The food here has always been good and the service friendly.
(3)
heather h.
I went to Phil's on my lunch break with co-workers. The inside is very dated and could use some cosmetic renovations to emphasize it's charm - ceiling tiles are kind of dirty and disgusting! In looking over the menu their prices were a bit high. $10 for a grilled cheese with ordinary cheeses, I'll pass!!! A cheeseburger without any sides will run you at least $12 but I was informed by the waitress they are known for their burgers. So I ordered one and it was a good premier burger but the patty was entirely too big to enjoy. I like a modest size burger not a monster one. I ordered fries and cole slaw with my burger - fries were great and cold slaw was okay. I also had a soda with my meal and was charged $2.95 for it. Not cheap but I have been to upscale establishments that have every right to charge you a lot but although the food was good here I felt ripped off. My experience did not equate to what I paid. I don't think i would come back again as a result.
(3)
P M W.
It's been a few years since we've eaten here, twice. Both times a disappointment. Food really greasy, plain, and not top quality. Yet it always looks busy when passing-by.
(1)
Chris M.
Revisited recently. Equally impressed. Think neighborhood bar, neighborhood restaurant run by nice neighborhood ppl.Very friendly.. the food is good, with LARGE portions.. Very good spot to catch a game, or a quick beer. Have all the basics in any bar, plus even local craft beers. Dogfish, Slyfox, Yuengling to the typical Macro beer. Very chill, favorite spot for us. Get the wings.
(4)
Christine C.
I have never eaten in the actual restaurant, but per my managers request, we get Phil's Tavern to cater our meetings. Let me start off by saying how nice and attentive Tom, the catering guy, is. He gets everything we ordered right every time. He provides us with the utensils and plates. He even sets up for us! Secondly, the food is DELICIOUS. I haven't had one thing that I was disappointed in. If you haven't yet had their potato salad, go for it. It's to die for. I will be visiting the actual restaurant very soon to try other things on the menu. Thanks, Tom, for helping us out all the time at BOA!!!!
(5)
Kevin J.
The hot roast beef and other sandwiches at Phil's are so delicious. Portion sizes are very generous. Phils contains a small dining area, a banquet room with fireplace, and a rectangular bar area that includes additional seating arrangements. Phil's is a great place for the whole group or family to dine in. The menu is gigantic so you won't ever lack for options. Phil's is in Blue Bell, near Ambler and route 309.
(5)
Steve M.
Although the menu is absurdly large, I enjoyed my salmon. Service was very pleasant. I would come back
If you want premium priced diner food with diner ambience, mediocre food and poor service, Phil's Tavern is your place. Needless to say my family and I will not return nor can I recommend it friends knowing we passed numerous other restaurants in the area.
(2)
Mary Kate G.
The food here has always been good and the service friendly.
(3)
Gregory F.
Incredibly fantastic food with huge portions. Can't go wrong with anything here, especially the cheesesteaks or grilled cheese sandwiches. French onion soup is the best around. One of my favorite places to go.
(5)
Toni I.
I go here all the time for lunch with colleagues. The menu is extensive, and there are many options. The desserts are huge, and definitely shareable. Waitstaff is friendly.
(4)
Zach V.
If you love simple food and huge portions you will fall in love with Phil's. I have been eating there for about 15 years and still love the place. The first thing people say when I bring them in for the first time is how dark it is inside. It has always been dimly lit but if you go during the day some of the rooms have windows and its not too bad. I think it adds to the character of the place so I have never had a problem with it. They have TV's all over and you can hear the betting crowd talking sports at all times. The decor is old and plain. They put a large addition on not too long ago and I think the person that designed it was color blind. Now on to the food! All of their portions are HUGE! You can't leave this place still hungry. The menu is immense so there is something for everyone. I go to Phil's for (3) things Burgers, Wings & pickles. They make their own burgers and they are large ( 1/2lb) monsters. I haven't had a better burger anywhere in the Philly area. They make their own wing sauce and they are always cooked perfectly crispy. Besides Union Jacks Phil's wings are some of the best around. If you like pickles make sure to order a pickle boat. It comes with a large portion of very thick slices of spicy pickles. I can't write about all of Phil's other food because I rarely get something new. I have tried other items over the years and I always enjoyed them.
(4)
Tar K.
Been here a few times over the years. It has always been the same. Mediocre server, mediocre bland food , large portions with the cheaper food and WAY overpriced. The pickles are great though. Pass on this one and keep going.
(2)
Sam H.
I'm fascinated by the rave reviews about Phil's. It's okay bar food that comes in gigantic portions. Since we live in a fat society that wants humongous portions for cheap prices, then this is a good place to go. But is value really ginormous portions for a cheap price? Or is value high quality food for a fair price? You be the judge. But I wan't impressed.
(2)
Brian F.
In town for business, I stopped here for dinner based on some of the online reviews. Had the "award winning" chili that was pretty average (what? no crackers?). The side salad I got was a tiny bowl of wilted iceberg lettuce with some rock-hard croutons and some black olives that had seen better days. The topper? A packet of salad dressing thrown into the salad bowl! Can you say "yuck"? Shouldn't the health department have put an end to this by now? Finally, the cheeseteak I ordered was a huge pile of gray tasteless meat on a soggy bun. Maybe I ordered the wrong stuff off their ridiculously giant menu, but I will probably not be back.
(1)
Douglas D.
Tried their "best of montco" crab cake -- frankly it was flavorless. Beer selection was good but not great, especially when compared to the excellent selections next door at Broad Axe Tavern. Service friendly. Decor nondescript. Menu ABSURDLY large and disjointed -- there were honest-to-goodness repeats. There's no way they can cook 200 dishes competently or fresh. Nice people but I see no reason to return especially with all the excellent options nearby.
(2)
Bob H.
Talk about mixed signals! First, the service was OK. It wasn't bad. It wasn't great. But it was better than expected for a Tavern...so kudos to the wait staff. Table side food reviews were all OK at best. I'm pretty sure the fish in the fish n' chips was Gorton's and the entire plate was no where worth $15. My club sandwich was bland, and dry. The cole slaw was flavorless. The hamburger was large, but ho-hum. A few of the dishes were to include Quarter cut fries, but they sure looked like the Ore Ida's I get at Acme, except mine taste better. The menu is huge and diverse, but that fact is only impressive when an establishment can actually deliver the dishes with confidence and quality. It doesn't matter how big your menu is if you can't deliver on it. And I agree with other reviewers. There is something strange about their checks. Although none of the items listed on the check was ours, the staff swore it was ours. We only paid it because it was definitely less than we estimated it should have been. I doubt I will ever go back because I can't help but feel we were ripped off. Hey Phil's, you're not the only place in town anymore. Time to step up your game.
(2)
Brad C.
This place is one of my favorites... The staff is friendly and nice.. I love the burgers, club sandwiches and Tony Soprano sandwich. Everything that comes out of the kitchen looks great. I usually can get 2 meals out of every portion.. The menu is enormous and you can get anything you want.. If you've never been here... its a must go..
(5)
Nick C.
This is not a review about their food, drink, or atmosphere. This is about their billing practices. Phil's Tavern ROUNDS UP your receipt!!! When asked about it, the answer was THEY DON'T WANT PENNIES IN THEIR REGISTER!!! I would be fine with it if they rounded down, but of course, this isn't the case. Phil's Tavern ROUNDS UP!!! Charge each customer a few extra pennies per visit and you end up with a nice bonus at the end of the month. Month? Think about the end of the year bonus! Woohoo!!! If you are still going to visit after reading this, make sure to complain to management! If the situation changes, let me know so I can remove this review.
(1)
Anna R.
I've been to The Phils a bunch of times for work lunches and dinners and we always go back because they have fast, friendly service and tasty, gigundo portions. Their menu is absurdly huge, but that means that there's really something for everyone (including vegetarians). The best veggie choices are the Ginas Caesar: a salad with roasted red peppers and grilled portobellos and the Tuscan Club (ask for it with portobellos (instead of chicken) and no bacon. The prices aren't cheap, but they're not expensive either when you consider the size of the portions. Your best bet is to just cut everything in half right off the bat because there's no way someone could ever finish off a whole plate. Even the salads are so big that you can't eat them all! The only problem with Phils is that their desserts are pretty gross. I don't know where they buy them from, but they should probably go with a different supplier because they're pretty much inedible. However, after dinner at The Phils, there's no way you'll have room for dessert anyway, so it's not the end of the world.
(4)
Helen D.
Stopped at PHIL's for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Was a tiny bit hungover so I started with a bloody mary. It was tasty - asked for spicy though & it really wasn't.... And it was kind of little. I like them BIG! Their menu is PAGES long & I don't think there is anything you can't get. Which kind of makes me wonder how can everything be so fresh?? We ordered off the SPECIALS of the day menu - which had about 20 choices. Got an open faced reuben which was ok - but not even come close to ordering from a real Jewish deli. My sister had the pork sandwich (to bring in the new year) which she said was pretty tasteless. The dogs got the leftovers. Can't deny the portions are BIG. We've eaten there before this visit & always thought the food was "ok" - which is kind of what we thought this time. If we are in the 'hood & hungry - we'd stop in BUT we won't be making a special trip here. Have to mention - the SERVICE is very good. All the servers are friendly & helpful - we like that. ALSO - they do have a bright new room with a fireplace - that's why they are getting 3 stars instead of 2.
I've been to Phil's several times and its a pleasant place with good comfort food. Don't go here if you're on a diet, you'll loose. Huge sandwiches, huge burgers, huge everything. Come hungry. If you're going for lunch, don't plan on being all that effective in the afternoon. They have some good looking sandwiches like the chicken parm. Its a pretty well cooked cutlet with some crispness to the breading and absolutely smothered in cheese. The burgers are clearly made with care and very tasty. The buns and bread could use an upgrade though. They handle a crowd with ease. On my visit today, we went with a group of about 25 people for someone's birthday. Everything from the drinks to the food came quickly and accurately except for one minor exception. I upgraded from fries to chips when I ordered but got chips when the food arrived. Apologies were given, fries were presented quickly and no harm was done. In fact, I give extra points for the swift and pleasant nature of the correction. The service is top notch and the waitresses aren't bad looking either which never hurts. The setting is charming in an old bar/tavern kind of way. I'm sure the building's over a hundred years old. On the flip side, the menu is so large that I think it makes it tough to keep everything fresh. This leads to some things not being as flavorful as they could be. If I brought a friend from out of town, I'd suggest the burger. Overall, a good lunch spot and I'll be back maybe once a month or every other.
(3)
Jocelyn B.
I don't think I will be going back. We ordered jalapeno popper as an appetizer which were yummy but nothing special same ones you get out of the freezer section.. husband has an ahi tuna sandwich which he liked but I think only because it has some creamy horseradish sauce with it. I had the eggplant sub, it was HUGE and kind of good but too greasy and cheesy and frankly too big. My daughter had ravioli and a meatball. Our lunch cost $50!! I was the only one who drank something other than water I had a diet coke for $3.50. Also the server was not very pleasant
(1)
S F.
Phil's is your classic Philadelphia bar/rest. Very generous portions, with a HUGE menu. They offer creative sandwich specials, and my fav there, the cheesesteak. In my opinion, shrink the menu by 75% and use fresh ingredients vs frozen.
(2)
Jason Y.
Great portions and everything I've tried so far is extremely tasty! You'll notice that everyone walks out with a styrofoam to-go platter because their portions are so generous. There's a reason why their parking lot is constantly full!
(4)
Da S.
Wednesday night and the place is packed. This is a total local favorite. The menu is miles long. I had the ribeye steak sandwich and it was top notch.
(4)
jillian n.
The food here is awesome! And the menu is HUGE.
(4)
John R.
Phil's is a great place. Service is always fast and friendly. Their sandwiches are stuffed and delicious. If you leave this place still hungry, you are doing something wrong. I recommend the french onion soup and the Tony Soprano. Amazing!!!
(4)
mike v.
Better food than most pubs in the burbs. The burgers are huge and delicious. The staff is very friendly. Great French onion. The food is a bit plain like most suburb food.
(4)
Jessica N.
It was ok... Nothing spectacular. The menu was gigantic. We ordered nachos as an app. My fiancee is in love with their nachos. I didn't see/taste anything amazing; but hey - to each their own. The sandwiches are extremely pricey! $12.99 for a chicken salad wrap. $12.99 for California Club sandwich (says sliced chicken on the menu... i was not expecting deli meat for $12.99). They are the cheapest; prices for sandwiches go up to about $22.99! Entrees were $25+. I looked at the drink menu... $8.75. I got the California club - was not impressed. Could have gotten the same sandwich (maybe better) at a diner for $7/$8 WITH better fries. They tasted like they were fried in old grease. I was not impressed. My fiancee ordered a Burger - no cheese, no tomato... his came out with both. Apparently they send the waitresses home for a few hours in the afternoon... so our waitress just left in the middle of serving us. I have always heard great things about Phils Tavern... I probably wont be back for a while. Not saying I won't give it another chance it the future, but the quality of the food was not worth the dimes it cost.
(3)
Kurt P.
I love this place. If I'm in the mood for a sandwich this is the place I go. Their burgers are great, their buffalo chicken cheese steak is like crack, and the portion sizes are HUGE. If you leave this place hungry you must have done something wrong. For lunch they have a special menu which includes normal menu items, but you get a free soup with your purchase. I also like their pickles that you can request for your table. If you are coming here for a beautiful restaurant go some where else. If you want to enjoy a beer and burger in a tavern atmosphere and maybe catch a ballgame on tv this is a great choice. The only negative I would give Phil's is the dining area's need a proper decorator to fix the styling of the restaurant. It is dated and plain, but the food makes up for it.
(5)
John D.
Food was sub-par (no-one finished their dish), and the menu is like reading a short story. However, our main concern is that the waitress charged us $98.00 instead of $90.00, when $90 was clearly written on the check. Pointed this out to the restaurant to let them know that the waitress has overcharged us, by adding an extra $8 to her tip. The $8 does not break the bank, however, it is a question of integrity and should be brought to light.
(2)
Jeffrey W.
HUGE Menu, too big in fact but most everything is good. The cheezesteaks aren't thet great but hey I live near Philly so that's a high standard. the French Onion soup is awesome, the Caprisi Salad is amazing and fresh. the Wraps arent; that great but the salads are immense and awesome. Sort of old decor, but the good food and selection make up for it.
(3)
Christopher D.
Phil's Tavern is a Blue Bell institution that I have been going to for at least 20 years. Its in an old building that when you walk into you think you are in a time machine transported back to the 60s with wood paneling everywhere and uncomfortable but solid furniture. The reason I go here is when I want a rib fix. These ribs are not what a bbq aficionado would be looking for but more like the equivalent of Mom's ribs that she cooked in the crock pot and are falling off the bone. A half slab later, accompanied by coleslaw and broccoli, I had my rib fix. Eating at the bar here is great, as you get great service, and can watch one of the myriad of TV's plastered to the wall. Prices have definitely gone up over the years, so you will not feel like you are getting a bargain, but the food is good straight forward american comfort food, delivered with a smile.
(3)
P H.
This place has a lot to like. First, the food is great but it's not for those watching their figure. I tend to get a cheesesteak. Hey, I'm a tourist. :-) The staff is really nice and very welcoming. Lastly, and certainly not least, the pours are HEALTHY. 4 whole ounces to be exact. That's right. You get four ounces of liquor when you order a bourbon, scotch, whatever. It's easy to overdo it here. Be careful and have fun.
(4)
steve e.
This place is for te cool kids and that is reflected by a cool bar scene and cool beer selctions. So it takes audacity to write or agree with these sub-par reviews for a cool place but $15 burgers and sandwiches with diner quality ingredients is just rude-Broad Axe Tavern next time because a fifty dollar bill for 2 burgers and 2 beers is 2 much
(2)
Carla M.
I'm really giving them 2.5 stars because the prices are absurdly high and the place is so dated. I'm not sure how you can command $12.45 for a ALT (avocado, lettuce, and tomato) sandwich. Really? Is that chunk of profit to cover something else they're barely breaking even on? The calamari appetizer was a decent portion size, but overly breaded, covering (what I suppose) were very tiny defrosted rings of squid. It came out fast, then again there were only 4 other people in the place. My grilled cheese was okay, and the chicken sandwich topped with spinach was too heavily fried. The prices are mostly $12+ up on everything. I'd rather spend my money at a place with nicer ambiance and fresher, non-fried food if they're going to charge those prices.
(3)
Joia M.
Nice place, but the food was pricey and mediocre. Tomato sauce has a weird quality to it. The fries were good tho.
(2)
Bruce H.
I hadn't been to Phil's Tavern in 6 or 7 years, and that was just for lunch with a few coworkers. Recently some old friends suggested Phil's early on a Saturday evening. The place was amazingly busy with lots of parents with their kids in tow. We actually had to park across the street in an office parking lot (hey, we didn't get ticketed or towed)! Phil's has a few different rooms. We were seated in a newer dining room addition that is fairly bland rectangle with a gas fireplace at one end. Service was quick & friendly. She brought out our Hoegaardens immediately while we continued to pour over their huge menu. I had the "lump" crab-cake club, my wife had the rib-eye cheese steak sandwich. There were no lumps of crab in this crab-cake sandwich, but it was still fairly tasty. My wife complained that some of the steak was fairly gristly and chewy in the sandwich, but the flavor was good, and the hot peppers accompanying were phenomenal. Now later that night, back at home, I had some major digestive problems. I'm not saying that it was directly related to the food, but I am very suspicious. I would give Phil's another try and skip the crab-cake sandwich... but would not go out of my way to get there. There are 4 or 5 similar places I live closer to that I would stop at first. If I revisit, and have a better meal, I'll change my rating.
(2)
Alix H.
My friend and I had an "oh goodness let's just get out of the city" moment last night, and we found ourselves at The Phil's . I think I spent 45 minutes deciding what to get on their mile- long menu, but once my ribs arrived, oh man. My dad is well known as an excellent rib cook, and I have tried many many delicious versions, but these were seriously great. I didn't even need a knife, I could just slide the bone off the meat. Wow. The place feels neighborhoody, our waitress was nice, and I would totally go back if I'm in the area again. Bonus points for crayons on the table for some pretty great napkin drawings.
(4)
Ray Y.
Was it bad? No. Would I seek it out again? No. The service was subpar in that we waited several minutes just for someone to acknowledge that we were at the "wait to be seated" sign. The waitress was eh. The beers didn't come until after the app...annoying. BUT, the food was decent and the portions were ridiculous. Atmosphere...C+.
(3)
Max K.
This place is good but not great. This place has been here for as long as I can remember. They recently renovated I guess because of the Broad Ax tavern. Many hidden dining rooms, dark long bar, mostly decent service. Beer is cold and inexpensive. The food is okay, nothing special. Award winning ribs shouldn't have really won any awards but their burgers, cheesesteaks and other sandwiches are tops. Great happy hour and even when they are busy, service is still good. This is a regular place for me and it should be for you too
(3)
Don G.
I have been to Phils a few times to drink and once to eat. Lets start with the food and service. I ordered a sandwich that was supposed to have steak and lobster on it. Well the steak was tough and overcooked and the lobster was just weird. I couldn't tell whether it was lobster or not. My wife had a burger which was big but nothing special. The service was ok except they gave me someone elses check! Now I have been eating out a long time and thats the first time that has ever happened. As for the bar - I had a frozen margarita and my wife a bourbon and coke. I must admit it was a very good and rather large margarita but $10 seems to be rather expensive. Well the tab for my wife and I came to $17.50 for 1 drink apiece! Phils Tavern - thanks but no thanks.
(2)
Sara P.
I went to Phils with my boyfriend due to rumors of "the best hamburger around." He ordered the Hamburger and it was huge! It was very meaty and thick and juicy. It was a typical American meal with yummy, thick cut fries. he asked for some bacon and they gave him about 10 slices. No exaggeration. I ordered the crab cake sandwich. I didn't particularly like that is was fried. The outer crust seem to taste too much like the bacon from the same grill, but it was also very meaty with little filling, which is great. The service was superb! Our server was so sweet and everyone was very attentive. This was our first time there. It seemed like a great place to watch sports, but we were just interested in the food. There are two rooms. that the hostess let us choose from. One is more of a bar atmosphere and the other was a typical dining room. Both rooms were choc full of TV's.
(4)
Raj M.
It's pretty rare that I give a place like this 5 stars... but I find it hard to find fault with Phil's. The service is always good, the most relevant sports game is almost always on, and best of all the food is always top notch. They have TONS of choices on the menu, and although I haven't gotten past their burger cuz I love it so much, I have never seen anyone complain about the food. The portions are so satisfyingly large, I make it a point to plan my Phil's run ahead of time, and not to eat anything else that day. If I time it right, it fills me up for the entire day. Go check out Phil's. I assure you, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Jim D.
There is something stupendously delicious in Blue Bell, PA and it's known as The Phil's Tavern. It attracts a huge, loyal crowd and rightfully so. I've never really paid much attention to the inside, except that it's a dimly-lit cavern around the bar area and a tad brighter in the dining area. Sit down and relax because it's the food that is the true showcase. Prices are a tad steep but the amount and quality of the food make up for it. Their menu is massive and everything I've tried has been tasty and generous. The burgers, cheese steaks and club sandwiches are not to be taken for granted. These are for serious hungry people. Fortunately, I am among that demographic. My only complaint would be that the parking lot is too small for the amount of traffic that comes through this place. There is a makeshift parking lot across a very busy street - not so convenient. It's a minor gripe for something that's oh so glorious.
(4)
Maura G.
i always find it funny that this place is called "the" phil's tavern. but i digress... their food is great. the seared tuna salad, the portobello burger, the clubs. they are all really good. they have a little bit of everything on their menu, so it is sure to please anyone. this place is hopping for happy hour and i can see why. service is always good. good place to go when the philly team are playing. as another reviewer said, this place has a nice "local joint" feel. almost like cheers, but after happy hour, i don't even know my name.
(4)
TJ K.
I was in the Philly area last week visiting family and friends, and typically I go to Pudge's for my one cheesesteak during a visit. But, we ended up one night at Phil's. I hadn't been there since probably the early 90s, so I didn't know what to expect. Well...the cheesesteak was awesome! I'll now have to think hard about whether to go to Pudge's or back to Phil's when in town.
(5)
bill g.
When you need to have a Great Burger or Toasted Cheese and Tomato on Rye( Nancy's favorite) Try Phil's in Blue Bell. Rarely can you finish the meal as portions are enormous, so it is always a good value to us, in that it is really a second meal, or a great late night e snack! The Burger is 10 oz of the best Ground Sirloin in Montgomery County. They get their beef from Carl Venezia Fresh Meats, In Plymouth Meeting, and the flavor and quality is second to none. The staff is great, the ambiance is classic Tavern and comfortable.
(4)
Michael C.
It's too strong to just come right out and say that Phil's makes the best hamburgers EVER. But that is what I want to do. The size of the place, and the amount of regulars, accounts for Phil's greatness. I've only had their burger, so I can only attest to its greatness. The price of the burger is expensive, the base burger starts at $9. But don't sell short, you have to get the bacon, and extra cheese, at least. And the Deluxe comes with fries (to wrap with the bacon that falls off your burger), and some really tasty coleslaw. The beers on tap didn't tickle my taste buds, but I was too full to care.
