I feel like the biggest jerk for living near Tavern on the Hill all these years and never stopping in until yesterday. We had dinner there last night, and it was a fantastic experience. We felt so welcome, by the owners, the staff, and the other patrons, that we are sure to be back soon.
TH is a very small bar/restaurant that is easy to miss. There are probably 12 or so seats at the bar, and maybe 8 tables in the dining, and the aesthetic is a warm, country tavern sort of feel.
We sat at the end of the bar, next where the owner was standing, unbeknownst to us. We started chatting about food, and we mentioned that my wife doesn't like mushrooms. He said, "if I send you out some of our mushroom fries for free, will you try them." Of course, we happily agreed, but my wife was skeptical. He brought them out shortly after, she tried them, and had to concede that she liked them! And well she should: they were amazing. They are basically portobello caps sliced, breaded, and fried, served with a mushroom aioli. Don't miss these. He also sent us out a free order of their summer slaw, which was amazing.
We read all of the Yelp reviews beforehand, so we knew that people love the wings and burger here, so we went for them. Good choice. This is seriously one of the best burgers in the city, and I travel around the city looking for the best burgers. They marinate the meat overnight, and whatever their marinade is is perfect--it imparts a subtle flavor to the meat, but doesn't get in the way. The bread and cheese here are also very high quality. Don't miss the wings, either. They are triple cooks (roasted, grilled, and fried) for the perfect texture. Again, a very unique, special dish.
They are also open late for dinner, and have a special $9 after 9 menu, where certain fully composed plates (fish and chips; steak, mashed potatoes, and a vegetable; etc) are only $9. That's a killer deal, especially for people like us who always go out late.
All the while we were enjoying our food, the bartender was keeping our glasses full with some top-tier gin. He was such a nice guy. They really pour hard here, so you get your money's worth on liquor drinks.
We also met some really nice regulars, including a local musician. Someone said in another review that this is not the place to come if you don't like to socialize. That seems to be true, at least at the bar. Luckily, we love to socialize.
Anyway, if you are still reading: 1) apologies for my verbosity, and 2) definitely check this place out. We plan to be back shortly.
It is small, so many nights the dining room is packed. Â The bar is nice, but it is also small -- seats about a dozen. Â The smallness makes everyone a little closer, and this is definitely a neighborhood spot. Â I couldn't count the times we've been here, and disappointments have been rare (but be a little cautious on expensive specials). Â The Tavern's hamburger with sauteed spinach is the best hamburger I've ever had in Philadelphia. Â The sweet potato fries are often very good, but unfortunately a little inconsistent, touchy buggers that they must be. Â The people are wonderful.
Review Source:My husband and daughters and I had lunch at the tavern for the first time today. I was really happy with the service and the food. Upon walking in they were warm and chatted with my 3yo daughter and asked about the baby. Could there be anything nicer then your waitress calling you "love" and "darlin"?? I ordered a grilled chix sandwich with roasted red peppers, spinach and melted provolone on a toasted kaiser and it was really good. Just about every restaurant has a version of this sandwich and this one was great. My husband got a cheeseburger with fries and said it was really good and had nice fresh veggies. My daughter got the tortilla chip crusted chicken fingers and she ate just about the whole thing! We will definitely be back for the thanksgiving sandwich as almost everyone in the restaurant ordered it! Nice place.
Review Source:My husband and I visit  The Tavern almost weekly.  The atmosphere is very welcoming, the staff friendly and efficient and the customers are a varied group of regulars and newcomers who are always happy to engage in an interesting conversation at the bar.  Most importantly, the food is the BEST!  Gerard, the chef is very talented at using what is currently available and fresh from the markets to dream up fantastic offerings of both appetizers and entrees.  His soups are varied and tasty and he always manages to do something fantastic with his fish dish for the day.  Last  night I had almond crusted Mahi Mahi with a coconut raisin cake, asparagus, in an orange rum shellfish broth. - Yum!  And finally, let us not forget the live music on Thursday and Friday.nights.  Brian Kors and Reverand Chris provide just the right amount of fun and ambience to an already very cozy space.  Kudos to the owners, John, Katlyn and Gerard, and all of the staff  for providing a consistently good dining experience.  From a simple soup and sandwich lunch to a full course dinner, you cannot go wrong here.  Also nice for a snack and drink while visiting and exploring all of the shops of Chestnut Hill.
Review Source:Food was good, but for over $200 for four, there are many other places with better atmosphere and food, and service. Â Service was so horrific that we only left a 10% tip, way too generous in my opinion. Â On the way out we mentioned to the owner that the service left something to be desired. Â He told us if we didn't like it, we should go to McSorleys. Â Nice attitude. Â We would never go back, nor recommend it to anyone.
