Exploring the Culinary Excellence of Crown Restaurants: More Than Just Dining

An Inside Look at Signature Dishes, Chef Michael Schulson’s Vision, Community Engagement, and the Future of Crown Restaurants

Crown Restaurants is a prominent dining brand known for delivering unique culinary experiences. Established with the vision of creating exceptional dining spaces, Crown Restaurants has become synonymous with quality and innovation in the culinary landscape. This brand represents a culmination of passionate endeavors by Chef Michael Schulson and other culinary creatives who are committed to elevating the dining experience.

Founded in Philadelphia, Crown Restaurants encapsulate a diverse range of culinary styles and dining concepts. The brand stands as a testament to the pursuit of excellence in gastronomy and hospitality. Visitors to these restaurants experience a world where every detail—from the ambiance to the service—reflects a commitment to unforgettable culinary artistry.

Crown Restaurants includes notable establishments such as Harp & Crown and Double Knot, each bringing something unique to the table. As we delve into the specifics of these dining concepts, kitchen philosophies, menu offerings, and community engagement initiatives, it becomes clear that Crown Restaurants are more than just places to eat; they are vibrant social hubs where food, culture, and community converge.

Types of Restaurants Under the Crown Brand

Crown Restaurants boasts a curated selection of distinctive dining concepts. Each concept reflects a different take on cuisine, ambiance, and culinary philosophy.

• Harp & Crown features a New-American menu in a bi-level setting, noted for its exclusive downstairs speakeasy-style bowling alley, offering a blend of upscale dining and unique entertainment.
• Double Knot is a Japanese-inspired gastropub with acclaimed sushi, robatayaki, and Asian-inspired tapas. Its bi-level design and inventive menu have garnered local and national accolades.

Menus across these restaurants are seasonal, featuring signature items and innovative preparations in both food and beverages. Reservations enhance the exclusive atmosphere, accommodating special dining experiences.

Chef Michael Schulson’s Influence

Chef Michael Schulson is the visionary behind the Schulson Collective, encompassing Crown Restaurants. His impact is evident across all facets of the brand:

• He is a Culinary Institute of America graduate whose career milestones include the founding of Izakaya and later, Harp & Crown and Double Knot.
• His philosophy centers on culinary innovation, local sourcing, and a guest-first approach, infusing each restaurant with originality and warmth.
• Schulson and his establishments have received numerous industry accolades, cementing his reputation as an influential restaurateur.

Chef Schulson’s commitment to community, innovation, and culinary mastery drives the ethos of Crown Restaurants.

Menu Highlights

• Pastrami Burger: A much-loved dish, blending classic cheeseburger flavors with hot pastrami for a memorable twist.
• Seasonal specialties introduce fresh, local ingredients, while beverage programs feature curated wine lists, craft cocktails, and beer selections tailored to each venue’s concept.
• Menus change regularly at Harp & Crown and Double Knot, emphasizing new flavors and inventive culinary expressions, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to surprise and delight.

Community Engagement and Dining Experience

• Crown Restaurants partner with local charities, support area farms, and participate in local food events, showing tangible investment in the community.
• The atmosphere is a cornerstone of the guest experience: warm, inviting, and designed for both casual and special occasions.
• Feedback from guests is actively sought and integrated, ensuring evolving menus and service standards reflect the desires of a loyal clientele.

Future Expansion Plans

• Crown Restaurants anticipates expanding with new concepts and locations, both within the Philadelphia region and beyond.
• Even as they grow, the brand remains focused on its core values—quality, creativity, and community involvement.
• Sustainability is increasingly central, with initiatives for eco-friendly operations and reduced environmental impact shaping future decision-making.

Conclusion

Crown Restaurants, most notably Harp & Crown and Double Knot within the Schulson Collective, have left an indelible mark on Philadelphia’s culinary scene. Chef Michael Schulson’s contributions and the ongoing evolution of these restaurants ensure they are not merely dining destinations but vibrant cultural and social landmarks where food, ambiance, and community converge.

Call to Action

Have you visited any of the Crown Restaurants? Share your experiences or favorite dishes in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the culinary innovation and community spirit that Crown Restaurants bring to our dining scene! Join the conversation and explore all that these exceptional dining establishments offer.

The Schulson Collective and Harp & Crown

Harp & Crown is a standout venue in the Schulson Collective’s portfolio. Opened in 2016, its concept merges a feminine garden beer hall with a subterranean speakeasy bowling lane, creating a space that transitions seamlessly from day to night. The restaurant’s striking design has been recognized among the “Most Beautiful Restaurants of 2016” by Eater National.

The main restaurant offers sophisticated contemporary dining, while the downstairs bowling alley (reservations-only) provides cocktails, pizza, and charcuterie in a relaxed setting—one of Philadelphia’s top dining and bowling experiences.

Chef Michael Schulson’s Broader Impact

• 2016 saw the debut of both Harp & Crown and Double Knot. Double Knot features modern Japanese cuisine and has received three bells from the Philadelphia Inquirer, three stars and “2016 Best New Restaurant” recognition from Philadelphia magazine, and was listed among Zagat’s “15 Biggest Restaurant Openings of 2016.”
• DK Sushi, a 2018 spinoff, expanded to the University of Pennsylvania food hall, offering signature sushi sets and a fine-casual, high-tech experience.

Culinary Approach and Menu

Harp & Crown’s menu features globally inspired New-American cuisine rooted in seasonal, local ingredients. An impressive beverage program complements the food menu with inventive cocktails and over 40 beers on tap.

Dining Experience

Every aspect—from branding by Cohere to the versatile day-to-night atmosphere—fosters a unique environment that balances sophistication with accessibility, making Harp & Crown a leading destination in Philadelphia’s restaurant landscape.

With continuous innovation and a commitment to quality, the Schulson Collective is poised for future growth, developing new concepts that further enrich Philadelphia’s culinary diversity and community spirit.