This is a bar- not a sports bar. We went with best intentions - enjoy good wings & burgers. No dining area - only bar. Other reviews made it seem like a sports bar - it is NOT!! Also Not the best atmosphere with an 8 & 12 year old. ( drunk guy spouting profanity @ bar) My 12 year old enjoyed the wings. (Learned some new words ) my chicken cheeses steak was super spicy- did not expect that ! And not in a good way guess I should have stuck with a burger. All in all - not great but not terrible
(3)
Joshua R.
Formerly "Dark Horse" this is a great spot in headhouse square to play some darts and chill out. It has 3 bar rooms across two floors, so definitely could be a cool place to reserve for office parties/meet a larger group.
(4)
Rick B.
Cav's Headhouse is your run-of-the-mill sports bar. It's a good place to catch a game; plenty of TVs and never an overwhelmingly large crowd. The proximity to South Street helps keep the touristy crowd away, and you're more than likely to be surrounded by people that are there for the same reason. The dimly lit bar upstairs creates a fitting atmosphere to relax with friends while enjoying a few drinks. I haven't gotten the chance to try any of the food there, but Cav's does have a pretty decent drink selection, all for a reasonable price. The establishment has a few different bars, or rooms, throughout the building with a different theme. It's not a place I make a habit of going to often, but I've always liked the laid back nature of Society Hill. For the proverbial weekend warrior, I would aim somewhere closer to South St for bigger crowds and a more active nightlife. Otherwise, I think Cav's Headhouse is great for someone looking for a bit of midweek relaxation.
(3)
Alyssa R.
Had a reunion here last night. Pretty solid typical sports bar. Drinks wavered some did not really taste like there was much alcohol in them, others were strong. It was mostly filled with our group so I cannot comment on what it is like on a normal night. But I would definitely go back sometime. It is pretty big with a bar downstairs and one upstairs.
(3)
Gia M.
I rolled into Cavanaugh's late on a Tuesday because my friend and I were dying for a bathroom. We grabbed drinks and took care of business, lingering for about 45 minutes. Even though it was Tuesday and the place was pretty dead, there was a lively crowd of fantasy drafters crowded around the TV in the front room. Probably the biggest thing that this Cavanaugh's has going for it is the size. The many different bars and rooms on multiple levels means that you can find a room that works for you and your friends, but still feel like you're in a tiny neighborhood hole in the wall. Drinks specials and food ostensibly don't seem much different than when this bar was Dark Horse, but there were a surprising amount of craft brews on the list, so that was pleasant to see! (I expected it to have a much more limited selection.) I miss Dark Horse (token whine here), but the bones and general decor are still there, so Cavanaugh's is definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a fun place to watch a game, especially if you like when the crowd is involved and enthusiastic.
(3)
Michelle R.
5 stars for Lucas, our bartender! I attended a private party at Cavanaugh's Headhouse Square last Saturday, and everyone at the party noted how great he was. Super friendly & attentive! By the time the party "ended" at 11pm, everyone was having so much fun, we stayed at the bar with Lucas until the bar closed around 2am. I could not say enough nice things about him. Not only was the space we had reserved perfect for our party size, and the beers & drinks offered were varied/ plentiful, but Lucas really made the experience at Cavanaugh's exceptional.
(5)
Justin M.
A little confused when you walk in. Stairs are straight ahead of you and a small small bar with 4 tables are to your left which is what we walked into. Came here on a Sunday around 4:30 and was completely empty. This might be an unfair review but all the bar's taps were broke so automatically down a star for me. If you go upstairs to the rest room, there is another bar as well as what looks like a full restaurant. I came here years ago but did not realize it was the same place because we have only been upstairs. Anyway, besides the beer mishap we ordered a Philly cheese steak w fries which no complaints. The Chorizo burger that has a fried egg on top, the best dish of the meal. The California chicken sandwich w pesto which was good just the chicken was over cooked and dry so thankfully the avocado and pesto helped with that. Big portions so you get your money's worth. Bartender was really good making sure everything was ok and when we asked to turn on the hockey game on a tv, he turned all the tvs onto the game because we were the only people in the bar.
(3)
Jessica S.
I came here with a group of friends on Thanksgiving. We were happily surprised that the bar was open, since most were closed in the city and we had been hanging out a block away at my friends' place. We went upstairs and immediately found a place at the bar to get drinks. The bar was dimly lit, there was a group of people playing pong, the music was great.. overall, a nice atmosphere to unwind on a holiday night. The bartender/manager Jake was friendly and gave us hefty drinks for a good price. I had a vodka soda and my friends got a mix of beers. They had a variety of beers on tap and they were all pleased with the selection. The whole bar was singing along to the music and it was just a great vibe! We will definitely be back!
(5)
Truth B Told R.
I want to like this place more since I live across the street and they are on the brink of 4 or 5 start with just a few improvements. Love the create your own salad addition to the menu, but hey throw in an extra handful of greens to make it an entree salad. The topping quantities are great, but the greens are missing. Entree salads should be huge and should take a bit of prep before eating. The food is good, but the wow factor is missing and that makes this just another local tavern with good food.
(3)
Kristina C.
Sooo many gluten free options!! Stella Cider, Woodchuck Pink, Angry Orchard Cinnful Apple, Estrella Daura...I'm in Gluten Free heaven! Came to Cavanaugh's for a yelp elite event a couple months ago...LOVE IT! So when we were looking for places to watch the Eagels playoff game, of course we wanted to come back. The decor is excellent, there are tons of seating options, lots of tables and room to bring a group...it's great! They have so many screens that really no matter where you sit, your gonna see the game. Their food is all great, we had the wings, nacho's, steak, guacamole, and fries. All of the food came out great and hot even though they were totally slammed. They also have lots of game day drink and food specials and a great happy hour as well. The drinks during this playoff game were a little different...their taps froze so no draft Lager, the servers were so slammed so it seemed really understaffed for a playoff game. There were multiple times that our table sat for at least 10 minutes with all 6 of us totally dry on drinks, and we didn't all finish our drinks at the same time.
(4)
Michael P.
Every time I go here, I miss the Dark Horse. It's funny, the last year or two of the Dark Horse showed a clear downhill slide, and the Cavanaugh's team has done a pretty good job cleaning up and improving the bars inside, but still, it just feels bro-ier and more generic now. The space hasn't really changed. The ground floor bar is still deceptively small and quiet, with the real activity in the main bar upstairs down a long hallway. There are more TVs than before, filling in some gaps where no TVs could be seen from the bar stools. The tap list isn't really improved either. The dining room and whisky bar seem to be in better shape now. The food is pretty generic sports bar fare now, and on a busy night you're likely to get a plastic cup instead of a proper English pint. It's still a decent place to watch sports, but it's just another face in the crowd, instead of having a real identity.
(3)
Val R.
Headed here before seeing a show at the TLA. I picked this place based on the Yelp reviews I read and the location being with in walking distance of the venue. First of all, this place is huge. We walked in, went up steps, there are rooms to the right and left and then more steps and another little bar room. That is where we sat. The bartender, Pat, was super awesome and had great sexy hair!! ;-) He was attentive and friendly and offered samples of beer to one of the people I was with. The food was brought out hot as well. I did originally order something that was forgotten about, but it was ok bc it would have been a waste since I was stuffed and couldn't finish what was actually brought out correctly. We ordered the hummus plate. That was fantastic. I loved it. The fresh, warm pita bread was awesome. We ordered mac and cheese, and fried pickles as well. All of that was off the pub menu which was half price! #winning! The other girls got burgers, which they loved. They came with Cavanaughs Sauce. Basically a homemade, spicy bbq sauce. Had lots of kick and was delish! Glad we went!
(4)
Robbie K.
Probably would recommend the food, but not the delivery. The food took over 90 minutes to arrive and was very cold. The food itself tasted ok but as previously mentioned, it was cold. Instead of receiving bbq sauce with their chicken tenders, I received chocolate sauce. I don't understand why they would do that.
(1)
Christina H.
Went there for a game watch. The bartender was AMAZING and had your next drink in hand before you asked for it. The nachos were sup bar and topped with cheese wiz for the most part. The burger wasn't done exactly to my boyfriend's liking and the beet salad was actually the best part. I don't feel like I need to go back.
(3)
Eunice L.
Not a bad place to watch sports and drink some beer. Its your average bar with few nice choices of beer and food.
(3)
Carla T.
Bartenders are friendly and willing to offer suggestions on food and beverages. Although this may seem like an obvious characteristic of bartenders, it's not seen at all places! They have a good beer selection and although I didn't get any food, the menu looked really appetizing. There's an outdoor space that looked really pretty, I plan on checking that out next time.
(4)
Elaine M.
Ah the smell of stale beer soaked wood floors... I thought I left you in my college house?! This place looks exactly the same as it did when it was Dark Horse. It is like a maze, with uneven floors and random steps. I believe I counted 6 rooms upstairs. I could see this place being a nightmare to navigate on a crowded weekend night, and I imagine you could lose your friends quickly. On the bright side, they have a decent selection of draft beers and our bartender was great. I only sampled a few bar apps, but the food seems about on par with the Dark Horse cuisine as well. It is nothing special and typical bar fare. I wouldn't really recommend going here for anything other than beer, if you can get over the smell and dated decor, it could be a nice pre-game spot. When it was Dark Horse, it attracted a huge soccer crowd, I imagine that is still the case.
(2)
Marissa R.
I just visited this Cavanaugh's, and was really happily surprised by what they did with the recent renovations from the old Dark Horse into the 4th Cav's in the city. This location meets their need to spread out one more time too - from University City to Rittenhouse to Penn's Landing and now to Headhouse. They've managed to preserve the old, dark, wooden, cozy feel of the historic pub(s) prior and update it with some modern touches. On the night I visited, there was even a bonfire out front on the side walk - welcoming guests into the watering hole. The upstairs area seems like a maze - you can hop from bar to bar and experience a different feel in each spot. In usual Cav's style - there are plenty of TV's all over so you can still catch any of your favorite sporting events. I think they have good drink specials on most days - so it's not too pricy to eat/drink here. Finally, the servers and management were all really friendly and accomodating and made you feel like a respected guest in their establishment.
(5)
Tara G.
I was here for the first time last Thursday for a Brew & Chew event, and I really enjoyed myself. First of all, this place is way bigger than it looks from the outside. And it's not just one bar, it's a whole bunch of little bars in this neat little maze- sort of like a fun house, but with bars. The food was good. I also appreciated how accommodating they were to my food allergy by making me an item different from the one on the already set menu for the event. As always, the beers they featured were of course delicious. The staff I encountered here were all very pleasant and professional. I will definitely plan on coming to more Brew & Chews here as well as stopping in for a drink when I'm in the neighborhood.
(4)
Adam K.
Stopped in for a few drinks and had a good time. Good selection of beers on tap and prices were reasonable as well. Friendly service. Would definitely go back.
(4)
Angela J.
A cozy little sports bar in Headhouse Square, a great place to get fried pickles, and a funny place to send your friends to meet you at if they've never been there before. "Hey, I'm upstairs" doesn't begin to help them figure out WHICH room upstairs you're exactly in! Are you in the whiskey room? Hmm, that place looks too small.... Are you in the wine room? Hmmm, well, it's almost empty in there right now... What about the back room? It looks like everyone knows each other in THAT room...let's go back towards the front... Well, you can see how it goes. Lots of little rooms in a VERY old building makes this one of the most unique bars I've ever been to. Oh, and they also have funnel cake fries. Yes, french fries made of funnel cake batter. Yes, it's worth it. I love the little outdoor seating area too, with the table that has a firepit in the middle...so fun!
