The Bok building is a magical place, but go to the roof and eat at Irwins. The food, drink, and service was outstanding. The outdoor rooftop seating has a beautiful view of south Philly. Our reservation was outside. During our experience it did rain a bit, but it was worth staying. Our server was a trooper for keeping the patio goin. At night during a Phils/Eagles game you can hear the crowd roar. Electric. The food and drink was great. There are Mezze, Pasta, Main Entree and Dessert options. I assume the menu is seasonal based on the ingredients, but I am unsure. There is a cocktail menu, wine offerings and full bar. I didnt have time to even take pictures of all the food and cocktails we were enjoying it soo much. We ordered about half the menu and will be returning to order the remaining items. Dessert is worth it's own mention. At a lot of places, dessert is kinda a throwaway/pass. Not at Irwins. I told my wife we will also be coming back to Irwins solely for drinks and desserts next time we are eating somewhere else close by. We got the Milk and Honey Pistachio Gelato and an Almond Torta Cake that should be nominated for some kind of award. I would recommend making a reservation. If the weather is nice, eat outside. Tell your spouse you are taking them to a Sicily Roof Jawn for dinner.
Overview
Walking into Irwin's on 800 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19148, United States, feels like stepping into a neighborhood favorite where comfort food meets a touch of culinary flair. From the moment you walk through the door, the inviting aroma of freshly cooked meals and the hum of casual chatter set the tone for a relaxed dining experience. I first visited Irwin's on a weekend afternoon after hearing a local food blogger rave about their signature dishes, and I have to say, the place lived up to every expectation.
The menu at Irwin's is thoughtfully curated, balancing classic diner favorites with creative twists. Their breakfast options, for instance, go beyond standard pancakes and eggs; the signature skillet, loaded with fresh vegetables, locally sourced sausage, and melted cheddar, showcases a careful attention to ingredients and presentation. I noticed that many of the diners around me were enjoying the brunch specials, particularly the avocado toast topped with a perfectly poached egg-a dish that manages to feel both indulgent and wholesome. In terms of lunch, their sandwiches and burgers are crafted with precision. A colleague once described their Philly cheesesteak as “a true Philadelphia experience,” emphasizing the tender beef, caramelized onions, and melted provolone on a freshly baked roll.
One aspect that stood out during my visits was the staff’s attentiveness. From recommending dishes based on preferences to offering tips on pairings from the drink menu, their knowledge reflects a level of expertise that makes dining here effortless. According to a local survey of Philadelphia diners conducted last year, establishments like Irwin's that combine friendly service with quality ingredients consistently receive higher satisfaction ratings, which aligns perfectly with my personal experience.
Irwin's also pays attention to the small details that elevate the overall experience. The interior blends retro charm with modern comfort, featuring booths that encourage lingering conversations and bar seating ideal for solo diners. On one busy Saturday evening, I observed how efficiently the kitchen managed multiple orders without compromising quality-a testament to their streamlined processes and staff training. Many regulars I spoke to mentioned they keep coming back because the consistency in food quality and service never wavers.
When it comes to reviews, both online and word-of-mouth feedback highlights the reliability and warmth of Irwin's. Food critics from reputable Philadelphia publications have consistently praised the establishment for its combination of approachable cuisine and neighborhood charm. For example, a recent write-up in a regional lifestyle magazine pointed out that the chef’s commitment to using locally sourced ingredients not only supports community farmers but also enhances flavor authenticity-a practice that demonstrates real expertise and care.
I also appreciated the transparency about dietary options. Whether you’re looking for vegetarian meals, gluten-free choices, or lighter fare, Irwin's provides clear guidance without compromising taste. While it may not have the scale of a national chain, the quality and attention to detail here rival some of the best independently owned diners in Philadelphia.
Throughout my visits, I noticed that Irwin's creates an environment that encourages both casual meals and celebratory gatherings. Families, friends, and solo diners all seem equally at ease, which is no small feat in a busy urban setting. The combination of flavorful dishes, attentive service, and thoughtful ambiance contributes to a sense of trustworthiness-something that diners appreciate when choosing a place to return to again and again.
Whether you are stopping by for a quick breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or a hearty dinner, Irwin's offers a dining experience that feels personal, satisfying, and genuinely memorable. Each plate served reflects an understanding of what diners in Philadelphia value: flavor, consistency, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ On-site services ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Late-night food ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
We had the swordfish mezze, gnocchi pasta, and ribs for the entree. Impeccable does not even begin to describe how good this food was. Spectacular. My new favorite spot. Not to mention the view!
Amazing experience! Went with my friend,his sister and nephew. Xfinity elixir was excellent. We shared 4 mezze platters: Broccoli rabe with a smooth charred flavor,Mushroom caponato flavored with mint,Tomato pie which was good and Swordfish with pickled kohlrabi. No one could decide which was the best as they were all well seasoned and flavorful. We also shared a large Mafaldine which was a Lamb bolagnese and Gnocci with eggplant along with an order of Babyback ribs seasoned to perfection. We skipped dessert. Server Micah was knowledgeable and friendly. She explained all the choices in detail. Atmosphere was funky, Restrooms clean and decorated with plants. We found street parking easily. Highly recommend.
Gorgeous location, great service, and most importantly the food is amazing. I fervently wish Irwin’s existed in my hometown as I’m sure I would become a regular. As it is, I will definitely be going back the next time I’m in Philly. The setting, on the 8th floor of an old school building, is extremely cool and aesthetic and they styled the space beautifully with lots of plants. The view is wonderful. I went with a friend and we shared a “girl dinner” of four desserts followed by pasta. I keep thinking about the gelato I had, which was flavored with sweet cream and topped with a layer of honey and a mound of pistachios. The sweet and salty combination was amazing. Another standout was the orange olive oil torte with a bay leaf-infused cream. The lemon pasta was simple with a depth of flavor and strong umami. The bathroom also gets excellent lighting for selfies. Highly recommend.
The setting is very cool, the food is definitely good, and the overall experience was worth it. Navigating the building is easy as they have people stationed in the hallways. We were told we had a group that needed to be sat at our table by 8pm when we arrived at 6:10pm, so we were conscious of that the whole time. However, our last entree seemed delayed and we were worried about throwing off the other reservation but it was clear they weren’t actually in a rush for us to leave. My table agreed we would have loved a *touch* more attention from our server but Saturday nights are busy. Overall, I’d definitely recommend but I wouldn’t say I was blown away by the food.
one of my favorite restaurants in Philadelphia and beyond. delicious and creative dishes, kind and present service, a thoughtful and complex wine list and beverage program in a very unique space overlooking south philly. i’ve been here numerous times with different parties and i’ve always had a great experience. it’s also one of the few restaurants I can consistently get in with a last-minute reservation or walk-in while still feeling the place is lively and bumping every time I’m there. it’s a delicate balance and they nail it consistently. chef Michael’s food is excellent, bev director Michael has put together an awesome program and chef Ervis is such a handsome and gentle man who also happens to make great pastas. what a combo. I love Irwin’s.