We went for restaurant week. Awesome menu! I'm gluten free and there were so many options. The…read morerestaurant has very high ceilings and is quite loud so it can be a bit hard to hear if you're looking for an intimate dinner. My drink was just so so and pricy

TLDR: What was once a great place, has lost its way…read more We've been regulars at Fringe Bar, always enjoyed their trivia night and the food -- but they've lost their way in a most dramatic fashion and a moment when it mattered. We booked a table weeks in advance for a fun family meal, but upon arrival the maitre d' informed us that the inside restaurant had been closed for a mariachi musical evening and they were going to seat us on a picnic table outside. Putting aside the fact that it was 90 degrees and muggy, and that one of our guests was 85 years old, we said "ok." The appetizers and drinks came promptly and then suddenly, we were blasted with mariachi music out of a speaker next to our picnic table. We asked the manager to turn the music down and it was ok for a little while, but then someone came outside and turned it back up. It was so loud, you couldn't speak. And remember: this was the Fringe Bar - blasting Mexican music was not what we signed up for. We politey but firmly told the waiter that if he wanted a good tip, he would turn the music down, and he said that since we were a party of five, our tip was automatically charged. WTF! Fortunately, the manager got it, and she turned the volume down again. And it stayed down for the rest of the meal. The food was not as good as previously -- the chicken sandwich was overcooked and dried out, the rice bowl as underseasoned and the rice was overcooked, and the french fries soggy, not crisp. The caesar salad lettuce was crisp. Thankfully! When the check came, it totaled $310 with the 20% automatic tip. I had ordered a Tito's on the rocks and they charged an extra dollar for Tito's and an extra $5 for the "rocks". I wish I had kept the receipt because I would posted it. This was the first time that I was charged for the "rocks". Rather than complaining again, I'm posting this review for others to see. Fringe Bar - adios (para siempre)

I've never watched It's Always Sunny, so I wasn't aware of the connection, but our dog goes to a…read morenearby daycare and we've passed this place countless times. I'd been curious to stop in for a while. If you're sensitive to cigarette smoke, though, this is not the place for you. It was honestly almost too much for me, but having the back door open made it more tolerable. The bartender on Sunday morning was great (I think his name was Sean, but don't quote me), and he made one of the best Bloody Marys I've ever had. Prices were a bit steep, as paying $19 for a mediocre beer and a cocktail felt excessive, but I digress... I'm glad we finally checked it out, but between the prices and the smoke, I'm not sure I'd return.

It's a dive bar. It's a little smoky. But the servers are really nice and the beer tastes great!…read moreAlso, if you are a fan of It's Always Sunny you MUST come here just to check it out. I had a great time just soaking it up and chatting. Apparently, Danny Devito comes in fairly regularly. So you might get lucky. I didn't. But you might!

Overall I enjoyed myself at Cavanaugh's on a Sunday. I was in attendance to celebrate a friends…read morebirthday. They played Pandora for most of our visit but a DJ became playing music around 7pm. I enjoyed the fried shrimp and veggie platter provided but the chicken wings were fried to hard for my liking (they were a bit dry) but they looked delicious. Now the biggest things that I did not care for during this visit was the bar. The male bartender (a female came on later on around 6pm or 7) while making our drinks dropped the lime on the outdoor bar and instead of tossing it, he put it on the side of the cup as garnishment. I didn't order another drink after that and stuck to beer in a can. After that I sat at the bar to watch how he worked and not one time did I see him wash his hands, wipe the bar down, or clean up the salt from the plate of salt that was on the bar for what I believe was used for margaritas that blew down the bar from the wind. Unfortunately, that is a turn off for me so I don't ever need another drink at this bar. Also, the food for the party should have been setup in the reserved area of the party and not on the opposite side of the bar. Shortly after the food was brought out, I walked over to get a plate of food and had to continuously swat away an annoying fly that was hovering over the uncovered food. Another turnoff for me. So I won't drink here unless it's in a can or bottle and I'll eat before I arrive if attending for a party.

