Midtown Lunch

While I sometimes drink questionable amounts of beer at Drinker’s, I have yet to venture in to Devil’s Alley next door. Today, Luncher John lets us know we should be trying their wings. 

It’s a fact: Center City does not have a plethora of places west of Broad Street serving good barbecue. Perhaps the best such option is Devil’s Alley. Located just a couple blocks north of Rittenhouse Square at 19th and Chestnut, Devil’s Alley may seem like a typical bar and grill with a varied menu and beer selection. What separates Devil’s Alley from the rest is how well it executes its barbecue dishes.

Even though its building is somewhat narrow, Devil’s Alley certainly maximizes its space. It has two floors with outdoor seating during good weather. Glass doors on both floors can also open up on warmer days (they will be here, though its hard to remember that this week), making it appear more spacious. The limited space is evident in the bar area, where there’s not really much room for people to stand between the bar and staircase.

The menu contains comfort food like burgers, nachos, soups and
sandwiches. While there are not too many items below $10, a must-try
are the chicken wings ($9.95). They come as either Sams BBQ with
potato salad or spicy dry rub with cucumber salad. Go with the dry
rub. They are amazing. The chicken falls off the bone, and the smoked
dry rub taste offers a contrast to typical buffalo wings. There’s a
little bit of spice, but it’s certainly not overwhelming. The creamy
sauce drizzled on the plate and thinly-sliced cucumber salad
complement the wings perfectly.  Your hands will get messy, but that’s
a small price to pay.

Another good option is the pulled pork sandwich ($9.95). It’s topped
by melted cheddar and accompanied by hand-cut fries and cole slaw.
Pork is piled on thick, and it’s a juicy sandwich with good barbecue
sauce. The fries are also crispy and quite satisfying.

Beyond the wings and pulled pork, there are a handful of other
sandwiches, including barbecued chicken, and salads that are under
$10. But I strongly recommend giving the wings a try.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

•  The dry rub wings are among the best you’ll ever have.
•  There’s an extensive grill menu of appetizers, pizza, salads, burgers, sandwiches and entrees.
• The open glass doors on both floors during nice days make it an enjoyable experience.

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• Your hands will get messy eating the wings and pulled pork sandwich.
• There are not a lot of options under $10.

Devil’s Alley, 1907 Chestnut Street, (215) 751-0707, devilsalleybarandgrill.com