Center City Steakhouse Becomes Unexpected Hotspot for Viral $39 ‘Girl Dinner’ Trend
In an unlikely convergence of high-end dining and Gen Z internet culture, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in Center City, Philadelphia, has found itself at the epicenter of the “Girl Dinner” phenomenon. The historic bank-turned-steakhouse, typically associated with business lunches and expense-account dinners, is seeing a surge in a new demographic thanks to a $39 bar special that social media users have dubbed the ultimate “Girl Dinner.”
The Deal Behind the Hype
The offering, officially titled “Shucked, Fried, Tossed, & Stirred” on the menu, was not originally marketed with the viral moniker. Priced at $39, the bar-exclusive sampler includes a carefully curated quartet of luxury staples: a choice of a VIP, Gin, or Vodka martini; a half-dozen fresh oysters; a petite Caesar salad; and a serving of truffle French fries.
While the “Shucked, Fried, Tossed, & Stirred” combo debuted on the bar menu last October, its explosion in popularity is recent. Data indicates a sharp uptick in orders following a February 2026 TikTok video by Philadelphia-based influencer Hannah Sparkevicius, who framed the meal as the “perfect girl dinner.” The video, which racked up over 100,000 views, showcased the aesthetic appeal of the spread—martini glass in hand, fries and oysters on the table—transforming a standard happy hour discount into a lifestyle signifier.
Sawan Thakkar, Vice President of Operations at Del Frisco’s, confirmed the trend’s tangible impact, reporting a “noticeable increase” in guests specifically requesting the special by its viral nickname rather than its menu title.
Background: The ‘Girl Dinner’ Phenomenon
The concept of “Girl Dinner” originated on TikTok in mid-2023, initially describing the low-effort, chaotic, grazing-style meals women might assemble when eating alone—think cheese plates, pickles, crackers, and grapes. However, the trend has since evolved from “scrounging in the fridge” to an aestheticized dining category. It now often refers to meals that prioritize variety, shareability, and a balance of “high and low” foods (e.g., champagne and french fries), rejecting the structure of a traditional protein-starch-veg entrée.
For a legacy steakhouse like Del Frisco’s, this shift represents a significant pivot. Steakhouses have historically catered to a male-dominated clientele, focusing on large cuts of red meat and heavy sides. By accidentally curating a menu that aligns with the “grazing” preference of younger female diners, Del Frisco’s has tapped into a market that many fine-dining establishments struggle to reach.
Objections and Criticism
Despite the viral success, the trend—and this specific iteration of it—has faced scrutiny.
Nutritional Concerns: Health critics argue that legitimizing a meal consisting largely of alcohol, deep-fried carbohydrates, and raw shellfish as a “dinner” promotes disordered eating habits. While the calorie count is likely sufficient due to the fries and alcohol, the nutritional balance is skewed heavily toward fats and sodium, lacking the substantial protein or fiber profile of a standard meal.
Gender Stereotyping: Sociocultural commentators have raised objections to the “Girl Dinner” label itself. Critics suggest that branding smaller, daintier, or “fun” portions specifically for women reinforces regressive stereotypes about female appetites and the idea that women shouldn’t eat “real” meals.
Economic Reality: While $39 is a discount relative to the à la carte prices of a Center City steakhouse (where a martini alone can approach $20), financial pragmatists note that almost $50 (after tax and tip) for what is essentially appetizers remains a luxury expenditure, repackaged as an accessible “deal.”
The Verdict
Whether viewed as a brilliant marketing accident or a symptom of shifting dining norms, the popularity of the $39 special highlights a changing guard in luxury dining. As influencers continue to dictate restaurant trends, even the most traditional institutions are finding that their most valuable asset might not be their dry-aged ribeye, but their ability to fit into a 15-second video clip.
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