I visited from out of state to celebrate my birthday and attend the Roots Picnic and was excited to…read morevisit River Deck for their "Caribbean night" after friends my recommended it. We were coming from the festivsl and hadn't eaten much all day, so we decided to start with ordering food. We waited at three different bars before finally ordering, only to be told they were out of the item I paid for. When I tried to reorder, the bartender completely forgot I had already paid and never put in my replacement order. After finally realizing that she hadn't put my order in after 45 minutes, I asked for a refund. Her way of making it right was giving me a dry, unsauced 6-piece wing (which wasn't what I ordered - my replacement order was a 12pc wing tossed in "cav's sauce" which was around the same price as the egg rolls I ordered and paid for). I asked for a refund AGAIN and she said she'd have to get a manager. The bartender avoided me and the barback ignored me. At this point I was livid. After never getting my proper order, watching people around me eat and leave, being ignored, and NEVER speaking to a manager, I raised my voice out of frustration. Instead of her trying to rectify the situation, she calls security on me. I was escorted out by security without a chance to explain. Even after showing proof that I only ate part of the food because I was STARVING and explaining the situation calmly, the manager refused a refund. Unprofessional and disrespectful from start to finish.

I didn't see it anywhere so posting for any future patrons - 48 record bar is located inside…read moreSassfras bar - upstairs to be specific. Drinks were good but music was way too loud!

I'm a bit of a cocktail bar snob, and 48 Record Bar is definitely on my short list. They have a…read morecreative menu full of thoughtful concoctions and interesting techniques. My two favorites are Born Again and Buck 48. The Born Again is a clarified punch that's super refreshing--almost leaning tart, but in a really good way. The Buck 48 is also refreshing, with warm, spicy notes that give it an autumn vibe, though honestly, it's great any time of year. If you're in the mood for something bold and boozy, I also recommend The Golden Ticket. My palate leans away from anything overly sweet or overpowering--I appreciate balance--and every cocktail I've had here hits just right. The only sad thing is that my favorite bartenderess is no longer there, but the staff is still awesome, and the music is always on point, which keeps the vibe strong. Just a heads-up: this cocktail bar is upstairs from Sassafras, and the menus are completely different. If you're looking for a true craft cocktail experience, make sure you're upstairs at 48 Record Bar. The atmosphere is great. I usually go on Saturday nights around 8 p.m. and have been lucky to grab a seat, though it definitely gets more crowded later. The fact that I've been back several times says a lot--especially since I usually only visit a place once with so many options in the city.

I wish Jen and I had shown up in matching flapper dresses because Sassafras feels like stepping…read morestraight into the 1920s. Huge bar, giant wall of liquor bottles, dim lighting, and a cool old-school vibe. I told the bartender that ordering a beer in a place like this felt like I was insulting him. He laughed and told me not to worry about it. The drink special was called "Naked and Famous," which honestly sounded like the perfect cocktail to order in honor of Jen. But then I spotted a dark beer on the menu that sounded too good to pass up. If you follow me, you know I'm slowly becoming a dark beer guy. I liked it a lot. The sandwich special was a cheesesteak. Sorry, I should've taken a picture of the menu. But I really enjoyed it, and for $18 it came with a mountain of seasoned fries, which feels like a bargain these days. Bomb Shell: the two people working absolutely crushed it. I don't know if they were understaffed or if Monday night got busier than expected, but they were working their tails off the entire time. Even with that, they stayed polite, friendly, helpful, and incredibly accommodating to the guy carrying around a mannequin. Great visit to Sassafras!

I had wanted to come here for sooo long and I should have gone sooner! Sassafras bar is soooo good!…read moreSince it was Valentine's Day we had about a 10 min wait to get seats at the bar - not bad. We both ordered a special cocktail - pornstar martini - and wowwwww it was so good. We didn't have time to stay for more unfortunately but I can't wait to go back. Great ambiance and our bartender was awesome.

What a fun bar! The…read morebartender is super knowledgeable and made us fun gin drinks off the menu. Fig tini? Something with fig like an old fashioned is a must try.

The staff makes you feel welcome the moment you walk in. It's a small space, but seating is open…read moreand you can even grab one of the booths in the back, which we fully expected to be reserved only. Drinks are a bit on the smaller side for the price, but the menu is packed with fun, creative options. The combinations are unique, and the bartenders are happy to make just about whatever you're in the mood for. They have beer and wine as well. Important to know, there is no food, so this is best for a pre dinner cocktail or an after dinner drink. Also, parking is a nightmare so Uber or Lyft if you can. Overall, a great little spot for inventive drinks and a welcoming vibe.