(3)
Laura K.
I've been here several times to watch football and soccer games with my friends and I was always impressed how friendly and helpful the staff is- which is not always the case in a busy sports bar so I decided to throw my birthday party here. We had a private event on one of the worst weather days of the year so many of the expected guests could not make it but no matter- Amanda , the event coordinator, was lovely and not at all flustered by the change in numbers nor were we threatened with having to pay for the people who were unable to make it. She was extremely understanding of the situation and even stopped in to see how everything was going. A+. The bartender (I wish I could remember his name) was phenomenal- could mix drinks that I've never even heard of for my friends without their explanations needed. He was very upbeat and chatty. Everything you want in a bartender for an event like this. It was a wonderful time and we are already debating throwing another event there when the weather is nicer. The venue was great and we were allowed to decorate earlier in the day for the event. Absolutely recommend this place and will be back.
(5)
Vinny P.
Just like Fawkes rising from the ashes in Dumbledore's office, Cav's Headhouse has risen from the ashes of the once massive establishment known as the Dark Horse but they are distinguishing themselves well so far. We stopped in for the first Sunday of football and were able to grab a room with 3 televisions all showing different games. Beer specials were not fantastic but I was more there for the feel of it and the wings. Speaking of the wings, I'm wondering if the "Hot" are hotter than the "3rd Degree" because my buddy and I split the 3rd Degree wings and we were pretty sure it was just sweet chili sauce. Food aside, the bar staff was nice, treated us well and was very involved in the games. They even had a staff suicide pool going which made it fun because there was interest in so many games that day. The room we were in (side bar, upstairs) had a ton of natural light and the temp/crowd was excellent for watching the games. I think they've got a little ways to go but I see potential here. Cavs Headhouse is massive and it must be difficult to assume a spot with so many individual bars. Still it seems like they get their ish together and this could be a good destination for sports and general shenanigans.
(3)
Michael A.
Came by here for a Yelp event and was blown away. The upstairs had more rooms than I could count, each with its own unique theme! Want to stop by the tap room, the wine room, or the whiskey room? Oh, there's also a sports bar area, or more of a lounge if that's what you're feeling. The beer selection was great, and the appetizers were delicious, too, ranging from shrimp to wings to nachos and hummus. Honestly, I had no idea there was such a find in the area, and I can't wait to head back.
(4)
Mallory D.
After pilfering free food and booze at a yelp event I decided to check out Cavanaugh's as a paying customer. This is a super cool hangout in a fun area of town, and in my estimation, free of the douchey vibe found at most other trendy drinking establishments. I really like how each room has their own thing going on. My favorite is the main sports bar type area upstairs. Besides the ample seating and big screen tvs, it also features my new favorite drink in town, the smoking bishop. It is basically a mulled sangria with strong cloves and cinnamon flavors. Smoking bishop and the flyers game on the big screen is my new favorite way to spend my night in Philly.
(5)
Parker S.
I stopped in because I had an old WMMR Deal of the Day coupon. When I first walked in I was thrown off because the place is chopped up in an odd way. There is a small bar when you first walk in, and then a dining room and a second bar upstairs. I walked upstairs, but as it was a weekday it seems that only the small bar near the entrance was open. This is first section is very small, probably 800sq ft, but it wasn't crowded so we grabbed a high top table and ordered some drinks. The beer selection was weak compared to most Philly bars. There were about 5 beers on tap with Dogfish 60 Minute being the most exotic, but their Tuesday special was $4 Dogfish which is a good deal so that was cool. The bartender was a very friendly girl that was upbeat and made the place fun. A young newly engaged couple came in and the bartender bought them and us a round of shots to celebrate. We ordered our food which was really the highlight of the place. I had the shepards pie, which was really good. My wife had a chicken/pesto/avocado sandwich which was really good too. We also shared an order of cheesesteak spring rolls with their Cavanaugh's sauce. The sauce was awesome, and I'm pretty sure it was a mix of sweet and sour sauce and buffalo sauce. The food prices were reasonable for the quality and the beer special was a good deal. Overall, I was really impressed with this place. Without the coupon I probably would have never come here, but I had a good time and really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. I would not hesitate to come back and certainly will. It is one of the best irish pubs I've been to in the city.
(4)
Leo I.
Not a bad spot to watch a game. Several different mini bars throughout the complex. The food was pretty typical bar food though. Some cheap drink specials during football games and plenty of TVs to keep me up to date on what's happening during football season!
(4)
Mark Z.
I always went here when it was Dark Horse, but this place is still pretty rad. It is a labyrinth of four different bars and they have a very good draft list, as well as bottles. Big shout out to the bartender Yoshi for having fun with my friends and I!
(5)
E M.
Stopped in to just grab a quick drink with a buddy after work and wound up staying, longer than we should have but time flys when your having fun! The place looks tiny but it's not. There had to be at least four bars, and each one had it's own style and atmosphere. Friday night's happy hour included specials on drinks and food. We loaded up on wings( Cavs sauce, of course), pierogies, and nachos. All were amazing! You NEED to try that Cav's sauce trust me. The service was A+! The bartenders were friendly and very attentive to us. They would ask if you'd like another when your almost finished so you never ran dry. Very clutch. Last thing I remember from that night was the Whiskey List. It's a little blurry but I recall it being ridiculous. I tried one, I tried 2, and we got pretty awesome that night.
(5)
Jamie D.
I didn't know that this place existed until a friend and I were on the lookout for a decent bar to get a decently-priced drink on a Friday night. I was surprised to see a completely empty bar on a Friday night but glad because it felt like a well-kept secret. I usually stay out of Olde City because the bars always seem to be so crowded! This place has two stories and would probably be very crazy if it got packed. We sat down and ordered some stuff and the bartender was really nice about letting us transfer outside when a table opened up. I've gotta say that I really love the outdoor seating in this place! People tend to bring their dogs here and that's something I definitely enjoy! One person's dog was so friendly that he was allowed to go to every table and just be loved on. If you're a dog person this is probably a great spot for you (as long as you have a social dog that is) We split the appetizer platter which was delicious and split some good beers. They weren't overly-priced at all and everything was fresh and delicious. I'll definitely be back to this place for happy hour or a drink or two before First Friday!
(4)
Daniel S.
The food is so much better than I'd expect from a bar. I love their tater tots, and I don't even like tater tots. When there's live music, it actually sounds like a professional studio recording, and when the music isn't live, I'm consistently amazed with the quality of the selections. The bartender is a sprightly personification of infectious joy.
(5)
Brian H.
Stopped in to catch the Bears vs. Lions this past Sunday. Found this place via Yelp and saw there was a 10% off coupon as well, which we used. The staff here were friendly and the drinks were fine, and reasonably priced. Only thing that wasn't ideal was that our game was only on one screen in the whole place. They offered to put it on downstairs but the bartender couldn't figure out how to punch up DirecTV there. So we had to squeeze into a corner of the upstairs room in order to see our screen. Ideally a sports bar would have better sightlines and a different configuration to maximize viewing, but aside from that, I'd come back, especially if we got there earlier and could get a better vantage point, or if we were coming for an event that more people wanted to see.
(4)
John Q.
I came here for their Grand Opening event on a Friday. They were offering a complimentary 2 hour open bar and a food buffet so I expected a lot of people. Surprisingly we only waited in line to get in for about 5 minutes. Once we got inside it didn't seem too crowded because there were so many different rooms and bars so everyone was able to spread out. I liked the fact that there was a room downstairs and 4 different rooms upstairs because it made getting a drink at the bar much easier. The inside looks the same as the Dark Horse Pub which preceded Cavanaugh's Headhouse Square in this space- they didn't make many changes. There are better bars in Philly that I prefer over this place but it's not a terrible place to get together with friends to watch a game. There are plenty of TVs and space to spread out.
(3)
Carl S.
I was meeting some friends here earlier and the second I walked in the door I received this welcoming "Hello, how are you?" from the bartender, Taylor. She was an absolute delight. She recommended the Smoking Bishop. It's a warm drink that has two different kinds of wines and a ton of spices. It was very rich in flavor. I ordered the cheese steak spring rolls and when they came out, I ordered them again. They might be the greatest appetizer ever invented. We hung out for a few hours, met a few regulars and shot some darts. It was a great time, and I'm looking forward to coming back in the near future.
(5)
Mary D.
ate outside for brunch. for the price of my meal, i could definitely get a better brunch in this city. will have to go back to experience the bar scene and lunch/dinner meals
(2)
Meredith K.
On Saturday, we through a wake party for a former regular of this establishment. He knew it as the Dark Horse, and it changed over to Cavanaugh's after he passed. The entire staff collectively made our party on Saturday go so well and smooth. Everyone was SO nice throughout the night. They took care of everything for us, and we didn't have to worry about a thing. The food was great, the bartender Jake was amazing and super sweet to everyone, everyone kept asking me if everything was ok - did we need anything? It was just awesome. There were so many compliments about how nice the party was - for such an emotionally charged event, it was a relief to know everything was just simply taken care of. And all of their customer service from the planning stages until the end of the party was outstanding. (We held the party in the Dining Room, which is a wonderful atmosphere to throw a party - it comfortably held 60-70, and could have held many more) I highly recommend this place for any party!!
(5)
Danielle H.
This is my favorite neighborhood bar. I am a regular here on Wednesday nights for Quizzo. Compared to other Quizzos in town, this one is good because Gunner goes at a decent clip and doesn't drag out the rounds. However, you still have plenty of time between rounds to drink and hang out. Round of shots for the best team name, cash prizes for the winners. 8.30. I have also been here on several other occasions. The food is great, with enough variety that we can bring out-of-town guests here with something to please everyone. I am a vegetarian and there are several options available. I've even come here several times with a vegan friend and he was accommodated, no problem. I recommend the veggie flatbread or the black bean burger. Drinks are also great. The on-tap offerings are diverse, unlike some other bars that only have IPAs. Cav's also does "mystery bags" pretty often, where you get a bagged bottled beer for $3.50. Look for specials during Phillies games. The service here is also top-notch. The bartenders are patient and kind, even when things get crowded. They are quick with a joke, and even quicker with your order. Yes, I've been keeping this one a secret, but we're moving this week, so I figured I'd finally share the Cav's goodness with the Yelp world. We'll definitely miss this place.
(5)
Roger A.
So what makes this bar is the space. Think British pub with several small rooms, a bit like a maze. Very cool. Everything else is average.
(3)
Kathleen D.
I've been back to Cavanaugh's Headhouse a handful of times since the November 2013 YEE. It's become a reliable, comfortable sports bar to me. I even once stopped here because I knew they had nice, clean bathrooms -- and, obviously, also stuck around for a beer. Speaking of beer, there are many choices and they are affordable. Nothing extensive, but you're likely to find something up your alley. The fun and most noticeable thing about Cavs that most everyone else has said is the space itself. It's huge -- with a bunch of little bar rooms with different themes. It's nice to have options!
(3)
Jill C.
After some a holiday outing with my kiddo and my folks my dad asked to have lunch at "the old dickens inn". He wanted to see what had replaced it. I did an inward groan when I saw it was now a Cavanaughs. While they retained the decor of the "inn" the rest was pretty bad. Our server was mediocre at best. The food was terrible. For example: We ordered the chip and dip, one of the dips was supposed to be queso. It was really just cheese wiz. It was awful. I got the shrimp tacos which were equally terrible. They were boring and the tortillas had the texture of having been microwaved. My mom's fish (fish and chips) looked terribly greasy the chips were cold. I guess this is a good place for a few beers and watch a game. To actually go for a meal, not so much.