(5)
Rich K.
Burgers... that's all I'm saying
(4)
Gina D.
The ribs are some of the best I've ever had if not THE best. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Oh and you shouldn't leave here without having a piece of the banana chocolate chip cake.
(5)
Sean R.
Good food - large menu - great service. Nothing to complain about here!
(4)
Suz R.
I'm disappointed with my fellow reviewers! Do you all work for Phil's? The staff is helpful and there's a warm neighborhood feel, but after all of your raves about the food, I dared to order the lobster crab cake appetizer. Tiny, in the shape of a swirled dog poo, it was burnt on the bottom and the consistency of rubber (for $12). The waitress was kind enough to take it away (and off the bill). My husband said his wings were okay, not great, and our waters tasted like a swimming pool (buy a filter for the sink please!) Also, as he was finishing his wings and I my fries, three different servers tried to take our plates away. My replacement fries were fine, so overall ruling: bar food okay, friendly staff, but certainly wouldn't eat there again.
(2)
Peter G.
The food and waitstaff are great but getting seated was a nightmare. We arrived at 630 and we were told 40 minutes. The manager Joe was busy seating his friends and made the families with kids wait. We waited for an hour and a half with not so much as a sorry for the wait. We looked at the seating list and found that we were passed over many times. Completely unprofessional. We won't go back.
(1)
Fenton F.
Just get the Burger..... Words cant desribe it.... its that good
(5)
Chuck H.
Phils has been a fixture in the area for many years. The business has grown into one of the better dinner stops on Friday and Saturday night. Menu has a lot of choices and includes sandwiches to full course meals. A few of my favorites include the Tavern Special (sandwich) and the Spare Ribs. Bring a big appetite because you get a lot of food. Bar staff includes more than few bartenders who have been around for long time.
(4)
Denise W.
Solid, tasty place to plop down and have a bite to eat - the place seems always packed, the waiting area filled to the brim on weekend nights, but the host/hostess moves it along and before you know it, you've got a seat. The wait staff knows the menu, worth probing them for what's good on the menu. The menu is huge, and you can satisfy your need for a burger or prime rib, caesar salad or lobster. Two of my favorites are the ribs, which come perfectly sauced and their hot roast beef and provolone on kaiser w/crunchy Kosher pickle! Grab a Hoagarden with the ribs, sit back and watch whatever is on the big screen. Nothing has 'wowed' me here, just the satisfaction of good food, reliable service time and again makes Phil's a regular destination.
(3)
Zee Z.
Service was very good. Staff very friendly. Food was good and the portions were huge. Good selection of beers. Nice place to go for casual dining at a decent price. If you are looking for gourmet dining or romantic ambiance, this is NOT the place.
(3)
Angie M.
It takes a lot for me to savor something, but Phil's Tavern definitely has THE BEST baby back ribs and cole slaw I've had in a long time. The wait time on a busy night is about 40-60 minutes and rightfully so. The food is THAT good. The only problem we had was that we were seated at a table that was not very steady and nearly lost our plates a few times by a waitress bumping into us (you are seated pretty close together). All in all, I'd definitely recommed. I'd like to see how Phils will do once the Broad Axe Tavern reopens next door.
(4)
Jenn G.
good pub atmosphere...fantastic and delicious french onion soup!
(3)
Rose M.
Great place for a great casual meal - you must get the Nacos -Big plate must share - lots of TVs for the sports fan - just the place to watch the game and have good food
(4)
Chris S.
Went to Phils tonight, wasn't overly impressed but still found the place decent. They keep the place pretty dark, almost too dark, like strain your eyes dark, I was expecting a drifter to step out from the shadows, demand some money and then knife me. The portions are decent sized and they ought to be with the price of things, I had the fish and chips for about $14 while my girlfriend had a pork roll sandwich with fries which was $9. A stinkin iced tea was $3. They do have quite the selection, the menu is about the size of one of moses' tablets with everything from appetizers to sandwiches to full meals. They have a big selection of beers and the bar was hoping on a Tuesday night. now here's the thing, I don't mind paying money for something that's outstanding and maybe I haven't found what they are "known for" yet but I think they are a bit overpriced, I find it hard to pay nearly $20 for 4 pretty small pieces of fried fish, a handful of fries and an iced tea. Like I said it wasn't bad not by a long shot, but i think there are better places with better food for much cheaper.
(3)
Arseny R.
Great food, large meaty portions, great service, lots of dining and bar room options. The cooks don't overdo it on the sauces and additional stuff. Prime rib had horseradish sauce on the side, half a pickle, some fries. No gravies, vegies and all other non-meat additions. Cheeseburger had cheese, leaf of letuce, slice of tomato, some mayo and lots of hand shaped meat prepared to order (medium was medium). This is going to be my new "go there when really hungry" spot.
(5)
Jeffrey P.
Neighborhood pub with the type of fare you would expect. Big-ass burgers, meaty buffalo wings, great fries, cold beers. A great lunch spot or after golf. Not over priced...which is a nice change.
(3)
Chuck H.
Phils has been a fixture in the area for many years. The business has grown into one of the better dinner stops on Friday and Saturday night. Menu has a lot of choices and includes sandwiches to full course meals. A few of my favorites include the Tavern Special (sandwich) and the Spare Ribs. Bring a big appetite because you get a lot of food. Bar staff includes more than few bartenders who have been around for long time.
(4)
Joe C.
I've been to Phil's several times and its a pleasant place with good comfort food. Don't go here if you're on a diet, you'll loose. Huge sandwiches, huge burgers, huge everything. Come hungry. If you're going for lunch, don't plan on being all that effective in the afternoon. They have some good looking sandwiches like the chicken parm. Its a pretty well cooked cutlet with some crispness to the breading and absolutely smothered in cheese. The burgers are clearly made with care and very tasty. The buns and bread could use an upgrade though. They handle a crowd with ease. On my visit today, we went with a group of about 25 people for someone's birthday. Everything from the drinks to the food came quickly and accurately except for one minor exception. I upgraded from fries to chips when I ordered but got chips when the food arrived. Apologies were given, fries were presented quickly and no harm was done. In fact, I give extra points for the swift and pleasant nature of the correction. The service is top notch and the waitresses aren't bad looking either which never hurts. The setting is charming in an old bar/tavern kind of way. I'm sure the building's over a hundred years old. On the flip side, the menu is so large that I think it makes it tough to keep everything fresh. This leads to some things not being as flavorful as they could be. If I brought a friend from out of town, I'd suggest the burger. Overall, a good lunch spot and I'll be back maybe once a month or every other.
(3)
Jocelyn B.
I don't think I will be going back. We ordered jalapeno popper as an appetizer which were yummy but nothing special same ones you get out of the freezer section.. husband has an ahi tuna sandwich which he liked but I think only because it has some creamy horseradish sauce with it. I had the eggplant sub, it was HUGE and kind of good but too greasy and cheesy and frankly too big. My daughter had ravioli and a meatball. Our lunch cost $50!! I was the only one who drank something other than water I had a diet coke for $3.50. Also the server was not very pleasant
Stopped at PHIL's for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Was a tiny bit hungover so I started with a bloody mary. It was tasty - asked for spicy though & it really wasn't.... And it was kind of little. I like them BIG! Their menu is PAGES long & I don't think there is anything you can't get. Which kind of makes me wonder how can everything be so fresh?? We ordered off the SPECIALS of the day menu - which had about 20 choices. Got an open faced reuben which was ok - but not even come close to ordering from a real Jewish deli. My sister had the pork sandwich (to bring in the new year) which she said was pretty tasteless. The dogs got the leftovers. Can't deny the portions are BIG. We've eaten there before this visit & always thought the food was "ok" - which is kind of what we thought this time. If we are in the 'hood & hungry - we'd stop in BUT we won't be making a special trip here. Have to mention - the SERVICE is very good. All the servers are friendly & helpful - we like that. ALSO - they do have a bright new room with a fireplace - that's why they are getting 3 stars instead of 2.
Tried their "best of montco" crab cake -- frankly it was flavorless. Beer selection was good but not great, especially when compared to the excellent selections next door at Broad Axe Tavern. Service friendly. Decor nondescript. Menu ABSURDLY large and disjointed -- there were honest-to-goodness repeats. There's no way they can cook 200 dishes competently or fresh. Nice people but I see no reason to return especially with all the excellent options nearby.
(2)
John R.
Phil's is a great place. Service is always fast and friendly. Their sandwiches are stuffed and delicious. If you leave this place still hungry, you are doing something wrong. I recommend the french onion soup and the Tony Soprano. Amazing!!!
(4)
Arseny R.
Great food, large meaty portions, great service, lots of dining and bar room options. The cooks don't overdo it on the sauces and additional stuff. Prime rib had horseradish sauce on the side, half a pickle, some fries. No gravies, vegies and all other non-meat additions. Cheeseburger had cheese, leaf of letuce, slice of tomato, some mayo and lots of hand shaped meat prepared to order (medium was medium). This is going to be my new "go there when really hungry" spot.
(5)
S F.
Phil's is your classic Philadelphia bar/rest. Very generous portions, with a HUGE menu. They offer creative sandwich specials, and my fav there, the cheesesteak. In my opinion, shrink the menu by 75% and use fresh ingredients vs frozen.
(2)
Jason Y.
Great portions and everything I've tried so far is extremely tasty! You'll notice that everyone walks out with a styrofoam to-go platter because their portions are so generous. There's a reason why their parking lot is constantly full!
(4)
Da S.
Wednesday night and the place is packed. This is a total local favorite. The menu is miles long. I had the ribeye steak sandwich and it was top notch.
(4)
jillian n.
The food here is awesome! And the menu is HUGE.
(4)
Ray Y.
Was it bad? No. Would I seek it out again? No. The service was subpar in that we waited several minutes just for someone to acknowledge that we were at the "wait to be seated" sign. The waitress was eh. The beers didn't come until after the app...annoying. BUT, the food was decent and the portions were ridiculous. Atmosphere...C+.
(3)
Max K.
This place is good but not great. This place has been here for as long as I can remember. They recently renovated I guess because of the Broad Ax tavern. Many hidden dining rooms, dark long bar, mostly decent service. Beer is cold and inexpensive. The food is okay, nothing special. Award winning ribs shouldn't have really won any awards but their burgers, cheesesteaks and other sandwiches are tops. Great happy hour and even when they are busy, service is still good. This is a regular place for me and it should be for you too
(3)
Don G.
I have been to Phils a few times to drink and once to eat. Lets start with the food and service. I ordered a sandwich that was supposed to have steak and lobster on it. Well the steak was tough and overcooked and the lobster was just weird. I couldn't tell whether it was lobster or not. My wife had a burger which was big but nothing special. The service was ok except they gave me someone elses check! Now I have been eating out a long time and thats the first time that has ever happened. As for the bar - I had a frozen margarita and my wife a bourbon and coke. I must admit it was a very good and rather large margarita but $10 seems to be rather expensive. Well the tab for my wife and I came to $17.50 for 1 drink apiece! Phils Tavern - thanks but no thanks.
(2)
Sara P.
I went to Phils with my boyfriend due to rumors of "the best hamburger around." He ordered the Hamburger and it was huge! It was very meaty and thick and juicy. It was a typical American meal with yummy, thick cut fries. he asked for some bacon and they gave him about 10 slices. No exaggeration. I ordered the crab cake sandwich. I didn't particularly like that is was fried. The outer crust seem to taste too much like the bacon from the same grill, but it was also very meaty with little filling, which is great. The service was superb! Our server was so sweet and everyone was very attentive. This was our first time there. It seemed like a great place to watch sports, but we were just interested in the food. There are two rooms. that the hostess let us choose from. One is more of a bar atmosphere and the other was a typical dining room. Both rooms were choc full of TV's.
(4)
Rich K.
Burgers... that's all I'm saying
(4)
Michael C.
It's too strong to just come right out and say that Phil's makes the best hamburgers EVER. But that is what I want to do. The size of the place, and the amount of regulars, accounts for Phil's greatness. I've only had their burger, so I can only attest to its greatness. The price of the burger is expensive, the base burger starts at $9. But don't sell short, you have to get the bacon, and extra cheese, at least. And the Deluxe comes with fries (to wrap with the bacon that falls off your burger), and some really tasty coleslaw. The beers on tap didn't tickle my taste buds, but I was too full to care.
(5)
Sean R.
Good food - large menu - great service. Nothing to complain about here!
(4)
Raj M.
It's pretty rare that I give a place like this 5 stars... but I find it hard to find fault with Phil's. The service is always good, the most relevant sports game is almost always on, and best of all the food is always top notch. They have TONS of choices on the menu, and although I haven't gotten past their burger cuz I love it so much, I have never seen anyone complain about the food. The portions are so satisfyingly large, I make it a point to plan my Phil's run ahead of time, and not to eat anything else that day. If I time it right, it fills me up for the entire day. Go check out Phil's. I assure you, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Jim D.
There is something stupendously delicious in Blue Bell, PA and it's known as The Phil's Tavern. It attracts a huge, loyal crowd and rightfully so. I've never really paid much attention to the inside, except that it's a dimly-lit cavern around the bar area and a tad brighter in the dining area. Sit down and relax because it's the food that is the true showcase. Prices are a tad steep but the amount and quality of the food make up for it. Their menu is massive and everything I've tried has been tasty and generous. The burgers, cheese steaks and club sandwiches are not to be taken for granted. These are for serious hungry people. Fortunately, I am among that demographic. My only complaint would be that the parking lot is too small for the amount of traffic that comes through this place. There is a makeshift parking lot across a very busy street - not so convenient. It's a minor gripe for something that's oh so glorious.
(4)
Maura G.
i always find it funny that this place is called "the" phil's tavern. but i digress... their food is great. the seared tuna salad, the portobello burger, the clubs. they are all really good. they have a little bit of everything on their menu, so it is sure to please anyone. this place is hopping for happy hour and i can see why. service is always good. good place to go when the philly team are playing. as another reviewer said, this place has a nice "local joint" feel. almost like cheers, but after happy hour, i don't even know my name.
(4)
TJ K.
I was in the Philly area last week visiting family and friends, and typically I go to Pudge's for my one cheesesteak during a visit. But, we ended up one night at Phil's. I hadn't been there since probably the early 90s, so I didn't know what to expect. Well...the cheesesteak was awesome! I'll now have to think hard about whether to go to Pudge's or back to Phil's when in town.
(5)
bill g.
When you need to have a Great Burger or Toasted Cheese and Tomato on Rye( Nancy's favorite) Try Phil's in Blue Bell. Rarely can you finish the meal as portions are enormous, so it is always a good value to us, in that it is really a second meal, or a great late night e snack! The Burger is 10 oz of the best Ground Sirloin in Montgomery County. They get their beef from Carl Venezia Fresh Meats, In Plymouth Meeting, and the flavor and quality is second to none. The staff is great, the ambiance is classic Tavern and comfortable.
(4)
Suz R.
I'm disappointed with my fellow reviewers! Do you all work for Phil's? The staff is helpful and there's a warm neighborhood feel, but after all of your raves about the food, I dared to order the lobster crab cake appetizer. Tiny, in the shape of a swirled dog poo, it was burnt on the bottom and the consistency of rubber (for $12). The waitress was kind enough to take it away (and off the bill). My husband said his wings were okay, not great, and our waters tasted like a swimming pool (buy a filter for the sink please!) Also, as he was finishing his wings and I my fries, three different servers tried to take our plates away. My replacement fries were fine, so overall ruling: bar food okay, friendly staff, but certainly wouldn't eat there again.
(2)
Peter G.
The food and waitstaff are great but getting seated was a nightmare. We arrived at 630 and we were told 40 minutes. The manager Joe was busy seating his friends and made the families with kids wait. We waited for an hour and a half with not so much as a sorry for the wait. We looked at the seating list and found that we were passed over many times. Completely unprofessional. We won't go back.
(1)
Fenton F.
Just get the Burger..... Words cant desribe it.... its that good
(5)
Denise W.
Solid, tasty place to plop down and have a bite to eat - the place seems always packed, the waiting area filled to the brim on weekend nights, but the host/hostess moves it along and before you know it, you've got a seat. The wait staff knows the menu, worth probing them for what's good on the menu. The menu is huge, and you can satisfy your need for a burger or prime rib, caesar salad or lobster. Two of my favorites are the ribs, which come perfectly sauced and their hot roast beef and provolone on kaiser w/crunchy Kosher pickle! Grab a Hoagarden with the ribs, sit back and watch whatever is on the big screen. Nothing has 'wowed' me here, just the satisfaction of good food, reliable service time and again makes Phil's a regular destination.
(3)
Zee Z.
Service was very good. Staff very friendly. Food was good and the portions were huge. Good selection of beers. Nice place to go for casual dining at a decent price. If you are looking for gourmet dining or romantic ambiance, this is NOT the place.
(3)
Angie M.
It takes a lot for me to savor something, but Phil's Tavern definitely has THE BEST baby back ribs and cole slaw I've had in a long time. The wait time on a busy night is about 40-60 minutes and rightfully so. The food is THAT good. The only problem we had was that we were seated at a table that was not very steady and nearly lost our plates a few times by a waitress bumping into us (you are seated pretty close together). All in all, I'd definitely recommed. I'd like to see how Phils will do once the Broad Axe Tavern reopens next door.
(4)
Jenn G.
good pub atmosphere...fantastic and delicious french onion soup!
(3)
Rose M.
Great place for a great casual meal - you must get the Nacos -Big plate must share - lots of TVs for the sports fan - just the place to watch the game and have good food
(4)
Chris S.
Went to Phils tonight, wasn't overly impressed but still found the place decent. They keep the place pretty dark, almost too dark, like strain your eyes dark, I was expecting a drifter to step out from the shadows, demand some money and then knife me. The portions are decent sized and they ought to be with the price of things, I had the fish and chips for about $14 while my girlfriend had a pork roll sandwich with fries which was $9. A stinkin iced tea was $3. They do have quite the selection, the menu is about the size of one of moses' tablets with everything from appetizers to sandwiches to full meals. They have a big selection of beers and the bar was hoping on a Tuesday night. now here's the thing, I don't mind paying money for something that's outstanding and maybe I haven't found what they are "known for" yet but I think they are a bit overpriced, I find it hard to pay nearly $20 for 4 pretty small pieces of fried fish, a handful of fries and an iced tea. Like I said it wasn't bad not by a long shot, but i think there are better places with better food for much cheaper.
(3)
Gina D.
The ribs are some of the best I've ever had if not THE best. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Oh and you shouldn't leave here without having a piece of the banana chocolate chip cake.
If you want premium priced diner food with diner ambience, mediocre food and poor service, Phil's Tavern is your place. Needless to say my family and I will not return nor can I recommend it friends knowing we passed numerous other restaurants in the area.
(2)
Gregory F.
Incredibly fantastic food with huge portions. Can't go wrong with anything here, especially the cheesesteaks or grilled cheese sandwiches. French onion soup is the best around. One of my favorite places to go.
(5)
mike v.
Better food than most pubs in the burbs. The burgers are huge and delicious. The staff is very friendly. Great French onion. The food is a bit plain like most suburb food.
(4)
Jessica N.
It was ok... Nothing spectacular. The menu was gigantic. We ordered nachos as an app. My fiancee is in love with their nachos. I didn't see/taste anything amazing; but hey - to each their own. The sandwiches are extremely pricey! $12.99 for a chicken salad wrap. $12.99 for California Club sandwich (says sliced chicken on the menu... i was not expecting deli meat for $12.99). They are the cheapest; prices for sandwiches go up to about $22.99! Entrees were $25+. I looked at the drink menu... $8.75. I got the California club - was not impressed. Could have gotten the same sandwich (maybe better) at a diner for $7/$8 WITH better fries. They tasted like they were fried in old grease. I was not impressed. My fiancee ordered a Burger - no cheese, no tomato... his came out with both. Apparently they send the waitresses home for a few hours in the afternoon... so our waitress just left in the middle of serving us. I have always heard great things about Phils Tavern... I probably wont be back for a while. Not saying I won't give it another chance it the future, but the quality of the food was not worth the dimes it cost.
(3)
Christopher D.
Phil's Tavern is a Blue Bell institution that I have been going to for at least 20 years. Its in an old building that when you walk into you think you are in a time machine transported back to the 60s with wood paneling everywhere and uncomfortable but solid furniture. The reason I go here is when I want a rib fix. These ribs are not what a bbq aficionado would be looking for but more like the equivalent of Mom's ribs that she cooked in the crock pot and are falling off the bone. A half slab later, accompanied by coleslaw and broccoli, I had my rib fix. Eating at the bar here is great, as you get great service, and can watch one of the myriad of TV's plastered to the wall. Prices have definitely gone up over the years, so you will not feel like you are getting a bargain, but the food is good straight forward american comfort food, delivered with a smile.
(3)
P H.
This place has a lot to like. First, the food is great but it's not for those watching their figure. I tend to get a cheesesteak. Hey, I'm a tourist. :-) The staff is really nice and very welcoming. Lastly, and certainly not least, the pours are HEALTHY. 4 whole ounces to be exact. That's right. You get four ounces of liquor when you order a bourbon, scotch, whatever. It's easy to overdo it here. Be careful and have fun.
(4)
Christine C.
I have never eaten in the actual restaurant, but per my managers request, we get Phil's Tavern to cater our meetings. Let me start off by saying how nice and attentive Tom, the catering guy, is. He gets everything we ordered right every time. He provides us with the utensils and plates. He even sets up for us! Secondly, the food is DELICIOUS. I haven't had one thing that I was disappointed in. If you haven't yet had their potato salad, go for it. It's to die for. I will be visiting the actual restaurant very soon to try other things on the menu. Thanks, Tom, for helping us out all the time at BOA!!!!
(5)
steve e.
This place is for te cool kids and that is reflected by a cool bar scene and cool beer selctions. So it takes audacity to write or agree with these sub-par reviews for a cool place but $15 burgers and sandwiches with diner quality ingredients is just rude-Broad Axe Tavern next time because a fifty dollar bill for 2 burgers and 2 beers is 2 much
(2)
Chris M.
Revisited recently. Equally impressed. Think neighborhood bar, neighborhood restaurant run by nice neighborhood ppl.Very friendly.. the food is good, with LARGE portions.. Very good spot to catch a game, or a quick beer. Have all the basics in any bar, plus even local craft beers. Dogfish, Slyfox, Yuengling to the typical Macro beer. Very chill, favorite spot for us. Get the wings.
(4)
Carla M.
I'm really giving them 2.5 stars because the prices are absurdly high and the place is so dated. I'm not sure how you can command $12.45 for a ALT (avocado, lettuce, and tomato) sandwich. Really? Is that chunk of profit to cover something else they're barely breaking even on? The calamari appetizer was a decent portion size, but overly breaded, covering (what I suppose) were very tiny defrosted rings of squid. It came out fast, then again there were only 4 other people in the place. My grilled cheese was okay, and the chicken sandwich topped with spinach was too heavily fried. The prices are mostly $12+ up on everything. I'd rather spend my money at a place with nicer ambiance and fresher, non-fried food if they're going to charge those prices.
(3)
Joia M.
Nice place, but the food was pricey and mediocre. Tomato sauce has a weird quality to it. The fries were good tho.
(2)
Kurt P.