Review Source:The restaurant opens up to a nice, dark wooden bar. We were pleasantly greeted by the bar tender. However, the gentleman who seated us was unfriendly and looked to be dabbling in the occult. My girlfriend had cornflake breaded chicken tenders that appeared to be anemic but tasty. The medium chicken wings were excellent. As other reviews have stated, they are a solid choice. Overall, nice, cozy place with good food and decent service.
Review Source:What a great find. Â Stopped on in after enjoying the stag and doe night, let me just say, I am glad I stopped. Â If you have a problem with rubbing elbows with people, then this is not the place for you. Â It is very cozy. Â The staff was very welcoming and polite. Â I had the french onion soup which was AMAZING!!!! as well as the tender roast beef with horseradish sauce. Â Â Every plate around us looked tasty and fantastic. Â I will be visiting again to try these other dishes.
Review Source:As I sit, with my big old glass of cab and eating my portabello fries, I ponder the meaning of life.  I'm pretty sure I found it.  Portobello fries and wine.  If you  go here and do not try these, you will have missed out on one of lifes joys (and possibly a new wonder of the world).  I also had the pulled beef sandwich with horseradish cream and OMG. OMG, did I write OMG yet?  Plus the bartender was a little hottie!  It's small and gets crowded fast, but worth every second if you have to wait.  GET THE PORTOBELLO FRIES IMMEDIATELY.  Make sure you grab a glass of wine as well!
Review Source:Went for dinner on a Sunday night. Very friendly staff, very welcoming. Started off with wine and draft beer and an appetizer. Drinks were great, the "Shrooms" (potato and cheese stuffed mushrooms) were a bit on the bland side, but still good.
I had a turkey, brie and cranberry (homemade sauce) panini and it was TO DIE FOR. So delicious, I'd go back for it again for sure. Fiance had the fish special; he said it was good, probably not worth what he paid for it.
I'd say go, drink and eat BAR food. That's what they seem to be really good at.
We'll be back!
My wife and I really love going to this place. Â The food is excellent, atmosphere is friendly and great, and the prices are spot on. Â The chef there really comes up with some creative specials on a daily basis, but even the normal menu items (like burgers, fries, soups, etc) are really good. Â This place BY FAR has the best buffalo wings I have ever had. Â Now, you might have just read that as this place has really good buffalo wings. Â What I said was, "This place *BY FAR* has the best buffalo wings I have ever had." Â Call me predictable, but I order them 9 out of 10 times I go to the restaurant.
Great place!
I previously walked into the Tavern to be greeted with unfriendly looks likened to a "what are you doing here?" The crowd appeared to be 30's and up and I am in my early twenties. This dissuaded me from taking the dive and giving it a try.
I visited Tavern on the HIll on a Sunday afternoon after church with my wife and two friends. I ordered the Chicken breast sandwich with lettuce, tomato, onion and a side of spicy fries. My wife ordered the veggie burger with a side of chips. All 4 of us had water so I cannot speak of the bar service nor drinks.
My chicken sandwich was served on a burger roll, chicken was juicy, and the fries were spicy but not overbearing. For a measly $9 + $2.50 for the fries, the meal exceeded my expectations for similarly priced food. Our "waterboy"/food runner was disheveled and had no manners. All four of us said thank you when he filled our waters and brought our food, but none of us received a peep for a response. Finally my wife made eye contact with him and said "Thank you," to which I replied "You're welcome honey" on the waiters behalf. From that point forward we were served by the bartender. The young boy had a slumped gait, yet my 3 star review does not reflect his inadequacies.
The bartender was nice and served our food promptly and relatively accurately (she used no notepad and made 2 minor errors on the order).
Would I return?
Probably. I do not live in the neighborhood, but I would give it another shot because of the foods tastiness relative to its price.
I've been coming here about once a week for a year now and I'm yet to have a bad experience. I'm always warmly welcomed and feel very well taken care of while I'm there. The happy hour is fantastic with half priced drinks coupled with their generous pours, and never a long wait for a drink. Another thing I love about this place is that there are so many different types of people that go in there. Everybody is welcome.
Oh, and the burger  is (in my opinion) the best on the Hill. I just can't get enough of this place! The staff is so friendly and even the owner makes sure he thanks you for coming in. Very "Cheers" place:)
I've eaten/imbibed here maybe 10 times since their "restoration", and our visit last Saturday night was the best. Â We spent some time at the bar waiting for friends, and the drinks were substantial and very good. Â The person behind the bar was more of a mixologist than a bartender, offering a nice variation on my wife's Sidecar. My Manhattan was very good as well. Â
I had the Fried Oysters appetizer on the specials board, which were perfectly crispy on the outside and delicious all the way thru. Fellow diners had the Stuffed Mushrooms with Shrimp and Bacon app, again, very good (but not a good as my oysters). Â One friend had the Shrimp/Vegi soup which consumed quickly and with little slurping. Â He was pleased with the flavor and consistency.
