Is Philly's BEST Steakhouse Worth The Hype? Barclay Prime Revisit

Barclay Prime is the most famous steakhouse in Philadelphia bar none. Many people may know of it from the viral social media reviews of its $120 Philly cheesesteak, but beyond the foie gras and truffle sauced cheesesteak Barclay Prime also boasts a pretty impressive steak selection! They are one of only 32 steakhouses in the entire USA that are licensed to sell real Kobe beef from Japan!
This is our last stop on our Philly series. We ate plenty of cheesesteaks during this trip, so it's only fitting that we end the trip eating a steak at a steakhouse. Barclay Prime is regarded as one of the best steakhouses in Philly, but some regard it as one of the best steakhouses in America! One of the best steaks in America is a pretty high bar so we will see if it lives up to that. As we have eaten many of the best steaks in NYC, I think we are a little qualified to speak to the quality of the steak at Barclay Prime. Is Barclay Prime in Rittenhouse Square worthy of being iconic or is it just coasting off its reputation and not worth the hype? We'll find out together!
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Restaurant Deets:
Barclay Prime
237 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

[@uaeats]

This concludes the Philly series. Hope you enjoyed it, if so I'd love to do more! Expect one more vid in NYC then I'm off to make a few vids in the UK!

[@dabearcub]

As a Philly resident, I’m hoping you come back. Try Borough Market in London, and St John.

[@theboringchannel2027]

Go to TOKYO for food, not the UK. Much better steak in Tokyo.

[@billymax9071]

I’m really not sure why you think you know food. It’s not Bread it’s called Yorkshire pudding. I guess it’s just KZbinrs thinking they know more than they do

[@theboringchannel2027]

@@davidf798 As an American, I have never considered popover bread, same with most Americans.

[@theboringchannel2027]

@@davidf798 PS> most Americans have never uttered the word popover either.

[@Seodale]

that fan was chill af

[@SeraphimLeo]

Nice to see UA finally being treated with some respect by the wait staff. That alone sold me on this restaurant considering some of the atrocities he has been through at other places.

[@edntz]

Absolutely. Most staff are so rude to him or perhaps rude in general. I mean, you're a paying customer. Polite service should be the standard.

[@trollzone1]

UA is inconsiderate of other diners and doesn't pay respect to the people, places, and restaurants he visits!

[@edntz]

@@trollzone1 Username checks out.

[@SeraphimLeo]

@@trollzone1 Really? How's that? He doesn't talk loud and usually doesn't even show faces of other diners in his vids. If by "show respect" you mean take into consideration the restaurant's phoney "reputation" and treats them objectively with an honest review based on the food he receives then yes, and nor should he.

[@trollzone1]

@@SeraphimLeohe has zero understanding of food, wine, and service. Nor is he very observant, routinely he says he doesn’t know what’s in an item and it’s listed on the menu he shows. He also video records without the consent of people around him. He not like Mark W who shows respect and researches the restaurants and places he visits. Also UA’s videos are very amateur…poor editing, music, and the constant sound of his heavy breathing. Guy shouldn’t have quit his day job.

[@KatmanJazznBlues]

That wait staff was outstanding. This alone puts this place at the head of the pack and not to mention the ambiance, with that perfect music in the background. Remarkable.

[@theboringchannel2027]

great waitstaff cant make up for mid level food.

[@KatmanJazznBlues]

@@theboringchannel2027 true for sure, I wrote that before getting to the food. I trust UA's opinion, he seems like a very smart, honest person with a fairly experienced palate.

[@infostudy101]

I would disagree a little bit. The server pushed the mushrooms but they are the kind of food that not everyone likes. I was hoping UA would take a potato option because he would have enjoyed the meal more. Server made a mistake, I think.

[@buskerbusker8826]

@@infostudy101but that’s the restaurant biz for you, chefs or managers will sometimes push out menu items, some times to ease up the kitchen, often to boost sales for that item, but the server did offer 2 sides, so it’s an awesome service

[@infostudy101]

@@buskerbusker8826 But do you want to ease up the kitchen or give the customer the best experience? The server could tell he wasn't so impressed with mushrooms and that is why he offered the potatoes as well. Yes, up to UA to decide but he would never have chosen mushrooms himself..