I love this place. If I'm in the mood for a sandwich this is the place I go. Their burgers are great, their buffalo chicken cheese steak is like crack, and the portion sizes are HUGE. If you leave this place hungry you must have done something wrong. For lunch they have a special menu which includes normal menu items, but you get a free soup with your purchase. I also like their pickles that you can request for your table. If you are coming here for a beautiful restaurant go some where else. If you want to enjoy a beer and burger in a tavern atmosphere and maybe catch a ballgame on tv this is a great choice. The only negative I would give Phil's is the dining area's need a proper decorator to fix the styling of the restaurant. It is dated and plain, but the food makes up for it.
(5)
John D.
Food was sub-par (no-one finished their dish), and the menu is like reading a short story. However, our main concern is that the waitress charged us $98.00 instead of $90.00, when $90 was clearly written on the check. Pointed this out to the restaurant to let them know that the waitress has overcharged us, by adding an extra $8 to her tip. The $8 does not break the bank, however, it is a question of integrity and should be brought to light.
(2)
heather h.
I went to Phil's on my lunch break with co-workers. The inside is very dated and could use some cosmetic renovations to emphasize it's charm - ceiling tiles are kind of dirty and disgusting! In looking over the menu their prices were a bit high. $10 for a grilled cheese with ordinary cheeses, I'll pass!!! A cheeseburger without any sides will run you at least $12 but I was informed by the waitress they are known for their burgers. So I ordered one and it was a good premier burger but the patty was entirely too big to enjoy. I like a modest size burger not a monster one. I ordered fries and cole slaw with my burger - fries were great and cold slaw was okay. I also had a soda with my meal and was charged $2.95 for it. Not cheap but I have been to upscale establishments that have every right to charge you a lot but although the food was good here I felt ripped off. My experience did not equate to what I paid. I don't think i would come back again as a result.
(3)
P M W.
It's been a few years since we've eaten here, twice. Both times a disappointment. Food really greasy, plain, and not top quality. Yet it always looks busy when passing-by.
(1)
Toni I.
I go here all the time for lunch with colleagues. The menu is extensive, and there are many options. The desserts are huge, and definitely shareable. Waitstaff is friendly.
(4)
Zach V.
If you love simple food and huge portions you will fall in love with Phil's. I have been eating there for about 15 years and still love the place. The first thing people say when I bring them in for the first time is how dark it is inside. It has always been dimly lit but if you go during the day some of the rooms have windows and its not too bad. I think it adds to the character of the place so I have never had a problem with it. They have TV's all over and you can hear the betting crowd talking sports at all times. The decor is old and plain. They put a large addition on not too long ago and I think the person that designed it was color blind. Now on to the food! All of their portions are HUGE! You can't leave this place still hungry. The menu is immense so there is something for everyone. I go to Phil's for (3) things Burgers, Wings & pickles. They make their own burgers and they are large ( 1/2lb) monsters. I haven't had a better burger anywhere in the Philly area. They make their own wing sauce and they are always cooked perfectly crispy. Besides Union Jacks Phil's wings are some of the best around. If you like pickles make sure to order a pickle boat. It comes with a large portion of very thick slices of spicy pickles. I can't write about all of Phil's other food because I rarely get something new. I have tried other items over the years and I always enjoyed them.
(4)
Tar K.
Been here a few times over the years. It has always been the same. Mediocre server, mediocre bland food , large portions with the cheaper food and WAY overpriced. The pickles are great though. Pass on this one and keep going.
(2)
Sam H.
I'm fascinated by the rave reviews about Phil's. It's okay bar food that comes in gigantic portions. Since we live in a fat society that wants humongous portions for cheap prices, then this is a good place to go. But is value really ginormous portions for a cheap price? Or is value high quality food for a fair price? You be the judge. But I wan't impressed.
(2)
Brian F.
In town for business, I stopped here for dinner based on some of the online reviews. Had the "award winning" chili that was pretty average (what? no crackers?). The side salad I got was a tiny bowl of wilted iceberg lettuce with some rock-hard croutons and some black olives that had seen better days. The topper? A packet of salad dressing thrown into the salad bowl! Can you say "yuck"? Shouldn't the health department have put an end to this by now? Finally, the cheeseteak I ordered was a huge pile of gray tasteless meat on a soggy bun. Maybe I ordered the wrong stuff off their ridiculously giant menu, but I will probably not be back.
(1)
Anna R.
I've been to The Phils a bunch of times for work lunches and dinners and we always go back because they have fast, friendly service and tasty, gigundo portions. Their menu is absurdly huge, but that means that there's really something for everyone (including vegetarians). The best veggie choices are the Ginas Caesar: a salad with roasted red peppers and grilled portobellos and the Tuscan Club (ask for it with portobellos (instead of chicken) and no bacon. The prices aren't cheap, but they're not expensive either when you consider the size of the portions. Your best bet is to just cut everything in half right off the bat because there's no way someone could ever finish off a whole plate. Even the salads are so big that you can't eat them all! The only problem with Phils is that their desserts are pretty gross. I don't know where they buy them from, but they should probably go with a different supplier because they're pretty much inedible. However, after dinner at The Phils, there's no way you'll have room for dessert anyway, so it's not the end of the world.
(4)
Bob H.
Talk about mixed signals! First, the service was OK. It wasn't bad. It wasn't great. But it was better than expected for a Tavern...so kudos to the wait staff. Table side food reviews were all OK at best. I'm pretty sure the fish in the fish n' chips was Gorton's and the entire plate was no where worth $15. My club sandwich was bland, and dry. The cole slaw was flavorless. The hamburger was large, but ho-hum. A few of the dishes were to include Quarter cut fries, but they sure looked like the Ore Ida's I get at Acme, except mine taste better. The menu is huge and diverse, but that fact is only impressive when an establishment can actually deliver the dishes with confidence and quality. It doesn't matter how big your menu is if you can't deliver on it. And I agree with other reviewers. There is something strange about their checks. Although none of the items listed on the check was ours, the staff swore it was ours. We only paid it because it was definitely less than we estimated it should have been. I doubt I will ever go back because I can't help but feel we were ripped off. Hey Phil's, you're not the only place in town anymore. Time to step up your game.
(2)
Brad C.
This place is one of my favorites... The staff is friendly and nice.. I love the burgers, club sandwiches and Tony Soprano sandwich. Everything that comes out of the kitchen looks great. I usually can get 2 meals out of every portion.. The menu is enormous and you can get anything you want.. If you've never been here... its a must go..
(5)
Nick C.
This is not a review about their food, drink, or atmosphere. This is about their billing practices. Phil's Tavern ROUNDS UP your receipt!!! When asked about it, the answer was THEY DON'T WANT PENNIES IN THEIR REGISTER!!! I would be fine with it if they rounded down, but of course, this isn't the case. Phil's Tavern ROUNDS UP!!! Charge each customer a few extra pennies per visit and you end up with a nice bonus at the end of the month. Month? Think about the end of the year bonus! Woohoo!!! If you are still going to visit after reading this, make sure to complain to management! If the situation changes, let me know so I can remove this review.
(1)
Jeffrey W.
HUGE Menu, too big in fact but most everything is good. The cheezesteaks aren't thet great but hey I live near Philly so that's a high standard. the French Onion soup is awesome, the Caprisi Salad is amazing and fresh. the Wraps arent; that great but the salads are immense and awesome. Sort of old decor, but the good food and selection make up for it.
(3)
Kevin J.
The hot roast beef and other sandwiches at Phil's are so delicious. Portion sizes are very generous. Phils contains a small dining area, a banquet room with fireplace, and a rectangular bar area that includes additional seating arrangements. Phil's is a great place for the whole group or family to dine in. The menu is gigantic so you won't ever lack for options. Phil's is in Blue Bell, near Ambler and route 309.
(5)
Steve M.
Although the menu is absurdly large, I enjoyed my salmon. Service was very pleasant. I would come back
(3)
Jeffrey P.
Neighborhood pub with the type of fare you would expect. Big-ass burgers, meaty buffalo wings, great fries, cold beers. A great lunch spot or after golf. Not over priced...which is a nice change.
(3)
Bruce H.
I hadn't been to Phil's Tavern in 6 or 7 years, and that was just for lunch with a few coworkers. Recently some old friends suggested Phil's early on a Saturday evening. The place was amazingly busy with lots of parents with their kids in tow. We actually had to park across the street in an office parking lot (hey, we didn't get ticketed or towed)! Phil's has a few different rooms. We were seated in a newer dining room addition that is fairly bland rectangle with a gas fireplace at one end. Service was quick & friendly. She brought out our Hoegaardens immediately while we continued to pour over their huge menu. I had the "lump" crab-cake club, my wife had the rib-eye cheese steak sandwich. There were no lumps of crab in this crab-cake sandwich, but it was still fairly tasty. My wife complained that some of the steak was fairly gristly and chewy in the sandwich, but the flavor was good, and the hot peppers accompanying were phenomenal. Now later that night, back at home, I had some major digestive problems. I'm not saying that it was directly related to the food, but I am very suspicious. I would give Phil's another try and skip the crab-cake sandwich... but would not go out of my way to get there. There are 4 or 5 similar places I live closer to that I would stop at first. If I revisit, and have a better meal, I'll change my rating.
(2)
Alix H.
My friend and I had an "oh goodness let's just get out of the city" moment last night, and we found ourselves at The Phil's . I think I spent 45 minutes deciding what to get on their mile- long menu, but once my ribs arrived, oh man. My dad is well known as an excellent rib cook, and I have tried many many delicious versions, but these were seriously great. I didn't even need a knife, I could just slide the bone off the meat. Wow. The place feels neighborhoody, our waitress was nice, and I would totally go back if I'm in the area again. Bonus points for crayons on the table for some pretty great napkin drawings.
(4)
Christopher D.
Phil's Tavern is a Blue Bell institution that I have been going to for at least 20 years. Its in an old building that when you walk into you think you are in a time machine transported back to the 60s with wood paneling everywhere and uncomfortable but solid furniture. The reason I go here is when I want a rib fix. These ribs are not what a bbq aficionado would be looking for but more like the equivalent of Mom's ribs that she cooked in the crock pot and are falling off the bone. A half slab later, accompanied by coleslaw and broccoli, I had my rib fix. Eating at the bar here is great, as you get great service, and can watch one of the myriad of TV's plastered to the wall. Prices have definitely gone up over the years, so you will not feel like you are getting a bargain, but the food is good straight forward american comfort food, delivered with a smile.
(3)
heather h.
I went to Phil's on my lunch break with co-workers. The inside is very dated and could use some cosmetic renovations to emphasize it's charm - ceiling tiles are kind of dirty and disgusting! In looking over the menu their prices were a bit high. $10 for a grilled cheese with ordinary cheeses, I'll pass!!! A cheeseburger without any sides will run you at least $12 but I was informed by the waitress they are known for their burgers. So I ordered one and it was a good premier burger but the patty was entirely too big to enjoy. I like a modest size burger not a monster one. I ordered fries and cole slaw with my burger - fries were great and cold slaw was okay. I also had a soda with my meal and was charged $2.95 for it. Not cheap but I have been to upscale establishments that have every right to charge you a lot but although the food was good here I felt ripped off. My experience did not equate to what I paid. I don't think i would come back again as a result.
(3)
P M W.
It's been a few years since we've eaten here, twice. Both times a disappointment. Food really greasy, plain, and not top quality. Yet it always looks busy when passing-by.
(1)
Chris M.
Revisited recently. Equally impressed. Think neighborhood bar, neighborhood restaurant run by nice neighborhood ppl.Very friendly.. the food is good, with LARGE portions.. Very good spot to catch a game, or a quick beer. Have all the basics in any bar, plus even local craft beers. Dogfish, Slyfox, Yuengling to the typical Macro beer. Very chill, favorite spot for us. Get the wings.
(4)
Christine C.
I have never eaten in the actual restaurant, but per my managers request, we get Phil's Tavern to cater our meetings. Let me start off by saying how nice and attentive Tom, the catering guy, is. He gets everything we ordered right every time. He provides us with the utensils and plates. He even sets up for us! Secondly, the food is DELICIOUS. I haven't had one thing that I was disappointed in. If you haven't yet had their potato salad, go for it. It's to die for. I will be visiting the actual restaurant very soon to try other things on the menu. Thanks, Tom, for helping us out all the time at BOA!!!!
(5)
Jeffrey W.
HUGE Menu, too big in fact but most everything is good. The cheezesteaks aren't thet great but hey I live near Philly so that's a high standard. the French Onion soup is awesome, the Caprisi Salad is amazing and fresh. the Wraps arent; that great but the salads are immense and awesome. Sort of old decor, but the good food and selection make up for it.
(3)
Kevin J.
The hot roast beef and other sandwiches at Phil's are so delicious. Portion sizes are very generous. Phils contains a small dining area, a banquet room with fireplace, and a rectangular bar area that includes additional seating arrangements. Phil's is a great place for the whole group or family to dine in. The menu is gigantic so you won't ever lack for options. Phil's is in Blue Bell, near Ambler and route 309.
(5)
Steve M.
Although the menu is absurdly large, I enjoyed my salmon. Service was very pleasant. I would come back
This place has a lot to like. First, the food is great but it's not for those watching their figure. I tend to get a cheesesteak. Hey, I'm a tourist. :-) The staff is really nice and very welcoming. Lastly, and certainly not least, the pours are HEALTHY. 4 whole ounces to be exact. That's right. You get four ounces of liquor when you order a bourbon, scotch, whatever. It's easy to overdo it here. Be careful and have fun.
(4)
steve e.
This place is for te cool kids and that is reflected by a cool bar scene and cool beer selctions. So it takes audacity to write or agree with these sub-par reviews for a cool place but $15 burgers and sandwiches with diner quality ingredients is just rude-Broad Axe Tavern next time because a fifty dollar bill for 2 burgers and 2 beers is 2 much
(2)
Carla M.
I'm really giving them 2.5 stars because the prices are absurdly high and the place is so dated. I'm not sure how you can command $12.45 for a ALT (avocado, lettuce, and tomato) sandwich. Really? Is that chunk of profit to cover something else they're barely breaking even on? The calamari appetizer was a decent portion size, but overly breaded, covering (what I suppose) were very tiny defrosted rings of squid. It came out fast, then again there were only 4 other people in the place. My grilled cheese was okay, and the chicken sandwich topped with spinach was too heavily fried. The prices are mostly $12+ up on everything. I'd rather spend my money at a place with nicer ambiance and fresher, non-fried food if they're going to charge those prices.
(3)
Joia M.
Nice place, but the food was pricey and mediocre. Tomato sauce has a weird quality to it. The fries were good tho.
(2)
Kurt P.
I love this place. If I'm in the mood for a sandwich this is the place I go. Their burgers are great, their buffalo chicken cheese steak is like crack, and the portion sizes are HUGE. If you leave this place hungry you must have done something wrong. For lunch they have a special menu which includes normal menu items, but you get a free soup with your purchase. I also like their pickles that you can request for your table. If you are coming here for a beautiful restaurant go some where else. If you want to enjoy a beer and burger in a tavern atmosphere and maybe catch a ballgame on tv this is a great choice. The only negative I would give Phil's is the dining area's need a proper decorator to fix the styling of the restaurant. It is dated and plain, but the food makes up for it.
(5)
John D.
Food was sub-par (no-one finished their dish), and the menu is like reading a short story. However, our main concern is that the waitress charged us $98.00 instead of $90.00, when $90 was clearly written on the check. Pointed this out to the restaurant to let them know that the waitress has overcharged us, by adding an extra $8 to her tip. The $8 does not break the bank, however, it is a question of integrity and should be brought to light.
(2)
Mark S.
If you want premium priced diner food with diner ambience, mediocre food and poor service, Phil's Tavern is your place. Needless to say my family and I will not return nor can I recommend it friends knowing we passed numerous other restaurants in the area.
(2)
Mary Kate G.
The food here has always been good and the service friendly.
(3)
Gregory F.
Incredibly fantastic food with huge portions. Can't go wrong with anything here, especially the cheesesteaks or grilled cheese sandwiches. French onion soup is the best around. One of my favorite places to go.
I'm disappointed with my fellow reviewers! Do you all work for Phil's? The staff is helpful and there's a warm neighborhood feel, but after all of your raves about the food, I dared to order the lobster crab cake appetizer. Tiny, in the shape of a swirled dog poo, it was burnt on the bottom and the consistency of rubber (for $12). The waitress was kind enough to take it away (and off the bill). My husband said his wings were okay, not great, and our waters tasted like a swimming pool (buy a filter for the sink please!) Also, as he was finishing his wings and I my fries, three different servers tried to take our plates away. My replacement fries were fine, so overall ruling: bar food okay, friendly staff, but certainly wouldn't eat there again.
(2)
mike v.
Better food than most pubs in the burbs. The burgers are huge and delicious. The staff is very friendly. Great French onion. The food is a bit plain like most suburb food.
(4)
Jessica N.
It was ok... Nothing spectacular. The menu was gigantic. We ordered nachos as an app. My fiancee is in love with their nachos. I didn't see/taste anything amazing; but hey - to each their own. The sandwiches are extremely pricey! $12.99 for a chicken salad wrap. $12.99 for California Club sandwich (says sliced chicken on the menu... i was not expecting deli meat for $12.99). They are the cheapest; prices for sandwiches go up to about $22.99! Entrees were $25+. I looked at the drink menu... $8.75. I got the California club - was not impressed. Could have gotten the same sandwich (maybe better) at a diner for $7/$8 WITH better fries. They tasted like they were fried in old grease. I was not impressed. My fiancee ordered a Burger - no cheese, no tomato... his came out with both. Apparently they send the waitresses home for a few hours in the afternoon... so our waitress just left in the middle of serving us. I have always heard great things about Phils Tavern... I probably wont be back for a while. Not saying I won't give it another chance it the future, but the quality of the food was not worth the dimes it cost.
(3)
Brian F.
In town for business, I stopped here for dinner based on some of the online reviews. Had the "award winning" chili that was pretty average (what? no crackers?). The side salad I got was a tiny bowl of wilted iceberg lettuce with some rock-hard croutons and some black olives that had seen better days. The topper? A packet of salad dressing thrown into the salad bowl! Can you say "yuck"? Shouldn't the health department have put an end to this by now? Finally, the cheeseteak I ordered was a huge pile of gray tasteless meat on a soggy bun. Maybe I ordered the wrong stuff off their ridiculously giant menu, but I will probably not be back.
(1)
Jeffrey P.
Neighborhood pub with the type of fare you would expect. Big-ass burgers, meaty buffalo wings, great fries, cold beers. A great lunch spot or after golf. Not over priced...which is a nice change.
(3)
Bob H.
Talk about mixed signals! First, the service was OK. It wasn't bad. It wasn't great. But it was better than expected for a Tavern...so kudos to the wait staff. Table side food reviews were all OK at best. I'm pretty sure the fish in the fish n' chips was Gorton's and the entire plate was no where worth $15. My club sandwich was bland, and dry. The cole slaw was flavorless. The hamburger was large, but ho-hum. A few of the dishes were to include Quarter cut fries, but they sure looked like the Ore Ida's I get at Acme, except mine taste better. The menu is huge and diverse, but that fact is only impressive when an establishment can actually deliver the dishes with confidence and quality. It doesn't matter how big your menu is if you can't deliver on it. And I agree with other reviewers. There is something strange about their checks. Although none of the items listed on the check was ours, the staff swore it was ours. We only paid it because it was definitely less than we estimated it should have been. I doubt I will ever go back because I can't help but feel we were ripped off. Hey Phil's, you're not the only place in town anymore. Time to step up your game.
(2)
Brad C.
This place is one of my favorites... The staff is friendly and nice.. I love the burgers, club sandwiches and Tony Soprano sandwich. Everything that comes out of the kitchen looks great. I usually can get 2 meals out of every portion.. The menu is enormous and you can get anything you want.. If you've never been here... its a must go..
(5)
Nick C.
This is not a review about their food, drink, or atmosphere. This is about their billing practices. Phil's Tavern ROUNDS UP your receipt!!! When asked about it, the answer was THEY DON'T WANT PENNIES IN THEIR REGISTER!!! I would be fine with it if they rounded down, but of course, this isn't the case. Phil's Tavern ROUNDS UP!!! Charge each customer a few extra pennies per visit and you end up with a nice bonus at the end of the month. Month? Think about the end of the year bonus! Woohoo!!! If you are still going to visit after reading this, make sure to complain to management! If the situation changes, let me know so I can remove this review.
(1)
Toni I.
I go here all the time for lunch with colleagues. The menu is extensive, and there are many options. The desserts are huge, and definitely shareable. Waitstaff is friendly.
(4)
Zach V.
If you love simple food and huge portions you will fall in love with Phil's. I have been eating there for about 15 years and still love the place. The first thing people say when I bring them in for the first time is how dark it is inside. It has always been dimly lit but if you go during the day some of the rooms have windows and its not too bad. I think it adds to the character of the place so I have never had a problem with it. They have TV's all over and you can hear the betting crowd talking sports at all times. The decor is old and plain. They put a large addition on not too long ago and I think the person that designed it was color blind. Now on to the food! All of their portions are HUGE! You can't leave this place still hungry. The menu is immense so there is something for everyone. I go to Phil's for (3) things Burgers, Wings & pickles. They make their own burgers and they are large ( 1/2lb) monsters. I haven't had a better burger anywhere in the Philly area. They make their own wing sauce and they are always cooked perfectly crispy. Besides Union Jacks Phil's wings are some of the best around. If you like pickles make sure to order a pickle boat. It comes with a large portion of very thick slices of spicy pickles. I can't write about all of Phil's other food because I rarely get something new. I have tried other items over the years and I always enjoyed them.
(4)
Tar K.
Been here a few times over the years. It has always been the same. Mediocre server, mediocre bland food , large portions with the cheaper food and WAY overpriced. The pickles are great though. Pass on this one and keep going.
(2)
Sam H.
I'm fascinated by the rave reviews about Phil's. It's okay bar food that comes in gigantic portions. Since we live in a fat society that wants humongous portions for cheap prices, then this is a good place to go. But is value really ginormous portions for a cheap price? Or is value high quality food for a fair price? You be the judge. But I wan't impressed.
(2)
Douglas D.
Tried their "best of montco" crab cake -- frankly it was flavorless. Beer selection was good but not great, especially when compared to the excellent selections next door at Broad Axe Tavern. Service friendly. Decor nondescript. Menu ABSURDLY large and disjointed -- there were honest-to-goodness repeats. There's no way they can cook 200 dishes competently or fresh. Nice people but I see no reason to return especially with all the excellent options nearby.
(2)
John R.
Phil's is a great place. Service is always fast and friendly. Their sandwiches are stuffed and delicious. If you leave this place still hungry, you are doing something wrong. I recommend the french onion soup and the Tony Soprano. Amazing!!!
(4)
Arseny R.
Great food, large meaty portions, great service, lots of dining and bar room options. The cooks don't overdo it on the sauces and additional stuff. Prime rib had horseradish sauce on the side, half a pickle, some fries. No gravies, vegies and all other non-meat additions. Cheeseburger had cheese, leaf of letuce, slice of tomato, some mayo and lots of hand shaped meat prepared to order (medium was medium). This is going to be my new "go there when really hungry" spot.
