Words & discussion

“Philly's gastropub boom was a part of this hungry city's recession reply - beer-soaked, boldly flavored and casual - to the demise of glitzy haute cuisine. But in these postrecession days of heady restaurant growth, a new generation of more refined projects has lately emerged, including one notable newcomer in Townsend that reaffirms the timeless virtues that carefully measured fine dining can still hold.”

— CRAIG LABAN

“Townsend is proof that one lucky day can change the entire course of a life.”

— PHILADELPHIA MAGAZINE

“Talented“ chef Townsend Wentz proves he ”knows what he's doing“ at this ”excellent“ bistro on South Philly's bustling East Passyunk Avenue, where the
”well-crafted“, ”creative“ French fare inspires ”nods and mm's“ of approval and the ”knowledgeable“ staff is ”nice as can be“; the ”charming“ white-tablecloth surrounds befit a ”date“ or ”birthday outing“ and ”high“ prices match the ”upscale" package.”

— ZAGAT

“Townsend is the perfect bar dining experience for lovers of imaginative cocktails and scrumptious food. There's ample seating at the long wooden bar with a few high top tables for couples or groups of three. The bartenders are affable, professional, informative and really have some sweet skills at creating magical elixirs. My friend and I each had a cocktail to start. They change the drink offerings fairly frequently but my guess is you won't be disappointed in any of their concoctions. It's not cheap. Cocktails run in the $14-15 range but they are sublime.”

— Pooklala, Philadelphia