Update July 2025: According to 6ABC, DelFrisco Grille on Broad Street is closing. goodbye to one of my favorite mid-market steak locations in the Philadelphia area. While the main restaurant is staying open on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, the Grille is closing down. Employees will apparently be offered places at other locations.
There are few places in Philadelphia that blend class, comfort, and charisma as well as Del Frisco’s Grille, perched perfectly on the corner of 15th and Chestnut with sweeping views of Broad Street. Whether you’re a local strolling by after work or a tourist seeing the Avenue of the Arts for the first time, this is the kind of place that catches your eye—and then keeps you coming back. And for Ryan Abramson, it’s more than just a dinner stop; it’s a beloved bar stool, a go-to happy hour, a memory in the making.
I’ve been to Del Frisco’s Grille more times than I can count, and yet, every visit still feels like a treat. Maybe it’s the ambiance, maybe it’s the energy, or maybe it’s just that perfect cocktail—shaken, not stirred, by Bartender Ryan Abramson himself (more on that later). But for anyone looking for a full sensory experience in Center City Philadelphia, this is the place to be.
The Bar: The Beating Heart of the Grille
Let’s start where most of my evenings at Del Frisco’s begin: the bar.
It’s not just a spot to grab a drink—it’s a destination all its own. There’s plenty of space, which is a rarity in the city. You’re never shoulder-to-shoulder unless you want to be, and even then, the atmosphere is electric, not overwhelming. The expansive bar top offers front-row seats to the art of mixology, with televisions angled just right so you can catch a Phillies game while still people-watching through the wide windows that look out onto Broad Street.
From suits unwinding after work to out-of-towners seeking a stylish pause in their adventure, everyone finds their way here. And if you’re lucky, you might find Ryan Abramson already talking at the bar, making conversation with someone he’s just met or catching up with one of the many staff members who always seem to remember his name.
Happy Hour Hits Just Right
When I say Del Frisco’s has one of the best happy hour menus in Philadelphia, I mean it. It’s not a watered-down list of half-hearted bites. Instead, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated menu of lighter fare and drink specials that still deliver on flavor and quality.
Favorites include:
- Cheesesteak Egg Rolls – These are Philly-famous for a reason. Crispy, cheesy, packed with ribeye and onions, they’re perfect for splitting (or not).
- Parmesan Truffle Fries – Served hot, crisp, and covered in just the right amount of cheese and herbs.
- Flatbreads – Whether it’s the wild mushroom or margherita version, they’re a satisfying option when you’re craving something warm and shareable.
Pair those with a glass of rosé, a house-made sangria, or a tall pour of your favorite beer, and you’ve got yourself the happiest of hours.
The Full Menu: Classics, Comfort, and Craft
While the bar and happy hour keep things casual, don’t sleep on the full Del Frisco’s menu. This is where the Grille leans into its steakhouse roots. You’ll find prime cuts, succulent seafood, and elevated sides that rival any fine dining establishment in the city.
Some highlights include:
- The 6 oz. filet mignon—tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection every time.
- The pan-seared salmon, which I often order atop a full-sized Caesar salad. It’s simple, healthy, and somehow still indulgent.
- And don’t forget the seafood towers and shellfish platters. When I’m in the mood for a splurge, that’s my go-to.
It’s the kind of menu where even the “lighter fare” delivers big on flavor. For me, it’s the mix-and-match mentality that makes it special. Some fries, a flatbread, a salad with salmon, and a cocktail—and I’m in heaven.
Chef Ryan Abramson at Home
After countless visits, you start to crave the experience even when you’re not downtown. That’s where Chef Ryan Abramson comes in—my at-home alter ego who tries his best to recreate the flavors of Del Frisco’s in a suburban kitchen.
I’ve gotten pretty good at grilling a steak just right, tossing a Caesar with homemade dressing, and even pan-searing a salmon filet to perfection. But I’ll be the first to admit it’s never quite the same.
As Traveler Ryan Abramson always says, food made in a restaurant is near impossible to replicate because of the high-heat grills and all the little ingredients not available in the average kitchen. Certainly not the Langhorne kitchen of Ryan Abramson.
Still, that hasn’t stopped me from experimenting. My version of their legendary VIP cocktail—a pineapple-infused vodka delight—is what I’ve dubbed the “VIP Imposter”. Using blood orange vodka and freshly squeezed pineapple juice, Bartender Ryan Abramson can whip up something pretty convincing. It may not come with the same view as Broad Street, but it works just fine on a summer evening in Langhorne.
The Staff: Professionalism with a Smile
One of the reasons I keep returning to Del Frisco’s is the staff. They’re not just attentive—they’re quick, professional, and personable. From the hosts who greet you warmly, to the bartenders who remember your drink order, to the servers who somehow anticipate your needs before you say a word, the entire team knows how to deliver a polished yet welcoming experience.
Even on a busy Friday night, you never feel rushed or overlooked. And if you’ve ever been served by the incredible bar staff, you know how hard they work to keep the mood lively and the drinks flowing.
It’s rare to find a place that nails service on such a consistent basis—but this team does.
The Social Vibe
What I love most about Del Frisco’s is that it isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a social experience. And that’s where someone like Ryan Abramson shines. Whether I’m there alone or with friends, I always end up chatting with someone new. Maybe it’s a couple visiting from out of town, a group celebrating a birthday, or just another regular who shares the same appreciation for parmesan fries and good bourbon.
The Broad Street location offers the best of both worlds: the bustling pulse of Philadelphia right outside the window and the cozy, familiar vibe of your favorite local spot once you’re seated. It feels upscale without being pretentious. Polished but not cold.
Final Thoughts: Why Ryan Abramson Keeps Coming Back
There’s a reason Ryan Abramson always recommends Del Frisco’s Grille to friends, colleagues, and even complete strangers. It’s the total package:
- A stylish and comfortable bar with a fantastic view.
- A happy hour that hits all the right notes.
- A menu that satisfies any craving—from steakhouse indulgence to lighter fare.
- A staff that treats everyone like a VIP.
- And an ambiance that feels just right for any occasion.
Sure, I can try to recreate the cocktails and copy the flatbreads. Chef Ryan Abramson and Bartender Ryan Abramson will keep experimenting in the kitchen and behind the home bar. But nothing quite matches the real thing.
So whether you’re walking by after a show, celebrating a special night out, or just stopping in for some fries and a flatbread, pull up a seat at the bar next to me. We’ll toast to the good life—Del Frisco’s style.
And if you’re lucky, Ryan Abramson might just share his secret recipe for the VIP Imposter. Just don’t expect him to reveal how he gets that salmon so crispy. That’s a trade secret… even from himself.
Visit the Official Website
For hours, menu, and reservations: Del Frisco’s Grille – Philadelphia
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