October 31, 2006
My Man Ferdinand
This weekend, I fell in love! His name is Ferdinand. He’s good looking. He knows how to please. And, boy, can the man cook. Best of all, he’s a cheap date. Oh, have I mentioned that Ferdinand is a restaurant/bar? As in Bar Ferdinand, Northern Liberties’ new tapas hotspot.
It’s no coincidence that this place is as visually stunning as any Stephen Starr restaurant in the city. The owner, designer Owen Kamihira, put the Buddha in Buddakan and gave Continental those iconic olives. Now, he’s finally put his design talent to use for himself. Huge neutral-colored mosaics depicting a toreador and his bull adorn the walls. Dried crimson roses hang in bunches above the bar. Black lace dangles from light fixtures above a 20-plus person communal table. Lots of simple touches set the scene for pure dining drama.
Not only is Ferdinand easy on the eyes, he’s easy on the wallet too. (Take note, Stephen.) Dishes range from $3-$9, and there are nearly 50 small plates to choose from. Extensive wine and beer lists round out the offerings. House wine is $2 a glass “” yes, $2 a glass. (I don’t think Oscar’s or Dirty Frank’s sells wine that cheap “” and if they do, it’s gotta be for a glass of Mad Dog 20/20 or Boone’s Farm.) Bottles of beer start at three bucks, and these are not happy hour prices, people. These are primetime, all-the-time prices. So, move over, Stephen. There’s a new man in town. His name is Ferdinand.
Bar Ferdinand
1030 N. 2nd Street
215-923-1313
(no responses)
October 31, 2006, 11:31 am
errin says:
The communal table is particulary nice–always interesting people who want to share and listen and have fun with new friends. A great place if you’re a visitor and looking for a real dinner experience with locals!
October 31, 2006, 11:31 am
rachelfryd says:
I LOVE Bar Ferdinand – all of the dishes are delicious, the waiters are extremely knowledgeable about the wine selection and the atmosphere is really nice.
October 31, 2006, 11:31 am
micmotions says:
I love this place and the atmosphere is unpretentious. It is a great date place or great place to hang with the girls. The food are delicious especially the tomato salad or the tuna empanada. I love it because it is affordable. Also parking is also available unlike Olde City and it’s FREE!
October 31, 2006, 11:31 am
poeticlife says:
Bar Ferdinand is my new favorite Tapas Bar. The staff is friendly and hip. The food is great and there are so many great choices. Atmosphere there is very artsy and inviting. There is a great feature of dried roses hanging from the bar. I would go back there any night. For dessert try the churros with chocolate!
October 31, 2006, 11:31 am
Caroline says:
i was just there this w/e and found out they replace the roses every week. And one of the bull murals on the wall was done by the (very cute) owner’s 16 & 18 year old sons. Hot damn.
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