Fun times on Friday nights! Came with some friends on First Friday for dinner and the place was packed with quite a crowd, most of whom where there for the live Irish music. My friends and I snagged a table upstairs so we didn't have to shout over the music whilst in conversation with each other, but so that we could still hear it somewhat. My friend Gwen and I each settled on the crab and vegetable spring rolls, which were good, but not nearly enough to fill me up. The strip steak sure looked enticing, so I guess I'll have to come back another time and try it!
(4)
Jeffrey K.
We decided to take a quick spur of the moment over-night trip with the kids to Philadelphia just before New Years Eve -- so we head down there and by the time we get down to Philly and check into the hotel it's time to feed ourselves and the kids. We asked the concierge at the hotel for a recommendation and he responded: "The Plough and The Stars". Although it is an Irish Pub type of place, he said there was food for the kids as well and we would enjoy it. So we figured . . . what the hell -- why not. F Y I . . . If you are staying down by the Convention Center, this is NOT walkable as it's on the other side of town (a few miles). Not that I have anything against walking, but when you have a kid(s) with you and it's night time, you don't want to traverse the streets of Philly that are between the two endpoints. Also, be aware that if you are going to Philly and plan on visitng the Old City area after 6PM, be prepared to pay $15+ to park if you can't find a spot on the street. Once we drove over the Old City neighborhood, we had a little trouble finding the place (but that may have been as a result of bad directions in the first place.) Once we found it, we stepped inside to what appeared to be a nice open space -- in front of you is a nice wide bar, to the left are some small tables near the fire place to sit and sip on some cocktails and there are tables on either side of the doorway and upstairs as well. When we got there the place was relatively empty (which changed later on during our meal.) The atmopshere, especially during the holiday season, was wonderful, they had a giant christmas tree (think two story tall), in a corner by the fireplace. The fireplace itself gave a great aroma to the air and the building itself was certainly late 19th century and had a wonderful charm to it. So of course my son wants to sit near the fireplace (esepcially since the tables were all reserved) -- the only "bad" part of the evening was that we had to sit at the small tables by the fireplace (on even smaller stools) -- but it was worth it because we sat right near the fire (which I too am a big fan of), and the food AND drinks were wonderful. They have this wonderful "apple pie" cocktail which combines Irish Whiskey, cream and some apple cider -- they warm it up and boy is it yummy. As promised, the place had food to delite the tastes of younger patrons (in other words my 5 y/o and 20 month old), and they had delightfully, the menu certainly has an Irish theme to it, and their dishes are full-flaovred and hearty (i.e. steak, other beef dishes, etc.) -- their salads and soup are equally tasty and the wait-staff are all delightful and regularly coming around with warm, freshly made brown bread and irish soda bread (highly recommended.) The desserts are also a nice treat. We shared the Bailey's Creme Brulee -- personally I could taste the Bailey's in the dessert, but none-the-less it was enjoyable (so was the coffee.) So go, enjoy and also remember, from what I was told, this was formerlly an old bank so the building I am certain has some interesting history to it (for you history buffs out there.)
(4)
Paul W.
Consensus seems to be that Plough and the Stars is great if you want to party and get smashed. For this I like to go to places that serve me $2 Lagers so when I'm smashed I'm also not poor. Thus my two star rating. This doesn't mean I didn't have a good time there before. St. Patty's Day 2007 was an awesome marathon of drinking. They had live Irish dancers, music and some wonder kid who sang some Irish diddies. Intermittently a bar crawl would come thru, try to recruit us and then move on. We got there early and got prime seats at the bar that allowed us to keep the beer flowing and the crowd somewhat at bay. I feel bad for my two stars but with bad food, high prices, and a crowd, this isn't my hangout of choice... unless I'm trying to re-live college.
(2)
Jackson B.
Nice little upscale-ish bar. While in town for a long business trip, I found that this is the bar I went to the most. I only ate there once, but drank many times. The one time I ate, the food was awesome. When drinking, the bartenders are always friendly and up for a little conversation. Every time I was there, I met fun locals who were willing to tell me all about the city and suggest places to go and things to try. A few weekend nights, this place can get pretty nuts. The crowd is mostly a preppy poser crowd -- but fun none-the-less.
(3)
Ashley B.
I thought that this place was so cute and it was so beautiful inside, I went right before halloween and they had the lights up and it was a lot of fun. the staff was dressed up and entertaining! They definitely wanted everyone to get into the spirit and they did. Lots of great service and it was packed so we had to wait a while, but they had awesome music playing and everyone was friendly and in a partying mood.
(4)
Linda G.
This was my second visit to The Plough and the Stars and unfortunately it wasn't nearly as good as the first. The first visit was in January 2013 and it was great! The fireplace, live Irish music, food and service all great. Stopped by this past Friday night, early, like 5:30. You know what I hate? When you approach an establishment and when you try to enter there are three to four employees standing in the doorway and they look at you like you're crazy or unwelcome. They finally stepped aside and we were able to get to the hostess and we were seated at one of the our door tables. The outdoor tables are great - comfortable, great people watching. While the service was good we had to ask about both the beer specials and the food specials, the waitress didn't mention either when she dropped off the menus and we had to wait until she came back to find out. A number of the staff continued to stand around one particular table to customers and chat and laugh throughout our time - I guess they were friends but I'm glad I don't have to pay them. The food was okay - I got the fish and chips and the mister got the sheppards pie. The food was better on our first visit. I would go again to sit outside in summer or by the fireplace in winter.
(3)
Jas D.
It's open on Tuesday nights and it was one of the more packed places with outdoor seating as well. It was great to just chill with friends in the lower part of the place and there was a dancefloor upstairs. Very nice bartender and clean bathroom.
(3)
Jessica A.
I've popped into Plough once or twice in the past, but finally spent more time there a few weekends ago with a bachelorette party. The place was packed, but in a really fun way. The DJ was playing good music, and the drinks were reasonably priced. We were able to find a table upstairs where we could observe everything going on downstairs. I have to say that I'd have to be in the mood for that type of bar scene, but if you're looking for a fun night out with friends, I'd recommend it.
(4)
Jennifer T.
5 stars! Becasue...... 1. I don't live in Philly and have only come here with my best friend from college 2. Have gotten really drunk and hit on by many men 3. danced my drunk ass off 4. good drinks 5. Normal pricing 6. Priceless memories!
(5)
Deanna J.
I've only been here once, I don't live in Philly. Was in the city and went out for Valentine's Day dinner in 2009 and it was amazing. Even though it was really crowded, we had a nice server, great little table by the fireplace and excellent food. If I lived nearby I'd be a regular. Very cool place!
(5)
Kevin M.
So another night in Olde City with the Brits, it usually starts the same way drinks at the house train,cab or walk to Olde City. I usually follow the same path but i start at mcgillins to get some good drinks then i walk to market east to meet them then the aforementioned cab or walking to Olde city. Off to sugar Mom we go which means we are going to be entirely too drunk too fast lol. After about two hours there we stumble our way toward market and presumably Lucy's which i like because it has music and drinks for every type of person,but dint like because its like being Adrian Peterson just to get to the bathroom. One night we were tired of doing this and decided to stumble back to the house. (Truth be told i literally elbowed a girl in the nose in an effort to get to the bathroom,so lets assume i was in more of a hurry to leave then everyone else lol). Now i assume the Brits had been there before because they made a beeline to the door. I had walked past this place a hundred times...i swore it was a restaurant (it is) We got into the place and you can literally feel the energy from the spacious two floor building Its always packed to capacity and i sweat through my shirt which if you know me isn't hard. The bar stretches out pretty far and they have great bartenders. So great that when i left my card they let me in after closing to get my card that i had to walk back to from 10th to get. The music is great because it plays everything for everyone. This particular night the first 5 songs were Drake,Billy Joel,Blur, Daft Punk and i think Sting. Though when you are drunk Sting's mumbles sound like a person speaking Chinese with a lisp so it could have been anything lol. But it was awesome and The Plough & The Stars became my end of the night place every time i went to Olde City. Great Drinks and setup BUT MY ONLY REGRET is that i have yet to eat there which i plan on change ASAP. It get really poppin around 12 ish because the restaurant crowded has changed into the party crowd. Enjoy!
(5)
Kevin C.
Watched the world cup final here and just getting around to reviewing this place. Given how absolutely packed the place was that day, service was still really good. The food was also prepared well and was well received by three weary Philadelphia tourists. I'd definitely go back. Great pub.
(3)
Jason A.
So you've pregamed at a friend's house, had a few shots at the local dive, 17 beers and 3 more shots at your regular bar and had minimal luck at the meeting people game. All you want to do now is "dance", and when I say dance I mean crash into other drunk people, hoping to capitalize on that golden convergence of intoxication and desperation that happens between 12:45 and 1:30. You settle on a 42 year old cougar from Jersey. One star is better than none, right?
(1)
Megan D.
FYI - I have been back twice now and both times I was in fact heavily intoxicated...I still give it one star!
(1)
Kimberly H.
Plough & the Stars was this season's pick for Restaurant Week. If this were a fantasy foot ball team, I'd be right at the middle of the pack. The interior is beautiful, a two story room with a balcony used for dinner with high windows, crown molding and plaster details all around. The outside seating area has high top tables and chairs with umbrellas, and, even though you line the sidewalk, are set back enough that you don't feel in the middle of 2nd St. foot traffic. When we arrived, the music was a tape of traditional Irish folk music, but by the time we finished the DJ had come in and was playing some really annoying 90's pop music (read: C&C music factory). Supposedly they have live Irish folk music on some nights... The service was great, the hostess seated us right away, and our waitress was super attentive and offered both solicited and unsolicited suggestions from their special RW menu. Both food and drink came very quickly. Unfortunately, we were seated on the upper level right outside the kitchen; we had bags of trash walked by us, huge trays of dishes (one clinked and I got some old-meal juice in my hair), and the entire restaurant staff paraded by us continually. Normally, especially during RW, I wouldn't be as annoyed by this, but the rest of the balcony was empty save one table of 8 on the other end. The food was also spotty, my monk fish and scallops meal was pretty darn salty, something echoed by the server after the fact and some friends who've eaten there previously. BUT, the scallops were done perfectly with a nice seared crust and not over cooked. The accompanying corn salsa was super yummy, helped to cut some of the saltiness, and was a really interesting texture and taste difference with the fish. The boyfriend's steak was amazingly yummy, though the menu said it came with a bleu cheese sauce of some kind which neither of us could see. Our appetizers (spring rolls and their avocado mousse) were pretty to look at, but very tasteless. Desert was amazing: A sampler plate of chocolate truffle, creme brulee and a fruit filo thingy that were all to die for. Great beer selection, okay wine selection (for the non-wino) and an okay short order menu would make me more likely to return for happy hour or the last stop an old city drinking tour.
(3)
Art S.
Russ said it best. This is a default bar. I used to work in a restaurant on 3rd St, and by the time I'd get out, there weren't many options for my hungry belly. But Plough always served food until late, so I could run over there and sit outside and scarf down one of their burgers, which I actually think are really good. And then I started to become friends with the cute girls on the waitstaff. And then I started going there less often for the burger, and more often for the flirting with the girls who were serving me my burger. And once you start to get preferential treatment from the waitstaff and bartenders, I don't care how much the bar sucks, you're going to go there. That's just the way life works. So, yeah, this place can get crowded. And kind of annoying. But I don't think this place is awful. If you can get a seat outside it's great, actually.
(3)
Sara L.
This is great spot to have some beers at an outdoor table and people watch in the warm months. The inside is also beautiful, with high ceilings and a nice fireplace in front of which a circle performs Irish music on Sundays. I go mainly for drinking, as my few forays into their menu have been a little pricey and not that great. The exception is their Irish breakfast (served on weekends), which even impressed my County Cork-born mother.
(3)
Chinita A.
Okay so my friends and I have trashed and owned this place at the same time because everytime we go, every guy (including the staff) thinks we are lesbians! LOL! and nooo we did not kiss on the dance floor either. They actually think we are lesbians. But aside from that, Plough is one of those places in Philly you can go to to get completely trashed and meet douchebags from NJ. So if you are looking forward to running into douchebags and dancing all night long, then this IS the place for you!
(3)
Jed S.
Solid steak and eggs.
(3)
James M.
I went on a weeknight when it was not so crowded. Plenty of places to sit and eat. Not so noisy. I had the steak frite which was actually quite tasty. I also had a hoegaarden and the weiss beer. Both pretty good. I hear this place gets noisy and crowded on the weekends and I can see it being a pain in the arse. The service was also SUPER slow, even on a an uncrowded weeknight. But if you want a decent place to grab a beer and bar food after work, I would come back here for sure, especially if there is no crowd.
(3)
jennifer F.
Why am I reviewing this?? So you don't make the same mistake I did. What dumbass orders tapas at an Irish bar? The one who hates potatoes...me.... Yes, resist the temptation of ordering the tapas plate; it's the equivalent of jarred olives and stale pita bread. When it says known for Irish fare, stick to the obvious, potatoes. I actually felt bad when the waitress noticed I didn't eat anything on my plate and when she asked how it was, I told her it was awful. I'm sure she wanted to smack me upside the head and I deserved it. She offered to take it off the bill but I knew it was my fault and paid for the gruel. 3 stars becaue the waitress was nice.
(3)
Caitlin C.
I was never impressed with the food here. If you come, it should be for lunch (or just drinks) and in the warmer weather so you can sit outside (they have a great Old City location). Dinner menu is trying hard to be a force to be reckoned with but there is no talent in the kitchen. For lunch grab their spinach salad with poached pears, walnuts and blue cheese. And make sure you get their fries with horseradish sauce.
(2)
George R.
This bar is now smoke free, but the noise remains. I like to think of this bar as a place that you go to FIRST before heading out in Old City. The Lager is a reasonable price and they know how to draw Guinness Properly. Their liquor selection is also fine and they have competent bartenders. If you get in early, the host or another staff person is always around to ask if you want to check your coat (for FREE). From the menu, the fries are great and I'm sure that the rest of the bar menu is great too. If you actually want to sit down and eat, they have a larger menu and tables to sit at... if you can find one. This place is warm, and there are fire places, and if you want to watch 'the game' (whatever that may be for the night), they have a long-throw HD projector that shows video on a 15' space on the wall. When I get here at around 9 PM, the place is basically empty. You get drinks, have a seat at the bar or at a bar table and start a tab with a server. Then you let the crowd grow. By 11 PM you can't hear the person next to you. And that's when you leave.
(4)
Justine D.
This felt like a college bar. It got wayyyy to crowded, BUT it did have coat check. Music could be better. I don't have much else to compare it to in Philly though since I was just on Vacay.
(2)
Brad D.
I used to come here often with friends for drinks but lately it has kind of lost its way. The last time I came here the downstairs was dirty and there was only one bartender, not a good setup for a busy night. The plough still gets a good crowd, and they do have some good food if you are there early enough. Its worth checking out simply because it's so close to a dozen other bars that you're not stranded there.
(3)
Dominic C.
Very nice decor and layout - that said, this place reeks of douchebaggery on the weekends. Loud DJ playing the same songs you've heard at pseudo clubs for the last decade and a half, drunk sorority girls, bachelor parties, etc. Maybe I've only been there on bad nights or something but I'm not sure I want to go back.
(2)
Kevin M.
This place is a good time based on your level of intoxication. The more you've had to drink, the more fun it is. The music is good and the clientele is fun. It's incredibly packed on the weekends, but a few drinks will make you forget about that. Sunday nights are great too. There's live Irish music from 5-9 pm. Good food. The service is great on non-weekend nights, but it takes forever to get a drink on Fridays and Saturdays.
(4)
Samantha M.
This review reflects the experience that I had, but I have heard better. I went with my friend, on a friday night before New Year's eve, and we were really hoping for some dancing. She had had a great time there before. Sadly, no one was dancing so we left. I would go back though on a Saturday night and see what the deal is.
(2)
Anna Y.
I prefer this place on weekdays only. It's less crowded and they usually have a few good beers at happy hour prices. There's more of a mixed crowd during the week- young, old, families with kids. Service has always been good. On weekends, however, this place turns into the typical Old City club atmosphere. Lots of young drunk kids. Most from the burbs or NJ. It's very loud and crowded, you can't walk without dancing drunk girls falling into you, and there's a long wait for drinks. The outside seating is nice when it's warm outside.
(4)
Damon B.
For God's sake, if I order an eggs benedict poached that means the yolk should be runny. My biggest breakfast pet peeve is when the eggs on a benny are overcooked, and P & S twisted that knife. On another note, they make damn fine bloody marys (Cajun, Wasabi, and regular--oh yeah, that's how I roll). Good atmosphere, and actually a good spot for late night drinks--lots of eye candy.
(3)
Ti L.
PACKED on the weekends... with little room to move on occasion. Music is hit or miss. Went there for NYE and had a good time. late 20's/early 30's crowd. No cover, so its a great place to stop by to check out. As for the restaurant, the food was okay, nothing memorable.
(3)
Maggie G.
Good things first: The fries are good. Bad things: The Service is close to incompetent. My boyfriend and I went to the Plough on a Sunday night for drinks. Our first question was "Can we get a table?" Pretty reasonable question, right? The response was "Umm, we're not serving food any more but you can stand at that table by the bar." So we stood at a bar table for a while and then realized that A: they were still serving the bar menu and the B: there were plenty of empty tables with service. So, we asked again, got a bar menu, ordered fries (which arrived 20 minutes later) were still told that it would be "difficult" to seat us at a table. Dumbest service in the world. If we had been invited to one of the many available tables, we would have likely stayed for a while and ordered a lot. Oh well. Sucks for them. After leaving, we headed over to Eulogy for a much friendly experience with better food and beer as well.
(2)
Winston C.
How many Irish pubs can this town have that lack character??? Same 20-something bachelorette party throwing crowd as the Irish Pub, only difference is they seem to pay a little more for their drinks.
(1)
Lindsay H.
I hate this place as a bar (I've never been to eat). I've been three times, and each time the place was so crowded that I couldn't move. You can barely get to the bar, ordering drinks takes forever, the crowd is generally lame (lots of skeazy guys staring at barely dressed girls dancing like strippers). I also hate the music - they'll play 5 or 6 songs from the '50s, then the '80s, then the '90s, then modern, then repeat. I have never had a good time at this place - I leave irritated, frustrated, claustrophobic, sweaty and not drunk.
(1)
Chelsea B.
Great service and very friendly staff! Food and drinks were delicious, especially the lemonades they have with various vodkas. Very cool space as well :-)
(4)
Blue C.
My favorite place to go out in Philadelphia. The music can be from 70s to now. The crowd is always great. The snakebite was my favorite drink.
(5)
Sara Y.
My boyfriend and I came to Plough & The Stars for restaurant week and were not disappointed. The pre-set menu had some excellent, diverse selections. We ended up with a warm tomato salad, duck puff pastries, crab stuffed salmon, and pork tenderloin. The meats melted in our mouths and had lots of flavour, while the puff pastry was perfectly crisp with a fluffy interior- the duck mixture did not make it soggy, since it was brought out promptly. I didn't get to try the tomato since my boyfriend wouldn't share, so I assume it was good. Dessert was a little plate that sported a mini creme brulee and a chocolate ganache in a chocolate bowl. A huge glob of fresh whipped cream was served with it. The creme brulee was torched to perfection, and the chocolate was so rich and dense that the cream was a welcome addition. The feint of heart may not like the chocolate as much as I did, however. Plough has a decent selection of local beers, but their cocktail menu was more impressive. Interesting things I had never seen before. I asked the waitress to "surprise me" by choosing one of their three irish coffees. The one she brought me, covered with thick whipped cream, was divine. It was a perfect way to finish the evening.
(5)
Sara P.
My friends will be surprised to see me eating here at an Irish pub. But when it's restaurant week and they're serving vegan food, I gotta get involved. This was amazing. We had an artichoke appetizer that was rich in garlic and sauce that was excellent over the slice of toast. The salad of fruit and greens (did the chef read my diary?) Was sweet and spicy but not too much of either. Seiten steaks that tasted more steak than well any steak with a lovely just perfect steak sauce. Best of all for this veggie lover was the grilled potatoes, sweet potaoes, and green beans slathered in rosemary.
(5)
Tina G.
This was really a phenomenal experience in all respects. Some friends and I went during Restaurant Week for the vegan dishes, and we were so impressed! The food was delicious--my first course was the pear salad which was well balanced between tangy and sweet. The candied pears added a nice touch. My mahi mahi wasn't as tender as I had expected, but the couscous accompanying it showcased a perfect blend of spices. I could have used some more vegetables though. I opted for the vegan dessert, and the creme brulee was just like real thing--sweet and creamy and decadent. The chocolate cup with lavender cream looked as delicate as it tasted. What made Plough & Stars really stand out, however, was the service. I got an early reservation, but my party didn't start arriving until well into an hour after I was seated. The waitress was kind and patient enough to let me wait at the table, and I didn't feel like she was rushing me at all. Once everyone had arrived, orders were taken quickly and efficiently, and the food came immediately after. To top the night off, my friend had chosen not to order from the Restaurant Week menu, but when everyone else was receiving their desserts, the waitress was so wonderful and considerate and brought out a dessert plate for her--for free! The ambiance is laid back, but classy. There's a nice foyer area upstairs where I would love to be seated next time, as I'm sure I'll be coming again!
(5)
Louis L.
We were part of a meetup group this afternoon with all of the vegan food prepared by Chef Lenka Zivkovic - fantastic!! Amazing flavor combinations, incredible presentation and a great venue! Hope they'll add some of these choices to the regular menu - we'd definitely return!
(5)
Tom M.
Based on my five-course vegan prix-fixe dinner there, 5 stars easily. One minor note: at dinnertime, please do not air local news on your TVs. Violence and kidnapping stories are not what I need to watch as I sit down to dinner. Fortunately, I went with two friends on a nice May day and we were able to avoid the local news by sitting outdoors. Some highlights of a great meal: Tomato gazpacho: Lisa Simpson's favorite bbbq party food was perfect. Just right. The nacho chips served with it were the perfect finishing touch. Vegan quesadillas: very good. Oddly Thanksgiving-like. I really liked the guacamole that came with it. The chef raised the game with that. The three components of the dinner course were great. Spaghetti squash with a delicious peanut sauce. Savory Sheperd's pie. Topped off with an excellent vegan crab cake. Crab cakes are clearly better vegan, why on Earth are we still killing crabs? For dessert, I had the avocado lime cheesecake. It was great though I preferred the chocolate cheesecake my friend let me try from her plate. The vegan prix-fixe meal at Plough and the Stars is now firmly entrnched on the Philly must-do list.
The friendliest bar in the city of brotherly love. The bartenders are friendly and your glass will never be empty (unless you want it to be empty). The groups of regular costumers that sit at the bar are very cool, too. They had a traditional Irish brunch last Sunday complete with blood pudding and brown bread.
What an awesome place with awesome food! 4 of us dined here and we all loved our meals equally. I had the Guinness Casserole which was Cubes of Beef Slowly Braised with Guinness, Pearl Onions & Carrots with Mashed Potatoes. It was delicious. The service was tops. Happy people with happy attitudes! The atmosphere was "hip" and elegant at the same time. What more can you ask for?
Five stars for the vegan prix fixe menu. Amazing food, phenomenal service, and Chef Lenka came out to talk to us and gave us vegan creme brulee. VEGAN. CREME. BRULEE. Twice a month on Thursdays is the vegan prix fixe chef's tasting menu. Four courses. Each better than the last. Bargain price of $35. I highly recommend this. I've never been to The Plough & The Stars for any other reason or on any other night. From what I understand, like most joints in Old City, it's probably not my scene on the weekend. But it will definitely be part of our monthly rotation for our vegan girls nights.
(5)
Herbie H.
In my previous review, I enjoyed my lunch perfectly fine. I stopped by for Brunch this past Saturday and had an excellent experience, and thought it necessary to update the review to reflect my experience. We got there 10 minutes after they opened (10:30am) and were seated beneath one of the huge windows, pouring in natural light. There was a fire going in the fireplace (or, continually starting/stopping) and the whole mood/ambience was really quiet, casual, and relaxing. I am usually pretty decisive when it comes to brunch, but had a hard time deciding. There were a number of options on the brunch menu that looked great (full irish breakfast, chicken hash potatoes) and some daily specials that also sounded good (omelet with bacon and onions, lamb burger.) I finally decided on the Vegetable Frittata of the day: with roasted zucchini, onions, asparagus, peppers, and Brie. It was a great choice and perfectly cooked/assembled. The vegetables had a nice roasted quality to them with some charred bits, and the Brie melted into the frittata beautifully. The side of mixed greens and roasted potatoes were a nice touch. The portions of the sides were on the small side, but the frittata itself was a nice size. I was thrilled with my meal. My boyfriend ordered the "savory french toast" which he also really enjoyed. The french toast was perfectly crispy and tender, and all of the fixings (eggs, sausage, bacon) were generous in portion size. Prices were on the normal/low side for brunches in the city (especially Old City). Our server was really friendly, answered questions for us, and hooked us up with another slice of their delicious homemade breads (seriously delicious.) The manager (or, who I can assume was the manager) stopped by to ask how everything was. She stopped by another table as well to check in. She seemed to really care how her customers were enjoying their meal.
(5)
Brad T.
Why am I giving this place one star? I signed up for a bar crawl in Philly on July 3rd, something I never do but I thought why not. The Plough & The Stars was one of the bars that was part of the crawl. Of course, they went against their word and would not honor the specials that were included with the bar crawl registration. To make matters worse, their bartenders and managers were very unprofessional. Now I rarely write reviews on Yelp anymore, but this experience stood out as such an awful display of customer service I felt compelled to share it with the world. I recommend taking your money elsewhere.
(1)
Tricia F.
This Irish Pub is located on 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut. It was once the Money Exchange building. Beautiful high ornate decorated ceilings ~ wood stairs leading up to the balcony tables. Prices weren't bad! Fish and Chips for 3 of us and the hubster ordered Shepard's Pie. His words: "Rate this pie a 5!" Although the pie was a 5 the Fish and Chips didn't stack up to that rating. Fries were great ~ while the fish seemed a bit greasy and the coating kept falling off.
(4)
Jim B.
You be hard pressed to find a better bar in Old City then "The Plough". Imagine the gravity of that statement... I'm talking about a town that prides itself on fiery sports passion fueled by drunken stupors, greasy late night food covered in cheese whiz and of course, Ben Franklin (the town drunk turned scientist, diplomat, Founding Father of our country and printer), and The Plough is among the best booze slinging watering holes washing away Philly's historic and unquenchable desire for spirits. Best of all, unlike most Center City or Old City bars that are geared towards men and barely stomach-able by women, The Plough has an even balance that both sexes can mutually enjoy. LADIES: The Plough offers you breathtaking decor and elegant ambiance, with a quiet and respectable environment you'll truly enjoy. The Plough teems with good people, fine drinks and decadent bites and is the perfect place to gain a friendship, celebrate a milestone or meet that significant other of your dreams that you can cozy up with next to the comfortable glow of wood burning fireplace. MEN: Beer is good. Fire is warm. We like fire and beer. I actually had an occasion at this bar once where a couple buddies of mine had a little too much fun and wound up heading across the street to a tattoo parlor where they each got Misfit tattoos. True story.
(5)
Rick B.
I need to emphasize that this review is based solely on my weekend experiences here. Unfortunately, the handful of times I've been to Plough have all been on Saturday nights, when they forfeit their identity as an Irish pub for a money-making nightclub catering to Suburbia's youths. I don't mean to sound old and boring, but after reading many of Plough's past reviews, it seems they have so much more to offer, and the Saturday night scene should NOT be the face of their business. That being said, I see an updated review of Plough in my future. The building itself is great, a historical structure converted to an Irish pub that remains consistent with much of Olde City's architecture. Large windows, high ceilings, and a balcony give Plough a unique appearance. The building seems as high, if not higher, as it is wide. It seems like a good setup for some occasions. Horrible for others. On the weekends, Plough lends itself as a relatively cheap (no cover) destination for people looking to dance and have a good time, amongst the bars on the 2nd Street strip between Market and Chestnut. The only problem, as stated above, is the lack of space to do so. Plough is the go to spot for crowded (lack of) dance floors, impossibly attainable drinks, and foul odors. It seems like Plough is the monopoly of these types of bars, especially since the passing of Lucy's Hat Shop (RIP). Plough owes a huge thank you to fellow Yelpers for keeping their rating at an almost-4-star by reviewing their positive attributes; brunch, dinner, afternoon specials, Sunday Irish music(!). I'd hate for people, such as myself, to never return because of a few lackluster experiences. I wish really Plough wouldn't sell out on the weekends to fit in with the surrounding bars and clubs, but I suppose that's what it takes to stay competitive. My advice, to reiterate several past reviews, is to plan your visit accordingly. Depending on the time of day and the day itself, it seems like there is something at Plough for everyone.
(2)
Janeilla T.
Oh how I love this place, food is amazing,service is amazing. I mean what else can a girl ask for? Definitely 5 stars. I will eat here everyday if could.
(5)
Geeta A.
My fiance and I come here every time we're in town. The duck breast and the lamb chops are our favorite. Both are tender and flavorful. Excellent service. On one recent trip, our meat was cooked well instead of medium rare. We mentioned it to our waitress, who acknowledged that it was overcooked, took it back, and brought two new plates. The manager bought us a round of drinks in apology. Very well handled. The only thing I would chance is improve their beer selection. It has standard macrobrews from around the world, but Philly is a beer city, and they could have more on tap.
(4)
Jessie H.
This place is very similar to national mechanics except it is less packed. Drinks are the same price but there wasn't a dance floor when I went there. It's pretty easy to get a table with a group of friends on the weekend. Good place to hang out and chat. They play what you normally hear on the radio. This rating is based on my nightlife experience not the food.
(4)
Marlyn V.
This is merely a review for the nightlife. I somehow always end up here when bar hopping in Old City. It's never too packed inside, and the music is an array of 90's to top 40. They pour a decent drink and you easily find seats if necessary. They have tons of tables outside for when the weather is nice and you want to do some serious people watching, I actually think this is what always attracts me and then I end up just staying indoors because I forget to put my name in for a table. I would recommend coming here if you're with a big group or even an older crowd, because the music isn't too loud and the bar is never too packed so you can easily get a drink. Also a decent date spot, to grab a drink after dinner or something because of the same qualities.
(3)
Gregory H.
This is a spot that is exactly what it says on the label. It's an Irish-American pub with some interesting specials. Service is fine and the food is quite good! Not cheap enough to be a regular hangout, but not quite special enough for a special occasion. It is, however, still a tasty option.
(3)
Emily S.
This place was fantastic!! When I was there with my husband it happened to be a special menu for restaurant week, so we tried the 3 course menu. Everything we had was incredible!! It was so good we returned for another dinner even though we were only in the city for 3 nights and usually try new places. We especially liked the lamb, it was cooked to perfection! The guinness casserole was also really great. The drinks were also really amazing-- one drink tasted just like apple pie... I really wish there was a Plough & Stars near Boston so I could eat there often!! We sat in a room that had a fireplace and dim lighting and just loved the atmosphere. Dining here is one of our favorite memories from our weekend away in Philadelphia!
(5)
Gino C.
Chef Lenka has put together an amazing vegan pre-fix menu that serves four courses of heaven, every other Thursday.
(5)
Jake S.
I came here for lunch today with my entire work team. They had a special menu printed out specifically for us, with a few options at each course of a 3 course meal. I started with a tomato-blue cheese soup which was excellent. I followed it up with fish and chips, which was average at best. It consisted mostly of the fried part of the fried fish :/ The meal finished off with a crème brullee which was delicious.
(4)
Sydni C.
Great atmosphere. We sat outside and really enjoyed it. Got the tenders and calamari, both were really good. I'd come back any weekend. Thought the sever was going to ignore us but actually was really attentive.
(5)
Mark V.
One of my favors when in the area drinks are are delicious and food is great. The tall busboy with the strawberry blonde hair is hilarious
(5)
Kate U.
Had the most delightful vegan prix fixe dining experience served by chef Lenka Zivkovic. An absolutely delicious 4 course dinner available every other Thursday at Plough & The Stars. We enjoyed a rich cauliflower bisque (hearty portion!) followed by a unique artichoke/hearts of palm parfait & a very clean arugula salad. The third courses were utterly breathtaking and equally delicious! Grilled polenta with a lentil/walnut pate, portabello with quinoa & asparagus plus an artichoke rose that was sooo good, pasta orecchiette with a topping that mimicked bacon! The portions were hearty and all plates paired exceptionally well together. Then... the desserts came. You must try these vegan cakes. Immediately. The chocolate raspberry cream cake deserves a gold medal. It was so rich and mouth watering. The avocado lime cheesecake will blow your socks off. And both were raw dishes! Truly impressed. Our waiter, Josh, was the nicest. Extremely friendly and knowledgeable when it came to the menu. We're so happy he told us about the prix fixe! The Greater Philadelphia Area vegan community is slowly catching wind of these incredible plates, so definitely book a table in advance!!
(5)
Mehrnoush S.
Absolutely one of my favorite places in Philly. Everything is pleasant but I'm totally mesmerized by the live Irish music. The minute I strip in, I feel like being on a different place, possibly Ireland! I gave it 4 because I feel like their menu is a bit overpriced. No cheap options to chose from. Food is good overall. I don't have any favorite though. But, if you are a lager person, certainly get the Harp. My favorite.
(4)
Ashleigh S.
Great location, great building and decor, but honestly the bartenders who were working when I went were the rudest. I walked up to the bar and was basically yelled at for nothing. I understand there were a lot of people and it was crowded but that level of animosity was unnecessary and unappreciated.
(1)
T W.
Great restaurant and atmosphere, really comfortable and cute. I loved the outdoor part, but it was too full when I got there. Very sad because the majority of my food was mediocre. The calamari off the bar menu was actually pretty good, but the next things I ate weren't good at all. The seafood chowder was extremely watery and not thick at all, which wasn't a good look. On top of that I got the buffalo tenders and they weren't spicy at all, they were actually pretty sweet it was strange. My service was pretty good though, and they were nice!
(2)
Danielle G.
Fantastic location in Old City, located on the corner of Chestnut and 2nd. Great pub food, great drinks. We sat outside to people watch, I had fish and chips, hubby had Shrimp and Calamari Salad, kids shared burger and fries. Great prices for the location in Philadelphia and staff was super friendly. Two thumbs up!
(5)
L J.
Chef Lenka Zivkovic's vegan menu is healthy, tasty, and delightful.
(5)
Susan L.
Chef Lenka prepared an amazing variety of Vegan food for our vegan pledge group. Everything was amazing and obviously made with her love of cooking. We will definitely go back as long as we know she will be there to prepare vegan options for us.
Everything is always great about this, and most importantly so are my bloody Mary's! But, besides that service is always great, and there's a super funny bus boy that is always helping out. Great for brunch, lunch, or dinner!
(4)
Sean M.
Meh, wasn't impressed with anything about this place. Decent priced drinks. Place was very loud and everyone's conversation was echoing loudly through the bar. The decor was very girlish, probably why it was filled with girls. Seems more like a bar for professionals then your average Philly drinking crowd.
(2)
Mary O.
Great place!!! So many times, bars come in 2 flavors-the "icky" dark closet like bar and the youth group bar. This bar is absolutely perfect!!! Friendly. Clean. Good food. Very well made drinks. Nice staff. What a real bar is supposed to be!!!
(5)
James T.
We dined this past Thursday at The Plough & The Stars for the vegan prix-fixe menu after seeing the philly.com writeup that very day! We weren't sure what to expect but after we looked at the menu we knew we were in store for a great dining experience! The taste, flavor and presentation are second to none! Chef Lenka stopped by as we were wrapping up dinner. We couldn't contain our enjoyment and told her how much we loved ALL the dishes. You can sense the joy and excitement that Chef Lenka has in creating these vegan dishes. Just as we were about to settle up, Chef Lenka stopped by again and gave us vegan creme brulee! How awesome is that! Big shout out to our waiter, Josh, for providing us friendly wonderful service and adding to the already wonderful dining experience! The city of Philadelphia is really lucky to have The Plough & The Stars as a great addition to an ever expanding vegan scene. This special takes place every other Thursday for $35. Guess where I'm gonna be two Thursdays from now?
(5)
Sonia P.
The name of this pub was the first thing that caught my eye - sounds so poetic! Ducked into this bar on a Saturday afternoon for a casual drink - really cool pub! Our group of 4 grabbed a table right next to their gorgeous fireplace - you truly feel right at home. As for drinks, we kept things simple with Crabbie's Ginger Beer and Magners Cider; lots of beef varieties on tap so you're bound to find something you like. Interior space is gorgeous with lots of bar stools and booths - kind of reminds me of the interior of a bank (maybe it was one in the past...?). There's also seating outside which would be perfect on a gorgeous day. Definitely check this place out for afternoon drinks when you're in Philly.
(3)
Janine T.
Great place for Brunch!! The food and the atmosphere were wonderful! I wish I lived closer to Philly - I'd come here on a regular basis. My goat cheese and fruit salad was amazing as was the homemade Irish soda bread- it was probably the BEST soda bread I've ever had. This was a wonderful pub to visit- goodfood, great service, and the atmosphere were perfect! I'll be back next time I'm in Philly!
(5)
Jason S.
Came in on our day off and they were offering brunch for Columbus Day, I've been here several times to drink but never ate. Pleasantly surprised. Inside was decorated for Halloween and looked great. Staff was very welcoming and helpful, they were not open for food service yet but we're happy to seat us and get us cocktails. Hot Apple Pie drink was delicious, the whipped cream was similar to a cheese danish sweet cream cheese filling, if you like cheese danish and apple pie definitely order this. Also had a Southern Tier Pumking beer. For brunch I had the Chicken Hash with poached eggs. If you like a good breakfast scramble I highly recommend, chipotle hollandaise was a great accompany to the potatoes chicken and veggies. Girlfriend got the omelet du jour which was goat cheese, spinach, and heirloom tomatoes and it was also very good. Started the meal with a soup: Seafood Chowder. Waitress described it as "fishy with a lot of seafood"....I was nervous based on that but gave it a whirl...Awesome Gamble! She should have described it as a "Glorified New England Clam Chowder!" If you like Clam chowder I absolutely recommend it as a starter. We will be back to eat...and drink! For sure.
(4)
Eric V.
My favorite bar in Philly. I used to frequent this spot many years ago when I was in town for a few months on business. My routine was sake bombers at the bar at Buddakan around the corner then off to 'The Plough.' This place is about as unpretentious as it gets. Unbelievably packed, good crowd (exceptional people watching), and an outstanding rotation of the cheesiest of played out tunes that drives the masses to dance wherever they stand (there is no dance floor, per se) and shout out the lyrics to Bon Jovi, Journey, Britney Spears, Dexy's Midnight Runners, House of Pain, Shaggy, (just recalling many of the songs I heard last night) and the likes. It's conveniently located on busy 2nd St which provides a multitude of nightlife options (although I've never once broken from my Buddakan/Plough routine).
(5)
Rory K.
I've always loved Old City, and Plough has always been one of my favorite Irish pubs. However, I can't say I had ever tried the food, and oh boy, am I sorry I did. My girlfriend and I went for happy hour, really just intending on having a few drinks. After a couple of rounds we decided we should eat something. Ordered the seafood soup, which was brought out as chicken tortilla. No big deal, we sent it back and got it corrected. The soup itself was pretty bland, but not terrible. What was terrible, and what prompted me to write this, was the crab and vegetable spring rolls. If these abominations weren't pulled from the freezer and fried, I would be shocked. They were fishy, flavorless, and just plain awful. I would say, go for the drinks and atmosphere, and at the very least never order the spring rolls.
(2)
David H.
Good place to go for beer and pub food. We were there for a birthday party which was a bar only event. Got there early enough to have some food. I ordered the Plough Tapas plate which was very good. Nice amount of roasted peppers, olives, hummus, mozzarella (fresh), and smoked salmon. I had an order of their buffalo wings and wasn't very impressed. They were heavily breaded with sauce poured over. Not a big fan of breaded wings. My son had the shepherds pie which he said was very good. Nicely done crust and excellent savory flavor inside.
(4)
Carol C.
This has two levels, and is always a fun place to end up on a weeknight. BUT, this place is so confusing. They call themselves an Irish Pub, but this is not the place to go if you just want to chill with a drink; it's always crowded, and seating is almost non-existent. Now, if you came here to dance, then this wouldn't be a problem. The DJ is always good, but now the problem is.... where's the dance floor? Oh, there is none. People just dance in random pockets throughout the place, which can be REALLY awkward because more likely than not you are dancing next to a giant group of standers. Still, for some reason, this place is always fun. I can't really explain why, but it is.
(3)
Andrew B.
Not my favorite. Weird mix of bar goers on a friday. Better Irish pub/ dance places in philly for sure.
(2)
Racheal C.
We last night. Not thrilled about this place. Not sure what all the hype is about. It's so squished in the bar that you can barely walk around. Also not really sure where the dance floor is so people kind of just dance in place. Bartender was nice though. No cover.
(3)
Lenka Y.
Plough and the Stars is not your typical Irish pub. Chef Lenka brings an eclectic European flair to the cuisine. Both the owner and chef were warm and welcoming and were more than happy to accommodate a large group. Chef Lenka's vegan prix fixe menu is a must try, even for non-vegans. You will leave feeling full and satisfied and coming back for more! This gem in Old City is not to be missed!
(5)
Jeanne S.
We visit The Plough whenever we are in Philly! Great food.....salad with grilled scallops was yummy, and the Guiness pie was the best! Go there on a night with live music and hear some great Irish musicians! We loved listening to Raymond Coleman!
(5)
Laura G.
My friend & I came here for brunch last weekend. We were quickly sat upstairs (we thought about sitting outside but the weather was being a little iffy). Immediately, I noticed their brunch cocktails like a Bloody Maria (a bloody with tequilla instead of vodka). Everything on the menu sounded great as well. Our waitress came quickly and that's where things got....interesting. Im not sure if it was her first day or if she just wasnt that bright. We ordered a bloody & a mimosa, but she brought over two bloody Mary's. She apologized, brought over a mimosa & asked if we had any questions on the menu. When asked what the specials were for the day (they have a daily omelette and a frittata special), she looked at us like we asked her to explain nuclear physics to us. She said she needed to find out, ran downstairs & told us the specials. While everything sounded great, we both ordered the vegetable frittata. Our waitress came back about a minute later to let us know that the frittata had eggs in it and wanted to make sure we were ok with that. We weren't really sure how to respond to that but just said it was fine as frittatas usually contain eggs. I'm guess she had no idea what a frittata was, as she came back to ask us how we wanted our eggs. After some discussion/us not being sure how to answer, she went to ask the chef what a frittata was. Long story short, we got our frittatas and they were GREAT! Everything was really good, and even though our waitress was a bit of a space cadet, I'll give her a pass as I hope it was her first day. Check it out sometime!
(4)
Jeff C.
I'll make this short. Nice upscale Irish Pub. Upscale pub grub but at a moderate price. Best omelette EVER! Our bartender was a 1/2 Irish lass with a bit of accent. Great traditional Irish music in the background... like it should be. I'll visit again for another omelette before we leave the city.
(4)
Kathleen C.
Great food, Great Service, Great atmosphere. Took a chance and stopped by to check out their "Irish Music Sundays" and was very happy we did. The Servers couldn't have been more helpful . Not only was the Guinness casserole fantastic, but the fish and chips were delicious and they serve some of the best brown bread, and soda bread I've ever tasted. So good we bought a loaf to take home. Will definitely be back, and with my fiddle!!
(5)
Robert P.
Went with my girlfriend for a night out. Found this place on accident and so glad we did. Music is great with dancing recommended. There is two bars upstairs and down. We went upstairs where it was smaller but it was fun. Bartenders were on the spot with serving. People were dancing and eventually we were also. Green tea shots and beers. Recommended to go here anynight.
(5)
Candice H.
Awesome fireplace, two levels and big screen TVs. Our server was extremely slow, I mean 30 minutes for the bill... Also took a Long long time to serve drinks (no shaking required). It was nowhere near crowded. Fireplace is why I will be back. Food- fries and chicken strips, pretty good for a pub. Oh the fireplace.... Also nice live unobnoxious music sometimes.
(3)
Jen S.
Not sure why I keep going back here. The first time I was here, it was so crowded that I couldn't get ONE drink. The second time I went here my friend stepped on a large piece of glass, I had to rinse her foot under the sink in the ladies room, then pay for a cab to the emergency room so she could get 4 stitches. The third time I went here I got two drinks spilled on me and left with shards of glass in my shoes. I really want to like this place because it has the potential to be really fun... but I just haven't had that experience yet. I like to give the benefit of the doubt that I will have a good experience here one day.
(1)
Becky C.
Decided to go here with my boyfriend for restaurant week. Very hard to find if you go by GPS. Our server was Jess and she seemed as if she was rushing us out and being in the industry I would understand if they were busy but there weren't many people in there. She also didn't give us much time to look at the menu after we asked for a minute to check it out. While eating my appetizer she asked if I was done and before I could even answer went and grabbed my plate. It's just rude. The food wasn't anything special either. I don't know if it's just because I had high expectations with it being restaurant week, but cream fresh shouldn't be considered a main part of your dessert sampler.
(3)
Eliana G.
Delicious shepherd's pie, good drinks and nice ambiance. Will go back to this one when in Philly
(5)
Bob L.
Yeesh, do I really have to review this place? Ehh what the hell, I haven't given a one star review yet, so why not. Admittedly this is not my type of place to begin with, I like a more of a low key, less crowded, fun place to go and drink. I've been here on several occasions when the group I'm with calls for it and really haven't enjoyed myself any time I've been here. Lots of popped collars, girls wearing mini skirts when it's 5 degrees out...you know the place. Wall to wall people, Jon Bon Jovi blaring over the speakers, 20 minute wait for a $5 bud lite...be still my beating heart.
(1)
Kat J.
One of my old night spots! My friends and I used to use this as a meeting point since the Ritz Parking lot is just a block away and many of us drove in from outside the city. The drinks were good but the wait for them was always AWFUL. The only way to get them was to send the hottest guy in our crew or the girl with the smallest, tightest top! I don't think we've ever gotten a table although we've put our name down on many occasions. We loved it because of the location and because the drinks were good and not too overpriced. However, it's nothing to rave about. I walked by on Chestnut last night but didn't see it - thought it had closed but I see there are recent reviews. Perhaps I missed it! I wish I was here on Sunday as Allison J's review of the waffles made my mouth water...perhaps next time I'm in town!!
(3)
Cherie C.
It's a pretty big bar. We had drinks by the fireplace at a table that was a little too low for comfort. Staff were friendly. We didn't stay long, but I'll be back.
(4)
Allison J.
We wanted bar food but not the smokey, stinky bar. So we came here and sat outside on the sidewalk on a Sunday afternoon and had an amazing brunch. The restaurant has a waffle station in the dining room for Sunday brunch and they have leavened waffles which are supposedly lighter and crisper than normal waffles. I opted though... for the fish and chips. Again... I was in the mood for bar food! This is probably the best fish batter I have ever had. It was soooo crispy! It was like the crunchy crispy of a KFC chicken breast. I loved that I could drench the piece of fish in malt vineagar and still have it be crunchy when it reached my mouth. The fish was perfectly light and hot inside too. My boyfriend had an omlette with apples, blue cheese, and sausage. He raved about it! He loved it soooo much. He said it was probably one of the ugliest omelettes he's ever had but also one of the tastiest. Service was impeccable and our server was very knowledgeable with the beers and wines. We both agreed that this was one of the best brunches we've had in awhile. The server said, she felt the brunch was probably better than the regular lunch... so.... get down there for Sunday brunch if it's your first time! Oh and the dining room inside was bright and airy. Like you'd expect a brewery kinda place to be. Noise wasn't overwhelming but the place was definitely lively.
(5)
Helene J.
The Plough has been our go-to Mother's Day brunch place for years. It has been sliding downhill for the past few, but we tried to stay loyal. After yesterday, never again. There was a hair in one order of Eggs Benedict, my brunch was lost ( literally) through the night, and the Omelette of the day was simply folded over eggs with ham stuck in the middle. The Jumbo Lump crabmeat with the eggs was neither jumbo nor lump, but a smashed, fried, flat cake of the cheapest crabmeat you can buy. Our server was obviously good because the tables in front of and behind us were very well served . Our table however, was a different story. One of us asked for water 3 times, but never received it. the other two tables were all served water which they never touched because they didn't ask for it. They were served a basket of bread; we had to ask a food-runner for ours. They tried to confirm our reservations for 2 p.m. on the day before, but mistakenly had us down for 12:30. Huh??? We also had to wait 20 minutes at the bar for our table. It seems as if no-one involved in food service cares any more. They still have a great Guinness, but I've had my last meal there.
(2)
jack j.
If you go here on a weekday for dinner, they actually have really good food. If you go here on a weekend, you will be overwhelmed with the old city crowd, you know the crowd i'm talking about... sigh.
(4)
Kelly S.
This isn't a bad place to hang out. It's humungous and has outdoor seating, which is always good. The drinks are okay, the food is okay. It's not my favorite place to go out in the city, but it's still a good time. It can get pretty crowded, though, and even though there's a lot of space, it's hard to find a place to sit when it's crowded on a weekend night, so you just have to find a spot on the floor to stand awkwardly with your friends. I've been there when it's not crowded, and I like that better. I'm a big fan of having a table and a place to sit.
(3)
Nicole R.
The Plough is so big and with the noise! Because of it's prime Old City location, there is a high douchebag factor among the clientele. On the plus side, they do have a lot of really great whiskey ( Red Breast, yum!) and can pour a decent Guiness. The food ain't bad but I would only go here if I was really out of ideas.
(2)
Russ C.
Ya know that CD you have that is your default when you can't decide what else to listen to? Plough is that bar, only in drinking terms. If I could give it 2.5 stars I would, its that average. P&S has the tendency to become annoyingly packed on weekend nights (probably because its everyone's default). In fact, my friends and I found ourselves literally being pushed...BY EMPLOYEES! I like the aesthetics; high ceilings, brick and dark wood, but not enough to put up with elbows to my kidneys. The last time I went to Plough, it was so crowded my friend jokingly said, "I bet I could drop this beer and no one would notice." Well my friend apparently has the hands of T.O. because about an hour later he drooped a bottle of beer, thus causing it to shatter on the ground. Not a soul even flinched. Plough and the Stars is ok as a default, but I don't see it as much else.
(3)
Erik s.
this place is as irish as i am. this place is 2 levels of pain on friday and sat nights- it gets crazy crowded like the end scene of crocodile dundee when mick walks across everyone's head. it seems to be really popular w/ the early twenty crowd during those nights. not a bad place to grab a drink during the week. never had the food-i've heard brunch is ok.
(2)
Yo U.
Not my cup of tea. This place is a noisy, crowded mess. If you want an Irish pub-like experience, go drink at Sassafras across the street. The Irish guy over there will take good care of you.
(2)
Yen T.
Been here several times with friends. On the weekend it is so packed you can't even move. I like the outdoor seating for people watching. Grab a table on the week nights and just watch the characters that walk by.
(3)
Kristi E.
We went here for my lovely cousins start of her bachelorette evening- We made our reservations but due to the traffic on the streets some of the ladies were late- which means we were late ordering- the waiting staff was not to happy with us. The selection of food was average-but they were not flexible if wanting to substitute any thing on the main courses. Choices of wine was minimal- but mixed drinks were made well. Out waitress was not pleasant- but we did have one waiter who was extremely nice and attempted to fix the flickering light bulb above us the entire time. Eventually he brought us over numerous candles. We were rushed- when the larger party next to us was clearing out- and they wanted to start clearing up the dining area to let the dance crowds in- Us ladies made the best of it. Although service was rough- and it was extremely loud- the food was good. It definitely did not put a damper into our night of fun!
(3)
M W.
Althought I've never had a great time going to the bar, me and a friend stopped by here for the apple tart dessert, and some irish coffees, sat outside near one of those warm fire place things and had a lovly ending to the night
(3)
beth h.
swingers and jersey crowd... no thanks.
(1)
miriam b.
Huge bar. Lot more smokers than originally assumed and beer was good.
(3)
Jasmin G.
wayyy too crowded and i don't know why. the music is alrite..but the crowd is so loud sometimes its hard to even hear the music! too many yuppie/preppy types here...this isn't my scene. if you must go - get a spot upstairs so that you have a good view of your surroundings.
(3)
jen w.
this place is always so so so crowded. and no one is ever just, still, enjoying themselves. everyones always either coming or going. yuppies and snobs come here. no one really dances. its more of a scene than a good time.
(2)
Wajma N.
I've been here a few times only at night and had one bad experience when a friend got in a fight but I recently went this weekend with my boyfriend. It was packed as usual on a Saturday night. A big plus about this spot is they have no cover charge! Which is good cause all over olde city there is a cover charge. It's a lot of young 20 something year olds. I got a drink pretty easily and headed upstairs where it's less crowded. The music is ok it's a mix top 40/ hip hop and some old school. The downstairs is always crowded and packed I don't know how people can stand there I feel like Id get smushed but upstairs is ok they have some seating and U can over look downstairs and see the flat screen with sports games on. Overall not a bad spot.
(3)
Gia M.
We chose the Plough & the Stars for one of our last Friday night stops in Old City and I was blown away by the sheer amount of people crammed in the bar at midnight. That must have been where everyone was that night because all of the other bars that we walked by/wandered into were practically empty. Surprisingly (or perhaps not), there was no cover here. I guess I was expecting it because of the type of crowd that was there, which was very similar to the crowd in Manayunk, so take that as you will. The architectural vibe was really cool (second floor open to the area below) and place was surprisingly large. The drinks were also inventive/seasonal (pumpkin pie bombs. Not my thing, but they smelled delicious). The music was loud and people were attempting to dance as well (a little difficult, again, because of the crowds). I'm sorry to keep harping on about this, but the only problem with the bar was that the crowds of people made it almost impossible to get drinks. The management did take advantage of the crowds and rolled out a few coolers for selling beer other than at the actual bar. Spilled/dropped drinks were also a bit of a hazard, because you couldn't turn around without bumping into someone. I'd like to stop by again on a night when I'm not wearing such nice clothes (the woes of going out directly after work).
(3)
Yahira A.
I came once for brunch which I loved and wanted to take my friends for dinner who came to visit from Boston. Mussels were delicious, as well as the crab spring rolls. We all ordered the steak fritte medium well. All came at the same time but mine was well done. I asked the waiter to change it which he did and was very nice about it. 15 minutes later I got a steak that was even more done than the first one. The waiter apologized and took it out of the check. My friends enjoyed their meal and after 2 failed attempts my friends were done and I didn't want to eat anything else. I think is still a nice restaurant with reasonable prices. Will come back for brunch instead.
(4)
Natalie M.
Blueberry lemonade is sooo good, as is their Shepard's Pie, Chicken Curry and Plough Tapas. This is a "must go to" place for me every time I am in Philly.
(5)
Meg C.
The Plough & Stars is such an institution! It's a place where locals go, visitors repeat visit, and friends are made! It's a great place for happy hour, brunch/lunch/dinner, and live music! Late night it turns into a really fun place to dance (but not clubby) and magically transforms by morning for brunch! Great for everyone (literally). They have outside seating for warm days and a wonderful fireplace for those cold nights! Definitely worth visiting and re-visiting!! Highlights of The Plough: Outdoor seating, Fireplace, cozy atmosphere, drink selections, affordable, parking nearby, John Joe (trust me, you'll get to know John Joe), the HoJ (delicious any time of day!), friendly staff, friendly patrons, local spot
(5)
Annah E.
This Irish pub and restaurant is one of the most authentic experiences you'll ever have! Staff is friendlier than friendly, food is nothing shy of an exquisite experience in taste and presentation, and the atmosphere, though a tad darker than I like (very overcast, rainy day) is warm and welcoming. Do yourself a favor and MAKE THIS A DESTINATION stop for your next trip to Phila. We had a group of 8, with 7 different mouthwatering meals. Guinness casserole is a unique experience for the steak or stew lover, crusted tuna for fish lovers, and the seafood fettuccine is literally to die for. 6:30 reservation on a Friday night. Single musician, Raymond, was great. Noise level was like any place with live music, yet not too loud to converse with guests at my end of table.
(5)
Geoffrey P.
The Guinness casserole is the best example of a beef and Guinness dish I've had since actually being in Ireland.
(5)
Hilary G.
I was alone in Philadelphia for a conference and found this place to be particularly friendly, reasonably priced, and with a comfortable atmosphere. Being from Southern California, I especially appreciated the warmth of the working fireplace downstairs! In fact, I liked it here so much that I ate lunch here two days in a row (and ordered fish and chips both times). I also recommend the "Bay Breeze Mimosa!"
(5)
Sue K.
I love The Plough! My absolute favorite pub in Old City, Philadelphia. The food is tasty, the atmosphere is second to none and the entertainment is amazing! My husband and I have been going there for years. Whether it is just the two of us or a large group, we always have a great time there!
(5)
Kate C.
I'm most impressed with Plough & The Stars. Living in Old City for a long time, its hard to find a great spot that has a neighborhood feel, offers amazing food (the Chicken Curry for dinner and the Plough Omelette are highly recommended) and drinks (try the Hoe J for a delicious twist on a mimosa). The staff is friendly and attentive, the fireplace warms you up on the cold nights and they have the BEST outside seating. The live music and regulars really make this a special spot in Old City. The coolest part about Plough is how versatile it is - you can go dancing at night and show up for a family friendly brunch the next day. The place is clean and there is no evidence of the dance party from the night before. That's a hard balance to keep, and Plough does it beautifully.
(5)
Steve T.
Went to P&S last night with a bunch of folks and had a good time like a party at Old Fezziwigs. I arrived at 8pm after training to Market East from the burbs, and then cabbing to 2nd and Chestnut. However, my land navigation gene, intrinsic to most males, short circuited and I was left dazed and confused on the corner of 2nd and Chestnut. Fortune smiled on me though, as a drunk stumbled up to me asking for money. No eggnog drinker he, I felt bad for the guy and gave him a $10 spot which I have no doubt went to the next bottle of Everclear. Wearing the obligatory army surplus jacket (why do they always wear army surplus jackets...is this like a kind of uniform for bums?), he thought he'd return the favor and send me in the direction of P&S. The only thing worse than my sense of direction is a drunk's sense of direction, so I ended up heading in the opposite direction of where I wanted to go. The drunk tagged along like the ghost of Christmas future, sans scythe. Realizing his profound mistake, he then gurgled out some almost incomprehensible gibberish that I was heading in the wrong direction. Now wary of his poorly calibrated internal compass, I almost pointed off to the distant night and said "Look, a loon!" and made a run for it, but, again, he lead on to an uncertain ending. I was sure I'd come across a grave marker with my name on it. Well, by some miracle, which can only happen around Christmas, we ended up at P&S. The drunk, like Marley's ghost, had fulfilled his mission, although I hardly found the experience "intoxicating." My own personal version of "A Christmas Carol", played out at the corner of 2nd and Chestnut, was over. That is, until the hostess said, "Come in man and know me better!"
(3)
Augustina G.
I've been here in the past on weekend nights when it goes from upscale irish pub to frat party in a sardine can and I can't say I'm a fan. I came here for brunch with a few people recently and I must say it turned my opinion of this place around. The food was reasonably priced and the portions were good for what you're getting. I had the savory french toast and it was pretty good! Before that, they served Irish soda bread and that was delicious. Everyone at the table had their plates nearly clean. One of my dining companions both ordered 2 eggs, but had them cooked differently. They accidentally swapped the eggs and asked if you want the correct eggs on the side. Also, one person ordered eggs benedict and one of their poached eggs and was overcooked. The service was good and despite the small hiccups, I'd go back for a drink or brunch, just not a Friday/Saturday romp in Old City.
(3)
Nico L.
Definitely one of the worst bars I've ever been to. I've given it more than one shot, but here is a brief list of why I don't like it 1. Overpriced for Old City 2. WAY too crowded. They always seem to let in far too many people than they should allow 3. The crowd generally attracts the frat/sororitutes type I've only gone here at night, so I might give it a shot during the day. But considering other more pleasant bars in the area, I will probably not give this place another shot.
(2)
Jennifer R.
This is a great little spot in old city. Definitely not on the cheap side, but I've had some appetizers and beers here. I was here New years eve actually which was fun but a little bit of an oddly mixed crowd. It seems like a nice first date type place and have a great middle of the range meal and a beer.
(4)
Vanessa W.
The Plough & The Stars is kind of an Old City standby for me, and since I'm on this mission to avoid being a "regular" anywhere this year and to force myself to try new places, it is surprising I even made it in here today. But my mom and I were looking for a spot to duck into this afternoon and when she mentioned that she was really freezing, my thoughts turned to that wonderful fireplace in the first floor of the Plough. We were very pleased that there were empty tables right next to the fire, so we grabbed one. I feel like the fireplace alone is worth a star, it is so wonderful on a cold day. We ordered drinks and those were fine--mine was a port-based hot toddy. I wouldn't get it again but really that is my bad because the reason I didn't love it was that it was overly sweet, which I could have expected out of a port-based toddy. My mom and I split an order of crab spring rolls. They should have been yum but they were total yuck. Like bad, mushy crabcake filling jammed into a soggy spring roll wrapper. YUCK! I ordered a Bailey's creme brulee, though, and that was absolutely divine. It annoys me that the menu is so hit-and-miss, but the wonderful fireplace will keep this place a go-to when I'm looking for somewhere cozy in this area in the winter.
(3)
Patrick H.
Quite lunch time spot, good beers on draught and there Guinness marinated casserole is excellent!
(4)
Tim O.
Awesome place, Awesome food and awesome service. Waited years to get the opportunity to visit. Well worth the wait.
(5)
Gerald H.
Wood burning fire place on a cold November day = Yay! I'm a fan. A plus is that they were actually playing Irish tunes during the afternoon. Good place for a long, easy lunch with a few drinks.
(4)
Shannon S.
We ate here on a recent sunny Sunday afternoon because we noticed the charming outdoor seating. I really like the captain's chairs! We were seated inside first with the promise of going outside when a table opened up and sure enough, we made it out there in about 15 mins. The brunch menu looks really good and I wished I tried the french toast with special daily topping of bananas carmelized in Bailey's. Darn. I got the crispy chicken salad though. It was okay, not terrible, but something was off. I think the chicken could use more seasoning for sure because it was bland when I ate it without dressing. Also, the lemony parmesan vinaigrette was a little overwhelming but it could be because I asked for more. However, when more came out, it was gelatinous in the little cup. Vinaigrette? Oh well. The wait staff was great, except for one waiter whom I overheard in a snarky voice say, "Worse hostess ev-er," as I walked out of bathroom and the hostess had just left that area. Not nice, waiter, not nice. Inside is pretty cool. I would hang out here. They played what sounded like Irish music, but contemporary, on the PA system. Heard a bad word in the music so parents be warned. No biggie to me though.
(3)
Brian H.
I have NEVER eaten here, just drank...and drank, and drank. Soooooo, with that in mind, early on a beautiful early summer evening ;-) what a nice stop to sit outside and have a cocktail and people watch. There is nice cocktail menu, and and a well rounded beer menu, my friend opted for a mango mojito. It was all mint, watered down, barely a taste of mango vodka or mango at all. My martini, which is no brain surgery, was excellent. Our server was very friendly and fun. The chairs are the best of outdoor seating that you can find. The chairs get a 5 star rating. :-) BTW, inside is warm and cozy with a fireplace for those chilly nights in winter, and always a wonderful fun crowd to boot.
(3)
Chris G.
I recently moved to Old City and this spot has quickly become my home away from home. It has the best outside seating of all the Old City restaurants, the staff is very welcoming and the customers are friendly. The food is good, it's a great spot for brunch/lunch when out of town guests are visiting on weekends. The Cheese steak on the bar menu is my go to for dinner. I've been in to watch the World Cup and will continue to watch the matches there. They have 2 big screens and the crowd is really into it.
(5)
Rick M.
I have to say this place was great. We went in during the middle of the afternoon on a Friday. It was perfect as it was quiet and empty. The red-haired Irish bartender was really friendly. I recommend getting the Evil Eye IPA! Friday nights, decided to avoid due to the crowds and the noise. Best during the day.
(4)
Daniel H.
Ive only been here to grab drinks and not eaten here. I like the layout of the place and I am impressed that it has a second level which gives it a more upscale feel. The drink prices were reasonable 6 dollars for a Guinness draft. The service was good and the DJ was good but I dont think it is a place to go to if you like to dance.
(4)
Jill L.
Plough and the Stars was the place I started going to when I got too old for Mad River. True story. Over the years, I've returned occasionally to get my drink on. It gets super packed on weekend nights, but I've always enjoyed myself. If 23 year old Jill L was writing this, she would have given it 5 stars. This past Sunday, my husband and I stopped in for a late lunch and a couple of beers. It felt weird to be here in the daylight. Without the drunken haze, I could see that Plough and the Stars actually has a pretty awesome line up of beers on tap. Also, the food we ordered (a tapas plate of hummus, pita, olives, prosciutto, roasted peppers, and mozzarella) was quite delicious. I could go for some of that hummus right now. They also had a huge screen playing the Olympics, which was pretty cool. I could definitely see myself stopping by here again for some daylight food and drinks in the future.
(3)
Tim C.
This place is a guilty pleasure of mine. It's a total bro place like many other bars in center city/old city, but I seem to always have a good time. I never wait too long for a drink, and the atmosphere is fun. It can get a little loud, but the music they play is pretty agreeable to most people. It gets crowded downstairs, but upstairs there is usually some room. Great place to mingle if you're single. I've never eaten here, so can't comment on that. It seems like it would be a good place for happy hour.
(3)
Dave H.
This Old City restaurant and bar is solid. It has two levels, with plenty of room to drink, eat, and be merry. Weekends the place is packed full of folks drinking and dancing. The times I've been in, the DJ has been a bit random, but the crowd is always enthusiastic. Friends and I have also been here for dinner. The upper level offers some privacy, and the decor is elegant - for an Irish bar, especially. Portions could be bigger, but the food was tasty: Try their grilled marinated pork tenderloin. It's heavenly tender, served with potatoes gratin and a cranberry black currant port wine and grape sauce. And the Irish butter is outstanding. Thanks to Stefany and others for friendly, efficient service!
(4)
Scott P.
Went here for resturaunt week last night and I was pleasantly surprised considering I have only been here before on a saturday night when it was in full club mode. The service was a little slow for a wednesday night as it took a good 30 minutes before our first course arrived but we had drinks so it wasn't a burden. We shared the duck confit and and the tomato & prosciutto which was very well done and very tasty! The entree didnt live up to the hype. I had the guiness casserole included bland mashed potatoes and green beans and my biggest complaint was the lack of gravy for the prime rib (which was tasty but a little dry) And a creme brulee chocolate for dessert. The decor didn't really give off that authentic irish feel with the 30ft ceilings and not one employee really seemed irish but maybe it was an off night? Just an average experience for me and a little pricey for old city. Resturaunt week isnt much of a deal with some places like this. I'd rather spend $100+ somewhere else close by.
(3)
Anu M.
We primarily came here for drinks and bar food. The outdoor seating area was fantastic on a warm summer night. We ordered Malbec wine (so-so) and Fish & Chips, Shepard's Pie and Plough wings. The food was good, I specifically relished the Shepard's pie with mashed potatoes on top of ground beef. Service was a bit careless though. The waitress forgot to replenish water even after asking her a couple of times.
(3)
S L.
My friends went out for dinner and drinks on Christmas eve. Most of restaurants were closed, but Plough and stars was open late. We really enjoyed our dinner there. The servers were very nice and customers well behaved and kept their voice down.
(4)
Linda L.
Great atmosphere in a historic bank building, good food, and priced just right. I would definitely go back!
(5)
Catherine L.
In all the years I've come to the Plough, the experience has wandered between four and one stars, thus the average 3 star review. I know, talk about about inconsistency. The reason behind the vacillation, is most often due to the atmosphere and the crowd. Personally, I like this bar the most when it is at its most low-key: weekend afternoons, early weekday evenings, Sunday Irish music nights, and Snowmageddon (isn't that the worst CNN-coined term?) nights when Philly residents get to reclaim Old City. The place itself is really lovely. An old bank building with high ceilings, two floors and nice, clean bathrooms. It is at its most beautiful during Christmastime when they bring in a huge tree and string it up with lights. Team it up with its roaring fireplace and it is truly idyllic. Overall the menu is nothing impressive or memorable and again, I recommend you go here only for the drinking. A bit pricey in comparison to other nearby bars. Service is attentive and usually prompt. On weekend nights, Plough turns from Irish Pub into Club Plough and it gets positively packed. Therein, the crowd changes from mellow to pumpin' fists, bro! Music goes from Celtic to Electronic. Depending on what is your scene, go to Plough accordingly...