(5)
Joe C.
I've been to Phil's several times and its a pleasant place with good comfort food. Don't go here if you're on a diet, you'll loose. Huge sandwiches, huge burgers, huge everything. Come hungry. If you're going for lunch, don't plan on being all that effective in the afternoon. They have some good looking sandwiches like the chicken parm. Its a pretty well cooked cutlet with some crispness to the breading and absolutely smothered in cheese. The burgers are clearly made with care and very tasty. The buns and bread could use an upgrade though. They handle a crowd with ease. On my visit today, we went with a group of about 25 people for someone's birthday. Everything from the drinks to the food came quickly and accurately except for one minor exception. I upgraded from fries to chips when I ordered but got chips when the food arrived. Apologies were given, fries were presented quickly and no harm was done. In fact, I give extra points for the swift and pleasant nature of the correction. The service is top notch and the waitresses aren't bad looking either which never hurts. The setting is charming in an old bar/tavern kind of way. I'm sure the building's over a hundred years old. On the flip side, the menu is so large that I think it makes it tough to keep everything fresh. This leads to some things not being as flavorful as they could be. If I brought a friend from out of town, I'd suggest the burger. Overall, a good lunch spot and I'll be back maybe once a month or every other.
(3)
Jocelyn B.
I don't think I will be going back. We ordered jalapeno popper as an appetizer which were yummy but nothing special same ones you get out of the freezer section.. husband has an ahi tuna sandwich which he liked but I think only because it has some creamy horseradish sauce with it. I had the eggplant sub, it was HUGE and kind of good but too greasy and cheesy and frankly too big. My daughter had ravioli and a meatball. Our lunch cost $50!! I was the only one who drank something other than water I had a diet coke for $3.50. Also the server was not very pleasant
(1)
S F.
Phil's is your classic Philadelphia bar/rest. Very generous portions, with a HUGE menu. They offer creative sandwich specials, and my fav there, the cheesesteak. In my opinion, shrink the menu by 75% and use fresh ingredients vs frozen.
(2)
Jason Y.
Great portions and everything I've tried so far is extremely tasty! You'll notice that everyone walks out with a styrofoam to-go platter because their portions are so generous. There's a reason why their parking lot is constantly full!
(4)
Da S.
Wednesday night and the place is packed. This is a total local favorite. The menu is miles long. I had the ribeye steak sandwich and it was top notch.
(4)
jillian n.
The food here is awesome! And the menu is HUGE.
(4)
Bruce H.
I hadn't been to Phil's Tavern in 6 or 7 years, and that was just for lunch with a few coworkers. Recently some old friends suggested Phil's early on a Saturday evening. The place was amazingly busy with lots of parents with their kids in tow. We actually had to park across the street in an office parking lot (hey, we didn't get ticketed or towed)! Phil's has a few different rooms. We were seated in a newer dining room addition that is fairly bland rectangle with a gas fireplace at one end. Service was quick & friendly. She brought out our Hoegaardens immediately while we continued to pour over their huge menu. I had the "lump" crab-cake club, my wife had the rib-eye cheese steak sandwich. There were no lumps of crab in this crab-cake sandwich, but it was still fairly tasty. My wife complained that some of the steak was fairly gristly and chewy in the sandwich, but the flavor was good, and the hot peppers accompanying were phenomenal. Now later that night, back at home, I had some major digestive problems. I'm not saying that it was directly related to the food, but I am very suspicious. I would give Phil's another try and skip the crab-cake sandwich... but would not go out of my way to get there. There are 4 or 5 similar places I live closer to that I would stop at first. If I revisit, and have a better meal, I'll change my rating.
(2)
Alix H.
My friend and I had an "oh goodness let's just get out of the city" moment last night, and we found ourselves at The Phil's . I think I spent 45 minutes deciding what to get on their mile- long menu, but once my ribs arrived, oh man. My dad is well known as an excellent rib cook, and I have tried many many delicious versions, but these were seriously great. I didn't even need a knife, I could just slide the bone off the meat. Wow. The place feels neighborhoody, our waitress was nice, and I would totally go back if I'm in the area again. Bonus points for crayons on the table for some pretty great napkin drawings.
(4)
Ray Y.
Was it bad? No. Would I seek it out again? No. The service was subpar in that we waited several minutes just for someone to acknowledge that we were at the "wait to be seated" sign. The waitress was eh. The beers didn't come until after the app...annoying. BUT, the food was decent and the portions were ridiculous. Atmosphere...C+.
(3)
Max K.
This place is good but not great. This place has been here for as long as I can remember. They recently renovated I guess because of the Broad Ax tavern. Many hidden dining rooms, dark long bar, mostly decent service. Beer is cold and inexpensive. The food is okay, nothing special. Award winning ribs shouldn't have really won any awards but their burgers, cheesesteaks and other sandwiches are tops. Great happy hour and even when they are busy, service is still good. This is a regular place for me and it should be for you too
(3)
Don G.
I have been to Phils a few times to drink and once to eat. Lets start with the food and service. I ordered a sandwich that was supposed to have steak and lobster on it. Well the steak was tough and overcooked and the lobster was just weird. I couldn't tell whether it was lobster or not. My wife had a burger which was big but nothing special. The service was ok except they gave me someone elses check! Now I have been eating out a long time and thats the first time that has ever happened. As for the bar - I had a frozen margarita and my wife a bourbon and coke. I must admit it was a very good and rather large margarita but $10 seems to be rather expensive. Well the tab for my wife and I came to $17.50 for 1 drink apiece! Phils Tavern - thanks but no thanks.
(2)
Sara P.
I went to Phils with my boyfriend due to rumors of "the best hamburger around." He ordered the Hamburger and it was huge! It was very meaty and thick and juicy. It was a typical American meal with yummy, thick cut fries. he asked for some bacon and they gave him about 10 slices. No exaggeration. I ordered the crab cake sandwich. I didn't particularly like that is was fried. The outer crust seem to taste too much like the bacon from the same grill, but it was also very meaty with little filling, which is great. The service was superb! Our server was so sweet and everyone was very attentive. This was our first time there. It seemed like a great place to watch sports, but we were just interested in the food. There are two rooms. that the hostess let us choose from. One is more of a bar atmosphere and the other was a typical dining room. Both rooms were choc full of TV's.
(4)
Raj M.
It's pretty rare that I give a place like this 5 stars... but I find it hard to find fault with Phil's. The service is always good, the most relevant sports game is almost always on, and best of all the food is always top notch. They have TONS of choices on the menu, and although I haven't gotten past their burger cuz I love it so much, I have never seen anyone complain about the food. The portions are so satisfyingly large, I make it a point to plan my Phil's run ahead of time, and not to eat anything else that day. If I time it right, it fills me up for the entire day. Go check out Phil's. I assure you, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Jim D.
There is something stupendously delicious in Blue Bell, PA and it's known as The Phil's Tavern. It attracts a huge, loyal crowd and rightfully so. I've never really paid much attention to the inside, except that it's a dimly-lit cavern around the bar area and a tad brighter in the dining area. Sit down and relax because it's the food that is the true showcase. Prices are a tad steep but the amount and quality of the food make up for it. Their menu is massive and everything I've tried has been tasty and generous. The burgers, cheese steaks and club sandwiches are not to be taken for granted. These are for serious hungry people. Fortunately, I am among that demographic. My only complaint would be that the parking lot is too small for the amount of traffic that comes through this place. There is a makeshift parking lot across a very busy street - not so convenient. It's a minor gripe for something that's oh so glorious.
(4)
Maura G.
i always find it funny that this place is called "the" phil's tavern. but i digress... their food is great. the seared tuna salad, the portobello burger, the clubs. they are all really good. they have a little bit of everything on their menu, so it is sure to please anyone. this place is hopping for happy hour and i can see why. service is always good. good place to go when the philly team are playing. as another reviewer said, this place has a nice "local joint" feel. almost like cheers, but after happy hour, i don't even know my name.
(4)
TJ K.
I was in the Philly area last week visiting family and friends, and typically I go to Pudge's for my one cheesesteak during a visit. But, we ended up one night at Phil's. I hadn't been there since probably the early 90s, so I didn't know what to expect. Well...the cheesesteak was awesome! I'll now have to think hard about whether to go to Pudge's or back to Phil's when in town.
(5)
bill g.
When you need to have a Great Burger or Toasted Cheese and Tomato on Rye( Nancy's favorite) Try Phil's in Blue Bell. Rarely can you finish the meal as portions are enormous, so it is always a good value to us, in that it is really a second meal, or a great late night e snack! The Burger is 10 oz of the best Ground Sirloin in Montgomery County. They get their beef from Carl Venezia Fresh Meats, In Plymouth Meeting, and the flavor and quality is second to none. The staff is great, the ambiance is classic Tavern and comfortable.
(4)
Michael C.
It's too strong to just come right out and say that Phil's makes the best hamburgers EVER. But that is what I want to do. The size of the place, and the amount of regulars, accounts for Phil's greatness. I've only had their burger, so I can only attest to its greatness. The price of the burger is expensive, the base burger starts at $9. But don't sell short, you have to get the bacon, and extra cheese, at least. And the Deluxe comes with fries (to wrap with the bacon that falls off your burger), and some really tasty coleslaw. The beers on tap didn't tickle my taste buds, but I was too full to care.
(5)
Rich K.
Burgers... that's all I'm saying
(4)
Gina D.
The ribs are some of the best I've ever had if not THE best. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Oh and you shouldn't leave here without having a piece of the banana chocolate chip cake.
(5)
Sean R.
Good food - large menu - great service. Nothing to complain about here!
(4)
Anna R.
I've been to The Phils a bunch of times for work lunches and dinners and we always go back because they have fast, friendly service and tasty, gigundo portions. Their menu is absurdly huge, but that means that there's really something for everyone (including vegetarians). The best veggie choices are the Ginas Caesar: a salad with roasted red peppers and grilled portobellos and the Tuscan Club (ask for it with portobellos (instead of chicken) and no bacon. The prices aren't cheap, but they're not expensive either when you consider the size of the portions. Your best bet is to just cut everything in half right off the bat because there's no way someone could ever finish off a whole plate. Even the salads are so big that you can't eat them all! The only problem with Phils is that their desserts are pretty gross. I don't know where they buy them from, but they should probably go with a different supplier because they're pretty much inedible. However, after dinner at The Phils, there's no way you'll have room for dessert anyway, so it's not the end of the world.
(4)
Helen D.
Stopped at PHIL's for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Was a tiny bit hungover so I started with a bloody mary. It was tasty - asked for spicy though & it really wasn't.... And it was kind of little. I like them BIG! Their menu is PAGES long & I don't think there is anything you can't get. Which kind of makes me wonder how can everything be so fresh?? We ordered off the SPECIALS of the day menu - which had about 20 choices. Got an open faced reuben which was ok - but not even come close to ordering from a real Jewish deli. My sister had the pork sandwich (to bring in the new year) which she said was pretty tasteless. The dogs got the leftovers. Can't deny the portions are BIG. We've eaten there before this visit & always thought the food was "ok" - which is kind of what we thought this time. If we are in the 'hood & hungry - we'd stop in BUT we won't be making a special trip here. Have to mention - the SERVICE is very good. All the servers are friendly & helpful - we like that. ALSO - they do have a bright new room with a fireplace - that's why they are getting 3 stars instead of 2.
The food and waitstaff are great but getting seated was a nightmare. We arrived at 630 and we were told 40 minutes. The manager Joe was busy seating his friends and made the families with kids wait. We waited for an hour and a half with not so much as a sorry for the wait. We looked at the seating list and found that we were passed over many times. Completely unprofessional. We won't go back.
(1)
Fenton F.
Just get the Burger..... Words cant desribe it.... its that good
(5)
Chuck H.
Phils has been a fixture in the area for many years. The business has grown into one of the better dinner stops on Friday and Saturday night. Menu has a lot of choices and includes sandwiches to full course meals. A few of my favorites include the Tavern Special (sandwich) and the Spare Ribs. Bring a big appetite because you get a lot of food. Bar staff includes more than few bartenders who have been around for long time.
(4)
Denise W.
Solid, tasty place to plop down and have a bite to eat - the place seems always packed, the waiting area filled to the brim on weekend nights, but the host/hostess moves it along and before you know it, you've got a seat. The wait staff knows the menu, worth probing them for what's good on the menu. The menu is huge, and you can satisfy your need for a burger or prime rib, caesar salad or lobster. Two of my favorites are the ribs, which come perfectly sauced and their hot roast beef and provolone on kaiser w/crunchy Kosher pickle! Grab a Hoagarden with the ribs, sit back and watch whatever is on the big screen. Nothing has 'wowed' me here, just the satisfaction of good food, reliable service time and again makes Phil's a regular destination.
(3)
Zee Z.
Service was very good. Staff very friendly. Food was good and the portions were huge. Good selection of beers. Nice place to go for casual dining at a decent price. If you are looking for gourmet dining or romantic ambiance, this is NOT the place.
(3)
Angie M.
It takes a lot for me to savor something, but Phil's Tavern definitely has THE BEST baby back ribs and cole slaw I've had in a long time. The wait time on a busy night is about 40-60 minutes and rightfully so. The food is THAT good. The only problem we had was that we were seated at a table that was not very steady and nearly lost our plates a few times by a waitress bumping into us (you are seated pretty close together). All in all, I'd definitely recommed. I'd like to see how Phils will do once the Broad Axe Tavern reopens next door.
(4)
Jenn G.
good pub atmosphere...fantastic and delicious french onion soup!
(3)
Rose M.
Great place for a great casual meal - you must get the Nacos -Big plate must share - lots of TVs for the sports fan - just the place to watch the game and have good food
(4)
Chris S.
Went to Phils tonight, wasn't overly impressed but still found the place decent. They keep the place pretty dark, almost too dark, like strain your eyes dark, I was expecting a drifter to step out from the shadows, demand some money and then knife me. The portions are decent sized and they ought to be with the price of things, I had the fish and chips for about $14 while my girlfriend had a pork roll sandwich with fries which was $9. A stinkin iced tea was $3. They do have quite the selection, the menu is about the size of one of moses' tablets with everything from appetizers to sandwiches to full meals. They have a big selection of beers and the bar was hoping on a Tuesday night. now here's the thing, I don't mind paying money for something that's outstanding and maybe I haven't found what they are "known for" yet but I think they are a bit overpriced, I find it hard to pay nearly $20 for 4 pretty small pieces of fried fish, a handful of fries and an iced tea. Like I said it wasn't bad not by a long shot, but i think there are better places with better food for much cheaper.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Mary Kate G.
The food here has always been good and the service friendly.
(3)heather h.
I went to Phil's on my lunch break with co-workers. The inside is very dated and could use some cosmetic renovations to emphasize it's charm - ceiling tiles are kind of dirty and disgusting! In looking over the menu their prices were a bit high. $10 for a grilled cheese with ordinary cheeses, I'll pass!!! A cheeseburger without any sides will run you at least $12 but I was informed by the waitress they are known for their burgers. So I ordered one and it was a good premier burger but the patty was entirely too big to enjoy. I like a modest size burger not a monster one. I ordered fries and cole slaw with my burger - fries were great and cold slaw was okay. I also had a soda with my meal and was charged $2.95 for it. Not cheap but I have been to upscale establishments that have every right to charge you a lot but although the food was good here I felt ripped off. My experience did not equate to what I paid. I don't think i would come back again as a result.
(3)P M W.
It's been a few years since we've eaten here, twice. Both times a disappointment. Food really greasy, plain, and not top quality. Yet it always looks busy when passing-by.
(1)Chris M.
Revisited recently. Equally impressed. Think neighborhood bar, neighborhood restaurant run by nice neighborhood ppl.Very friendly.. the food is good, with LARGE portions.. Very good spot to catch a game, or a quick beer. Have all the basics in any bar, plus even local craft beers. Dogfish, Slyfox, Yuengling to the typical Macro beer. Very chill, favorite spot for us. Get the wings.
(4)Christine C.
I have never eaten in the actual restaurant, but per my managers request, we get Phil's Tavern to cater our meetings. Let me start off by saying how nice and attentive Tom, the catering guy, is. He gets everything we ordered right every time. He provides us with the utensils and plates. He even sets up for us! Secondly, the food is DELICIOUS. I haven't had one thing that I was disappointed in. If you haven't yet had their potato salad, go for it. It's to die for. I will be visiting the actual restaurant very soon to try other things on the menu. Thanks, Tom, for helping us out all the time at BOA!!!!
(5)Kevin J.
The hot roast beef and other sandwiches at Phil's are so delicious. Portion sizes are very generous. Phils contains a small dining area, a banquet room with fireplace, and a rectangular bar area that includes additional seating arrangements. Phil's is a great place for the whole group or family to dine in. The menu is gigantic so you won't ever lack for options. Phil's is in Blue Bell, near Ambler and route 309.
(5)Steve M.
Although the menu is absurdly large, I enjoyed my salmon. Service was very pleasant. I would come back
(3)Steven B.
So I read the 3 1/2 star average reviews and the word huge was used a lot. I thought I was prepared for big portions but, silly me; I had no Idea what I was in for. I stopped in for a late lunch. The parking lot was busy but it was a breeze to park. I sat at the bar and it was one dark, dark, place. It has lots of dark wood and low ceilings at the bar. I'll use the word huge for the first time. This is a huge place with multiple rooms. Think of it as an old school tavern/pub. The bartender was quick with a greeting and a main and separate lunch menu. Let's talk about beers first. The list is nothing special here. It's mostly domestic drafts and bottles with a craft here and there. I had a Dogfish 60 minute and it cost me $5.50. Not bad! BTW- I enjoyed excellent customer service throughout my meal. Now let's deal with the food. I was going to use the word huge again but let's change it up. How about mammoth! The main menu has dozens of choices and the special lunch menu must have a least thirty additional options. There is no way you couldn't satisfy just about everybody here. A word needs to be said about the prices. A sandwich and fries here goes from around $11.99 to $15.99. That's a lot of money for lunch but keep in mind that the portions are- let's use ginormous this time. I ordered the TONY SOPRANO which was a breaded chicken cutlet with sautéed spinach and sharp provolone cheese on a long roll with fries ($11.99). It came with the soup-of-the-day. I swear when the bartender brought my plate out, if it was any bigger he would have needed help to carry it! Let's use the word massive this time. It was ridiculously gigantic and delicious. The bread was toasted, the chicken was moist, the spinach was fresh and the cheese was sharp. The fries were nicely cooked but from a frozen bag. This great food deserves fresh-cut fries. They need to make that change. Let's talk about the amazing pickles! These folks customize their pickles here. That's right, they customize them. They buy great deli pickles and then add their own juices and spices. The end results are unbelievably good and very spicy chunks of heaven. Like everything else here, they will add a massive piece to your plate. So Rule #1 here is to make sure you're starving when you visit here. Rule #2 is to expect a "huge" take-home box. Rules #3-#10 are repeats of #1 and #2.
(4)Mark S.
If you want premium priced diner food with diner ambience, mediocre food and poor service, Phil's Tavern is your place. Needless to say my family and I will not return nor can I recommend it friends knowing we passed numerous other restaurants in the area.
(2)Mary Kate G.
The food here has always been good and the service friendly.
(3)Gregory F.
Incredibly fantastic food with huge portions. Can't go wrong with anything here, especially the cheesesteaks or grilled cheese sandwiches. French onion soup is the best around. One of my favorite places to go.
(5)Toni I.
I go here all the time for lunch with colleagues. The menu is extensive, and there are many options. The desserts are huge, and definitely shareable. Waitstaff is friendly.
(4)Zach V.
If you love simple food and huge portions you will fall in love with Phil's. I have been eating there for about 15 years and still love the place. The first thing people say when I bring them in for the first time is how dark it is inside. It has always been dimly lit but if you go during the day some of the rooms have windows and its not too bad. I think it adds to the character of the place so I have never had a problem with it. They have TV's all over and you can hear the betting crowd talking sports at all times. The decor is old and plain. They put a large addition on not too long ago and I think the person that designed it was color blind. Now on to the food! All of their portions are HUGE! You can't leave this place still hungry. The menu is immense so there is something for everyone. I go to Phil's for (3) things Burgers, Wings & pickles. They make their own burgers and they are large ( 1/2lb) monsters. I haven't had a better burger anywhere in the Philly area. They make their own wing sauce and they are always cooked perfectly crispy. Besides Union Jacks Phil's wings are some of the best around. If you like pickles make sure to order a pickle boat. It comes with a large portion of very thick slices of spicy pickles. I can't write about all of Phil's other food because I rarely get something new. I have tried other items over the years and I always enjoyed them.
(4)Tar K.
Been here a few times over the years. It has always been the same. Mediocre server, mediocre bland food , large portions with the cheaper food and WAY overpriced. The pickles are great though. Pass on this one and keep going.
(2)Sam H.
I'm fascinated by the rave reviews about Phil's. It's okay bar food that comes in gigantic portions. Since we live in a fat society that wants humongous portions for cheap prices, then this is a good place to go. But is value really ginormous portions for a cheap price? Or is value high quality food for a fair price? You be the judge. But I wan't impressed.
(2)Brian F.
In town for business, I stopped here for dinner based on some of the online reviews. Had the "award winning" chili that was pretty average (what? no crackers?). The side salad I got was a tiny bowl of wilted iceberg lettuce with some rock-hard croutons and some black olives that had seen better days. The topper? A packet of salad dressing thrown into the salad bowl! Can you say "yuck"? Shouldn't the health department have put an end to this by now? Finally, the cheeseteak I ordered was a huge pile of gray tasteless meat on a soggy bun. Maybe I ordered the wrong stuff off their ridiculously giant menu, but I will probably not be back.
(1)Douglas D.
Tried their "best of montco" crab cake -- frankly it was flavorless. Beer selection was good but not great, especially when compared to the excellent selections next door at Broad Axe Tavern. Service friendly. Decor nondescript. Menu ABSURDLY large and disjointed -- there were honest-to-goodness repeats. There's no way they can cook 200 dishes competently or fresh. Nice people but I see no reason to return especially with all the excellent options nearby.
(2)Bob H.
Talk about mixed signals! First, the service was OK. It wasn't bad. It wasn't great. But it was better than expected for a Tavern...so kudos to the wait staff. Table side food reviews were all OK at best. I'm pretty sure the fish in the fish n' chips was Gorton's and the entire plate was no where worth $15. My club sandwich was bland, and dry. The cole slaw was flavorless. The hamburger was large, but ho-hum. A few of the dishes were to include Quarter cut fries, but they sure looked like the Ore Ida's I get at Acme, except mine taste better. The menu is huge and diverse, but that fact is only impressive when an establishment can actually deliver the dishes with confidence and quality. It doesn't matter how big your menu is if you can't deliver on it. And I agree with other reviewers. There is something strange about their checks. Although none of the items listed on the check was ours, the staff swore it was ours. We only paid it because it was definitely less than we estimated it should have been. I doubt I will ever go back because I can't help but feel we were ripped off. Hey Phil's, you're not the only place in town anymore. Time to step up your game.
(2)Brad C.
This place is one of my favorites... The staff is friendly and nice.. I love the burgers, club sandwiches and Tony Soprano sandwich. Everything that comes out of the kitchen looks great. I usually can get 2 meals out of every portion.. The menu is enormous and you can get anything you want.. If you've never been here... its a must go..
