, 2025
Love Is in the Air at Walnut Street Café
Join us this Valentine’s Day.
Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or a celebratory night, we will set the scene for a memorable experience.
$75 per person
Includes shared small plates, one entrée per guest, shared sides, and dessert
Friday, February 13 & Saturday, February 14
3–9 PM
Small Plates
• Deviled Eggs — dijon, long hot pepper, fried shallots, chives
• Honey Roasted Beets — whipped goat cheese, balsamic glaze, toasted pistachio
• Shrimp Cocktail — calabrian cocktail sauce, lemon
Entrées
• Braised Short Rib — baby carrots, parsnip purée, sherry jus
• Pan-Seared Salmon — herb pilaf, haricot vert, beurre blanc
• Roasted Airline Chicken — bourbon cream, truffle pomme purée, broccolini
• Wild Mushroom Risotto — parmesan risotto, roasted broccolini
Sides
• Fried Brussels — vienna lager gastrique, pomegranate, lardon
• Roasted Heirloom Carrots — whipped ricotta, toasted hazelnuts, honey
Dessert
• Hot Chocolate Baked Alaska –– hot chocolate and vanilla bean ice cream, vanilla pound cake, meringue, strawberry coulis
Our limited all-day menu will be offered both days.
We welcome you to an evening made for Valentine’s Day.
Make your reservation today.
Jan 8, 2025
Everything you need to plan a memorable event in the year ahead.
Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, a celebration, or a lively cocktail party, we offer the perfect setting to gather and celebrate.
Located in the heart of University City, our bright and modern space combines neighborhood warmth with effortless style. Every menu is designed with the seasons in mind; thoughtful, fresh, and made for sharing moments that matter.
Our space is designed to accommodate a range of event styles and sizes:
The Cafe
Vibrant and welcoming, the cafe offers a relaxed yet elevated setting that is well suited for everything from casual celebrations to polished gatherings.
Capacity: 21 seated | 40 standing
The Dining Room
Sunlit and inviting, the dining room is ideal for birthday parties, anniversaries, and celebrations of all kinds. The open layout works well for both seated dinners and standing receptions.
Capacity: 60 seated | 120 standing
The Mezzanine
Perfect for a more intimate dining experience, the mezzanine offers a cozy setting for business luncheons, bridal showers, and smaller group gatherings while still feeling connected to the cafe.
Capacity: 27 seated | 45 standing
The Patio (Seasonal)
Our outdoor patio offers a charming place for brunches, birthdays, and summer soirées.
Capacity: 40 seated | 90 standing
Tailor your menu and drink options to fit your celebration.
At Walnut Street Café, every gathering reflects what we love most: good food, good company, and effortless hospitality.
From intimate dinners to lively celebrations, our team ensures every detail is seamless and memorable.
Ready to start planning? Inquire today to host your next event at Walnut Street Café!
Dec 26, 2025
A festive NYE lunch and a live-jazz New Year’s Day brunch
We’re welcoming 2026 with two festive gatherings designed for great food, good vibes, and a warm start to the year. Whether you’re closing out 2025 with a relaxed midday meal or easing into the new year with live music, we’ve got something special waiting for you.
Wrap up the year with comfort, flavor, and a laid-back celebration. We’ll be serving our full all-day menu, making it the perfect stop before the night’s festivities or simply a cozy way to spend the last day of 2025.
Here’s what you can expect:
• Our all-day menu available from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• A welcoming atmosphere to toast to the year’s end
• Great food, great company, and the perfect midday moment before the ball drops
Start 2026 on a delicious note with a feel good brunch and live jazz filling the room, a warm welcome to the year ahead.Here’s what you can expect:
• Brunch served 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Live jazz by the Kennings Jazz Trio from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
• A festive, easygoing atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends and family
Walnut Street Café — 2929 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA
December 31, 2025 — NYE Lunch, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
January 1, 2026 — NYD Brunch, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
We can’t wait to celebrate the start of a fresh new year with you.
Reserve your table today and join us for a memorable holiday moment.
Dec 2, 2025
Book Your December Gatherings and Holiday Events
Our bright, open layout creates a naturally cheerful setting for the holidays. Whether it’s a small dinner, a spirited party, or a family celebration, our space delivers the warm, welcoming feel of the season.
From intimate gatherings to lively events, we offer spaces that adapt to your holiday plans.
Main Dining Room: Up to 110 guests
Perfect for holiday parties, receptions, milestone celebrations, and end-of-year gatherings.
