BYOB Restaurants

The scarcity and high cost of liquor licenses available to Pennsylvania restaurateurs combined with the absence of a law prohibiting patrons from bringing liquor into a restaurant has resulted in an active bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) scene in Philadelphia. Natives know that BYOs have the most flavorful food and atmosphere, not to mention a bill that, with no heavily marked-up wine list, is easier to digest. Bringing your own is penalty-free -- there's no extra charge for corkage.

Effie's (1127 Pine St., Center City. 215/592-8333) doesn't get the attention it deserves, probably because it's been here so long. The Greek taverna in a 19th-century brownstone in the middle of Pine Street's Antique Row serves casual country Greek basics that are consistently satisfying. There's always a selection of fresh fish that can be simply grilled and seasoned with olive oil and lemon. Ask for a seat in the courtyard if the weather's nice.

Jamaican Jerk Hut (1436 South St., Center City. 215/545-8644) is a BYOB, but the liquid of choice here is rum, to mix with the Hut's selection of tropical juices. Chef Nicola Shirley lovingly tends to jerk pork and chicken over an authentic pit; the culinary school grad also serves her exemplary versions of her homeland's curries and roti (pancakes with fillings such as curried chickpeas or chicken). When weather permits, eat in a charming back garden; the tiny storefront is primarily takeout.

Matyson (37 S. 19th St., Rittenhouse Square. 215/564-2925) is one of many BYOs in the city where the partners in the kitchen are also partners in life. Here Matt and Sonjia Spector (they joined the first syllables of their names) turn out a menu of eclectic, fused American cuisine. Steak frites and herb-roasted chicken are favorites, as are any of Sonjia's desserts.

Mercato (1216 Spruce St., Center City. 215/985-2962) in a former corner food market is noisy, cramped, and cash-only. Because of its no-reservation policy, people waiting for a table stand pressed up against the door. Still, they keep packing them in. Why? It's the Italian/New American bistro's attention to detail, visible in the exquisite artisanal cheese plate, the perfectly seared scallops, the separate olive oil menu, and the homemade triangle-shaped pasta.

One funky foodie favorite with a BYOB policy is Pumpkin (1713 South St., Center City. 215/545-4448), where the produce-driven menu changes daily depending on what's inspired self-taught chef Ian Moroney that particular day. A $30 tasting menu on Wednesday highlights such fresh, eclectic fare as grilled quail with citrus and fig balsamic, and salmon with chimichurri sauce, pineapple and Serrano salsa. Calling ahead is essential to snagging a spot in the 28-seat, elbow-to-elbow dining room.