$2 Deviled Eggs at The Dandelion

Lately, I’ve been noticing that Deviled Eggs are trending in restaurants. Some with variations, and some being served the classic way that my Grandmother used to use. They are appearing more and more on menus on the restaurant scene.

My favorite spot to nibble on these savory bites is The Dandelion located on 18^th and Samson. They are made with curry, paprika and cayenne pepper for a delicious smooth textured taste with a flare of spice! Steven Starr is one of the pioneers of this new trend. I have seen them at The Dandelion, at Jones, at Route 6, and at Barclay Prime.

The British-pub offers a great happy hour selection, including the restaurants snacks for $2, featuring the Deviled Eggs. My top picks are the roasted spiced bar nuts and the “Welsh Rarebit” which is whole grain mustard and cheddar on buttermilk toast. The Dandelion also offers $3 select drafts and $4 house wines during happy hour running from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Dandelion is a new-English-style-gastropub, meaning a bar and restaurant that serves high-end food and beer. Happy hour is served in the downstairs bar area, which is often filled with groups coming off of work. It is fairly loud in the bar area, so I would not suggest The Dandelion for a quiet drink alone, but would absolutely suggest it for fun drinks with friends or co-workers. The ambiance provided is warm, cozy, and welcoming. The working fireplace along with the pub’s ambiance makes it the perfect place to come to on a rainy or snowy day. I would absolutely recommend any of the beers on the always-rotating draft list and the house wines offered. Imbibe on the offered beverages and indulge on The Dandelion’s Deviled Eggs.

Steven Starr’s The Dandelion is located on 18^th and Samson streets. The restaurant can be reached at 215.558.2500 and their website is thedandelionpub.com. 

$1 Tacos at El Rey

When my office surprised me and closed early one Thursday afternoon, I was both delighted and left pondering what to do for an hour before I met friends for drinks. I decided to check out Steven Starr’s Spanish-themed restaurant, El Rey, and it has become one of my favorite spots! I was pleasantly surprised to see the happy hour menu included both small bites to nibble on as well as beverage options. I chose to imbibe on $4 house margaritas, which are comprised of the classic lemon-lime flavor. The other options were $2 Tecate Cans or $3 Coors Originals. Tecate is a very popular beer in both California and Mexico, primarily in the San Diego-Tijuana area. To drink it the traditional way, be sure to ask for it served with salt and a lime on top.

My stomach was growling, so I decided to indulge, and for just $1 per taco, who wouldn’t? I devoured  the steak, chicken, vegetable, cheese, and the tilapia taco (the fish taco of the day). All five of them were absolutely delicious and were served with fresh vegetables on each one. I was comfortably full from this serving and only had to spend $5.

I highly recommend El Rey as a happy hour spot, especially if you’re looking to eat. The atmosphere is fun, light hearted, decadent and cultured all at the same time. The bar tenders are friendly and very attentive. I felt completely comfortable pulling up a stool and enjoying the offerings alone, but saw many groups enjoying the scene as well. I endorse El Rey both as a solo or group spot. The restaurant serves happy hour Monday to Friday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

El Rey is located at 2013 Chestnut Street.