Mezzanine: Up to 30 guests
A semi-private, cozy space ideal for team dinners, intimate celebrations, or festive family meals.
Every event comes with customizable food and beverage packages, so you can shape a menu that suits your celebration: seasonal dishes, cocktail-style bites, full dinner experiences, and everything in between. Our culinary team will help craft a menu that feels special, thoughtful, and just right for your group.
Our event team is here to make planning smooth and seamless. From menu selection and timing to layout and day-of coordination, we’ll help bring your holiday vision to life so you can relax and enjoy the celebration.
Reserve your date and make this year’s celebration one to remember.
This time of year invites a certain kind of comfort; familiar films, seasonal flavors, and moments that feel easy and indulgent all at once. Our team shared their favorite Halloween films and what they’d pair them with from our menu. A little fun, a little flavor, and fully in season.
Mike: Beetlejuice with the Longhot Roni Pizza - spirited and bold.
Charlie: Texas Chainsaw Massacre with the Chef's Burger - a classic pairing with staying power.
AJ: Corpse Bride with the Rigatoni Alla Vodka - rich, romantic, and perfectly balanced.
Andre: Paranorman with Butternut Squash Soup - simple warmth for a cool evening.
Kasey: The Nightmare Before Christmas with Sweet Potatoes - a seamless bridge between seasons.
Hannah: Scream with the Autumn Grain Bowl - crisp, bright, and just a little unexpected.
Gab: Halloween with the White Meat Hummus - simple, clean, and a classic you can always return to.
However you celebrate, may your Halloween be filled with good company, great food, and the comfort of familiar favorites.
Sep 9, 2025
Fall is coming to Walnut Street and with it’s swooping in with a lineup of flavors made for cozy lunches and celebratory evenings. At Walnut Street Café, the menu is leaning into the season with dishes that highlight autumn’s best ingredients in simple but satisfying ways.
Smaller dishes start us off, like our Butternut Squash Soup with pumpkin cream and roasted pepitas. Brussels Sprouts get a seasonal change and gets glazed in an Von Trapp Oktoberfest gastrique with smoky lardon and pomegranate. And that brings us to our Ricotta Toast layered with honey crisp apple, local honey, and fried sage.
For our fuller dishes, the Autumn Grain Bowl with roasted squash and candied walnuts like fall in one dish. Sweet Potato Gnocchi in sage brown butter and braised short rib with polenta cake and root vegetables are already shaping up to be our favorites. Even the pizza lineup takes a seasonal turn with roasted apple, gorgonzola, and balsamic glaze coming fresh out of the oven and to your table.
Dessert is keeping things rounded out nicely with pumpkin spice gelato, apple cider sorbet, and basque cheesecake finished with apple compote joining the mix. Each being a reminder that fall really is the season to savor.
The Fall menu comes from our kitchen to table beginning Wednesday September 10th!
July 22, 2025
We are one month into Crab Fest at WSC and we’ve noticed certain glasses are finding their way to nearly every table. If you are cracking into the Benedict at brunch or sharing a late night crab dip, here’s a cheat sheet of the pours our guests return to again and again.
gin, earl grey, prosecco - $16
Light bubbles and delicate tea lift the richness of a dish like the Crab Cake Benedict. It is bright enough for brunch, but also an elegant pick as the afternoon slides toward evening. This is the pick for our diners who like to need a little contrast to their dish, and it does its job well.
vodka, cucumber, lemon, elderflower - $15
Clean and garden fresh. It tastes like vacation in a glass.
Bright stone‑fruit notes and a crisp finish. The lively acidity refreshes every spoonful of Maryland Crab Soup while subtle oak rounds out the pairing.
Light‑bodied with fresh cherry and soft earth. Served slightly chilled, it lifts the roasted‑pepper remoulade on the Crab Cake and keeps each bite feeling effortless.
gin or vodka, dry vermouth, lemon twist
Sharp, clean, and timeless. The martini flatters sweet lump crab, especially in the dip. One sip, one scoop, and suddenly lunch turns into a lingering afternoon.
July 15, 2025
If you’re going to do the new Crab Fest menu, let us help you do it right. From where to sit to what to order for the table, here’s how to make the most of this limited-time menu while it’s still here now through August!
The patio brings out the best in this menu, nothing beats when there’s sunlight on your table and a chilled drink in your hand. But if you’re inside, claim a window seat and calmly watch the neighborhood drift by. Something about having a glimpse of sun catch the plate in front of you makes it just that more appetizing.
