Philadelphia Restaurant Guide

The Venture Inn is one of the oldest drinking and dining establishments in Philadelphia. By the late 1800's, the Inn, originally a carriage house, became a trendy spot with students, artists and actors from the local Philadelphian playhouses. The main structure, facing Spruce located on the corner of Dean(e) Streets, was once a home owned by the world renowned John Barrymore and family. In the mid 1800's Dean(e) Street was renamed Camac Street after the famous Camac Baths. The bar area of the Inn was once the home's patio garden Beneath the dining room, the sub-basements and tunnels extended through out the city and, gave refuge to the slaves during the Underground Railroad movement. Since 1974, the Venture Inn has been a popular gathering place for the Gay and Lesbian community. Under new ownership, Bob and the staff are proud to continue service to Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love and it's visitors.