I helped host an event here last night and we had a wonderful time. Everyone enjoyed the food (my favorite are the pretzel bites) and the beer. The staff did a great job working with us. In particular Stephanie spent the time to help us get our own space and the food we wanted. John, the head brewer, also gave us a great tour of the brewing equipment. I'd definitely recommend 2nd Story for a casual dinner and drink or for your next event.
(5)
Shane C.
Visiting Philadelphia and happen to be staying two blocks away from this fantastic brewery, couldn't be happier! I only had two of their seasonal IPA's but will definitely be heading back tomorrow to get into the food and try more beers. I did have the sliders and they were pretty tasty. Pretty sure that's the first time I've had manchego on a burger. Nice! Great place for beer lovers, don't miss it!
(4)
John F.
The staff is friendly and informative about both the beer selection and the menu. The beers are quite good with a decent variety. The menu is equally good, I enjoyed the "fried things" appetizer in particular. Most of our table had burgers which were enjoyed by all, but we also had the shrimp BLT and fish and chips. These were also excellent. I can't say enough about the staff. We were late for a reservation for 8, they were accommodating and friendly. Great atmosphere, very relaxed and friendly.
(4)
Tim A.
This was a good bar. They have flights of the beer they brew in house and that was a huge plus. The beer was really good and worth going to this place alone.
(4)
Rebecca P.
I grew up about a mile from Triumph Brewing Company in Princeton, NJ. While I never got the chance to sample Triumph in Old City, I was most excited to see its previous space was taken over by a new brewing operation. I came here for lunch yesterday and would rate the experience about a 3.5. The space itself is great: exposed brick/industrial feel. A handful of high top tables and lower tables in the more intimate "dining area." As for the beer, rock solid: I went with the four beer (5 oz. each) sampler for $7.50. While I liked them all, the porter was my favorite, followed by the pumpkin, adsultim IPA and the oatmeal stout. As for the food, the burger was just okay: no fresh tomato - just arugula and minimal tomato jam. While I ordered it rare, I found it a bit dry and boring. I sampled the adult grilled cheese: while this had all the makings of seeming awesome, it lacked any real zip. Service was friendly, but slow and a bit awkward at times. The bathrooms are co-ed, which is a little weird, but each stall is basically its own little room with a sink.
(3)
Nicole E.
I had a horrific experience there. We actually had to call the police on the bouncer. I was out celebrating my 30th birthday and I went out to accompany my friend while she smoked a cigarette around closing time. The bouncer refused to let us back in even though the rest of our party and our purses were inside. We told him we had to settle up and he was aggressive and rude towards three woman. I tried to call for the manager and he pushed me and told my friend to "shut the fuck up" . The manager took a round off our bill to try and make up for the bouncers behavior, but it was really too little too late. I rarely write reviews, but the behavior of the bouncer was so reprehensible that I feel compelled too. Buyer beware!
(1)
JP V.
Such bad beer and getting worse. So criminally expensive for your own bad beer brewed onsite. Weird food. Probably should move out of Old City. Try the 'burbs where they don't know better. Super loud music. What is this? A disco? No happy hour. Six good places within a three minute walk have happy hours.
(2)
Mark Z.
Went here with my girlfriend, and it was decent. The place was huge and had a laid back atmosphere. Our waitress was sweet, and would explain the different beers they had to offer. The food was not bad at all; the brisket sandwich was really good which was sandwiched between a cheesy biscuit. The beer did take unusually long to get when we ordered it for some weird reason though. I do want to return here possibly when around the area.
(3)
Chuck K.
Why do I love (love) 2nd Story Brew co? * Great location. * A great atmosphere-- non-pretentious. * Adjustable for any mood: busier first floor + a calmer second floor * Live music that doesn't suck and won't burst your ear-drum * Eclectic menu ranges from hipster-food to salads to pub grub. My pork fundido was excellente. * A touch expensive. Oh well.
(5)
Blake H.
Must go. Great atmosphere! The boys were slightly disappointed that there were only 4 of their brews on tap tonight. I had a cranberry cider that was good. Ordered the pretzel bites with cheese fondue (delicious) and the chips with fundido (cheese, pork, jalapeños, pico de gallo). Both were big hits! They were out of the lava cake which was a bummer. They have ice creams made with some of their beers. Chairs at the high top tables are low, which was kind of annoying.
(4)
Kristen M.
Delish food, great beer, good time!
(5)
Kaynaz M.
This took over the triumph brewing company, while it looks exactly the same interior wise, I'm lovin this new takeover. The beers are very tasty, even though I wish they had more in tap at a time. Their pretzels and pizzas are so yummy and complement the beers very well. The mussels were a little stringy and small, so I didn't care for those.
(4)
Natalia M.
It's a solid 3 The food was pretty good. We shared the grilled cheese and mornay pizza. The salad looked like a salad that came from a bag.......wilted and brown. But other than the salad can't complain The beer was ok as well, a lot of good variety The service was abysmal at best. Waited at least 15 min before anyone took a drink order.......no one came to ask if we wanted additional drinks or anything. 15 more min to get the check Would def come back maybe a different server would make for a better experience
(3)
Amber L.
Service not overwhelmingly attentive, but adequate. Beers were very tasty: we had the Hall & Oatmeal and the Ambika wheat. Food was really good: balanced seasoning, excellent texture, great flavors, lovely presentation.
(3)
Neil S.
The dearth of quality brewpubs in and around Center City is perplexing given how beer-obsessed the city is. This lack grew even more vexing with the recent departures of Nodding Head and Triumph, whose beers I didn't particularly enjoy but filled a needed niche nonetheless. Upon hearing of 2nd Story's arrival in the old Triumph space, I grew eager to see whether or not the new ownership had improved upon the brews and bites available previously. Though I did not sample any food, the four beers I did try all hit the spot. Brews sampled included the Adsultim, Riverwards IPA, 117 Pale Ale, and Tilted Barn Saison. Of the four, the saison fared most poorly as it lacked some of the complexity I associate with the style, but was still quaffable. The other three varieties all refreshed immensely and celebrated the nuances of different hop varieties. None were aggressively bitter, as the brewers here seem to favor the more flavorful and aromatic hop varieties like Citra, Cascade, and Chinook. A healthy mix of malts also kept the beers complex and interesting. The beers were rather affordable, too, at $3-5 a pint with cheaper, smaller sizes available for those with less gastric real estate than me. Few things beat an incredibly fresh beer, and I look forward to continuing to sample 2nd Story's selection (and maybe catch a meal - the food looked damn good).
(4)
Alex P.
This warm, rustic bar beckoned me in on a blustery, freezing Wednesday night. In town for business, and catching up with a local friend, we decided this place was the best bet. A new brewery with old school charm. Our bartender, Andrew, greeted us quickly and suggested we try some beer (shocker right?). Well, 2 sips in and I fell in love with their porter. Obviously malty, but hints of complex flavors like coffee and caramel left you feeling a liitle more sophisticated than you were 10 minutes ago. We asked Andrew what was best, and he said the burgers were award winning. "Okay Andrew thanks a bunch" I thought to myself. I guess my expression said the same thing. Before I could follow up with "why's this burger different?" Andrew rattles this gem off.... "Our ground beef has brisket to keep it fatty, around 75%, tomato jam, a fried egg, fried jalapeños, and cheese." I think it's called the Brian Burger. It's not on the web as I write this. He had me at 75%. Best burger I have ever had. Andrew wins.... If you are a tourist, try this place, you won't be disappointed. If your a local and you haven't tried it, you will find out what you have been missing. Might as well try it sooner than later.
(5)
JC J.
I frequently go to this restaurant when I plan to watch a movie at Ritz V. It's super close to the movie theater and next to a bunch of fun bars. The food is standard fare brewery/bar food. The beer is great - I would definitely recommend ordering the sampler set. I also really like the open layout of the restaurant. The tables are far apart from each other, and the atmosphere is laid back and relaxed. I wish this restaurant served more varied and delicious appetizers because it's a great place to come and grab snacks with another person or a friend. Because the food is pretty mediocre, I wouldn't recommend coming here just for the food or the dining experience. It's a good place to stop by if you are in the area or watching a movie nearby.
(3)
Abby J.
My hop head says it is a five stars. According to hop head "the evolve IPA and vanilla porter are OUTSTANDING! Other beers were well done as well. " I only gave it four stars because I can't figure out how to do a 4.5 stars. The grilled cheese was good but a little dry. The side salad was delicious. The rustic pizza was very good but a little greasy. Overall a great place we would come again and recommend!
(4)
Shane J.
I used to visit this location when it was the Triumph Brewing Co. I hadn't been to Triumph in awhile and from what I can see from the other reviews, they were on a decline. I was glad to hear about the 2nd Story Brewing Co taking over the location and keeping the craft beer scene in Olde City going. I visited with a friend who enjoys beer as much as me and I had a few hoppy beers while he tried the stouts - he liked the Grumpy Old Man Stout the most. We felt they were all good choices. We also had a sampling of some food items. I appreciated the service and the energy of the place - it has a better vibe than Triumph ever did!!
(3)
Alexa S.
Great beer menu and nice space - the waitress was able to listen to our likes/dislikes and recommend a few draughts, always a plus! Our group of 6 had no issues finding a table, though I think that was a function of the weather outside. I guess we were the only ones crazy enough to venture out during the snowstorm - works for me! Definitely worth a visit back when I'm out in Old City, the spring and summer months are probably a great time as they have large windows in the front and a very open concept.
(4)
Bathing A.
This place was delicious. We went there for a celebratory dinner and ended up celebrating that we'd gone there. The pretzels were great. My burger was great. Everyone else's food was great. The only thing I'd change is I wish the beer menu told you how hoppy the beers are. For instance, I thought their saison was much hoppier than usual (and more than I was looking for right then). Anyway, it was excellent.
(5)
Mary Kate R.
Came here with a group of friends and sat on their 2nd floor. It was pretty empty but we arrived at 9:30 on a Friday night. The server was very helpful in our beer and food suggestions, and even split a bowl of soup 3 ways when we all wanted to try it! The only criticisms I have is that the place seemed a little empty for a Friday night and that when our server brought the beers out, he gave us incorrect ones. Overall, it was a good experience and I would recommend it!
(4)
Just Y.
Great experience all the way around, and worth the 10 minute wait to take over two stools at the bar. Great selection of their own beers that will have everyone finding something they like, including IPAs, wheats, wits, saison, porter, amber, etc. The two of us skipped the sampler and just went with full pints, but managed to try 5 different offerings, and found all enjoyable. Great food selection, both bar bites and more formal plates. Everything came out looking and smelling great, and tasting even better. I did leave wishing I had more room for one or two more corn fritters. Service was excellent - nice and friendly, attentive, and on top of keeping my beer glass filled.
(4)
Christina W.
I'm stil trying to decide if it's a plus or a minus that this place is EXACTLY like Triumph was. On the one hand, Triumph had really good food and good beer and that's not at all a bad thing for a restaurant to try and emulate. On the other hand, when you see a new place open up in an old favorite's former spot, you want something new. Something that shows this new place is worthy of taking your old favorite's spot, whether it's new food or new decor or a new vibe. 2nd story brewing doesn't deliver on that front. It's a bit like watching a favorite band's concert DVD on a sweet home theater set up in your living room vs. going to that concert in person.
(3)
Eliza P.
Few things make my heart go pitter-patter like the words "brewing company." I'm just a sucker for good, unique beers, laid-back bars and tasty, unhealthy pub food - and "brewing companies" usually have all three. True to its name, 2nd Story didn't disappoint, and the legacy lives on. While I didn't love Triumph, I was kind of bummed to see it close for some reason, so I was excited when a new brewery took its place. 2nd Story did some really nice renovations and warmed up the space - the bar is huge, with seating for maybe 35 people, lots of wood paneling, nice sparkly holiday lights that are actually cute and not obnoxious, and high top tables all over the place. We were there on a Friday night, and it was packed, but we didn't feel crowded or sardine-y at all; it was more like "Look at all these friendly people who want to drink beer with me and I don't want to punch any of them in the face!" The menu was a nice mix of classic bar food and snacks and some more unique stuff - I was super pleasantly surprised to see that they even had cabbage cups (aka lettuce wraps) made with Beyond Meat, a new meat substitute product that's supposed to be awesome. I'm aware that statement is kind of like geeking out, but as a vegetarian, that stuff is cool...right...? My man ended up getting the pork fundito dip and I had a delish grilled cheese. Both were yummy and comforting on a freezing winter night. The only downside of the night was the fact that while the huge bar was awesome, it also meant that it took a really long time for us to get service. The two bartenders just seemed overwhelmed by the number of people they had to take care of and it felt a little bit like we were sitting on the loser end of the lunch table where no one wanted to give us drinks. In a nice karmic twist though, we were sitting right in front of one of the taps and when one of the bartenders accidentally spilled a glass of beer she was pouring, she comped us our next round simply because she "almost" got beer on us. Woop. 2nd Story, I like you a lot, and I think Philly will, too.
(4)
Karen T.
The service was excellent. The atmosphere was comfortable (they kept most of the stuff from when Triumph Brewing was here). Beers were interesting. But the food was a solid meh. French fries were limp. Fish and chips just OK. Falafel burger way large, you better really like falafel.
(4)
Rob K.
Visited for the first time, having lunch with a work colleague. It was pretty quiet, I suspect because it was pouring rain, which probably kept some of the lunch crowd indoors. The restaurant has a really nice feel inside, with a high ceiling and open floor plan. The dark wood and stone interior sets a relaxing tone. The decor is kind of sparse but stylish. We found the service to be great -- all the servers and other staff were very friendly and welcoming. The food was quite good. I had the deep fried chicken sandwich, which probably isn't all too healthy, but very tasty. It was also pretty large. I was hungry and felt well fed. My colleague had the meat lovers pizza. It looked good, and he said it was pretty good tasting. I think I was happier with my meal than he was with his. I drank their Vienna Lager with lunch, which I really enjoyed. In fact, I drank two of them. Overall, I had a great experience here, and I would definitely return to taste more food and beer from their menu. If you're in Old City, you should give this place a try.
(4)
Kristen N.
Loved loved this place Went with a group of 15-20 ppl on a snowy Saturday night Went and took over the upstairs bar Great vibe My favorite pint was the fritzie The appetizers were delicious Cheers to this brewery TRIUMPHing in their freshman outing You can eat drink and be merry here They also have a large room upstairs for private parties Can't wait to go back
(4)
Andrew B.
I could see this being a nice place for dinner and a flight, but for a couple of beers on a Saturday night it was disappointing. The live music was nice and the beer was good but it felt generally uncomfortable in there. I'm giving it another try at a different time of day
Great brews, great food and great location ... Well worth the trip. Doing great things down in old city.
(5)
M B.
Reasonable prices, excellent food, delicious beer, unpretentious. I was pleasantly surprised!
(5)
Sammip P.
Been here a few times now, for lunch, dinner, and late night drinking. Don't have anything bad to say about the place. Bar is huge, beers on tap are good, food is good, prices are good, service is good, the fortress of solitude bathrooms are good. Last time I was there I ordered the Mornay Pizza which had mornay sauce, applewood bacon, chives and apples. Absolutely delicious and highly recommend.
(4)
V J.
Very good beers, excellent atmosphere. Love everything about decor and general vibe of this place. Particularly enjoyed Fritzies Lager and the Belgrade crescent nitro. Staff was very beer knowledgable and friendly. This ones sure to be a beer fan favorite.
(5)
Ally B.
Just happened to be downtown and popped into Olde City to grab a quick bite. Our bite turned into a wonderful meal and an evening of Quizzo:) Thank you Connor for your great service! We will be back!!
(5)
Richard R.
