Kite & Key

Been here a bunch of times. Decent place. One experience stopped me from going with 4 stars. Was there for dinner in September and the hostess was a miserable rag. A smaller complaint is that during the holiday season, most of the tap beers change to seasonals. Not trying to be Scrooge but not everyone likes spicy, holiday beers.

I always find myself choosing Kite and Key during inclement weather. There’s just something about their unique beer-​offerings that sway me to stay for another round… and then another… and not feel so guilty about it, since where else do we have to be?
I’ve been to Kite and Key for brunch, lunch, and dinner. I’ve even sat outside on a warm-​summer night and ordered $ 190 worth of Coronas, but that’s not important right now.
Their brunch is great, and they offer a variety of items that are also «lunch» options during brunch. They also offer daily soup specials, which is awesome — especially if you choose to hunker down during a snow storm, as I do.
Our server today was SO nice! I wish I remembered her name. She was knowledgable on every item on the menu, and her recommendation for a lighter-​draft beer was on point! She also recommended that I order my grilled chicken sammy «Cajun style», just to add extra flavor to the sandwich. Done!
I’ve also had their mussels, and they’re delicious. They surprisingly have a variety of mussel-​options available. I’ve had the sweet thai-​chili and YES. It’s always a good sign when all of the mussel-​shells are open for you to dig right in, and plenty of bread to soak up that delicious broth.
Bottom line, I really dig this establishment because they have a ton of variety to fit any craving that you may have. You want mussels? Okay. You want peanut butter and jelly French toast? Sure! A bowl of chili? Why not. And what brunch establishment in Philly yields away from scrapple? Not here! They have it, too!

Last night was pretty fuzzy by the time we arrived at Kite & Key, so take this review with a grain of salt. I will come back if I’m ever in the area because our server was nice and I liked the space AND they have outdoor seating, so I will update this review when this happens.
Couldn’t even tell you what beer (s) I ordered, but food-​wise, our table had the buffalo wings, the buffalo flatbread and spicy cheese sticks. I say cheese sticks instead of mozzarella because the cheese was pepper jack, hence the spicy. These were okay but not as satisfyingly stringy as mozz is. The flatbread was pretty good, but pretty heavy and tasted strongly of bleu cheese. Solid drunk food, though. Didn’t try any of the wings because they were mondo-​wings which aren’t my fave since they usually don’t get all crispy the way the lil guys do.
Next time, I’ll try other menu items. I’m sure there are some gems here, just haven’t found em yet.

Swing by for some awesome craft beer and burgers. This place is trendy with quality and fresh foods.

How have I not written a review for Kite & Key before? Even more puzzling, how is it my neighborhood and I’m not there more?
I’ll keep this review brief and to the point. This is an excellent craft beer establishment. Aside from always carrying unique brews, they are also involved with Philly Beer Week and host other beer-​related events. They are a Philly Tapfinder bar and will always post their events there.
The food is also above average bar food. You almost shouldn’t think of it as bar food and just think of it as good food. It’s been a while since I’ve dined there last, but I’ve never been disappointed.
They also have my favorite indoor/​outdoor seating setup of probably anywhere I’ve ever been. If you don’t want to sit totally outdoors, but don’t want to sit totally indoors, one of their window high tops in the summer is the perfect spot. They have the full length window open when the weather is nice. So it’s like you are sitting outside, but can see the TV, which are usually showing whatever game is big. Yep, it’s a pretty great set up.
Kite & Key is a perfect example of the gastropub, beer scene in Fairmount. Keep up the great work!

Great little Bistro. Need to bring back their cheesesteak! Other offerings are very good also but missing that cheesesteak…

After stops at the penitentiary and Rodin Museum, wanted a quiet locale for a decent drink. Found this spot on Unilocal for a good beer list and some finger food before heading back home.
Saturday evening and plenty of room inside. Going through the beer list they have every style of beer on draft ranging between $ 5 – 7. Also got the Cajun fries ($ 5) to share — heaping pile of heavily spiced fries served with a sweet dipping sauce.
Best part about this place aside from the cheap fare was the jukebox playing nostalgic 90s music. Really made for a fun end of the night bar. Would like to come back to try some of the food and more local drafts.

