BYOB Dining in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Many visitors to the city of Philadelphia are confused by the particulars of BYOB dining in the city. Questions of BYOB etiquette I've heard asked include:

* Is there a "corkage fee" charged when you BYOB?

* Is it okay to bring a bottle of wine to any Philly restaurant without a liquor license, or only certain ones?

* Can I bring liquor of other types besides wine?

* Can I bring home unfinished bottles at the end of the night?

* What about bringing a bottle to a non-BYOB?

The answers to these and other questions can be found in my extensive FAQ on BYOB dining in Philadelphia. I recommend reading it, especially if you are a visitor to the city and perhaps only familiar with bring your own restaurants elsewhere.

To summarize the important points in the previously linked article:

• Ask before you bring your own bottle of wine to a restaurant with a liquor license. They may not allow it at all, or they likely will charge a corkage fee whereas BYOBs typically will not.
• You generally can bring spirits and beer to BYOBs, not just wine. Indeed, some Mexican BYOBs offer fruit juice mixers for BYO tequila or rum, and vodka is perfect to bring to Russian BYOBs in the Northeast.
• Unfinished bottles can be brought home at the end of the meal, as long as they are properly sealed.
• Table turnover is important at many BYOB restaurants, so do not plan to linger excessively after a meal. Serving you endless refills of coffee is not going to cover their overhead.
• Quite a few BYOBs are cash only and do not accept reservations (or only do so on the weekends), so plan accordingly.

A nice wine tote is really essential if you enjoy BYO dining. Most totes offer insulated compartments so you can carry a chilled bottle around with you and maintain a pleasant temperature. It may also contain a corkscrew and other bottle-opening tools, just in case a restaurant waiter doesn't have on handy himself. A nice tote also just looks more classy when walking around the streets of Philadelphia.

For further useful information on BYOB dining in Philadelphia, check out these links:

• BYOB Guide | Uwishunu - Philadelphia Blog About Things to Do, Events, Restaurants, Food, Nightlife and More

  Neighborhood by neighborhood guides to the city's BYOB restaurants.

• Best BYOB Philadelphia - An Every-neighorhood Guide to Philly's Best BYOBs

  Giving you 42 ways to explain that brown-papered bottle in your bottom desk drawer, Thrillist's rounded up all your BYOB best bets...

• Interactive BYOB Restaurant Map

  Here's a cool map that will help you locate BYOB restaurants throughout the Philadelphia region!

• Best byob Philadelphia, PA

  Reviews on Best byob in Philadelphia, PA Pumpkin, Giorgio On Pine, Entree BYOB, The Farm and Fisherman, Mercato, La Locanda Del Ghiottone, Audrey Claire, Melograno, Marrakesh, Bibou

• Philadelphia Restaurants | OpenTable

  You can make your reservations for many Philadelphia BYOBs through OpenTable.

• Philadelphia - Chowhound

  The Philadelphia board of the Chowhound website features lots of great reviews and more information on Philly's hot dining destinations, BYOB and otherwise.

* bibou - This well-regarded Fresh restaurant serves adventurous fixed price menu for serious foodies. Cash only and BYOB.

* The Farm and Fisherman - one of the top "Farm-to-Table" restaurants in the city, this well-reviewed restaurant can be a tough reservation.

* Laurel - reservations are hard to get at this French/American BYOB, headed by Top Chef winner Nicholas Elmi.

* Little Fish - Love seafood? Then you'll love Little Fish with their daily menu featuring only the freshest seafood options.

* Melograno - top of the line Italian...like you actually would get in the "Old Country". A personal favorite of mine.

* Mercato - once a market, this long-standing BYOB serves hearty Italian fare including lots of rich pasta selections - don't miss the whole grilled artichoke, either!

* Modo Mio - Specializing in regional Italian food, this restaurant is know for its special "Turista Menu".

* Noord - a truly unique venue in Philadelphia, Noord offers modern Scandanavian food.

* Pumpkin - this intimate South Street BYOB can be a tough table to get - but it's worth it if you love seasonal ingredients. Especially known for their seafood options.

* Russet - the Farm-to-Table trend is elevated to new heights at this popular Rittenhouse Square-area BYOB.

* Will BYOB - Modern French-inspired food, with special tasting menus and daily a la carte options.

Afghan BYOBs

• Kabul - explore traditional Afghan food in this quiet, Old City restaurant

American/International BYOBs

• Audrey Claire - Rittenhouse Square favorite, casual atmosphere and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine
• Bistro 7 - hot spot in Old City with mid-week tasting menu specials
• Cafe Estelle - casual Old City spot for breakfast, brunch, flatbreads and sandwiches
• Chloe BYOB - new American in Old City
• Fond - contemporary American done upscale

Caribbean BYOBs

• Jamacan Jerk Hut - bring some Carib beer to enjoy with delicious Jamaican specialties on South Street

Chinese BYOBs

• Lee How Fook - one of Chinatown's best Chinese restaurants

Greek BYOBs

• Dmitri's - Queen's Village favorite serving traditional Greek specialties
• Effies Greek Restaurant - a long standing Philly favorite on Pine Street

Italian BYOBs

• Bistro La Baia - a long time neighborhood favorite in the Graduate Hospital area
• Branzino - Rittenhouse area Italian BYOB with lovely Northern Italian specialties
• Cafe Valentino - Center City Italian
• Casta Diva - Opera-themed BYOB off Rittenhouse Square
• Da Vinci - a South Philly favorite
• La Fontana Della Citta - traditional Italian food in a Rittenhouse Square location
• Giorgio On Pine - rustric trattoria on Pine Street
• La Locanda Del Ghiottone - longstanding, family-run popular BYOB in Old City.
• Porcini - longstanding Rittenhouse Square favorite featuring authentic, traditional Italian food
• Radiccio Cafe - popular Old City Italian BYOB
• Scannicchio - classic South Philly Italian in an attractive dining room
• Tacconeli's Pizzeria - a true Philadelphia experience, arguably the best pizza in the city
• La Viola - long-standing Rittenhouse Square BYOB

Japanese BYOBs

• Doma - contemporary Japanese and sushi on Callowhill Street

Moroccan BYOBs

• Figs - popular Mediterranean restaurant in the Fairmount area.

Thai BYOBs

• Erawan Thai - longtime favorite in West Center City, offering traditional Thai Cuisine
• Sawatdee Thai Restaurant - new and popular Thai restaurant on South Street
• Tamarind - South Street restaurant with an emphasis on healthy dining

Turkish BYOBs

• Divan Turkish Kitchen - offers both BYOB and full bar service

Not everyone is a fan of BYOB dining. There are many reasons to enjoy a restaurant which offers full bar service and/or a unique wine list, by the glass or by the bottle. Do you have a strong preference either way on the issue? Do you love/hate BYOB, or not particularly care one way or another?