Food never disappoints, NO MATTER WHAT YOU GET. It's ridiculous, it's like it takes you by surprise how delicious everything tastes here. Most importantly beer never disappoints. I'm more of a lager/european/malty beer kind a guy and they really hit the mark there, always very solid tasting beers and reasonable prices. 2nd story is definitely here to stay.
(5)
Kate G.
Great atmosphere. Great beer. Great bartender. Asked about the owner and he was more than willing to come chat! Will definitely return!
(5)
Brandon L.
Used to be the old triumph brewery. Really don't know what the difference is between this brewery and triumph. Pretty much the same beer and food.
(3)
Brennah M.
Amazing beers brewed on sight! Can't get any fresher than that. Food was tasty as well-adult grilled chesse-YUM
(5)
Chris T.
Good house beer. Try the 5 Mile Ale. The flat iron steak was amazing! We stumbled in due to the rating looking for a beer and some food. Everything was good. Service, food, beer, and place in general. Only problem is we went on a Tuesday night and there were only a handful of patrons in the place. They had more than most in the area as we walked around though.
(4)
Sandra S.
A limited menu for food and beers. No craft beers to speak of. Service very friendly! Food pretty good. Interesting choices such as shrimp BLT and brisket in a basket. Had a couple of ciders on beer menu, yum! Parking a nightmare, typical Philly.
(4)
Julia W.
Yummy food, good service, delicious beer, beautiful building. I would definitely come back
(4)
Mathew M.
Nice atmosphere, great beers to select from and good food. Enjoyed the homemade donuts and the fried things!
(4)
Kim R.
We had a wonderful experience here when we were in Philly for the weekend. We called ahead for a party of 7. Then got lost walking in the pouring rain from our hotel. Haha. They were expecting us and had a table waiting for us as soon as we walked in the door. The hosts were friendly and very knowledgable. We got the pretzels for an appetizer and they were wonderful!(the dark sauce is NOT the cheese like you would expect. Haha.) Our drinks were served quickly, refilled promptly and while my husband and I didn't drink any of the beer, my brother and his wife did and they were very impressed with everything they tried. The food was wonderful. The umms and ohhhhs while eating never stopped. The brisket on a biscuit was a huge his and my chicken stew and biscuits were mouth watering. The kids(9,12 & 16) were impressed and even with a lack of children's menu, the staff was quick to recommend quite a few child pleasing dishes that pleased them all! The dessert sundae wasn't really my cup of tea, but others liked it! If you ask the 16 year old, she would tell you about the co-ed bathrooms. Haha. She was quite shocked with that concept! We would gladly eat there again and will recommend it to anyone who is in Philly!
(5)
Lexi P.
Full Disclosure: I don't drink beer so I didn't try that, although I was assured by my beer snob companion that it was quite tasty. This review is only for the food. My meal here was quite delightful. I'm always a bit wary of brew pubs since I worry they focus too much on the beer and less on the food, but this is not a problem here at all. I had the Brisket on a Biscuit and I made myself sick, because I could not stop eating it thought I was full. The brisket was cooked to perfection and a generous pile was heaped on a delectable biscuit and covered in a subtle, yet delightful, cheese sauce. The fries were crispy and light, despite looking pretty thick. I only wish I had been able to try some appetizers, which looked really good. Well, I hope to be back soon, so there is time!
(5)
Emily T.
All drinks were delicious! Really cool space with interesting industrial look. Huge upstairs and big bar downstairs. Delicious food and good apps to share. Recommend the shrimp BLT and adult grill cheese - plates big enough to share!
(5)
Nick M.
The restaurant is awesome, great atmosphere but I have to knock off a few stars for the beer. I ordered an IPA and lager and both underwhelmed, as a brewery brewing right upstairs I think they should be putting out top notch brews.
(3)
Evie B.
Awesome Beers! I love the fact that they always have new Brews.Try a flight and you won't be disappointed. They also have a rotating secret burger which is always great for my taste buds. Not too crowded, not too loud. Definitely a great place to grab a drink without having to worry about a crowd.
(5)
Katie F.
Great beer, live music, and both bar snacks we ordered were delicious (pretzels and smashed fingerlings w/ bacon)
(4)
H. I.
I came back to 2nd Story Brewing Co. as a courtesy of the manager who mailed me a gift card after my last experience here. A friend joined me at 9 pm on a Monday evening. There were small groups of other people inside so it felt warm and inviting on what is otherwise a pretty dead evening. We got seats at the bar and I asked our server for an order of Bryan's pretzels & Fritzie's fondue. The bartender likened them to Auntie Anne's pretzels. I'm not sure what happened because 15 minutes later I realized our server had left for the evening and the pretzels had not come out. I guess our server clocked out so I asked the other server who was working about the pretzels. He came back from the kitchen and apologized and said there had been a miscommunication but the pretzels would be out shortly. They came out a few minutes later and it was a nice sized portion of large buttery pretzel bites with a horseradish mustard and cheese dipping sauce. Wasn't a fan of the horseradish mustard, it was a bit too strong for the buttery pretzel bite. The cheese was good but I wish it had a little more edge to it. A band came on to play by 10 pm. I normally hate house bands but I have to say, I really enjoyed them despite the fact they were a bit too loud to carry on a conversation with the person next to me. When the check came I noticed the pretzel bites had been comped which I appreciated. Still a little undecided on how I feel about 2nd Story after my 2nd visit. It seems they deliver with good intentions but miss the mark a little. I do like that they are open late. I'll probably come back to sample more food items from the menu the next time I am looking for late night food.
(3)
Danielle M.
Great beer. Cool music. Nice vibe. Check out this spot and definitely try the Breakfast Stout if you like dark beer. The pretzel appetizer with fondue was amazing too! Staff is super attentive, they get 5 stars.
(5)
Cat N.
I had the 2nd story burger medium rare. It came out more on the rare side but I don't mind too much. The tomato jam was interesting but when I tasted it, it was great. It gave a sweet flavor to the burger but it was overall great, I loved the arugula also. It was a great serving and it came with either a side of fries or salad.
(4)
Mike D.
Came here for a few beers before a dinner date with my wife and we got two fights with the ipas and the pale ale. The flights come with four small beers that you can choose yourself. We are big ipa drinkers so we went with ipas that they had on tap and the pale ale. I have to say all four of the beers were awesome. Ipas can be very different depending on which hops they use and 2nd story uses all of the hops that I like. They also had a big whiskey selection which we did not look much into but I just happened to notice. The layout of the restaurant is great and they also have an upstairs with another bar. Atmosphere was great with original brick showing and what looked like old barn beams which were used as shelving for the spirits. We did not get food but were looking at some of the plates that were coming out and they looked pretty good. We highly recommend this place to anyone who like a great atmosphere and great craft beer.
(5)
Ashleigh D.
Service started out slow and it took longer than expected for beers. IPA V is outstanding! Very delicious! Food is great! My boyfriend got the salmon and said its the best he ever had. They also fill growlers which is good to know. Will definitely be coming back.
(4)
D.R. S.
Okay, so maybe i wont miss Triumph!
(4)
Ryan S.
Came here last night to meet a few old friends for dinner and beers. We were all blown away! The space is clean, crisp, open and inviting, with beautiful exposed brick, plenty of seating and standing room. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, great background music, not too loud for conversation. The waitstaff was cheerful, enthusiastic, and knowledgable. Overall a really cool, friendly, and inviting vibe. The beer was fantastic! Flavorful, fresh, and delicious. Especially the 117 Pale Ale, Evolve IPA II, and Fritzie's Lager. 10 beers on tap all made in house!!! Our group tried every single one, and they were all amazing! So refreshing to see a local brewpub make really good beer! Close your eyes and point at the beer list, you will not be disappointed. The food was incredible! I started with the Bryan's pretzels & Fritzie's fondue appetizer. Generous portions, enough for sharing, perfectly baked and salted pretzels, delicious beercheese and spicy mustard dipping sauces. For the main course, I had the Flat Iron Steak. It came out superbly cooked, (medium, as requested) cut and served on top of a bed of diced sweet potato and brussel sprouts with at the perfect sauce to compliment. I cannot say enough about how delicious this entree was. The best plate I have had in months, hands down! After a few more beers, a friend and I split the Smashed Fingerlings from the 'Bar Bites' menu. These too were so tasty and perfectly paired with Fritzie's fondue. Amazing alternative to greasy fries! Better tasting and healthier! A 5 star experience all around! Absolutely recommend 2nd Story to anyone and everyone! Perfect to meet a group of friends for dinner or drinks, I saw a handful of couples who seemed to be enjoying themselves - so great date spot, and perfect atmosphere for an afterwork happy hour. I will definitely be returning soon and often! I picked up a growler to go of the Evolve IPA II. Can't wait to share this great beer and experience with more friends and family!
(5)
Bobby C.
Great beer flight (sampler). Great food (chicken and biscuits). Great atmosphere. Great service. You won't be disappointed here.
(5)
DanaJoy88 ..
My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this place while walking around Old City and I must say I'm glad we did. We had their "football special" which consisted of their chicken sandwich and any pint of beer for $11. It was such a good deal we couldn't pass it up and I'm happy to report that everything was fabulous. We will certainly be returning for more great beer and food.
(4)
Connor B.
Took my boyfriend here the other day and the service and food was excellent. We both got burgers and thoroughly enjoyed them.
(5)
Sassy L.
My family and I had reservations at 8:30pm on Friday night for a party of 9. A few of the party arrived before I did just before 8:30 and waited by the bar to be seated. The wait wasn't very long about 5-10 minutes. We came during restaurant week so the majority of my party chose from the fixed menu. I have to add that the server taking our order was extremely unprofessional, rude and not knowledgeable about the actual menu or the fixed menu. Two people from my party did order from the actual menu. I know we came on a Friday night but to wait an hour before we even received our first course out of a 4 course meal is ridiculous!! Also, when the first course was brought out we asked if the people who ordered off the main menu could received their meal when the second course comes out. Upon our second course arriving, our request to have the two main dishes delivered as well was over looked and by this time is it almost 11pm. It's starting to snow and my family have over a 2 hour drive back home so I ask our server if she can pack the rest of our food to go. Here's the part that made everyone at the table drop their mouth. The server literally drops our check on the table and says "here's your check, have a good night" and walks away. I have never been treated so rudely before in my life. So of course we ask to speak to a manager who really didn't show much of a concern to our complaints. He managed to take off the two orders from the main menu that were never received. However, I feel like the rest of our meals should have been comped, especially since we sat there for over 2 1/2 hours to only receive 2 out of a 4 course meal. The server tried to clean up her act as she dropped off the rest of our meal to go but the damage had already been done. The only reason I'm giving this review a 2 is because the food actually was good but the service was absolutely horrible. Also, I called the restaurant on 1/26/15, the following Monday, to speak with another manager about the service this past weekend. I was told by the young lady who answered the phone that he was in a conference call. It was about 3-4 hours later that I received a call back. At this rate, this new business is going to be out of business if they keep treating their customers so poorly. My final review is that bad service trumps great food any day. I will not be returning to this place ever again!!
(2)
Alex N.
A great start to a new-kid-on-the-block brewpub. Particularly enjoyed the 117 pale ale, fritzie's lager, and the pumpkin ale, along with the charcuterie platter, sliders, smashed fingerling fries. Had the adult sundae - it works. Also, a nice job in renovating the interior - a friendly, inviting place; not too noisy (however, have not been there on a weekend eve yet). If 2nd Story & others could only solve the problem of local parking availability and cost...!
(4)
Brian L.
Recently opened brewery that offers great food and good craft beer. I ate the Rustic pizza, my friend had the Adult Grilled Cheese, and another friend had the Cheeseburger. All of the food was phenomenal. They have these pretzel fondue bites that were delicious. I plan on going back several times, both for lunch and at happy hour.
(5)
Shelly B.
We enjoyed a great meal. We ordered a beer sampler which helped us decide on the favorite of the evening - 117 pale ale. The endive salad was amazing. Even my husband, not a salad or vegetable person, enjoyed it. The burger, with tomato jam was also really good. We will return to try the pretzel bead pudding
(5)
Megan S.
I was skeptical to visit this place soon after it opened, but was very pleasantly surprised. We sat at the bar and shared two beer flights. The 8 beers we tried were all wonderful, and the quality and variety far exceeded that of 2nd story's predecessor, triumph. The place had a great vibe and we enjoyed the oysters and sliders appetizers. We would have happily stayed had we not already made reservations somewhere else. I look forward to returning for the beer and to try more food. Great value for Olde City as well.
(5)
Karina C.
Loved this place! I did 2 flights and tried all of the beers on tap. While there were a couple I would probably not get again, they weren't bad! I loved the blonde and the stout on nitro! The food that we got was delicious and I heard the people sitting next to me rave about a couple of salads and sandwiches on the menu (which I will try next!). The bartenders were extremely friendly. The place was clean and nice, the overall atmosphere was great. I will definitely be back! :)
(4)
Joe S.
I defiantly give this place a 4.5 out of 5. Walked in during dinner time on a Friday and got seats right away. I order two different beers the first being the German Helles beer variety they had and it had a very good taste not strong at all and it was very much on the lighter side for beers although with higher alcohol content which I did not notice it . I also had the persuasion and this was also a very good beer to also being on the lighter side and this of course was a wheat beer and had good flavor of the wheat and rye with a mild hint of grape in it. Now for stater I had the tomato crab bisque and although it was very good I felt it may have been lacking the crab but what it lack with crab flavor it sure made up with a good bbq tomato flavor that was very much welcomed with the cold weather. For entree I had the "secret" Becca style burger and although I forget exactly what the condiment on the burger was it tasted of a bacon aioli and it really made the whole burger I could not get enough of it and if you should make your way over here I would recommend this burger. Overall I had a fantastic outing with a charming and relaxing atmosphere and the warming surroundings of the great bar selection and the overshadowing of the brewing tanks there is not much lacking at the 2nd Story Brewing Company.
(4)
Stephen E.
Excellent brewed ales and great atmosphere. Tried 2 flights = 8 different beers and all were great. Good value food I had mussels and seafood stew both very tasty.
(5)
Ian L.
Easily some of the best food I've had in the area. I'm from DC and the brews they have top majority of places in DC. I recommend the iron steak and the adsutlin (a great beer). If you don't like meat the ratatouille is phenomenal.
(5)
Hillary P.
Stopped in last evening for a night cap. Had a beer flight, All the beers were tasty but the stout was outstanding! Next time will have some food. Only downside is the parking.
(4)
Michael W.
We came by here about an hour before last call on a weeknight so I can't speak for the crowd. However, the beers were very good, the growlers are very reasonable priced and the staff was extremely friendly. Next you're I'm in the city I'll definitely swing by again.
(4)
Jason G.
Excited to see this place open after triumph closed. I think the food is better than Triumph. Had a flight of four beers and enjoyed the saison the most out of the pale ale, lager, and brown ale. The beers ranged from $4 - $6.50. They gave us a beer menu, food menu, specials menu, and bar snacks menu. I thought it was too many pieces of paper. They also suggest beer pairings with their food. One of the beers they mentioned was not on the beer menu which was a bit puzzling. We had the chicken entree and a chicken sandwich which were both very good. The roasted chicken entree came with gravy which was great.
(4)
Kim L.
Solid dinner Saturday night with a group of 7 people, including two kids under 7. Very accommodating about letting us put their pizza and soup order in as soon as we sat, so as to avoid any meltdown. Homemade chicken dumpling soup was fresh and excellent, though spicy so not good for the kids. Their red pizza was very good but one in our party really disliked his white pizza - menu description was unclear and he wouldn't have ordered it had he known there was no actual sauce; it was really dry. Adults got flights which were tasty and inexpensive, dirty blonde was a standout. Pear & fig salad was great, as was their burger. In and out in 1.5 hours on a busy weekend night with a larger party - can't ask for much more than that.
(4)
Lauren A.
