Cozy BYOB Bistro 7 Going for a Gastropub Vibe

Bistro 7, or B7 as it is fondly known among friends and neighbors, is reinventing itself after 11 successful years in Old City.

Chef-Owner Michael O’Halloran has added the energy of a gastropub to his cozy neighborhood BYOB: his casual new menu of French-inspired dishes is designed for sharing and sampling, allowing guests to order one or several dishes at a time. O’Halloran and his wife, Sophia Lee, also transformed the dining room, bringing a playful new look and feel to one of the city’s first and most successful BYOBs.

Sample menu items include:

• Baby Carrots with honey, yogurt and hazelnut

• Organic Tomatoes with grilled corn, baby basil and ricotta

• ‘Nduja-Braised Squid with squid ink noodles, saffron and avocado

• Escargots with fennel cream, mirepoix and croutons

• Duck Liver Mousse with truffle, pomegranate and seeded lavash

• Pork Belly with honey, peach, lavender and black lentils

• Crispy Rouget Filet with merguez, tomato, orzo and basil aioli

In addition to the new, share-able plates, the restaurant features two family-style feasts for two to four guests:

• Crispy Whole Mediterranean Sea Bass with saffron risotto, tapenade, aioli and salsa cruda

• Organic Lancaster County Chicken cooked two ways: breasts buttermilk fried with vadouvan spices and legs served tagine-style with olives, preserved lemon and crème fraîche

Guests are encouraged to BYO their favorite craft beer or spirit, as well as a bottle of wine to pair with the diverse menu. In addition, the restaurant keeps house-made seasonal mixers on hand, perfect as a non-alcoholic refresher or blended with guests’ spirit of choice.

Along with the menu changes, Bistro 7’s dining room got a dynamic makeover. Recessed lighting and exposed wood give the room a new warmth, with two funky chandeliers and patterned wallpaper adding lively character. Gone are the fussy linen tablecloths, replaced by dark wood tables, and bold splashes of red complement a palette of light blues and grays.

Near the entrance, a column is tiled with repurposed wood wine boxes, and the banquettes are upholstered with red faux leather. The comfortable setting fosters conversation, and is an ideal backdrop for the approachable new menu.

Bistro 7 is located 7 North 3rd Street in Old City. Call 215-931-1560.