(5)Nick C.
This is not a review about their food, drink, or atmosphere. This is about their billing practices. Phil's Tavern ROUNDS UP your receipt!!! When asked about it, the answer was THEY DON'T WANT PENNIES IN THEIR REGISTER!!! I would be fine with it if they rounded down, but of course, this isn't the case. Phil's Tavern ROUNDS UP!!! Charge each customer a few extra pennies per visit and you end up with a nice bonus at the end of the month. Month? Think about the end of the year bonus! Woohoo!!! If you are still going to visit after reading this, make sure to complain to management! If the situation changes, let me know so I can remove this review.
(1)Anna R.
I've been to The Phils a bunch of times for work lunches and dinners and we always go back because they have fast, friendly service and tasty, gigundo portions. Their menu is absurdly huge, but that means that there's really something for everyone (including vegetarians). The best veggie choices are the Ginas Caesar: a salad with roasted red peppers and grilled portobellos and the Tuscan Club (ask for it with portobellos (instead of chicken) and no bacon. The prices aren't cheap, but they're not expensive either when you consider the size of the portions. Your best bet is to just cut everything in half right off the bat because there's no way someone could ever finish off a whole plate. Even the salads are so big that you can't eat them all! The only problem with Phils is that their desserts are pretty gross. I don't know where they buy them from, but they should probably go with a different supplier because they're pretty much inedible. However, after dinner at The Phils, there's no way you'll have room for dessert anyway, so it's not the end of the world.
(4)Helen D.
Stopped at PHIL's for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Was a tiny bit hungover so I started with a bloody mary. It was tasty - asked for spicy though & it really wasn't.... And it was kind of little. I like them BIG! Their menu is PAGES long & I don't think there is anything you can't get. Which kind of makes me wonder how can everything be so fresh?? We ordered off the SPECIALS of the day menu - which had about 20 choices. Got an open faced reuben which was ok - but not even come close to ordering from a real Jewish deli. My sister had the pork sandwich (to bring in the new year) which she said was pretty tasteless. The dogs got the leftovers. Can't deny the portions are BIG. We've eaten there before this visit & always thought the food was "ok" - which is kind of what we thought this time. If we are in the 'hood & hungry - we'd stop in BUT we won't be making a special trip here. Have to mention - the SERVICE is very good. All the servers are friendly & helpful - we like that. ALSO - they do have a bright new room with a fireplace - that's why they are getting 3 stars instead of 2.
(3)Carla S.
On Sunday evening my boyfriend and I came to Phil's to sit down and enjoy dinner together. We walked in the door and were greeted by a hostess from a stand tucked away to where I almost didn't see her. She grabbed 2 incredibly large menus and walked us threw the nice looking bar atmosphere that we generally enjoy and into a dining room. The dining room was a decent sized room with an electric fireplace that was not in use (it was freezing that night and would've added to the atmosphere). There were windows on both sides and the tables were set without tablecloths and looked more like tables and chairs that belonged in a cafeteria rather than a restaurant. The décor reminded me of my grandmother's living room with fake flowers hanging from curtain rods and wallpaper from the early 90s genre but that's personal taste. We sat at our table for 7 minutes before anyone came to acknowledge us and take our drink order. When the waitress finally came over she didn't smile, introduce herself, welcome us to the restaurant, or anything to generate a friendly relationship and just said "what will you have?" As if we were an inconvenience to her. My boyfriend responds "can we start with some drinks?" after a pause she took our drink order and we asked if there were any specials and soups of the day, our waitress snaps back "they are in the front page of the menu". She returns in a few minutes with our drinks and again asks if we are ready to order, we ask about how the soups are and although she seemed generally uneducated about the menu she said that the French onion soup was good. We ordered the soup, the cheese was cheap with little flavor, the broth was thick like a gravy and minimal onions. Needless to say, I didn't enjoy it, not that it was bad, it just wasn't as good as other reviews led me to believe. She never checked to see if we enjoyed the soup however she did walk past us a few time and even chat with the other waitresses quite a bit. Then eventually our burgers came, delivered by another girl, not our waitress (she only had 2 other tables). Yes, the portions were large but the presentation was terrible. French fries were falling off my plate and onto the table, both of our burgers were a mess and well overcooked. My burger came with bacon which seemed like it was cooked at Least a day ago. I picked up the burger and literally squeezed for about 3 minutes while grease dripped out of my burger and all over my plate. I finally took a bite and besides the day-old bacon and grease all over my hands the burgers itself had no flavor. My boyfriend ordered a Cajun burger with bacon and crumbled bleu cheese, unfortunately our waitress was to busy collecting menus from us to write this down. He received an overcooked Cajun burger with bleu cheese dressing and no bacon. Again, our waitress never came to check on us, we had to ask another waitress to get our check for us. We were angry about the service (some of the worst service I've ever had) and not thrilled with our meal. And then the check came... our soups were ok but $7 each, our burgers were wrong and overcooked and greasy and $14 each. Needless to say we wasted our money on a mediocre, overpriced dinner that did not satisfy the $55 check we were handed coupled with the service level that could've been provided better had it been a dog riding a pony. Our tip we left couldn't have said it better, we were both almost ashamed to leave such a small tip to anyone but being that the service level could've been better if I gone to the kitchen, placed our order, and served us myself we felt justified to let her know just how terrible our experience with her was. Honestly, our only wish is that we could've paid the check based on the quality of food just as we tipped the waitress based on the quality of service. Our check would've come to $11, just like the fast food quality meal we were served. I will never go back to this establishment and I strongly encourage you to heed my warning never to step foot in this place. There are plenty of other great restaurants nearby, one even next door.
(1)Danan R.
No, lobster do not langostino tails make but the sandwich was still pretty tasty with plenty of sautéed tails and bacon in a creamy sauce with just a hint of horseradish. It usually comes in a wrap but I'm not a wrap person and they were more than happy to substitute a toasted kaiser roll. It also came with seasoned spicy fries, which were crispy and hot. Ask for some extra tartar sauce to dip them into! Dad enjoyed his huge prime rib (okay okay, I ate more than just a few bites...), which was tender and juicy. Was it as good as Fleming's? Not quite but it's decent and very reasonably priced at $24. And it did come with a huge baked potato. And fries. And a salad. Portions are immense and we both came home with leftovers. Service was pretty good, and much more attentive than you would typically expect at a local tavern. Overall, it's a good neighborhood tavern to grab a an inexpensive dinner with friendly service and huge portions.
(3)Joe C.
I've been to Phil's several times and its a pleasant place with good comfort food. Don't go here if you're on a diet, you'll loose. Huge sandwiches, huge burgers, huge everything. Come hungry. If you're going for lunch, don't plan on being all that effective in the afternoon. They have some good looking sandwiches like the chicken parm. Its a pretty well cooked cutlet with some crispness to the breading and absolutely smothered in cheese. The burgers are clearly made with care and very tasty. The buns and bread could use an upgrade though. They handle a crowd with ease. On my visit today, we went with a group of about 25 people for someone's birthday. Everything from the drinks to the food came quickly and accurately except for one minor exception. I upgraded from fries to chips when I ordered but got chips when the food arrived. Apologies were given, fries were presented quickly and no harm was done. In fact, I give extra points for the swift and pleasant nature of the correction. The service is top notch and the waitresses aren't bad looking either which never hurts. The setting is charming in an old bar/tavern kind of way. I'm sure the building's over a hundred years old. On the flip side, the menu is so large that I think it makes it tough to keep everything fresh. This leads to some things not being as flavorful as they could be. If I brought a friend from out of town, I'd suggest the burger. Overall, a good lunch spot and I'll be back maybe once a month or every other.
(3)Jocelyn B.
I don't think I will be going back. We ordered jalapeno popper as an appetizer which were yummy but nothing special same ones you get out of the freezer section.. husband has an ahi tuna sandwich which he liked but I think only because it has some creamy horseradish sauce with it. I had the eggplant sub, it was HUGE and kind of good but too greasy and cheesy and frankly too big. My daughter had ravioli and a meatball. Our lunch cost $50!! I was the only one who drank something other than water I had a diet coke for $3.50. Also the server was not very pleasant
(1)S F.
Phil's is your classic Philadelphia bar/rest. Very generous portions, with a HUGE menu. They offer creative sandwich specials, and my fav there, the cheesesteak. In my opinion, shrink the menu by 75% and use fresh ingredients vs frozen.
(2)Jason Y.
Great portions and everything I've tried so far is extremely tasty! You'll notice that everyone walks out with a styrofoam to-go platter because their portions are so generous. There's a reason why their parking lot is constantly full!
(4)Da S.
Wednesday night and the place is packed. This is a total local favorite. The menu is miles long. I had the ribeye steak sandwich and it was top notch.
(4)jillian n.
The food here is awesome! And the menu is HUGE.
(4)John R.
Phil's is a great place. Service is always fast and friendly. Their sandwiches are stuffed and delicious. If you leave this place still hungry, you are doing something wrong. I recommend the french onion soup and the Tony Soprano. Amazing!!!
(4)mike v.
Better food than most pubs in the burbs. The burgers are huge and delicious. The staff is very friendly. Great French onion. The food is a bit plain like most suburb food.
(4)Jessica N.
It was ok... Nothing spectacular. The menu was gigantic. We ordered nachos as an app. My fiancee is in love with their nachos. I didn't see/taste anything amazing; but hey - to each their own. The sandwiches are extremely pricey! $12.99 for a chicken salad wrap. $12.99 for California Club sandwich (says sliced chicken on the menu... i was not expecting deli meat for $12.99). They are the cheapest; prices for sandwiches go up to about $22.99! Entrees were $25+. I looked at the drink menu... $8.75. I got the California club - was not impressed. Could have gotten the same sandwich (maybe better) at a diner for $7/$8 WITH better fries. They tasted like they were fried in old grease. I was not impressed. My fiancee ordered a Burger - no cheese, no tomato... his came out with both. Apparently they send the waitresses home for a few hours in the afternoon... so our waitress just left in the middle of serving us. I have always heard great things about Phils Tavern... I probably wont be back for a while. Not saying I won't give it another chance it the future, but the quality of the food was not worth the dimes it cost.
(3)Kurt P.
I love this place. If I'm in the mood for a sandwich this is the place I go. Their burgers are great, their buffalo chicken cheese steak is like crack, and the portion sizes are HUGE. If you leave this place hungry you must have done something wrong. For lunch they have a special menu which includes normal menu items, but you get a free soup with your purchase. I also like their pickles that you can request for your table. If you are coming here for a beautiful restaurant go some where else. If you want to enjoy a beer and burger in a tavern atmosphere and maybe catch a ballgame on tv this is a great choice. The only negative I would give Phil's is the dining area's need a proper decorator to fix the styling of the restaurant. It is dated and plain, but the food makes up for it.
(5)John D.
Food was sub-par (no-one finished their dish), and the menu is like reading a short story. However, our main concern is that the waitress charged us $98.00 instead of $90.00, when $90 was clearly written on the check. Pointed this out to the restaurant to let them know that the waitress has overcharged us, by adding an extra $8 to her tip. The $8 does not break the bank, however, it is a question of integrity and should be brought to light.
(2)Jeffrey W.
HUGE Menu, too big in fact but most everything is good. The cheezesteaks aren't thet great but hey I live near Philly so that's a high standard. the French Onion soup is awesome, the Caprisi Salad is amazing and fresh. the Wraps arent; that great but the salads are immense and awesome. Sort of old decor, but the good food and selection make up for it.
(3)Christopher D.
Phil's Tavern is a Blue Bell institution that I have been going to for at least 20 years. Its in an old building that when you walk into you think you are in a time machine transported back to the 60s with wood paneling everywhere and uncomfortable but solid furniture. The reason I go here is when I want a rib fix. These ribs are not what a bbq aficionado would be looking for but more like the equivalent of Mom's ribs that she cooked in the crock pot and are falling off the bone. A half slab later, accompanied by coleslaw and broccoli, I had my rib fix. Eating at the bar here is great, as you get great service, and can watch one of the myriad of TV's plastered to the wall. Prices have definitely gone up over the years, so you will not feel like you are getting a bargain, but the food is good straight forward american comfort food, delivered with a smile.
(3)P H.
This place has a lot to like. First, the food is great but it's not for those watching their figure. I tend to get a cheesesteak. Hey, I'm a tourist. :-) The staff is really nice and very welcoming. Lastly, and certainly not least, the pours are HEALTHY. 4 whole ounces to be exact. That's right. You get four ounces of liquor when you order a bourbon, scotch, whatever. It's easy to overdo it here. Be careful and have fun.
(4)steve e.
This place is for te cool kids and that is reflected by a cool bar scene and cool beer selctions. So it takes audacity to write or agree with these sub-par reviews for a cool place but $15 burgers and sandwiches with diner quality ingredients is just rude-Broad Axe Tavern next time because a fifty dollar bill for 2 burgers and 2 beers is 2 much
(2)Carla M.
I'm really giving them 2.5 stars because the prices are absurdly high and the place is so dated. I'm not sure how you can command $12.45 for a ALT (avocado, lettuce, and tomato) sandwich. Really? Is that chunk of profit to cover something else they're barely breaking even on? The calamari appetizer was a decent portion size, but overly breaded, covering (what I suppose) were very tiny defrosted rings of squid. It came out fast, then again there were only 4 other people in the place. My grilled cheese was okay, and the chicken sandwich topped with spinach was too heavily fried. The prices are mostly $12+ up on everything. I'd rather spend my money at a place with nicer ambiance and fresher, non-fried food if they're going to charge those prices.
(3)Joia M.
Nice place, but the food was pricey and mediocre. Tomato sauce has a weird quality to it. The fries were good tho.
(2)Bruce H.
I hadn't been to Phil's Tavern in 6 or 7 years, and that was just for lunch with a few coworkers. Recently some old friends suggested Phil's early on a Saturday evening. The place was amazingly busy with lots of parents with their kids in tow. We actually had to park across the street in an office parking lot (hey, we didn't get ticketed or towed)! Phil's has a few different rooms. We were seated in a newer dining room addition that is fairly bland rectangle with a gas fireplace at one end. Service was quick & friendly. She brought out our Hoegaardens immediately while we continued to pour over their huge menu. I had the "lump" crab-cake club, my wife had the rib-eye cheese steak sandwich. There were no lumps of crab in this crab-cake sandwich, but it was still fairly tasty. My wife complained that some of the steak was fairly gristly and chewy in the sandwich, but the flavor was good, and the hot peppers accompanying were phenomenal. Now later that night, back at home, I had some major digestive problems. I'm not saying that it was directly related to the food, but I am very suspicious. I would give Phil's another try and skip the crab-cake sandwich... but would not go out of my way to get there. There are 4 or 5 similar places I live closer to that I would stop at first. If I revisit, and have a better meal, I'll change my rating.
(2)Alix H.
My friend and I had an "oh goodness let's just get out of the city" moment last night, and we found ourselves at The Phil's . I think I spent 45 minutes deciding what to get on their mile- long menu, but once my ribs arrived, oh man. My dad is well known as an excellent rib cook, and I have tried many many delicious versions, but these were seriously great. I didn't even need a knife, I could just slide the bone off the meat. Wow. The place feels neighborhoody, our waitress was nice, and I would totally go back if I'm in the area again. Bonus points for crayons on the table for some pretty great napkin drawings.
(4)Ray Y.
Was it bad? No. Would I seek it out again? No. The service was subpar in that we waited several minutes just for someone to acknowledge that we were at the "wait to be seated" sign. The waitress was eh. The beers didn't come until after the app...annoying. BUT, the food was decent and the portions were ridiculous. Atmosphere...C+.
(3)Max K.
This place is good but not great. This place has been here for as long as I can remember. They recently renovated I guess because of the Broad Ax tavern. Many hidden dining rooms, dark long bar, mostly decent service. Beer is cold and inexpensive. The food is okay, nothing special. Award winning ribs shouldn't have really won any awards but their burgers, cheesesteaks and other sandwiches are tops. Great happy hour and even when they are busy, service is still good. This is a regular place for me and it should be for you too
(3)Don G.
I have been to Phils a few times to drink and once to eat. Lets start with the food and service. I ordered a sandwich that was supposed to have steak and lobster on it. Well the steak was tough and overcooked and the lobster was just weird. I couldn't tell whether it was lobster or not. My wife had a burger which was big but nothing special. The service was ok except they gave me someone elses check! Now I have been eating out a long time and thats the first time that has ever happened. As for the bar - I had a frozen margarita and my wife a bourbon and coke. I must admit it was a very good and rather large margarita but $10 seems to be rather expensive. Well the tab for my wife and I came to $17.50 for 1 drink apiece! Phils Tavern - thanks but no thanks.
(2)Sara P.
I went to Phils with my boyfriend due to rumors of "the best hamburger around." He ordered the Hamburger and it was huge! It was very meaty and thick and juicy. It was a typical American meal with yummy, thick cut fries. he asked for some bacon and they gave him about 10 slices. No exaggeration. I ordered the crab cake sandwich. I didn't particularly like that is was fried. The outer crust seem to taste too much like the bacon from the same grill, but it was also very meaty with little filling, which is great. The service was superb! Our server was so sweet and everyone was very attentive. This was our first time there. It seemed like a great place to watch sports, but we were just interested in the food. There are two rooms. that the hostess let us choose from. One is more of a bar atmosphere and the other was a typical dining room. Both rooms were choc full of TV's.
(4)Raj M.
It's pretty rare that I give a place like this 5 stars... but I find it hard to find fault with Phil's. The service is always good, the most relevant sports game is almost always on, and best of all the food is always top notch. They have TONS of choices on the menu, and although I haven't gotten past their burger cuz I love it so much, I have never seen anyone complain about the food. The portions are so satisfyingly large, I make it a point to plan my Phil's run ahead of time, and not to eat anything else that day. If I time it right, it fills me up for the entire day. Go check out Phil's. I assure you, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Jim D.
There is something stupendously delicious in Blue Bell, PA and it's known as The Phil's Tavern. It attracts a huge, loyal crowd and rightfully so. I've never really paid much attention to the inside, except that it's a dimly-lit cavern around the bar area and a tad brighter in the dining area. Sit down and relax because it's the food that is the true showcase. Prices are a tad steep but the amount and quality of the food make up for it. Their menu is massive and everything I've tried has been tasty and generous. The burgers, cheese steaks and club sandwiches are not to be taken for granted. These are for serious hungry people. Fortunately, I am among that demographic. My only complaint would be that the parking lot is too small for the amount of traffic that comes through this place. There is a makeshift parking lot across a very busy street - not so convenient. It's a minor gripe for something that's oh so glorious.
(4)Maura G.
i always find it funny that this place is called "the" phil's tavern. but i digress... their food is great. the seared tuna salad, the portobello burger, the clubs. they are all really good. they have a little bit of everything on their menu, so it is sure to please anyone. this place is hopping for happy hour and i can see why. service is always good. good place to go when the philly team are playing. as another reviewer said, this place has a nice "local joint" feel. almost like cheers, but after happy hour, i don't even know my name.
(4)TJ K.
I was in the Philly area last week visiting family and friends, and typically I go to Pudge's for my one cheesesteak during a visit. But, we ended up one night at Phil's. I hadn't been there since probably the early 90s, so I didn't know what to expect. Well...the cheesesteak was awesome! I'll now have to think hard about whether to go to Pudge's or back to Phil's when in town.
(5)bill g.
When you need to have a Great Burger or Toasted Cheese and Tomato on Rye( Nancy's favorite) Try Phil's in Blue Bell. Rarely can you finish the meal as portions are enormous, so it is always a good value to us, in that it is really a second meal, or a great late night e snack! The Burger is 10 oz of the best Ground Sirloin in Montgomery County. They get their beef from Carl Venezia Fresh Meats, In Plymouth Meeting, and the flavor and quality is second to none. The staff is great, the ambiance is classic Tavern and comfortable.
(4)Michael C.
It's too strong to just come right out and say that Phil's makes the best hamburgers EVER. But that is what I want to do. The size of the place, and the amount of regulars, accounts for Phil's greatness. I've only had their burger, so I can only attest to its greatness. The price of the burger is expensive, the base burger starts at $9. But don't sell short, you have to get the bacon, and extra cheese, at least. And the Deluxe comes with fries (to wrap with the bacon that falls off your burger), and some really tasty coleslaw. The beers on tap didn't tickle my taste buds, but I was too full to care.
(5)Rich K.
Burgers... that's all I'm saying
(4)Gina D.
The ribs are some of the best I've ever had if not THE best. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Oh and you shouldn't leave here without having a piece of the banana chocolate chip cake.
(5)Sean R.
Good food - large menu - great service. Nothing to complain about here!
(4)Suz R.
I'm disappointed with my fellow reviewers! Do you all work for Phil's? The staff is helpful and there's a warm neighborhood feel, but after all of your raves about the food, I dared to order the lobster crab cake appetizer. Tiny, in the shape of a swirled dog poo, it was burnt on the bottom and the consistency of rubber (for $12). The waitress was kind enough to take it away (and off the bill). My husband said his wings were okay, not great, and our waters tasted like a swimming pool (buy a filter for the sink please!) Also, as he was finishing his wings and I my fries, three different servers tried to take our plates away. My replacement fries were fine, so overall ruling: bar food okay, friendly staff, but certainly wouldn't eat there again.
(2)Peter G.
The food and waitstaff are great but getting seated was a nightmare. We arrived at 630 and we were told 40 minutes. The manager Joe was busy seating his friends and made the families with kids wait. We waited for an hour and a half with not so much as a sorry for the wait. We looked at the seating list and found that we were passed over many times. Completely unprofessional. We won't go back.
(1)Fenton F.
Just get the Burger..... Words cant desribe it.... its that good
(5)Chuck H.
Phils has been a fixture in the area for many years. The business has grown into one of the better dinner stops on Friday and Saturday night. Menu has a lot of choices and includes sandwiches to full course meals. A few of my favorites include the Tavern Special (sandwich) and the Spare Ribs. Bring a big appetite because you get a lot of food. Bar staff includes more than few bartenders who have been around for long time.
(4)Denise W.
Solid, tasty place to plop down and have a bite to eat - the place seems always packed, the waiting area filled to the brim on weekend nights, but the host/hostess moves it along and before you know it, you've got a seat. The wait staff knows the menu, worth probing them for what's good on the menu. The menu is huge, and you can satisfy your need for a burger or prime rib, caesar salad or lobster. Two of my favorites are the ribs, which come perfectly sauced and their hot roast beef and provolone on kaiser w/crunchy Kosher pickle! Grab a Hoagarden with the ribs, sit back and watch whatever is on the big screen. Nothing has 'wowed' me here, just the satisfaction of good food, reliable service time and again makes Phil's a regular destination.
(3)Zee Z.
Service was very good. Staff very friendly. Food was good and the portions were huge. Good selection of beers. Nice place to go for casual dining at a decent price. If you are looking for gourmet dining or romantic ambiance, this is NOT the place.
(3)Angie M.
It takes a lot for me to savor something, but Phil's Tavern definitely has THE BEST baby back ribs and cole slaw I've had in a long time. The wait time on a busy night is about 40-60 minutes and rightfully so. The food is THAT good. The only problem we had was that we were seated at a table that was not very steady and nearly lost our plates a few times by a waitress bumping into us (you are seated pretty close together). All in all, I'd definitely recommed. I'd like to see how Phils will do once the Broad Axe Tavern reopens next door.
