Now that I've actually eaten here a couple of times, I feel like I should update my original review. I still like Knock for all the same reasons, but now I also give them two thumbs up for the yummy and reasonably priced (for small plates anyway) food. Shrimp and beef skewers with apricot glaze are delish, the lobster and brie flatbread is amazing, and the chicken fingers were huge and delightfully crispy. read more

I recently came back for drinks and appetizers. We ordered corn fritters with a mushroom and goat cheese sauce....yum! We also ordered some shrimp with beef skewers. Everthing was delicious! Aaron, our server, was awesome! Even though it was weeks ago, he remembered what me and my friend ordered the last time we were there! This totally impressed my other friend who used to be a restaurant manager. This place just keeps getting better and better! Love it! read more

Our concierge at the Loew's sent us here when we asked for a bar downtown where we could get a nice martini before dinner. It was a great call. We didn't eat - just came for a drink. The place was lively on a Friday night at cocktail hour. The crowd was a mix of young and old, which is nice. And the bartenders were REALLY nice. read more

After celebrating my birthday at Valanni, we were looking for a place where some people could snack and others could drink that was nearby. After a quick search on Yelp, this place came up with good reviews, and seeing that it was close by, we decided to go. I'm glad we did. I can't say enough good things about the service. Our large group was quickly attended to, and they put some tables together for us. I ordered a watermelon martini, which was very good. It was sweet, but not overly so, and with a good amount of liquor. Many others at my table got food. The sweet potato fries mixed with regular fries and jalapenos were really good. Everyone who got mini pizza like things (sorry I don't remember what they were called) really enjoyed them. Everything came out quickly. They immediately brought us water, and kept it refilled. It was a good experience. I will be back when I'm in the neighborhood! read more

Nice & attentive staff complimented by good food. The salads and soups are well-portioned and the flatbreads are delicious.

I reserved hi-top tables by the bar for a party of 20 two weeks in advance of our date. I called three days prior to our arrival to confirm our party and assured everything was set. As quests arrived for our party, there was no room for us to sit and they did nothing to make room. We left and had to relocate a party of 20 at the last minute. 30 minutes after we left, a manager called my cell phone and said they have room for us now. I never went back and I never will. As a business owner myself, I feel this is a poorly managed restaurant. If you go on a whim, with a small crowd, maybe Knock is a nice place to hang out. I would not suggest having a planned event here. read more

I describe Knock to my skeptical friends as being like an urban ski lodge. Toasty cedar smells always greet you when you walk in, the dark wood walls and faux-fireplace are highlighted by warm lights and a few tasteful mirrors. This isn't your mother's gay bar. Knock is so comfortable and friendly its no wonder that you see the same faces here day after day. And unlike some other places in the vicinity, its always full of friendly conversation, a competent staff and very few roofies (kidding)... There was a time when I sat at the bar at Knock 2 or 3 times a week. It's my Cheers. I don't have time for those shenanigans anymore, but whenever I go back, I always drag friends along because you'll never find a more friendly bar. The very attractive staff always has something to interesting to say and, if you're lucky, the owner Bill Wood (formerly of Woody's) will drop a juicy story about Grace Jones riding her motorcycle through Pure back when it was the 2-4 Club. True, things like this don't help Knock shake its rep as an old man's bar, a brighter, cleaner Uncles. But, honestly, I just like to think of it as more grown up. Its the kind of place you find in every neighborhood in New York--as cosmopolitan as Therapy; as relaxed and fun as Gym. Depending on the time of night you'll find everything from party-hearty newly 21-year-olds, to 35-year-old professionals, to guys in their 60s enjoying a nightcap or a late night snack (the kitchen serves delicious flatbread pizzas until 1am. I'm still craving the Lobster White Pizza). There's not a person I've met yet who hasn't enjoyed this bar. Its a refreshing change of pace, a lot of fun and the kind of place where everybody feels at home. read more