Start with the Crab Cake Benedict. It’s only on during brunch (Sat-Sun, (9am-3pm), and it sets the tone for the rest with crab cakes, poached eggs, Old Bay hollandaise, and breakfast potatoes catching every bit of delicious runoff. It’s exactly the kind of plate you want when the sun’s shining and the first drink just hit the table.
The rule: something to share, something to keep. Start with the crab dip (because everyone will ask if you got it anyway), then add either the crab cake sandwich or the maryland cream for yourself. One’s casual and satisfying; the other’s the main event all for you. No guarantee you won't just wish you got both for yourself.
Go crisp, go cold. A dry white works with anything on the menu, but if you want to reach a little further, our
No More Grey Skies (gin,earl grey, prosecco) takes it there. Add in golden hour, and you’re in for a good time.
July 1, 2025
Here’s a taste of what we’re bringing starting July 1st, our limited-time menu full of Old Bay, bright citrus, and flavors that turn every bite into a taste of the sea. Our Crab Fest Menu is available now through August 2025!
Vermont cheddar and Old Bay blend with sweet crab and green onion, served with crispy tortilla chips practically begging for another dip. The perfect starter for that outdoor patio date or late night snack before closing. If you’re planning on sharing, be sure you’re the one that snags that lucky last chip!
This classic and cozy soup is topped with parsley and old bay crackers. Our statement that warm things can be enjoyed year round, this soup is just as creamy as you hope, while also being just as delicate as a summer dish should be. Pair it with a dry white or even a main dish and rest assured you’ll be smelling that sea salt air in no time.
Golden and tender, just like all the best things in life. Made with roasted red pepper remoulade, Calabrian chili cocktail sauce, and a crucial squeeze of lemon, be prepared to see it disappear faster than you can say “crab cake”. Something worth sharing with someone, only for you to both speak “let’s get one more” into existence.
A crab cake tucked into a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, heirloom tomato, remoulade, and a side of fries. It’s satisfying, and ideal when you’re craving something bold without committing. It being our own Chef Mike’s personal favorite means it might just be the obvious choice on your next visit.
The showstopper: a brunch classic with our seaside twist. Two poached eggs on crab cakes, set on an English muffin, and finished with lemony Old Bay hollandaise. Served with breakfast potatoes, which are really there to catch every drop of sauce. This dish is only available on our brunch menu, and we advise you to get it while it’s hot and not gone.
The Crab Fest Summer Shack menu is now available through July and August at Walnut Street Café!
June 3, 2025
There’s a vibe that only hits when you’re seated at an outdoor table. The breeze, the ambient sounds of the city, and the sun setting on FMC tower all call for something that complements the moment.
Summer in a bowl. Crisp greens, rich feta, juicy beets, and fresh strawberries all come together in a way that feels like running through a green meadow. Keeping it light is key especially when the sun’s shining and the temperature’s up. You made the right call with this one. And yes, a glass of white wine or chilled rosé is definitely on the table.
When the outdoor happy hour needs a snack, but nothing too heavy, this is what lands in front of you. Your pita catches herbs, basil oil, and a spicy red pepper relish on its way to your mouth making it an easy choice and the only real decision left is whether you’re sharing with the table.
The sun starts to dip. The summer night breeze rolls in. And your pizza arrives with the kind of anticipation only a familiar favorite brings. You pull a slice, the cheese stretches, and you catch the last bit of light between bites. That’s how you wind down right.
Book your outdoor table and let the rest take care of itself.
June 3, 2025
Just steps away from 30th Street Station, let Walnut Street Café serve you something perfect so you can catch that train happy.
Inside the glass walls of our café, the tempo shifts throughout the day—bright and open during brunch, warm and low-lit come evening. The layout gives you options: tucked-away corners, long tables built for toasts, or a fully walkable space when the guest list grows. However it takes shape, the setting is meant to feel natural for you and your group.
We keep it thoughtful and carefully built around the kind of gathering you have in mind. That might mean a few passed plates with cocktails or a seated dinner with wine that flows into dessert. We want your plate to show just as much care as the rest of the occasion, and our menu will be built to do just that.
We’ll build the atmosphere right alongside you so things feel smooth without feeling staged. You’ll have a point person from start to finish, and a team that handles the behind-the-scenes so you don’t have to. Top to bottom service, guaranteed.
Reach out to our team here to get started—we’ll guide you through every step, from the first email to the final thank-you!
May 13, 2025
Some gatherings deserve more than just a reservation. From intimate lunches to evening receptions, our space is designed to feel both comfortable and memorable.