Great food, service, and beer! The ambiance was nice and the prices were very reasonable too. The cheese plate and the brisket on a cheddar biscuit were excellent. Our train was running very late and we called and the hostess was very accommodating for us. We would definitely recommend this place!
(5)
Brandon W.
Food is awesome, so is the beer. The service is not great, apathetic really. Waited a long time to be greeted (about 10 minutes or so). That was the service theme. Others have given me the same experience.
(3)
Tabby R.
Excellent beers, great food, and an enjoyable atmosphere! I'm glad to see a local guy brewing in a craft beer city!
(5)
Truth B Told R.
Just had drinks here. Great service, friendly staff and the food looked great. We will be back for dinner! It's nice they can accommodate larger groups!
(5)
Kait B.
This place is awesome! For a place only open 2 weeks, it was so good. We each got a flight and there was not one beer we did not like. We also got the Pretzal bites with fondue and all I wanted to do was drink the fondue sauce, it was that amazing. Also tried the "Fi-getta Bout It" cocktail...AWESOME. I wish I lived in Philly for this place alone.
(5)
Dani G.
This place has a cool concept but is still working out the kinks of a new restaurant. The beer menu offers nice variety and all beers were reasonably priced. We got the potato cauliflower soup and and rustica pizza. The soup was fantastic. The pizza was very average. We got three beers, a soup, and a pizza for 34.00. This makes it very reasonable for old city. We went on a Saturday night and the staff was a little over stretched. The food menu is a pretty limited but I think in time with some minor changes this place could be awesome.
(3)
Anna Y.
Great experience here! Bartenders/staff were very welcoming and friendly. Beer was great and the food was amazing (and reasonably priced). Later in the evening, there was a reggae band playing. We recommend it- and will be back!!
(5)
Daniel M.
Service by Ryan was very attentive and thoughtful, had a table for 7 ppl at 6:45 with reservations. Walked in table was reserved and ready. We started witha doble set of flights (4 beers for $7.50) and we ordered appetizers. Braised Spicey pork fundido with pickled jalapenos, poblano cheese sauce, pico de gallo and corn tortilla. Chips. So good we had to ask for extra chips to lick the platter clean. And have a 2 nd serving of it.. Hanger steak done med-rare with romanesco sauce, wild mushrooms and brocoli rabe..so good it was gone before i could have seconds.. scallops with pear and pistachio puree, blood orange and pea tendrils. A homerun with the perfect seared scallop and the subtle savory flavor of the pistachios and the blood orange create a perfect combination of flavors. I certainly did not expect to find this dish at a brewary. I would have ordered this dish as a main course had i known it was so delicious and such a generous portion. 2nd story mussels with shallots, white wine, thyme and grilled bread. Brooth a bit on the salty side but even so with the bread you can soak a little of the brooth just enough to flavor the bread. Good but not great. The mussels were very dry, i would not bother to order this dish again. SHRIMP BLT; whats not to like? Shrimp, apple wood smoked bacon and the secret sauce in a little sandwhich that packs a punch.. ADULT GRILLED CHEESE; apple chutney, fontina, provolone and cheddar cheese on sourdough bread. Oh and did mentioned BACON? This sandwhich spells insanity on the first bite and to the end. The rest fo the table had burgers and salads but the above items were serious treats to the palate. Not forgetting our amazing server who was gracious to also suggest a place where you can find ice cream made with beer???say what? Look up franklin fountain for beer flavor ice cream if u dare
(5)
StreetFoodie S.
Apps: Braised spicy pork fundito: Really good. Creamy and spicy with big chunks of tender pork. The chips were nice and thick and were well suited for heavy excavation. Smoked brisket sandwich: Wasn't a huge fan. No smoke flavor to be found. I should have realized that there wasn't a smoke pit in the middle of Philly, but I was on my 4th 16 oz. Pennsylvania Lager (which was incredible) so I wasn't thinking straight. The biscuit was really good though. Adult Grilled Cheese: 5 stars. Loaded with cheese and bacon on some nice thick and crispy bread. Fried Chicken Sandwich: Another great sandwich. The batter on the fried chicken was really flavorful, and remained crispy throughout the meal.
(4)
Daniel C.
Let's make this easy. Do you like beer? Do you enjoy the company of Philadelphia's finest bartenders serving you drinks and food? Do you enjoy the smell of cedar wood? Go to 2nd story brewing company! They offer a great menu,try the 2nd story burger- the tomato jam is a great touch, or one of their pizzas. It's hard to get a good pizza at a commercial brewery- don't you agree? Keep it simple and try all their beers with a flight. You will not be disappointed. Take your girlfriend. I did. After all arn't we all just looking for someone to share that "second story" with?
(5)
Kathleen D.
Seriously torn on this rating. Right now, 2nd Story is hovering around 3.25 stars in my head... I think. Maybe. I'm not entirely sure. And I'm not sure they are either. Since they opened, my visits have been spaced out at every two-three months, it seems. Each time I walk in, they have nearly a whole new draft list. Each newly named brew appears to have a similar flavor to its predecessor, and I'm not sure what all the switcheroos are for. (And..yes, I just seriously wrote switcheroos on a public website and I'm not going to delete it.) A quick look back at my Untappd shows a favor toward their early/winter offerings, like the Riverwards IPA, and in March, the Revolver IPA. I've yet to see either again. I think it's great, especially as a newish brewpub, that these guys are trying out things to see what works. But I also think that a touch of consistency could do them a world of good. Like the Hall and Oatmeal Stout? Where'd that pretty thing go? Or heck, the Sticky Icky IIPA was fantastic too. Yesterday, upon asking for some recs, the bartender suggested their lager. He informed me that it's similar to "Yuengling in a can" to which I'm sure my face replied with "...." Slippery slope to compare to a giant, even if they may be a nearby/classic giant. Needless to say, I did not go for the lager. I'm hoping to see a few familiar names on the menu my next time in. Like where'd the Tilted Barn go? I vote for a return! As for the food, everything I've had so far has been great, but especially the adult grilled cheese. Like grilled cheese? Try theirs.
(3)
Jessie H.
We came here on a Sunday for dinner, 15 min wait but it went by fast because we grabbed some drinks by the bar. I got the 4 flights of beer (~$8); you chose 4 samples of beer from their bar. The drinks are pretty cheap here and they serve growlers at the bar. I got the adult grilled cheese sandwich ($12) with fries, pretty yummy and decent portions. I like the ambiance of this place, chill and 80s music. I will def be back, one of the better places in old city. They serve your basic bar food but I think it's pretty good quality.
(4)
Michael R.
Great menu and food all around, and the atmosphere in here is inviting, but the slow service on a not-that-busy Sunday early evening was disappointing. Braised spicy pork fundido was a good appetizer, the menu describes it well-a few more chips, but a tasty dish. Crab salad was really good, with lump crab meat and good produce. My boys continued the seafood kick with a Shrimp BLT and Fish & Chips-they finished everything and said they liked what they had. My wife enjoyed her Scottish Salmon.
(3)
Joseph T.
Awesome brewery which is coincidently locating in the bustling Old City. If you're hanging out by the Delaware River, then I highly suggest coming by. The seating is bountiful and the staff works as a great team which makes stopping in a pleasure. I was very impressed with the beers. There were about eight options on tap of which six were seasonal specials. Given that it was a hot day, I opted for a couple lighter beers: a saison and a wheat. Both beers had full bodies and had tremendous flavor from the initial pour to the last sip.
(4)
Khanh V.
Came here for a friend's birthday. I like the concept of this place. Normally, I don't order beer. For some reason when I saw this guy attending the beer tanks upstairs, I had to have some. It made feel like I'm about to have something authentic, organic, and comforting. Did I like the beer ? No. Just not my thing. Guess I'm not a beer person. Anyhow, my friends ordering burgers we're saying they were amazing. So definitely want to be back for them. I had mussels, which tasted fresh. Service was excellent. Second time I came back I was at a bar and the bartender was so adamant about trying the pretzel. I was however in the mood for poutine. Short rib poutine was a good and was huge. I would like more meat and some sauce on them though. Overall good experience once again. I guess, I need to come back for those pretzels. For real.
This is my new go to spot in Olde City and I've introduced all my friends to this place. They have an awesome beer selection at reasonable prices. You can get a custom flight, 9 oz., 16 oz. or even a growler! They're packed on the weekends but it's easy to get a table even without a reservation. They don't have a large food menu but what they do have is delicious! They have a separate lunch and dinner menu but some items do overlap. My favorite is the shrimp BLT (served on toasted buttery bread!) with your choice of fries or a side salad. Their fish and chips is also good, however, you only get one fish filet during lunch time which doesn't seem worth it (they should specify on the menu).
(5)
Jessica W.
I've been to 2nd Story a few times a few months apart. I'd give it 3.75 stars if possible. The food is pretty good, especially the chicken in a biscuit! They have a variety of beers. It's a really great venue for groups. Someone working there is a talented artist, shown in their chalkboard beer lists.
(3)
Nick D.
So this review is based off my two minutes I spent in this bar. I consider myself a pretty big beer geek so when I saw the yelp and the flights and all, I was pretty excited to give this bar a visit. When I walked in, I liked the bar. Good seating, big bar, fun music, and a great place to grab a beer. The reason why I don't really like this place was when I saw the beer menu. I didn't see one beer on the list I saw myself wanting or even willing to try. I did see a lot of good comments about the food, so maybe in the future I will give this bar another try and hopefully my opinion will change as well
(2)
Becca D.
I made a mental note to try this place out awhile ago and completely forgot about it until my friend and I wanted to get dinner somewhere in the city. I had been to this location years ago when it was Triumph, so I was glad to see that another brewpub took its space. Brewpub options in CC are definitely limited especially with Nodding Head closing. We had about a 15min wait for a table so got our flights at the bar while we waited. I had the wit, lager, five mile ale, and dirty blonde while my friend had the wit, lager, dunkel, and stout. The wit was both of our favorites. I also really liked the dirty blonde even though it was more on the hoppy side. They really didn't have a ton of beers to choose from, but that's to be expected from a smaller brewing operation. I would've liked to see some more light/non-hoppy beers available. We moved to our table which was a high-top in the bar area...oddly enough, the exact same spot I sat at Triumph years ago. For food, we got the pretzel bite appetizer and then we each got the adult grilled cheese. It was so hard to choose, everything on the menu sounded so delicious! The pretzel bites were yummy and buttery, and came with a creamy cheese sauce and a horseradish mustard. The cheese sauce definitely had more cream than cheese, would've liked the opposite... but it was still good as was the horseradish mustard. The grilled cheese was heaven on big chunky sourdough bread! Fries were ok, not my favorite. After another beer, we realized they actually had a really good looking cocktail list. I switched it up and had this fig cocktail which was the perfect summery drink, I could see putting back many of those. I had another drink, can't remember what it was, but it had rosemary in it. It was good, but not as good as the fig one. My friend had the rum punch type thing and it was super minty but decent. The bathrooms are co-ed, each their own little room with a sink so that was kinda cool. As the night went on, the place was getting packed and we were basically forced out because people were literally leaning on our table since we were by the bar. Not their fault by any means, but just be aware that if you're at a bar table and it's getting later. When we got our check, I was surprised at how cheap it was! I was thinking we easily put back $100 worth of food and drinks, but it was only around $80. Definitely a good option for brewpubs - beer, cocktails, food, and service were all great! I'd definitely like to stop back here at some point to try some more menu items.
(4)
Leslie W.
Pretty much the Triumph brewery still in my mind except with way cooler art now .. We stopped in for a quick drink on our way to the Tall Ships Festival the other day. I appreciated that they have a 9 oz and 16 oz option for when you're just looking for a quick drink and not an entire pint (or if you're wanting to try a bunch of their beers). The wheat beer I had was tasty. We talked to the bartender who also did the amazing chalk art outside and inside the bar so you will definitely have to check that out. She does an amazing job!
(4)
Babs I.
Great brewery with delicious and crafty beers, decent music, spacious atmosphere with private little corners, and a nice small outside area. I was surprised at how great the beers were; I was expecting the place to be rather touristy but I was wrong! My fellow and I were contemplating on which brews to try for a flight and the bartender insinuated we could try some for free. Their creamy stout was excellent-- and I don't even like dark brews! Mango beer was great as well!
(5)
Justin M.
$7.50 custom flight.... Can't really beat that! I heard they have great food here but we came from Han Dynasty next door so we only had a few drinks. Really cool place, two levels starting getting packed by 8:30. Get the flight of their beers, try them out and see what you like. If you aren't a beer fan they have the usual twisted teas and some cider options as well!
(4)
Tyler G.
The inside is really neat and has lots of room for a big group. There are charging outlets below the bar so that was a neat surprise. The staff was friendly and answered some questions for us. We tried the IPA and German blonde and thought it was pretty good. We also got a flight afterwards and the ferm du meil was awesome. They have about 10 beers of their own so check them out! They Also have a full bar.
(4)
Ashley M.
We went for Restaurant Week and had an excellent time. They had 8 beers available the night Boyfriend and I went, so we got two flights (four five-ounce pours each). We had fun trying all the different beers - perfect date night activity. They offer four courses for restaurant week, which I love. I had the pretzels with fondue and mustard, the pear and fig salad with Gorgonzola, the steak with Brussels sprout and sweet potato hash, and the panna cotta with fresh berries. Boyfriend had the shrimp BLT, the gazpacho, the chicken with fingerling potatoes, and the cookie trio. Everything was cooked well, and the portions were much larger than I would expect for a Restaurant Week menu. I definitely will be back with friends. Perfect place for a meal, or just a nice beer.
(5)
Kelly T.
I first encountered 2nd Story Brewing Company and the otherwise crappy Taste of Philly event. They had delicious buttery pretzel bites accompanied with beer-cheese sauce. This dish is not on their online menu (which seemed to be quite a bit outdated), but they offer it as of early December in the restaurant. I highly recommend that you share this as an appetizer with your table (or just get it for yourself, I don't judge). Since Taste of Philly, I've been wanting to try out this new microbrewery that took over former hipster haven Triumph on Chesnut Street to see what else they have on offer. My friend and I each had a beer flight, which consists of four five-ounce pours for $7.50 (and is not on the beer menu). I had the Evolve IPA, the Aosultim (hand-pump), the Tilted Barn Saison, and their pumpkin ale (I'm not ready for winter, cut me a break). I was advised the Aosultim was the hoppiest beer they offer, but I found it very smooth. The Evolve had a much stronger taste of traditional hops. This is perhaps b/c the Aosultim is brewed with citra hops, which I generally tend to find less bitter than some other varieties. The Saison was delicious and spicy, and at 5.5%, packs a bigger wallop than expected. The pumpkin was great, more spicy than pumpkiny, but I imagine, on its way out for the season. To eat, I had the cabbage cups, which came stuffed with beyond meat "chicken," a slice of mandarin orange, cilantro puree, pickled onions and a vinaigrette wrapped in a gigantic cabbage leaf. I really enjoyed the dish and the mix of flavors, though the pickled onion was a little heavy on the vinegar taste. Beyond meat fake chicken is amazing. I will be seeking it out at my local supermarket in the future. There are a few veggie options, so this place is friendly for you and your veggie friends. I'll be back.
(4)
Dana S.
Really cool space. It's bi-level with a larger bar on the first floor with unisex bathrooms and a smaller bar upstairs with different areas that look like they could be sectioned off for private parties. The bartenders are really knowledgeable of the beer and great at making recommendations. Definitely worth stopping in, if your into beer.
(4)
Roger A.
Yes that's what I call a brewery! Modern and sleek architecture! Good beers on tap. Good food. Trendy. A place to be seen. I will be back!
(4)
Kelsey S.