As one of the venues during Restaurant Week, a friend invited me for lunch yesterday. I arrived first and our waiter who was also the bartender invited me to sit at the table of my choice. There was a party of four men and another of two women so I chose a table with a banquet. Our waiter came over gave me a menu, asked if I wanted a drink which I declined. He left and returned with two glasses of water. I looked over the special Restaurant Week menu and my friend arrived about 10 minutes later, after the we greeted each other, the waiter returned to our table and when we asked for some time to decide what we wanted, he said no problem, and gestured around the room to indicate how empty it was. When he returned we made our selection of salad, I had a turkey club which came with a small salad on the side, and a chocolate torte. My friend ordered the salmon burger which came with a side order of fries, and for dessert, a slice of carrot cake. Sandwiches, salads and fries were made to order and were excellent with thick slices of chicken breast on an excellent toasted bread. I asked that the cheese and bacon be left off my sandwich and was easily accommodated. The torte was a dense rich chocolate that was beyond delicious, and my friend was quite pleased with his carrot cake. Afterwards he ordered coffee and I had tea and when our waiter brought out a very large teapot and set it down near me I fell in love with Woody. I'm a dedicated tea drinker, and seriously resent that tea is usually treated as an after thought in far to many restaurants, while coffee drinkers enjoy bottomless cups of coffee. Sometimes they insult tea buy throwing a cup of water in their microwave and bring it to the table with white foam floating on the water. All in all it was a lovely meal, waiter was friendly without hovering, and the ambience pleasant, with music from a streaming service. The tables are a bit worse for wear, and it was on the chilly side. Incidentally, Knock is named after a county in Ireland where Bill Wood's ancestors were born. read more

I was in Philly last week on Convention for the American Theatre Organ Society. We were taken to Knock by a regular customer and we had an incredible time. The owner, Woody, and his staff welcomed us and made us feel like family. They even sat with us and talked for quite a while. The drinks, atmosphere, and clientle were a delight. They even allowed us to take over their piano room one evening. We went back 6 nights in a row. I will go back. Thanks guys! read more

The service and atmosphere here are great. But the menu seems to have shrunk over the years, at least in terms of variety. Lots of emphasis on burgers, but not many other options. One beef, one chicken, one fish dish and that's about it. Sometimes the food is quite good, but no always. Menu could really use a refresh and the kitchen needs to be a bit more consistent. read more

This place is like two different restaurants sometimes. Service is lousy 80 percenty of the time. We are in here every Sunday as this is where the group likes to go. Some of the food can be good and other times it's of a poor nature. I think maybe they have two different lead cooks/chefs? I ordered a stuffed burger last week, it was on the special menu and it came out over done with a burnt roll. (second week in a row I got a burnt roll) I sent it back and it came out rare with parts that were raw. I didn't want to send it back again because it would seem I was being too picky and someone else was paying the check, so okay I let it go. I have always been a fan of the atmosphere and also a year or so ago I had some fantastic lamb chop, so I put this review right in the middle. IF YOU DON'T LIKE OVER DONE OR RAW MEAT DON'T COME. read more

Stopped in while traveling. Nice interior. But your typical gay restaurant. Overpriced drinks marginal food. It was "so-so"--it was one of several places we visited in CC while in town-- it was "just OK" read more

Absolutely dreadful. The decor reminds me of a tired Marriott in downtown Harrisburg. Everytime I walk in, I'm overwhelmed by what seems to be the odor of a powerful cleaning solution. The food is dreadful on a good day. It would be difficult for the service to be worse. If they know you, they appear to treat a customer well, but if you are not a regular, all you get his attitude. read more

Happen to come here with friends on a humbug and it was awesome. The menu isn't super lengthy but what they have is super delightful and they make it well. Had the chicken salad sandwich that had grapes. Was a little apprehensive about the grapes but it was a sweet surprise. Prices were reasonable and the atmosphere quaint. I was a pleasant unexpected dining experience. Would definitely go back. Came back and had rhe shrimp and crab po'boy sandwich and all I got to say now is. I love this place!! read more

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We met here for brunch and to celebrate a birthday. 9 people, we waited for our food and it came out over the next 40 mins. Some in the group had food and some didn't. Some had what they ordered and some didn't. The experience was horrible. Due to the new flooring and "improvements" it's like eating in the waiting room of a bus terminal. No noise abatement and so much noise you couldn't hear the person sitting next to you. The bar was no better. Very poor service with not enough bartenders. The bathrooms have doors with gaps of about an inch between the door and the door jam. When we complained about the mess that was supposed to be a celebration the Manager comped all of our meals. Nice move but nothing can compensate for a spoiled special occasion. I was planning on using the back room for a wedding reception but I no longer will consider this venue. Poor service, cold food and a generally miserable experience. Never again and I will share this experience with everyone I know. Sad. read more

