Byblos

Byblos blows! Well, at least the entree that I ordered did: the Shrimp Scampi…For $18 you get six tiny shrimp doused in some oily spinach on a massive plate. No couscous, rice, or bread comes with this. Not even any free complimentary bread! I as tempted to run outside and find a Philly Soft Pretzel vendor, but that’s just the carb maniac that I am.

Now, I know I sound like an old man complaining, but I was extremely hungry. I even held off on eating anything since brunch for this late night b-day dinner for one of Melissa’s friends.

Byblos, a relatively small and narrow dark spot next to Bar Noir in Rittenhouse, dishes up Mediterranean cuisine in a loud hip-hop club kind’ve setting.

The DJ conveniently sets up gear next to the bathrooms, where a line of 3 people creates a nightmare for the waitresses coming out of the kitchen door. A dancefloor of some sort formed near the main entrance when a guy off the street, dressed like George Clinton, busted in seemingly straight from a rave. The mix of rock and dance music sequed into half hour house beats, such as the sped up “Could You Be Loved” by Bob Marley.

Overall, the menu was quite diverse, but the Shrimp Scampi is an absolute joke. One thing that I noticed on the Drinks Menu is that you can order an entire bottle of hard liquor for your table. A bottle of Jack Daniel’s went for a mere $275.

The main attractions are the massive hookahs that you can purchase for $20. Our table went for a one with mango flavoured tobacco. Even though I don’t smoke, it was somewhat refreshing and filled me up more than the Shrimp Scampi.

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