Under the visionary leadership of Chef and Owner Townsend Wentz, the famed Philly French brasserie Caribou Café enters a new era, blending timeless Parisian charm with modern sophistication. Originally opened as a French coffee shop in Fitler Square, Caribou Café quickly evolved into a full-service brasserie by the mid-90s, becoming one of the hottest spots in town. Today, it joins the esteemed Townsend Wentz Restaurant Group, which includes acclaimed establishments like Townsend, Oloroso, A Mano, The Hayes, and Oltremare.
Wentz has rehired the highly talented Executive Chef Eric Starkman, who previously headed the kitchen at Townsend before a successful tenure as Chef de Cuisine at L’abeille in New York.
The revitalized Caribou Café boasts a refreshed interior that retains its signature features—the inviting front windows opening onto Walnut Street, art deco lighting at the bar, vintage French prints, and classic sidewalk tables for al fresco dining. The ambiance complements Starkman’s new menu, which balances classic brasserie dishes with exciting, new flavors.
A highlight of the menu offerings is the Plat du Mois, a hyper-seasonal rotating “dish of the month.” Upcoming selections include dishes such as Blanquette de Veau in September, featuring tender veal shank with rice pilaf, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. In October, the Choucroute Garnie will comprise smoked sausage, braised bison, pork shoulder, and Gewürztraminer-braised sauerkraut. November brings Pot au Feu à la Royal, with braised short rib, poached foie gras, truffle, carrots, and turnips. December’s offering is Quenelle de Brochet, a delicate pike quenelle served with Sauce Nantua.
General Manager and beverage expert Stephanie Blanc, a Gramercy Tavern alum and Starkman’s fiancée, helms the front-of-house operations. They aim to create an atmosphere where guests feel comforted and intrigued.
Caribou Café is located at 1126 Walnut Street, across from Wentz’s acclaimed Spanish concept Oloroso and his casual pub, The Hayes. The café is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering lunch, dinner, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails, with happy hour from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Bon appétit.
Images: Eleanore Starkman courtesy of Caribou Café
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