As an entree I had the fluke with honey citrus sauce, but got the sauce on the side. Â The fish didn't need it, it was excellently spiced and prepared. Â I heard good comments about the filet tips as well. Â Our waiter, Henry, was very accommodating and put up with our occasionally raucous behavior. Â All-in-all great drinks, food and experience.
Great local, cozy place, with very warm and friendly service - the owner makes it a point to say hello when you come in. Â Service is very attentive, back dining room is intimate but not crowded or noisy. Â There's a cool bar area in the front to get drinks and watch a game. Â Been for dinner a few times, which is usually great - there are lots of specials to mix it up. Â Only thing I would advise against is getting the more ethnic dishes (e.g., the pasta), but that holds true for any ethnic food in any non-ethnic restaurant. Â
Overall though, a deservedly loved local institution.
Odd identity crisis. Â Am I a friendly neighborhood bar or a swanky white tablecloth fine dining establishment? Â I'm too small to be both but I''l try anyway. Â The food is awesome but still a little overpriced. Â The bar has a great vibe but a pretty ho-hum beer collection compared to every other bar on the hill. Â Fun people though and always a good time.
Review Source:I just had the worst experience ever at this place. The burger was okay, but the customer service was terrible. The lady at the bar got angry when we asked for separate checks, AND SHE THREW HER PEN AT US. When all of us decided to pay with credit card, she said, "Why don't you just make things easy on me and pay with cash?" My friends were generous and tipped her $1 each. While walking out, she said, "Really, a dollar? We make $3 an hour!"
Review Source:This is just a neighborhood place where you can get a nice lunch or dinner, not break the bank and have a good experience. Â Whether at the bar or in the back dining area, it feels homey and just right. Â The food is standard pub fare, and I say that as a compliment. Â My server, Maureen, was super super friendly and attentive to me and my date....my four year old daughter. Â The chocolate milk was cold and dark. Â Not that I drank half of it, or anything like that.
I had the tuna sandwich, and it was really good....but my daughter's grilled cheese, not on the menu, was damn good. Â Fries, chips, beer, good tunes, friendly staff.....c'mon. Â sweet.
So I wander in here, having arrived early to a dinner elsewhere in the neighborhood. Â I see an eclectic collection of people, and think that is cool, this must be a neighborhood bar where anyone is welcome. Â I order a top-shelf vodka martini, very dry, with a twist. Â Wow, it is absolutely huge and cold and inexpensive. Â I was extraordinarily surprised. Â This was the best one I have had since Grill 23 in Boston, which is famous for their generous martinis.
After finishing it, I am sublimely happy. Â I also ordered a roasted red pepper soup. Â Wow, perfectly seasoned, not too cream-laden, just right. Â Not too watery. Â I was very pleased with my entire experience here!
Love this place! The homey atmosphere makes you feel like you instantly fit in and the friendly service also makes it a real winner. One of my first nights in Chestnut Hill I visited the Tavern with some friends and when the owner learned that we were new to the area he quickly ordered us a round of drinks on the house! I also spent New Years Eve here and it was such a nice time...tons of champagne at midnight and the crowd was so friendly and fun! So much better than a jam packed bar downtown. I have to say though that there is usually an older crowd here but nonetheless everyone is very friendly and welcoming!
As for food, I love their bbq wings because they are absolutely huge and the sauce is oh so good! The spinach and egg salad is also yummy and all of their dressings are homemade which doesn't hurt! You definitely can't beat their $9 after 9pm menu which has an amazing petite filet with potatoes and veggies!! Best deal on the ave by far!
The Tavern is a great place for a drink, dinner with friends, date night, or even a quiet dinner alone! Be sure to stop in...you won't be disappointed!
After moving to the area this past summer, I quickly became a regular at Tavern on the Hill. Â This small, cozy spot has so much to offer those looking to get a good meal at a reasonable price. Â The service at the Tavern is amazing. Â When you walk through the door, you're sure to be greeted by the restaurant's bartender, who seems to know everyone in town by name. Â The waitresses are also very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Before you leave you're sure to meet ownership at some point because they always seem to be in house. Â
As far as food goes, Tavern on the Hill will leave you with a full stomach and a smile on your face. Â All the food here tastes extremely fresh. Â There are a few menu items I can personally recommend. Â The wings are some of the best you'll find. Â They are on the large side and prepared with a thick, delicious home-made hot sauce that will leave you craving more. Â You also have to try the pulled-beef sandwich with horseradish sauce on the side. Â It is my favorite sandwich and I've probably had it four or five times now. Â And just in case you walk in and you see prime rib on the specials menu, get it. Â Simply huge. Â That's all I'm gonna say. Â
Give it a shot. Â You won't be disappointed.