I came on Saturday night with friends for a drink. The space is huge with lots of tables, both inside and out. This is a good place to go with groups. Got one of the summer beers which was delicious. I really wanted to try lunch so I came here with friends today. They do custom flights so I split one with my friend. We asked our waiter for a few recommendations on beers but it was his first day and he didn't know what to suggest. We didn't mind much and the 4 flights we picked all tasted great and were a good price ($7.50). Two people in my party ordered the shrimp BLTs and another ordered the adult grilled cheese. 2nd story was very accommodating to my friend with a gluten allergy, who brought her own bread for her sandwich. I ordered fish and chips, which also came with a small salad on the side. I think the fish and chips was good but nothing special; the salad had a more bold flavor that stood out which was surprising. Overall, definitely a solid place to lunch or get a drink at night.
(4)
Mario N.
Some of the beer here is very good but you have to get the sampler. The Fritz lager is great. They had a special beer on tap - I think it only had a number for a name but it was excellent. Some of the others were middle of the road..not bad - just not great. We got dinner the other night and the food was OK but the service was super slow and the place was not busy. (I would have given more stars but the waitress took them down a notch) If you go...go and eat at the bar and try a variety of beers..I think you will find something to suite your taste.
(3)
Joe T.
Went here for a late lunch on a weekday. Had a burger and beer. They never refilled my water or cleared my plates despite the fact that I was there for more than an hour and the place was empty. When I asked for the check they charged me more than the prices on the menu. When I pointed this out, they told me I had an old menu, and charged me the higher prices anyway. Avoid.
(1)
Danielle H.
We had an amazing time at 2nd Story in Old City. The ambiance here is wonderful - down-to-earth, but still a nice place. There was a group in another area of the bar, and they didn't disturb us at all. We were a group of three and able to dine casually on the lower level. Our server, Mairead, was very friendly and happily recommended various menu items. As a vegetarian, I enjoyed being able to choose from several options. I ended up going for the "Falafel Burger" - not your average veggie burger! We also had the pretzel fondue (yum!) and finished off with the Lava Cake. I had one of their Ambers and was quite impressed. I also had a John Barry cocktail and it was good. I will say that most of their cocktail options are rum-based, but they have a full bar, too.
(5)
Michael S.
A group of my friends and I visited here last Friday and it seemed like everyone enjoyed their time. The beer was good, the food was good, the service was fine; it was all good. We split the bill and it ended up being about $40/person which isn't bad, but it is only bar food. We liked the place and I will probably go back at some point, but it's a little bit pricier than I expected.
(3)
Stephanie S.
This brew pub is pretty freakin awesome. You walk in, and there's huge amounts of seating, high top tables, and a very long bar that expands the entire wall. There's an upstairs too, so you can see the large beer vats in the works of producing your delicious suds. I went last week during restaurant week, and was surprised they actually participated in the 4 courses for $35. Even though the options were impressive, I didn't order anything from the restaurant week menu because the regular menu looked good enough, and was much cheaper. I had the Adult Grilled Cheese, which was absolutely delicious. 3 different kinds of cheese (including manchego!), bacon, and a really yummy sweet apples inside, on thick sourdough bread. I would totally order that again, every time! It was a huge size too. I got a side salad instead of fries, for no upcharge! My date ordered the flat iron steak, cooked perfectly med rare, nice job chef! The steak came on sprout hash with brussel sprouts and a really tastey demi glaze drizzled on top. So good! I want to come back and try the quinoa, fig & pear salad, and the Brisket in a Biscuit! Looks so good! The beers were average, they had too many pale ales on tap. Not enough variety for a brew pub, but I do understand the IPAs are more in-season than tripels or sours, and I'm sure they will brew other stuff as the seasons change. They had one stout option, I would have liked to see 2 stouts or a porter. But they did have a Helles and a Saison, although the Saison was slightly bitter. Also, they have a select few other beers that are not brewed by themselves, as second choices, which I liked. Overall, 4.5 stars, but rounding up because the atmosphere here is totally cool, the renovations are stylish, the food is fantastic, and the service was great! Also, an extra point because you can order smaller pours of beer for a lesser price! No point wasting money if you don't like the beer, order a small to taste it!
(5)
Rich B.
Review for beer only. Had a flight, Actually got 5; since one pour was not what I asked for, but the bartender gave it to me gratis. Usually a fight of 4- 5oz. pours costs$7.50 (tax included) The 117 Pale Ale was the best. Hoppy, yet well balanced,and very drinkable. Next best was Beavis Porter; full bodied and highest in alcohol, (7.2%) Canterbury Bitter ESB was OK. Hoppy New Year Amber wasn't hoppy at all! Pass on that. The Evolve session IPA was interesting. The use of rye & wheat malts gave it a nice body, but something was a bit funky tasting.Most of the beers here seem to be low A.B.V.(under 5%). Place looks exactly like the old Triumph. Service was good, although after I 1st sat down a bartender walked right by me and ignored me. Hostess and the server who closed me out were friendly and greeted me cheerfully. All in all nothing special; beer wise anyhow
(3)
D W.
Stopped here after the Dave Matthews concert in Camden for a drink. Nice selection of beer. Love the setup inside of the bar. We sat outside and truly enjoyed the night. Will definitely come back to check out the food, the menu looks really good.
(4)
Tess G.
I'm already a big fan of local Philly beer, but I'm overjoyed to see another good place on the scene. Came in on a Saturday evening. Expected it to be crowded but the large bar had room for the two of us. The beers all looked really interesting and at a great price. I had the Wheat the People (okay I had two) and it was the best new beer I'd had in a long time. I would have tried more, but this one was so good I had to have two! The bartender was nice, funny, charming...handsome. He let me try a sample of the beers I was curious about. We had 5 beers in total, but only spent $26. Now that's a good afternoon. Looking forward to heading back next time I'm in the neighborhood and enjoying some more delicious beers!
(4)
Andy J.
Stopped here to try the beers. Found them to all be pretty solid. Had the Evolve IPA II, Five Mile Ale, Great Harvest Pumpkin and Belgrave Crescent. Great atmosphere and friendly service. Will be back again when in Philly.
(4)
Joe W.
Most of the beers are good. The food is hit or miss. It's located in the former Triumph Brewpub and they didn't change any of the look. The service is also hit or miss. Sometimes you get a dope behind the bar that doesn't seem to know how to pour a beer, and sometimes you get a pro. The taps rotate quickly, so if you want to try everything, stop by every couple of weeks.
(3)
Bill M.
While I did enjoy stopping into Triumph Brewing Co for a fresh brewed beer and a bit of live music over the years, I far from the minority in admitting that their was something about it that declined over the years, to the point that I wasn't too surprised when I heard that it was closing down. Since it was bittersweet to see brewpubs like Independence become something else after closing, I was relieved to see that 2nd Story was moving in. And after the first visit I enjoyed what they had to offer. When I stopped in for a First Friday visit that consisted of Cultrereal delivering some smooth reggae vibes and enjoying a couple brews, I didn't really notice much difference between the 2 brewpubs, even after I walked around to enjoy the interior. But as soon as I sampled their stout, pumpkin beer, and Irish red I was able to taste and savor the difference of the crisp and refreshing ingredients and overall love that they put into their beers. I give a four for now because I didn't have the chance to enjoy their food and only chilled bar side among a couple of friends. But initial review of the menu shows a well thought out mix of foods that's perfect for meat lovers, veggie lovers, and people who are just looking to grab a quick bite during a show or tasting event. And its especially perfect to see them list beer pairings for various items on the menu. So I'll definitely have to be back for a cheese board, Danny Boy pizza, or one of their secret burgers.
(4)
Gilbert S.
Fantastic old building with bar and decor to match....oh, and the beer is great too. Every style you could want. Cheers!!
(5)
Jessica S.
Came here with some friends after a night at the penns landing winterfest. It was a Wednesday night around 11 so it was pretty dead but we still had a great time. I had never made it to the old victory brewing company, so I was excited to see the building and drink some good beer. The inside was very spacious and was nicely decorated for the holidays. It would definitely be a cool place to have a party. We grabbed a table in the bar area and went up to the bar to order since there were no more servers for the night. I ordered an Adsultim which is one of their hoppiest beers but the hops were cut nicely with the citrus tones. It was delicious and only 5.50 for a glass. I also tried my friends' 117 pale ale and great harvest and both were equally as good. Ahhh, reasonably priced craft beer. 2nd story already won me over. We also ordered some food from the bar bites menu. We got the grilled wings with the hot damn sauce and the short rib poutine. Everyone loved the wings and the sauces were deliciously spicy. The short rib poutine.. Omg there aren't words. Sooo good! I mean you really can't mix cheese fries with short ribs and expect anything short of amazing. I had to restrain myself from eating the whole thing. There were lots of other items on the menu that I would have ordered if I had been hungrier, so I will definitely be back to try them and more beers soon!
(5)
Scott B.
Ordered 2 IPA/pale beer flights & were terrible. Kindly asked for them to be taken back, ordered other beers to replace them. But when the bill arrived, the flights were still on the tab & the manager refused to take them off, even though they had removed them from the table nearly untouched. The Saturday manager should be removed.
(1)
Kim L.
Came here with some out of town visitors with the aim of grabbing a late dinner and watching the Monday Night Football game. Knowing this is a brewery and not a sports bar, I was very pleased when our server was willing to change one of the bar TVs to the game. All four of us opted for a beer flight, which was a bargain at $7.50 for four five-ounce pours. Any of the nine beers they had on tap were available for the flight, including their in-house brews. I particularly enjoyed Fritzie's Lager - very drinkable and tasty! We ordered some appetizers and never felt rushed by our server since he knew we were sticking around for the game. The black bean eggrolls were delicious and satisfying, and the napa cabbage cups with Beyond Meat "chicken" had me doubting I was eating soy protein and not real chicken! They were very flavorful with a bit of a kick thanks to the jalapenos. My sister, a vegetarian, was pleasantly surprised by how veggie-friendly the menu was, and was happy that they were willing to modify almost any dish that included meat. If you are like me and are a sucker for a myriad of cheeses and bacon, do not be fooled by the adult grilled cheese. Three of the four people in our party ordered one, and we were all underwhelmed. 2nd Story, please swap in a thinner, more interesting bread instead of texas toast-style sourdough and this could be SO much better! Although I was disappointed by my entree, the appetizers were tasty, the beer was good, great service and an awesome atmosphere. They had a "jam session" on a Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am. Super cool and unexpected! This would be a great place for a laid-back date or a low-key get together with friends. I'll be back!!!
(4)
Ramon F.
This place used to be Triumph Brewery. It's really nice when you walk in, but it is also very loud. I had a tough time trying to yell across the table to talk with my friends. The band was good, so it helped that I liked the music. I don't think my friends liked it though, mostly classic rock covers while we were there. The food was average, but a little over priced for average. I expect more when I pay more. The beer selection was good and very tasty. I tried a few of them, but can't remember the names. Overall, I had an ok experience here, but the service was slow and the pave was a little loud for my taste. I doubt I'll be back, but I'm not saying it's a bad place, just not my taste for the most part.
(3)
Rita C.
My boyfriend and I stopped in for a beer the other night, so this is going to be short and sweet: 2nd Story Brewing has WAYYYY better beer than Triumph ever did. We were able to walk in on an early Saturday night and get a seat right at the bar. Two bartenders (yes, two!) came over right away to take our order. I got the Five Mile Ale and he went with the Grumpy Old Man Irish Stout. Both beers were flavorful and hit all the right notes. I was a happy lady! I'll definitely be back to try some of the food! (Pretzels, I'm coming for you!)
(4)
Jen S.
Very excited to have this place open to fill the Triumph void. Having a brewpub in Old City is a necessity. Visited here on a Friday night in the midst of first Friday. Despite the crowds we were able to call 30 min in advance to secure a table for when we got there. After a pleasant welcome at the door we were taken to our table promptly. Our waitress was very knowledgable about both the food and beverage menus. I would recommend getting a flight of 2nd Story's beers if you like to try a lot of different brews because you can get four 5oz pours for $7.50! The only reason this place falls short of 5 stars is because of the food. Don't get me wrong- it was all very good, but it did not blow me away. I'll be back for the beer, keep brewing!
(4)
Steve B.
Bad experience. We ordered two flights plus some other beers. We tried the flights, did not like them, and quickly asked to swap out for other beers. The waitress allowed us to switch, and took one of the flights away. When the bill came, the waitress told us her manager said she could not take the flights off the bill. Never experienced that before, next time let us know at the start.
(1)
Jamie B.
Excellent food. Good choices for beer. Great atmosphere. A few vegetarian choices. Can't wait to try the desserts on my next trip.
(4)
Brian P.
When I stepped into the doors of 2nd Story, I thought, this is a real nice place. No doubt, the space was great and the hostess was very nice. She took us to a table and unfortunately sat there for 20 plus minutes before our waitresses finally said anything to us and the another 10 minutes we received our first drinks. The bar was hopping, but everyone there was being served quickly. After getting out first round, it got a little better. The beer was good, but the service could have been better
(3)
Matthew L.
My girlfriend and I recently went to Philadelphia on a 4-day sight-seeing tour. We're both teachers, but I also work for a craft brewery part-time and craft beer is one of my passions. We visited 2nd Story Brewing on our first night in Philly. We stopped at Eulogy Belgian Tavern first (right across the street) and then stopped in at 2nd Story. From what I understand, 2nd Story is a fairly new brewery and the location was originally home to Triumph Brewing. We had already eaten and weren't hungry, but the menu looked good and the food that we saw other people ordering looked delicious. Whenever I go to a new craft brewery, I always order a flight if I have the option. I picked a Dunkel, an English Bitter, an IPA, and a Double IPA. The Double IPA was my favorite. I brought a growler with me so I had it filled with that. In all, we enjoyed our trip to 2nd Story and would go again.
(4)
Megan B.
Went here with my boyfriend & his cousin to just get a casual dinner and some beers.We were drawn in by the awesome chalkboard signs they have out front. We had the pretzels which were PHENOMENAL, definitely will go again just to have them again. I had the shrimp BLT which was really good. The bread it's on is amazing. It's a generous portion too. Both my boyfriend & his cousin got pizzas and both looked and smelled amazing, and they said they tasted just as good as they looked. The service was fine, no long waits for anything and our server was attentive. I'm not a huge beer drinker so I just asked the waitress for her recommendation of a lighter beer to try and her recommendation was spot on. My boyfriend got a flight and seemed to like each one he tried except for the sour beer - I tried it and it tasted like vinegar. That aside, we will definitely return!
(5)
Ali C.
I ate dinner here on Friday night. Very cute, warm atmosphere. I never realized how large the restaurant was. My friends and I shared the soft pretzel appetizer that came with a cheese sauce and mustard. The pretzels were served in "nugget" style and tasted similar to auntie anne's pretzels. The pretzels and the cheese sauce were good. For dinner I had the cauliflower and potato soup....this was soooo good! Nothing like a good soup to warm you up when it's cold outside. I also had the grilled Caesar salad (substituted the blue cheese for goat cheese), and this was so good. I love grilled romaine lettuce salads! I drank the saison beer, which was light and refreshing. All in all I enjoyed 2nd story and would come back. Definitely a good place for groups, beer, and good food.
(4)
Michaela K.
What we ordered: Pretzel bites: I was craving pretzels. I had been since arriving in Philly a few days earlier. These hit the spot. Endive Cups: Tasty! This was my partners choice and we really enjoyed them. We argued a bit over the last one. We didn't eat much because it was mid afternoon and we did have dinner plans. my partner had a Tilted Barn Saison while I enjoyed a Ferme Du Miel Saison. Both were lovely and the perfect thing for a hot summer afternoon.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Dinner, 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 : Yes
Suzanne C.
I helped host an event here last night and we had a wonderful time. Everyone enjoyed the food (my favorite are the pretzel bites) and the beer. The staff did a great job working with us. In particular Stephanie spent the time to help us get our own space and the food we wanted. John, the head brewer, also gave us a great tour of the brewing equipment. I'd definitely recommend 2nd Story for a casual dinner and drink or for your next event.