Quiet night at the quaint, sleek hidden jazz lounge…read more Saw on their event page that they had jazz music for the night along with a Galentine Paint nite that I could have joined but was too tired from the day's work. Had a drink and wanted to order apps but already full from another location. Visited this place a couple years ago and glad to revisit though this time was a lot more serene.

Midnight & the Wicked is such a great addition to Philly -- I've been a few times now and love it…read moremore each visit. It's perfect for a chill, relaxed date night or a fun girls' night out. Start the night with a cocktail and live music -- they typically have someone playing the piano, which sets the mood perfectly. Later in the evening, the Vault transforms into a nightclub, so you really get two experiences in one spot. The space itself is stunning. The velvet chairs are incredibly photo-worthy, and even the bathrooms are beautiful!! A great mix of atmosphere, music, and energy -- definitely a spot I'll keep coming back to.

National Mechanics is a unique spot, located on 3rd Street just a block west of the "heart" of Olde…read moreCity (2nd St corridor). The space is a former bank building--hence the name. My traveling companions and I visited on a recent Monday night. Though we were a party of seven with no reservation--normally a recipe for disaster--we were seated almost immediately and enjoyed GREAT service throughout out visit. National Mechanics has a nice beer selection and menu of American favorites to suit most tastes, including one vegetarian member of our party. Portions were good and the fries were unanimously praised. Decor is fun and funky, and our booth-style seats were repurposed church pews My friends from out of town truly enjoyed the laid back atmosphere, good food, and friendly service.

Always come here when I want a quick bite to eat. Usually don't need to wait very long and service…read morehas always been good. Have good variety of beers to choose from and have liked anything I've tried from the menu.

I'm so grateful that North Third is my neighborhood spot :)…read moreI don't have a single negative thing to say about them. Genuinely good food; every time. Great drinks. Ample space. Awesome employees. I don't go enough honestly. They have good rotating food selection and the muscles , steak , fish , heck everything is good. You really can't go wrong. Dinner and breakfast. I wouldn't steer you wrong.

The place feels like a cross between a dive bar and an Irish pub but the food is excellent, which…read moreis a thing we're coming to learn about Philly - many of the bars here serve good food. We sat outside with our dog and enjoyed the nonstop dog parade going by. We split the honey apple walnut salad and the fish and chips and both were amazing - fish in particular was tender and flaky with a crispy batter. We also had very good drinks. A lovely dinner on a summer-like evening.

Pretty good overall!…read more Considerably big space for Philly. They had an upstairs too but I am not sure why it wasn't open during majority of the night. When the big crowd from the conference left they opened the upstairs. The Mac and cheese is SO GOOD. Very creamy and rich, the bread crumbs were an amazing surprise edition. This fatty finished it before the beer came. Lots of beer choices. I took off a start be size they were under staffed. So we were just waiting around for the check and the waitress kept forgetting what we asked for. Honestly, not her fault. There were like ~100 people and only 3 employees that I saw. So no designated waiter for tables. These poor 3 employees were the bartenders and the table waiters.

Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen is a must if you're in the Independence Park area of Philly! My wife and I…read morevisited while we were there and loved it! They aren't lying when they say that they have an extensive beer menu! I had a Dancing Gnome Kolsch which was very good and then a Corsendork Christmas Ale which was fantastic! I normally don't like spiced beer, but this one was perfect! My wife and I shared the cheese and salumi plate which was so delicious! My only re is not getting the large! My wife had the crispy chicken sandwich which was really good. The crust was crunchy and the chicken was tender and juicy. I had the porchetta sandwich which was recommended by our waiter and was SO DELICIOUS! It is a must! At first my wife was concerned about the limited menu. They may not have an extensive menu but what they do, they do right! Our waiter was really great and very welcoming, especially as we were from out of town. The place has a rustic vibe which fits with its old town location. We loved it! If we ever find ourselves back in Philly, we will definitely visit Glory again!