[@rockoutconsiderably]

I've had a crazy week. Seeing UA's smiling face on the thumbnail brings me instant joy.

[@lifutao3446]

Facts

[@HerrBrutal-bl2fk]

Stop having these experiences. Continue watching UA.

[@lifutao3446]

@@HerrBrutal-bl2fk yes

[@byz513]

Facts

[@Jugglenaught1980]

The waiter was dope, he knew his shit. I hope you tipped him well!

[@Chimmy.01]

Matt and the waiter are so nice and very friendly. 100% customer service.

[@andic8287]

Dude your server was friggin amazing

[@grassroots8226]

I could be wrong, but I think the bread is actually Yorkshire pudding.

[@phillymouse2033]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@user-jd3us8io5e]

@@phillymouse2033 Or a "popover" in American.

[@yeabuddy6070]

Something similar for sure. This seems more solid than Yorkshire pudding.

[@SeraphimLeo]

It is, and a ridiculous way to serve it frankly. Yorkshire pudding batter is basically pancake batter. The shape of the yorkshire pudding is meant for gravy (or jam). Without gravy you're just eating a stale pancake with butter

[@user-jd3us8io5e]

@@SeraphimLeo Yorkshire pudding is really tasty on its own. Still, I agree that gravy helps it out. Odd choice.

[@Jdirty81]

I would’ve dumped that entire bowl of mushrooms on the plate and mixed everything together. That meal looks delicious.. also needs a nice glass of red to go with.

[@jojotwice8918]

yea the plating for such a fancy place sucks

[@Knvb-]

Youre getting recognized all the time now! LOVE to see it! Keep it goin!

[@100185261]

UA.. I was SO happy to see Matt say those few words to you because he described the same feelings I have for you. You make my wife and I so entertained whenever we watch your videos. Thank you for putting a smile on our faces! Barclay, you had amazing service all around- great job!

[@vissitorsteve]

That bread is what's called a 'Popover.'

[@michaelanderson745]

Or Yorkshire pudding

[@wayoutofbounds]

Some context on the steak knife you were given: It's made by a company called Chroma, but was designed by the Porsche Design Group, which is why it was given the "Type 301" designation...similar to the internal design codes & model designations Porsche uses for their cars. Chroma wanted to marry a Japanese-style blade with a euro-minimalist design. The stainless steel "button" on the knife serves to give you a physical sense of where the handle ends as well as marks the balance point of the knife. I do have a full Chroma Type 301 cutlery set & they are very nice knives, but the kinives' design is what really stands out. Great video as always!

[@shavedaddy]

Type 301 most likely referring to the grade of stainless steel.

[@danieljosephleo]

Another Philly guy here, who has just recently discovered your channel, and I love your attitude, my friend! I would highly recommend an extended tour of some more South Philly spots, and you will love the Passyunk Avenue strip of bars and restaurants, which start up just a block or so south of the Pat's and Geno's intersection. Would love also to see another visit to the Reading Terminal and (just a block away) Chinatown. Great work, my friend!

[@badabingpixtures3675]

Our boy UA made it! Haha it was cool to see them recognize you

[@edntz]

Your content is on fire! Love the rapid videos.

[@eejster0357]

Wow, service was awesome! That bread looked like a Yorkshire Pudding. Your face looked like "I wish I ordered the Ribeye" though. 😀

[@randall197]

On the road to 100k well deserved man.

[@CiaoBello21]

I enjoy your videos because you are so honest and unapologetic. You say it how it is. You give your audience the facts. Just because some people like it doesn’t mean your taste buds will like it. I appreciate your videos. Thank you ☺️

[@ChickenThug55]

That looks good. But because I cook, I can make about 3 of those NY prime steaks at home for $60 and it turns out exactly how I like it. Keep up the good reviews!

[@mdhurstak]

On your next trip to Philadelphia, I hope you will seek out Laser Wolf and give it a try. We recently visited my son and his wife, and they took us to Laser Wolf. The salad (Hummus with Fresh Pita and various other sides) that comes with each entrée was fantastic. The lamb and the ribeye were incredible. Take a look; you will enjoy it!