(5)Shane C.
Visiting Philadelphia and happen to be staying two blocks away from this fantastic brewery, couldn't be happier! I only had two of their seasonal IPA's but will definitely be heading back tomorrow to get into the food and try more beers. I did have the sliders and they were pretty tasty. Pretty sure that's the first time I've had manchego on a burger. Nice! Great place for beer lovers, don't miss it!
(4)John F.
The staff is friendly and informative about both the beer selection and the menu. The beers are quite good with a decent variety. The menu is equally good, I enjoyed the "fried things" appetizer in particular. Most of our table had burgers which were enjoyed by all, but we also had the shrimp BLT and fish and chips. These were also excellent. I can't say enough about the staff. We were late for a reservation for 8, they were accommodating and friendly. Great atmosphere, very relaxed and friendly.
(4)Tim A.
This was a good bar. They have flights of the beer they brew in house and that was a huge plus. The beer was really good and worth going to this place alone.
(4)Rebecca P.
I grew up about a mile from Triumph Brewing Company in Princeton, NJ. While I never got the chance to sample Triumph in Old City, I was most excited to see its previous space was taken over by a new brewing operation. I came here for lunch yesterday and would rate the experience about a 3.5. The space itself is great: exposed brick/industrial feel. A handful of high top tables and lower tables in the more intimate "dining area." As for the beer, rock solid: I went with the four beer (5 oz. each) sampler for $7.50. While I liked them all, the porter was my favorite, followed by the pumpkin, adsultim IPA and the oatmeal stout. As for the food, the burger was just okay: no fresh tomato - just arugula and minimal tomato jam. While I ordered it rare, I found it a bit dry and boring. I sampled the adult grilled cheese: while this had all the makings of seeming awesome, it lacked any real zip. Service was friendly, but slow and a bit awkward at times. The bathrooms are co-ed, which is a little weird, but each stall is basically its own little room with a sink.
(3)Nicole E.
I had a horrific experience there. We actually had to call the police on the bouncer. I was out celebrating my 30th birthday and I went out to accompany my friend while she smoked a cigarette around closing time. The bouncer refused to let us back in even though the rest of our party and our purses were inside. We told him we had to settle up and he was aggressive and rude towards three woman. I tried to call for the manager and he pushed me and told my friend to "shut the fuck up" . The manager took a round off our bill to try and make up for the bouncers behavior, but it was really too little too late. I rarely write reviews, but the behavior of the bouncer was so reprehensible that I feel compelled too. Buyer beware!
(1)JP V.
Such bad beer and getting worse. So criminally expensive for your own bad beer brewed onsite. Weird food. Probably should move out of Old City. Try the 'burbs where they don't know better. Super loud music. What is this? A disco? No happy hour. Six good places within a three minute walk have happy hours.
(2)Mark Z.
Went here with my girlfriend, and it was decent. The place was huge and had a laid back atmosphere. Our waitress was sweet, and would explain the different beers they had to offer. The food was not bad at all; the brisket sandwich was really good which was sandwiched between a cheesy biscuit. The beer did take unusually long to get when we ordered it for some weird reason though. I do want to return here possibly when around the area.
(3)Chuck K.
Why do I love (love) 2nd Story Brew co? * Great location. * A great atmosphere-- non-pretentious. * Adjustable for any mood: busier first floor + a calmer second floor * Live music that doesn't suck and won't burst your ear-drum * Eclectic menu ranges from hipster-food to salads to pub grub. My pork fundido was excellente. * A touch expensive. Oh well.
(5)Blake H.
Must go. Great atmosphere! The boys were slightly disappointed that there were only 4 of their brews on tap tonight. I had a cranberry cider that was good. Ordered the pretzel bites with cheese fondue (delicious) and the chips with fundido (cheese, pork, jalapeños, pico de gallo). Both were big hits! They were out of the lava cake which was a bummer. They have ice creams made with some of their beers. Chairs at the high top tables are low, which was kind of annoying.
(4)Kristen M.
Delish food, great beer, good time!
(5)Kaynaz M.
This took over the triumph brewing company, while it looks exactly the same interior wise, I'm lovin this new takeover. The beers are very tasty, even though I wish they had more in tap at a time. Their pretzels and pizzas are so yummy and complement the beers very well. The mussels were a little stringy and small, so I didn't care for those.
(4)Natalia M.
It's a solid 3 The food was pretty good. We shared the grilled cheese and mornay pizza. The salad looked like a salad that came from a bag.......wilted and brown. But other than the salad can't complain The beer was ok as well, a lot of good variety The service was abysmal at best. Waited at least 15 min before anyone took a drink order.......no one came to ask if we wanted additional drinks or anything. 15 more min to get the check Would def come back maybe a different server would make for a better experience
(3)Amber L.
Service not overwhelmingly attentive, but adequate. Beers were very tasty: we had the Hall & Oatmeal and the Ambika wheat. Food was really good: balanced seasoning, excellent texture, great flavors, lovely presentation.
(3)Neil S.
The dearth of quality brewpubs in and around Center City is perplexing given how beer-obsessed the city is. This lack grew even more vexing with the recent departures of Nodding Head and Triumph, whose beers I didn't particularly enjoy but filled a needed niche nonetheless. Upon hearing of 2nd Story's arrival in the old Triumph space, I grew eager to see whether or not the new ownership had improved upon the brews and bites available previously. Though I did not sample any food, the four beers I did try all hit the spot. Brews sampled included the Adsultim, Riverwards IPA, 117 Pale Ale, and Tilted Barn Saison. Of the four, the saison fared most poorly as it lacked some of the complexity I associate with the style, but was still quaffable. The other three varieties all refreshed immensely and celebrated the nuances of different hop varieties. None were aggressively bitter, as the brewers here seem to favor the more flavorful and aromatic hop varieties like Citra, Cascade, and Chinook. A healthy mix of malts also kept the beers complex and interesting. The beers were rather affordable, too, at $3-5 a pint with cheaper, smaller sizes available for those with less gastric real estate than me. Few things beat an incredibly fresh beer, and I look forward to continuing to sample 2nd Story's selection (and maybe catch a meal - the food looked damn good).
(4)Alex P.
This warm, rustic bar beckoned me in on a blustery, freezing Wednesday night. In town for business, and catching up with a local friend, we decided this place was the best bet. A new brewery with old school charm. Our bartender, Andrew, greeted us quickly and suggested we try some beer (shocker right?). Well, 2 sips in and I fell in love with their porter. Obviously malty, but hints of complex flavors like coffee and caramel left you feeling a liitle more sophisticated than you were 10 minutes ago. We asked Andrew what was best, and he said the burgers were award winning. "Okay Andrew thanks a bunch" I thought to myself. I guess my expression said the same thing. Before I could follow up with "why's this burger different?" Andrew rattles this gem off.... "Our ground beef has brisket to keep it fatty, around 75%, tomato jam, a fried egg, fried jalapeños, and cheese." I think it's called the Brian Burger. It's not on the web as I write this. He had me at 75%. Best burger I have ever had. Andrew wins.... If you are a tourist, try this place, you won't be disappointed. If your a local and you haven't tried it, you will find out what you have been missing. Might as well try it sooner than later.
(5)JC J.
I frequently go to this restaurant when I plan to watch a movie at Ritz V. It's super close to the movie theater and next to a bunch of fun bars. The food is standard fare brewery/bar food. The beer is great - I would definitely recommend ordering the sampler set. I also really like the open layout of the restaurant. The tables are far apart from each other, and the atmosphere is laid back and relaxed. I wish this restaurant served more varied and delicious appetizers because it's a great place to come and grab snacks with another person or a friend. Because the food is pretty mediocre, I wouldn't recommend coming here just for the food or the dining experience. It's a good place to stop by if you are in the area or watching a movie nearby.
(3)Abby J.
My hop head says it is a five stars. According to hop head "the evolve IPA and vanilla porter are OUTSTANDING! Other beers were well done as well. " I only gave it four stars because I can't figure out how to do a 4.5 stars. The grilled cheese was good but a little dry. The side salad was delicious. The rustic pizza was very good but a little greasy. Overall a great place we would come again and recommend!
(4)Shane J.
I used to visit this location when it was the Triumph Brewing Co. I hadn't been to Triumph in awhile and from what I can see from the other reviews, they were on a decline. I was glad to hear about the 2nd Story Brewing Co taking over the location and keeping the craft beer scene in Olde City going. I visited with a friend who enjoys beer as much as me and I had a few hoppy beers while he tried the stouts - he liked the Grumpy Old Man Stout the most. We felt they were all good choices. We also had a sampling of some food items. I appreciated the service and the energy of the place - it has a better vibe than Triumph ever did!!
(3)Alexa S.
Great beer menu and nice space - the waitress was able to listen to our likes/dislikes and recommend a few draughts, always a plus! Our group of 6 had no issues finding a table, though I think that was a function of the weather outside. I guess we were the only ones crazy enough to venture out during the snowstorm - works for me! Definitely worth a visit back when I'm out in Old City, the spring and summer months are probably a great time as they have large windows in the front and a very open concept.
(4)Bathing A.
This place was delicious. We went there for a celebratory dinner and ended up celebrating that we'd gone there. The pretzels were great. My burger was great. Everyone else's food was great. The only thing I'd change is I wish the beer menu told you how hoppy the beers are. For instance, I thought their saison was much hoppier than usual (and more than I was looking for right then). Anyway, it was excellent.
(5)Mary Kate R.
Came here with a group of friends and sat on their 2nd floor. It was pretty empty but we arrived at 9:30 on a Friday night. The server was very helpful in our beer and food suggestions, and even split a bowl of soup 3 ways when we all wanted to try it! The only criticisms I have is that the place seemed a little empty for a Friday night and that when our server brought the beers out, he gave us incorrect ones. Overall, it was a good experience and I would recommend it!
(4)Just Y.
Great experience all the way around, and worth the 10 minute wait to take over two stools at the bar. Great selection of their own beers that will have everyone finding something they like, including IPAs, wheats, wits, saison, porter, amber, etc. The two of us skipped the sampler and just went with full pints, but managed to try 5 different offerings, and found all enjoyable. Great food selection, both bar bites and more formal plates. Everything came out looking and smelling great, and tasting even better. I did leave wishing I had more room for one or two more corn fritters. Service was excellent - nice and friendly, attentive, and on top of keeping my beer glass filled.
(4)Christina W.
I'm stil trying to decide if it's a plus or a minus that this place is EXACTLY like Triumph was. On the one hand, Triumph had really good food and good beer and that's not at all a bad thing for a restaurant to try and emulate. On the other hand, when you see a new place open up in an old favorite's former spot, you want something new. Something that shows this new place is worthy of taking your old favorite's spot, whether it's new food or new decor or a new vibe. 2nd story brewing doesn't deliver on that front. It's a bit like watching a favorite band's concert DVD on a sweet home theater set up in your living room vs. going to that concert in person.
(3)Eliza P.
Few things make my heart go pitter-patter like the words "brewing company." I'm just a sucker for good, unique beers, laid-back bars and tasty, unhealthy pub food - and "brewing companies" usually have all three. True to its name, 2nd Story didn't disappoint, and the legacy lives on. While I didn't love Triumph, I was kind of bummed to see it close for some reason, so I was excited when a new brewery took its place. 2nd Story did some really nice renovations and warmed up the space - the bar is huge, with seating for maybe 35 people, lots of wood paneling, nice sparkly holiday lights that are actually cute and not obnoxious, and high top tables all over the place. We were there on a Friday night, and it was packed, but we didn't feel crowded or sardine-y at all; it was more like "Look at all these friendly people who want to drink beer with me and I don't want to punch any of them in the face!" The menu was a nice mix of classic bar food and snacks and some more unique stuff - I was super pleasantly surprised to see that they even had cabbage cups (aka lettuce wraps) made with Beyond Meat, a new meat substitute product that's supposed to be awesome. I'm aware that statement is kind of like geeking out, but as a vegetarian, that stuff is cool...right...? My man ended up getting the pork fundito dip and I had a delish grilled cheese. Both were yummy and comforting on a freezing winter night. The only downside of the night was the fact that while the huge bar was awesome, it also meant that it took a really long time for us to get service. The two bartenders just seemed overwhelmed by the number of people they had to take care of and it felt a little bit like we were sitting on the loser end of the lunch table where no one wanted to give us drinks. In a nice karmic twist though, we were sitting right in front of one of the taps and when one of the bartenders accidentally spilled a glass of beer she was pouring, she comped us our next round simply because she "almost" got beer on us. Woop. 2nd Story, I like you a lot, and I think Philly will, too.
(4)Karen T.
The service was excellent. The atmosphere was comfortable (they kept most of the stuff from when Triumph Brewing was here). Beers were interesting. But the food was a solid meh. French fries were limp. Fish and chips just OK. Falafel burger way large, you better really like falafel.
(4)Rob K.
Visited for the first time, having lunch with a work colleague. It was pretty quiet, I suspect because it was pouring rain, which probably kept some of the lunch crowd indoors. The restaurant has a really nice feel inside, with a high ceiling and open floor plan. The dark wood and stone interior sets a relaxing tone. The decor is kind of sparse but stylish. We found the service to be great -- all the servers and other staff were very friendly and welcoming. The food was quite good. I had the deep fried chicken sandwich, which probably isn't all too healthy, but very tasty. It was also pretty large. I was hungry and felt well fed. My colleague had the meat lovers pizza. It looked good, and he said it was pretty good tasting. I think I was happier with my meal than he was with his. I drank their Vienna Lager with lunch, which I really enjoyed. In fact, I drank two of them. Overall, I had a great experience here, and I would definitely return to taste more food and beer from their menu. If you're in Old City, you should give this place a try.
(4)Kristen N.
Loved loved this place Went with a group of 15-20 ppl on a snowy Saturday night Went and took over the upstairs bar Great vibe My favorite pint was the fritzie The appetizers were delicious Cheers to this brewery TRIUMPHing in their freshman outing You can eat drink and be merry here They also have a large room upstairs for private parties Can't wait to go back
(4)Andrew B.
I could see this being a nice place for dinner and a flight, but for a couple of beers on a Saturday night it was disappointing. The live music was nice and the beer was good but it felt generally uncomfortable in there. I'm giving it another try at a different time of day
(3)Pete W.
Great $7.50 flight (four 4 oz. pours). Very yummy Adsultim (double IPA, 8.0% ABV). Really enjoyed their crab salad (with Serrano ham crisps!) and seared scallops (with blood oranges and pear/pistachio purée!). By all means, a worthy successor to the spot previously owned by the late Triumph Philly. Cheers!
(5)Vince M.
Great brews, great food and great location ... Well worth the trip. Doing great things down in old city.
(5)M B.
Reasonable prices, excellent food, delicious beer, unpretentious. I was pleasantly surprised!
(5)Sammip P.
Been here a few times now, for lunch, dinner, and late night drinking. Don't have anything bad to say about the place. Bar is huge, beers on tap are good, food is good, prices are good, service is good, the fortress of solitude bathrooms are good. Last time I was there I ordered the Mornay Pizza which had mornay sauce, applewood bacon, chives and apples. Absolutely delicious and highly recommend.
(4)V J.
Very good beers, excellent atmosphere. Love everything about decor and general vibe of this place. Particularly enjoyed Fritzies Lager and the Belgrade crescent nitro. Staff was very beer knowledgable and friendly. This ones sure to be a beer fan favorite.
(5)Ally B.
Just happened to be downtown and popped into Olde City to grab a quick bite. Our bite turned into a wonderful meal and an evening of Quizzo:) Thank you Connor for your great service! We will be back!!
(5)Richard R.
