All New-The Rhawnhurst (formerly The Rhawhurst Cafe)

by Helene

New owners have made remarkable improvements to this neighborhood cafe, located on Castor and Rhawn Avenues, in the heart of Northeast Philadelphia. The Rhawnhurst is newly renovated and the menu has been totally re-vamped and streamlined.  Still a neighborhood favorite with its bar area, flat screen televisions, bar fare menu, daily drink and beer specials and The Best FRIDAY AFTER-WORK PARTY around, with DJ music all nite long. And Saturday nights they have Karaoke too! During Phillies games, from pitch to pitch get $4.00 domestic pitchers, 50 cent wings and $2.50 Domestic bottles! Now The Rhawnhurst is quickly becoming known for its great restaurant; attracting happy diners from the suburbs and surrounding neighborhoods-and its all because of its fabulous food and new look! The newly renovated dining area is like sitting in a center city restaurant but without the hassle of being stuck in traffic and without the high end prices. The area is now separated by doors, even the walls can be completely enclosed for your dining pleasure. Rich hardwood floors, fans now hang from the wood paneled ceiling, and the recessed lighting adds to the nice ambience.  I found it very unique that the walls are lined with artwork from neighborhood artists, who want to showcase their work. I was told that a few pieces have been sold and one artist was offered a show of their own. Equipped with its own sound system, this area is also available for private parties like Communions, Graduation Parties, Rehearsal Dinners, Birthday Parties, and any other special occasion. Catering for up to 100 guests, starting from just $9.95.  Executive Chef, Christian, knows what he is doing with over 25 years of experience creating his specialties at many high end, fine dining restaurants and steakhouses.  He has now brought his expertise to this neighborhood spot and from the expressions of the many diners on this Wednesday evening; I believe the Rhawnhurst may become one your favorite spots to dine as well.  Everything is home-made, the pizza dough/bread/rolls are freshly baked from scratch, they hand-cut their own steaks and fish, grind their own meat for burgers; all high quality ingredients and lots of love goes into to every item that comes out of his kitchen. The menu is totally streamlined offering Appetizers ranging from $4.00 to $9.00, with French Onion Soup, a variety of Salads, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Scallops and more. From “The Grill”, you can get your choice of House, BBQ, Cajun, or Lemon Pepper for entrees ranging from a Full Rack of Pork Ribs ($17.00) to their scrumptious 14 oz. Boneless Rib eye ($18.00), or their 8 oz. Ahi Tuna ($16.00). They also offer grilled Salmon Filet, 1/2 Roasted “Beer Can” Chicken and NY Strip Steaks. There are also selections of sauces and other additions from Crab Legs to Jumbo Lump Crabmeat and Asparagus for just a little extra. The other entrees offered range from just $13.00 to $16.00, which includes Herb Crusted Tilapia, or Pesto Roasted Salmon to Shrimp Fra Diavolo and more. Bottled Wine Service is also available for your dining pleasure. On this dining out, my Waitress, Gail was superb, very friendly and was quick bringing out my entire meal.  I ordered the Tomato and Mozzarella Salad ($5.00). It was presented beautifully, with Slices of Hothouse Tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella, Bermuda Onions, Topped with Basil Pesto, and a Balsamic Glaze. It was simply delicious and very fresh. My entree was the Chicken Piccata ($14.00). The Chicken Breasts were pan seared and placed on top of Mashed Potatoes, with Wild Mushrooms, Asparagus, in a Lemon Butter Sauce. It was fantastic! The chicken was so tender soaked up in that sweet and buttery sauce-it just melted in my mouth. There is also a kids menu and desserts too. This place is definitely worth checking out-once you do you will keep on coming back! The Rhawnhurst offers some sweet specials too! On Fathers Day, Dad gets to eat for FREE, all day long from 12pm to 8:00pm! ON Memorial Day Weekend, Friday to Monday evening come out for their All U Can Eat Hard Shell Crabs and other food and drink specials! Every Monday Buy one entree get the next one 1/2 off! Tuesday it’s 1/2 price Burgers, Wednesday, it’s All U Can Eat Hard Shell Crabs and staying with tradition every Thursday is the Seafood Bash- Crab Legs, Mussels, Clams, Shrimp, Scallops, Corn on the Cob, steamed in a Spicy Broth with dipping Bread! YUMM!  The Rhawnhurst is open 365 days a year! Bar hours are from 11am to 2am, and the kitchen is open daily from 4:00pm to midnight, except for some special occasions! For more information please visit their website at www.therhawnhurst.com For private parties please contact Christian at (215) 745-4341.

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