(3)
Fernando J.
Best Guinness Draught outside of Dublin. Great food selection. The Guinness casserole is a must. Excellent service.
(4)
Eamon C.
Great atmosphere and great food. Was there last night and had a great time sitting by the fire, which was expertly stoked for us everytime it died down. John joe the barman was fantastic We had a great time there and will defenitly b back.....hopefully to run into our favorite hockey team again . Wink wink. Go flyers!!!!!!
(5)
TAmi S.
Had dinner last evening with friends- fun place- food was just ok- service was terrible - ordered appetizers which came at same time as dinner - we cancelled the appt at that time. Ordered coffee -ok was served without teaspoon . We had to ask for refills -& teaspoons. Someone in the Resturant needs to pay mor attention to service!!
(2)
Raphael S.
Just came by for drinks and a few appetizers before a late night party. We heard from our friend that Ellie was the best server ever, and we'd agree. Good draft choices. Happy hour till 19:00. Had the seafood chowder-excellent. Spring rolls-almost excellent. PEI Mussels-excellent! Fireplace roaring. Irish music in the bg. What else can you say?
(5)
Alex X.
Late hours with an open kitchen, that's where you will find me at times. The Plough and the Stars is very cozy for me the few times I have been there. I just order my usual wings or whatever I see on the menu and don't try anything much here as it just a quickly eat and let's chit chat type of gathering. I am not big on eating American food overall as a reviewer, but the atmosphere I enjoy a lot. If I'm not mistaken this might have an old bank or something like that that's why I like it - for its cozy interior with fireplace.
I've been here several times. If you go during downtime, I feel like it's the best. You can relax and it's a good atmosphere. Sometimes they play Irish music which is kinda cool. If you make the mistake of going there on a friday or saturday night you have stepped into a terrible frat party where you cannot move. It's awful. We walked right out. They also don't have many beer options, which isn't that great. The food is pretty good nothing to write home about, but nothing horrible either. My last experience was with a bartender at a high top with short black hair who was really tan and tattooed. She was SUPER friendly and gave us some VERY good service.
(3)
Kellsey O.
I used to love this place, until an experience I had this past weekend. One of the 2 female bartenders never gave me back my credit card when I closed my tab, then proceeded to blame it on me as if I was some drunk idiot that lost their card. Once I explained over and over again that I never got it back to begin with, both bartenders began to ignore me. After finally deciding to leave, I called my bank in the middle of the night to cancel the card. The next morning I called plough and spoke with an extremely nice and helpful woman (quite the opposite of what I was working with the night before) who informed me that they did in fact have my credit card. I proceeded to tell her the whole story of what had happened, and she said she would talk to management and have them give me a call to discuss compensation of some sort, of from I have yet to hear. Don't think I'll be back to this bar anytime soon, if ever.
(1)
Ben F.
I went here with a date for dinner, it was her pick. I was surprisingly good and affordable. I got the steak, she got the duck. Both were cooked perfected, as were the green beans and couscous (which we both chose a substitute for potatoes). The waitress was friendly and attentive. My date's Poinsettia may have been a bit overpriced. My Guinness was spot on. The taps are form Ireland and installed by Guinness technicians, so I couldn't pass the opportunity. That seems like something to brag about, but maybe its normal... What do I know. Right by the entrance is a log burning fire. There are some small tables to sit at there for drinks or coffee. We enjoyed it a bit on our way out as we planned our night. My only critique is there was no star on top of the Christmas tree! PS: Google offers has 25% off all food every day until May. Find it by accessing it from Google Maps on an Android phone.
(5)
Matt C.
After a nice little Urban Goose Chase scavenger hunt, my group and I were FAMISHED and stopped here to grab something to eat. After cross referencing the bar menu vs the regular menu, we unanimously decided to skip the *cough* (pretentious for an irish pub) regular menu, and went with 6 burgers. Pretty easy right? Its a burger. We ALL got them. 3 mediums, 3 medium wells, plus a few drinks and some apps. Well, they still got it wrong. It is my pet peeve when people overcook my burgers and steaks. Thats annoying enough, but it seriously took FOREVER to get these burgers, and we were there WAY before the rush, so theres no excuse. The burger doesn't come with anything so we had to buy a basket of fries, which were tasty, but c'mon....no fries with the burger?! It did come with what was called a salad of some sort, but was just some, again, pretentious little garnishment of lettuce and chopped pickles. The chicken fingers were good, and the calamari tasty as well, (although the accompanying marinara was yuck.) I don't remember the price of everything because I was knocked over by the underwhelmed feeling of The Plough and The Stars. Maybe its great for dancing or pounding shots on an Olde City Saturday, but just to get a decent burger, you can do a little better.
(2)
Elizabeth G.
We once got an order for delivery from the Plough and Stars during the winter that was brought to us by an outside delivery service. The food was soooo good, hearty and excellent comfort food for a snowy day inside. We have been dying to try it again but this time at the physical restaurant. The building is an historic corn exchange. It's stunning inside. A huge hearth with a fire, balcony with seating and long bar area. Supposedly they have live Irish music at times as well. We sat outside in the super comfy captains swivel chairs because we had the dog. They are the type of place that asks if they can bring your dog a bowl of water when you sit down. I had wings and my boyfriend had fish and chips and a drink from the bar. They have a separate menu for bar food and then also have a separate full meal type menu. Everything was solid, friendly staff, dog friendly, nice ambience, decent prices!
(5)
Christopher T.
Good vibe there. Really enjoyed it once they moved the tables outta the way. Plethora of beer selections and the drinks were on point oh, and did I mention they have a stellar fireplace?! Cool spot!
(5)
Kathy M.
Went for lunch on 4th of July. Asked if we could sit out side. no one else was there. Got the OK. Waited for 15 minutes. No one came out to wait on us or even give us menus. My husband went in to get someone to bring us menus. Waited some more. No on came out to ask us if we wanted drinks or offer us water. Another couple came along and sat down outside. A waitress came out and started to wait on them. I signaled to her and she gave me a smart answer. I got up and as I was leaving I said the the clueless manager. I am leaving because of this smart mouth waitress and becaurse your service sucks. He looked at me like a deer in the headlights. If you are going to manage a restaurant Pal get a clue. If you want decent service and some respect with your lunch don't go here.
(1)
Alie A.
Are you asking me if I've ever had a bad time at Plough? The answer is no. Have I ever gone to Plough and NOT ended up sweating and dancing with my hair on top of my head laughing my ass off? Negative. Wild spot for Saturday nights. Give it a try..but make sure you're drunk..or in the process.
(4)
Vichet O.
Plough, oh Plough. Your patrons are attractive, but inaccessible. You're too crowded for me. The music is always bordering between alright and danceable. And the shouting. It's one thing to have to speak loudly in a club. It's another thing if I'm drinking milk all day the next day to aid my vocal cords in their recovery. On the plus side, your drinks are alright, and I appreciate your bottle list. And the snobbiness I've experienced from your other patrons is not a direct commentary on you. I just wish a slightly different crowd was attracted to you. That, or once again I'm not nearly as cool as I thought I was. You get the A-OK rating because you are actually a wonderful place to day-drink on a warm summer Saturday - that was how I should have been introduced to you first, and I never should have needed to experience your dark side. Pro-tip: If you're me, or anything like me, don't go here for a night out dancing.
(3)
Jenna S.
This wasn't the best restaurant ever, but not the worst. We walked by on our way to Market St. and decided to stop in for dinner. Kind of loud, but large enough that a lot of people can fit comfortably. The food was pretty good (I got the chicken dinner special) and reasonably priced. Good bread at the start of the meal (you get a choice) and the soda bread was homemade and worth trying. OK prices and somewhat slow service. We never decided to come back here just because the entire experience was OK. I'd recommend it more for a late night bar since it seemed to be pretty packed after 11 p.m.
(3)
Julie M.
Honestly this is all about the service. If I am at a bar and just standing around a table, I don't need a freaking server to get my drinks. I can walk up to the bar. Anyway, on Friday 01/04/14, our server Felicia was attentive but she added a nice tip on to my card at the end of the night that shouldn't have been added. I specifically left a $5.00 tip on a $28.00 bill and she added $4.00 to my card. Yes it's only $4.00 but it's the principal. Just unprofessional
(2)
Di P.
3 and 1/2 stars but per usual I always round up on everything including my bra cup size. Haters hate on this place big time because a) yes there's usually a line to get in and b) place is jammed on your typical Friday and Saturday nights. But a) I always get my sing and dance on in here and b) inevitably being a single girl I usually find a handsome guy to bat eyelashes at and practice flirting with. If the floor wasn't so sticky from the impressive amount of times people drop their Miller Lites I could maybe even do my MJ dance moves. To me, this is one of the top 5 bars that rep Old City. Since I'm settling in on the later part of my 20s I usually start somewhere sensible like Triumph but inevitably end the night here jumping up and down to Drop Kick Murphy's and spilling beer all over the kids in the tight outfits and high heels. Like I said: Haters hate.
(4)
Erik R.
The Plough is a trendy little spot downtown in the heart of it all. I only went for drinks and sat outside. So I didn't get or give the full monty. Drinks were as I expected priced to panache. But they were good and being amongst the living city is such a delight. Times slips away as you sit and gaze upward and onward into the city lights.
(3)
Richard B.
I was in town for business and met a friend who lives in Philly. Great place. Bartender was very friendly and a good laugh. Had an appetizer sampler plate which was very tasty and followed it up with sheperd's pie which was also well done. Prices were reasonable and the atmosphere was laid back. I would recommend a visit if you are in the area.
(4)
R S.
I thoroughly enjoyed a great evening at The Plough and the Stars. The food was absolutely delicious! Everybody in my group raved about the gourmet food with an authentic taste of Ireland. It is such a pleasure and a lovely surprise to eat quality Irish cuisine with a nouveau twist. Traditional brown bread and soda bread was served to the table and was a hit with everyone. The staff was very helpful, friendly and attentive. I will most definitely return to The Plough and The Stars on my next visit to Philadelphia. Highly recommended.
(5)
Sarah B.
I've only ended a few nights at Plough, so I have no idea how it is for the beginning/middle of nightlife. The end of the night. Is. Awesome. That being said, I'm usually feeling pretty good by the time I get to Plough. One of my friends or I stumble to the bar, order a round, then head to the teensy dance floor to shake it to Top40s and - wait for it - 90's HITS. The inner "Woo Girl" comes out and I find myself singing along to *N'Sync, Britney Spears (before she went all cray-cray then made her comeback), and the Backstreet Boys. I have no shame. Excellent way to end the night, every time I've been. WOO!
(4)
Denise H.
This place is too small for the location and can get packed - wouldn't recommend on weekends at night - the crowd can get rowdy and like I said, it's too small for the revelry. Happy hour is also, ear-to-ear, elbow-to-elbow. When it's cold, whenever someone opens the door, it's like a wind tunnel that you can feel throughout the place. You gotta go through the waitstaff station to get to the bathrooms. Inconvenient. On another note, I do enjoy this place during the day - it's cozy, friendly, and you can sip your Guinness by the fireplace with friends (they'll pour the best Guinness in the city). On Sundays, I think, they have live Irish jam sessions. It's especially nice at Christmas-time when they have a huge organic tree that towers to the second floor. I have only had some pub grub here - munchies that sufficed. It's far more casual for Olde City and I can say I have had some great times here.
(3)
Mansi A.
"Meh" explains it all. I'm not quite sure why we chose this place for a post-work get-together, but it wasn't the brightest idea. While the actual building and architecture of the place was pretty cool, as was the 2nd floor location that we had booked, the food was terrible. I had a house salad, the vegetarian pesto tortellini with goat cheese, and a really terrible brownie with a semi-decent creme brulee for dessert. Skip it, Philly has so much more to offer.
(2)
Ami O.
Plough is a great place especially in the summer. They have a great brunch menu (crab cakes Benedict is my fave). I've been there for dinner once and also had a great time but I like to walk up w my dog around 1 on a Sunday, grab a table outside and drink/eat and hang out. I don't recommend it for a normal bar on a fri or sat night as it seem to be more of a club than pub scene but if that's your thing i do know people who hang out there during those nights and always have a good time. A lot of local phila union players hang out there. Def worth checking out!
(4)
Stephen K.
Went for: Drinks A great place if you are looking for a dimly light room, with people having fun and dancing OR some nice high-top tables outside on 2nd. Been here a few times and have fun each time. Drinks are resonable and it has a fun environment to it. There are two levels to the place with high open ceilings. People dance through out, but there is a main section on the first floor for dancing.
(3)
Noheli T.
The Plough & The Stars was my third bar of the night so I feeling pretty happy once I got there. Even in that state I was still a bit disappointed by the whole bar. The layout is just weird and there is no good spot to dance. I was also sad to see the lack of toilet paper in the bathrooms. If I go again I'd pick his as a place to maybe start my night rather than ending it there.
(2)
Pete J.
When I was younger I was taught, "Praise in public, criticize in private". Of course with the birth of Yelp and Yelp-esque websites, that is all out the window - there is no modesty in the internet. However, as far as naming names, I like to take the old fashioned approach. If you are a fantastic server/bartender/host I WILL name you. If you suck I won't, but you know who you are and hopefully management will work out who you are. In this case HOLLY the cocktail server was fantastic! Girly and I came in on a Friday night and the place was packed. We made friends with a couple who looked liked they might be close to giving up their table and our investment paid off as they did up and leave shortly thereafter. Soon there was not any room to stand, never mind sit (and we got lots of envious looks from the standing crowd - hey make your own friends! But here was Holly and she was the only cocktail server working. We never wanted for a drink, and the food came fast. She worked the room like a pro and had the time to engage. Kudos to you.
(4)
Anthony F.
Okay food at a reasonable price. Fun little bar. Much better places to hang out in that part of Philly...go to Amada right down the street for much better food. This place is sort of a Philly institution, but feels like a spot that is past its prime.
(3)
Chad H.
Just came here from out of town and will DEFINITELY be back the next time I'm in Philly! Ordered the Guinness casserole, and it was FANTASTIC! The beef was a little dry, which was surprising, since the whole entree' is obviously slow-cooked. However, that would NOT stop me from ordering it again! The sauce was amazing, the masked potatoes were fluffy, and the side veggies were great! Rose, my server, was very attentive and friendly; and made me feel right at home! The atmosphere was fun and lively, and everyone in the place genuinely seemed to be having a good time. I'll be back!
(5)
Kiyan R.
This place is legitimately UNDERRATED! My friends and I randomly ventured in here during our travels and left highly satisfied - not a thing to criticize. We ate brunch and enjoyed the impressive ambiance, fantastic service, and delectable food. I assume the reviewers complaining about the service were either women or came on a Friday or Saturday night because my friends and I had awesome service from the beautiful waitresses! Try the brunch here on a weekend- it's definitely one of the best places in the area!
(5)
Maria A.
This place is fun on saturday nights, but in my opinion they don't have enough staff for crowded nights.
(3)
Beth E.
OMG, what a great find!! The Guiness stew is to die for!! Breads fantastic and pear salad wonderful!! Highly recommend! Waitress was the sweetest!!
(5)
May T.
Perhaps I should come here when the clock isn't striking 12 midnight and there isn't a line that's damn near touching Chestnut St. Yes, I think I'll do that next time. In any case, I've heard fantastic things about this place, therefore I waited in line with a group of friends to get in. Though the wait wasn't terribly long, I don't usually do lines and I didn't quite enjoy throwing my elbows up to get through the crowd once I got in. It was more or less a struggle to get to the 2nd level, the music was tragically soft and the temps were too warm to be comfortable and overall, I just wasn't feeling the atmosphere. I didn't get a chance to check out the drinks specials or prices before calling it quits so you know what that means! Round 2, here I come! But on a humorous note though, a couple of my friends got in a few minutes after me sans waiting in line by stating to the bouncers they were "on the list". What list? The world may never know.
(2)
Tyler T.
I came here for a Happy Hour with a bunch of my co-workers. I started the night off drinking the bartenders draft recommendation and then moved on to the Bud Light special for $3 or something. After a few drinks I started to get a littel hungry and ordered the chicken wings which were part of the happy hour special (something like 5 bucks for 5 wings or something). The wings were amazing. Without a doubt some of the best wings I have ever eaten. They were perfectly cooked and super crispy. What made them unique was the sweet buffalo sauce that they were coated in. I love regular buffalo wings, but these were amazing and went so well with the blue cheese dressing. I can see myself coming back here very soon to drink some beers and eat some incredible wings.
(4)
Jennifer S.
I love the Plough. I always end up here when I'm in Old City. It's a staple! The crowd is great, the bartenders are usually pretty fast and there is always good music playing. Highly recommended for a fun night (or day!) out in Philly.
(4)
Virginia C.
I had a warm apple cider from their happy hour menu. It was fantastic before dinner. Being from Boston, I'm a snob when it comes to Irish food/bars. However, this place is fantastic. Pros: Service Drinks/Beers on Tap Outdoor Patio Seating Great First Date Meet-up for drinks/and or you can stay for dinner. ( We only had the calamari, but the menu looked fantastic) Cons: I didn't try everything yet? Maybe, the warm apple pie drink? The cider was way better- but if you are in the mood- go for it.
(4)
Steve M.
I like this place, very crowded at the weekends. Cocktails are expensive, beer is reasonably priced. Larry the bouncer is the man, I can go there just to chat with him.
(4)
Ting N.
Everything was great. The only downfall to the restaurant would be the really loud live music. I could barely hear over my friends and we were literally 3 feet apart at most.
(4)
Jenna C.
**This review is for the nightlife only. I've been here twice - once while very drunk, and the other time - well I learned quickly that I wasn't drunk enough. I had two very different experiences - 1. While very drunk, I didn't mind the music from the mid to late 90s, which reminded of my middle school days. I also didn't mind that the DJ continued to repeat these songs over and over again throughout the night. I also didn't mind that my friends and I were harassed and grinded on by an obnoxious group of friends at a bachelor party. Or that the drinks were expensive. Or that it was packed, wall-to-wall with sweaty bodies. At least there was no cover! 2. While not drunk enough - I thought to myself, how did I have such a good time here last time? Isn't this song from when I was in 6th grade? Didn't the DJ just play it 5 songs ago? It was hot, sweaty, the crowd was obnoxious, the bar was crowded, the drinks were overpriced... My advice - come here when you are already three-sheets deep and ready to end the night with some dancing, otherwise you might leave feeling annoyed, like you wasted a perfectly good night.
(2)
Brett F.
Had a lovely little time at Plough & the Stars... this spot served as an ideal last call spot for a group that was getting increasingly rowdier and had no business being anywhere high brow. Not to say that Plough isn't 'nice'... it is, but it's one of those spots that serves a bit of multipurpose function throughout the day and sorta transforms as it goes. Lemme break it down: Plough in the a.m. = A fabu spot for brunch with friends; Mimosas, Petit Filet & Eggs, White Chocolate Cherry French Toast and generally good conversation to follow. Plough in the early p.m. = Great locale for a hungry belly after a day walking around in Old Philly. Shrimp & Calamari Salad, Crab Cake Sandwich, Fish & Chips and a happy, satiated belly to follow. Plough in the later p.m. = Your typical dinner. Nice wine. Maybe a dish of Organic Hudson Valley duck and perhaps a dessert of bread pudding, if you're lucky, to follow. Plough in the wee hours = General randomized pandemonium of the best variety, natch. Anything possible to follow. The vast space previously occupied by civilized diners now fills with a smattering of young, a handful of older, the semi-drunk and really, phenomenally inebriated. Everyone bounces and writhes to slightly cheesy but incredibly familiar singalong tunes while downing O-bombs and Snake Bites. If a stripper pole somehow managed to magically materialize it could only help to enhance the stories you'll have to tell after your night here. If you can remember it. Certainly a solid spot for imbibing, maybe next time I'll even attempt a little brunch action and keep the writhing at bay.... eh, probably not.
(4)
Andrew M.
Good food with excellent presentation. Best chicken wings, great burgers, and Irish curry. Very friendly service and clean. We were pleasantly surprised with the overall experience.
(4)
Elizabeth P.
This place is a safe place to fall back on but don't expect to have the time of your life -- unless you plan on getting trashed then I guess it doesn't really matter. You can expect the average shabang. Top 40s, average-priced drinks, packed house. HOWEVER, I am less than impressed for the following reasons: 1) their DJ plays top 40s but a lot of times, the songs he puts together are repeats. There are a few songs that the DJ seem to love to play over... and over.. and over..(e.g., Journey.......) 2) people like to come here to get trashed or something because the staff always has to come to the middle of the dance floor at some point in the night and clean up some kind of mess (broken glass, wet floor, etc) 3) sometimes it gets SO packed that you have no place to move (which can be good and bad because it shows the place gets business)
(3)
Dave W.
Went for brunch yesterday and it was quite good. I had Eggs Benedict (with lump crab meat) and when they came too hard, the server immediately took them back and brought a fresh dish, which was perfect. I should have also ordered a rasher of bacon since I love bacon with eggs - even Eggs Benedict. Other diners had omelette's (2) and Savory French Toast. Everything was good. They offer a selection of breads before and during the meal, along with Irish butter and preserves. The Irish Coffee and Wasabi Bloody Mary are killers! Don't go in thinking you are going into an authentic Irish Pub - they have a nice selection of paintings and prints along with Irish music but I've been in better pubs ( Brendan Neil's in Westlake, OH ). Both bars, upstairs and down look quite nice. Don't get me wrong - this is a great place for a relaxing brunch and you are minutes from Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, Carpenters Hall, etc. Since I'm not into the night life scene I would definitely go back to see if they can advance to 4 stars. Definitely worth a try if you are in the city.
(3)
Kelly P.
for a while there, i was a repeat offender at plough. the bar part, anyway. it was a go-to place for me and my friends to dance and drink until they kicked us out at 2am. nowadays, the place isn't my scene*, but i enjoy the random sundays with live irish music. *drunkenly giving my number to the hot barback maaaaay have led to my sudden absence those years ago. awkward**. **dont act like you've never done something like that.
(3)
Suzette A.
At 3 pm on a Sunday this place was fairly empty. We originally sat down but no one came over to take our order. We just wanted drinks and appetizers, so we walked over to the bar. I forgot my ID and was served water... doesn't matter how old you are. You might want to have your ID. The ambiance is pretty chilled. Music wasn't good. I am not sure if it was because it was a Sunday or what... I really didn't dig it. I'll certainly swing by on a Saturday evening and see if its the same deal. 1 drink $6.50 and they accept credit cards. Street Parking.
(3)
K. B.
Dont know why this place has only 3 stars. The inside is really quite nice with a great fireplace and plenty of seating options. Menu is good, if maybe a little over priced. Would be a good date locale, not a realistic drinking spot.
(4)
Rodge B.
My favorite bar in Old City mainly because of the attentive and great looking dance floor waitresses who always manage to keep up with our large beer orders. The bathroom situation leaves a lot to be desired, and the DJ can go from awful to brilliant in back to back songs. The midget stools can also take a hike as well. If you don't like crowds, don't come here. And if you're lucky, you'll see beaver on the balcony.
(5)
Sarah L.
I didn't been realize that this place was a night time hangout. Damn, I'm uncool. Anyway, on a Saturday afternoon, it's all families. I love the big fireplace and I love eating lunch with a bunch of parents that prefer a pint with their meal. I can respect that. I'm a sucker for chicken curry and fries, so I approved of my meal, but everything else about the place was sort of blah. Reading other reviews and recognizing that its more of a drinking the night away place, it all sort of makes sense, but I feel like there are so many places close by with better drinks and tasty food, I don't really get why you choose this one. Maybe it's the crowd, which can make all the difference. For now, I'll give this place a solid 'ok' and wait for the magic to happen.
(3)
Chris M.
So, I don't make it out to Old City much these days as I feel that my impending 28th bday puts me at the senior citizen end of the curve for this part of the city. But, I have to admit that I had a really good time at Plough & the Stars. Things I liked: - no cover - good beer selection (try the ommegang hennepin) - non-ultra-terrible music - wedding-ish sort of playlist - crowd was cool - ranged from low- to upper-20's - good service Things I disliked: - having to crowd surf to get to the bathroom (or having to walk through the waitress station to get to the bathroom) I have to agree with a previous poster that this place definitely gets more fun in a direct correlation with your level of intoxication. It was OK when I got there and the best place ever as I was leaving. All in all, this was a good experience. But, I think the key was that we had a table. I would not have enjoyed standing around in the crowd the whole night.
(4)
Marty J.
I walked in on a super cold night and saw the most beautiful sight... A huge fireplace. Grabbed a coffee, a fish wrap, and picked at my buddy's calamari. All of it was excellent. Then, I got a craving for a milkshake, which isn't on the menu, but my waitress, Kelly, is an awesome person so my craving got filled. Will definitely stop back in!
(4)
Tabitha U.
Beautiful Irish Pub in a great walkable location to many things in Philly. We stopped in for an early lunch and irish coffee, and a beer of course. I enjoyed the fish and chips, very good well battered haddock and great fries. Great service from true Irish! Irish music and a great atmosphere!
(4)
julie m.
This place was SO fun. Food was decent. Drinks were amazing. Awesome staff.
(5)
David B.
If you like to have fun then this is your spot. Is it packed? Yes, but I suppose that's part of the appeal. Great variety of music (as others have pointed out Top 40, 80's and 90's hits), good drinks and attentive servers. Just watch out for the 'bows on the dance floor. You may end up losing your drink.
(4)
Michael P.
Wait, do I actually have to enter the bar to review it? Because for all the times I've gone to the Plough, I can't remember if I've ever stepped foot inside. Its a favorite summer friday after-work spot for some guys I worked with a decade ago, and by the time I get there, they've always snagged an outside table. If its rainy, they just usually end up somewhere else. I've heard they have some fancy imported tap system, but I don't really notice a difference in the beer. Guinness pours take long enough, and have the right head, but frequently lack the right layering of a proper pour. I've had better at some of the other Irish bars in the city. Prices are decent, and the decor is a step up. The service is friendly, but frequently slow, 20 minutes can go buy between check-ins, at least outside. Half the fun is people watching on 2nd street. Theres always a weird mix of people for the variety of bars on the block.
(3)
Natalie D.
Do you want to be groped, squeezed, creeped & gyrated on, all while being in a human sardine tin of nerds & wannabe Tony Sopranos? This is your place! Dear Jesus. Never again! I've been here several times, and each time I remember why I wanted to stab myself the time before. It is insanely packed beyond belief with all sorts of gross middle-aged/old men looking to cop a feel and hippies who haven't bathed in a week calling you vain because you care how you look. Forget getting a drink! It's what I imagine the sinking of the Titanic would've been like if you were a 3rd class passenger - a crush of sweaty, frantic bodies, only this time with some tired pop music! Forget dancing, hearing anything, or drinking. Even getting to the bathroom is a 10 minute project when it should be a quick dash, so hopefully you can hold it! They let absolutely everyone in, and I don't mean that to be snide. I mean that if a fire broke out, there would be an atrocious number of deaths. It's so bad that it spills out onto the sidewalk! The fire marshall would be none too pleased. It might be the "trendy" thing to say you're there, but trust me, as much as I like the finer things in life, this is not one of them. Give me the frat party that is Mad River any day. At least there I can get a drink, dance, pee, and be unwillingly and unwantingly groped by men closer to my age.
(1)
Hoa T.
With the right crowd this place would be awesome. But coming back now, all I feel is a little nostalgia. I loved this place in my undergrads days...it's still okay now but I guess the magic is gone. The place is super crowded on the weekends, and I have no idea how their servers can walk through the crowd with trays above their heads.
(3)
Kris C.
Keep in mind if crowds bother you and you tend to get excited with slow service when it is busy make sure to NOT come here on a Friday or Saturday afternoon/night. I was here on a Tuesday afternoon with a small to moderate crowd and the service was amazing. I did a sampling of scotch. I received quite a bit of information throughout the tasting. After about 3 of these little guys, I decided I should probably get something to eat. So I ordered their appetizer tray. The walk away from that....the HUMMUS is AMAZING! I don't know that I have had a better hummas anywhere else. They have sidewalk seating with tables only one deep; fun to people watch. I would absolutely come back to this place (just not on Friday or Saturday afternoon/evenings)
(4)
Autumn E.
So, I stopped in here twice on Saturday late night. Once was to take a group potty break, and in the bathroom I heard girls raving about how the crowd seems really cool and all. Then we came back, and I realized 2 things: the layout is awesome, and so is the music. It was too easy to find the bathroom. TOO EASY. Then, there's a balcony upstairs. HERE IS WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT THAT: Finding your freaking friends. We've all been there, and this helps you get out of that lost-in-kmart feeling. It's not huge, there aren't too many places to look. I love it. Music? You know that there are some throwbacks your gym teacher played at homecoming that you all said were so stupid but secretly you knew all the words and had to try really hard not to sing along. Well, this place does it better, and everyone sings along. These hip college folk in old city sang the following lineup: Hit Me Baby One More Time, Larger than Life, I want it that way, and.... ready for it.... MMBop. By Hanson. The rest of the night was all that usually new stuff but for half an hour there, it was the most amusing sight I've ever witnessed. It was definitely dorky and lame, but I think the crowd makes it worthwhile and charming. Now, the servers... all wear these black minidresses that seem to only be permitted one or fewer sleeves... and they tuck your credit card into their bras. Tell me that's not sexy (as long as you're not a germaphobe.) Drink specials are good, and when you walk in there's a bucket girl with the special. When we arrived it was Blue Moon 22oz for $8, later $2 Corona regulars.
(4)
Holly C.
In comparison to the other bars in Olde City around that area, it's a nicer looking bar. The bartenders were nice, and drinks were cheap, but just a few dollars more than the other bars ($17 for 3 vodka tonics/seltzers). It's pretty big, and it's never been packed the times I have gone. Then again, I usually go earlier in the evening. The crowd is a little better than some of the other places.
(3)
Kyle G.
Oh Plough, where do I start. In theory, you should be a fun and cool bar to go to, but there's always a but. Usually the but is, it gets too CROWDED. Seriously, this place turns into a touch-every-person-in-the-bar level of crowded once it strikes midnight on the weekends. I am not really into places like that I guess, maybe you are. This always leads to longer waiting for drinks and a hot atmosphere. I do like how they have the balcony and projector screen for sports, but in the end, Plough's just an occasional place for me if I'm in Old City.
(3)
C K.
**review for nightlife only** Great place to go in olde city when you have friends in town and they want to go out to the city on a weekend. Love the music there, and have been there quite a few times on a weeknight and always had a good time. It is pretty difficult to get to the bar and get drinks, though, since it's always crowded in there.
(4)
Brad P.
Their Sunday brunch is the best in the city. They had a salmon omelette special the last time I went and it was the best union of fish and eggs that I had ever had. When I have friends visit, this is the brunch place I bring them to. Their Orange juice is variable. Sometimes it is flawless and tastes like it was shipped in from Florida this morning. Sometimes it tastes like the Florida shipment was delayed a week without refrigeration before arriving.
(4)
Melissa R.
I haven't been to this place in 5 years. Why, you ask? Because I am OLD. Over 30 is apparently elderly at Plough, and I felt out of place among the inebriated youngins'. So although it is no longer my scene, I spent many a college and young adult weekend nights here, and it seems the place has not changed in the last 10 yrs. They always play good music, so no matter what decade you were born in, if you are just drunk enough, it'll be a good time.
(3)
Erin W.
Ended up here on an impromptu double-date late one night. The upstairs was closed already, so we were left having to eat from the small bar menu downstairs. And it was disgusting. There were GIZZARDS in the chicken curry. Maybe that is normal, but a little disclaimer would have been appreciated. My friend got fish & chips, which was wholly unimpressive for $12. The only redeeming quality to the meal, aside from the company, was that they served Lindemann's Lambic in an assortment of flavors. At the end, the boys split the bill on their cards, and my friend's boyfriend gave us a few bucks to cover the difference in our tabs. The waitress, who up to this point had been flaky at best, became the most attentive she'd been all evening and appeared at our table seemingly out of no where to gather the check. She started to pick up the cash my friend's boyfriend had handed to us, asking, "Is this for me?" I was so confused I ended up giving her a harsher "no" than I intended. Thumbs down.
(1)
Mike L.
3 stars sounds about right.
(3)
Hoan-My H.
This place never lets me down. DJ plays really fun music (hip hop, mainstream, oldies, 90's!!) and though it wouldn't exactly be considered a club, people are still having a good time getting their groove on. Yes, it gets jam packed, but everyone seems to be happy so might as well strike up a conversation with that person awkwardly attached to your @ss. Good environment to hang out with friends, bring out of town guests, and mingle for you singles! PS: St. Patty's Day here is a BLAST!
(4)
Phil W.
I love the atmosphere of this place (the fireplace is awesome) - and the food is not bad. I have been several times over the last couple of months (for dinner or Sunday brunch, not when it's packed on a Saturday night) but no one ever seems to acknowledge that fact. A "nice to see you again" would go a long way. In fact, the staff seems incredibly aloof and terribly uninterested.
(2)
Tina C.
I think its great here! Good food, good atmosphere, great drinks! Fun time and good place to have a drink. Service isnt that good but food is!
(3)
Tara C.
A bit pricey, but this place is really versatile. One night it's a hip Barack Obama inauguration celebration and three days later it's got some famous names in the Irish traditional music world just chilling at the bar. Since I have a foot in both of these worlds (and write about them both), I really appreciate a restaurant with the same eclectic eccentricities. The menu is refreshingly traditional and to be honest...I prefer going here alone in the morning or afternoon when I'm out on assignment. It's my favorite alone restaurant in the city, really, and a good place to sit down and go over notes. I always meet interesting people here and you'd be surprised at how many semi-famous individuals have passed through. Keep your eyes open if you know some Irish faces.
(4)
Tom W.
My wife and I enjoyed a Sunday brunch here. She ordered the Omelette du Jour and I had the Salmon Tapas. All was great, no complaints. I would be interested to see someone sitting at the tiny tables. Maybe next time.
(4)
Mallory S.
Whenever I'm in Old City and want some good food and a great Cosmo I head to The Plough. First of all, any restaurant that serves delicious pre-meal bread (the Irish Soda is my favorite) is already climbing up my good food ladder. Second, I happen to have a soft spot for Irish men with great voices and guitars. My favorite meal is definitely the NY Strip with Irish Blue Cheese butter. They have great sidewalk seating, ideal for those who love to people watch and they're a great spot to watch sports games (a TV covers almost one whole wall). Weekend nights can get really crowded and loud but the drinks are good and the bartenders are really attentive. Overall, a great place with good food, drinks, atmosphere, and live music!
(4)
Kelly D.
Every time my friends and I used to go here, after about a 1/2 hour or so into the visit, we would look at each other with puzzled faces and someone would always ask..."Why are we here again?" Thats how I would sum this place up. One thing that is always consistent is that at some point during your drop in you are guaranteed to hear "Livin' on a Prayer" or some other vag friendly cover band staple. I will say I do like the tiny stools that appear to be really awkward from afar but actually end up being pretty legit.
(1)
Christian L.
I stopped in here and though it was pretty good atmosphere. Wasn't bothered to much had a drink a bit expensive but whats to expect in ol' city. Worth Checking out.
(4)
Rachel H.
I went to Plough last night for drinks and dancing with 11 other girls as part of a bachelorette party! Pros: It's a huge bar, so there's definitely space for your group to dance around together. The music is great-- there's something for everyone. We only meant to stay for an hour and we were having so much fun that we stayed until closing! Cons: They wouldn't give us any drink specials, even though we were a bachelorette party (group of 12 girls!). Also, the DJ had some awkward transitions between 60s music, then 90s rap, then Billy Joel, and then back to Pop. He definitely kept us entertained, but his transitions could have been smother.
(4)
J S.
I came here on a Saturday night around 12. I'm usually not a fan of Philly, but I loved this place! Apparently, it used to be a bank and it's really cool outside. Two rum and cokes....$13. They were okay, but I prefer a bartender with a heavy hand. But I did get a drink quickly. The crowd is pretty good, a quality mix of girls and dudes. Downstairs is more chill, and we ventured upstairs, but the temperature was 20 degrees higher up there. The music was pretty awesome, I agree with the post below about elbows...I almost lost my drink. Attire? Some people were wearing jeans, some were wearing dresses, so either goes! The bouncers were cool too. Oh also, no cover! I'd say it's a good place to check out if you're in Philly
(4)
E B.
Overpriced in Old City. Pros: -Good location -Intriguing and spacious atmosphere Cons: -Overpriced. Their cheapest mixed drink on the menu was $8 and they have no specials. -Bad crowd on a Friday night. Nearly all bachelorette parties jamming the place. -The DJ. The music was too loud and although he played good music, he kept (unsucessfully) trying to play each song with its original sampling source and hardly ever played more than 2/3 of a song. Considerations: -I didn't try the food. -Our drink waitress told us, unasked, that this is her full-time job when we gave her our first drink orders. She proceeded to remind us that when she delivered them and then would hover for more tips for all subsequent drinks. It was obnoxiously poor service. -A friend's purse was stolen, but the security team was extremely helpful and accomodating in attempting to get it back.
(2)
Sarah K.
I went to P&TS Saturday for pops with my buds. I hadn't been and about in the city for well over a year thanks to the life-style change that goes with the addition of a little baby. It was a good time. The bar tender (our Scottish friend) was engaging but not annoyingly so and I was pleased with the beer selection. I only have been drinking stouts (who knows why) since the birth of the wee one and they had SEVERAL 22ozers to choose from. Although the place was crowded we were able to secure a seat at the bar by arriving at 8pm. P&TS is one of those places in OC where people who don't go to the city often might end up (read, no hipsters.) The bar selection is trendy (and priced so) as are the people who are shopping for husbands/wives/one night stands/a night out from the 'burbs. It was fun. I'd go back.
(4)
kristy k.
Wandered in on a Sunday evening. The live Irish music was great. Food excellent and everything reasonably priced. Service was attentive and prompt. Will wander back in the Plough for sure!!
(4)
Everett R.
Dropped in at around 11pm on a Saturday night and it was really active, and had some great 70s and 80s playing. You can be really dressed up or laid back and fit in fine. They have a huge screen that they were projecting a college football game on if you wanted to watch that, plenty of people dancing on the second level. We just got some 22oz bluemoons for $7 that they were selling at the door, so didn't get a good look at the drink selection. Also, $40 min for credit cards.
(4)
Brian M.
I really want to like this place, but I just can't. My friends really like this place so I have been there a few times, always on Friday or Saturday night and my typical experience here goes something like this... I walk in and it is instantly about 30 degrees warmer than it was outside and I cannot even move. Luckily they have a girl who sells beers right at the door when you walk in pretty much so you can get a drink quickly, unfortunately that Bud Light you're about to buy will be about 5 dollars. After fighting through a crowd of drunk dancing people I usually make my way upstairs so that I can actually have a foot of space between me and the person next to me. I'll try to talk to my friends but it's one of those places where you have to scream at the top of your lungs for the person next to you to even hear what you're saying. After a few drinks I'll feel the slight need to pee which means I should probably get moving to go to the bathroom, because it's gonna take me probably 5-10 minutes to fight through the crowd just to reach the end of the line. After another 5-10 minute wait I will finally be ready to fight my way back to the bar for another drink upstairs. I usually spend the rest of my time there people watching over the balcony. I may hate this place but I will say it is the best place to people watch. I have seen people slip and fall on the dance floor, some triple kisses, I even once saw a bachelorette being "serviced" by some dudes hand, so that is at least entertaining. If you like hot, loud places where you're shoulder to shoulder with people no matter where you are in the bar then this is right up you're alley. Otherwise I would definitely pass this place up.
(2)
Kristin W.
I've been here as a bar patron and as a lady who brunches, and brunch is the way to go. I had the Plough Omelette which was a great balance between savory (sausage and blue cheese) and sweet (apples and pears). The accompanying potatoes were delicious - crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and perfectly seasoned. The homemade lemonade was good although probably too sweet for some people. 1 point docked for particularly terrible tap water - why does it taste like plastic was dissolved in the glass?
(4)
Kaitlin L.
I typically overlook Plough for other options in Old City, but decided to give it a chance for brunch. Expecting typical bar food grub, the menu was a pleasant surprise. Traditional Irish breakfast, seasonal french toast, and crab eggs Benedict are just a few of the options. They apparently also have "Best of Philly" Irish coffee, but I didn't try it for myself. The atmosphere is great. The first floor fireplace makes you forget you are sitting in a bar; the upstairs balcony is nice and a little more intimate. However, service was a little slow (we sat for 30 minutes after our plates were cleared before we got the check. Then we waited another 10 to get the receipt. For a place that is so ... not my scene.. at night, the brunch here really impressed me.
(3)
Emily W.
Service was kind of slow and portions were on the small side for the price, but the food was quite tasty and the drink selection was nice. Good atmosphere too, spacious and attractive interior.
(4)
Jack J.
Lots of people dancing at night!
(4)
Bill B.
Beautiful atmosphere and decor--the dark kelly greens and deep wood and brass made me feel warm all the way through. (The 30 degree temperature difference between outside and inside helped too!) The hostess greeted the 4 of us immediately and we had a table within seconds. It was lunchtime and they were perhaps half full. It was endearing to see them projecting the 1951 movie White Christmas on one wall. The range of food options was good, and the specialty drinks looked delicious. Being nerdy enought to know that alcohol makes you colder even though you FEEL warmer, we all stuck to coffee, tea, and hot cider. Lunch included a Guiness (beef) casserole with mashed potatoes, chicken hash benedict, and a cheesesteak with fries. All were tasty though just a touch salty. Our server was attentive and friendly, so I do not consider him at fault for the food taking quite a while to come up. Given the warm atmosphere inside and the drizzly, windy cold outside, we did not mind the wait, though.
(4)
Zeph D.
The food gave me PTSD. I think kitchen steals it from a Barbie play set. It looked nice and all but I don't know if any of it was OK'd by the FDA for human consumption. On a positive note they serve big-ass, viking sized Blue Moon bottles, which just happens to be the best domestic-foreign style beer on planet America.
(3)
Bill M.
The last couple of times I happened to come across here I've had the misfortune of reliving one of those classic tunes that I'd prefer to forget: "Ice Ice Baby". thank you very much Mr. DJ. you ruined the appeal that the place had going for me in 15 minutes flat. But other then that horrid memory the place can be alright. It's definitely not the first place you should go for a night in Old City. but as everyone else says It's good for when everything else is way to crowded. the alcohol selection is all right at best, the seafood is pretty good and reasonably priced, and it has one of my favorite outdoor eating areas (consider yourself lucky if you score an outdoor table though). Be forewarned though, this is another bar that borrows an Irish name without living up to it.
(3)
Jenna W.
Everyone can talk shit about Plough all they want: "it's supposed to be an irish bar" "they don't have a great beer selection" "there are NJ douchebags there" News flash: there are NJ douchebags everywhere! Moving along - this place is what it is on weekend nights. You've got your hotties, you've got your assholes and you've got your train wrecks. Great place to party and they have a huge tv if a game is on. DJ always plays things drunk people want to hear - channel Livin on a Prayer, Beat It, Jessie's Girl, etc. Overall, always a fun time late at night. Bonus points for an awesome Christmas tree in December!!
(3)
Timothy W.
With my fairly new job, the Plough is on my way home. I haven't really been in years, but I have a couple of acquaintances that work there and decided on my way home to rediscover the place. Since I have made it a weekly thing. Sitting at the bar talking to whoever may be tending it I have made some new acquaintances. Everyone there is super friendly, and it doesn't come off like they are just doing their job either, you can tell some of them are really just chill and friendly people. Unlike some places you go, everyone is well trained on how to pour a proper Guinness so you don't have to worry about being served a dissatisfying pint. The food is a little pricey, but not anything that you have to bench press your wallet over, and my god is it good. The Guinness Casserole is the most fantastic thing I have eaten in a while that I did not cook myself. Even something as simple as chicken fingers is taken to a new level at the Plough. This is a great place to catch some lunch or dinner and an after work beer. On the weekend it gets a little crazy with Dj's and dancing, but c'mon it is Old City, what did you expect.
(5)
Mark B.
When it comes to food, this place is absolutely fantastic. Having had the opportunity to visit this place several times, I have found that each time is better than the last. For appetizers you can't go wrong with my personal favorite, the Pissaladiere, which is a puff pastry topped with Caramelized Onions, Dried Cherry Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives and Crumbled Goat cheese, or the Tappas, which comes with an assortment of veggies, olives, cheese and pita with hummus, and is always fresh and tasty no matter what time you stumble in to eat. Even something as simple as the house salad goes down good without being too heavy. For dinner you can't go wrong with the Lamb Chops, which is drizzled with an oddly delicious Irish mint sauce, and comes with some of the of the best and cheesiest scalloped potatoes that I have ever eaten. The vegetarian pasta is also quite good, especially when you cancel out the vegetarian and add chicken to it. Or try the Roasted Free Range Chicken which comes in a large helping, served on top of a smooth and creamy helping of rich mashed potatoes. They offer a great selection of draft and bottled beers for those who like to experiment with different styles, and great daily special concoctions, both liquor and beer related, with my personal favorite being the Dirty Hoe (Half Hoegaarden, Half Raspberry Lambic), which I highly recommend as either a dinner compliment or an after dinner drink. And best of all they are one of the few places that have Hoegaarden on tap. As for all of the people who have reviewed who are hellbent on deconstructing the mismatched decor, are you there to provide decorating tips or eat? One reviewer was right about not going in expecting to be in authentic Irish Pub, but does it really make a difference? All that anyone needs to know is that it is a comfortable environment to either get a drink or enjoy a great dinner... as long as you are there before 8pm. The only complaint that I really have is the fact that the moderately sized street level dining area turns into a pseudo-nite club at some point after 9pm, when typical top 100 music is blasted, and a assortment of the usual club guidos, preps, and snooty gals show up, which does get extremely annoying bordering on obnoxious if you're not expecting that environment. But don't let that prevent you from giving this place a try, it is well worth it. If you want a great place to grab dinner in Old City Philly, then this is a place you should definitely be sure to hit. All in all my absolute favorite restaurant to eat at in Old City.
(4)
elizabeth e.
I stopped in last weekend for brunch after hearing a lot of good things, but I'm not sure I'll ever go back. I'm just going to be blunt: I hate walking into a restaurant and getting a confused look from the hostess. It is your JOB to say hello and show me to my table, not look at me as if to say "Why are you here?" That seemed to set the tone for the whole meal. We didn't see our server for a long time, and when we finally ordered it felt as if the food took days to come out (the restaurant was NOT busy). When our food finally did arrive, the food runner set our plates down and then produced a bottle of maple syrup out of his shirt pocket which was equally hilarious and disgusting. The food was good, though. Not out of this world, but it was tasty and inexpensive and that's all I really ask for. However, the one time our server returned to check on us I had to ask for more coffee, she didn't offer, and no one refilled our water. That just grates on me. And that cup of coffee? Tiny. Miniscule. Oh, and it cost $3.
(2)
Rachel K.
Plough & the Stars is our go-to bar on the weekends. It is my favorite bar in Old City. As a disclaimer, my perspective may be somewhat skewed as a result of my degree of intoxication and my laughably boozy companions. Nevertheless, I would like to believe that my sensational experiences can be tied to the actual venue. In my opinion, it is a good time. At 25, I would say the crowd is usually pretty young and I feel like I fit in well. It does have a college bar feel to it (a nice mix of mainly groups of friends and some singles) and it is always packed out. If you are prone to claustrophobia, I would absolutely stay away. In addition, I have heard some complaints about the speed of service, so you may want to take that into consideration. Mostly though, I am ignorant towards the tortoise pace of the bartenders because everyone around me seems like they are having such a good time. It is definitely not an atmosphere that breeds conversation due to the loud DJ who plays mostly mainstream music and hip-hop (although, don't be surprised if you start hearing songs you would dance to at a wedding--lame in my opinion, but better than techno!). You can dance here, but there is not really a dance floor per se. Girls, you can bust out your heels for this place. At the same time, heels are not essential to having a good time (you could save yourself some blisters), and the floor, as I recall, got a little messy by the end of the night. There are definitely some creepers lurking about in the shadows, but if you go with a group of friends, you are probably guaranteed some "Yay! I'm a fan" moments.
(4)
Niki K.
The restaurant is cozy and the food is fantastic. I had the pear and goat cheese salad, and it was wonderful and fresh. This was knocked down a star because the lacrosse game was on the giant screen tv and people were yelling and cheering. It made it hard to have a conversation. When we showed there wasn't a crowd. When we left there was standing room only.
(4)
Lauren T.
I hosted our baby shower here recently and I cannot say enough about the wonderful service, friendly staff, and great food. Everyone was very pleased and impressed with the food and service. The space is really charming and we had the entire upstairs for our event. I would hands down recommend this place to anyone looking for a space to host a party - or even to sit down for dinner or lunch. Love it!
(5)
Nicole C.
Two New Yorkers go out on the town in Philly. Knowing the bars close earlier in Philly, they decide to leave a little earlier than usual for more fun time. They get to Philly around 10:30 and only end up searching for bars around 11. Everything is completely empty and deserted except for this place. What is going on? On a Friday night? Also had a hard time locating this place since the address stated 2nd street when the entrance is actually on the perpendicular street. Good times though, these New Yorkers were happy to find this place and party Philly-style. Surprising to see boys actually dancing- great place to people-watch. Poo on the bartenders for saying they weren't allowed to serve tap water, they could only sell bottled water. Isn't that against the law? Great music though, and fun crowd.
(4)
Jenni B.
Awesome place to go to on the weekends with your friends. The atmosphere is fun and inviting. The service is pretty decent. The one bar back with tattoos recommended a few great beers that were surprisingly tasty.
(4)
Rachel S.
My first visit to Philly as an adult was last weekend for a wedding. We arrived to the Plough & the Stars late-- around midnight (aka about 6 drinks behind all of our friends). We walked into the place with Lionel Richie's "All Night Long" blasting. Great song. Everyone in the place was dancing and singing along. We were there until close on the balcony dancing and drinking. Perhaps, it was just the friends that we were with, the fact that was finally Friday night or the fact that we were visiting for a weekend of wedding festivities, but we had a great time. I would say the back to back Michael Jackson songs probably also had something to do with it. I don't have much to say about the establishment, the people who work there or what the usual clientele is like. However, when I was there last Friday it was the best time I'd had at a bar in awhile.
(4)
Toshi T.
This just happens to be my favorite weekday bar in Philadelphia. For a little background, I have been traveling to Philadelphia from Dallas for work since April 2009 so I'm relatively new to downtown. As another disclaimer I am only in town from Sunday nights through Thursday afternoons so I cannot speak to the weekends as I've heard the tone and crowd changes quite dramatically. In my favor, I have been in and out of numerous bars from Rittenhouse Square to the Old City area and places in-between. While many places here have a unique character, I've never felt more welcomed than I have at The Plough. When I'm traveling every week away from home for work, it's nice to find a place where I'm not a complete stranger, and I've had the pleasure of meeting and making friends with most of the bartenders and staff there. In addition, I've had the pleasure to meet some of the patrons--some good and a few bad--but all have been open and easy to strike up a conversation with. The Plough was once the site of the Corn Exchange and has a nice interior. As far as the food and drink go, the kitchen is open until midnight, and, lately, when hungry, I've been ordering the duck quesadillas, which is very good. To that I accompany every visit with several nice pulls of Guinness. As many of the other reviewers have suggested, when the weather is nice, the outdoor seating provides ample interesting people-watching opportunities of passers-by and patrons from the bars across the street.
(4)
Jason H.
We thought the place across the street looked much better once we were actually inside here. Outside looks like a classy place. Inside has a confusing decor of cross funeral markers and random paintings, with a somewhat awkward layout. $7 for a vodka and tonic. Meh music.
(2)
M G.
We've been to the Plough & the Stars on a handful of dates now, and we've always been a big fan. The atmosphere is great so long as you're open to a louder environment with music (and sometimes Irish dancing). We find the food to be quite good for the price, and the service has always been good. The location is nice for an evening stroll through the Old City / dinner.
(4)
andrew g.
Im a bit biased being that I worked there more than a year ago. Howevever, there is no doubt the bartenders are great. They are fast and professional, and will know almost any stupid drink some douche might order. You know those people.... the guy that thinks he knows every drink type cause he read it in a drink bible. or that girl that orders a shot because it has a cute name, but is really just sugar that is 20 percent alcohol. order a Guinness there, please! They pour it properly, by the way. Rant aside. The bartenders rock, the music is decent. Dont expect a really great dance scene. But, dancing can surely happen. It is for the 27-35 year old for sure. But, you can be a bit younger and enjoy the mix of people trying to get their dance on if your crawling around old city. stay to the seats and dining area and chat with friends or other strangers. After all, its an Irish Pub, so socializing is certainly encouraged. Food is great. If you have the bills for the food and tip. Then do it. If you love UK minded people. Do it. The place is owned by Irish immigrants, first generation. So, it will remain an Irish pub feel for quite sometime. Good beer selection, as well. Most interesting thing about this place is it changes all day. Early morning is for great breakfast, then great lunch, then awesome dinner, then a good late night. And the scene gets younger. Early morning averages 60 year olds. Then once lunch hits, minus 10 years. Then dinner, another 10 years. Once your at late night, its the 28+.
(3)
Chelsea P.
One of my go-to olde city faves! Not too low key, but not too pretentious. Perfect.
(4)
Tom C.
Dropped in for a quick bite (and prerequisite libation). I liked the interior and over all space...but I didn't mind leaving once the food was done to explore other options. My Braised Duck Quesadillas with Caramelized Onions & Irish Cheddar Cheese were fine, but underwhelming. The drizzled Chipotle Sour Cream was in need of Chipotle. Our waitress was lovely and attentive, although she did get a drink wrong which was quickly remedied. I wouldn't drag my heels to never come back, but there are seemingly so many more places I'd like to try first.
(3)
Jonathan W.
Place was packed!! Good energy. Bachelorette parties everywhere made for an interesting mix of girlfriends ranging from male-hating bitter to fun-loving desperate. Good 20ish crowd. Bartenders were fast and efficient and didn't require co-opting a lady to get their attention. Music was top 40 with the occasional classic rock song and you just moved with the push of the crowd. A little espn on the tv screen and you've got a fun night in at Olde City. 2AM hits, music off, lights on and you're done. Philly....just a tease.
(4)
Kelly G.
As soon as we entered we were greeted with the option to buy drinks at the door (we couldn't say no). After going upstairs we had a server approach us who was extremely friendly and who continued to check if we needed anything throughout the night. The downfall was there were no drink specials but overall a pretty good experience.
(4)
Win M.
Honestly this is one of the few bars that I've ever wished that they did not let me into. It is often overcrowded beyond belief on the weekends to the point that it isn't even remotely fun to be at. you're stuck drinking bottled beer, trying to not get run over by the mass of humanity that is trying to get in, out, use the bar, and go to the bathroom. so if you get a cocktail or draft you will spill it. I had no need to go there, they didn't need me either, so I wish they had decided that they were at capacity and told me to go elsewhere. Other than that, when it isn't crowded its fine and reasonably priced, it isn't anything you haven't seen at a bar before, but its reasonable to good quality especially if you consider the neighborhood.
(3)
Joel B.
Viatcheslav can make one hell of a Vodka on the rocks!
(5)
William Y.
CROWDED! MY GOD, this place was so packed. There was literally no free space. I couldn't dance, go to the bathroom, get a drink, or hardly breathe without rubbing up against someone. There was really nothing special about this place. It had 2 levels and the top level had a balcony which you could look over to the ground floor. I can't remember if there was different musical selections on each floor but regardless it was typical current top 40 pop type deals.I'd be willing to give it another try, mostly because there were definitely some cuties wit booties in the building, but I would try and find something more unique or at least less crowded before I went back. I can't comment on the drink specials because my friend was buying them for me, but this could sway my rating in the future... I'd bet they're typical. So in summary: typical pop music, overcrowded bar where you can dance. Go there if you want a guaranteed hot spot on a Friday night.
(3)
Matthew D.
Maybe its just me, but I really didn't get this place... or maybe its Old City, or it could be the fact I was out this way to attend a funeral and wasn't in the right frame of mind. But I wish I had two more sets of hands to give this place four thumbs down... Seriously, perhaps it was an off night?!?! And surprise, it did get better with each additional Jameson on board...
(1)
Ben H.
I was feeling cold and needed soup.. this place had decent ones... the sangria was not bad and they played irish music. it great
(3)
Jon L.
Plough is a default for my friends and me. It's not a great place to drink, just okay. Nobody among us really hates it, though, and in a social group full of divergent interests, all you really ask for is a collective response like, 'Fine, man. Whatever. I'm cool with that.' My one friend, K. Lo, he always wants to go to a pub-type place. The gals in the group always want to dance, and, like, sing along to tired pop songs from the eighties. Floyd never wants to pay a cover. And, of course, nobody among us wants to go to a place without people. So Plough is frequently what we settle on. Here's the gist: They won't turn you away at the door for a t-shirt and sneakers, but everyone puts themselves together fairly well. On weekends, it's a twenty-something hangout, with few people over the age of thirty to be seen, and during the week it's, well, a restaurant, which I can tell you nothing about. What's pretty cool is, the second floor balcony gives you a great view of all the first floor action. When you get tired of dancing, it's a great place to watch strangers hit on each other. And, ya know, to keep tabs on your friends who may have had a few too many.
(3)
Taylor M.
Sat upstairs for a quick bite. Great beer selection and much different ambience there early in the evening instead of the late night crowds (,I like both). Food was decent And the service was great. We had Definitely had a relaxing meal before hitting up the town. Worth trying for dinner definitely worth hitting up for drinking.
(3)
Chrissy R.
My friend is a fan of this place so when he was in town this weekend, we set up shop there early in the afternoon and stayed all day. The servers were nice and really accommodating. I do not like the food here though. So much so that this past Saturday I went to National Mechanics for about 45 minutes to have corndogs while our party was eating at Plough. I picked some of the vegetarian pasta that was left on my friends place, and I totally made the best decision. The drinks came fast and hard--Weekend afternoons though, I'd rather kill time at Tir Na Nog or Fado if you've gotta go Irish, or National Mechanics.
(3)
Andrea S.
I really liked this place. Our server was amazing very quick with a drink and funny to boot. We were outside so I cant say much about the inside except that they have nice bathrooms and it seemed like a little bit of a meat market/frat party vibe in there. The french fries were delicious but the curry topping which we got on the side was pretty watery I am assuming its not meant to be put on the side but oh well. A great experience with exceptional service.
(4)
Dong K.
This place is hardly an irish pub. It's just a typical bar that turns into a sorta dance place later at night. There are usually no specials and even though it is 2 floors, it gets PACKED. Last time I went, they played decent music (hip hop, house) stuff you can dance to. But then I guess the DJ became retarded and started playing irish bagpipe music, odd 80's songs, and pretty much the avg college anthem songs like "cotton eye joe" and such. I mean I guess for some it's better and I guess since they are considered an "irish pub" they need to do that but c'mon! Also the music was WAY too loud, my ears were ringing when I left. The servers are usually attentive and quick and there are usually good lookin girls here. All in all, a decent place to end the night at since they never have cover and it's in a good location.
(3)
Cathy R.
Went there for dinner last night after finding good reviews on Open Table. It was not overly busy for a Saturday night and we were seated right away. The crab spring rolls were delicious, as well as the lamb kabob. The duck and pork tenderloin were also very good. The waitress, however, was very absentminded. We had to ask twice for water. We watched every other table receive bread, but we had to ask for ours. When we received it, there were only 2 pats of butter. The waitress did not offer another round of drinks, we had to ask for it as well. When we ordered dessert, they were out of ice cream (it was only 8pm). When we got our coffees, we received neither sugar nor spoons. By the time we received them, the coffee had gone cold. It's a shame. The food was very good but having to ask for everything ruined the experience. If they had self service, we would have been better off.
(2)
Umi R.
I have been here on numerous occasions. I enjoy Sunday evenings when they have live Irish music. The food here is very good, but a bit pricey. The duck is delicious but I can say I haven't ordered anything I didn't like. It is loud, and despite how large the crowd can be, I always get seated in a reasonable time frame. The downside is the bathroom in this place and how loud it can be. However I feel it is a great experience, and the food is worth it.
(4)
J M.
On a Friday/Saturday night it can get crowded, too crowded. It is also a mecca for frat guys, old men who just want to have fun, and gorilla juice heads. But when it is fun, and you are not stepping on people's toes, there is no better bar in Philadelphia. They play an odd mix of music, a lot of 80's hits, but it works. Drinks are a bit pricey, a trashy beer will cost you about four dollars...but there is no cover.
(3)
Aymee S.
Had an awesome time here this past Saturday. Our birthday party attendees secured a spot on the raised platform area directly to the right of the door. Having this space made our whole night!!! The waitress was extemely attentive. I also liked how we paid as we went. With 15 plus people coming and going and ordering drinks, running a tab can be dicey. No need here! DJ was okay. Some really random trax and some pretty bad mixing, however he did play a requested song right away-so big ups for that. I am by no means a fan of Olde City bars in general but I would certainly recommend this spot to friends.
We stumbled across this place looking for some food. The atmosphere was cool and the waiter was friendly. The food was alright. Nothing special here. I'd probably pass next time around and it's also a little pricey for the food quality.
(3)
William R.
So it was a random night and i need to get to old town. The menu seemed very well versed and delicious. So i ordered the salmon... to my disappointment, the fillet came out in pieces and the rice was undercooked and seemed to have been sitting under a lamp for a while. i politely refused the dinner and ordered there chicken, our waitress was apologetic and prompt. When it came out, it was much much better dish. All and all not a terrible experience but i hear its a better bar.
(3)
J F.
Came here this past weekend for our friend's birthday. I liked this place a lot-great dancing! A bit TOO crowded though, but the music was pretty good-a good blending of 90s/2000s/and more recent dance music. The crowd was decent as well-not too many creepers, barely any guidos, hardly any over put together girls. THREE bachelorette parties, though! I was suprised-I thought, who goes to Philly for a bach. party? The drinks were good and very affordable and good selection of beers, and the bartenders were attentive and nice and also I give them props for serving girls, since most female bartenders usually ignore girl patrons from my experience. The bathrooms here were very nice too and well taken care of. A bit small of a place, but aesthetics were pleasing. I would certainly go back here in a heartbeat!
(5)
Chris G.
DESERVES NO STARS AT ALL. used to like this place--no more had dinner few nights ago with friend from work (also female) service was v-e-r-y s-l-o-w and place was not full, not understaffed. food was so-so for price, nicely presented though. after dinner we went into ladies room I was washing my hands near the door, my friend was at the furthest sink & said "need to fix bra strap" had her hand under shirt up her back when a guy comes crashing in (not one of the drunk frat boys from the bar) holding rolls of T.P., both my friend & I yelled at him to get out. he kept coming in, said ' only changing toilet paper" he wouldn't leave. my friend tried to move further back and I stepped in front of him, asked him since he worked here didn't he know to call into a ladies room to check if it was OK to come in? He cursed at me and wouldn't leave. my friend was upset and went back into a stall til he left. I went to hostess stand, asked for manager on duty, female there says "I'm MOD" explained to her why we were very upset and she either blew us off or she is really dumb -"it's OK he works here" yeah we get he works there, but what happened to business courtesy or some privacy in the bathroom?? RUDE IGNORANT STAFF LOST THIS PLACE OUR BUSINESS---2 to 10 of us would be there at least 2x or more week, not anymore. That's Ok, we wont'be back, are blackballing them with other nurses & docs @ the hospital and a planned retirement party for 80 people will now be held at Downey's or Tir Na Nog.
(1)
Erin P.
i had the unfortunate opportunity to check out this place on a saturday night, in all its meaty glory. wall-to-wall people. loud. literally 8 bachelor/bachelorette parties, one of which i was a part of. the whole experience pretty much made me want to die. but hey that's just me. i like to dance, but when you're packed in like sardines, it's a little hard to shake it without getting dirty looks or accidentally bumping somebody. the bride-to-be was happy so i guess it was worth the hour or so of suicidal musings on my part. all in all, saturday night here is a nightmare. avoid on weekend evenings. otherwise, it's not too bad. i've only eaten here once and it was outside. it was okay. i don't think i'll be going back though.
(1)
Sharon M.
Best Guiness and they remember my clover! Used to live down the block so got to know the place well! Check-out the Sunday Brunch; live Irish music usually fiddle, tin whistle and Bodran.
(4)
Stacy S.
I'm in Philly for work. This place is right around the corner from my hotel, Sheraton Society Hill. They have good house baked breads and and service was friendly. A small but decent winelist. I ordered the striped bass. Very mild but it was decent. I'd come here again for cocktails but not an entree. It looks like it can get very lively at this place during the late evenings.
(3)
Jessica S.
I've only been here once, but I was so overwhelmed that it was enough to last me a lifetime. I went with a group of friends on a Saturday night, and it took 5-10 minutes just to get in the door. Clearly, I expect bars to be crowded, but this was out of control. The place is so huge, you'd think that people would be spread out and have room to breathe, but that is a terribly wrong assumption. We managed to wriggle through the suffocating crowd, albeit very slowly, and headed upstairs hoping for a bit of a reprieve. It didn't come. I had to practically wrestle my way to the bar, which was about 3 deep at the time. When I finally got to the front of it, I had taken a few elbows to the head, and forgotten what half of my friends wanted to drink. Then, the bartender proceeded to ignore me for, not exaggerating here, 15 minutes. She just kept serving everyone around me, and just amazingly never managed to make eye contact with me. Finally, thinking that I had either passed out or gotten lost, a friend came to rescue me. Not even 30 seconds after he got to the bar, the bartender (who by this point I thought could be blind or at least lacking peripheral vision) came right over to take his order. Now, I've heard once or twice about this phenomenon where females don't like other females, but come on! How are you gonna just totally ignore a customer!? Terrible! I guess she thinks she just needs to work "the goods" for the guys, and fails to realize a chick here and there might need a drink.
(2)
Sara L.
This is great spot to have some beers at an outdoor table and people watch in the warm months. The inside is also beautiful, with high ceilings and a nice fireplace in front of which a circle performs Irish music on Sundays. I go mainly for drinking, as my few forays into their menu have been a little pricey and not that great. The exception is their Irish breakfast (served on weekends), which even impressed my County Cork-born mother.
(3)
Chinita A.
Okay so my friends and I have trashed and owned this place at the same time because everytime we go, every guy (including the staff) thinks we are lesbians! LOL! and nooo we did not kiss on the dance floor either. They actually think we are lesbians. But aside from that, Plough is one of those places in Philly you can go to to get completely trashed and meet douchebags from NJ. So if you are looking forward to running into douchebags and dancing all night long, then this IS the place for you!
(3)
Jed S.
Solid steak and eggs.
(3)
Jessica S.
I've only been here once, but I was so overwhelmed that it was enough to last me a lifetime. I went with a group of friends on a Saturday night, and it took 5-10 minutes just to get in the door. Clearly, I expect bars to be crowded, but this was out of control. The place is so huge, you'd think that people would be spread out and have room to breathe, but that is a terribly wrong assumption. We managed to wriggle through the suffocating crowd, albeit very slowly, and headed upstairs hoping for a bit of a reprieve. It didn't come. I had to practically wrestle my way to the bar, which was about 3 deep at the time. When I finally got to the front of it, I had taken a few elbows to the head, and forgotten what half of my friends wanted to drink. Then, the bartender proceeded to ignore me for, not exaggerating here, 15 minutes. She just kept serving everyone around me, and just amazingly never managed to make eye contact with me. Finally, thinking that I had either passed out or gotten lost, a friend came to rescue me. Not even 30 seconds after he got to the bar, the bartender (who by this point I thought could be blind or at least lacking peripheral vision) came right over to take his order. Now, I've heard once or twice about this phenomenon where females don't like other females, but come on! How are you gonna just totally ignore a customer!? Terrible! I guess she thinks she just needs to work "the goods" for the guys, and fails to realize a chick here and there might need a drink.
(2)
James M.
