New Fishtown steakhouse offers complimentary second servings of steak frites.

Medium Rare, a distinctive steakhouse chain originating from Washington, D.C., has made its debut in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood, situated adjacent to the popular establishment Suraya. Known for its unique ambiance and innovative dining approach, Medium Rare departs from the traditional steakhouse format to create a more casual and engaging eating experience.

The restaurant features a playful atmosphere, with French lessons displayed in restrooms, servers using crayon to take orders on paper tablecloths, and whimsical messages on cocktail napkins. This relaxed yet stylish setting sets the tone for a dining experience designed to be both enjoyable and memorable.

Medium Rare offers a prix-fixe menu with dinner priced at .95, starting with a fresh green salad dressed with Dijon vinaigrette and accompanied by a hearty piece of crusty bread. The main course includes six ounces of culotte steak served with a signature creamy sauce and a generous portion of crispy frites. While the name “Medium Rare” implies a standard cooking preference, patrons can order their steak to any desired temperature. A vegan option is also available—a grilled portobello mushroom with fire-roasted pepper sauce, priced identically to the steak.

An interesting feature of the dining experience is the service style; diners can expect to receive a second portion of steak and additional frites, which can be enjoyed on-site or taken to go. Dessert options, available for an extra , include oversized servings of chocolate and carrot cakes, as well as classic pies such as Key lime and apple. Not to forget, a hot fudge sundae garnished with jimmies completes the meal.

Weekend brunch introduces an array of attractive options at a fixed price of .95. The brunch offerings, starting on August 16, include an array of dishes such as steak frites, a unique steak and egg portobello mushroom hash with hollandaise sauce, breakfast sandwiches, steak and eggs, and a house special French toast soaked in vanilla bean custard. Additionally, all brunch meals come with complimentary juice, coffee, and soda.

Specialty cocktails like mimosas, Bloody Marys, and screwdrivers are available at 25 cents during brunch hours, adhering to Pennsylvania’s regulations regarding drink giveaways. Notably, in a local twist, martini olives at the bar are filled with Philadelphia cream cheese, enhancing the regional flavor of the experience.

Medium Rare has established itself as a leading player in the steak frites restaurant sector, with its ninth location now open in Fishtown. Founded by Mark Bucher and Tom Gregg, the establishment has shown impressive growth, offering a stylish yet unpretentious dining experience for two at a total cost of around 0, including cocktails and shared desserts.

The chain manages beef prices effectively by purchasing a single cut—culotte steak—through long-term contracts, sourcing approximately 2 million pounds annually from the New York butcher Pat LaFrieda. Bucher and Gregg are also looking to expand further, with plans for locations in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Florida.

Bucher emphasizes the brand’s commitment to community engagement through initiatives like the Feed the Fridge program, which provides daily meals to underserved populations in the Washington-Virginia area. With plans to extend this effort to Philadelphia, Medium Rare continues to build a reputation not only for its culinary offerings but also for its dedication to social responsibility.

Medium Rare’s successful model reflects a broader philosophy of fostering growth and opportunity within the industry, creating a workplace environment where employees are encouraged to learn and thrive. The company aims to create job opportunities that are sought after, rather than mere necessities, contributing to a meaningful dining experience rooted in both quality and community engagement.

As Medium Rare continues to expand, it remains to be seen how its inventive approach to steak frites will influence the culinary landscape in Philadelphia and beyond.