Nice place, nice prices. It had a cool look, lots or antique books everywhere. I got a chicken sandwich and fries and I split with a friend. It was a nice size and filled me up. Good way to only spend $ 5 per person! Only con was it was a little loud. Otherwise nice place.

On a rainy-​and-​muggy Tuesday evening, the Kite & Key had a nice, chill vibe with solid service, tasty beer on tap, and a good (but not great) burger and fries. Would return if others wanted to go, as it’s a good location (with plenty of dessert options nearby: Pizzeria Vetri, Whirled Peace, etc.), but would likely choose a different pub for grub.

Went here on a date with my girlfriend, an I enjoyed my experience. The space is nice and huge with a good amount of seats even on a busy Saturday. Our waitress was very nice and would always hit our table to see how things are, so awesome service. The beer selection was really good from great craft to imports. The food was really good as well. My chicken parm sandwich was delicious, and I just dig shoestring style fries. Awesome place for dinner and a drink, so I suggest going here for both!

I’ve been to Kite & Key twice I think it is a pretty good spot to wine, dine and hang out. This is a good spot to hang out with friends or colleagues, enjoy some appetizers, grab an entrée and have a few beers.
THE GOOD…
–lot of beer options both on draft and bottle (local micro brews too)
–fried pickles are good
–fish and chips are very good
–vegetarian and vegan options
–the times I went it wasn’t too loud and crazy
–servers were friendly
THE BAD…
–parking can be a pain
Overall I like Kite & Key. I highly recommend going with a local micro brew. They usually have a big chalkboard of all of the different beers available. The food has been pretty good and I have received friendly service. I’d like to try their brunch sometime!

Kite and Key and Sabrina’s are our standard go-to’s when we’re not looking to cook. And that’s no surprise considering they’re only a block away. So when some friends stopped by, we all decided to head back to Kite and Key for some eats.
Potato & Cheddar Perogi ($ 9)
Sauteed onion, sour cream
If pierogi’s are on the menu. I’m ordering it. Kite and Key had these bad boys on special and they were crisply fried, with a creamy, cheesy mixture within. Sauteed onions and sour cream rounded out each bite.
Calamari ($ 10)
Spicy tomato sauce, arugula
The calamari were expertly fried, yet tender. For $ 10, they gave you a boat load to boot! Presentation was prototypical of a bar, with spicy marinara hiding underneath, with a field of arugula lightly dressed on top. But again — it’s unbelievable how much calamari there was!
Steak Sandwich ($ 10)
Grilled filet, chimichurri, caramelized onions, pepper jack cheese, french fries
The filet sandwich came out perfectly cooked — medium rare and well-​seasoned. The caramelized onions added some acidic depth, with the earthy chimichurri providing herbaceous notes. The pepper bite of the pepper jack cheese was nice. The fries were thin and crispy, nothing wrong there!
Fish and Chips ($ 15)
Beer-​battered fish, french fries, malt vinegar
You can put money on the fact that the GF will usually order the chipper. The beer-​battered fish was light and flaky, though the batter wasn’t as malty as she normally likes. The pat of malt vinegar helped though!
The only issue we had on this particular night was that the sodas we ordered were completely flat and tasted of Robitussin. The server gave us a weird look, which prompted me to invite her to have a taste. She declined. In all fairness though, that’s not typical and the drinks were obviously taken off. In any case, if you’re looking for a proper drink (read: alcohol) and good bar eats, Kite and Key is a great bet on Callowhill Street.

I visited Kite & Key with my aunt for lunch around 12:30 on a Friday. She was already seated when I arrived in the back of the restaurant which sits up a few feet from the main bar area. Our server came over quickly and took our drink orders. They had a nice variety of beer on tap and in bottles.
For our appetizer’s we shared the Red Diablo Mussels and fried pickles. The broth the Mussels were in was awesome.
For lunch we both had burgers. They were very good. During our meal the service was fantastic and all the employees were very nice. I would return to Kite & Key again if I’m in the area.

Kite & Key is best enjoyed while sitting at one of the outdoor tables. I don’t make it there as often as I should, considering their beer list (so nice to see a not-​that-​accessible Ninkasi!), but it’s awesome to have them a short walk away in the neighborhood.
I’ve only had dinner here once. I stopped in for my brother’s birthday last month with my mom and grandmother. While most of us enjoyed our meals, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of her roast beef. She later opted to switch to a burger (also what I was eating) and liked that much better. Only thing to know: service was a little laggy, but otherwise, it was great.
Gotta make it back soon!