Okay, let's be clear. This place looks kind of classy, but it's not. Which is totally fine by me. The clientele can be a bit...bleak, but if you go with friends and enjoy a few of the cheap, SUPER STRONG drinks, it can be quite a good time. Go on Thursday, when they have karaoke. It takes entertainment to a whole new level. read more

Checked this spot out last night for a before dinner drink while waiting for a table Garces. We found 2 spots at the friendly bar and placed our order. The drink menu was fine for me but my friend, a self imposed beer snob was skeptical when he noticed "miller lite " on tap and his fears were realized when he found a typo on menu describing his beer as an IPA when it clearly was a pale ale. Reasonable prices for 2 drinks and the staff was friendly and attentive. I would check out again and maybe sit outside and have a lite bite. read more

I loved Knock. The atmosphere was upscale and fun and the food was very good. Will definitely return on my next visit to Philadelphia.

The atmosphere is nice and it is quite overall. I had a flatbread cheesesteak pizza that was honestly subpar. The bartender was more interested in chatting with his friends than serving us. The cleanliness could be improved in the bar and dining area. I would not recommend this place at all unless you enjoy a bunch of old prissy men sitting around. read more

I love coming to Knock. Food is always well-prepared, the drinks are excellent and the staff is friendly and efficient.

I went with a couple of friends for lunch there today on a visit from NY. The waiter was nice, but not helpful. He recommended the calamari and the pollack and chips. Evidently, they fried everything in water. The calamari was rubbery and the coating was mushy. The fish filets were also mushy, the "chips" were real chips (no fries? REALLY?), and the salad was soggy. To be fair, I should say that both of my friends had the salmon BLT sandwich and said they liked their meals. Maybe I caught them on a bad day. read more

I was there last Saturday early evening. Sat outside. I ordered the southwest egg rolls. My significant other ordered the wings. The service was good. The staff was nice. The food we ordered was very good too. Only one problem.... Three hours later I had bad stomach pains and threw up. That was the only food I had that day. And none of the other three people I spent the weekend with in close quarters got sick. Based on the facts, I suspect that either the food handler had dirty hands or the southwest egg rolls were bad. read more

In the back, this place has perhaps what is the greatest piano lounge in the entire tri - State area, and Yelp's description doesn't even mention it ! They run it each Friday and Saturday evening . read more

Ate there yesterday during Outfest, place was not crowded. Ate there several times in the past. Our waiter was cold and had the attitude of Joan Crawford on acid. Drinks were watered down and food was so- so. A couple beside us received a dirty glass and when they brought it to the waiters attention his reply was in abitchy attitude was ... " We'll see what we can do !", after several minutes of no response they left. When the waiter returned he just said " tough / next ! " . And three guys on the other side of our table that the one received a wrong salad. They took his wrong salad back to the kitchen and never returned with the correct one. I ate there in the past when the place was packed and better waiters and no issues. But to eat there and the place is a little over half full and this happens ... no excuse! I worked in restaurants and bars and this is unacceptable. Never going back ... I'll spend my rainbow dollars at a better establishment. read more

Just had dinner. The place is great. Food is usually quite good. Pork chop was outstanding. However prime rib special left something to be desired. Very thin and overdone. read more

One of my favorite gay bar in the city. Great place for happy hour, lunch, brunch and dinner. The staff are wonderful and the drinks are strong. A great meeting place to get a cocktail or two before heading to the other great bars/clubs in the city. read more

I've enjoyed the best of martinis & times when we lived in the city. We always stopped here with our friends for drinks when out for the evening. The martinis are large enough to be kiddie pools and they are always delish. The food can be a little hit or miss but generally more hit than miss. We are usually sit at the bar and have always had the best of service from all the bartenders. We've also experienced Phillip as a server and yes he's a bit of a bitch. The rest of the staff more than makes up for him though. read more