I went on a weeknight when it was not so crowded. Plenty of places to sit and eat. Not so noisy. I had the steak frite which was actually quite tasty. I also had a hoegaarden and the weiss beer. Both pretty good. I hear this place gets noisy and crowded on the weekends and I can see it being a pain in the arse. The service was also SUPER slow, even on a an uncrowded weeknight. But if you want a decent place to grab a beer and bar food after work, I would come back here for sure, especially if there is no crowd.
(3)
jennifer F.
Why am I reviewing this?? So you don't make the same mistake I did. What dumbass orders tapas at an Irish bar? The one who hates potatoes...me.... Yes, resist the temptation of ordering the tapas plate; it's the equivalent of jarred olives and stale pita bread. When it says known for Irish fare, stick to the obvious, potatoes. I actually felt bad when the waitress noticed I didn't eat anything on my plate and when she asked how it was, I told her it was awful. I'm sure she wanted to smack me upside the head and I deserved it. She offered to take it off the bill but I knew it was my fault and paid for the gruel. 3 stars becaue the waitress was nice.
(3)
Caitlin C.
I was never impressed with the food here. If you come, it should be for lunch (or just drinks) and in the warmer weather so you can sit outside (they have a great Old City location). Dinner menu is trying hard to be a force to be reckoned with but there is no talent in the kitchen. For lunch grab their spinach salad with poached pears, walnuts and blue cheese. And make sure you get their fries with horseradish sauce.
(2)
George R.
This bar is now smoke free, but the noise remains. I like to think of this bar as a place that you go to FIRST before heading out in Old City. The Lager is a reasonable price and they know how to draw Guinness Properly. Their liquor selection is also fine and they have competent bartenders. If you get in early, the host or another staff person is always around to ask if you want to check your coat (for FREE). From the menu, the fries are great and I'm sure that the rest of the bar menu is great too. If you actually want to sit down and eat, they have a larger menu and tables to sit at... if you can find one. This place is warm, and there are fire places, and if you want to watch 'the game' (whatever that may be for the night), they have a long-throw HD projector that shows video on a 15' space on the wall. When I get here at around 9 PM, the place is basically empty. You get drinks, have a seat at the bar or at a bar table and start a tab with a server. Then you let the crowd grow. By 11 PM you can't hear the person next to you. And that's when you leave.
(4)
Justine D.
This felt like a college bar. It got wayyyy to crowded, BUT it did have coat check. Music could be better. I don't have much else to compare it to in Philly though since I was just on Vacay.
(2)
Brad D.
I used to come here often with friends for drinks but lately it has kind of lost its way. The last time I came here the downstairs was dirty and there was only one bartender, not a good setup for a busy night. The plough still gets a good crowd, and they do have some good food if you are there early enough. Its worth checking out simply because it's so close to a dozen other bars that you're not stranded there.
(3)
Dominic C.
Very nice decor and layout - that said, this place reeks of douchebaggery on the weekends. Loud DJ playing the same songs you've heard at pseudo clubs for the last decade and a half, drunk sorority girls, bachelor parties, etc. Maybe I've only been there on bad nights or something but I'm not sure I want to go back.
(2)
Kevin M.
This place is a good time based on your level of intoxication. The more you've had to drink, the more fun it is. The music is good and the clientele is fun. It's incredibly packed on the weekends, but a few drinks will make you forget about that. Sunday nights are great too. There's live Irish music from 5-9 pm. Good food. The service is great on non-weekend nights, but it takes forever to get a drink on Fridays and Saturdays.
(4)
Samantha M.
This review reflects the experience that I had, but I have heard better. I went with my friend, on a friday night before New Year's eve, and we were really hoping for some dancing. She had had a great time there before. Sadly, no one was dancing so we left. I would go back though on a Saturday night and see what the deal is.
(2)
Anna Y.
I prefer this place on weekdays only. It's less crowded and they usually have a few good beers at happy hour prices. There's more of a mixed crowd during the week- young, old, families with kids. Service has always been good. On weekends, however, this place turns into the typical Old City club atmosphere. Lots of young drunk kids. Most from the burbs or NJ. It's very loud and crowded, you can't walk without dancing drunk girls falling into you, and there's a long wait for drinks. The outside seating is nice when it's warm outside.
(4)
Damon B.
For God's sake, if I order an eggs benedict poached that means the yolk should be runny. My biggest breakfast pet peeve is when the eggs on a benny are overcooked, and P & S twisted that knife. On another note, they make damn fine bloody marys (Cajun, Wasabi, and regular--oh yeah, that's how I roll). Good atmosphere, and actually a good spot for late night drinks--lots of eye candy.
(3)
Ti L.
PACKED on the weekends... with little room to move on occasion. Music is hit or miss. Went there for NYE and had a good time. late 20's/early 30's crowd. No cover, so its a great place to stop by to check out. As for the restaurant, the food was okay, nothing memorable.
(3)
Maggie G.
Good things first: The fries are good. Bad things: The Service is close to incompetent. My boyfriend and I went to the Plough on a Sunday night for drinks. Our first question was "Can we get a table?" Pretty reasonable question, right? The response was "Umm, we're not serving food any more but you can stand at that table by the bar." So we stood at a bar table for a while and then realized that A: they were still serving the bar menu and the B: there were plenty of empty tables with service. So, we asked again, got a bar menu, ordered fries (which arrived 20 minutes later) were still told that it would be "difficult" to seat us at a table. Dumbest service in the world. If we had been invited to one of the many available tables, we would have likely stayed for a while and ordered a lot. Oh well. Sucks for them. After leaving, we headed over to Eulogy for a much friendly experience with better food and beer as well.
(2)
Winston C.
How many Irish pubs can this town have that lack character??? Same 20-something bachelorette party throwing crowd as the Irish Pub, only difference is they seem to pay a little more for their drinks.
(1)
Lindsay H.
I hate this place as a bar (I've never been to eat). I've been three times, and each time the place was so crowded that I couldn't move. You can barely get to the bar, ordering drinks takes forever, the crowd is generally lame (lots of skeazy guys staring at barely dressed girls dancing like strippers). I also hate the music - they'll play 5 or 6 songs from the '50s, then the '80s, then the '90s, then modern, then repeat. I have never had a good time at this place - I leave irritated, frustrated, claustrophobic, sweaty and not drunk.
(1)
Chelsea B.
Great service and very friendly staff! Food and drinks were delicious, especially the lemonades they have with various vodkas. Very cool space as well :-)
(4)
Blue C.
My favorite place to go out in Philadelphia. The music can be from 70s to now. The crowd is always great. The snakebite was my favorite drink.
(5)
Bob L.
Yeesh, do I really have to review this place? Ehh what the hell, I haven't given a one star review yet, so why not. Admittedly this is not my type of place to begin with, I like a more of a low key, less crowded, fun place to go and drink. I've been here on several occasions when the group I'm with calls for it and really haven't enjoyed myself any time I've been here. Lots of popped collars, girls wearing mini skirts when it's 5 degrees out...you know the place. Wall to wall people, Jon Bon Jovi blaring over the speakers, 20 minute wait for a $5 bud lite...be still my beating heart.
(1)
Kat J.
One of my old night spots! My friends and I used to use this as a meeting point since the Ritz Parking lot is just a block away and many of us drove in from outside the city. The drinks were good but the wait for them was always AWFUL. The only way to get them was to send the hottest guy in our crew or the girl with the smallest, tightest top! I don't think we've ever gotten a table although we've put our name down on many occasions. We loved it because of the location and because the drinks were good and not too overpriced. However, it's nothing to rave about. I walked by on Chestnut last night but didn't see it - thought it had closed but I see there are recent reviews. Perhaps I missed it! I wish I was here on Sunday as Allison J's review of the waffles made my mouth water...perhaps next time I'm in town!!
(3)
Cherie C.
It's a pretty big bar. We had drinks by the fireplace at a table that was a little too low for comfort. Staff were friendly. We didn't stay long, but I'll be back.
(4)
Allison J.
We wanted bar food but not the smokey, stinky bar. So we came here and sat outside on the sidewalk on a Sunday afternoon and had an amazing brunch. The restaurant has a waffle station in the dining room for Sunday brunch and they have leavened waffles which are supposedly lighter and crisper than normal waffles. I opted though... for the fish and chips. Again... I was in the mood for bar food! This is probably the best fish batter I have ever had. It was soooo crispy! It was like the crunchy crispy of a KFC chicken breast. I loved that I could drench the piece of fish in malt vineagar and still have it be crunchy when it reached my mouth. The fish was perfectly light and hot inside too. My boyfriend had an omlette with apples, blue cheese, and sausage. He raved about it! He loved it soooo much. He said it was probably one of the ugliest omelettes he's ever had but also one of the tastiest. Service was impeccable and our server was very knowledgeable with the beers and wines. We both agreed that this was one of the best brunches we've had in awhile. The server said, she felt the brunch was probably better than the regular lunch... so.... get down there for Sunday brunch if it's your first time! Oh and the dining room inside was bright and airy. Like you'd expect a brewery kinda place to be. Noise wasn't overwhelming but the place was definitely lively.
(5)
Helene J.
The Plough has been our go-to Mother's Day brunch place for years. It has been sliding downhill for the past few, but we tried to stay loyal. After yesterday, never again. There was a hair in one order of Eggs Benedict, my brunch was lost ( literally) through the night, and the Omelette of the day was simply folded over eggs with ham stuck in the middle. The Jumbo Lump crabmeat with the eggs was neither jumbo nor lump, but a smashed, fried, flat cake of the cheapest crabmeat you can buy. Our server was obviously good because the tables in front of and behind us were very well served . Our table however, was a different story. One of us asked for water 3 times, but never received it. the other two tables were all served water which they never touched because they didn't ask for it. They were served a basket of bread; we had to ask a food-runner for ours. They tried to confirm our reservations for 2 p.m. on the day before, but mistakenly had us down for 12:30. Huh??? We also had to wait 20 minutes at the bar for our table. It seems as if no-one involved in food service cares any more. They still have a great Guinness, but I've had my last meal there.
(2)
jack j.
If you go here on a weekday for dinner, they actually have really good food. If you go here on a weekend, you will be overwhelmed with the old city crowd, you know the crowd i'm talking about... sigh.
(4)
Kelly S.
This isn't a bad place to hang out. It's humungous and has outdoor seating, which is always good. The drinks are okay, the food is okay. It's not my favorite place to go out in the city, but it's still a good time. It can get pretty crowded, though, and even though there's a lot of space, it's hard to find a place to sit when it's crowded on a weekend night, so you just have to find a spot on the floor to stand awkwardly with your friends. I've been there when it's not crowded, and I like that better. I'm a big fan of having a table and a place to sit.
(3)
Nicole R.
The Plough is so big and with the noise! Because of it's prime Old City location, there is a high douchebag factor among the clientele. On the plus side, they do have a lot of really great whiskey ( Red Breast, yum!) and can pour a decent Guiness. The food ain't bad but I would only go here if I was really out of ideas.
(2)
Russ C.
Ya know that CD you have that is your default when you can't decide what else to listen to? Plough is that bar, only in drinking terms. If I could give it 2.5 stars I would, its that average. P&S has the tendency to become annoyingly packed on weekend nights (probably because its everyone's default). In fact, my friends and I found ourselves literally being pushed...BY EMPLOYEES! I like the aesthetics; high ceilings, brick and dark wood, but not enough to put up with elbows to my kidneys. The last time I went to Plough, it was so crowded my friend jokingly said, "I bet I could drop this beer and no one would notice." Well my friend apparently has the hands of T.O. because about an hour later he drooped a bottle of beer, thus causing it to shatter on the ground. Not a soul even flinched. Plough and the Stars is ok as a default, but I don't see it as much else.
(3)
Erik s.
this place is as irish as i am. this place is 2 levels of pain on friday and sat nights- it gets crazy crowded like the end scene of crocodile dundee when mick walks across everyone's head. it seems to be really popular w/ the early twenty crowd during those nights. not a bad place to grab a drink during the week. never had the food-i've heard brunch is ok.
(2)
Yo U.
Not my cup of tea. This place is a noisy, crowded mess. If you want an Irish pub-like experience, go drink at Sassafras across the street. The Irish guy over there will take good care of you.
(2)
Yen T.
Been here several times with friends. On the weekend it is so packed you can't even move. I like the outdoor seating for people watching. Grab a table on the week nights and just watch the characters that walk by.
(3)
Kristi E.
We went here for my lovely cousins start of her bachelorette evening- We made our reservations but due to the traffic on the streets some of the ladies were late- which means we were late ordering- the waiting staff was not to happy with us. The selection of food was average-but they were not flexible if wanting to substitute any thing on the main courses. Choices of wine was minimal- but mixed drinks were made well. Out waitress was not pleasant- but we did have one waiter who was extremely nice and attempted to fix the flickering light bulb above us the entire time. Eventually he brought us over numerous candles. We were rushed- when the larger party next to us was clearing out- and they wanted to start clearing up the dining area to let the dance crowds in- Us ladies made the best of it. Although service was rough- and it was extremely loud- the food was good. It definitely did not put a damper into our night of fun!
(3)
M W.
Althought I've never had a great time going to the bar, me and a friend stopped by here for the apple tart dessert, and some irish coffees, sat outside near one of those warm fire place things and had a lovly ending to the night
(3)
beth h.
swingers and jersey crowd... no thanks.
(1)
miriam b.
Huge bar. Lot more smokers than originally assumed and beer was good.
(3)
Jasmin G.
wayyy too crowded and i don't know why. the music is alrite..but the crowd is so loud sometimes its hard to even hear the music! too many yuppie/preppy types here...this isn't my scene. if you must go - get a spot upstairs so that you have a good view of your surroundings.
(3)
jen w.
this place is always so so so crowded. and no one is ever just, still, enjoying themselves. everyones always either coming or going. yuppies and snobs come here. no one really dances. its more of a scene than a good time.
(2)
Kristin W.
I've been here as a bar patron and as a lady who brunches, and brunch is the way to go. I had the Plough Omelette which was a great balance between savory (sausage and blue cheese) and sweet (apples and pears). The accompanying potatoes were delicious - crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and perfectly seasoned. The homemade lemonade was good although probably too sweet for some people. 1 point docked for particularly terrible tap water - why does it taste like plastic was dissolved in the glass?
(4)
Kaitlin L.
I typically overlook Plough for other options in Old City, but decided to give it a chance for brunch. Expecting typical bar food grub, the menu was a pleasant surprise. Traditional Irish breakfast, seasonal french toast, and crab eggs Benedict are just a few of the options. They apparently also have "Best of Philly" Irish coffee, but I didn't try it for myself. The atmosphere is great. The first floor fireplace makes you forget you are sitting in a bar; the upstairs balcony is nice and a little more intimate. However, service was a little slow (we sat for 30 minutes after our plates were cleared before we got the check. Then we waited another 10 to get the receipt. For a place that is so ... not my scene.. at night, the brunch here really impressed me.
(3)
Emily W.
Service was kind of slow and portions were on the small side for the price, but the food was quite tasty and the drink selection was nice. Good atmosphere too, spacious and attractive interior.
(4)
Bill B.
Beautiful atmosphere and decor--the dark kelly greens and deep wood and brass made me feel warm all the way through. (The 30 degree temperature difference between outside and inside helped too!) The hostess greeted the 4 of us immediately and we had a table within seconds. It was lunchtime and they were perhaps half full. It was endearing to see them projecting the 1951 movie White Christmas on one wall. The range of food options was good, and the specialty drinks looked delicious. Being nerdy enought to know that alcohol makes you colder even though you FEEL warmer, we all stuck to coffee, tea, and hot cider. Lunch included a Guiness (beef) casserole with mashed potatoes, chicken hash benedict, and a cheesesteak with fries. All were tasty though just a touch salty. Our server was attentive and friendly, so I do not consider him at fault for the food taking quite a while to come up. Given the warm atmosphere inside and the drizzly, windy cold outside, we did not mind the wait, though.
(4)
Zeph D.
The food gave me PTSD. I think kitchen steals it from a Barbie play set. It looked nice and all but I don't know if any of it was OK'd by the FDA for human consumption. On a positive note they serve big-ass, viking sized Blue Moon bottles, which just happens to be the best domestic-foreign style beer on planet America.
(3)
Bill M.
The last couple of times I happened to come across here I've had the misfortune of reliving one of those classic tunes that I'd prefer to forget: "Ice Ice Baby". thank you very much Mr. DJ. you ruined the appeal that the place had going for me in 15 minutes flat. But other then that horrid memory the place can be alright. It's definitely not the first place you should go for a night in Old City. but as everyone else says It's good for when everything else is way to crowded. the alcohol selection is all right at best, the seafood is pretty good and reasonably priced, and it has one of my favorite outdoor eating areas (consider yourself lucky if you score an outdoor table though). Be forewarned though, this is another bar that borrows an Irish name without living up to it.
(3)
Jenna W.
Everyone can talk shit about Plough all they want: "it's supposed to be an irish bar" "they don't have a great beer selection" "there are NJ douchebags there" News flash: there are NJ douchebags everywhere! Moving along - this place is what it is on weekend nights. You've got your hotties, you've got your assholes and you've got your train wrecks. Great place to party and they have a huge tv if a game is on. DJ always plays things drunk people want to hear - channel Livin on a Prayer, Beat It, Jessie's Girl, etc. Overall, always a fun time late at night. Bonus points for an awesome Christmas tree in December!!
(3)
Timothy W.
With my fairly new job, the Plough is on my way home. I haven't really been in years, but I have a couple of acquaintances that work there and decided on my way home to rediscover the place. Since I have made it a weekly thing. Sitting at the bar talking to whoever may be tending it I have made some new acquaintances. Everyone there is super friendly, and it doesn't come off like they are just doing their job either, you can tell some of them are really just chill and friendly people. Unlike some places you go, everyone is well trained on how to pour a proper Guinness so you don't have to worry about being served a dissatisfying pint. The food is a little pricey, but not anything that you have to bench press your wallet over, and my god is it good. The Guinness Casserole is the most fantastic thing I have eaten in a while that I did not cook myself. Even something as simple as chicken fingers is taken to a new level at the Plough. This is a great place to catch some lunch or dinner and an after work beer. On the weekend it gets a little crazy with Dj's and dancing, but c'mon it is Old City, what did you expect.
(5)
Mark B.
When it comes to food, this place is absolutely fantastic. Having had the opportunity to visit this place several times, I have found that each time is better than the last. For appetizers you can't go wrong with my personal favorite, the Pissaladiere, which is a puff pastry topped with Caramelized Onions, Dried Cherry Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives and Crumbled Goat cheese, or the Tappas, which comes with an assortment of veggies, olives, cheese and pita with hummus, and is always fresh and tasty no matter what time you stumble in to eat. Even something as simple as the house salad goes down good without being too heavy. For dinner you can't go wrong with the Lamb Chops, which is drizzled with an oddly delicious Irish mint sauce, and comes with some of the of the best and cheesiest scalloped potatoes that I have ever eaten. The vegetarian pasta is also quite good, especially when you cancel out the vegetarian and add chicken to it. Or try the Roasted Free Range Chicken which comes in a large helping, served on top of a smooth and creamy helping of rich mashed potatoes. They offer a great selection of draft and bottled beers for those who like to experiment with different styles, and great daily special concoctions, both liquor and beer related, with my personal favorite being the Dirty Hoe (Half Hoegaarden, Half Raspberry Lambic), which I highly recommend as either a dinner compliment or an after dinner drink. And best of all they are one of the few places that have Hoegaarden on tap. As for all of the people who have reviewed who are hellbent on deconstructing the mismatched decor, are you there to provide decorating tips or eat? One reviewer was right about not going in expecting to be in authentic Irish Pub, but does it really make a difference? All that anyone needs to know is that it is a comfortable environment to either get a drink or enjoy a great dinner... as long as you are there before 8pm. The only complaint that I really have is the fact that the moderately sized street level dining area turns into a pseudo-nite club at some point after 9pm, when typical top 100 music is blasted, and a assortment of the usual club guidos, preps, and snooty gals show up, which does get extremely annoying bordering on obnoxious if you're not expecting that environment. But don't let that prevent you from giving this place a try, it is well worth it. If you want a great place to grab dinner in Old City Philly, then this is a place you should definitely be sure to hit. All in all my absolute favorite restaurant to eat at in Old City.
(4)
elizabeth e.
I stopped in last weekend for brunch after hearing a lot of good things, but I'm not sure I'll ever go back. I'm just going to be blunt: I hate walking into a restaurant and getting a confused look from the hostess. It is your JOB to say hello and show me to my table, not look at me as if to say "Why are you here?" That seemed to set the tone for the whole meal. We didn't see our server for a long time, and when we finally ordered it felt as if the food took days to come out (the restaurant was NOT busy). When our food finally did arrive, the food runner set our plates down and then produced a bottle of maple syrup out of his shirt pocket which was equally hilarious and disgusting. The food was good, though. Not out of this world, but it was tasty and inexpensive and that's all I really ask for. However, the one time our server returned to check on us I had to ask for more coffee, she didn't offer, and no one refilled our water. That just grates on me. And that cup of coffee? Tiny. Miniscule. Oh, and it cost $3.
(2)
Rachel K.
Plough & the Stars is our go-to bar on the weekends. It is my favorite bar in Old City. As a disclaimer, my perspective may be somewhat skewed as a result of my degree of intoxication and my laughably boozy companions. Nevertheless, I would like to believe that my sensational experiences can be tied to the actual venue. In my opinion, it is a good time. At 25, I would say the crowd is usually pretty young and I feel like I fit in well. It does have a college bar feel to it (a nice mix of mainly groups of friends and some singles) and it is always packed out. If you are prone to claustrophobia, I would absolutely stay away. In addition, I have heard some complaints about the speed of service, so you may want to take that into consideration. Mostly though, I am ignorant towards the tortoise pace of the bartenders because everyone around me seems like they are having such a good time. It is definitely not an atmosphere that breeds conversation due to the loud DJ who plays mostly mainstream music and hip-hop (although, don't be surprised if you start hearing songs you would dance to at a wedding--lame in my opinion, but better than techno!). You can dance here, but there is not really a dance floor per se. Girls, you can bust out your heels for this place. At the same time, heels are not essential to having a good time (you could save yourself some blisters), and the floor, as I recall, got a little messy by the end of the night. There are definitely some creepers lurking about in the shadows, but if you go with a group of friends, you are probably guaranteed some "Yay! I'm a fan" moments.
(4)
Niki K.
The restaurant is cozy and the food is fantastic. I had the pear and goat cheese salad, and it was wonderful and fresh. This was knocked down a star because the lacrosse game was on the giant screen tv and people were yelling and cheering. It made it hard to have a conversation. When we showed there wasn't a crowd. When we left there was standing room only.
(4)
Lauren T.
I hosted our baby shower here recently and I cannot say enough about the wonderful service, friendly staff, and great food. Everyone was very pleased and impressed with the food and service. The space is really charming and we had the entire upstairs for our event. I would hands down recommend this place to anyone looking for a space to host a party - or even to sit down for dinner or lunch. Love it!
(5)
Rachel H.
I went to Plough last night for drinks and dancing with 11 other girls as part of a bachelorette party! Pros: It's a huge bar, so there's definitely space for your group to dance around together. The music is great-- there's something for everyone. We only meant to stay for an hour and we were having so much fun that we stayed until closing! Cons: They wouldn't give us any drink specials, even though we were a bachelorette party (group of 12 girls!). Also, the DJ had some awkward transitions between 60s music, then 90s rap, then Billy Joel, and then back to Pop. He definitely kept us entertained, but his transitions could have been smother.
(4)
Nicole C.
Two New Yorkers go out on the town in Philly. Knowing the bars close earlier in Philly, they decide to leave a little earlier than usual for more fun time. They get to Philly around 10:30 and only end up searching for bars around 11. Everything is completely empty and deserted except for this place. What is going on? On a Friday night? Also had a hard time locating this place since the address stated 2nd street when the entrance is actually on the perpendicular street. Good times though, these New Yorkers were happy to find this place and party Philly-style. Surprising to see boys actually dancing- great place to people-watch. Poo on the bartenders for saying they weren't allowed to serve tap water, they could only sell bottled water. Isn't that against the law? Great music though, and fun crowd.
(4)
Jenni B.
Awesome place to go to on the weekends with your friends. The atmosphere is fun and inviting. The service is pretty decent. The one bar back with tattoos recommended a few great beers that were surprisingly tasty.
(4)
Rachel S.
My first visit to Philly as an adult was last weekend for a wedding. We arrived to the Plough & the Stars late-- around midnight (aka about 6 drinks behind all of our friends). We walked into the place with Lionel Richie's "All Night Long" blasting. Great song. Everyone in the place was dancing and singing along. We were there until close on the balcony dancing and drinking. Perhaps, it was just the friends that we were with, the fact that was finally Friday night or the fact that we were visiting for a weekend of wedding festivities, but we had a great time. I would say the back to back Michael Jackson songs probably also had something to do with it. I don't have much to say about the establishment, the people who work there or what the usual clientele is like. However, when I was there last Friday it was the best time I'd had at a bar in awhile.
(4)
J M.
On a Friday/Saturday night it can get crowded, too crowded. It is also a mecca for frat guys, old men who just want to have fun, and gorilla juice heads. But when it is fun, and you are not stepping on people's toes, there is no better bar in Philadelphia. They play an odd mix of music, a lot of 80's hits, but it works. Drinks are a bit pricey, a trashy beer will cost you about four dollars...but there is no cover.
(3)
Toshi T.
This just happens to be my favorite weekday bar in Philadelphia. For a little background, I have been traveling to Philadelphia from Dallas for work since April 2009 so I'm relatively new to downtown. As another disclaimer I am only in town from Sunday nights through Thursday afternoons so I cannot speak to the weekends as I've heard the tone and crowd changes quite dramatically. In my favor, I have been in and out of numerous bars from Rittenhouse Square to the Old City area and places in-between. While many places here have a unique character, I've never felt more welcomed than I have at The Plough. When I'm traveling every week away from home for work, it's nice to find a place where I'm not a complete stranger, and I've had the pleasure of meeting and making friends with most of the bartenders and staff there. In addition, I've had the pleasure to meet some of the patrons--some good and a few bad--but all have been open and easy to strike up a conversation with. The Plough was once the site of the Corn Exchange and has a nice interior. As far as the food and drink go, the kitchen is open until midnight, and, lately, when hungry, I've been ordering the duck quesadillas, which is very good. To that I accompany every visit with several nice pulls of Guinness. As many of the other reviewers have suggested, when the weather is nice, the outdoor seating provides ample interesting people-watching opportunities of passers-by and patrons from the bars across the street.
(4)
Jason H.
We thought the place across the street looked much better once we were actually inside here. Outside looks like a classy place. Inside has a confusing decor of cross funeral markers and random paintings, with a somewhat awkward layout. $7 for a vodka and tonic. Meh music.
(2)
M G.
We've been to the Plough & the Stars on a handful of dates now, and we've always been a big fan. The atmosphere is great so long as you're open to a louder environment with music (and sometimes Irish dancing). We find the food to be quite good for the price, and the service has always been good. The location is nice for an evening stroll through the Old City / dinner.
(4)
Jessica A.
I've popped into Plough once or twice in the past, but finally spent more time there a few weekends ago with a bachelorette party. The place was packed, but in a really fun way. The DJ was playing good music, and the drinks were reasonably priced. We were able to find a table upstairs where we could observe everything going on downstairs. I have to say that I'd have to be in the mood for that type of bar scene, but if you're looking for a fun night out with friends, I'd recommend it.
(4)
Jennifer T.
5 stars! Becasue...... 1. I don't live in Philly and have only come here with my best friend from college 2. Have gotten really drunk and hit on by many men 3. danced my drunk ass off 4. good drinks 5. Normal pricing 6. Priceless memories!
(5)
andrew g.
Im a bit biased being that I worked there more than a year ago. Howevever, there is no doubt the bartenders are great. They are fast and professional, and will know almost any stupid drink some douche might order. You know those people.... the guy that thinks he knows every drink type cause he read it in a drink bible. or that girl that orders a shot because it has a cute name, but is really just sugar that is 20 percent alcohol. order a Guinness there, please! They pour it properly, by the way. Rant aside. The bartenders rock, the music is decent. Dont expect a really great dance scene. But, dancing can surely happen. It is for the 27-35 year old for sure. But, you can be a bit younger and enjoy the mix of people trying to get their dance on if your crawling around old city. stay to the seats and dining area and chat with friends or other strangers. After all, its an Irish Pub, so socializing is certainly encouraged. Food is great. If you have the bills for the food and tip. Then do it. If you love UK minded people. Do it. The place is owned by Irish immigrants, first generation. So, it will remain an Irish pub feel for quite sometime. Good beer selection, as well. Most interesting thing about this place is it changes all day. Early morning is for great breakfast, then great lunch, then awesome dinner, then a good late night. And the scene gets younger. Early morning averages 60 year olds. Then once lunch hits, minus 10 years. Then dinner, another 10 years. Once your at late night, its the 28+.
(3)
Chelsea P.
One of my go-to olde city faves! Not too low key, but not too pretentious. Perfect.
(4)
Tom C.
Dropped in for a quick bite (and prerequisite libation). I liked the interior and over all space...but I didn't mind leaving once the food was done to explore other options. My Braised Duck Quesadillas with Caramelized Onions & Irish Cheddar Cheese were fine, but underwhelming. The drizzled Chipotle Sour Cream was in need of Chipotle. Our waitress was lovely and attentive, although she did get a drink wrong which was quickly remedied. I wouldn't drag my heels to never come back, but there are seemingly so many more places I'd like to try first.
(3)
Jonathan W.
Place was packed!! Good energy. Bachelorette parties everywhere made for an interesting mix of girlfriends ranging from male-hating bitter to fun-loving desperate. Good 20ish crowd. Bartenders were fast and efficient and didn't require co-opting a lady to get their attention. Music was top 40 with the occasional classic rock song and you just moved with the push of the crowd. A little espn on the tv screen and you've got a fun night in at Olde City. 2AM hits, music off, lights on and you're done. Philly....just a tease.
(4)
Kelly G.
As soon as we entered we were greeted with the option to buy drinks at the door (we couldn't say no). After going upstairs we had a server approach us who was extremely friendly and who continued to check if we needed anything throughout the night. The downfall was there were no drink specials but overall a pretty good experience.
(4)
Win M.
Honestly this is one of the few bars that I've ever wished that they did not let me into. It is often overcrowded beyond belief on the weekends to the point that it isn't even remotely fun to be at. you're stuck drinking bottled beer, trying to not get run over by the mass of humanity that is trying to get in, out, use the bar, and go to the bathroom. so if you get a cocktail or draft you will spill it. I had no need to go there, they didn't need me either, so I wish they had decided that they were at capacity and told me to go elsewhere. Other than that, when it isn't crowded its fine and reasonably priced, it isn't anything you haven't seen at a bar before, but its reasonable to good quality especially if you consider the neighborhood.
(3)
Joel B.
Viatcheslav can make one hell of a Vodka on the rocks!
(5)
William Y.
CROWDED! MY GOD, this place was so packed. There was literally no free space. I couldn't dance, go to the bathroom, get a drink, or hardly breathe without rubbing up against someone. There was really nothing special about this place. It had 2 levels and the top level had a balcony which you could look over to the ground floor. I can't remember if there was different musical selections on each floor but regardless it was typical current top 40 pop type deals.I'd be willing to give it another try, mostly because there were definitely some cuties wit booties in the building, but I would try and find something more unique or at least less crowded before I went back. I can't comment on the drink specials because my friend was buying them for me, but this could sway my rating in the future... I'd bet they're typical. So in summary: typical pop music, overcrowded bar where you can dance. Go there if you want a guaranteed hot spot on a Friday night.
(3)
Matthew D.
Maybe its just me, but I really didn't get this place... or maybe its Old City, or it could be the fact I was out this way to attend a funeral and wasn't in the right frame of mind. But I wish I had two more sets of hands to give this place four thumbs down... Seriously, perhaps it was an off night?!?! And surprise, it did get better with each additional Jameson on board...
(1)
Ben H.
I was feeling cold and needed soup.. this place had decent ones... the sangria was not bad and they played irish music. it great
(3)
Aymee S.
Had an awesome time here this past Saturday. Our birthday party attendees secured a spot on the raised platform area directly to the right of the door. Having this space made our whole night!!! The waitress was extemely attentive. I also liked how we paid as we went. With 15 plus people coming and going and ordering drinks, running a tab can be dicey. No need here! DJ was okay. Some really random trax and some pretty bad mixing, however he did play a requested song right away-so big ups for that. I am by no means a fan of Olde City bars in general but I would certainly recommend this spot to friends.
(3)
Jon L.
Plough is a default for my friends and me. It's not a great place to drink, just okay. Nobody among us really hates it, though, and in a social group full of divergent interests, all you really ask for is a collective response like, 'Fine, man. Whatever. I'm cool with that.' My one friend, K. Lo, he always wants to go to a pub-type place. The gals in the group always want to dance, and, like, sing along to tired pop songs from the eighties. Floyd never wants to pay a cover. And, of course, nobody among us wants to go to a place without people. So Plough is frequently what we settle on. Here's the gist: They won't turn you away at the door for a t-shirt and sneakers, but everyone puts themselves together fairly well. On weekends, it's a twenty-something hangout, with few people over the age of thirty to be seen, and during the week it's, well, a restaurant, which I can tell you nothing about. What's pretty cool is, the second floor balcony gives you a great view of all the first floor action. When you get tired of dancing, it's a great place to watch strangers hit on each other. And, ya know, to keep tabs on your friends who may have had a few too many.
(3)
Taylor M.
Sat upstairs for a quick bite. Great beer selection and much different ambience there early in the evening instead of the late night crowds (,I like both). Food was decent And the service was great. We had Definitely had a relaxing meal before hitting up the town. Worth trying for dinner definitely worth hitting up for drinking.
(3)
Chrissy R.
My friend is a fan of this place so when he was in town this weekend, we set up shop there early in the afternoon and stayed all day. The servers were nice and really accommodating. I do not like the food here though. So much so that this past Saturday I went to National Mechanics for about 45 minutes to have corndogs while our party was eating at Plough. I picked some of the vegetarian pasta that was left on my friends place, and I totally made the best decision. The drinks came fast and hard--Weekend afternoons though, I'd rather kill time at Tir Na Nog or Fado if you've gotta go Irish, or National Mechanics.
(3)
Andrea S.
I really liked this place. Our server was amazing very quick with a drink and funny to boot. We were outside so I cant say much about the inside except that they have nice bathrooms and it seemed like a little bit of a meat market/frat party vibe in there. The french fries were delicious but the curry topping which we got on the side was pretty watery I am assuming its not meant to be put on the side but oh well. A great experience with exceptional service.
(4)
Deanna J.
I've only been here once, I don't live in Philly. Was in the city and went out for Valentine's Day dinner in 2009 and it was amazing. Even though it was really crowded, we had a nice server, great little table by the fireplace and excellent food. If I lived nearby I'd be a regular. Very cool place!
(5)
Dong K.
This place is hardly an irish pub. It's just a typical bar that turns into a sorta dance place later at night. There are usually no specials and even though it is 2 floors, it gets PACKED. Last time I went, they played decent music (hip hop, house) stuff you can dance to. But then I guess the DJ became retarded and started playing irish bagpipe music, odd 80's songs, and pretty much the avg college anthem songs like "cotton eye joe" and such. I mean I guess for some it's better and I guess since they are considered an "irish pub" they need to do that but c'mon! Also the music was WAY too loud, my ears were ringing when I left. The servers are usually attentive and quick and there are usually good lookin girls here. All in all, a decent place to end the night at since they never have cover and it's in a good location.
(3)
Cathy R.
Went there for dinner last night after finding good reviews on Open Table. It was not overly busy for a Saturday night and we were seated right away. The crab spring rolls were delicious, as well as the lamb kabob. The duck and pork tenderloin were also very good. The waitress, however, was very absentminded. We had to ask twice for water. We watched every other table receive bread, but we had to ask for ours. When we received it, there were only 2 pats of butter. The waitress did not offer another round of drinks, we had to ask for it as well. When we ordered dessert, they were out of ice cream (it was only 8pm). When we got our coffees, we received neither sugar nor spoons. By the time we received them, the coffee had gone cold. It's a shame. The food was very good but having to ask for everything ruined the experience. If they had self service, we would have been better off.
(2)
Umi R.
I have been here on numerous occasions. I enjoy Sunday evenings when they have live Irish music. The food here is very good, but a bit pricey. The duck is delicious but I can say I haven't ordered anything I didn't like. It is loud, and despite how large the crowd can be, I always get seated in a reasonable time frame. The downside is the bathroom in this place and how loud it can be. However I feel it is a great experience, and the food is worth it.
(4)
Dana B.
Fun times on Friday nights! Came with some friends on First Friday for dinner and the place was packed with quite a crowd, most of whom where there for the live Irish music. My friends and I snagged a table upstairs so we didn't have to shout over the music whilst in conversation with each other, but so that we could still hear it somewhat. My friend Gwen and I each settled on the crab and vegetable spring rolls, which were good, but not nearly enough to fill me up. The strip steak sure looked enticing, so I guess I'll have to come back another time and try it!
We stumbled across this place looking for some food. The atmosphere was cool and the waiter was friendly. The food was alright. Nothing special here. I'd probably pass next time around and it's also a little pricey for the food quality.
(3)
William R.
So it was a random night and i need to get to old town. The menu seemed very well versed and delicious. So i ordered the salmon... to my disappointment, the fillet came out in pieces and the rice was undercooked and seemed to have been sitting under a lamp for a while. i politely refused the dinner and ordered there chicken, our waitress was apologetic and prompt. When it came out, it was much much better dish. All and all not a terrible experience but i hear its a better bar.
(3)
J F.
Came here this past weekend for our friend's birthday. I liked this place a lot-great dancing! A bit TOO crowded though, but the music was pretty good-a good blending of 90s/2000s/and more recent dance music. The crowd was decent as well-not too many creepers, barely any guidos, hardly any over put together girls. THREE bachelorette parties, though! I was suprised-I thought, who goes to Philly for a bach. party? The drinks were good and very affordable and good selection of beers, and the bartenders were attentive and nice and also I give them props for serving girls, since most female bartenders usually ignore girl patrons from my experience. The bathrooms here were very nice too and well taken care of. A bit small of a place, but aesthetics were pleasing. I would certainly go back here in a heartbeat!
(5)
Chris G.
DESERVES NO STARS AT ALL. used to like this place--no more had dinner few nights ago with friend from work (also female) service was v-e-r-y s-l-o-w and place was not full, not understaffed. food was so-so for price, nicely presented though. after dinner we went into ladies room I was washing my hands near the door, my friend was at the furthest sink & said "need to fix bra strap" had her hand under shirt up her back when a guy comes crashing in (not one of the drunk frat boys from the bar) holding rolls of T.P., both my friend & I yelled at him to get out. he kept coming in, said ' only changing toilet paper" he wouldn't leave. my friend tried to move further back and I stepped in front of him, asked him since he worked here didn't he know to call into a ladies room to check if it was OK to come in? He cursed at me and wouldn't leave. my friend was upset and went back into a stall til he left. I went to hostess stand, asked for manager on duty, female there says "I'm MOD" explained to her why we were very upset and she either blew us off or she is really dumb -"it's OK he works here" yeah we get he works there, but what happened to business courtesy or some privacy in the bathroom?? RUDE IGNORANT STAFF LOST THIS PLACE OUR BUSINESS---2 to 10 of us would be there at least 2x or more week, not anymore. That's Ok, we wont'be back, are blackballing them with other nurses & docs @ the hospital and a planned retirement party for 80 people will now be held at Downey's or Tir Na Nog.
(1)
Erin P.
i had the unfortunate opportunity to check out this place on a saturday night, in all its meaty glory. wall-to-wall people. loud. literally 8 bachelor/bachelorette parties, one of which i was a part of. the whole experience pretty much made me want to die. but hey that's just me. i like to dance, but when you're packed in like sardines, it's a little hard to shake it without getting dirty looks or accidentally bumping somebody. the bride-to-be was happy so i guess it was worth the hour or so of suicidal musings on my part. all in all, saturday night here is a nightmare. avoid on weekend evenings. otherwise, it's not too bad. i've only eaten here once and it was outside. it was okay. i don't think i'll be going back though.
(1)
Sharon M.
Best Guiness and they remember my clover! Used to live down the block so got to know the place well! Check-out the Sunday Brunch; live Irish music usually fiddle, tin whistle and Bodran.
(4)
Stacy S.
I'm in Philly for work. This place is right around the corner from my hotel, Sheraton Society Hill. They have good house baked breads and and service was friendly. A small but decent winelist. I ordered the striped bass. Very mild but it was decent. I'd come here again for cocktails but not an entree. It looks like it can get very lively at this place during the late evenings.
(3)
Jeffrey K.
We decided to take a quick spur of the moment over-night trip with the kids to Philadelphia just before New Years Eve -- so we head down there and by the time we get down to Philly and check into the hotel it's time to feed ourselves and the kids. We asked the concierge at the hotel for a recommendation and he responded: "The Plough and The Stars". Although it is an Irish Pub type of place, he said there was food for the kids as well and we would enjoy it. So we figured . . . what the hell -- why not. F Y I . . . If you are staying down by the Convention Center, this is NOT walkable as it's on the other side of town (a few miles). Not that I have anything against walking, but when you have a kid(s) with you and it's night time, you don't want to traverse the streets of Philly that are between the two endpoints. Also, be aware that if you are going to Philly and plan on visitng the Old City area after 6PM, be prepared to pay $15+ to park if you can't find a spot on the street. Once we drove over the Old City neighborhood, we had a little trouble finding the place (but that may have been as a result of bad directions in the first place.) Once we found it, we stepped inside to what appeared to be a nice open space -- in front of you is a nice wide bar, to the left are some small tables near the fire place to sit and sip on some cocktails and there are tables on either side of the doorway and upstairs as well. When we got there the place was relatively empty (which changed later on during our meal.) The atmopshere, especially during the holiday season, was wonderful, they had a giant christmas tree (think two story tall), in a corner by the fireplace. The fireplace itself gave a great aroma to the air and the building itself was certainly late 19th century and had a wonderful charm to it. So of course my son wants to sit near the fireplace (esepcially since the tables were all reserved) -- the only "bad" part of the evening was that we had to sit at the small tables by the fireplace (on even smaller stools) -- but it was worth it because we sat right near the fire (which I too am a big fan of), and the food AND drinks were wonderful. They have this wonderful "apple pie" cocktail which combines Irish Whiskey, cream and some apple cider -- they warm it up and boy is it yummy. As promised, the place had food to delite the tastes of younger patrons (in other words my 5 y/o and 20 month old), and they had delightfully, the menu certainly has an Irish theme to it, and their dishes are full-flaovred and hearty (i.e. steak, other beef dishes, etc.) -- their salads and soup are equally tasty and the wait-staff are all delightful and regularly coming around with warm, freshly made brown bread and irish soda bread (highly recommended.) The desserts are also a nice treat. We shared the Bailey's Creme Brulee -- personally I could taste the Bailey's in the dessert, but none-the-less it was enjoyable (so was the coffee.) So go, enjoy and also remember, from what I was told, this was formerlly an old bank so the building I am certain has some interesting history to it (for you history buffs out there.)
(4)
Jack J.
Lots of people dancing at night!
(4)
Paul W.
Consensus seems to be that Plough and the Stars is great if you want to party and get smashed. For this I like to go to places that serve me $2 Lagers so when I'm smashed I'm also not poor. Thus my two star rating. This doesn't mean I didn't have a good time there before. St. Patty's Day 2007 was an awesome marathon of drinking. They had live Irish dancers, music and some wonder kid who sang some Irish diddies. Intermittently a bar crawl would come thru, try to recruit us and then move on. We got there early and got prime seats at the bar that allowed us to keep the beer flowing and the crowd somewhat at bay. I feel bad for my two stars but with bad food, high prices, and a crowd, this isn't my hangout of choice... unless I'm trying to re-live college.
(2)
Jackson B.
Nice little upscale-ish bar. While in town for a long business trip, I found that this is the bar I went to the most. I only ate there once, but drank many times. The one time I ate, the food was awesome. When drinking, the bartenders are always friendly and up for a little conversation. Every time I was there, I met fun locals who were willing to tell me all about the city and suggest places to go and things to try. A few weekend nights, this place can get pretty nuts. The crowd is mostly a preppy poser crowd -- but fun none-the-less.
(3)
Ashley B.
I thought that this place was so cute and it was so beautiful inside, I went right before halloween and they had the lights up and it was a lot of fun. the staff was dressed up and entertaining! They definitely wanted everyone to get into the spirit and they did. Lots of great service and it was packed so we had to wait a while, but they had awesome music playing and everyone was friendly and in a partying mood.
(4)
Linda G.
This was my second visit to The Plough and the Stars and unfortunately it wasn't nearly as good as the first. The first visit was in January 2013 and it was great! The fireplace, live Irish music, food and service all great. Stopped by this past Friday night, early, like 5:30. You know what I hate? When you approach an establishment and when you try to enter there are three to four employees standing in the doorway and they look at you like you're crazy or unwelcome. They finally stepped aside and we were able to get to the hostess and we were seated at one of the our door tables. The outdoor tables are great - comfortable, great people watching. While the service was good we had to ask about both the beer specials and the food specials, the waitress didn't mention either when she dropped off the menus and we had to wait until she came back to find out. A number of the staff continued to stand around one particular table to customers and chat and laugh throughout our time - I guess they were friends but I'm glad I don't have to pay them. The food was okay - I got the fish and chips and the mister got the sheppards pie. The food was better on our first visit. I would go again to sit outside in summer or by the fireplace in winter.
(3)
Jas D.
It's open on Tuesday nights and it was one of the more packed places with outdoor seating as well. It was great to just chill with friends in the lower part of the place and there was a dancefloor upstairs. Very nice bartender and clean bathroom.
(3)
Kevin M.
So another night in Olde City with the Brits, it usually starts the same way drinks at the house train,cab or walk to Olde City. I usually follow the same path but i start at mcgillins to get some good drinks then i walk to market east to meet them then the aforementioned cab or walking to Olde city. Off to sugar Mom we go which means we are going to be entirely too drunk too fast lol. After about two hours there we stumble our way toward market and presumably Lucy's which i like because it has music and drinks for every type of person,but dint like because its like being Adrian Peterson just to get to the bathroom. One night we were tired of doing this and decided to stumble back to the house. (Truth be told i literally elbowed a girl in the nose in an effort to get to the bathroom,so lets assume i was in more of a hurry to leave then everyone else lol). Now i assume the Brits had been there before because they made a beeline to the door. I had walked past this place a hundred times...i swore it was a restaurant (it is) We got into the place and you can literally feel the energy from the spacious two floor building Its always packed to capacity and i sweat through my shirt which if you know me isn't hard. The bar stretches out pretty far and they have great bartenders. So great that when i left my card they let me in after closing to get my card that i had to walk back to from 10th to get. The music is great because it plays everything for everyone. This particular night the first 5 songs were Drake,Billy Joel,Blur, Daft Punk and i think Sting. Though when you are drunk Sting's mumbles sound like a person speaking Chinese with a lisp so it could have been anything lol. But it was awesome and The Plough & The Stars became my end of the night place every time i went to Olde City. Great Drinks and setup BUT MY ONLY REGRET is that i have yet to eat there which i plan on change ASAP. It get really poppin around 12 ish because the restaurant crowded has changed into the party crowd. Enjoy!
(5)
Kevin C.
Watched the world cup final here and just getting around to reviewing this place. Given how absolutely packed the place was that day, service was still really good. The food was also prepared well and was well received by three weary Philadelphia tourists. I'd definitely go back. Great pub.
(3)
Jason A.
So you've pregamed at a friend's house, had a few shots at the local dive, 17 beers and 3 more shots at your regular bar and had minimal luck at the meeting people game. All you want to do now is "dance", and when I say dance I mean crash into other drunk people, hoping to capitalize on that golden convergence of intoxication and desperation that happens between 12:45 and 1:30. You settle on a 42 year old cougar from Jersey. One star is better than none, right?
(1)
Megan D.
FYI - I have been back twice now and both times I was in fact heavily intoxicated...I still give it one star!
(1)
Kimberly H.
Plough & the Stars was this season's pick for Restaurant Week. If this were a fantasy foot ball team, I'd be right at the middle of the pack. The interior is beautiful, a two story room with a balcony used for dinner with high windows, crown molding and plaster details all around. The outside seating area has high top tables and chairs with umbrellas, and, even though you line the sidewalk, are set back enough that you don't feel in the middle of 2nd St. foot traffic. When we arrived, the music was a tape of traditional Irish folk music, but by the time we finished the DJ had come in and was playing some really annoying 90's pop music (read: C&C music factory). Supposedly they have live Irish folk music on some nights... The service was great, the hostess seated us right away, and our waitress was super attentive and offered both solicited and unsolicited suggestions from their special RW menu. Both food and drink came very quickly. Unfortunately, we were seated on the upper level right outside the kitchen; we had bags of trash walked by us, huge trays of dishes (one clinked and I got some old-meal juice in my hair), and the entire restaurant staff paraded by us continually. Normally, especially during RW, I wouldn't be as annoyed by this, but the rest of the balcony was empty save one table of 8 on the other end. The food was also spotty, my monk fish and scallops meal was pretty darn salty, something echoed by the server after the fact and some friends who've eaten there previously. BUT, the scallops were done perfectly with a nice seared crust and not over cooked. The accompanying corn salsa was super yummy, helped to cut some of the saltiness, and was a really interesting texture and taste difference with the fish. The boyfriend's steak was amazingly yummy, though the menu said it came with a bleu cheese sauce of some kind which neither of us could see. Our appetizers (spring rolls and their avocado mousse) were pretty to look at, but very tasteless. Desert was amazing: A sampler plate of chocolate truffle, creme brulee and a fruit filo thingy that were all to die for. Great beer selection, okay wine selection (for the non-wino) and an okay short order menu would make me more likely to return for happy hour or the last stop an old city drinking tour.
(3)
Art S.
Russ said it best. This is a default bar. I used to work in a restaurant on 3rd St, and by the time I'd get out, there weren't many options for my hungry belly. But Plough always served food until late, so I could run over there and sit outside and scarf down one of their burgers, which I actually think are really good. And then I started to become friends with the cute girls on the waitstaff. And then I started going there less often for the burger, and more often for the flirting with the girls who were serving me my burger. And once you start to get preferential treatment from the waitstaff and bartenders, I don't care how much the bar sucks, you're going to go there. That's just the way life works. So, yeah, this place can get crowded. And kind of annoying. But I don't think this place is awful. If you can get a seat outside it's great, actually.
(3)
Augustina G.
I've been here in the past on weekend nights when it goes from upscale irish pub to frat party in a sardine can and I can't say I'm a fan. I came here for brunch with a few people recently and I must say it turned my opinion of this place around. The food was reasonably priced and the portions were good for what you're getting. I had the savory french toast and it was pretty good! Before that, they served Irish soda bread and that was delicious. Everyone at the table had their plates nearly clean. One of my dining companions both ordered 2 eggs, but had them cooked differently. They accidentally swapped the eggs and asked if you want the correct eggs on the side. Also, one person ordered eggs benedict and one of their poached eggs and was overcooked. The service was good and despite the small hiccups, I'd go back for a drink or brunch, just not a Friday/Saturday romp in Old City.
(3)
Sara Y.
My boyfriend and I came to Plough & The Stars for restaurant week and were not disappointed. The pre-set menu had some excellent, diverse selections. We ended up with a warm tomato salad, duck puff pastries, crab stuffed salmon, and pork tenderloin. The meats melted in our mouths and had lots of flavour, while the puff pastry was perfectly crisp with a fluffy interior- the duck mixture did not make it soggy, since it was brought out promptly. I didn't get to try the tomato since my boyfriend wouldn't share, so I assume it was good. Dessert was a little plate that sported a mini creme brulee and a chocolate ganache in a chocolate bowl. A huge glob of fresh whipped cream was served with it. The creme brulee was torched to perfection, and the chocolate was so rich and dense that the cream was a welcome addition. The feint of heart may not like the chocolate as much as I did, however. Plough has a decent selection of local beers, but their cocktail menu was more impressive. Interesting things I had never seen before. I asked the waitress to "surprise me" by choosing one of their three irish coffees. The one she brought me, covered with thick whipped cream, was divine. It was a perfect way to finish the evening.
(5)
Tina G.
This was really a phenomenal experience in all respects. Some friends and I went during Restaurant Week for the vegan dishes, and we were so impressed! The food was delicious--my first course was the pear salad which was well balanced between tangy and sweet. The candied pears added a nice touch. My mahi mahi wasn't as tender as I had expected, but the couscous accompanying it showcased a perfect blend of spices. I could have used some more vegetables though. I opted for the vegan dessert, and the creme brulee was just like real thing--sweet and creamy and decadent. The chocolate cup with lavender cream looked as delicate as it tasted. What made Plough & Stars really stand out, however, was the service. I got an early reservation, but my party didn't start arriving until well into an hour after I was seated. The waitress was kind and patient enough to let me wait at the table, and I didn't feel like she was rushing me at all. Once everyone had arrived, orders were taken quickly and efficiently, and the food came immediately after. To top the night off, my friend had chosen not to order from the Restaurant Week menu, but when everyone else was receiving their desserts, the waitress was so wonderful and considerate and brought out a dessert plate for her--for free! The ambiance is laid back, but classy. There's a nice foyer area upstairs where I would love to be seated next time, as I'm sure I'll be coming again!
(5)
Louis L.
We were part of a meetup group this afternoon with all of the vegan food prepared by Chef Lenka Zivkovic - fantastic!! Amazing flavor combinations, incredible presentation and a great venue! Hope they'll add some of these choices to the regular menu - we'd definitely return!
(5)
Tom M.
Based on my five-course vegan prix-fixe dinner there, 5 stars easily. One minor note: at dinnertime, please do not air local news on your TVs. Violence and kidnapping stories are not what I need to watch as I sit down to dinner. Fortunately, I went with two friends on a nice May day and we were able to avoid the local news by sitting outdoors. Some highlights of a great meal: Tomato gazpacho: Lisa Simpson's favorite bbbq party food was perfect. Just right. The nacho chips served with it were the perfect finishing touch. Vegan quesadillas: very good. Oddly Thanksgiving-like. I really liked the guacamole that came with it. The chef raised the game with that. The three components of the dinner course were great. Spaghetti squash with a delicious peanut sauce. Savory Sheperd's pie. Topped off with an excellent vegan crab cake. Crab cakes are clearly better vegan, why on Earth are we still killing crabs? For dessert, I had the avocado lime cheesecake. It was great though I preferred the chocolate cheesecake my friend let me try from her plate. The vegan prix-fixe meal at Plough and the Stars is now firmly entrnched on the Philly must-do list.
My friends will be surprised to see me eating here at an Irish pub. But when it's restaurant week and they're serving vegan food, I gotta get involved. This was amazing. We had an artichoke appetizer that was rich in garlic and sauce that was excellent over the slice of toast. The salad of fruit and greens (did the chef read my diary?) Was sweet and spicy but not too much of either. Seiten steaks that tasted more steak than well any steak with a lovely just perfect steak sauce. Best of all for this veggie lover was the grilled potatoes, sweet potaoes, and green beans slathered in rosemary.
(5)
Suzette A.
At 3 pm on a Sunday this place was fairly empty. We originally sat down but no one came over to take our order. We just wanted drinks and appetizers, so we walked over to the bar. I forgot my ID and was served water... doesn't matter how old you are. You might want to have your ID. The ambiance is pretty chilled. Music wasn't good. I am not sure if it was because it was a Sunday or what... I really didn't dig it. I'll certainly swing by on a Saturday evening and see if its the same deal. 1 drink $6.50 and they accept credit cards. Street Parking.
(3)
Dana N.
The friendliest bar in the city of brotherly love. The bartenders are friendly and your glass will never be empty (unless you want it to be empty). The groups of regular costumers that sit at the bar are very cool, too. They had a traditional Irish brunch last Sunday complete with blood pudding and brown bread.
What an awesome place with awesome food! 4 of us dined here and we all loved our meals equally. I had the Guinness Casserole which was Cubes of Beef Slowly Braised with Guinness, Pearl Onions & Carrots with Mashed Potatoes. It was delicious. The service was tops. Happy people with happy attitudes! The atmosphere was "hip" and elegant at the same time. What more can you ask for?
(5)
Brad T.
Why am I giving this place one star? I signed up for a bar crawl in Philly on July 3rd, something I never do but I thought why not. The Plough & The Stars was one of the bars that was part of the crawl. Of course, they went against their word and would not honor the specials that were included with the bar crawl registration. To make matters worse, their bartenders and managers were very unprofessional. Now I rarely write reviews on Yelp anymore, but this experience stood out as such an awful display of customer service I felt compelled to share it with the world. I recommend taking your money elsewhere.
Five stars for the vegan prix fixe menu. Amazing food, phenomenal service, and Chef Lenka came out to talk to us and gave us vegan creme brulee. VEGAN. CREME. BRULEE. Twice a month on Thursdays is the vegan prix fixe chef's tasting menu. Four courses. Each better than the last. Bargain price of $35. I highly recommend this. I've never been to The Plough & The Stars for any other reason or on any other night. From what I understand, like most joints in Old City, it's probably not my scene on the weekend. But it will definitely be part of our monthly rotation for our vegan girls nights.
(5)
Herbie H.
In my previous review, I enjoyed my lunch perfectly fine. I stopped by for Brunch this past Saturday and had an excellent experience, and thought it necessary to update the review to reflect my experience. We got there 10 minutes after they opened (10:30am) and were seated beneath one of the huge windows, pouring in natural light. There was a fire going in the fireplace (or, continually starting/stopping) and the whole mood/ambience was really quiet, casual, and relaxing. I am usually pretty decisive when it comes to brunch, but had a hard time deciding. There were a number of options on the brunch menu that looked great (full irish breakfast, chicken hash potatoes) and some daily specials that also sounded good (omelet with bacon and onions, lamb burger.) I finally decided on the Vegetable Frittata of the day: with roasted zucchini, onions, asparagus, peppers, and Brie. It was a great choice and perfectly cooked/assembled. The vegetables had a nice roasted quality to them with some charred bits, and the Brie melted into the frittata beautifully. The side of mixed greens and roasted potatoes were a nice touch. The portions of the sides were on the small side, but the frittata itself was a nice size. I was thrilled with my meal. My boyfriend ordered the "savory french toast" which he also really enjoyed. The french toast was perfectly crispy and tender, and all of the fixings (eggs, sausage, bacon) were generous in portion size. Prices were on the normal/low side for brunches in the city (especially Old City). Our server was really friendly, answered questions for us, and hooked us up with another slice of their delicious homemade breads (seriously delicious.) The manager (or, who I can assume was the manager) stopped by to ask how everything was. She stopped by another table as well to check in. She seemed to really care how her customers were enjoying their meal.
(5)
Tricia F.
This Irish Pub is located on 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut. It was once the Money Exchange building. Beautiful high ornate decorated ceilings ~ wood stairs leading up to the balcony tables. Prices weren't bad! Fish and Chips for 3 of us and the hubster ordered Shepard's Pie. His words: "Rate this pie a 5!" Although the pie was a 5 the Fish and Chips didn't stack up to that rating. Fries were great ~ while the fish seemed a bit greasy and the coating kept falling off.
(4)
Jim B.
You be hard pressed to find a better bar in Old City then "The Plough". Imagine the gravity of that statement... I'm talking about a town that prides itself on fiery sports passion fueled by drunken stupors, greasy late night food covered in cheese whiz and of course, Ben Franklin (the town drunk turned scientist, diplomat, Founding Father of our country and printer), and The Plough is among the best booze slinging watering holes washing away Philly's historic and unquenchable desire for spirits. Best of all, unlike most Center City or Old City bars that are geared towards men and barely stomach-able by women, The Plough has an even balance that both sexes can mutually enjoy. LADIES: The Plough offers you breathtaking decor and elegant ambiance, with a quiet and respectable environment you'll truly enjoy. The Plough teems with good people, fine drinks and decadent bites and is the perfect place to gain a friendship, celebrate a milestone or meet that significant other of your dreams that you can cozy up with next to the comfortable glow of wood burning fireplace. MEN: Beer is good. Fire is warm. We like fire and beer. I actually had an occasion at this bar once where a couple buddies of mine had a little too much fun and wound up heading across the street to a tattoo parlor where they each got Misfit tattoos. True story.
(5)
Susan L.
Chef Lenka prepared an amazing variety of Vegan food for our vegan pledge group. Everything was amazing and obviously made with her love of cooking. We will definitely go back as long as we know she will be there to prepare vegan options for us.
Everything is always great about this, and most importantly so are my bloody Mary's! But, besides that service is always great, and there's a super funny bus boy that is always helping out. Great for brunch, lunch, or dinner!
(4)
Rick B.
I need to emphasize that this review is based solely on my weekend experiences here. Unfortunately, the handful of times I've been to Plough have all been on Saturday nights, when they forfeit their identity as an Irish pub for a money-making nightclub catering to Suburbia's youths. I don't mean to sound old and boring, but after reading many of Plough's past reviews, it seems they have so much more to offer, and the Saturday night scene should NOT be the face of their business. That being said, I see an updated review of Plough in my future. The building itself is great, a historical structure converted to an Irish pub that remains consistent with much of Olde City's architecture. Large windows, high ceilings, and a balcony give Plough a unique appearance. The building seems as high, if not higher, as it is wide. It seems like a good setup for some occasions. Horrible for others. On the weekends, Plough lends itself as a relatively cheap (no cover) destination for people looking to dance and have a good time, amongst the bars on the 2nd Street strip between Market and Chestnut. The only problem, as stated above, is the lack of space to do so. Plough is the go to spot for crowded (lack of) dance floors, impossibly attainable drinks, and foul odors. It seems like Plough is the monopoly of these types of bars, especially since the passing of Lucy's Hat Shop (RIP). Plough owes a huge thank you to fellow Yelpers for keeping their rating at an almost-4-star by reviewing their positive attributes; brunch, dinner, afternoon specials, Sunday Irish music(!). I'd hate for people, such as myself, to never return because of a few lackluster experiences. I wish really Plough wouldn't sell out on the weekends to fit in with the surrounding bars and clubs, but I suppose that's what it takes to stay competitive. My advice, to reiterate several past reviews, is to plan your visit accordingly. Depending on the time of day and the day itself, it seems like there is something at Plough for everyone.
(2)
Janeilla T.
Oh how I love this place, food is amazing,service is amazing. I mean what else can a girl ask for? Definitely 5 stars. I will eat here everyday if could.
(5)
Geeta A.
My fiance and I come here every time we're in town. The duck breast and the lamb chops are our favorite. Both are tender and flavorful. Excellent service. On one recent trip, our meat was cooked well instead of medium rare. We mentioned it to our waitress, who acknowledged that it was overcooked, took it back, and brought two new plates. The manager bought us a round of drinks in apology. Very well handled. The only thing I would chance is improve their beer selection. It has standard macrobrews from around the world, but Philly is a beer city, and they could have more on tap.
(4)
Jessie H.
This place is very similar to national mechanics except it is less packed. Drinks are the same price but there wasn't a dance floor when I went there. It's pretty easy to get a table with a group of friends on the weekend. Good place to hang out and chat. They play what you normally hear on the radio. This rating is based on my nightlife experience not the food.
(4)
Marlyn V.
This is merely a review for the nightlife. I somehow always end up here when bar hopping in Old City. It's never too packed inside, and the music is an array of 90's to top 40. They pour a decent drink and you easily find seats if necessary. They have tons of tables outside for when the weather is nice and you want to do some serious people watching, I actually think this is what always attracts me and then I end up just staying indoors because I forget to put my name in for a table. I would recommend coming here if you're with a big group or even an older crowd, because the music isn't too loud and the bar is never too packed so you can easily get a drink. Also a decent date spot, to grab a drink after dinner or something because of the same qualities.
(3)
Gregory H.
This is a spot that is exactly what it says on the label. It's an Irish-American pub with some interesting specials. Service is fine and the food is quite good! Not cheap enough to be a regular hangout, but not quite special enough for a special occasion. It is, however, still a tasty option.
(3)
Emily S.
This place was fantastic!! When I was there with my husband it happened to be a special menu for restaurant week, so we tried the 3 course menu. Everything we had was incredible!! It was so good we returned for another dinner even though we were only in the city for 3 nights and usually try new places. We especially liked the lamb, it was cooked to perfection! The guinness casserole was also really great. The drinks were also really amazing-- one drink tasted just like apple pie... I really wish there was a Plough & Stars near Boston so I could eat there often!! We sat in a room that had a fireplace and dim lighting and just loved the atmosphere. Dining here is one of our favorite memories from our weekend away in Philadelphia!
(5)
Gino C.
Chef Lenka has put together an amazing vegan pre-fix menu that serves four courses of heaven, every other Thursday.
(5)
Jake S.
I came here for lunch today with my entire work team. They had a special menu printed out specifically for us, with a few options at each course of a 3 course meal. I started with a tomato-blue cheese soup which was excellent. I followed it up with fish and chips, which was average at best. It consisted mostly of the fried part of the fried fish :/ The meal finished off with a crème brullee which was delicious.
(4)
Sydni C.
Great atmosphere. We sat outside and really enjoyed it. Got the tenders and calamari, both were really good. I'd come back any weekend. Thought the sever was going to ignore us but actually was really attentive.
(5)
Mark V.
One of my favors when in the area drinks are are delicious and food is great. The tall busboy with the strawberry blonde hair is hilarious
(5)
Kate U.
Had the most delightful vegan prix fixe dining experience served by chef Lenka Zivkovic. An absolutely delicious 4 course dinner available every other Thursday at Plough & The Stars. We enjoyed a rich cauliflower bisque (hearty portion!) followed by a unique artichoke/hearts of palm parfait & a very clean arugula salad. The third courses were utterly breathtaking and equally delicious! Grilled polenta with a lentil/walnut pate, portabello with quinoa & asparagus plus an artichoke rose that was sooo good, pasta orecchiette with a topping that mimicked bacon! The portions were hearty and all plates paired exceptionally well together. Then... the desserts came. You must try these vegan cakes. Immediately. The chocolate raspberry cream cake deserves a gold medal. It was so rich and mouth watering. The avocado lime cheesecake will blow your socks off. And both were raw dishes! Truly impressed. Our waiter, Josh, was the nicest. Extremely friendly and knowledgeable when it came to the menu. We're so happy he told us about the prix fixe! The Greater Philadelphia Area vegan community is slowly catching wind of these incredible plates, so definitely book a table in advance!!
(5)
Mehrnoush S.
Absolutely one of my favorite places in Philly. Everything is pleasant but I'm totally mesmerized by the live Irish music. The minute I strip in, I feel like being on a different place, possibly Ireland! I gave it 4 because I feel like their menu is a bit overpriced. No cheap options to chose from. Food is good overall. I don't have any favorite though. But, if you are a lager person, certainly get the Harp. My favorite.
(4)
Ashleigh S.
Great location, great building and decor, but honestly the bartenders who were working when I went were the rudest. I walked up to the bar and was basically yelled at for nothing. I understand there were a lot of people and it was crowded but that level of animosity was unnecessary and unappreciated.
(1)
T W.
Great restaurant and atmosphere, really comfortable and cute. I loved the outdoor part, but it was too full when I got there. Very sad because the majority of my food was mediocre. The calamari off the bar menu was actually pretty good, but the next things I ate weren't good at all. The seafood chowder was extremely watery and not thick at all, which wasn't a good look. On top of that I got the buffalo tenders and they weren't spicy at all, they were actually pretty sweet it was strange. My service was pretty good though, and they were nice!
(2)
Danielle G.
Fantastic location in Old City, located on the corner of Chestnut and 2nd. Great pub food, great drinks. We sat outside to people watch, I had fish and chips, hubby had Shrimp and Calamari Salad, kids shared burger and fries. Great prices for the location in Philadelphia and staff was super friendly. Two thumbs up!
(5)
L J.
Chef Lenka Zivkovic's vegan menu is healthy, tasty, and delightful.
(5)
Sean M.
Meh, wasn't impressed with anything about this place. Decent priced drinks. Place was very loud and everyone's conversation was echoing loudly through the bar. The decor was very girlish, probably why it was filled with girls. Seems more like a bar for professionals then your average Philly drinking crowd.
(2)
Mary O.
