Barclay Prime
| Address | 237 S 18th Street |
|---|---|
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Rittenhouse Square |
| Phone | (215) 732-7560 |
| Website | Official site |
| Cuisine | Steakhouse |
| Price range | $$$$ |
| Established | 2004 |
| Chef | Stephen Starr Restaurants |
| Hours | Mon-Sun 5pm-10pm |
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.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]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.
The $100 Cheesesteak
[edit | edit source]Barclay Prime's most famous menu item is its luxurious cheesesteak:
- Wagyu beef*** — Thinly sliced A5 Japanese Wagyu
- Foie gras — Seared foie gras
- Truffles — Black truffle shavings
- Triple cream cheese*** — Instead of Whiz
- Brioche roll*** — House-made
- Champagne*** — Served with a split of Veuve Clicquot
The cheesesteak has become a Philadelphia legend, featured on food shows and sought by visitors as the city's ultimate splurge.
The Food
[edit | edit source]Steaks
[edit | edit source]- USDA Prime beef — Dry-aged on premises
- Japanese Wagyu — A5-grade imported beef
- Classic cuts*** — Ribeye, filet, strip, porterhouse
- Dry-aged selections — Various ages available
Seafood
[edit | edit source]- Raw bar with oysters
- Lobster
- King crab
- Daily fish preparations
Sides
[edit | edit source]Classic steakhouse sides elevated:
- Creamed spinach
- Baked potato
- Truffle fries
- Bone marrow
The Space
[edit | edit source]Barclay Prime departed from traditional steakhouse design:
- Library-inspired decor with book-lined walls
- Tufted leather couches and lounge seating
- Intimate, clubby atmosphere
- Bar area for cocktails
Reservations
[edit | edit source]- Reservations recommended, especially weekends
- Jacket suggested but not required
- Special occasion celebrations common
Recognition
[edit | edit source]- Best Steakhouse*** — Philadelphia Magazine (multiple years)
- Best $100+ Cheesesteak*** — Featured nationally
- Part of Stephen Starr's acclaimed restaurant group
Getting There
[edit | edit source]- Address — 237 S 18th Street
- Location*** — One block from Rittenhouse Square
- SEPTA — Walnut-Locust station (Broad Street Line)
- Parking — Valet available, nearby garages
Frequently Asked Questions
[edit | edit source]See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Barclay Prime". Starr Restaurants. Retrieved December 23, 2025