(4)Jenn G.
good pub atmosphere...fantastic and delicious french onion soup!
(3)Rose M.
Great place for a great casual meal - you must get the Nacos -Big plate must share - lots of TVs for the sports fan - just the place to watch the game and have good food
(4)Chris S.
Went to Phils tonight, wasn't overly impressed but still found the place decent. They keep the place pretty dark, almost too dark, like strain your eyes dark, I was expecting a drifter to step out from the shadows, demand some money and then knife me. The portions are decent sized and they ought to be with the price of things, I had the fish and chips for about $14 while my girlfriend had a pork roll sandwich with fries which was $9. A stinkin iced tea was $3. They do have quite the selection, the menu is about the size of one of moses' tablets with everything from appetizers to sandwiches to full meals. They have a big selection of beers and the bar was hoping on a Tuesday night. now here's the thing, I don't mind paying money for something that's outstanding and maybe I haven't found what they are "known for" yet but I think they are a bit overpriced, I find it hard to pay nearly $20 for 4 pretty small pieces of fried fish, a handful of fries and an iced tea. Like I said it wasn't bad not by a long shot, but i think there are better places with better food for much cheaper.
(3)Arseny R.
Great food, large meaty portions, great service, lots of dining and bar room options. The cooks don't overdo it on the sauces and additional stuff. Prime rib had horseradish sauce on the side, half a pickle, some fries. No gravies, vegies and all other non-meat additions. Cheeseburger had cheese, leaf of letuce, slice of tomato, some mayo and lots of hand shaped meat prepared to order (medium was medium). This is going to be my new "go there when really hungry" spot.
(5)Jeffrey P.
Neighborhood pub with the type of fare you would expect. Big-ass burgers, meaty buffalo wings, great fries, cold beers. A great lunch spot or after golf. Not over priced...which is a nice change.
(3)Chuck H.
Phils has been a fixture in the area for many years. The business has grown into one of the better dinner stops on Friday and Saturday night. Menu has a lot of choices and includes sandwiches to full course meals. A few of my favorites include the Tavern Special (sandwich) and the Spare Ribs. Bring a big appetite because you get a lot of food. Bar staff includes more than few bartenders who have been around for long time.
(4)Joe C.
I've been to Phil's several times and its a pleasant place with good comfort food. Don't go here if you're on a diet, you'll loose. Huge sandwiches, huge burgers, huge everything. Come hungry. If you're going for lunch, don't plan on being all that effective in the afternoon. They have some good looking sandwiches like the chicken parm. Its a pretty well cooked cutlet with some crispness to the breading and absolutely smothered in cheese. The burgers are clearly made with care and very tasty. The buns and bread could use an upgrade though. They handle a crowd with ease. On my visit today, we went with a group of about 25 people for someone's birthday. Everything from the drinks to the food came quickly and accurately except for one minor exception. I upgraded from fries to chips when I ordered but got chips when the food arrived. Apologies were given, fries were presented quickly and no harm was done. In fact, I give extra points for the swift and pleasant nature of the correction. The service is top notch and the waitresses aren't bad looking either which never hurts. The setting is charming in an old bar/tavern kind of way. I'm sure the building's over a hundred years old. On the flip side, the menu is so large that I think it makes it tough to keep everything fresh. This leads to some things not being as flavorful as they could be. If I brought a friend from out of town, I'd suggest the burger. Overall, a good lunch spot and I'll be back maybe once a month or every other.
(3)Jocelyn B.
I don't think I will be going back. We ordered jalapeno popper as an appetizer which were yummy but nothing special same ones you get out of the freezer section.. husband has an ahi tuna sandwich which he liked but I think only because it has some creamy horseradish sauce with it. I had the eggplant sub, it was HUGE and kind of good but too greasy and cheesy and frankly too big. My daughter had ravioli and a meatball. Our lunch cost $50!! I was the only one who drank something other than water I had a diet coke for $3.50. Also the server was not very pleasant
(1)Carla S.
On Sunday evening my boyfriend and I came to Phil's to sit down and enjoy dinner together. We walked in the door and were greeted by a hostess from a stand tucked away to where I almost didn't see her. She grabbed 2 incredibly large menus and walked us threw the nice looking bar atmosphere that we generally enjoy and into a dining room. The dining room was a decent sized room with an electric fireplace that was not in use (it was freezing that night and would've added to the atmosphere). There were windows on both sides and the tables were set without tablecloths and looked more like tables and chairs that belonged in a cafeteria rather than a restaurant. The décor reminded me of my grandmother's living room with fake flowers hanging from curtain rods and wallpaper from the early 90s genre but that's personal taste. We sat at our table for 7 minutes before anyone came to acknowledge us and take our drink order. When the waitress finally came over she didn't smile, introduce herself, welcome us to the restaurant, or anything to generate a friendly relationship and just said "what will you have?" As if we were an inconvenience to her. My boyfriend responds "can we start with some drinks?" after a pause she took our drink order and we asked if there were any specials and soups of the day, our waitress snaps back "they are in the front page of the menu". She returns in a few minutes with our drinks and again asks if we are ready to order, we ask about how the soups are and although she seemed generally uneducated about the menu she said that the French onion soup was good. We ordered the soup, the cheese was cheap with little flavor, the broth was thick like a gravy and minimal onions. Needless to say, I didn't enjoy it, not that it was bad, it just wasn't as good as other reviews led me to believe. She never checked to see if we enjoyed the soup however she did walk past us a few time and even chat with the other waitresses quite a bit. Then eventually our burgers came, delivered by another girl, not our waitress (she only had 2 other tables). Yes, the portions were large but the presentation was terrible. French fries were falling off my plate and onto the table, both of our burgers were a mess and well overcooked. My burger came with bacon which seemed like it was cooked at Least a day ago. I picked up the burger and literally squeezed for about 3 minutes while grease dripped out of my burger and all over my plate. I finally took a bite and besides the day-old bacon and grease all over my hands the burgers itself had no flavor. My boyfriend ordered a Cajun burger with bacon and crumbled bleu cheese, unfortunately our waitress was to busy collecting menus from us to write this down. He received an overcooked Cajun burger with bleu cheese dressing and no bacon. Again, our waitress never came to check on us, we had to ask another waitress to get our check for us. We were angry about the service (some of the worst service I've ever had) and not thrilled with our meal. And then the check came... our soups were ok but $7 each, our burgers were wrong and overcooked and greasy and $14 each. Needless to say we wasted our money on a mediocre, overpriced dinner that did not satisfy the $55 check we were handed coupled with the service level that could've been provided better had it been a dog riding a pony. Our tip we left couldn't have said it better, we were both almost ashamed to leave such a small tip to anyone but being that the service level could've been better if I gone to the kitchen, placed our order, and served us myself we felt justified to let her know just how terrible our experience with her was. Honestly, our only wish is that we could've paid the check based on the quality of food just as we tipped the waitress based on the quality of service. Our check would've come to $11, just like the fast food quality meal we were served. I will never go back to this establishment and I strongly encourage you to heed my warning never to step foot in this place. There are plenty of other great restaurants nearby, one even next door.
(1)Helen D.
Stopped at PHIL's for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Was a tiny bit hungover so I started with a bloody mary. It was tasty - asked for spicy though & it really wasn't.... And it was kind of little. I like them BIG! Their menu is PAGES long & I don't think there is anything you can't get. Which kind of makes me wonder how can everything be so fresh?? We ordered off the SPECIALS of the day menu - which had about 20 choices. Got an open faced reuben which was ok - but not even come close to ordering from a real Jewish deli. My sister had the pork sandwich (to bring in the new year) which she said was pretty tasteless. The dogs got the leftovers. Can't deny the portions are BIG. We've eaten there before this visit & always thought the food was "ok" - which is kind of what we thought this time. If we are in the 'hood & hungry - we'd stop in BUT we won't be making a special trip here. Have to mention - the SERVICE is very good. All the servers are friendly & helpful - we like that. ALSO - they do have a bright new room with a fireplace - that's why they are getting 3 stars instead of 2.
(3)Danan R.
No, lobster do not langostino tails make but the sandwich was still pretty tasty with plenty of sautéed tails and bacon in a creamy sauce with just a hint of horseradish. It usually comes in a wrap but I'm not a wrap person and they were more than happy to substitute a toasted kaiser roll. It also came with seasoned spicy fries, which were crispy and hot. Ask for some extra tartar sauce to dip them into! Dad enjoyed his huge prime rib (okay okay, I ate more than just a few bites...), which was tender and juicy. Was it as good as Fleming's? Not quite but it's decent and very reasonably priced at $24. And it did come with a huge baked potato. And fries. And a salad. Portions are immense and we both came home with leftovers. Service was pretty good, and much more attentive than you would typically expect at a local tavern. Overall, it's a good neighborhood tavern to grab a an inexpensive dinner with friendly service and huge portions.
(3)Douglas D.
Tried their "best of montco" crab cake -- frankly it was flavorless. Beer selection was good but not great, especially when compared to the excellent selections next door at Broad Axe Tavern. Service friendly. Decor nondescript. Menu ABSURDLY large and disjointed -- there were honest-to-goodness repeats. There's no way they can cook 200 dishes competently or fresh. Nice people but I see no reason to return especially with all the excellent options nearby.
(2)John R.
Phil's is a great place. Service is always fast and friendly. Their sandwiches are stuffed and delicious. If you leave this place still hungry, you are doing something wrong. I recommend the french onion soup and the Tony Soprano. Amazing!!!
(4)Arseny R.
Great food, large meaty portions, great service, lots of dining and bar room options. The cooks don't overdo it on the sauces and additional stuff. Prime rib had horseradish sauce on the side, half a pickle, some fries. No gravies, vegies and all other non-meat additions. Cheeseburger had cheese, leaf of letuce, slice of tomato, some mayo and lots of hand shaped meat prepared to order (medium was medium). This is going to be my new "go there when really hungry" spot.
(5)S F.
Phil's is your classic Philadelphia bar/rest. Very generous portions, with a HUGE menu. They offer creative sandwich specials, and my fav there, the cheesesteak. In my opinion, shrink the menu by 75% and use fresh ingredients vs frozen.
(2)Jason Y.
Great portions and everything I've tried so far is extremely tasty! You'll notice that everyone walks out with a styrofoam to-go platter because their portions are so generous. There's a reason why their parking lot is constantly full!
(4)Da S.
Wednesday night and the place is packed. This is a total local favorite. The menu is miles long. I had the ribeye steak sandwich and it was top notch.
(4)jillian n.
The food here is awesome! And the menu is HUGE.
(4)Ray Y.
Was it bad? No. Would I seek it out again? No. The service was subpar in that we waited several minutes just for someone to acknowledge that we were at the "wait to be seated" sign. The waitress was eh. The beers didn't come until after the app...annoying. BUT, the food was decent and the portions were ridiculous. Atmosphere...C+.
(3)Max K.
This place is good but not great. This place has been here for as long as I can remember. They recently renovated I guess because of the Broad Ax tavern. Many hidden dining rooms, dark long bar, mostly decent service. Beer is cold and inexpensive. The food is okay, nothing special. Award winning ribs shouldn't have really won any awards but their burgers, cheesesteaks and other sandwiches are tops. Great happy hour and even when they are busy, service is still good. This is a regular place for me and it should be for you too
(3)Don G.
I have been to Phils a few times to drink and once to eat. Lets start with the food and service. I ordered a sandwich that was supposed to have steak and lobster on it. Well the steak was tough and overcooked and the lobster was just weird. I couldn't tell whether it was lobster or not. My wife had a burger which was big but nothing special. The service was ok except they gave me someone elses check! Now I have been eating out a long time and thats the first time that has ever happened. As for the bar - I had a frozen margarita and my wife a bourbon and coke. I must admit it was a very good and rather large margarita but $10 seems to be rather expensive. Well the tab for my wife and I came to $17.50 for 1 drink apiece! Phils Tavern - thanks but no thanks.
(2)Sara P.
I went to Phils with my boyfriend due to rumors of "the best hamburger around." He ordered the Hamburger and it was huge! It was very meaty and thick and juicy. It was a typical American meal with yummy, thick cut fries. he asked for some bacon and they gave him about 10 slices. No exaggeration. I ordered the crab cake sandwich. I didn't particularly like that is was fried. The outer crust seem to taste too much like the bacon from the same grill, but it was also very meaty with little filling, which is great. The service was superb! Our server was so sweet and everyone was very attentive. This was our first time there. It seemed like a great place to watch sports, but we were just interested in the food. There are two rooms. that the hostess let us choose from. One is more of a bar atmosphere and the other was a typical dining room. Both rooms were choc full of TV's.
(4)Rich K.
Burgers... that's all I'm saying
(4)Michael C.
It's too strong to just come right out and say that Phil's makes the best hamburgers EVER. But that is what I want to do. The size of the place, and the amount of regulars, accounts for Phil's greatness. I've only had their burger, so I can only attest to its greatness. The price of the burger is expensive, the base burger starts at $9. But don't sell short, you have to get the bacon, and extra cheese, at least. And the Deluxe comes with fries (to wrap with the bacon that falls off your burger), and some really tasty coleslaw. The beers on tap didn't tickle my taste buds, but I was too full to care.
(5)Sean R.
Good food - large menu - great service. Nothing to complain about here!
(4)Raj M.
It's pretty rare that I give a place like this 5 stars... but I find it hard to find fault with Phil's. The service is always good, the most relevant sports game is almost always on, and best of all the food is always top notch. They have TONS of choices on the menu, and although I haven't gotten past their burger cuz I love it so much, I have never seen anyone complain about the food. The portions are so satisfyingly large, I make it a point to plan my Phil's run ahead of time, and not to eat anything else that day. If I time it right, it fills me up for the entire day. Go check out Phil's. I assure you, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Jim D.
There is something stupendously delicious in Blue Bell, PA and it's known as The Phil's Tavern. It attracts a huge, loyal crowd and rightfully so. I've never really paid much attention to the inside, except that it's a dimly-lit cavern around the bar area and a tad brighter in the dining area. Sit down and relax because it's the food that is the true showcase. Prices are a tad steep but the amount and quality of the food make up for it. Their menu is massive and everything I've tried has been tasty and generous. The burgers, cheese steaks and club sandwiches are not to be taken for granted. These are for serious hungry people. Fortunately, I am among that demographic. My only complaint would be that the parking lot is too small for the amount of traffic that comes through this place. There is a makeshift parking lot across a very busy street - not so convenient. It's a minor gripe for something that's oh so glorious.
(4)Maura G.
i always find it funny that this place is called "the" phil's tavern. but i digress... their food is great. the seared tuna salad, the portobello burger, the clubs. they are all really good. they have a little bit of everything on their menu, so it is sure to please anyone. this place is hopping for happy hour and i can see why. service is always good. good place to go when the philly team are playing. as another reviewer said, this place has a nice "local joint" feel. almost like cheers, but after happy hour, i don't even know my name.
(4)TJ K.
I was in the Philly area last week visiting family and friends, and typically I go to Pudge's for my one cheesesteak during a visit. But, we ended up one night at Phil's. I hadn't been there since probably the early 90s, so I didn't know what to expect. Well...the cheesesteak was awesome! I'll now have to think hard about whether to go to Pudge's or back to Phil's when in town.
(5)bill g.
When you need to have a Great Burger or Toasted Cheese and Tomato on Rye( Nancy's favorite) Try Phil's in Blue Bell. Rarely can you finish the meal as portions are enormous, so it is always a good value to us, in that it is really a second meal, or a great late night e snack! The Burger is 10 oz of the best Ground Sirloin in Montgomery County. They get their beef from Carl Venezia Fresh Meats, In Plymouth Meeting, and the flavor and quality is second to none. The staff is great, the ambiance is classic Tavern and comfortable.
(4)Suz R.
I'm disappointed with my fellow reviewers! Do you all work for Phil's? The staff is helpful and there's a warm neighborhood feel, but after all of your raves about the food, I dared to order the lobster crab cake appetizer. Tiny, in the shape of a swirled dog poo, it was burnt on the bottom and the consistency of rubber (for $12). The waitress was kind enough to take it away (and off the bill). My husband said his wings were okay, not great, and our waters tasted like a swimming pool (buy a filter for the sink please!) Also, as he was finishing his wings and I my fries, three different servers tried to take our plates away. My replacement fries were fine, so overall ruling: bar food okay, friendly staff, but certainly wouldn't eat there again.
(2)Peter G.
The food and waitstaff are great but getting seated was a nightmare. We arrived at 630 and we were told 40 minutes. The manager Joe was busy seating his friends and made the families with kids wait. We waited for an hour and a half with not so much as a sorry for the wait. We looked at the seating list and found that we were passed over many times. Completely unprofessional. We won't go back.
(1)Fenton F.
Just get the Burger..... Words cant desribe it.... its that good
(5)Denise W.
Solid, tasty place to plop down and have a bite to eat - the place seems always packed, the waiting area filled to the brim on weekend nights, but the host/hostess moves it along and before you know it, you've got a seat. The wait staff knows the menu, worth probing them for what's good on the menu. The menu is huge, and you can satisfy your need for a burger or prime rib, caesar salad or lobster. Two of my favorites are the ribs, which come perfectly sauced and their hot roast beef and provolone on kaiser w/crunchy Kosher pickle! Grab a Hoagarden with the ribs, sit back and watch whatever is on the big screen. Nothing has 'wowed' me here, just the satisfaction of good food, reliable service time and again makes Phil's a regular destination.
(3)Zee Z.
Service was very good. Staff very friendly. Food was good and the portions were huge. Good selection of beers. Nice place to go for casual dining at a decent price. If you are looking for gourmet dining or romantic ambiance, this is NOT the place.
(3)Angie M.
It takes a lot for me to savor something, but Phil's Tavern definitely has THE BEST baby back ribs and cole slaw I've had in a long time. The wait time on a busy night is about 40-60 minutes and rightfully so. The food is THAT good. The only problem we had was that we were seated at a table that was not very steady and nearly lost our plates a few times by a waitress bumping into us (you are seated pretty close together). All in all, I'd definitely recommed. I'd like to see how Phils will do once the Broad Axe Tavern reopens next door.
(4)Jenn G.
good pub atmosphere...fantastic and delicious french onion soup!
(3)Rose M.
Great place for a great casual meal - you must get the Nacos -Big plate must share - lots of TVs for the sports fan - just the place to watch the game and have good food
(4)Chris S.
Went to Phils tonight, wasn't overly impressed but still found the place decent. They keep the place pretty dark, almost too dark, like strain your eyes dark, I was expecting a drifter to step out from the shadows, demand some money and then knife me. The portions are decent sized and they ought to be with the price of things, I had the fish and chips for about $14 while my girlfriend had a pork roll sandwich with fries which was $9. A stinkin iced tea was $3. They do have quite the selection, the menu is about the size of one of moses' tablets with everything from appetizers to sandwiches to full meals. They have a big selection of beers and the bar was hoping on a Tuesday night. now here's the thing, I don't mind paying money for something that's outstanding and maybe I haven't found what they are "known for" yet but I think they are a bit overpriced, I find it hard to pay nearly $20 for 4 pretty small pieces of fried fish, a handful of fries and an iced tea. Like I said it wasn't bad not by a long shot, but i think there are better places with better food for much cheaper.
(3)Gina D.
The ribs are some of the best I've ever had if not THE best. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Oh and you shouldn't leave here without having a piece of the banana chocolate chip cake.
(5)Steven B.
So I read the 3 1/2 star average reviews and the word huge was used a lot. I thought I was prepared for big portions but, silly me; I had no Idea what I was in for. I stopped in for a late lunch. The parking lot was busy but it was a breeze to park. I sat at the bar and it was one dark, dark, place. It has lots of dark wood and low ceilings at the bar. I'll use the word huge for the first time. This is a huge place with multiple rooms. Think of it as an old school tavern/pub. The bartender was quick with a greeting and a main and separate lunch menu. Let's talk about beers first. The list is nothing special here. It's mostly domestic drafts and bottles with a craft here and there. I had a Dogfish 60 minute and it cost me $5.50. Not bad! BTW- I enjoyed excellent customer service throughout my meal. Now let's deal with the food. I was going to use the word huge again but let's change it up. How about mammoth! The main menu has dozens of choices and the special lunch menu must have a least thirty additional options. There is no way you couldn't satisfy just about everybody here. A word needs to be said about the prices. A sandwich and fries here goes from around $11.99 to $15.99. That's a lot of money for lunch but keep in mind that the portions are- let's use ginormous this time. I ordered the TONY SOPRANO which was a breaded chicken cutlet with sautéed spinach and sharp provolone cheese on a long roll with fries ($11.99). It came with the soup-of-the-day. I swear when the bartender brought my plate out, if it was any bigger he would have needed help to carry it! Let's use the word massive this time. It was ridiculously gigantic and delicious. The bread was toasted, the chicken was moist, the spinach was fresh and the cheese was sharp. The fries were nicely cooked but from a frozen bag. This great food deserves fresh-cut fries. They need to make that change. Let's talk about the amazing pickles! These folks customize their pickles here. That's right, they customize them. They buy great deli pickles and then add their own juices and spices. The end results are unbelievably good and very spicy chunks of heaven. Like everything else here, they will add a massive piece to your plate. So Rule #1 here is to make sure you're starving when you visit here. Rule #2 is to expect a "huge" take-home box. Rules #3-#10 are repeats of #1 and #2.
(4)Mark S.
If you want premium priced diner food with diner ambience, mediocre food and poor service, Phil's Tavern is your place. Needless to say my family and I will not return nor can I recommend it friends knowing we passed numerous other restaurants in the area.
(2)Gregory F.
Incredibly fantastic food with huge portions. Can't go wrong with anything here, especially the cheesesteaks or grilled cheese sandwiches. French onion soup is the best around. One of my favorite places to go.
(5)mike v.
Better food than most pubs in the burbs. The burgers are huge and delicious. The staff is very friendly. Great French onion. The food is a bit plain like most suburb food.
(4)Jessica N.
It was ok... Nothing spectacular. The menu was gigantic. We ordered nachos as an app. My fiancee is in love with their nachos. I didn't see/taste anything amazing; but hey - to each their own. The sandwiches are extremely pricey! $12.99 for a chicken salad wrap. $12.99 for California Club sandwich (says sliced chicken on the menu... i was not expecting deli meat for $12.99). They are the cheapest; prices for sandwiches go up to about $22.99! Entrees were $25+. I looked at the drink menu... $8.75. I got the California club - was not impressed. Could have gotten the same sandwich (maybe better) at a diner for $7/$8 WITH better fries. They tasted like they were fried in old grease. I was not impressed. My fiancee ordered a Burger - no cheese, no tomato... his came out with both. Apparently they send the waitresses home for a few hours in the afternoon... so our waitress just left in the middle of serving us. I have always heard great things about Phils Tavern... I probably wont be back for a while. Not saying I won't give it another chance it the future, but the quality of the food was not worth the dimes it cost.
(3)Christopher D.
