"We visited here for lunch prior to an orchestra performance. Though it has gone through more than one ownership, it is currently owned by the family of the original owners. It remains a Philadelphia institution. The decor is what you would expect from a seafood restaurant, with antique oyster plates lining the walls and dark wood furnishings. Upon entering the first thing you notice is a very active oyster bar with several oyster shuckers busy at work. Beyond that is a vast, well lighted dining room. They certainly have their long time specialties, yet the menu changes daily, depending on the availability of fresh seafood. We found the service to be spot on, a dirty dish does not last long on the table before it is whisked away by an alert staff member. We witnessed the owner being very visible throughout our visit. Not only was he busy surveying the operation of his establishment, he was not above greeting people at the host station or setting tables. The food was delightful. We started with a half dozen oysters that were chilled, briny and as fresh as you can imagine. The crabcake was generous and chock-full of lump crab and was accompanied by roasted asparagus. The flavorful seafood stew contained a nice variety of fresh ingredients. The prices were commensurate with the experience"
