Discover "Her Place Supper Club" In Philadelphia: Reviews & More!
Can a supper club truly capture the intimacy of a dinner party while delivering the culinary precision of a top-tier restaurant? At Her Place Supper Club in Philadelphia, Chef Amanda Shulman endeavors to do just that, offering a dining experience that promises to be both personal and profoundly delicious.
Nestled in the heart of Center City, Her Place, located at 1740 Sansom St., is more than just a restaurant; it's a carefully curated experience. The space, described by some as dimly lit and cozy, aims to evoke the warmth and familiarity of a friend's home. Diners are greeted by an attentive staff, including the chefs themselves, who describe each dish in meticulous detail, promising a culinary journey that is both engaging and memorable. The menu, a testament to Shulmans innovative approach, changes weekly, sometimes even daily, and showcases seasonal ingredients sourced locally, ensuring a fresh and dynamic offering for every visit. Reservations, managed through Resy, are highly sought after, reflecting the buzz and anticipation surrounding this unique dining concept.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Amanda Shulman |
| Occupation | Chef, Owner of Her Place Supper Club |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA |
| Known for | Innovative cuisine, intimate dining experience, seasonal tasting menus |
| Restaurant | Her Place Supper Club |
| Address | 1740 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA |
| Recognition | Food & Wine's Best New Chefs (September 12, 2023) |
| Cuisine Style | Contemporary, seasonal, with an emphasis on local and sustainable ingredients |
| Dining Experience | Tasting menu, casual and energetic atmosphere, aiming to feel like a dinner party |
| Website (Example) | Cond Nast Traveler |
However, the reality of the Her Place Supper Club experience, as reported by some, is a mixed bag. While the ambiance and the attentive service are often praised, the execution of the food has received varying reviews. Some diners have found the small portions and the rapid-fire service of multiple courses simultaneously to be a drawback. The sharing of plates, a core element of the dining experience, can feel less appealing when the portions are perceived as modest. Despite the effort to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, the dimly lit space and the close proximity of tables have, for some, fallen short of the refined culinary evening they expected.
The culinary world has taken note of Shulman's talent. She was named one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs on September 12, 2023, a recognition that underscores her rapid rise in the industry. This accolade, coupled with the opening of Her Place in Rittenhouse, has solidified her position as a significant player in Philadelphias burgeoning food scene. Her commitment to using local and sustainable produce is evident in the regularly changing menu, which seeks to celebrate food, life, and relationships.
The menu at Her Place is a testament to the chefs philosophy. The offerings, presented as a seasonal tasting menu, are designed to create a sense of community. Dishes like the tomato, watermelon, and whipped cheese a signature offering highlight the creativity and freshness of the ingredients. While the menu changes frequently, the core concept remains consistent: a carefully crafted selection of dishes that encourage diners to explore new flavors and textures.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, Her Place offers a private dining option and holds a liquor license. However, it's important to note that the restaurant is not a BYOB establishment and does not allow outside bottles. Gift cards, available by emailing herplacesupperclub@gmail.com, are only redeemable at Her Place itself, not through third-party services like Tock. Dietary substitutions are also not accommodated, a reflection of the chef's commitment to presenting each dish exactly as intended.
Reservations are crucial, as Her Place Supper Club operates with two seatings per night, Monday through Friday. The restaurant's policy on cancellations, available on Resy, should be carefully reviewed before booking. This intimate setting, limited seating, and seasonal menu all contribute to the restaurants appeal and its reputation as a coveted dining destination in Philadelphia.
Despite the positive aspects, some reviewers have expressed disappointment. The rapid pace of service and the perceived small portions, particularly when plates are intended to be shared, have been mentioned as drawbacks. Additionally, the ambiance, with its dimly lit, warm space and poor air circulation, did not always meet the expectations of a refined culinary experience. The emphasis on creating a home-like environment, while admirable, has not always translated into a consistently comfortable or aesthetically pleasing setting for every diner.
Her Place aims to be more than just a restaurant; it strives to recreate the essence of a convivial dinner party. The attentive staff, including the chefs, engage with the diners, providing detailed descriptions of each dish, enhancing the feeling of being a welcomed guest. The restaurant successfully cultivates a unique ambiance, but the setting isn't always perfectly executed. Reviews are mixed, and the experience depends heavily on personal preferences and expectations.
The reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor offer a glimpse into the varied experiences of diners. With an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 from 7 reviews, and a ranking of #943 out of 2,451 restaurants in Philadelphia, its clear that opinions are divided. Some rave about the innovative cuisine and the intimate atmosphere, while others express reservations about the overall value or the pace of service. The consistent praise for Chef Shulmans culinary talent and the quality of ingredients, however, remains a highlight.
The location in the heart of Philadelphia also adds to the appeal. Center City, with its vibrant atmosphere and access to other attractions, makes Her Place a convenient and desirable destination. The presence of a liquor license, allowing the restaurant to offer a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, enhances the dining experience, offering guests a complete and well-rounded culinary experience.
The restaurant's philosophy, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and creative dishes, resonates with a growing number of diners who are seeking fresh, innovative dining experiences. Amanda Shulman's vision, expressed through the unique atmosphere and carefully crafted menu, sets Her Place apart in Philadelphias competitive restaurant scene. As the culinary landscape continues to evolve, Her Place Supper Club offers a glimpse into a new, exciting dining era.
For those looking to experience Her Place, visiting the restaurant in person at 1740 Sansom St in Philadelphia is a must. Prospective diners can check for the restaurants original menu and get more information from Cond Nast Traveler, which can help them discover prices, read customer reviews, and get expert advice before making a reservation. For any questions about gift cards, individuals can email herplacesupperclub@gmail.com.
Her Place, however, isn't the only restaurant to garner attention for its innovative approach. In Pittsburgh, Kate Lasky and Tomasz Skowronski of Apteka, along with Wei Zhu of Chengdu Gourmet, offer unique culinary experiences that have gained recognition. As the James Beard Award nominees for 2025, including the winners revealed on June 16 in Chicago, are announced on April 2, the culinary world will continue to evolve and introduce new concepts.
One thing remains certain: the Her Place Supper Club is a significant addition to Philadelphias culinary scene. With its focus on intimacy, fresh ingredients, and the chef's unique approach, the restaurant offers a dining experience that sparks conversation and encourages people to come together to celebrate the food, life, and relationships that make dining such a satisfying activity. The restaurants continued evolution and the diners expectations will ultimately determine whether it can consistently deliver on its promise to create a true supper club, however, for now, it stands as a bold and innovative experiment.
