Students and faculty in University City have gotten a dining upgrade with the opening of The Study boutique hotel. On the corner of 33rd and Chestnut, the modern gray building is home to CO-OP, a casual new American restaurant. Whether its a breakfast meeting, boozy brunch, business lunch, after-work drink or dinner date, CO-OP has got you covered with a variety of seasonal dishes, seafood and rotisserie items inside an open 105-seat restaurant, with outdoor seating as well.
Inspired by the architecture of Philadelphia and the skills of local craftspeople, The Study at University City sets new expectations for comfort and service. Our hotel near Drexel University and University of Penn brings energy to the neighborhood as a unique destination where visitors, culture seekers, professors, students, families and locals intersect to enjoy approachable hospitality and a comfortable space to relax and renew. The Study was opened by developer Paul McGowan of Hospitality 3, after his successful opening of an upscale, boutique hotels located on Yale’s campus in 2008 with a restaurant of its own called Heirloom.
Start off your meal with an excellently mixed hand crafted cocktail or chose a glass from CO-OP’s large wine selection. We also really loved taking our good ‘ol time munching on some Pecorino & Herb Fries served with roasted garlic aioli while we perused the menu for our dinner. One of our favorite things about restaurants with seasonal menus is that there is always something new to try and it keeps us coming back.
We also really enjoy a menu with variety and balance. There is something so comforting about indulging in a big plate or pasta, but we are always intrigued by a unique salad. We decided to try it all- an order of Baked Mac & Cheese and the Chop-Roast Salmon & Avocado Quinoa Bowl to start. We were certainly not disappointed by the steamy hot cast iron skillet full of cheesy noodles. Plus the flavors in the salad with chopped kale, cucumber, quinoa, sweet potato, crispy chickpeas and tahini vinaigrette were excellent!
For the main course we fell in loved with the Grilled Mojo Shrimp which are marinated and served with a grilled corn salad, lime, cilantro and pickled pepper. It’s important to note that the menu at CO-OP is locally sourced, farm to table. Feel free to ask your server and they’ll be able to tell you what farms the produce comes from.
We think its a huge draw that CO-OP offers weekly dinner specials: Saturday nights feature Fried Chicken, Sunday’s a Roast, Monday nights offer Fish & Chips, Tacos on Tuesday obviously, Wednesdays have Crab Cakes, Thursdays feature BBQ Pork Ribs, and since it was Friday night when we stopped by, we enjoyed Rotisserie Lamb Shoulder Pasta. Another popular dinner entree is the Grilled Hanger Steak served with summer corn, pickled peach, tomatoes, chimichurri and tostones.
Many times when we are dining out it can be hard for us to last until the dessert course. Especially when we love everything we are being served, it can be very hard to resist eating every bite and licking the plate. Our evening at CO-OP was as delicious as we had hoped and we ALMOST didn’t make it. But we are so glad we took the plunge because the desserts are made daily in-house, and you CANNOT miss the Death by Chocolate Cake. This decadent cake might actually be the most chocolatey delicious thing we have every had the please of devouring! The dark rich chocolate of the cake and homemade cake is actually out of this world. We promise you won’t be sorry.
Reservations for CO-OP are available on their website. CO-OP Restaurant & Lounge is the perfect spot to celebrate with family and friends… large parties, big brunches, and happy hour groups and events. CO-OP offers a casual, yet sophisticated vibe inspired by great cooking, warm hospitality, and memorable service. Click below to learn more, we are here to assist every step of the way.
Craving delicious food but short on time? Order takeout from the CO-OP to-go window by calling (215) 398-1874 for pick up or order through Caviar for pick-up or delivery. Click Here to Order Now!
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