(2)
Danielle H.
This is my favorite neighborhood bar. I am a regular here on Wednesday nights for Quizzo. Compared to other Quizzos in town, this one is good because Gunner goes at a decent clip and doesn't drag out the rounds. However, you still have plenty of time between rounds to drink and hang out. Round of shots for the best team name, cash prizes for the winners. 8.30. I have also been here on several other occasions. The food is great, with enough variety that we can bring out-of-town guests here with something to please everyone. I am a vegetarian and there are several options available. I've even come here several times with a vegan friend and he was accommodated, no problem. I recommend the veggie flatbread or the black bean burger. Drinks are also great. The on-tap offerings are diverse, unlike some other bars that only have IPAs. Cav's also does "mystery bags" pretty often, where you get a bagged bottled beer for $3.50. Look for specials during Phillies games. The service here is also top-notch. The bartenders are patient and kind, even when things get crowded. They are quick with a joke, and even quicker with your order. Yes, I've been keeping this one a secret, but we're moving this week, so I figured I'd finally share the Cav's goodness with the Yelp world. We'll definitely miss this place.
(5)
Roger A.
So what makes this bar is the space. Think British pub with several small rooms, a bit like a maze. Very cool. Everything else is average.
(3)
Kathleen D.
I've been back to Cavanaugh's Headhouse a handful of times since the November 2013 YEE. It's become a reliable, comfortable sports bar to me. I even once stopped here because I knew they had nice, clean bathrooms -- and, obviously, also stuck around for a beer. Speaking of beer, there are many choices and they are affordable. Nothing extensive, but you're likely to find something up your alley. The fun and most noticeable thing about Cavs that most everyone else has said is the space itself. It's huge -- with a bunch of little bar rooms with different themes. It's nice to have options!
(3)
Jill C.
After some a holiday outing with my kiddo and my folks my dad asked to have lunch at "the old dickens inn". He wanted to see what had replaced it. I did an inward groan when I saw it was now a Cavanaughs. While they retained the decor of the "inn" the rest was pretty bad. Our server was mediocre at best. The food was terrible. For example: We ordered the chip and dip, one of the dips was supposed to be queso. It was really just cheese wiz. It was awful. I got the shrimp tacos which were equally terrible. They were boring and the tortillas had the texture of having been microwaved. My mom's fish (fish and chips) looked terribly greasy the chips were cold. I guess this is a good place for a few beers and watch a game. To actually go for a meal, not so much.
(2)
Danielle H.
This is a bar- not a sports bar. We went with best intentions - enjoy good wings & burgers. No dining area - only bar. Other reviews made it seem like a sports bar - it is NOT!! Also Not the best atmosphere with an 8 & 12 year old. ( drunk guy spouting profanity @ bar) My 12 year old enjoyed the wings. (Learned some new words ) my chicken cheeses steak was super spicy- did not expect that ! And not in a good way guess I should have stuck with a burger. All in all - not great but not terrible
(3)
Joshua R.
Formerly "Dark Horse" this is a great spot in headhouse square to play some darts and chill out. It has 3 bar rooms across two floors, so definitely could be a cool place to reserve for office parties/meet a larger group.
(4)
Rick B.
Cav's Headhouse is your run-of-the-mill sports bar. It's a good place to catch a game; plenty of TVs and never an overwhelmingly large crowd. The proximity to South Street helps keep the touristy crowd away, and you're more than likely to be surrounded by people that are there for the same reason. The dimly lit bar upstairs creates a fitting atmosphere to relax with friends while enjoying a few drinks. I haven't gotten the chance to try any of the food there, but Cav's does have a pretty decent drink selection, all for a reasonable price. The establishment has a few different bars, or rooms, throughout the building with a different theme. It's not a place I make a habit of going to often, but I've always liked the laid back nature of Society Hill. For the proverbial weekend warrior, I would aim somewhere closer to South St for bigger crowds and a more active nightlife. Otherwise, I think Cav's Headhouse is great for someone looking for a bit of midweek relaxation.
(3)
Gia M.
I rolled into Cavanaugh's late on a Tuesday because my friend and I were dying for a bathroom. We grabbed drinks and took care of business, lingering for about 45 minutes. Even though it was Tuesday and the place was pretty dead, there was a lively crowd of fantasy drafters crowded around the TV in the front room. Probably the biggest thing that this Cavanaugh's has going for it is the size. The many different bars and rooms on multiple levels means that you can find a room that works for you and your friends, but still feel like you're in a tiny neighborhood hole in the wall. Drinks specials and food ostensibly don't seem much different than when this bar was Dark Horse, but there were a surprising amount of craft brews on the list, so that was pleasant to see! (I expected it to have a much more limited selection.) I miss Dark Horse (token whine here), but the bones and general decor are still there, so Cavanaugh's is definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a fun place to watch a game, especially if you like when the crowd is involved and enthusiastic.
(3)
Michelle R.
5 stars for Lucas, our bartender! I attended a private party at Cavanaugh's Headhouse Square last Saturday, and everyone at the party noted how great he was. Super friendly & attentive! By the time the party "ended" at 11pm, everyone was having so much fun, we stayed at the bar with Lucas until the bar closed around 2am. I could not say enough nice things about him. Not only was the space we had reserved perfect for our party size, and the beers & drinks offered were varied/ plentiful, but Lucas really made the experience at Cavanaugh's exceptional.
(5)
Justin M.
A little confused when you walk in. Stairs are straight ahead of you and a small small bar with 4 tables are to your left which is what we walked into. Came here on a Sunday around 4:30 and was completely empty. This might be an unfair review but all the bar's taps were broke so automatically down a star for me. If you go upstairs to the rest room, there is another bar as well as what looks like a full restaurant. I came here years ago but did not realize it was the same place because we have only been upstairs. Anyway, besides the beer mishap we ordered a Philly cheese steak w fries which no complaints. The Chorizo burger that has a fried egg on top, the best dish of the meal. The California chicken sandwich w pesto which was good just the chicken was over cooked and dry so thankfully the avocado and pesto helped with that. Big portions so you get your money's worth. Bartender was really good making sure everything was ok and when we asked to turn on the hockey game on a tv, he turned all the tvs onto the game because we were the only people in the bar.
(3)
Alyssa R.
Had a reunion here last night. Pretty solid typical sports bar. Drinks wavered some did not really taste like there was much alcohol in them, others were strong. It was mostly filled with our group so I cannot comment on what it is like on a normal night. But I would definitely go back sometime. It is pretty big with a bar downstairs and one upstairs.
(3)
Jessica S.
I came here with a group of friends on Thanksgiving. We were happily surprised that the bar was open, since most were closed in the city and we had been hanging out a block away at my friends' place. We went upstairs and immediately found a place at the bar to get drinks. The bar was dimly lit, there was a group of people playing pong, the music was great.. overall, a nice atmosphere to unwind on a holiday night. The bartender/manager Jake was friendly and gave us hefty drinks for a good price. I had a vodka soda and my friends got a mix of beers. They had a variety of beers on tap and they were all pleased with the selection. The whole bar was singing along to the music and it was just a great vibe! We will definitely be back!
(5)
Truth B Told R.
I want to like this place more since I live across the street and they are on the brink of 4 or 5 start with just a few improvements. Love the create your own salad addition to the menu, but hey throw in an extra handful of greens to make it an entree salad. The topping quantities are great, but the greens are missing. Entree salads should be huge and should take a bit of prep before eating. The food is good, but the wow factor is missing and that makes this just another local tavern with good food.
(3)
Kristina C.
Sooo many gluten free options!! Stella Cider, Woodchuck Pink, Angry Orchard Cinnful Apple, Estrella Daura...I'm in Gluten Free heaven! Came to Cavanaugh's for a yelp elite event a couple months ago...LOVE IT! So when we were looking for places to watch the Eagels playoff game, of course we wanted to come back. The decor is excellent, there are tons of seating options, lots of tables and room to bring a group...it's great! They have so many screens that really no matter where you sit, your gonna see the game. Their food is all great, we had the wings, nacho's, steak, guacamole, and fries. All of the food came out great and hot even though they were totally slammed. They also have lots of game day drink and food specials and a great happy hour as well. The drinks during this playoff game were a little different...their taps froze so no draft Lager, the servers were so slammed so it seemed really understaffed for a playoff game. There were multiple times that our table sat for at least 10 minutes with all 6 of us totally dry on drinks, and we didn't all finish our drinks at the same time.
(4)
Michael P.
Every time I go here, I miss the Dark Horse. It's funny, the last year or two of the Dark Horse showed a clear downhill slide, and the Cavanaugh's team has done a pretty good job cleaning up and improving the bars inside, but still, it just feels bro-ier and more generic now. The space hasn't really changed. The ground floor bar is still deceptively small and quiet, with the real activity in the main bar upstairs down a long hallway. There are more TVs than before, filling in some gaps where no TVs could be seen from the bar stools. The tap list isn't really improved either. The dining room and whisky bar seem to be in better shape now. The food is pretty generic sports bar fare now, and on a busy night you're likely to get a plastic cup instead of a proper English pint. It's still a decent place to watch sports, but it's just another face in the crowd, instead of having a real identity.
(3)
Val R.
Headed here before seeing a show at the TLA. I picked this place based on the Yelp reviews I read and the location being with in walking distance of the venue. First of all, this place is huge. We walked in, went up steps, there are rooms to the right and left and then more steps and another little bar room. That is where we sat. The bartender, Pat, was super awesome and had great sexy hair!! ;-) He was attentive and friendly and offered samples of beer to one of the people I was with. The food was brought out hot as well. I did originally order something that was forgotten about, but it was ok bc it would have been a waste since I was stuffed and couldn't finish what was actually brought out correctly. We ordered the hummus plate. That was fantastic. I loved it. The fresh, warm pita bread was awesome. We ordered mac and cheese, and fried pickles as well. All of that was off the pub menu which was half price! #winning! The other girls got burgers, which they loved. They came with Cavanaughs Sauce. Basically a homemade, spicy bbq sauce. Had lots of kick and was delish! Glad we went!
(4)
Robbie K.
Probably would recommend the food, but not the delivery. The food took over 90 minutes to arrive and was very cold. The food itself tasted ok but as previously mentioned, it was cold. Instead of receiving bbq sauce with their chicken tenders, I received chocolate sauce. I don't understand why they would do that.
(1)
Christina H.
Went there for a game watch. The bartender was AMAZING and had your next drink in hand before you asked for it. The nachos were sup bar and topped with cheese wiz for the most part. The burger wasn't done exactly to my boyfriend's liking and the beet salad was actually the best part. I don't feel like I need to go back.
(3)
Eunice L.
Not a bad place to watch sports and drink some beer. Its your average bar with few nice choices of beer and food.
(3)
Carla T.
Bartenders are friendly and willing to offer suggestions on food and beverages. Although this may seem like an obvious characteristic of bartenders, it's not seen at all places! They have a good beer selection and although I didn't get any food, the menu looked really appetizing. There's an outdoor space that looked really pretty, I plan on checking that out next time.
(4)
Elaine M.
Ah the smell of stale beer soaked wood floors... I thought I left you in my college house?! This place looks exactly the same as it did when it was Dark Horse. It is like a maze, with uneven floors and random steps. I believe I counted 6 rooms upstairs. I could see this place being a nightmare to navigate on a crowded weekend night, and I imagine you could lose your friends quickly. On the bright side, they have a decent selection of draft beers and our bartender was great. I only sampled a few bar apps, but the food seems about on par with the Dark Horse cuisine as well. It is nothing special and typical bar fare. I wouldn't really recommend going here for anything other than beer, if you can get over the smell and dated decor, it could be a nice pre-game spot. When it was Dark Horse, it attracted a huge soccer crowd, I imagine that is still the case.
