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Welcome to Charlie Was a Sinner

Charlie Was a Sinner is a trendy cocktail bar in Philadelphia offering a diverse menu of tapas and small plates with vegan and vegetarian options, making it a haven for plant-based eaters and food enthusiasts alike. The ambiance and service are exceptional, attracting a crowd even during happy hours. Standout dishes like roasted oyster mushrooms and Korean crispy tofu showcase bold flavors and innovative twists. The extensive drink menu offers premium cocktails, albeit at a higher price point. Reservations are recommended due to the bustling atmosphere, but the experience is worth it for those seeking unique and delightful dining experiences.

Charlie Was a Sinner: Reviews & Ratings

Shell J.
Shell J.

I usually don't see Vegan restaurant fully packed, but surprisingly it was here. I think the exceptional food, ambiance and services are bringing people back. I believe it's not only a fancy place for vegan, but lovely place for special occasion for everyone. I was there a little early, so I got the luck to try the happy hour menu. Great taste with great deal. I love the roasted oyster mushroom. The Korean crispy tofu was delicious and spicy. I was fond of the chocolate mousse with coconut cream. Vegan dessert usually doesn't taste good, but this one is not bad. Waiter was very attentive.

Dani P.
Dani P.

I can only speak to the drinks because I didn't get the pleasure of eating here. Quickly learned lesson - if you want to eat here on a weekend you better get reservations ahead of time. We were having dinner somewhere else and heard the cocktails were good so we wandered in around 10 pm. The place was PACKED at 10pm. There were no bar seats left and wasn't even a chance at a table, but they told us we could stand around the bar and wait for a bar seat to open up. We were very awkwardly against the book case, 4 of us, very in the way until we saw some people get up from the bar. Drinks are amazing. There's pretty much nothing bad on the drink menu. They will also cost you a pretty penny. Pretty sure I had a bill over $100 for 4 drinks. That doesn't really deter me from not returning though tbh. I'd love to come back and also try the food. Wouldn't recommend coming in a group any bigger than 2-3 though. There were 4 of us, and the tables are pretty small.

Catelyn H.
Catelyn H.

This cozy restaurant offers drinks and cocktails galore! I started with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and ordered the Korean style crispy tofu with japchae. Don't let the fact that it's tofu deter you from trying this dish, the flavor is bold and a bit spicy. My sever was also awesome- I was taking a work call and she was very cautious of interrupting me.

Alea V.
Alea V.

Had a great experience here. The cocktails are top notch and the vegetarian food has a really unique twist to all the dishes The mushrooms were grilled in maybe coal? It really brought this delicious smokey flavor to it. The Korean tofu was a little spicy which was perfect with the cocktails and had really yummy pickled veggies on the side. It was really busy there, I would recommend making a reservation to get a seat. The service was good our server would stop and listen to me as a drunkenly described how good the good was. Inside the restaurant the lighting was very dark to give a sense of more personal space because it's rather crammed inside. Overall I will definitely visit again when I'm in the area

Delvia W.
Delvia W.

Parking: street Metered or lot. Arrive early so you can find parking. Service. Was good. We sat outside. It's loud from the traffic. Drinks: East of Eden was good. Food: MAMA'S MEATBALLS. They were ok. They needed more flavor ZUCCHINI CRABCAKE SLIDER. This was ok CARAMELIZED EGGPLANT BAO BUNS ginger-garlic hoisin, pickled slaw. This ex good. Overall I wasn't wowed by the good. I may go back. I hope you enjoy.

Morganne M.
Morganne M.

Great vegan spot! Inside is a relaxed but more upscale vibe. My table shared the eggplant baos which were fantastic. Amazing flavor. We also got the zucchini crab cake sandwich which had great flavor and came with warm, freshly made potato chips. Also did the squash blossom which wasn't my favorite but still good, especially the pesto it came with. Service was fantastic. There was a temporary happy hour menu replacing their usual menu but we got confused and accidentally ordered off the wrong menu, but they graciously gave us happy hour prices anyway. Would definitely come back!

susie K.
susie K.

Went here for dinner last night. Good thing my sister made reservations because it seems to be a popular spot. They keep it pretty dark in there, with a bar area in the front and the dining room in the back. Tables are pretty close together - - it's crowded and loud so not a great place for conversation and catching up - - but a delicious choice for vegan food. Was super happy to see that they had a gluten-free menu - - just ask. Not a ton of options but definitely found plenty to share. Also psyched to see a fun tequila drink on the menu. Servers were quick to point out which of the plates were gluten free. Most everything we ordered was tasty and I especially loved Mama's Meatballs and the Brassica Salad with Falafel.

Deirdre C.
Deirdre C.

I learned about this restaurant a few years ago and finally made it here for dinner tonight (a Tuesday evening) with three friends! We all enjoyed a drink to start then decided on five dishes to share. We had the: potato croquettes, our ricotta, artichoke frites, zucchini crab cake sliders and the caramelized eggplant Bao buns. We HAD to try dessert as well so we ordered the whiskey bread pudding and the molten chocolate cake for the table. Everything was delicious!! Our server was wonderful and the restaurant is gorgeous! Next time I get some shots of the interior, chandeliers and all!!

Location

[INTRODUCTION]:

Welcome to the vibrant and eclectic world of Charlie Was a Sinner, a tapas/small plates cocktail bar located in the heart of Philadelphia. This trendy establishment offers a wide range of options for diners, including pescatarian and vegan choices, making it a go-to spot for those with dietary restrictions. With features like outdoor seating, a full bar, and even gender-neutral restrooms, Charlie Was a Sinner caters to a diverse range of preferences and needs.

[HIGHLIGHTS]:

  • Indulge in the rich and complex Abstinence Blood Orange Aperitif, a non-alcoholic option that still delivers on flavor.
  • Experience the collaborative Charlie's Indulgence Holiday Package, featuring unique creations from local artisans.
  • Try the savory Castelvetrano Olives & Red Grapes or the spicy Korean Crispy Tofu for a burst of flavor.

[FEELINGS ABOUT THE DISHES]:

As a food reviewer, I was impressed by the bold flavors and creative twists on traditional dishes at Charlie Was a Sinner. The attention to detail in the food and cocktails is evident, making each bite and sip a memorable experience. From the smoky grilled mushrooms to the tantalizing Caramelized Eggplant Bao Buns, every dish showcases a unique blend of ingredients and textures that keeps diners coming back for more.