Stopped by for Thursday night karaoke and a few drinks with some friends; the bar was quite packed, so as soon as we had our drinks, we retreated to the [very comfortable] seating area, which was far less crowded. None of us ended up singing, but it was fun to sit and watch other people sing--to my knowledge it was mostly the guy who was hosting, and he was actually pretty good! I could tell Knock was definitely more classy than some of the other gay bars in the area *cough*Woody's*cough*, but that's definitely a good thing. They have a pretty good drink menu; well priced and a vast selection, and I'd love to come back and give the karaoke a shot. read more

Scallops are really nice. The veggies are also very good. The waiter was relaxed and funny. Very nice experience.

Great places for dinner and drinks. The short ribs are fantastic and so is the Caesar salad.

Just ate here with my husband and our adult children, a party of 7. Great atmosphere, superb service! I had the crab cakes and they were delicious. Great people, drinks, and food - what more can you ask for? read more

I have a love hate relationship with knock. On a good night, it's a fun crowd, good food and a good mood. Although, sometimes depending on whether or not they're hosting private parties or if there are cliques scattered about, you may or may not get acknowledged or served. I prefer the upscale feel of the place but a burger could put you in the poor house. Overall I will give it a good rating because I do enjoy spending my time there.. read more

Chill bar in Center City! Definitely worth stopping by for a drink or two. Food is yummy as well...

Being an out of towner, I was quite pleased with the atmosphere and the drinks. If I had to pick something bad I'd say the service could be a little better. Overall though it's a great place for a drink and meeting up with friends. read more

Knock's owner, Bill Wood (former owner and founder of landmark Woody's), was quite on point when he identified the need for a classy, warm, bourgeois gay bar in the heart of the Gayborhood and he hit it out of the park when he started Knock. The menu is fantastic, and the crowd is generally more polite, well-dressed, and professional than many other locales in the neighborhood. Now, this is a double edged sword: while it invites great conversation and gentlemen of similar backgrounds, it can also invite a mild snootiness and atmosphere ill-matched to a friendly neighborhood bar. Then again, Knock isn't that corner taproom or neighborhood watering hole. Instead, it's a good attempt at an upscale gay establishment. I would rate Knock higher than three stars were it not for a few factors. First, while the menu is fantastic and, frankly, delicious, the prices are higher than they should be. While I understand the difficulty in making a restaurant inside a bar profitable, with some creative tweaking, the menu could change and prices could go down all the while keeping it delectable. In addition, the overall layout of the bar itself is awkward. Instead of having a traditional wall bar or rectangular bar with good lines of sight, the bar is, more or less, a right triangle with odd vantage points. Finally, I'd say that the bar is entirely too small. I have attempted to take dates here to have to leave because of the scores of men crammed into a tiny space all the while empty tables sit in the dining area. With some creative redesign with high top rounds instead of stationary seating areas, Knock would be a knock out of the park. read more

This place has a nice bar. The food is terrible. Greasy, poorly prepared, without thought, tasteless food. Awesome bar staff. Drink here and skip dining. read more

So, this place is is much less "clubby" than any of the other gay spots in the city. It's more like an upscale piano bar (I think they do actually do live show tunes on piano some nights), with a dining area. I would like to try to eat here, but I never have because they have NOTHING vegan on the menu. So, I really only come here for the drinks, which is why I stopped at 3-stars. read more

Wonderful food, drinks and people. We stop by every time we are in Philly

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT HERE!!! That's all. No big lines or 45 minute drink orders. Best food and great atmosphere. Perfect for dinner and some drinks and great conversation. Every time we go here we make new friends. read more

Bravo. Finally a sensible restaurant for the area. The atmosphere was comfortable and fashion appointed. The food was excellent. The chicken ceasar salad was very tasty with excellent dressing and fresh greens. There was enough chicken for three separate sales. The braised short rib, though not on the bone, was tender and very tasty. Since I travel for my job, I can compare this dish to many I tired throughout the US. Tis ranks up there at the top of the list. The waiter, Dominic, was ecellent and very friendly. He helped us decide our choices. And his recommendations were excellent. His personality and stories were helped to make the meal enjoyable Worhtthetrip while in Philly. I'll be back. read more