Inside the glass walls of our café, the tempo shifts throughout the day—bright and open during brunch, warm and low-lit come evening. The layout gives you options: tucked-away corners, long tables built for toasts, or a fully walkable space when the guest list grows. However it takes shape, the setting is meant to feel natural for you and your group.
We keep it thoughtful and carefully built around the kind of gathering you have in mind. That might mean a few passed plates with cocktails or a seated dinner with wine that flows into dessert. We want your plate to show just as much care as the rest of the occasion, and our menu will be built to do just that.
We’ll build the atmosphere right alongside you so things feel smooth without feeling staged. You’ll have a point person from start to finish, and a team that handles the behind-the-scenes so you don’t have to. Top to bottom service, guaranteed.
Reach out to our team here to get started—we’ll guide you through every step, from the first email to the final thank-you!
April 29, 2025
The way the sun stretches into early evening. The way a breeze carries the scent of something blooming. And the way a well-made cocktail can mark the shift just as clearly as the sun. Our latest drinks were made with that season in mind—each one a celebration of grey skies no-longer, softer afternoons, and the long-awaited return of outdoor tables.
$16 – whiskey, angostura bitters, egg white
A touch of drama with a soft edge. This take on a classic sour brings in the depth of whiskey, the lift of blood orange, and a perfectly foamed top to finish. It’s the kind of cocktail that lingers long after the glass is empty. Ideal when paired with something with a little kick like our Long Hot Arancini for Golden Hour.
$16 – gin, earl grey, prosecco
Light, floral, and just a little unexpected. This sparkling cocktail leans into brightness, bringing together the sharpness of gin with the softness of Earl Grey and the celebratory sparkle of prosecco. A drink for new seasons and a celebration of the subtle optimism they bring.
$7 – fresh strawberry, rosé blend, served frozen - GOLDEN HOUR ONLY
Bright, simple, and straight to the point. This Strawberry Frosé blends sweet fruit with crisp rosé, served frozen for an easy sip on warm days. It's light and built for relaxing—whether you're pairing it with an Golden Hour Snack or just taking a break outside. A no-fuss kind of drink for when the day calls for something cold and pink.
$15 – white wine blend, citrus medley
Built for slow afternoons and easy conversations. A swirl of citrus and white wine—zippy, refreshing, and just sweet enough. Whether you're toasting to the day or simply pausing between bites, it’s the simple kind of drink that will have you ordering another before you know it.
Pull up a chair—inside or out—and let the first signs of spring arrive one sip at a time.
April 8, 2025
When the sun begins to linger and the city starts to bloom, it’s time to trade in the winter reds. Crisp, aromatic, or full of gentle fruit — the best spring wines feel like a breath of fresh air in a glass. Whether you’re lingering on a patio, sitting down for a spring lunch, or just sipping something light on a dinner date, these are the glasses we gravitate toward as the weather turns.
available by the glass: $16 / by the bottle: $64
A glass that leans into spring without shouting. This Austrian gem greets you with delicate floral aromas of lilies, leading into a palate alive with crisp acidity and vibrant notes of strawberry and raspberry. These flavors make it an effortless companion with lighter fare—think antipasti, smoked salmon, or fresh salads like our Beet & Strawberry Salad. The kind of wine that you’ll find yourself ordering a second glass of before the entrées hit the table.
available by the glass: $15 / by the bottle: $60
South African Chardonnay often flies under the radar, but this one commands attention with its perfect balance of freshness and texture. Aromas of lemon zest and sea breeze lead into a sip graced with peach skin, crushed rocks, and a hint of oatmeal. Its acidity and subtle complexity make it an ideal companion for dishes featuring cream, citrus, or soft herbs, like our Rigatoni Alla Vodka.
available by the glass: $14 / by the bottle: $56
Light-bodied, chilled-friendly, and easy to love. This Pinot Noir brings ripe cherry, soft earth, and a whisper of spice—a red that doesn’t overpower in warmer weather. It pairs beautifully with leaner cuts of steak, such our Steak Frites which feature a Manhattan Strip, where its bright acidity and red fruit notes enhance the meat's delicate flavors without overpowering them. A red for those who don’t start off the night thinking they’re red drinkers.
available by the bottle: $87
This sparkling rosé from Oregon offers delicate bubbles, with notes of red berries, citrus peel, and a hint of wildness that adds to its lively character. For those unfamiliar, pét-nat (pétillant naturel) is a more rustic, playful style of sparkling wine—less polished than Champagne, but charming in its own right. It's perfect for outdoor brunch, first-course toasts, or leisurely afternoons accompanied by a cheese board and sunshine. Sip this one while you snack on our Burrata Insalata.
