Percy undergoes rebranding to an all-day diner format following varied customer feedback.
Percy, a newly established culinary venue in Philadelphia, has recently transitioned into a permanent all-day diner, just six months after its debut. The restaurant, co-owned by Seth Kligerman and the team that previously launched Forín, has made this change in response to feedback regarding its dining experience. Located under the El at 1700 N. Front Street, Percy has become a focal point for diners seeking both traditional breakfast fare and innovative dinner options.
This shift was officially announced on a Thursday when Percy unveiled its revamped menu through social media, which now features a 12-item all-day selection. The menu includes beloved diner classics, available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., as well as streamlined breakfast and dinner-only options. Kligerman noted that the kitchen’s new direction highlights Percy’s “true identity,” especially following a period of mixed reviews that highlighted stronger brunch offerings compared to a more upscale dinner selection, previously dominated by -plus entrees.
In its initial phase, Percy garnered attention for standout dishes such as its ricotta pancakes and babka French toast. However, despite these crowd-pleasers, it did not escape criticism. Notably, a prominent food critic labeled it “Philly’s most disappointing new restaurant,” citing a lack of substance behind its stylish ambiance.
Despite such critiques, the restaurant has successfully leveraged public feedback to refine its offerings. Kligerman expressed appreciation for constructive criticism, indicating that the insights gained have been instrumental in evolving the restaurant’s concept. The latest menu iterations reflect this commitment, introducing breakfast items such as the Philly Grand Slam — a hearty diner-style breakfast featuring two eggs, home fries, and a choice of meats — and dinner options like a fried chicken Reuben and a modern meatloaf served with red wine jus.
In an effort to foster community engagement and accessibility, Percy has significantly reduced its prices. Previously, most dinner entrees were priced between and ; now, most dishes come in below , with many popular items seeing price reductions of to . Kligerman noted that the intention behind this pricing strategy is to encourage frequent visits, positioning Percy as a true neighborhood diner.
Characterizing itself as a blend of nostalgic and contemporary, Percy adopts a mid-century modern decor style while paying homage to traditional diner aesthetics, evident in its practical dining elements like hard plastic cups and classic condiment shakers. The restaurant’s plating style also embraces a playful twist, utilizing retro-inspired TV dinner trays for its dinner service, which further enhances the diner experience.
As it establishes itself in the gastronomic landscape of Philadelphia, Percy aims to fill a gap in the increasingly limited diner scene while providing a warm, inviting atmosphere for patrons. For those interested in experiencing Percy’s revamped offerings, the diner is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays and from 9 a.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday, with Sundays operating from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant has positioned itself not only as a diner but as a community space, ensuring it caters to a diverse array of tastes and occasions.
To learn more about the menu and upcoming events, patrons can visit Percy’s official website.
