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Solarium - White Dog Cafe - University City, Philadelphia, PA

White Dog Cafe - University City

4.6
4.6
5513 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 70 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
An iconic restaurant in University City since 1983, White Dog Cafe is a leader in using environmentally sustainable, organic, and local foods from farms within 50 miles. Known for warm hospitality, and inspiring award-winning food, the White Dog's historic three brownstones offer charming and whimsical dog décor and artwork in its many unique dining spaces and outdoor dining on the sidewalk.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Farm-to-table, American
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 3:00 pm–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 9:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (215) 386-9224
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Albert Alvarado
  • Private party facilities
    We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
  • Neighbourhood
    University City
  • Cross Street
    On Sansom Street between 34th and 36th Street
  • Parking details
    Metered Street Parking is available surrounding the restaurant. Penn garage is available on 34th Street and Ludlow.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wine
Gift card

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What 5,513 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
White Dog Cafe - University City offers a charming dining experience with "excellent food and service." Known for its eclectic decor, it delights with diverse menu options, including standout dishes like the "Blackened Cajun Catfish" and "Wild Mushroom Toast." While some note crowded seating, the "charming atmosphere" and "friendly, accommodating staff" make it a must-visit.

5,513 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    VIP

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The White Dog was completely charming. The soups and salads we ordered were wonderful and staff was very professional and attentive.

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  2. Jodi

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was perfect. It was packed when we arrived but they sat us right away. Our server was wonderful and so was our food. Would definitely go back for sure!

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  3. Lisa

    New York City

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfect except for the credit card processing fee of 3%

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  4. Fred

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Went for a late lunch no crowds excellent experience

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  5. Heather

    New York City

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The main issue was that we were a party of 5 and they crammed us into a table for 4, which made the whole experience less than enjoyable. For such a pricey place, I expected better service. The food was good but there was a hair on one of the dishes. They kindly replaced the dish but then did not take the charge off of the bill so that had to be corrected. Our waitress was very nice and I appreciate that they were very busy but these incidents did put a downer on an evening we had been looking forward to.

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  6. Edward

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    82 reviews

    4.0

    82 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    A favorite restaurant. Food & service did not disappoint. That said there must have been a different bartender on. Generally the Old Fashions are spot on, tonight subpar at best.

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  7. Meaghan

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was great! We had a time crunch to catch our train and our waiter was so accommodating and made sure our food came quickly! Great service!

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  8. William

    VIP

    New York City

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Quality of food and service is not what it used to be.

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  9. Michael

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Throwback to the 80s here, unfortunately. Soggy crab cake, mushy vegetables. Hurried, distracted service. Disappointing!

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  10. Taylor

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    We have been to White Dog 1000x!! It is our favorite restaurant! With that being said, i’m not sure I would go again on Valentine’s day. They ran out of drink menus, so our waiter was sort of frustrated when we couldn’t decide what cocktails we wanted to try. When the cocktails arrived they weren’t great. Our appetizer was good (buff chik dip). We ordered the asian short ribs and the half chicken. The short ribs were good but sort of cold and the half chicken was INCREDIBLY dry. The sides were just okay. I have never had a bad meal here so I was for sure disappointed.

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FAQs

White Dog Cafe - University City offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 386-9224.

White Dog Cafe - University City is rated 4.6 stars by 5513 OpenTable diners.

White Dog Cafe - University City does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 70 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for White Dog Cafe - University City

3420 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    On Sansom Street between 34th and 36th Street
  • Neighbourhood
    University City
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 3:00 pm–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 9:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Farm-to-table, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Metered Street Parking is available surrounding the restaurant. Penn garage is available on 34th Street and Ludlow.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Albert Alvarado
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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