Great place!!! So many times, bars come in 2 flavors-the "icky" dark closet like bar and the youth group bar. This bar is absolutely perfect!!! Friendly. Clean. Good food. Very well made drinks. Nice staff. What a real bar is supposed to be!!!
(5)
James T.
We dined this past Thursday at The Plough & The Stars for the vegan prix-fixe menu after seeing the philly.com writeup that very day! We weren't sure what to expect but after we looked at the menu we knew we were in store for a great dining experience! The taste, flavor and presentation are second to none! Chef Lenka stopped by as we were wrapping up dinner. We couldn't contain our enjoyment and told her how much we loved ALL the dishes. You can sense the joy and excitement that Chef Lenka has in creating these vegan dishes. Just as we were about to settle up, Chef Lenka stopped by again and gave us vegan creme brulee! How awesome is that! Big shout out to our waiter, Josh, for providing us friendly wonderful service and adding to the already wonderful dining experience! The city of Philadelphia is really lucky to have The Plough & The Stars as a great addition to an ever expanding vegan scene. This special takes place every other Thursday for $35. Guess where I'm gonna be two Thursdays from now?
(5)
Sonia P.
The name of this pub was the first thing that caught my eye - sounds so poetic! Ducked into this bar on a Saturday afternoon for a casual drink - really cool pub! Our group of 4 grabbed a table right next to their gorgeous fireplace - you truly feel right at home. As for drinks, we kept things simple with Crabbie's Ginger Beer and Magners Cider; lots of beef varieties on tap so you're bound to find something you like. Interior space is gorgeous with lots of bar stools and booths - kind of reminds me of the interior of a bank (maybe it was one in the past...?). There's also seating outside which would be perfect on a gorgeous day. Definitely check this place out for afternoon drinks when you're in Philly.
(3)
Janine T.
Great place for Brunch!! The food and the atmosphere were wonderful! I wish I lived closer to Philly - I'd come here on a regular basis. My goat cheese and fruit salad was amazing as was the homemade Irish soda bread- it was probably the BEST soda bread I've ever had. This was a wonderful pub to visit- goodfood, great service, and the atmosphere were perfect! I'll be back next time I'm in Philly!
(5)
Jason S.
Came in on our day off and they were offering brunch for Columbus Day, I've been here several times to drink but never ate. Pleasantly surprised. Inside was decorated for Halloween and looked great. Staff was very welcoming and helpful, they were not open for food service yet but we're happy to seat us and get us cocktails. Hot Apple Pie drink was delicious, the whipped cream was similar to a cheese danish sweet cream cheese filling, if you like cheese danish and apple pie definitely order this. Also had a Southern Tier Pumking beer. For brunch I had the Chicken Hash with poached eggs. If you like a good breakfast scramble I highly recommend, chipotle hollandaise was a great accompany to the potatoes chicken and veggies. Girlfriend got the omelet du jour which was goat cheese, spinach, and heirloom tomatoes and it was also very good. Started the meal with a soup: Seafood Chowder. Waitress described it as "fishy with a lot of seafood"....I was nervous based on that but gave it a whirl...Awesome Gamble! She should have described it as a "Glorified New England Clam Chowder!" If you like Clam chowder I absolutely recommend it as a starter. We will be back to eat...and drink! For sure.
(4)
Eric V.
My favorite bar in Philly. I used to frequent this spot many years ago when I was in town for a few months on business. My routine was sake bombers at the bar at Buddakan around the corner then off to 'The Plough.' This place is about as unpretentious as it gets. Unbelievably packed, good crowd (exceptional people watching), and an outstanding rotation of the cheesiest of played out tunes that drives the masses to dance wherever they stand (there is no dance floor, per se) and shout out the lyrics to Bon Jovi, Journey, Britney Spears, Dexy's Midnight Runners, House of Pain, Shaggy, (just recalling many of the songs I heard last night) and the likes. It's conveniently located on busy 2nd St which provides a multitude of nightlife options (although I've never once broken from my Buddakan/Plough routine).
(5)
Rory K.
I've always loved Old City, and Plough has always been one of my favorite Irish pubs. However, I can't say I had ever tried the food, and oh boy, am I sorry I did. My girlfriend and I went for happy hour, really just intending on having a few drinks. After a couple of rounds we decided we should eat something. Ordered the seafood soup, which was brought out as chicken tortilla. No big deal, we sent it back and got it corrected. The soup itself was pretty bland, but not terrible. What was terrible, and what prompted me to write this, was the crab and vegetable spring rolls. If these abominations weren't pulled from the freezer and fried, I would be shocked. They were fishy, flavorless, and just plain awful. I would say, go for the drinks and atmosphere, and at the very least never order the spring rolls.
(2)
David H.
Good place to go for beer and pub food. We were there for a birthday party which was a bar only event. Got there early enough to have some food. I ordered the Plough Tapas plate which was very good. Nice amount of roasted peppers, olives, hummus, mozzarella (fresh), and smoked salmon. I had an order of their buffalo wings and wasn't very impressed. They were heavily breaded with sauce poured over. Not a big fan of breaded wings. My son had the shepherds pie which he said was very good. Nicely done crust and excellent savory flavor inside.
(4)
Carol C.
This has two levels, and is always a fun place to end up on a weeknight. BUT, this place is so confusing. They call themselves an Irish Pub, but this is not the place to go if you just want to chill with a drink; it's always crowded, and seating is almost non-existent. Now, if you came here to dance, then this wouldn't be a problem. The DJ is always good, but now the problem is.... where's the dance floor? Oh, there is none. People just dance in random pockets throughout the place, which can be REALLY awkward because more likely than not you are dancing next to a giant group of standers. Still, for some reason, this place is always fun. I can't really explain why, but it is.
(3)
Andrew B.
Not my favorite. Weird mix of bar goers on a friday. Better Irish pub/ dance places in philly for sure.
(2)
Racheal C.
We last night. Not thrilled about this place. Not sure what all the hype is about. It's so squished in the bar that you can barely walk around. Also not really sure where the dance floor is so people kind of just dance in place. Bartender was nice though. No cover.
(3)
Lenka Y.
Plough and the Stars is not your typical Irish pub. Chef Lenka brings an eclectic European flair to the cuisine. Both the owner and chef were warm and welcoming and were more than happy to accommodate a large group. Chef Lenka's vegan prix fixe menu is a must try, even for non-vegans. You will leave feeling full and satisfied and coming back for more! This gem in Old City is not to be missed!
(5)
Jeanne S.
We visit The Plough whenever we are in Philly! Great food.....salad with grilled scallops was yummy, and the Guiness pie was the best! Go there on a night with live music and hear some great Irish musicians! We loved listening to Raymond Coleman!
(5)
Jen S.
Not sure why I keep going back here. The first time I was here, it was so crowded that I couldn't get ONE drink. The second time I went here my friend stepped on a large piece of glass, I had to rinse her foot under the sink in the ladies room, then pay for a cab to the emergency room so she could get 4 stitches. The third time I went here I got two drinks spilled on me and left with shards of glass in my shoes. I really want to like this place because it has the potential to be really fun... but I just haven't had that experience yet. I like to give the benefit of the doubt that I will have a good experience here one day.
(1)
Laura G.
My friend & I came here for brunch last weekend. We were quickly sat upstairs (we thought about sitting outside but the weather was being a little iffy). Immediately, I noticed their brunch cocktails like a Bloody Maria (a bloody with tequilla instead of vodka). Everything on the menu sounded great as well. Our waitress came quickly and that's where things got....interesting. Im not sure if it was her first day or if she just wasnt that bright. We ordered a bloody & a mimosa, but she brought over two bloody Mary's. She apologized, brought over a mimosa & asked if we had any questions on the menu. When asked what the specials were for the day (they have a daily omelette and a frittata special), she looked at us like we asked her to explain nuclear physics to us. She said she needed to find out, ran downstairs & told us the specials. While everything sounded great, we both ordered the vegetable frittata. Our waitress came back about a minute later to let us know that the frittata had eggs in it and wanted to make sure we were ok with that. We weren't really sure how to respond to that but just said it was fine as frittatas usually contain eggs. I'm guess she had no idea what a frittata was, as she came back to ask us how we wanted our eggs. After some discussion/us not being sure how to answer, she went to ask the chef what a frittata was. Long story short, we got our frittatas and they were GREAT! Everything was really good, and even though our waitress was a bit of a space cadet, I'll give her a pass as I hope it was her first day. Check it out sometime!
(4)
Jeff C.
I'll make this short. Nice upscale Irish Pub. Upscale pub grub but at a moderate price. Best omelette EVER! Our bartender was a 1/2 Irish lass with a bit of accent. Great traditional Irish music in the background... like it should be. I'll visit again for another omelette before we leave the city.
(4)
Kathleen C.
Great food, Great Service, Great atmosphere. Took a chance and stopped by to check out their "Irish Music Sundays" and was very happy we did. The Servers couldn't have been more helpful . Not only was the Guinness casserole fantastic, but the fish and chips were delicious and they serve some of the best brown bread, and soda bread I've ever tasted. So good we bought a loaf to take home. Will definitely be back, and with my fiddle!!
(5)
Robert P.
Went with my girlfriend for a night out. Found this place on accident and so glad we did. Music is great with dancing recommended. There is two bars upstairs and down. We went upstairs where it was smaller but it was fun. Bartenders were on the spot with serving. People were dancing and eventually we were also. Green tea shots and beers. Recommended to go here anynight.
(5)
Candice H.
Awesome fireplace, two levels and big screen TVs. Our server was extremely slow, I mean 30 minutes for the bill... Also took a Long long time to serve drinks (no shaking required). It was nowhere near crowded. Fireplace is why I will be back. Food- fries and chicken strips, pretty good for a pub. Oh the fireplace.... Also nice live unobnoxious music sometimes.
(3)
Becky C.
Decided to go here with my boyfriend for restaurant week. Very hard to find if you go by GPS. Our server was Jess and she seemed as if she was rushing us out and being in the industry I would understand if they were busy but there weren't many people in there. She also didn't give us much time to look at the menu after we asked for a minute to check it out. While eating my appetizer she asked if I was done and before I could even answer went and grabbed my plate. It's just rude. The food wasn't anything special either. I don't know if it's just because I had high expectations with it being restaurant week, but cream fresh shouldn't be considered a main part of your dessert sampler.
(3)
Eliana G.
Delicious shepherd's pie, good drinks and nice ambiance. Will go back to this one when in Philly
(5)
Wajma N.
I've been here a few times only at night and had one bad experience when a friend got in a fight but I recently went this weekend with my boyfriend. It was packed as usual on a Saturday night. A big plus about this spot is they have no cover charge! Which is good cause all over olde city there is a cover charge. It's a lot of young 20 something year olds. I got a drink pretty easily and headed upstairs where it's less crowded. The music is ok it's a mix top 40/ hip hop and some old school. The downstairs is always crowded and packed I don't know how people can stand there I feel like Id get smushed but upstairs is ok they have some seating and U can over look downstairs and see the flat screen with sports games on. Overall not a bad spot.
(3)
Gia M.
We chose the Plough & the Stars for one of our last Friday night stops in Old City and I was blown away by the sheer amount of people crammed in the bar at midnight. That must have been where everyone was that night because all of the other bars that we walked by/wandered into were practically empty. Surprisingly (or perhaps not), there was no cover here. I guess I was expecting it because of the type of crowd that was there, which was very similar to the crowd in Manayunk, so take that as you will. The architectural vibe was really cool (second floor open to the area below) and place was surprisingly large. The drinks were also inventive/seasonal (pumpkin pie bombs. Not my thing, but they smelled delicious). The music was loud and people were attempting to dance as well (a little difficult, again, because of the crowds). I'm sorry to keep harping on about this, but the only problem with the bar was that the crowds of people made it almost impossible to get drinks. The management did take advantage of the crowds and rolled out a few coolers for selling beer other than at the actual bar. Spilled/dropped drinks were also a bit of a hazard, because you couldn't turn around without bumping into someone. I'd like to stop by again on a night when I'm not wearing such nice clothes (the woes of going out directly after work).
(3)
Yahira A.
I came once for brunch which I loved and wanted to take my friends for dinner who came to visit from Boston. Mussels were delicious, as well as the crab spring rolls. We all ordered the steak fritte medium well. All came at the same time but mine was well done. I asked the waiter to change it which he did and was very nice about it. 15 minutes later I got a steak that was even more done than the first one. The waiter apologized and took it out of the check. My friends enjoyed their meal and after 2 failed attempts my friends were done and I didn't want to eat anything else. I think is still a nice restaurant with reasonable prices. Will come back for brunch instead.
(4)
Meg C.
The Plough & Stars is such an institution! It's a place where locals go, visitors repeat visit, and friends are made! It's a great place for happy hour, brunch/lunch/dinner, and live music! Late night it turns into a really fun place to dance (but not clubby) and magically transforms by morning for brunch! Great for everyone (literally). They have outside seating for warm days and a wonderful fireplace for those cold nights! Definitely worth visiting and re-visiting!! Highlights of The Plough: Outdoor seating, Fireplace, cozy atmosphere, drink selections, affordable, parking nearby, John Joe (trust me, you'll get to know John Joe), the HoJ (delicious any time of day!), friendly staff, friendly patrons, local spot
(5)
Annah E.
This Irish pub and restaurant is one of the most authentic experiences you'll ever have! Staff is friendlier than friendly, food is nothing shy of an exquisite experience in taste and presentation, and the atmosphere, though a tad darker than I like (very overcast, rainy day) is warm and welcoming. Do yourself a favor and MAKE THIS A DESTINATION stop for your next trip to Phila. We had a group of 8, with 7 different mouthwatering meals. Guinness casserole is a unique experience for the steak or stew lover, crusted tuna for fish lovers, and the seafood fettuccine is literally to die for. 6:30 reservation on a Friday night. Single musician, Raymond, was great. Noise level was like any place with live music, yet not too loud to converse with guests at my end of table.
(5)
Geoffrey P.
The Guinness casserole is the best example of a beef and Guinness dish I've had since actually being in Ireland.
(5)
Hilary G.
I was alone in Philadelphia for a conference and found this place to be particularly friendly, reasonably priced, and with a comfortable atmosphere. Being from Southern California, I especially appreciated the warmth of the working fireplace downstairs! In fact, I liked it here so much that I ate lunch here two days in a row (and ordered fish and chips both times). I also recommend the "Bay Breeze Mimosa!"
(5)
Sue K.
I love The Plough! My absolute favorite pub in Old City, Philadelphia. The food is tasty, the atmosphere is second to none and the entertainment is amazing! My husband and I have been going there for years. Whether it is just the two of us or a large group, we always have a great time there!
(5)
Kate C.
I'm most impressed with Plough & The Stars. Living in Old City for a long time, its hard to find a great spot that has a neighborhood feel, offers amazing food (the Chicken Curry for dinner and the Plough Omelette are highly recommended) and drinks (try the Hoe J for a delicious twist on a mimosa). The staff is friendly and attentive, the fireplace warms you up on the cold nights and they have the BEST outside seating. The live music and regulars really make this a special spot in Old City. The coolest part about Plough is how versatile it is - you can go dancing at night and show up for a family friendly brunch the next day. The place is clean and there is no evidence of the dance party from the night before. That's a hard balance to keep, and Plough does it beautifully.
(5)
Natalie M.
Blueberry lemonade is sooo good, as is their Shepard's Pie, Chicken Curry and Plough Tapas. This is a "must go to" place for me every time I am in Philly.
(5)
Steve T.
Went to P&S last night with a bunch of folks and had a good time like a party at Old Fezziwigs. I arrived at 8pm after training to Market East from the burbs, and then cabbing to 2nd and Chestnut. However, my land navigation gene, intrinsic to most males, short circuited and I was left dazed and confused on the corner of 2nd and Chestnut. Fortune smiled on me though, as a drunk stumbled up to me asking for money. No eggnog drinker he, I felt bad for the guy and gave him a $10 spot which I have no doubt went to the next bottle of Everclear. Wearing the obligatory army surplus jacket (why do they always wear army surplus jackets...is this like a kind of uniform for bums?), he thought he'd return the favor and send me in the direction of P&S. The only thing worse than my sense of direction is a drunk's sense of direction, so I ended up heading in the opposite direction of where I wanted to go. The drunk tagged along like the ghost of Christmas future, sans scythe. Realizing his profound mistake, he then gurgled out some almost incomprehensible gibberish that I was heading in the wrong direction. Now wary of his poorly calibrated internal compass, I almost pointed off to the distant night and said "Look, a loon!" and made a run for it, but, again, he lead on to an uncertain ending. I was sure I'd come across a grave marker with my name on it. Well, by some miracle, which can only happen around Christmas, we ended up at P&S. The drunk, like Marley's ghost, had fulfilled his mission, although I hardly found the experience "intoxicating." My own personal version of "A Christmas Carol", played out at the corner of 2nd and Chestnut, was over. That is, until the hostess said, "Come in man and know me better!"
(3)
Nico L.
Definitely one of the worst bars I've ever been to. I've given it more than one shot, but here is a brief list of why I don't like it 1. Overpriced for Old City 2. WAY too crowded. They always seem to let in far too many people than they should allow 3. The crowd generally attracts the frat/sororitutes type I've only gone here at night, so I might give it a shot during the day. But considering other more pleasant bars in the area, I will probably not give this place another shot.
(2)
Vanessa W.
The Plough & The Stars is kind of an Old City standby for me, and since I'm on this mission to avoid being a "regular" anywhere this year and to force myself to try new places, it is surprising I even made it in here today. But my mom and I were looking for a spot to duck into this afternoon and when she mentioned that she was really freezing, my thoughts turned to that wonderful fireplace in the first floor of the Plough. We were very pleased that there were empty tables right next to the fire, so we grabbed one. I feel like the fireplace alone is worth a star, it is so wonderful on a cold day. We ordered drinks and those were fine--mine was a port-based hot toddy. I wouldn't get it again but really that is my bad because the reason I didn't love it was that it was overly sweet, which I could have expected out of a port-based toddy. My mom and I split an order of crab spring rolls. They should have been yum but they were total yuck. Like bad, mushy crabcake filling jammed into a soggy spring roll wrapper. YUCK! I ordered a Bailey's creme brulee, though, and that was absolutely divine. It annoys me that the menu is so hit-and-miss, but the wonderful fireplace will keep this place a go-to when I'm looking for somewhere cozy in this area in the winter.
(3)
Patrick H.
Quite lunch time spot, good beers on draught and there Guinness marinated casserole is excellent!
(4)
Tim O.
Awesome place, Awesome food and awesome service. Waited years to get the opportunity to visit. Well worth the wait.
(5)
Gerald H.
Wood burning fire place on a cold November day = Yay! I'm a fan. A plus is that they were actually playing Irish tunes during the afternoon. Good place for a long, easy lunch with a few drinks.
(4)
Shannon S.
We ate here on a recent sunny Sunday afternoon because we noticed the charming outdoor seating. I really like the captain's chairs! We were seated inside first with the promise of going outside when a table opened up and sure enough, we made it out there in about 15 mins. The brunch menu looks really good and I wished I tried the french toast with special daily topping of bananas carmelized in Bailey's. Darn. I got the crispy chicken salad though. It was okay, not terrible, but something was off. I think the chicken could use more seasoning for sure because it was bland when I ate it without dressing. Also, the lemony parmesan vinaigrette was a little overwhelming but it could be because I asked for more. However, when more came out, it was gelatinous in the little cup. Vinaigrette? Oh well. The wait staff was great, except for one waiter whom I overheard in a snarky voice say, "Worse hostess ev-er," as I walked out of bathroom and the hostess had just left that area. Not nice, waiter, not nice. Inside is pretty cool. I would hang out here. They played what sounded like Irish music, but contemporary, on the PA system. Heard a bad word in the music so parents be warned. No biggie to me though.
(3)
Jennifer R.
This is a great little spot in old city. Definitely not on the cheap side, but I've had some appetizers and beers here. I was here New years eve actually which was fun but a little bit of an oddly mixed crowd. It seems like a nice first date type place and have a great middle of the range meal and a beer.
(4)
Brian H.
I have NEVER eaten here, just drank...and drank, and drank. Soooooo, with that in mind, early on a beautiful early summer evening ;-) what a nice stop to sit outside and have a cocktail and people watch. There is nice cocktail menu, and and a well rounded beer menu, my friend opted for a mango mojito. It was all mint, watered down, barely a taste of mango vodka or mango at all. My martini, which is no brain surgery, was excellent. Our server was very friendly and fun. The chairs are the best of outdoor seating that you can find. The chairs get a 5 star rating. :-) BTW, inside is warm and cozy with a fireplace for those chilly nights in winter, and always a wonderful fun crowd to boot.
(3)
Chris G.
I recently moved to Old City and this spot has quickly become my home away from home. It has the best outside seating of all the Old City restaurants, the staff is very welcoming and the customers are friendly. The food is good, it's a great spot for brunch/lunch when out of town guests are visiting on weekends. The Cheese steak on the bar menu is my go to for dinner. I've been in to watch the World Cup and will continue to watch the matches there. They have 2 big screens and the crowd is really into it.
(5)
Rick M.
I have to say this place was great. We went in during the middle of the afternoon on a Friday. It was perfect as it was quiet and empty. The red-haired Irish bartender was really friendly. I recommend getting the Evil Eye IPA! Friday nights, decided to avoid due to the crowds and the noise. Best during the day.
(4)
Daniel H.
Ive only been here to grab drinks and not eaten here. I like the layout of the place and I am impressed that it has a second level which gives it a more upscale feel. The drink prices were reasonable 6 dollars for a Guinness draft. The service was good and the DJ was good but I dont think it is a place to go to if you like to dance.
(4)
Jill L.
Plough and the Stars was the place I started going to when I got too old for Mad River. True story. Over the years, I've returned occasionally to get my drink on. It gets super packed on weekend nights, but I've always enjoyed myself. If 23 year old Jill L was writing this, she would have given it 5 stars. This past Sunday, my husband and I stopped in for a late lunch and a couple of beers. It felt weird to be here in the daylight. Without the drunken haze, I could see that Plough and the Stars actually has a pretty awesome line up of beers on tap. Also, the food we ordered (a tapas plate of hummus, pita, olives, prosciutto, roasted peppers, and mozzarella) was quite delicious. I could go for some of that hummus right now. They also had a huge screen playing the Olympics, which was pretty cool. I could definitely see myself stopping by here again for some daylight food and drinks in the future.
(3)
Tim C.
This place is a guilty pleasure of mine. It's a total bro place like many other bars in center city/old city, but I seem to always have a good time. I never wait too long for a drink, and the atmosphere is fun. It can get a little loud, but the music they play is pretty agreeable to most people. It gets crowded downstairs, but upstairs there is usually some room. Great place to mingle if you're single. I've never eaten here, so can't comment on that. It seems like it would be a good place for happy hour.
(3)
Dave H.
This Old City restaurant and bar is solid. It has two levels, with plenty of room to drink, eat, and be merry. Weekends the place is packed full of folks drinking and dancing. The times I've been in, the DJ has been a bit random, but the crowd is always enthusiastic. Friends and I have also been here for dinner. The upper level offers some privacy, and the decor is elegant - for an Irish bar, especially. Portions could be bigger, but the food was tasty: Try their grilled marinated pork tenderloin. It's heavenly tender, served with potatoes gratin and a cranberry black currant port wine and grape sauce. And the Irish butter is outstanding. Thanks to Stefany and others for friendly, efficient service!
(4)
Scott P.
Went here for resturaunt week last night and I was pleasantly surprised considering I have only been here before on a saturday night when it was in full club mode. The service was a little slow for a wednesday night as it took a good 30 minutes before our first course arrived but we had drinks so it wasn't a burden. We shared the duck confit and and the tomato & prosciutto which was very well done and very tasty! The entree didnt live up to the hype. I had the guiness casserole included bland mashed potatoes and green beans and my biggest complaint was the lack of gravy for the prime rib (which was tasty but a little dry) And a creme brulee chocolate for dessert. The decor didn't really give off that authentic irish feel with the 30ft ceilings and not one employee really seemed irish but maybe it was an off night? Just an average experience for me and a little pricey for old city. Resturaunt week isnt much of a deal with some places like this. I'd rather spend $100+ somewhere else close by.
(3)
Anu M.
We primarily came here for drinks and bar food. The outdoor seating area was fantastic on a warm summer night. We ordered Malbec wine (so-so) and Fish & Chips, Shepard's Pie and Plough wings. The food was good, I specifically relished the Shepard's pie with mashed potatoes on top of ground beef. Service was a bit careless though. The waitress forgot to replenish water even after asking her a couple of times.
(3)
S L.
My friends went out for dinner and drinks on Christmas eve. Most of restaurants were closed, but Plough and stars was open late. We really enjoyed our dinner there. The servers were very nice and customers well behaved and kept their voice down.
(4)
Linda L.
Great atmosphere in a historic bank building, good food, and priced just right. I would definitely go back!
(5)
Catherine L.
In all the years I've come to the Plough, the experience has wandered between four and one stars, thus the average 3 star review. I know, talk about about inconsistency. The reason behind the vacillation, is most often due to the atmosphere and the crowd. Personally, I like this bar the most when it is at its most low-key: weekend afternoons, early weekday evenings, Sunday Irish music nights, and Snowmageddon (isn't that the worst CNN-coined term?) nights when Philly residents get to reclaim Old City. The place itself is really lovely. An old bank building with high ceilings, two floors and nice, clean bathrooms. It is at its most beautiful during Christmastime when they bring in a huge tree and string it up with lights. Team it up with its roaring fireplace and it is truly idyllic. Overall the menu is nothing impressive or memorable and again, I recommend you go here only for the drinking. A bit pricey in comparison to other nearby bars. Service is attentive and usually prompt. On weekend nights, Plough turns from Irish Pub into Club Plough and it gets positively packed. Therein, the crowd changes from mellow to pumpin' fists, bro! Music goes from Celtic to Electronic. Depending on what is your scene, go to Plough accordingly...
(3)
Fernando J.
Best Guinness Draught outside of Dublin. Great food selection. The Guinness casserole is a must. Excellent service.
(4)
Eamon C.
Great atmosphere and great food. Was there last night and had a great time sitting by the fire, which was expertly stoked for us everytime it died down. John joe the barman was fantastic We had a great time there and will defenitly b back.....hopefully to run into our favorite hockey team again . Wink wink. Go flyers!!!!!!
(5)
TAmi S.
Had dinner last evening with friends- fun place- food was just ok- service was terrible - ordered appetizers which came at same time as dinner - we cancelled the appt at that time. Ordered coffee -ok was served without teaspoon . We had to ask for refills -& teaspoons. Someone in the Resturant needs to pay mor attention to service!!
(2)
Raphael S.
Just came by for drinks and a few appetizers before a late night party. We heard from our friend that Ellie was the best server ever, and we'd agree. Good draft choices. Happy hour till 19:00. Had the seafood chowder-excellent. Spring rolls-almost excellent. PEI Mussels-excellent! Fireplace roaring. Irish music in the bg. What else can you say?
(5)
Alex X.
Late hours with an open kitchen, that's where you will find me at times. The Plough and the Stars is very cozy for me the few times I have been there. I just order my usual wings or whatever I see on the menu and don't try anything much here as it just a quickly eat and let's chit chat type of gathering. I am not big on eating American food overall as a reviewer, but the atmosphere I enjoy a lot. If I'm not mistaken this might have an old bank or something like that that's why I like it - for its cozy interior with fireplace.
I've been here several times. If you go during downtime, I feel like it's the best. You can relax and it's a good atmosphere. Sometimes they play Irish music which is kinda cool. If you make the mistake of going there on a friday or saturday night you have stepped into a terrible frat party where you cannot move. It's awful. We walked right out. They also don't have many beer options, which isn't that great. The food is pretty good nothing to write home about, but nothing horrible either. My last experience was with a bartender at a high top with short black hair who was really tan and tattooed. She was SUPER friendly and gave us some VERY good service.
(3)
Kellsey O.
I used to love this place, until an experience I had this past weekend. One of the 2 female bartenders never gave me back my credit card when I closed my tab, then proceeded to blame it on me as if I was some drunk idiot that lost their card. Once I explained over and over again that I never got it back to begin with, both bartenders began to ignore me. After finally deciding to leave, I called my bank in the middle of the night to cancel the card. The next morning I called plough and spoke with an extremely nice and helpful woman (quite the opposite of what I was working with the night before) who informed me that they did in fact have my credit card. I proceeded to tell her the whole story of what had happened, and she said she would talk to management and have them give me a call to discuss compensation of some sort, of from I have yet to hear. Don't think I'll be back to this bar anytime soon, if ever.
(1)
Ben F.
I went here with a date for dinner, it was her pick. I was surprisingly good and affordable. I got the steak, she got the duck. Both were cooked perfected, as were the green beans and couscous (which we both chose a substitute for potatoes). The waitress was friendly and attentive. My date's Poinsettia may have been a bit overpriced. My Guinness was spot on. The taps are form Ireland and installed by Guinness technicians, so I couldn't pass the opportunity. That seems like something to brag about, but maybe its normal... What do I know. Right by the entrance is a log burning fire. There are some small tables to sit at there for drinks or coffee. We enjoyed it a bit on our way out as we planned our night. My only critique is there was no star on top of the Christmas tree! PS: Google offers has 25% off all food every day until May. Find it by accessing it from Google Maps on an Android phone.
(5)
Matt C.
After a nice little Urban Goose Chase scavenger hunt, my group and I were FAMISHED and stopped here to grab something to eat. After cross referencing the bar menu vs the regular menu, we unanimously decided to skip the *cough* (pretentious for an irish pub) regular menu, and went with 6 burgers. Pretty easy right? Its a burger. We ALL got them. 3 mediums, 3 medium wells, plus a few drinks and some apps. Well, they still got it wrong. It is my pet peeve when people overcook my burgers and steaks. Thats annoying enough, but it seriously took FOREVER to get these burgers, and we were there WAY before the rush, so theres no excuse. The burger doesn't come with anything so we had to buy a basket of fries, which were tasty, but c'mon....no fries with the burger?! It did come with what was called a salad of some sort, but was just some, again, pretentious little garnishment of lettuce and chopped pickles. The chicken fingers were good, and the calamari tasty as well, (although the accompanying marinara was yuck.) I don't remember the price of everything because I was knocked over by the underwhelmed feeling of The Plough and The Stars. Maybe its great for dancing or pounding shots on an Olde City Saturday, but just to get a decent burger, you can do a little better.
(2)
Elizabeth G.
We once got an order for delivery from the Plough and Stars during the winter that was brought to us by an outside delivery service. The food was soooo good, hearty and excellent comfort food for a snowy day inside. We have been dying to try it again but this time at the physical restaurant. The building is an historic corn exchange. It's stunning inside. A huge hearth with a fire, balcony with seating and long bar area. Supposedly they have live Irish music at times as well. We sat outside in the super comfy captains swivel chairs because we had the dog. They are the type of place that asks if they can bring your dog a bowl of water when you sit down. I had wings and my boyfriend had fish and chips and a drink from the bar. They have a separate menu for bar food and then also have a separate full meal type menu. Everything was solid, friendly staff, dog friendly, nice ambience, decent prices!
(5)
Christopher T.
Good vibe there. Really enjoyed it once they moved the tables outta the way. Plethora of beer selections and the drinks were on point oh, and did I mention they have a stellar fireplace?! Cool spot!
(5)
Kathy M.
Went for lunch on 4th of July. Asked if we could sit out side. no one else was there. Got the OK. Waited for 15 minutes. No one came out to wait on us or even give us menus. My husband went in to get someone to bring us menus. Waited some more. No on came out to ask us if we wanted drinks or offer us water. Another couple came along and sat down outside. A waitress came out and started to wait on them. I signaled to her and she gave me a smart answer. I got up and as I was leaving I said the the clueless manager. I am leaving because of this smart mouth waitress and becaurse your service sucks. He looked at me like a deer in the headlights. If you are going to manage a restaurant Pal get a clue. If you want decent service and some respect with your lunch don't go here.
(1)
Alie A.
Are you asking me if I've ever had a bad time at Plough? The answer is no. Have I ever gone to Plough and NOT ended up sweating and dancing with my hair on top of my head laughing my ass off? Negative. Wild spot for Saturday nights. Give it a try..but make sure you're drunk..or in the process.
(4)
Vichet O.
Plough, oh Plough. Your patrons are attractive, but inaccessible. You're too crowded for me. The music is always bordering between alright and danceable. And the shouting. It's one thing to have to speak loudly in a club. It's another thing if I'm drinking milk all day the next day to aid my vocal cords in their recovery. On the plus side, your drinks are alright, and I appreciate your bottle list. And the snobbiness I've experienced from your other patrons is not a direct commentary on you. I just wish a slightly different crowd was attracted to you. That, or once again I'm not nearly as cool as I thought I was. You get the A-OK rating because you are actually a wonderful place to day-drink on a warm summer Saturday - that was how I should have been introduced to you first, and I never should have needed to experience your dark side. Pro-tip: If you're me, or anything like me, don't go here for a night out dancing.
(3)
Jenna S.
This wasn't the best restaurant ever, but not the worst. We walked by on our way to Market St. and decided to stop in for dinner. Kind of loud, but large enough that a lot of people can fit comfortably. The food was pretty good (I got the chicken dinner special) and reasonably priced. Good bread at the start of the meal (you get a choice) and the soda bread was homemade and worth trying. OK prices and somewhat slow service. We never decided to come back here just because the entire experience was OK. I'd recommend it more for a late night bar since it seemed to be pretty packed after 11 p.m.
(3)
Julie M.
Honestly this is all about the service. If I am at a bar and just standing around a table, I don't need a freaking server to get my drinks. I can walk up to the bar. Anyway, on Friday 01/04/14, our server Felicia was attentive but she added a nice tip on to my card at the end of the night that shouldn't have been added. I specifically left a $5.00 tip on a $28.00 bill and she added $4.00 to my card. Yes it's only $4.00 but it's the principal. Just unprofessional
(2)
Di P.
3 and 1/2 stars but per usual I always round up on everything including my bra cup size. Haters hate on this place big time because a) yes there's usually a line to get in and b) place is jammed on your typical Friday and Saturday nights. But a) I always get my sing and dance on in here and b) inevitably being a single girl I usually find a handsome guy to bat eyelashes at and practice flirting with. If the floor wasn't so sticky from the impressive amount of times people drop their Miller Lites I could maybe even do my MJ dance moves. To me, this is one of the top 5 bars that rep Old City. Since I'm settling in on the later part of my 20s I usually start somewhere sensible like Triumph but inevitably end the night here jumping up and down to Drop Kick Murphy's and spilling beer all over the kids in the tight outfits and high heels. Like I said: Haters hate.
(4)
Erik R.
The Plough is a trendy little spot downtown in the heart of it all. I only went for drinks and sat outside. So I didn't get or give the full monty. Drinks were as I expected priced to panache. But they were good and being amongst the living city is such a delight. Times slips away as you sit and gaze upward and onward into the city lights.
(3)
Richard B.
I was in town for business and met a friend who lives in Philly. Great place. Bartender was very friendly and a good laugh. Had an appetizer sampler plate which was very tasty and followed it up with sheperd's pie which was also well done. Prices were reasonable and the atmosphere was laid back. I would recommend a visit if you are in the area.
(4)
R S.
I thoroughly enjoyed a great evening at The Plough and the Stars. The food was absolutely delicious! Everybody in my group raved about the gourmet food with an authentic taste of Ireland. It is such a pleasure and a lovely surprise to eat quality Irish cuisine with a nouveau twist. Traditional brown bread and soda bread was served to the table and was a hit with everyone. The staff was very helpful, friendly and attentive. I will most definitely return to The Plough and The Stars on my next visit to Philadelphia. Highly recommended.
(5)
Sarah B.
I've only ended a few nights at Plough, so I have no idea how it is for the beginning/middle of nightlife. The end of the night. Is. Awesome. That being said, I'm usually feeling pretty good by the time I get to Plough. One of my friends or I stumble to the bar, order a round, then head to the teensy dance floor to shake it to Top40s and - wait for it - 90's HITS. The inner "Woo Girl" comes out and I find myself singing along to *N'Sync, Britney Spears (before she went all cray-cray then made her comeback), and the Backstreet Boys. I have no shame. Excellent way to end the night, every time I've been. WOO!
(4)
Denise H.
This place is too small for the location and can get packed - wouldn't recommend on weekends at night - the crowd can get rowdy and like I said, it's too small for the revelry. Happy hour is also, ear-to-ear, elbow-to-elbow. When it's cold, whenever someone opens the door, it's like a wind tunnel that you can feel throughout the place. You gotta go through the waitstaff station to get to the bathrooms. Inconvenient. On another note, I do enjoy this place during the day - it's cozy, friendly, and you can sip your Guinness by the fireplace with friends (they'll pour the best Guinness in the city). On Sundays, I think, they have live Irish jam sessions. It's especially nice at Christmas-time when they have a huge organic tree that towers to the second floor. I have only had some pub grub here - munchies that sufficed. It's far more casual for Olde City and I can say I have had some great times here.
(3)
Mansi A.
"Meh" explains it all. I'm not quite sure why we chose this place for a post-work get-together, but it wasn't the brightest idea. While the actual building and architecture of the place was pretty cool, as was the 2nd floor location that we had booked, the food was terrible. I had a house salad, the vegetarian pesto tortellini with goat cheese, and a really terrible brownie with a semi-decent creme brulee for dessert. Skip it, Philly has so much more to offer.
(2)
Ami O.
Plough is a great place especially in the summer. They have a great brunch menu (crab cakes Benedict is my fave). I've been there for dinner once and also had a great time but I like to walk up w my dog around 1 on a Sunday, grab a table outside and drink/eat and hang out. I don't recommend it for a normal bar on a fri or sat night as it seem to be more of a club than pub scene but if that's your thing i do know people who hang out there during those nights and always have a good time. A lot of local phila union players hang out there. Def worth checking out!
(4)
Stephen K.
Went for: Drinks A great place if you are looking for a dimly light room, with people having fun and dancing OR some nice high-top tables outside on 2nd. Been here a few times and have fun each time. Drinks are resonable and it has a fun environment to it. There are two levels to the place with high open ceilings. People dance through out, but there is a main section on the first floor for dancing.
(3)
Noheli T.
The Plough & The Stars was my third bar of the night so I feeling pretty happy once I got there. Even in that state I was still a bit disappointed by the whole bar. The layout is just weird and there is no good spot to dance. I was also sad to see the lack of toilet paper in the bathrooms. If I go again I'd pick his as a place to maybe start my night rather than ending it there.
(2)
Pete J.
When I was younger I was taught, "Praise in public, criticize in private". Of course with the birth of Yelp and Yelp-esque websites, that is all out the window - there is no modesty in the internet. However, as far as naming names, I like to take the old fashioned approach. If you are a fantastic server/bartender/host I WILL name you. If you suck I won't, but you know who you are and hopefully management will work out who you are. In this case HOLLY the cocktail server was fantastic! Girly and I came in on a Friday night and the place was packed. We made friends with a couple who looked liked they might be close to giving up their table and our investment paid off as they did up and leave shortly thereafter. Soon there was not any room to stand, never mind sit (and we got lots of envious looks from the standing crowd - hey make your own friends! But here was Holly and she was the only cocktail server working. We never wanted for a drink, and the food came fast. She worked the room like a pro and had the time to engage. Kudos to you.
(4)
Anthony F.
Okay food at a reasonable price. Fun little bar. Much better places to hang out in that part of Philly...go to Amada right down the street for much better food. This place is sort of a Philly institution, but feels like a spot that is past its prime.
(3)
Chad H.
Just came here from out of town and will DEFINITELY be back the next time I'm in Philly! Ordered the Guinness casserole, and it was FANTASTIC! The beef was a little dry, which was surprising, since the whole entree' is obviously slow-cooked. However, that would NOT stop me from ordering it again! The sauce was amazing, the masked potatoes were fluffy, and the side veggies were great! Rose, my server, was very attentive and friendly; and made me feel right at home! The atmosphere was fun and lively, and everyone in the place genuinely seemed to be having a good time. I'll be back!
(5)
Kiyan R.
This place is legitimately UNDERRATED! My friends and I randomly ventured in here during our travels and left highly satisfied - not a thing to criticize. We ate brunch and enjoyed the impressive ambiance, fantastic service, and delectable food. I assume the reviewers complaining about the service were either women or came on a Friday or Saturday night because my friends and I had awesome service from the beautiful waitresses! Try the brunch here on a weekend- it's definitely one of the best places in the area!
(5)
Maria A.
This place is fun on saturday nights, but in my opinion they don't have enough staff for crowded nights.
(3)
Beth E.
OMG, what a great find!! The Guiness stew is to die for!! Breads fantastic and pear salad wonderful!! Highly recommend! Waitress was the sweetest!!
(5)
May T.
Perhaps I should come here when the clock isn't striking 12 midnight and there isn't a line that's damn near touching Chestnut St. Yes, I think I'll do that next time. In any case, I've heard fantastic things about this place, therefore I waited in line with a group of friends to get in. Though the wait wasn't terribly long, I don't usually do lines and I didn't quite enjoy throwing my elbows up to get through the crowd once I got in. It was more or less a struggle to get to the 2nd level, the music was tragically soft and the temps were too warm to be comfortable and overall, I just wasn't feeling the atmosphere. I didn't get a chance to check out the drinks specials or prices before calling it quits so you know what that means! Round 2, here I come! But on a humorous note though, a couple of my friends got in a few minutes after me sans waiting in line by stating to the bouncers they were "on the list". What list? The world may never know.
(2)
Tyler T.
I came here for a Happy Hour with a bunch of my co-workers. I started the night off drinking the bartenders draft recommendation and then moved on to the Bud Light special for $3 or something. After a few drinks I started to get a littel hungry and ordered the chicken wings which were part of the happy hour special (something like 5 bucks for 5 wings or something). The wings were amazing. Without a doubt some of the best wings I have ever eaten. They were perfectly cooked and super crispy. What made them unique was the sweet buffalo sauce that they were coated in. I love regular buffalo wings, but these were amazing and went so well with the blue cheese dressing. I can see myself coming back here very soon to drink some beers and eat some incredible wings.
(4)
Jennifer S.
I love the Plough. I always end up here when I'm in Old City. It's a staple! The crowd is great, the bartenders are usually pretty fast and there is always good music playing. Highly recommended for a fun night (or day!) out in Philly.
(4)
Virginia C.
I had a warm apple cider from their happy hour menu. It was fantastic before dinner. Being from Boston, I'm a snob when it comes to Irish food/bars. However, this place is fantastic. Pros: Service Drinks/Beers on Tap Outdoor Patio Seating Great First Date Meet-up for drinks/and or you can stay for dinner. ( We only had the calamari, but the menu looked fantastic) Cons: I didn't try everything yet? Maybe, the warm apple pie drink? The cider was way better- but if you are in the mood- go for it.
(4)
Steve M.
I like this place, very crowded at the weekends. Cocktails are expensive, beer is reasonably priced. Larry the bouncer is the man, I can go there just to chat with him.
(4)
Ting N.
Everything was great. The only downfall to the restaurant would be the really loud live music. I could barely hear over my friends and we were literally 3 feet apart at most.
(4)
Jenna C.
**This review is for the nightlife only. I've been here twice - once while very drunk, and the other time - well I learned quickly that I wasn't drunk enough. I had two very different experiences - 1. While very drunk, I didn't mind the music from the mid to late 90s, which reminded of my middle school days. I also didn't mind that the DJ continued to repeat these songs over and over again throughout the night. I also didn't mind that my friends and I were harassed and grinded on by an obnoxious group of friends at a bachelor party. Or that the drinks were expensive. Or that it was packed, wall-to-wall with sweaty bodies. At least there was no cover! 2. While not drunk enough - I thought to myself, how did I have such a good time here last time? Isn't this song from when I was in 6th grade? Didn't the DJ just play it 5 songs ago? It was hot, sweaty, the crowd was obnoxious, the bar was crowded, the drinks were overpriced... My advice - come here when you are already three-sheets deep and ready to end the night with some dancing, otherwise you might leave feeling annoyed, like you wasted a perfectly good night.
(2)
Brett F.
Had a lovely little time at Plough & the Stars... this spot served as an ideal last call spot for a group that was getting increasingly rowdier and had no business being anywhere high brow. Not to say that Plough isn't 'nice'... it is, but it's one of those spots that serves a bit of multipurpose function throughout the day and sorta transforms as it goes. Lemme break it down: Plough in the a.m. = A fabu spot for brunch with friends; Mimosas, Petit Filet & Eggs, White Chocolate Cherry French Toast and generally good conversation to follow. Plough in the early p.m. = Great locale for a hungry belly after a day walking around in Old Philly. Shrimp & Calamari Salad, Crab Cake Sandwich, Fish & Chips and a happy, satiated belly to follow. Plough in the later p.m. = Your typical dinner. Nice wine. Maybe a dish of Organic Hudson Valley duck and perhaps a dessert of bread pudding, if you're lucky, to follow. Plough in the wee hours = General randomized pandemonium of the best variety, natch. Anything possible to follow. The vast space previously occupied by civilized diners now fills with a smattering of young, a handful of older, the semi-drunk and really, phenomenally inebriated. Everyone bounces and writhes to slightly cheesy but incredibly familiar singalong tunes while downing O-bombs and Snake Bites. If a stripper pole somehow managed to magically materialize it could only help to enhance the stories you'll have to tell after your night here. If you can remember it. Certainly a solid spot for imbibing, maybe next time I'll even attempt a little brunch action and keep the writhing at bay.... eh, probably not.
(4)
Andrew M.
Good food with excellent presentation. Best chicken wings, great burgers, and Irish curry. Very friendly service and clean. We were pleasantly surprised with the overall experience.
(4)
Elizabeth P.
This place is a safe place to fall back on but don't expect to have the time of your life -- unless you plan on getting trashed then I guess it doesn't really matter. You can expect the average shabang. Top 40s, average-priced drinks, packed house. HOWEVER, I am less than impressed for the following reasons: 1) their DJ plays top 40s but a lot of times, the songs he puts together are repeats. There are a few songs that the DJ seem to love to play over... and over.. and over..(e.g., Journey.......) 2) people like to come here to get trashed or something because the staff always has to come to the middle of the dance floor at some point in the night and clean up some kind of mess (broken glass, wet floor, etc) 3) sometimes it gets SO packed that you have no place to move (which can be good and bad because it shows the place gets business)
(3)
Dave W.
Went for brunch yesterday and it was quite good. I had Eggs Benedict (with lump crab meat) and when they came too hard, the server immediately took them back and brought a fresh dish, which was perfect. I should have also ordered a rasher of bacon since I love bacon with eggs - even Eggs Benedict. Other diners had omelette's (2) and Savory French Toast. Everything was good. They offer a selection of breads before and during the meal, along with Irish butter and preserves. The Irish Coffee and Wasabi Bloody Mary are killers! Don't go in thinking you are going into an authentic Irish Pub - they have a nice selection of paintings and prints along with Irish music but I've been in better pubs ( Brendan Neil's in Westlake, OH ). Both bars, upstairs and down look quite nice. Don't get me wrong - this is a great place for a relaxing brunch and you are minutes from Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, Carpenters Hall, etc. Since I'm not into the night life scene I would definitely go back to see if they can advance to 4 stars. Definitely worth a try if you are in the city.
(3)
Kelly P.
for a while there, i was a repeat offender at plough. the bar part, anyway. it was a go-to place for me and my friends to dance and drink until they kicked us out at 2am. nowadays, the place isn't my scene*, but i enjoy the random sundays with live irish music. *drunkenly giving my number to the hot barback maaaaay have led to my sudden absence those years ago. awkward**. **dont act like you've never done something like that.
(3)
K. B.
Dont know why this place has only 3 stars. The inside is really quite nice with a great fireplace and plenty of seating options. Menu is good, if maybe a little over priced. Would be a good date locale, not a realistic drinking spot.
(4)
Hoan-My H.
This place never lets me down. DJ plays really fun music (hip hop, mainstream, oldies, 90's!!) and though it wouldn't exactly be considered a club, people are still having a good time getting their groove on. Yes, it gets jam packed, but everyone seems to be happy so might as well strike up a conversation with that person awkwardly attached to your @ss. Good environment to hang out with friends, bring out of town guests, and mingle for you singles! PS: St. Patty's Day here is a BLAST!
(4)
Sarah L.
I didn't been realize that this place was a night time hangout. Damn, I'm uncool. Anyway, on a Saturday afternoon, it's all families. I love the big fireplace and I love eating lunch with a bunch of parents that prefer a pint with their meal. I can respect that. I'm a sucker for chicken curry and fries, so I approved of my meal, but everything else about the place was sort of blah. Reading other reviews and recognizing that its more of a drinking the night away place, it all sort of makes sense, but I feel like there are so many places close by with better drinks and tasty food, I don't really get why you choose this one. Maybe it's the crowd, which can make all the difference. For now, I'll give this place a solid 'ok' and wait for the magic to happen.
(3)
Chris M.
So, I don't make it out to Old City much these days as I feel that my impending 28th bday puts me at the senior citizen end of the curve for this part of the city. But, I have to admit that I had a really good time at Plough & the Stars. Things I liked: - no cover - good beer selection (try the ommegang hennepin) - non-ultra-terrible music - wedding-ish sort of playlist - crowd was cool - ranged from low- to upper-20's - good service Things I disliked: - having to crowd surf to get to the bathroom (or having to walk through the waitress station to get to the bathroom) I have to agree with a previous poster that this place definitely gets more fun in a direct correlation with your level of intoxication. It was OK when I got there and the best place ever as I was leaving. All in all, this was a good experience. But, I think the key was that we had a table. I would not have enjoyed standing around in the crowd the whole night.
(4)
Marty J.
I walked in on a super cold night and saw the most beautiful sight... A huge fireplace. Grabbed a coffee, a fish wrap, and picked at my buddy's calamari. All of it was excellent. Then, I got a craving for a milkshake, which isn't on the menu, but my waitress, Kelly, is an awesome person so my craving got filled. Will definitely stop back in!
(4)
Tabitha U.
Beautiful Irish Pub in a great walkable location to many things in Philly. We stopped in for an early lunch and irish coffee, and a beer of course. I enjoyed the fish and chips, very good well battered haddock and great fries. Great service from true Irish! Irish music and a great atmosphere!
(4)
julie m.
This place was SO fun. Food was decent. Drinks were amazing. Awesome staff.
(5)
David B.
If you like to have fun then this is your spot. Is it packed? Yes, but I suppose that's part of the appeal. Great variety of music (as others have pointed out Top 40, 80's and 90's hits), good drinks and attentive servers. Just watch out for the 'bows on the dance floor. You may end up losing your drink.
(4)
Michael P.
Wait, do I actually have to enter the bar to review it? Because for all the times I've gone to the Plough, I can't remember if I've ever stepped foot inside. Its a favorite summer friday after-work spot for some guys I worked with a decade ago, and by the time I get there, they've always snagged an outside table. If its rainy, they just usually end up somewhere else. I've heard they have some fancy imported tap system, but I don't really notice a difference in the beer. Guinness pours take long enough, and have the right head, but frequently lack the right layering of a proper pour. I've had better at some of the other Irish bars in the city. Prices are decent, and the decor is a step up. The service is friendly, but frequently slow, 20 minutes can go buy between check-ins, at least outside. Half the fun is people watching on 2nd street. Theres always a weird mix of people for the variety of bars on the block.
(3)
Natalie D.
Do you want to be groped, squeezed, creeped & gyrated on, all while being in a human sardine tin of nerds & wannabe Tony Sopranos? This is your place! Dear Jesus. Never again! I've been here several times, and each time I remember why I wanted to stab myself the time before. It is insanely packed beyond belief with all sorts of gross middle-aged/old men looking to cop a feel and hippies who haven't bathed in a week calling you vain because you care how you look. Forget getting a drink! It's what I imagine the sinking of the Titanic would've been like if you were a 3rd class passenger - a crush of sweaty, frantic bodies, only this time with some tired pop music! Forget dancing, hearing anything, or drinking. Even getting to the bathroom is a 10 minute project when it should be a quick dash, so hopefully you can hold it! They let absolutely everyone in, and I don't mean that to be snide. I mean that if a fire broke out, there would be an atrocious number of deaths. It's so bad that it spills out onto the sidewalk! The fire marshall would be none too pleased. It might be the "trendy" thing to say you're there, but trust me, as much as I like the finer things in life, this is not one of them. Give me the frat party that is Mad River any day. At least there I can get a drink, dance, pee, and be unwillingly and unwantingly groped by men closer to my age.
(1)
Rodge B.
My favorite bar in Old City mainly because of the attentive and great looking dance floor waitresses who always manage to keep up with our large beer orders. The bathroom situation leaves a lot to be desired, and the DJ can go from awful to brilliant in back to back songs. The midget stools can also take a hike as well. If you don't like crowds, don't come here. And if you're lucky, you'll see beaver on the balcony.
(5)
Hoa T.
With the right crowd this place would be awesome. But coming back now, all I feel is a little nostalgia. I loved this place in my undergrads days...it's still okay now but I guess the magic is gone. The place is super crowded on the weekends, and I have no idea how their servers can walk through the crowd with trays above their heads.
(3)
Autumn E.
So, I stopped in here twice on Saturday late night. Once was to take a group potty break, and in the bathroom I heard girls raving about how the crowd seems really cool and all. Then we came back, and I realized 2 things: the layout is awesome, and so is the music. It was too easy to find the bathroom. TOO EASY. Then, there's a balcony upstairs. HERE IS WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT THAT: Finding your freaking friends. We've all been there, and this helps you get out of that lost-in-kmart feeling. It's not huge, there aren't too many places to look. I love it. Music? You know that there are some throwbacks your gym teacher played at homecoming that you all said were so stupid but secretly you knew all the words and had to try really hard not to sing along. Well, this place does it better, and everyone sings along. These hip college folk in old city sang the following lineup: Hit Me Baby One More Time, Larger than Life, I want it that way, and.... ready for it.... MMBop. By Hanson. The rest of the night was all that usually new stuff but for half an hour there, it was the most amusing sight I've ever witnessed. It was definitely dorky and lame, but I think the crowd makes it worthwhile and charming. Now, the servers... all wear these black minidresses that seem to only be permitted one or fewer sleeves... and they tuck your credit card into their bras. Tell me that's not sexy (as long as you're not a germaphobe.) Drink specials are good, and when you walk in there's a bucket girl with the special. When we arrived it was Blue Moon 22oz for $8, later $2 Corona regulars.
(4)
Holly C.
In comparison to the other bars in Olde City around that area, it's a nicer looking bar. The bartenders were nice, and drinks were cheap, but just a few dollars more than the other bars ($17 for 3 vodka tonics/seltzers). It's pretty big, and it's never been packed the times I have gone. Then again, I usually go earlier in the evening. The crowd is a little better than some of the other places.
(3)
Kyle G.
Oh Plough, where do I start. In theory, you should be a fun and cool bar to go to, but there's always a but. Usually the but is, it gets too CROWDED. Seriously, this place turns into a touch-every-person-in-the-bar level of crowded once it strikes midnight on the weekends. I am not really into places like that I guess, maybe you are. This always leads to longer waiting for drinks and a hot atmosphere. I do like how they have the balcony and projector screen for sports, but in the end, Plough's just an occasional place for me if I'm in Old City.
(3)
C K.
**review for nightlife only** Great place to go in olde city when you have friends in town and they want to go out to the city on a weekend. Love the music there, and have been there quite a few times on a weeknight and always had a good time. It is pretty difficult to get to the bar and get drinks, though, since it's always crowded in there.
(4)
Kris C.
Keep in mind if crowds bother you and you tend to get excited with slow service when it is busy make sure to NOT come here on a Friday or Saturday afternoon/night. I was here on a Tuesday afternoon with a small to moderate crowd and the service was amazing. I did a sampling of scotch. I received quite a bit of information throughout the tasting. After about 3 of these little guys, I decided I should probably get something to eat. So I ordered their appetizer tray. The walk away from that....the HUMMUS is AMAZING! I don't know that I have had a better hummas anywhere else. They have sidewalk seating with tables only one deep; fun to people watch. I would absolutely come back to this place (just not on Friday or Saturday afternoon/evenings)
(4)
Brad P.
Their Sunday brunch is the best in the city. They had a salmon omelette special the last time I went and it was the best union of fish and eggs that I had ever had. When I have friends visit, this is the brunch place I bring them to. Their Orange juice is variable. Sometimes it is flawless and tastes like it was shipped in from Florida this morning. Sometimes it tastes like the Florida shipment was delayed a week without refrigeration before arriving.
(4)
Melissa R.
I haven't been to this place in 5 years. Why, you ask? Because I am OLD. Over 30 is apparently elderly at Plough, and I felt out of place among the inebriated youngins'. So although it is no longer my scene, I spent many a college and young adult weekend nights here, and it seems the place has not changed in the last 10 yrs. They always play good music, so no matter what decade you were born in, if you are just drunk enough, it'll be a good time.
(3)
Erin W.
Ended up here on an impromptu double-date late one night. The upstairs was closed already, so we were left having to eat from the small bar menu downstairs. And it was disgusting. There were GIZZARDS in the chicken curry. Maybe that is normal, but a little disclaimer would have been appreciated. My friend got fish & chips, which was wholly unimpressive for $12. The only redeeming quality to the meal, aside from the company, was that they served Lindemann's Lambic in an assortment of flavors. At the end, the boys split the bill on their cards, and my friend's boyfriend gave us a few bucks to cover the difference in our tabs. The waitress, who up to this point had been flaky at best, became the most attentive she'd been all evening and appeared at our table seemingly out of no where to gather the check. She started to pick up the cash my friend's boyfriend had handed to us, asking, "Is this for me?" I was so confused I ended up giving her a harsher "no" than I intended. Thumbs down.
(1)
Mike L.
3 stars sounds about right.
(3)
Tara C.
A bit pricey, but this place is really versatile. One night it's a hip Barack Obama inauguration celebration and three days later it's got some famous names in the Irish traditional music world just chilling at the bar. Since I have a foot in both of these worlds (and write about them both), I really appreciate a restaurant with the same eclectic eccentricities. The menu is refreshingly traditional and to be honest...I prefer going here alone in the morning or afternoon when I'm out on assignment. It's my favorite alone restaurant in the city, really, and a good place to sit down and go over notes. I always meet interesting people here and you'd be surprised at how many semi-famous individuals have passed through. Keep your eyes open if you know some Irish faces.
(4)
Tom W.
My wife and I enjoyed a Sunday brunch here. She ordered the Omelette du Jour and I had the Salmon Tapas. All was great, no complaints. I would be interested to see someone sitting at the tiny tables. Maybe next time.
(4)
Mallory S.
Whenever I'm in Old City and want some good food and a great Cosmo I head to The Plough. First of all, any restaurant that serves delicious pre-meal bread (the Irish Soda is my favorite) is already climbing up my good food ladder. Second, I happen to have a soft spot for Irish men with great voices and guitars. My favorite meal is definitely the NY Strip with Irish Blue Cheese butter. They have great sidewalk seating, ideal for those who love to people watch and they're a great spot to watch sports games (a TV covers almost one whole wall). Weekend nights can get really crowded and loud but the drinks are good and the bartenders are really attentive. Overall, a great place with good food, drinks, atmosphere, and live music!
(4)
Kelly D.
Every time my friends and I used to go here, after about a 1/2 hour or so into the visit, we would look at each other with puzzled faces and someone would always ask..."Why are we here again?" Thats how I would sum this place up. One thing that is always consistent is that at some point during your drop in you are guaranteed to hear "Livin' on a Prayer" or some other vag friendly cover band staple. I will say I do like the tiny stools that appear to be really awkward from afar but actually end up being pretty legit.
(1)
Christian L.
I stopped in here and though it was pretty good atmosphere. Wasn't bothered to much had a drink a bit expensive but whats to expect in ol' city. Worth Checking out.
(4)
Phil W.
I love the atmosphere of this place (the fireplace is awesome) - and the food is not bad. I have been several times over the last couple of months (for dinner or Sunday brunch, not when it's packed on a Saturday night) but no one ever seems to acknowledge that fact. A "nice to see you again" would go a long way. In fact, the staff seems incredibly aloof and terribly uninterested.
(2)
Tina C.
I think its great here! Good food, good atmosphere, great drinks! Fun time and good place to have a drink. Service isnt that good but food is!
(3)
J S.
I came here on a Saturday night around 12. I'm usually not a fan of Philly, but I loved this place! Apparently, it used to be a bank and it's really cool outside. Two rum and cokes....$13. They were okay, but I prefer a bartender with a heavy hand. But I did get a drink quickly. The crowd is pretty good, a quality mix of girls and dudes. Downstairs is more chill, and we ventured upstairs, but the temperature was 20 degrees higher up there. The music was pretty awesome, I agree with the post below about elbows...I almost lost my drink. Attire? Some people were wearing jeans, some were wearing dresses, so either goes! The bouncers were cool too. Oh also, no cover! I'd say it's a good place to check out if you're in Philly
(4)
E B.
Overpriced in Old City. Pros: -Good location -Intriguing and spacious atmosphere Cons: -Overpriced. Their cheapest mixed drink on the menu was $8 and they have no specials. -Bad crowd on a Friday night. Nearly all bachelorette parties jamming the place. -The DJ. The music was too loud and although he played good music, he kept (unsucessfully) trying to play each song with its original sampling source and hardly ever played more than 2/3 of a song. Considerations: -I didn't try the food. -Our drink waitress told us, unasked, that this is her full-time job when we gave her our first drink orders. She proceeded to remind us that when she delivered them and then would hover for more tips for all subsequent drinks. It was obnoxiously poor service. -A friend's purse was stolen, but the security team was extremely helpful and accomodating in attempting to get it back.
(2)
Sarah K.
I went to P&TS Saturday for pops with my buds. I hadn't been and about in the city for well over a year thanks to the life-style change that goes with the addition of a little baby. It was a good time. The bar tender (our Scottish friend) was engaging but not annoyingly so and I was pleased with the beer selection. I only have been drinking stouts (who knows why) since the birth of the wee one and they had SEVERAL 22ozers to choose from. Although the place was crowded we were able to secure a seat at the bar by arriving at 8pm. P&TS is one of those places in OC where people who don't go to the city often might end up (read, no hipsters.) The bar selection is trendy (and priced so) as are the people who are shopping for husbands/wives/one night stands/a night out from the 'burbs. It was fun. I'd go back.
(4)
kristy k.
Wandered in on a Sunday evening. The live Irish music was great. Food excellent and everything reasonably priced. Service was attentive and prompt. Will wander back in the Plough for sure!!
(4)
Everett R.
Dropped in at around 11pm on a Saturday night and it was really active, and had some great 70s and 80s playing. You can be really dressed up or laid back and fit in fine. They have a huge screen that they were projecting a college football game on if you wanted to watch that, plenty of people dancing on the second level. We just got some 22oz bluemoons for $7 that they were selling at the door, so didn't get a good look at the drink selection. Also, $40 min for credit cards.
(4)
Brian M.
I really want to like this place, but I just can't. My friends really like this place so I have been there a few times, always on Friday or Saturday night and my typical experience here goes something like this... I walk in and it is instantly about 30 degrees warmer than it was outside and I cannot even move. Luckily they have a girl who sells beers right at the door when you walk in pretty much so you can get a drink quickly, unfortunately that Bud Light you're about to buy will be about 5 dollars. After fighting through a crowd of drunk dancing people I usually make my way upstairs so that I can actually have a foot of space between me and the person next to me. I'll try to talk to my friends but it's one of those places where you have to scream at the top of your lungs for the person next to you to even hear what you're saying. After a few drinks I'll feel the slight need to pee which means I should probably get moving to go to the bathroom, because it's gonna take me probably 5-10 minutes to fight through the crowd just to reach the end of the line. After another 5-10 minute wait I will finally be ready to fight my way back to the bar for another drink upstairs. I usually spend the rest of my time there people watching over the balcony. I may hate this place but I will say it is the best place to people watch. I have seen people slip and fall on the dance floor, some triple kisses, I even once saw a bachelorette being "serviced" by some dudes hand, so that is at least entertaining. If you like hot, loud places where you're shoulder to shoulder with people no matter where you are in the bar then this is right up you're alley. Otherwise I would definitely pass this place up.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Dana B.
Fun times on Friday nights! Came with some friends on First Friday for dinner and the place was packed with quite a crowd, most of whom where there for the live Irish music. My friends and I snagged a table upstairs so we didn't have to shout over the music whilst in conversation with each other, but so that we could still hear it somewhat. My friend Gwen and I each settled on the crab and vegetable spring rolls, which were good, but not nearly enough to fill me up. The strip steak sure looked enticing, so I guess I'll have to come back another time and try it!
(4)Jeffrey K.
We decided to take a quick spur of the moment over-night trip with the kids to Philadelphia just before New Years Eve -- so we head down there and by the time we get down to Philly and check into the hotel it's time to feed ourselves and the kids. We asked the concierge at the hotel for a recommendation and he responded: "The Plough and The Stars". Although it is an Irish Pub type of place, he said there was food for the kids as well and we would enjoy it. So we figured . . . what the hell -- why not. F Y I . . . If you are staying down by the Convention Center, this is NOT walkable as it's on the other side of town (a few miles). Not that I have anything against walking, but when you have a kid(s) with you and it's night time, you don't want to traverse the streets of Philly that are between the two endpoints. Also, be aware that if you are going to Philly and plan on visitng the Old City area after 6PM, be prepared to pay $15+ to park if you can't find a spot on the street. Once we drove over the Old City neighborhood, we had a little trouble finding the place (but that may have been as a result of bad directions in the first place.) Once we found it, we stepped inside to what appeared to be a nice open space -- in front of you is a nice wide bar, to the left are some small tables near the fire place to sit and sip on some cocktails and there are tables on either side of the doorway and upstairs as well. When we got there the place was relatively empty (which changed later on during our meal.) The atmopshere, especially during the holiday season, was wonderful, they had a giant christmas tree (think two story tall), in a corner by the fireplace. The fireplace itself gave a great aroma to the air and the building itself was certainly late 19th century and had a wonderful charm to it. So of course my son wants to sit near the fireplace (esepcially since the tables were all reserved) -- the only "bad" part of the evening was that we had to sit at the small tables by the fireplace (on even smaller stools) -- but it was worth it because we sat right near the fire (which I too am a big fan of), and the food AND drinks were wonderful. They have this wonderful "apple pie" cocktail which combines Irish Whiskey, cream and some apple cider -- they warm it up and boy is it yummy. As promised, the place had food to delite the tastes of younger patrons (in other words my 5 y/o and 20 month old), and they had delightfully, the menu certainly has an Irish theme to it, and their dishes are full-flaovred and hearty (i.e. steak, other beef dishes, etc.) -- their salads and soup are equally tasty and the wait-staff are all delightful and regularly coming around with warm, freshly made brown bread and irish soda bread (highly recommended.) The desserts are also a nice treat. We shared the Bailey's Creme Brulee -- personally I could taste the Bailey's in the dessert, but none-the-less it was enjoyable (so was the coffee.) So go, enjoy and also remember, from what I was told, this was formerlly an old bank so the building I am certain has some interesting history to it (for you history buffs out there.)
(4)Paul W.
Consensus seems to be that Plough and the Stars is great if you want to party and get smashed. For this I like to go to places that serve me $2 Lagers so when I'm smashed I'm also not poor. Thus my two star rating. This doesn't mean I didn't have a good time there before. St. Patty's Day 2007 was an awesome marathon of drinking. They had live Irish dancers, music and some wonder kid who sang some Irish diddies. Intermittently a bar crawl would come thru, try to recruit us and then move on. We got there early and got prime seats at the bar that allowed us to keep the beer flowing and the crowd somewhat at bay. I feel bad for my two stars but with bad food, high prices, and a crowd, this isn't my hangout of choice... unless I'm trying to re-live college.
(2)Jackson B.
Nice little upscale-ish bar. While in town for a long business trip, I found that this is the bar I went to the most. I only ate there once, but drank many times. The one time I ate, the food was awesome. When drinking, the bartenders are always friendly and up for a little conversation. Every time I was there, I met fun locals who were willing to tell me all about the city and suggest places to go and things to try. A few weekend nights, this place can get pretty nuts. The crowd is mostly a preppy poser crowd -- but fun none-the-less.
(3)Ashley B.