This place wins on so many levels — especially when you’re enjoying looping Kenny Loggins Danger Zone on the juke box, as I so love to do.
It’s got that local bar vibe going with a convenient location, easily accessible to Benjamin Franklin Parkway (hence the name, mwahaha).
I’ve now been her thrice, each time better then the last. The place is really easy to miss if you don’t get accidentally lost or find it on Unilocal — but once you find it your paid in dividends. The exterior is beautiful and a great place to chill — the interior feels like everyone knows your name. The staff is awesome.
The best part — the beers and drinks. Unbelievable how cheap it is to drink higher end beers and cocktails here. 7 of us came on July 4^th evening and proceeded to pound 30+ cocktails. Total price $ 167 with tax. No idea how this was possible.
This place is a must if you are looking to an eclectic mix of people and a laid back quasy raunchy night — with out the pretentiousness of Fish Town.
Miss you already!

Ok. The GM is amazing. He took care of me and my family all night.
The wine selections on blends were defiantly something I would dabble in when you get there. The GM (general manager) brought out some tasty samples of cheese, nuts, honey, and it hit the spot.
I would love to come back here and try more of the food. The GM stated they are in the middle of a few changes for the better and making different menu options.
This place is perfect for a large, small, or date night.
The lighting is low and gives you that hipster/​hole in the wall/​cheers atmosphere that made being at home feel. We sat next to the window near the fire place. They have candles lite throughout the restaurant that makes it really cozy and comfy.
If I was you «add»: this to your to do’s.
Enjoy!!!

Kite & Key is my favorite bar in Fairmount for two reasons: great beers and really great food. They’ve always got unique tap takeovers.
Top picks for food include the wings, diablo mussels (the broth is ridic), and nachos. The veggie burger is super rich (it’s basically a deep fried homemade patty) and I’ve heard their regular burger is great too.
Note: It’s a big space but can get pretty loud. Ask for a table near the back if you don’t want to have to scream over your friends. Also, you can now order food between 3 and 3:30 (the kitchen used to switch over, but now it’s all the same).

A group of us tried to go to Sabrina’s for brunch and had a predictably long wait. Not feeling like standing in the cold, we walked down to Kite & Key and saw the menu appealed to everyone. We were immediately seated (thankfully) and greeted by friendly and accommodating staff.
The brunch menu spans everything from french toast to eggs benedict and a veggie burger. It’s a nice mix of breakfast and lunch items — really having something for everyone.
I ordered the breakfast burrito. It was only okay — I think it could have used a little bit more seasoning and all-​around flavor, but overall it was satisfactory. Other people got omelets, which also looked/​tasted okay, per their review. Lastly, someone ordered french toast and scrapple, which got a good review.
Service was attentive, our food came out quickly, and we had an all-​around pleasant experience. My reason for the 3 stars is really he food. It was fine, but not great. Perfectly fine for a lazy Sunday morning.

I’m glad that this neighborhood bar is doing well, has a loyal customer base, and serves a variety of beer and exciting menu items. I was really happy to see it full of people on a cold Wednesday night in Callowhill.
I ordered the veggie burger, which I saw was rated best in Philly at one point in time. It was actually really delicious and had great bread, a topping of mushrooms, carrots, and alfalfa sprouts, and a juicy inside. The fries were underseasoned and not crispy at all, and highly reminiscent of McDonald’s fries.
My boyfried ordered a medium rare burger and received a well done version that lacked much flavor, and was way too dry. We ordered two beers and ended up spending more than $ 40 on the meal after tip. For a pretty unsatisfying burger, that felt like a lot of cash to give up.
Since it’s so closeby and has a nice atmosphere and beer list, I will most likely be back to try the food once again, but for now it’s just a 3 star experience.

So came back and to update my previous 4 stars… this place is amazing! And try the dealing diablo mussels, do spicy and amazing… I’m spooning the broth out… amazing! And best crowd here is amazing for game watching… you can’t have a bad seat in here. The bar staff is also on top of drinks… bonus! And they have updated the outside seating so if you want a chill great place to sit outside then definitely come here.
And…they have for us gluten free folks, omission, greens Amber, and magners… double bonus!