Lou Birds

500 South 20th Street

On a quiet, charming corner between Rittenhouse and Graduate Hospital, a neighborhood bistro called to me. Lou Birds is the new spot from the owners of The Happy Rooster, and took over Meritage (RIP). They have outdoor seating, a nice bar and elegant interior touches. 

I was lucky enough to experience the entire menu (I dined with seven others – I’m not that gluttonous). We were excited to taste each dish – fluke crudo, pork belly and lobster with whole wheat pasta are not standard bistro fare – but we were disappointed when the portions were not sized to share. A bite of each dish left us feeling unsatisfied. I would recommend ordering a first, second and main course if your intentions are to leave feeling full.  My favorite dish of the night was The French Onion Oxtail soup (not pictured below).

Overall, this is the kind of place you’re lucky to have if you live nearby, but not quite worth making a trip for.  So if you find yourself in Rittenhouse on a date or taking a stroll with your parents, Lou Birds is a safe bet.

Pierogies: Roasted potato and duck confit, whipped horseradish butterm

Pork Belly: toast, sorghum glaze, braised collard green puree, black eyed peas

Baby Artichokes: sunflower seed pesto, dried kalamata olive, lemon

Duck Breast: chestnut puree, blueberries, chicory duck jus, escarole

Peking Poussin: buckwheat waffle, soy syrup, scallion

American Wagyu Strip: fingerling potatoes, brussels sprouts, kim-chimi

Striped Bass: fennel, farro, beets, onion