I thought that this place was so cute and it was so beautiful inside, I went right before halloween and they had the lights up and it was a lot of fun. the staff was dressed up and entertaining! They definitely wanted everyone to get into the spirit and they did. Lots of great service and it was packed so we had to wait a while, but they had awesome music playing and everyone was friendly and in a partying mood.
(4)Linda G.
This was my second visit to The Plough and the Stars and unfortunately it wasn't nearly as good as the first. The first visit was in January 2013 and it was great! The fireplace, live Irish music, food and service all great. Stopped by this past Friday night, early, like 5:30. You know what I hate? When you approach an establishment and when you try to enter there are three to four employees standing in the doorway and they look at you like you're crazy or unwelcome. They finally stepped aside and we were able to get to the hostess and we were seated at one of the our door tables. The outdoor tables are great - comfortable, great people watching. While the service was good we had to ask about both the beer specials and the food specials, the waitress didn't mention either when she dropped off the menus and we had to wait until she came back to find out. A number of the staff continued to stand around one particular table to customers and chat and laugh throughout our time - I guess they were friends but I'm glad I don't have to pay them. The food was okay - I got the fish and chips and the mister got the sheppards pie. The food was better on our first visit. I would go again to sit outside in summer or by the fireplace in winter.
(3)Jas D.
It's open on Tuesday nights and it was one of the more packed places with outdoor seating as well. It was great to just chill with friends in the lower part of the place and there was a dancefloor upstairs. Very nice bartender and clean bathroom.
(3)Jessica A.
I've popped into Plough once or twice in the past, but finally spent more time there a few weekends ago with a bachelorette party. The place was packed, but in a really fun way. The DJ was playing good music, and the drinks were reasonably priced. We were able to find a table upstairs where we could observe everything going on downstairs. I have to say that I'd have to be in the mood for that type of bar scene, but if you're looking for a fun night out with friends, I'd recommend it.
(4)Jennifer T.
5 stars! Becasue...... 1. I don't live in Philly and have only come here with my best friend from college 2. Have gotten really drunk and hit on by many men 3. danced my drunk ass off 4. good drinks 5. Normal pricing 6. Priceless memories!
(5)Deanna J.
I've only been here once, I don't live in Philly. Was in the city and went out for Valentine's Day dinner in 2009 and it was amazing. Even though it was really crowded, we had a nice server, great little table by the fireplace and excellent food. If I lived nearby I'd be a regular. Very cool place!
(5)Kevin M.
So another night in Olde City with the Brits, it usually starts the same way drinks at the house train,cab or walk to Olde City. I usually follow the same path but i start at mcgillins to get some good drinks then i walk to market east to meet them then the aforementioned cab or walking to Olde city. Off to sugar Mom we go which means we are going to be entirely too drunk too fast lol. After about two hours there we stumble our way toward market and presumably Lucy's which i like because it has music and drinks for every type of person,but dint like because its like being Adrian Peterson just to get to the bathroom. One night we were tired of doing this and decided to stumble back to the house. (Truth be told i literally elbowed a girl in the nose in an effort to get to the bathroom,so lets assume i was in more of a hurry to leave then everyone else lol). Now i assume the Brits had been there before because they made a beeline to the door. I had walked past this place a hundred times...i swore it was a restaurant (it is) We got into the place and you can literally feel the energy from the spacious two floor building Its always packed to capacity and i sweat through my shirt which if you know me isn't hard. The bar stretches out pretty far and they have great bartenders. So great that when i left my card they let me in after closing to get my card that i had to walk back to from 10th to get. The music is great because it plays everything for everyone. This particular night the first 5 songs were Drake,Billy Joel,Blur, Daft Punk and i think Sting. Though when you are drunk Sting's mumbles sound like a person speaking Chinese with a lisp so it could have been anything lol. But it was awesome and The Plough & The Stars became my end of the night place every time i went to Olde City. Great Drinks and setup BUT MY ONLY REGRET is that i have yet to eat there which i plan on change ASAP. It get really poppin around 12 ish because the restaurant crowded has changed into the party crowd. Enjoy!
(5)Kevin C.
Watched the world cup final here and just getting around to reviewing this place. Given how absolutely packed the place was that day, service was still really good. The food was also prepared well and was well received by three weary Philadelphia tourists. I'd definitely go back. Great pub.
(3)Jason A.
So you've pregamed at a friend's house, had a few shots at the local dive, 17 beers and 3 more shots at your regular bar and had minimal luck at the meeting people game. All you want to do now is "dance", and when I say dance I mean crash into other drunk people, hoping to capitalize on that golden convergence of intoxication and desperation that happens between 12:45 and 1:30. You settle on a 42 year old cougar from Jersey. One star is better than none, right?
(1)Megan D.
FYI - I have been back twice now and both times I was in fact heavily intoxicated...I still give it one star!
(1)Kimberly H.
Plough & the Stars was this season's pick for Restaurant Week. If this were a fantasy foot ball team, I'd be right at the middle of the pack. The interior is beautiful, a two story room with a balcony used for dinner with high windows, crown molding and plaster details all around. The outside seating area has high top tables and chairs with umbrellas, and, even though you line the sidewalk, are set back enough that you don't feel in the middle of 2nd St. foot traffic. When we arrived, the music was a tape of traditional Irish folk music, but by the time we finished the DJ had come in and was playing some really annoying 90's pop music (read: C&C music factory). Supposedly they have live Irish folk music on some nights... The service was great, the hostess seated us right away, and our waitress was super attentive and offered both solicited and unsolicited suggestions from their special RW menu. Both food and drink came very quickly. Unfortunately, we were seated on the upper level right outside the kitchen; we had bags of trash walked by us, huge trays of dishes (one clinked and I got some old-meal juice in my hair), and the entire restaurant staff paraded by us continually. Normally, especially during RW, I wouldn't be as annoyed by this, but the rest of the balcony was empty save one table of 8 on the other end. The food was also spotty, my monk fish and scallops meal was pretty darn salty, something echoed by the server after the fact and some friends who've eaten there previously. BUT, the scallops were done perfectly with a nice seared crust and not over cooked. The accompanying corn salsa was super yummy, helped to cut some of the saltiness, and was a really interesting texture and taste difference with the fish. The boyfriend's steak was amazingly yummy, though the menu said it came with a bleu cheese sauce of some kind which neither of us could see. Our appetizers (spring rolls and their avocado mousse) were pretty to look at, but very tasteless. Desert was amazing: A sampler plate of chocolate truffle, creme brulee and a fruit filo thingy that were all to die for. Great beer selection, okay wine selection (for the non-wino) and an okay short order menu would make me more likely to return for happy hour or the last stop an old city drinking tour.
(3)Art S.
Russ said it best. This is a default bar. I used to work in a restaurant on 3rd St, and by the time I'd get out, there weren't many options for my hungry belly. But Plough always served food until late, so I could run over there and sit outside and scarf down one of their burgers, which I actually think are really good. And then I started to become friends with the cute girls on the waitstaff. And then I started going there less often for the burger, and more often for the flirting with the girls who were serving me my burger. And once you start to get preferential treatment from the waitstaff and bartenders, I don't care how much the bar sucks, you're going to go there. That's just the way life works. So, yeah, this place can get crowded. And kind of annoying. But I don't think this place is awful. If you can get a seat outside it's great, actually.
(3)Sara L.
This is great spot to have some beers at an outdoor table and people watch in the warm months. The inside is also beautiful, with high ceilings and a nice fireplace in front of which a circle performs Irish music on Sundays. I go mainly for drinking, as my few forays into their menu have been a little pricey and not that great. The exception is their Irish breakfast (served on weekends), which even impressed my County Cork-born mother.
(3)Chinita A.
Okay so my friends and I have trashed and owned this place at the same time because everytime we go, every guy (including the staff) thinks we are lesbians! LOL! and nooo we did not kiss on the dance floor either. They actually think we are lesbians. But aside from that, Plough is one of those places in Philly you can go to to get completely trashed and meet douchebags from NJ. So if you are looking forward to running into douchebags and dancing all night long, then this IS the place for you!
(3)Jed S.
Solid steak and eggs.
(3)James M.
I went on a weeknight when it was not so crowded. Plenty of places to sit and eat. Not so noisy. I had the steak frite which was actually quite tasty. I also had a hoegaarden and the weiss beer. Both pretty good. I hear this place gets noisy and crowded on the weekends and I can see it being a pain in the arse. The service was also SUPER slow, even on a an uncrowded weeknight. But if you want a decent place to grab a beer and bar food after work, I would come back here for sure, especially if there is no crowd.
(3)jennifer F.
Why am I reviewing this?? So you don't make the same mistake I did. What dumbass orders tapas at an Irish bar? The one who hates potatoes...me.... Yes, resist the temptation of ordering the tapas plate; it's the equivalent of jarred olives and stale pita bread. When it says known for Irish fare, stick to the obvious, potatoes. I actually felt bad when the waitress noticed I didn't eat anything on my plate and when she asked how it was, I told her it was awful. I'm sure she wanted to smack me upside the head and I deserved it. She offered to take it off the bill but I knew it was my fault and paid for the gruel. 3 stars becaue the waitress was nice.
(3)Caitlin C.
I was never impressed with the food here. If you come, it should be for lunch (or just drinks) and in the warmer weather so you can sit outside (they have a great Old City location). Dinner menu is trying hard to be a force to be reckoned with but there is no talent in the kitchen. For lunch grab their spinach salad with poached pears, walnuts and blue cheese. And make sure you get their fries with horseradish sauce.
(2)George R.
This bar is now smoke free, but the noise remains. I like to think of this bar as a place that you go to FIRST before heading out in Old City. The Lager is a reasonable price and they know how to draw Guinness Properly. Their liquor selection is also fine and they have competent bartenders. If you get in early, the host or another staff person is always around to ask if you want to check your coat (for FREE). From the menu, the fries are great and I'm sure that the rest of the bar menu is great too. If you actually want to sit down and eat, they have a larger menu and tables to sit at... if you can find one. This place is warm, and there are fire places, and if you want to watch 'the game' (whatever that may be for the night), they have a long-throw HD projector that shows video on a 15' space on the wall. When I get here at around 9 PM, the place is basically empty. You get drinks, have a seat at the bar or at a bar table and start a tab with a server. Then you let the crowd grow. By 11 PM you can't hear the person next to you. And that's when you leave.
(4)Justine D.
This felt like a college bar. It got wayyyy to crowded, BUT it did have coat check. Music could be better. I don't have much else to compare it to in Philly though since I was just on Vacay.
(2)Brad D.
I used to come here often with friends for drinks but lately it has kind of lost its way. The last time I came here the downstairs was dirty and there was only one bartender, not a good setup for a busy night. The plough still gets a good crowd, and they do have some good food if you are there early enough. Its worth checking out simply because it's so close to a dozen other bars that you're not stranded there.
(3)Dominic C.
Very nice decor and layout - that said, this place reeks of douchebaggery on the weekends. Loud DJ playing the same songs you've heard at pseudo clubs for the last decade and a half, drunk sorority girls, bachelor parties, etc. Maybe I've only been there on bad nights or something but I'm not sure I want to go back.
(2)Kevin M.
This place is a good time based on your level of intoxication. The more you've had to drink, the more fun it is. The music is good and the clientele is fun. It's incredibly packed on the weekends, but a few drinks will make you forget about that. Sunday nights are great too. There's live Irish music from 5-9 pm. Good food. The service is great on non-weekend nights, but it takes forever to get a drink on Fridays and Saturdays.
(4)Samantha M.
This review reflects the experience that I had, but I have heard better. I went with my friend, on a friday night before New Year's eve, and we were really hoping for some dancing. She had had a great time there before. Sadly, no one was dancing so we left. I would go back though on a Saturday night and see what the deal is.
(2)Anna Y.
I prefer this place on weekdays only. It's less crowded and they usually have a few good beers at happy hour prices. There's more of a mixed crowd during the week- young, old, families with kids. Service has always been good. On weekends, however, this place turns into the typical Old City club atmosphere. Lots of young drunk kids. Most from the burbs or NJ. It's very loud and crowded, you can't walk without dancing drunk girls falling into you, and there's a long wait for drinks. The outside seating is nice when it's warm outside.
(4)Damon B.
For God's sake, if I order an eggs benedict poached that means the yolk should be runny. My biggest breakfast pet peeve is when the eggs on a benny are overcooked, and P & S twisted that knife. On another note, they make damn fine bloody marys (Cajun, Wasabi, and regular--oh yeah, that's how I roll). Good atmosphere, and actually a good spot for late night drinks--lots of eye candy.
(3)Ti L.
PACKED on the weekends... with little room to move on occasion. Music is hit or miss. Went there for NYE and had a good time. late 20's/early 30's crowd. No cover, so its a great place to stop by to check out. As for the restaurant, the food was okay, nothing memorable.
(3)Maggie G.
Good things first: The fries are good. Bad things: The Service is close to incompetent. My boyfriend and I went to the Plough on a Sunday night for drinks. Our first question was "Can we get a table?" Pretty reasonable question, right? The response was "Umm, we're not serving food any more but you can stand at that table by the bar." So we stood at a bar table for a while and then realized that A: they were still serving the bar menu and the B: there were plenty of empty tables with service. So, we asked again, got a bar menu, ordered fries (which arrived 20 minutes later) were still told that it would be "difficult" to seat us at a table. Dumbest service in the world. If we had been invited to one of the many available tables, we would have likely stayed for a while and ordered a lot. Oh well. Sucks for them. After leaving, we headed over to Eulogy for a much friendly experience with better food and beer as well.
(2)Winston C.
How many Irish pubs can this town have that lack character??? Same 20-something bachelorette party throwing crowd as the Irish Pub, only difference is they seem to pay a little more for their drinks.
(1)Lindsay H.
I hate this place as a bar (I've never been to eat). I've been three times, and each time the place was so crowded that I couldn't move. You can barely get to the bar, ordering drinks takes forever, the crowd is generally lame (lots of skeazy guys staring at barely dressed girls dancing like strippers). I also hate the music - they'll play 5 or 6 songs from the '50s, then the '80s, then the '90s, then modern, then repeat. I have never had a good time at this place - I leave irritated, frustrated, claustrophobic, sweaty and not drunk.
(1)Chelsea B.
Great service and very friendly staff! Food and drinks were delicious, especially the lemonades they have with various vodkas. Very cool space as well :-)
(4)Blue C.
My favorite place to go out in Philadelphia. The music can be from 70s to now. The crowd is always great. The snakebite was my favorite drink.
(5)Sara Y.
My boyfriend and I came to Plough & The Stars for restaurant week and were not disappointed. The pre-set menu had some excellent, diverse selections. We ended up with a warm tomato salad, duck puff pastries, crab stuffed salmon, and pork tenderloin. The meats melted in our mouths and had lots of flavour, while the puff pastry was perfectly crisp with a fluffy interior- the duck mixture did not make it soggy, since it was brought out promptly. I didn't get to try the tomato since my boyfriend wouldn't share, so I assume it was good. Dessert was a little plate that sported a mini creme brulee and a chocolate ganache in a chocolate bowl. A huge glob of fresh whipped cream was served with it. The creme brulee was torched to perfection, and the chocolate was so rich and dense that the cream was a welcome addition. The feint of heart may not like the chocolate as much as I did, however. Plough has a decent selection of local beers, but their cocktail menu was more impressive. Interesting things I had never seen before. I asked the waitress to "surprise me" by choosing one of their three irish coffees. The one she brought me, covered with thick whipped cream, was divine. It was a perfect way to finish the evening.
(5)Sara P.
My friends will be surprised to see me eating here at an Irish pub. But when it's restaurant week and they're serving vegan food, I gotta get involved. This was amazing. We had an artichoke appetizer that was rich in garlic and sauce that was excellent over the slice of toast. The salad of fruit and greens (did the chef read my diary?) Was sweet and spicy but not too much of either. Seiten steaks that tasted more steak than well any steak with a lovely just perfect steak sauce. Best of all for this veggie lover was the grilled potatoes, sweet potaoes, and green beans slathered in rosemary.
(5)Tina G.
This was really a phenomenal experience in all respects. Some friends and I went during Restaurant Week for the vegan dishes, and we were so impressed! The food was delicious--my first course was the pear salad which was well balanced between tangy and sweet. The candied pears added a nice touch. My mahi mahi wasn't as tender as I had expected, but the couscous accompanying it showcased a perfect blend of spices. I could have used some more vegetables though. I opted for the vegan dessert, and the creme brulee was just like real thing--sweet and creamy and decadent. The chocolate cup with lavender cream looked as delicate as it tasted. What made Plough & Stars really stand out, however, was the service. I got an early reservation, but my party didn't start arriving until well into an hour after I was seated. The waitress was kind and patient enough to let me wait at the table, and I didn't feel like she was rushing me at all. Once everyone had arrived, orders were taken quickly and efficiently, and the food came immediately after. To top the night off, my friend had chosen not to order from the Restaurant Week menu, but when everyone else was receiving their desserts, the waitress was so wonderful and considerate and brought out a dessert plate for her--for free! The ambiance is laid back, but classy. There's a nice foyer area upstairs where I would love to be seated next time, as I'm sure I'll be coming again!
(5)Louis L.
We were part of a meetup group this afternoon with all of the vegan food prepared by Chef Lenka Zivkovic - fantastic!! Amazing flavor combinations, incredible presentation and a great venue! Hope they'll add some of these choices to the regular menu - we'd definitely return!
(5)Tom M.
Based on my five-course vegan prix-fixe dinner there, 5 stars easily. One minor note: at dinnertime, please do not air local news on your TVs. Violence and kidnapping stories are not what I need to watch as I sit down to dinner. Fortunately, I went with two friends on a nice May day and we were able to avoid the local news by sitting outdoors. Some highlights of a great meal: Tomato gazpacho: Lisa Simpson's favorite bbbq party food was perfect. Just right. The nacho chips served with it were the perfect finishing touch. Vegan quesadillas: very good. Oddly Thanksgiving-like. I really liked the guacamole that came with it. The chef raised the game with that. The three components of the dinner course were great. Spaghetti squash with a delicious peanut sauce. Savory Sheperd's pie. Topped off with an excellent vegan crab cake. Crab cakes are clearly better vegan, why on Earth are we still killing crabs? For dessert, I had the avocado lime cheesecake. It was great though I preferred the chocolate cheesecake my friend let me try from her plate. The vegan prix-fixe meal at Plough and the Stars is now firmly entrnched on the Philly must-do list.
(5)Lia B.
Came here for a vegan dinner and I was totally impressed! Everything from the fancy toast to the amazing dessert was absolutely delicious! The vegan creme brûlée was hands down the most delicious item! Haven't had that for 18 years - since I've been vegan! What's crazy is that this is the type of place you wouldn't think had such TREMENDOUS and high quality vegan options! This was truly five star dining at three star prices! I can't wait to go back!!
(5)Dana N.
The friendliest bar in the city of brotherly love. The bartenders are friendly and your glass will never be empty (unless you want it to be empty). The groups of regular costumers that sit at the bar are very cool, too. They had a traditional Irish brunch last Sunday complete with blood pudding and brown bread.
(5)Adam B.
I am basing this 5 star vote on the vegan dishes from restaurant week 2015. Chef Lenka Zivkovic is a master! Amazing flavors bursted from every bite from this 3 course dinner. From the spinach summer salad, that was addicting and delicious, to the vegan crème brûlée which made love to my tastebuds. The braised seitan was nothing short of phenomenal. To describe this dinner with justice I would have to write an epic poem. I will absolutely be back to try their non-special vegan dishes. I'm sure they will not let me down!
(5)Gina B.
What an awesome place with awesome food! 4 of us dined here and we all loved our meals equally. I had the Guinness Casserole which was Cubes of Beef Slowly Braised with Guinness, Pearl Onions & Carrots with Mashed Potatoes. It was delicious. The service was tops. Happy people with happy attitudes! The atmosphere was "hip" and elegant at the same time. What more can you ask for?
(5)Smrithi D.
Ate here for a business lunch with my team. We already had reservations and they even printed a custom menu card for us. We had the choice between 1 app, 1 entree, and a dessert assortment. I close the tomato and more tells salad which was pretty good but more of an appetizer than a salad since it came with pita bread on the side and not many greens. I went with the vegetarian pasta for lunch, tortellini with mushroom and lots of veggies. It was pretty good and definitely a giant portion but nothing too exceptional. The dessert was the best part- the creme brûlée was phenomenal! It also came with a small chocolate raspberry moose that was too rich for my palette. The service was good but the waiters would forget who ordered what dish and it took a very long time for my salad to arrive. It could have been organized better. Overall good team lunch! I would come back here for a happy hour.
(3)Laura Jill S.
Five stars for the vegan prix fixe menu. Amazing food, phenomenal service, and Chef Lenka came out to talk to us and gave us vegan creme brulee. VEGAN. CREME. BRULEE. Twice a month on Thursdays is the vegan prix fixe chef's tasting menu. Four courses. Each better than the last. Bargain price of $35. I highly recommend this. I've never been to The Plough & The Stars for any other reason or on any other night. From what I understand, like most joints in Old City, it's probably not my scene on the weekend. But it will definitely be part of our monthly rotation for our vegan girls nights.
(5)Herbie H.
In my previous review, I enjoyed my lunch perfectly fine. I stopped by for Brunch this past Saturday and had an excellent experience, and thought it necessary to update the review to reflect my experience. We got there 10 minutes after they opened (10:30am) and were seated beneath one of the huge windows, pouring in natural light. There was a fire going in the fireplace (or, continually starting/stopping) and the whole mood/ambience was really quiet, casual, and relaxing. I am usually pretty decisive when it comes to brunch, but had a hard time deciding. There were a number of options on the brunch menu that looked great (full irish breakfast, chicken hash potatoes) and some daily specials that also sounded good (omelet with bacon and onions, lamb burger.) I finally decided on the Vegetable Frittata of the day: with roasted zucchini, onions, asparagus, peppers, and Brie. It was a great choice and perfectly cooked/assembled. The vegetables had a nice roasted quality to them with some charred bits, and the Brie melted into the frittata beautifully. The side of mixed greens and roasted potatoes were a nice touch. The portions of the sides were on the small side, but the frittata itself was a nice size. I was thrilled with my meal. My boyfriend ordered the "savory french toast" which he also really enjoyed. The french toast was perfectly crispy and tender, and all of the fixings (eggs, sausage, bacon) were generous in portion size. Prices were on the normal/low side for brunches in the city (especially Old City). Our server was really friendly, answered questions for us, and hooked us up with another slice of their delicious homemade breads (seriously delicious.) The manager (or, who I can assume was the manager) stopped by to ask how everything was. She stopped by another table as well to check in. She seemed to really care how her customers were enjoying their meal.
(5)Brad T.
Why am I giving this place one star? I signed up for a bar crawl in Philly on July 3rd, something I never do but I thought why not. The Plough & The Stars was one of the bars that was part of the crawl. Of course, they went against their word and would not honor the specials that were included with the bar crawl registration. To make matters worse, their bartenders and managers were very unprofessional. Now I rarely write reviews on Yelp anymore, but this experience stood out as such an awful display of customer service I felt compelled to share it with the world. I recommend taking your money elsewhere.
(1)Tricia F.
This Irish Pub is located on 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut. It was once the Money Exchange building. Beautiful high ornate decorated ceilings ~ wood stairs leading up to the balcony tables. Prices weren't bad! Fish and Chips for 3 of us and the hubster ordered Shepard's Pie. His words: "Rate this pie a 5!" Although the pie was a 5 the Fish and Chips didn't stack up to that rating. Fries were great ~ while the fish seemed a bit greasy and the coating kept falling off.
(4)Jim B.
You be hard pressed to find a better bar in Old City then "The Plough". Imagine the gravity of that statement... I'm talking about a town that prides itself on fiery sports passion fueled by drunken stupors, greasy late night food covered in cheese whiz and of course, Ben Franklin (the town drunk turned scientist, diplomat, Founding Father of our country and printer), and The Plough is among the best booze slinging watering holes washing away Philly's historic and unquenchable desire for spirits. Best of all, unlike most Center City or Old City bars that are geared towards men and barely stomach-able by women, The Plough has an even balance that both sexes can mutually enjoy. LADIES: The Plough offers you breathtaking decor and elegant ambiance, with a quiet and respectable environment you'll truly enjoy. The Plough teems with good people, fine drinks and decadent bites and is the perfect place to gain a friendship, celebrate a milestone or meet that significant other of your dreams that you can cozy up with next to the comfortable glow of wood burning fireplace. MEN: Beer is good. Fire is warm. We like fire and beer. I actually had an occasion at this bar once where a couple buddies of mine had a little too much fun and wound up heading across the street to a tattoo parlor where they each got Misfit tattoos. True story.
(5)Rick B.
I need to emphasize that this review is based solely on my weekend experiences here. Unfortunately, the handful of times I've been to Plough have all been on Saturday nights, when they forfeit their identity as an Irish pub for a money-making nightclub catering to Suburbia's youths. I don't mean to sound old and boring, but after reading many of Plough's past reviews, it seems they have so much more to offer, and the Saturday night scene should NOT be the face of their business. That being said, I see an updated review of Plough in my future. The building itself is great, a historical structure converted to an Irish pub that remains consistent with much of Olde City's architecture. Large windows, high ceilings, and a balcony give Plough a unique appearance. The building seems as high, if not higher, as it is wide. It seems like a good setup for some occasions. Horrible for others. On the weekends, Plough lends itself as a relatively cheap (no cover) destination for people looking to dance and have a good time, amongst the bars on the 2nd Street strip between Market and Chestnut. The only problem, as stated above, is the lack of space to do so. Plough is the go to spot for crowded (lack of) dance floors, impossibly attainable drinks, and foul odors. It seems like Plough is the monopoly of these types of bars, especially since the passing of Lucy's Hat Shop (RIP). Plough owes a huge thank you to fellow Yelpers for keeping their rating at an almost-4-star by reviewing their positive attributes; brunch, dinner, afternoon specials, Sunday Irish music(!). I'd hate for people, such as myself, to never return because of a few lackluster experiences. I wish really Plough wouldn't sell out on the weekends to fit in with the surrounding bars and clubs, but I suppose that's what it takes to stay competitive. My advice, to reiterate several past reviews, is to plan your visit accordingly. Depending on the time of day and the day itself, it seems like there is something at Plough for everyone.
(2)Janeilla T.
Oh how I love this place, food is amazing,service is amazing. I mean what else can a girl ask for? Definitely 5 stars. I will eat here everyday if could.
(5)Geeta A.
My fiance and I come here every time we're in town. The duck breast and the lamb chops are our favorite. Both are tender and flavorful. Excellent service. On one recent trip, our meat was cooked well instead of medium rare. We mentioned it to our waitress, who acknowledged that it was overcooked, took it back, and brought two new plates. The manager bought us a round of drinks in apology. Very well handled. The only thing I would chance is improve their beer selection. It has standard macrobrews from around the world, but Philly is a beer city, and they could have more on tap.
(4)Jessie H.
This place is very similar to national mechanics except it is less packed. Drinks are the same price but there wasn't a dance floor when I went there. It's pretty easy to get a table with a group of friends on the weekend. Good place to hang out and chat. They play what you normally hear on the radio. This rating is based on my nightlife experience not the food.
(4)Marlyn V.
This is merely a review for the nightlife. I somehow always end up here when bar hopping in Old City. It's never too packed inside, and the music is an array of 90's to top 40. They pour a decent drink and you easily find seats if necessary. They have tons of tables outside for when the weather is nice and you want to do some serious people watching, I actually think this is what always attracts me and then I end up just staying indoors because I forget to put my name in for a table. I would recommend coming here if you're with a big group or even an older crowd, because the music isn't too loud and the bar is never too packed so you can easily get a drink. Also a decent date spot, to grab a drink after dinner or something because of the same qualities.
(3)Gregory H.
This is a spot that is exactly what it says on the label. It's an Irish-American pub with some interesting specials. Service is fine and the food is quite good! Not cheap enough to be a regular hangout, but not quite special enough for a special occasion. It is, however, still a tasty option.
(3)Emily S.
This place was fantastic!! When I was there with my husband it happened to be a special menu for restaurant week, so we tried the 3 course menu. Everything we had was incredible!! It was so good we returned for another dinner even though we were only in the city for 3 nights and usually try new places. We especially liked the lamb, it was cooked to perfection! The guinness casserole was also really great. The drinks were also really amazing-- one drink tasted just like apple pie... I really wish there was a Plough & Stars near Boston so I could eat there often!! We sat in a room that had a fireplace and dim lighting and just loved the atmosphere. Dining here is one of our favorite memories from our weekend away in Philadelphia!
(5)Gino C.
Chef Lenka has put together an amazing vegan pre-fix menu that serves four courses of heaven, every other Thursday.
(5)Jake S.
I came here for lunch today with my entire work team. They had a special menu printed out specifically for us, with a few options at each course of a 3 course meal. I started with a tomato-blue cheese soup which was excellent. I followed it up with fish and chips, which was average at best. It consisted mostly of the fried part of the fried fish :/ The meal finished off with a crème brullee which was delicious.
(4)Sydni C.
Great atmosphere. We sat outside and really enjoyed it. Got the tenders and calamari, both were really good. I'd come back any weekend. Thought the sever was going to ignore us but actually was really attentive.
(5)Mark V.
One of my favors when in the area drinks are are delicious and food is great. The tall busboy with the strawberry blonde hair is hilarious
(5)Kate U.
Had the most delightful vegan prix fixe dining experience served by chef Lenka Zivkovic. An absolutely delicious 4 course dinner available every other Thursday at Plough & The Stars. We enjoyed a rich cauliflower bisque (hearty portion!) followed by a unique artichoke/hearts of palm parfait & a very clean arugula salad. The third courses were utterly breathtaking and equally delicious! Grilled polenta with a lentil/walnut pate, portabello with quinoa & asparagus plus an artichoke rose that was sooo good, pasta orecchiette with a topping that mimicked bacon! The portions were hearty and all plates paired exceptionally well together. Then... the desserts came. You must try these vegan cakes. Immediately. The chocolate raspberry cream cake deserves a gold medal. It was so rich and mouth watering. The avocado lime cheesecake will blow your socks off. And both were raw dishes! Truly impressed. Our waiter, Josh, was the nicest. Extremely friendly and knowledgeable when it came to the menu. We're so happy he told us about the prix fixe! The Greater Philadelphia Area vegan community is slowly catching wind of these incredible plates, so definitely book a table in advance!!
(5)Mehrnoush S.
Absolutely one of my favorite places in Philly. Everything is pleasant but I'm totally mesmerized by the live Irish music. The minute I strip in, I feel like being on a different place, possibly Ireland! I gave it 4 because I feel like their menu is a bit overpriced. No cheap options to chose from. Food is good overall. I don't have any favorite though. But, if you are a lager person, certainly get the Harp. My favorite.
(4)Ashleigh S.
Great location, great building and decor, but honestly the bartenders who were working when I went were the rudest. I walked up to the bar and was basically yelled at for nothing. I understand there were a lot of people and it was crowded but that level of animosity was unnecessary and unappreciated.
(1)T W.
Great restaurant and atmosphere, really comfortable and cute. I loved the outdoor part, but it was too full when I got there. Very sad because the majority of my food was mediocre. The calamari off the bar menu was actually pretty good, but the next things I ate weren't good at all. The seafood chowder was extremely watery and not thick at all, which wasn't a good look. On top of that I got the buffalo tenders and they weren't spicy at all, they were actually pretty sweet it was strange. My service was pretty good though, and they were nice!
(2)Danielle G.
Fantastic location in Old City, located on the corner of Chestnut and 2nd. Great pub food, great drinks. We sat outside to people watch, I had fish and chips, hubby had Shrimp and Calamari Salad, kids shared burger and fries. Great prices for the location in Philadelphia and staff was super friendly. Two thumbs up!
(5)L J.
Chef Lenka Zivkovic's vegan menu is healthy, tasty, and delightful.
(5)Susan L.
Chef Lenka prepared an amazing variety of Vegan food for our vegan pledge group. Everything was amazing and obviously made with her love of cooking. We will definitely go back as long as we know she will be there to prepare vegan options for us.
(5)Meredith C.
Chef Lenka is the best! Her food is amazing and she takes so much pride in her work. For a special vegan meetup event, she prepared a bunch of small plates which were equally delicious. It's hard to pick a favorite, but the buffalo "shrimp," vegan crabcake, and a mushroom dish stood out. The creme brûlée was also out of this world- better than any I had before going vegan. Not only is Chef Lenka extremely talented but she has so much enthusiasm and is one of the sweetest and friendliest people I've met! The restaurant is lucky to have her!
(5)Natalie L.
Everything is always great about this, and most importantly so are my bloody Mary's! But, besides that service is always great, and there's a super funny bus boy that is always helping out. Great for brunch, lunch, or dinner!
(4)Sean M.
Meh, wasn't impressed with anything about this place. Decent priced drinks. Place was very loud and everyone's conversation was echoing loudly through the bar. The decor was very girlish, probably why it was filled with girls. Seems more like a bar for professionals then your average Philly drinking crowd.
(2)Mary O.
Great place!!! So many times, bars come in 2 flavors-the "icky" dark closet like bar and the youth group bar. This bar is absolutely perfect!!! Friendly. Clean. Good food. Very well made drinks. Nice staff. What a real bar is supposed to be!!!
(5)James T.
We dined this past Thursday at The Plough & The Stars for the vegan prix-fixe menu after seeing the philly.com writeup that very day! We weren't sure what to expect but after we looked at the menu we knew we were in store for a great dining experience! The taste, flavor and presentation are second to none! Chef Lenka stopped by as we were wrapping up dinner. We couldn't contain our enjoyment and told her how much we loved ALL the dishes. You can sense the joy and excitement that Chef Lenka has in creating these vegan dishes. Just as we were about to settle up, Chef Lenka stopped by again and gave us vegan creme brulee! How awesome is that! Big shout out to our waiter, Josh, for providing us friendly wonderful service and adding to the already wonderful dining experience! The city of Philadelphia is really lucky to have The Plough & The Stars as a great addition to an ever expanding vegan scene. This special takes place every other Thursday for $35. Guess where I'm gonna be two Thursdays from now?
(5)Sonia P.
The name of this pub was the first thing that caught my eye - sounds so poetic! Ducked into this bar on a Saturday afternoon for a casual drink - really cool pub! Our group of 4 grabbed a table right next to their gorgeous fireplace - you truly feel right at home. As for drinks, we kept things simple with Crabbie's Ginger Beer and Magners Cider; lots of beef varieties on tap so you're bound to find something you like. Interior space is gorgeous with lots of bar stools and booths - kind of reminds me of the interior of a bank (maybe it was one in the past...?). There's also seating outside which would be perfect on a gorgeous day. Definitely check this place out for afternoon drinks when you're in Philly.
(3)Janine T.
Great place for Brunch!! The food and the atmosphere were wonderful! I wish I lived closer to Philly - I'd come here on a regular basis. My goat cheese and fruit salad was amazing as was the homemade Irish soda bread- it was probably the BEST soda bread I've ever had. This was a wonderful pub to visit- goodfood, great service, and the atmosphere were perfect! I'll be back next time I'm in Philly!
(5)Jason S.
Came in on our day off and they were offering brunch for Columbus Day, I've been here several times to drink but never ate. Pleasantly surprised. Inside was decorated for Halloween and looked great. Staff was very welcoming and helpful, they were not open for food service yet but we're happy to seat us and get us cocktails. Hot Apple Pie drink was delicious, the whipped cream was similar to a cheese danish sweet cream cheese filling, if you like cheese danish and apple pie definitely order this. Also had a Southern Tier Pumking beer. For brunch I had the Chicken Hash with poached eggs. If you like a good breakfast scramble I highly recommend, chipotle hollandaise was a great accompany to the potatoes chicken and veggies. Girlfriend got the omelet du jour which was goat cheese, spinach, and heirloom tomatoes and it was also very good. Started the meal with a soup: Seafood Chowder. Waitress described it as "fishy with a lot of seafood"....I was nervous based on that but gave it a whirl...Awesome Gamble! She should have described it as a "Glorified New England Clam Chowder!" If you like Clam chowder I absolutely recommend it as a starter. We will be back to eat...and drink! For sure.
(4)Eric V.
My favorite bar in Philly. I used to frequent this spot many years ago when I was in town for a few months on business. My routine was sake bombers at the bar at Buddakan around the corner then off to 'The Plough.' This place is about as unpretentious as it gets. Unbelievably packed, good crowd (exceptional people watching), and an outstanding rotation of the cheesiest of played out tunes that drives the masses to dance wherever they stand (there is no dance floor, per se) and shout out the lyrics to Bon Jovi, Journey, Britney Spears, Dexy's Midnight Runners, House of Pain, Shaggy, (just recalling many of the songs I heard last night) and the likes. It's conveniently located on busy 2nd St which provides a multitude of nightlife options (although I've never once broken from my Buddakan/Plough routine).
(5)Rory K.
I've always loved Old City, and Plough has always been one of my favorite Irish pubs. However, I can't say I had ever tried the food, and oh boy, am I sorry I did. My girlfriend and I went for happy hour, really just intending on having a few drinks. After a couple of rounds we decided we should eat something. Ordered the seafood soup, which was brought out as chicken tortilla. No big deal, we sent it back and got it corrected. The soup itself was pretty bland, but not terrible. What was terrible, and what prompted me to write this, was the crab and vegetable spring rolls. If these abominations weren't pulled from the freezer and fried, I would be shocked. They were fishy, flavorless, and just plain awful. I would say, go for the drinks and atmosphere, and at the very least never order the spring rolls.
(2)David H.
Good place to go for beer and pub food. We were there for a birthday party which was a bar only event. Got there early enough to have some food. I ordered the Plough Tapas plate which was very good. Nice amount of roasted peppers, olives, hummus, mozzarella (fresh), and smoked salmon. I had an order of their buffalo wings and wasn't very impressed. They were heavily breaded with sauce poured over. Not a big fan of breaded wings. My son had the shepherds pie which he said was very good. Nicely done crust and excellent savory flavor inside.
(4)Carol C.
This has two levels, and is always a fun place to end up on a weeknight. BUT, this place is so confusing. They call themselves an Irish Pub, but this is not the place to go if you just want to chill with a drink; it's always crowded, and seating is almost non-existent. Now, if you came here to dance, then this wouldn't be a problem. The DJ is always good, but now the problem is.... where's the dance floor? Oh, there is none. People just dance in random pockets throughout the place, which can be REALLY awkward because more likely than not you are dancing next to a giant group of standers. Still, for some reason, this place is always fun. I can't really explain why, but it is.
(3)Andrew B.
Not my favorite. Weird mix of bar goers on a friday. Better Irish pub/ dance places in philly for sure.
(2)Racheal C.
We last night. Not thrilled about this place. Not sure what all the hype is about. It's so squished in the bar that you can barely walk around. Also not really sure where the dance floor is so people kind of just dance in place. Bartender was nice though. No cover.
(3)Lenka Y.
Plough and the Stars is not your typical Irish pub. Chef Lenka brings an eclectic European flair to the cuisine. Both the owner and chef were warm and welcoming and were more than happy to accommodate a large group. Chef Lenka's vegan prix fixe menu is a must try, even for non-vegans. You will leave feeling full and satisfied and coming back for more! This gem in Old City is not to be missed!
(5)Jeanne S.
We visit The Plough whenever we are in Philly! Great food.....salad with grilled scallops was yummy, and the Guiness pie was the best! Go there on a night with live music and hear some great Irish musicians! We loved listening to Raymond Coleman!
(5)Laura G.
My friend & I came here for brunch last weekend. We were quickly sat upstairs (we thought about sitting outside but the weather was being a little iffy). Immediately, I noticed their brunch cocktails like a Bloody Maria (a bloody with tequilla instead of vodka). Everything on the menu sounded great as well. Our waitress came quickly and that's where things got....interesting. Im not sure if it was her first day or if she just wasnt that bright. We ordered a bloody & a mimosa, but she brought over two bloody Mary's. She apologized, brought over a mimosa & asked if we had any questions on the menu. When asked what the specials were for the day (they have a daily omelette and a frittata special), she looked at us like we asked her to explain nuclear physics to us. She said she needed to find out, ran downstairs & told us the specials. While everything sounded great, we both ordered the vegetable frittata. Our waitress came back about a minute later to let us know that the frittata had eggs in it and wanted to make sure we were ok with that. We weren't really sure how to respond to that but just said it was fine as frittatas usually contain eggs. I'm guess she had no idea what a frittata was, as she came back to ask us how we wanted our eggs. After some discussion/us not being sure how to answer, she went to ask the chef what a frittata was. Long story short, we got our frittatas and they were GREAT! Everything was really good, and even though our waitress was a bit of a space cadet, I'll give her a pass as I hope it was her first day. Check it out sometime!
(4)Jeff C.
I'll make this short. Nice upscale Irish Pub. Upscale pub grub but at a moderate price. Best omelette EVER! Our bartender was a 1/2 Irish lass with a bit of accent. Great traditional Irish music in the background... like it should be. I'll visit again for another omelette before we leave the city.
(4)Kathleen C.
Great food, Great Service, Great atmosphere. Took a chance and stopped by to check out their "Irish Music Sundays" and was very happy we did. The Servers couldn't have been more helpful . Not only was the Guinness casserole fantastic, but the fish and chips were delicious and they serve some of the best brown bread, and soda bread I've ever tasted. So good we bought a loaf to take home. Will definitely be back, and with my fiddle!!
(5)Robert P.
Went with my girlfriend for a night out. Found this place on accident and so glad we did. Music is great with dancing recommended. There is two bars upstairs and down. We went upstairs where it was smaller but it was fun. Bartenders were on the spot with serving. People were dancing and eventually we were also. Green tea shots and beers. Recommended to go here anynight.
(5)Candice H.
Awesome fireplace, two levels and big screen TVs. Our server was extremely slow, I mean 30 minutes for the bill... Also took a Long long time to serve drinks (no shaking required). It was nowhere near crowded. Fireplace is why I will be back. Food- fries and chicken strips, pretty good for a pub. Oh the fireplace.... Also nice live unobnoxious music sometimes.
(3)Jen S.
Not sure why I keep going back here. The first time I was here, it was so crowded that I couldn't get ONE drink. The second time I went here my friend stepped on a large piece of glass, I had to rinse her foot under the sink in the ladies room, then pay for a cab to the emergency room so she could get 4 stitches. The third time I went here I got two drinks spilled on me and left with shards of glass in my shoes. I really want to like this place because it has the potential to be really fun... but I just haven't had that experience yet. I like to give the benefit of the doubt that I will have a good experience here one day.
(1)Becky C.
Decided to go here with my boyfriend for restaurant week. Very hard to find if you go by GPS. Our server was Jess and she seemed as if she was rushing us out and being in the industry I would understand if they were busy but there weren't many people in there. She also didn't give us much time to look at the menu after we asked for a minute to check it out. While eating my appetizer she asked if I was done and before I could even answer went and grabbed my plate. It's just rude. The food wasn't anything special either. I don't know if it's just because I had high expectations with it being restaurant week, but cream fresh shouldn't be considered a main part of your dessert sampler.
(3)Eliana G.
Delicious shepherd's pie, good drinks and nice ambiance. Will go back to this one when in Philly
(5)Bob L.
Yeesh, do I really have to review this place? Ehh what the hell, I haven't given a one star review yet, so why not. Admittedly this is not my type of place to begin with, I like a more of a low key, less crowded, fun place to go and drink. I've been here on several occasions when the group I'm with calls for it and really haven't enjoyed myself any time I've been here. Lots of popped collars, girls wearing mini skirts when it's 5 degrees out...you know the place. Wall to wall people, Jon Bon Jovi blaring over the speakers, 20 minute wait for a $5 bud lite...be still my beating heart.
(1)Kat J.
One of my old night spots! My friends and I used to use this as a meeting point since the Ritz Parking lot is just a block away and many of us drove in from outside the city. The drinks were good but the wait for them was always AWFUL. The only way to get them was to send the hottest guy in our crew or the girl with the smallest, tightest top! I don't think we've ever gotten a table although we've put our name down on many occasions. We loved it because of the location and because the drinks were good and not too overpriced. However, it's nothing to rave about. I walked by on Chestnut last night but didn't see it - thought it had closed but I see there are recent reviews. Perhaps I missed it! I wish I was here on Sunday as Allison J's review of the waffles made my mouth water...perhaps next time I'm in town!!
(3)Cherie C.
It's a pretty big bar. We had drinks by the fireplace at a table that was a little too low for comfort. Staff were friendly. We didn't stay long, but I'll be back.
(4)Allison J.
We wanted bar food but not the smokey, stinky bar. So we came here and sat outside on the sidewalk on a Sunday afternoon and had an amazing brunch. The restaurant has a waffle station in the dining room for Sunday brunch and they have leavened waffles which are supposedly lighter and crisper than normal waffles. I opted though... for the fish and chips. Again... I was in the mood for bar food! This is probably the best fish batter I have ever had. It was soooo crispy! It was like the crunchy crispy of a KFC chicken breast. I loved that I could drench the piece of fish in malt vineagar and still have it be crunchy when it reached my mouth. The fish was perfectly light and hot inside too. My boyfriend had an omlette with apples, blue cheese, and sausage. He raved about it! He loved it soooo much. He said it was probably one of the ugliest omelettes he's ever had but also one of the tastiest. Service was impeccable and our server was very knowledgeable with the beers and wines. We both agreed that this was one of the best brunches we've had in awhile. The server said, she felt the brunch was probably better than the regular lunch... so.... get down there for Sunday brunch if it's your first time! Oh and the dining room inside was bright and airy. Like you'd expect a brewery kinda place to be. Noise wasn't overwhelming but the place was definitely lively.
(5)Helene J.
The Plough has been our go-to Mother's Day brunch place for years. It has been sliding downhill for the past few, but we tried to stay loyal. After yesterday, never again. There was a hair in one order of Eggs Benedict, my brunch was lost ( literally) through the night, and the Omelette of the day was simply folded over eggs with ham stuck in the middle. The Jumbo Lump crabmeat with the eggs was neither jumbo nor lump, but a smashed, fried, flat cake of the cheapest crabmeat you can buy. Our server was obviously good because the tables in front of and behind us were very well served . Our table however, was a different story. One of us asked for water 3 times, but never received it. the other two tables were all served water which they never touched because they didn't ask for it. They were served a basket of bread; we had to ask a food-runner for ours. They tried to confirm our reservations for 2 p.m. on the day before, but mistakenly had us down for 12:30. Huh??? We also had to wait 20 minutes at the bar for our table. It seems as if no-one involved in food service cares any more. They still have a great Guinness, but I've had my last meal there.
(2)jack j.
If you go here on a weekday for dinner, they actually have really good food. If you go here on a weekend, you will be overwhelmed with the old city crowd, you know the crowd i'm talking about... sigh.
(4)Kelly S.
This isn't a bad place to hang out. It's humungous and has outdoor seating, which is always good. The drinks are okay, the food is okay. It's not my favorite place to go out in the city, but it's still a good time. It can get pretty crowded, though, and even though there's a lot of space, it's hard to find a place to sit when it's crowded on a weekend night, so you just have to find a spot on the floor to stand awkwardly with your friends. I've been there when it's not crowded, and I like that better. I'm a big fan of having a table and a place to sit.
(3)Nicole R.
The Plough is so big and with the noise! Because of it's prime Old City location, there is a high douchebag factor among the clientele. On the plus side, they do have a lot of really great whiskey ( Red Breast, yum!) and can pour a decent Guiness. The food ain't bad but I would only go here if I was really out of ideas.
(2)Russ C.
Ya know that CD you have that is your default when you can't decide what else to listen to? Plough is that bar, only in drinking terms. If I could give it 2.5 stars I would, its that average. P&S has the tendency to become annoyingly packed on weekend nights (probably because its everyone's default). In fact, my friends and I found ourselves literally being pushed...BY EMPLOYEES! I like the aesthetics; high ceilings, brick and dark wood, but not enough to put up with elbows to my kidneys. The last time I went to Plough, it was so crowded my friend jokingly said, "I bet I could drop this beer and no one would notice." Well my friend apparently has the hands of T.O. because about an hour later he drooped a bottle of beer, thus causing it to shatter on the ground. Not a soul even flinched. Plough and the Stars is ok as a default, but I don't see it as much else.
(3)Erik s.
this place is as irish as i am. this place is 2 levels of pain on friday and sat nights- it gets crazy crowded like the end scene of crocodile dundee when mick walks across everyone's head. it seems to be really popular w/ the early twenty crowd during those nights. not a bad place to grab a drink during the week. never had the food-i've heard brunch is ok.
(2)Yo U.
Not my cup of tea. This place is a noisy, crowded mess. If you want an Irish pub-like experience, go drink at Sassafras across the street. The Irish guy over there will take good care of you.
(2)Yen T.
Been here several times with friends. On the weekend it is so packed you can't even move. I like the outdoor seating for people watching. Grab a table on the week nights and just watch the characters that walk by.
(3)Kristi E.
We went here for my lovely cousins start of her bachelorette evening- We made our reservations but due to the traffic on the streets some of the ladies were late- which means we were late ordering- the waiting staff was not to happy with us. The selection of food was average-but they were not flexible if wanting to substitute any thing on the main courses. Choices of wine was minimal- but mixed drinks were made well. Out waitress was not pleasant- but we did have one waiter who was extremely nice and attempted to fix the flickering light bulb above us the entire time. Eventually he brought us over numerous candles. We were rushed- when the larger party next to us was clearing out- and they wanted to start clearing up the dining area to let the dance crowds in- Us ladies made the best of it. Although service was rough- and it was extremely loud- the food was good. It definitely did not put a damper into our night of fun!
(3)M W.
Althought I've never had a great time going to the bar, me and a friend stopped by here for the apple tart dessert, and some irish coffees, sat outside near one of those warm fire place things and had a lovly ending to the night
(3)beth h.
swingers and jersey crowd... no thanks.
(1)miriam b.
Huge bar. Lot more smokers than originally assumed and beer was good.
(3)Jasmin G.
wayyy too crowded and i don't know why. the music is alrite..but the crowd is so loud sometimes its hard to even hear the music! too many yuppie/preppy types here...this isn't my scene. if you must go - get a spot upstairs so that you have a good view of your surroundings.
(3)jen w.
this place is always so so so crowded. and no one is ever just, still, enjoying themselves. everyones always either coming or going. yuppies and snobs come here. no one really dances. its more of a scene than a good time.
(2)Wajma N.
I've been here a few times only at night and had one bad experience when a friend got in a fight but I recently went this weekend with my boyfriend. It was packed as usual on a Saturday night. A big plus about this spot is they have no cover charge! Which is good cause all over olde city there is a cover charge. It's a lot of young 20 something year olds. I got a drink pretty easily and headed upstairs where it's less crowded. The music is ok it's a mix top 40/ hip hop and some old school. The downstairs is always crowded and packed I don't know how people can stand there I feel like Id get smushed but upstairs is ok they have some seating and U can over look downstairs and see the flat screen with sports games on. Overall not a bad spot.
(3)Gia M.
We chose the Plough & the Stars for one of our last Friday night stops in Old City and I was blown away by the sheer amount of people crammed in the bar at midnight. That must have been where everyone was that night because all of the other bars that we walked by/wandered into were practically empty. Surprisingly (or perhaps not), there was no cover here. I guess I was expecting it because of the type of crowd that was there, which was very similar to the crowd in Manayunk, so take that as you will. The architectural vibe was really cool (second floor open to the area below) and place was surprisingly large. The drinks were also inventive/seasonal (pumpkin pie bombs. Not my thing, but they smelled delicious). The music was loud and people were attempting to dance as well (a little difficult, again, because of the crowds). I'm sorry to keep harping on about this, but the only problem with the bar was that the crowds of people made it almost impossible to get drinks. The management did take advantage of the crowds and rolled out a few coolers for selling beer other than at the actual bar. Spilled/dropped drinks were also a bit of a hazard, because you couldn't turn around without bumping into someone. I'd like to stop by again on a night when I'm not wearing such nice clothes (the woes of going out directly after work).
(3)Yahira A.
I came once for brunch which I loved and wanted to take my friends for dinner who came to visit from Boston. Mussels were delicious, as well as the crab spring rolls. We all ordered the steak fritte medium well. All came at the same time but mine was well done. I asked the waiter to change it which he did and was very nice about it. 15 minutes later I got a steak that was even more done than the first one. The waiter apologized and took it out of the check. My friends enjoyed their meal and after 2 failed attempts my friends were done and I didn't want to eat anything else. I think is still a nice restaurant with reasonable prices. Will come back for brunch instead.
(4)Natalie M.
Blueberry lemonade is sooo good, as is their Shepard's Pie, Chicken Curry and Plough Tapas. This is a "must go to" place for me every time I am in Philly.
(5)Meg C.
The Plough & Stars is such an institution! It's a place where locals go, visitors repeat visit, and friends are made! It's a great place for happy hour, brunch/lunch/dinner, and live music! Late night it turns into a really fun place to dance (but not clubby) and magically transforms by morning for brunch! Great for everyone (literally). They have outside seating for warm days and a wonderful fireplace for those cold nights! Definitely worth visiting and re-visiting!! Highlights of The Plough: Outdoor seating, Fireplace, cozy atmosphere, drink selections, affordable, parking nearby, John Joe (trust me, you'll get to know John Joe), the HoJ (delicious any time of day!), friendly staff, friendly patrons, local spot
(5)Annah E.
This Irish pub and restaurant is one of the most authentic experiences you'll ever have! Staff is friendlier than friendly, food is nothing shy of an exquisite experience in taste and presentation, and the atmosphere, though a tad darker than I like (very overcast, rainy day) is warm and welcoming. Do yourself a favor and MAKE THIS A DESTINATION stop for your next trip to Phila. We had a group of 8, with 7 different mouthwatering meals. Guinness casserole is a unique experience for the steak or stew lover, crusted tuna for fish lovers, and the seafood fettuccine is literally to die for. 6:30 reservation on a Friday night. Single musician, Raymond, was great. Noise level was like any place with live music, yet not too loud to converse with guests at my end of table.
(5)Geoffrey P.
The Guinness casserole is the best example of a beef and Guinness dish I've had since actually being in Ireland.
(5)Hilary G.
I was alone in Philadelphia for a conference and found this place to be particularly friendly, reasonably priced, and with a comfortable atmosphere. Being from Southern California, I especially appreciated the warmth of the working fireplace downstairs! In fact, I liked it here so much that I ate lunch here two days in a row (and ordered fish and chips both times). I also recommend the "Bay Breeze Mimosa!"
(5)Sue K.
I love The Plough! My absolute favorite pub in Old City, Philadelphia. The food is tasty, the atmosphere is second to none and the entertainment is amazing! My husband and I have been going there for years. Whether it is just the two of us or a large group, we always have a great time there!
(5)Kate C.
I'm most impressed with Plough & The Stars. Living in Old City for a long time, its hard to find a great spot that has a neighborhood feel, offers amazing food (the Chicken Curry for dinner and the Plough Omelette are highly recommended) and drinks (try the Hoe J for a delicious twist on a mimosa). The staff is friendly and attentive, the fireplace warms you up on the cold nights and they have the BEST outside seating. The live music and regulars really make this a special spot in Old City. The coolest part about Plough is how versatile it is - you can go dancing at night and show up for a family friendly brunch the next day. The place is clean and there is no evidence of the dance party from the night before. That's a hard balance to keep, and Plough does it beautifully.
(5)Steve T.
Went to P&S last night with a bunch of folks and had a good time like a party at Old Fezziwigs. I arrived at 8pm after training to Market East from the burbs, and then cabbing to 2nd and Chestnut. However, my land navigation gene, intrinsic to most males, short circuited and I was left dazed and confused on the corner of 2nd and Chestnut. Fortune smiled on me though, as a drunk stumbled up to me asking for money. No eggnog drinker he, I felt bad for the guy and gave him a $10 spot which I have no doubt went to the next bottle of Everclear. Wearing the obligatory army surplus jacket (why do they always wear army surplus jackets...is this like a kind of uniform for bums?), he thought he'd return the favor and send me in the direction of P&S. The only thing worse than my sense of direction is a drunk's sense of direction, so I ended up heading in the opposite direction of where I wanted to go. The drunk tagged along like the ghost of Christmas future, sans scythe. Realizing his profound mistake, he then gurgled out some almost incomprehensible gibberish that I was heading in the wrong direction. Now wary of his poorly calibrated internal compass, I almost pointed off to the distant night and said "Look, a loon!" and made a run for it, but, again, he lead on to an uncertain ending. I was sure I'd come across a grave marker with my name on it. Well, by some miracle, which can only happen around Christmas, we ended up at P&S. The drunk, like Marley's ghost, had fulfilled his mission, although I hardly found the experience "intoxicating." My own personal version of "A Christmas Carol", played out at the corner of 2nd and Chestnut, was over. That is, until the hostess said, "Come in man and know me better!"
(3)Augustina G.
I've been here in the past on weekend nights when it goes from upscale irish pub to frat party in a sardine can and I can't say I'm a fan. I came here for brunch with a few people recently and I must say it turned my opinion of this place around. The food was reasonably priced and the portions were good for what you're getting. I had the savory french toast and it was pretty good! Before that, they served Irish soda bread and that was delicious. Everyone at the table had their plates nearly clean. One of my dining companions both ordered 2 eggs, but had them cooked differently. They accidentally swapped the eggs and asked if you want the correct eggs on the side. Also, one person ordered eggs benedict and one of their poached eggs and was overcooked. The service was good and despite the small hiccups, I'd go back for a drink or brunch, just not a Friday/Saturday romp in Old City.
(3)Nico L.
Definitely one of the worst bars I've ever been to. I've given it more than one shot, but here is a brief list of why I don't like it 1. Overpriced for Old City 2. WAY too crowded. They always seem to let in far too many people than they should allow 3. The crowd generally attracts the frat/sororitutes type I've only gone here at night, so I might give it a shot during the day. But considering other more pleasant bars in the area, I will probably not give this place another shot.
(2)Jennifer R.
This is a great little spot in old city. Definitely not on the cheap side, but I've had some appetizers and beers here. I was here New years eve actually which was fun but a little bit of an oddly mixed crowd. It seems like a nice first date type place and have a great middle of the range meal and a beer.
(4)Vanessa W.
The Plough & The Stars is kind of an Old City standby for me, and since I'm on this mission to avoid being a "regular" anywhere this year and to force myself to try new places, it is surprising I even made it in here today. But my mom and I were looking for a spot to duck into this afternoon and when she mentioned that she was really freezing, my thoughts turned to that wonderful fireplace in the first floor of the Plough. We were very pleased that there were empty tables right next to the fire, so we grabbed one. I feel like the fireplace alone is worth a star, it is so wonderful on a cold day. We ordered drinks and those were fine--mine was a port-based hot toddy. I wouldn't get it again but really that is my bad because the reason I didn't love it was that it was overly sweet, which I could have expected out of a port-based toddy. My mom and I split an order of crab spring rolls. They should have been yum but they were total yuck. Like bad, mushy crabcake filling jammed into a soggy spring roll wrapper. YUCK! I ordered a Bailey's creme brulee, though, and that was absolutely divine. It annoys me that the menu is so hit-and-miss, but the wonderful fireplace will keep this place a go-to when I'm looking for somewhere cozy in this area in the winter.
(3)Patrick H.
Quite lunch time spot, good beers on draught and there Guinness marinated casserole is excellent!
(4)Tim O.
Awesome place, Awesome food and awesome service. Waited years to get the opportunity to visit. Well worth the wait.
(5)Gerald H.
Wood burning fire place on a cold November day = Yay! I'm a fan. A plus is that they were actually playing Irish tunes during the afternoon. Good place for a long, easy lunch with a few drinks.
(4)Shannon S.
We ate here on a recent sunny Sunday afternoon because we noticed the charming outdoor seating. I really like the captain's chairs! We were seated inside first with the promise of going outside when a table opened up and sure enough, we made it out there in about 15 mins. The brunch menu looks really good and I wished I tried the french toast with special daily topping of bananas carmelized in Bailey's. Darn. I got the crispy chicken salad though. It was okay, not terrible, but something was off. I think the chicken could use more seasoning for sure because it was bland when I ate it without dressing. Also, the lemony parmesan vinaigrette was a little overwhelming but it could be because I asked for more. However, when more came out, it was gelatinous in the little cup. Vinaigrette? Oh well. The wait staff was great, except for one waiter whom I overheard in a snarky voice say, "Worse hostess ev-er," as I walked out of bathroom and the hostess had just left that area. Not nice, waiter, not nice. Inside is pretty cool. I would hang out here. They played what sounded like Irish music, but contemporary, on the PA system. Heard a bad word in the music so parents be warned. No biggie to me though.
(3)Brian H.
I have NEVER eaten here, just drank...and drank, and drank. Soooooo, with that in mind, early on a beautiful early summer evening ;-) what a nice stop to sit outside and have a cocktail and people watch. There is nice cocktail menu, and and a well rounded beer menu, my friend opted for a mango mojito. It was all mint, watered down, barely a taste of mango vodka or mango at all. My martini, which is no brain surgery, was excellent. Our server was very friendly and fun. The chairs are the best of outdoor seating that you can find. The chairs get a 5 star rating. :-) BTW, inside is warm and cozy with a fireplace for those chilly nights in winter, and always a wonderful fun crowd to boot.
(3)Chris G.
I recently moved to Old City and this spot has quickly become my home away from home. It has the best outside seating of all the Old City restaurants, the staff is very welcoming and the customers are friendly. The food is good, it's a great spot for brunch/lunch when out of town guests are visiting on weekends. The Cheese steak on the bar menu is my go to for dinner. I've been in to watch the World Cup and will continue to watch the matches there. They have 2 big screens and the crowd is really into it.
(5)Rick M.
I have to say this place was great. We went in during the middle of the afternoon on a Friday. It was perfect as it was quiet and empty. The red-haired Irish bartender was really friendly. I recommend getting the Evil Eye IPA! Friday nights, decided to avoid due to the crowds and the noise. Best during the day.
(4)Daniel H.
Ive only been here to grab drinks and not eaten here. I like the layout of the place and I am impressed that it has a second level which gives it a more upscale feel. The drink prices were reasonable 6 dollars for a Guinness draft. The service was good and the DJ was good but I dont think it is a place to go to if you like to dance.
(4)Jill L.
Plough and the Stars was the place I started going to when I got too old for Mad River. True story. Over the years, I've returned occasionally to get my drink on. It gets super packed on weekend nights, but I've always enjoyed myself. If 23 year old Jill L was writing this, she would have given it 5 stars. This past Sunday, my husband and I stopped in for a late lunch and a couple of beers. It felt weird to be here in the daylight. Without the drunken haze, I could see that Plough and the Stars actually has a pretty awesome line up of beers on tap. Also, the food we ordered (a tapas plate of hummus, pita, olives, prosciutto, roasted peppers, and mozzarella) was quite delicious. I could go for some of that hummus right now. They also had a huge screen playing the Olympics, which was pretty cool. I could definitely see myself stopping by here again for some daylight food and drinks in the future.
(3)Tim C.
This place is a guilty pleasure of mine. It's a total bro place like many other bars in center city/old city, but I seem to always have a good time. I never wait too long for a drink, and the atmosphere is fun. It can get a little loud, but the music they play is pretty agreeable to most people. It gets crowded downstairs, but upstairs there is usually some room. Great place to mingle if you're single. I've never eaten here, so can't comment on that. It seems like it would be a good place for happy hour.
(3)Dave H.
This Old City restaurant and bar is solid. It has two levels, with plenty of room to drink, eat, and be merry. Weekends the place is packed full of folks drinking and dancing. The times I've been in, the DJ has been a bit random, but the crowd is always enthusiastic. Friends and I have also been here for dinner. The upper level offers some privacy, and the decor is elegant - for an Irish bar, especially. Portions could be bigger, but the food was tasty: Try their grilled marinated pork tenderloin. It's heavenly tender, served with potatoes gratin and a cranberry black currant port wine and grape sauce. And the Irish butter is outstanding. Thanks to Stefany and others for friendly, efficient service!
(4)Scott P.
Went here for resturaunt week last night and I was pleasantly surprised considering I have only been here before on a saturday night when it was in full club mode. The service was a little slow for a wednesday night as it took a good 30 minutes before our first course arrived but we had drinks so it wasn't a burden. We shared the duck confit and and the tomato & prosciutto which was very well done and very tasty! The entree didnt live up to the hype. I had the guiness casserole included bland mashed potatoes and green beans and my biggest complaint was the lack of gravy for the prime rib (which was tasty but a little dry) And a creme brulee chocolate for dessert. The decor didn't really give off that authentic irish feel with the 30ft ceilings and not one employee really seemed irish but maybe it was an off night? Just an average experience for me and a little pricey for old city. Resturaunt week isnt much of a deal with some places like this. I'd rather spend $100+ somewhere else close by.
(3)Anu M.
We primarily came here for drinks and bar food. The outdoor seating area was fantastic on a warm summer night. We ordered Malbec wine (so-so) and Fish & Chips, Shepard's Pie and Plough wings. The food was good, I specifically relished the Shepard's pie with mashed potatoes on top of ground beef. Service was a bit careless though. The waitress forgot to replenish water even after asking her a couple of times.
(3)S L.
My friends went out for dinner and drinks on Christmas eve. Most of restaurants were closed, but Plough and stars was open late. We really enjoyed our dinner there. The servers were very nice and customers well behaved and kept their voice down.
(4)Linda L.
Great atmosphere in a historic bank building, good food, and priced just right. I would definitely go back!
(5)Catherine L.
In all the years I've come to the Plough, the experience has wandered between four and one stars, thus the average 3 star review. I know, talk about about inconsistency. The reason behind the vacillation, is most often due to the atmosphere and the crowd. Personally, I like this bar the most when it is at its most low-key: weekend afternoons, early weekday evenings, Sunday Irish music nights, and Snowmageddon (isn't that the worst CNN-coined term?) nights when Philly residents get to reclaim Old City. The place itself is really lovely. An old bank building with high ceilings, two floors and nice, clean bathrooms. It is at its most beautiful during Christmastime when they bring in a huge tree and string it up with lights. Team it up with its roaring fireplace and it is truly idyllic. Overall the menu is nothing impressive or memorable and again, I recommend you go here only for the drinking. A bit pricey in comparison to other nearby bars. Service is attentive and usually prompt. On weekend nights, Plough turns from Irish Pub into Club Plough and it gets positively packed. Therein, the crowd changes from mellow to pumpin' fists, bro! Music goes from Celtic to Electronic. Depending on what is your scene, go to Plough accordingly...
(3)Fernando J.
Best Guinness Draught outside of Dublin. Great food selection. The Guinness casserole is a must. Excellent service.
(4)Eamon C.
Great atmosphere and great food. Was there last night and had a great time sitting by the fire, which was expertly stoked for us everytime it died down. John joe the barman was fantastic We had a great time there and will defenitly b back.....hopefully to run into our favorite hockey team again . Wink wink. Go flyers!!!!!!
(5)TAmi S.
Had dinner last evening with friends- fun place- food was just ok- service was terrible - ordered appetizers which came at same time as dinner - we cancelled the appt at that time. Ordered coffee -ok was served without teaspoon . We had to ask for refills -& teaspoons. Someone in the Resturant needs to pay mor attention to service!!
(2)Raphael S.
Just came by for drinks and a few appetizers before a late night party. We heard from our friend that Ellie was the best server ever, and we'd agree. Good draft choices. Happy hour till 19:00. Had the seafood chowder-excellent. Spring rolls-almost excellent. PEI Mussels-excellent! Fireplace roaring. Irish music in the bg. What else can you say?
(5)Alex X.
Late hours with an open kitchen, that's where you will find me at times. The Plough and the Stars is very cozy for me the few times I have been there. I just order my usual wings or whatever I see on the menu and don't try anything much here as it just a quickly eat and let's chit chat type of gathering. I am not big on eating American food overall as a reviewer, but the atmosphere I enjoy a lot. If I'm not mistaken this might have an old bank or something like that that's why I like it - for its cozy interior with fireplace.
(3)Michael W.
