Berkserker Reviews Continental Midtown

Berserker pulls no punches as he reviews Continental Midtown:

Continental
1801 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-567-1800

I made my first-and-last visit to the Continental on Market St. in '97. On that sweltering Friday night, I had my first-and-last martinis (7 in 2 hours on an empty stomach, yuck), my first-and-last drunk-driving episode, and - thank god - my first-and-last projectile vomiting episode (I christened the sidewalk on Spring Garden St.)

Last nite was another Friday nite, another Continental visit - this time to the new one on Chestnut St. This version has all of what I've come to expect from these Stephen Starr eateries: neat decor, passable food, New York prices, and even more New York attitude.

The hostess with the short (blonde?) hair looked us up and down for 5 minutes before she got one of her flunkees to come upstairs and seat us - the place was empty, what the f was she waiting for?

And really - did they have to sit the three of us all the way in the back corner, on the 2nd floor, so far away from the bar crowd? I got the feeling that, if she could have, the hostess would have seated us at the Chinese restaurant across the street. And that's only because the Leper Colony Bar & Grill was booked solid for the night.

Even before the hostess encounter, there was a waiter who rudely asked us to move from a table because it was reserved and "I have already set it five times...harumphhh!!" We even said we were ordering food so could we stay, but he still had his panties in a bunch, "Sorry, it's reserved..."

The wait staff all have the same outfit - a Bobby Brady stripped shirt and white Addidas sneakers. I guess they're going for the it's-so-uncool-it's-cool look, but trust me, it's just f-ing stupid. I guarantee that the staff will have new threads pretty soon, and maybe the person who came up with it will get grounded.

Our food wasn't bad. We had the hummus and pita bread, and the appetizer plate for two. There were lobster rolls, dumplings, and some other round things sitting on slices of ginger. The sauces were good, if just a little too sweet.

But we scarfed it all down, along with some nice bread rolls and our Coors Light and Heineken ($10.50 for two beers, ouch). Our friend's martinis were weak, expensive, and tiny.

Our waitress gal Brooke did a nice job - friendly, prompt, and she didn't seem to mind tracking me down later at the bar when she realized that I didn't sign my credit card slip. Thanks for being friendly, Brooke - it was refreshing. Oh - tell the bartender chick upstairs to learn the prices of the beers, so she doesn't have to go into the kitchen to ask. Two words for her - print a price list and put it under the bar.

Well, after our meal, our martini-drinking companion left us, so it was just me and Mr. Lunch Box. On his trip to the bathroom, he heard talk of a deck upstairs. Let's go! he said, so we headed downstairs, which by this time (7pm) was packed.

I headed down another flight of stairs to the bathrooms in the basement. Each of the bathrooms has a neat 2-way mirror - the boys can see the girls, and vice-versa. I'm not sure which restaurant they ripped off for the idea, but it works well here.

While I was in the bathroom, I got all tangled up in the ceiling-to-floor beads as I tried to take a piss in the urinal. I just wanted to scream Marcia-Marcia-Marcia! and click my heels fast 3-times, hoping that I would be transported to the bus stop for the 27 bus so I could get home and watch the Birds on TV with my pop.

But alas, it didn't work - I was still in the bathroom when I opened my eyes. So, I slogged back up the steps to re-join Mr. Lunch Box. As if on cue, a chubby guy with a headset asked us to move away from the bathroom steps area, " I gotta clear some room here, you mind? Please!"

Not at all - we left 20 seconds later.

I was amused to see an actual line of people outside, looking anxious to get in. There were some very hot chicks in line, much too good-looking and cool for this place. But who knows? Maybe they were there to meet the 70 year-old guy in the Bermuda shorts and Phillies cap upstairs. I think he was heading-up the VIP room.

Standing outside, feeling fortunate that this place only stole $80 of our money tonite, I protested to Mr. Lunch Box that we bag the deck, but he insisted - and hey, he is the boss after all, so we rounded the corner and saw yet another line, this place was just swamp-assed with wannabes. That was it - time to call it a nite.

All in all, the nite added up to another first-and-last I will add to my list: a visit to the Continental on Chestnut St.

Comments

[sarahdl]

midtown--- by far the best starr restaurant in philadelphia. i'm not sure why anyone would complain about the prices... you know what to expect when you walk into an 8 million dollar establishment. you pay for the atmosphere, the scene, the hot (sooooo hot) staff, and the options (hello... THREE bars???). you go to have fun. don't bitch if you've ruined it for yourself with a bad attitude. i've never encountered an unfriendly or rude host. they're gorgeous, polite, and pleasant. unless you're a scumbag and you deserve an awful table. next time, try not to leer. maybe you'll get the table you want. the servers are awesome as well. it's obvious that they are hired for their amazing looks, but they're also incredible experienced and knowledgeable. if you want a better dining experience, try your mom's house. we all know you're still living in her basement, anyway. and even then, i can't promise she'll be as awesome to you as the continental staff.