Phil's Tavern is a Blue Bell institution that I have been going to for at least 20 years. Its in an old building that when you walk into you think you are in a time machine transported back to the 60s with wood paneling everywhere and uncomfortable but solid furniture. The reason I go here is when I want a rib fix. These ribs are not what a bbq aficionado would be looking for but more like the equivalent of Mom's ribs that she cooked in the crock pot and are falling off the bone. A half slab later, accompanied by coleslaw and broccoli, I had my rib fix. Eating at the bar here is great, as you get great service, and can watch one of the myriad of TV's plastered to the wall. Prices have definitely gone up over the years, so you will not feel like you are getting a bargain, but the food is good straight forward american comfort food, delivered with a smile.
(3)P H.
This place has a lot to like. First, the food is great but it's not for those watching their figure. I tend to get a cheesesteak. Hey, I'm a tourist. :-) The staff is really nice and very welcoming. Lastly, and certainly not least, the pours are HEALTHY. 4 whole ounces to be exact. That's right. You get four ounces of liquor when you order a bourbon, scotch, whatever. It's easy to overdo it here. Be careful and have fun.
(4)Christine C.
I have never eaten in the actual restaurant, but per my managers request, we get Phil's Tavern to cater our meetings. Let me start off by saying how nice and attentive Tom, the catering guy, is. He gets everything we ordered right every time. He provides us with the utensils and plates. He even sets up for us! Secondly, the food is DELICIOUS. I haven't had one thing that I was disappointed in. If you haven't yet had their potato salad, go for it. It's to die for. I will be visiting the actual restaurant very soon to try other things on the menu. Thanks, Tom, for helping us out all the time at BOA!!!!
(5)steve e.
This place is for te cool kids and that is reflected by a cool bar scene and cool beer selctions. So it takes audacity to write or agree with these sub-par reviews for a cool place but $15 burgers and sandwiches with diner quality ingredients is just rude-Broad Axe Tavern next time because a fifty dollar bill for 2 burgers and 2 beers is 2 much
(2)Chris M.
Revisited recently. Equally impressed. Think neighborhood bar, neighborhood restaurant run by nice neighborhood ppl.Very friendly.. the food is good, with LARGE portions.. Very good spot to catch a game, or a quick beer. Have all the basics in any bar, plus even local craft beers. Dogfish, Slyfox, Yuengling to the typical Macro beer. Very chill, favorite spot for us. Get the wings.
(4)Carla M.
I'm really giving them 2.5 stars because the prices are absurdly high and the place is so dated. I'm not sure how you can command $12.45 for a ALT (avocado, lettuce, and tomato) sandwich. Really? Is that chunk of profit to cover something else they're barely breaking even on? The calamari appetizer was a decent portion size, but overly breaded, covering (what I suppose) were very tiny defrosted rings of squid. It came out fast, then again there were only 4 other people in the place. My grilled cheese was okay, and the chicken sandwich topped with spinach was too heavily fried. The prices are mostly $12+ up on everything. I'd rather spend my money at a place with nicer ambiance and fresher, non-fried food if they're going to charge those prices.
(3)Joia M.
Nice place, but the food was pricey and mediocre. Tomato sauce has a weird quality to it. The fries were good tho.
(2)Kurt P.
I love this place. If I'm in the mood for a sandwich this is the place I go. Their burgers are great, their buffalo chicken cheese steak is like crack, and the portion sizes are HUGE. If you leave this place hungry you must have done something wrong. For lunch they have a special menu which includes normal menu items, but you get a free soup with your purchase. I also like their pickles that you can request for your table. If you are coming here for a beautiful restaurant go some where else. If you want to enjoy a beer and burger in a tavern atmosphere and maybe catch a ballgame on tv this is a great choice. The only negative I would give Phil's is the dining area's need a proper decorator to fix the styling of the restaurant. It is dated and plain, but the food makes up for it.
(5)John D.
Food was sub-par (no-one finished their dish), and the menu is like reading a short story. However, our main concern is that the waitress charged us $98.00 instead of $90.00, when $90 was clearly written on the check. Pointed this out to the restaurant to let them know that the waitress has overcharged us, by adding an extra $8 to her tip. The $8 does not break the bank, however, it is a question of integrity and should be brought to light.
(2)heather h.
I went to Phil's on my lunch break with co-workers. The inside is very dated and could use some cosmetic renovations to emphasize it's charm - ceiling tiles are kind of dirty and disgusting! In looking over the menu their prices were a bit high. $10 for a grilled cheese with ordinary cheeses, I'll pass!!! A cheeseburger without any sides will run you at least $12 but I was informed by the waitress they are known for their burgers. So I ordered one and it was a good premier burger but the patty was entirely too big to enjoy. I like a modest size burger not a monster one. I ordered fries and cole slaw with my burger - fries were great and cold slaw was okay. I also had a soda with my meal and was charged $2.95 for it. Not cheap but I have been to upscale establishments that have every right to charge you a lot but although the food was good here I felt ripped off. My experience did not equate to what I paid. I don't think i would come back again as a result.
(3)P M W.
It's been a few years since we've eaten here, twice. Both times a disappointment. Food really greasy, plain, and not top quality. Yet it always looks busy when passing-by.
(1)Toni I.
I go here all the time for lunch with colleagues. The menu is extensive, and there are many options. The desserts are huge, and definitely shareable. Waitstaff is friendly.
(4)Zach V.
If you love simple food and huge portions you will fall in love with Phil's. I have been eating there for about 15 years and still love the place. The first thing people say when I bring them in for the first time is how dark it is inside. It has always been dimly lit but if you go during the day some of the rooms have windows and its not too bad. I think it adds to the character of the place so I have never had a problem with it. They have TV's all over and you can hear the betting crowd talking sports at all times. The decor is old and plain. They put a large addition on not too long ago and I think the person that designed it was color blind. Now on to the food! All of their portions are HUGE! You can't leave this place still hungry. The menu is immense so there is something for everyone. I go to Phil's for (3) things Burgers, Wings & pickles. They make their own burgers and they are large ( 1/2lb) monsters. I haven't had a better burger anywhere in the Philly area. They make their own wing sauce and they are always cooked perfectly crispy. Besides Union Jacks Phil's wings are some of the best around. If you like pickles make sure to order a pickle boat. It comes with a large portion of very thick slices of spicy pickles. I can't write about all of Phil's other food because I rarely get something new. I have tried other items over the years and I always enjoyed them.
(4)Tar K.
Been here a few times over the years. It has always been the same. Mediocre server, mediocre bland food , large portions with the cheaper food and WAY overpriced. The pickles are great though. Pass on this one and keep going.
(2)Sam H.
I'm fascinated by the rave reviews about Phil's. It's okay bar food that comes in gigantic portions. Since we live in a fat society that wants humongous portions for cheap prices, then this is a good place to go. But is value really ginormous portions for a cheap price? Or is value high quality food for a fair price? You be the judge. But I wan't impressed.
(2)Brian F.
In town for business, I stopped here for dinner based on some of the online reviews. Had the "award winning" chili that was pretty average (what? no crackers?). The side salad I got was a tiny bowl of wilted iceberg lettuce with some rock-hard croutons and some black olives that had seen better days. The topper? A packet of salad dressing thrown into the salad bowl! Can you say "yuck"? Shouldn't the health department have put an end to this by now? Finally, the cheeseteak I ordered was a huge pile of gray tasteless meat on a soggy bun. Maybe I ordered the wrong stuff off their ridiculously giant menu, but I will probably not be back.
(1)Anna R.
I've been to The Phils a bunch of times for work lunches and dinners and we always go back because they have fast, friendly service and tasty, gigundo portions. Their menu is absurdly huge, but that means that there's really something for everyone (including vegetarians). The best veggie choices are the Ginas Caesar: a salad with roasted red peppers and grilled portobellos and the Tuscan Club (ask for it with portobellos (instead of chicken) and no bacon. The prices aren't cheap, but they're not expensive either when you consider the size of the portions. Your best bet is to just cut everything in half right off the bat because there's no way someone could ever finish off a whole plate. Even the salads are so big that you can't eat them all! The only problem with Phils is that their desserts are pretty gross. I don't know where they buy them from, but they should probably go with a different supplier because they're pretty much inedible. However, after dinner at The Phils, there's no way you'll have room for dessert anyway, so it's not the end of the world.
(4)Bob H.
Talk about mixed signals! First, the service was OK. It wasn't bad. It wasn't great. But it was better than expected for a Tavern...so kudos to the wait staff. Table side food reviews were all OK at best. I'm pretty sure the fish in the fish n' chips was Gorton's and the entire plate was no where worth $15. My club sandwich was bland, and dry. The cole slaw was flavorless. The hamburger was large, but ho-hum. A few of the dishes were to include Quarter cut fries, but they sure looked like the Ore Ida's I get at Acme, except mine taste better. The menu is huge and diverse, but that fact is only impressive when an establishment can actually deliver the dishes with confidence and quality. It doesn't matter how big your menu is if you can't deliver on it. And I agree with other reviewers. There is something strange about their checks. Although none of the items listed on the check was ours, the staff swore it was ours. We only paid it because it was definitely less than we estimated it should have been. I doubt I will ever go back because I can't help but feel we were ripped off. Hey Phil's, you're not the only place in town anymore. Time to step up your game.
(2)Brad C.
This place is one of my favorites... The staff is friendly and nice.. I love the burgers, club sandwiches and Tony Soprano sandwich. Everything that comes out of the kitchen looks great. I usually can get 2 meals out of every portion.. The menu is enormous and you can get anything you want.. If you've never been here... its a must go..
(5)Nick C.
This is not a review about their food, drink, or atmosphere. This is about their billing practices. Phil's Tavern ROUNDS UP your receipt!!! When asked about it, the answer was THEY DON'T WANT PENNIES IN THEIR REGISTER!!! I would be fine with it if they rounded down, but of course, this isn't the case. Phil's Tavern ROUNDS UP!!! Charge each customer a few extra pennies per visit and you end up with a nice bonus at the end of the month. Month? Think about the end of the year bonus! Woohoo!!! If you are still going to visit after reading this, make sure to complain to management! If the situation changes, let me know so I can remove this review.
(1)Jeffrey W.
HUGE Menu, too big in fact but most everything is good. The cheezesteaks aren't thet great but hey I live near Philly so that's a high standard. the French Onion soup is awesome, the Caprisi Salad is amazing and fresh. the Wraps arent; that great but the salads are immense and awesome. Sort of old decor, but the good food and selection make up for it.
(3)Kevin J.
The hot roast beef and other sandwiches at Phil's are so delicious. Portion sizes are very generous. Phils contains a small dining area, a banquet room with fireplace, and a rectangular bar area that includes additional seating arrangements. Phil's is a great place for the whole group or family to dine in. The menu is gigantic so you won't ever lack for options. Phil's is in Blue Bell, near Ambler and route 309.
(5)Steve M.
Although the menu is absurdly large, I enjoyed my salmon. Service was very pleasant. I would come back
(3)Jeffrey P.
Neighborhood pub with the type of fare you would expect. Big-ass burgers, meaty buffalo wings, great fries, cold beers. A great lunch spot or after golf. Not over priced...which is a nice change.
(3)Bruce H.
I hadn't been to Phil's Tavern in 6 or 7 years, and that was just for lunch with a few coworkers. Recently some old friends suggested Phil's early on a Saturday evening. The place was amazingly busy with lots of parents with their kids in tow. We actually had to park across the street in an office parking lot (hey, we didn't get ticketed or towed)! Phil's has a few different rooms. We were seated in a newer dining room addition that is fairly bland rectangle with a gas fireplace at one end. Service was quick & friendly. She brought out our Hoegaardens immediately while we continued to pour over their huge menu. I had the "lump" crab-cake club, my wife had the rib-eye cheese steak sandwich. There were no lumps of crab in this crab-cake sandwich, but it was still fairly tasty. My wife complained that some of the steak was fairly gristly and chewy in the sandwich, but the flavor was good, and the hot peppers accompanying were phenomenal. Now later that night, back at home, I had some major digestive problems. I'm not saying that it was directly related to the food, but I am very suspicious. I would give Phil's another try and skip the crab-cake sandwich... but would not go out of my way to get there. There are 4 or 5 similar places I live closer to that I would stop at first. If I revisit, and have a better meal, I'll change my rating.
(2)Alix H.
My friend and I had an "oh goodness let's just get out of the city" moment last night, and we found ourselves at The Phil's . I think I spent 45 minutes deciding what to get on their mile- long menu, but once my ribs arrived, oh man. My dad is well known as an excellent rib cook, and I have tried many many delicious versions, but these were seriously great. I didn't even need a knife, I could just slide the bone off the meat. Wow. The place feels neighborhoody, our waitress was nice, and I would totally go back if I'm in the area again. Bonus points for crayons on the table for some pretty great napkin drawings.
(4)Christopher D.
Phil's Tavern is a Blue Bell institution that I have been going to for at least 20 years. Its in an old building that when you walk into you think you are in a time machine transported back to the 60s with wood paneling everywhere and uncomfortable but solid furniture. The reason I go here is when I want a rib fix. These ribs are not what a bbq aficionado would be looking for but more like the equivalent of Mom's ribs that she cooked in the crock pot and are falling off the bone. A half slab later, accompanied by coleslaw and broccoli, I had my rib fix. Eating at the bar here is great, as you get great service, and can watch one of the myriad of TV's plastered to the wall. Prices have definitely gone up over the years, so you will not feel like you are getting a bargain, but the food is good straight forward american comfort food, delivered with a smile.
(3)heather h.
I went to Phil's on my lunch break with co-workers. The inside is very dated and could use some cosmetic renovations to emphasize it's charm - ceiling tiles are kind of dirty and disgusting! In looking over the menu their prices were a bit high. $10 for a grilled cheese with ordinary cheeses, I'll pass!!! A cheeseburger without any sides will run you at least $12 but I was informed by the waitress they are known for their burgers. So I ordered one and it was a good premier burger but the patty was entirely too big to enjoy. I like a modest size burger not a monster one. I ordered fries and cole slaw with my burger - fries were great and cold slaw was okay. I also had a soda with my meal and was charged $2.95 for it. Not cheap but I have been to upscale establishments that have every right to charge you a lot but although the food was good here I felt ripped off. My experience did not equate to what I paid. I don't think i would come back again as a result.
(3)P M W.
It's been a few years since we've eaten here, twice. Both times a disappointment. Food really greasy, plain, and not top quality. Yet it always looks busy when passing-by.
(1)Chris M.
Revisited recently. Equally impressed. Think neighborhood bar, neighborhood restaurant run by nice neighborhood ppl.Very friendly.. the food is good, with LARGE portions.. Very good spot to catch a game, or a quick beer. Have all the basics in any bar, plus even local craft beers. Dogfish, Slyfox, Yuengling to the typical Macro beer. Very chill, favorite spot for us. Get the wings.
(4)Christine C.
I have never eaten in the actual restaurant, but per my managers request, we get Phil's Tavern to cater our meetings. Let me start off by saying how nice and attentive Tom, the catering guy, is. He gets everything we ordered right every time. He provides us with the utensils and plates. He even sets up for us! Secondly, the food is DELICIOUS. I haven't had one thing that I was disappointed in. If you haven't yet had their potato salad, go for it. It's to die for. I will be visiting the actual restaurant very soon to try other things on the menu. Thanks, Tom, for helping us out all the time at BOA!!!!
(5)Jeffrey W.
HUGE Menu, too big in fact but most everything is good. The cheezesteaks aren't thet great but hey I live near Philly so that's a high standard. the French Onion soup is awesome, the Caprisi Salad is amazing and fresh. the Wraps arent; that great but the salads are immense and awesome. Sort of old decor, but the good food and selection make up for it.
(3)Kevin J.
The hot roast beef and other sandwiches at Phil's are so delicious. Portion sizes are very generous. Phils contains a small dining area, a banquet room with fireplace, and a rectangular bar area that includes additional seating arrangements. Phil's is a great place for the whole group or family to dine in. The menu is gigantic so you won't ever lack for options. Phil's is in Blue Bell, near Ambler and route 309.
(5)Steve M.
Although the menu is absurdly large, I enjoyed my salmon. Service was very pleasant. I would come back
(3)Steven B.
So I read the 3 1/2 star average reviews and the word huge was used a lot. I thought I was prepared for big portions but, silly me; I had no Idea what I was in for. I stopped in for a late lunch. The parking lot was busy but it was a breeze to park. I sat at the bar and it was one dark, dark, place. It has lots of dark wood and low ceilings at the bar. I'll use the word huge for the first time. This is a huge place with multiple rooms. Think of it as an old school tavern/pub. The bartender was quick with a greeting and a main and separate lunch menu. Let's talk about beers first. The list is nothing special here. It's mostly domestic drafts and bottles with a craft here and there. I had a Dogfish 60 minute and it cost me $5.50. Not bad! BTW- I enjoyed excellent customer service throughout my meal. Now let's deal with the food. I was going to use the word huge again but let's change it up. How about mammoth! The main menu has dozens of choices and the special lunch menu must have a least thirty additional options. There is no way you couldn't satisfy just about everybody here. A word needs to be said about the prices. A sandwich and fries here goes from around $11.99 to $15.99. That's a lot of money for lunch but keep in mind that the portions are- let's use ginormous this time. I ordered the TONY SOPRANO which was a breaded chicken cutlet with sautéed spinach and sharp provolone cheese on a long roll with fries ($11.99). It came with the soup-of-the-day. I swear when the bartender brought my plate out, if it was any bigger he would have needed help to carry it! Let's use the word massive this time. It was ridiculously gigantic and delicious. The bread was toasted, the chicken was moist, the spinach was fresh and the cheese was sharp. The fries were nicely cooked but from a frozen bag. This great food deserves fresh-cut fries. They need to make that change. Let's talk about the amazing pickles! These folks customize their pickles here. That's right, they customize them. They buy great deli pickles and then add their own juices and spices. The end results are unbelievably good and very spicy chunks of heaven. Like everything else here, they will add a massive piece to your plate. So Rule #1 here is to make sure you're starving when you visit here. Rule #2 is to expect a "huge" take-home box. Rules #3-#10 are repeats of #1 and #2.
(4)P H.
This place has a lot to like. First, the food is great but it's not for those watching their figure. I tend to get a cheesesteak. Hey, I'm a tourist. :-) The staff is really nice and very welcoming. Lastly, and certainly not least, the pours are HEALTHY. 4 whole ounces to be exact. That's right. You get four ounces of liquor when you order a bourbon, scotch, whatever. It's easy to overdo it here. Be careful and have fun.
(4)steve e.
This place is for te cool kids and that is reflected by a cool bar scene and cool beer selctions. So it takes audacity to write or agree with these sub-par reviews for a cool place but $15 burgers and sandwiches with diner quality ingredients is just rude-Broad Axe Tavern next time because a fifty dollar bill for 2 burgers and 2 beers is 2 much
(2)Carla M.
I'm really giving them 2.5 stars because the prices are absurdly high and the place is so dated. I'm not sure how you can command $12.45 for a ALT (avocado, lettuce, and tomato) sandwich. Really? Is that chunk of profit to cover something else they're barely breaking even on? The calamari appetizer was a decent portion size, but overly breaded, covering (what I suppose) were very tiny defrosted rings of squid. It came out fast, then again there were only 4 other people in the place. My grilled cheese was okay, and the chicken sandwich topped with spinach was too heavily fried. The prices are mostly $12+ up on everything. I'd rather spend my money at a place with nicer ambiance and fresher, non-fried food if they're going to charge those prices.
(3)Joia M.
Nice place, but the food was pricey and mediocre. Tomato sauce has a weird quality to it. The fries were good tho.
(2)Kurt P.
I love this place. If I'm in the mood for a sandwich this is the place I go. Their burgers are great, their buffalo chicken cheese steak is like crack, and the portion sizes are HUGE. If you leave this place hungry you must have done something wrong. For lunch they have a special menu which includes normal menu items, but you get a free soup with your purchase. I also like their pickles that you can request for your table. If you are coming here for a beautiful restaurant go some where else. If you want to enjoy a beer and burger in a tavern atmosphere and maybe catch a ballgame on tv this is a great choice. The only negative I would give Phil's is the dining area's need a proper decorator to fix the styling of the restaurant. It is dated and plain, but the food makes up for it.
(5)John D.
Food was sub-par (no-one finished their dish), and the menu is like reading a short story. However, our main concern is that the waitress charged us $98.00 instead of $90.00, when $90 was clearly written on the check. Pointed this out to the restaurant to let them know that the waitress has overcharged us, by adding an extra $8 to her tip. The $8 does not break the bank, however, it is a question of integrity and should be brought to light.
(2)Mark S.
If you want premium priced diner food with diner ambience, mediocre food and poor service, Phil's Tavern is your place. Needless to say my family and I will not return nor can I recommend it friends knowing we passed numerous other restaurants in the area.
(2)Mary Kate G.
The food here has always been good and the service friendly.
(3)Gregory F.
Incredibly fantastic food with huge portions. Can't go wrong with anything here, especially the cheesesteaks or grilled cheese sandwiches. French onion soup is the best around. One of my favorite places to go.
(5)Carla S.
On Sunday evening my boyfriend and I came to Phil's to sit down and enjoy dinner together. We walked in the door and were greeted by a hostess from a stand tucked away to where I almost didn't see her. She grabbed 2 incredibly large menus and walked us threw the nice looking bar atmosphere that we generally enjoy and into a dining room. The dining room was a decent sized room with an electric fireplace that was not in use (it was freezing that night and would've added to the atmosphere). There were windows on both sides and the tables were set without tablecloths and looked more like tables and chairs that belonged in a cafeteria rather than a restaurant. The décor reminded me of my grandmother's living room with fake flowers hanging from curtain rods and wallpaper from the early 90s genre but that's personal taste. We sat at our table for 7 minutes before anyone came to acknowledge us and take our drink order. When the waitress finally came over she didn't smile, introduce herself, welcome us to the restaurant, or anything to generate a friendly relationship and just said "what will you have?" As if we were an inconvenience to her. My boyfriend responds "can we start with some drinks?" after a pause she took our drink order and we asked if there were any specials and soups of the day, our waitress snaps back "they are in the front page of the menu". She returns in a few minutes with our drinks and again asks if we are ready to order, we ask about how the soups are and although she seemed generally uneducated about the menu she said that the French onion soup was good. We ordered the soup, the cheese was cheap with little flavor, the broth was thick like a gravy and minimal onions. Needless to say, I didn't enjoy it, not that it was bad, it just wasn't as good as other reviews led me to believe. She never checked to see if we enjoyed the soup however she did walk past us a few time and even chat with the other waitresses quite a bit. Then eventually our burgers came, delivered by another girl, not our waitress (she only had 2 other tables). Yes, the portions were large but the presentation was terrible. French fries were falling off my plate and onto the table, both of our burgers were a mess and well overcooked. My burger came with bacon which seemed like it was cooked at Least a day ago. I picked up the burger and literally squeezed for about 3 minutes while grease dripped out of my burger and all over my plate. I finally took a bite and besides the day-old bacon and grease all over my hands the burgers itself had no flavor. My boyfriend ordered a Cajun burger with bacon and crumbled bleu cheese, unfortunately our waitress was to busy collecting menus from us to write this down. He received an overcooked Cajun burger with bleu cheese dressing and no bacon. Again, our waitress never came to check on us, we had to ask another waitress to get our check for us. We were angry about the service (some of the worst service I've ever had) and not thrilled with our meal. And then the check came... our soups were ok but $7 each, our burgers were wrong and overcooked and greasy and $14 each. Needless to say we wasted our money on a mediocre, overpriced dinner that did not satisfy the $55 check we were handed coupled with the service level that could've been provided better had it been a dog riding a pony. Our tip we left couldn't have said it better, we were both almost ashamed to leave such a small tip to anyone but being that the service level could've been better if I gone to the kitchen, placed our order, and served us myself we felt justified to let her know just how terrible our experience with her was. Honestly, our only wish is that we could've paid the check based on the quality of food just as we tipped the waitress based on the quality of service. Our check would've come to $11, just like the fast food quality meal we were served. I will never go back to this establishment and I strongly encourage you to heed my warning never to step foot in this place. There are plenty of other great restaurants nearby, one even next door.