Food never disappoints, NO MATTER WHAT YOU GET. It's ridiculous, it's like it takes you by surprise how delicious everything tastes here. Most importantly beer never disappoints. I'm more of a lager/european/malty beer kind a guy and they really hit the mark there, always very solid tasting beers and reasonable prices. 2nd story is definitely here to stay.
(5)Kate G.
Great atmosphere. Great beer. Great bartender. Asked about the owner and he was more than willing to come chat! Will definitely return!
(5)Brandon L.
Used to be the old triumph brewery. Really don't know what the difference is between this brewery and triumph. Pretty much the same beer and food.
(3)Brennah M.
Amazing beers brewed on sight! Can't get any fresher than that. Food was tasty as well-adult grilled chesse-YUM
(5)Chris T.
Good house beer. Try the 5 Mile Ale. The flat iron steak was amazing! We stumbled in due to the rating looking for a beer and some food. Everything was good. Service, food, beer, and place in general. Only problem is we went on a Tuesday night and there were only a handful of patrons in the place. They had more than most in the area as we walked around though.
(4)Sandra S.
A limited menu for food and beers. No craft beers to speak of. Service very friendly! Food pretty good. Interesting choices such as shrimp BLT and brisket in a basket. Had a couple of ciders on beer menu, yum! Parking a nightmare, typical Philly.
(4)Julia W.
Yummy food, good service, delicious beer, beautiful building. I would definitely come back
(4)Mathew M.
Nice atmosphere, great beers to select from and good food. Enjoyed the homemade donuts and the fried things!
(4)Kim R.
We had a wonderful experience here when we were in Philly for the weekend. We called ahead for a party of 7. Then got lost walking in the pouring rain from our hotel. Haha. They were expecting us and had a table waiting for us as soon as we walked in the door. The hosts were friendly and very knowledgable. We got the pretzels for an appetizer and they were wonderful!(the dark sauce is NOT the cheese like you would expect. Haha.) Our drinks were served quickly, refilled promptly and while my husband and I didn't drink any of the beer, my brother and his wife did and they were very impressed with everything they tried. The food was wonderful. The umms and ohhhhs while eating never stopped. The brisket on a biscuit was a huge his and my chicken stew and biscuits were mouth watering. The kids(9,12 & 16) were impressed and even with a lack of children's menu, the staff was quick to recommend quite a few child pleasing dishes that pleased them all! The dessert sundae wasn't really my cup of tea, but others liked it! If you ask the 16 year old, she would tell you about the co-ed bathrooms. Haha. She was quite shocked with that concept! We would gladly eat there again and will recommend it to anyone who is in Philly!
(5)Lexi P.
Full Disclosure: I don't drink beer so I didn't try that, although I was assured by my beer snob companion that it was quite tasty. This review is only for the food. My meal here was quite delightful. I'm always a bit wary of brew pubs since I worry they focus too much on the beer and less on the food, but this is not a problem here at all. I had the Brisket on a Biscuit and I made myself sick, because I could not stop eating it thought I was full. The brisket was cooked to perfection and a generous pile was heaped on a delectable biscuit and covered in a subtle, yet delightful, cheese sauce. The fries were crispy and light, despite looking pretty thick. I only wish I had been able to try some appetizers, which looked really good. Well, I hope to be back soon, so there is time!
(5)Emily T.
All drinks were delicious! Really cool space with interesting industrial look. Huge upstairs and big bar downstairs. Delicious food and good apps to share. Recommend the shrimp BLT and adult grill cheese - plates big enough to share!
(5)Nick M.
The restaurant is awesome, great atmosphere but I have to knock off a few stars for the beer. I ordered an IPA and lager and both underwhelmed, as a brewery brewing right upstairs I think they should be putting out top notch brews.
(3)Evie B.
Awesome Beers! I love the fact that they always have new Brews.Try a flight and you won't be disappointed. They also have a rotating secret burger which is always great for my taste buds. Not too crowded, not too loud. Definitely a great place to grab a drink without having to worry about a crowd.
(5)Katie F.
Great beer, live music, and both bar snacks we ordered were delicious (pretzels and smashed fingerlings w/ bacon)
(4)H. I.
I came back to 2nd Story Brewing Co. as a courtesy of the manager who mailed me a gift card after my last experience here. A friend joined me at 9 pm on a Monday evening. There were small groups of other people inside so it felt warm and inviting on what is otherwise a pretty dead evening. We got seats at the bar and I asked our server for an order of Bryan's pretzels & Fritzie's fondue. The bartender likened them to Auntie Anne's pretzels. I'm not sure what happened because 15 minutes later I realized our server had left for the evening and the pretzels had not come out. I guess our server clocked out so I asked the other server who was working about the pretzels. He came back from the kitchen and apologized and said there had been a miscommunication but the pretzels would be out shortly. They came out a few minutes later and it was a nice sized portion of large buttery pretzel bites with a horseradish mustard and cheese dipping sauce. Wasn't a fan of the horseradish mustard, it was a bit too strong for the buttery pretzel bite. The cheese was good but I wish it had a little more edge to it. A band came on to play by 10 pm. I normally hate house bands but I have to say, I really enjoyed them despite the fact they were a bit too loud to carry on a conversation with the person next to me. When the check came I noticed the pretzel bites had been comped which I appreciated. Still a little undecided on how I feel about 2nd Story after my 2nd visit. It seems they deliver with good intentions but miss the mark a little. I do like that they are open late. I'll probably come back to sample more food items from the menu the next time I am looking for late night food.
(3)Danielle M.
Great beer. Cool music. Nice vibe. Check out this spot and definitely try the Breakfast Stout if you like dark beer. The pretzel appetizer with fondue was amazing too! Staff is super attentive, they get 5 stars.
(5)Cat N.
I had the 2nd story burger medium rare. It came out more on the rare side but I don't mind too much. The tomato jam was interesting but when I tasted it, it was great. It gave a sweet flavor to the burger but it was overall great, I loved the arugula also. It was a great serving and it came with either a side of fries or salad.
(4)Mike D.
Came here for a few beers before a dinner date with my wife and we got two fights with the ipas and the pale ale. The flights come with four small beers that you can choose yourself. We are big ipa drinkers so we went with ipas that they had on tap and the pale ale. I have to say all four of the beers were awesome. Ipas can be very different depending on which hops they use and 2nd story uses all of the hops that I like. They also had a big whiskey selection which we did not look much into but I just happened to notice. The layout of the restaurant is great and they also have an upstairs with another bar. Atmosphere was great with original brick showing and what looked like old barn beams which were used as shelving for the spirits. We did not get food but were looking at some of the plates that were coming out and they looked pretty good. We highly recommend this place to anyone who like a great atmosphere and great craft beer.
(5)Ashleigh D.
Service started out slow and it took longer than expected for beers. IPA V is outstanding! Very delicious! Food is great! My boyfriend got the salmon and said its the best he ever had. They also fill growlers which is good to know. Will definitely be coming back.
(4)D.R. S.
Okay, so maybe i wont miss Triumph!
(4)Ryan S.
Came here last night to meet a few old friends for dinner and beers. We were all blown away! The space is clean, crisp, open and inviting, with beautiful exposed brick, plenty of seating and standing room. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, great background music, not too loud for conversation. The waitstaff was cheerful, enthusiastic, and knowledgable. Overall a really cool, friendly, and inviting vibe. The beer was fantastic! Flavorful, fresh, and delicious. Especially the 117 Pale Ale, Evolve IPA II, and Fritzie's Lager. 10 beers on tap all made in house!!! Our group tried every single one, and they were all amazing! So refreshing to see a local brewpub make really good beer! Close your eyes and point at the beer list, you will not be disappointed. The food was incredible! I started with the Bryan's pretzels & Fritzie's fondue appetizer. Generous portions, enough for sharing, perfectly baked and salted pretzels, delicious beercheese and spicy mustard dipping sauces. For the main course, I had the Flat Iron Steak. It came out superbly cooked, (medium, as requested) cut and served on top of a bed of diced sweet potato and brussel sprouts with at the perfect sauce to compliment. I cannot say enough about how delicious this entree was. The best plate I have had in months, hands down! After a few more beers, a friend and I split the Smashed Fingerlings from the 'Bar Bites' menu. These too were so tasty and perfectly paired with Fritzie's fondue. Amazing alternative to greasy fries! Better tasting and healthier! A 5 star experience all around! Absolutely recommend 2nd Story to anyone and everyone! Perfect to meet a group of friends for dinner or drinks, I saw a handful of couples who seemed to be enjoying themselves - so great date spot, and perfect atmosphere for an afterwork happy hour. I will definitely be returning soon and often! I picked up a growler to go of the Evolve IPA II. Can't wait to share this great beer and experience with more friends and family!
(5)Bobby C.
Great beer flight (sampler). Great food (chicken and biscuits). Great atmosphere. Great service. You won't be disappointed here.
(5)DanaJoy88 ..
My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this place while walking around Old City and I must say I'm glad we did. We had their "football special" which consisted of their chicken sandwich and any pint of beer for $11. It was such a good deal we couldn't pass it up and I'm happy to report that everything was fabulous. We will certainly be returning for more great beer and food.
(4)Connor B.
Took my boyfriend here the other day and the service and food was excellent. We both got burgers and thoroughly enjoyed them.
(5)Sassy L.
My family and I had reservations at 8:30pm on Friday night for a party of 9. A few of the party arrived before I did just before 8:30 and waited by the bar to be seated. The wait wasn't very long about 5-10 minutes. We came during restaurant week so the majority of my party chose from the fixed menu. I have to add that the server taking our order was extremely unprofessional, rude and not knowledgeable about the actual menu or the fixed menu. Two people from my party did order from the actual menu. I know we came on a Friday night but to wait an hour before we even received our first course out of a 4 course meal is ridiculous!! Also, when the first course was brought out we asked if the people who ordered off the main menu could received their meal when the second course comes out. Upon our second course arriving, our request to have the two main dishes delivered as well was over looked and by this time is it almost 11pm. It's starting to snow and my family have over a 2 hour drive back home so I ask our server if she can pack the rest of our food to go. Here's the part that made everyone at the table drop their mouth. The server literally drops our check on the table and says "here's your check, have a good night" and walks away. I have never been treated so rudely before in my life. So of course we ask to speak to a manager who really didn't show much of a concern to our complaints. He managed to take off the two orders from the main menu that were never received. However, I feel like the rest of our meals should have been comped, especially since we sat there for over 2 1/2 hours to only receive 2 out of a 4 course meal. The server tried to clean up her act as she dropped off the rest of our meal to go but the damage had already been done. The only reason I'm giving this review a 2 is because the food actually was good but the service was absolutely horrible. Also, I called the restaurant on 1/26/15, the following Monday, to speak with another manager about the service this past weekend. I was told by the young lady who answered the phone that he was in a conference call. It was about 3-4 hours later that I received a call back. At this rate, this new business is going to be out of business if they keep treating their customers so poorly. My final review is that bad service trumps great food any day. I will not be returning to this place ever again!!
(2)Alex N.
A great start to a new-kid-on-the-block brewpub. Particularly enjoyed the 117 pale ale, fritzie's lager, and the pumpkin ale, along with the charcuterie platter, sliders, smashed fingerling fries. Had the adult sundae - it works. Also, a nice job in renovating the interior - a friendly, inviting place; not too noisy (however, have not been there on a weekend eve yet). If 2nd Story & others could only solve the problem of local parking availability and cost...!
(4)Brian L.
Recently opened brewery that offers great food and good craft beer. I ate the Rustic pizza, my friend had the Adult Grilled Cheese, and another friend had the Cheeseburger. All of the food was phenomenal. They have these pretzel fondue bites that were delicious. I plan on going back several times, both for lunch and at happy hour.
(5)Shelly B.
We enjoyed a great meal. We ordered a beer sampler which helped us decide on the favorite of the evening - 117 pale ale. The endive salad was amazing. Even my husband, not a salad or vegetable person, enjoyed it. The burger, with tomato jam was also really good. We will return to try the pretzel bead pudding
(5)Megan S.
I was skeptical to visit this place soon after it opened, but was very pleasantly surprised. We sat at the bar and shared two beer flights. The 8 beers we tried were all wonderful, and the quality and variety far exceeded that of 2nd story's predecessor, triumph. The place had a great vibe and we enjoyed the oysters and sliders appetizers. We would have happily stayed had we not already made reservations somewhere else. I look forward to returning for the beer and to try more food. Great value for Olde City as well.
(5)Karina C.
Loved this place! I did 2 flights and tried all of the beers on tap. While there were a couple I would probably not get again, they weren't bad! I loved the blonde and the stout on nitro! The food that we got was delicious and I heard the people sitting next to me rave about a couple of salads and sandwiches on the menu (which I will try next!). The bartenders were extremely friendly. The place was clean and nice, the overall atmosphere was great. I will definitely be back! :)
(4)Joe S.
I defiantly give this place a 4.5 out of 5. Walked in during dinner time on a Friday and got seats right away. I order two different beers the first being the German Helles beer variety they had and it had a very good taste not strong at all and it was very much on the lighter side for beers although with higher alcohol content which I did not notice it . I also had the persuasion and this was also a very good beer to also being on the lighter side and this of course was a wheat beer and had good flavor of the wheat and rye with a mild hint of grape in it. Now for stater I had the tomato crab bisque and although it was very good I felt it may have been lacking the crab but what it lack with crab flavor it sure made up with a good bbq tomato flavor that was very much welcomed with the cold weather. For entree I had the "secret" Becca style burger and although I forget exactly what the condiment on the burger was it tasted of a bacon aioli and it really made the whole burger I could not get enough of it and if you should make your way over here I would recommend this burger. Overall I had a fantastic outing with a charming and relaxing atmosphere and the warming surroundings of the great bar selection and the overshadowing of the brewing tanks there is not much lacking at the 2nd Story Brewing Company.
(4)Stephen E.
Excellent brewed ales and great atmosphere. Tried 2 flights = 8 different beers and all were great. Good value food I had mussels and seafood stew both very tasty.
(5)Ian L.
Easily some of the best food I've had in the area. I'm from DC and the brews they have top majority of places in DC. I recommend the iron steak and the adsutlin (a great beer). If you don't like meat the ratatouille is phenomenal.
(5)Hillary P.
Stopped in last evening for a night cap. Had a beer flight, All the beers were tasty but the stout was outstanding! Next time will have some food. Only downside is the parking.
(4)Michael W.
We came by here about an hour before last call on a weeknight so I can't speak for the crowd. However, the beers were very good, the growlers are very reasonable priced and the staff was extremely friendly. Next you're I'm in the city I'll definitely swing by again.
(4)Jason G.
Excited to see this place open after triumph closed. I think the food is better than Triumph. Had a flight of four beers and enjoyed the saison the most out of the pale ale, lager, and brown ale. The beers ranged from $4 - $6.50. They gave us a beer menu, food menu, specials menu, and bar snacks menu. I thought it was too many pieces of paper. They also suggest beer pairings with their food. One of the beers they mentioned was not on the beer menu which was a bit puzzling. We had the chicken entree and a chicken sandwich which were both very good. The roasted chicken entree came with gravy which was great.
(4)Kim L.
Solid dinner Saturday night with a group of 7 people, including two kids under 7. Very accommodating about letting us put their pizza and soup order in as soon as we sat, so as to avoid any meltdown. Homemade chicken dumpling soup was fresh and excellent, though spicy so not good for the kids. Their red pizza was very good but one in our party really disliked his white pizza - menu description was unclear and he wouldn't have ordered it had he known there was no actual sauce; it was really dry. Adults got flights which were tasty and inexpensive, dirty blonde was a standout. Pear & fig salad was great, as was their burger. In and out in 1.5 hours on a busy weekend night with a larger party - can't ask for much more than that.
(4)Lauren A.
Great food, service, and beer! The ambiance was nice and the prices were very reasonable too. The cheese plate and the brisket on a cheddar biscuit were excellent. Our train was running very late and we called and the hostess was very accommodating for us. We would definitely recommend this place!