I am over 40.... better start with that fact, lol. This is a dark, interesting-looking space, once the Corn Exchange a long time ago. So the wall columns and ceiling carvings are beautiful. There is an open ground-floor bar space with some tables, and a second-floor loft space with more tables. My wife and I were seated up there on this holiday-weekend Sunday night as I asked for a less-noisy area. That gave us a good view of the architectural details, which are probably hard to see from down below. It was still loud up there, and that is with an acoustic group playing intermittently below, but we could converse easily, so that was good. My wife had eaten here for lunch once and liked it. I don't want to be too harsh based on one dinner; but I would have to call the dinner-menu food make-pretend. We will make pretend we can do serious dining food, and you can make pretend that is what you are eating. A $22 salmon and sautéed spinach entree had very little to recommend it. Dry rice, decent sautéed spinach, below-average salmon with crabmeat, I think; a day later and I can't even remember what the little extra aspect was. A house salad was fair-minus; the blue cheese crumbles were sparse and had little flavor. How can a restaurant miss with blue cheese? The service from Kaitlynn was very good and the space has its good points, plus a friendly ambience. We enjoyed the acoustic music, and our table along a big upstairs banquette was nice and intimate, no one near us at all. So I would try the Plough once more but would only order off the bar menu. A table near us got huge platters of fried-looking stuff, which we were told was fish-and-chips only listed on the bar menu. Wish we'd known there was such a thing! Probably better choices -- ask for that bar menu. Btw, the address is 123 Chestnut, but it is located on 2nd Street just across from Sassafras.
(2)Lolly G.
I've been here several times. If you go during downtime, I feel like it's the best. You can relax and it's a good atmosphere. Sometimes they play Irish music which is kinda cool. If you make the mistake of going there on a friday or saturday night you have stepped into a terrible frat party where you cannot move. It's awful. We walked right out. They also don't have many beer options, which isn't that great. The food is pretty good nothing to write home about, but nothing horrible either. My last experience was with a bartender at a high top with short black hair who was really tan and tattooed. She was SUPER friendly and gave us some VERY good service.
(3)Kellsey O.
I used to love this place, until an experience I had this past weekend. One of the 2 female bartenders never gave me back my credit card when I closed my tab, then proceeded to blame it on me as if I was some drunk idiot that lost their card. Once I explained over and over again that I never got it back to begin with, both bartenders began to ignore me. After finally deciding to leave, I called my bank in the middle of the night to cancel the card. The next morning I called plough and spoke with an extremely nice and helpful woman (quite the opposite of what I was working with the night before) who informed me that they did in fact have my credit card. I proceeded to tell her the whole story of what had happened, and she said she would talk to management and have them give me a call to discuss compensation of some sort, of from I have yet to hear. Don't think I'll be back to this bar anytime soon, if ever.
(1)Ben F.
I went here with a date for dinner, it was her pick. I was surprisingly good and affordable. I got the steak, she got the duck. Both were cooked perfected, as were the green beans and couscous (which we both chose a substitute for potatoes). The waitress was friendly and attentive. My date's Poinsettia may have been a bit overpriced. My Guinness was spot on. The taps are form Ireland and installed by Guinness technicians, so I couldn't pass the opportunity. That seems like something to brag about, but maybe its normal... What do I know. Right by the entrance is a log burning fire. There are some small tables to sit at there for drinks or coffee. We enjoyed it a bit on our way out as we planned our night. My only critique is there was no star on top of the Christmas tree! PS: Google offers has 25% off all food every day until May. Find it by accessing it from Google Maps on an Android phone.
(5)Matt C.
After a nice little Urban Goose Chase scavenger hunt, my group and I were FAMISHED and stopped here to grab something to eat. After cross referencing the bar menu vs the regular menu, we unanimously decided to skip the *cough* (pretentious for an irish pub) regular menu, and went with 6 burgers. Pretty easy right? Its a burger. We ALL got them. 3 mediums, 3 medium wells, plus a few drinks and some apps. Well, they still got it wrong. It is my pet peeve when people overcook my burgers and steaks. Thats annoying enough, but it seriously took FOREVER to get these burgers, and we were there WAY before the rush, so theres no excuse. The burger doesn't come with anything so we had to buy a basket of fries, which were tasty, but c'mon....no fries with the burger?! It did come with what was called a salad of some sort, but was just some, again, pretentious little garnishment of lettuce and chopped pickles. The chicken fingers were good, and the calamari tasty as well, (although the accompanying marinara was yuck.) I don't remember the price of everything because I was knocked over by the underwhelmed feeling of The Plough and The Stars. Maybe its great for dancing or pounding shots on an Olde City Saturday, but just to get a decent burger, you can do a little better.
(2)Elizabeth G.
We once got an order for delivery from the Plough and Stars during the winter that was brought to us by an outside delivery service. The food was soooo good, hearty and excellent comfort food for a snowy day inside. We have been dying to try it again but this time at the physical restaurant. The building is an historic corn exchange. It's stunning inside. A huge hearth with a fire, balcony with seating and long bar area. Supposedly they have live Irish music at times as well. We sat outside in the super comfy captains swivel chairs because we had the dog. They are the type of place that asks if they can bring your dog a bowl of water when you sit down. I had wings and my boyfriend had fish and chips and a drink from the bar. They have a separate menu for bar food and then also have a separate full meal type menu. Everything was solid, friendly staff, dog friendly, nice ambience, decent prices!
(5)Christopher T.
Good vibe there. Really enjoyed it once they moved the tables outta the way. Plethora of beer selections and the drinks were on point oh, and did I mention they have a stellar fireplace?! Cool spot!
(5)Kathy M.
Went for lunch on 4th of July. Asked if we could sit out side. no one else was there. Got the OK. Waited for 15 minutes. No one came out to wait on us or even give us menus. My husband went in to get someone to bring us menus. Waited some more. No on came out to ask us if we wanted drinks or offer us water. Another couple came along and sat down outside. A waitress came out and started to wait on them. I signaled to her and she gave me a smart answer. I got up and as I was leaving I said the the clueless manager. I am leaving because of this smart mouth waitress and becaurse your service sucks. He looked at me like a deer in the headlights. If you are going to manage a restaurant Pal get a clue. If you want decent service and some respect with your lunch don't go here.
(1)Alie A.
Are you asking me if I've ever had a bad time at Plough? The answer is no. Have I ever gone to Plough and NOT ended up sweating and dancing with my hair on top of my head laughing my ass off? Negative. Wild spot for Saturday nights. Give it a try..but make sure you're drunk..or in the process.
(4)Vichet O.
Plough, oh Plough. Your patrons are attractive, but inaccessible. You're too crowded for me. The music is always bordering between alright and danceable. And the shouting. It's one thing to have to speak loudly in a club. It's another thing if I'm drinking milk all day the next day to aid my vocal cords in their recovery. On the plus side, your drinks are alright, and I appreciate your bottle list. And the snobbiness I've experienced from your other patrons is not a direct commentary on you. I just wish a slightly different crowd was attracted to you. That, or once again I'm not nearly as cool as I thought I was. You get the A-OK rating because you are actually a wonderful place to day-drink on a warm summer Saturday - that was how I should have been introduced to you first, and I never should have needed to experience your dark side. Pro-tip: If you're me, or anything like me, don't go here for a night out dancing.
(3)Jenna S.
This wasn't the best restaurant ever, but not the worst. We walked by on our way to Market St. and decided to stop in for dinner. Kind of loud, but large enough that a lot of people can fit comfortably. The food was pretty good (I got the chicken dinner special) and reasonably priced. Good bread at the start of the meal (you get a choice) and the soda bread was homemade and worth trying. OK prices and somewhat slow service. We never decided to come back here just because the entire experience was OK. I'd recommend it more for a late night bar since it seemed to be pretty packed after 11 p.m.
(3)Julie M.
Honestly this is all about the service. If I am at a bar and just standing around a table, I don't need a freaking server to get my drinks. I can walk up to the bar. Anyway, on Friday 01/04/14, our server Felicia was attentive but she added a nice tip on to my card at the end of the night that shouldn't have been added. I specifically left a $5.00 tip on a $28.00 bill and she added $4.00 to my card. Yes it's only $4.00 but it's the principal. Just unprofessional
(2)Di P.
3 and 1/2 stars but per usual I always round up on everything including my bra cup size. Haters hate on this place big time because a) yes there's usually a line to get in and b) place is jammed on your typical Friday and Saturday nights. But a) I always get my sing and dance on in here and b) inevitably being a single girl I usually find a handsome guy to bat eyelashes at and practice flirting with. If the floor wasn't so sticky from the impressive amount of times people drop their Miller Lites I could maybe even do my MJ dance moves. To me, this is one of the top 5 bars that rep Old City. Since I'm settling in on the later part of my 20s I usually start somewhere sensible like Triumph but inevitably end the night here jumping up and down to Drop Kick Murphy's and spilling beer all over the kids in the tight outfits and high heels. Like I said: Haters hate.
(4)Erik R.
The Plough is a trendy little spot downtown in the heart of it all. I only went for drinks and sat outside. So I didn't get or give the full monty. Drinks were as I expected priced to panache. But they were good and being amongst the living city is such a delight. Times slips away as you sit and gaze upward and onward into the city lights.
(3)Richard B.
I was in town for business and met a friend who lives in Philly. Great place. Bartender was very friendly and a good laugh. Had an appetizer sampler plate which was very tasty and followed it up with sheperd's pie which was also well done. Prices were reasonable and the atmosphere was laid back. I would recommend a visit if you are in the area.
(4)R S.
I thoroughly enjoyed a great evening at The Plough and the Stars. The food was absolutely delicious! Everybody in my group raved about the gourmet food with an authentic taste of Ireland. It is such a pleasure and a lovely surprise to eat quality Irish cuisine with a nouveau twist. Traditional brown bread and soda bread was served to the table and was a hit with everyone. The staff was very helpful, friendly and attentive. I will most definitely return to The Plough and The Stars on my next visit to Philadelphia. Highly recommended.
(5)Sarah B.
I've only ended a few nights at Plough, so I have no idea how it is for the beginning/middle of nightlife. The end of the night. Is. Awesome. That being said, I'm usually feeling pretty good by the time I get to Plough. One of my friends or I stumble to the bar, order a round, then head to the teensy dance floor to shake it to Top40s and - wait for it - 90's HITS. The inner "Woo Girl" comes out and I find myself singing along to *N'Sync, Britney Spears (before she went all cray-cray then made her comeback), and the Backstreet Boys. I have no shame. Excellent way to end the night, every time I've been. WOO!
(4)Denise H.
This place is too small for the location and can get packed - wouldn't recommend on weekends at night - the crowd can get rowdy and like I said, it's too small for the revelry. Happy hour is also, ear-to-ear, elbow-to-elbow. When it's cold, whenever someone opens the door, it's like a wind tunnel that you can feel throughout the place. You gotta go through the waitstaff station to get to the bathrooms. Inconvenient. On another note, I do enjoy this place during the day - it's cozy, friendly, and you can sip your Guinness by the fireplace with friends (they'll pour the best Guinness in the city). On Sundays, I think, they have live Irish jam sessions. It's especially nice at Christmas-time when they have a huge organic tree that towers to the second floor. I have only had some pub grub here - munchies that sufficed. It's far more casual for Olde City and I can say I have had some great times here.
(3)Mansi A.
"Meh" explains it all. I'm not quite sure why we chose this place for a post-work get-together, but it wasn't the brightest idea. While the actual building and architecture of the place was pretty cool, as was the 2nd floor location that we had booked, the food was terrible. I had a house salad, the vegetarian pesto tortellini with goat cheese, and a really terrible brownie with a semi-decent creme brulee for dessert. Skip it, Philly has so much more to offer.
(2)Ami O.
Plough is a great place especially in the summer. They have a great brunch menu (crab cakes Benedict is my fave). I've been there for dinner once and also had a great time but I like to walk up w my dog around 1 on a Sunday, grab a table outside and drink/eat and hang out. I don't recommend it for a normal bar on a fri or sat night as it seem to be more of a club than pub scene but if that's your thing i do know people who hang out there during those nights and always have a good time. A lot of local phila union players hang out there. Def worth checking out!
(4)Stephen K.
Went for: Drinks A great place if you are looking for a dimly light room, with people having fun and dancing OR some nice high-top tables outside on 2nd. Been here a few times and have fun each time. Drinks are resonable and it has a fun environment to it. There are two levels to the place with high open ceilings. People dance through out, but there is a main section on the first floor for dancing.
(3)Noheli T.
The Plough & The Stars was my third bar of the night so I feeling pretty happy once I got there. Even in that state I was still a bit disappointed by the whole bar. The layout is just weird and there is no good spot to dance. I was also sad to see the lack of toilet paper in the bathrooms. If I go again I'd pick his as a place to maybe start my night rather than ending it there.
(2)Pete J.
When I was younger I was taught, "Praise in public, criticize in private". Of course with the birth of Yelp and Yelp-esque websites, that is all out the window - there is no modesty in the internet. However, as far as naming names, I like to take the old fashioned approach. If you are a fantastic server/bartender/host I WILL name you. If you suck I won't, but you know who you are and hopefully management will work out who you are. In this case HOLLY the cocktail server was fantastic! Girly and I came in on a Friday night and the place was packed. We made friends with a couple who looked liked they might be close to giving up their table and our investment paid off as they did up and leave shortly thereafter. Soon there was not any room to stand, never mind sit (and we got lots of envious looks from the standing crowd - hey make your own friends! But here was Holly and she was the only cocktail server working. We never wanted for a drink, and the food came fast. She worked the room like a pro and had the time to engage. Kudos to you.
(4)Anthony F.
Okay food at a reasonable price. Fun little bar. Much better places to hang out in that part of Philly...go to Amada right down the street for much better food. This place is sort of a Philly institution, but feels like a spot that is past its prime.
(3)Chad H.
Just came here from out of town and will DEFINITELY be back the next time I'm in Philly! Ordered the Guinness casserole, and it was FANTASTIC! The beef was a little dry, which was surprising, since the whole entree' is obviously slow-cooked. However, that would NOT stop me from ordering it again! The sauce was amazing, the masked potatoes were fluffy, and the side veggies were great! Rose, my server, was very attentive and friendly; and made me feel right at home! The atmosphere was fun and lively, and everyone in the place genuinely seemed to be having a good time. I'll be back!
(5)Kiyan R.
This place is legitimately UNDERRATED! My friends and I randomly ventured in here during our travels and left highly satisfied - not a thing to criticize. We ate brunch and enjoyed the impressive ambiance, fantastic service, and delectable food. I assume the reviewers complaining about the service were either women or came on a Friday or Saturday night because my friends and I had awesome service from the beautiful waitresses! Try the brunch here on a weekend- it's definitely one of the best places in the area!
(5)Maria A.
This place is fun on saturday nights, but in my opinion they don't have enough staff for crowded nights.
(3)Beth E.
OMG, what a great find!! The Guiness stew is to die for!! Breads fantastic and pear salad wonderful!! Highly recommend! Waitress was the sweetest!!
(5)May T.
Perhaps I should come here when the clock isn't striking 12 midnight and there isn't a line that's damn near touching Chestnut St. Yes, I think I'll do that next time. In any case, I've heard fantastic things about this place, therefore I waited in line with a group of friends to get in. Though the wait wasn't terribly long, I don't usually do lines and I didn't quite enjoy throwing my elbows up to get through the crowd once I got in. It was more or less a struggle to get to the 2nd level, the music was tragically soft and the temps were too warm to be comfortable and overall, I just wasn't feeling the atmosphere. I didn't get a chance to check out the drinks specials or prices before calling it quits so you know what that means! Round 2, here I come! But on a humorous note though, a couple of my friends got in a few minutes after me sans waiting in line by stating to the bouncers they were "on the list". What list? The world may never know.
(2)Tyler T.
I came here for a Happy Hour with a bunch of my co-workers. I started the night off drinking the bartenders draft recommendation and then moved on to the Bud Light special for $3 or something. After a few drinks I started to get a littel hungry and ordered the chicken wings which were part of the happy hour special (something like 5 bucks for 5 wings or something). The wings were amazing. Without a doubt some of the best wings I have ever eaten. They were perfectly cooked and super crispy. What made them unique was the sweet buffalo sauce that they were coated in. I love regular buffalo wings, but these were amazing and went so well with the blue cheese dressing. I can see myself coming back here very soon to drink some beers and eat some incredible wings.
(4)Jennifer S.
I love the Plough. I always end up here when I'm in Old City. It's a staple! The crowd is great, the bartenders are usually pretty fast and there is always good music playing. Highly recommended for a fun night (or day!) out in Philly.
(4)Virginia C.
I had a warm apple cider from their happy hour menu. It was fantastic before dinner. Being from Boston, I'm a snob when it comes to Irish food/bars. However, this place is fantastic. Pros: Service Drinks/Beers on Tap Outdoor Patio Seating Great First Date Meet-up for drinks/and or you can stay for dinner. ( We only had the calamari, but the menu looked fantastic) Cons: I didn't try everything yet? Maybe, the warm apple pie drink? The cider was way better- but if you are in the mood- go for it.
(4)Steve M.
I like this place, very crowded at the weekends. Cocktails are expensive, beer is reasonably priced. Larry the bouncer is the man, I can go there just to chat with him.
(4)Ting N.
Everything was great. The only downfall to the restaurant would be the really loud live music. I could barely hear over my friends and we were literally 3 feet apart at most.
(4)Jenna C.
**This review is for the nightlife only. I've been here twice - once while very drunk, and the other time - well I learned quickly that I wasn't drunk enough. I had two very different experiences - 1. While very drunk, I didn't mind the music from the mid to late 90s, which reminded of my middle school days. I also didn't mind that the DJ continued to repeat these songs over and over again throughout the night. I also didn't mind that my friends and I were harassed and grinded on by an obnoxious group of friends at a bachelor party. Or that the drinks were expensive. Or that it was packed, wall-to-wall with sweaty bodies. At least there was no cover! 2. While not drunk enough - I thought to myself, how did I have such a good time here last time? Isn't this song from when I was in 6th grade? Didn't the DJ just play it 5 songs ago? It was hot, sweaty, the crowd was obnoxious, the bar was crowded, the drinks were overpriced... My advice - come here when you are already three-sheets deep and ready to end the night with some dancing, otherwise you might leave feeling annoyed, like you wasted a perfectly good night.
(2)Brett F.
Had a lovely little time at Plough & the Stars... this spot served as an ideal last call spot for a group that was getting increasingly rowdier and had no business being anywhere high brow. Not to say that Plough isn't 'nice'... it is, but it's one of those spots that serves a bit of multipurpose function throughout the day and sorta transforms as it goes. Lemme break it down: Plough in the a.m. = A fabu spot for brunch with friends; Mimosas, Petit Filet & Eggs, White Chocolate Cherry French Toast and generally good conversation to follow. Plough in the early p.m. = Great locale for a hungry belly after a day walking around in Old Philly. Shrimp & Calamari Salad, Crab Cake Sandwich, Fish & Chips and a happy, satiated belly to follow. Plough in the later p.m. = Your typical dinner. Nice wine. Maybe a dish of Organic Hudson Valley duck and perhaps a dessert of bread pudding, if you're lucky, to follow. Plough in the wee hours = General randomized pandemonium of the best variety, natch. Anything possible to follow. The vast space previously occupied by civilized diners now fills with a smattering of young, a handful of older, the semi-drunk and really, phenomenally inebriated. Everyone bounces and writhes to slightly cheesy but incredibly familiar singalong tunes while downing O-bombs and Snake Bites. If a stripper pole somehow managed to magically materialize it could only help to enhance the stories you'll have to tell after your night here. If you can remember it. Certainly a solid spot for imbibing, maybe next time I'll even attempt a little brunch action and keep the writhing at bay.... eh, probably not.
(4)Andrew M.
Good food with excellent presentation. Best chicken wings, great burgers, and Irish curry. Very friendly service and clean. We were pleasantly surprised with the overall experience.
(4)Elizabeth P.
This place is a safe place to fall back on but don't expect to have the time of your life -- unless you plan on getting trashed then I guess it doesn't really matter. You can expect the average shabang. Top 40s, average-priced drinks, packed house. HOWEVER, I am less than impressed for the following reasons: 1) their DJ plays top 40s but a lot of times, the songs he puts together are repeats. There are a few songs that the DJ seem to love to play over... and over.. and over..(e.g., Journey.......) 2) people like to come here to get trashed or something because the staff always has to come to the middle of the dance floor at some point in the night and clean up some kind of mess (broken glass, wet floor, etc) 3) sometimes it gets SO packed that you have no place to move (which can be good and bad because it shows the place gets business)
(3)Dave W.
Went for brunch yesterday and it was quite good. I had Eggs Benedict (with lump crab meat) and when they came too hard, the server immediately took them back and brought a fresh dish, which was perfect. I should have also ordered a rasher of bacon since I love bacon with eggs - even Eggs Benedict. Other diners had omelette's (2) and Savory French Toast. Everything was good. They offer a selection of breads before and during the meal, along with Irish butter and preserves. The Irish Coffee and Wasabi Bloody Mary are killers! Don't go in thinking you are going into an authentic Irish Pub - they have a nice selection of paintings and prints along with Irish music but I've been in better pubs ( Brendan Neil's in Westlake, OH ). Both bars, upstairs and down look quite nice. Don't get me wrong - this is a great place for a relaxing brunch and you are minutes from Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, Carpenters Hall, etc. Since I'm not into the night life scene I would definitely go back to see if they can advance to 4 stars. Definitely worth a try if you are in the city.
(3)Kelly P.
for a while there, i was a repeat offender at plough. the bar part, anyway. it was a go-to place for me and my friends to dance and drink until they kicked us out at 2am. nowadays, the place isn't my scene*, but i enjoy the random sundays with live irish music. *drunkenly giving my number to the hot barback maaaaay have led to my sudden absence those years ago. awkward**. **dont act like you've never done something like that.
(3)Suzette A.
At 3 pm on a Sunday this place was fairly empty. We originally sat down but no one came over to take our order. We just wanted drinks and appetizers, so we walked over to the bar. I forgot my ID and was served water... doesn't matter how old you are. You might want to have your ID. The ambiance is pretty chilled. Music wasn't good. I am not sure if it was because it was a Sunday or what... I really didn't dig it. I'll certainly swing by on a Saturday evening and see if its the same deal. 1 drink $6.50 and they accept credit cards. Street Parking.
(3)K. B.
Dont know why this place has only 3 stars. The inside is really quite nice with a great fireplace and plenty of seating options. Menu is good, if maybe a little over priced. Would be a good date locale, not a realistic drinking spot.
(4)Rodge B.
My favorite bar in Old City mainly because of the attentive and great looking dance floor waitresses who always manage to keep up with our large beer orders. The bathroom situation leaves a lot to be desired, and the DJ can go from awful to brilliant in back to back songs. The midget stools can also take a hike as well. If you don't like crowds, don't come here. And if you're lucky, you'll see beaver on the balcony.
(5)Sarah L.
I didn't been realize that this place was a night time hangout. Damn, I'm uncool. Anyway, on a Saturday afternoon, it's all families. I love the big fireplace and I love eating lunch with a bunch of parents that prefer a pint with their meal. I can respect that. I'm a sucker for chicken curry and fries, so I approved of my meal, but everything else about the place was sort of blah. Reading other reviews and recognizing that its more of a drinking the night away place, it all sort of makes sense, but I feel like there are so many places close by with better drinks and tasty food, I don't really get why you choose this one. Maybe it's the crowd, which can make all the difference. For now, I'll give this place a solid 'ok' and wait for the magic to happen.
(3)Chris M.
So, I don't make it out to Old City much these days as I feel that my impending 28th bday puts me at the senior citizen end of the curve for this part of the city. But, I have to admit that I had a really good time at Plough & the Stars. Things I liked: - no cover - good beer selection (try the ommegang hennepin) - non-ultra-terrible music - wedding-ish sort of playlist - crowd was cool - ranged from low- to upper-20's - good service Things I disliked: - having to crowd surf to get to the bathroom (or having to walk through the waitress station to get to the bathroom) I have to agree with a previous poster that this place definitely gets more fun in a direct correlation with your level of intoxication. It was OK when I got there and the best place ever as I was leaving. All in all, this was a good experience. But, I think the key was that we had a table. I would not have enjoyed standing around in the crowd the whole night.
(4)Marty J.
I walked in on a super cold night and saw the most beautiful sight... A huge fireplace. Grabbed a coffee, a fish wrap, and picked at my buddy's calamari. All of it was excellent. Then, I got a craving for a milkshake, which isn't on the menu, but my waitress, Kelly, is an awesome person so my craving got filled. Will definitely stop back in!
(4)Tabitha U.
Beautiful Irish Pub in a great walkable location to many things in Philly. We stopped in for an early lunch and irish coffee, and a beer of course. I enjoyed the fish and chips, very good well battered haddock and great fries. Great service from true Irish! Irish music and a great atmosphere!
(4)julie m.
This place was SO fun. Food was decent. Drinks were amazing. Awesome staff.
(5)David B.
If you like to have fun then this is your spot. Is it packed? Yes, but I suppose that's part of the appeal. Great variety of music (as others have pointed out Top 40, 80's and 90's hits), good drinks and attentive servers. Just watch out for the 'bows on the dance floor. You may end up losing your drink.
(4)Michael P.
Wait, do I actually have to enter the bar to review it? Because for all the times I've gone to the Plough, I can't remember if I've ever stepped foot inside. Its a favorite summer friday after-work spot for some guys I worked with a decade ago, and by the time I get there, they've always snagged an outside table. If its rainy, they just usually end up somewhere else. I've heard they have some fancy imported tap system, but I don't really notice a difference in the beer. Guinness pours take long enough, and have the right head, but frequently lack the right layering of a proper pour. I've had better at some of the other Irish bars in the city. Prices are decent, and the decor is a step up. The service is friendly, but frequently slow, 20 minutes can go buy between check-ins, at least outside. Half the fun is people watching on 2nd street. Theres always a weird mix of people for the variety of bars on the block.
(3)Natalie D.
Do you want to be groped, squeezed, creeped & gyrated on, all while being in a human sardine tin of nerds & wannabe Tony Sopranos? This is your place! Dear Jesus. Never again! I've been here several times, and each time I remember why I wanted to stab myself the time before. It is insanely packed beyond belief with all sorts of gross middle-aged/old men looking to cop a feel and hippies who haven't bathed in a week calling you vain because you care how you look. Forget getting a drink! It's what I imagine the sinking of the Titanic would've been like if you were a 3rd class passenger - a crush of sweaty, frantic bodies, only this time with some tired pop music! Forget dancing, hearing anything, or drinking. Even getting to the bathroom is a 10 minute project when it should be a quick dash, so hopefully you can hold it! They let absolutely everyone in, and I don't mean that to be snide. I mean that if a fire broke out, there would be an atrocious number of deaths. It's so bad that it spills out onto the sidewalk! The fire marshall would be none too pleased. It might be the "trendy" thing to say you're there, but trust me, as much as I like the finer things in life, this is not one of them. Give me the frat party that is Mad River any day. At least there I can get a drink, dance, pee, and be unwillingly and unwantingly groped by men closer to my age.
(1)Hoa T.
With the right crowd this place would be awesome. But coming back now, all I feel is a little nostalgia. I loved this place in my undergrads days...it's still okay now but I guess the magic is gone. The place is super crowded on the weekends, and I have no idea how their servers can walk through the crowd with trays above their heads.
(3)Kris C.
Keep in mind if crowds bother you and you tend to get excited with slow service when it is busy make sure to NOT come here on a Friday or Saturday afternoon/night. I was here on a Tuesday afternoon with a small to moderate crowd and the service was amazing. I did a sampling of scotch. I received quite a bit of information throughout the tasting. After about 3 of these little guys, I decided I should probably get something to eat. So I ordered their appetizer tray. The walk away from that....the HUMMUS is AMAZING! I don't know that I have had a better hummas anywhere else. They have sidewalk seating with tables only one deep; fun to people watch. I would absolutely come back to this place (just not on Friday or Saturday afternoon/evenings)
(4)Autumn E.
So, I stopped in here twice on Saturday late night. Once was to take a group potty break, and in the bathroom I heard girls raving about how the crowd seems really cool and all. Then we came back, and I realized 2 things: the layout is awesome, and so is the music. It was too easy to find the bathroom. TOO EASY. Then, there's a balcony upstairs. HERE IS WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT THAT: Finding your freaking friends. We've all been there, and this helps you get out of that lost-in-kmart feeling. It's not huge, there aren't too many places to look. I love it. Music? You know that there are some throwbacks your gym teacher played at homecoming that you all said were so stupid but secretly you knew all the words and had to try really hard not to sing along. Well, this place does it better, and everyone sings along. These hip college folk in old city sang the following lineup: Hit Me Baby One More Time, Larger than Life, I want it that way, and.... ready for it.... MMBop. By Hanson. The rest of the night was all that usually new stuff but for half an hour there, it was the most amusing sight I've ever witnessed. It was definitely dorky and lame, but I think the crowd makes it worthwhile and charming. Now, the servers... all wear these black minidresses that seem to only be permitted one or fewer sleeves... and they tuck your credit card into their bras. Tell me that's not sexy (as long as you're not a germaphobe.) Drink specials are good, and when you walk in there's a bucket girl with the special. When we arrived it was Blue Moon 22oz for $8, later $2 Corona regulars.
(4)Holly C.
In comparison to the other bars in Olde City around that area, it's a nicer looking bar. The bartenders were nice, and drinks were cheap, but just a few dollars more than the other bars ($17 for 3 vodka tonics/seltzers). It's pretty big, and it's never been packed the times I have gone. Then again, I usually go earlier in the evening. The crowd is a little better than some of the other places.
(3)Kyle G.
Oh Plough, where do I start. In theory, you should be a fun and cool bar to go to, but there's always a but. Usually the but is, it gets too CROWDED. Seriously, this place turns into a touch-every-person-in-the-bar level of crowded once it strikes midnight on the weekends. I am not really into places like that I guess, maybe you are. This always leads to longer waiting for drinks and a hot atmosphere. I do like how they have the balcony and projector screen for sports, but in the end, Plough's just an occasional place for me if I'm in Old City.
(3)C K.
**review for nightlife only** Great place to go in olde city when you have friends in town and they want to go out to the city on a weekend. Love the music there, and have been there quite a few times on a weeknight and always had a good time. It is pretty difficult to get to the bar and get drinks, though, since it's always crowded in there.
(4)Brad P.
Their Sunday brunch is the best in the city. They had a salmon omelette special the last time I went and it was the best union of fish and eggs that I had ever had. When I have friends visit, this is the brunch place I bring them to. Their Orange juice is variable. Sometimes it is flawless and tastes like it was shipped in from Florida this morning. Sometimes it tastes like the Florida shipment was delayed a week without refrigeration before arriving.
(4)Melissa R.
I haven't been to this place in 5 years. Why, you ask? Because I am OLD. Over 30 is apparently elderly at Plough, and I felt out of place among the inebriated youngins'. So although it is no longer my scene, I spent many a college and young adult weekend nights here, and it seems the place has not changed in the last 10 yrs. They always play good music, so no matter what decade you were born in, if you are just drunk enough, it'll be a good time.
(3)Erin W.
Ended up here on an impromptu double-date late one night. The upstairs was closed already, so we were left having to eat from the small bar menu downstairs. And it was disgusting. There were GIZZARDS in the chicken curry. Maybe that is normal, but a little disclaimer would have been appreciated. My friend got fish & chips, which was wholly unimpressive for $12. The only redeeming quality to the meal, aside from the company, was that they served Lindemann's Lambic in an assortment of flavors. At the end, the boys split the bill on their cards, and my friend's boyfriend gave us a few bucks to cover the difference in our tabs. The waitress, who up to this point had been flaky at best, became the most attentive she'd been all evening and appeared at our table seemingly out of no where to gather the check. She started to pick up the cash my friend's boyfriend had handed to us, asking, "Is this for me?" I was so confused I ended up giving her a harsher "no" than I intended. Thumbs down.
(1)Mike L.
3 stars sounds about right.
(3)Hoan-My H.
This place never lets me down. DJ plays really fun music (hip hop, mainstream, oldies, 90's!!) and though it wouldn't exactly be considered a club, people are still having a good time getting their groove on. Yes, it gets jam packed, but everyone seems to be happy so might as well strike up a conversation with that person awkwardly attached to your @ss. Good environment to hang out with friends, bring out of town guests, and mingle for you singles! PS: St. Patty's Day here is a BLAST!
(4)Phil W.
I love the atmosphere of this place (the fireplace is awesome) - and the food is not bad. I have been several times over the last couple of months (for dinner or Sunday brunch, not when it's packed on a Saturday night) but no one ever seems to acknowledge that fact. A "nice to see you again" would go a long way. In fact, the staff seems incredibly aloof and terribly uninterested.
(2)Tina C.
I think its great here! Good food, good atmosphere, great drinks! Fun time and good place to have a drink. Service isnt that good but food is!
(3)Tara C.
A bit pricey, but this place is really versatile. One night it's a hip Barack Obama inauguration celebration and three days later it's got some famous names in the Irish traditional music world just chilling at the bar. Since I have a foot in both of these worlds (and write about them both), I really appreciate a restaurant with the same eclectic eccentricities. The menu is refreshingly traditional and to be honest...I prefer going here alone in the morning or afternoon when I'm out on assignment. It's my favorite alone restaurant in the city, really, and a good place to sit down and go over notes. I always meet interesting people here and you'd be surprised at how many semi-famous individuals have passed through. Keep your eyes open if you know some Irish faces.
(4)Tom W.
My wife and I enjoyed a Sunday brunch here. She ordered the Omelette du Jour and I had the Salmon Tapas. All was great, no complaints. I would be interested to see someone sitting at the tiny tables. Maybe next time.
(4)Mallory S.
Whenever I'm in Old City and want some good food and a great Cosmo I head to The Plough. First of all, any restaurant that serves delicious pre-meal bread (the Irish Soda is my favorite) is already climbing up my good food ladder. Second, I happen to have a soft spot for Irish men with great voices and guitars. My favorite meal is definitely the NY Strip with Irish Blue Cheese butter. They have great sidewalk seating, ideal for those who love to people watch and they're a great spot to watch sports games (a TV covers almost one whole wall). Weekend nights can get really crowded and loud but the drinks are good and the bartenders are really attentive. Overall, a great place with good food, drinks, atmosphere, and live music!
(4)Kelly D.
Every time my friends and I used to go here, after about a 1/2 hour or so into the visit, we would look at each other with puzzled faces and someone would always ask..."Why are we here again?" Thats how I would sum this place up. One thing that is always consistent is that at some point during your drop in you are guaranteed to hear "Livin' on a Prayer" or some other vag friendly cover band staple. I will say I do like the tiny stools that appear to be really awkward from afar but actually end up being pretty legit.
(1)Christian L.
I stopped in here and though it was pretty good atmosphere. Wasn't bothered to much had a drink a bit expensive but whats to expect in ol' city. Worth Checking out.
(4)Rachel H.
I went to Plough last night for drinks and dancing with 11 other girls as part of a bachelorette party! Pros: It's a huge bar, so there's definitely space for your group to dance around together. The music is great-- there's something for everyone. We only meant to stay for an hour and we were having so much fun that we stayed until closing! Cons: They wouldn't give us any drink specials, even though we were a bachelorette party (group of 12 girls!). Also, the DJ had some awkward transitions between 60s music, then 90s rap, then Billy Joel, and then back to Pop. He definitely kept us entertained, but his transitions could have been smother.
(4)J S.
I came here on a Saturday night around 12. I'm usually not a fan of Philly, but I loved this place! Apparently, it used to be a bank and it's really cool outside. Two rum and cokes....$13. They were okay, but I prefer a bartender with a heavy hand. But I did get a drink quickly. The crowd is pretty good, a quality mix of girls and dudes. Downstairs is more chill, and we ventured upstairs, but the temperature was 20 degrees higher up there. The music was pretty awesome, I agree with the post below about elbows...I almost lost my drink. Attire? Some people were wearing jeans, some were wearing dresses, so either goes! The bouncers were cool too. Oh also, no cover! I'd say it's a good place to check out if you're in Philly
(4)E B.
Overpriced in Old City. Pros: -Good location -Intriguing and spacious atmosphere Cons: -Overpriced. Their cheapest mixed drink on the menu was $8 and they have no specials. -Bad crowd on a Friday night. Nearly all bachelorette parties jamming the place. -The DJ. The music was too loud and although he played good music, he kept (unsucessfully) trying to play each song with its original sampling source and hardly ever played more than 2/3 of a song. Considerations: -I didn't try the food. -Our drink waitress told us, unasked, that this is her full-time job when we gave her our first drink orders. She proceeded to remind us that when she delivered them and then would hover for more tips for all subsequent drinks. It was obnoxiously poor service. -A friend's purse was stolen, but the security team was extremely helpful and accomodating in attempting to get it back.
(2)Sarah K.
I went to P&TS Saturday for pops with my buds. I hadn't been and about in the city for well over a year thanks to the life-style change that goes with the addition of a little baby. It was a good time. The bar tender (our Scottish friend) was engaging but not annoyingly so and I was pleased with the beer selection. I only have been drinking stouts (who knows why) since the birth of the wee one and they had SEVERAL 22ozers to choose from. Although the place was crowded we were able to secure a seat at the bar by arriving at 8pm. P&TS is one of those places in OC where people who don't go to the city often might end up (read, no hipsters.) The bar selection is trendy (and priced so) as are the people who are shopping for husbands/wives/one night stands/a night out from the 'burbs. It was fun. I'd go back.
(4)kristy k.
Wandered in on a Sunday evening. The live Irish music was great. Food excellent and everything reasonably priced. Service was attentive and prompt. Will wander back in the Plough for sure!!
(4)Everett R.
Dropped in at around 11pm on a Saturday night and it was really active, and had some great 70s and 80s playing. You can be really dressed up or laid back and fit in fine. They have a huge screen that they were projecting a college football game on if you wanted to watch that, plenty of people dancing on the second level. We just got some 22oz bluemoons for $7 that they were selling at the door, so didn't get a good look at the drink selection. Also, $40 min for credit cards.
(4)Brian M.
I really want to like this place, but I just can't. My friends really like this place so I have been there a few times, always on Friday or Saturday night and my typical experience here goes something like this... I walk in and it is instantly about 30 degrees warmer than it was outside and I cannot even move. Luckily they have a girl who sells beers right at the door when you walk in pretty much so you can get a drink quickly, unfortunately that Bud Light you're about to buy will be about 5 dollars. After fighting through a crowd of drunk dancing people I usually make my way upstairs so that I can actually have a foot of space between me and the person next to me. I'll try to talk to my friends but it's one of those places where you have to scream at the top of your lungs for the person next to you to even hear what you're saying. After a few drinks I'll feel the slight need to pee which means I should probably get moving to go to the bathroom, because it's gonna take me probably 5-10 minutes to fight through the crowd just to reach the end of the line. After another 5-10 minute wait I will finally be ready to fight my way back to the bar for another drink upstairs. I usually spend the rest of my time there people watching over the balcony. I may hate this place but I will say it is the best place to people watch. I have seen people slip and fall on the dance floor, some triple kisses, I even once saw a bachelorette being "serviced" by some dudes hand, so that is at least entertaining. If you like hot, loud places where you're shoulder to shoulder with people no matter where you are in the bar then this is right up you're alley. Otherwise I would definitely pass this place up.
(2)Kristin W.
I've been here as a bar patron and as a lady who brunches, and brunch is the way to go. I had the Plough Omelette which was a great balance between savory (sausage and blue cheese) and sweet (apples and pears). The accompanying potatoes were delicious - crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and perfectly seasoned. The homemade lemonade was good although probably too sweet for some people. 1 point docked for particularly terrible tap water - why does it taste like plastic was dissolved in the glass?
(4)Kaitlin L.
I typically overlook Plough for other options in Old City, but decided to give it a chance for brunch. Expecting typical bar food grub, the menu was a pleasant surprise. Traditional Irish breakfast, seasonal french toast, and crab eggs Benedict are just a few of the options. They apparently also have "Best of Philly" Irish coffee, but I didn't try it for myself. The atmosphere is great. The first floor fireplace makes you forget you are sitting in a bar; the upstairs balcony is nice and a little more intimate. However, service was a little slow (we sat for 30 minutes after our plates were cleared before we got the check. Then we waited another 10 to get the receipt. For a place that is so ... not my scene.. at night, the brunch here really impressed me.
(3)Emily W.
Service was kind of slow and portions were on the small side for the price, but the food was quite tasty and the drink selection was nice. Good atmosphere too, spacious and attractive interior.
(4)Jack J.
Lots of people dancing at night!
(4)Bill B.
Beautiful atmosphere and decor--the dark kelly greens and deep wood and brass made me feel warm all the way through. (The 30 degree temperature difference between outside and inside helped too!) The hostess greeted the 4 of us immediately and we had a table within seconds. It was lunchtime and they were perhaps half full. It was endearing to see them projecting the 1951 movie White Christmas on one wall. The range of food options was good, and the specialty drinks looked delicious. Being nerdy enought to know that alcohol makes you colder even though you FEEL warmer, we all stuck to coffee, tea, and hot cider. Lunch included a Guiness (beef) casserole with mashed potatoes, chicken hash benedict, and a cheesesteak with fries. All were tasty though just a touch salty. Our server was attentive and friendly, so I do not consider him at fault for the food taking quite a while to come up. Given the warm atmosphere inside and the drizzly, windy cold outside, we did not mind the wait, though.
(4)Zeph D.
The food gave me PTSD. I think kitchen steals it from a Barbie play set. It looked nice and all but I don't know if any of it was OK'd by the FDA for human consumption. On a positive note they serve big-ass, viking sized Blue Moon bottles, which just happens to be the best domestic-foreign style beer on planet America.
(3)Bill M.
The last couple of times I happened to come across here I've had the misfortune of reliving one of those classic tunes that I'd prefer to forget: "Ice Ice Baby". thank you very much Mr. DJ. you ruined the appeal that the place had going for me in 15 minutes flat. But other then that horrid memory the place can be alright. It's definitely not the first place you should go for a night in Old City. but as everyone else says It's good for when everything else is way to crowded. the alcohol selection is all right at best, the seafood is pretty good and reasonably priced, and it has one of my favorite outdoor eating areas (consider yourself lucky if you score an outdoor table though). Be forewarned though, this is another bar that borrows an Irish name without living up to it.
(3)Jenna W.
Everyone can talk shit about Plough all they want: "it's supposed to be an irish bar" "they don't have a great beer selection" "there are NJ douchebags there" News flash: there are NJ douchebags everywhere! Moving along - this place is what it is on weekend nights. You've got your hotties, you've got your assholes and you've got your train wrecks. Great place to party and they have a huge tv if a game is on. DJ always plays things drunk people want to hear - channel Livin on a Prayer, Beat It, Jessie's Girl, etc. Overall, always a fun time late at night. Bonus points for an awesome Christmas tree in December!!
(3)Timothy W.
With my fairly new job, the Plough is on my way home. I haven't really been in years, but I have a couple of acquaintances that work there and decided on my way home to rediscover the place. Since I have made it a weekly thing. Sitting at the bar talking to whoever may be tending it I have made some new acquaintances. Everyone there is super friendly, and it doesn't come off like they are just doing their job either, you can tell some of them are really just chill and friendly people. Unlike some places you go, everyone is well trained on how to pour a proper Guinness so you don't have to worry about being served a dissatisfying pint. The food is a little pricey, but not anything that you have to bench press your wallet over, and my god is it good. The Guinness Casserole is the most fantastic thing I have eaten in a while that I did not cook myself. Even something as simple as chicken fingers is taken to a new level at the Plough. This is a great place to catch some lunch or dinner and an after work beer. On the weekend it gets a little crazy with Dj's and dancing, but c'mon it is Old City, what did you expect.
(5)Mark B.
When it comes to food, this place is absolutely fantastic. Having had the opportunity to visit this place several times, I have found that each time is better than the last. For appetizers you can't go wrong with my personal favorite, the Pissaladiere, which is a puff pastry topped with Caramelized Onions, Dried Cherry Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives and Crumbled Goat cheese, or the Tappas, which comes with an assortment of veggies, olives, cheese and pita with hummus, and is always fresh and tasty no matter what time you stumble in to eat. Even something as simple as the house salad goes down good without being too heavy. For dinner you can't go wrong with the Lamb Chops, which is drizzled with an oddly delicious Irish mint sauce, and comes with some of the of the best and cheesiest scalloped potatoes that I have ever eaten. The vegetarian pasta is also quite good, especially when you cancel out the vegetarian and add chicken to it. Or try the Roasted Free Range Chicken which comes in a large helping, served on top of a smooth and creamy helping of rich mashed potatoes. They offer a great selection of draft and bottled beers for those who like to experiment with different styles, and great daily special concoctions, both liquor and beer related, with my personal favorite being the Dirty Hoe (Half Hoegaarden, Half Raspberry Lambic), which I highly recommend as either a dinner compliment or an after dinner drink. And best of all they are one of the few places that have Hoegaarden on tap. As for all of the people who have reviewed who are hellbent on deconstructing the mismatched decor, are you there to provide decorating tips or eat? One reviewer was right about not going in expecting to be in authentic Irish Pub, but does it really make a difference? All that anyone needs to know is that it is a comfortable environment to either get a drink or enjoy a great dinner... as long as you are there before 8pm. The only complaint that I really have is the fact that the moderately sized street level dining area turns into a pseudo-nite club at some point after 9pm, when typical top 100 music is blasted, and a assortment of the usual club guidos, preps, and snooty gals show up, which does get extremely annoying bordering on obnoxious if you're not expecting that environment. But don't let that prevent you from giving this place a try, it is well worth it. If you want a great place to grab dinner in Old City Philly, then this is a place you should definitely be sure to hit. All in all my absolute favorite restaurant to eat at in Old City.
(4)elizabeth e.
I stopped in last weekend for brunch after hearing a lot of good things, but I'm not sure I'll ever go back. I'm just going to be blunt: I hate walking into a restaurant and getting a confused look from the hostess. It is your JOB to say hello and show me to my table, not look at me as if to say "Why are you here?" That seemed to set the tone for the whole meal. We didn't see our server for a long time, and when we finally ordered it felt as if the food took days to come out (the restaurant was NOT busy). When our food finally did arrive, the food runner set our plates down and then produced a bottle of maple syrup out of his shirt pocket which was equally hilarious and disgusting. The food was good, though. Not out of this world, but it was tasty and inexpensive and that's all I really ask for. However, the one time our server returned to check on us I had to ask for more coffee, she didn't offer, and no one refilled our water. That just grates on me. And that cup of coffee? Tiny. Miniscule. Oh, and it cost $3.
(2)Rachel K.
Plough & the Stars is our go-to bar on the weekends. It is my favorite bar in Old City. As a disclaimer, my perspective may be somewhat skewed as a result of my degree of intoxication and my laughably boozy companions. Nevertheless, I would like to believe that my sensational experiences can be tied to the actual venue. In my opinion, it is a good time. At 25, I would say the crowd is usually pretty young and I feel like I fit in well. It does have a college bar feel to it (a nice mix of mainly groups of friends and some singles) and it is always packed out. If you are prone to claustrophobia, I would absolutely stay away. In addition, I have heard some complaints about the speed of service, so you may want to take that into consideration. Mostly though, I am ignorant towards the tortoise pace of the bartenders because everyone around me seems like they are having such a good time. It is definitely not an atmosphere that breeds conversation due to the loud DJ who plays mostly mainstream music and hip-hop (although, don't be surprised if you start hearing songs you would dance to at a wedding--lame in my opinion, but better than techno!). You can dance here, but there is not really a dance floor per se. Girls, you can bust out your heels for this place. At the same time, heels are not essential to having a good time (you could save yourself some blisters), and the floor, as I recall, got a little messy by the end of the night. There are definitely some creepers lurking about in the shadows, but if you go with a group of friends, you are probably guaranteed some "Yay! I'm a fan" moments.
(4)Niki K.
The restaurant is cozy and the food is fantastic. I had the pear and goat cheese salad, and it was wonderful and fresh. This was knocked down a star because the lacrosse game was on the giant screen tv and people were yelling and cheering. It made it hard to have a conversation. When we showed there wasn't a crowd. When we left there was standing room only.
(4)Lauren T.
I hosted our baby shower here recently and I cannot say enough about the wonderful service, friendly staff, and great food. Everyone was very pleased and impressed with the food and service. The space is really charming and we had the entire upstairs for our event. I would hands down recommend this place to anyone looking for a space to host a party - or even to sit down for dinner or lunch. Love it!
(5)Nicole C.
Two New Yorkers go out on the town in Philly. Knowing the bars close earlier in Philly, they decide to leave a little earlier than usual for more fun time. They get to Philly around 10:30 and only end up searching for bars around 11. Everything is completely empty and deserted except for this place. What is going on? On a Friday night? Also had a hard time locating this place since the address stated 2nd street when the entrance is actually on the perpendicular street. Good times though, these New Yorkers were happy to find this place and party Philly-style. Surprising to see boys actually dancing- great place to people-watch. Poo on the bartenders for saying they weren't allowed to serve tap water, they could only sell bottled water. Isn't that against the law? Great music though, and fun crowd.
(4)Jenni B.
Awesome place to go to on the weekends with your friends. The atmosphere is fun and inviting. The service is pretty decent. The one bar back with tattoos recommended a few great beers that were surprisingly tasty.
(4)Rachel S.
My first visit to Philly as an adult was last weekend for a wedding. We arrived to the Plough & the Stars late-- around midnight (aka about 6 drinks behind all of our friends). We walked into the place with Lionel Richie's "All Night Long" blasting. Great song. Everyone in the place was dancing and singing along. We were there until close on the balcony dancing and drinking. Perhaps, it was just the friends that we were with, the fact that was finally Friday night or the fact that we were visiting for a weekend of wedding festivities, but we had a great time. I would say the back to back Michael Jackson songs probably also had something to do with it. I don't have much to say about the establishment, the people who work there or what the usual clientele is like. However, when I was there last Friday it was the best time I'd had at a bar in awhile.
(4)Toshi T.
This just happens to be my favorite weekday bar in Philadelphia. For a little background, I have been traveling to Philadelphia from Dallas for work since April 2009 so I'm relatively new to downtown. As another disclaimer I am only in town from Sunday nights through Thursday afternoons so I cannot speak to the weekends as I've heard the tone and crowd changes quite dramatically. In my favor, I have been in and out of numerous bars from Rittenhouse Square to the Old City area and places in-between. While many places here have a unique character, I've never felt more welcomed than I have at The Plough. When I'm traveling every week away from home for work, it's nice to find a place where I'm not a complete stranger, and I've had the pleasure of meeting and making friends with most of the bartenders and staff there. In addition, I've had the pleasure to meet some of the patrons--some good and a few bad--but all have been open and easy to strike up a conversation with. The Plough was once the site of the Corn Exchange and has a nice interior. As far as the food and drink go, the kitchen is open until midnight, and, lately, when hungry, I've been ordering the duck quesadillas, which is very good. To that I accompany every visit with several nice pulls of Guinness. As many of the other reviewers have suggested, when the weather is nice, the outdoor seating provides ample interesting people-watching opportunities of passers-by and patrons from the bars across the street.
(4)Jason H.
We thought the place across the street looked much better once we were actually inside here. Outside looks like a classy place. Inside has a confusing decor of cross funeral markers and random paintings, with a somewhat awkward layout. $7 for a vodka and tonic. Meh music.
(2)M G.
We've been to the Plough & the Stars on a handful of dates now, and we've always been a big fan. The atmosphere is great so long as you're open to a louder environment with music (and sometimes Irish dancing). We find the food to be quite good for the price, and the service has always been good. The location is nice for an evening stroll through the Old City / dinner.
(4)andrew g.
Im a bit biased being that I worked there more than a year ago. Howevever, there is no doubt the bartenders are great. They are fast and professional, and will know almost any stupid drink some douche might order. You know those people.... the guy that thinks he knows every drink type cause he read it in a drink bible. or that girl that orders a shot because it has a cute name, but is really just sugar that is 20 percent alcohol. order a Guinness there, please! They pour it properly, by the way. Rant aside. The bartenders rock, the music is decent. Dont expect a really great dance scene. But, dancing can surely happen. It is for the 27-35 year old for sure. But, you can be a bit younger and enjoy the mix of people trying to get their dance on if your crawling around old city. stay to the seats and dining area and chat with friends or other strangers. After all, its an Irish Pub, so socializing is certainly encouraged. Food is great. If you have the bills for the food and tip. Then do it. If you love UK minded people. Do it. The place is owned by Irish immigrants, first generation. So, it will remain an Irish pub feel for quite sometime. Good beer selection, as well. Most interesting thing about this place is it changes all day. Early morning is for great breakfast, then great lunch, then awesome dinner, then a good late night. And the scene gets younger. Early morning averages 60 year olds. Then once lunch hits, minus 10 years. Then dinner, another 10 years. Once your at late night, its the 28+.
(3)Chelsea P.
One of my go-to olde city faves! Not too low key, but not too pretentious. Perfect.
(4)Tom C.
Dropped in for a quick bite (and prerequisite libation). I liked the interior and over all space...but I didn't mind leaving once the food was done to explore other options. My Braised Duck Quesadillas with Caramelized Onions & Irish Cheddar Cheese were fine, but underwhelming. The drizzled Chipotle Sour Cream was in need of Chipotle. Our waitress was lovely and attentive, although she did get a drink wrong which was quickly remedied. I wouldn't drag my heels to never come back, but there are seemingly so many more places I'd like to try first.
(3)Jonathan W.
Place was packed!! Good energy. Bachelorette parties everywhere made for an interesting mix of girlfriends ranging from male-hating bitter to fun-loving desperate. Good 20ish crowd. Bartenders were fast and efficient and didn't require co-opting a lady to get their attention. Music was top 40 with the occasional classic rock song and you just moved with the push of the crowd. A little espn on the tv screen and you've got a fun night in at Olde City. 2AM hits, music off, lights on and you're done. Philly....just a tease.
(4)Kelly G.
As soon as we entered we were greeted with the option to buy drinks at the door (we couldn't say no). After going upstairs we had a server approach us who was extremely friendly and who continued to check if we needed anything throughout the night. The downfall was there were no drink specials but overall a pretty good experience.
(4)Win M.
Honestly this is one of the few bars that I've ever wished that they did not let me into. It is often overcrowded beyond belief on the weekends to the point that it isn't even remotely fun to be at. you're stuck drinking bottled beer, trying to not get run over by the mass of humanity that is trying to get in, out, use the bar, and go to the bathroom. so if you get a cocktail or draft you will spill it. I had no need to go there, they didn't need me either, so I wish they had decided that they were at capacity and told me to go elsewhere. Other than that, when it isn't crowded its fine and reasonably priced, it isn't anything you haven't seen at a bar before, but its reasonable to good quality especially if you consider the neighborhood.
(3)Joel B.
Viatcheslav can make one hell of a Vodka on the rocks!
(5)William Y.
CROWDED! MY GOD, this place was so packed. There was literally no free space. I couldn't dance, go to the bathroom, get a drink, or hardly breathe without rubbing up against someone. There was really nothing special about this place. It had 2 levels and the top level had a balcony which you could look over to the ground floor. I can't remember if there was different musical selections on each floor but regardless it was typical current top 40 pop type deals.I'd be willing to give it another try, mostly because there were definitely some cuties wit booties in the building, but I would try and find something more unique or at least less crowded before I went back. I can't comment on the drink specials because my friend was buying them for me, but this could sway my rating in the future... I'd bet they're typical. So in summary: typical pop music, overcrowded bar where you can dance. Go there if you want a guaranteed hot spot on a Friday night.
(3)Matthew D.
Maybe its just me, but I really didn't get this place... or maybe its Old City, or it could be the fact I was out this way to attend a funeral and wasn't in the right frame of mind. But I wish I had two more sets of hands to give this place four thumbs down... Seriously, perhaps it was an off night?!?! And surprise, it did get better with each additional Jameson on board...
(1)Ben H.
I was feeling cold and needed soup.. this place had decent ones... the sangria was not bad and they played irish music. it great
(3)Jon L.
Plough is a default for my friends and me. It's not a great place to drink, just okay. Nobody among us really hates it, though, and in a social group full of divergent interests, all you really ask for is a collective response like, 'Fine, man. Whatever. I'm cool with that.' My one friend, K. Lo, he always wants to go to a pub-type place. The gals in the group always want to dance, and, like, sing along to tired pop songs from the eighties. Floyd never wants to pay a cover. And, of course, nobody among us wants to go to a place without people. So Plough is frequently what we settle on. Here's the gist: They won't turn you away at the door for a t-shirt and sneakers, but everyone puts themselves together fairly well. On weekends, it's a twenty-something hangout, with few people over the age of thirty to be seen, and during the week it's, well, a restaurant, which I can tell you nothing about. What's pretty cool is, the second floor balcony gives you a great view of all the first floor action. When you get tired of dancing, it's a great place to watch strangers hit on each other. And, ya know, to keep tabs on your friends who may have had a few too many.
(3)Taylor M.
Sat upstairs for a quick bite. Great beer selection and much different ambience there early in the evening instead of the late night crowds (,I like both). Food was decent And the service was great. We had Definitely had a relaxing meal before hitting up the town. Worth trying for dinner definitely worth hitting up for drinking.
(3)Chrissy R.
My friend is a fan of this place so when he was in town this weekend, we set up shop there early in the afternoon and stayed all day. The servers were nice and really accommodating. I do not like the food here though. So much so that this past Saturday I went to National Mechanics for about 45 minutes to have corndogs while our party was eating at Plough. I picked some of the vegetarian pasta that was left on my friends place, and I totally made the best decision. The drinks came fast and hard--Weekend afternoons though, I'd rather kill time at Tir Na Nog or Fado if you've gotta go Irish, or National Mechanics.
(3)Andrea S.
I really liked this place. Our server was amazing very quick with a drink and funny to boot. We were outside so I cant say much about the inside except that they have nice bathrooms and it seemed like a little bit of a meat market/frat party vibe in there. The french fries were delicious but the curry topping which we got on the side was pretty watery I am assuming its not meant to be put on the side but oh well. A great experience with exceptional service.
(4)Dong K.
This place is hardly an irish pub. It's just a typical bar that turns into a sorta dance place later at night. There are usually no specials and even though it is 2 floors, it gets PACKED. Last time I went, they played decent music (hip hop, house) stuff you can dance to. But then I guess the DJ became retarded and started playing irish bagpipe music, odd 80's songs, and pretty much the avg college anthem songs like "cotton eye joe" and such. I mean I guess for some it's better and I guess since they are considered an "irish pub" they need to do that but c'mon! Also the music was WAY too loud, my ears were ringing when I left. The servers are usually attentive and quick and there are usually good lookin girls here. All in all, a decent place to end the night at since they never have cover and it's in a good location.
(3)Cathy R.
Went there for dinner last night after finding good reviews on Open Table. It was not overly busy for a Saturday night and we were seated right away. The crab spring rolls were delicious, as well as the lamb kabob. The duck and pork tenderloin were also very good. The waitress, however, was very absentminded. We had to ask twice for water. We watched every other table receive bread, but we had to ask for ours. When we received it, there were only 2 pats of butter. The waitress did not offer another round of drinks, we had to ask for it as well. When we ordered dessert, they were out of ice cream (it was only 8pm). When we got our coffees, we received neither sugar nor spoons. By the time we received them, the coffee had gone cold. It's a shame. The food was very good but having to ask for everything ruined the experience. If they had self service, we would have been better off.
(2)Umi R.
I have been here on numerous occasions. I enjoy Sunday evenings when they have live Irish music. The food here is very good, but a bit pricey. The duck is delicious but I can say I haven't ordered anything I didn't like. It is loud, and despite how large the crowd can be, I always get seated in a reasonable time frame. The downside is the bathroom in this place and how loud it can be. However I feel it is a great experience, and the food is worth it.
(4)J M.
On a Friday/Saturday night it can get crowded, too crowded. It is also a mecca for frat guys, old men who just want to have fun, and gorilla juice heads. But when it is fun, and you are not stepping on people's toes, there is no better bar in Philadelphia. They play an odd mix of music, a lot of 80's hits, but it works. Drinks are a bit pricey, a trashy beer will cost you about four dollars...but there is no cover.
(3)Aymee S.
Had an awesome time here this past Saturday. Our birthday party attendees secured a spot on the raised platform area directly to the right of the door. Having this space made our whole night!!! The waitress was extemely attentive. I also liked how we paid as we went. With 15 plus people coming and going and ordering drinks, running a tab can be dicey. No need here! DJ was okay. Some really random trax and some pretty bad mixing, however he did play a requested song right away-so big ups for that. I am by no means a fan of Olde City bars in general but I would certainly recommend this spot to friends.
(3)Kevin C.
A couple of months ago, I had some relatives visiting from out of town, and after exploring Old City on a Sunday morning, we headed over to The Plough & The Stars for brunch. After about a 15-20 minute wait, we were seated on the second level, which had a nice view over the rest of the restaurant. The complimentary Irish soda bread served before our food arrived was tasty - crusty on the outside and deliciously tender on the inside. My entrée - a Smoked Salmon Omelette that is no longer listed on the menu - was served with a side of roasted potatoes and some mixed greens. The potatoes were great: nicely crisped and very flavorful. While the omelette tasted pretty good, there was a conspicuous lack of smoked salmon; in all, I found only a few meager slivers of fish in the omelette. Furthermore, a two-egg omelette (at least it certainly looks like a two-egg omelette) is pretty small, especially for brunch, and I was certainly not full afterwards. While the food was okay, there was nothing extraordinary, and I cannot get past how little salmon my omelette contained. Maybe that's why this omelette is no longer listed on the menu. Anyway, the service and laidback atmosphere made for a leisurely brunch, and I enjoyed my dining experience here enough that I would not mind giving the restaurant another chance to redeem itself if I should ever find myself nearby in the future.
(3)Joel G.
We stumbled across this place looking for some food. The atmosphere was cool and the waiter was friendly. The food was alright. Nothing special here. I'd probably pass next time around and it's also a little pricey for the food quality.
(3)William R.
So it was a random night and i need to get to old town. The menu seemed very well versed and delicious. So i ordered the salmon... to my disappointment, the fillet came out in pieces and the rice was undercooked and seemed to have been sitting under a lamp for a while. i politely refused the dinner and ordered there chicken, our waitress was apologetic and prompt. When it came out, it was much much better dish. All and all not a terrible experience but i hear its a better bar.
(3)J F.
Came here this past weekend for our friend's birthday. I liked this place a lot-great dancing! A bit TOO crowded though, but the music was pretty good-a good blending of 90s/2000s/and more recent dance music. The crowd was decent as well-not too many creepers, barely any guidos, hardly any over put together girls. THREE bachelorette parties, though! I was suprised-I thought, who goes to Philly for a bach. party? The drinks were good and very affordable and good selection of beers, and the bartenders were attentive and nice and also I give them props for serving girls, since most female bartenders usually ignore girl patrons from my experience. The bathrooms here were very nice too and well taken care of. A bit small of a place, but aesthetics were pleasing. I would certainly go back here in a heartbeat!
(5)Chris G.
DESERVES NO STARS AT ALL. used to like this place--no more had dinner few nights ago with friend from work (also female) service was v-e-r-y s-l-o-w and place was not full, not understaffed. food was so-so for price, nicely presented though. after dinner we went into ladies room I was washing my hands near the door, my friend was at the furthest sink & said "need to fix bra strap" had her hand under shirt up her back when a guy comes crashing in (not one of the drunk frat boys from the bar) holding rolls of T.P., both my friend & I yelled at him to get out. he kept coming in, said ' only changing toilet paper" he wouldn't leave. my friend tried to move further back and I stepped in front of him, asked him since he worked here didn't he know to call into a ladies room to check if it was OK to come in? He cursed at me and wouldn't leave. my friend was upset and went back into a stall til he left. I went to hostess stand, asked for manager on duty, female there says "I'm MOD" explained to her why we were very upset and she either blew us off or she is really dumb -"it's OK he works here" yeah we get he works there, but what happened to business courtesy or some privacy in the bathroom?? RUDE IGNORANT STAFF LOST THIS PLACE OUR BUSINESS---2 to 10 of us would be there at least 2x or more week, not anymore. That's Ok, we wont'be back, are blackballing them with other nurses & docs @ the hospital and a planned retirement party for 80 people will now be held at Downey's or Tir Na Nog.
(1)Erin P.
i had the unfortunate opportunity to check out this place on a saturday night, in all its meaty glory. wall-to-wall people. loud. literally 8 bachelor/bachelorette parties, one of which i was a part of. the whole experience pretty much made me want to die. but hey that's just me. i like to dance, but when you're packed in like sardines, it's a little hard to shake it without getting dirty looks or accidentally bumping somebody. the bride-to-be was happy so i guess it was worth the hour or so of suicidal musings on my part. all in all, saturday night here is a nightmare. avoid on weekend evenings. otherwise, it's not too bad. i've only eaten here once and it was outside. it was okay. i don't think i'll be going back though.
(1)Sharon M.
Best Guiness and they remember my clover! Used to live down the block so got to know the place well! Check-out the Sunday Brunch; live Irish music usually fiddle, tin whistle and Bodran.
(4)Stacy S.
I'm in Philly for work. This place is right around the corner from my hotel, Sheraton Society Hill. They have good house baked breads and and service was friendly. A small but decent winelist. I ordered the striped bass. Very mild but it was decent. I'd come here again for cocktails but not an entree. It looks like it can get very lively at this place during the late evenings.
(3)Jessica S.
I've only been here once, but I was so overwhelmed that it was enough to last me a lifetime. I went with a group of friends on a Saturday night, and it took 5-10 minutes just to get in the door. Clearly, I expect bars to be crowded, but this was out of control. The place is so huge, you'd think that people would be spread out and have room to breathe, but that is a terribly wrong assumption. We managed to wriggle through the suffocating crowd, albeit very slowly, and headed upstairs hoping for a bit of a reprieve. It didn't come. I had to practically wrestle my way to the bar, which was about 3 deep at the time. When I finally got to the front of it, I had taken a few elbows to the head, and forgotten what half of my friends wanted to drink. Then, the bartender proceeded to ignore me for, not exaggerating here, 15 minutes. She just kept serving everyone around me, and just amazingly never managed to make eye contact with me. Finally, thinking that I had either passed out or gotten lost, a friend came to rescue me. Not even 30 seconds after he got to the bar, the bartender (who by this point I thought could be blind or at least lacking peripheral vision) came right over to take his order. Now, I've heard once or twice about this phenomenon where females don't like other females, but come on! How are you gonna just totally ignore a customer!? Terrible! I guess she thinks she just needs to work "the goods" for the guys, and fails to realize a chick here and there might need a drink.
(2)Sara L.
This is great spot to have some beers at an outdoor table and people watch in the warm months. The inside is also beautiful, with high ceilings and a nice fireplace in front of which a circle performs Irish music on Sundays. I go mainly for drinking, as my few forays into their menu have been a little pricey and not that great. The exception is their Irish breakfast (served on weekends), which even impressed my County Cork-born mother.
(3)Chinita A.
Okay so my friends and I have trashed and owned this place at the same time because everytime we go, every guy (including the staff) thinks we are lesbians! LOL! and nooo we did not kiss on the dance floor either. They actually think we are lesbians. But aside from that, Plough is one of those places in Philly you can go to to get completely trashed and meet douchebags from NJ. So if you are looking forward to running into douchebags and dancing all night long, then this IS the place for you!
(3)Jed S.
Solid steak and eggs.
(3)Jessica S.
I've only been here once, but I was so overwhelmed that it was enough to last me a lifetime. I went with a group of friends on a Saturday night, and it took 5-10 minutes just to get in the door. Clearly, I expect bars to be crowded, but this was out of control. The place is so huge, you'd think that people would be spread out and have room to breathe, but that is a terribly wrong assumption. We managed to wriggle through the suffocating crowd, albeit very slowly, and headed upstairs hoping for a bit of a reprieve. It didn't come. I had to practically wrestle my way to the bar, which was about 3 deep at the time. When I finally got to the front of it, I had taken a few elbows to the head, and forgotten what half of my friends wanted to drink. Then, the bartender proceeded to ignore me for, not exaggerating here, 15 minutes. She just kept serving everyone around me, and just amazingly never managed to make eye contact with me. Finally, thinking that I had either passed out or gotten lost, a friend came to rescue me. Not even 30 seconds after he got to the bar, the bartender (who by this point I thought could be blind or at least lacking peripheral vision) came right over to take his order. Now, I've heard once or twice about this phenomenon where females don't like other females, but come on! How are you gonna just totally ignore a customer!? Terrible! I guess she thinks she just needs to work "the goods" for the guys, and fails to realize a chick here and there might need a drink.
(2)James M.
