Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails
Last year, Dizengoff and Abe Fisher decided to join forces and embark on an exciting new chapter. After closing their doors for a short time, the two restaurants merged to create a reimagined dining experience.
Now, Dizengoff has emerged as a vibrant full-service restaurant, complete with full bar. Boxwood Architects in Philadelphia has transformed the space into a 95-seat sun-soaked haven. The walls are covered with eye-catching brightly colored tiles and unique wallpaper made from Israeli street posters that captures the essence of the bustling Tel Aviv boulevard that inspired its name.
The food menu presents an array of Israeli culinary delights, including smaller traditional dishes like Turkish hummus and Boreeka, and larger plates such as Falafel-fried Dorade and Kataifi Chicken Schnitzel. Complementing these offerings, they have crafted a drink menu that showcases the rich diversity of arak, amaro, and other fine Eastern Medirranean beverages and spices.
Cheap Holidays: rum, grilled pineapple, alpe amer
Bar Manager Sean Byrne, a seasoned veteran of CookNSolo at Zahav and former Bar Manager of Abe Fisher, has created a cocktail menu that is a spin on traditional favorites.
Locked in the Mall: tequila, za'atar, grapefruit, strega
Byrne has always liked doing classic style cocktails and when it came to Dizengoff, he wanted to do something that incorporated many of the bright colors of the the space. The drinks are designed to hold up year round and meant to pair with the lighter fare menu. Approachable fun cocktails is how he describes it.
Clueless Soundtrack: rose gin, strawberry, peppercorn
The "Clueless Soundtrack," is a refreshing concoction that emits a floral aroma reminiscent of the iconic Pegu Club cocktail.
All the Way In: vodka, turkish coffee, baharat
If you're in the mood for something with a coffee kick, the "All the Way In" is the perfect Espresso Martini riff, which is infused with rum and Baharat spice.
What We Do is Secret: rye, sour cherry, amaro nonino
The influence of Israel is prominent in the beverage menu, with natural wines from Levant, cocktails with ingredients like Za'atar, and even a rose petal-infused gin, which Byrne says was inspired by rose petals he saw lying around a bakery during his time in Zahav.
Zero proof (left to right) - Chai Tea Soda: ginger, vanilla | Za'atar Girlfriend: grapefruit, lime
Lime Time: coconut, lime, thyme
For those seeking non-alcoholic options, Dizengoff has a nice offering of zero proof cocktails.
The wine selection is a celebration of natural wines crafted from indigenous grapes found along the Eastern Mediterranean. Their curated list showcases wines made using ancient techniques, paying homage to the rich winemaking traditions of the region. The selection offers a unique opportunity to explore and savor these exceptional flavors of their vinicultural heritage.
Frozen Lemonana: vodka, butterfly pea flour, lemon, mint
You may remember the slushies at Zahav during their outdoor dining on the warmer months. Well, don't worry because now they're a permanent fixture of Dizengoff, with an alcohol version and non alcohol version so there is something for everyone.
Frozen Hibiscus Lemonana (zero proof): hibiscus, mint, lemon, Verbena
Remnants from Abe Fisher remain as well. Abe Fisher carried around 40 different kinds of amaro and boasted one of the largest selections in Philadelphia. That amount has been curated down to around a dozen for Dizengoff but is still sure to please amaro enthusiasts, who will find several cocktails featuring amari with herbal notes from sweet to super bitter.
Arak - a clear unsweetened Levantine spirit from the anise drinks group and is commonly enjoyed with water and ice.
The beer selection is mostly local to appeal to travelers and hotel guests around the area. You'll find local beers from Human Robot, Two Locals, and Dock Street but also out of town selections like Von Trapp Pilsner from Vermont or Gold Star Lager from Israel. Plowman Cider is also on the menu for cider lovers.
Dizengoff now features two semi-private dining areas and an extended patio for outdoor dining in the warmer months. They are open seven days a week and the bar is open until 11 PM daily.
Dizengoff: 1625 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, (215) 867-8181
Lunch Hours
Sunday - Saturday 11 AM - 2 PM
Dinner Hours
Sunday - Wednesday 5 PM - 11 PM
Thursday, - Saturday 5 PM - MIdnight
Photos by Drink Philly
Tags: Cocktails, Inside Look