4. Restaurants

The Twisted Tail

509 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA, 19147
  • (215) 558-2471
  • Store is closed

The Twisted Tail Menu

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  • Rissa V.

    This is strictly for drinks since I haven't had a meal here. Ok, well their seasoned popcorn bar snack is really delicious. Although one time they didn't serve it even after a few drinks. They haven't gone wrong with any of their specialty cocktails yet. I enjoy coming here with friends, and had a great time listening to live music too. Mia Johnson downstairs, and some electric blues band was playing the other night on Saturday upstairs. This place keeps it classy despite being in the near vicinity of South Street mayhem on the weekends.

    (4)

  • Kimberly B.

    I come here for a cocktail kind of often because it's right outside of my apartment. I like it alright, but my boyfriend hates it. I've tried some of the food, and it's totally up my alley because I love cheese, and I love comfort foods. Also, if you sit at the bar, they have really bomb popcorn. They have expertly crafted drinks, and that's really what I look for in a place where I'm about to drop $10 or more on a cocktail. But see, I like vodka martinis and this place is more of a whiskey joint. But I don't even care because I know they can make a martini correctly, and that's what's important to me. The reason my boyfriend hates it and why I just say I like it alright despite the good food and drink is that they can seem kind of like jerks. The bartenders almost seem to roll their eyes at me when I order a drink. I used to be a bartender...I get it. It's annoying that someone might order vodka in a whiskey bar, but dude, dial back the attitude. Plus, with the regularity that I come in and the fact that we aren't bad tippers or assholes, you'd think they could stand to be a little friendlier. So, meh, this gets a 4 for quality but with serious reservations because of the weird service.

    (4)

  • Mario N.

    I have not eaten at this place yet but the food looks great. The beer list is always great and the mixed drinks are top notch. I asked for a Manhattan with Dads Hat Rye and they had 4 different verities. You have to love a well stocked bar that takes making drinks serious. On Saturday night they had a blues band upstairs so it was a great time. I gotta come back and try the food...

    (4)

  • Alysha L.

    First time here and have had a great time!! Joe was super helpful on our wine selection and service. I will most definitely be coming back!

    (5)

  • Danita R.

    Kids. You can definitely get twisted up in this piece in the very best of ways. Magnificent cocktails. I'd been a-hankering to go to this place for about 9 months before I finally convinced a few work chums to head on down. Now they're hooked! Holla! Whenever and whatever infusion cocktails they might be offering, you should try the flight. It's a delightfully, heady, generously poured surprise. Example: Gin and I ain't exactly copacetic. It usually treats me like the bastard child out of Carolina, but I had a champagne, St. Germain infused gin-based cocktail up in here and chirren! Slurped it all the way down and woke up the next day feelin' alright, unh hunh. That never happens with gin. Usually I never fall asleep until 1 hour before I'm s'posed to get up and then it looks like I went 17 rounds with a porcelain ringmaster (and the big bowl won). That cocktail was deftly concocted. So, so deftly. The other 2 in my flight were bourbon and tequila based, and both of those rock me in the cradle of love. They were sublime. The atmosphere is terrific. It's got the juke joint vibe thanks to all the hardwoods and swanky, lowly lit lighting, but it's sturdier than any place Shug Avery ever sang :) Fried chicken in a bag. Get ready for the new finger-lickin' goodness. And the pork cracklin's! Oooh wee. And you thought pop rocks effects were the most fun! Honestly, everything I ate and drank was divine and the service was the right amount of downhome sweet and attentive that I usually tend to expect when I'm back home in the South. I love this place. Lookin' to head back on a Friday so I can get that 1 burger, 1 bourbon, 1 beer thing a-going.

    (5)

  • Terri L.

    Had wanted to dine here for sometime, great recommendations from friends. Finally joined a friend to dine... Great Price Fix of four courses. We al ordered differently to share the experience... Sorry to say there were major problems on all courses... Undercooked seafood, fruits and the cauliflower steak basically "fresh" ly cut... Not cooked. Poached "hard as rock peaches". Great menu, venue and service ... Great vibe ! Seriously disappointed...

    (2)

  • Sarah G.

    Somehow this spot manages to be both trendy and old-timey with their decor and I loved it! It felt nice and warm on this particularly cold February day. Mostly we were just killing time by coming in here but decided on sharing the crawfish mac&cheese which was soooo good. Creamy with a nice bread crumb crumble on top. Not a ton of crawfish to be found but very tasty. I had a dark cider which is one of the most interesting I've ever tasted. As much as I love a good angry orchard, it's nice to see something different on tap! The bartender was pleasant and able to answer any questions I had. I'd love to come back to this area in the nicer weather and definitely see what else they have on tap!

    (4)

  • Rick B.

    I just finished an intense 3 day google search of "how to tell mom you're not moving back home," and I'm ready to write my review of The Twisted Tail. I'm not kidding. After eating there, I am: 1) sending my landlord a fruit basket for letting me rent so close, and 2) kicking myself for going so long without trying The Twisted Tail (TTT). Enter Restaurant Week. I call it another way to drain the bank account. My girlfriend (most likely) calls it an excuse to get out of meatloaf and pasta at my drafty apartment. Either way, we agreed a short walk and a good meal would be the perfect solution to our Tuesday bluesday. After months of passing TTT on my way to CVS in head to toe sweats, my lady thew a nice shirt on me and booted me out of the door. Immediate good vibes the second we walked in. TTT had the dimly-lit, live-music atmosphere we were looking for. Nicki or Vicki (?) was a fantastic guitarist and singer, and played songs from the late 90s/early 2000s. We were later told that TTT has live music every night except Monday. I felt weird clapping from the back corner, unable to see her play. But go ahead, Nicki or Vicki. Do your thing. We decided on the $35 four-course meals. One dish each from the appetizer, charcoal grill, entree, and dessert lists. I think names like good lord, marry me, never leave me, and die with me would be more fitting for the list names, but hey, that's just my opinion. Between the shishito peppers, pulled pork empanada, glazed salmon, and brownies with ice cream, I still can't decide which dish was my favorite. As if picking "last meal on earth" for my Yelp profile wasn't hard enough... Another thing worth noting was our complimentary roasted cauliflower dish. While we were enjoying our charcoal grill items, the manager came over and apologized for their slow(??) service. I know some chain restaurants more or less throw your entree in your lap before you've taken one bite of your appetizer, but jeez. I didn't think we waited long at all! And free or not, the cauliflower was delicious. Allow me to talk about their service. Our server, Olive, was incredibly attentive and pleasantly knowledgeable. I fancy myself a whiskey drinker, but I learned a few things at TTT before leaving. Great job by management to have such a helpful and intelligent(!) staff. Towards the end of our meal, she even had a small conversation with us about the history of the restaurant and their plans for the future. Believe me, Olive my friends are going to hear about how awesome TTT is. I cannot, cannot, CANNOT wait to come back. Sorry mom, we had a good run.

    (5)

  • Sari A.

    It's cold outside!!! So we decided to try some Southern-inspired food at Headhouse square. And as soon as we entered this casual and warm restaurant, a welcoming host walked us to our table and Ciro-our server greet us, told us about the specials and kept our glass full the entire night after he took our order. We started off with the charcoal grilled shrimp with creamy Avocado, and pink grapefruit appetizer which was ok. We continued with a mouthwatering yellow tail Ceviche and a" bland "wagyu beef tartare and not as sophisticated as I expected. For our main entrees we got the grilled flatiron steak, It wasn't the best I've ever had. Dry, flavorless and extremely salty! Now being a huge fan of beignets I had to get them for desserts. A set of three Ricotta Beignets with bourbon caramel sauce came greasy and not that crispy, too dense to be enjoyable. However, my friend got a tart with coconut ice cream, and that was to die for, like a party in my mouth. Friendly staff, great service, pleasant atmosphere, and over price for the portion they serve. Meh!!! I'm not wild about the place! Four Yelps!

    (3)

  • Kathleen D.

    Few things can make me more happy than a heaping bag of fried chicken. At least when it comes to dinner entrees. The Twisted Tail's take was pretty good, but the standout for me was the side of fries. They were gone faster than the meat. Interesting sauce options, too. I was led to this Southern fare while out on a post-Christmas outing with my mom. She struggled with the menu -- and asked our incredibly-patient servers (2) many, many questions -- but eventually settled on a fish (trout?) that she liked. While TTT might not be at the top of my list for another sit-down meal due to average food overall and semi-high prices, I would absolutely love to head back for the bar seating/happy hour sometime. That space seemed to be more up my alley, and the beer list was great.

    (4)

  • Nick W.

    This place is great! The drinks are good and the people are great. The atmosphere is terrific and so is their drink selection. I didn't have the time to get any food there but the popcorn they gave us was amazing.

    (4)

  • Jenny K.

    The management and staff at Twisted Tail is AMAZING! I came back after my first time and everything was flawless. I started with Duck Nuggets, Octopus and the Quail. Duck Nuggets: Apparently, it's a new item on the menu and the combination of flavors was incredible. The duck was moist and perfect while the outside fried layer was perfectly crispy. There were pickled fruits and vegetables on the plate that complimented the fried duck to the T where it wasn't greasy and I wanted MORE! Octopus: Perfectly charred and the potatoes that went with it were the perfect sidepiece Main Course: My boyfriend got the wild boar papparadelle and I got the wagyu beef steak which was THE BEST steak I've had in while. The mashed potatoes were amazing, probably best mashed potatoes I've ever had. The papparadelle was a little undercooked but my boyfriend liked it just the way it was so to each his own! I recommend the wagyu beef steak if you're a huge meat eater, The steak was the perfect medium steak Pecan Pie here is the best Pecan Pie I've ever had. You need it, you'll love it and you'll thank me.

    (5)

  • Sara M.

    I went to the Twisted Tail for drinks and a Paint Nite with my co-workers last night, and was impressed! This was a place I have passed many times but for whatever reason haven't gone into before. When we arrived (a group of 3), we sat at chairs at the bar with 4-5 other patrons. We were served quickly and took advantage of their daily happy hour specials, ordering a $3 Abita Lager, and $4 house wines. They didn't have any food specials, but we spent the money for the cheese plate (they had 4/7 options available so we got the three cheese platter) and an order of fries. We were served delicious complimentary popcorn cooked with brown butter, truffle oil, and salt-seriously delish. The food was good and moderately priced, and the server was attentive. I haven't given it 5 stars because it actually took a REALLY long time to get out food, despite the bartender being attentive to our drinks. The ambience and decor really give this place the feel of a bourbon joint, and I would definitely go back!

    (4)

  • Laura R.

    Very nice romantic chill setting. Beautiful decor. Spacious seating. They offer chairs with backs if you don't want to sit on the ottoman. I came here back in November so I can't remember the name of the drink that I loved so much. I think it was bourbon with cinnamon and ginger. What ever it was it was strong as hell, my type of drink! Had to have another. I had the Maryland Crab Cakes and the Crawfish Mac and Cheese. Damn, damn, damn, finger linking good. My friend had the Grilled Shrimp, Brussel Sprouts (infused with bacon) and Corn bread in a skillet. My bff had the chicken in a bag. The only one complaint I remember is the Brussel Sprouts. My friends don't eat pork. Not sure if it said on the menu or not that it was infused in bacon but thankfully no one got sick. Will come back the next time I'm in town.

    (5)

  • Mark Z.

    Damn fine place for food and beer! As soon as I walked in it had this very casual/laid back feel to it, but still felt classy. Our server was a friendly guy and was able to answer our questions on the menu. They have a great bottle list and a decent tap list, also tons of good whiskey. The food was very good, and I am glad I gotten to eat here. The crispy pig ears wit the aioli was amazing and my Red Drum was so good with that great crispy skin! I defiantly would love to return here for dinner and have some whiskey cocktails!

    (5)

  • Shane J.

    I went to the Twisted Tail after hitting a few other places earlier in the evening. I was having a cool evening with friends and we happy to find this cool place to bring our night to a close. It was super crowded, but we hung out and stood real close to a few people sitting at the bar and they finally got the hint and we grabbed their seats....LOL Although it was busy, the bar keep and was patient and friendly. I enjoyed the energy of the patrons and I think it was because it was different age groups here and that was a nice balance. We ordered some appetizers and drinks and both we pretty good. I had the lamb meatballs and friends had the cheese plate. I would go back to really enjoy the atmosphere when it is less crowded. I also like the neighborhood.

    (4)

  • Shannon L.

    Came here last night with some friends for the live jazz. Started with a basil lemonade to hold me over til the bar crowd moved out. The drink was light And refreshing. Once we finally got seats we inhaled the popcorn. (Ask for it, it's addicting) had the chicken wings which were sweet and hot and cooked to perfection. Nice juicy and large wings. The sazarac was perfect for sipping. Overall great food, great drinks and a great atmosphere upstairs at the bar.

    (4)

  • Kelli B.

    Amazing brunch! Awesome Sunday mimosa deal for $18. I would recommend trying the duck pastrami and lamb bacon Benedict. The 4 dipping sauces were delish

    (4)

  • Jess D.

    Pros: Great live music, Cool Ambiance & Decor, Shuffleboard Cons: Rude Bartenders, Can get super crowded I wouldn't recommend coming here with a large party (more than 5 people) as it can get packed and hard to get a drink. The bartenders upstairs are super snotty and rude which is a shame because their drinks are pretty good. I love the decor and the live music here but come with low expectations on the service and expect crowds!

    (3)

  • Jenny M.

    My boyfriend lives a few blocks from The Twisted Tail, and every time we walk by we check out the menu and say we are gonna go. So when hesaw them listed for Restaurant Week, he made a reservation for 8 PM on a Tuesday night. For $35 we were promised 4 delicious courses: an appetizer, something from the charcoal grill, an entree, and dessert. The Twisted Tail was not crowded, and we walked into live music. Apparently The Twisted Tail has live music every night except Mondays. The downstairs was pretty big, and is split into two dining sections with a bar connecting each. After quickly placing our order, we were brought the most delicious popcorn I've ever had to snack on before our meals came. I wish they would package it up and sell it! To go along with our meals, we ordered the infusion flight for $15. Together we split three mini drinks, each more delicious than the next. It was the perfect way to try something I never would have ordered. The blueberry infusion was killer. First came out the Charcoal Grilled food, we ordered King Oyster Mushrooms and Shishito Peppers. Both dishes were delicious. The Shishito Peppers were a simple dish, I expected them to be spicy- luckily they were not. The King Oyster Mushrooms were super meaty and full of flavor. Next we received our appetizers, Country BBQ Spare Ribs and Pulled Pork Empanadas. The Ribs were my favorite part of the meal, the meat fell right off the bone. I will be coming back for them. The Empanada was also delicious. We cleaned the plates. We had a hard time picking out our entrees, and everything looked delicious. We ended up going with the Grilled Flatiron Steak and the BBQ Glazed Salmon. Both were 5 star entrees and I really want to come back to try the Braised Short Ribs and the Crab Cakes. We finished off our meal the Dark Chocolate Brownie and the Apple Cobbler- both baked to perfection and the perfect way to end a great meal. Not only was the food delicious, but the staff was amazing and super professional. We sat in Olive's section and she was great, very attentive. Overall The Twisted Tail provided a fine dining experience in a casual environment.

    (5)

  • Claudia L.

    What a Wonderful Place This place has a great, cozy atmosphere. The bartenders are extremely nice and friendly. My group and I ordered the cheese plate, short ribs, veggie burger and duck. Everything was very good. My only negative comment is that the veggie burger was not seasoned well and was bland. However, the highlight was the roasted cauliflower. THAT was amazing!

    (4)

  • Ashley L.

    I can't believe I've only recently discovered this bar! From the outside it looks like your average sports bar, but the Twisted Tail is really unique from the other bars in the South Street area. The decor has a very warm and vintage feel. Downstairs has a large bar with plenty of tables. And the beer selection.. there's something for every craft drinker! Then there's the upstairs, which has another huge bar, seating and a game room. And when I went over the weekend there was also live music. Haven't tried the food yet, that will be over my next trip!

    (4)

  • Duane B.

    The atmosphere is very nice and the drink selection is great. But that is about all that is good. The food is average at best and a bit overpriced. Im actually surprised this place has stayed open as long as it has with so many better resturants in the area.

    (2)

  • Allen M.

    With an impressive selection of whiskies and spirits, The Twisted Tail SHOULD be an impressive bar...It SHOULD be exciting to experience the inspired decor and awesome live music...the bar SHOULD be an awesome place to be. But it's not. There are not enough bartenders and the ones behind the bar are not very attentive. They mess up drink orders and are slow as molasses. Once you have your drink...if you can get one...there are lots of things to do, play pool/shuffleboard in a room paneled with cowhide, or lounge by the fireplace. As long as you don't walk out before you get your drink, this place SHOULD be fun.

    (3)

  • Jillian L.

    We had dinner here last night and I was extremely impressed, as it exceeded my expectations from what looks like just another bar. But once you look at the menu, you realize this is more than just your average pub food. Tip: Do the 4 course tasting menu for $39. If you buy an entree and one other item, it's already paid for itself, what a great deal! There were 4 of us so we were able to try each others' dishes. I ordered the shrimp in the shell and the presentation was great but it was hard to get the shrimp out of the shells and it tasted a bit fishy. My friend ordered the octopus and I wish I had ordered that instead. It was cooked perfectly and had just the right amount of spices to give it some unique flavors but not too overpowering. I also liked the lamb meatballs, which came with a yogurt sauce so these reminded me of a greek dish. I do like the live music but we were with a group and wanted to talk to each other, so they seated us in the back corner and it was perfect!

    (4)

  • Juliana K.

    Good, but pricer than it should be. Service, from the host to waitstaff, was very friendly and attentive. Loved the cozy and festive decor. Spice apple cider was awesome! We were surprised the ham was more like prosciutto with slices of bread and mustard. We expected a ham steak for some reason. Haha. Crawfish mac and cheese was dry and not try cheesy. Little to no crawfish meat. Crab cakes was really good and full of lump crab meat. Sweet potato fries were great! My friend said the quail was good too. Overall, I expected bigger portions for the price. Though the service was great and food was good, the price just didn't match up.

    (3)

  • Dan S.

    I was invited by a friend to see a jazz band here a little while back. I didn't know anything about it but when I got there I was surely impressed. The Twisted Tail is a two story bar that's giving off that super hip vibe throughout. There is plenty of space, including many tables, a long bar, and some smaller tables near the stage. I like that the place was nice and busy but not overly crowded. I ordered drinks and food. The food was super delicious! I really enjoyed the mac and cheese and empanadas. The food is a bit pricey, but worth it if you don't mind splurging. They also have a great beer selection, something that I always look for in a good bar. On top of that, the band was great and I was happy to see them. Will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Ainsley A.

    Restaurant Week FTW! We didn't realize though that they offer a variation of restaurant week everyday- $40 for four courses and you can choose off of the entire menu! I wish we would have known! I made a reservation for a group of 8 and our table was ready for us as soon as we arrived. They were smart to put us in the back of the restaurant (we are an obnoxious bunch). The decor has a sexy southern vibe and the singer they had for the evening had the voice of an angel. The atmosphere was definitely what we were looking for. While waiting for the rest of our party, I ordered the Lynchburg Lemonade at the bar. This was easily one of the most drinkable and delectable Whiskey drinks I have ever tasted. Fresh basil, fresh lemonade and Tennessee Whiskey will make you wish summer is just starting and not ending. Since we were between so many of the items, my roommate and I devised a plan: we would order different things so we could try almost all of the menu items. Each dish kept getting more flavorful. The flavors were unique but provided a sense of familiarity due to the Southern Comfort type nature of the restaurant. Ill break our dinner down dish by dish so you know what to order in the future: Charcoal Grill: Clams with Lemon: pretty standard, but were fresh. 7/10 Veal Bacon: special for the night, they ran out of the Lamb Meatballs. The homemade bacon made of veal was delicious, complete with a mustard seed. 8/10 Appetizers: Beet Salad: adorable presentation, fresh and tasty beets, crunchy frisee and not overly dressed. 10/10 Crawfish Mac N' Cheese: unbelieveable. I'll leave it at that 10/10 Entrees: Crabcakes: tiny, but full of crab with little, to no filler. 10/10 taste, 8/10 for size Braised Short Rib: topped with an over easy egg, this savory dish was the clear cut winner of the night. The juices from the meat soaked the farro and the meat was so tender you didn't need a knife to cut through. 10/10 Dessert: Beignets: so. good. 10/10 Coconut Panna Cotta: reminded me of a coconut flan, resting on top of a dried pineapple ring. Creamy and rich- a perfect ending. 10/10

    (5)

  • Ray M.

    Eclectic food offerings and an extensive, but deliberate inventory of smooth libations.

    (4)

  • Seraphina F.

    The bartenders here are really knowledgeable. The food is delicious. I'm giving it a 4 because it's a little expensive and, sometimes, the bartenders can be a little slow.

    (4)

  • Naomi B.

    The crawfish mac and cheese makes me believe that there is such thing as falling in love, which is what I, and my friend exactly did once that dish arrived on our table. It was amazing. Comfort food is amazing, why do you think women love "The Notebook" for? It's because we can eat all the carbs we want, and cry over our love for Ryan Gosing's abs. I also ordered the Kale salad which was phenomenal, Blue Bay Mussels; and the wagyu beef tartare which just pulled everything together. The ambiance of the bar/restaurant alone makes you feel as if one travelled down South! I'm going to be a regular there from now on, it gives me a reason to be down South Street again. Staff wise, I feel ashamed that I forgot our server's name but he has a mustache; wears glasses, and was hilarious! Rather than allowing us to order drinks on the menu, he recommended me this amazing banana cocktail that was amazing enough to be considered dessert. Our hostess was such a darling too, smiling when we entered. "The Twisted Tail", you've earned a customer for life.

    (5)

  • Lynda Z.

    A couple friends from Lancaster were in town during beer week this week so we hit up The Twisted Tail for some grub. As we looked over the menu, a server brought out a battered chicken sandwich and a Cuban sandwich out to the people seated next to us. The chicken sandwich looked so good that I totally switched up my game. I was going to order the Twisted Brunch which was your standard Egg, potato, bacon and biscuit brunch plate. But, I gazed upon that battered chicken a promptly ordered one of those bad boys. My wifey ordered the Duck Pastrami sandwich and sweet potato fries and our friends ordered the chicken sandwich and a Cuban. The Cuban looked really good but was served with pig ear fries which turned me off. Pig ears are something I think of when I'm looking for a treat for my dog, not as a side with my sandwiches. But, that's my hang up, not everyone's. I'm just not an fan of offal or feet or ears etc. My friend didn't seem to mind as she munched away on them happily lol. My chicken sandwich was thick, battered chicken lightly fried and served on a Ciabatta roll with a thick, ripe slice of tomato, some romaine lettuce and some sort of dressing. I couldn't make out what type of dressing it was because it such a small amount. I added a bit of the chipotle ketchup which was much needed because the chicken turned out to be somewhat dry, chewy and sadly, absent of any kind of flavor. It LOOKED so delicious buy it was terribly bland. Even with the chipotle, it was just ok. It had such potential! Dammit! LOL anyway, my wife complained of the same problem with her duck, Bland, bland bland. The sweet potatoes must not have gone over too well either cause there was a ton of them left when we were done eating. The service was decent and the beer select was good. Not sure if I'd go back, but maybe if there was an event with a special tasting menu. We'll see.

    (3)

  • Alisa R.

    Peach wheat beer- go check it out! Now! Been there twice and came back for that beer. Also tried the green fried tomato BLT and it was delicious. For the most part, great service and atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Gia S.

    What happened to you Mac and cheese? I've been coming here for years and this year it has changed. Just not as good as it used to be. Love the thyme after thyme, it will always by my favorite drink in the city but your food has gone downhill the past few years.

    (2)

  • Micaela M.

    Live music. Darts. Shiner Bock on draft. If you're in the neighborhood before/ after dinner and looking for a good place to chill, I definitely recommend The Twisted Tail. The second floor is where you can find the fun - live blues band, larger bar, and a game room with darts, shuffleboard, two fireplaces, and cozy chairs. I expected this place to be a cramped and dirty bar, but instead it is a spacious bar/ restaurant. Also worth noting, the bathroom is really clean! Minus points for slow bar service. There were also long gaps in the music that were a little awkward. C'mon Twisted Tail, throw something, anything on at least while the band is taking a break or changing over. Otherwise, this was a fun spot.

    (3)

  • Vichet O.

    Two words: 5 for 15 beer can ice bucket late night happy hour special. Okay, that's not two words. Like, not even close. Way off. But it's because my brain broke from drinking 5 beers for 15 dollars. You try counting words accurately and writing un-awkwardly constructed sentences after that. Jerk. Anyway, this place is kind of awesome. They've got kickass beef jerky, made in house, and lots of neat bands and such come through and play upstairs. The crowd level is good - never packed to the gills in my experiences there, so there's room to mingle and dance, while at the same time having a good 'ole party atmosphere. Other than that, the place has bright, cheery bathrooms (a big plus for when you want to get hammered in comfort), and a really great atmosphere in general. But yeah, again - 5 beers for for 15 bucks. Doesn't get much better than that.