I went on a weeknight when it was not so crowded. Plenty of places to sit and eat. Not so noisy. I had the steak frite which was actually quite tasty. I also had a hoegaarden and the weiss beer. Both pretty good. I hear this place gets noisy and crowded on the weekends and I can see it being a pain in the arse. The service was also SUPER slow, even on a an uncrowded weeknight. But if you want a decent place to grab a beer and bar food after work, I would come back here for sure, especially if there is no crowd.
(3)jennifer F.
Why am I reviewing this?? So you don't make the same mistake I did. What dumbass orders tapas at an Irish bar? The one who hates potatoes...me.... Yes, resist the temptation of ordering the tapas plate; it's the equivalent of jarred olives and stale pita bread. When it says known for Irish fare, stick to the obvious, potatoes. I actually felt bad when the waitress noticed I didn't eat anything on my plate and when she asked how it was, I told her it was awful. I'm sure she wanted to smack me upside the head and I deserved it. She offered to take it off the bill but I knew it was my fault and paid for the gruel. 3 stars becaue the waitress was nice.
(3)Caitlin C.
I was never impressed with the food here. If you come, it should be for lunch (or just drinks) and in the warmer weather so you can sit outside (they have a great Old City location). Dinner menu is trying hard to be a force to be reckoned with but there is no talent in the kitchen. For lunch grab their spinach salad with poached pears, walnuts and blue cheese. And make sure you get their fries with horseradish sauce.
(2)George R.
This bar is now smoke free, but the noise remains. I like to think of this bar as a place that you go to FIRST before heading out in Old City. The Lager is a reasonable price and they know how to draw Guinness Properly. Their liquor selection is also fine and they have competent bartenders. If you get in early, the host or another staff person is always around to ask if you want to check your coat (for FREE). From the menu, the fries are great and I'm sure that the rest of the bar menu is great too. If you actually want to sit down and eat, they have a larger menu and tables to sit at... if you can find one. This place is warm, and there are fire places, and if you want to watch 'the game' (whatever that may be for the night), they have a long-throw HD projector that shows video on a 15' space on the wall. When I get here at around 9 PM, the place is basically empty. You get drinks, have a seat at the bar or at a bar table and start a tab with a server. Then you let the crowd grow. By 11 PM you can't hear the person next to you. And that's when you leave.
(4)Justine D.
This felt like a college bar. It got wayyyy to crowded, BUT it did have coat check. Music could be better. I don't have much else to compare it to in Philly though since I was just on Vacay.
(2)Brad D.
I used to come here often with friends for drinks but lately it has kind of lost its way. The last time I came here the downstairs was dirty and there was only one bartender, not a good setup for a busy night. The plough still gets a good crowd, and they do have some good food if you are there early enough. Its worth checking out simply because it's so close to a dozen other bars that you're not stranded there.
(3)Dominic C.
Very nice decor and layout - that said, this place reeks of douchebaggery on the weekends. Loud DJ playing the same songs you've heard at pseudo clubs for the last decade and a half, drunk sorority girls, bachelor parties, etc. Maybe I've only been there on bad nights or something but I'm not sure I want to go back.
(2)Kevin M.
This place is a good time based on your level of intoxication. The more you've had to drink, the more fun it is. The music is good and the clientele is fun. It's incredibly packed on the weekends, but a few drinks will make you forget about that. Sunday nights are great too. There's live Irish music from 5-9 pm. Good food. The service is great on non-weekend nights, but it takes forever to get a drink on Fridays and Saturdays.
(4)Samantha M.
This review reflects the experience that I had, but I have heard better. I went with my friend, on a friday night before New Year's eve, and we were really hoping for some dancing. She had had a great time there before. Sadly, no one was dancing so we left. I would go back though on a Saturday night and see what the deal is.
(2)Anna Y.
I prefer this place on weekdays only. It's less crowded and they usually have a few good beers at happy hour prices. There's more of a mixed crowd during the week- young, old, families with kids. Service has always been good. On weekends, however, this place turns into the typical Old City club atmosphere. Lots of young drunk kids. Most from the burbs or NJ. It's very loud and crowded, you can't walk without dancing drunk girls falling into you, and there's a long wait for drinks. The outside seating is nice when it's warm outside.
(4)Damon B.
For God's sake, if I order an eggs benedict poached that means the yolk should be runny. My biggest breakfast pet peeve is when the eggs on a benny are overcooked, and P & S twisted that knife. On another note, they make damn fine bloody marys (Cajun, Wasabi, and regular--oh yeah, that's how I roll). Good atmosphere, and actually a good spot for late night drinks--lots of eye candy.
(3)Ti L.
PACKED on the weekends... with little room to move on occasion. Music is hit or miss. Went there for NYE and had a good time. late 20's/early 30's crowd. No cover, so its a great place to stop by to check out. As for the restaurant, the food was okay, nothing memorable.
(3)Maggie G.
Good things first: The fries are good. Bad things: The Service is close to incompetent. My boyfriend and I went to the Plough on a Sunday night for drinks. Our first question was "Can we get a table?" Pretty reasonable question, right? The response was "Umm, we're not serving food any more but you can stand at that table by the bar." So we stood at a bar table for a while and then realized that A: they were still serving the bar menu and the B: there were plenty of empty tables with service. So, we asked again, got a bar menu, ordered fries (which arrived 20 minutes later) were still told that it would be "difficult" to seat us at a table. Dumbest service in the world. If we had been invited to one of the many available tables, we would have likely stayed for a while and ordered a lot. Oh well. Sucks for them. After leaving, we headed over to Eulogy for a much friendly experience with better food and beer as well.
(2)Winston C.
How many Irish pubs can this town have that lack character??? Same 20-something bachelorette party throwing crowd as the Irish Pub, only difference is they seem to pay a little more for their drinks.
(1)Lindsay H.
I hate this place as a bar (I've never been to eat). I've been three times, and each time the place was so crowded that I couldn't move. You can barely get to the bar, ordering drinks takes forever, the crowd is generally lame (lots of skeazy guys staring at barely dressed girls dancing like strippers). I also hate the music - they'll play 5 or 6 songs from the '50s, then the '80s, then the '90s, then modern, then repeat. I have never had a good time at this place - I leave irritated, frustrated, claustrophobic, sweaty and not drunk.
(1)Chelsea B.
Great service and very friendly staff! Food and drinks were delicious, especially the lemonades they have with various vodkas. Very cool space as well :-)
(4)Blue C.
My favorite place to go out in Philadelphia. The music can be from 70s to now. The crowd is always great. The snakebite was my favorite drink.
(5)Bob L.
Yeesh, do I really have to review this place? Ehh what the hell, I haven't given a one star review yet, so why not. Admittedly this is not my type of place to begin with, I like a more of a low key, less crowded, fun place to go and drink. I've been here on several occasions when the group I'm with calls for it and really haven't enjoyed myself any time I've been here. Lots of popped collars, girls wearing mini skirts when it's 5 degrees out...you know the place. Wall to wall people, Jon Bon Jovi blaring over the speakers, 20 minute wait for a $5 bud lite...be still my beating heart.
(1)Kat J.
One of my old night spots! My friends and I used to use this as a meeting point since the Ritz Parking lot is just a block away and many of us drove in from outside the city. The drinks were good but the wait for them was always AWFUL. The only way to get them was to send the hottest guy in our crew or the girl with the smallest, tightest top! I don't think we've ever gotten a table although we've put our name down on many occasions. We loved it because of the location and because the drinks were good and not too overpriced. However, it's nothing to rave about. I walked by on Chestnut last night but didn't see it - thought it had closed but I see there are recent reviews. Perhaps I missed it! I wish I was here on Sunday as Allison J's review of the waffles made my mouth water...perhaps next time I'm in town!!
(3)Cherie C.
It's a pretty big bar. We had drinks by the fireplace at a table that was a little too low for comfort. Staff were friendly. We didn't stay long, but I'll be back.
(4)Allison J.
We wanted bar food but not the smokey, stinky bar. So we came here and sat outside on the sidewalk on a Sunday afternoon and had an amazing brunch. The restaurant has a waffle station in the dining room for Sunday brunch and they have leavened waffles which are supposedly lighter and crisper than normal waffles. I opted though... for the fish and chips. Again... I was in the mood for bar food! This is probably the best fish batter I have ever had. It was soooo crispy! It was like the crunchy crispy of a KFC chicken breast. I loved that I could drench the piece of fish in malt vineagar and still have it be crunchy when it reached my mouth. The fish was perfectly light and hot inside too. My boyfriend had an omlette with apples, blue cheese, and sausage. He raved about it! He loved it soooo much. He said it was probably one of the ugliest omelettes he's ever had but also one of the tastiest. Service was impeccable and our server was very knowledgeable with the beers and wines. We both agreed that this was one of the best brunches we've had in awhile. The server said, she felt the brunch was probably better than the regular lunch... so.... get down there for Sunday brunch if it's your first time! Oh and the dining room inside was bright and airy. Like you'd expect a brewery kinda place to be. Noise wasn't overwhelming but the place was definitely lively.
(5)Helene J.
The Plough has been our go-to Mother's Day brunch place for years. It has been sliding downhill for the past few, but we tried to stay loyal. After yesterday, never again. There was a hair in one order of Eggs Benedict, my brunch was lost ( literally) through the night, and the Omelette of the day was simply folded over eggs with ham stuck in the middle. The Jumbo Lump crabmeat with the eggs was neither jumbo nor lump, but a smashed, fried, flat cake of the cheapest crabmeat you can buy. Our server was obviously good because the tables in front of and behind us were very well served . Our table however, was a different story. One of us asked for water 3 times, but never received it. the other two tables were all served water which they never touched because they didn't ask for it. They were served a basket of bread; we had to ask a food-runner for ours. They tried to confirm our reservations for 2 p.m. on the day before, but mistakenly had us down for 12:30. Huh??? We also had to wait 20 minutes at the bar for our table. It seems as if no-one involved in food service cares any more. They still have a great Guinness, but I've had my last meal there.
(2)jack j.
If you go here on a weekday for dinner, they actually have really good food. If you go here on a weekend, you will be overwhelmed with the old city crowd, you know the crowd i'm talking about... sigh.
(4)Kelly S.
This isn't a bad place to hang out. It's humungous and has outdoor seating, which is always good. The drinks are okay, the food is okay. It's not my favorite place to go out in the city, but it's still a good time. It can get pretty crowded, though, and even though there's a lot of space, it's hard to find a place to sit when it's crowded on a weekend night, so you just have to find a spot on the floor to stand awkwardly with your friends. I've been there when it's not crowded, and I like that better. I'm a big fan of having a table and a place to sit.
(3)Nicole R.
The Plough is so big and with the noise! Because of it's prime Old City location, there is a high douchebag factor among the clientele. On the plus side, they do have a lot of really great whiskey ( Red Breast, yum!) and can pour a decent Guiness. The food ain't bad but I would only go here if I was really out of ideas.
(2)Russ C.
Ya know that CD you have that is your default when you can't decide what else to listen to? Plough is that bar, only in drinking terms. If I could give it 2.5 stars I would, its that average. P&S has the tendency to become annoyingly packed on weekend nights (probably because its everyone's default). In fact, my friends and I found ourselves literally being pushed...BY EMPLOYEES! I like the aesthetics; high ceilings, brick and dark wood, but not enough to put up with elbows to my kidneys. The last time I went to Plough, it was so crowded my friend jokingly said, "I bet I could drop this beer and no one would notice." Well my friend apparently has the hands of T.O. because about an hour later he drooped a bottle of beer, thus causing it to shatter on the ground. Not a soul even flinched. Plough and the Stars is ok as a default, but I don't see it as much else.
(3)Erik s.
this place is as irish as i am. this place is 2 levels of pain on friday and sat nights- it gets crazy crowded like the end scene of crocodile dundee when mick walks across everyone's head. it seems to be really popular w/ the early twenty crowd during those nights. not a bad place to grab a drink during the week. never had the food-i've heard brunch is ok.
(2)Yo U.
Not my cup of tea. This place is a noisy, crowded mess. If you want an Irish pub-like experience, go drink at Sassafras across the street. The Irish guy over there will take good care of you.
(2)Yen T.
Been here several times with friends. On the weekend it is so packed you can't even move. I like the outdoor seating for people watching. Grab a table on the week nights and just watch the characters that walk by.
(3)Kristi E.
We went here for my lovely cousins start of her bachelorette evening- We made our reservations but due to the traffic on the streets some of the ladies were late- which means we were late ordering- the waiting staff was not to happy with us. The selection of food was average-but they were not flexible if wanting to substitute any thing on the main courses. Choices of wine was minimal- but mixed drinks were made well. Out waitress was not pleasant- but we did have one waiter who was extremely nice and attempted to fix the flickering light bulb above us the entire time. Eventually he brought us over numerous candles. We were rushed- when the larger party next to us was clearing out- and they wanted to start clearing up the dining area to let the dance crowds in- Us ladies made the best of it. Although service was rough- and it was extremely loud- the food was good. It definitely did not put a damper into our night of fun!
(3)M W.
Althought I've never had a great time going to the bar, me and a friend stopped by here for the apple tart dessert, and some irish coffees, sat outside near one of those warm fire place things and had a lovly ending to the night
(3)beth h.
swingers and jersey crowd... no thanks.
(1)miriam b.
Huge bar. Lot more smokers than originally assumed and beer was good.
(3)Jasmin G.
wayyy too crowded and i don't know why. the music is alrite..but the crowd is so loud sometimes its hard to even hear the music! too many yuppie/preppy types here...this isn't my scene. if you must go - get a spot upstairs so that you have a good view of your surroundings.
(3)jen w.
this place is always so so so crowded. and no one is ever just, still, enjoying themselves. everyones always either coming or going. yuppies and snobs come here. no one really dances. its more of a scene than a good time.
(2)Kristin W.
I've been here as a bar patron and as a lady who brunches, and brunch is the way to go. I had the Plough Omelette which was a great balance between savory (sausage and blue cheese) and sweet (apples and pears). The accompanying potatoes were delicious - crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and perfectly seasoned. The homemade lemonade was good although probably too sweet for some people. 1 point docked for particularly terrible tap water - why does it taste like plastic was dissolved in the glass?
(4)Kaitlin L.
I typically overlook Plough for other options in Old City, but decided to give it a chance for brunch. Expecting typical bar food grub, the menu was a pleasant surprise. Traditional Irish breakfast, seasonal french toast, and crab eggs Benedict are just a few of the options. They apparently also have "Best of Philly" Irish coffee, but I didn't try it for myself. The atmosphere is great. The first floor fireplace makes you forget you are sitting in a bar; the upstairs balcony is nice and a little more intimate. However, service was a little slow (we sat for 30 minutes after our plates were cleared before we got the check. Then we waited another 10 to get the receipt. For a place that is so ... not my scene.. at night, the brunch here really impressed me.
(3)Emily W.
Service was kind of slow and portions were on the small side for the price, but the food was quite tasty and the drink selection was nice. Good atmosphere too, spacious and attractive interior.
(4)Bill B.
Beautiful atmosphere and decor--the dark kelly greens and deep wood and brass made me feel warm all the way through. (The 30 degree temperature difference between outside and inside helped too!) The hostess greeted the 4 of us immediately and we had a table within seconds. It was lunchtime and they were perhaps half full. It was endearing to see them projecting the 1951 movie White Christmas on one wall. The range of food options was good, and the specialty drinks looked delicious. Being nerdy enought to know that alcohol makes you colder even though you FEEL warmer, we all stuck to coffee, tea, and hot cider. Lunch included a Guiness (beef) casserole with mashed potatoes, chicken hash benedict, and a cheesesteak with fries. All were tasty though just a touch salty. Our server was attentive and friendly, so I do not consider him at fault for the food taking quite a while to come up. Given the warm atmosphere inside and the drizzly, windy cold outside, we did not mind the wait, though.
(4)Zeph D.
The food gave me PTSD. I think kitchen steals it from a Barbie play set. It looked nice and all but I don't know if any of it was OK'd by the FDA for human consumption. On a positive note they serve big-ass, viking sized Blue Moon bottles, which just happens to be the best domestic-foreign style beer on planet America.
(3)Bill M.
The last couple of times I happened to come across here I've had the misfortune of reliving one of those classic tunes that I'd prefer to forget: "Ice Ice Baby". thank you very much Mr. DJ. you ruined the appeal that the place had going for me in 15 minutes flat. But other then that horrid memory the place can be alright. It's definitely not the first place you should go for a night in Old City. but as everyone else says It's good for when everything else is way to crowded. the alcohol selection is all right at best, the seafood is pretty good and reasonably priced, and it has one of my favorite outdoor eating areas (consider yourself lucky if you score an outdoor table though). Be forewarned though, this is another bar that borrows an Irish name without living up to it.
(3)Jenna W.
Everyone can talk shit about Plough all they want: "it's supposed to be an irish bar" "they don't have a great beer selection" "there are NJ douchebags there" News flash: there are NJ douchebags everywhere! Moving along - this place is what it is on weekend nights. You've got your hotties, you've got your assholes and you've got your train wrecks. Great place to party and they have a huge tv if a game is on. DJ always plays things drunk people want to hear - channel Livin on a Prayer, Beat It, Jessie's Girl, etc. Overall, always a fun time late at night. Bonus points for an awesome Christmas tree in December!!
(3)Timothy W.
With my fairly new job, the Plough is on my way home. I haven't really been in years, but I have a couple of acquaintances that work there and decided on my way home to rediscover the place. Since I have made it a weekly thing. Sitting at the bar talking to whoever may be tending it I have made some new acquaintances. Everyone there is super friendly, and it doesn't come off like they are just doing their job either, you can tell some of them are really just chill and friendly people. Unlike some places you go, everyone is well trained on how to pour a proper Guinness so you don't have to worry about being served a dissatisfying pint. The food is a little pricey, but not anything that you have to bench press your wallet over, and my god is it good. The Guinness Casserole is the most fantastic thing I have eaten in a while that I did not cook myself. Even something as simple as chicken fingers is taken to a new level at the Plough. This is a great place to catch some lunch or dinner and an after work beer. On the weekend it gets a little crazy with Dj's and dancing, but c'mon it is Old City, what did you expect.
(5)Mark B.
When it comes to food, this place is absolutely fantastic. Having had the opportunity to visit this place several times, I have found that each time is better than the last. For appetizers you can't go wrong with my personal favorite, the Pissaladiere, which is a puff pastry topped with Caramelized Onions, Dried Cherry Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives and Crumbled Goat cheese, or the Tappas, which comes with an assortment of veggies, olives, cheese and pita with hummus, and is always fresh and tasty no matter what time you stumble in to eat. Even something as simple as the house salad goes down good without being too heavy. For dinner you can't go wrong with the Lamb Chops, which is drizzled with an oddly delicious Irish mint sauce, and comes with some of the of the best and cheesiest scalloped potatoes that I have ever eaten. The vegetarian pasta is also quite good, especially when you cancel out the vegetarian and add chicken to it. Or try the Roasted Free Range Chicken which comes in a large helping, served on top of a smooth and creamy helping of rich mashed potatoes. They offer a great selection of draft and bottled beers for those who like to experiment with different styles, and great daily special concoctions, both liquor and beer related, with my personal favorite being the Dirty Hoe (Half Hoegaarden, Half Raspberry Lambic), which I highly recommend as either a dinner compliment or an after dinner drink. And best of all they are one of the few places that have Hoegaarden on tap. As for all of the people who have reviewed who are hellbent on deconstructing the mismatched decor, are you there to provide decorating tips or eat? One reviewer was right about not going in expecting to be in authentic Irish Pub, but does it really make a difference? All that anyone needs to know is that it is a comfortable environment to either get a drink or enjoy a great dinner... as long as you are there before 8pm. The only complaint that I really have is the fact that the moderately sized street level dining area turns into a pseudo-nite club at some point after 9pm, when typical top 100 music is blasted, and a assortment of the usual club guidos, preps, and snooty gals show up, which does get extremely annoying bordering on obnoxious if you're not expecting that environment. But don't let that prevent you from giving this place a try, it is well worth it. If you want a great place to grab dinner in Old City Philly, then this is a place you should definitely be sure to hit. All in all my absolute favorite restaurant to eat at in Old City.
(4)elizabeth e.
I stopped in last weekend for brunch after hearing a lot of good things, but I'm not sure I'll ever go back. I'm just going to be blunt: I hate walking into a restaurant and getting a confused look from the hostess. It is your JOB to say hello and show me to my table, not look at me as if to say "Why are you here?" That seemed to set the tone for the whole meal. We didn't see our server for a long time, and when we finally ordered it felt as if the food took days to come out (the restaurant was NOT busy). When our food finally did arrive, the food runner set our plates down and then produced a bottle of maple syrup out of his shirt pocket which was equally hilarious and disgusting. The food was good, though. Not out of this world, but it was tasty and inexpensive and that's all I really ask for. However, the one time our server returned to check on us I had to ask for more coffee, she didn't offer, and no one refilled our water. That just grates on me. And that cup of coffee? Tiny. Miniscule. Oh, and it cost $3.
(2)Rachel K.
Plough & the Stars is our go-to bar on the weekends. It is my favorite bar in Old City. As a disclaimer, my perspective may be somewhat skewed as a result of my degree of intoxication and my laughably boozy companions. Nevertheless, I would like to believe that my sensational experiences can be tied to the actual venue. In my opinion, it is a good time. At 25, I would say the crowd is usually pretty young and I feel like I fit in well. It does have a college bar feel to it (a nice mix of mainly groups of friends and some singles) and it is always packed out. If you are prone to claustrophobia, I would absolutely stay away. In addition, I have heard some complaints about the speed of service, so you may want to take that into consideration. Mostly though, I am ignorant towards the tortoise pace of the bartenders because everyone around me seems like they are having such a good time. It is definitely not an atmosphere that breeds conversation due to the loud DJ who plays mostly mainstream music and hip-hop (although, don't be surprised if you start hearing songs you would dance to at a wedding--lame in my opinion, but better than techno!). You can dance here, but there is not really a dance floor per se. Girls, you can bust out your heels for this place. At the same time, heels are not essential to having a good time (you could save yourself some blisters), and the floor, as I recall, got a little messy by the end of the night. There are definitely some creepers lurking about in the shadows, but if you go with a group of friends, you are probably guaranteed some "Yay! I'm a fan" moments.
(4)Niki K.
The restaurant is cozy and the food is fantastic. I had the pear and goat cheese salad, and it was wonderful and fresh. This was knocked down a star because the lacrosse game was on the giant screen tv and people were yelling and cheering. It made it hard to have a conversation. When we showed there wasn't a crowd. When we left there was standing room only.
(4)Lauren T.
I hosted our baby shower here recently and I cannot say enough about the wonderful service, friendly staff, and great food. Everyone was very pleased and impressed with the food and service. The space is really charming and we had the entire upstairs for our event. I would hands down recommend this place to anyone looking for a space to host a party - or even to sit down for dinner or lunch. Love it!
(5)Rachel H.
I went to Plough last night for drinks and dancing with 11 other girls as part of a bachelorette party! Pros: It's a huge bar, so there's definitely space for your group to dance around together. The music is great-- there's something for everyone. We only meant to stay for an hour and we were having so much fun that we stayed until closing! Cons: They wouldn't give us any drink specials, even though we were a bachelorette party (group of 12 girls!). Also, the DJ had some awkward transitions between 60s music, then 90s rap, then Billy Joel, and then back to Pop. He definitely kept us entertained, but his transitions could have been smother.
(4)Nicole C.
Two New Yorkers go out on the town in Philly. Knowing the bars close earlier in Philly, they decide to leave a little earlier than usual for more fun time. They get to Philly around 10:30 and only end up searching for bars around 11. Everything is completely empty and deserted except for this place. What is going on? On a Friday night? Also had a hard time locating this place since the address stated 2nd street when the entrance is actually on the perpendicular street. Good times though, these New Yorkers were happy to find this place and party Philly-style. Surprising to see boys actually dancing- great place to people-watch. Poo on the bartenders for saying they weren't allowed to serve tap water, they could only sell bottled water. Isn't that against the law? Great music though, and fun crowd.
(4)Jenni B.
Awesome place to go to on the weekends with your friends. The atmosphere is fun and inviting. The service is pretty decent. The one bar back with tattoos recommended a few great beers that were surprisingly tasty.
(4)Rachel S.
My first visit to Philly as an adult was last weekend for a wedding. We arrived to the Plough & the Stars late-- around midnight (aka about 6 drinks behind all of our friends). We walked into the place with Lionel Richie's "All Night Long" blasting. Great song. Everyone in the place was dancing and singing along. We were there until close on the balcony dancing and drinking. Perhaps, it was just the friends that we were with, the fact that was finally Friday night or the fact that we were visiting for a weekend of wedding festivities, but we had a great time. I would say the back to back Michael Jackson songs probably also had something to do with it. I don't have much to say about the establishment, the people who work there or what the usual clientele is like. However, when I was there last Friday it was the best time I'd had at a bar in awhile.
(4)J M.
On a Friday/Saturday night it can get crowded, too crowded. It is also a mecca for frat guys, old men who just want to have fun, and gorilla juice heads. But when it is fun, and you are not stepping on people's toes, there is no better bar in Philadelphia. They play an odd mix of music, a lot of 80's hits, but it works. Drinks are a bit pricey, a trashy beer will cost you about four dollars...but there is no cover.
(3)Toshi T.
This just happens to be my favorite weekday bar in Philadelphia. For a little background, I have been traveling to Philadelphia from Dallas for work since April 2009 so I'm relatively new to downtown. As another disclaimer I am only in town from Sunday nights through Thursday afternoons so I cannot speak to the weekends as I've heard the tone and crowd changes quite dramatically. In my favor, I have been in and out of numerous bars from Rittenhouse Square to the Old City area and places in-between. While many places here have a unique character, I've never felt more welcomed than I have at The Plough. When I'm traveling every week away from home for work, it's nice to find a place where I'm not a complete stranger, and I've had the pleasure of meeting and making friends with most of the bartenders and staff there. In addition, I've had the pleasure to meet some of the patrons--some good and a few bad--but all have been open and easy to strike up a conversation with. The Plough was once the site of the Corn Exchange and has a nice interior. As far as the food and drink go, the kitchen is open until midnight, and, lately, when hungry, I've been ordering the duck quesadillas, which is very good. To that I accompany every visit with several nice pulls of Guinness. As many of the other reviewers have suggested, when the weather is nice, the outdoor seating provides ample interesting people-watching opportunities of passers-by and patrons from the bars across the street.
(4)Jason H.
We thought the place across the street looked much better once we were actually inside here. Outside looks like a classy place. Inside has a confusing decor of cross funeral markers and random paintings, with a somewhat awkward layout. $7 for a vodka and tonic. Meh music.
(2)M G.
We've been to the Plough & the Stars on a handful of dates now, and we've always been a big fan. The atmosphere is great so long as you're open to a louder environment with music (and sometimes Irish dancing). We find the food to be quite good for the price, and the service has always been good. The location is nice for an evening stroll through the Old City / dinner.
(4)Jessica A.
I've popped into Plough once or twice in the past, but finally spent more time there a few weekends ago with a bachelorette party. The place was packed, but in a really fun way. The DJ was playing good music, and the drinks were reasonably priced. We were able to find a table upstairs where we could observe everything going on downstairs. I have to say that I'd have to be in the mood for that type of bar scene, but if you're looking for a fun night out with friends, I'd recommend it.
(4)Jennifer T.
5 stars! Becasue...... 1. I don't live in Philly and have only come here with my best friend from college 2. Have gotten really drunk and hit on by many men 3. danced my drunk ass off 4. good drinks 5. Normal pricing 6. Priceless memories!
(5)andrew g.
Im a bit biased being that I worked there more than a year ago. Howevever, there is no doubt the bartenders are great. They are fast and professional, and will know almost any stupid drink some douche might order. You know those people.... the guy that thinks he knows every drink type cause he read it in a drink bible. or that girl that orders a shot because it has a cute name, but is really just sugar that is 20 percent alcohol. order a Guinness there, please! They pour it properly, by the way. Rant aside. The bartenders rock, the music is decent. Dont expect a really great dance scene. But, dancing can surely happen. It is for the 27-35 year old for sure. But, you can be a bit younger and enjoy the mix of people trying to get their dance on if your crawling around old city. stay to the seats and dining area and chat with friends or other strangers. After all, its an Irish Pub, so socializing is certainly encouraged. Food is great. If you have the bills for the food and tip. Then do it. If you love UK minded people. Do it. The place is owned by Irish immigrants, first generation. So, it will remain an Irish pub feel for quite sometime. Good beer selection, as well. Most interesting thing about this place is it changes all day. Early morning is for great breakfast, then great lunch, then awesome dinner, then a good late night. And the scene gets younger. Early morning averages 60 year olds. Then once lunch hits, minus 10 years. Then dinner, another 10 years. Once your at late night, its the 28+.
(3)Chelsea P.
One of my go-to olde city faves! Not too low key, but not too pretentious. Perfect.
(4)Tom C.
Dropped in for a quick bite (and prerequisite libation). I liked the interior and over all space...but I didn't mind leaving once the food was done to explore other options. My Braised Duck Quesadillas with Caramelized Onions & Irish Cheddar Cheese were fine, but underwhelming. The drizzled Chipotle Sour Cream was in need of Chipotle. Our waitress was lovely and attentive, although she did get a drink wrong which was quickly remedied. I wouldn't drag my heels to never come back, but there are seemingly so many more places I'd like to try first.
(3)Jonathan W.
Place was packed!! Good energy. Bachelorette parties everywhere made for an interesting mix of girlfriends ranging from male-hating bitter to fun-loving desperate. Good 20ish crowd. Bartenders were fast and efficient and didn't require co-opting a lady to get their attention. Music was top 40 with the occasional classic rock song and you just moved with the push of the crowd. A little espn on the tv screen and you've got a fun night in at Olde City. 2AM hits, music off, lights on and you're done. Philly....just a tease.
(4)Kelly G.
As soon as we entered we were greeted with the option to buy drinks at the door (we couldn't say no). After going upstairs we had a server approach us who was extremely friendly and who continued to check if we needed anything throughout the night. The downfall was there were no drink specials but overall a pretty good experience.
(4)Win M.
Honestly this is one of the few bars that I've ever wished that they did not let me into. It is often overcrowded beyond belief on the weekends to the point that it isn't even remotely fun to be at. you're stuck drinking bottled beer, trying to not get run over by the mass of humanity that is trying to get in, out, use the bar, and go to the bathroom. so if you get a cocktail or draft you will spill it. I had no need to go there, they didn't need me either, so I wish they had decided that they were at capacity and told me to go elsewhere. Other than that, when it isn't crowded its fine and reasonably priced, it isn't anything you haven't seen at a bar before, but its reasonable to good quality especially if you consider the neighborhood.
(3)Joel B.
Viatcheslav can make one hell of a Vodka on the rocks!
(5)William Y.
CROWDED! MY GOD, this place was so packed. There was literally no free space. I couldn't dance, go to the bathroom, get a drink, or hardly breathe without rubbing up against someone. There was really nothing special about this place. It had 2 levels and the top level had a balcony which you could look over to the ground floor. I can't remember if there was different musical selections on each floor but regardless it was typical current top 40 pop type deals.I'd be willing to give it another try, mostly because there were definitely some cuties wit booties in the building, but I would try and find something more unique or at least less crowded before I went back. I can't comment on the drink specials because my friend was buying them for me, but this could sway my rating in the future... I'd bet they're typical. So in summary: typical pop music, overcrowded bar where you can dance. Go there if you want a guaranteed hot spot on a Friday night.
(3)Matthew D.
Maybe its just me, but I really didn't get this place... or maybe its Old City, or it could be the fact I was out this way to attend a funeral and wasn't in the right frame of mind. But I wish I had two more sets of hands to give this place four thumbs down... Seriously, perhaps it was an off night?!?! And surprise, it did get better with each additional Jameson on board...
(1)Ben H.
I was feeling cold and needed soup.. this place had decent ones... the sangria was not bad and they played irish music. it great
(3)Aymee S.
Had an awesome time here this past Saturday. Our birthday party attendees secured a spot on the raised platform area directly to the right of the door. Having this space made our whole night!!! The waitress was extemely attentive. I also liked how we paid as we went. With 15 plus people coming and going and ordering drinks, running a tab can be dicey. No need here! DJ was okay. Some really random trax and some pretty bad mixing, however he did play a requested song right away-so big ups for that. I am by no means a fan of Olde City bars in general but I would certainly recommend this spot to friends.
(3)Jon L.
Plough is a default for my friends and me. It's not a great place to drink, just okay. Nobody among us really hates it, though, and in a social group full of divergent interests, all you really ask for is a collective response like, 'Fine, man. Whatever. I'm cool with that.' My one friend, K. Lo, he always wants to go to a pub-type place. The gals in the group always want to dance, and, like, sing along to tired pop songs from the eighties. Floyd never wants to pay a cover. And, of course, nobody among us wants to go to a place without people. So Plough is frequently what we settle on. Here's the gist: They won't turn you away at the door for a t-shirt and sneakers, but everyone puts themselves together fairly well. On weekends, it's a twenty-something hangout, with few people over the age of thirty to be seen, and during the week it's, well, a restaurant, which I can tell you nothing about. What's pretty cool is, the second floor balcony gives you a great view of all the first floor action. When you get tired of dancing, it's a great place to watch strangers hit on each other. And, ya know, to keep tabs on your friends who may have had a few too many.
(3)Taylor M.
Sat upstairs for a quick bite. Great beer selection and much different ambience there early in the evening instead of the late night crowds (,I like both). Food was decent And the service was great. We had Definitely had a relaxing meal before hitting up the town. Worth trying for dinner definitely worth hitting up for drinking.
(3)Chrissy R.
My friend is a fan of this place so when he was in town this weekend, we set up shop there early in the afternoon and stayed all day. The servers were nice and really accommodating. I do not like the food here though. So much so that this past Saturday I went to National Mechanics for about 45 minutes to have corndogs while our party was eating at Plough. I picked some of the vegetarian pasta that was left on my friends place, and I totally made the best decision. The drinks came fast and hard--Weekend afternoons though, I'd rather kill time at Tir Na Nog or Fado if you've gotta go Irish, or National Mechanics.
(3)Andrea S.
I really liked this place. Our server was amazing very quick with a drink and funny to boot. We were outside so I cant say much about the inside except that they have nice bathrooms and it seemed like a little bit of a meat market/frat party vibe in there. The french fries were delicious but the curry topping which we got on the side was pretty watery I am assuming its not meant to be put on the side but oh well. A great experience with exceptional service.
(4)Deanna J.
I've only been here once, I don't live in Philly. Was in the city and went out for Valentine's Day dinner in 2009 and it was amazing. Even though it was really crowded, we had a nice server, great little table by the fireplace and excellent food. If I lived nearby I'd be a regular. Very cool place!
(5)Dong K.
This place is hardly an irish pub. It's just a typical bar that turns into a sorta dance place later at night. There are usually no specials and even though it is 2 floors, it gets PACKED. Last time I went, they played decent music (hip hop, house) stuff you can dance to. But then I guess the DJ became retarded and started playing irish bagpipe music, odd 80's songs, and pretty much the avg college anthem songs like "cotton eye joe" and such. I mean I guess for some it's better and I guess since they are considered an "irish pub" they need to do that but c'mon! Also the music was WAY too loud, my ears were ringing when I left. The servers are usually attentive and quick and there are usually good lookin girls here. All in all, a decent place to end the night at since they never have cover and it's in a good location.
(3)Cathy R.
Went there for dinner last night after finding good reviews on Open Table. It was not overly busy for a Saturday night and we were seated right away. The crab spring rolls were delicious, as well as the lamb kabob. The duck and pork tenderloin were also very good. The waitress, however, was very absentminded. We had to ask twice for water. We watched every other table receive bread, but we had to ask for ours. When we received it, there were only 2 pats of butter. The waitress did not offer another round of drinks, we had to ask for it as well. When we ordered dessert, they were out of ice cream (it was only 8pm). When we got our coffees, we received neither sugar nor spoons. By the time we received them, the coffee had gone cold. It's a shame. The food was very good but having to ask for everything ruined the experience. If they had self service, we would have been better off.
(2)Umi R.
I have been here on numerous occasions. I enjoy Sunday evenings when they have live Irish music. The food here is very good, but a bit pricey. The duck is delicious but I can say I haven't ordered anything I didn't like. It is loud, and despite how large the crowd can be, I always get seated in a reasonable time frame. The downside is the bathroom in this place and how loud it can be. However I feel it is a great experience, and the food is worth it.
(4)Dana B.
Fun times on Friday nights! Came with some friends on First Friday for dinner and the place was packed with quite a crowd, most of whom where there for the live Irish music. My friends and I snagged a table upstairs so we didn't have to shout over the music whilst in conversation with each other, but so that we could still hear it somewhat. My friend Gwen and I each settled on the crab and vegetable spring rolls, which were good, but not nearly enough to fill me up. The strip steak sure looked enticing, so I guess I'll have to come back another time and try it!
(4)Kevin C.
A couple of months ago, I had some relatives visiting from out of town, and after exploring Old City on a Sunday morning, we headed over to The Plough & The Stars for brunch. After about a 15-20 minute wait, we were seated on the second level, which had a nice view over the rest of the restaurant. The complimentary Irish soda bread served before our food arrived was tasty - crusty on the outside and deliciously tender on the inside. My entrée - a Smoked Salmon Omelette that is no longer listed on the menu - was served with a side of roasted potatoes and some mixed greens. The potatoes were great: nicely crisped and very flavorful. While the omelette tasted pretty good, there was a conspicuous lack of smoked salmon; in all, I found only a few meager slivers of fish in the omelette. Furthermore, a two-egg omelette (at least it certainly looks like a two-egg omelette) is pretty small, especially for brunch, and I was certainly not full afterwards. While the food was okay, there was nothing extraordinary, and I cannot get past how little salmon my omelette contained. Maybe that's why this omelette is no longer listed on the menu. Anyway, the service and laidback atmosphere made for a leisurely brunch, and I enjoyed my dining experience here enough that I would not mind giving the restaurant another chance to redeem itself if I should ever find myself nearby in the future.
(3)Joel G.
We stumbled across this place looking for some food. The atmosphere was cool and the waiter was friendly. The food was alright. Nothing special here. I'd probably pass next time around and it's also a little pricey for the food quality.
(3)William R.
So it was a random night and i need to get to old town. The menu seemed very well versed and delicious. So i ordered the salmon... to my disappointment, the fillet came out in pieces and the rice was undercooked and seemed to have been sitting under a lamp for a while. i politely refused the dinner and ordered there chicken, our waitress was apologetic and prompt. When it came out, it was much much better dish. All and all not a terrible experience but i hear its a better bar.
(3)J F.
Came here this past weekend for our friend's birthday. I liked this place a lot-great dancing! A bit TOO crowded though, but the music was pretty good-a good blending of 90s/2000s/and more recent dance music. The crowd was decent as well-not too many creepers, barely any guidos, hardly any over put together girls. THREE bachelorette parties, though! I was suprised-I thought, who goes to Philly for a bach. party? The drinks were good and very affordable and good selection of beers, and the bartenders were attentive and nice and also I give them props for serving girls, since most female bartenders usually ignore girl patrons from my experience. The bathrooms here were very nice too and well taken care of. A bit small of a place, but aesthetics were pleasing. I would certainly go back here in a heartbeat!
(5)Chris G.
DESERVES NO STARS AT ALL. used to like this place--no more had dinner few nights ago with friend from work (also female) service was v-e-r-y s-l-o-w and place was not full, not understaffed. food was so-so for price, nicely presented though. after dinner we went into ladies room I was washing my hands near the door, my friend was at the furthest sink & said "need to fix bra strap" had her hand under shirt up her back when a guy comes crashing in (not one of the drunk frat boys from the bar) holding rolls of T.P., both my friend & I yelled at him to get out. he kept coming in, said ' only changing toilet paper" he wouldn't leave. my friend tried to move further back and I stepped in front of him, asked him since he worked here didn't he know to call into a ladies room to check if it was OK to come in? He cursed at me and wouldn't leave. my friend was upset and went back into a stall til he left. I went to hostess stand, asked for manager on duty, female there says "I'm MOD" explained to her why we were very upset and she either blew us off or she is really dumb -"it's OK he works here" yeah we get he works there, but what happened to business courtesy or some privacy in the bathroom?? RUDE IGNORANT STAFF LOST THIS PLACE OUR BUSINESS---2 to 10 of us would be there at least 2x or more week, not anymore. That's Ok, we wont'be back, are blackballing them with other nurses & docs @ the hospital and a planned retirement party for 80 people will now be held at Downey's or Tir Na Nog.
(1)Erin P.
i had the unfortunate opportunity to check out this place on a saturday night, in all its meaty glory. wall-to-wall people. loud. literally 8 bachelor/bachelorette parties, one of which i was a part of. the whole experience pretty much made me want to die. but hey that's just me. i like to dance, but when you're packed in like sardines, it's a little hard to shake it without getting dirty looks or accidentally bumping somebody. the bride-to-be was happy so i guess it was worth the hour or so of suicidal musings on my part. all in all, saturday night here is a nightmare. avoid on weekend evenings. otherwise, it's not too bad. i've only eaten here once and it was outside. it was okay. i don't think i'll be going back though.
(1)Sharon M.
Best Guiness and they remember my clover! Used to live down the block so got to know the place well! Check-out the Sunday Brunch; live Irish music usually fiddle, tin whistle and Bodran.
(4)Stacy S.
I'm in Philly for work. This place is right around the corner from my hotel, Sheraton Society Hill. They have good house baked breads and and service was friendly. A small but decent winelist. I ordered the striped bass. Very mild but it was decent. I'd come here again for cocktails but not an entree. It looks like it can get very lively at this place during the late evenings.
(3)Jeffrey K.
We decided to take a quick spur of the moment over-night trip with the kids to Philadelphia just before New Years Eve -- so we head down there and by the time we get down to Philly and check into the hotel it's time to feed ourselves and the kids. We asked the concierge at the hotel for a recommendation and he responded: "The Plough and The Stars". Although it is an Irish Pub type of place, he said there was food for the kids as well and we would enjoy it. So we figured . . . what the hell -- why not. F Y I . . . If you are staying down by the Convention Center, this is NOT walkable as it's on the other side of town (a few miles). Not that I have anything against walking, but when you have a kid(s) with you and it's night time, you don't want to traverse the streets of Philly that are between the two endpoints. Also, be aware that if you are going to Philly and plan on visitng the Old City area after 6PM, be prepared to pay $15+ to park if you can't find a spot on the street. Once we drove over the Old City neighborhood, we had a little trouble finding the place (but that may have been as a result of bad directions in the first place.) Once we found it, we stepped inside to what appeared to be a nice open space -- in front of you is a nice wide bar, to the left are some small tables near the fire place to sit and sip on some cocktails and there are tables on either side of the doorway and upstairs as well. When we got there the place was relatively empty (which changed later on during our meal.) The atmopshere, especially during the holiday season, was wonderful, they had a giant christmas tree (think two story tall), in a corner by the fireplace. The fireplace itself gave a great aroma to the air and the building itself was certainly late 19th century and had a wonderful charm to it. So of course my son wants to sit near the fireplace (esepcially since the tables were all reserved) -- the only "bad" part of the evening was that we had to sit at the small tables by the fireplace (on even smaller stools) -- but it was worth it because we sat right near the fire (which I too am a big fan of), and the food AND drinks were wonderful. They have this wonderful "apple pie" cocktail which combines Irish Whiskey, cream and some apple cider -- they warm it up and boy is it yummy. As promised, the place had food to delite the tastes of younger patrons (in other words my 5 y/o and 20 month old), and they had delightfully, the menu certainly has an Irish theme to it, and their dishes are full-flaovred and hearty (i.e. steak, other beef dishes, etc.) -- their salads and soup are equally tasty and the wait-staff are all delightful and regularly coming around with warm, freshly made brown bread and irish soda bread (highly recommended.) The desserts are also a nice treat. We shared the Bailey's Creme Brulee -- personally I could taste the Bailey's in the dessert, but none-the-less it was enjoyable (so was the coffee.) So go, enjoy and also remember, from what I was told, this was formerlly an old bank so the building I am certain has some interesting history to it (for you history buffs out there.)
(4)Jack J.
Lots of people dancing at night!
(4)Paul W.
Consensus seems to be that Plough and the Stars is great if you want to party and get smashed. For this I like to go to places that serve me $2 Lagers so when I'm smashed I'm also not poor. Thus my two star rating. This doesn't mean I didn't have a good time there before. St. Patty's Day 2007 was an awesome marathon of drinking. They had live Irish dancers, music and some wonder kid who sang some Irish diddies. Intermittently a bar crawl would come thru, try to recruit us and then move on. We got there early and got prime seats at the bar that allowed us to keep the beer flowing and the crowd somewhat at bay. I feel bad for my two stars but with bad food, high prices, and a crowd, this isn't my hangout of choice... unless I'm trying to re-live college.
(2)Jackson B.
Nice little upscale-ish bar. While in town for a long business trip, I found that this is the bar I went to the most. I only ate there once, but drank many times. The one time I ate, the food was awesome. When drinking, the bartenders are always friendly and up for a little conversation. Every time I was there, I met fun locals who were willing to tell me all about the city and suggest places to go and things to try. A few weekend nights, this place can get pretty nuts. The crowd is mostly a preppy poser crowd -- but fun none-the-less.
(3)Ashley B.
I thought that this place was so cute and it was so beautiful inside, I went right before halloween and they had the lights up and it was a lot of fun. the staff was dressed up and entertaining! They definitely wanted everyone to get into the spirit and they did. Lots of great service and it was packed so we had to wait a while, but they had awesome music playing and everyone was friendly and in a partying mood.
(4)Linda G.
This was my second visit to The Plough and the Stars and unfortunately it wasn't nearly as good as the first. The first visit was in January 2013 and it was great! The fireplace, live Irish music, food and service all great. Stopped by this past Friday night, early, like 5:30. You know what I hate? When you approach an establishment and when you try to enter there are three to four employees standing in the doorway and they look at you like you're crazy or unwelcome. They finally stepped aside and we were able to get to the hostess and we were seated at one of the our door tables. The outdoor tables are great - comfortable, great people watching. While the service was good we had to ask about both the beer specials and the food specials, the waitress didn't mention either when she dropped off the menus and we had to wait until she came back to find out. A number of the staff continued to stand around one particular table to customers and chat and laugh throughout our time - I guess they were friends but I'm glad I don't have to pay them. The food was okay - I got the fish and chips and the mister got the sheppards pie. The food was better on our first visit. I would go again to sit outside in summer or by the fireplace in winter.
(3)Jas D.
It's open on Tuesday nights and it was one of the more packed places with outdoor seating as well. It was great to just chill with friends in the lower part of the place and there was a dancefloor upstairs. Very nice bartender and clean bathroom.
(3)Kevin M.
So another night in Olde City with the Brits, it usually starts the same way drinks at the house train,cab or walk to Olde City. I usually follow the same path but i start at mcgillins to get some good drinks then i walk to market east to meet them then the aforementioned cab or walking to Olde city. Off to sugar Mom we go which means we are going to be entirely too drunk too fast lol. After about two hours there we stumble our way toward market and presumably Lucy's which i like because it has music and drinks for every type of person,but dint like because its like being Adrian Peterson just to get to the bathroom. One night we were tired of doing this and decided to stumble back to the house. (Truth be told i literally elbowed a girl in the nose in an effort to get to the bathroom,so lets assume i was in more of a hurry to leave then everyone else lol). Now i assume the Brits had been there before because they made a beeline to the door. I had walked past this place a hundred times...i swore it was a restaurant (it is) We got into the place and you can literally feel the energy from the spacious two floor building Its always packed to capacity and i sweat through my shirt which if you know me isn't hard. The bar stretches out pretty far and they have great bartenders. So great that when i left my card they let me in after closing to get my card that i had to walk back to from 10th to get. The music is great because it plays everything for everyone. This particular night the first 5 songs were Drake,Billy Joel,Blur, Daft Punk and i think Sting. Though when you are drunk Sting's mumbles sound like a person speaking Chinese with a lisp so it could have been anything lol. But it was awesome and The Plough & The Stars became my end of the night place every time i went to Olde City. Great Drinks and setup BUT MY ONLY REGRET is that i have yet to eat there which i plan on change ASAP. It get really poppin around 12 ish because the restaurant crowded has changed into the party crowd. Enjoy!
(5)Kevin C.
Watched the world cup final here and just getting around to reviewing this place. Given how absolutely packed the place was that day, service was still really good. The food was also prepared well and was well received by three weary Philadelphia tourists. I'd definitely go back. Great pub.
(3)Jason A.
So you've pregamed at a friend's house, had a few shots at the local dive, 17 beers and 3 more shots at your regular bar and had minimal luck at the meeting people game. All you want to do now is "dance", and when I say dance I mean crash into other drunk people, hoping to capitalize on that golden convergence of intoxication and desperation that happens between 12:45 and 1:30. You settle on a 42 year old cougar from Jersey. One star is better than none, right?
(1)Megan D.
FYI - I have been back twice now and both times I was in fact heavily intoxicated...I still give it one star!
(1)Kimberly H.
Plough & the Stars was this season's pick for Restaurant Week. If this were a fantasy foot ball team, I'd be right at the middle of the pack. The interior is beautiful, a two story room with a balcony used for dinner with high windows, crown molding and plaster details all around. The outside seating area has high top tables and chairs with umbrellas, and, even though you line the sidewalk, are set back enough that you don't feel in the middle of 2nd St. foot traffic. When we arrived, the music was a tape of traditional Irish folk music, but by the time we finished the DJ had come in and was playing some really annoying 90's pop music (read: C&C music factory). Supposedly they have live Irish folk music on some nights... The service was great, the hostess seated us right away, and our waitress was super attentive and offered both solicited and unsolicited suggestions from their special RW menu. Both food and drink came very quickly. Unfortunately, we were seated on the upper level right outside the kitchen; we had bags of trash walked by us, huge trays of dishes (one clinked and I got some old-meal juice in my hair), and the entire restaurant staff paraded by us continually. Normally, especially during RW, I wouldn't be as annoyed by this, but the rest of the balcony was empty save one table of 8 on the other end. The food was also spotty, my monk fish and scallops meal was pretty darn salty, something echoed by the server after the fact and some friends who've eaten there previously. BUT, the scallops were done perfectly with a nice seared crust and not over cooked. The accompanying corn salsa was super yummy, helped to cut some of the saltiness, and was a really interesting texture and taste difference with the fish. The boyfriend's steak was amazingly yummy, though the menu said it came with a bleu cheese sauce of some kind which neither of us could see. Our appetizers (spring rolls and their avocado mousse) were pretty to look at, but very tasteless. Desert was amazing: A sampler plate of chocolate truffle, creme brulee and a fruit filo thingy that were all to die for. Great beer selection, okay wine selection (for the non-wino) and an okay short order menu would make me more likely to return for happy hour or the last stop an old city drinking tour.
(3)Art S.
Russ said it best. This is a default bar. I used to work in a restaurant on 3rd St, and by the time I'd get out, there weren't many options for my hungry belly. But Plough always served food until late, so I could run over there and sit outside and scarf down one of their burgers, which I actually think are really good. And then I started to become friends with the cute girls on the waitstaff. And then I started going there less often for the burger, and more often for the flirting with the girls who were serving me my burger. And once you start to get preferential treatment from the waitstaff and bartenders, I don't care how much the bar sucks, you're going to go there. That's just the way life works. So, yeah, this place can get crowded. And kind of annoying. But I don't think this place is awful. If you can get a seat outside it's great, actually.
(3)Augustina G.
I've been here in the past on weekend nights when it goes from upscale irish pub to frat party in a sardine can and I can't say I'm a fan. I came here for brunch with a few people recently and I must say it turned my opinion of this place around. The food was reasonably priced and the portions were good for what you're getting. I had the savory french toast and it was pretty good! Before that, they served Irish soda bread and that was delicious. Everyone at the table had their plates nearly clean. One of my dining companions both ordered 2 eggs, but had them cooked differently. They accidentally swapped the eggs and asked if you want the correct eggs on the side. Also, one person ordered eggs benedict and one of their poached eggs and was overcooked. The service was good and despite the small hiccups, I'd go back for a drink or brunch, just not a Friday/Saturday romp in Old City.
(3)Sara Y.
My boyfriend and I came to Plough & The Stars for restaurant week and were not disappointed. The pre-set menu had some excellent, diverse selections. We ended up with a warm tomato salad, duck puff pastries, crab stuffed salmon, and pork tenderloin. The meats melted in our mouths and had lots of flavour, while the puff pastry was perfectly crisp with a fluffy interior- the duck mixture did not make it soggy, since it was brought out promptly. I didn't get to try the tomato since my boyfriend wouldn't share, so I assume it was good. Dessert was a little plate that sported a mini creme brulee and a chocolate ganache in a chocolate bowl. A huge glob of fresh whipped cream was served with it. The creme brulee was torched to perfection, and the chocolate was so rich and dense that the cream was a welcome addition. The feint of heart may not like the chocolate as much as I did, however. Plough has a decent selection of local beers, but their cocktail menu was more impressive. Interesting things I had never seen before. I asked the waitress to "surprise me" by choosing one of their three irish coffees. The one she brought me, covered with thick whipped cream, was divine. It was a perfect way to finish the evening.
(5)Tina G.
This was really a phenomenal experience in all respects. Some friends and I went during Restaurant Week for the vegan dishes, and we were so impressed! The food was delicious--my first course was the pear salad which was well balanced between tangy and sweet. The candied pears added a nice touch. My mahi mahi wasn't as tender as I had expected, but the couscous accompanying it showcased a perfect blend of spices. I could have used some more vegetables though. I opted for the vegan dessert, and the creme brulee was just like real thing--sweet and creamy and decadent. The chocolate cup with lavender cream looked as delicate as it tasted. What made Plough & Stars really stand out, however, was the service. I got an early reservation, but my party didn't start arriving until well into an hour after I was seated. The waitress was kind and patient enough to let me wait at the table, and I didn't feel like she was rushing me at all. Once everyone had arrived, orders were taken quickly and efficiently, and the food came immediately after. To top the night off, my friend had chosen not to order from the Restaurant Week menu, but when everyone else was receiving their desserts, the waitress was so wonderful and considerate and brought out a dessert plate for her--for free! The ambiance is laid back, but classy. There's a nice foyer area upstairs where I would love to be seated next time, as I'm sure I'll be coming again!
(5)Louis L.
We were part of a meetup group this afternoon with all of the vegan food prepared by Chef Lenka Zivkovic - fantastic!! Amazing flavor combinations, incredible presentation and a great venue! Hope they'll add some of these choices to the regular menu - we'd definitely return!
(5)Tom M.
Based on my five-course vegan prix-fixe dinner there, 5 stars easily. One minor note: at dinnertime, please do not air local news on your TVs. Violence and kidnapping stories are not what I need to watch as I sit down to dinner. Fortunately, I went with two friends on a nice May day and we were able to avoid the local news by sitting outdoors. Some highlights of a great meal: Tomato gazpacho: Lisa Simpson's favorite bbbq party food was perfect. Just right. The nacho chips served with it were the perfect finishing touch. Vegan quesadillas: very good. Oddly Thanksgiving-like. I really liked the guacamole that came with it. The chef raised the game with that. The three components of the dinner course were great. Spaghetti squash with a delicious peanut sauce. Savory Sheperd's pie. Topped off with an excellent vegan crab cake. Crab cakes are clearly better vegan, why on Earth are we still killing crabs? For dessert, I had the avocado lime cheesecake. It was great though I preferred the chocolate cheesecake my friend let me try from her plate. The vegan prix-fixe meal at Plough and the Stars is now firmly entrnched on the Philly must-do list.
(5)Lia B.
Came here for a vegan dinner and I was totally impressed! Everything from the fancy toast to the amazing dessert was absolutely delicious! The vegan creme brûlée was hands down the most delicious item! Haven't had that for 18 years - since I've been vegan! What's crazy is that this is the type of place you wouldn't think had such TREMENDOUS and high quality vegan options! This was truly five star dining at three star prices! I can't wait to go back!!
(5)Sara P.
My friends will be surprised to see me eating here at an Irish pub. But when it's restaurant week and they're serving vegan food, I gotta get involved. This was amazing. We had an artichoke appetizer that was rich in garlic and sauce that was excellent over the slice of toast. The salad of fruit and greens (did the chef read my diary?) Was sweet and spicy but not too much of either. Seiten steaks that tasted more steak than well any steak with a lovely just perfect steak sauce. Best of all for this veggie lover was the grilled potatoes, sweet potaoes, and green beans slathered in rosemary.
(5)Suzette A.
At 3 pm on a Sunday this place was fairly empty. We originally sat down but no one came over to take our order. We just wanted drinks and appetizers, so we walked over to the bar. I forgot my ID and was served water... doesn't matter how old you are. You might want to have your ID. The ambiance is pretty chilled. Music wasn't good. I am not sure if it was because it was a Sunday or what... I really didn't dig it. I'll certainly swing by on a Saturday evening and see if its the same deal. 1 drink $6.50 and they accept credit cards. Street Parking.
(3)Dana N.
The friendliest bar in the city of brotherly love. The bartenders are friendly and your glass will never be empty (unless you want it to be empty). The groups of regular costumers that sit at the bar are very cool, too. They had a traditional Irish brunch last Sunday complete with blood pudding and brown bread.
(5)Adam B.
I am basing this 5 star vote on the vegan dishes from restaurant week 2015. Chef Lenka Zivkovic is a master! Amazing flavors bursted from every bite from this 3 course dinner. From the spinach summer salad, that was addicting and delicious, to the vegan crème brûlée which made love to my tastebuds. The braised seitan was nothing short of phenomenal. To describe this dinner with justice I would have to write an epic poem. I will absolutely be back to try their non-special vegan dishes. I'm sure they will not let me down!
(5)Gina B.
What an awesome place with awesome food! 4 of us dined here and we all loved our meals equally. I had the Guinness Casserole which was Cubes of Beef Slowly Braised with Guinness, Pearl Onions & Carrots with Mashed Potatoes. It was delicious. The service was tops. Happy people with happy attitudes! The atmosphere was "hip" and elegant at the same time. What more can you ask for?
(5)Brad T.
Why am I giving this place one star? I signed up for a bar crawl in Philly on July 3rd, something I never do but I thought why not. The Plough & The Stars was one of the bars that was part of the crawl. Of course, they went against their word and would not honor the specials that were included with the bar crawl registration. To make matters worse, their bartenders and managers were very unprofessional. Now I rarely write reviews on Yelp anymore, but this experience stood out as such an awful display of customer service I felt compelled to share it with the world. I recommend taking your money elsewhere.
(1)Smrithi D.
Ate here for a business lunch with my team. We already had reservations and they even printed a custom menu card for us. We had the choice between 1 app, 1 entree, and a dessert assortment. I close the tomato and more tells salad which was pretty good but more of an appetizer than a salad since it came with pita bread on the side and not many greens. I went with the vegetarian pasta for lunch, tortellini with mushroom and lots of veggies. It was pretty good and definitely a giant portion but nothing too exceptional. The dessert was the best part- the creme brûlée was phenomenal! It also came with a small chocolate raspberry moose that was too rich for my palette. The service was good but the waiters would forget who ordered what dish and it took a very long time for my salad to arrive. It could have been organized better. Overall good team lunch! I would come back here for a happy hour.
(3)Laura Jill S.
Five stars for the vegan prix fixe menu. Amazing food, phenomenal service, and Chef Lenka came out to talk to us and gave us vegan creme brulee. VEGAN. CREME. BRULEE. Twice a month on Thursdays is the vegan prix fixe chef's tasting menu. Four courses. Each better than the last. Bargain price of $35. I highly recommend this. I've never been to The Plough & The Stars for any other reason or on any other night. From what I understand, like most joints in Old City, it's probably not my scene on the weekend. But it will definitely be part of our monthly rotation for our vegan girls nights.
(5)Herbie H.
In my previous review, I enjoyed my lunch perfectly fine. I stopped by for Brunch this past Saturday and had an excellent experience, and thought it necessary to update the review to reflect my experience. We got there 10 minutes after they opened (10:30am) and were seated beneath one of the huge windows, pouring in natural light. There was a fire going in the fireplace (or, continually starting/stopping) and the whole mood/ambience was really quiet, casual, and relaxing. I am usually pretty decisive when it comes to brunch, but had a hard time deciding. There were a number of options on the brunch menu that looked great (full irish breakfast, chicken hash potatoes) and some daily specials that also sounded good (omelet with bacon and onions, lamb burger.) I finally decided on the Vegetable Frittata of the day: with roasted zucchini, onions, asparagus, peppers, and Brie. It was a great choice and perfectly cooked/assembled. The vegetables had a nice roasted quality to them with some charred bits, and the Brie melted into the frittata beautifully. The side of mixed greens and roasted potatoes were a nice touch. The portions of the sides were on the small side, but the frittata itself was a nice size. I was thrilled with my meal. My boyfriend ordered the "savory french toast" which he also really enjoyed. The french toast was perfectly crispy and tender, and all of the fixings (eggs, sausage, bacon) were generous in portion size. Prices were on the normal/low side for brunches in the city (especially Old City). Our server was really friendly, answered questions for us, and hooked us up with another slice of their delicious homemade breads (seriously delicious.) The manager (or, who I can assume was the manager) stopped by to ask how everything was. She stopped by another table as well to check in. She seemed to really care how her customers were enjoying their meal.
(5)Tricia F.
This Irish Pub is located on 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut. It was once the Money Exchange building. Beautiful high ornate decorated ceilings ~ wood stairs leading up to the balcony tables. Prices weren't bad! Fish and Chips for 3 of us and the hubster ordered Shepard's Pie. His words: "Rate this pie a 5!" Although the pie was a 5 the Fish and Chips didn't stack up to that rating. Fries were great ~ while the fish seemed a bit greasy and the coating kept falling off.
(4)Jim B.
You be hard pressed to find a better bar in Old City then "The Plough". Imagine the gravity of that statement... I'm talking about a town that prides itself on fiery sports passion fueled by drunken stupors, greasy late night food covered in cheese whiz and of course, Ben Franklin (the town drunk turned scientist, diplomat, Founding Father of our country and printer), and The Plough is among the best booze slinging watering holes washing away Philly's historic and unquenchable desire for spirits. Best of all, unlike most Center City or Old City bars that are geared towards men and barely stomach-able by women, The Plough has an even balance that both sexes can mutually enjoy. LADIES: The Plough offers you breathtaking decor and elegant ambiance, with a quiet and respectable environment you'll truly enjoy. The Plough teems with good people, fine drinks and decadent bites and is the perfect place to gain a friendship, celebrate a milestone or meet that significant other of your dreams that you can cozy up with next to the comfortable glow of wood burning fireplace. MEN: Beer is good. Fire is warm. We like fire and beer. I actually had an occasion at this bar once where a couple buddies of mine had a little too much fun and wound up heading across the street to a tattoo parlor where they each got Misfit tattoos. True story.
(5)Susan L.
Chef Lenka prepared an amazing variety of Vegan food for our vegan pledge group. Everything was amazing and obviously made with her love of cooking. We will definitely go back as long as we know she will be there to prepare vegan options for us.
(5)Meredith C.
Chef Lenka is the best! Her food is amazing and she takes so much pride in her work. For a special vegan meetup event, she prepared a bunch of small plates which were equally delicious. It's hard to pick a favorite, but the buffalo "shrimp," vegan crabcake, and a mushroom dish stood out. The creme brûlée was also out of this world- better than any I had before going vegan. Not only is Chef Lenka extremely talented but she has so much enthusiasm and is one of the sweetest and friendliest people I've met! The restaurant is lucky to have her!
(5)Natalie L.
Everything is always great about this, and most importantly so are my bloody Mary's! But, besides that service is always great, and there's a super funny bus boy that is always helping out. Great for brunch, lunch, or dinner!
(4)Rick B.
I need to emphasize that this review is based solely on my weekend experiences here. Unfortunately, the handful of times I've been to Plough have all been on Saturday nights, when they forfeit their identity as an Irish pub for a money-making nightclub catering to Suburbia's youths. I don't mean to sound old and boring, but after reading many of Plough's past reviews, it seems they have so much more to offer, and the Saturday night scene should NOT be the face of their business. That being said, I see an updated review of Plough in my future. The building itself is great, a historical structure converted to an Irish pub that remains consistent with much of Olde City's architecture. Large windows, high ceilings, and a balcony give Plough a unique appearance. The building seems as high, if not higher, as it is wide. It seems like a good setup for some occasions. Horrible for others. On the weekends, Plough lends itself as a relatively cheap (no cover) destination for people looking to dance and have a good time, amongst the bars on the 2nd Street strip between Market and Chestnut. The only problem, as stated above, is the lack of space to do so. Plough is the go to spot for crowded (lack of) dance floors, impossibly attainable drinks, and foul odors. It seems like Plough is the monopoly of these types of bars, especially since the passing of Lucy's Hat Shop (RIP). Plough owes a huge thank you to fellow Yelpers for keeping their rating at an almost-4-star by reviewing their positive attributes; brunch, dinner, afternoon specials, Sunday Irish music(!). I'd hate for people, such as myself, to never return because of a few lackluster experiences. I wish really Plough wouldn't sell out on the weekends to fit in with the surrounding bars and clubs, but I suppose that's what it takes to stay competitive. My advice, to reiterate several past reviews, is to plan your visit accordingly. Depending on the time of day and the day itself, it seems like there is something at Plough for everyone.
(2)Janeilla T.
Oh how I love this place, food is amazing,service is amazing. I mean what else can a girl ask for? Definitely 5 stars. I will eat here everyday if could.
(5)Geeta A.
My fiance and I come here every time we're in town. The duck breast and the lamb chops are our favorite. Both are tender and flavorful. Excellent service. On one recent trip, our meat was cooked well instead of medium rare. We mentioned it to our waitress, who acknowledged that it was overcooked, took it back, and brought two new plates. The manager bought us a round of drinks in apology. Very well handled. The only thing I would chance is improve their beer selection. It has standard macrobrews from around the world, but Philly is a beer city, and they could have more on tap.
(4)Jessie H.
This place is very similar to national mechanics except it is less packed. Drinks are the same price but there wasn't a dance floor when I went there. It's pretty easy to get a table with a group of friends on the weekend. Good place to hang out and chat. They play what you normally hear on the radio. This rating is based on my nightlife experience not the food.
(4)Marlyn V.
This is merely a review for the nightlife. I somehow always end up here when bar hopping in Old City. It's never too packed inside, and the music is an array of 90's to top 40. They pour a decent drink and you easily find seats if necessary. They have tons of tables outside for when the weather is nice and you want to do some serious people watching, I actually think this is what always attracts me and then I end up just staying indoors because I forget to put my name in for a table. I would recommend coming here if you're with a big group or even an older crowd, because the music isn't too loud and the bar is never too packed so you can easily get a drink. Also a decent date spot, to grab a drink after dinner or something because of the same qualities.
(3)Gregory H.
This is a spot that is exactly what it says on the label. It's an Irish-American pub with some interesting specials. Service is fine and the food is quite good! Not cheap enough to be a regular hangout, but not quite special enough for a special occasion. It is, however, still a tasty option.
(3)Emily S.
This place was fantastic!! When I was there with my husband it happened to be a special menu for restaurant week, so we tried the 3 course menu. Everything we had was incredible!! It was so good we returned for another dinner even though we were only in the city for 3 nights and usually try new places. We especially liked the lamb, it was cooked to perfection! The guinness casserole was also really great. The drinks were also really amazing-- one drink tasted just like apple pie... I really wish there was a Plough & Stars near Boston so I could eat there often!! We sat in a room that had a fireplace and dim lighting and just loved the atmosphere. Dining here is one of our favorite memories from our weekend away in Philadelphia!
(5)Gino C.
Chef Lenka has put together an amazing vegan pre-fix menu that serves four courses of heaven, every other Thursday.
(5)Jake S.
I came here for lunch today with my entire work team. They had a special menu printed out specifically for us, with a few options at each course of a 3 course meal. I started with a tomato-blue cheese soup which was excellent. I followed it up with fish and chips, which was average at best. It consisted mostly of the fried part of the fried fish :/ The meal finished off with a crème brullee which was delicious.
(4)Sydni C.
Great atmosphere. We sat outside and really enjoyed it. Got the tenders and calamari, both were really good. I'd come back any weekend. Thought the sever was going to ignore us but actually was really attentive.
