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News: F+B
January 15, 2025

White Dog Cafe Debuts a Fifth Location in Philadelphia

The restaurant occupies a refurbished farmhouse that served as a stop on the Underground Railroad

Words by: Stephanie Chen • Photos by Jason Varney

white dog chester springs philadelphia dining room tavern gallery wall

News:

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January 15, 2025

White Dog Cafe Debuts a Fifth Location in Philadelphia

The restaurant occupies a refurbished farmhouse that served as a stop on the Underground Railroad

Words by: Stephanie Chen • Photos by Jason Varney

Stokes Architecture + Design has transformed the former home of abolitionist, revolutionary, and potter John Vickers into a new White Dog Cafe location. (The contemporary dining concept now boasts five outposts across the Philadelphia area.)

Situated in a refurbished farmhouse that once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, the café blends history with a playful, dog-themed narrative across seven uniquely designed rooms.

white dog chester springs philadelphia dining room fireplace

The design of White Dog Cafe

Previously home to Vickers Restaurant, a fine dining spot for 50 years, the space now channels the charm and warmth of a British pub from the 1800s. Custom fabric banquettes, vintage church pews, and a mix of eclectic seating enhance the pub-like ambiance. Original brick flooring in the dining and drawing rooms were preserved and refreshed with new finishes as well.

In the 1990s, an addition was built to add a banquet hall to the restaurant space. Here, Stokes A+D referenced stable architecture and created a semi-open floor plan that now houses the main bar, illuminated by hexagonal lanterns rescued from an old church.

white dog chester springs philadelphia dining room stable bar

A retractable awning, a fireplace on the front patio, and a second covered patio on the side of the building were also added.

As a nod to Vickers’ pottery background, a collection of large stoneware jugs is prominently displayed in the space, too.

white dog chester springs philadelphia dining room portraitsAn ode to the canine

The café’s canine theme is woven throughout, from the custom mural by Reverend Michael Allen—depicting heaven, hell, and a host of named dogs—to framed silhouettes of various dog breeds by local artist Janelle Morrison.

The design even extends to the plateware, which furthers the feeling that each room is as cozy and personalized as a dog-lover’s home. Fireplaces anchor each room, including a double-sided hearth that links the main bar to a dining room.

white dog chester springs philadelphia dining room stable bar

white dog chester springs philadelphia dining room

white dog chester springs philadelphia dining room

white dog chester springs philadelphia dining room covered porch

white dog chester springs philadelphia outdoor patio fireplace

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9 Trends That Will Shape the Hospitality Industry in 2025
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