If you crave the charm of a timeless supper club and the comfort of perfectly cooked prime rib, Rittenhouse Grill is where you start the evening.
Tucked just off Rittenhouse Square, this old-school favorite pairs leopard-print carpets and piano tunes with peak steakhouse hospitality.
You feel whisked into a gentler era, where martinis are cold, service is warm, and the roast is rosy and rich.
Come hungry, and let the classics remind you why they are classics.
The Legendary Prime Rib Experience
When you slide into a banquette at Rittenhouse Grill, the prime rib is the move that quietly steals the show. It arrives with that textbook crust, a rosy interior, and juices that glisten as your server carves at the table. You can choose your preferred temperature, but medium rare lets the marbling melt into every bite, delivering deep beef flavor without losing tenderness.
What sets this prime rib apart is balance. The seasoning is confident yet restrained, so the meat’s natural richness leads while the salt and pepper underline. A ladle of warm au jus adds a savory glide, and a whisper of creamy horseradish snaps everything into focus without overwhelming the roast.
Pair it with a classic side like baked potato or creamed spinach and you will understand the appeal of old-school steakhouse harmony. The potato arrives fluffy, butter-ready, while the spinach is silky and well seasoned. Sip a bold Cabernet or a peppery Zinfandel to echo the roast’s depth and anchor the evening.
Service matches the dish’s stature. Servers guide you on portion sizes, pacing, and the right wine to complement the cut. Expect a confident, unhurried rhythm that makes every course feel intentional and memorable.
The room heightens the theater. Black walls and leopard-print carpet frame the quiet glow of lamps, while live piano adds a gentle swing that feels celebratory. It is romantic without being fussy, a place where conversation stretches and glasses clink softly.
Value comes from precision, not gimmicks. Portions are generous, quality is high, and attention to detail shows in the even cook and consistent texture. When a craving for true prime rib hits, this is the benchmark that keeps calling you back.
Classic Cocktails and Tableside Style
At Rittenhouse Grill, cocktails are not an afterthought. They are part of the ritual, a proper handshake before dinner. The martini lands frosty and precise, with a whisper of vermouth and that clean, bracing chill that sets your appetite humming.
If you lean whiskey, the Manhattan slides in with cherry and spice, stirred not shaken for a silkier texture. The bar team respects proportion, so the spirit sings while the bitters and sweet vermouth provide shape. It is the kind of drink that slows time as you settle into your seat.
Tableside moments add a sense of occasion. Whether it is a flourish with sauces, a quick grind of pepper, or guidance on cuts and cooking temperatures, the staff keeps things warm and polished. You feel taken care of without a hint of fussiness.
The piano soundtrack threads it all together. Soft standards float between tables, making conversations richer and laughter easier. It is a space where small celebrations find a home and ordinary Tuesdays gain a little glow.
Food follows suit with a classic cadence. Start with shrimp cocktail or a crisp wedge salad, then let the prime rib or a seared New York strip anchor the night. Each arrival is paced so you never feel rushed, only ready.
Finish as you started, with intention. An espresso martini or an after-dinner pour of bourbon ties a neat bow on a leisurely evening. You leave with that lingering impression of balance, the cocktail and the cuisine walking in step.
The Supper Club Atmosphere
Step off Locust Street and the world softens. Inside Rittenhouse Grill, black walls and leopard-print carpet create a cozy hush, broken only by piano notes and low conversation. The glow from table lamps is a quiet spotlight that makes your steak look like the evening’s headliner.
The room is laid out for comfort. Banquettes encourage you to linger, while well-spaced tables keep things intimate. It feels intentionally retro without slipping into kitsch, a respectful nod to the Philadelphia supper clubs that came before.
Service is a key part of the atmosphere. Hosts greet you by name when they can, servers move with calm assurance, and courses arrive with an easy rhythm. You feel a steady hum of hospitality rather than a rush to turn the table.
The soundtrack matters. A live pianist floats Great American Songbook classics that invite a second cocktail and deeper conversation. It is the ideal backdrop for date nights, birthdays, and business dinners where you actually want to hear each other.
Lighting stays flattering. Nothing harsh or clinical, just enough warmth to read the menu and admire the marbling on your ribeye. The effect is theatrical in the best way, making the simple act of dining feel celebratory.
When you leave, you will remember how the room made you feel as much as what you ate. It is comfort wrapped in polish, the kind of place that rewards dressing up a bit. In a city packed with new openings, Rittenhouse Grill proves classic never goes out of style.
Steaks Beyond Prime Rib
While the prime rib headlines, the steak roster at Rittenhouse Grill reads like a love letter to beef. You can lean toward a richly marbled ribeye, a firm and juicy New York strip, or a tender filet if you prefer a more delicate bite. Each cut is seasoned with restraint and seared to the temperature you ask for, arriving with a well-defined crust and a succulent center.
The grill’s technique shines in the details. Heat management keeps proteins flavorful without sacrificing moisture, and resting times are respected so juices stay put when you cut in. Expect consistent doneness edge to edge, the mark of a team that cooks steaks all night, every night.
Accents stay classic. A pat of herb butter melts into crevices, a peppercorn sauce brings a peppery bloom, and a red wine reduction offers a glossy, savory sheen. Nothing distracts from the beef’s character, it simply amplifies what is already there.
Choosing sides is half the fun. Creamed spinach comes silk-smooth and garlicky, hash browns are crisp on the outside and tender inside, and asparagus hits the plate with snap. You can build your own ideal steakhouse tableau and never feel shortchanged.
Wine pairings are easy to love. A Cabernet or Syrah pulls out the char’s smoky edges, while a Merlot or Malbec leans into plush fruit. If you prefer something lighter, a Pinot Noir threads bright acidity through each bite without overwhelming the palate.