[@sundaybest27]

No, Zahav in Philly! I think Laser Wolf in Brooklyn is nicer... those views of the skyline

[@doodooclowney1518]

Thank you for showing the drink menu! That has been a welcome addition and provides a lot more context to the restaurant.

[@Efegaming1]

This place is such a vibe thank you for sharing

[@87gnxisgod]

Thanks for a good video buddy. Keep it up. Love your work.👍🇺🇸

[@lorifreeman1746]

This place was beautiful and the service was amazing and then on top of that getting recognized and people saying how wonderful you are love your videos have a great day ❤😊

[@altapp702]

You shoulda coated the steak and mushrooms with that yummy butter, and used the bread to mop up those wonderful steak juices...YUM!!!

[@theboringchannel2027]

when you need to put butter on a steak, it means you have a poor quality cut of meat.

[@altapp702]

@@theboringchannel2027 No it doesn't. It means added flavour. Butter makes everything better.

[@theboringchannel2027]

@@altapp702 why do you need to add flavor to a dry aged steak? a good quality steak, especially dry aged is very flavorful, and you use SALT to enhance flavor, as butter MASKS flavor. Real high end steak places do not put butter on their steaks.

[@truth4004]

Gordon Ramsay has his steaks basted in butter. He is high end. Don't be a snob 😅

[@theboringchannel2027]

@@truth4004 has nothing to do with being a snob. look at steak cooking competitions, nobody finishes with butter. real high end steak places that add something, spread goose fat on the steak a couple of minutes before its finished, goose fat tastes MEATY, butter does not.

[@chefahi1299]

Your humility gives credibility…keep doing what you’re doin’ bro!!!!!

[@Bobbydigtail17]

Great review!!!!! Super cool to see fans come up to you, but there’s a time and a place.. or Atleast keep it short. I guess it’s the price of fame UA! You’re always so nice, thank you for the content!

[@ninjatux]

"Smoke gets in your rye" is a play on a famous drink "Smoke gets in your eye" at a NYC speakeasy called Angel's Share which sadly shut down a number of years ago. I really miss that place. Pretty neat to see it on their menu, thanks for sharing

[@sonnysideofnyc2362]

Keep up the awesome job I love your Chanel.

[@ViolinistWilliam]

UA is the best! Thanks for the amazing video! Need to try this spot.

[@user-on6wc8oj9u]

Probably the most A Quality Type of restaurant service I've ever watched throughout your videos. Loved the server!!!

[@andrewriggs9808]

Another fantastic video! Surprised you didn’t get dessert!

[@ydiggy]

Barclay Prime looks incredible! Great video, UA!

[@theboringchannel2027]

food looks mid at best, and tastes that way, as UA was hinting at.

[@jessef.81]

Incredible staff! Very nice and personal

[@spamham1976]

Awesome review once again. I love Barclay Prime. You should try striphouse NYC on 12th street for strip steak with truffle creamed spinach and duck fat potatoes

[@KryCaNe]

I really like your steakhouse reviews.

[@tomkim1017]

Love the ambiance. Intimate setting.

[@jf7805]

The bread looks like a popover which I love.

[@billfly2186]

You need to dump the mushrooms and all their juice on the plate with the steak. It's a great combo.

[@minyu5612]

The free appetizer is an amuse bouche, usually given out at fine dining restaurants without asking. Thanks so much for all your honest reviews!

[@HerrBrutal-bl2fk]

Interesting. What is its origin?

[@minyu5612]

@@HerrBrutal-bl2fk from French cuisine. It’s a sample of the meal to come.

[@trollzone1]

UA doesn’t have a sophisticated enough dinning experience and knowledge to know that. He really should consider another career.

[@neonxouqbaso]

@@trollzone1 Hating for no reason. 😂 Enjoy life

[@minyu5612]

@@trollzone1 82 nasty comments on one channel. Hey, maybe UA is paying you to troll him for higher engagement. The more you comment the higher his algorithm gets and the more money he makes. I hope you reply.

[@spiderrico1853]

Nice Review!

