Ресторан · Philadelphia · ⭐ 9.1/10 · 2432 reviews · $$$ · updated: 2026-06-30 20:15:50
Address: 1525 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, United States
Harp & Crown: Michael Schulson’s Grand Café With a Playful Underground
Under four chandeliers and a twenty-four-foot ceiling, Harp & Crown serves the kind of seasonal American menu that keeps a dining room full on a Tuesday — then rewards the curious with Elbow Lane, the speakeasy-style bar and two-lane bowling alley hidden downstairs. It is restaurateur Michael Schulson’s signature trick: serious food inside a room that refuses to take itself too seriously.
The Story
Chef Michael Schulson — the force behind the Schulson Collective’s restaurants across the city — opened Harp & Crown with his wife and partner Nina Tinari-Schulson in the corridor between Rittenhouse Square and City Hall. The design layers vintage wallpaper, leather club chairs, millwork and walls of framed black-and-white photographs behind a glass façade, landing somewhere between a London club and a Philadelphia living room.
What to Order
The kitchen highlights seasonal ingredients with global accents: wood-fired pizzas with blistered crusts, lamb meatballs, a raw bar, spaghetti bolognese, seared scallops and a pork chop Milanese, plus a dry-aged burger with a devoted following. Weekend brunch is a lavish buffet — made-to-order stations, carved meats, an egg station and pastry spreads — that has become a Center City ritual for family gatherings.
The Space
Daylight pours through the glass front across the soaring main room; evenings turn golden under the chandeliers. Downstairs, Elbow Lane offers intimate cocktail seating and its famous two bowling lanes — a favorite for private celebrations.
Who It’s For
Brunch-loving families, colleagues closing the week, couples who like their dinner with a second act and hosts planning a birthday with built-in entertainment.
Good to Know
Do I need a reservation? Recommended for dinner and essential for weekend brunch.
What is the brunch format? A buffet with made-to-order stations — eggs, carved meats, salads and pastries.
What are the signature dishes? Wood-fired pizzas, the dry-aged burger and the rotating seasonal plates.
Can I host an event there? Yes — Elbow Lane and its bowling lanes are a sought-after private-party space.
Are vegetarians covered? Comfortably — pizzas, salads and vegetable small plates run deep on the menu.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 16:00–22:00 |
| Tuesday | 16:00–22:00 |
| Wednesday | 16:00–23:00 |
| Thursday | 16:00–23:00 |
| Friday | 16:00–00:00 |
| Saturday | 09:30–00:00 |
| Sunday | 09:30–15:00 |
Photos
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Visitor reviews
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 20:15:50
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: philadelphianka.com and editorial picks based on reviews.
A wonderful buffet breakfast near Rittenhouse Square.
The waffles and truffle mac and cheese were unbeatable. The service was pleasant and fun. The salmon and omelette station was popular with our group.
Good for group…
This is a nice place for a date or a girls' party. It's more of an atmosphere-focused place where you'll spend more, so just keep that in mind — it's not a sit-down date spot.
You'll probably order two dishes because of…
Celebrated my birthday there, and everything was wonderful! Our server, Brian, was just wonderful! He knew the menu well, was very friendly and went the extra mile to give us an exceptional experience!
To start we order…
Brought my daughter here for a Valentine's Day dinner, booking a table at the last minute, and I'm so glad we made it. The place itself is worth a visit — nice interior, the kind of spot that feels special but without tr…
Harp & Crown does a $38-per-person brunch buffet on weekends. Unfortunately, for our group it was a letdown. I want to say I really love their happy hour and the bar downstairs — this review is about the brunch.
$38 per…