(2)
Marissa R.
I just visited this Cavanaugh's, and was really happily surprised by what they did with the recent renovations from the old Dark Horse into the 4th Cav's in the city. This location meets their need to spread out one more time too - from University City to Rittenhouse to Penn's Landing and now to Headhouse. They've managed to preserve the old, dark, wooden, cozy feel of the historic pub(s) prior and update it with some modern touches. On the night I visited, there was even a bonfire out front on the side walk - welcoming guests into the watering hole. The upstairs area seems like a maze - you can hop from bar to bar and experience a different feel in each spot. In usual Cav's style - there are plenty of TV's all over so you can still catch any of your favorite sporting events. I think they have good drink specials on most days - so it's not too pricy to eat/drink here. Finally, the servers and management were all really friendly and accomodating and made you feel like a respected guest in their establishment.
(5)
Tara G.
I was here for the first time last Thursday for a Brew & Chew event, and I really enjoyed myself. First of all, this place is way bigger than it looks from the outside. And it's not just one bar, it's a whole bunch of little bars in this neat little maze- sort of like a fun house, but with bars. The food was good. I also appreciated how accommodating they were to my food allergy by making me an item different from the one on the already set menu for the event. As always, the beers they featured were of course delicious. The staff I encountered here were all very pleasant and professional. I will definitely plan on coming to more Brew & Chews here as well as stopping in for a drink when I'm in the neighborhood.
(4)
Adam K.
Stopped in for a few drinks and had a good time. Good selection of beers on tap and prices were reasonable as well. Friendly service. Would definitely go back.
(4)
Angela J.
A cozy little sports bar in Headhouse Square, a great place to get fried pickles, and a funny place to send your friends to meet you at if they've never been there before. "Hey, I'm upstairs" doesn't begin to help them figure out WHICH room upstairs you're exactly in! Are you in the whiskey room? Hmm, that place looks too small.... Are you in the wine room? Hmmm, well, it's almost empty in there right now... What about the back room? It looks like everyone knows each other in THAT room...let's go back towards the front... Well, you can see how it goes. Lots of little rooms in a VERY old building makes this one of the most unique bars I've ever been to. Oh, and they also have funnel cake fries. Yes, french fries made of funnel cake batter. Yes, it's worth it. I love the little outdoor seating area too, with the table that has a firepit in the middle...so fun!
(3)
Laura K.
I've been here several times to watch football and soccer games with my friends and I was always impressed how friendly and helpful the staff is- which is not always the case in a busy sports bar so I decided to throw my birthday party here. We had a private event on one of the worst weather days of the year so many of the expected guests could not make it but no matter- Amanda , the event coordinator, was lovely and not at all flustered by the change in numbers nor were we threatened with having to pay for the people who were unable to make it. She was extremely understanding of the situation and even stopped in to see how everything was going. A+. The bartender (I wish I could remember his name) was phenomenal- could mix drinks that I've never even heard of for my friends without their explanations needed. He was very upbeat and chatty. Everything you want in a bartender for an event like this. It was a wonderful time and we are already debating throwing another event there when the weather is nicer. The venue was great and we were allowed to decorate earlier in the day for the event. Absolutely recommend this place and will be back.
(5)
Vinny P.
Just like Fawkes rising from the ashes in Dumbledore's office, Cav's Headhouse has risen from the ashes of the once massive establishment known as the Dark Horse but they are distinguishing themselves well so far. We stopped in for the first Sunday of football and were able to grab a room with 3 televisions all showing different games. Beer specials were not fantastic but I was more there for the feel of it and the wings. Speaking of the wings, I'm wondering if the "Hot" are hotter than the "3rd Degree" because my buddy and I split the 3rd Degree wings and we were pretty sure it was just sweet chili sauce. Food aside, the bar staff was nice, treated us well and was very involved in the games. They even had a staff suicide pool going which made it fun because there was interest in so many games that day. The room we were in (side bar, upstairs) had a ton of natural light and the temp/crowd was excellent for watching the games. I think they've got a little ways to go but I see potential here. Cavs Headhouse is massive and it must be difficult to assume a spot with so many individual bars. Still it seems like they get their ish together and this could be a good destination for sports and general shenanigans.
(3)
Michael A.
Came by here for a Yelp event and was blown away. The upstairs had more rooms than I could count, each with its own unique theme! Want to stop by the tap room, the wine room, or the whiskey room? Oh, there's also a sports bar area, or more of a lounge if that's what you're feeling. The beer selection was great, and the appetizers were delicious, too, ranging from shrimp to wings to nachos and hummus. Honestly, I had no idea there was such a find in the area, and I can't wait to head back.
(4)
Mallory D.
After pilfering free food and booze at a yelp event I decided to check out Cavanaugh's as a paying customer. This is a super cool hangout in a fun area of town, and in my estimation, free of the douchey vibe found at most other trendy drinking establishments. I really like how each room has their own thing going on. My favorite is the main sports bar type area upstairs. Besides the ample seating and big screen tvs, it also features my new favorite drink in town, the smoking bishop. It is basically a mulled sangria with strong cloves and cinnamon flavors. Smoking bishop and the flyers game on the big screen is my new favorite way to spend my night in Philly.
(5)
Parker S.
I stopped in because I had an old WMMR Deal of the Day coupon. When I first walked in I was thrown off because the place is chopped up in an odd way. There is a small bar when you first walk in, and then a dining room and a second bar upstairs. I walked upstairs, but as it was a weekday it seems that only the small bar near the entrance was open. This is first section is very small, probably 800sq ft, but it wasn't crowded so we grabbed a high top table and ordered some drinks. The beer selection was weak compared to most Philly bars. There were about 5 beers on tap with Dogfish 60 Minute being the most exotic, but their Tuesday special was $4 Dogfish which is a good deal so that was cool. The bartender was a very friendly girl that was upbeat and made the place fun. A young newly engaged couple came in and the bartender bought them and us a round of shots to celebrate. We ordered our food which was really the highlight of the place. I had the shepards pie, which was really good. My wife had a chicken/pesto/avocado sandwich which was really good too. We also shared an order of cheesesteak spring rolls with their Cavanaugh's sauce. The sauce was awesome, and I'm pretty sure it was a mix of sweet and sour sauce and buffalo sauce. The food prices were reasonable for the quality and the beer special was a good deal. Overall, I was really impressed with this place. Without the coupon I probably would have never come here, but I had a good time and really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. I would not hesitate to come back and certainly will. It is one of the best irish pubs I've been to in the city.
(4)
Leo I.
Not a bad spot to watch a game. Several different mini bars throughout the complex. The food was pretty typical bar food though. Some cheap drink specials during football games and plenty of TVs to keep me up to date on what's happening during football season!
(4)
Mark Z.
I always went here when it was Dark Horse, but this place is still pretty rad. It is a labyrinth of four different bars and they have a very good draft list, as well as bottles. Big shout out to the bartender Yoshi for having fun with my friends and I!
(5)
E M.
Stopped in to just grab a quick drink with a buddy after work and wound up staying, longer than we should have but time flys when your having fun! The place looks tiny but it's not. There had to be at least four bars, and each one had it's own style and atmosphere. Friday night's happy hour included specials on drinks and food. We loaded up on wings( Cavs sauce, of course), pierogies, and nachos. All were amazing! You NEED to try that Cav's sauce trust me. The service was A+! The bartenders were friendly and very attentive to us. They would ask if you'd like another when your almost finished so you never ran dry. Very clutch. Last thing I remember from that night was the Whiskey List. It's a little blurry but I recall it being ridiculous. I tried one, I tried 2, and we got pretty awesome that night.
(5)
Jamie D.
I didn't know that this place existed until a friend and I were on the lookout for a decent bar to get a decently-priced drink on a Friday night. I was surprised to see a completely empty bar on a Friday night but glad because it felt like a well-kept secret. I usually stay out of Olde City because the bars always seem to be so crowded! This place has two stories and would probably be very crazy if it got packed. We sat down and ordered some stuff and the bartender was really nice about letting us transfer outside when a table opened up. I've gotta say that I really love the outdoor seating in this place! People tend to bring their dogs here and that's something I definitely enjoy! One person's dog was so friendly that he was allowed to go to every table and just be loved on. If you're a dog person this is probably a great spot for you (as long as you have a social dog that is) We split the appetizer platter which was delicious and split some good beers. They weren't overly-priced at all and everything was fresh and delicious. I'll definitely be back to this place for happy hour or a drink or two before First Friday!
(4)
Daniel S.
The food is so much better than I'd expect from a bar. I love their tater tots, and I don't even like tater tots. When there's live music, it actually sounds like a professional studio recording, and when the music isn't live, I'm consistently amazed with the quality of the selections. The bartender is a sprightly personification of infectious joy.
(5)
Brian H.
Stopped in to catch the Bears vs. Lions this past Sunday. Found this place via Yelp and saw there was a 10% off coupon as well, which we used. The staff here were friendly and the drinks were fine, and reasonably priced. Only thing that wasn't ideal was that our game was only on one screen in the whole place. They offered to put it on downstairs but the bartender couldn't figure out how to punch up DirecTV there. So we had to squeeze into a corner of the upstairs room in order to see our screen. Ideally a sports bar would have better sightlines and a different configuration to maximize viewing, but aside from that, I'd come back, especially if we got there earlier and could get a better vantage point, or if we were coming for an event that more people wanted to see.
(4)
John Q.
I came here for their Grand Opening event on a Friday. They were offering a complimentary 2 hour open bar and a food buffet so I expected a lot of people. Surprisingly we only waited in line to get in for about 5 minutes. Once we got inside it didn't seem too crowded because there were so many different rooms and bars so everyone was able to spread out. I liked the fact that there was a room downstairs and 4 different rooms upstairs because it made getting a drink at the bar much easier. The inside looks the same as the Dark Horse Pub which preceded Cavanaugh's Headhouse Square in this space- they didn't make many changes. There are better bars in Philly that I prefer over this place but it's not a terrible place to get together with friends to watch a game. There are plenty of TVs and space to spread out.
(3)
Carl S.
I was meeting some friends here earlier and the second I walked in the door I received this welcoming "Hello, how are you?" from the bartender, Taylor. She was an absolute delight. She recommended the Smoking Bishop. It's a warm drink that has two different kinds of wines and a ton of spices. It was very rich in flavor. I ordered the cheese steak spring rolls and when they came out, I ordered them again. They might be the greatest appetizer ever invented. We hung out for a few hours, met a few regulars and shot some darts. It was a great time, and I'm looking forward to coming back in the near future.
(5)
Mary D.
ate outside for brunch. for the price of my meal, i could definitely get a better brunch in this city. will have to go back to experience the bar scene and lunch/dinner meals
(2)
Meredith K.
On Saturday, we through a wake party for a former regular of this establishment. He knew it as the Dark Horse, and it changed over to Cavanaugh's after he passed. The entire staff collectively made our party on Saturday go so well and smooth. Everyone was SO nice throughout the night. They took care of everything for us, and we didn't have to worry about a thing. The food was great, the bartender Jake was amazing and super sweet to everyone, everyone kept asking me if everything was ok - did we need anything? It was just awesome. There were so many compliments about how nice the party was - for such an emotionally charged event, it was a relief to know everything was just simply taken care of. And all of their customer service from the planning stages until the end of the party was outstanding. (We held the party in the Dining Room, which is a wonderful atmosphere to throw a party - it comfortably held 60-70, and could have held many more) I highly recommend this place for any party!!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner, Late Night Parking : Validated Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Danielle H.