[@karate-ka]

One of the best parts was your homage to Shogun and Toranaga-Sama. Great review!

[@daddyteddy85]

The service i am seeing is OUTSTANDING!!!

[@LchaimPutz]

Hey buddy, best regards We enjoy your work Stay well

[@sambaines8601]

Ciao UA from Italy. Loving the content. Next time you are in Italy, I'll show you a good steak house.

[@Iosipescu07]

I mean, who eats mushrooms without the steak? Might as well review the bbq sauce without the steak too.

[@sallysmitgeddes2270]

How nice that you are getting recognized... ❤❤❤

[@paulconnors2078]

Of all the steaks you've eaten and showed us, this one (IMO) had the most eye appeal AND, to me, it seemed to be the prefect rendition of what Medium Rare should look like.

[@stavrosavgousti8887]

Wow what fantastic service. The waiter knew his stuff. Makes all the difference when the service is this good. Im from the UK and I would love to visit all these amazing famous steak houses on the east coast 🤌 You guys across the pond have some superb restaurants.

[@kayflip2233]

Looks perfect. You can always get well cooked and delicious food in Philly.

[@markegan2480]

Mushrooms looked amazing, love them with steak, great review

[@philliprogers9028]

Thanks!

[@uaeats]

Thank you! So generous!

[@acharis]

Safe travels across the pond, UA. Have a great trip.

[@user-rv8lg5oc6w]

You can get a 16oz,n.y strip at Texas Roadhouse for $30 bucks with a,salad and potato .for 2 bucks extra you can get the mushrooms. Try it. It's very good!

[@schw0373]

I'm heading to Philly in a week, and I'm going to Angelo's after watching your review. Even if it's an hour wait, I have to try that cheesesteak. Then going to NYC after that and really want to try L'Industrie Pizza.

[@mierezsaturday5855]

Hands down this dude is one of the best in the world. Deep facts. Respectfully.

[@MattS-wm2gk]

I only subscribed to UA Eats because of his honest and fair assessment where ever he visited. Trust his opinions and contents!

[@TheLesporter]

UA, that roll is a Yorkshire pudding. Me and the wife made some, it was a new experience on how they cook it.

[@markmower6507]

Decades Ago I was in Philadelphia and Had a CheeseSteak, It Was An Euphoric Experience!!!

[@Onetwothreepeanuts]

What's up with your capitalizations? It seems to be both random yet thoughtful. It makes you come across as a nut job.

[@mikemuoio2340]

Great review. Moving to the DC area in a month so will have to cruise up to Philly to try it. My favorite steak of all time is the tomahawk ribeye from St. Anselm in Brooklyn.

[@alexworm1707]

Looked really great. Made me wanna eat it all.

[@thegrillfriend]

Matt was so nice! Love when you get recognized 👏

[@sundaybest27]

You just passed by Parc at 2:10 and that's one of my favorites. You need to review that one. It's a Philly institution.

[@marind10]

The service was on point. I will be visiting soon.

[@corradodeluca1320]

Rib eye is the steak to go for.

[@kane6106]

BP is one of my faves. Great memories there.

[@thebigmoo]

The mushrooms should be on the plate with the steak so the juices from the steak go into the mushrooms.. also, need to order ribeye instead of NY strip or filet

[@jpbanksnj]

LOL about the whole lamp ordeal because I just bought one of these lamps for home after eating at a high-end steakhouse that had a similar table lamp and loved it.

[@fredbrown2866]

Great video! The roll is a popover. It's designed to be airy inside. You can put cheese inside. OR you can put a scoop of vanilla ice cream inside........YUM!

[@sinbatsiraseranant1241]

UA, if you ever come to Washington, D.C. area, Randy's Prime Steak and Seafood in Tyson's Corner is terrific. Their 16oz ribeye is so soft and tender, it's like eating filet. Before Pandemic, it was $49. Now $72 The price is somewhat on par with Barclay Prime. Randy's Prime is owned by Great American Restaurants Group that has several restaurants in Northern Virginia. They also have the corn brulee with smoked bacon on top and sea salt.

[@roan6125]

I'm surprised you didn't get the ribeye like you usually do.