    (4)

  • Ryan M.

    I liked this place. The food was good and they have an awesome selection of cocktails and such to choose from. Is a good spot for seafood

    (5)

  • Margo K.

    I took my fiance here for this year's installment of "food and drink he loves for his birthday." Bourbon and BBQ are always a hit with him, and we had not yet been here. Our reservations were for 7pm on a Saturday. We arrived about 10 minutes early and were seated - we didn't need those reservations at all. The decor is homey, and the bar is a decent size. They have a good amount of *good* beer on tap, house-made infused spirits, and of course - a big 'n varied bourbon, whiskey, and scotch list (from which my fiance ordered quite a few things). Our server came, and while his presentation style went well with the restaurant, I could have done with less of it. Maybe if the place were full and lively, it would have received higher marks from me. I regret not having brought a bigger appetite - I only ordered cornbread and the barnegat scallop casoulet. I definitely should have gotten ribs or something instead! Twisted Tail was a hit with the fiance, which was indeed why we were there! He got to have a beer/scotch/bourbon flight, try a number of bourbons, some which the server recommended. He had the veal bacon, the pulled pork and cheddar empanadas, and chicken in a bag. I love a man who knows how to order the best things on the menu. I would like to come back to have a dinner do-over where I order the tuna tartare, chorizo taco, and braised short ribs. I need to check out the Juke Joint part of this establishment; I feel like I could really get into those vibes!

    (4)

  • Christopher C.

    My first time here, and I will come back. Down side: it appeals to a very specific demographic that may or may not like bourbon (I'm pretty sure that is the intended focus). The menu doesn't pair well. They put barbecue sauce on a few dishes and said "hey we're smoky like bourbon!" I'm not buying the concept. Up side: the food is good. It's prepared well. I had the soft shell crab. It was crispy yet dissolved in my mouth. There was a large party here that was loud. The way the bar was designed dampened the noise so there was no echo (I didn't even see any reverberation dampeners). I was a bartender for a very long time and I must say, they were very accommodating and friendly, not pretentious. Recap: Yes and No I appreciate the attention to detail when it came to my meal and bourbon, scotch, and beer, but I think a bourbon and beer spot should have a few more meat and potatoes items. Their ribs looked intriguing; and that's my next go around.

    (4)

  • Vanessa T.

    This is a review of the bar because I did not have a dinner here. I personally like the atmosphere here, it's rather spacious. I came here with my friends for drinks and started out at the bar downstairs. There's a good number of dining seats downstairs with an area for live performance. The night we walked in, we caught the end of some guy singing "wonderful tonight" with his guitar (originally by Eric Clapton), the old classics. He was really good, I would most definitely come back to just hear him sing. Our bartender was friendly and attentive, the night wasn't busy though. We then made our way upstairs. The room upstairs is fairly decent in size with a bar and a stage; however, it was pretty crowded. There are a few high top tables along the wall and in the back of the room. There was a live band performance that night, they were alright but makes for good atmosphere if you enjoy live music. I definitely enjoy this place for drinks. It's nice to be able to have space to move around and breathe rather than being pushed and shoved in a packed bar/club.

    (4)

  • Fam B.

    This is purely a review for the drinks and service. A group of us went on a Saturday night after an event, so it was a big group. The manager tried to accommodate and seat us at a place with a server. However, while waiting to be seated, a few of us explored the bar and found a really cool place upstairs with a shuffleboard table and comfy seating, so we decided to go there. The staff definitely was not happy with that and we could tell. It took about 45 minutes for us to get drinks and when we went to the bar, it wasn't any better. The bartenders were actually rude to us, as well. We definitely were not happy with our experience there and won't be returning anytime soon. I was only really happy about the shuffleboard, since it was my first time playing and didn't do too bad!

    (2)

  • Brian D.

    I went to Twisted Tail with my father. We were definitely not disappointed. We got the 4-course meal and loved every part of it. The specialty grill they used brought out some interesting flavors. The service was very good and attentive to our orders. The atmosphere was fun and different compared to the modern scene I've seen in many other restaurants in the city. I will definitely be coming back to this neighborhood treat.

    (5)

  • Bianca S.

    Favourite bar location in Philly. My boyfriend and I are regulars for the lunch menu and the Juke Joint. Awesome vibes, awesome bartenders, awesome bourbon. I could go on, but that pretty much sums it up. Oh, and they play Stevie Ray Vaughn as their hold music on the phone. If there were more stars, I'd give it to them.

    (5)

  • Kim L.

    I'm so happy I finally checked this place out! We came here after dinner for a few drinks, and I was impressed by the extensive and creative drink menu, live music, and awesome bartenders who really knew their stuff. It was refreshing to experience the type of service we did at a bar as busy as it was - our bartender really cared that we enjoyed our drinks and checked back on us frequently. The menu looked delicious so we'll definitely be back for dinner!

    (5)

  • Elva L.

    I need to come back for dinner, but I'm basically hooked and definitely a fan. We stopped in for brunch one Saturday. Started with a cheese plate, our choice of three. One of the cheeses we got was Hazen Blue, and it is still one of my favorites. I've got a few ounces sitting in my fridge right now! I couldn't pass them up when I spotted them at DiBruno Bros. The cuts are a little small compared to other cheese boards we've come across (Jamonera, Zavino etc), and the accompaniments were nothing too impressive. Since we didn't have a bad cheese, I would have to say their selection is redeeming. I ordered a crab benny because I'm obsessed with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce over anything. They gave me an unbelievable amount of sweetly fresh lump crab meat. I didn't come across even a trace of shells, so I have a lingering suspicion that it came from a can. Even if that were the case, they have a great source, and it was well prepared and well seasoned-- I have no complaints! They have an extension whiskey list. I wanted to try the Civil War flight, but we had already committed to a pitcher of red wine cooler, so I just blindly chose a whiskey featured in the flight. Big mistake. Elmer Lee tastes like the cherry pepto bismo pink soaps standard in a lot of restaurants and other public spaces, plus fire. I don't know what that is in technical, liquor note, terms-- dry? Spicy? Just imagine the smell of that liquid hand soap and a burning, stinging sensation from your tonsil to your upper stomach. You live and you learn, at least I lived.

    (4)

  • Rosy S.

    My husband really enjoyed this place. This was our first time in Philadelphia and would highly recommend this place to anyone. We were not disappointed with our food at all.

    (5)

  • Roger M.

    Made a reservation here for Thanksgiving about 2 weeks ago. Yesterday they called and left a message asking that I call back to confirm the reservation. When I called back, I was asked for a credit card to hold the reservation and that if I cancelled I would be charged the full amount of the reservation and issued a gift card in that amount. The best part was when I then said to cancel my reservation, the girl on the phone said "you mean you don't want to keep your reservation???" As though she was shocked and that how dare I cancel at this top notch restaurant. Absolutely rude and condescending. I have no problem using a credit card for a reservation. My problem is that this policy is nowhere on their website, and they all of a sudden need a credit card. In my opinion, they saw a demand for tables and decided to enact this policy. They waited until a week before Thanksgiving so that people would not have a choice. Well guess what - we do have a choice. I booked my table of 8 elsewhere, AND happily left a card number to confirm, because this was made known on the original reservation call. Bad business. Greed will get you nowhere.

    (1)

  • Di P.

    Came on a random Monday night with some friends and it was quiet, dark and chill. We sat at the bar and watched bartender carefully and skillfully make our cocktails, which were delicious. The cocktails were in the $11-14 range. We ordered a few sides that were delicious-- a whole cauliflower head that was deep fried and topped with ricotta cheese. Yum! The chorizo taco was also super good. Definitely wouldn't come here on a regular basis because it's a little pricey but their Happy Hour is what would pull me back: It's from 5-7 with a whiskey/bourbon, with draft and wine specials! yay!

    (4)

  • Kim M.

    I have been here twice now, both times only for drinks, and cannot find anything bad to say. It is a large space, very nice downstairs, with games and music upstairs on the weekends. They have a good beer selection and bartenders make some good mixed drinks, most involving whiskey. The staff has always been very friendly, and the prices are normal for a bar in the city. I would be interested to come back and try their food sometime soon.

    (3)

  • Rachel S.

    Just to preface - this is a Restaurant Week review. Pros: waitress was super knowledgeable about drinks. Hostesses were very friendly and accommodating. The food that we did receive was delicious (regardless if it was not what was advertised.) Ambiance is a lot of fun. Tried to make up for mishap. Cons: Our meal took 2 hours. Our waitress seemed overextended and stressed out. They ran out of 2 of the options from the Restaurant Week menu. The crawfish Mac and cheese that they are known for literally had a fingernails worth of crawfish compared to the pictures you see on here. Charged for sparkling water without letting us know. I would come back here potentially one more time to see if it were just a Restaurant Week issue but to be honest it's not ok to wimp out BECAUSE it's Restaurant Week which seems to be the trend. There are so many places that are doing food and service so top notch that it's hard to recommend but the ambiance here is fun and different. We'll try again.

    (3)

  • Ryan S.

    The food is great and the atmosphere is fantastic. You can trust any of the bartenders to make you an amazing and unique cocktail off the top of their heads. One of my favorite places to go for this reason. Their spirit collection is top notch, beer selection is pretty good and they have live music all the time!

    (5)

  • Pachandra O.

    Flat out wonderful. Everything we ordered was tasty, beautifully arranged, and fresh. My husband had the fried chicken and really liked it. It was tender, juicy, freshly fried, and served over a delicious bed of black eyed peas and rice. It was a tad spicy, but totally delicious! The corn was by far the best ever! It was absolutely perfect. Tender, flavorful, and dusted with cotija cheese. I had the flatbread which was also good, but I'd probably go with another choice the next time we dine here. The side of cornbread was a lovely addition to the fried chicken. Warm, cake-like, and drizzled with fresh honey. If that's not enough to entice you, let me mention the pecan pie we had for dessert. Nothing compares! Although the meal was a little more on the expensive side, every bite felt worth it. Sit outside to avoid the rowdy indoor bar area, or if you're into that, it seemed liked a good scene. Must try it!

    (5)

  • Jodie S.

    The thing is for me atmostphere and personality mean alot. This place is in my neighborhood. Every single time I have been her the wait staff, hostesses and managers have been the nicest and most welcoming crew I've experienced in a while. The food is good, to be honest, there are a few tweaks I would like to see on the menu but overall i enjoy the food. The cocktails are superb. For me this is a regular spot and I want to thank them for being kind and generous.

    (5)

  • Janet M.

    Awesome food and atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Dave R.

    My girlfriend and I went to The Twisted Tail early on the Friday night before Valentine's Day to avoid a huge crowd, but boy did we make a mistake; they were setting up for the live music as we were leaving! Well she was making fun of me for the early reservations in the first place, so lesson learned. Now that we got my stupid decision out of the way, I can review they actual ambiance and delicacies of the restaurant. I have never been to Society Hill, so I was in for a lovely surprise with the cute little area that surrounds the restaurant. When we arrived inside, it was so early that there was no host/ess, but we were greeted quickly by the bartender. He gathered our reservations and seated us at a small table with a wall bench on one side and a small stool on the other side. There are blown up photos of legendary musicians surrounding the restaurant (Janis Joplin, Bob Marley, etc), seats of all different sizes and styles, a bar that was half rustic wood and other half kitchen counter, and all different types of people bustling through the doors as the night wore on. In other words, this was a very welcome atmosphere for all different types, from people coming home from work, college / graduate students, and anyone in between. The waitress came over and greeted us in a timely manner, and offered sparkling water (we went with tap) and drinks. She ordered a glass of Malbec while I went with an old fashioned. I definitely enjoyed my drink, garnished with a cherry and an orange slice, but I went with a draft beer (Lagunitas IPA) for my second drink so I wouldn't be floored after two drinks. The drinks were flowing throughout the night. Any time we had a half-empty glass of water, it was immediately filled, and the same was true for our alcohols. The menu had a couple changes to it, but overall everything seemed straightforward. We went with a Chorizo Sausage Taco and Grilled Shrimp from the Charcoal Menu to begin with. The portions were individual (just one taco and two shrimp) but we only wanted a taste of each. The shrimp left me wanting more, but there was more food to be had. For the main course, I had a Wagyu dish medium-rare (which our server kindly explained to me was a type of fancy beef) while the girlfriend had the special, grilled chicken with collard greens. I had a side of cornbread. The portion sizes were appropriate for the price. The chicken was amazing, crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, while my beef was tender and juicy. I was not disappointed! The best part of the meal had to be the mashed potatoes the beef was over, and I would probably agree that the side dish for the chicken, the collard greens, was actually the star as opposed to the compliment of the meal. The cornbread, said to be enough to share for two, was actually a small dish that I ate myself. We topped off the night with a brownie and ice cream, one of three choices on a rotating menu, as the live music began setting up right next to us. Overall, I was not disappointed by The Twisted Tail. The drinks were good, the meal was fantastic and appropriately priced, and I was stuffed after the three courses we had. The servers were quick to refill drinks and fold our napkins when we went to the restroom, although it seems as though we were given less attention than that of other diners. A small complaint, but probably the only thing I can complain about at this establishment. A totally enjoyable evening from beginning to end.

    (5)

  • Lan H.

    Ahh I would have had TWO meals at The Twisted Tail had it not been such a beautiful day outside :-) Pretty sure that it was about noon on a Sunday, and, craving for brunch food, we were having trouble finding a place that was new and exciting, but, at the same time, not so crowded that we didn't have to wait for over 30 min to get seated. We wanted to satisfy our hungry QUICKLY, and luckily, we found this hidden brunch gem The Twisted Tail. I went full throttle for the red velvet pancakes with a side of bacon. Haha, eating that meal with a bloody mary as the accompanying drink was a brunch experience that I'd want to re-live over and over again. I think that it's too easy sometimes to settle for the food that you already know is good from your favorite place. That day was the day to venture out, and we definitely did. Thank you, Twisted Tail, for a wonderful experience!

    (5)

  • Abby B.

    Stopped by during the lunch hour just for drinks, so I can't comment on the food. The ambiance is pretty cool, definitely feels like you've stepped back in time. Their drink prices weren't bad, but if you're a whiskey drinker, like my husband, then you know it's going to cost you a bit more than say a mixed drink. They even have whiskey flights if you're into that. I'd come back for dinner, as their menu looked enticing (crawfish macaroni and cheese...yes please!)

    (4)

  • Kat S.

    I had dinner here last night with my family. We had a bunch of apps to share including the chicken liver mousse, pulled pork empanadas, kale salad, beet salad, grilled hot peppers, Mac and cheese and veggie burger. The kale salad and Mac and cheese were by far my favorites. I didn't get a chance to try their main course dishes but I will be back!

    (3)

  • Katrina C.

    I've been here many times in the past, but I recently revisited it and remembered how cool it is! Some things I like: -$3 happy hour craft beers (draft beers with a star) -Live music upstairs that is actually pretty good -Bartender charged my iphone for me (and it was close enough that I could still reach it) -Whiskey/bourbon flights (okay, I don't like this, but others do) -Big space downstairs, good for groups -darts and shuffleboard upstairs for a fun night

    (4)

  • Mary M.

    This isn't a usual haunt for me but I've been there on 3 separate occasions (once for drinks and twice for dinner) and was never disappointed. Nice warm vibe and food was always good. Our most recent visit was for Thanksgiving; they were serving a flat fee pre-fixe menu that included your choice of entree and a "family style" plethora of sides. I had some of the best Brussels sprouts I've ever had during this meal, and as someone who LOVES Brussels sprouts this is saying something! Dinner was fairly priced and we were definitely thankful that Twisted Tail was open to provide a lovely banquet that day!

    (3)

  • Christina G.

    My bf and I had dinner here on Friday night. It was a beautiful night and we ate outside. We enjoyed looking at the fountain and watching cars try to parallel park. Everything was perfect. Our waiter Anthony was the best server that I have had in a long time. Not only was he super friendly and sincere, but he was very knowledgeable about the food and drinks. The bourbon options seemed endless and Anthony was able to give a description on any bourbon that we asked about and made great recommendations. I was really impressed by his memory. Since I am not a big bourbon drinker, he made some tequila recommendations which I loved. I strongly recommend the pineapple tequila. The beer menu is also pretty big and I think I found my new favorite beer- "Flying Dog Raging Bitch". The food was great. The name suits the place because it is Southern food with a twist. The complimentary popcorn was so good. It was flavored with bacon and some other flavors. If movie theater popcorn tasted this good, I would visit the movies more often. The crawfish mac and cheese is a must. It is a pretty big appetizer so you may get filled up on just the mac n cheese appetizer if eating it alone. The shrimp and grits were great. The shrimp were large and very fresh and the grits just may be the best grits I have had in the Philly area. The inside is also pretty big with a nice decor. This is a unique restaurant and definitely worth trying. I can't wait to come back and try some of their charcoal grilled plates, The menu is priced just right. Most entrees were $19 and appetizers about $9-$10. The drinks were priced appropriately for the area. I recommend taking advantage of the flights. I just wish that they would put the menu on their website, but it seems like they change up their menu throughout the year so maybe that is why they don't.

    (5)

  • Julie C.

    I love the bourbon list at the place: extensive and some really good stuff. Plus they sometimes have special limited bottles available (for a price of course). They have a few whiskey flights on the menu, but they also offer one ounce pours of everything, so you can make your own flight or taste your way around the menu. The food is southern and meaty. The empanadas are great. The oxtail comes as a spread with bread and is yummy. The baked beans, the cornbread, the sweet potato fries are all delish. The only thing I thought was just meh was actually the crawfish mac and cheese, which is funny because lots of positive yelp reviews about it. Mostly I would describe the food as very solid. It's not amazing, but it's good enough to keep me coming back for the booze. But beside the bourbon, my favorite place about this bar is it's chill while still fun. We came here on St. Patty's, and managed to get a seat at the bar almost immediately. I came here for my birthday on a Saturday night and we got a corner booth for 7 people, no reservation. It seems like the place is never empty and never packed (it's large size certainly helps), and the clientele is a nice range of ages. Plus, the bartenders and servers are great and know their bourbon.

    (4)

  • Bill M.

    It took a quality Flight of Whiskey among Yelp friends to help me recall a bar of yester gatherings past that I've enjoyed on a few occasions. But it took a quick skim of tasty delicacies like oxtail rillettes and crispy brussel sprouts cooked with pancetta alongside good beers and an endless amount of whiskeys to quickly channel my memory. And upon enjoying some selections from their charcoal grill, an amazing salad, and some song worthy ( youtu.be/Lonz_cHJHNk ) pours of Whiskey; I rediscovered a good spot overall. whether its bourbon or rye; comes from Kentucky, Ireland, or other; is expensive and aged or young and cheap; Twisted Tail offers an amazing selection of whiskeys that run the gamut. And the knowledgeable bartenders do a good job of helping you flow through your personalized stream ( youtu.be/TaHMG_SvUkw ). But to stretch out and savor your money the flights are at the right price and give you the chance to get full tutorials on classics like Jack Daniels and Knob Creek, learn about bourbons that AREN'T from Kentucky, and enjoy a few pulls that are connoisseur approved. But if whiskey isn't your poison Twisted Tail also has a good selection of cocktails, draft/bottled beers, and other spirits to enjoy. The best bite from the charcoal grill selection by far was the succulent yet savory pork belly w/ thyme, rosemary, and salted lime. But they can also fire up treats like veal bacon, grilled clams w/ chorizo vinaigrette, or portobello mushrooms. Going through the appetizer menu I found solid gold in the wild mushroom salad w/ crystallized ginger, goat cheese, and truffle vinaigrette. But I would have also been winning if I had gone with offerings like crawfish mac & cheese, Maryland crab cakes, or pulled pork empanadas. Add in solid dinner offerings like fried chicken and Louisiana shrimp & grits, as well as an awesome selection of artisanal cheeses; and there's plenty to enjoy.

    (4)

  • Peter M.

    Pros 1. Crayfish mac n cheese is on point 2. Good whiskey selection 3. Good cocktails Con 1. They need to upgrade the beer selection stat. It's the kind of craft selection you'd expect from someone who doesn't drink craft beer at all It's a solid bar and I'll definitely go back but I'll never say "You need to go to Twisted Tail!"

    (3)

  • Rachael F.

    I consider this place a second home! Very friendly staff and delicious cocktails & bar snacks. Upstairs has a funky living room vibe with bar games, TV, and great live music.

    (5)

  • Alex G.

    We went straight to the juke joint upstairs so can't comment on the restaurant scene on the first floor. If you are looking for live blues accompanied by great drinks and decent food, this is the place. Of the appetizers we shared, my favorite was the crawfish mac and cheese. We had the 1 bourbon (four roses), 1 scotch (pig n nose), 1 beer flight. The bourbon had a nice oak essence to it, the scotch had a maple zest, and the barrel aged Scottish ale was a perfect palate cleanser for a smooth transition from the bourbon to the scotch.

    (4)

  • Jay W.

    The food is good, as are the drinks. It is an interesting menu. There is some room for improvement, but it was a great meal (the bar is pretty awesome as well). We were lucky enough to be there during restaurant week, so we were able to try a 4 course meal for a reduced price. Charcoal grill (small plates): The octopus was very good, cooked and seasoned well. I am not the biggest fan of fennel, but it tasted great with the grilled seafood. The grilled clams were not as good. The big problem for me was the chorizo. I LOVE chorizo, but here is was overpowering the clams, and was way too greasy for this type of dish. I think the clams would have benefited from some simplicity the way the octopus did. During this course, they also gave us popcorn seasoned with rosemary bacon drippings, this is terrific, and worth coming for on it's own. Appetizers: The pulled pork and cheddar empanadas were very tasty and would be great to pick on with drinks. I have had too many empanadas where the insides were dried out and am happy to report that this is not the case here. I have seen on yelp a lot of people raving about the crawfish mac and cheese. I have to disagree, it was nowhere near cheesy or spiced enough. What should be a rich comfort food was bland and forgettable. Entrees: First of all, I was super excited to try the shrimp and grits here, but they were sold out for the day. We ordered the duck breast and the pork chop. Both were pretty good. While duck holds a special place in my heart, I think the pork chop was actually better, the herbs and sweet potatoes were a terrific match. The duck was tasty. It did not have a crunchy crust to it, which I missed, but was otherwise well cooked. The figs with the duck were a nice touch. Dessert: The beignets were okay, they were served with cinnamon and sugar rather than powdered sugar as I expected them to be. The way that a warm beignet almost melts the powdered sugar is the best part about the dessert. I thought the blood orange panna cotta was pretty terrific, definitely choose this as your dessert. The cream and sharp flavor of the blood orange pair perfectly. Drinks: The Southern Wine Cooler is basically sangria with bourbon in it. They are refreshing and pack a punch. We tried a couple of their other whiskey drinks, but this was the big highlight. Service: While the night wasn't mistake free, I appreciate that everyone that we came in contact with was friendly and apologetic about any mistakes or minor inconveniences. This place makes it clear that they value your business, and will do what they need to to keep it. BAR: Plenty of space, good live music, especially blues, comfortable seating. They have darts, shuffle board, and some couches on the other side of the bar. I absolutely will return, to try the shrimp and grits, as well as the chicken and waffles for brunch.

    (4)

  • Brielle A.

    I'm sitting here right now and I can't even explain how impressed I am with this place . Amazing service , amazing food, amazing entertainment. I'm blown away. Will be coming here forever. Wow.

    (5)

  • Chris T.

    Idiot waiter. Didn't know what was sold out or what a pimms cup is. Took too long to ask for order. We got bored. Not enough value. The wait made it worse. Wait a long time for a small bit of food.

    (2)

  • April O.

    Let me start by saying that i have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences in the past every time i have been here. I believe Ryan was the bartender that always took care of me ( really cool laid back guy in his 20s that was a great conversationalist). So. Today. Was. The. Worst. The bartenders were all very slow. The one larger fellow was our main bartender and was fairly attentive, just very slow. The other girl on the other side was on her phone half of the time pretending to be on the register. The food was mediocre. (Normally is top notch...) And the thing that drove me the most insane was the fact that the girl who dropped off our ice cream for dessert did not give us spoons, and it took us about 5 mins to get someones attention to get utensils.. Bummer. I'm in the service industry, so watching these people on a friday night was pretty difficult.

    (2)

  • Mike D.

    I will definitely come back to the Twisted Tail. This place has a great vibe...live music upstairs, great food, nice selection of bourbon. We started with a cheese plate...three different cheeses with crostini and some apple compote, very tasty. My wife had fried chicken in a bag for her entree which was very good...comes in a brown paper bag, a little honey taste to it. I had duo pork...can't go wrong with that one. The only negative were the fries...kind of soggy. Great bar area...I had Breakers bourbon served with a big rock, love the large cubes.