This is a bar- not a sports bar. We went with best intentions - enjoy good wings & burgers. No dining area - only bar. Other reviews made it seem like a sports bar - it is NOT!! Also Not the best atmosphere with an 8 & 12 year old. ( drunk guy spouting profanity @ bar) My 12 year old enjoyed the wings. (Learned some new words ) my chicken cheeses steak was super spicy- did not expect that ! And not in a good way guess I should have stuck with a burger. All in all - not great but not terrible
(3)Joshua R.
Formerly "Dark Horse" this is a great spot in headhouse square to play some darts and chill out. It has 3 bar rooms across two floors, so definitely could be a cool place to reserve for office parties/meet a larger group.
(4)Rick B.
Cav's Headhouse is your run-of-the-mill sports bar. It's a good place to catch a game; plenty of TVs and never an overwhelmingly large crowd. The proximity to South Street helps keep the touristy crowd away, and you're more than likely to be surrounded by people that are there for the same reason. The dimly lit bar upstairs creates a fitting atmosphere to relax with friends while enjoying a few drinks. I haven't gotten the chance to try any of the food there, but Cav's does have a pretty decent drink selection, all for a reasonable price. The establishment has a few different bars, or rooms, throughout the building with a different theme. It's not a place I make a habit of going to often, but I've always liked the laid back nature of Society Hill. For the proverbial weekend warrior, I would aim somewhere closer to South St for bigger crowds and a more active nightlife. Otherwise, I think Cav's Headhouse is great for someone looking for a bit of midweek relaxation.
(3)Alyssa R.
Had a reunion here last night. Pretty solid typical sports bar. Drinks wavered some did not really taste like there was much alcohol in them, others were strong. It was mostly filled with our group so I cannot comment on what it is like on a normal night. But I would definitely go back sometime. It is pretty big with a bar downstairs and one upstairs.
(3)Gia M.
I rolled into Cavanaugh's late on a Tuesday because my friend and I were dying for a bathroom. We grabbed drinks and took care of business, lingering for about 45 minutes. Even though it was Tuesday and the place was pretty dead, there was a lively crowd of fantasy drafters crowded around the TV in the front room. Probably the biggest thing that this Cavanaugh's has going for it is the size. The many different bars and rooms on multiple levels means that you can find a room that works for you and your friends, but still feel like you're in a tiny neighborhood hole in the wall. Drinks specials and food ostensibly don't seem much different than when this bar was Dark Horse, but there were a surprising amount of craft brews on the list, so that was pleasant to see! (I expected it to have a much more limited selection.) I miss Dark Horse (token whine here), but the bones and general decor are still there, so Cavanaugh's is definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a fun place to watch a game, especially if you like when the crowd is involved and enthusiastic.
(3)Michelle R.
5 stars for Lucas, our bartender! I attended a private party at Cavanaugh's Headhouse Square last Saturday, and everyone at the party noted how great he was. Super friendly & attentive! By the time the party "ended" at 11pm, everyone was having so much fun, we stayed at the bar with Lucas until the bar closed around 2am. I could not say enough nice things about him. Not only was the space we had reserved perfect for our party size, and the beers & drinks offered were varied/ plentiful, but Lucas really made the experience at Cavanaugh's exceptional.
(5)Justin M.
A little confused when you walk in. Stairs are straight ahead of you and a small small bar with 4 tables are to your left which is what we walked into. Came here on a Sunday around 4:30 and was completely empty. This might be an unfair review but all the bar's taps were broke so automatically down a star for me. If you go upstairs to the rest room, there is another bar as well as what looks like a full restaurant. I came here years ago but did not realize it was the same place because we have only been upstairs. Anyway, besides the beer mishap we ordered a Philly cheese steak w fries which no complaints. The Chorizo burger that has a fried egg on top, the best dish of the meal. The California chicken sandwich w pesto which was good just the chicken was over cooked and dry so thankfully the avocado and pesto helped with that. Big portions so you get your money's worth. Bartender was really good making sure everything was ok and when we asked to turn on the hockey game on a tv, he turned all the tvs onto the game because we were the only people in the bar.
(3)Jessica S.
I came here with a group of friends on Thanksgiving. We were happily surprised that the bar was open, since most were closed in the city and we had been hanging out a block away at my friends' place. We went upstairs and immediately found a place at the bar to get drinks. The bar was dimly lit, there was a group of people playing pong, the music was great.. overall, a nice atmosphere to unwind on a holiday night. The bartender/manager Jake was friendly and gave us hefty drinks for a good price. I had a vodka soda and my friends got a mix of beers. They had a variety of beers on tap and they were all pleased with the selection. The whole bar was singing along to the music and it was just a great vibe! We will definitely be back!
(5)Truth B Told R.
I want to like this place more since I live across the street and they are on the brink of 4 or 5 start with just a few improvements. Love the create your own salad addition to the menu, but hey throw in an extra handful of greens to make it an entree salad. The topping quantities are great, but the greens are missing. Entree salads should be huge and should take a bit of prep before eating. The food is good, but the wow factor is missing and that makes this just another local tavern with good food.
(3)Kristina C.
Sooo many gluten free options!! Stella Cider, Woodchuck Pink, Angry Orchard Cinnful Apple, Estrella Daura...I'm in Gluten Free heaven! Came to Cavanaugh's for a yelp elite event a couple months ago...LOVE IT! So when we were looking for places to watch the Eagels playoff game, of course we wanted to come back. The decor is excellent, there are tons of seating options, lots of tables and room to bring a group...it's great! They have so many screens that really no matter where you sit, your gonna see the game. Their food is all great, we had the wings, nacho's, steak, guacamole, and fries. All of the food came out great and hot even though they were totally slammed. They also have lots of game day drink and food specials and a great happy hour as well. The drinks during this playoff game were a little different...their taps froze so no draft Lager, the servers were so slammed so it seemed really understaffed for a playoff game. There were multiple times that our table sat for at least 10 minutes with all 6 of us totally dry on drinks, and we didn't all finish our drinks at the same time.
(4)Michael P.
Every time I go here, I miss the Dark Horse. It's funny, the last year or two of the Dark Horse showed a clear downhill slide, and the Cavanaugh's team has done a pretty good job cleaning up and improving the bars inside, but still, it just feels bro-ier and more generic now. The space hasn't really changed. The ground floor bar is still deceptively small and quiet, with the real activity in the main bar upstairs down a long hallway. There are more TVs than before, filling in some gaps where no TVs could be seen from the bar stools. The tap list isn't really improved either. The dining room and whisky bar seem to be in better shape now. The food is pretty generic sports bar fare now, and on a busy night you're likely to get a plastic cup instead of a proper English pint. It's still a decent place to watch sports, but it's just another face in the crowd, instead of having a real identity.
(3)Val R.
Headed here before seeing a show at the TLA. I picked this place based on the Yelp reviews I read and the location being with in walking distance of the venue. First of all, this place is huge. We walked in, went up steps, there are rooms to the right and left and then more steps and another little bar room. That is where we sat. The bartender, Pat, was super awesome and had great sexy hair!! ;-) He was attentive and friendly and offered samples of beer to one of the people I was with. The food was brought out hot as well. I did originally order something that was forgotten about, but it was ok bc it would have been a waste since I was stuffed and couldn't finish what was actually brought out correctly. We ordered the hummus plate. That was fantastic. I loved it. The fresh, warm pita bread was awesome. We ordered mac and cheese, and fried pickles as well. All of that was off the pub menu which was half price! #winning! The other girls got burgers, which they loved. They came with Cavanaughs Sauce. Basically a homemade, spicy bbq sauce. Had lots of kick and was delish! Glad we went!
(4)Robbie K.
Probably would recommend the food, but not the delivery. The food took over 90 minutes to arrive and was very cold. The food itself tasted ok but as previously mentioned, it was cold. Instead of receiving bbq sauce with their chicken tenders, I received chocolate sauce. I don't understand why they would do that.
(1)Christina H.
Went there for a game watch. The bartender was AMAZING and had your next drink in hand before you asked for it. The nachos were sup bar and topped with cheese wiz for the most part. The burger wasn't done exactly to my boyfriend's liking and the beet salad was actually the best part. I don't feel like I need to go back.
(3)Eunice L.
Not a bad place to watch sports and drink some beer. Its your average bar with few nice choices of beer and food.
(3)Carla T.
Bartenders are friendly and willing to offer suggestions on food and beverages. Although this may seem like an obvious characteristic of bartenders, it's not seen at all places! They have a good beer selection and although I didn't get any food, the menu looked really appetizing. There's an outdoor space that looked really pretty, I plan on checking that out next time.
(4)Elaine M.
Ah the smell of stale beer soaked wood floors... I thought I left you in my college house?! This place looks exactly the same as it did when it was Dark Horse. It is like a maze, with uneven floors and random steps. I believe I counted 6 rooms upstairs. I could see this place being a nightmare to navigate on a crowded weekend night, and I imagine you could lose your friends quickly. On the bright side, they have a decent selection of draft beers and our bartender was great. I only sampled a few bar apps, but the food seems about on par with the Dark Horse cuisine as well. It is nothing special and typical bar fare. I wouldn't really recommend going here for anything other than beer, if you can get over the smell and dated decor, it could be a nice pre-game spot. When it was Dark Horse, it attracted a huge soccer crowd, I imagine that is still the case.
(2)Marissa R.
I just visited this Cavanaugh's, and was really happily surprised by what they did with the recent renovations from the old Dark Horse into the 4th Cav's in the city. This location meets their need to spread out one more time too - from University City to Rittenhouse to Penn's Landing and now to Headhouse. They've managed to preserve the old, dark, wooden, cozy feel of the historic pub(s) prior and update it with some modern touches. On the night I visited, there was even a bonfire out front on the side walk - welcoming guests into the watering hole. The upstairs area seems like a maze - you can hop from bar to bar and experience a different feel in each spot. In usual Cav's style - there are plenty of TV's all over so you can still catch any of your favorite sporting events. I think they have good drink specials on most days - so it's not too pricy to eat/drink here. Finally, the servers and management were all really friendly and accomodating and made you feel like a respected guest in their establishment.
(5)Tara G.
I was here for the first time last Thursday for a Brew & Chew event, and I really enjoyed myself. First of all, this place is way bigger than it looks from the outside. And it's not just one bar, it's a whole bunch of little bars in this neat little maze- sort of like a fun house, but with bars. The food was good. I also appreciated how accommodating they were to my food allergy by making me an item different from the one on the already set menu for the event. As always, the beers they featured were of course delicious. The staff I encountered here were all very pleasant and professional. I will definitely plan on coming to more Brew & Chews here as well as stopping in for a drink when I'm in the neighborhood.
(4)Adam K.
Stopped in for a few drinks and had a good time. Good selection of beers on tap and prices were reasonable as well. Friendly service. Would definitely go back.
(4)Angela J.
A cozy little sports bar in Headhouse Square, a great place to get fried pickles, and a funny place to send your friends to meet you at if they've never been there before. "Hey, I'm upstairs" doesn't begin to help them figure out WHICH room upstairs you're exactly in! Are you in the whiskey room? Hmm, that place looks too small.... Are you in the wine room? Hmmm, well, it's almost empty in there right now... What about the back room? It looks like everyone knows each other in THAT room...let's go back towards the front... Well, you can see how it goes. Lots of little rooms in a VERY old building makes this one of the most unique bars I've ever been to. Oh, and they also have funnel cake fries. Yes, french fries made of funnel cake batter. Yes, it's worth it. I love the little outdoor seating area too, with the table that has a firepit in the middle...so fun!