By the end, the through line is craft. The kitchen respects the classics and executes with confidence, the kind you taste in every slice. If you came for prime rib and stayed for steak, you are not alone.
Seafood and Starters to Begin Right
Start your evening at Rittenhouse Grill with seafood that proves a steakhouse can excel beyond beef. Shrimp cocktail arrives chilled and snappy with a bright horseradish kick, while oysters offer brine and silk in perfect little shells. A crab cake leans heavy on lump meat and light on filler, seared to a buttery crust that gives way to sweet, clean crab.
Soups and salads keep the classic theme humming. French onion soup turns molten with caramelized onions and a broiled cap of Gruyere that bubbles dramatically. The wedge salad makes a satisfying crunch, blue cheese dressing draping over bacon and tomatoes like a velvet curtain.
Timing is everything. Starters are paced so you can enjoy a cocktail and conversation before the mains arrive. You are never rushed, but the kitchen avoids lulls that can stall the table’s energy.
Seafood entrees hold their own. A broiled salmon comes flaky and rich with a lemony gloss, while a buttery lobster tail suggests a celebratory splurge. If you are pairing with steak, consider surf and turf to cover every craving in one plate.
Accompaniments deserve praise too. The bread service is warm and inviting, with butter ready to melt at the touch. Even tiny touches like lemon wedges and appropriate sauces show care in the setup.
In a city known for great food, Rittenhouse Grill earns its seat by delivering well-executed classics you can count on. If you want to begin right, choose a seafood starter that brightens your palate and sets the tone. Dinner only gets better from there.
Sides, Sauces, and the Perfect Pairing
At Rittenhouse Grill, sides are not supporting players. They are part of the headline, and you will want to plan your order with them in mind. Creamed spinach brings silk and warmth, hash browns offer golden crunch, and baked potatoes arrive steaming and ready for butter, chives, and sour cream.
Consider textures as you build your plate. Crisp asparagus plays well against the prime rib’s plushness, while sautéed mushrooms echo savory depth. Onion rings stack high and shatter at first bite, a satisfying counterpoint to the meat’s juiciness.
Sauces lean classic and focused. Au jus for the prime rib, peppercorn for the strip, and a velvety béarnaise if you love tarragon bloom with butter richness. Nothing is overdone, because restraint lets the steak’s natural flavors lead.
Wine is your best friend here. The list favors food-friendly bottles with backbone, from structured Napa Cabernet to Old World Bordeaux with savory edges. If cocktails are more your style, an old fashioned or Boulevardier threads sweetness and spice through every bite.
Balance is the game. Alternate bites of creamy and crisp, lush and bright, to keep your palate alert. The staff is happy to steer you between options based on how you like your steak cooked.
By the end, the plate tells a complete story. Every element plays a role, building a satisfying arc from first slice to last sip. When you choose your sides and sauces with intention, dinner feels both classic and personally tailored.
Service, Hours, and How to Plan
Rittenhouse Grill runs on a thoughtful schedule that makes evening dining feel special. Doors open at 4:30 PM Tuesday through Sunday and close at 10 PM, with Mondays reserved for rest. That window encourages a relaxed pace, perfect for pre-theater plans or a lingering late dinner near Rittenhouse Square.
Reservations are a smart play, especially on weekends when piano music and date nights bring a swell of regulars. The team manages timing well, but a booked table keeps the evening smooth. If you are celebrating, mention it in advance so they can help shape the moment.
Service is personal without hovering. You will notice small graces like crumb sweeps, water topped discreetly, and courses landing with satisfying cadence. Questions about doneness or pairings are welcomed and answered with clear, confident suggestions.
Getting there is easy, with the address at 1701 Locust Street and plenty of nearby transit and rideshare access. The restaurant is near the park, making an after-dinner stroll a simple pleasure. Dress smart casual and you will feel right at home among white tablecloths and soft lighting.
Prices reflect the quality and the neighborhood. It is a splurge for many, but one that delivers value through consistency, atmosphere, and classic craft. You are paying for the whole experience, not just the cut.
Call +1 215-772-1701 or visit rittenhousegrill.com to confirm details like holiday hours or special menus. With a little planning, you can time dinner to enjoy piano sets and catch the kitchen at its most relaxed. The result is a night that unfolds gracefully, exactly as you hoped.
Desserts and a Sweet Farewell
End your meal at Rittenhouse Grill with a dessert that trades flash for satisfaction. A New York style cheesecake sits dense yet creamy, offering tang and sweetness in equal measure. Chocolate cake delivers deep cocoa and a velvet crumb, perfect with a final sip of coffee.
For something lighter, look for sorbet to reset your palate or a seasonal fruit option. A drizzle of berry coulis or caramel ties flavors together without weighing things down. If you prefer liquid dessert, an espresso martini or a neat pour of bourbon makes a handsome finale.
Presentation keeps to the restaurant’s ethos. Clean lines, confident portions, and a focus on flavor over gimmicks. You can share across the table or claim your own slice and guard it with your fork.
Service remains attentive through the last course. Fresh spoons appear, coffee arrives hot, and checks are presented without hurry. The piano often leans into softer tunes here, an invitation to linger a few minutes more.
Pairings are easy to love. Port brings lush berry notes to chocolate, while amaro adds herbal snap that tidies the palate. If you are drinking decaf, a cappuccino still gives that satisfying foam and warmth.
Walking out into the night, you carry the glow of a timeless supper club done right. The desserts echo the kitchen’s steady hand, familiar yet finely tuned. It is the kind of finale that makes you promise yourself you will be back soon.