(5)Brandon W.
Food is awesome, so is the beer. The service is not great, apathetic really. Waited a long time to be greeted (about 10 minutes or so). That was the service theme. Others have given me the same experience.
(3)Tabby R.
Excellent beers, great food, and an enjoyable atmosphere! I'm glad to see a local guy brewing in a craft beer city!
(5)Truth B Told R.
Just had drinks here. Great service, friendly staff and the food looked great. We will be back for dinner! It's nice they can accommodate larger groups!
(5)Kait B.
This place is awesome! For a place only open 2 weeks, it was so good. We each got a flight and there was not one beer we did not like. We also got the Pretzal bites with fondue and all I wanted to do was drink the fondue sauce, it was that amazing. Also tried the "Fi-getta Bout It" cocktail...AWESOME. I wish I lived in Philly for this place alone.
(5)Dani G.
This place has a cool concept but is still working out the kinks of a new restaurant. The beer menu offers nice variety and all beers were reasonably priced. We got the potato cauliflower soup and and rustica pizza. The soup was fantastic. The pizza was very average. We got three beers, a soup, and a pizza for 34.00. This makes it very reasonable for old city. We went on a Saturday night and the staff was a little over stretched. The food menu is a pretty limited but I think in time with some minor changes this place could be awesome.
(3)Anna Y.
Great experience here! Bartenders/staff were very welcoming and friendly. Beer was great and the food was amazing (and reasonably priced). Later in the evening, there was a reggae band playing. We recommend it- and will be back!!
(5)Daniel M.
Service by Ryan was very attentive and thoughtful, had a table for 7 ppl at 6:45 with reservations. Walked in table was reserved and ready. We started witha doble set of flights (4 beers for $7.50) and we ordered appetizers. Braised Spicey pork fundido with pickled jalapenos, poblano cheese sauce, pico de gallo and corn tortilla. Chips. So good we had to ask for extra chips to lick the platter clean. And have a 2 nd serving of it.. Hanger steak done med-rare with romanesco sauce, wild mushrooms and brocoli rabe..so good it was gone before i could have seconds.. scallops with pear and pistachio puree, blood orange and pea tendrils. A homerun with the perfect seared scallop and the subtle savory flavor of the pistachios and the blood orange create a perfect combination of flavors. I certainly did not expect to find this dish at a brewary. I would have ordered this dish as a main course had i known it was so delicious and such a generous portion. 2nd story mussels with shallots, white wine, thyme and grilled bread. Brooth a bit on the salty side but even so with the bread you can soak a little of the brooth just enough to flavor the bread. Good but not great. The mussels were very dry, i would not bother to order this dish again. SHRIMP BLT; whats not to like? Shrimp, apple wood smoked bacon and the secret sauce in a little sandwhich that packs a punch.. ADULT GRILLED CHEESE; apple chutney, fontina, provolone and cheddar cheese on sourdough bread. Oh and did mentioned BACON? This sandwhich spells insanity on the first bite and to the end. The rest fo the table had burgers and salads but the above items were serious treats to the palate. Not forgetting our amazing server who was gracious to also suggest a place where you can find ice cream made with beer???say what? Look up franklin fountain for beer flavor ice cream if u dare
(5)StreetFoodie S.
Apps: Braised spicy pork fundito: Really good. Creamy and spicy with big chunks of tender pork. The chips were nice and thick and were well suited for heavy excavation. Smoked brisket sandwich: Wasn't a huge fan. No smoke flavor to be found. I should have realized that there wasn't a smoke pit in the middle of Philly, but I was on my 4th 16 oz. Pennsylvania Lager (which was incredible) so I wasn't thinking straight. The biscuit was really good though. Adult Grilled Cheese: 5 stars. Loaded with cheese and bacon on some nice thick and crispy bread. Fried Chicken Sandwich: Another great sandwich. The batter on the fried chicken was really flavorful, and remained crispy throughout the meal.
(4)Daniel C.
Let's make this easy. Do you like beer? Do you enjoy the company of Philadelphia's finest bartenders serving you drinks and food? Do you enjoy the smell of cedar wood? Go to 2nd story brewing company! They offer a great menu,try the 2nd story burger- the tomato jam is a great touch, or one of their pizzas. It's hard to get a good pizza at a commercial brewery- don't you agree? Keep it simple and try all their beers with a flight. You will not be disappointed. Take your girlfriend. I did. After all arn't we all just looking for someone to share that "second story" with?
(5)Kathleen D.
Seriously torn on this rating. Right now, 2nd Story is hovering around 3.25 stars in my head... I think. Maybe. I'm not entirely sure. And I'm not sure they are either. Since they opened, my visits have been spaced out at every two-three months, it seems. Each time I walk in, they have nearly a whole new draft list. Each newly named brew appears to have a similar flavor to its predecessor, and I'm not sure what all the switcheroos are for. (And..yes, I just seriously wrote switcheroos on a public website and I'm not going to delete it.) A quick look back at my Untappd shows a favor toward their early/winter offerings, like the Riverwards IPA, and in March, the Revolver IPA. I've yet to see either again. I think it's great, especially as a newish brewpub, that these guys are trying out things to see what works. But I also think that a touch of consistency could do them a world of good. Like the Hall and Oatmeal Stout? Where'd that pretty thing go? Or heck, the Sticky Icky IIPA was fantastic too. Yesterday, upon asking for some recs, the bartender suggested their lager. He informed me that it's similar to "Yuengling in a can" to which I'm sure my face replied with "...." Slippery slope to compare to a giant, even if they may be a nearby/classic giant. Needless to say, I did not go for the lager. I'm hoping to see a few familiar names on the menu my next time in. Like where'd the Tilted Barn go? I vote for a return! As for the food, everything I've had so far has been great, but especially the adult grilled cheese. Like grilled cheese? Try theirs.
(3)Jessie H.
We came here on a Sunday for dinner, 15 min wait but it went by fast because we grabbed some drinks by the bar. I got the 4 flights of beer (~$8); you chose 4 samples of beer from their bar. The drinks are pretty cheap here and they serve growlers at the bar. I got the adult grilled cheese sandwich ($12) with fries, pretty yummy and decent portions. I like the ambiance of this place, chill and 80s music. I will def be back, one of the better places in old city. They serve your basic bar food but I think it's pretty good quality.
(4)Michael R.
Great menu and food all around, and the atmosphere in here is inviting, but the slow service on a not-that-busy Sunday early evening was disappointing. Braised spicy pork fundido was a good appetizer, the menu describes it well-a few more chips, but a tasty dish. Crab salad was really good, with lump crab meat and good produce. My boys continued the seafood kick with a Shrimp BLT and Fish & Chips-they finished everything and said they liked what they had. My wife enjoyed her Scottish Salmon.
(3)Joseph T.
Awesome brewery which is coincidently locating in the bustling Old City. If you're hanging out by the Delaware River, then I highly suggest coming by. The seating is bountiful and the staff works as a great team which makes stopping in a pleasure. I was very impressed with the beers. There were about eight options on tap of which six were seasonal specials. Given that it was a hot day, I opted for a couple lighter beers: a saison and a wheat. Both beers had full bodies and had tremendous flavor from the initial pour to the last sip.
(4)Khanh V.
Came here for a friend's birthday. I like the concept of this place. Normally, I don't order beer. For some reason when I saw this guy attending the beer tanks upstairs, I had to have some. It made feel like I'm about to have something authentic, organic, and comforting. Did I like the beer ? No. Just not my thing. Guess I'm not a beer person. Anyhow, my friends ordering burgers we're saying they were amazing. So definitely want to be back for them. I had mussels, which tasted fresh. Service was excellent. Second time I came back I was at a bar and the bartender was so adamant about trying the pretzel. I was however in the mood for poutine. Short rib poutine was a good and was huge. I would like more meat and some sauce on them though. Overall good experience once again. I guess, I need to come back for those pretzels. For real.
(3)Courtney A.
Stopped here for dinner on our way through the city and was not disappointed! The place wasn't busy, maybe because it was a Sunday night on a beautiful weekend, so we got seated immediately. My fiancé and I both ordered a 4-5oz beer flight. I got the pa lager, saison, evolve IPA and five mile ale. My first time trying their beers. All were really good (I tried some others too)!! The food was also delicious...I ordered the fried chicken sandwich which came with house made fried pickles and French fries. Everything was really, really good and next time I'm in old city, I'll definitely come back!
(5)Maxine C.
This is my new go to spot in Olde City and I've introduced all my friends to this place. They have an awesome beer selection at reasonable prices. You can get a custom flight, 9 oz., 16 oz. or even a growler! They're packed on the weekends but it's easy to get a table even without a reservation. They don't have a large food menu but what they do have is delicious! They have a separate lunch and dinner menu but some items do overlap. My favorite is the shrimp BLT (served on toasted buttery bread!) with your choice of fries or a side salad. Their fish and chips is also good, however, you only get one fish filet during lunch time which doesn't seem worth it (they should specify on the menu).
(5)Jessica W.
I've been to 2nd Story a few times a few months apart. I'd give it 3.75 stars if possible. The food is pretty good, especially the chicken in a biscuit! They have a variety of beers. It's a really great venue for groups. Someone working there is a talented artist, shown in their chalkboard beer lists.
(3)Nick D.
So this review is based off my two minutes I spent in this bar. I consider myself a pretty big beer geek so when I saw the yelp and the flights and all, I was pretty excited to give this bar a visit. When I walked in, I liked the bar. Good seating, big bar, fun music, and a great place to grab a beer. The reason why I don't really like this place was when I saw the beer menu. I didn't see one beer on the list I saw myself wanting or even willing to try. I did see a lot of good comments about the food, so maybe in the future I will give this bar another try and hopefully my opinion will change as well
(2)Becca D.
I made a mental note to try this place out awhile ago and completely forgot about it until my friend and I wanted to get dinner somewhere in the city. I had been to this location years ago when it was Triumph, so I was glad to see that another brewpub took its space. Brewpub options in CC are definitely limited especially with Nodding Head closing. We had about a 15min wait for a table so got our flights at the bar while we waited. I had the wit, lager, five mile ale, and dirty blonde while my friend had the wit, lager, dunkel, and stout. The wit was both of our favorites. I also really liked the dirty blonde even though it was more on the hoppy side. They really didn't have a ton of beers to choose from, but that's to be expected from a smaller brewing operation. I would've liked to see some more light/non-hoppy beers available. We moved to our table which was a high-top in the bar area...oddly enough, the exact same spot I sat at Triumph years ago. For food, we got the pretzel bite appetizer and then we each got the adult grilled cheese. It was so hard to choose, everything on the menu sounded so delicious! The pretzel bites were yummy and buttery, and came with a creamy cheese sauce and a horseradish mustard. The cheese sauce definitely had more cream than cheese, would've liked the opposite... but it was still good as was the horseradish mustard. The grilled cheese was heaven on big chunky sourdough bread! Fries were ok, not my favorite. After another beer, we realized they actually had a really good looking cocktail list. I switched it up and had this fig cocktail which was the perfect summery drink, I could see putting back many of those. I had another drink, can't remember what it was, but it had rosemary in it. It was good, but not as good as the fig one. My friend had the rum punch type thing and it was super minty but decent. The bathrooms are co-ed, each their own little room with a sink so that was kinda cool. As the night went on, the place was getting packed and we were basically forced out because people were literally leaning on our table since we were by the bar. Not their fault by any means, but just be aware that if you're at a bar table and it's getting later. When we got our check, I was surprised at how cheap it was! I was thinking we easily put back $100 worth of food and drinks, but it was only around $80. Definitely a good option for brewpubs - beer, cocktails, food, and service were all great! I'd definitely like to stop back here at some point to try some more menu items.
(4)Leslie W.
Pretty much the Triumph brewery still in my mind except with way cooler art now .. We stopped in for a quick drink on our way to the Tall Ships Festival the other day. I appreciated that they have a 9 oz and 16 oz option for when you're just looking for a quick drink and not an entire pint (or if you're wanting to try a bunch of their beers). The wheat beer I had was tasty. We talked to the bartender who also did the amazing chalk art outside and inside the bar so you will definitely have to check that out. She does an amazing job!
(4)Babs I.
Great brewery with delicious and crafty beers, decent music, spacious atmosphere with private little corners, and a nice small outside area. I was surprised at how great the beers were; I was expecting the place to be rather touristy but I was wrong! My fellow and I were contemplating on which brews to try for a flight and the bartender insinuated we could try some for free. Their creamy stout was excellent-- and I don't even like dark brews! Mango beer was great as well!
(5)Justin M.
$7.50 custom flight.... Can't really beat that! I heard they have great food here but we came from Han Dynasty next door so we only had a few drinks. Really cool place, two levels starting getting packed by 8:30. Get the flight of their beers, try them out and see what you like. If you aren't a beer fan they have the usual twisted teas and some cider options as well!
(4)Tyler G.
The inside is really neat and has lots of room for a big group. There are charging outlets below the bar so that was a neat surprise. The staff was friendly and answered some questions for us. We tried the IPA and German blonde and thought it was pretty good. We also got a flight afterwards and the ferm du meil was awesome. They have about 10 beers of their own so check them out! They Also have a full bar.
(4)Ashley M.
We went for Restaurant Week and had an excellent time. They had 8 beers available the night Boyfriend and I went, so we got two flights (four five-ounce pours each). We had fun trying all the different beers - perfect date night activity. They offer four courses for restaurant week, which I love. I had the pretzels with fondue and mustard, the pear and fig salad with Gorgonzola, the steak with Brussels sprout and sweet potato hash, and the panna cotta with fresh berries. Boyfriend had the shrimp BLT, the gazpacho, the chicken with fingerling potatoes, and the cookie trio. Everything was cooked well, and the portions were much larger than I would expect for a Restaurant Week menu. I definitely will be back with friends. Perfect place for a meal, or just a nice beer.
(5)Kelly T.
I first encountered 2nd Story Brewing Company and the otherwise crappy Taste of Philly event. They had delicious buttery pretzel bites accompanied with beer-cheese sauce. This dish is not on their online menu (which seemed to be quite a bit outdated), but they offer it as of early December in the restaurant. I highly recommend that you share this as an appetizer with your table (or just get it for yourself, I don't judge). Since Taste of Philly, I've been wanting to try out this new microbrewery that took over former hipster haven Triumph on Chesnut Street to see what else they have on offer. My friend and I each had a beer flight, which consists of four five-ounce pours for $7.50 (and is not on the beer menu). I had the Evolve IPA, the Aosultim (hand-pump), the Tilted Barn Saison, and their pumpkin ale (I'm not ready for winter, cut me a break). I was advised the Aosultim was the hoppiest beer they offer, but I found it very smooth. The Evolve had a much stronger taste of traditional hops. This is perhaps b/c the Aosultim is brewed with citra hops, which I generally tend to find less bitter than some other varieties. The Saison was delicious and spicy, and at 5.5%, packs a bigger wallop than expected. The pumpkin was great, more spicy than pumpkiny, but I imagine, on its way out for the season. To eat, I had the cabbage cups, which came stuffed with beyond meat "chicken," a slice of mandarin orange, cilantro puree, pickled onions and a vinaigrette wrapped in a gigantic cabbage leaf. I really enjoyed the dish and the mix of flavors, though the pickled onion was a little heavy on the vinegar taste. Beyond meat fake chicken is amazing. I will be seeking it out at my local supermarket in the future. There are a few veggie options, so this place is friendly for you and your veggie friends. I'll be back.
(4)Dana S.
Really cool space. It's bi-level with a larger bar on the first floor with unisex bathrooms and a smaller bar upstairs with different areas that look like they could be sectioned off for private parties. The bartenders are really knowledgeable of the beer and great at making recommendations. Definitely worth stopping in, if your into beer.
