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SoWe Bar/Kitchen Reviews List

SoWe Bar/Kitchen

SoWe Bar and Kitchen is a casual American bistro offering creative comfort food in warm, welcoming setting. Proprietors Nancy Law and Troy Barton have designed SoWe to be the neighborhood's "home away from home", knowing that Rob Miracle's seriously good bistro fare will draw the Center City gastro-crowd to "South West Ceneter City Philly". Great snacks, burgers, salads and large plates are served by a friendly, knowledgeable staff. An extensive bar selection, wines by the glass and craft beers on tap and by the bottle. Kitchen is open late night. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday.
See more SoWe Bar/Kitchen details
40 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
(40 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 40 reviews
5 stars
(11)
4 stars
(17)
3 stars
(8)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Ambiance 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Noise Level
2.2 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(27)
  • fit for foodies(15)
  • vibrant bar scene(12)
  • great for outdoor dining(9)
  • good for groups(5)
  • great for brunch(5)
SoWe Bar/Kitchen Reviews List
Review 1 for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Wonderful food - slow service

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We went for sunday brunch and ordered fairly quickly but then waited an hour for our food to come out, even though by that point we were one of only two parties in the restaurant. The food came out staggered so that three of us sat uncomfortably while two people in our party waited even longer for their food (burgers). When all the food was finally out we waited another forty five minutes past when we had all cleared our plates to be asked if we even wanted anything else- at that point we just wanted to get out of there. The food was delicious- it's unfortunate the service was so terrible."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 2 for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 3/28/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I've written several reviews about this place because we had some enjoyable experiences and liked it. This time, not so great. In particular, there was a guy arguing with his girlfriend for a good 30 minutes. The wait staff was aware of it and should've gotten a manager. Instead, they left everyone in the dining room to listen to it. I don't care if they are regulars and come in once a week. You cannot let a couple of obnoxious patrons ruin the dining experience for everyone else. You can politely tell them they are disturbing the other guests. Additionally, one of the primary reasons we like coming here was for the cranberry apple crisp. It comes with vanilla ice cream. This time it came with mint. Even after they replaced it, it was awful"
Dined on 3/28/2013
0points
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Review 3 for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

service and food were both

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"service and food were both very good, will go back"
Dined on 04/11/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
0points
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Review 4 for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

SoWe has it all!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was delicious and the drinks were fabulous at SoWe. Great service and good looking restaurant. Will definitely go again when I return to Philly."
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2010
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 5 for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Everything was terrific! Couldn't

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Everything was terrific! Couldn't have asked for a better outside lunch! Jennifer Choplin is an artist!"
Dined on 04/08/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
0points
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Review 6 for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A little gem in Gray's Ferry

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"A little gem in Gray's Ferry (I think)and close enough to the sports complex to grab a bite before a game or concert. Only open for 1 year but I hope SoWe is on the scene for many more. GO!!!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 7 for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Very well done if a few kinks

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Very well done if a few kinks in service presentation."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2011
0points
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Review 8 for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great neighborhood restaurant;

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great neighborhood restaurant; delicious food with a variety of choices, great prices, and friendly service. Love this place!"
Dined on 03/27/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
0points
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Review 9 for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Definitely Worth the Evening!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The staff at Sowe were very gracious and attentive. They were able to answer any and every question about the menu and gave excellent recommendations. The main dishes were excellent, and well portioned. The dessert menu was unique, and had some creative twists on classic desserts. All members of the party were very satisfied and happy with the meal, restaurant, and staff. Definitely hope to go back for brunch!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 10 for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

SoWe is fine as a neighborhood

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"SoWe is fine as a neighborhood place but:
There are too many high tables and the noise level was high.
The music made it worse.
I usually stay away from places like this on Friday
but it worked for other reasons.
I would go back during the week only.
Younger folks might enjoy it more on the weekend.
"
Dined on 03/22/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 11 for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

the staff was really helpful

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"the staff was really helpful and accommodating. This is a great place to grab a quick bite to eat or have a nice date. The bar has a good selection and there are so many interesting and delicious choices. It is a great spot in the SOWE neighborhood"
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2010
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic
0points
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Review 12 for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

great food and outstanding

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"great food and outstanding service! I live in the neighborhood and keep going back for more..."
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
0points
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Review 13 for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

High end bar spot

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"It was a nice high end bar spot"
Dined on 03/07/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
0points
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Review 14 for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Food was disappointing although

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food was disappointing although the menu was very interesting."
Dined on 02/04/2013
 2012
0points
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Review 15 for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

The menu looked good online,

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The menu looked good online, and when we first entered the establishment, we thought it was cute. The food, however, was barely mediocre, and in this competitive restaurant scene, that just doesn't cut it. The server was nice enough, but kind of fumbling his way through. This is an okay spot for a very casual drink and appetizer, but not much more."
Dined on 03/03/2013
 2008
0points
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Review 16 for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I'll keep coming back. The

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I'll keep coming back. The food and service are great!"
Dined on 01/28/2013
 2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
+1point
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Ratings-Only Reviews for SoWe Bar/Kitchen
Based on the average of (24) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
3 out of 4 recommend this product
Food 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Service 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
2.4 / 3
Energetic