(3)Laura K.
I've been here several times to watch football and soccer games with my friends and I was always impressed how friendly and helpful the staff is- which is not always the case in a busy sports bar so I decided to throw my birthday party here. We had a private event on one of the worst weather days of the year so many of the expected guests could not make it but no matter- Amanda , the event coordinator, was lovely and not at all flustered by the change in numbers nor were we threatened with having to pay for the people who were unable to make it. She was extremely understanding of the situation and even stopped in to see how everything was going. A+. The bartender (I wish I could remember his name) was phenomenal- could mix drinks that I've never even heard of for my friends without their explanations needed. He was very upbeat and chatty. Everything you want in a bartender for an event like this. It was a wonderful time and we are already debating throwing another event there when the weather is nicer. The venue was great and we were allowed to decorate earlier in the day for the event. Absolutely recommend this place and will be back.
(5)Vinny P.
Just like Fawkes rising from the ashes in Dumbledore's office, Cav's Headhouse has risen from the ashes of the once massive establishment known as the Dark Horse but they are distinguishing themselves well so far. We stopped in for the first Sunday of football and were able to grab a room with 3 televisions all showing different games. Beer specials were not fantastic but I was more there for the feel of it and the wings. Speaking of the wings, I'm wondering if the "Hot" are hotter than the "3rd Degree" because my buddy and I split the 3rd Degree wings and we were pretty sure it was just sweet chili sauce. Food aside, the bar staff was nice, treated us well and was very involved in the games. They even had a staff suicide pool going which made it fun because there was interest in so many games that day. The room we were in (side bar, upstairs) had a ton of natural light and the temp/crowd was excellent for watching the games. I think they've got a little ways to go but I see potential here. Cavs Headhouse is massive and it must be difficult to assume a spot with so many individual bars. Still it seems like they get their ish together and this could be a good destination for sports and general shenanigans.
(3)Michael A.
Came by here for a Yelp event and was blown away. The upstairs had more rooms than I could count, each with its own unique theme! Want to stop by the tap room, the wine room, or the whiskey room? Oh, there's also a sports bar area, or more of a lounge if that's what you're feeling. The beer selection was great, and the appetizers were delicious, too, ranging from shrimp to wings to nachos and hummus. Honestly, I had no idea there was such a find in the area, and I can't wait to head back.
(4)Mallory D.
After pilfering free food and booze at a yelp event I decided to check out Cavanaugh's as a paying customer. This is a super cool hangout in a fun area of town, and in my estimation, free of the douchey vibe found at most other trendy drinking establishments. I really like how each room has their own thing going on. My favorite is the main sports bar type area upstairs. Besides the ample seating and big screen tvs, it also features my new favorite drink in town, the smoking bishop. It is basically a mulled sangria with strong cloves and cinnamon flavors. Smoking bishop and the flyers game on the big screen is my new favorite way to spend my night in Philly.
(5)Parker S.
I stopped in because I had an old WMMR Deal of the Day coupon. When I first walked in I was thrown off because the place is chopped up in an odd way. There is a small bar when you first walk in, and then a dining room and a second bar upstairs. I walked upstairs, but as it was a weekday it seems that only the small bar near the entrance was open. This is first section is very small, probably 800sq ft, but it wasn't crowded so we grabbed a high top table and ordered some drinks. The beer selection was weak compared to most Philly bars. There were about 5 beers on tap with Dogfish 60 Minute being the most exotic, but their Tuesday special was $4 Dogfish which is a good deal so that was cool. The bartender was a very friendly girl that was upbeat and made the place fun. A young newly engaged couple came in and the bartender bought them and us a round of shots to celebrate. We ordered our food which was really the highlight of the place. I had the shepards pie, which was really good. My wife had a chicken/pesto/avocado sandwich which was really good too. We also shared an order of cheesesteak spring rolls with their Cavanaugh's sauce. The sauce was awesome, and I'm pretty sure it was a mix of sweet and sour sauce and buffalo sauce. The food prices were reasonable for the quality and the beer special was a good deal. Overall, I was really impressed with this place. Without the coupon I probably would have never come here, but I had a good time and really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. I would not hesitate to come back and certainly will. It is one of the best irish pubs I've been to in the city.
(4)Leo I.
Not a bad spot to watch a game. Several different mini bars throughout the complex. The food was pretty typical bar food though. Some cheap drink specials during football games and plenty of TVs to keep me up to date on what's happening during football season!
(4)Mark Z.
I always went here when it was Dark Horse, but this place is still pretty rad. It is a labyrinth of four different bars and they have a very good draft list, as well as bottles. Big shout out to the bartender Yoshi for having fun with my friends and I!
(5)E M.
Stopped in to just grab a quick drink with a buddy after work and wound up staying, longer than we should have but time flys when your having fun! The place looks tiny but it's not. There had to be at least four bars, and each one had it's own style and atmosphere. Friday night's happy hour included specials on drinks and food. We loaded up on wings( Cavs sauce, of course), pierogies, and nachos. All were amazing! You NEED to try that Cav's sauce trust me. The service was A+! The bartenders were friendly and very attentive to us. They would ask if you'd like another when your almost finished so you never ran dry. Very clutch. Last thing I remember from that night was the Whiskey List. It's a little blurry but I recall it being ridiculous. I tried one, I tried 2, and we got pretty awesome that night.
(5)Jamie D.
I didn't know that this place existed until a friend and I were on the lookout for a decent bar to get a decently-priced drink on a Friday night. I was surprised to see a completely empty bar on a Friday night but glad because it felt like a well-kept secret. I usually stay out of Olde City because the bars always seem to be so crowded! This place has two stories and would probably be very crazy if it got packed. We sat down and ordered some stuff and the bartender was really nice about letting us transfer outside when a table opened up. I've gotta say that I really love the outdoor seating in this place! People tend to bring their dogs here and that's something I definitely enjoy! One person's dog was so friendly that he was allowed to go to every table and just be loved on. If you're a dog person this is probably a great spot for you (as long as you have a social dog that is) We split the appetizer platter which was delicious and split some good beers. They weren't overly-priced at all and everything was fresh and delicious. I'll definitely be back to this place for happy hour or a drink or two before First Friday!
(4)Daniel S.
The food is so much better than I'd expect from a bar. I love their tater tots, and I don't even like tater tots. When there's live music, it actually sounds like a professional studio recording, and when the music isn't live, I'm consistently amazed with the quality of the selections. The bartender is a sprightly personification of infectious joy.
(5)Brian H.
Stopped in to catch the Bears vs. Lions this past Sunday. Found this place via Yelp and saw there was a 10% off coupon as well, which we used. The staff here were friendly and the drinks were fine, and reasonably priced. Only thing that wasn't ideal was that our game was only on one screen in the whole place. They offered to put it on downstairs but the bartender couldn't figure out how to punch up DirecTV there. So we had to squeeze into a corner of the upstairs room in order to see our screen. Ideally a sports bar would have better sightlines and a different configuration to maximize viewing, but aside from that, I'd come back, especially if we got there earlier and could get a better vantage point, or if we were coming for an event that more people wanted to see.
(4)John Q.
I came here for their Grand Opening event on a Friday. They were offering a complimentary 2 hour open bar and a food buffet so I expected a lot of people. Surprisingly we only waited in line to get in for about 5 minutes. Once we got inside it didn't seem too crowded because there were so many different rooms and bars so everyone was able to spread out. I liked the fact that there was a room downstairs and 4 different rooms upstairs because it made getting a drink at the bar much easier. The inside looks the same as the Dark Horse Pub which preceded Cavanaugh's Headhouse Square in this space- they didn't make many changes. There are better bars in Philly that I prefer over this place but it's not a terrible place to get together with friends to watch a game. There are plenty of TVs and space to spread out.
(3)Carl S.
I was meeting some friends here earlier and the second I walked in the door I received this welcoming "Hello, how are you?" from the bartender, Taylor. She was an absolute delight. She recommended the Smoking Bishop. It's a warm drink that has two different kinds of wines and a ton of spices. It was very rich in flavor. I ordered the cheese steak spring rolls and when they came out, I ordered them again. They might be the greatest appetizer ever invented. We hung out for a few hours, met a few regulars and shot some darts. It was a great time, and I'm looking forward to coming back in the near future.
(5)Mary D.
ate outside for brunch. for the price of my meal, i could definitely get a better brunch in this city. will have to go back to experience the bar scene and lunch/dinner meals
(2)Meredith K.
On Saturday, we through a wake party for a former regular of this establishment. He knew it as the Dark Horse, and it changed over to Cavanaugh's after he passed. The entire staff collectively made our party on Saturday go so well and smooth. Everyone was SO nice throughout the night. They took care of everything for us, and we didn't have to worry about a thing. The food was great, the bartender Jake was amazing and super sweet to everyone, everyone kept asking me if everything was ok - did we need anything? It was just awesome. There were so many compliments about how nice the party was - for such an emotionally charged event, it was a relief to know everything was just simply taken care of. And all of their customer service from the planning stages until the end of the party was outstanding. (We held the party in the Dining Room, which is a wonderful atmosphere to throw a party - it comfortably held 60-70, and could have held many more) I highly recommend this place for any party!!
(5)Danielle H.
This is my favorite neighborhood bar. I am a regular here on Wednesday nights for Quizzo. Compared to other Quizzos in town, this one is good because Gunner goes at a decent clip and doesn't drag out the rounds. However, you still have plenty of time between rounds to drink and hang out. Round of shots for the best team name, cash prizes for the winners. 8.30. I have also been here on several other occasions. The food is great, with enough variety that we can bring out-of-town guests here with something to please everyone. I am a vegetarian and there are several options available. I've even come here several times with a vegan friend and he was accommodated, no problem. I recommend the veggie flatbread or the black bean burger. Drinks are also great. The on-tap offerings are diverse, unlike some other bars that only have IPAs. Cav's also does "mystery bags" pretty often, where you get a bagged bottled beer for $3.50. Look for specials during Phillies games. The service here is also top-notch. The bartenders are patient and kind, even when things get crowded. They are quick with a joke, and even quicker with your order. Yes, I've been keeping this one a secret, but we're moving this week, so I figured I'd finally share the Cav's goodness with the Yelp world. We'll definitely miss this place.
(5)Roger A.
So what makes this bar is the space. Think British pub with several small rooms, a bit like a maze. Very cool. Everything else is average.
(3)Kathleen D.
I've been back to Cavanaugh's Headhouse a handful of times since the November 2013 YEE. It's become a reliable, comfortable sports bar to me. I even once stopped here because I knew they had nice, clean bathrooms -- and, obviously, also stuck around for a beer. Speaking of beer, there are many choices and they are affordable. Nothing extensive, but you're likely to find something up your alley. The fun and most noticeable thing about Cavs that most everyone else has said is the space itself. It's huge -- with a bunch of little bar rooms with different themes. It's nice to have options!
(3)Jill C.
After some a holiday outing with my kiddo and my folks my dad asked to have lunch at "the old dickens inn". He wanted to see what had replaced it. I did an inward groan when I saw it was now a Cavanaughs. While they retained the decor of the "inn" the rest was pretty bad. Our server was mediocre at best. The food was terrible. For example: We ordered the chip and dip, one of the dips was supposed to be queso. It was really just cheese wiz. It was awful. I got the shrimp tacos which were equally terrible. They were boring and the tortillas had the texture of having been microwaved. My mom's fish (fish and chips) looked terribly greasy the chips were cold. I guess this is a good place for a few beers and watch a game. To actually go for a meal, not so much.