[Whit]

I work in a restuarant, and have for a few years. it's really hard work and then assholes like you come in and leave 10% tips because you have no clue. You have no idea what going out is about. you're the asshole who comes into a restuarant on a sunday and bugs the shit out of ever server that has ever had to wait on you. Don't go to nice places if you can't afford them, don't be rude because you don't understand. Stay at denny's, they have a great moon over my hammy special... nice and cheap, just like you. Servers that have to wait on you talk about you and hope that you'll never ever come back again. you're lucky it's part of the job to bite your tounge, I would love to be able to lash out on assholes like you. Look up the word tact, because you're lacking.

[Meister Keister]

Touchy touchy, all the Stephen Starr fans. Let's get some things straight... Stephen Starr restaurants are ALL over-priced. The food is usually inadequate and service is at the bottom of the barrel. Berkserker lacks polish and circumspection (the Black folks comment came off badly, pal), but he is spot-on about the service and prices. Why do I say this? Personal experience at Starr restaurants. His places are gimmicky and geared toward the suburban crowd and downtown "professionals" who are wanna-be hipsters. True, it hurts to spend $80, especially when u don't get much for it. I guess only kids with Daddy and Mommy's money can afford to toss it around like that without appreciating what they're missing. Regardless, here's some substantive commentary.

The last time I set foot in a Starr restaurant whas the Continental Old City. I won't be going to any of his places unless it's free for me, except for possibly Morimoto. The entrees were small and disappointing, albeit the appetizers were enormous, on top of which, my girlfriend's fish was bad. I don't mean it was poorly made, I mean it was around the bend.. spoiled!! The drinks are incredibly expensive, and, my favorite thing, they charge 2.50 for a soda, without even one free refill. Service is always spotty. This is because Starr hires for looks, not experience or aptitude, maybe that's why u don't notice the crappy service, boys. Regarding food quality, granted, you may have good meals at his restaurants, but why should it be a crap-shoot? If I can expect to spend $40 or more every time I walk into one of his restaurants, shouldn't I expect a quality baseline each time?

Regarding Berkserker's comments about the seating arrangements again, there's on observation I'd like to make about Starr's organization again. I believe they have racist hiring policies. Have any of you self-righteous commentators noticed how few Black folks are in employ at his restaurants? In a city with almost a %50 Black population, and a region that must be %20 Black or more, take a look at the staff next time ur in one of his places. I especially mean the "front of the house" staff, ie, wait-staff and hosts. Of course, I do have a chip on my shoulder about Mr. Starr. I have several Black friends who haven't had even fair shots at employment at his restaurants. It was after one of their experiences that I started paying more attention to the staffing. Regardless of that feeling, my comments about the service and quality of food stand independently. Before you protest that he's like anyone else, look around at other comparable restaurants.

Remember this, Starr's business is just a business, it is about separating you and your money. The problem is, he is too brusque about it, doesn't even really try to show the customer a good time for their ducats. If you want to be treated like a dining bitch, go for it. The only place I think I'd like to try is Morimoto. I think Mr. Morimoto's presence might be able to overcome the Starr model.

Thank you and goodnight!

[Dave]

So sorry they had the nerve to sit you next to black people. Sounds like it ruined your whole week.

[newlywedinphilly]

dude DOES have a chip. this place is cute as hell. srvice has always been absolutely stellar (i've been more than 10 times for dinner). the seared tuna w/ mushroom risotto is probably the best i've evr had, and ya gotta love the cocktail list. don't hate steven starr because he keeps coming up with fun, albeit gimicky spots...love him for giving us damn good food, drink, service, and atmosphere. believe, me, i am a picky restaurant-goer...i've worked in the industry for 10 years. i heart steven starr and continental.

[Newgirlintown]

While I am no fan of the continental,your review comes off as a bunch of low class people whojust did not get it.
Do you actually expect anyone to take you seriously if you hate sitting next to blacks and gays?
Grow up,its not even funny.
You just sound pathetic.

[-ML]

The scene at Continental Mid-town is definitely figured into the cost of your drinks and your food. You pay a price for atmosphere, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. My advice to anyone who is short on cash and absolutely needs a few (or five) cocktails before they can talk to girls/guys... pregame at Nodding Head or McGlincheys down the street and then come and drop $12.00 for your Vodka & Red Bull. And you can't deny it, the food is good... not overly pricey either, in my opinion.
Lobster Mac, chimmichurri beef, grilled octopus, the calamari salad... all very reasonably priced and super tastey.