    (4)

  • Noleen Z.

    Really nice ambiance. Great service. I might be biased but the "pulpo" was mediocre. I have been spoiled by the octopus in Baja, CA. Definitely would give them a second chance.

    (4)

  • Gina V.

    First, the good: the crab cakes and tomato jam were quite tasty, and a creative combination. It was nice and warm on a cold day, and there's plenty of space and seating which is rare in this neck of the woods where venues tend to be on the smaller/more cramped side. Now, the not as good: the tuna tartare was bland, especially when compared with the crab cakes. In my opinion, it was a little pricey for what you got. The staff seemed a little disorganized - our food came pretty fast, but other people in our group had to wait a while, and my friend and I were offered someone else's food that wasn't even part of our group. Ending on a positive: there is fun stuff upstairs! We didn't actually go upstairs, but I hear there's a pool table and shuffleboard, and upstairs space is always aces in my book regardless of what's up there.

    (3)

  • Jeff D.

    There aren't enough good things to say about The Twisted Tail. I went with a group of 5 other people last night and had a great experience. From their extensive bourbon list to their unique menu options, there's a lot to love. The food was incredible. It was different and expertly prepared. The service was excellent and accommodating. We sat on the second floor where they have a stage for live blues bands. The music was great too. All six of us left The Twisted Tail last night excited that we found a new great place to go. It's a little pricy at about 23 dollars for an entree, but it was absolutely worth it. Cool ambiance.

    (5)

  • Andrea M.

    Everything from the live band, the bar, the drink and the food are absolutely amazing! The lamb meatballs were delicious, so was the duck leg confit, and the apple cobbler and rum raisin ice cream that is home made.

    (5)

  • S L.

    good food, good service! Ill go back soon

    (4)

  • Arielle S.

    The food here is really incredible. I had the fried chicken in a bag and it was delicious! The menu offers a nice twist on southern comfort food. I love the decor and the service is excellent. Our waiter Adam was friendly and attentive and thoroughly explained the menu to us. We had a bunch of desserts but my favorite was the chocolate pecan pie with BACON ICECREAM! Yes! I highly recommend this place. Can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Rachel F.

    I came here with a friend one night right after work. It was pretty empty, I'm assuming since it was so early in the evening. I thought it was a really nice place. We got some really yummy drinks and took them upstairs to a cozy room with a fireplace and a nice couch. Would love to come back when there's live music.

    (4)

  • Luci B.

    Me and my friends came in here on a whim and ended up really enjoying ourselves. Our bartender was really friendly and helpful, and a super friendly patron sitting next to us recommended the Weyerbacher Heresy. Amazing choice. It's a stout aged in oak barrels that once held bourbon and wow, it's fantastic. I'm going to have to try and track it down in NY. The decor was nice and really spacious. Like seeing Janis Joplin on the wall. Supposedly they have games upstairs but I didn't have time to check it out. Nice bathrooms. The food wasn't bad, but a little hit or miss, and pricey for the portions. The mussels ($10) with tomato and basil were fine, the mussels themselves were fresh and tasty but the broth could have used some work. The pork belly my friend got was delicious, but the pork belly the friendly stranger next to us got was just drenched in salt. It was such a waste of good meat. If I was in the neighborhood I'd come back for some low key drinking in a nice atmosphere.

    (3)

  • Ed T.

    Me and the wife love this place. We just stumbled onto it during a drunken pub crawl one night and have been going back ever since. The food is good and the live music is great. Good selection of draft beers but this place is all about whiskey. They have a comprehensive list of whiskeys. I don't get the whole thing personally. whiskey is whiskey to me. The lower half is part bar and part restaurant, one section is very romantic. The other is ok. Up stairs they have the live bands and another bar. They also have a fireplace chill room with darts and the like. It's also usually a mixed crowd of late 20s to 30s which is good, Don't see any hispter types usually but maybe I just don't know what a hipster looks like or pay enough attention to care. . Bartenders are friendly mostly. Had an issue once with one of the bartenders getting snippy with me during a group event but i'm not one to hold grudges. We still go back. subtracted the star because of said bartender. But i recommend this place if you like good live blues/jazz and a relaxing atmosphere. It can be very crowded on the upper floor during the weekends. But this varies. Sometimes its a ghost town. Depends on the band i guess.

    (4)

  • Shane L.

    It was delicious. We dined as a large group of 6 and all opted for the pre-fix menu. It was totally worth the $39 price tag as you get to select 4 items with that option. Food was soo flavorful and bourbon/whiskey selections were adequate. The ambience is casual and its good to hear some restaurant chatter. All in all, we had a great experience and spent a pretty good amount of money with all the food and drinks that we ordered. My ONLY reason in giving this place 3 stars instead of 4...is because they packed my left overs and gave it to the wrong couple. So here I am craving for the delicious braised pork only to open the container in disappointment. Besides that, everyone should give this place a shot for some really good food and whiskey.

    (3)

  • Belen M.

    Have been here a few times, but went on Friday and finally tried the food. We ordered a bunch of things, including the oxtail (comes in a pate form with truffle oil and bread), the pulled pork empanadas (DELICIOUS!), ribs, and grilled asparagus. It was all really good. I wasn't impressed by the oxtail but did love the empanadas and grilled asparagus. In fact, I think next time we will try more of their "charcoal grill" selection (included chicken, lamb meatballs, asparagus, etc.) Additionally, the live band was great. Limited cider selection (just Angry Orchard and Jack's), but they had a good amount of different beers on tap.

    (4)

  • Christian S.

    My baby brother was in town this weekend. Being that he still lives in NYC, he is not open to the notion that Philadelphia has its good bar scene. He stopped listening to everything after hearing Philly shuts down at 2AM. His two previous trips to Philadelphia with me have been slightly disappointing as I was not too familiar with Philadelphia. After working in Philly for 7 years, living in Voorhees for 3 years, and with a little help from my friends, I was a little prepared. This time around I was hoping trips to The Twisted Tail and Time would help me make my case. First stop at 9:00 yesterday (Saturday) Twisted Tails. I choose this place based on it's proximity to other bars in case my brother didn't like it and I was ready to try the new menu. The place was pretty empty for a Saturday night. I personally love the fact that everyone goes to the shore around here. It's fun not having to wait hours for a drink or a table. We both ordered the burgers. My brother ordered goat cheese for his and the bartender was more than happy to honor his request. I went without cheese. I have eat burgers at Twisted Tails before for lunch, but last night the burgers seemed to taste better than I remembered. You can taste the seasoning in the burger which only enhanced the flavor of the bbq sauce and the bacon. I like the mixture of regular and sweet potato fries that accompanied the burger. The staff working the bar upstairs was extremely friendly and provided my brother and I great service. The bartender took the time to explain the bourbons to my brother as he was on a quest to try everyone on the list. My brother enjoyed his time at Twisted Tails, and stated that he would like to go back to Twisted Tails his next trip down. If the burger was a sample of what the new menu is going to taste like, I have a serious task on my hands. Thank You Twisted Tails for slightly convincing my brother.

    (4)

  • Candice H.

    Really, really cute bar areas (first and second floor). Second floor is colder, but that's where the nice bands place. Great drink offerings, reminds me of a speakeasy style. Rating is only for drinks, didn't try food yet. The menu looked great, on the more expensive side. Will be back!

    (4)

  • Andrew W.

    I went to Twisted Tail with a large group for a birthday party this past weekend and had a pretty mixed bag. On the plus side: the space is cool, large enough to accommodate any big group, interesting bar set up, shuffleboard space (yes!), good food (with the exception of a the octopus app that people didn't like), and they were accommodating on the prix fix menu when we had brought a cake. After writing all of that out, you are probably wondering what is so 'mixed' about it. Well... our dinner took over 3 hours. Drink orders could rarely be placed and slow to come out. There was a HUGE wait between each course. It took about 30 minutes to get the bill settled up. The cake that had been brought was butchered by the time it got back to us... I'm still willing to give 4 stars because the food was pretty good, they have a really good atmosphere (if not a little too loud once the band was going, but its a live venue so you should expect that), and I could tell our server was desperately trying. She was just by herself, with two huge tables, and very little support. I'm sure if they'd planned a bit better it wouldn't have been a problem. Anyway, I'll be back there sometime, probably with a smaller group, so I'm sure it will be a different experience.

    (4)

  • Sarah L.

    We stopped here casually on a Sunday to get some food before a movie. The appearance of the bar/restaurant to start was great- i loved the environment/decor/vibe. We sat in a corner "booth" space, which was actually just the two booth type seats that fit together- which was a super comfy spot in the bar. I would say- if me or my Fiance had been asked to sit at another table, we probably would have opted for the bar. THe bar stools looked super comfy, where as the other side tables in the bar area had these weird tiny stools that I don't think anyone would want to sit on while eating- especially if you are normal height. Anyway- Beer selection is OK- just ok though. Nothing too grand, nothing too bad- just average. Cocktail selection seems to be the same, nothing too interesting or captivating. Menu was great for brunch, and i love that they had all gluten free options noted. I got the mushroom Omelet. It was sub par. Honestly, the best thing about it was the side of sweet potato fries that came with it (which were delicious). Absolutely use the rosemary aioli as a dipping sauce- its heaven! I loved the fries, hated the omelet. My fiance got the Chicken and Sweet Potato waffle, and he loved it. He devoured it, actually! Service was ok- out waiter was generally knowledgable and nice, but insincere. I can't say that i would really come back here to eat, considering the prices don't really match the food quality- but i will probably go back for drinks after I eat dinner in the area.

    (3)

  • Sabrinivas M.

    It was very good. Been here at least 5 times before. Enjoyed the live music, good whiskey and drink selection, especially the Devil's Tail, (would enjoy better craft beer selection, but what they have isn't bad). Crab cakes are a must. Octopus app was decent, but wouldn't order again. Kale salad is good. Crawfish mac-n-cheese is wonderful. Duck confit is usually very good, but can sometimes be a little too salty. Dessert is small, but tasty and creative. Great attentive and friendly service and down to earth, southern rock, bluesy ambiance. Go!! you won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Ali W.

    I went with friends for restaurant week which included a four course meal. I started with the $15 cocktail flight that included three 5 ounce cocktails. Pretty tasty, it included an apple pie moonshine, pear cucumber drink, and a warm cider whiskey with whipped cream. The meal itself was mediocre. My starter of grilled clams was fishy and barely cooked, the pork belly was mostly fat and not that flavored. The appetizer crawfish mac&cheese was absolutely amazing and I would go back just for this. The BBQ ribs were juicy and well flavored. The entree strip steak was forgettable and very chewy but the shortribs were juicy and paired awesomely with the fried egg. The dessert beignets was also freshly fried and I would come back just for this dish. The panna cotta with blood orange was also very refreshing and pleasant.

    (3)

  • Sir E.

    I love this place - great food, knowledgeable staff and an incredible list of whiskeys. Bands upstairs are fun and is a totally different vibe than the downstairs dining area. I will be back again, and not just because I joined their bourbon whiskey club!

    (5)

  • Alex V.

    Good Craw Mac n' Cheese Excellent Kale Salad ! Waitress was really nice and nice lunch outside !

    (5)

  • Lala H.

    If I was rating this on just the bar/night life perspective I'd give this place 5 stars. Drinks are great and they have a fantastic beer selection. I strongly suggest the crawfish mac n' cheese for a late night snack at the bar. The upstairs is cool and sometimes have a blues or jazz band,and there is room to dance. No complaints here! So since I had such a great time on the nights I've been out here I decided to have my birthday dinner at Twisted Tail with my family. My scallops and my brothers mussel's came out cold. And eating cold seafood is just plain gross, so, we did speak up and they took it off the bill. They also brought us out a free desert and the manager came and apologized. Maybe it was just and off night, but they handled it professionally and with grace so there's no reason I wouldn't give it another try sometime. things happen!

    (3)

  • Marta L.

    We came here to have brunch....service was great and the food exceeded our expectations...of note was the tomato salad/burrata, red velvet pancakes, and the veggie burger. Would definitely return and recommend to others.

    (5)

  • Nina S.

    I'm so glad that my friend who lives nearby Twisted Tail took me here! I will be back because I had a great experience. The service is friendly, the atmosphere is very warm and welcoming and the drink list and menu have something for everyone to enjoy. I was here on a Tuesday night and there was an autistic performance from Niki Sbaffoni and she was wonderful! The music really added to the southern flare of the place. Their mixed drink menu is amazing. Try the Kool Kat! It's made with fresh cucumbers and pear vodka. It's a perfect refreshing drink. I also ordered a cobb salad and it was delicious. It was in the appetizer section but it filled me up enough to be a full meal. The ranch dressing it was served with was a new recipe house-made and very tasty. Go here and you will def. want to go back too!

    (5)

  • Mike W.

    Great spot. Awesome liquor selection and drink specials. Very cool venue for live music and tasty food. Their fried chicken is delicious

    (4)

  • Sylwia D.

    This and The Dandelion are my favorite places in Philadelphia. Phenomenal whiskey selections, great round bar, decadent seafood, and if you're friendly to the bartenders they will make your experience absolutely perfect. I make it a point to visit this restaurant everytime I'm in the area -- worth it everytime!

    (5)

  • Stacey M.

    For a casual evening out with colleagues, we decided that pub food would be a great way to go. Our expectations were exceeded start to finish. Great service, a visit from the owner TWICE to see what we thought of the food and expertly concocted cocktails added to the already incredible experience. Live acoustic blues added to the charm. If you're there, and you're lucky enough to indulge in their prix fix menu (we visited near the end of restaurant week), try as much as you can. Highly recommended: Thyme after Thyme (gin, lemon & ginger perfection) Charcoal grilled corn with jalapeno jam Flat Iron Steak Ricotta Beniegts You cannot go wrong with your server's recommendations. And for the record, George is an outstanding owner/host.

    (5)

  • Gretchen E.

    This place is legit. The bartenders know what they're doing - so venture beyond a coke-and-whisky young boozers. In addition to cocktails, I am coming back for more squid. It was DELISH, cooked to perfection, and drizzled in a savory salty ink sauce. Other dishes on the menu looked just as divine and adventurous. Definitely a place to feel secure in trying new things. Whisky and bourbon drinks are of course a must. I dined with a Southern Bell and she adored the Mint Juleps. We also took a flight of margaritas. My favorite was that with Philadelphia Distilling's own XXX corn whisky - mixed with tart and sour fruit puree it was a treat to the palate. We sat alfresco along Head House Square's cobbled streets. The table was too small for the four of us and the chairs uncomfortable, hence the knock down to 4 stars.

    (4)

  • Nicole Z.

    Was craving shrimp and grits, so made it to Twisted Tail for Sunday brunch. Loved the ambiance and the server's attention. The shrimp and grits were good (not amazing, but respectably good). We started with a cheese selection. Would have liked if the server could have explained the cheeses better. We picked 3 with no information and ended up hating 2 of them. Overall, pleased with the experience.

    (3)

  • Brad S.

    From wallpapered walls on which spotlit photos of homes are hung, to plain brick facade, to large blown-up portraits of Joplin, Hendrix, and other classic rockers, Twisted Tail's lower level is somewhat confusing. This confusion extends to the kitchen, wherein the recent chef switcheroo of Michael Stevenson for Leo Forneas has led to the restaurant's refocus from the pure Southern bourbon and blues motif that previously and not very successfully defined them since opening a few years ago. On a normal day, this would be enough in itself, but I chose to visit during Mother's Day, pretty much the worst day for dining out, especially when you're part of a party of eight. So the service, while not bad, per se, gets a pass. What doesn't get a pass is the prix fixe menu from which we were forced to order. The menu consisted of literally every item of their normal brunch menu, plus a couple of desserts, for a significantly higher price than normal. So say you wanted to order the salad and buttermilk chicken sandwich - $15 on a normal Sunday. $35 on Mother's Day. But you got a choice of beignets or panna cotta for dessert, so I'm sure that warranted the extra markup. Needless to say, I made it a priority to choose the absolute most expensive things on their normal brunch menu. Another problem with just throwing your entire menu onto a prix fixe is portion sizes. My tuna tartare was simply mixed with the occasional sliced cornichon and served alongside a few potato chips, but it was fresh and a good size to prime to palate for the rest of the meal. Some of my fellow diners got the pigs in a blanket, which were nearly a main course in themselves. After plowing through a few of them, multiple people remarked at how full they were getting, and the main course hadn't even arrived yet. The Maryland Crab cake eggs benedict isn't what you'd expect to find in a Southern-slanted restaurant, but I'm glad it's here, because the crab cakes were almost all crab, and went really well with the eggs (poached well for me, though others weren't so lucky), mustard hollandaise, and English muffin. Serving them alongside french fries seemed like they just didn't want to take the time to prepare an additional starch, and I didn't want to take the time to eat the underwhelming slices of potato. Fried dough is an easy crowd pleaser, and the beignets hit the spot, even if they were still a little doughy. The gluten-free diner amongst us described her panna cotta as "interesting," and not in a good way, though she seemed unfamiliar with the dish. To be honest, the combination of food and company provided an overall positive experience at Twisted Tail, though there were enough missteps to not make it a priority to return. Regardless of the good service from our server, and the great service from the managers in seating us in what must have been a hellish time for them, the food still needs a little bit of refinement.

    (3)

  • Todd R.

    Not sure I'd even give 3 stars if I compared the food to the other reviews. Flavored popcorn was barely that. Cheese board was excellent but let's face it, it's a cheese board. The crawfish Mac n cheese may have had as little as 6-8 pieces of crawfish and was dry (as compared to the Mac without crawfish my kid had which was actually very cheesy/creamy as one should expect). Biggest disappointment was the fried chicken -- barely coated and not crunchy which is the texture I'd expect. Some faint honey flavor but no spices to offset the sweet. This is the best fried chicken in Town? Big disappointment given the many other great restaurant choices available to us in Philly.

    (3)

  • Philip R.

    food is great and many beers to choose from...luv the live bands.

    (4)

  • Jared S.

    we absolutely adore this place. we've been back many times for the yummy food, reasonable prices, and delightful staff.

    (5)

  • Carolyn B.

    The staff was very friendly, but not as attentative as they should have been. Bread and apps were good!! We ordered the fried pickles and hush puppies and both were perfect. However, the waitress messed up our dinner orders. Everyone who ordered the Skewers agreed they were barely warm. The hoppin john rice that came with the Skewers was also sub-par. Also, if you ordered the Shrimp, Chicken, or Steak skewers, you only got 2 pieces of meat on each skewer with the remaining items vegetables. the meat skewers were the same price as the vegetable skewers, it didn't make much sense. Overall, the food was good, however, it was overpriced for my particular experience. i'm interested in going back, but im not sure if it would be worth it

    (3)

  • Salvatore B.

    Not too impressed. The atmosphere and design of the place are great. It's a pretty big space with two floors and an area for live music, and a pool room( which by the way is beautiful). I think a lot of time and energy was spent on the design of the place, and it's decor, and less on it's identity as a restaurant. Is the food southern cooking? Or is it a creole style place? Or what? Here's the thing. The food was not good. Great knowledgable server and drinks were a plus. There was nothing memorable in what the four of us ordered, which was a lot of appetizers and just a couple of entrees. I got the vegetable shepherds pie, which was ok, although it could have been seasoned better, but it was not worth $17. Sorry, but a couple of potatoes, peas, and carrots don't add up to that. Either way, the food lacked the wow factor. There was nothing that would keep me coming back anytime soon. We went on a Tuesday night, so there was no live music and the place had only a few patrons. Maybe my experience would have been better had I gone on a livelier night, however, it wouldn't have changed the menu or the food. It's a new place that still needs some tweaking. I may give it another chance in the future, but who knows.

    (2)

  • Charles G.

    Love the space, drinks and food, but service is not so good. Owner needs to make sure the bartenders 'get it'. Too much chatting amongst the bartenders and not enough attention to the customers. We'll be back but maybe try the upstairs bar next time.

    (3)

  • Britt M.

    So let me first say, normally I LOVE this place! My friends and I go a lot to grab drinks, apps and dance upstairs to the live music. Which is why I thought it would be a fantastic location for my friends 30th birthday. We didn't have a huge to-do in mind, just 15 or so people stopping by through out the night. I had called a few weeks prior to see if we could have a cocktail table or two, just to have a spot to congregate. At that time I was informed that all parties over 10 have to order from a pre fix menu or order from an app menu for large parties and we would have to hit a food minimum. Like I said before this wasn't a formal sit down party or one that we wanted have full meals, we didn't even meet till 8:30pm. So at that point I just asked if we could just hang at the bar, which was fine, and bring a cake, which was also fine. Although I was told it was fine to bring a cake, no one ever said there was a plating fee of $2.50 a head, till it was time to cut the cake. I asked for plates and a knife so we could do it, but was told it was against policy. It felt like Twisted Tail was nickel and dime'ing large parties, it was very off putting. It's a shame too, I was considering hosting a company party there for 70+ people.

    (3)

  • Nikki R.

    This was the 3rd time I've been to Twisted Tail and it has yet to disappoint me. I took my parents here for Easter brunch and we had a delicious meal. I had the chicken and waffles...super yummy. The chicken was fantastic and they had caramalized pineapple on top--great touch! Mom had red velvet pancakes and dad had the chicken club--both of them enjoyed it. The fries are great--love the old bay seasoning. The thing I like about this place is that the menu changes and they have great specials. We skipped drinks and a cheese plate this time. The other times I have been here, the staff has made great recommendations on both. Seating is great both indoors or out (I prefer outdoors for the people watching). The staff is fantastic. Great service, never have to ask for refills on anything. And apparently they have live music here too. I'll be back to check it out again. Definitely becoming a favorite spot of mine!

    (4)

  • Vee M.

    Stopped in after a dance session with friends. Daniel's gorgeous blue eyes had us in a trance. He was such an awesome host. We even checked out his website (he's an artist). We couldn't get enough of him. I can't even remember our waitress' name since we kept calling for him. Anyhoo I guess I should write something about the food. The steak & eggs were delicious! My friends had the fried chicken with sweet potato waffles, stuffed french toast, & crabcakes. They also enjoyed their meals. Will definitely be back, & not just to get lost in Daniel's eyes. LOL

    (5)

  • Jackie G.

    One of our favorite spots in the city. Food, drinks and service are consistently great and the atmosphere rocks! We hosted a semi private pig roast party here last month and they did a great job accommodating our group of 20+. Also catch Mikey J when he's playing there. Always a great time!

    (5)

  • Luba P.

    Definitely NOT a place we enjoyed on a Friday night. The crowd was a mix of hipsters and older people, an odd combination. There was a blues type band, which was pretty loud but not our type of music. The bartenders upstairs were shockingly slow. They literally ignored us for 20 minutes when we tried to get a drink. I've never seen slower service at a bar. We did enjoy the game of shuffle board, however, if you put your name on the list probably won't get to play until about an hour+ later, where we almost witnessed a fight over this. I liked the comfy chairs to relax and talk in that same room. However, there is a dart board there...so most people would assume could be used to play while there, so we went over to the lovely bar area again to ask for the darts, the woman bartender literally walked past us as if we didn't exist on her way out of the bar area (ok??), so we tried asking the next bartender, and he said they don't have darts and looked confused by that question as if we were the odd ones......???.....why....would...you...have....a..­..dartboard....? So that left us quite perplexed. In the end, if there was better and friendlier service, different crowd, different band, and darts we would probably return! =)

    (2)

  • Rachel D.

    This is the best food i have ever eaten. Also my cocktail: kumquat-infused gin fizz. With st Germaine and champagne? Stop it. It's so good I can't even.

    (5)

  • David H.

    Gotta say, this is our new go-to place. Incredibly hip vibe and a just an overall great place. Food and menu is very good (not the primary reason to go--but pretty good), but the bar scene is killer good, especially the upstairs bar and the blues bands they have. The side room upstairs is excellent, but the dancing and the music are second to none, and make this the place to have an incredibly special experience. Being that up close to the music, and the bands have been EXCELLENT. Thanks Twisted Tail for living up to what you say you are, a Juke Joint, and one the delivers.

    (4)

  • Ann S.

    staff very nice, great atmosphere - my food was disappointing. BBQ's salmon was dry, very few non-meat choices. Even the popcorn they serve with drinks has bacon.

    (2)

  • Majlinda K.

    Good place to get a drink over the weekend! They had a good selection of beers and wine. Also on the weekends they have a live band playing on the second floor if you love live bands. The bar on the second floor gets a bit crowded because of the band but go to the bar in the first floor for quicker service. They have a second room on the second floor where you can find easy seating and play shuffleboard.

    (3)

  • Chad Y.

    Charcoal grill "pre apps" are a nice touch. The quail paired nicely with a bourbon, the mushrooms not so much. They were good otherwise. My wife and I shared a baby leaf greens salad and the Cornish hen and succotash. It was delicious. The ambiance on the lower level is mediocre, but the acoustic guitarist was a nice touch. Head upstairs to enjoy some louder music and hang out for a bit. The decor is much more authentic. Will return again , but with friends.