March 26, 2025
And just like that, outdoor dining season returns to the city.\
It’s not just about taking your meal outside — it’s about how everything changes when you do. The pace, the mood, the way food tastes. Whether it’s brunch in the sun or a twilight dinner beneath city lights, there’s something undeniably special about dining al fresco.
There’s something about a breeze in the air and a plate of something warm in front of you that just makes sense. The natural light as the sun goes down sharpens the colors on the plate. The aromas feel richer, carried by the wind. Even a simple dish — like our Tuscan Salad — feels elevated when seated outdoors.
There’s a moment, just before the sun begins to set, when the entire patio seems to glow. Full glasses catch the light. Conversations soften. A cocktail in hand, a golden hour snack on the table — afternoons like these are hard to beat.
Outdoor dining invites the world in. It’s something special to hear the city humming around you — footsteps, distant laughter, and yes even the high energy tunes from that car passing by. It’s Philly after all, at its most alive, and your table feels like its own quiet pocket within it all.
Weekends feel different when they start at a sunny table, espresso steaming beside a shakshuka or maybe chicken and waffles. Maybe it’s the slower pace of a golden weekend morning, or the way time seems to stretch between your first and second mimosa. Either way, the return of patio brunch is something worth toasting to.
Whether it’s for weekend brunch, evening cocktails, or dinner under the sky, outdoor dining at Walnut Street Café is back starting Tuesday April 1st — and your table’s waiting!
March 4, 2025
We like to think it’s more than mimosas and french toast.
The best brunch plates are a perfect balance of rich, savory, and light. Fluffy scrambled eggs, crisp potatoes, and perfectly griddled toast make for a satisfying start. Sweet options, like brioche French toast or a warm muffin, add just the right contrast. And then fresh ingredients bring everything together, like yogurt and berries or avocado toast. Each dish is designed to be familiar and comforting, but never ordinary.
No brunch is complete without the right beverage. Whether it’s a double-shot iced latte or a citrusy mimosa, that first sip sets the tone for the meal. Thoughtfully made cocktails, from spritzes to signature house drinks, can always bring that perfect extra “something” to the table.
At its heart, brunch is all about unwinding and recovering from the past week while setting the mood for the week ahead. It’s the kind of meal where conversation flows, the second round of drinks are always a good idea, and the atmosphere makes you want to stay awhile. Soft sun through the windows and the hum of good company set the stage for the perfect start (or end) to the weekend.
Learn what awaits you at your brunch gathering when you make your Walnut Street Cafe brunch reservation here, every Saturday and Sunday from 9am-3pm!
February 4, 2025
It’s not just coffee and pastries.
The scent of freshly brewed coffee. The sound of the stovetops firing up, ready for the first ingredients. The sight of the morning sunrise gracing the walls. Those early risers find their way in for a quiet moment before the city fully wakes—whether it’s a quick espresso to go or a slow morning with tea and eggs. Conversations begin to unfold, and the first plates of breakfast make their way from the kitchen.
By noon, the café transforms into a space filled with a mix of work meetings, friendly catch-ups, and solo diners looking for a break. The menu takes a shift from eggs and french toast to salads and house-made pastas, maybe even a pizza—with each dish perfectly satisfying the hungry diners. Whether it’s a quick stop between errands or a long lunch paired with a chilled glass of wine, midday is all about finding that reset.
As the lunch rush fades, the restaurant takes on a quieter pace. Some linger over that well-deserved second glass of wine, while others settle in with a book or a laptop. Those afternoon espresso pick-me-ups and light bites make their way to tables, offering a small but welcome pause in the middle of the busy day. It’s a time for enjoying a space that moves at your pace—whether that means catching up on emails or just sitting back and soaking in the atmosphere.
The golden light fills the space and happy hour begins. Glasses clink, small plates are shared, and the day begins its wind down with good company. It’s a time of recovery—one that blends the bustle of the day with what’s to come.
As night falls, the café settles into a cozy rhythm. Some stay for a full dinner, while others stop by for a nightcap and conversation. The space takes on a warm, inviting feel, where the hustle of the day fades into something more relaxed and intimate. From first sips of coffee in the morning to the last pour of wine at night, an all-day café is designed to move with you—creating moments that feel both familiar and new, no matter the time of day.
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