(2)Danielle H.
This is my favorite neighborhood bar. I am a regular here on Wednesday nights for Quizzo. Compared to other Quizzos in town, this one is good because Gunner goes at a decent clip and doesn't drag out the rounds. However, you still have plenty of time between rounds to drink and hang out. Round of shots for the best team name, cash prizes for the winners. 8.30. I have also been here on several other occasions. The food is great, with enough variety that we can bring out-of-town guests here with something to please everyone. I am a vegetarian and there are several options available. I've even come here several times with a vegan friend and he was accommodated, no problem. I recommend the veggie flatbread or the black bean burger. Drinks are also great. The on-tap offerings are diverse, unlike some other bars that only have IPAs. Cav's also does "mystery bags" pretty often, where you get a bagged bottled beer for $3.50. Look for specials during Phillies games. The service here is also top-notch. The bartenders are patient and kind, even when things get crowded. They are quick with a joke, and even quicker with your order. Yes, I've been keeping this one a secret, but we're moving this week, so I figured I'd finally share the Cav's goodness with the Yelp world. We'll definitely miss this place.
(5)Roger A.
So what makes this bar is the space. Think British pub with several small rooms, a bit like a maze. Very cool. Everything else is average.
(3)Kathleen D.
I've been back to Cavanaugh's Headhouse a handful of times since the November 2013 YEE. It's become a reliable, comfortable sports bar to me. I even once stopped here because I knew they had nice, clean bathrooms -- and, obviously, also stuck around for a beer. Speaking of beer, there are many choices and they are affordable. Nothing extensive, but you're likely to find something up your alley. The fun and most noticeable thing about Cavs that most everyone else has said is the space itself. It's huge -- with a bunch of little bar rooms with different themes. It's nice to have options!
(3)Jill C.
After some a holiday outing with my kiddo and my folks my dad asked to have lunch at "the old dickens inn". He wanted to see what had replaced it. I did an inward groan when I saw it was now a Cavanaughs. While they retained the decor of the "inn" the rest was pretty bad. Our server was mediocre at best. The food was terrible. For example: We ordered the chip and dip, one of the dips was supposed to be queso. It was really just cheese wiz. It was awful. I got the shrimp tacos which were equally terrible. They were boring and the tortillas had the texture of having been microwaved. My mom's fish (fish and chips) looked terribly greasy the chips were cold. I guess this is a good place for a few beers and watch a game. To actually go for a meal, not so much.
(2)Danielle H.
This is a bar- not a sports bar. We went with best intentions - enjoy good wings & burgers. No dining area - only bar. Other reviews made it seem like a sports bar - it is NOT!! Also Not the best atmosphere with an 8 & 12 year old. ( drunk guy spouting profanity @ bar) My 12 year old enjoyed the wings. (Learned some new words ) my chicken cheeses steak was super spicy- did not expect that ! And not in a good way guess I should have stuck with a burger. All in all - not great but not terrible
(3)Joshua R.
Formerly "Dark Horse" this is a great spot in headhouse square to play some darts and chill out. It has 3 bar rooms across two floors, so definitely could be a cool place to reserve for office parties/meet a larger group.
(4)Rick B.
Cav's Headhouse is your run-of-the-mill sports bar. It's a good place to catch a game; plenty of TVs and never an overwhelmingly large crowd. The proximity to South Street helps keep the touristy crowd away, and you're more than likely to be surrounded by people that are there for the same reason. The dimly lit bar upstairs creates a fitting atmosphere to relax with friends while enjoying a few drinks. I haven't gotten the chance to try any of the food there, but Cav's does have a pretty decent drink selection, all for a reasonable price. The establishment has a few different bars, or rooms, throughout the building with a different theme. It's not a place I make a habit of going to often, but I've always liked the laid back nature of Society Hill. For the proverbial weekend warrior, I would aim somewhere closer to South St for bigger crowds and a more active nightlife. Otherwise, I think Cav's Headhouse is great for someone looking for a bit of midweek relaxation.
(3)Gia M.
I rolled into Cavanaugh's late on a Tuesday because my friend and I were dying for a bathroom. We grabbed drinks and took care of business, lingering for about 45 minutes. Even though it was Tuesday and the place was pretty dead, there was a lively crowd of fantasy drafters crowded around the TV in the front room. Probably the biggest thing that this Cavanaugh's has going for it is the size. The many different bars and rooms on multiple levels means that you can find a room that works for you and your friends, but still feel like you're in a tiny neighborhood hole in the wall. Drinks specials and food ostensibly don't seem much different than when this bar was Dark Horse, but there were a surprising amount of craft brews on the list, so that was pleasant to see! (I expected it to have a much more limited selection.) I miss Dark Horse (token whine here), but the bones and general decor are still there, so Cavanaugh's is definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a fun place to watch a game, especially if you like when the crowd is involved and enthusiastic.
(3)Michelle R.
5 stars for Lucas, our bartender! I attended a private party at Cavanaugh's Headhouse Square last Saturday, and everyone at the party noted how great he was. Super friendly & attentive! By the time the party "ended" at 11pm, everyone was having so much fun, we stayed at the bar with Lucas until the bar closed around 2am. I could not say enough nice things about him. Not only was the space we had reserved perfect for our party size, and the beers & drinks offered were varied/ plentiful, but Lucas really made the experience at Cavanaugh's exceptional.
(5)Justin M.
A little confused when you walk in. Stairs are straight ahead of you and a small small bar with 4 tables are to your left which is what we walked into. Came here on a Sunday around 4:30 and was completely empty. This might be an unfair review but all the bar's taps were broke so automatically down a star for me. If you go upstairs to the rest room, there is another bar as well as what looks like a full restaurant. I came here years ago but did not realize it was the same place because we have only been upstairs. Anyway, besides the beer mishap we ordered a Philly cheese steak w fries which no complaints. The Chorizo burger that has a fried egg on top, the best dish of the meal. The California chicken sandwich w pesto which was good just the chicken was over cooked and dry so thankfully the avocado and pesto helped with that. Big portions so you get your money's worth. Bartender was really good making sure everything was ok and when we asked to turn on the hockey game on a tv, he turned all the tvs onto the game because we were the only people in the bar.
(3)Alyssa R.
Had a reunion here last night. Pretty solid typical sports bar. Drinks wavered some did not really taste like there was much alcohol in them, others were strong. It was mostly filled with our group so I cannot comment on what it is like on a normal night. But I would definitely go back sometime. It is pretty big with a bar downstairs and one upstairs.
(3)Jessica S.
I came here with a group of friends on Thanksgiving. We were happily surprised that the bar was open, since most were closed in the city and we had been hanging out a block away at my friends' place. We went upstairs and immediately found a place at the bar to get drinks. The bar was dimly lit, there was a group of people playing pong, the music was great.. overall, a nice atmosphere to unwind on a holiday night. The bartender/manager Jake was friendly and gave us hefty drinks for a good price. I had a vodka soda and my friends got a mix of beers. They had a variety of beers on tap and they were all pleased with the selection. The whole bar was singing along to the music and it was just a great vibe! We will definitely be back!
(5)Truth B Told R.
I want to like this place more since I live across the street and they are on the brink of 4 or 5 start with just a few improvements. Love the create your own salad addition to the menu, but hey throw in an extra handful of greens to make it an entree salad. The topping quantities are great, but the greens are missing. Entree salads should be huge and should take a bit of prep before eating. The food is good, but the wow factor is missing and that makes this just another local tavern with good food.
(3)Kristina C.
Sooo many gluten free options!! Stella Cider, Woodchuck Pink, Angry Orchard Cinnful Apple, Estrella Daura...I'm in Gluten Free heaven! Came to Cavanaugh's for a yelp elite event a couple months ago...LOVE IT! So when we were looking for places to watch the Eagels playoff game, of course we wanted to come back. The decor is excellent, there are tons of seating options, lots of tables and room to bring a group...it's great! They have so many screens that really no matter where you sit, your gonna see the game. Their food is all great, we had the wings, nacho's, steak, guacamole, and fries. All of the food came out great and hot even though they were totally slammed. They also have lots of game day drink and food specials and a great happy hour as well. The drinks during this playoff game were a little different...their taps froze so no draft Lager, the servers were so slammed so it seemed really understaffed for a playoff game. There were multiple times that our table sat for at least 10 minutes with all 6 of us totally dry on drinks, and we didn't all finish our drinks at the same time.
(4)Michael P.
Every time I go here, I miss the Dark Horse. It's funny, the last year or two of the Dark Horse showed a clear downhill slide, and the Cavanaugh's team has done a pretty good job cleaning up and improving the bars inside, but still, it just feels bro-ier and more generic now. The space hasn't really changed. The ground floor bar is still deceptively small and quiet, with the real activity in the main bar upstairs down a long hallway. There are more TVs than before, filling in some gaps where no TVs could be seen from the bar stools. The tap list isn't really improved either. The dining room and whisky bar seem to be in better shape now. The food is pretty generic sports bar fare now, and on a busy night you're likely to get a plastic cup instead of a proper English pint. It's still a decent place to watch sports, but it's just another face in the crowd, instead of having a real identity.
(3)Val R.
Headed here before seeing a show at the TLA. I picked this place based on the Yelp reviews I read and the location being with in walking distance of the venue. First of all, this place is huge. We walked in, went up steps, there are rooms to the right and left and then more steps and another little bar room. That is where we sat. The bartender, Pat, was super awesome and had great sexy hair!! ;-) He was attentive and friendly and offered samples of beer to one of the people I was with. The food was brought out hot as well. I did originally order something that was forgotten about, but it was ok bc it would have been a waste since I was stuffed and couldn't finish what was actually brought out correctly. We ordered the hummus plate. That was fantastic. I loved it. The fresh, warm pita bread was awesome. We ordered mac and cheese, and fried pickles as well. All of that was off the pub menu which was half price! #winning! The other girls got burgers, which they loved. They came with Cavanaughs Sauce. Basically a homemade, spicy bbq sauce. Had lots of kick and was delish! Glad we went!
(4)Robbie K.
Probably would recommend the food, but not the delivery. The food took over 90 minutes to arrive and was very cold. The food itself tasted ok but as previously mentioned, it was cold. Instead of receiving bbq sauce with their chicken tenders, I received chocolate sauce. I don't understand why they would do that.
(1)Christina H.
Went there for a game watch. The bartender was AMAZING and had your next drink in hand before you asked for it. The nachos were sup bar and topped with cheese wiz for the most part. The burger wasn't done exactly to my boyfriend's liking and the beet salad was actually the best part. I don't feel like I need to go back.
(3)Eunice L.
Not a bad place to watch sports and drink some beer. Its your average bar with few nice choices of beer and food.
(3)Carla T.
Bartenders are friendly and willing to offer suggestions on food and beverages. Although this may seem like an obvious characteristic of bartenders, it's not seen at all places! They have a good beer selection and although I didn't get any food, the menu looked really appetizing. There's an outdoor space that looked really pretty, I plan on checking that out next time.
(4)Elaine M.
Ah the smell of stale beer soaked wood floors... I thought I left you in my college house?! This place looks exactly the same as it did when it was Dark Horse. It is like a maze, with uneven floors and random steps. I believe I counted 6 rooms upstairs. I could see this place being a nightmare to navigate on a crowded weekend night, and I imagine you could lose your friends quickly. On the bright side, they have a decent selection of draft beers and our bartender was great. I only sampled a few bar apps, but the food seems about on par with the Dark Horse cuisine as well. It is nothing special and typical bar fare. I wouldn't really recommend going here for anything other than beer, if you can get over the smell and dated decor, it could be a nice pre-game spot. When it was Dark Horse, it attracted a huge soccer crowd, I imagine that is still the case.