    (3)

  • Liz S.

    Labeling non-gluten free items as gluten free earns you a 1-star review, Twisted Tail. I am giving it 2 stars because they at least took the offending item off our bill. As someone who cannot eat gluten because of celiac disease I always investigate new restaurants carefully before I eat at them. When I inquired at Twisted Tail, they assured me that they knew all about celiac disease and took it seriously. I therefore felt confident ordering tuna tartare, which was marked as gluten free. The small portion of fish (pricey at $12) came with 5 potato chips on the plate. I had asked the waitress when she took our order whether the fryer was gluten free and she it wasn't; they fry empanadas in it. I informed her that I had celiac and couldn't eat food from the fryer. Yet, there were those freshly fried chips, on my plate, touching the fish. The manager came out and talked to me, but did not apologize. She "explained" that some people who avoid gluten can eat food that comes out of a shared fryer. Yeah, well some people who "avoid gluten" can eat a bagel if they feel like it. Restaurants should not cater their gluten-free labels to these people--they can just read the menu to see if the item lists obvious gluten-containing ingredients (e.g., bread/croutons). If restaurants are going label items as "gluten free" they should do so as a service to the celiacs, who will get sick from even tiny amounts of gluten. Would a restaurant label something as peanut-free if it was fried in peanut oil? I don't think so.

    (2)

  • Chris J.

    Stopped in here on a Saturday for a few drinks and really enjoyed it. Ordered a bourbon flight - which came in a nice little bourbon tree! Went for the Colonial Iron Flight for $14 - Eagle Rare, Johnny Drum, and Jefferson Straight. Very tasty! The lady had the Red Southern Wine Cooler - tasted very much like Sangira! Oh - and the live music of Nate Myers and the Aces was awesome - I'll definitely be coming back! The food looked fantastic too - looking forward to get back there to try the food!

    (4)

  • MathY M.

    Sat at the bar on a Thursday night. The bartender was very informative but slightly condescending, which we actually appreciate. The only issue is that if you're going to be confident with food recommendations, the food itself needs to back it up. The Octopus was not good at all, and had a very strong fishy odor and taste. The grilled shrimp with grapefruit was good, and the empanadas were just OK. Cocktails were great! Would go back for the drinks and live music. Matt's an old fashioned drinker and they made a good one not to mention thanks for making a good kettle up!

    (3)

  • Carly B.

    The best meal I've ever had in Philly. Love this place. Great cocktails. Great service too. Also love that they have shuffle board upstairs.

    (5)

  • Bobbie K.

    I give this place 3stars... Love the feel of this joint... It's casual but it doesn't have to be... There's always live music ... Blues and jazz! The only thing I don't like about my favorite date spot is ... They have nooooooo options for a vegetarian... It kills me!! Wtf... Why can't my favorite place be perfect and gave veggie option! Otherwise I'm addicted to this place

    (3)

  • K. B.

    Stopped in for a drink. Service was slow, drink was pricey, and wasn't that great. Oh well.

    (3)

  • Paul N.

    Took my sons here to celebrate and had read a great review about a server named Connor. We arrived and were seated promptly. Our waiter came and explained the bourbon flights and the menu. My sons and his girlfriend orderd flights and were amazed by the flavor of the drinks. We had a shatay and shrimp appetizer that were both delicious. Our main entrees were chicken steak and biscuts, filet, barbecued rib appetizer and beef cheeks. The appetizer was ordered because the person was not that hungry but there was still to much to finish. The filet was cooked to perfection.The only complaint was that the chicken steak and biscuts should have more gravy. When I received the check I noticed that ou waiters name was Conner and he lived up to the great review I had read.

    (4)

  • Jennifer R.

    I'll make this brief. I've been here a few times and let me say it's a great experience except for tonight. Upon our arrival we waited a bit to be seated, the host was no where to be found. So after we were seated our server was the bartender, and if its packed well... you do the math. Rarely seen our server and I asked for another. Other than that appetizer was cold, no utensils, cloth, plates, refill on water. Had to ask for them. Bartender came back a little annoyed asking what the other server told us for me to ask for another?! After I asked for a drink to be made strong he said he'd get in trouble if he'd change the recipe. eh.. Now for the entree, shrimp skewers...so your supposed to get 3 shrimps per skewer. I noticed there were 2 shrimps, one of them cut in half making up for the third shrimp?!!! Nice. Service was horrible no fault from the server ,I only blame management for being seriously understaffed. Service bad, bad tip. BTW just curious, Its called "The Twisted Tail" , why is there a lack of pork on the menu.

    (2)

  • Rebecca S.

    Not sure how I feel about this place. The atmosphere downstairs is comfortable and inviting. Everything looks nice and new and designed very well. I didn't see upstairs but heard they have live blues music and open jam sessions on sundays which sounds like fun. Though we only got appetizers, I just wasn't impressed! Sad too, because the descriptions of the food sounded delish. The rib (three kinds of ribs) appetizer had great flavors but the meat was too tough and chewy for me. I want my ribs falling of the bone! I will say the cauliflower soup and my Kool Kat vodka drink were delish and our waiter was very friendly. I will give them another chance though because it is a nice place.

    (2)

  • Shaina M.

    We had reservations for a large group for brunch and they were completely unprepared to serve us. The food took 2 hours to arrive- some of the order was wrong, some arrived cold, and some they completely forgot about. Our waitress seemed embarrassed and avoided our table leaving drinks unfilled for hours at a time. After complaining, the manager told us it wasn't his fault, and that the person taking our reservation should have only offered us a revised version of the menu. I'm not usually one to complain, but it was probably the worst meal and service I've ever had in a restaurant.

    (1)

  • Christopher W.

    Super cool place..Whiskey and Bourbon List was amazing and service was extremely friendly! Place has a real nice vibe and nice neighborhood....

    (5)

  • Emily H.

    My boyfriend and I decided to try out The Twisted Tale this weekend based on the great reviews we read. We Open Tabled to get in about 30 minutes prior to leaving and had no trouble getting in. The hosts and hostess were very pleasant and accommodating when we asked for outdoor seating. Our server was decent- a bit quirky and pushy but I will get to that- and described the restaurant to us since it was our first visit. Basically, the place is a bourbon house that does upscale-ish BBQ. We started with some grilled veggies from the grill menu which were amazing. We especially loved the peppers. We had a flight of homemade liquor cocktails which were excellent and a good option since we aren't bourbon fans. My first choice order was the special, but it was sold out so I opted for the pork chop with was cooked to perfection. My boyfriend has the veal breast which was excellent as well. Then, when our meal was wrapping up, our server asked why we hadn't had any bourbon to which I explained that neither of us really likes it. Our server proceeded to tell us that he was going to bring us two small pours to try which we agreed to since it seemed like these were complimentary. He brought them out and we tried both (not finishing either) which confirmed that we don't like bourbon. Still not finished with us, our server brought out a mint julep and added the leftover bourbon to it. Again, still not fans. We settled up and got the check and were unpleasantly surprised when we were charged 16$ for the bourbon we neither requested nor finished. I guess the bottom line is, be prepared to drink bourbon if you are going to this place. Luckily the food was great and we have already recommended it to friends. We will come back to this place, too, and probably just hide from the pushy server.

    (4)

  • Marlise T.

    If you're skimming reviews, I'll summarize with: "The Twisted Tail is my new "I-Love-Their-Food" place to go! You should go here and eat & drink everything on the menu (maybe just not all in one visit)! So, with that said, initially, The Twisted Tail was not a place I was inclined to check out. A friend kept telling me about it and all I heard was 'South Street'; 'Southern-Barbeque-ish food'; 'blues music'. The live blues music caught my interest, but I just kept thinking "ugh, not another south street place crammed with jerks from Jerzy eating sloppy, greasy bar food". Awmygahd, I was so wrong! I was finally lured there on a recent Monday nite (the downstairs was quiet, but it *was* a Monday nite at 5:30). I headed to the upstairs bar on the 2nd floor, which I highly recommend doing. I was meeting the boyfriend there, & it's wonderfully cozy with live music on a small stage area; the lighting is a nice warm candle-lit atmosphere (& there's even a little nook with a fireplace), and the bartender was a master at pairing drink suggestions with the menu dishes. We ate at the bar, which I don't normally like to do - but it was very comfortable to do so - and the bartender made some fabulous menu suggestions. We tried the corn fritters which were delicious; fries were tasty; the fried pickles were just OK (but I think dill chips are more my personal taste preference & these were the tiny, sweet, whole pickles); I wanted to consume vats of the smoky bacon creamed corn; the crab cakes absolutely melted in my mouth! & let's talk drinks - man-o-man does this place have an excellent bourbon selection! In addition to that, there's also some tasty specialty drinks like a lemonade with basil which was impressively refreshing. Although once the bartender crafted one of the best Old Fashioned cocktails I've ever had, I had found my go-to beverage..fresh orange, muddled cherry and the right balance of sweet to bourbon - yum! We've just been back a 2nd time and I got the corn fritters again (this time I was so not sharing!) and the crawfish macaroni & cheese which was a mouthwatering combination of decadent flavors! I also tried a bite of the boyfriend's lamb sliders and they were delish! Coincidentally, the owner was hanging out there (unbeknownst to me at the time) & asked me what I thought of the food. I was on such a food-high from that creamy, cheesy, yummy crawfish mac & cheese, that all I could babble was something about being in a happy food euphoria - but I'm sure he understood ;) ha. I want to give this place 5 stars - I really do - friendly staff, amazing food, tasty drinks...The only reason I can't is because the food, albeit heavenly, is a little pricey for my "I'm-a-working-artist" salary. I get that it's a new business & they need to make ends meet, but if a few bucks were shaved off of everything, I could rationalize going here much more often than once or twice a month. But that little detail aside, I'm really looking forward to trying out the brunch menu on my next visit! 4/17/12 EDIT: HEY!..they just let go one of their best, & my favorite-ist bar tenders in the whole wide world, Harold I-know-how-to-make-the-best-darn-Bloody-Marys-ever Evans!! WTF? And the super-yummy corn fritters have totally changed. o_O Hmmm...... Although, the crawfish mac & cheese keeps calling to me!...SOO unbelievably tasty!!

    (4)

  • Greg H.

    If you're a bourbon fan, this is a great spot. They have a wide selection of bourbons, a strong dinner menu with an eclectic selection, and a friendly wait staff. The location is great and the environment is very cool. My only complaint... the chairs. Perhaps the most uncomfortable chairs I've ever sat in.

    (4)

  • Tom E.

    The Juke Joint this town needed!. Warmdaddys hasn't been interested in the music for years - just the soul food with blues thrown in. The Tail has great ambiance on both floors but it is upstairs where I spend my time. There is a game room for darts and shuttle board. A juke joint with a stage and tables as good as most you see in Chicago. The live music from Wednesday to Sunday night is stellar. The food is tasty. Nice list of wines by the glass, beers on tap and drinks. The vibe is unmatched. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Liz C.

    I had my family in town for Sunday night dinner, and we decided to check this place out because of the cool music. However, in the words of my father, Twisted Tail turned out to be "SCARY BAD." There were only three tables filled and yet still the service was slow, to say the least. It took us 45 minutes to get a salad and fried pickles. After an hour, the waitress came over to tell my dad that they were out of the Cowboy Steak he had ordered AN HOUR BEFORE. Why were they just discovering that they'd run out when the steak should have been on the table by that point? Okay okay, regroup and reorder. He chose the Fire Roasted Hamburger, but was told he couldn't count the salad he already ate as an appetizer towards the complementary side salad that comes with the burger. Ten minutes later, the waitress returned because she forgot which burger he ordered. Look, I waitressed once upon a time and I know it can be overwhelming, but not when you only have three tables to serve... When the food finally came, Dad's Fire Roasted Hamburger and my Twisted Tail Burger were extremely rare, despite us ordering them to be cooked medium. Mom's rice and veggie skewers were cold. Then my sister bit into her chicken skewers, and they were completely raw on the inside. "Scary bad," indeed. Before we left, my dad used the men's room and said it was disgusting. This is a man who frequents McDonalds, so for him to say that, it had to be bad. The service was distracted, especially for such a slow night. Though they did comp our meal, they were very awkward about the whole ordeal. They asked if there was anything they could do to improve the dining experience. "Get better at this," we said. "And please, clean the men's room." We won't be going back.

    (1)

  • Colin S.

    One of my favorite local bars in Society Hill. Top notch food, drinks, and service. Never had a bad meal but I'd recommend the crawfish mac and cheese and the ribs for standard bar fare, and the homemade chipotle ketchup on the french fries. I'm a bourbon drinker, and have been working my way through their Bourbon Club list, which is a nice touch. Friends of mine are beer drinkers and really enjoy the bottle and draft selection. The staff is polite and attentive, the bar and restaurant are well-managed, and the space is great for live music or a couple of drinks with friends. Any time I have friends in town we swing by the Tail at some point for a drink or meal, and we're never disappointed.

    (5)

  • Heather R.

    I was surprised to see the restaurant looking pretty desolate when we arrived there on a Saturday night at 7:30. I had made a reservation, but we didn't need one. I rate this as high as I did because the service was great, and the food was very yum ! I split the crawfish mac and cheese with my bf, delicioso !!! The hushpuppies were also great and paired well with the sweet vinegar dipping sauce. - :) I had the chili with the white beans and chocolate on top - very good. A little salty, but still tasty. I tried the whiskey cidar, yum. I also tasted a whiskey recommended to me by the waitress. - She knew her stuff. It looked like there was a huge party upstairs, and it got a little more crowded after we were seated, but I still expected a larger crowd in the beginning. I'll definitely go again.

    (4)

  • Brian S.

    Twisted Tail took over the old Kildare's on Head House Square a while ago and I've been meaning to check it out for a good long while. Recently, I wandered in on a Sunday and was treated to one of the best bar experiences I've ever had. I went upstairs to the bar and ordered off of their specialty cocktail menu. The bartender was quick, skilled and friendly. The mint julep he made me was probably the best version of that drink I've ever had! My date had some sort of fruity black cherry drink in an up glass that was similarly excellent. Best of all was the live blues band rocking out on stage. I was floored when I found out that the band was really an open mic jam session that they host on Sundays. We were treated to some very good musicians who just showed up to play. It made for a great atmosphere that I'll likely go back to experience again. I can't say much about the food, since I only came in for drinks. Somebody else was eating farther down the bar and whatever he was having smelled excellent. My only gripe is with the prices, which are on the high side. The drinks I ordered were on par with the menus at a lot of center city places ($8-10 a drink). However they were certainly high quality and well made, so I can't quibble much. The food menu did seem on the high side, with most dishes over $15. Great place though and definitely one I'll return to in the future.

    (4)

  • Jonathan T.

    My GF and I go here a lot and if you know what to order and love live Blues then it doesn't get any better than this. Try the crab cakes and the Pork Belly appetizers. The Blackberry Gimlet and the Old Fashioned. The infused alcohols like Grilled Pineapple Tequila, Blueberry Gin, Peach Cobbler Moonshine, etc.

    (5)

  • christina j.

    Recently my parents and I had lunch here. The menu offers many options. We tried the Cuban sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, soup of the day which was a pumpkin and beet salad with chicken. The soup was to sweet. Portions for lunch were huge. The fries were tasty and for me the best part. It was ok. Not sure I'd go back for a meal.

    (2)

  • Michael H.

    Designed and laid out well, cool entertainment upstairs, great food, wide selection of spirits... just a great overall atmosphere and experience in general.

    (5)

  • Meg A.

    I work in the Head House District and when I saw Twisted Tail Whiskey Bar and Juke Joint getting ready to take over where Kildare's left off, I was excited. They had my attention at whiskey. Now that I have been there, I am REALLY excited! Last night, after the show (work) my castmates and I were walking up the alley and were greeted with heavenly steak aromas permeating the air. Sure beats what you usually smell in an alley in Philly, but I digress. I asked what that was and my friend told me it was Twisted Tail and that he had an amazing steak there earlier for dinner before the show (work). We peeked in the window, saw space at the bar, and headed on in. I had a Johnnie Walker based drink with word "Smokestack" in the name. It had macerated cherries in it and was garnished with two morasca cherries. I took one sip and announced that I wanted to make friends with the drink. I asked about morasca cherries, and the owner himself gave me his supplier's info. If you have never had a morasca cherry, you should. These make regular maraschino cherries ashamed of themselves. One of my other friends is a real beer guy and was very impressed that they had his all-time favorite beer on tap. I believe it is called Heffelwiesen? Something like that . Anyway, it was the first time he had ever seen it on tap and was ecstatic. Another enjoyable drink was the Lynchburg Lemonade with basil. The basil was a lovely touch as it saved the drink from being overly sweet. It also had an unexpected bit of peach flavor that hit the middle of the tongue. It was served in a glass that looked no unlike a miniature old fashioned milk bottle. Finally there was the mint julep. Oh. My. GOD. I was to make love to this drink. I want to bathe in it. It was that good! This mint julep was SO good, I announced that I wanted a moment alone with it and the guys all laughed. What impressed me the most was the complexity of the cocktail. First you got the bourbon, but it was a good bourbon with no burn. Then you got the sweetness of the housemade julep syrup, and finally a cool minty finish. I am in love. I was a little hungry so I ordered a bowl of Primal Chili. I admit the name caught my eye. It was a blend of chicken, lamb, and duck with white beans, a blend of smoky seasonings and - wait for it - chocolate sea salt(!). When it arrived, I tasted a bit of the sea salt on its own and was amazed at the strong cocoa flavor that came from it. I didn't expect it to be that intense. Then, as per the bartender's advice, I mixed the salt in very thoroughly. It was delicious. Smoky, complex, a little sweet, and a teeny bit of heat. If you like your chili five alarm, you will not like this. But if you want a savory, meaty, comfort food, you will love this. I let out a subdued howl after eating it; it is called Primal Chili after all. The place is not cheap (my drinks were around 10 dollars each) but if the food is good, I don't mind. I will be back here.

    (5)

  • Phanna P.

    Happy hour here is great. Food specials are good and a new selection of draft beers. Live music! Whiskey flights, you can't beat that.

    (3)

  • Robin S.

    I dislike giving bad reviews, but I couldn't bring myself to give higher than this. I went on a Tuesday night with my boyfriend and a friend of ours. There was one other table seated when we got there and our hostess sat us RIGHT next to them. Our waiter came out and was extremely nice and gave us our menus. And here the problems began and never quit. To order anything, we had to constantly waive the waiter down. I understand people get busy, but there was ONE other table there. We ordered the lamb sliders, fried pickles and corn fritters for appetizers. They came out in a decent amount of time and the lamb sliders and corn fritters were fantastic. The fried pickles weren't that bad, but were barely drizzled in a lackluster sauce, when it would have been nice to have something to dip them in. We all ordered the flights of bourbon, my friend and boyfriend got the same and I got a different one. When they arrived, they forgot mine, in fact, the bartender didn't even know that 3 had been ordered. The bourbon was okay, but nothing special. For dinner, I got the Twisted Burger, my boyfriend got the skewers (one steak, one chicken one shrimp) and my friend got a steak. My burger tasted very odd, the flavors did not go well (how wrong can you get a burger with bacon and bleu cheese??), there were no condiments except for a small ramekin of ketchup for my fries which had a rubbery film on the top of it. My boyfriend liked the skewers, but got 2 chicken and 1 steak. My friend's steak was so smothered in hot peppers, that he couldn't taste the steak at all. We decided to get the hell out of there after that. We'd had enough. I really wanted to like this place, but was sorely disappointed. The ideas are good guys, but you've got to step up your game. Now for those of you skimming: The Good: Corn Fritters Lamb Sliders Friendly Service The Bad: All the other food we got The painfully slow and distracted service The weirdly echo-y atmosphere The Ugly: The seemingly complete lack of paying any attention to detail.

    (2)

  • Erin W.

    I never come to this part of the city anymore, mostly to avoid the megadouchery that pollutes South Street Fridays & Saturdays, but I recently made an exception for a friend's birthday, and had a really great time. I went with a whiskey sour and the bartender was nice enough to tell me that they make their own house sour mix with fresh citrus, and that I might want more simple syrup in mine. She waited while I taste-tested and didn't give me an attitude when I indeed did ask for it to be sweeter. Horray for sugar. Our group had a room upstairs pretty much all to ourselves for the night, and there was a a big tv, plenty of couches and chairs, and a shuffleboard table and dart board that kept everyone occupied. The volume level was a little rough because there was a live band later on in the night, but thankfully the place didn't get overcrowded or anything. The whole place is decorated in sort of a country rustic feel, only everything is brand new and really kept clean. There's a big second bar upstairs as well. The bathrooms are pretty cute and clean, too. Not bad for this neighborhood!

    (4)

  • Glenn V.

    I don't normally engage in reviewing Philadelphia restaurant scene, for it's vast and there is an ample number of people in the city, who actually eat for living. Here, I'd like to brag about my favorite place in the city of Philadelphia. From day one, George has established the best entertainment venue in the city. A famed food critic a while ago validly questioned the direction of the kitchen. Well, as spoiled of a Philly brat that I am, I do promise you that the kitchen has arrived! Food is excellent! And then the beignets - Café du Monde has nothing on Tails' - they literally melt in your mouth. Yet, the best aspect of the joint is people! From the friendly faces of the guys and gals at the door (shout out for Nassir and Andre) to friendly, beautiful, and impeccably professional waitresses (shout out to Melissa), to friendly and refined gentlemen behind the bar (shout out to Matt and Adam, to the most "user-friendly" and cool management team (shout out to Rob and George), these folks make you feel both important and at home! From the entertainment side of things, just in the past week, they had Deb Callahan, and Roger Girke - back to back! If you're a blues fan, how much better can it get..? It's Stone Cold blues there on the bandstand almost every night! I try to average a night per week. You'd be foolish not to follow my suit. Enjoy! DISCLOSURE: I officially state that I have no financial connections to the establishment and I'm not a surrogate endorser. I'm only partial to the place because it is that good on merit, and the folks there have become my friends because they're great folks!

    (5)

  • Allitia D.

    I live in the area and am thrilled ot have live music 5 nights/week. We have eaten here for both brunch and dinner--both were very good, not standard bar fare at all. They are reaching for gastropub and some of the menu hits it squarely,. The Onion Tart and Vegetarian Shephard's Pie, for instance. Wonderful vibe inside. And did we mention the live music...a juke joint on Headhouse Square...c'mon people, you gotta love THAT.

    (4)

  • Mark F.

    Great drinks, awesome bourbon selection. The food is pretty good too.

    (4)

  • Michael C.

    This is only a review for the Juke Joint. I've yet to eat at the restaurant. The $5 cover doesn't seem like much, but it makes all the difference between deciding to go here for some shuffleboard, darts and drinks and going to any other place in Headhouse to grab some beers. Don't get me wrong, live music is great. However, all of the bands I've seen here have been less than great and, at best, good background music. If they got rid of the cover, my friends and I would be here at least once or twice a week buying drinks and more than making up for the money they'd "lose" by ditching the $5 door fee. I'd love to go here more frequently, but why pay the cover when I can play darts at the Dodger for free? This place is ALWAYS empty, even on the weekends. Lose the cover, bring in the people. It's that simple.

    (2)

  • Heather P.

    Quick Summary: Slightly overpriced yet still great bourbon bar with a diverse blues entertainment lineup. I've been to T3 five times and have eaten there on three occasions. I've consistently had good food, though I struggle with the price for the value and portion size. My most favorite foods there so far have been the fried tomatoes (on special), corn fritters, primal chili, crabcakes and blackened catfish. Prices are too prohibitive on their charcoal menu offerings (with no sides?!?!) to entice me. Service has always been quick and accomodating and all of my meals have always come out hot with the appropriate condiments. Great bartending with special emphasis on liquor/cocktail knowledge AND food pairings. I've never been bored with my bourbons there, and it never fails that I am offered something that I've not tried before. The decor in the venue is simple yet interesting. Whiskey barrels serve as seats and foundations for the tables and bar upstairs, though the hard bar seats are hell on the ass with little back support. The lounge area has inviting couches, a fireplace and shuffleboard. There's a distinct lack of scuzzy people hanging out and that's almost enough for me to give them an extra star! Twisted Tail has become a hotspot in the Delaware Valley for blues performers. House band Mikey Junior and the Stone Cold Blues Band (have competed several years at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis) rock the spot weekly and host the Open Jam on Sunday evenings. Other local and regional acts have graced the stage, to include Roger Girke, Georgie Bonds and Deb Callahan. My only whine is that acoustically, the band space is far from perfect. The narrow chamber limits the ability to get a substantial audience in to see the musicians; there are only two tables on the floor up in the front of the room. The bands are backed by glass windows and surrounded by brick in the long, narrow room; sound vigorously jettisons around in the room. It would be easy to put some stylish acoustic material in the clamshell where the bands play to control some of the harshness. My other criticism? My sense is that the chef and management is overthinking, coming close to ruining the simplicity of southern cooking with nouvelle techniques and ideas. This isn't a BBQ joint an they should probably stop peddling themselves as such unless they truly change the menu and employ KISS priciples. In turn, they'd be bringing in far more people and getting far better reviews with easier-to-deliver fare.