(1)Suz R.
I'm disappointed with my fellow reviewers! Do you all work for Phil's? The staff is helpful and there's a warm neighborhood feel, but after all of your raves about the food, I dared to order the lobster crab cake appetizer. Tiny, in the shape of a swirled dog poo, it was burnt on the bottom and the consistency of rubber (for $12). The waitress was kind enough to take it away (and off the bill). My husband said his wings were okay, not great, and our waters tasted like a swimming pool (buy a filter for the sink please!) Also, as he was finishing his wings and I my fries, three different servers tried to take our plates away. My replacement fries were fine, so overall ruling: bar food okay, friendly staff, but certainly wouldn't eat there again.
(2)mike v.
Better food than most pubs in the burbs. The burgers are huge and delicious. The staff is very friendly. Great French onion. The food is a bit plain like most suburb food.
(4)Jessica N.
It was ok... Nothing spectacular. The menu was gigantic. We ordered nachos as an app. My fiancee is in love with their nachos. I didn't see/taste anything amazing; but hey - to each their own. The sandwiches are extremely pricey! $12.99 for a chicken salad wrap. $12.99 for California Club sandwich (says sliced chicken on the menu... i was not expecting deli meat for $12.99). They are the cheapest; prices for sandwiches go up to about $22.99! Entrees were $25+. I looked at the drink menu... $8.75. I got the California club - was not impressed. Could have gotten the same sandwich (maybe better) at a diner for $7/$8 WITH better fries. They tasted like they were fried in old grease. I was not impressed. My fiancee ordered a Burger - no cheese, no tomato... his came out with both. Apparently they send the waitresses home for a few hours in the afternoon... so our waitress just left in the middle of serving us. I have always heard great things about Phils Tavern... I probably wont be back for a while. Not saying I won't give it another chance it the future, but the quality of the food was not worth the dimes it cost.
(3)Brian F.
In town for business, I stopped here for dinner based on some of the online reviews. Had the "award winning" chili that was pretty average (what? no crackers?). The side salad I got was a tiny bowl of wilted iceberg lettuce with some rock-hard croutons and some black olives that had seen better days. The topper? A packet of salad dressing thrown into the salad bowl! Can you say "yuck"? Shouldn't the health department have put an end to this by now? Finally, the cheeseteak I ordered was a huge pile of gray tasteless meat on a soggy bun. Maybe I ordered the wrong stuff off their ridiculously giant menu, but I will probably not be back.
(1)Jeffrey P.
Neighborhood pub with the type of fare you would expect. Big-ass burgers, meaty buffalo wings, great fries, cold beers. A great lunch spot or after golf. Not over priced...which is a nice change.
(3)Bob H.
Talk about mixed signals! First, the service was OK. It wasn't bad. It wasn't great. But it was better than expected for a Tavern...so kudos to the wait staff. Table side food reviews were all OK at best. I'm pretty sure the fish in the fish n' chips was Gorton's and the entire plate was no where worth $15. My club sandwich was bland, and dry. The cole slaw was flavorless. The hamburger was large, but ho-hum. A few of the dishes were to include Quarter cut fries, but they sure looked like the Ore Ida's I get at Acme, except mine taste better. The menu is huge and diverse, but that fact is only impressive when an establishment can actually deliver the dishes with confidence and quality. It doesn't matter how big your menu is if you can't deliver on it. And I agree with other reviewers. There is something strange about their checks. Although none of the items listed on the check was ours, the staff swore it was ours. We only paid it because it was definitely less than we estimated it should have been. I doubt I will ever go back because I can't help but feel we were ripped off. Hey Phil's, you're not the only place in town anymore. Time to step up your game.
(2)Brad C.
This place is one of my favorites... The staff is friendly and nice.. I love the burgers, club sandwiches and Tony Soprano sandwich. Everything that comes out of the kitchen looks great. I usually can get 2 meals out of every portion.. The menu is enormous and you can get anything you want.. If you've never been here... its a must go..
(5)Nick C.
This is not a review about their food, drink, or atmosphere. This is about their billing practices. Phil's Tavern ROUNDS UP your receipt!!! When asked about it, the answer was THEY DON'T WANT PENNIES IN THEIR REGISTER!!! I would be fine with it if they rounded down, but of course, this isn't the case. Phil's Tavern ROUNDS UP!!! Charge each customer a few extra pennies per visit and you end up with a nice bonus at the end of the month. Month? Think about the end of the year bonus! Woohoo!!! If you are still going to visit after reading this, make sure to complain to management! If the situation changes, let me know so I can remove this review.
(1)Toni I.
I go here all the time for lunch with colleagues. The menu is extensive, and there are many options. The desserts are huge, and definitely shareable. Waitstaff is friendly.
(4)Zach V.
If you love simple food and huge portions you will fall in love with Phil's. I have been eating there for about 15 years and still love the place. The first thing people say when I bring them in for the first time is how dark it is inside. It has always been dimly lit but if you go during the day some of the rooms have windows and its not too bad. I think it adds to the character of the place so I have never had a problem with it. They have TV's all over and you can hear the betting crowd talking sports at all times. The decor is old and plain. They put a large addition on not too long ago and I think the person that designed it was color blind. Now on to the food! All of their portions are HUGE! You can't leave this place still hungry. The menu is immense so there is something for everyone. I go to Phil's for (3) things Burgers, Wings & pickles. They make their own burgers and they are large ( 1/2lb) monsters. I haven't had a better burger anywhere in the Philly area. They make their own wing sauce and they are always cooked perfectly crispy. Besides Union Jacks Phil's wings are some of the best around. If you like pickles make sure to order a pickle boat. It comes with a large portion of very thick slices of spicy pickles. I can't write about all of Phil's other food because I rarely get something new. I have tried other items over the years and I always enjoyed them.
(4)Tar K.
Been here a few times over the years. It has always been the same. Mediocre server, mediocre bland food , large portions with the cheaper food and WAY overpriced. The pickles are great though. Pass on this one and keep going.
(2)Sam H.
I'm fascinated by the rave reviews about Phil's. It's okay bar food that comes in gigantic portions. Since we live in a fat society that wants humongous portions for cheap prices, then this is a good place to go. But is value really ginormous portions for a cheap price? Or is value high quality food for a fair price? You be the judge. But I wan't impressed.
(2)Douglas D.
Tried their "best of montco" crab cake -- frankly it was flavorless. Beer selection was good but not great, especially when compared to the excellent selections next door at Broad Axe Tavern. Service friendly. Decor nondescript. Menu ABSURDLY large and disjointed -- there were honest-to-goodness repeats. There's no way they can cook 200 dishes competently or fresh. Nice people but I see no reason to return especially with all the excellent options nearby.
(2)John R.
Phil's is a great place. Service is always fast and friendly. Their sandwiches are stuffed and delicious. If you leave this place still hungry, you are doing something wrong. I recommend the french onion soup and the Tony Soprano. Amazing!!!
(4)Arseny R.
Great food, large meaty portions, great service, lots of dining and bar room options. The cooks don't overdo it on the sauces and additional stuff. Prime rib had horseradish sauce on the side, half a pickle, some fries. No gravies, vegies and all other non-meat additions. Cheeseburger had cheese, leaf of letuce, slice of tomato, some mayo and lots of hand shaped meat prepared to order (medium was medium). This is going to be my new "go there when really hungry" spot.
(5)Joe C.
I've been to Phil's several times and its a pleasant place with good comfort food. Don't go here if you're on a diet, you'll loose. Huge sandwiches, huge burgers, huge everything. Come hungry. If you're going for lunch, don't plan on being all that effective in the afternoon. They have some good looking sandwiches like the chicken parm. Its a pretty well cooked cutlet with some crispness to the breading and absolutely smothered in cheese. The burgers are clearly made with care and very tasty. The buns and bread could use an upgrade though. They handle a crowd with ease. On my visit today, we went with a group of about 25 people for someone's birthday. Everything from the drinks to the food came quickly and accurately except for one minor exception. I upgraded from fries to chips when I ordered but got chips when the food arrived. Apologies were given, fries were presented quickly and no harm was done. In fact, I give extra points for the swift and pleasant nature of the correction. The service is top notch and the waitresses aren't bad looking either which never hurts. The setting is charming in an old bar/tavern kind of way. I'm sure the building's over a hundred years old. On the flip side, the menu is so large that I think it makes it tough to keep everything fresh. This leads to some things not being as flavorful as they could be. If I brought a friend from out of town, I'd suggest the burger. Overall, a good lunch spot and I'll be back maybe once a month or every other.
(3)Jocelyn B.
I don't think I will be going back. We ordered jalapeno popper as an appetizer which were yummy but nothing special same ones you get out of the freezer section.. husband has an ahi tuna sandwich which he liked but I think only because it has some creamy horseradish sauce with it. I had the eggplant sub, it was HUGE and kind of good but too greasy and cheesy and frankly too big. My daughter had ravioli and a meatball. Our lunch cost $50!! I was the only one who drank something other than water I had a diet coke for $3.50. Also the server was not very pleasant
(1)S F.
Phil's is your classic Philadelphia bar/rest. Very generous portions, with a HUGE menu. They offer creative sandwich specials, and my fav there, the cheesesteak. In my opinion, shrink the menu by 75% and use fresh ingredients vs frozen.
(2)Jason Y.
Great portions and everything I've tried so far is extremely tasty! You'll notice that everyone walks out with a styrofoam to-go platter because their portions are so generous. There's a reason why their parking lot is constantly full!
(4)Da S.
Wednesday night and the place is packed. This is a total local favorite. The menu is miles long. I had the ribeye steak sandwich and it was top notch.
(4)jillian n.
The food here is awesome! And the menu is HUGE.
(4)Bruce H.
I hadn't been to Phil's Tavern in 6 or 7 years, and that was just for lunch with a few coworkers. Recently some old friends suggested Phil's early on a Saturday evening. The place was amazingly busy with lots of parents with their kids in tow. We actually had to park across the street in an office parking lot (hey, we didn't get ticketed or towed)! Phil's has a few different rooms. We were seated in a newer dining room addition that is fairly bland rectangle with a gas fireplace at one end. Service was quick & friendly. She brought out our Hoegaardens immediately while we continued to pour over their huge menu. I had the "lump" crab-cake club, my wife had the rib-eye cheese steak sandwich. There were no lumps of crab in this crab-cake sandwich, but it was still fairly tasty. My wife complained that some of the steak was fairly gristly and chewy in the sandwich, but the flavor was good, and the hot peppers accompanying were phenomenal. Now later that night, back at home, I had some major digestive problems. I'm not saying that it was directly related to the food, but I am very suspicious. I would give Phil's another try and skip the crab-cake sandwich... but would not go out of my way to get there. There are 4 or 5 similar places I live closer to that I would stop at first. If I revisit, and have a better meal, I'll change my rating.
(2)Alix H.
My friend and I had an "oh goodness let's just get out of the city" moment last night, and we found ourselves at The Phil's . I think I spent 45 minutes deciding what to get on their mile- long menu, but once my ribs arrived, oh man. My dad is well known as an excellent rib cook, and I have tried many many delicious versions, but these were seriously great. I didn't even need a knife, I could just slide the bone off the meat. Wow. The place feels neighborhoody, our waitress was nice, and I would totally go back if I'm in the area again. Bonus points for crayons on the table for some pretty great napkin drawings.
(4)Ray Y.
Was it bad? No. Would I seek it out again? No. The service was subpar in that we waited several minutes just for someone to acknowledge that we were at the "wait to be seated" sign. The waitress was eh. The beers didn't come until after the app...annoying. BUT, the food was decent and the portions were ridiculous. Atmosphere...C+.
(3)Max K.
This place is good but not great. This place has been here for as long as I can remember. They recently renovated I guess because of the Broad Ax tavern. Many hidden dining rooms, dark long bar, mostly decent service. Beer is cold and inexpensive. The food is okay, nothing special. Award winning ribs shouldn't have really won any awards but their burgers, cheesesteaks and other sandwiches are tops. Great happy hour and even when they are busy, service is still good. This is a regular place for me and it should be for you too
(3)Don G.
I have been to Phils a few times to drink and once to eat. Lets start with the food and service. I ordered a sandwich that was supposed to have steak and lobster on it. Well the steak was tough and overcooked and the lobster was just weird. I couldn't tell whether it was lobster or not. My wife had a burger which was big but nothing special. The service was ok except they gave me someone elses check! Now I have been eating out a long time and thats the first time that has ever happened. As for the bar - I had a frozen margarita and my wife a bourbon and coke. I must admit it was a very good and rather large margarita but $10 seems to be rather expensive. Well the tab for my wife and I came to $17.50 for 1 drink apiece! Phils Tavern - thanks but no thanks.
(2)Sara P.
I went to Phils with my boyfriend due to rumors of "the best hamburger around." He ordered the Hamburger and it was huge! It was very meaty and thick and juicy. It was a typical American meal with yummy, thick cut fries. he asked for some bacon and they gave him about 10 slices. No exaggeration. I ordered the crab cake sandwich. I didn't particularly like that is was fried. The outer crust seem to taste too much like the bacon from the same grill, but it was also very meaty with little filling, which is great. The service was superb! Our server was so sweet and everyone was very attentive. This was our first time there. It seemed like a great place to watch sports, but we were just interested in the food. There are two rooms. that the hostess let us choose from. One is more of a bar atmosphere and the other was a typical dining room. Both rooms were choc full of TV's.
(4)Raj M.
It's pretty rare that I give a place like this 5 stars... but I find it hard to find fault with Phil's. The service is always good, the most relevant sports game is almost always on, and best of all the food is always top notch. They have TONS of choices on the menu, and although I haven't gotten past their burger cuz I love it so much, I have never seen anyone complain about the food. The portions are so satisfyingly large, I make it a point to plan my Phil's run ahead of time, and not to eat anything else that day. If I time it right, it fills me up for the entire day. Go check out Phil's. I assure you, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Jim D.
There is something stupendously delicious in Blue Bell, PA and it's known as The Phil's Tavern. It attracts a huge, loyal crowd and rightfully so. I've never really paid much attention to the inside, except that it's a dimly-lit cavern around the bar area and a tad brighter in the dining area. Sit down and relax because it's the food that is the true showcase. Prices are a tad steep but the amount and quality of the food make up for it. Their menu is massive and everything I've tried has been tasty and generous. The burgers, cheese steaks and club sandwiches are not to be taken for granted. These are for serious hungry people. Fortunately, I am among that demographic. My only complaint would be that the parking lot is too small for the amount of traffic that comes through this place. There is a makeshift parking lot across a very busy street - not so convenient. It's a minor gripe for something that's oh so glorious.
(4)Maura G.
i always find it funny that this place is called "the" phil's tavern. but i digress... their food is great. the seared tuna salad, the portobello burger, the clubs. they are all really good. they have a little bit of everything on their menu, so it is sure to please anyone. this place is hopping for happy hour and i can see why. service is always good. good place to go when the philly team are playing. as another reviewer said, this place has a nice "local joint" feel. almost like cheers, but after happy hour, i don't even know my name.
(4)TJ K.
I was in the Philly area last week visiting family and friends, and typically I go to Pudge's for my one cheesesteak during a visit. But, we ended up one night at Phil's. I hadn't been there since probably the early 90s, so I didn't know what to expect. Well...the cheesesteak was awesome! I'll now have to think hard about whether to go to Pudge's or back to Phil's when in town.
(5)bill g.
When you need to have a Great Burger or Toasted Cheese and Tomato on Rye( Nancy's favorite) Try Phil's in Blue Bell. Rarely can you finish the meal as portions are enormous, so it is always a good value to us, in that it is really a second meal, or a great late night e snack! The Burger is 10 oz of the best Ground Sirloin in Montgomery County. They get their beef from Carl Venezia Fresh Meats, In Plymouth Meeting, and the flavor and quality is second to none. The staff is great, the ambiance is classic Tavern and comfortable.
(4)Michael C.
It's too strong to just come right out and say that Phil's makes the best hamburgers EVER. But that is what I want to do. The size of the place, and the amount of regulars, accounts for Phil's greatness. I've only had their burger, so I can only attest to its greatness. The price of the burger is expensive, the base burger starts at $9. But don't sell short, you have to get the bacon, and extra cheese, at least. And the Deluxe comes with fries (to wrap with the bacon that falls off your burger), and some really tasty coleslaw. The beers on tap didn't tickle my taste buds, but I was too full to care.
(5)Rich K.
Burgers... that's all I'm saying
(4)Gina D.
The ribs are some of the best I've ever had if not THE best. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. Oh and you shouldn't leave here without having a piece of the banana chocolate chip cake.
(5)Sean R.
Good food - large menu - great service. Nothing to complain about here!
(4)Anna R.
I've been to The Phils a bunch of times for work lunches and dinners and we always go back because they have fast, friendly service and tasty, gigundo portions. Their menu is absurdly huge, but that means that there's really something for everyone (including vegetarians). The best veggie choices are the Ginas Caesar: a salad with roasted red peppers and grilled portobellos and the Tuscan Club (ask for it with portobellos (instead of chicken) and no bacon. The prices aren't cheap, but they're not expensive either when you consider the size of the portions. Your best bet is to just cut everything in half right off the bat because there's no way someone could ever finish off a whole plate. Even the salads are so big that you can't eat them all! The only problem with Phils is that their desserts are pretty gross. I don't know where they buy them from, but they should probably go with a different supplier because they're pretty much inedible. However, after dinner at The Phils, there's no way you'll have room for dessert anyway, so it's not the end of the world.
(4)Helen D.
Stopped at PHIL's for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Was a tiny bit hungover so I started with a bloody mary. It was tasty - asked for spicy though & it really wasn't.... And it was kind of little. I like them BIG! Their menu is PAGES long & I don't think there is anything you can't get. Which kind of makes me wonder how can everything be so fresh?? We ordered off the SPECIALS of the day menu - which had about 20 choices. Got an open faced reuben which was ok - but not even come close to ordering from a real Jewish deli. My sister had the pork sandwich (to bring in the new year) which she said was pretty tasteless. The dogs got the leftovers. Can't deny the portions are BIG. We've eaten there before this visit & always thought the food was "ok" - which is kind of what we thought this time. If we are in the 'hood & hungry - we'd stop in BUT we won't be making a special trip here. Have to mention - the SERVICE is very good. All the servers are friendly & helpful - we like that. ALSO - they do have a bright new room with a fireplace - that's why they are getting 3 stars instead of 2.
(3)Danan R.
No, lobster do not langostino tails make but the sandwich was still pretty tasty with plenty of sautéed tails and bacon in a creamy sauce with just a hint of horseradish. It usually comes in a wrap but I'm not a wrap person and they were more than happy to substitute a toasted kaiser roll. It also came with seasoned spicy fries, which were crispy and hot. Ask for some extra tartar sauce to dip them into! Dad enjoyed his huge prime rib (okay okay, I ate more than just a few bites...), which was tender and juicy. Was it as good as Fleming's? Not quite but it's decent and very reasonably priced at $24. And it did come with a huge baked potato. And fries. And a salad. Portions are immense and we both came home with leftovers. Service was pretty good, and much more attentive than you would typically expect at a local tavern. Overall, it's a good neighborhood tavern to grab a an inexpensive dinner with friendly service and huge portions.
(3)Peter G.
The food and waitstaff are great but getting seated was a nightmare. We arrived at 630 and we were told 40 minutes. The manager Joe was busy seating his friends and made the families with kids wait. We waited for an hour and a half with not so much as a sorry for the wait. We looked at the seating list and found that we were passed over many times. Completely unprofessional. We won't go back.
(1)Fenton F.
Just get the Burger..... Words cant desribe it.... its that good
(5)Chuck H.
Phils has been a fixture in the area for many years. The business has grown into one of the better dinner stops on Friday and Saturday night. Menu has a lot of choices and includes sandwiches to full course meals. A few of my favorites include the Tavern Special (sandwich) and the Spare Ribs. Bring a big appetite because you get a lot of food. Bar staff includes more than few bartenders who have been around for long time.
(4)Denise W.
Solid, tasty place to plop down and have a bite to eat - the place seems always packed, the waiting area filled to the brim on weekend nights, but the host/hostess moves it along and before you know it, you've got a seat. The wait staff knows the menu, worth probing them for what's good on the menu. The menu is huge, and you can satisfy your need for a burger or prime rib, caesar salad or lobster. Two of my favorites are the ribs, which come perfectly sauced and their hot roast beef and provolone on kaiser w/crunchy Kosher pickle! Grab a Hoagarden with the ribs, sit back and watch whatever is on the big screen. Nothing has 'wowed' me here, just the satisfaction of good food, reliable service time and again makes Phil's a regular destination.
(3)Zee Z.
Service was very good. Staff very friendly. Food was good and the portions were huge. Good selection of beers. Nice place to go for casual dining at a decent price. If you are looking for gourmet dining or romantic ambiance, this is NOT the place.
(3)Angie M.
It takes a lot for me to savor something, but Phil's Tavern definitely has THE BEST baby back ribs and cole slaw I've had in a long time. The wait time on a busy night is about 40-60 minutes and rightfully so. The food is THAT good. The only problem we had was that we were seated at a table that was not very steady and nearly lost our plates a few times by a waitress bumping into us (you are seated pretty close together). All in all, I'd definitely recommed. I'd like to see how Phils will do once the Broad Axe Tavern reopens next door.
(4)Jenn G.
good pub atmosphere...fantastic and delicious french onion soup!
(3)Rose M.
Great place for a great casual meal - you must get the Nacos -Big plate must share - lots of TVs for the sports fan - just the place to watch the game and have good food
(4)Chris S.
Went to Phils tonight, wasn't overly impressed but still found the place decent. They keep the place pretty dark, almost too dark, like strain your eyes dark, I was expecting a drifter to step out from the shadows, demand some money and then knife me. The portions are decent sized and they ought to be with the price of things, I had the fish and chips for about $14 while my girlfriend had a pork roll sandwich with fries which was $9. A stinkin iced tea was $3. They do have quite the selection, the menu is about the size of one of moses' tablets with everything from appetizers to sandwiches to full meals. They have a big selection of beers and the bar was hoping on a Tuesday night. now here's the thing, I don't mind paying money for something that's outstanding and maybe I haven't found what they are "known for" yet but I think they are a bit overpriced, I find it hard to pay nearly $20 for 4 pretty small pieces of fried fish, a handful of fries and an iced tea. Like I said it wasn't bad not by a long shot, but i think there are better places with better food for much cheaper.
(3)