Laser Wolf - Philadelphia (PA)

3 /5 Mike Rizzo: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5) We really wanted to like Laser Wolf. With a new baby at home, nights out are rare, so we hoped this would be a special one. The setup overlooking the kitchen seemed fun at first, but the fixed chairs made it awkward to get in and out. The menu also isn’t as straightforward as it looks — “Salatim included” is confusing, and even after dining, it’s not 100% clear how it all works. Our server Eddy was helpful in explaining, but overall it feels like you’re paying for a bundle of food, much of which you may not want. We ordered the sirloin shishlik ($52 for ~8oz) and the merguez. The meats were good but not worth the price. The salatim spread is plentiful, but I only took a few home (hummus, Lebanese potato salad, lutenitsa). Fries were easily the best dish of the night, the wings were tasty but messy with no wet nap provided, and the halloumi was very good. Dessert is included — we got both soft serve and sorbet — but again, it felt like cost buried in the mains rather than a bonus. Eddy was kind and attentive, but the overall value just isn’t there. $50+ entrees paired with forced sides and dessert doesn’t add up, especially in a city with so many options. Glad we tried it, but unlikely to return. Pros • Attentive and kind service (thanks, Eddy) • Fries and tehina ketchup were excellent • Halloumi and wings were solid • Dessert included (soft serve + sorbet, thanks again Eddy) Cons • Confusing menu structure • Overpriced mains ($50+ for 8oz steak) • Too many “included” sides you may not want • No wet nap for messy wings • Overall poor value compared to other Philly spots

5 /5 Chris Lopez: Heres the deal - just order the salatin with pita and the desert. There are 12 small dishes with the pita that fill a party of 2 easily. The charcoal grill items are good, but youll satisfy that flavor craving with the salatin alone. The tahina ice cream is scrumptious. FYI - the door blends into the background.

5 /5 David Schwartz: So much food. So delicious. This was another amazing experience. It wasn’t just about the food. We sat at the Chefs counter, we loved the view of the kitchen while we ate. The hummus was a real stand out. They had a rack of lamb special for two that was decadent as well. Would go again.

5 /5 Becca Hartvig: Riley K was the best server we’ve had at a restaurant in a while, we basically let him order for us and he hit it out of the park. It would be wise to request him if you can. His knowledge and passion for the food is exceptional. He certainly made the experience one to remember. The Dorade was amazing, the skirt steak also incredible. The brown sugar ice cream is 10/10. Not a single thing hit our table that we weren’t 100% impressed with. The after dinner drink he suggested was perfect. Monte negro or something I can’t remember but it’s wonderful. He will take care of you.

5 /5 Yev Yak: I’ve come out of my Google review slumber, just so that I can spread the message about how amazing Laser Wolf is (although I’m sure you already know that). I’ve heard so many good things about Laser Wolf… to the point where I started questioning if it was overhyped - I was terribly mistaken. I decided to make the trek out to Philly (unknowingly on the worst day, due to all the political protests). However, I didn’t let that keep me down. I was on a mission - Laser Wolf. As a quick prelude, I do want to mention that reservations here are hard to get. So be sure to book out weeks in advance … I was actually on the waitlist, until a 5PM dinner spot opened up. A bit early for me, but beggars can’t be choosers. I get to Laser Wolf around 4:45PM, eagerly (and awkwardly) pacing around the building until the doors opened. Once 5PM hit, I was surprised by the volume of the people that showed up at the opening. Upon entry, I was greeted by warm smells and spices and a cool/casual interior. Plenty of space, comfortable seating, and nice decor. The service was phenomenal. Our waiter was super kind and knowledgeable - explained how the whole process worked in perfect detail. For those who don’t know, when you come to Laser Wolf, you are just paying for the entrees, the salatim and the desserts are included. The salatim is basically a huge plate (with 10 smaller bowls) with different types of spreads, bites, appetizers. It also comes with hummus. The salatim by itself is already incredible. So fresh, so flavorful, and the hummus is by far the best hummus I’ve ever had. Also, don’t sleep on the fries… they are amazing - apparently they are brined and flash frozen to make them super crispy - so good! Our waiter actually hooked us up with a free order of fries, since we said we heard good things about them! What a legend! And then on to the meats, I got the chicken shishlik and the steak shishlik, both cooked to perfection. The juiciest kebab style meat I’ve ever had - and a great portion size, not too much, not too little, perfectly balanced with the salatim. I really can’t express how much I enjoyed the entire experience. From the vibes to the service to the food, everything was on point. They even had specifically designed take away containers with 4 compartments for the salatim - they really thought through everything! A quick heads up that a 20% service charge is already included on the bill. You don’t normally see that in US restaurants, but honestly the staff deserves every penny, and even some. An absolute MUST try. There’s also a location in Brooklyn, but Philly is the OG. 10 out of 5 stars.