    (4)

  • Olga M.

    This is an amazing place to get some food, excellent excellent drinks and really good music to boot! A must if you're in the area

    (5)

  • Jaclyn K.

    The bf and I were casually walking around the south street area and noticed a bar that I knew was in the works of opening. I never went to Kildares, and i was astonished when we walked into the twisted tail. the decor is amazing. the best thing about twisted tail is now knowing where harold works. if you don't know him, he's a very sweet, professional bartender that I and the bf have known for awhile now. So we sat down at the bar and had a beer each. the bf got a rouge dead guy in a large glass, and I had something i don't remember. we were then convinced to go upstairs because we were told that there was a band starting soon. so we headed up. thats where the troubles began. we plopped ourselves down at the bar, and we asked if the phillies were on (they were after a rain delay) and the guy behind the bar (we were told he was the manager) told us they were not. He went somewhere i think to see what was going on with the game, and then turned it on at the opposite tv that we were at. we were going to leave, but felt bad that he had changed the tv for us so we could watch the game. bad move, we should have left. i then ordered a brawler, which came in a large glass, and the bf again ordered a dead guy. It came in a much smaller glass than what we got it in the first time. Maybe a lack of communication, or missfortune, I sucked it up to, but we had to say something. there was something wrong. So the bf said he got it in a larger glass the first time, and the male bartender proceeded to pour it into a larger glass in front of us, and then said to the nice girl cobartender, "These are the type of people that only come here for happy hour." In front of our faces. I'm NOT MAKING THIS UP. We kind of shrugged it off, maybe due to a few beers in us, but then tried to order a shrimp cocktail with the beers that we had just ordered. We finished our beers, and there was still no shrimp cocktail. 30-45 minutes or longer for a SHRIMP COCKTAIL? are you out of your mind???! we left without getting the shrimp cocktail because we just didn't want to be there any longer. I REALLY wanted to like this place. I really want this place to work, but I never see myself going back. What an AWFUL experience.

    (2)

  • Catherine H.

    I go here a lot for the great drinks, music, and atmosphere. Staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. I had a birthday gathering here and it worked really well. Definitely recommend Saturdays and Sundays for the music but the food and service are great so any night of the week is awesome.

    (5)

  • Sherri T.

    This place has the best wings ever and the fries totally rock. We frequent this place and the food is consistently good and the servers couldn't be more friendly or helpful. We highly recommend it for a fun casual atmosphere with great food. Sherri and Steve Philadelphia

    (5)

  • Jeremy N.

    did not actually eat at the restaurant, but i did enjoy the wide array of whiskeys! bar staff was extremely polite and they even had live entertainment on a tuesday night. highly recommended!

    (5)

  • Rita C.

    After hearing some great things about The Twisted Tail, I finally got a chance to check it out last week. We walked in on a rainy Wednesday night, which is why I thought this place might be a ghost town, but after reading some other reviews I think it just might be like that a lot. Sad :( The downstairs is really nice and clean. I'm not really sure how to describe the decor, but it included some "old-timey" jars/bottles/stuff, which I liked a lot. I didn't venture upstairs but heard there is darts and shuffle board up there. Originally, I was going to get some drink with muddled cucumber in it (I just liked how "muddled cucumber" sounded, definitely a good band name in my opinion), but I decided to go with some bourbon flights instead. "When In Rome," I thought. Let's just say that I quickly found out that bourbon is just not my thing and had to suffer through three mini glasses of rubbing alcohol, at no fault of the restaurant (at least I was trying to be adventurous, right?). My BF had a old fashioned and also learned that he didn't like it either. We tried! For dinner we got the crawfish mac & cheese, lamb sliders, and twisted house burger. The crawfish mac & cheese was the highlight of the meal. It was decadent and delicious with just enough crawfish in it. Being someone who needs to pour sriracha on all mac & cheese, this was good enough just as it is. I definitely recommend it! The sliders were on the dry side and were just okay. My BF said the burger was good and juicy, but they went a little overboard on the blue cheese. On a lighter note, service was spot on - they did a really great job here. All-in-all, I wanted this place to be awesome, but it just didn't do it for me. I may come back in the future to see some live music (Wednesday night is blues night) and, of course, to order that mac & cheese, but I'm really not planning on going here anytime soon. PS - If you go to the Twisted Tail website and print out the August calendar, you get 10% off your dinner menu. I had the calendar ready, but completely forgot until after we had already left (THANKS, BOURBON!).

    (2)

  • S. H.

    Had an amazing, food-lovers evening with my hubby at the Twisted Tail in September! Where do I start in praising this place? I'll start at the begining...which was a little rocky. We had a reservation, but they could not accommodate us at that time (even though there were empty tables), so we had to sit at the bar and wait... We were a little irked but received good service at the bar, and the hostess was attentive is updating us on when we would get a table. Even after being seated, the staff remained attentive, checking in to make sure the rest of the evening went well. After we finally got seated, the waiter was excellent and the food was event better. We went during restaurant week and took advantage of the 4 course pre-feed menu. We ate: pork belly with greens, meatballs with Bourbon sauce, crawfish mac 'n cheese, Maryland crab cakes, and flatiron steak. We ended the meal with beignets and a bourbon flight- yummy!!! The atmosphere and decor are excellent at the Twisted Tail. After dinner we headed upstairs to the other bar, where a local band was playing Stax Record label-style R&B (think Otis Redding). We listened and danced for a while before going home completely satisfied with our Twisted Tail experience!

    (5)

  • Travis W.

    Whiskey/Bourbon bar! If you're looking for a great restaurant to try flights of whisky, this the place to be. The ambiance at Twisted Tail is great (so long as it's not too busy). Really my only complaint would be the noise when boisterous groups are eating. If you're into gastropubs/gastrobars, you should give TT a chance - I was lucky enough to go during Boston's restaurant week; their peppers, mac n' cheese, scallops, baked beans were all great - there's also an excellent selection of beers.

    (4)

  • Krista P.

    They have Bourbon Flights. They let you build your own. If there is anything else I need to say to convince you, then maybe this place isn't for you. But I will continue. They have a good draft selection, a creative food menu, and did I mention the flights of Bourbon? The Bourbon flight comes in a holder.... I've only had a few items on the menu besides the Bourbon flights (I think I mentioned the flights already, but in case I didn't... they have flights. Of Bourbon.) but everything has been delicious that I've tried. Last night we had crawfish mac & cheese, 3 different cobblers (I was going to say flight again, but I don't want to detract from your attention to the Bourbon flights), and I took some fried pickles and a french fry from some strangers. They were nice (both the strangers and the food.) Upstairs they have shuffleboard and darts. Only downside is that on the weekends until 12/12:30 they have live music upstairs and in order to play shuffleboard, you have to pay a cover because of the live music (the only thing preventing a 5 star review). I've been told that if you order food you can go upstairs without a fee - but I got distracted by the flight of Bourbon and didn't test the theory. Definitely check this place out.

    (4)

  • Ashley L.

    I have been to The Twisted Tail a few times for drinks and loved the relaxed atmosphere and beer list. After looking over the food menu, my boyfriend and I decided to make a trip to The Twister Tail for Brunch. We were immediately greeted by our server and ordered a round of drinks and put in our food order. What only felt like minutes later, the manger came over to us and apologized for the food taking 'longer than 15 minutes' to arrive. This was followed by two appetizers and a round of drinks on the house. Being in our mid-twenties, we are typically thrown in the corner table by the bathroom and forgotten about. It was refreshing to go to a restaurant that did not stereotype us as cheap, poor tippers (which we are far from). The food was original, fresh and delicious. We will definitely be returning with friends. Thank you for a wonderful experience.

    (5)

  • Larry G.

    Went for lunch with my wife and grand daughter - we were the only ones in the place - could not immediately accommodate with chocolate milk, and took 1/2 an hiur to serve a cheeseburger, fries, and an oyster po boy. U did not taste the burger shared by my wife and grand daughter, but the po boy was terrible. Oysters were tough, overcooked, and tasted terrible. Worst oyster point boy I have ever had -and I have had many in Manhattan - the Oyster bar, and in Chelsea markets. Will not go back.

    (2)

  • Brittany S.

    My favorite place in Philly! First found this place last year but didn't remember the name, Yelp to the rescue! So glad I found this place. The decor is to die for, from the outside seating to the first floor dining room, the upstairs side room to the bar area with live music this place has it all. The live music is amazing, need to find a place like this in DC! Both times I've been the band and singer had people up and dancing and everyone clapping. The drinks are great, the bartenders are more like mixologist and the food is not your average bar food. Never had a bad drink, they are light and refreshing and strong! My boyfriend and I ordered the pulled pork empanadas and I ordered the mushroom salad. The 2 medium sized empanadas came out hot and filled with tender perfectly cooked pork. The pork wasn't covered with seasoning or sauce which was great because it let the natural pork flavor shine, if they don't have the cover with other flavors you know it's good! The mushroom salad was light but filling (if that makes sense) looked small but once I mixed it all together it was a good sized salad. The tart and tangy dressing was a perfect mix with the creamy goat cheese and the crystallized ginger gave it a little sweetness. The mushrooms were the perfect topping and blended right in. The bartenders are very friendly, attentive and fast. This place is a perfect 10... well, 5 star.

    (5)

  • Eileen W.

    The name "Twisted Tail" attracted me in the first place. I came here with a friend on a Saturday evening. The restaurant was super busy and seemed a bit under staffed. The Twisted Tail had casual vibe, not too loud or anything so you can actually have a conversation with someone. Our server took a while to get our order in (like I said it was under staffed on a busy Saturday). We ordered a few drinks, which seemed to be watered down and pricey for the amount given. They are also limited on domestic beers. I ordered the Pennsylvania trout. I didn't expect it to be a whole fish (head and tail included) when it came out. It seemed to be a bit over cooked. It also came with cauliflower seasoned in a vinaigrette, which was okay. Overall, I don't think its a bad place. I'll have to give it another try on a less busy day.

    (3)

  • Stefanie A.

    Possibly my fave bar in the city. Why? Let me count the ways... 1. $5 bourbon sangria and bar bites during happy hour 2. Friendly staff 3. Sweet "library" room with leather chairs, fireplaces, and rocking chairs 4. The best bar game ever--shuffleboard 5. Darts. Though the bull is dull and the board should be replaced. Manager is aware. 6. Free music. 7. Excellent drink menu. 8. Marvelous parties (Halloween & New Year's are ESP rockin) The food is slightly overpriced and is hit or miss, hence not giving it 5 stars. Overall love it here. You should, too!

    (4)

  • Christine B.

    Somehow I had never been here, but that was rectified on a Saturday night. I met up with a large group and we were able to get a table and enjoy a few drinks. I had a stout, others had a bourbon flight. The music was a little loud downstairs to the point of having to walk out for a phone call, but otherwise no complaints.

    (4)

  • Dana M.

    In the mood for live jazz and great service? Look no further! The Crawfish Mac and Cheese, Cornbread, and Peach Cobbler are amazing! nomnomnom. They also have a wide Bourbon selection. While the main dishes aren't the best (though I really can't say for sure-- haven't tried everything on the menu!) the service is great. I had the buttermilk chicken sandwich which was just okay. It lacked flavor but I took it to go and it tasted great the next day. On another occasion I had the salmon which was really bad. No flavor, no nothing. I'm pretty sure they didn't season it. On the bright side, they play live jazz every night! woo! I'll be sure to update when I've found an entree I adore.

    (3)

  • Alli H.

    Very friendly bartenders and host/hostess each time I've been. Okay draft list. For some reason, I just never have an awesome time here. Something about it is underwhelming.

    (3)

  • Dom G.

    This is my third time going to Twisted Tail. We were a fan from the start. The service is exceptional and friendly and the whole staff is super accommodating. This time we went two days after Christmas and took along our two sons from out of town and their wives as well as our new 7 month old granddaughter. They gave us a table that was roomy enough so that we didn't have to crowd in with the baby. The food was excellent the drinks were incredible and I know I'll be back. Absolutely LOVE the place.

    (5)

  • John Q.

    I attended a 30th birthday party here a few weeks ago and was impressed with their event space. They have shuffleboard and darts as well as a fireplace and lounge area which means there was something for both the men and women at the party. The drinks were pricey ($10 for a Gin & Tonic) but the place was packed so I guess people come for the atmosphere. I didn't have their food so I can't comment on that. The service was good but we did have a server dedicated to our party so I am not sure if you'll have the same experience at the bar or at the regular tables. The location is right in head house square so definitely drop in here if you are bar hopping around the square. It's nice to shake it up once in awhile and I'm glad I found this place.

    (4)

  • Sarah W.

    Great restaurant and ambience. Bourbon and beer menu extensive. Attentive staff, great service although we had a late dinner around 8:30-9 so the place wasn't very busy. Complementary bread to start off the meal was fantastic, corn bread and biscuits. Hush puppies for an appetizer were spot on. Boyfriend had grilled skewers, preferred the chipotle butter over other seasonings. I had the al a cart pork chop. The creamy sauce it was baked in was to die for. Dessert was bourbon ice cream with beignets. Live band upstairs. All in all I think this place isn't rated as high as it should be. Lots of fun.

    (4)

  • Allie H.

    On first impression, I'm wooed by the details: the sheet music wallpaper, the booze barrel bar stools, or cowboy hats on hooks (which you're encouraged to wear while kicking your heels to the in-house bands). The owners have certainly put a lot of thought into this new space. Live blues bands add to this fun, inviting atmosphere. Guaranteed, you'll see my friends here on many many weekends to come. As for the menu, there are still kinks to work out. I think the biggest fault with Twisted Tail is their identity: it's not quite solid yet. The board has some interesting dishes to fit into their "bourbon and blues" and open fire concept, though there are plenty that do not. The Smokehouse Lightning cocktail was deeeelicious, for starters. The mac and cheese was intensely rich, though a bit bland, even with the addition of chewy crawfish meat. Lamb sliders were juicy little bites, though I tasted none of the sun-dried cranberry aioli listed on the menu. The "primal chili" had a great balance of meat and beans, topped with a bit of melted chocolate and (too much) sea salt. Service was friendly, attentive and clearly nervous. Had a bit of a mix-up when we paid our check, leaving me a bit salty, but I won't fault them for it here. Shit happens, especially when you're a nervous new server. Maybe I'm being nitpicky, but all restaurants have to grow to really make it. I have high hopes for Twisted Tail, though, and am really glad they're in our 'hood. Give it a few months and I'm certain things will even out.

    (3)

  • Roy L.

    Our party of six got to the TT around five thirty for dinner before the #XPNFEST. All first timers we had no expectations going in. Prompltly seated our server was attentive and informative. A large app list along with cheese platters and a variety of hams made ordering an adventure. All party members decided to go with a pair of apps, all different and all would be shared. Drinks before food, pineapple infused vodka for a super margarita, a Tennessee lemonade that would get you in trouble after more than one, and a red sangria were excellent along with a nice craft beer list and a VERY GOOD whiskey choice. Food came quickly and never seemed to end. Mussels, grilled clams, cherizo sausage taco.....enough to say all the food was awesome. The server recommended cheese platter along with the country ham made all diners smile. Then to rap things up your reviewer enjoyed a neat Hirsch Reserve that warmed the soul and topped off a great dining experience.

    (4)

  • Christine E.

    When my friends suggested we go here for opening night, I was very excited. Twisted Tail sounded like a great little place for some well cooked pig and the whiskey/bourbon bar would be a bonus. I arrived a little after my party, was greeted and served a drink in a very timely manner and the cocktails were all mixed deliciously. I really enjoyed the Black Cherry Gimlet (...not trying to be miss know it all, but mixing a vodka/gin drink with lime juice does not a gimlet make) and the Time after Thyme. Service in this place is great. As far as the menu, to say I was disappointed to be at a place that clearly referenced swine in the name but has a total of three menu choices with pig (one has sausage, one has bacon, and the last seems like a pork shoulder) is an understatement. I also can't figure out what made anything on the menu consistent. Crawfish mac and cheese, duck spring rolls, flatbread and onion tarts... what? I got a salad and fries, because I'm on a diet... (not really.) and all of my friends ordered various appetizers. I know I should have ordered off of the entrees menu, but I wasn't really hungry and my friends and I tend to share anyway. The salad was good, but drenched in sweet dressing and the fries were good fries, but I feel like I paid $7 for a choice of three dipping sauces that were eh (chipotle ketchup, rosemary mayo, and agave nectar/vinegar). The crawfish mac and cheese was bland. The "spitfire chicken wings" were covered in a hoison glaze that tasted only of hoison glaze but had no semblance of cooked over an open fire (maybe it's a stretch to believe the wings were cooked over a fire, but it says SPITFIRE in the title). My friends liked their veggie options, but I didn't have any interest in trying any more food after the piece of crawfish I had was tough. After dinner, I tried to order some rye, but they were out of everything. The waiter explained "We just opened and some of these have been hard to find." And that was the final deal breaker for me. I get it, you just opened and the PA liquor board is full of Quakers or whatever, but print up new menus without teasing me. Will I come back? For the drinks, probably. The food, maybe if they pick up some herbs and spices and find some flavor.

    (2)

  • Danielle A.

    Stopped in for opening. Great atmosphere. Tasty original cocktails. Overwhelming beer/bourbon selection. Food is fresh and they have a completely unique menu. They're still working out the kinks on the food but I think this place is gonna be a hot spot for either a yummy sit down schmancy dinner or chilling out upstairs playing shuffleboard sippin bourbon.

    (4)

  • Ryan B.

    Here's the update. We did receive a very professionally written note from the manager/owner apologizing. I decided to come in last Saturday night for drinks and live music with a date - no dinner. $5 cover for the live blues music upstairs, which was well worth it. She was incredible, such a nice change of pace to have live(non-cover band) musics in Philadelphia. The bartenders were very good and made a great old fashioned.

    (3)

  • Karen T.

    I think Twisted Tail is a hidden gem in Society Hill and this place deserves the 5-star. Of the few restaurants I've tried during my visits to Philly, this is one of my favorites. Good drinks, great food and an awesome bartendar. I recommend the Shrimp & Grits, Caesar Salad (w/ corn bread croutons!), and Chicken Fried Steak!

    (5)

  • Cait D.

    This place has only been open for 1 week and has some real potential. The staff is still bumping around a bit but that aside, the bartenders are extremely helpful in making selections and suggestions on food and drinks. The food is great. The cocktails are unique and delicious. The drinks are pricey, well they're center city price ($9-12 a cocktail) but the food is fairly cheap for the quality that you get! There was music upstairs in the "lounge" but we didn't even bother since we were more interested in hanging out and talking - and because the bartenders downstairs were great! Food tried (all apps): Crab cakes -$12 gets you 2 mini crab cakes with a kettle cooked chip crust, NO fillers - delicious Duck Spring Rolls - $8 - Very crispy and fresh tasting but couldn't really taste the duck. The dipping sauce did little to add contrasting flavors - probably wouldn't order again but only because the other items were so much better Lamb Sliders - hands down favorite. For $10 you get 3 mini lamb "burgers" with a cranberry aioli that complimented the lamb flavor perfectly Drinks tried (I have no clue what they are called and the drink menu isn't posted on the website!) VooDoo something or other : I believe this was the cocktail with red wine. Refreshing and warming at the same time. A tart fruity flavor served up with an orange twist. Highly recommended Something with muddled cucumber : Great description right? Well it's the only drink that comes with muddled cucumber so that should make it easy. This drink is light, refreshing, the pear vodka is not overpowering and adds a sweeter flavor to the mellow and earthy cucumber. It's a perfect summer cocktail and reminds me of a Pim's Cup (very common cocktail in New Orleans). Served in a high ball glass with a cucumber slice. Overall this is a great new spot that we happened on by chance and I will surely be returning.

    (5)

  • Alison D.

    Oh my god I hate this place SO MUCH. Following review is for drinks only. TT is big and so seems like an okay option if you are with a bunch of people and want to take over the place, but its not worth it. Things I specifically despise: (1) terrible bartenders, who are inattentive and inefficient. Order drinks at one bar, and they wander away to mix your drink at some other far away location. Bartender apparently carrying a drink *into the bathroom* before giving it to a customer who might or might not have ordered it. They may forget your order entirely, and thus you are marooned at the bar for ages, and then they're like "Oh...uh...sorry," and wander away again. Let me remind you that the place is *dead.* *Dead!* Its not like they are swamped with people. There are like 15 people in the whole place. (2) One dollar up charge for each drink which appears on your receipt, not on the menu. You guys suck.

    (1)

  • Michele R.

    Strolling through Headhouse Square on a late Sunday morning, you will be treated to the Farmer's Market and a flurry of shopping families. If you don't look closely, you might walk right by the Twisted Tail, formerly Kildares. I have not been in this incarnation yet, and probably wouldn't have bothered if the "Champagne Cocktails" sign hadn't lured me in. Despite having a reasonably priced brunch menu, there were only two tables dining and one couple at the bar at 11 am. I decided our next brunch excursion would take place here. Fighting the crowds at the popular Sabrina's just isn't worth the stack of pancakes I can get in an air-conditioned, classy bar. (n.b., they serve drinks in said bars!). I cannot comment on the food yet, but I can on cocktail service. We sat at the bar and ordered the half-priced bottle of champagne with a carafe of o.j., from the hipster bartender. He was more excited by his gin-soaked muddled blueberries, borne of a different cocktail altogether, but made a compelling argument for its appropriate introduction into my champagne. I never touched the o.j., such was the perfection of blueberry champagne. Did I mention the champagne was $15? For a whole bottle? Yes, I will find my way back to the Tangled Tail.....no, The Twisted Tea....wait, no The Tall Tale? Dang it--_TWISTED Tail. Or is it Tale? Whatever....

    (4)

  • Scott D.

    Okay, I must admit, I have only been here once and a buddy of mine is the owner, however this place has major potential to be a GREAT spot for live local music with good eats and an amazing beer selection. They don't sell pitchers, but do sell growlers that you take to a table or the pool/shuffle board room and chill with friends while watching the game on the flat screen TV on the wall. Great decor up and down stairs. If you are in Head House square and are tired of the same old same old, try The Twisted Tail and you won't be sorry.

    (4)

  • Charles R.

    First time and will go back for more. The buttermilk chicken sliders were great and the cuban sandwich was good, but next time , without a doubt I am ordering the crawfish mac and cheese. Guy at the next table had and said it was fantastic, and it looked it. I love crawfish and why I didn't oreder it I don't know, but next time I will dive in to this large gooey dish. Beer and liquor menu was large, good area since you're a block from South Street and they take all plastic. Service was prompt, friendly and prices are very reasonable.

    (4)

  • Jennifer H.

    I had a great experience at Twisted Tail with my fiance and some friends. Lamb sliders are delish!! Crab cakes have no fillers!! My fiance got the Cowboy Steak. It was amazing!! I got the salmon which was decent, but I will definitely be getting the steak the next time we go back. Drinks are good, but a bit expensive. All in all - great new restaurant!! We will be back!

    (4)

  • Tom C.

    I don't normally review, but my wife and I had a great dinner. The food was excellent we had oysters, empanadas, scallops, burger, and sweet potato fries. Drinks we had the old fashion, kool Kat and the flight. And the waiter Anthony was very attentive.

    (5)

  • Mario D.

    We were excited to see a new spot with live music and an interesting looking menu. Then we ate there. I ordered a whiskey, it took 10 minutes for them to figure out that they didn't have it. The bartender came by to offer a similar brand. Ten minutes after that, my waitress came over to ask if I still wanted a whiskey. When it arrived, there was a fair amount of sediment in it. Our appetizers were ok. The duck rolls were crispy, but ultimately lacking in flavor. Lamb burgers were cooked properly, but suffered from a serious cheese and seasoning defcicit. My date's lamb shoulder consisted of 25% meat and 75% fat and gristle. The 4 bites of meat were tasty and well spiced. My cowboy steak was slightly overdone and bland as shoe leather. A "mustard" was served, that when tasted, bore zero resemblance to its namesake. Great concept, weak execution. I'll be back for the music and beer, if I go back at all.

    (2)

  • Ilya H.

    Great place to throw a party! Live music upstairs. There's a separate room with a shuffle board, darts, and a fire place. Two bars with great bourbon and beer lists. The food was delicious as well. I highly recommend the mac and cheese, pulled pork tacos, beef cheeks, and the pork duo.

    (5)

  • Dana D.