(4)Roger A.
Yes that's what I call a brewery! Modern and sleek architecture! Good beers on tap. Good food. Trendy. A place to be seen. I will be back!
(4)Kelsey S.
I came on Saturday night with friends for a drink. The space is huge with lots of tables, both inside and out. This is a good place to go with groups. Got one of the summer beers which was delicious. I really wanted to try lunch so I came here with friends today. They do custom flights so I split one with my friend. We asked our waiter for a few recommendations on beers but it was his first day and he didn't know what to suggest. We didn't mind much and the 4 flights we picked all tasted great and were a good price ($7.50). Two people in my party ordered the shrimp BLTs and another ordered the adult grilled cheese. 2nd story was very accommodating to my friend with a gluten allergy, who brought her own bread for her sandwich. I ordered fish and chips, which also came with a small salad on the side. I think the fish and chips was good but nothing special; the salad had a more bold flavor that stood out which was surprising. Overall, definitely a solid place to lunch or get a drink at night.
(4)Mario N.
Some of the beer here is very good but you have to get the sampler. The Fritz lager is great. They had a special beer on tap - I think it only had a number for a name but it was excellent. Some of the others were middle of the road..not bad - just not great. We got dinner the other night and the food was OK but the service was super slow and the place was not busy. (I would have given more stars but the waitress took them down a notch) If you go...go and eat at the bar and try a variety of beers..I think you will find something to suite your taste.
(3)Joe T.
Went here for a late lunch on a weekday. Had a burger and beer. They never refilled my water or cleared my plates despite the fact that I was there for more than an hour and the place was empty. When I asked for the check they charged me more than the prices on the menu. When I pointed this out, they told me I had an old menu, and charged me the higher prices anyway. Avoid.
(1)Danielle H.
We had an amazing time at 2nd Story in Old City. The ambiance here is wonderful - down-to-earth, but still a nice place. There was a group in another area of the bar, and they didn't disturb us at all. We were a group of three and able to dine casually on the lower level. Our server, Mairead, was very friendly and happily recommended various menu items. As a vegetarian, I enjoyed being able to choose from several options. I ended up going for the "Falafel Burger" - not your average veggie burger! We also had the pretzel fondue (yum!) and finished off with the Lava Cake. I had one of their Ambers and was quite impressed. I also had a John Barry cocktail and it was good. I will say that most of their cocktail options are rum-based, but they have a full bar, too.
(5)Michael S.
A group of my friends and I visited here last Friday and it seemed like everyone enjoyed their time. The beer was good, the food was good, the service was fine; it was all good. We split the bill and it ended up being about $40/person which isn't bad, but it is only bar food. We liked the place and I will probably go back at some point, but it's a little bit pricier than I expected.
(3)Stephanie S.
This brew pub is pretty freakin awesome. You walk in, and there's huge amounts of seating, high top tables, and a very long bar that expands the entire wall. There's an upstairs too, so you can see the large beer vats in the works of producing your delicious suds. I went last week during restaurant week, and was surprised they actually participated in the 4 courses for $35. Even though the options were impressive, I didn't order anything from the restaurant week menu because the regular menu looked good enough, and was much cheaper. I had the Adult Grilled Cheese, which was absolutely delicious. 3 different kinds of cheese (including manchego!), bacon, and a really yummy sweet apples inside, on thick sourdough bread. I would totally order that again, every time! It was a huge size too. I got a side salad instead of fries, for no upcharge! My date ordered the flat iron steak, cooked perfectly med rare, nice job chef! The steak came on sprout hash with brussel sprouts and a really tastey demi glaze drizzled on top. So good! I want to come back and try the quinoa, fig & pear salad, and the Brisket in a Biscuit! Looks so good! The beers were average, they had too many pale ales on tap. Not enough variety for a brew pub, but I do understand the IPAs are more in-season than tripels or sours, and I'm sure they will brew other stuff as the seasons change. They had one stout option, I would have liked to see 2 stouts or a porter. But they did have a Helles and a Saison, although the Saison was slightly bitter. Also, they have a select few other beers that are not brewed by themselves, as second choices, which I liked. Overall, 4.5 stars, but rounding up because the atmosphere here is totally cool, the renovations are stylish, the food is fantastic, and the service was great! Also, an extra point because you can order smaller pours of beer for a lesser price! No point wasting money if you don't like the beer, order a small to taste it!
(5)Rich B.
Review for beer only. Had a flight, Actually got 5; since one pour was not what I asked for, but the bartender gave it to me gratis. Usually a fight of 4- 5oz. pours costs$7.50 (tax included) The 117 Pale Ale was the best. Hoppy, yet well balanced,and very drinkable. Next best was Beavis Porter; full bodied and highest in alcohol, (7.2%) Canterbury Bitter ESB was OK. Hoppy New Year Amber wasn't hoppy at all! Pass on that. The Evolve session IPA was interesting. The use of rye & wheat malts gave it a nice body, but something was a bit funky tasting.Most of the beers here seem to be low A.B.V.(under 5%). Place looks exactly like the old Triumph. Service was good, although after I 1st sat down a bartender walked right by me and ignored me. Hostess and the server who closed me out were friendly and greeted me cheerfully. All in all nothing special; beer wise anyhow
(3)D W.
Stopped here after the Dave Matthews concert in Camden for a drink. Nice selection of beer. Love the setup inside of the bar. We sat outside and truly enjoyed the night. Will definitely come back to check out the food, the menu looks really good.
(4)Tess G.
I'm already a big fan of local Philly beer, but I'm overjoyed to see another good place on the scene. Came in on a Saturday evening. Expected it to be crowded but the large bar had room for the two of us. The beers all looked really interesting and at a great price. I had the Wheat the People (okay I had two) and it was the best new beer I'd had in a long time. I would have tried more, but this one was so good I had to have two! The bartender was nice, funny, charming...handsome. He let me try a sample of the beers I was curious about. We had 5 beers in total, but only spent $26. Now that's a good afternoon. Looking forward to heading back next time I'm in the neighborhood and enjoying some more delicious beers!
(4)Andy J.
Stopped here to try the beers. Found them to all be pretty solid. Had the Evolve IPA II, Five Mile Ale, Great Harvest Pumpkin and Belgrave Crescent. Great atmosphere and friendly service. Will be back again when in Philly.
(4)Joe W.
Most of the beers are good. The food is hit or miss. It's located in the former Triumph Brewpub and they didn't change any of the look. The service is also hit or miss. Sometimes you get a dope behind the bar that doesn't seem to know how to pour a beer, and sometimes you get a pro. The taps rotate quickly, so if you want to try everything, stop by every couple of weeks.
(3)Bill M.
While I did enjoy stopping into Triumph Brewing Co for a fresh brewed beer and a bit of live music over the years, I far from the minority in admitting that their was something about it that declined over the years, to the point that I wasn't too surprised when I heard that it was closing down. Since it was bittersweet to see brewpubs like Independence become something else after closing, I was relieved to see that 2nd Story was moving in. And after the first visit I enjoyed what they had to offer. When I stopped in for a First Friday visit that consisted of Cultrereal delivering some smooth reggae vibes and enjoying a couple brews, I didn't really notice much difference between the 2 brewpubs, even after I walked around to enjoy the interior. But as soon as I sampled their stout, pumpkin beer, and Irish red I was able to taste and savor the difference of the crisp and refreshing ingredients and overall love that they put into their beers. I give a four for now because I didn't have the chance to enjoy their food and only chilled bar side among a couple of friends. But initial review of the menu shows a well thought out mix of foods that's perfect for meat lovers, veggie lovers, and people who are just looking to grab a quick bite during a show or tasting event. And its especially perfect to see them list beer pairings for various items on the menu. So I'll definitely have to be back for a cheese board, Danny Boy pizza, or one of their secret burgers.
(4)Gilbert S.
Fantastic old building with bar and decor to match....oh, and the beer is great too. Every style you could want. Cheers!!
(5)Jessica S.
Came here with some friends after a night at the penns landing winterfest. It was a Wednesday night around 11 so it was pretty dead but we still had a great time. I had never made it to the old victory brewing company, so I was excited to see the building and drink some good beer. The inside was very spacious and was nicely decorated for the holidays. It would definitely be a cool place to have a party. We grabbed a table in the bar area and went up to the bar to order since there were no more servers for the night. I ordered an Adsultim which is one of their hoppiest beers but the hops were cut nicely with the citrus tones. It was delicious and only 5.50 for a glass. I also tried my friends' 117 pale ale and great harvest and both were equally as good. Ahhh, reasonably priced craft beer. 2nd story already won me over. We also ordered some food from the bar bites menu. We got the grilled wings with the hot damn sauce and the short rib poutine. Everyone loved the wings and the sauces were deliciously spicy. The short rib poutine.. Omg there aren't words. Sooo good! I mean you really can't mix cheese fries with short ribs and expect anything short of amazing. I had to restrain myself from eating the whole thing. There were lots of other items on the menu that I would have ordered if I had been hungrier, so I will definitely be back to try them and more beers soon!
(5)Scott B.
Ordered 2 IPA/pale beer flights & were terrible. Kindly asked for them to be taken back, ordered other beers to replace them. But when the bill arrived, the flights were still on the tab & the manager refused to take them off, even though they had removed them from the table nearly untouched. The Saturday manager should be removed.
(1)Kim L.
Came here with some out of town visitors with the aim of grabbing a late dinner and watching the Monday Night Football game. Knowing this is a brewery and not a sports bar, I was very pleased when our server was willing to change one of the bar TVs to the game. All four of us opted for a beer flight, which was a bargain at $7.50 for four five-ounce pours. Any of the nine beers they had on tap were available for the flight, including their in-house brews. I particularly enjoyed Fritzie's Lager - very drinkable and tasty! We ordered some appetizers and never felt rushed by our server since he knew we were sticking around for the game. The black bean eggrolls were delicious and satisfying, and the napa cabbage cups with Beyond Meat "chicken" had me doubting I was eating soy protein and not real chicken! They were very flavorful with a bit of a kick thanks to the jalapenos. My sister, a vegetarian, was pleasantly surprised by how veggie-friendly the menu was, and was happy that they were willing to modify almost any dish that included meat. If you are like me and are a sucker for a myriad of cheeses and bacon, do not be fooled by the adult grilled cheese. Three of the four people in our party ordered one, and we were all underwhelmed. 2nd Story, please swap in a thinner, more interesting bread instead of texas toast-style sourdough and this could be SO much better! Although I was disappointed by my entree, the appetizers were tasty, the beer was good, great service and an awesome atmosphere. They had a "jam session" on a Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am. Super cool and unexpected! This would be a great place for a laid-back date or a low-key get together with friends. I'll be back!!!
(4)Ramon F.
This place used to be Triumph Brewery. It's really nice when you walk in, but it is also very loud. I had a tough time trying to yell across the table to talk with my friends. The band was good, so it helped that I liked the music. I don't think my friends liked it though, mostly classic rock covers while we were there. The food was average, but a little over priced for average. I expect more when I pay more. The beer selection was good and very tasty. I tried a few of them, but can't remember the names. Overall, I had an ok experience here, but the service was slow and the pave was a little loud for my taste. I doubt I'll be back, but I'm not saying it's a bad place, just not my taste for the most part.
(3)Rita C.
My boyfriend and I stopped in for a beer the other night, so this is going to be short and sweet: 2nd Story Brewing has WAYYYY better beer than Triumph ever did. We were able to walk in on an early Saturday night and get a seat right at the bar. Two bartenders (yes, two!) came over right away to take our order. I got the Five Mile Ale and he went with the Grumpy Old Man Irish Stout. Both beers were flavorful and hit all the right notes. I was a happy lady! I'll definitely be back to try some of the food! (Pretzels, I'm coming for you!)
(4)Jen S.
Very excited to have this place open to fill the Triumph void. Having a brewpub in Old City is a necessity. Visited here on a Friday night in the midst of first Friday. Despite the crowds we were able to call 30 min in advance to secure a table for when we got there. After a pleasant welcome at the door we were taken to our table promptly. Our waitress was very knowledgable about both the food and beverage menus. I would recommend getting a flight of 2nd Story's beers if you like to try a lot of different brews because you can get four 5oz pours for $7.50! The only reason this place falls short of 5 stars is because of the food. Don't get me wrong- it was all very good, but it did not blow me away. I'll be back for the beer, keep brewing!
(4)Steve B.
Bad experience. We ordered two flights plus some other beers. We tried the flights, did not like them, and quickly asked to swap out for other beers. The waitress allowed us to switch, and took one of the flights away. When the bill came, the waitress told us her manager said she could not take the flights off the bill. Never experienced that before, next time let us know at the start.
(1)Jamie B.
Excellent food. Good choices for beer. Great atmosphere. A few vegetarian choices. Can't wait to try the desserts on my next trip.
(4)Brian P.
When I stepped into the doors of 2nd Story, I thought, this is a real nice place. No doubt, the space was great and the hostess was very nice. She took us to a table and unfortunately sat there for 20 plus minutes before our waitresses finally said anything to us and the another 10 minutes we received our first drinks. The bar was hopping, but everyone there was being served quickly. After getting out first round, it got a little better. The beer was good, but the service could have been better
(3)Matthew L.
My girlfriend and I recently went to Philadelphia on a 4-day sight-seeing tour. We're both teachers, but I also work for a craft brewery part-time and craft beer is one of my passions. We visited 2nd Story Brewing on our first night in Philly. We stopped at Eulogy Belgian Tavern first (right across the street) and then stopped in at 2nd Story. From what I understand, 2nd Story is a fairly new brewery and the location was originally home to Triumph Brewing. We had already eaten and weren't hungry, but the menu looked good and the food that we saw other people ordering looked delicious. Whenever I go to a new craft brewery, I always order a flight if I have the option. I picked a Dunkel, an English Bitter, an IPA, and a Double IPA. The Double IPA was my favorite. I brought a growler with me so I had it filled with that. In all, we enjoyed our trip to 2nd Story and would go again.
(4)Megan B.
Went here with my boyfriend & his cousin to just get a casual dinner and some beers.We were drawn in by the awesome chalkboard signs they have out front. We had the pretzels which were PHENOMENAL, definitely will go again just to have them again. I had the shrimp BLT which was really good. The bread it's on is amazing. It's a generous portion too. Both my boyfriend & his cousin got pizzas and both looked and smelled amazing, and they said they tasted just as good as they looked. The service was fine, no long waits for anything and our server was attentive. I'm not a huge beer drinker so I just asked the waitress for her recommendation of a lighter beer to try and her recommendation was spot on. My boyfriend got a flight and seemed to like each one he tried except for the sour beer - I tried it and it tasted like vinegar. That aside, we will definitely return!
(5)Ali C.
I ate dinner here on Friday night. Very cute, warm atmosphere. I never realized how large the restaurant was. My friends and I shared the soft pretzel appetizer that came with a cheese sauce and mustard. The pretzels were served in "nugget" style and tasted similar to auntie anne's pretzels. The pretzels and the cheese sauce were good. For dinner I had the cauliflower and potato soup....this was soooo good! Nothing like a good soup to warm you up when it's cold outside. I also had the grilled Caesar salad (substituted the blue cheese for goat cheese), and this was so good. I love grilled romaine lettuce salads! I drank the saison beer, which was light and refreshing. All in all I enjoyed 2nd story and would come back. Definitely a good place for groups, beer, and good food.
(4)Michaela K.
What we ordered: Pretzel bites: I was craving pretzels. I had been since arriving in Philly a few days earlier. These hit the spot. Endive Cups: Tasty! This was my partners choice and we really enjoyed them. We argued a bit over the last one. We didn't eat much because it was mid afternoon and we did have dinner plans. my partner had a Tilted Barn Saison while I enjoyed a Ferme Du Miel Saison. Both were lovely and the perfect thing for a hot summer afternoon.
(4)