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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Infobox Restaurant<br />
| name = Barclay Prime<br />
| cuisine = Steakhouse<br />
| address = 237 S 18th Street<br />
| neighborhood = Rittenhouse Square<br />
| phone = (215) 732-7560<br />
| website = https://barclayprime.com<br />
| price_range = $$$$<br />
| hours = Mon-Sun 5pm-10pm<br />
| chef = Stephen Starr Restaurants<br />
| established = 2004<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Barclay Prime''' is an upscale steakhouse at 237 S 18th Street in [[Rittenhouse Square]], Philadelphia. Part of Stephen Starr's restaurant group, Barclay Prime reimagined the traditional steakhouse with a lounge-like atmosphere and is famous for its $100+ cheesesteak, a cult-favorite indulgence.<ref name="barclay">{{cite web |url=https://www.starr-restaurants.com/barclay-prime |title=Barclay Prime |publisher=Starr Restaurants |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
Stephen Starr opened Barclay Prime in 2004, seeking to create a steakhouse that broke from the dark wood and masculine clichés of traditional steak restaurants. The result is an elegant, library-like space with tufted leather couches and a sophisticated cocktail program alongside premium steaks.<br />
<br />
== The $100 Cheesesteak ==<br />
<br />
Barclay Prime's most famous menu item is its luxurious cheesesteak:<br />
<br />
* '''Wagyu beef*** — Thinly sliced A5 Japanese Wagyu<br />
* '''Foie gras''' — Seared foie gras<br />
* '''Truffles''' — Black truffle shavings<br />
* '''Triple cream cheese*** — Instead of Whiz<br />
* '''Brioche roll*** — House-made<br />
* '''Champagne*** — Served with a split of Veuve Clicquot<br />
<br />
The cheesesteak has become a Philadelphia legend, featured on food shows and sought by visitors as the city's ultimate splurge.<br />
<br />
== The Food ==<br />
<br />
=== Steaks ===<br />
<br />
* '''USDA Prime beef''' — Dry-aged on premises<br />
* '''Japanese Wagyu''' — A5-grade imported beef<br />
* '''Classic cuts*** — Ribeye, filet, strip, porterhouse<br />
* '''Dry-aged selections''' — Various ages available<br />
<br />
=== Seafood ===<br />
<br />
* Raw bar with oysters<br />
* Lobster<br />
* King crab<br />
* Daily fish preparations<br />
<br />
=== Sides ===<br />
<br />
Classic steakhouse sides elevated:<br />
* Creamed spinach<br />
* Baked potato<br />
* Truffle fries<br />
* Bone marrow<br />
<br />
== The Space ==<br />
<br />
Barclay Prime departed from traditional steakhouse design:<br />
<br />
* Library-inspired decor with book-lined walls<br />
* Tufted leather couches and lounge seating<br />
* Intimate, clubby atmosphere<br />
* Bar area for cocktails<br />
<br />
== Reservations ==<br />
<br />
* Reservations recommended, especially weekends<br />
* Jacket suggested but not required<br />
* Special occasion celebrations common<br />
<br />
== Recognition ==<br />
<br />
* '''Best Steakhouse*** — Philadelphia Magazine (multiple years)<br />
* '''Best $100+ Cheesesteak*** — Featured nationally<br />
* Part of Stephen Starr's acclaimed restaurant group<br />
<br />
== Getting There ==<br />
<br />
* '''Address''' — 237 S 18th Street<br />
* '''Location*** — One block from Rittenhouse Square<br />
* '''SEPTA''' — Walnut-Locust station (Broad Street Line)<br />
* '''Parking''' — Valet available, nearby garages<br />
<br />
== Frequently Asked Questions ==<br />
<br />
{{FAQ<br />
|q1=Is the $100 cheesesteak worth it?<br />
|a1=The Barclay Prime cheesesteak is more of a luxury experience than a practical meal—Wagyu beef, foie gras, truffles, and Champagne. For cheesesteak purists seeking Pat's or Geno's traditions, it's heresy. For those wanting an indulgent experience, it's memorable. Most visitors consider it a bucket-list item.<br />
<br />
|q2=Do I need a jacket at Barclay Prime?<br />
|a2=Jackets are suggested but not strictly required. The atmosphere is upscale and elegant, so business casual or smart dress is appropriate. You won't be turned away without a jacket, but you may feel underdressed in shorts and t-shirts.<br />
<br />
|q3=How do Barclay Prime steaks compare to other Philly steakhouses?<br />
|a3=Barclay Prime is consistently rated among Philadelphia's best steakhouses, competing with Del Frisco's, Butcher and Singer, and others. The dry-aged USDA Prime and Japanese Wagyu options are top-tier. The atmosphere is more lounge-like than traditional steakhouses.<br />
<br />
|q4=Who owns Barclay Prime?<br />
|a4=Barclay Prime is part of Stephen Starr's Starr Restaurants group, which operates numerous acclaimed restaurants in Philadelphia, New York, and beyond. Starr is one of the most influential restaurateurs in the region.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== See Also ==<br />
<br />
* [[Rittenhouse Square]]<br />
* [[Stephen Starr]]<br />
* [[Steakhouses in Philadelphia]]<br />
* [[Cheesesteak]]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [https://barclayprime.com Official Website]<br />
* [https://www.starr-restaurants.com/ Starr Restaurants]<br />
<br />
{{#seo:<br />
|title=Barclay Prime - Upscale Steakhouse in Rittenhouse Square<br />
|description=Barclay Prime is a sophisticated Rittenhouse Square steakhouse famous for its $100 Wagyu cheesesteak with foie gras and truffles. Premium dry-aged steaks in a lounge-like setting.<br />
|keywords=Barclay Prime, Philadelphia steakhouse, $100 cheesesteak, Rittenhouse Square restaurant, Stephen Starr, Wagyu Philadelphia<br />
|type=Article<br />
}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Restaurants]]<br />
[[Category:Steakhouses]]<br />
[[Category:Rittenhouse Square]]<br />
[[Category:Fine Dining]]</div>Gritty