    1 star for a pretty sweet atmosphere and live blues. Another star for a decent beer/cocktail/bourbon menu. 0 stars for food. I'm sorry Twisted Tail...I gave you the benefit of doubt. I heard you were so great and just needed some tweaks. Apparently nobody wants to be honest with you. First, we sat downstairs for 10 minutes with only water; not even a drink order was taken. We then decided to go upstairs and were taken care of right away. That being said - your menu needs A Lot of work. I'd like to think that perhaps if I had tried some of your main courses I would have been left with a better impression. Instead, we shared almost all of your appetizers and Not One was even remotely good. The wings were chewy and flavorless, the crab cakes tiney and bland, the duck spring rolls also flavorless, the ribs nothing to brag about and so on..and so on. Quite disappointing to spend a decent amount of money on really crappy food. Sorry guys, I won't be coming back =(

    (2)

  • Iris B.

    good beer & an amazing wild mushroom salad .. yum

    (3)

  • L B.

    great food, great service. will definitely go again when I am in town !

    (4)

  • Elaine M.

    This place is great for all times of the day. I have been there multiple times for a late night dinner after a long happy hour. They have a great bar menu with plenty of sandwiches that are served until 12 or 1 am. They also have a great selection of beers on tap. My boyfriend and I wondered in here on Easter morning for brunch (since our Easter dinner wasn't being served until 6). We had no idea they were putting out a HUGE buffet spread that morning. I think it was around $25 per person but was well worth it. They had every breakfast item you could think of and several carving stations, seafood dishes. The pastries and baked goods were out of control! They told me this was the first time they had done a buffet but planned to do more of them in the future. They also told me that they do happy hour on Wednesdays and put out free apps for locals... I need to get there for that one of these days. Everything I have had here has been great, this has become one of my go-to spots.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth R.

    My husband & I are thrilled to have The Twisted Tail in the neighborhood!. So far, we'e been there a handful of times -- a couple nights to have a bite for dinner while listening to live music (so far great bands too!), and other times we just want to get out of the house to listen to some good blues and enjoy a beer and a really delicious old-fashioned (cocktail). They are pretty new, and they seem open to suggestions. They also have been trying to tweak things to make their customers happy. That alone tells me they care, so you may want to give them a chance and pay them a visit in the future. Happy blues!

    (4)

  • Nik P.

    The Twisted Tail is a good bourbon bar, and a great place to go if you're into blues/swing music as there is a band that plays on the second floor every Friday. The staff is friendly, servers knowledgeable, the drinks and food decent. The Lamb Sliders rock without a doubt, and the Chili with various salts, as well as the soups are fantastic. Sometimes it can get a little pricey for what you're getting, but this is always a matter of perception. If one is on a tight budget, everything is pricey. If one has money to blow, nothing is pricey at that moment. It does get loud due to the music being played, but that's just the kind of place it is -- a bourbon blues bar. What you see is what you get. You like good bourbon, good food, and good music? Go to the Twisted Tail. Simple as that.

    (3)

  • Joe C.

    Lose the snakes they freak out my wife!

    (3)

  • D S.

    Decent place to kick back for a few.

    (3)

  • Tameka J.

    I really like this place, I stop in whenever I'm in the area. The food is freshly prepared using locally grown items whenever possible. Anything that comes from the grill is going to be an awesome great for your mouth. The fried chicken and sweet potato fries are a must try. If they have pork belly or beef cheeks on the menu, I highly recommend you give either or both a try. The infused liquors are also a must try, have them straight or let the bartender create something for you. After you eat go upstairs for live music.

    (4)

  • Lauren K.

    I've been here twice - once in the early evening when we needed a quick bite to eat before a movie, and the other late at night on a weekend for a relaxing couple of drinks with friends. For the first meal, I had the crawfish mac and cheese while my boyfriend had a pulled pork slider. The mac and cheese was served in a skillet - definitely a shareable appetizer, or in my case plenty for an entree. It was well seasoned, with the crawfish being flavorful, but not doused in spice, which I appreciated. The pulled pork slider was great - I prefer sauce to a dry rub, and the bbq sauce on this was delicious. He also had a very large portion. We each also had a beer, and the happy hour price was fair. By the time we left, the live music was still setting up, so we didn't get to see anyone perform. The second time we went there, was for drinks and some snacks late at night. There was a late night menu, with a good number of options to choose from. I don't remember what other people got, but I remember ordering a side of hush puppies. They were so good, they reminded me of the ones I had in North Carolina. Crispy and fried, but not too dry on the inside. The sauces were also very flavorful. As a side, a few of my friends ordered the flights of bourbon - each had only great things to say, and it was especially nice that the server explained each one in detail, and the recommended order in which to drink them. Bummed that I haven't made it back for any live music nights - they happen pretty frequently!

    (5)

  • Claire O.

    The food is great. The service was lacking, but we had a very large party and we got there at about 8 pm, so maybe our server was exhausted from her day. At any rate, the food and alcohol made up for it. My family is from Louisiana so I take southern food seriously. I got the fried chicken and biscuits and it was AMAZING. I'm going to duplicate it at home and show off to my family over Thanksgiving. Other people at our table had cornbread, grits and greens - your normal comfort food - all of it very good. We tried the carafe of the "Southern wine cooler" - otherwise known as sangria. It was a very small carafe. Stick with the gallons of beer which are very reasonably priced.

    (4)

  • Milo Y.

    Great Vibe, Great Bartender, Great Sazerac!!! When in Philadelphia make sure you get here....

    (5)

  • Dan W.

    Came here this past wednesday late night for the reverse happy hour. Real impressed with this place. Granted it was empty but it has a ton of nice space making it a place I want to go with some friends in the future. Got the sliders which were really good. and then got the oysters...which were not so good. But they were half off so I wasn't complaining, just thought they were pretty weak. The menu looks awesome though and it has an impressive beer and whiskey selection. One thing to add to the establishment when they hopefully see this....add some good southern cornbread please, it would be a perfect side to go with the whole menu- every place has the tried and true "insert seafood here " mac n cheese....but not everyone has the crazy flavored cornbread. Regardless, since I don't review usually, I know this place is new and I felt the need to say to everyone -check it out. I doubt you will be dissapointed.

    (4)

  • wendy f.

    We came with two friends to this restaurant merely because it was near the venue of a Fringe Festival show we were going to. What a pleasant surprise! The food was delicious and the service was over-the-top friendly and helpful. We kidded the waiter(who was from New England) that the staff must be trained in Southern hospitality and gentility! The trout dish was amazing and our friend liked his crabcakes a lot. Large selection of beers and a very pleasant atmosphere. We had to leave before the music started upstairs, but we will definitely be back for that. I was pleased to enjoy a meal, be catered to by the waitstaff and manager, and it didn't hurt our wallets!

    (4)

  • Mr Critical F.

    The staff was great. This was the only thing that was the night I went. A few friedns and I were looking for somewhere to celebrate Mardi Gras with food, drinks and a mature atmosphere. We did our research and decided on this place. Our intentions were to just sit at the bar and order our food from there. The bar was packed (obvious, no problem). The host found us a table in 10 mins. The rule was to order from Mardi Gras menu only. We got drinks first. The beers were piss warm and the Martinis were watered down. The food, OMG!!! Fat Tuesday is to get fat before lent!!. I got the crawfish etoufee. He was about a scope of rice and etoufee w/ about 3 tiny crawfish for the cost of $20. Another friend got the shrimp Po Boy that was just fried shrimp and lettuce, no flavor. Another got the roast beef Po Boy, that turned out to be a gravy Po Boy. We were highly disappointed and ran out the place. Wouldn't recommend at all and would not give a second try.

    (2)

  • Erik B.

    Great food. Slowest service I've ever had. Ever. Like, walked in at 7:30, left at 10:00 slow. An apology, but nothing comped. Others around us came in after and left before we did. So, be warned. Food was amazing, to be fair.

    (3)

  • Hannah C.

    I adore this place. My friends and I love to hit up the open blues jam on Sundays. The cocktails are delicious. (Try their Lynchburg Lemonade, you won't regret it. The basil adds such a good flavor). They have a good selection of bourbon, of course, and good beer on tap. On top of having an excellent bar, the food is incredible. Despite going several times, I have only tried the ribs and empanadas because they are so delicious. I can't give it a 5 out of 5 because the service has been INCREDIBLY slow a few times, but the times that it wasn't definitely deserve that perfect score.

    (4)

  • Sally f.

    fab place, best choice for old city if u dont want a hoochie mama hangout. beautiful interior....feels warm and unique....great drink options. amazing entertainment....open jam sesh on sundays!!!!!!

    (5)

  • Julie F.

    Went with my husband last night for our anniversary. Got there around 6 on a Saturday night and got seated right away (and was promised to get the best server - she wasn't kidding). Connor came over right away and gave us water. Got our drinks quickly and ordered our meals. The food came out in a timely fashion and was well timed We got the fondue appetizer and the family grill dinner. The fondue was cheesy goodness and had some interesting choices for dipping. Biscuits, strawberries, nectarines, and fried gherkin pickles. For dinner we both got the family grill dinner. It comes with 3 meats (chicken, pork and filet) and skillet cornbread (watch out - it's got a nice kick), greens and beans which were amazing and the to die for grits. We aren't big grits fans but dear lord these were sheer heaven! The filet was the best I've had in ages. Perfectly tender. The drinks were fun and tasty and the beer choices were plentiful. The service was the best I've had in ages. Connor was there with suggestions and even little tidbits of historical information (the drink I had ordered is the oldest in the country), he was attentive without being annoying. The manager stopped by a few times to check in to see how things were and the owner even gave a quick hello (we recognized him from some advertising on the table). Only thing that was a bit concerning is how slow they were on a Saturday night. They have live blues after 9 upstairs but we had to cut out. They definitely made this a lovely anniversary.

    (5)

  • Jennifer T.

    I have been to this place 3 times in the past few weeks with different people and it has been great each time. The servers and bartenders are knowledgable and friendly. The music is INCREDIBLE! Mikey Junior on the harmonica is one of the best blues musicians I have heard live and Philly is lucky to here him play there 2x/week!. The air is electric with his energy and music. The food is delicious too. I follow a gluten free vegetarian diet and can always find something to eat here. I highly recommend the harvest burger and grilled corn on the cob! Go there soon for a fantastic and fun night out !

    (5)

  • Eric C.

    I stopped in here for lunch on 9/26/12. It was a nice day so I sat outside. After looking at the menu, I was a bit disappointed at the lack of options. Little did I know, the dinner menu has a LOT more to offer. My waiter, (wish I'd gotten his name to give him credit) when I said I was hoping for a steak, said "Let me see what I can do." Even though it was hours before they started serving dinner, he brought me the dinner menu and suggested a steak from it ... and the steak was damn good. How good? The steak knife they gave me didn't have a serrated blade, and it didn't need one. Perfectly cooked and delicious. Good food, and an accommodating staff who goes out of their way to get you what you're craving.

    (5)

  • James A.

    If you're going to promote your business by setting up a food stand at the Taste of Philadelphia on Penn's Landing then you should take the time make sure you are not poisoning people with undercooked sausages. I've had food poisoning for 3 days after eating food from your stand. Thanks! Just the type of brand promotion you were hoping for? Teach your cooks how to properly cook raw meat so your customers don't have to fall ill.

    (1)

  • M. M.

    A nice little bar, much cleaner and more "fixed-up" than your average South Street dive. Had a chicken sandwich and fries which were better than average for "bar food". The sandwich was actually flavorful and the fries were crispy. Would like to come back and try some of the other menu items and drinks as I unfortunately wasn't in big-eating or bourbon-drinking mode. A little bit pricey but that probably keeps the riff-raff out. We did have a waiter who looked like the Ridiculously Photogenic Guy from the meme, was a little slow on the draw and forgot to bring us bread plates (rectified by the manager after he saw us dropping bread crumbs all over the table). Because we were in a good mood from being able to sit in an uncrowded (dinner hour - I imagine it fills up later on), cool and tidy place, we found this laughable rather than super-annoying. I would definitely drop by here again and bring others.

    (4)

  • Gregg H.

    Had a great an excellent experience at Twisted Tail last night. For a Tuesday night it was packed! The food was great and the brussels were the star...holy sh*t I'm still dreaming about them. The bourbon selection is out of this world.

    (5)

  • Greg A.

    Notice that the worst reviews are from when this place opened; Twisted Tail has improved tremendously since then. Seriously; check it out for yourself! Can't say much about the food since I am a vegetarian/vegan (although the food I have had has been fine and reasonably priced) ...having said that, the rest of the place is so good that I keep coming back. And that's just it: this is the my favorite place for hearing blues and having a drink in the city. The rotating bands on the weekends are always solid. Twisted Tail gets some good *real* blues in here; not just rock and roll or funk poser bands. Great music, great vibe, friendly staff. The regular Wednesday night with Mikey Junior is always fun. Mikey is an outstanding bluesman. He plays all kinds of blues, mixes up styles and tempos and is friendly and funny as hell. The selection of booze is awesome; Jess the bartender knows her whiskey ...and she ain't bad with the craft beers either.

    (4)

  • Cindy L.

    Rainy Sunday & I didn't feel like venturing far for brunch so we stopped by to try Twisted Tail again. It was empty (prob due to the rain) but their brunch menu has a nice selection. There are usual choices like pancakes but they also offer their specialties like crawfish mac n cheese, crab cake sandwich, buttermilk chicken... I had the breakfast burrito (eggs, bacon, pulled pork with sweet/tomato-y sauce). It was ordinary to me & not much better than one I could find at a deli. My bf ordered the steak & eggs -- very disappointed. The steak was very dry with no accompanying sauce & the eggs sunny side up were slightly off. Err...I liked the fries though! Okay & overpriced food but I would only come back when there's no where left to go. They do draw quite the crowd for their live music. Also -- free buffet on Wed nights if you eat at the bar!!

    (3)

  • Daniel H.

    Ughh... my stomach hurts (and now you're maybe wondering if you're having deja vu). You're not. And this time, my stomach hurts not because the food was bad - it was just decadent, rich, fried, filling, southern-style food. Slow service. When served, our waiter was awesome. Started with Fried Green Tomatoes - just okay... ricotta cheese is waiting for you inside of every bite. Hush Puppies - more fried, pretty yummy and comes with a honey sauce for dipping. Mains - blackened catfish with grilled veggies and the crab cakes. I've never seen bigger crab cakes. Ever. Two of them. On top of creamy and cheesy corn. Now maybe you understand the pain I felt after the meal. My favorite thing about this place? They serve Abita beer... on draft. Takes me back to the good times I had with my brother when he went to Tulane (I'm talking about New Orleans, people). My second favorite thing about this place? Siting outside and watching people fail at parallel parking. Even the dog at one of the other outside tables barked at one of the miserable attempts. Fun!

    (3)

  • Rob D.

    We went not quite knowing what to expect, but arrived and told our waiter that we wanted good food. He was very helpful and immediately gave good suggestions. We proceeded with open minds. We ordered several appetizers, a couple of bourbon flights and an entree. All very solid. The chef came out and was eager to hear our feedback which was resoundingly positive.

    (5)

  • Stew L.

    First of all, I am overjoyed to have a new jazz place so close to home. I see the reviews here are mixed, but we had great service, great food and enjoyed the music. The service: it wasn't crowded and the staff were constantly at the table asking if we needed anything. The food: all I can say is, I will never try to BBQ my own ribs again. Why bother? I'll just come here or get them to go because they were the best I've had. Dry rub, perfectly smoked, moist and meaty. My carnivore son could not even finish the whole rack. Chicken was also delicious. Jambalaya, a little salty for my taste, but I don't eat much salt. Corn bread was great. Mac and cheese got two thumbs up from the expert. The music: saw the uptown underground trio. I miss New Orleans and was hoping for some brass, but the keyboardist was great and we all enjoyed listening. There is a music charge added to the bill, which other clubs do too. Like I said, I miss New Orleans where all you have to do is buy a drink- but this is Philly and I'd rather pay the cover than not have a jazz club near by. Overall we loved it and will be back!

    (4)

  • Veronica V.

    I had the opportunity to visit twice in one weekend - for dinner with 2 friends on a Friday night and for brunch on Sunday with a group of 8. To start with, the service was excellent on the Friday night, and I would have considered giving up to 3 stars, except that the food was less than stellar on both occasions, and the experience on Sunday was well below par. Based upon menu descriptions, one would think the food was full of flavor, but it is not. There is an extreme lack of seasoning or flavor of any kind in any of the dishes I tried, which included the appetizer ribs and bacon dishes, the steak entree, the peanut butter mousse french toast, breakfast bacon (which was chewy, not at all crispy), and the pancakes. Plus, the beneits were raw inside, as was the french toast, despite being crisp almost to the point of being burnt on the outside. And I'm not talking about a little undercooked - you could pull the dough several inches if you were so inclined. The server on Sunday was more interested in selling drinks to increase the size of the check than in making sure we were happy with our meals. One person ordered the "veggie burger", which should not be listed as a burger at all. It's a bunch of chopped vegetables wrapped inside chewy burnt slices of eggplant. Plus, the menu listed "caramelized onions", and the onions inside were raw. The server made a point of asking me if I enjoyed my dish, as I had finished it, but then took my friends almost full plate without bothering to ask how hers was. The drinks were also inconsistent. One person ordered the cherry gimlet and got hers served correctly in a martini glass. Mine came loaded with ice in the same glass I had just finished drinking a different drink in; after the first couple of sips, all I tasted was water that melted from the ice. Then, 2 of our party wanted to use credit cards, while the rest of us used cash to cover our share of the food/tax/tip. We specifically asked to have a certain dollar amount applied to each card, but instead, the airheaded waitress applied all the cash to the check and split the balance on the cards, leaving everyone confused. She acted like she was doing us a favor by giving us a copy of the original check so we could figure it all out again. Without exception, restaurants have typically applied cash last, not first. And she came up with some excuse about how the computer "wouldn't let her" put the requested amounts on the cards. OF COURSE NOT, because she had already applied everything else! Plus, a simple dinner with shared apps and shared dessert, a couple of drinks each (they do not seem to offer happy hour specials), came to $60 each. Brunch was over $40. It's clear from my description above that I do not consider that I got what I paid for.

    (1)

  • Beverly T.

    Stumbled upon this spot for a drink. Unfortunately for us, we didn't order food (too stuffed from lunch). Loved the cozy outdoor seating, but we sat at the bar. Awesome atmosphere, friendly bartenders and creative, Southern-inspired upscale comfort food. Fried chicken, ox tails, veal bacon? Count me in.

    (4)

  • Sarah F.

    What a great place to stumble upon! We wanted to grab a bite to eat before a 7pm concert at the TLA and thankfully found The Twisted Tail. The cocktails were delicious. I had the black cherry gimlet and the kool kat. The gimlet was sweet but the lime juice added a tartness that made it perfect. The kool kat was refreshing and a tasty way to start off the night. As we were having our cocktails and waiting to order, the waiter brought out fresh house popcorn with bacon and rosemary butter. YUM What we ordered: Soup of the day: Pumpkin Chipotle glazed wings Cesar salad with cornbread croutons Blackened catfish BBQ spare ribs I would strongly recommend the pumpkin soup if they have it. It was the best I have ever had! It had a strong pumpkin flavor but was sweetened with what almost felt like a marshmallowy taste. The soup was thickened adding to the marshmallow aspect of the dish. The BBQ ribs were also very tasty! Even better is on the side were deep fried cornichons. I've fallen in love with these. This should be the only way to fry pickles.

    (4)

  • Leah L.

    We stopped by the Twisted Tail last night to look at their menu posted on the street. Daniel, one of the managers started chatting with us about their chef and menu. His enthusiasm for the restaurant had us hooked and excited to try it out. We sat at the bar top with Shazam who is a fabulous bartender, great personality and very entertaining! When you go, get their 4 course for $40 special, it is amazing and a lot of food! All you need to know is that the 'fried chicken in a bag' and crawfish mac and cheese are amazing and a must have. A cheese plate is an amazing add on as well, we let Shazam choose and it was fabulous! Thank you Daniel for greeting us and providing an amazing night!

    (5)

  • Kelly P.

    Really enjoyed my meal here. No complaints. Had sunday brunch, they had my framboise lambic on the beer list, among many other tasty looking options. The chicken sandwish and cheese plate were the winners at the table, but the mac n cheese also looked awesome.

    (4)

  • Laura A.

    We stumbled upon this place after a less than stellar happy hour at Bridget Foy's (it was more the crowd in the bar area than the service or the food - but I will admit the cider on tap was super dry and did not compliment the Guiness well). What a great place - and very unassuming. We were pleasantly greeted at the front door, pointed towards the bar area, and sat down to the smoky smell of grilled vegetables and meats. We drank some great cocktails and bar food, and an absolutely amazing dessert. The southern quartet complete with a harmonica playing front man really was the high note. Perfect temperature, ambiance, and general mood of both the patrons and the staff. I would take anyone I knew here if they wanted an interesting and entertaining dinner in Philadephia.

    (5)

  • Dan M.

    A favorite spot in Philly, right on Headhouse Square! The atmosphere is great with a very cozy downstairs with live acoustic music most nights of the week. Perfect place to meet up for a drink and low key relaxation. The upstairs bar provides a more lively time with consistently good blues and rock bands and the adjacent club room is complete with shuffle board, darts, and couches by a fireplace, a fun place to chill with friends. They have good beers on tap and the cocktails are top notch. I mostly snack on their small plates and appetizers while at the bar, all of which are delicious (crawfish mac-n-cheese is my go-to). Most importantly - the service is great with awesome staff. They go the extra mile to make you feel comfortable and "at home".

    (5)

  • Bruce C.

    While offering tasty and eclectic choices, the prices compared to the portions were weak at the Twisted Tail. I ordered the Haddock for $20+ and it was a painfully paltry portion that would be too tiny for a child. While it was better than average and the presentation was nice, they need to beef up the portions. Another example was the quail. Again, quite tasty, but the portion was barely 3 bites and nothing more for $9. Presentation is over-rated and doesn't satisfy my appetite. Portions and value are where it's at, and this place only delivers a third of the formula. The drinks menu was excellent, but I ordered an $11 glass of wine that while good was not even half a glass. Get real! I'm a spender by nature but don't like going to places where I feel they are pinching you at every turn. You can find many places in this city that deliver much more for a $40+ meal/drink. Pros: Ecletic and diverse menu Tasty offerings Appealing ambience Cons: Extremely small portions Pricey Service was slow, albeit friendly.

    (2)

  • Matthew B.

    Haven't been down in this part of town for a while, but we picked it because they had a blues band and what i had heard was a decent cocktail list- the perfect finale to our cocktail pub crawl. Good vibe upstairs, decent band - and the cocktails were....wait for it... good! score! Bartenders were experienced and i saw good attention to detail in spite of a hectic pace and large crowd. Any number of decent creations, including a sazarac that was well executed. The surprise was the food - ordered the lamb sliders (yum), bacon wrapped shrimp (pricey but large and good), and flatbread (crazy good). Yup- Good enough to draw an encore engagement the next time i want some music with that drink.

    (4)

  • Adam F.

    Southern inspired restaurant is great for Bourbon and southern favorites. Chicken and waffles are great for brunch. Definitely must try crawfish mac & cheese, pulled pork empanadas, shrimp and grits. Lots of good bourbon drinks too.

    (4)

  • Eza K.

    TT is always accommodating of us dancers on Wednesday nights, letting us take up their floor and put on a show with the amazing Mikey Junior band and soulful blues tunes. They have a great selection of drinks, although few noteworthy concoctions, and generally helpful staff. Better just take it on the rocks.

    (5)

  • James O.

    Bourbon flights are pricey but well worth it if you're a whiskey fan. Spent a night with live music and a couple of friends going through about 4 different flights, and was not dissapointed. Whiskey burned good, the band played well, and the general crowd was friendly and comfortable. Haven't been able to get to the game tables upstairs, having only gone on weekend nights, but this would make for a fine happy hour stop for those as well.

    (4)

  • Scot F.

    We made dinner reservations for Christmas Eve with some friends but thought we would give it a try first. We read mixed reviews so it was best to try for ourselves. It was suggested that we try the Crawfish Mac and Cheese because it was amazing. He was so right. We both ordered the Chicken and biscuit entree. I found out what they are doing with all the hockey pucks that are not being used by the NHL this season. They are putting gravy on them and calling them biscuits at this place. The chicken has zero flavor. I tried to add salt but it was too caked up in the shaker to be used. There have been several comments that this place is empty. Not so tonight. If you want apps and cocktails be sure to stop in. Skip the entrees.

    (2)

  • Megan H.

    My husband and I, along with another couple, came here on a Friday night during restaurant week. What we noticed right away was SPACE. LOVED IT! It was just so nice to enjoy our own conversation for once in Philly! Perhaps because it was restaurant week the food was just not fantastic. For this I give three stars. HOWEVER, the drinks is what blew me out of the water! Never have a been to an establishment that has flights for beer, cocktails, whiskey, and bourbon! The list is never ending! The special drink for the evening was a hot cider served with infused bourbon and cinnamon. Delightful. This place is king for infused drinks. I'd go here with a focus on drinks, food second. I will go back and try the food again.