(2)Marissa R.
I just visited this Cavanaugh's, and was really happily surprised by what they did with the recent renovations from the old Dark Horse into the 4th Cav's in the city. This location meets their need to spread out one more time too - from University City to Rittenhouse to Penn's Landing and now to Headhouse. They've managed to preserve the old, dark, wooden, cozy feel of the historic pub(s) prior and update it with some modern touches. On the night I visited, there was even a bonfire out front on the side walk - welcoming guests into the watering hole. The upstairs area seems like a maze - you can hop from bar to bar and experience a different feel in each spot. In usual Cav's style - there are plenty of TV's all over so you can still catch any of your favorite sporting events. I think they have good drink specials on most days - so it's not too pricy to eat/drink here. Finally, the servers and management were all really friendly and accomodating and made you feel like a respected guest in their establishment.
(5)Tara G.
I was here for the first time last Thursday for a Brew & Chew event, and I really enjoyed myself. First of all, this place is way bigger than it looks from the outside. And it's not just one bar, it's a whole bunch of little bars in this neat little maze- sort of like a fun house, but with bars. The food was good. I also appreciated how accommodating they were to my food allergy by making me an item different from the one on the already set menu for the event. As always, the beers they featured were of course delicious. The staff I encountered here were all very pleasant and professional. I will definitely plan on coming to more Brew & Chews here as well as stopping in for a drink when I'm in the neighborhood.
(4)Adam K.
Stopped in for a few drinks and had a good time. Good selection of beers on tap and prices were reasonable as well. Friendly service. Would definitely go back.
(4)Angela J.
A cozy little sports bar in Headhouse Square, a great place to get fried pickles, and a funny place to send your friends to meet you at if they've never been there before. "Hey, I'm upstairs" doesn't begin to help them figure out WHICH room upstairs you're exactly in! Are you in the whiskey room? Hmm, that place looks too small.... Are you in the wine room? Hmmm, well, it's almost empty in there right now... What about the back room? It looks like everyone knows each other in THAT room...let's go back towards the front... Well, you can see how it goes. Lots of little rooms in a VERY old building makes this one of the most unique bars I've ever been to. Oh, and they also have funnel cake fries. Yes, french fries made of funnel cake batter. Yes, it's worth it. I love the little outdoor seating area too, with the table that has a firepit in the middle...so fun!
(3)Laura K.
I've been here several times to watch football and soccer games with my friends and I was always impressed how friendly and helpful the staff is- which is not always the case in a busy sports bar so I decided to throw my birthday party here. We had a private event on one of the worst weather days of the year so many of the expected guests could not make it but no matter- Amanda , the event coordinator, was lovely and not at all flustered by the change in numbers nor were we threatened with having to pay for the people who were unable to make it. She was extremely understanding of the situation and even stopped in to see how everything was going. A+. The bartender (I wish I could remember his name) was phenomenal- could mix drinks that I've never even heard of for my friends without their explanations needed. He was very upbeat and chatty. Everything you want in a bartender for an event like this. It was a wonderful time and we are already debating throwing another event there when the weather is nicer. The venue was great and we were allowed to decorate earlier in the day for the event. Absolutely recommend this place and will be back.
(5)Vinny P.
Just like Fawkes rising from the ashes in Dumbledore's office, Cav's Headhouse has risen from the ashes of the once massive establishment known as the Dark Horse but they are distinguishing themselves well so far. We stopped in for the first Sunday of football and were able to grab a room with 3 televisions all showing different games. Beer specials were not fantastic but I was more there for the feel of it and the wings. Speaking of the wings, I'm wondering if the "Hot" are hotter than the "3rd Degree" because my buddy and I split the 3rd Degree wings and we were pretty sure it was just sweet chili sauce. Food aside, the bar staff was nice, treated us well and was very involved in the games. They even had a staff suicide pool going which made it fun because there was interest in so many games that day. The room we were in (side bar, upstairs) had a ton of natural light and the temp/crowd was excellent for watching the games. I think they've got a little ways to go but I see potential here. Cavs Headhouse is massive and it must be difficult to assume a spot with so many individual bars. Still it seems like they get their ish together and this could be a good destination for sports and general shenanigans.
(3)Michael A.
Came by here for a Yelp event and was blown away. The upstairs had more rooms than I could count, each with its own unique theme! Want to stop by the tap room, the wine room, or the whiskey room? Oh, there's also a sports bar area, or more of a lounge if that's what you're feeling. The beer selection was great, and the appetizers were delicious, too, ranging from shrimp to wings to nachos and hummus. Honestly, I had no idea there was such a find in the area, and I can't wait to head back.
(4)Mallory D.
After pilfering free food and booze at a yelp event I decided to check out Cavanaugh's as a paying customer. This is a super cool hangout in a fun area of town, and in my estimation, free of the douchey vibe found at most other trendy drinking establishments. I really like how each room has their own thing going on. My favorite is the main sports bar type area upstairs. Besides the ample seating and big screen tvs, it also features my new favorite drink in town, the smoking bishop. It is basically a mulled sangria with strong cloves and cinnamon flavors. Smoking bishop and the flyers game on the big screen is my new favorite way to spend my night in Philly.
(5)Parker S.
I stopped in because I had an old WMMR Deal of the Day coupon. When I first walked in I was thrown off because the place is chopped up in an odd way. There is a small bar when you first walk in, and then a dining room and a second bar upstairs. I walked upstairs, but as it was a weekday it seems that only the small bar near the entrance was open. This is first section is very small, probably 800sq ft, but it wasn't crowded so we grabbed a high top table and ordered some drinks. The beer selection was weak compared to most Philly bars. There were about 5 beers on tap with Dogfish 60 Minute being the most exotic, but their Tuesday special was $4 Dogfish which is a good deal so that was cool. The bartender was a very friendly girl that was upbeat and made the place fun. A young newly engaged couple came in and the bartender bought them and us a round of shots to celebrate. We ordered our food which was really the highlight of the place. I had the shepards pie, which was really good. My wife had a chicken/pesto/avocado sandwich which was really good too. We also shared an order of cheesesteak spring rolls with their Cavanaugh's sauce. The sauce was awesome, and I'm pretty sure it was a mix of sweet and sour sauce and buffalo sauce. The food prices were reasonable for the quality and the beer special was a good deal. Overall, I was really impressed with this place. Without the coupon I probably would have never come here, but I had a good time and really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. I would not hesitate to come back and certainly will. It is one of the best irish pubs I've been to in the city.
(4)Leo I.
Not a bad spot to watch a game. Several different mini bars throughout the complex. The food was pretty typical bar food though. Some cheap drink specials during football games and plenty of TVs to keep me up to date on what's happening during football season!
(4)Mark Z.
I always went here when it was Dark Horse, but this place is still pretty rad. It is a labyrinth of four different bars and they have a very good draft list, as well as bottles. Big shout out to the bartender Yoshi for having fun with my friends and I!
(5)E M.
Stopped in to just grab a quick drink with a buddy after work and wound up staying, longer than we should have but time flys when your having fun! The place looks tiny but it's not. There had to be at least four bars, and each one had it's own style and atmosphere. Friday night's happy hour included specials on drinks and food. We loaded up on wings( Cavs sauce, of course), pierogies, and nachos. All were amazing! You NEED to try that Cav's sauce trust me. The service was A+! The bartenders were friendly and very attentive to us. They would ask if you'd like another when your almost finished so you never ran dry. Very clutch. Last thing I remember from that night was the Whiskey List. It's a little blurry but I recall it being ridiculous. I tried one, I tried 2, and we got pretty awesome that night.
(5)Jamie D.
I didn't know that this place existed until a friend and I were on the lookout for a decent bar to get a decently-priced drink on a Friday night. I was surprised to see a completely empty bar on a Friday night but glad because it felt like a well-kept secret. I usually stay out of Olde City because the bars always seem to be so crowded! This place has two stories and would probably be very crazy if it got packed. We sat down and ordered some stuff and the bartender was really nice about letting us transfer outside when a table opened up. I've gotta say that I really love the outdoor seating in this place! People tend to bring their dogs here and that's something I definitely enjoy! One person's dog was so friendly that he was allowed to go to every table and just be loved on. If you're a dog person this is probably a great spot for you (as long as you have a social dog that is) We split the appetizer platter which was delicious and split some good beers. They weren't overly-priced at all and everything was fresh and delicious. I'll definitely be back to this place for happy hour or a drink or two before First Friday!
(4)Daniel S.
The food is so much better than I'd expect from a bar. I love their tater tots, and I don't even like tater tots. When there's live music, it actually sounds like a professional studio recording, and when the music isn't live, I'm consistently amazed with the quality of the selections. The bartender is a sprightly personification of infectious joy.
(5)Brian H.
Stopped in to catch the Bears vs. Lions this past Sunday. Found this place via Yelp and saw there was a 10% off coupon as well, which we used. The staff here were friendly and the drinks were fine, and reasonably priced. Only thing that wasn't ideal was that our game was only on one screen in the whole place. They offered to put it on downstairs but the bartender couldn't figure out how to punch up DirecTV there. So we had to squeeze into a corner of the upstairs room in order to see our screen. Ideally a sports bar would have better sightlines and a different configuration to maximize viewing, but aside from that, I'd come back, especially if we got there earlier and could get a better vantage point, or if we were coming for an event that more people wanted to see.
(4)John Q.
I came here for their Grand Opening event on a Friday. They were offering a complimentary 2 hour open bar and a food buffet so I expected a lot of people. Surprisingly we only waited in line to get in for about 5 minutes. Once we got inside it didn't seem too crowded because there were so many different rooms and bars so everyone was able to spread out. I liked the fact that there was a room downstairs and 4 different rooms upstairs because it made getting a drink at the bar much easier. The inside looks the same as the Dark Horse Pub which preceded Cavanaugh's Headhouse Square in this space- they didn't make many changes. There are better bars in Philly that I prefer over this place but it's not a terrible place to get together with friends to watch a game. There are plenty of TVs and space to spread out.
(3)Carl S.
I was meeting some friends here earlier and the second I walked in the door I received this welcoming "Hello, how are you?" from the bartender, Taylor. She was an absolute delight. She recommended the Smoking Bishop. It's a warm drink that has two different kinds of wines and a ton of spices. It was very rich in flavor. I ordered the cheese steak spring rolls and when they came out, I ordered them again. They might be the greatest appetizer ever invented. We hung out for a few hours, met a few regulars and shot some darts. It was a great time, and I'm looking forward to coming back in the near future.
(5)Mary D.
ate outside for brunch. for the price of my meal, i could definitely get a better brunch in this city. will have to go back to experience the bar scene and lunch/dinner meals
(2)Meredith K.
On Saturday, we through a wake party for a former regular of this establishment. He knew it as the Dark Horse, and it changed over to Cavanaugh's after he passed. The entire staff collectively made our party on Saturday go so well and smooth. Everyone was SO nice throughout the night. They took care of everything for us, and we didn't have to worry about a thing. The food was great, the bartender Jake was amazing and super sweet to everyone, everyone kept asking me if everything was ok - did we need anything? It was just awesome. There were so many compliments about how nice the party was - for such an emotionally charged event, it was a relief to know everything was just simply taken care of. And all of their customer service from the planning stages until the end of the party was outstanding. (We held the party in the Dining Room, which is a wonderful atmosphere to throw a party - it comfortably held 60-70, and could have held many more) I highly recommend this place for any party!!
(5)