Thrilled that this place is just a few blocks from my apartment. Â My wife and I had dinner there on Friday night and were pretty impressed. Â
The ambiance was great, the food was quality and the prices were actually reasonable (for Chestnut Hill). Â We ordered the pulled beef sandwich with aioli dressing, a burger, spicy fries and portobello fries as a starter (awesome). Â Also had the chocolate bread pudding cake for dessert and coffee (which was apparently from the Chestnut Hill Coffee Co. next door). Â All were delicious. Â The spicy fries were a bit intense for my liking (especially when eating a full plate of them), but were good nonetheless. Â Cheap beer, too. Â $3.50 for Kenzinger pints. Â Score. Â (Apparently they have 1/2 price drafts at happy hour from 5-7 M-Th.)
The service was quick and friendly. Â Our server brought us a takeout menu and Chestnut Hill guide when we told her we had just moved into the neighborhood.
Overall, a great spot. Â It's simple-ish and unpretentious but much nicer and more cozy than your average pub. Â This place might just be our default in Chestnut Hill for a while ...
Returned to this classy little lots-of-wood to be Pledged eatery for lunch. And let me assure everyone that this place can and probably would go out of its way to accommodate your healthy dietary and nutritional requirements. I returned primarily to get a better handle on the menu. Much too much to remember, especially with the too-many-to-mention specials. But I did grab a to-go menu which also ends with 'take-out orders welcome!' As a healthy in-control diabetic, they gave me more than I could eat dietwise. I had the best crabcake sandwich which, because I am a diabetic, I ate with a fork so I could delve into the hand-cut sweet potato fries; I so much desired to taste the maple bourbon dip but withheld. I also didn't eat the bun because I wanted to down more of the tasty fries. Just to mention a couple of luncheon delights, there were portabella mushroom fries w/garlic marsala aioli and oysters on the half shell. Â There were all kinds of salads. Basically, and this is just an assumption on my part from only this, my second visit, you could add anything on the menu and make your own salad, which is something unique and entertaining. Let me just get right to this updated point. You can simply ask your server, and since the Chef is there to please the palate and get your return business, he would probably conjure whatever you wanted to satisfy your tastebuds at any given time. In other words, I'm sure if you wanted a burger with mushrooms, sweet peppers, crabmeat and blue cheese dressing, you could get it cause that's just how the place comes across. Besides the 'gihugic' menu even for lunch, I like my burger with what I just mentioned along with cooked cabbage. So next time I go, I'm thinking the tender pulled beef with horseradish cream-sauced hot sandwich or take some cooked cabbage with me and test the Chef's willingness. Bet the Chef goes out of his way and makes me my burger; that's the feeling the staff just gives 'ya! If anyone wants to know what's on the menu, ask me via Yelp or Facebook. There's a late night menu also which is basically a smaller sized portion and a lesser price of menu items. Get there, get happy, and get fed!
Review Source:Servers were super sweet, and attentive without being overbearing. Â My drink was just ok--I've had better Manhattans in my life. Â Crowd was mixed young and old. Â Not especially kid friendly, but I didn't see an overwhelming reason not to bring them. Â The food was fine--nothing you can't get everywhere else, nothing especially exciting, but nothing supremely disappointing. Â Dinner for four with an appetizer, 6 drinks, 4 entrees/specials, and a couple desserts ran about $200 with tip, but for that price, I'm used to getting something much more interesting on my plate/in my glass. Â TOTH was the choice of the least adventerous eater in our group, who ADORES it. Â It was predictable food with nice service. Â If that's what you want, this is your place, but I think life is too short not to explore the fabulous dining options Philly offers.
Review Source:This place is a cute little place for a bite. I have been there twice and took advantage of the 9 after 9 menu. It's there lower price menu they offer after 9 pm Last night i had the petite steak and veggies. It was a small portion dish but it was good.
The staff was kind and attentive. I would recommend this place
We went months ago for a quizzo type event. Â We ended up eating there as well. Â The service was great, and we even won a round of free drinks since we were in the lead for the quizzo.
But, the food was meh. Â My mushroom soup was ok but the wellingtons tasted like they were frozen and microwaved.
It was very crowded but mainly with an older crowd. Â We definitely did not feel as welcome as twenty somethings, but the service was very nice. Â I don't think I'd ever go back, since Chestnut Hill has some other great places with better food.
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