    (4)

  • Caitlin S.

    What a great experience! We went for restaurant week and by far this has been my best restaurant week experience ever. The food was so great and the drinks were even better. The best part of the whole evening was the service. I saw managers running food, taking drink orders and helping out their servers. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for an evening with great food, drinks and live music. The pork belly was incredible!

    (5)

  • Dominique C.

    I took my boyfriend here for his birthday, as he is a huge whisky fan. I will say, this placed surprised me! Open and spacious when you walk in, the lighting is a bit dark, but overall, a nice setting. Not going to lie, the two things that sold me here were the 1) cocktail flights. I mean, you get 3 or 4 mini unique and tasty cocktails that's served to you in an candle holder and 2) fried chicken in a bag. The chicken is rolled in corn flakes and it gives it a sweet, crunchy spin on typical fried chicken. We both enjoyed our meals and will probably be back!

    (4)

  • Jenny T.

    I found this restaurant by chance, when looking for a place that caters to a gluten free audience in town. I have celiacs, so I rely on other people's posts when figuring out a new place to go on date night with my husband. There is no 'gluten free' menu per-se, but the manager went in the back, talked to the chef, and actually wrote on the menu labeling everything that was gluten free, and what could be made gluten free with a simple change. They were beyond eager to help!! And there were plenty of options! Our waiter was more than helpful as well!! He was attentive, knowledgeable, and super friendly (always with a smile on his face!!). I definitely recommend getting the chicken wings as a appetizer! They were literally finger licking good! And the cole-slaw that comes with it is totally different than anything I've had before, but just as yummy! We also had the beef satay appetizer, which was also really good, but nothing in comparison to the wings (in our opinion), but it came with the same cole-slaw, so I can't/won't complain. For dinner I had the short ribs, minus the fried pickles. I've never had ribs that literally melted off the bone and into your mouth....perfection!!! It come with baked beans which were just fabulous also. My husband had the chicken, biscuits, and gravy, and the only thing left on his plate was some gravy, and the bones. Needless to say, he thoroughly enjoyed his meal!! We also ordered the Greens'N'Beans as a side, which is collard greens, white beans, and some sausage....which I never thought I would like, but I ate half of! The live music is loud, I can't deny that, but it has you dancing in your seat, so it's not a bad thing!! I wouldn't recommend this place for a first date, since you can't hear enough to talk...but I will definitely be coming back for seconds....and thirds!!

    (5)

  • Kristin W.

    We gathered for a late Friday drink and were pleased to find the bar definitely populated, but not too crowded. The servers and bartenders seemed a little slow whether we were at a table or at the bar, but I was finally able to order the Sidecar off the menu and loved the sugared rim and drink.

    (3)

  • Ken M.

    I'll get right to the food. Overall, it was not so good. We ordered the 'Fire Roasted Burger', we expected a little heat/kick but we didn't visibly see or taste any poblano pepper... the burger was dry & boring (did they forget the peppers?). The Buttermilk chicken sandwich was completely lacking in any flavor. It was as if the chicken was dipped in buttermilk at the very last minute (instead of being properly marinated for any period of time). The breading became separated from the chicken, the cheddar cheese was solidified. The complimentary cornbread & biscuits with honey butter was very good. The skin-on french fries were also good. We like the decor of the inside (a big change from the previous Kildare's Pub). They have a fairly decent beer selection and a very nice bourbon/whiskey menu. Our server was great. We were also served by the manager (or hostess?) who was excellent/super friendly. We liked the background music. Because of the music & good service, I'm still gonna give them a respectable three stars which earns them another try in my book. Next time if we are in the area we are going to order a flight of bourbon and sit at the bar and maybe try a few of the other food offerings.

    (3)

  • Ken M.

    Holy amazeballs. What more could you want?! An outstanding selection of bourbon/whisky/scotch. Delicious food.

    (5)

  • Vinny P.

    This is primarily based on drinks and the upstairs bar. I have not eaten any food here yet. I think this place has a cool vibe and I could see myself coming back here. There is ample space so you don't feel cramped and the service staff seemed quite professional. We saddled up at the downstairs bar for a little bourbon tasting. They have a pretty extensive bourbon menu which I was impressed with. I went with the Evan Williams Single Barrel which was pretty awesome. After the bunch of us were about to leave, the bartender asked us if we had been "upstairs" yet. Apparently upstairs they have a whiskey bar, live band, awesome lounge area, shuffleboard and darts. Yeah, the upstairs is where it's at in this spot. We ended up staying decently late watching people dance (rockabilly) and playing some mean shuffleboard. The menu looked good enough but I can't comment on food quality. I'll get here soon and post an updated review.

    (3)

  • Jackie B.

    I'm not quite sure I get this place. It's a pub, but doesn't feel like one, and is definitely not priced like one. The live music is cool, but overall this place lacks character.

    (3)

  • Paul B.

    This place has a lot going on for it. It's a PUB. Great bar. Interesting food. Casual service. It's not fine dining or upscale. It's very cool. Southern flair. If you dig a cool Southern vibe and live music with solid food... check it out! I'm a fan.

    (3)

  • Barney S.

    We came from NYC to have dinner with friends during restaurant week. The menu is interesting and well balanced. The food was all tasty and well prepared. However, there were several issues, first we were seated in a black hole. We had to take photos of the dishes so we could see what we were served. There is no 'bread service,' so there is nothing to dip in the great broth under the mussels... or the wonderful jus under the short ribs. More sauce under the beignets would not have been wrong.

    (4)

  • Madison S.

    Having wanted to try this place since August, we finally broken down and got lunch here today. After waiting a bit longer than anticipated, I was pleasantly surprised. The buttermilk chicken sandwich was delicious - nicely crisp, and the bbq was pretty spectacular. The sweet potato fries were a bit burnt, but I'd still like to go back and try more of their menu. I would also like to point out that everyone working there was super friendly and courteous.

    (4)

  • Meg S.

    Was here last week with friends. Bourbon flights and veal bacon- need I say more?? Out waiter, Anthony was very personable with an extensive knowledge of the menu. I had the crawfish mac n cheese- amazing with ton's of crawfish... cheese sauce was creamy and not overpowering. My friend had the duck- also amazing. We chose to sit outside but they also seem to have live local music if you are into that...

    (5)

  • Anne O.

    One of my fellow diners summed up our experience best by saying "I really wanted to love this place." I did! But alas, we left feeling anything but love for The Twisted Tail. In fact, this might be one of the worst dining experiences ever. In summary, terrible service and so-so food led to a painful 3 hour meal. For those of you interested in the details, read on. Our group of 5 had a reservation at 7:30pm Wednesday night of restaurant week. Upon arrival the hostess asked us to go to the bar After 30 minutes one of us went to check in to see if our table was ready. Nope. Another 15 minutes later we went back and conveniently the hostess was "just coming to get us". It wasn't crowded so I'm not sure why we couldn't have been seated elsewhere instead of waiting 45 minutes for the previous group of 5 gabbing girls to leave. As an aside, said group of girls received their check well before they actually got up and left. It would have been nice if the hostess would have politely asked them to move along to the bar because another group was waiting. Famished, we sat down and started to salivate in anticipation of the pending meal. Another few minutes passed before we met our server. After some brief deliberation over menu items we each ordered all four courses at once. Thirty minutes later the first course made its way out to our table. (Some complimentary cornbread to hold us over would've been a nice touch as it was an hour and a half after our planned dining time). Silence fell over the table as we scarfed the crawfish mac 'n cheese x 3 (there were 2 crawfish in one bowl...TWO), the shishito pepper salad (literally a bowl full of grilled peppers...my stomach is still burning a day later), and mussels. Overall it was just okay. Anxious for the next course conversation resumes at the table and we wait ANOTHER 30 minutes. This time we have the mushroom salad, corn on the cob, empinadas, and sausage x2. The flavors of each were unremarkable. ANOTHER 30 minutes passed and the entrees arrive (are you kidding me? What are they doing back there?!): 2 orders of crab cakes and 3 chickens in a bag. The crab cakes were tasty and a way better deal than the chicken in a bag which basically looked and tasted like KFC. On the menu the chicken in a bag was to be accompanied by sweet potato fries. There was a whopping TWO fries in each of the bags. At this point we still had dessert on deck...cue another 30 minute wait except this time they surprised us and it was only a 20 minute wait. Either way, we were all ready to be done and get the heck out of there. Unfortunately we forgot to ask for our check as soon as dessert came and then it took another 10 minutes for our server to reappear. Finally, at 10:30pm, THREE HOURS after our reservation we walked out of there. This was the most egregiously long and unfulfilling dining experience I've ever had, and that's why I'm giving it one star. If I could give 0 I would. It should be noted that half of that one star goes for the good music and people dancing but that's not nearly enough to make me go back. Ever. What a disappointment. If anyone from the management is reading this PLEASE learn to manage your customers' expectations and improve your service. Throughout this whole ordeal we received ONE apology, a semi-sincere "Sorry about the wait" when we were seated.

    (1)

  • Natalee F.

    I would have never gone here if my friends didn't invite me to meet them out at this bar one night last weekend. I admit to being a bit of an atmosphere snob most of the time, and this place wasn't on my radar - I actually never heard of it until they texted me the name and address that night. This place is big. It has a downstairs restaurant area and then a bar upstairs. It was a Saturday night and they had a live blues band playing, which was actually good. Nonetheless I was there to talk talk talk with friends of mine who I haven't seen in ages, so I got out of the room where the band was playing as quickly as possible and moved into the lounge upstairs so I could speak to my friends without shouting in their ears. The lounge is cool looking - it feels like you are at the house of a stylish friend with the comfy couches, chairs, fireplace and TV. I liked the look of it. I was sticking to wine that night and it did seem pricey at $11 per glass. I don't mind paying fancy wine prices at fancy places, but in my opinion, the prices shouldn't get into the double digits at a casual establishment such as this. The staff seemed clueless to me. We asked one of the bouncers if we could move one of the chairs and he just stared at us blankly and didn't answer. We took this as a yes, and moved the chair. I don't think they hire Mensa members there. At the end of the night I decided to order a snack. After looking at the menu I ordered some fries. EIGHT DOLLAR FRENCH FRIES. I questioned the bar tender to see if this price was correct. He went on and on about how they used fresh potatoes and 3 delicious sauces, etc. They arrived and were....okay. Not even really okay, just really subpar. And the sauces...one of these "special sauces" was vinegar. Haha - special. I have had better fries everywhere - just off the top of my head, the Abbaye, North 3rd, Sidecar, Resurection Ale House, etc. The fries got a 3/10 on taste and the $8 price tag seemed extremely unwarranted.

    (3)

  • Mikey I.

    Alright. I'm a fan. Came in on opening day for some drinks and food. Great drinks (cocktails and beer list). We sampled the crawfish mac n cheese, hoisin wings w/ cucumber sauce and chili. All were delicious. The chili was a bit strange yet amazing. There's some melted chocolate and salt on top. It's weird yet deliciously pleasant. They're still working out some kinks but I have high hopes for this place.

    (4)

  • Rachel S.

    I enjoyed my experience here on a Friday night; sitting at the bar, sipping a Terrapin ale and hanging with my husband. We had an appetite, but not a voracious one, so we shared the Crawfish Mac and Cheese and the Flatbread (both are appetizers). Good choices and we were satisfied. The bartenders were friendly and engaging, the vibe lively. Live music is played upstairs almost every night and the cover charge is waived with a dining receipt (I'm assuming from the same night). Looking forward to going back to try more of the menu and check out the music.

    (4)

  • J G.

    My son and I are gluten-free and very sensitive. While they do not have a dedicated GF menu, their servers are very knowledgeable as well as their cook-staff. They have a variety of options which are GF, and several which they can make GF upon request. Their choices are very unique and very tasty. Their rosemary popcorn for a starter, as well as their homemade sauces (all GF) were very tasty as well. We would highly recommend this to others.

    (4)

  • Stephanie Z.

    This was a super happy accidental find! I came here for an Arts & Drafts crafting event on a whim with a few friends and it turned out to be an excellent choice for beering, eating, and crafting! They were so wonderfully accomodating for our group, gave us our own space and anything that we needed for the event to be a success. When I saw they had crawfish mac n cheese I simply HAD to dive in and it was all that I had hoped it would be. It was creamy, cheesey, and full of lots of succulant pieces of crawfish. It was topped with a nice panko buttery crust that really brought a warm homey feel to the dish. Of course I couldn't keep the mac n cheese to myself so being the food sharer I am I was still hungry. I laid my little peepers on the duck & apple flatbread and again I was surprised. What a refreshing delightful dish! The apples were sliced thin on top of tender pieces of duck smothered with some tangy goat cheese. It all meshed so well together. The creamy cheese, the tender meat and the snap of the sweet apples again brought me to a wonderfull warm place inside! (it could of also been their amazing beer selection as well since I had QUITE a few of those in between) Definitely a great late night bar food place for sure!

    (4)

  • Cass O.

    I really wish I could give this place negative stars based on both service AND food. We arrived at 7:30 pm on Saturday before a nearby concert. We walked in and the place looked pretty cool compared to what it had been. We found two seats at a half crowded bar. The bartender seemed nice enough at first. She was pleasant and offered us a menu. We ordered a large bottle of hard cider to share and I asked about gluten-free items. The bartender said she would ask the chef and get back to us. Roughly 10 minutes later, she came back to us and asked if we were ready to order. We reminded her that we were waiting to hear about gluten-free items. She remembered and went back into the kitchen. About 10 minutes later she came back, and full misinformed about gluten intolerance (told me to stay away from anything with potatoes), started guiding me through the menu. I corrected her, she went back into the kitchen, came back out, and gave me an updated version of her recommendations. We ordered the wings (for the BF), fries, crab cakes (no filler, coated in potato chips), and a salad. Ten minutes later, she checked back in on us and I ordered a black cherry gimlet, which looked really tasty. Twenty minutes later (still no food), she stopped by to ask how we were doing. We reminded her of the drink order and she made it without charging us. It was actually quite good. Our wings, fries, and crab cakes were solid, but uneventful (until later - you'll see). Still no salad. We asked about the salad and were told it was on its way. Close to 10 minutes later, no salad. It was 9 pm. We had been there for 1.5 hours. So we asked for our check, hoping to catch the headliner at the concert. As we received it, the salad arrived. We had to pass. We headed to the concert about 2.5 blocks away. As soon as we entered, the BF felt terrible. He left the venue and headed to my place (another 2 blocks). Before he could even make it there, he puked in the alley. The chicken wings had become eventful. The worst part of the whole thing was that the bartender kept telling us the place was new and "still working out the kinks." It's pretty clear they have more than a few "kinks" to work out.

    (1)

  • dave c.

    Live blues, slide off the bone ribs, a robust whiskey/bourbon list.... Yup. Pretty awesome. Despite being pretty empty for a Saturday night, these guys are on to something...

    (4)

  • Antonio A.

    with chef Leo Forneas the food is better, he should be left alone to do his own thing instead of this phoney southern stuff (me, born and grown the south, i know real cornbread and real ribs). as for what we ordered: grilled scallions, good...grilled squid, tough but good flavor...ribs, too sweet but tender...fries, great, sauces for fries, great...crab cakes, excellent...wine, at $10 a glass, next time we will just order a bottle...service, good...room was noisy and loud!, dark and strangely lit...i have great hopes for this twisted place.

    (3)

  • Glenn V.

    I don't normally engage in reviewing Philadelphia restaurant scene, for it's vast and there is an ample number of people in the city, who actually eat for living. Here, I'd like to brag about my favorite place in the city of Philadelphia. From day one, George has established the best entertainment venue in the city. A famed food critic a while ago validly questioned the direction of the kitchen. Well, as spoiled of a Philly brat that I am, I do promise you that the kitchen has arrived! Food is excellent! And then the beignets - Café du Monde has nothing on Tails' - they literally melt in your mouth. Yet, the best aspect of the joint is people! From the friendly faces of the guys and gals at the door (shout out for Nassir and Andre) to friendly, beautiful, and impeccably professional waitresses (shout out to Melissa), to friendly and refined gentlemen behind the bar (shout out to Matt and Adam, to the most "user-friendly" and cool management team (shout out to Rob and George), these folks make you feel both important and at home! From the entertainment side of things, just in the past week, they had Deb Callahan, and Roger Girke - back to back! If you're a blues fan, how much better can it get..? It's Stone Cold blues there on the bandstand almost every night! I try to average a night per week. You'd be foolish not to follow my suit. Enjoy! DISCLOSURE: I officially state that I have no financial connections to the establishment and I'm not a surrogate endorser. I'm only partial to the place because it is that good on merit, and the folks there have become my friends because they're great folks!

    (5)

  • Allitia D.

    I live in the area and am thrilled ot have live music 5 nights/week. We have eaten here for both brunch and dinner--both were very good, not standard bar fare at all. They are reaching for gastropub and some of the menu hits it squarely,. The Onion Tart and Vegetarian Shephard's Pie, for instance. Wonderful vibe inside. And did we mention the live music...a juke joint on Headhouse Square...c'mon people, you gotta love THAT.

    (4)

  • Mark F.

    Great drinks, awesome bourbon selection. The food is pretty good too.

    (4)

  • Michael C.

    This is only a review for the Juke Joint. I've yet to eat at the restaurant. The $5 cover doesn't seem like much, but it makes all the difference between deciding to go here for some shuffleboard, darts and drinks and going to any other place in Headhouse to grab some beers. Don't get me wrong, live music is great. However, all of the bands I've seen here have been less than great and, at best, good background music. If they got rid of the cover, my friends and I would be here at least once or twice a week buying drinks and more than making up for the money they'd "lose" by ditching the $5 door fee. I'd love to go here more frequently, but why pay the cover when I can play darts at the Dodger for free? This place is ALWAYS empty, even on the weekends. Lose the cover, bring in the people. It's that simple.

    (2)

  • Heather P.

    Quick Summary: Slightly overpriced yet still great bourbon bar with a diverse blues entertainment lineup. I've been to T3 five times and have eaten there on three occasions. I've consistently had good food, though I struggle with the price for the value and portion size. My most favorite foods there so far have been the fried tomatoes (on special), corn fritters, primal chili, crabcakes and blackened catfish. Prices are too prohibitive on their charcoal menu offerings (with no sides?!?!) to entice me. Service has always been quick and accomodating and all of my meals have always come out hot with the appropriate condiments. Great bartending with special emphasis on liquor/cocktail knowledge AND food pairings. I've never been bored with my bourbons there, and it never fails that I am offered something that I've not tried before. The decor in the venue is simple yet interesting. Whiskey barrels serve as seats and foundations for the tables and bar upstairs, though the hard bar seats are hell on the ass with little back support. The lounge area has inviting couches, a fireplace and shuffleboard. There's a distinct lack of scuzzy people hanging out and that's almost enough for me to give them an extra star! Twisted Tail has become a hotspot in the Delaware Valley for blues performers. House band Mikey Junior and the Stone Cold Blues Band (have competed several years at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis) rock the spot weekly and host the Open Jam on Sunday evenings. Other local and regional acts have graced the stage, to include Roger Girke, Georgie Bonds and Deb Callahan. My only whine is that acoustically, the band space is far from perfect. The narrow chamber limits the ability to get a substantial audience in to see the musicians; there are only two tables on the floor up in the front of the room. The bands are backed by glass windows and surrounded by brick in the long, narrow room; sound vigorously jettisons around in the room. It would be easy to put some stylish acoustic material in the clamshell where the bands play to control some of the harshness. My other criticism? My sense is that the chef and management is overthinking, coming close to ruining the simplicity of southern cooking with nouvelle techniques and ideas. This isn't a BBQ joint an they should probably stop peddling themselves as such unless they truly change the menu and employ KISS priciples. In turn, they'd be bringing in far more people and getting far better reviews with easier-to-deliver fare.

    (4)

  • Olga M.

    This is an amazing place to get some food, excellent excellent drinks and really good music to boot! A must if you're in the area

    (5)

  • Sarah W.

    Great restaurant and ambience. Bourbon and beer menu extensive. Attentive staff, great service although we had a late dinner around 8:30-9 so the place wasn't very busy. Complementary bread to start off the meal was fantastic, corn bread and biscuits. Hush puppies for an appetizer were spot on. Boyfriend had grilled skewers, preferred the chipotle butter over other seasonings. I had the al a cart pork chop. The creamy sauce it was baked in was to die for. Dessert was bourbon ice cream with beignets. Live band upstairs. All in all I think this place isn't rated as high as it should be. Lots of fun.

    (4)

  • Jaclyn K.

    The bf and I were casually walking around the south street area and noticed a bar that I knew was in the works of opening. I never went to Kildares, and i was astonished when we walked into the twisted tail. the decor is amazing. the best thing about twisted tail is now knowing where harold works. if you don't know him, he's a very sweet, professional bartender that I and the bf have known for awhile now. So we sat down at the bar and had a beer each. the bf got a rouge dead guy in a large glass, and I had something i don't remember. we were then convinced to go upstairs because we were told that there was a band starting soon. so we headed up. thats where the troubles began. we plopped ourselves down at the bar, and we asked if the phillies were on (they were after a rain delay) and the guy behind the bar (we were told he was the manager) told us they were not. He went somewhere i think to see what was going on with the game, and then turned it on at the opposite tv that we were at. we were going to leave, but felt bad that he had changed the tv for us so we could watch the game. bad move, we should have left. i then ordered a brawler, which came in a large glass, and the bf again ordered a dead guy. It came in a much smaller glass than what we got it in the first time. Maybe a lack of communication, or missfortune, I sucked it up to, but we had to say something. there was something wrong. So the bf said he got it in a larger glass the first time, and the male bartender proceeded to pour it into a larger glass in front of us, and then said to the nice girl cobartender, "These are the type of people that only come here for happy hour." In front of our faces. I'm NOT MAKING THIS UP. We kind of shrugged it off, maybe due to a few beers in us, but then tried to order a shrimp cocktail with the beers that we had just ordered. We finished our beers, and there was still no shrimp cocktail. 30-45 minutes or longer for a SHRIMP COCKTAIL? are you out of your mind???! we left without getting the shrimp cocktail because we just didn't want to be there any longer. I REALLY wanted to like this place. I really want this place to work, but I never see myself going back. What an AWFUL experience.

    (2)

  • Catherine H.

    I go here a lot for the great drinks, music, and atmosphere. Staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. I had a birthday gathering here and it worked really well. Definitely recommend Saturdays and Sundays for the music but the food and service are great so any night of the week is awesome.

    (5)

  • Sherri T.

    This place has the best wings ever and the fries totally rock. We frequent this place and the food is consistently good and the servers couldn't be more friendly or helpful. We highly recommend it for a fun casual atmosphere with great food. Sherri and Steve Philadelphia

    (5)

  • Jeremy N.

    did not actually eat at the restaurant, but i did enjoy the wide array of whiskeys! bar staff was extremely polite and they even had live entertainment on a tuesday night. highly recommended!

    (5)

  • Paul N.

    Took my sons here to celebrate and had read a great review about a server named Connor. We arrived and were seated promptly. Our waiter came and explained the bourbon flights and the menu. My sons and his girlfriend orderd flights and were amazed by the flavor of the drinks. We had a shatay and shrimp appetizer that were both delicious. Our main entrees were chicken steak and biscuts, filet, barbecued rib appetizer and beef cheeks. The appetizer was ordered because the person was not that hungry but there was still to much to finish. The filet was cooked to perfection.The only complaint was that the chicken steak and biscuts should have more gravy. When I received the check I noticed that ou waiters name was Conner and he lived up to the great review I had read.

    (4)

  • Jennifer R.

    I'll make this brief. I've been here a few times and let me say it's a great experience except for tonight. Upon our arrival we waited a bit to be seated, the host was no where to be found. So after we were seated our server was the bartender, and if its packed well... you do the math. Rarely seen our server and I asked for another. Other than that appetizer was cold, no utensils, cloth, plates, refill on water. Had to ask for them. Bartender came back a little annoyed asking what the other server told us for me to ask for another?! After I asked for a drink to be made strong he said he'd get in trouble if he'd change the recipe. eh.. Now for the entree, shrimp skewers...so your supposed to get 3 shrimps per skewer. I noticed there were 2 shrimps, one of them cut in half making up for the third shrimp?!!! Nice. Service was horrible no fault from the server ,I only blame management for being seriously understaffed. Service bad, bad tip. BTW just curious, Its called "The Twisted Tail" , why is there a lack of pork on the menu.

    (2)

  • Rebecca S.

    Not sure how I feel about this place. The atmosphere downstairs is comfortable and inviting. Everything looks nice and new and designed very well. I didn't see upstairs but heard they have live blues music and open jam sessions on sundays which sounds like fun. Though we only got appetizers, I just wasn't impressed! Sad too, because the descriptions of the food sounded delish. The rib (three kinds of ribs) appetizer had great flavors but the meat was too tough and chewy for me. I want my ribs falling of the bone! I will say the cauliflower soup and my Kool Kat vodka drink were delish and our waiter was very friendly. I will give them another chance though because it is a nice place.