Oh... and about the hostess thing. Don't ever feel as though you're being appraised. There always always always has to be one hostess at the door, no matter what... you'll notice that it happens in any restaurant with high volume. All she's really doing is waiting for someone to come and take you to your table, not deciding whether you're A-list or D-list. (Come on people... there is no glamour in this town!) Just imagine if you were the party who walked in after you and found an empty hostess stand, it just wouldn't look right.

And if you don't like where you get put, speak up, chances are you'll get whatever table you want. The staff might roll their eyes and call you a bitch behind your back, but who cares! It's Stephen Starr for Christ sake... customer service is paramount. You should learn to bitch about things when you're still inside, not on your computer!

Lastly... New Year's Eve there was a blast. A kitschy party with a Heaven & Hell theme, the staff was all decked out like angels or devils depending on their floor. No cover charge, complimentary champagne toast, a great DJ, even a dance floor. Our waitress had these crazy white contact lens, a hot corset and as always she was really friendly/knowledgable.

So go and have a great time... but if you're broke, hit the mid-town diner next door for the food, bring your own flask, etc... cus it ain't so cheap if you really want to have a fabulous evening.

[SD]

I agree with some of the reviewers comments on the service in the evenings. Especially on friday evenings, this place seems like a place to be seen, god only knows why. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice place, I go there quite a few times, the food is pretty good, but not mind blowingly fabulous which one would think it would be based on the line there. The decor is like some old 80s movie (in a sort of good way) and Old Navy must have a made a deal for the clothing for the wait staff.
Whenever I have gone there in the evenings, I did feel the same thing this reviewer felt about the hostess looking and appraising the group to figure if they are or are not worthy of being seated in the well lit places or maybe a dark corner would do. I do not know how long the hostess took to figure it out but trust me there was enuf time for all of us to see that she was trying to figure something out and to feel very not with it. I go to a restaurant to eat, with this place that should not be the only reason to go. It is kind of a cool place to go to on a date.
On the other hand brunch is great, it is filled with a lot of older people, nobody is trying to look cool or be cool. And btw, this place fits into the yuppie scene just fine.

[Zeus]

Hip and trendy are nice, but for me to go back, the food had better be amazing... frankly, it's not. I'll spend my money elsewhere.

[berkserker]

thx for writing, suzanne, the 'psycho'-analysis is much appreciated, we need it - calm, cool reasoning!!

[Suzanne]

While your review was funny and entertaining, I only agree with you on one thing - I also hate the 'Bobby Brady' shirts they wear in there. But I agree more with some of the other peoples' comments posted.... You've got a chip on your shoulder from some bad experience in your past, and my bet is that you were seriously uncool in High School and you never got over it. I went to the Continental last night and loved it. Cool, hip, trendy, decent food, great atmosphere... What the heck are you looking for? I will go again, without question.

[berkserker]

i'm a $6.50/hour bitch, thank you very much...see you at the Handle Bar !!

[Matt]

Your review of the continental was that of a Kennsington person taking their trip into the big city for a night out. I mean really two martini's and your throwing up? This author is a weak pathetic soul, and to bitch about Price come on what are u a cheap 5 dollar an hour bitch working a dead end job. Its a night out your supposed to blow a few dollars. Get a clue on life then make a review worht something to tell people.

[Anthony]

This review was ridiculous. The whole time I was reading it all I could think was that its author had some kind of chip on his shoulder. Buddy I don't know who did you wrong in the past, but its time to get over it. I have been to the restaurant myself, and while it surely isn't the scene me and my friends frequent it was no where as bad as you claimed. That waiter that was pissed had plenty of reason to be. If the table was reserved I can't imagine the hostess seating you there. The place is way to organized for such a mistake. When you go into a restaurant and one of the staff asks you to switch seats like that than just do it. That restaurant is HUGE and you and your friends, while important as guests, are small fish. Get over yourself and your past buddy. I found this by accident but I will be sure to avoid your reviews in the future.

[John]

Stephen Starr dares to open restaurants with style and flair in a city sorely lacking both and morons like you pan them because when you go to these establishments you feel out of place. Let me guess, when you were in high school you called pretty girls "stuck up", athletes were "meatheads" and guys who dressed well were "gay"?

The hostess at the Continental looked you up and down for 5 minutes? I doubt it. MAYBE 5 seconds. I'm fairly sure she had better things to do than stare at you all night. You and your buddies took it upon youself to sidestep the hostess and seat yourselves and a waiter was annoyed because you were the fifth set of idiots to try the same dodge? Shocking. Oh, and sorry they made you sit next to the black folk. Makes you hearken back to the good old days of segregation doesn't it?

[berkersker]

thx, aisha - oh, your link is white-paging, is it working?

[Aisha]

Your review was hilarious and dead on! I live and eat in Philly, too, and shared your experience in Starr's restaurants...have you eaten at Wash Square yet?

Thanks for the laughs and pointers. So many blogs here are totally not funny.