(5)Mark V.
One of my favors when in the area drinks are are delicious and food is great. The tall busboy with the strawberry blonde hair is hilarious
(5)Kate U.
Had the most delightful vegan prix fixe dining experience served by chef Lenka Zivkovic. An absolutely delicious 4 course dinner available every other Thursday at Plough & The Stars. We enjoyed a rich cauliflower bisque (hearty portion!) followed by a unique artichoke/hearts of palm parfait & a very clean arugula salad. The third courses were utterly breathtaking and equally delicious! Grilled polenta with a lentil/walnut pate, portabello with quinoa & asparagus plus an artichoke rose that was sooo good, pasta orecchiette with a topping that mimicked bacon! The portions were hearty and all plates paired exceptionally well together. Then... the desserts came. You must try these vegan cakes. Immediately. The chocolate raspberry cream cake deserves a gold medal. It was so rich and mouth watering. The avocado lime cheesecake will blow your socks off. And both were raw dishes! Truly impressed. Our waiter, Josh, was the nicest. Extremely friendly and knowledgeable when it came to the menu. We're so happy he told us about the prix fixe! The Greater Philadelphia Area vegan community is slowly catching wind of these incredible plates, so definitely book a table in advance!!
(5)Mehrnoush S.
Absolutely one of my favorite places in Philly. Everything is pleasant but I'm totally mesmerized by the live Irish music. The minute I strip in, I feel like being on a different place, possibly Ireland! I gave it 4 because I feel like their menu is a bit overpriced. No cheap options to chose from. Food is good overall. I don't have any favorite though. But, if you are a lager person, certainly get the Harp. My favorite.
(4)Ashleigh S.
Great location, great building and decor, but honestly the bartenders who were working when I went were the rudest. I walked up to the bar and was basically yelled at for nothing. I understand there were a lot of people and it was crowded but that level of animosity was unnecessary and unappreciated.
(1)T W.
Great restaurant and atmosphere, really comfortable and cute. I loved the outdoor part, but it was too full when I got there. Very sad because the majority of my food was mediocre. The calamari off the bar menu was actually pretty good, but the next things I ate weren't good at all. The seafood chowder was extremely watery and not thick at all, which wasn't a good look. On top of that I got the buffalo tenders and they weren't spicy at all, they were actually pretty sweet it was strange. My service was pretty good though, and they were nice!
(2)Danielle G.
Fantastic location in Old City, located on the corner of Chestnut and 2nd. Great pub food, great drinks. We sat outside to people watch, I had fish and chips, hubby had Shrimp and Calamari Salad, kids shared burger and fries. Great prices for the location in Philadelphia and staff was super friendly. Two thumbs up!
(5)L J.
Chef Lenka Zivkovic's vegan menu is healthy, tasty, and delightful.
(5)Sean M.
Meh, wasn't impressed with anything about this place. Decent priced drinks. Place was very loud and everyone's conversation was echoing loudly through the bar. The decor was very girlish, probably why it was filled with girls. Seems more like a bar for professionals then your average Philly drinking crowd.
(2)Mary O.
Great place!!! So many times, bars come in 2 flavors-the "icky" dark closet like bar and the youth group bar. This bar is absolutely perfect!!! Friendly. Clean. Good food. Very well made drinks. Nice staff. What a real bar is supposed to be!!!
(5)James T.
We dined this past Thursday at The Plough & The Stars for the vegan prix-fixe menu after seeing the philly.com writeup that very day! We weren't sure what to expect but after we looked at the menu we knew we were in store for a great dining experience! The taste, flavor and presentation are second to none! Chef Lenka stopped by as we were wrapping up dinner. We couldn't contain our enjoyment and told her how much we loved ALL the dishes. You can sense the joy and excitement that Chef Lenka has in creating these vegan dishes. Just as we were about to settle up, Chef Lenka stopped by again and gave us vegan creme brulee! How awesome is that! Big shout out to our waiter, Josh, for providing us friendly wonderful service and adding to the already wonderful dining experience! The city of Philadelphia is really lucky to have The Plough & The Stars as a great addition to an ever expanding vegan scene. This special takes place every other Thursday for $35. Guess where I'm gonna be two Thursdays from now?
(5)Sonia P.
The name of this pub was the first thing that caught my eye - sounds so poetic! Ducked into this bar on a Saturday afternoon for a casual drink - really cool pub! Our group of 4 grabbed a table right next to their gorgeous fireplace - you truly feel right at home. As for drinks, we kept things simple with Crabbie's Ginger Beer and Magners Cider; lots of beef varieties on tap so you're bound to find something you like. Interior space is gorgeous with lots of bar stools and booths - kind of reminds me of the interior of a bank (maybe it was one in the past...?). There's also seating outside which would be perfect on a gorgeous day. Definitely check this place out for afternoon drinks when you're in Philly.
(3)Janine T.
Great place for Brunch!! The food and the atmosphere were wonderful! I wish I lived closer to Philly - I'd come here on a regular basis. My goat cheese and fruit salad was amazing as was the homemade Irish soda bread- it was probably the BEST soda bread I've ever had. This was a wonderful pub to visit- goodfood, great service, and the atmosphere were perfect! I'll be back next time I'm in Philly!
(5)Jason S.
Came in on our day off and they were offering brunch for Columbus Day, I've been here several times to drink but never ate. Pleasantly surprised. Inside was decorated for Halloween and looked great. Staff was very welcoming and helpful, they were not open for food service yet but we're happy to seat us and get us cocktails. Hot Apple Pie drink was delicious, the whipped cream was similar to a cheese danish sweet cream cheese filling, if you like cheese danish and apple pie definitely order this. Also had a Southern Tier Pumking beer. For brunch I had the Chicken Hash with poached eggs. If you like a good breakfast scramble I highly recommend, chipotle hollandaise was a great accompany to the potatoes chicken and veggies. Girlfriend got the omelet du jour which was goat cheese, spinach, and heirloom tomatoes and it was also very good. Started the meal with a soup: Seafood Chowder. Waitress described it as "fishy with a lot of seafood"....I was nervous based on that but gave it a whirl...Awesome Gamble! She should have described it as a "Glorified New England Clam Chowder!" If you like Clam chowder I absolutely recommend it as a starter. We will be back to eat...and drink! For sure.
(4)Eric V.
My favorite bar in Philly. I used to frequent this spot many years ago when I was in town for a few months on business. My routine was sake bombers at the bar at Buddakan around the corner then off to 'The Plough.' This place is about as unpretentious as it gets. Unbelievably packed, good crowd (exceptional people watching), and an outstanding rotation of the cheesiest of played out tunes that drives the masses to dance wherever they stand (there is no dance floor, per se) and shout out the lyrics to Bon Jovi, Journey, Britney Spears, Dexy's Midnight Runners, House of Pain, Shaggy, (just recalling many of the songs I heard last night) and the likes. It's conveniently located on busy 2nd St which provides a multitude of nightlife options (although I've never once broken from my Buddakan/Plough routine).
(5)Rory K.
I've always loved Old City, and Plough has always been one of my favorite Irish pubs. However, I can't say I had ever tried the food, and oh boy, am I sorry I did. My girlfriend and I went for happy hour, really just intending on having a few drinks. After a couple of rounds we decided we should eat something. Ordered the seafood soup, which was brought out as chicken tortilla. No big deal, we sent it back and got it corrected. The soup itself was pretty bland, but not terrible. What was terrible, and what prompted me to write this, was the crab and vegetable spring rolls. If these abominations weren't pulled from the freezer and fried, I would be shocked. They were fishy, flavorless, and just plain awful. I would say, go for the drinks and atmosphere, and at the very least never order the spring rolls.
(2)David H.
Good place to go for beer and pub food. We were there for a birthday party which was a bar only event. Got there early enough to have some food. I ordered the Plough Tapas plate which was very good. Nice amount of roasted peppers, olives, hummus, mozzarella (fresh), and smoked salmon. I had an order of their buffalo wings and wasn't very impressed. They were heavily breaded with sauce poured over. Not a big fan of breaded wings. My son had the shepherds pie which he said was very good. Nicely done crust and excellent savory flavor inside.
(4)Carol C.
This has two levels, and is always a fun place to end up on a weeknight. BUT, this place is so confusing. They call themselves an Irish Pub, but this is not the place to go if you just want to chill with a drink; it's always crowded, and seating is almost non-existent. Now, if you came here to dance, then this wouldn't be a problem. The DJ is always good, but now the problem is.... where's the dance floor? Oh, there is none. People just dance in random pockets throughout the place, which can be REALLY awkward because more likely than not you are dancing next to a giant group of standers. Still, for some reason, this place is always fun. I can't really explain why, but it is.
(3)Andrew B.
Not my favorite. Weird mix of bar goers on a friday. Better Irish pub/ dance places in philly for sure.
(2)Racheal C.
We last night. Not thrilled about this place. Not sure what all the hype is about. It's so squished in the bar that you can barely walk around. Also not really sure where the dance floor is so people kind of just dance in place. Bartender was nice though. No cover.
(3)Lenka Y.
Plough and the Stars is not your typical Irish pub. Chef Lenka brings an eclectic European flair to the cuisine. Both the owner and chef were warm and welcoming and were more than happy to accommodate a large group. Chef Lenka's vegan prix fixe menu is a must try, even for non-vegans. You will leave feeling full and satisfied and coming back for more! This gem in Old City is not to be missed!
(5)Jeanne S.
We visit The Plough whenever we are in Philly! Great food.....salad with grilled scallops was yummy, and the Guiness pie was the best! Go there on a night with live music and hear some great Irish musicians! We loved listening to Raymond Coleman!
(5)Jen S.
Not sure why I keep going back here. The first time I was here, it was so crowded that I couldn't get ONE drink. The second time I went here my friend stepped on a large piece of glass, I had to rinse her foot under the sink in the ladies room, then pay for a cab to the emergency room so she could get 4 stitches. The third time I went here I got two drinks spilled on me and left with shards of glass in my shoes. I really want to like this place because it has the potential to be really fun... but I just haven't had that experience yet. I like to give the benefit of the doubt that I will have a good experience here one day.
(1)Laura G.
My friend & I came here for brunch last weekend. We were quickly sat upstairs (we thought about sitting outside but the weather was being a little iffy). Immediately, I noticed their brunch cocktails like a Bloody Maria (a bloody with tequilla instead of vodka). Everything on the menu sounded great as well. Our waitress came quickly and that's where things got....interesting. Im not sure if it was her first day or if she just wasnt that bright. We ordered a bloody & a mimosa, but she brought over two bloody Mary's. She apologized, brought over a mimosa & asked if we had any questions on the menu. When asked what the specials were for the day (they have a daily omelette and a frittata special), she looked at us like we asked her to explain nuclear physics to us. She said she needed to find out, ran downstairs & told us the specials. While everything sounded great, we both ordered the vegetable frittata. Our waitress came back about a minute later to let us know that the frittata had eggs in it and wanted to make sure we were ok with that. We weren't really sure how to respond to that but just said it was fine as frittatas usually contain eggs. I'm guess she had no idea what a frittata was, as she came back to ask us how we wanted our eggs. After some discussion/us not being sure how to answer, she went to ask the chef what a frittata was. Long story short, we got our frittatas and they were GREAT! Everything was really good, and even though our waitress was a bit of a space cadet, I'll give her a pass as I hope it was her first day. Check it out sometime!
(4)Jeff C.
I'll make this short. Nice upscale Irish Pub. Upscale pub grub but at a moderate price. Best omelette EVER! Our bartender was a 1/2 Irish lass with a bit of accent. Great traditional Irish music in the background... like it should be. I'll visit again for another omelette before we leave the city.
(4)Kathleen C.
Great food, Great Service, Great atmosphere. Took a chance and stopped by to check out their "Irish Music Sundays" and was very happy we did. The Servers couldn't have been more helpful . Not only was the Guinness casserole fantastic, but the fish and chips were delicious and they serve some of the best brown bread, and soda bread I've ever tasted. So good we bought a loaf to take home. Will definitely be back, and with my fiddle!!
(5)Robert P.
Went with my girlfriend for a night out. Found this place on accident and so glad we did. Music is great with dancing recommended. There is two bars upstairs and down. We went upstairs where it was smaller but it was fun. Bartenders were on the spot with serving. People were dancing and eventually we were also. Green tea shots and beers. Recommended to go here anynight.
(5)Candice H.
Awesome fireplace, two levels and big screen TVs. Our server was extremely slow, I mean 30 minutes for the bill... Also took a Long long time to serve drinks (no shaking required). It was nowhere near crowded. Fireplace is why I will be back. Food- fries and chicken strips, pretty good for a pub. Oh the fireplace.... Also nice live unobnoxious music sometimes.
(3)Becky C.
Decided to go here with my boyfriend for restaurant week. Very hard to find if you go by GPS. Our server was Jess and she seemed as if she was rushing us out and being in the industry I would understand if they were busy but there weren't many people in there. She also didn't give us much time to look at the menu after we asked for a minute to check it out. While eating my appetizer she asked if I was done and before I could even answer went and grabbed my plate. It's just rude. The food wasn't anything special either. I don't know if it's just because I had high expectations with it being restaurant week, but cream fresh shouldn't be considered a main part of your dessert sampler.
(3)Eliana G.
Delicious shepherd's pie, good drinks and nice ambiance. Will go back to this one when in Philly
(5)Wajma N.
I've been here a few times only at night and had one bad experience when a friend got in a fight but I recently went this weekend with my boyfriend. It was packed as usual on a Saturday night. A big plus about this spot is they have no cover charge! Which is good cause all over olde city there is a cover charge. It's a lot of young 20 something year olds. I got a drink pretty easily and headed upstairs where it's less crowded. The music is ok it's a mix top 40/ hip hop and some old school. The downstairs is always crowded and packed I don't know how people can stand there I feel like Id get smushed but upstairs is ok they have some seating and U can over look downstairs and see the flat screen with sports games on. Overall not a bad spot.
(3)Gia M.
We chose the Plough & the Stars for one of our last Friday night stops in Old City and I was blown away by the sheer amount of people crammed in the bar at midnight. That must have been where everyone was that night because all of the other bars that we walked by/wandered into were practically empty. Surprisingly (or perhaps not), there was no cover here. I guess I was expecting it because of the type of crowd that was there, which was very similar to the crowd in Manayunk, so take that as you will. The architectural vibe was really cool (second floor open to the area below) and place was surprisingly large. The drinks were also inventive/seasonal (pumpkin pie bombs. Not my thing, but they smelled delicious). The music was loud and people were attempting to dance as well (a little difficult, again, because of the crowds). I'm sorry to keep harping on about this, but the only problem with the bar was that the crowds of people made it almost impossible to get drinks. The management did take advantage of the crowds and rolled out a few coolers for selling beer other than at the actual bar. Spilled/dropped drinks were also a bit of a hazard, because you couldn't turn around without bumping into someone. I'd like to stop by again on a night when I'm not wearing such nice clothes (the woes of going out directly after work).
(3)Yahira A.
I came once for brunch which I loved and wanted to take my friends for dinner who came to visit from Boston. Mussels were delicious, as well as the crab spring rolls. We all ordered the steak fritte medium well. All came at the same time but mine was well done. I asked the waiter to change it which he did and was very nice about it. 15 minutes later I got a steak that was even more done than the first one. The waiter apologized and took it out of the check. My friends enjoyed their meal and after 2 failed attempts my friends were done and I didn't want to eat anything else. I think is still a nice restaurant with reasonable prices. Will come back for brunch instead.
(4)Meg C.
The Plough & Stars is such an institution! It's a place where locals go, visitors repeat visit, and friends are made! It's a great place for happy hour, brunch/lunch/dinner, and live music! Late night it turns into a really fun place to dance (but not clubby) and magically transforms by morning for brunch! Great for everyone (literally). They have outside seating for warm days and a wonderful fireplace for those cold nights! Definitely worth visiting and re-visiting!! Highlights of The Plough: Outdoor seating, Fireplace, cozy atmosphere, drink selections, affordable, parking nearby, John Joe (trust me, you'll get to know John Joe), the HoJ (delicious any time of day!), friendly staff, friendly patrons, local spot
(5)Annah E.
This Irish pub and restaurant is one of the most authentic experiences you'll ever have! Staff is friendlier than friendly, food is nothing shy of an exquisite experience in taste and presentation, and the atmosphere, though a tad darker than I like (very overcast, rainy day) is warm and welcoming. Do yourself a favor and MAKE THIS A DESTINATION stop for your next trip to Phila. We had a group of 8, with 7 different mouthwatering meals. Guinness casserole is a unique experience for the steak or stew lover, crusted tuna for fish lovers, and the seafood fettuccine is literally to die for. 6:30 reservation on a Friday night. Single musician, Raymond, was great. Noise level was like any place with live music, yet not too loud to converse with guests at my end of table.
(5)Geoffrey P.
The Guinness casserole is the best example of a beef and Guinness dish I've had since actually being in Ireland.
(5)Hilary G.
I was alone in Philadelphia for a conference and found this place to be particularly friendly, reasonably priced, and with a comfortable atmosphere. Being from Southern California, I especially appreciated the warmth of the working fireplace downstairs! In fact, I liked it here so much that I ate lunch here two days in a row (and ordered fish and chips both times). I also recommend the "Bay Breeze Mimosa!"
(5)Sue K.
I love The Plough! My absolute favorite pub in Old City, Philadelphia. The food is tasty, the atmosphere is second to none and the entertainment is amazing! My husband and I have been going there for years. Whether it is just the two of us or a large group, we always have a great time there!
(5)Kate C.
I'm most impressed with Plough & The Stars. Living in Old City for a long time, its hard to find a great spot that has a neighborhood feel, offers amazing food (the Chicken Curry for dinner and the Plough Omelette are highly recommended) and drinks (try the Hoe J for a delicious twist on a mimosa). The staff is friendly and attentive, the fireplace warms you up on the cold nights and they have the BEST outside seating. The live music and regulars really make this a special spot in Old City. The coolest part about Plough is how versatile it is - you can go dancing at night and show up for a family friendly brunch the next day. The place is clean and there is no evidence of the dance party from the night before. That's a hard balance to keep, and Plough does it beautifully.
(5)Natalie M.
Blueberry lemonade is sooo good, as is their Shepard's Pie, Chicken Curry and Plough Tapas. This is a "must go to" place for me every time I am in Philly.
(5)Steve T.
Went to P&S last night with a bunch of folks and had a good time like a party at Old Fezziwigs. I arrived at 8pm after training to Market East from the burbs, and then cabbing to 2nd and Chestnut. However, my land navigation gene, intrinsic to most males, short circuited and I was left dazed and confused on the corner of 2nd and Chestnut. Fortune smiled on me though, as a drunk stumbled up to me asking for money. No eggnog drinker he, I felt bad for the guy and gave him a $10 spot which I have no doubt went to the next bottle of Everclear. Wearing the obligatory army surplus jacket (why do they always wear army surplus jackets...is this like a kind of uniform for bums?), he thought he'd return the favor and send me in the direction of P&S. The only thing worse than my sense of direction is a drunk's sense of direction, so I ended up heading in the opposite direction of where I wanted to go. The drunk tagged along like the ghost of Christmas future, sans scythe. Realizing his profound mistake, he then gurgled out some almost incomprehensible gibberish that I was heading in the wrong direction. Now wary of his poorly calibrated internal compass, I almost pointed off to the distant night and said "Look, a loon!" and made a run for it, but, again, he lead on to an uncertain ending. I was sure I'd come across a grave marker with my name on it. Well, by some miracle, which can only happen around Christmas, we ended up at P&S. The drunk, like Marley's ghost, had fulfilled his mission, although I hardly found the experience "intoxicating." My own personal version of "A Christmas Carol", played out at the corner of 2nd and Chestnut, was over. That is, until the hostess said, "Come in man and know me better!"
(3)Nico L.
Definitely one of the worst bars I've ever been to. I've given it more than one shot, but here is a brief list of why I don't like it 1. Overpriced for Old City 2. WAY too crowded. They always seem to let in far too many people than they should allow 3. The crowd generally attracts the frat/sororitutes type I've only gone here at night, so I might give it a shot during the day. But considering other more pleasant bars in the area, I will probably not give this place another shot.
(2)Vanessa W.
The Plough & The Stars is kind of an Old City standby for me, and since I'm on this mission to avoid being a "regular" anywhere this year and to force myself to try new places, it is surprising I even made it in here today. But my mom and I were looking for a spot to duck into this afternoon and when she mentioned that she was really freezing, my thoughts turned to that wonderful fireplace in the first floor of the Plough. We were very pleased that there were empty tables right next to the fire, so we grabbed one. I feel like the fireplace alone is worth a star, it is so wonderful on a cold day. We ordered drinks and those were fine--mine was a port-based hot toddy. I wouldn't get it again but really that is my bad because the reason I didn't love it was that it was overly sweet, which I could have expected out of a port-based toddy. My mom and I split an order of crab spring rolls. They should have been yum but they were total yuck. Like bad, mushy crabcake filling jammed into a soggy spring roll wrapper. YUCK! I ordered a Bailey's creme brulee, though, and that was absolutely divine. It annoys me that the menu is so hit-and-miss, but the wonderful fireplace will keep this place a go-to when I'm looking for somewhere cozy in this area in the winter.
(3)Patrick H.
Quite lunch time spot, good beers on draught and there Guinness marinated casserole is excellent!
(4)Tim O.
Awesome place, Awesome food and awesome service. Waited years to get the opportunity to visit. Well worth the wait.
(5)Gerald H.
Wood burning fire place on a cold November day = Yay! I'm a fan. A plus is that they were actually playing Irish tunes during the afternoon. Good place for a long, easy lunch with a few drinks.
(4)Shannon S.
We ate here on a recent sunny Sunday afternoon because we noticed the charming outdoor seating. I really like the captain's chairs! We were seated inside first with the promise of going outside when a table opened up and sure enough, we made it out there in about 15 mins. The brunch menu looks really good and I wished I tried the french toast with special daily topping of bananas carmelized in Bailey's. Darn. I got the crispy chicken salad though. It was okay, not terrible, but something was off. I think the chicken could use more seasoning for sure because it was bland when I ate it without dressing. Also, the lemony parmesan vinaigrette was a little overwhelming but it could be because I asked for more. However, when more came out, it was gelatinous in the little cup. Vinaigrette? Oh well. The wait staff was great, except for one waiter whom I overheard in a snarky voice say, "Worse hostess ev-er," as I walked out of bathroom and the hostess had just left that area. Not nice, waiter, not nice. Inside is pretty cool. I would hang out here. They played what sounded like Irish music, but contemporary, on the PA system. Heard a bad word in the music so parents be warned. No biggie to me though.
(3)Jennifer R.
This is a great little spot in old city. Definitely not on the cheap side, but I've had some appetizers and beers here. I was here New years eve actually which was fun but a little bit of an oddly mixed crowd. It seems like a nice first date type place and have a great middle of the range meal and a beer.
(4)Brian H.
I have NEVER eaten here, just drank...and drank, and drank. Soooooo, with that in mind, early on a beautiful early summer evening ;-) what a nice stop to sit outside and have a cocktail and people watch. There is nice cocktail menu, and and a well rounded beer menu, my friend opted for a mango mojito. It was all mint, watered down, barely a taste of mango vodka or mango at all. My martini, which is no brain surgery, was excellent. Our server was very friendly and fun. The chairs are the best of outdoor seating that you can find. The chairs get a 5 star rating. :-) BTW, inside is warm and cozy with a fireplace for those chilly nights in winter, and always a wonderful fun crowd to boot.
(3)Chris G.
I recently moved to Old City and this spot has quickly become my home away from home. It has the best outside seating of all the Old City restaurants, the staff is very welcoming and the customers are friendly. The food is good, it's a great spot for brunch/lunch when out of town guests are visiting on weekends. The Cheese steak on the bar menu is my go to for dinner. I've been in to watch the World Cup and will continue to watch the matches there. They have 2 big screens and the crowd is really into it.
(5)Rick M.
I have to say this place was great. We went in during the middle of the afternoon on a Friday. It was perfect as it was quiet and empty. The red-haired Irish bartender was really friendly. I recommend getting the Evil Eye IPA! Friday nights, decided to avoid due to the crowds and the noise. Best during the day.
(4)Daniel H.
Ive only been here to grab drinks and not eaten here. I like the layout of the place and I am impressed that it has a second level which gives it a more upscale feel. The drink prices were reasonable 6 dollars for a Guinness draft. The service was good and the DJ was good but I dont think it is a place to go to if you like to dance.
(4)Jill L.
Plough and the Stars was the place I started going to when I got too old for Mad River. True story. Over the years, I've returned occasionally to get my drink on. It gets super packed on weekend nights, but I've always enjoyed myself. If 23 year old Jill L was writing this, she would have given it 5 stars. This past Sunday, my husband and I stopped in for a late lunch and a couple of beers. It felt weird to be here in the daylight. Without the drunken haze, I could see that Plough and the Stars actually has a pretty awesome line up of beers on tap. Also, the food we ordered (a tapas plate of hummus, pita, olives, prosciutto, roasted peppers, and mozzarella) was quite delicious. I could go for some of that hummus right now. They also had a huge screen playing the Olympics, which was pretty cool. I could definitely see myself stopping by here again for some daylight food and drinks in the future.
(3)Tim C.
This place is a guilty pleasure of mine. It's a total bro place like many other bars in center city/old city, but I seem to always have a good time. I never wait too long for a drink, and the atmosphere is fun. It can get a little loud, but the music they play is pretty agreeable to most people. It gets crowded downstairs, but upstairs there is usually some room. Great place to mingle if you're single. I've never eaten here, so can't comment on that. It seems like it would be a good place for happy hour.
(3)Dave H.
This Old City restaurant and bar is solid. It has two levels, with plenty of room to drink, eat, and be merry. Weekends the place is packed full of folks drinking and dancing. The times I've been in, the DJ has been a bit random, but the crowd is always enthusiastic. Friends and I have also been here for dinner. The upper level offers some privacy, and the decor is elegant - for an Irish bar, especially. Portions could be bigger, but the food was tasty: Try their grilled marinated pork tenderloin. It's heavenly tender, served with potatoes gratin and a cranberry black currant port wine and grape sauce. And the Irish butter is outstanding. Thanks to Stefany and others for friendly, efficient service!
(4)Scott P.
Went here for resturaunt week last night and I was pleasantly surprised considering I have only been here before on a saturday night when it was in full club mode. The service was a little slow for a wednesday night as it took a good 30 minutes before our first course arrived but we had drinks so it wasn't a burden. We shared the duck confit and and the tomato & prosciutto which was very well done and very tasty! The entree didnt live up to the hype. I had the guiness casserole included bland mashed potatoes and green beans and my biggest complaint was the lack of gravy for the prime rib (which was tasty but a little dry) And a creme brulee chocolate for dessert. The decor didn't really give off that authentic irish feel with the 30ft ceilings and not one employee really seemed irish but maybe it was an off night? Just an average experience for me and a little pricey for old city. Resturaunt week isnt much of a deal with some places like this. I'd rather spend $100+ somewhere else close by.
(3)Anu M.
We primarily came here for drinks and bar food. The outdoor seating area was fantastic on a warm summer night. We ordered Malbec wine (so-so) and Fish & Chips, Shepard's Pie and Plough wings. The food was good, I specifically relished the Shepard's pie with mashed potatoes on top of ground beef. Service was a bit careless though. The waitress forgot to replenish water even after asking her a couple of times.
(3)S L.
My friends went out for dinner and drinks on Christmas eve. Most of restaurants were closed, but Plough and stars was open late. We really enjoyed our dinner there. The servers were very nice and customers well behaved and kept their voice down.
(4)Linda L.
Great atmosphere in a historic bank building, good food, and priced just right. I would definitely go back!
(5)Catherine L.
In all the years I've come to the Plough, the experience has wandered between four and one stars, thus the average 3 star review. I know, talk about about inconsistency. The reason behind the vacillation, is most often due to the atmosphere and the crowd. Personally, I like this bar the most when it is at its most low-key: weekend afternoons, early weekday evenings, Sunday Irish music nights, and Snowmageddon (isn't that the worst CNN-coined term?) nights when Philly residents get to reclaim Old City. The place itself is really lovely. An old bank building with high ceilings, two floors and nice, clean bathrooms. It is at its most beautiful during Christmastime when they bring in a huge tree and string it up with lights. Team it up with its roaring fireplace and it is truly idyllic. Overall the menu is nothing impressive or memorable and again, I recommend you go here only for the drinking. A bit pricey in comparison to other nearby bars. Service is attentive and usually prompt. On weekend nights, Plough turns from Irish Pub into Club Plough and it gets positively packed. Therein, the crowd changes from mellow to pumpin' fists, bro! Music goes from Celtic to Electronic. Depending on what is your scene, go to Plough accordingly...
(3)Fernando J.
Best Guinness Draught outside of Dublin. Great food selection. The Guinness casserole is a must. Excellent service.
(4)Eamon C.
Great atmosphere and great food. Was there last night and had a great time sitting by the fire, which was expertly stoked for us everytime it died down. John joe the barman was fantastic We had a great time there and will defenitly b back.....hopefully to run into our favorite hockey team again . Wink wink. Go flyers!!!!!!
(5)TAmi S.
Had dinner last evening with friends- fun place- food was just ok- service was terrible - ordered appetizers which came at same time as dinner - we cancelled the appt at that time. Ordered coffee -ok was served without teaspoon . We had to ask for refills -& teaspoons. Someone in the Resturant needs to pay mor attention to service!!
(2)Raphael S.
Just came by for drinks and a few appetizers before a late night party. We heard from our friend that Ellie was the best server ever, and we'd agree. Good draft choices. Happy hour till 19:00. Had the seafood chowder-excellent. Spring rolls-almost excellent. PEI Mussels-excellent! Fireplace roaring. Irish music in the bg. What else can you say?
(5)Alex X.
Late hours with an open kitchen, that's where you will find me at times. The Plough and the Stars is very cozy for me the few times I have been there. I just order my usual wings or whatever I see on the menu and don't try anything much here as it just a quickly eat and let's chit chat type of gathering. I am not big on eating American food overall as a reviewer, but the atmosphere I enjoy a lot. If I'm not mistaken this might have an old bank or something like that that's why I like it - for its cozy interior with fireplace.
(3)Michael W.
I am over 40.... better start with that fact, lol. This is a dark, interesting-looking space, once the Corn Exchange a long time ago. So the wall columns and ceiling carvings are beautiful. There is an open ground-floor bar space with some tables, and a second-floor loft space with more tables. My wife and I were seated up there on this holiday-weekend Sunday night as I asked for a less-noisy area. That gave us a good view of the architectural details, which are probably hard to see from down below. It was still loud up there, and that is with an acoustic group playing intermittently below, but we could converse easily, so that was good. My wife had eaten here for lunch once and liked it. I don't want to be too harsh based on one dinner; but I would have to call the dinner-menu food make-pretend. We will make pretend we can do serious dining food, and you can make pretend that is what you are eating. A $22 salmon and sautéed spinach entree had very little to recommend it. Dry rice, decent sautéed spinach, below-average salmon with crabmeat, I think; a day later and I can't even remember what the little extra aspect was. A house salad was fair-minus; the blue cheese crumbles were sparse and had little flavor. How can a restaurant miss with blue cheese? The service from Kaitlynn was very good and the space has its good points, plus a friendly ambience. We enjoyed the acoustic music, and our table along a big upstairs banquette was nice and intimate, no one near us at all. So I would try the Plough once more but would only order off the bar menu. A table near us got huge platters of fried-looking stuff, which we were told was fish-and-chips only listed on the bar menu. Wish we'd known there was such a thing! Probably better choices -- ask for that bar menu. Btw, the address is 123 Chestnut, but it is located on 2nd Street just across from Sassafras.
(2)Lolly G.
I've been here several times. If you go during downtime, I feel like it's the best. You can relax and it's a good atmosphere. Sometimes they play Irish music which is kinda cool. If you make the mistake of going there on a friday or saturday night you have stepped into a terrible frat party where you cannot move. It's awful. We walked right out. They also don't have many beer options, which isn't that great. The food is pretty good nothing to write home about, but nothing horrible either. My last experience was with a bartender at a high top with short black hair who was really tan and tattooed. She was SUPER friendly and gave us some VERY good service.
(3)Kellsey O.
I used to love this place, until an experience I had this past weekend. One of the 2 female bartenders never gave me back my credit card when I closed my tab, then proceeded to blame it on me as if I was some drunk idiot that lost their card. Once I explained over and over again that I never got it back to begin with, both bartenders began to ignore me. After finally deciding to leave, I called my bank in the middle of the night to cancel the card. The next morning I called plough and spoke with an extremely nice and helpful woman (quite the opposite of what I was working with the night before) who informed me that they did in fact have my credit card. I proceeded to tell her the whole story of what had happened, and she said she would talk to management and have them give me a call to discuss compensation of some sort, of from I have yet to hear. Don't think I'll be back to this bar anytime soon, if ever.
(1)Ben F.
I went here with a date for dinner, it was her pick. I was surprisingly good and affordable. I got the steak, she got the duck. Both were cooked perfected, as were the green beans and couscous (which we both chose a substitute for potatoes). The waitress was friendly and attentive. My date's Poinsettia may have been a bit overpriced. My Guinness was spot on. The taps are form Ireland and installed by Guinness technicians, so I couldn't pass the opportunity. That seems like something to brag about, but maybe its normal... What do I know. Right by the entrance is a log burning fire. There are some small tables to sit at there for drinks or coffee. We enjoyed it a bit on our way out as we planned our night. My only critique is there was no star on top of the Christmas tree! PS: Google offers has 25% off all food every day until May. Find it by accessing it from Google Maps on an Android phone.
(5)Matt C.
After a nice little Urban Goose Chase scavenger hunt, my group and I were FAMISHED and stopped here to grab something to eat. After cross referencing the bar menu vs the regular menu, we unanimously decided to skip the *cough* (pretentious for an irish pub) regular menu, and went with 6 burgers. Pretty easy right? Its a burger. We ALL got them. 3 mediums, 3 medium wells, plus a few drinks and some apps. Well, they still got it wrong. It is my pet peeve when people overcook my burgers and steaks. Thats annoying enough, but it seriously took FOREVER to get these burgers, and we were there WAY before the rush, so theres no excuse. The burger doesn't come with anything so we had to buy a basket of fries, which were tasty, but c'mon....no fries with the burger?! It did come with what was called a salad of some sort, but was just some, again, pretentious little garnishment of lettuce and chopped pickles. The chicken fingers were good, and the calamari tasty as well, (although the accompanying marinara was yuck.) I don't remember the price of everything because I was knocked over by the underwhelmed feeling of The Plough and The Stars. Maybe its great for dancing or pounding shots on an Olde City Saturday, but just to get a decent burger, you can do a little better.
(2)Elizabeth G.
We once got an order for delivery from the Plough and Stars during the winter that was brought to us by an outside delivery service. The food was soooo good, hearty and excellent comfort food for a snowy day inside. We have been dying to try it again but this time at the physical restaurant. The building is an historic corn exchange. It's stunning inside. A huge hearth with a fire, balcony with seating and long bar area. Supposedly they have live Irish music at times as well. We sat outside in the super comfy captains swivel chairs because we had the dog. They are the type of place that asks if they can bring your dog a bowl of water when you sit down. I had wings and my boyfriend had fish and chips and a drink from the bar. They have a separate menu for bar food and then also have a separate full meal type menu. Everything was solid, friendly staff, dog friendly, nice ambience, decent prices!
(5)Christopher T.
Good vibe there. Really enjoyed it once they moved the tables outta the way. Plethora of beer selections and the drinks were on point oh, and did I mention they have a stellar fireplace?! Cool spot!
(5)Kathy M.
Went for lunch on 4th of July. Asked if we could sit out side. no one else was there. Got the OK. Waited for 15 minutes. No one came out to wait on us or even give us menus. My husband went in to get someone to bring us menus. Waited some more. No on came out to ask us if we wanted drinks or offer us water. Another couple came along and sat down outside. A waitress came out and started to wait on them. I signaled to her and she gave me a smart answer. I got up and as I was leaving I said the the clueless manager. I am leaving because of this smart mouth waitress and becaurse your service sucks. He looked at me like a deer in the headlights. If you are going to manage a restaurant Pal get a clue. If you want decent service and some respect with your lunch don't go here.
(1)Alie A.
Are you asking me if I've ever had a bad time at Plough? The answer is no. Have I ever gone to Plough and NOT ended up sweating and dancing with my hair on top of my head laughing my ass off? Negative. Wild spot for Saturday nights. Give it a try..but make sure you're drunk..or in the process.
(4)Vichet O.
Plough, oh Plough. Your patrons are attractive, but inaccessible. You're too crowded for me. The music is always bordering between alright and danceable. And the shouting. It's one thing to have to speak loudly in a club. It's another thing if I'm drinking milk all day the next day to aid my vocal cords in their recovery. On the plus side, your drinks are alright, and I appreciate your bottle list. And the snobbiness I've experienced from your other patrons is not a direct commentary on you. I just wish a slightly different crowd was attracted to you. That, or once again I'm not nearly as cool as I thought I was. You get the A-OK rating because you are actually a wonderful place to day-drink on a warm summer Saturday - that was how I should have been introduced to you first, and I never should have needed to experience your dark side. Pro-tip: If you're me, or anything like me, don't go here for a night out dancing.
(3)Jenna S.
This wasn't the best restaurant ever, but not the worst. We walked by on our way to Market St. and decided to stop in for dinner. Kind of loud, but large enough that a lot of people can fit comfortably. The food was pretty good (I got the chicken dinner special) and reasonably priced. Good bread at the start of the meal (you get a choice) and the soda bread was homemade and worth trying. OK prices and somewhat slow service. We never decided to come back here just because the entire experience was OK. I'd recommend it more for a late night bar since it seemed to be pretty packed after 11 p.m.
(3)Julie M.
Honestly this is all about the service. If I am at a bar and just standing around a table, I don't need a freaking server to get my drinks. I can walk up to the bar. Anyway, on Friday 01/04/14, our server Felicia was attentive but she added a nice tip on to my card at the end of the night that shouldn't have been added. I specifically left a $5.00 tip on a $28.00 bill and she added $4.00 to my card. Yes it's only $4.00 but it's the principal. Just unprofessional
(2)Di P.
3 and 1/2 stars but per usual I always round up on everything including my bra cup size. Haters hate on this place big time because a) yes there's usually a line to get in and b) place is jammed on your typical Friday and Saturday nights. But a) I always get my sing and dance on in here and b) inevitably being a single girl I usually find a handsome guy to bat eyelashes at and practice flirting with. If the floor wasn't so sticky from the impressive amount of times people drop their Miller Lites I could maybe even do my MJ dance moves. To me, this is one of the top 5 bars that rep Old City. Since I'm settling in on the later part of my 20s I usually start somewhere sensible like Triumph but inevitably end the night here jumping up and down to Drop Kick Murphy's and spilling beer all over the kids in the tight outfits and high heels. Like I said: Haters hate.
(4)Erik R.
The Plough is a trendy little spot downtown in the heart of it all. I only went for drinks and sat outside. So I didn't get or give the full monty. Drinks were as I expected priced to panache. But they were good and being amongst the living city is such a delight. Times slips away as you sit and gaze upward and onward into the city lights.
(3)Richard B.
I was in town for business and met a friend who lives in Philly. Great place. Bartender was very friendly and a good laugh. Had an appetizer sampler plate which was very tasty and followed it up with sheperd's pie which was also well done. Prices were reasonable and the atmosphere was laid back. I would recommend a visit if you are in the area.
(4)R S.
I thoroughly enjoyed a great evening at The Plough and the Stars. The food was absolutely delicious! Everybody in my group raved about the gourmet food with an authentic taste of Ireland. It is such a pleasure and a lovely surprise to eat quality Irish cuisine with a nouveau twist. Traditional brown bread and soda bread was served to the table and was a hit with everyone. The staff was very helpful, friendly and attentive. I will most definitely return to The Plough and The Stars on my next visit to Philadelphia. Highly recommended.
(5)Sarah B.
I've only ended a few nights at Plough, so I have no idea how it is for the beginning/middle of nightlife. The end of the night. Is. Awesome. That being said, I'm usually feeling pretty good by the time I get to Plough. One of my friends or I stumble to the bar, order a round, then head to the teensy dance floor to shake it to Top40s and - wait for it - 90's HITS. The inner "Woo Girl" comes out and I find myself singing along to *N'Sync, Britney Spears (before she went all cray-cray then made her comeback), and the Backstreet Boys. I have no shame. Excellent way to end the night, every time I've been. WOO!
(4)Denise H.
This place is too small for the location and can get packed - wouldn't recommend on weekends at night - the crowd can get rowdy and like I said, it's too small for the revelry. Happy hour is also, ear-to-ear, elbow-to-elbow. When it's cold, whenever someone opens the door, it's like a wind tunnel that you can feel throughout the place. You gotta go through the waitstaff station to get to the bathrooms. Inconvenient. On another note, I do enjoy this place during the day - it's cozy, friendly, and you can sip your Guinness by the fireplace with friends (they'll pour the best Guinness in the city). On Sundays, I think, they have live Irish jam sessions. It's especially nice at Christmas-time when they have a huge organic tree that towers to the second floor. I have only had some pub grub here - munchies that sufficed. It's far more casual for Olde City and I can say I have had some great times here.
(3)Mansi A.
"Meh" explains it all. I'm not quite sure why we chose this place for a post-work get-together, but it wasn't the brightest idea. While the actual building and architecture of the place was pretty cool, as was the 2nd floor location that we had booked, the food was terrible. I had a house salad, the vegetarian pesto tortellini with goat cheese, and a really terrible brownie with a semi-decent creme brulee for dessert. Skip it, Philly has so much more to offer.
(2)Ami O.
Plough is a great place especially in the summer. They have a great brunch menu (crab cakes Benedict is my fave). I've been there for dinner once and also had a great time but I like to walk up w my dog around 1 on a Sunday, grab a table outside and drink/eat and hang out. I don't recommend it for a normal bar on a fri or sat night as it seem to be more of a club than pub scene but if that's your thing i do know people who hang out there during those nights and always have a good time. A lot of local phila union players hang out there. Def worth checking out!
(4)Stephen K.
Went for: Drinks A great place if you are looking for a dimly light room, with people having fun and dancing OR some nice high-top tables outside on 2nd. Been here a few times and have fun each time. Drinks are resonable and it has a fun environment to it. There are two levels to the place with high open ceilings. People dance through out, but there is a main section on the first floor for dancing.
(3)Noheli T.
The Plough & The Stars was my third bar of the night so I feeling pretty happy once I got there. Even in that state I was still a bit disappointed by the whole bar. The layout is just weird and there is no good spot to dance. I was also sad to see the lack of toilet paper in the bathrooms. If I go again I'd pick his as a place to maybe start my night rather than ending it there.
(2)Pete J.
When I was younger I was taught, "Praise in public, criticize in private". Of course with the birth of Yelp and Yelp-esque websites, that is all out the window - there is no modesty in the internet. However, as far as naming names, I like to take the old fashioned approach. If you are a fantastic server/bartender/host I WILL name you. If you suck I won't, but you know who you are and hopefully management will work out who you are. In this case HOLLY the cocktail server was fantastic! Girly and I came in on a Friday night and the place was packed. We made friends with a couple who looked liked they might be close to giving up their table and our investment paid off as they did up and leave shortly thereafter. Soon there was not any room to stand, never mind sit (and we got lots of envious looks from the standing crowd - hey make your own friends! But here was Holly and she was the only cocktail server working. We never wanted for a drink, and the food came fast. She worked the room like a pro and had the time to engage. Kudos to you.
(4)Anthony F.
Okay food at a reasonable price. Fun little bar. Much better places to hang out in that part of Philly...go to Amada right down the street for much better food. This place is sort of a Philly institution, but feels like a spot that is past its prime.
(3)Chad H.
Just came here from out of town and will DEFINITELY be back the next time I'm in Philly! Ordered the Guinness casserole, and it was FANTASTIC! The beef was a little dry, which was surprising, since the whole entree' is obviously slow-cooked. However, that would NOT stop me from ordering it again! The sauce was amazing, the masked potatoes were fluffy, and the side veggies were great! Rose, my server, was very attentive and friendly; and made me feel right at home! The atmosphere was fun and lively, and everyone in the place genuinely seemed to be having a good time. I'll be back!
(5)Kiyan R.
This place is legitimately UNDERRATED! My friends and I randomly ventured in here during our travels and left highly satisfied - not a thing to criticize. We ate brunch and enjoyed the impressive ambiance, fantastic service, and delectable food. I assume the reviewers complaining about the service were either women or came on a Friday or Saturday night because my friends and I had awesome service from the beautiful waitresses! Try the brunch here on a weekend- it's definitely one of the best places in the area!
(5)Maria A.
This place is fun on saturday nights, but in my opinion they don't have enough staff for crowded nights.
(3)Beth E.
OMG, what a great find!! The Guiness stew is to die for!! Breads fantastic and pear salad wonderful!! Highly recommend! Waitress was the sweetest!!
(5)May T.
Perhaps I should come here when the clock isn't striking 12 midnight and there isn't a line that's damn near touching Chestnut St. Yes, I think I'll do that next time. In any case, I've heard fantastic things about this place, therefore I waited in line with a group of friends to get in. Though the wait wasn't terribly long, I don't usually do lines and I didn't quite enjoy throwing my elbows up to get through the crowd once I got in. It was more or less a struggle to get to the 2nd level, the music was tragically soft and the temps were too warm to be comfortable and overall, I just wasn't feeling the atmosphere. I didn't get a chance to check out the drinks specials or prices before calling it quits so you know what that means! Round 2, here I come! But on a humorous note though, a couple of my friends got in a few minutes after me sans waiting in line by stating to the bouncers they were "on the list". What list? The world may never know.
(2)Tyler T.
I came here for a Happy Hour with a bunch of my co-workers. I started the night off drinking the bartenders draft recommendation and then moved on to the Bud Light special for $3 or something. After a few drinks I started to get a littel hungry and ordered the chicken wings which were part of the happy hour special (something like 5 bucks for 5 wings or something). The wings were amazing. Without a doubt some of the best wings I have ever eaten. They were perfectly cooked and super crispy. What made them unique was the sweet buffalo sauce that they were coated in. I love regular buffalo wings, but these were amazing and went so well with the blue cheese dressing. I can see myself coming back here very soon to drink some beers and eat some incredible wings.
(4)Jennifer S.
I love the Plough. I always end up here when I'm in Old City. It's a staple! The crowd is great, the bartenders are usually pretty fast and there is always good music playing. Highly recommended for a fun night (or day!) out in Philly.
(4)Virginia C.
I had a warm apple cider from their happy hour menu. It was fantastic before dinner. Being from Boston, I'm a snob when it comes to Irish food/bars. However, this place is fantastic. Pros: Service Drinks/Beers on Tap Outdoor Patio Seating Great First Date Meet-up for drinks/and or you can stay for dinner. ( We only had the calamari, but the menu looked fantastic) Cons: I didn't try everything yet? Maybe, the warm apple pie drink? The cider was way better- but if you are in the mood- go for it.
(4)Steve M.
I like this place, very crowded at the weekends. Cocktails are expensive, beer is reasonably priced. Larry the bouncer is the man, I can go there just to chat with him.
(4)Ting N.
Everything was great. The only downfall to the restaurant would be the really loud live music. I could barely hear over my friends and we were literally 3 feet apart at most.
(4)Jenna C.
**This review is for the nightlife only. I've been here twice - once while very drunk, and the other time - well I learned quickly that I wasn't drunk enough. I had two very different experiences - 1. While very drunk, I didn't mind the music from the mid to late 90s, which reminded of my middle school days. I also didn't mind that the DJ continued to repeat these songs over and over again throughout the night. I also didn't mind that my friends and I were harassed and grinded on by an obnoxious group of friends at a bachelor party. Or that the drinks were expensive. Or that it was packed, wall-to-wall with sweaty bodies. At least there was no cover! 2. While not drunk enough - I thought to myself, how did I have such a good time here last time? Isn't this song from when I was in 6th grade? Didn't the DJ just play it 5 songs ago? It was hot, sweaty, the crowd was obnoxious, the bar was crowded, the drinks were overpriced... My advice - come here when you are already three-sheets deep and ready to end the night with some dancing, otherwise you might leave feeling annoyed, like you wasted a perfectly good night.
(2)Brett F.
Had a lovely little time at Plough & the Stars... this spot served as an ideal last call spot for a group that was getting increasingly rowdier and had no business being anywhere high brow. Not to say that Plough isn't 'nice'... it is, but it's one of those spots that serves a bit of multipurpose function throughout the day and sorta transforms as it goes. Lemme break it down: Plough in the a.m. = A fabu spot for brunch with friends; Mimosas, Petit Filet & Eggs, White Chocolate Cherry French Toast and generally good conversation to follow. Plough in the early p.m. = Great locale for a hungry belly after a day walking around in Old Philly. Shrimp & Calamari Salad, Crab Cake Sandwich, Fish & Chips and a happy, satiated belly to follow. Plough in the later p.m. = Your typical dinner. Nice wine. Maybe a dish of Organic Hudson Valley duck and perhaps a dessert of bread pudding, if you're lucky, to follow. Plough in the wee hours = General randomized pandemonium of the best variety, natch. Anything possible to follow. The vast space previously occupied by civilized diners now fills with a smattering of young, a handful of older, the semi-drunk and really, phenomenally inebriated. Everyone bounces and writhes to slightly cheesy but incredibly familiar singalong tunes while downing O-bombs and Snake Bites. If a stripper pole somehow managed to magically materialize it could only help to enhance the stories you'll have to tell after your night here. If you can remember it. Certainly a solid spot for imbibing, maybe next time I'll even attempt a little brunch action and keep the writhing at bay.... eh, probably not.
(4)Andrew M.
Good food with excellent presentation. Best chicken wings, great burgers, and Irish curry. Very friendly service and clean. We were pleasantly surprised with the overall experience.
(4)Elizabeth P.
This place is a safe place to fall back on but don't expect to have the time of your life -- unless you plan on getting trashed then I guess it doesn't really matter. You can expect the average shabang. Top 40s, average-priced drinks, packed house. HOWEVER, I am less than impressed for the following reasons: 1) their DJ plays top 40s but a lot of times, the songs he puts together are repeats. There are a few songs that the DJ seem to love to play over... and over.. and over..(e.g., Journey.......) 2) people like to come here to get trashed or something because the staff always has to come to the middle of the dance floor at some point in the night and clean up some kind of mess (broken glass, wet floor, etc) 3) sometimes it gets SO packed that you have no place to move (which can be good and bad because it shows the place gets business)
(3)Dave W.
Went for brunch yesterday and it was quite good. I had Eggs Benedict (with lump crab meat) and when they came too hard, the server immediately took them back and brought a fresh dish, which was perfect. I should have also ordered a rasher of bacon since I love bacon with eggs - even Eggs Benedict. Other diners had omelette's (2) and Savory French Toast. Everything was good. They offer a selection of breads before and during the meal, along with Irish butter and preserves. The Irish Coffee and Wasabi Bloody Mary are killers! Don't go in thinking you are going into an authentic Irish Pub - they have a nice selection of paintings and prints along with Irish music but I've been in better pubs ( Brendan Neil's in Westlake, OH ). Both bars, upstairs and down look quite nice. Don't get me wrong - this is a great place for a relaxing brunch and you are minutes from Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, Carpenters Hall, etc. Since I'm not into the night life scene I would definitely go back to see if they can advance to 4 stars. Definitely worth a try if you are in the city.
(3)Kelly P.
for a while there, i was a repeat offender at plough. the bar part, anyway. it was a go-to place for me and my friends to dance and drink until they kicked us out at 2am. nowadays, the place isn't my scene*, but i enjoy the random sundays with live irish music. *drunkenly giving my number to the hot barback maaaaay have led to my sudden absence those years ago. awkward**. **dont act like you've never done something like that.
(3)K. B.
Dont know why this place has only 3 stars. The inside is really quite nice with a great fireplace and plenty of seating options. Menu is good, if maybe a little over priced. Would be a good date locale, not a realistic drinking spot.
(4)Hoan-My H.
This place never lets me down. DJ plays really fun music (hip hop, mainstream, oldies, 90's!!) and though it wouldn't exactly be considered a club, people are still having a good time getting their groove on. Yes, it gets jam packed, but everyone seems to be happy so might as well strike up a conversation with that person awkwardly attached to your @ss. Good environment to hang out with friends, bring out of town guests, and mingle for you singles! PS: St. Patty's Day here is a BLAST!
(4)Sarah L.
I didn't been realize that this place was a night time hangout. Damn, I'm uncool. Anyway, on a Saturday afternoon, it's all families. I love the big fireplace and I love eating lunch with a bunch of parents that prefer a pint with their meal. I can respect that. I'm a sucker for chicken curry and fries, so I approved of my meal, but everything else about the place was sort of blah. Reading other reviews and recognizing that its more of a drinking the night away place, it all sort of makes sense, but I feel like there are so many places close by with better drinks and tasty food, I don't really get why you choose this one. Maybe it's the crowd, which can make all the difference. For now, I'll give this place a solid 'ok' and wait for the magic to happen.
(3)Chris M.
So, I don't make it out to Old City much these days as I feel that my impending 28th bday puts me at the senior citizen end of the curve for this part of the city. But, I have to admit that I had a really good time at Plough & the Stars. Things I liked: - no cover - good beer selection (try the ommegang hennepin) - non-ultra-terrible music - wedding-ish sort of playlist - crowd was cool - ranged from low- to upper-20's - good service Things I disliked: - having to crowd surf to get to the bathroom (or having to walk through the waitress station to get to the bathroom) I have to agree with a previous poster that this place definitely gets more fun in a direct correlation with your level of intoxication. It was OK when I got there and the best place ever as I was leaving. All in all, this was a good experience. But, I think the key was that we had a table. I would not have enjoyed standing around in the crowd the whole night.
(4)Marty J.
I walked in on a super cold night and saw the most beautiful sight... A huge fireplace. Grabbed a coffee, a fish wrap, and picked at my buddy's calamari. All of it was excellent. Then, I got a craving for a milkshake, which isn't on the menu, but my waitress, Kelly, is an awesome person so my craving got filled. Will definitely stop back in!
(4)Tabitha U.
Beautiful Irish Pub in a great walkable location to many things in Philly. We stopped in for an early lunch and irish coffee, and a beer of course. I enjoyed the fish and chips, very good well battered haddock and great fries. Great service from true Irish! Irish music and a great atmosphere!
(4)julie m.
This place was SO fun. Food was decent. Drinks were amazing. Awesome staff.
(5)David B.
If you like to have fun then this is your spot. Is it packed? Yes, but I suppose that's part of the appeal. Great variety of music (as others have pointed out Top 40, 80's and 90's hits), good drinks and attentive servers. Just watch out for the 'bows on the dance floor. You may end up losing your drink.
(4)Michael P.
Wait, do I actually have to enter the bar to review it? Because for all the times I've gone to the Plough, I can't remember if I've ever stepped foot inside. Its a favorite summer friday after-work spot for some guys I worked with a decade ago, and by the time I get there, they've always snagged an outside table. If its rainy, they just usually end up somewhere else. I've heard they have some fancy imported tap system, but I don't really notice a difference in the beer. Guinness pours take long enough, and have the right head, but frequently lack the right layering of a proper pour. I've had better at some of the other Irish bars in the city. Prices are decent, and the decor is a step up. The service is friendly, but frequently slow, 20 minutes can go buy between check-ins, at least outside. Half the fun is people watching on 2nd street. Theres always a weird mix of people for the variety of bars on the block.
(3)Natalie D.
Do you want to be groped, squeezed, creeped & gyrated on, all while being in a human sardine tin of nerds & wannabe Tony Sopranos? This is your place! Dear Jesus. Never again! I've been here several times, and each time I remember why I wanted to stab myself the time before. It is insanely packed beyond belief with all sorts of gross middle-aged/old men looking to cop a feel and hippies who haven't bathed in a week calling you vain because you care how you look. Forget getting a drink! It's what I imagine the sinking of the Titanic would've been like if you were a 3rd class passenger - a crush of sweaty, frantic bodies, only this time with some tired pop music! Forget dancing, hearing anything, or drinking. Even getting to the bathroom is a 10 minute project when it should be a quick dash, so hopefully you can hold it! They let absolutely everyone in, and I don't mean that to be snide. I mean that if a fire broke out, there would be an atrocious number of deaths. It's so bad that it spills out onto the sidewalk! The fire marshall would be none too pleased. It might be the "trendy" thing to say you're there, but trust me, as much as I like the finer things in life, this is not one of them. Give me the frat party that is Mad River any day. At least there I can get a drink, dance, pee, and be unwillingly and unwantingly groped by men closer to my age.
(1)Rodge B.
My favorite bar in Old City mainly because of the attentive and great looking dance floor waitresses who always manage to keep up with our large beer orders. The bathroom situation leaves a lot to be desired, and the DJ can go from awful to brilliant in back to back songs. The midget stools can also take a hike as well. If you don't like crowds, don't come here. And if you're lucky, you'll see beaver on the balcony.
(5)Hoa T.
With the right crowd this place would be awesome. But coming back now, all I feel is a little nostalgia. I loved this place in my undergrads days...it's still okay now but I guess the magic is gone. The place is super crowded on the weekends, and I have no idea how their servers can walk through the crowd with trays above their heads.
(3)Autumn E.
So, I stopped in here twice on Saturday late night. Once was to take a group potty break, and in the bathroom I heard girls raving about how the crowd seems really cool and all. Then we came back, and I realized 2 things: the layout is awesome, and so is the music. It was too easy to find the bathroom. TOO EASY. Then, there's a balcony upstairs. HERE IS WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT THAT: Finding your freaking friends. We've all been there, and this helps you get out of that lost-in-kmart feeling. It's not huge, there aren't too many places to look. I love it. Music? You know that there are some throwbacks your gym teacher played at homecoming that you all said were so stupid but secretly you knew all the words and had to try really hard not to sing along. Well, this place does it better, and everyone sings along. These hip college folk in old city sang the following lineup: Hit Me Baby One More Time, Larger than Life, I want it that way, and.... ready for it.... MMBop. By Hanson. The rest of the night was all that usually new stuff but for half an hour there, it was the most amusing sight I've ever witnessed. It was definitely dorky and lame, but I think the crowd makes it worthwhile and charming. Now, the servers... all wear these black minidresses that seem to only be permitted one or fewer sleeves... and they tuck your credit card into their bras. Tell me that's not sexy (as long as you're not a germaphobe.) Drink specials are good, and when you walk in there's a bucket girl with the special. When we arrived it was Blue Moon 22oz for $8, later $2 Corona regulars.
(4)Holly C.
In comparison to the other bars in Olde City around that area, it's a nicer looking bar. The bartenders were nice, and drinks were cheap, but just a few dollars more than the other bars ($17 for 3 vodka tonics/seltzers). It's pretty big, and it's never been packed the times I have gone. Then again, I usually go earlier in the evening. The crowd is a little better than some of the other places.
(3)Kyle G.
Oh Plough, where do I start. In theory, you should be a fun and cool bar to go to, but there's always a but. Usually the but is, it gets too CROWDED. Seriously, this place turns into a touch-every-person-in-the-bar level of crowded once it strikes midnight on the weekends. I am not really into places like that I guess, maybe you are. This always leads to longer waiting for drinks and a hot atmosphere. I do like how they have the balcony and projector screen for sports, but in the end, Plough's just an occasional place for me if I'm in Old City.
(3)C K.
**review for nightlife only** Great place to go in olde city when you have friends in town and they want to go out to the city on a weekend. Love the music there, and have been there quite a few times on a weeknight and always had a good time. It is pretty difficult to get to the bar and get drinks, though, since it's always crowded in there.
(4)Kris C.
Keep in mind if crowds bother you and you tend to get excited with slow service when it is busy make sure to NOT come here on a Friday or Saturday afternoon/night. I was here on a Tuesday afternoon with a small to moderate crowd and the service was amazing. I did a sampling of scotch. I received quite a bit of information throughout the tasting. After about 3 of these little guys, I decided I should probably get something to eat. So I ordered their appetizer tray. The walk away from that....the HUMMUS is AMAZING! I don't know that I have had a better hummas anywhere else. They have sidewalk seating with tables only one deep; fun to people watch. I would absolutely come back to this place (just not on Friday or Saturday afternoon/evenings)
(4)Brad P.
Their Sunday brunch is the best in the city. They had a salmon omelette special the last time I went and it was the best union of fish and eggs that I had ever had. When I have friends visit, this is the brunch place I bring them to. Their Orange juice is variable. Sometimes it is flawless and tastes like it was shipped in from Florida this morning. Sometimes it tastes like the Florida shipment was delayed a week without refrigeration before arriving.
(4)Melissa R.
I haven't been to this place in 5 years. Why, you ask? Because I am OLD. Over 30 is apparently elderly at Plough, and I felt out of place among the inebriated youngins'. So although it is no longer my scene, I spent many a college and young adult weekend nights here, and it seems the place has not changed in the last 10 yrs. They always play good music, so no matter what decade you were born in, if you are just drunk enough, it'll be a good time.
(3)Erin W.
Ended up here on an impromptu double-date late one night. The upstairs was closed already, so we were left having to eat from the small bar menu downstairs. And it was disgusting. There were GIZZARDS in the chicken curry. Maybe that is normal, but a little disclaimer would have been appreciated. My friend got fish & chips, which was wholly unimpressive for $12. The only redeeming quality to the meal, aside from the company, was that they served Lindemann's Lambic in an assortment of flavors. At the end, the boys split the bill on their cards, and my friend's boyfriend gave us a few bucks to cover the difference in our tabs. The waitress, who up to this point had been flaky at best, became the most attentive she'd been all evening and appeared at our table seemingly out of no where to gather the check. She started to pick up the cash my friend's boyfriend had handed to us, asking, "Is this for me?" I was so confused I ended up giving her a harsher "no" than I intended. Thumbs down.
(1)Mike L.
3 stars sounds about right.
(3)Tara C.
A bit pricey, but this place is really versatile. One night it's a hip Barack Obama inauguration celebration and three days later it's got some famous names in the Irish traditional music world just chilling at the bar. Since I have a foot in both of these worlds (and write about them both), I really appreciate a restaurant with the same eclectic eccentricities. The menu is refreshingly traditional and to be honest...I prefer going here alone in the morning or afternoon when I'm out on assignment. It's my favorite alone restaurant in the city, really, and a good place to sit down and go over notes. I always meet interesting people here and you'd be surprised at how many semi-famous individuals have passed through. Keep your eyes open if you know some Irish faces.
(4)Tom W.
My wife and I enjoyed a Sunday brunch here. She ordered the Omelette du Jour and I had the Salmon Tapas. All was great, no complaints. I would be interested to see someone sitting at the tiny tables. Maybe next time.
(4)Mallory S.
Whenever I'm in Old City and want some good food and a great Cosmo I head to The Plough. First of all, any restaurant that serves delicious pre-meal bread (the Irish Soda is my favorite) is already climbing up my good food ladder. Second, I happen to have a soft spot for Irish men with great voices and guitars. My favorite meal is definitely the NY Strip with Irish Blue Cheese butter. They have great sidewalk seating, ideal for those who love to people watch and they're a great spot to watch sports games (a TV covers almost one whole wall). Weekend nights can get really crowded and loud but the drinks are good and the bartenders are really attentive. Overall, a great place with good food, drinks, atmosphere, and live music!
(4)Kelly D.
Every time my friends and I used to go here, after about a 1/2 hour or so into the visit, we would look at each other with puzzled faces and someone would always ask..."Why are we here again?" Thats how I would sum this place up. One thing that is always consistent is that at some point during your drop in you are guaranteed to hear "Livin' on a Prayer" or some other vag friendly cover band staple. I will say I do like the tiny stools that appear to be really awkward from afar but actually end up being pretty legit.
(1)Christian L.
I stopped in here and though it was pretty good atmosphere. Wasn't bothered to much had a drink a bit expensive but whats to expect in ol' city. Worth Checking out.
(4)Phil W.
I love the atmosphere of this place (the fireplace is awesome) - and the food is not bad. I have been several times over the last couple of months (for dinner or Sunday brunch, not when it's packed on a Saturday night) but no one ever seems to acknowledge that fact. A "nice to see you again" would go a long way. In fact, the staff seems incredibly aloof and terribly uninterested.
(2)Tina C.
I think its great here! Good food, good atmosphere, great drinks! Fun time and good place to have a drink. Service isnt that good but food is!
(3)J S.
I came here on a Saturday night around 12. I'm usually not a fan of Philly, but I loved this place! Apparently, it used to be a bank and it's really cool outside. Two rum and cokes....$13. They were okay, but I prefer a bartender with a heavy hand. But I did get a drink quickly. The crowd is pretty good, a quality mix of girls and dudes. Downstairs is more chill, and we ventured upstairs, but the temperature was 20 degrees higher up there. The music was pretty awesome, I agree with the post below about elbows...I almost lost my drink. Attire? Some people were wearing jeans, some were wearing dresses, so either goes! The bouncers were cool too. Oh also, no cover! I'd say it's a good place to check out if you're in Philly
(4)E B.
Overpriced in Old City. Pros: -Good location -Intriguing and spacious atmosphere Cons: -Overpriced. Their cheapest mixed drink on the menu was $8 and they have no specials. -Bad crowd on a Friday night. Nearly all bachelorette parties jamming the place. -The DJ. The music was too loud and although he played good music, he kept (unsucessfully) trying to play each song with its original sampling source and hardly ever played more than 2/3 of a song. Considerations: -I didn't try the food. -Our drink waitress told us, unasked, that this is her full-time job when we gave her our first drink orders. She proceeded to remind us that when she delivered them and then would hover for more tips for all subsequent drinks. It was obnoxiously poor service. -A friend's purse was stolen, but the security team was extremely helpful and accomodating in attempting to get it back.
(2)Sarah K.
I went to P&TS Saturday for pops with my buds. I hadn't been and about in the city for well over a year thanks to the life-style change that goes with the addition of a little baby. It was a good time. The bar tender (our Scottish friend) was engaging but not annoyingly so and I was pleased with the beer selection. I only have been drinking stouts (who knows why) since the birth of the wee one and they had SEVERAL 22ozers to choose from. Although the place was crowded we were able to secure a seat at the bar by arriving at 8pm. P&TS is one of those places in OC where people who don't go to the city often might end up (read, no hipsters.) The bar selection is trendy (and priced so) as are the people who are shopping for husbands/wives/one night stands/a night out from the 'burbs. It was fun. I'd go back.
(4)kristy k.
Wandered in on a Sunday evening. The live Irish music was great. Food excellent and everything reasonably priced. Service was attentive and prompt. Will wander back in the Plough for sure!!
(4)Everett R.
Dropped in at around 11pm on a Saturday night and it was really active, and had some great 70s and 80s playing. You can be really dressed up or laid back and fit in fine. They have a huge screen that they were projecting a college football game on if you wanted to watch that, plenty of people dancing on the second level. We just got some 22oz bluemoons for $7 that they were selling at the door, so didn't get a good look at the drink selection. Also, $40 min for credit cards.
(4)Brian M.
I really want to like this place, but I just can't. My friends really like this place so I have been there a few times, always on Friday or Saturday night and my typical experience here goes something like this... I walk in and it is instantly about 30 degrees warmer than it was outside and I cannot even move. Luckily they have a girl who sells beers right at the door when you walk in pretty much so you can get a drink quickly, unfortunately that Bud Light you're about to buy will be about 5 dollars. After fighting through a crowd of drunk dancing people I usually make my way upstairs so that I can actually have a foot of space between me and the person next to me. I'll try to talk to my friends but it's one of those places where you have to scream at the top of your lungs for the person next to you to even hear what you're saying. After a few drinks I'll feel the slight need to pee which means I should probably get moving to go to the bathroom, because it's gonna take me probably 5-10 minutes to fight through the crowd just to reach the end of the line. After another 5-10 minute wait I will finally be ready to fight my way back to the bar for another drink upstairs. I usually spend the rest of my time there people watching over the balcony. I may hate this place but I will say it is the best place to people watch. I have seen people slip and fall on the dance floor, some triple kisses, I even once saw a bachelorette being "serviced" by some dudes hand, so that is at least entertaining. If you like hot, loud places where you're shoulder to shoulder with people no matter where you are in the bar then this is right up you're alley. Otherwise I would definitely pass this place up.
(2)