Friday Saturday Sunday’s: Michelin Restaurant in Philadelphia

For many locals, the restaurant on 21st Street is a memory of the past—a reliable neighborhood spot that operated for 40 years. But for the modern culinary world, it is the powerhouse creation of husband-and-wife team Chad and Hanna Williams, who took a gamble on a legacy name and transformed it into one of the best dining experiences in America.

The Transformation: A Risk That Paid Off

When Chad and Hanna Williams purchased the restaurant in 2015, they made a bold choice: they kept the name, but gutted everything else.

• The Chef: Chad Williams, formerly of Garces Trading Company and Amada, brought a "razor-sharp" focus to the kitchen.
• The Visionary: Hanna Williams reimagined the space and service, creating an atmosphere that the Michelin Guide describes as "spirited and enjoyable."

The result was a slow-burn success story that culminated first in a 2023 James Beard Award for "Outstanding Restaurant" and now, the ultimate seal of approval from Michelin.

The Experience: What to Expect

Unlike its à la carte predecessor, the modern Friday Saturday Sunday is an all-in affair. The dining room, located on the second floor (note: there is no elevator), serves a singular 8-course tasting menu priced at approximately $185 per person.

The Michelin inspectors were particularly taken with the restaurant's ability to balance high-technique cooking with soulful flavors.

• The Signature Dish: The Crispy Sweetbreads are the menu's unshakeable anchor. Served with mushrooms and plantains, they are widely considered the best version of the dish in the city, if not the country.
• Inspectors' Favorites: The Guide also highlighted the Quail with Pâte for its textural mastery and the New York Strip, which was called a "lesson in expert seasoning."

The Vibe: Intimate and "Spirited"

While the food is serious, the atmosphere avoids the stuffiness often associated with starred dining. The upstairs dining room is dimly lit, romantic, and cozy, making it a prime location for dates and anniversaries.

Meanwhile, the first-floor bar remains a destination in its own right. While the tasting menu is strictly upstairs, the marble-topped bar downstairs often serves excellent cocktails and a more abbreviated experience for walk-ins who are lucky enough to grab a seat.

Visiting Friday Saturday Sunday

• Location: 261 S. 21st St, Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia.
• Reservation Status: Extremely High Demand. Following the announcement, reservations are expected to be booked out months in advance.
• Best Bet: If you cannot get a table upstairs, try your luck at the downstairs bar early in the evening on a weeknight.