R2L is now offering a late night lounge scene, Thursday through Saturday. And why not? With seductive views, and inventive cocktails, it seems a natural spot for a swanky get together.
Recently, I had the opportunity to sample their late-night fare. Avid readers might remember my first visit to R2L for dinner. (Read my review here, R2L: Elevated Eats/Cozy Chic) This time, however, I was accompanied by fellow PhillyIn cast members, Chris, and Amber-Joi, and a few PhillyIn friends, including Miss Rachel Day.
We were delighted to find there was a “scene” as happening as the cuisine. We joined a party that included Philly’s most social of butterflies, Hacina Saadi, as well as her friend, Courtney Grant, and the fabulous chef of Lacroix, Jason Cichonski. You know what they say about the “more” and the “merry”.
The food arrived and everyone mingled, while Rachel and I looked longly at the many tasty morsels set before us. (How people can stand around ignoring such delicious looking food, I will never understand.) Finally, Rachel and I broke rank and dug right in.
Finally, everyone else joined in, and before the night was over, we got to sample the entire after hours menu:
SHRIMP COCKTAIL | the billy jordan with cocktail preserves
CRAB CAKES | chesapeake mousse
OLIVES | string cheese, marinated vegetables, za’atar flatbread, olive dip
CRISP CHEESE RISOTTO | truffle and soy sabayon
R2L SNACKBURGER PLATE | add bacon and cheese
TRUFFLE FLATBREAD | arugula, parmesan
FRIES |
My favorite? The Truffle Flatbread, or as Chris called it, “Baller Pizza” which was absolutely delicious! Also, the Crab Cakes with chesapeake mousse were to-die-for! “Chesapeake mousse”…whatever you are…I heart you. (I’m not even a big crab cake fan, but I was seriously impressed.) Chris, who also happens to be our resident “Burger Guy”, really enjoyed the ”R2L Snackburger Plate”. I even heard him say “these may be the most banging sliders I ever had!” From a guy who has taste-tested burgers all across this fair city, that’s really saying something!
“You gotta get this away from me!” I joked, looking desperately at the waiter. Thank god there was no dessert, or I may have overdosed. My least favorite item? The olives plate. Not bad, but I would recommend all the other choices before it.
Lounge menu item prices range from $12-$16. They also custom-make “tableside cocktails”, which is basically a cute way of saying you don’t have to order from the bar, a bartender will come to you (along with a a cart filled with fresh ingredients).
Bar2L is open from 10pm-2am Thursdays-Saturday. Food can be ordered until 1am.
For more info check on R2L’s official website: R2L