[@brandoncarpenter9681]

He was trying to go light after pounding cheesesteaks in Philly

[@brandoncarpenter9681]

I love how ua kept In the fan experience. Although nice, it’s makes it obvious that a quick compliment is better.

[@dalefick8405]

Your a good guy.....I love your videos

[@plantlvr]

Wish you would order bone in ribeye once in awhile, it's the best cut to me.

[@shanecucheron2728]

Thank you 🙏

[@MasterNe0]

me and my friends love the bread there. Cheesesteak was a hit/miss for us as well. We love the service there and the steaks and sides are really good for us.

[@nycfc4life884]

When your in town next do some South Jersey reviews. Like cafe aldo lamberti, I always drive by but never went in.

[@user-wp7qw8dc2t]

That IS some great service. Should be recognized.

[@worldsgreatestimpressionis6462]

My biggest take away from this is UA's best joke ever about Germany and Japan joining forces😂

[@vaneh6982]

Rib Steaks are king of steak cuts..would be good to see you rate them instead of ny strip.

[@aqn1976]

Philly has great restaurants UA pretty underrated!!! Next time you're in Philly and craving steak again I would recommend Del-Frisco's Steakhouse ;-)

[@grayblanchard]

I worked in that space when it was the Barclay Hotel in the late eighties and that was their dining room.

[@ilivemylifeaquartermileata9147]

bro you are a legend. people are coming up to you! wow! hell yeah! lets goo!! hard work pays off. LETS GO UAEATS!

[@matthewetheridge4535]

Steak puns are always well done!

[@jammerfanreturns6282]

You dirty dog

[@cr8zie]

Thanks for another steak review. I watch UA for entertainment purposes, to see where he eats next, and the funny facial expressions.

[@Tonymanero1960]

I was waiting for UA to say that Tater Tot was Ore Ida !!

[@Geegeebaba]

LOL Matt took the words out of my mouth.

[@budrich2773]

Great reviews your blowing up brother stay organic unscripted and genuine people starting to recognize UAeats

[@zacharydalton8132]

I wasn’t expecting a full cereal bowl of mushrooms. Lol

[@ajconstantine3593]

The wife & I are big steak-lovers & I’ve been grillin for decades. That said, am I the ONLY ONE here who _doesnt_ prefer dry-aged steaks?? 🤷‍♂️ I’ve paid ransoms for the ones I’ve had, and always wound up sayin, “Yeah, I’ll stick with regular USDA Prime all day,” regardless of age duration or cut. Anyone else? They taste like feet smell. 🤔

[@jimcathcart5116]

Sushi is also frozen to kill parasites

[@theo9976]

I usually don’t watch restaurant reviews on KZbin but I’m really drawn to UA’s videos. He might not be the most sophisticated but he’s so genuine, guileless, and sincere - how can you not like the guy.

[@ABLwAmazing]

Yea, he's just so pleasant. As my gmom has always said, a good attitude will take you far in life.

[@humdumdiggdy]

He is a genuinely nice guy

[@shih-hanchow8945]

Haven't been to Barclay Prime in years. If I remember correctly, they started with dry aged beef when they first opened--loved it. Then for a period of time, they went to wet aged beef and dropped off the radar. The last time I was there, they went back to dry aged. If I remember correctly, they used to bring out a tray of knives for you to pick your weapon... The last steak house I went to was Alpen Rose--had the tomahawk, amazing. Also DelFrisco's, although a chain, is very good in Philly.

[@nickgeorgiou7770]

Took my family to BP for my son’s bday a couple years ago. The service was great the food was very good. I wouldn’t rank it in my top five steakhouse but they are certainly very good.

[@typerk]

I went to a place last week in ft worth that kinda reminds me of this place. Same bread, same butter dish, same table lighting. I wonder if they are affiliated with Wicked Butcher

[@HerrBrutal-bl2fk]

Magnificent.

[@bb57365]

Impressive place. Definitely looks like it could hold it's own with a NYC steakhouse.

[@thomasbello221]

If ever in Atlantic City you need to try Vic Anthony’s bone in Ribeye pro best I ever had.