    (2)

  • Shaina M.

    We had reservations for a large group for brunch and they were completely unprepared to serve us. The food took 2 hours to arrive- some of the order was wrong, some arrived cold, and some they completely forgot about. Our waitress seemed embarrassed and avoided our table leaving drinks unfilled for hours at a time. After complaining, the manager told us it wasn't his fault, and that the person taking our reservation should have only offered us a revised version of the menu. I'm not usually one to complain, but it was probably the worst meal and service I've ever had in a restaurant.

    (1)

  • Christopher W.

    Super cool place..Whiskey and Bourbon List was amazing and service was extremely friendly! Place has a real nice vibe and nice neighborhood....

    (5)

  • Emily H.

    My boyfriend and I decided to try out The Twisted Tale this weekend based on the great reviews we read. We Open Tabled to get in about 30 minutes prior to leaving and had no trouble getting in. The hosts and hostess were very pleasant and accommodating when we asked for outdoor seating. Our server was decent- a bit quirky and pushy but I will get to that- and described the restaurant to us since it was our first visit. Basically, the place is a bourbon house that does upscale-ish BBQ. We started with some grilled veggies from the grill menu which were amazing. We especially loved the peppers. We had a flight of homemade liquor cocktails which were excellent and a good option since we aren't bourbon fans. My first choice order was the special, but it was sold out so I opted for the pork chop with was cooked to perfection. My boyfriend has the veal breast which was excellent as well. Then, when our meal was wrapping up, our server asked why we hadn't had any bourbon to which I explained that neither of us really likes it. Our server proceeded to tell us that he was going to bring us two small pours to try which we agreed to since it seemed like these were complimentary. He brought them out and we tried both (not finishing either) which confirmed that we don't like bourbon. Still not finished with us, our server brought out a mint julep and added the leftover bourbon to it. Again, still not fans. We settled up and got the check and were unpleasantly surprised when we were charged 16$ for the bourbon we neither requested nor finished. I guess the bottom line is, be prepared to drink bourbon if you are going to this place. Luckily the food was great and we have already recommended it to friends. We will come back to this place, too, and probably just hide from the pushy server.

    (4)

  • Philip R.

    food is great and many beers to choose from...luv the live bands.

    (4)

  • Jared S.

    we absolutely adore this place. we've been back many times for the yummy food, reasonable prices, and delightful staff.

    (5)

  • Carolyn B.

    The staff was very friendly, but not as attentative as they should have been. Bread and apps were good!! We ordered the fried pickles and hush puppies and both were perfect. However, the waitress messed up our dinner orders. Everyone who ordered the Skewers agreed they were barely warm. The hoppin john rice that came with the Skewers was also sub-par. Also, if you ordered the Shrimp, Chicken, or Steak skewers, you only got 2 pieces of meat on each skewer with the remaining items vegetables. the meat skewers were the same price as the vegetable skewers, it didn't make much sense. Overall, the food was good, however, it was overpriced for my particular experience. i'm interested in going back, but im not sure if it would be worth it

    (3)

  • Salvatore B.

    Not too impressed. The atmosphere and design of the place are great. It's a pretty big space with two floors and an area for live music, and a pool room( which by the way is beautiful). I think a lot of time and energy was spent on the design of the place, and it's decor, and less on it's identity as a restaurant. Is the food southern cooking? Or is it a creole style place? Or what? Here's the thing. The food was not good. Great knowledgable server and drinks were a plus. There was nothing memorable in what the four of us ordered, which was a lot of appetizers and just a couple of entrees. I got the vegetable shepherds pie, which was ok, although it could have been seasoned better, but it was not worth $17. Sorry, but a couple of potatoes, peas, and carrots don't add up to that. Either way, the food lacked the wow factor. There was nothing that would keep me coming back anytime soon. We went on a Tuesday night, so there was no live music and the place had only a few patrons. Maybe my experience would have been better had I gone on a livelier night, however, it wouldn't have changed the menu or the food. It's a new place that still needs some tweaking. I may give it another chance in the future, but who knows.

    (2)

  • Charles G.

    Love the space, drinks and food, but service is not so good. Owner needs to make sure the bartenders 'get it'. Too much chatting amongst the bartenders and not enough attention to the customers. We'll be back but maybe try the upstairs bar next time.

    (3)

  • Sarah F.

    What a great place to stumble upon! We wanted to grab a bite to eat before a 7pm concert at the TLA and thankfully found The Twisted Tail. The cocktails were delicious. I had the black cherry gimlet and the kool kat. The gimlet was sweet but the lime juice added a tartness that made it perfect. The kool kat was refreshing and a tasty way to start off the night. As we were having our cocktails and waiting to order, the waiter brought out fresh house popcorn with bacon and rosemary butter. YUM What we ordered: Soup of the day: Pumpkin Chipotle glazed wings Cesar salad with cornbread croutons Blackened catfish BBQ spare ribs I would strongly recommend the pumpkin soup if they have it. It was the best I have ever had! It had a strong pumpkin flavor but was sweetened with what almost felt like a marshmallowy taste. The soup was thickened adding to the marshmallow aspect of the dish. The BBQ ribs were also very tasty! Even better is on the side were deep fried cornichons. I've fallen in love with these. This should be the only way to fry pickles.

    (4)

  • Leah L.

    We stopped by the Twisted Tail last night to look at their menu posted on the street. Daniel, one of the managers started chatting with us about their chef and menu. His enthusiasm for the restaurant had us hooked and excited to try it out. We sat at the bar top with Shazam who is a fabulous bartender, great personality and very entertaining! When you go, get their 4 course for $40 special, it is amazing and a lot of food! All you need to know is that the 'fried chicken in a bag' and crawfish mac and cheese are amazing and a must have. A cheese plate is an amazing add on as well, we let Shazam choose and it was fabulous! Thank you Daniel for greeting us and providing an amazing night!

    (5)

  • Laura A.

    We stumbled upon this place after a less than stellar happy hour at Bridget Foy's (it was more the crowd in the bar area than the service or the food - but I will admit the cider on tap was super dry and did not compliment the Guiness well). What a great place - and very unassuming. We were pleasantly greeted at the front door, pointed towards the bar area, and sat down to the smoky smell of grilled vegetables and meats. We drank some great cocktails and bar food, and an absolutely amazing dessert. The southern quartet complete with a harmonica playing front man really was the high note. Perfect temperature, ambiance, and general mood of both the patrons and the staff. I would take anyone I knew here if they wanted an interesting and entertaining dinner in Philadephia.

    (5)

  • Dan M.

    A favorite spot in Philly, right on Headhouse Square! The atmosphere is great with a very cozy downstairs with live acoustic music most nights of the week. Perfect place to meet up for a drink and low key relaxation. The upstairs bar provides a more lively time with consistently good blues and rock bands and the adjacent club room is complete with shuffle board, darts, and couches by a fireplace, a fun place to chill with friends. They have good beers on tap and the cocktails are top notch. I mostly snack on their small plates and appetizers while at the bar, all of which are delicious (crawfish mac-n-cheese is my go-to). Most importantly - the service is great with awesome staff. They go the extra mile to make you feel comfortable and "at home".

    (5)

  • Bruce C.

    While offering tasty and eclectic choices, the prices compared to the portions were weak at the Twisted Tail. I ordered the Haddock for $20+ and it was a painfully paltry portion that would be too tiny for a child. While it was better than average and the presentation was nice, they need to beef up the portions. Another example was the quail. Again, quite tasty, but the portion was barely 3 bites and nothing more for $9. Presentation is over-rated and doesn't satisfy my appetite. Portions and value are where it's at, and this place only delivers a third of the formula. The drinks menu was excellent, but I ordered an $11 glass of wine that while good was not even half a glass. Get real! I'm a spender by nature but don't like going to places where I feel they are pinching you at every turn. You can find many places in this city that deliver much more for a $40+ meal/drink. Pros: Ecletic and diverse menu Tasty offerings Appealing ambience Cons: Extremely small portions Pricey Service was slow, albeit friendly.

    (2)

  • Matthew B.

    Haven't been down in this part of town for a while, but we picked it because they had a blues band and what i had heard was a decent cocktail list- the perfect finale to our cocktail pub crawl. Good vibe upstairs, decent band - and the cocktails were....wait for it... good! score! Bartenders were experienced and i saw good attention to detail in spite of a hectic pace and large crowd. Any number of decent creations, including a sazarac that was well executed. The surprise was the food - ordered the lamb sliders (yum), bacon wrapped shrimp (pricey but large and good), and flatbread (crazy good). Yup- Good enough to draw an encore engagement the next time i want some music with that drink.

    (4)

  • Adam F.

    Southern inspired restaurant is great for Bourbon and southern favorites. Chicken and waffles are great for brunch. Definitely must try crawfish mac & cheese, pulled pork empanadas, shrimp and grits. Lots of good bourbon drinks too.

    (4)

  • Eza K.

    TT is always accommodating of us dancers on Wednesday nights, letting us take up their floor and put on a show with the amazing Mikey Junior band and soulful blues tunes. They have a great selection of drinks, although few noteworthy concoctions, and generally helpful staff. Better just take it on the rocks.

    (5)

  • Stefanie A.

    Possibly my fave bar in the city. Why? Let me count the ways... 1. $5 bourbon sangria and bar bites during happy hour 2. Friendly staff 3. Sweet "library" room with leather chairs, fireplaces, and rocking chairs 4. The best bar game ever--shuffleboard 5. Darts. Though the bull is dull and the board should be replaced. Manager is aware. 6. Free music. 7. Excellent drink menu. 8. Marvelous parties (Halloween & New Year's are ESP rockin) The food is slightly overpriced and is hit or miss, hence not giving it 5 stars. Overall love it here. You should, too!

    (4)

  • Christine B.

    Somehow I had never been here, but that was rectified on a Saturday night. I met up with a large group and we were able to get a table and enjoy a few drinks. I had a stout, others had a bourbon flight. The music was a little loud downstairs to the point of having to walk out for a phone call, but otherwise no complaints.

    (4)

  • James O.

    Bourbon flights are pricey but well worth it if you're a whiskey fan. Spent a night with live music and a couple of friends going through about 4 different flights, and was not dissapointed. Whiskey burned good, the band played well, and the general crowd was friendly and comfortable. Haven't been able to get to the game tables upstairs, having only gone on weekend nights, but this would make for a fine happy hour stop for those as well.

    (4)

  • Scot F.

    We made dinner reservations for Christmas Eve with some friends but thought we would give it a try first. We read mixed reviews so it was best to try for ourselves. It was suggested that we try the Crawfish Mac and Cheese because it was amazing. He was so right. We both ordered the Chicken and biscuit entree. I found out what they are doing with all the hockey pucks that are not being used by the NHL this season. They are putting gravy on them and calling them biscuits at this place. The chicken has zero flavor. I tried to add salt but it was too caked up in the shaker to be used. There have been several comments that this place is empty. Not so tonight. If you want apps and cocktails be sure to stop in. Skip the entrees.

    (2)

  • Megan H.

    My husband and I, along with another couple, came here on a Friday night during restaurant week. What we noticed right away was SPACE. LOVED IT! It was just so nice to enjoy our own conversation for once in Philly! Perhaps because it was restaurant week the food was just not fantastic. For this I give three stars. HOWEVER, the drinks is what blew me out of the water! Never have a been to an establishment that has flights for beer, cocktails, whiskey, and bourbon! The list is never ending! The special drink for the evening was a hot cider served with infused bourbon and cinnamon. Delightful. This place is king for infused drinks. I'd go here with a focus on drinks, food second. I will go back and try the food again.

    (4)

  • Caitlin S.

    What a great experience! We went for restaurant week and by far this has been my best restaurant week experience ever. The food was so great and the drinks were even better. The best part of the whole evening was the service. I saw managers running food, taking drink orders and helping out their servers. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for an evening with great food, drinks and live music. The pork belly was incredible!

    (5)

  • Jenny T.

    I found this restaurant by chance, when looking for a place that caters to a gluten free audience in town. I have celiacs, so I rely on other people's posts when figuring out a new place to go on date night with my husband. There is no 'gluten free' menu per-se, but the manager went in the back, talked to the chef, and actually wrote on the menu labeling everything that was gluten free, and what could be made gluten free with a simple change. They were beyond eager to help!! And there were plenty of options! Our waiter was more than helpful as well!! He was attentive, knowledgeable, and super friendly (always with a smile on his face!!). I definitely recommend getting the chicken wings as a appetizer! They were literally finger licking good! And the cole-slaw that comes with it is totally different than anything I've had before, but just as yummy! We also had the beef satay appetizer, which was also really good, but nothing in comparison to the wings (in our opinion), but it came with the same cole-slaw, so I can't/won't complain. For dinner I had the short ribs, minus the fried pickles. I've never had ribs that literally melted off the bone and into your mouth....perfection!!! It come with baked beans which were just fabulous also. My husband had the chicken, biscuits, and gravy, and the only thing left on his plate was some gravy, and the bones. Needless to say, he thoroughly enjoyed his meal!! We also ordered the Greens'N'Beans as a side, which is collard greens, white beans, and some sausage....which I never thought I would like, but I ate half of! The live music is loud, I can't deny that, but it has you dancing in your seat, so it's not a bad thing!! I wouldn't recommend this place for a first date, since you can't hear enough to talk...but I will definitely be coming back for seconds....and thirds!!

    (5)

  • Kristin W.

    We gathered for a late Friday drink and were pleased to find the bar definitely populated, but not too crowded. The servers and bartenders seemed a little slow whether we were at a table or at the bar, but I was finally able to order the Sidecar off the menu and loved the sugared rim and drink.

    (3)

  • Ken M.

    I'll get right to the food. Overall, it was not so good. We ordered the 'Fire Roasted Burger', we expected a little heat/kick but we didn't visibly see or taste any poblano pepper... the burger was dry & boring (did they forget the peppers?). The Buttermilk chicken sandwich was completely lacking in any flavor. It was as if the chicken was dipped in buttermilk at the very last minute (instead of being properly marinated for any period of time). The breading became separated from the chicken, the cheddar cheese was solidified. The complimentary cornbread & biscuits with honey butter was very good. The skin-on french fries were also good. We like the decor of the inside (a big change from the previous Kildare's Pub). They have a fairly decent beer selection and a very nice bourbon/whiskey menu. Our server was great. We were also served by the manager (or hostess?) who was excellent/super friendly. We liked the background music. Because of the music & good service, I'm still gonna give them a respectable three stars which earns them another try in my book. Next time if we are in the area we are going to order a flight of bourbon and sit at the bar and maybe try a few of the other food offerings.

    (3)

  • Ken M.

    Holy amazeballs. What more could you want?! An outstanding selection of bourbon/whisky/scotch. Delicious food.

    (5)

  • Vinny P.

    This is primarily based on drinks and the upstairs bar. I have not eaten any food here yet. I think this place has a cool vibe and I could see myself coming back here. There is ample space so you don't feel cramped and the service staff seemed quite professional. We saddled up at the downstairs bar for a little bourbon tasting. They have a pretty extensive bourbon menu which I was impressed with. I went with the Evan Williams Single Barrel which was pretty awesome. After the bunch of us were about to leave, the bartender asked us if we had been "upstairs" yet. Apparently upstairs they have a whiskey bar, live band, awesome lounge area, shuffleboard and darts. Yeah, the upstairs is where it's at in this spot. We ended up staying decently late watching people dance (rockabilly) and playing some mean shuffleboard. The menu looked good enough but I can't comment on food quality. I'll get here soon and post an updated review.

    (3)

  • Jackie B.

    I'm not quite sure I get this place. It's a pub, but doesn't feel like one, and is definitely not priced like one. The live music is cool, but overall this place lacks character.

    (3)

  • Paul B.

    This place has a lot going on for it. It's a PUB. Great bar. Interesting food. Casual service. It's not fine dining or upscale. It's very cool. Southern flair. If you dig a cool Southern vibe and live music with solid food... check it out! I'm a fan.

    (3)

  • Anne O.

    One of my fellow diners summed up our experience best by saying "I really wanted to love this place." I did! But alas, we left feeling anything but love for The Twisted Tail. In fact, this might be one of the worst dining experiences ever. In summary, terrible service and so-so food led to a painful 3 hour meal. For those of you interested in the details, read on. Our group of 5 had a reservation at 7:30pm Wednesday night of restaurant week. Upon arrival the hostess asked us to go to the bar After 30 minutes one of us went to check in to see if our table was ready. Nope. Another 15 minutes later we went back and conveniently the hostess was "just coming to get us". It wasn't crowded so I'm not sure why we couldn't have been seated elsewhere instead of waiting 45 minutes for the previous group of 5 gabbing girls to leave. As an aside, said group of girls received their check well before they actually got up and left. It would have been nice if the hostess would have politely asked them to move along to the bar because another group was waiting. Famished, we sat down and started to salivate in anticipation of the pending meal. Another few minutes passed before we met our server. After some brief deliberation over menu items we each ordered all four courses at once. Thirty minutes later the first course made its way out to our table. (Some complimentary cornbread to hold us over would've been a nice touch as it was an hour and a half after our planned dining time). Silence fell over the table as we scarfed the crawfish mac 'n cheese x 3 (there were 2 crawfish in one bowl...TWO), the shishito pepper salad (literally a bowl full of grilled peppers...my stomach is still burning a day later), and mussels. Overall it was just okay. Anxious for the next course conversation resumes at the table and we wait ANOTHER 30 minutes. This time we have the mushroom salad, corn on the cob, empinadas, and sausage x2. The flavors of each were unremarkable. ANOTHER 30 minutes passed and the entrees arrive (are you kidding me? What are they doing back there?!): 2 orders of crab cakes and 3 chickens in a bag. The crab cakes were tasty and a way better deal than the chicken in a bag which basically looked and tasted like KFC. On the menu the chicken in a bag was to be accompanied by sweet potato fries. There was a whopping TWO fries in each of the bags. At this point we still had dessert on deck...cue another 30 minute wait except this time they surprised us and it was only a 20 minute wait. Either way, we were all ready to be done and get the heck out of there. Unfortunately we forgot to ask for our check as soon as dessert came and then it took another 10 minutes for our server to reappear. Finally, at 10:30pm, THREE HOURS after our reservation we walked out of there. This was the most egregiously long and unfulfilling dining experience I've ever had, and that's why I'm giving it one star. If I could give 0 I would. It should be noted that half of that one star goes for the good music and people dancing but that's not nearly enough to make me go back. Ever. What a disappointment. If anyone from the management is reading this PLEASE learn to manage your customers' expectations and improve your service. Throughout this whole ordeal we received ONE apology, a semi-sincere "Sorry about the wait" when we were seated.

    (1)

  • Natalee F.

    I would have never gone here if my friends didn't invite me to meet them out at this bar one night last weekend. I admit to being a bit of an atmosphere snob most of the time, and this place wasn't on my radar - I actually never heard of it until they texted me the name and address that night. This place is big. It has a downstairs restaurant area and then a bar upstairs. It was a Saturday night and they had a live blues band playing, which was actually good. Nonetheless I was there to talk talk talk with friends of mine who I haven't seen in ages, so I got out of the room where the band was playing as quickly as possible and moved into the lounge upstairs so I could speak to my friends without shouting in their ears. The lounge is cool looking - it feels like you are at the house of a stylish friend with the comfy couches, chairs, fireplace and TV. I liked the look of it. I was sticking to wine that night and it did seem pricey at $11 per glass. I don't mind paying fancy wine prices at fancy places, but in my opinion, the prices shouldn't get into the double digits at a casual establishment such as this. The staff seemed clueless to me. We asked one of the bouncers if we could move one of the chairs and he just stared at us blankly and didn't answer. We took this as a yes, and moved the chair. I don't think they hire Mensa members there. At the end of the night I decided to order a snack. After looking at the menu I ordered some fries. EIGHT DOLLAR FRENCH FRIES. I questioned the bar tender to see if this price was correct. He went on and on about how they used fresh potatoes and 3 delicious sauces, etc. They arrived and were....okay. Not even really okay, just really subpar. And the sauces...one of these "special sauces" was vinegar. Haha - special. I have had better fries everywhere - just off the top of my head, the Abbaye, North 3rd, Sidecar, Resurection Ale House, etc. The fries got a 3/10 on taste and the $8 price tag seemed extremely unwarranted.

    (3)

  • Mikey I.

    Alright. I'm a fan. Came in on opening day for some drinks and food. Great drinks (cocktails and beer list). We sampled the crawfish mac n cheese, hoisin wings w/ cucumber sauce and chili. All were delicious. The chili was a bit strange yet amazing. There's some melted chocolate and salt on top. It's weird yet deliciously pleasant. They're still working out some kinks but I have high hopes for this place.

    (4)

  • Rachel S.

    I enjoyed my experience here on a Friday night; sitting at the bar, sipping a Terrapin ale and hanging with my husband. We had an appetite, but not a voracious one, so we shared the Crawfish Mac and Cheese and the Flatbread (both are appetizers). Good choices and we were satisfied. The bartenders were friendly and engaging, the vibe lively. Live music is played upstairs almost every night and the cover charge is waived with a dining receipt (I'm assuming from the same night). Looking forward to going back to try more of the menu and check out the music.

    (4)

  • J G.

    My son and I are gluten-free and very sensitive. While they do not have a dedicated GF menu, their servers are very knowledgeable as well as their cook-staff. They have a variety of options which are GF, and several which they can make GF upon request. Their choices are very unique and very tasty. Their rosemary popcorn for a starter, as well as their homemade sauces (all GF) were very tasty as well. We would highly recommend this to others.

    (4)

  • Barney S.

    We came from NYC to have dinner with friends during restaurant week. The menu is interesting and well balanced. The food was all tasty and well prepared. However, there were several issues, first we were seated in a black hole. We had to take photos of the dishes so we could see what we were served. There is no 'bread service,' so there is nothing to dip in the great broth under the mussels... or the wonderful jus under the short ribs. More sauce under the beignets would not have been wrong.

    (4)

  • Madison S.

    Having wanted to try this place since August, we finally broken down and got lunch here today. After waiting a bit longer than anticipated, I was pleasantly surprised. The buttermilk chicken sandwich was delicious - nicely crisp, and the bbq was pretty spectacular. The sweet potato fries were a bit burnt, but I'd still like to go back and try more of their menu. I would also like to point out that everyone working there was super friendly and courteous.

    (4)

  • Meg S.

    Was here last week with friends. Bourbon flights and veal bacon- need I say more?? Out waiter, Anthony was very personable with an extensive knowledge of the menu. I had the crawfish mac n cheese- amazing with ton's of crawfish... cheese sauce was creamy and not overpowering. My friend had the duck- also amazing. We chose to sit outside but they also seem to have live local music if you are into that...

    (5)

  • Stephanie Z.

    This was a super happy accidental find! I came here for an Arts & Drafts crafting event on a whim with a few friends and it turned out to be an excellent choice for beering, eating, and crafting! They were so wonderfully accomodating for our group, gave us our own space and anything that we needed for the event to be a success. When I saw they had crawfish mac n cheese I simply HAD to dive in and it was all that I had hoped it would be. It was creamy, cheesey, and full of lots of succulant pieces of crawfish. It was topped with a nice panko buttery crust that really brought a warm homey feel to the dish. Of course I couldn't keep the mac n cheese to myself so being the food sharer I am I was still hungry. I laid my little peepers on the duck & apple flatbread and again I was surprised. What a refreshing delightful dish! The apples were sliced thin on top of tender pieces of duck smothered with some tangy goat cheese. It all meshed so well together. The creamy cheese, the tender meat and the snap of the sweet apples again brought me to a wonderfull warm place inside! (it could of also been their amazing beer selection as well since I had QUITE a few of those in between) Definitely a great late night bar food place for sure!

    (4)

  • James A.

    If you're going to promote your business by setting up a food stand at the Taste of Philadelphia on Penn's Landing then you should take the time make sure you are not poisoning people with undercooked sausages. I've had food poisoning for 3 days after eating food from your stand. Thanks! Just the type of brand promotion you were hoping for? Teach your cooks how to properly cook raw meat so your customers don't have to fall ill.

    (1)

  • Julie F.

    Went with my husband last night for our anniversary. Got there around 6 on a Saturday night and got seated right away (and was promised to get the best server - she wasn't kidding). Connor came over right away and gave us water. Got our drinks quickly and ordered our meals. The food came out in a timely fashion and was well timed We got the fondue appetizer and the family grill dinner. The fondue was cheesy goodness and had some interesting choices for dipping. Biscuits, strawberries, nectarines, and fried gherkin pickles. For dinner we both got the family grill dinner. It comes with 3 meats (chicken, pork and filet) and skillet cornbread (watch out - it's got a nice kick), greens and beans which were amazing and the to die for grits. We aren't big grits fans but dear lord these were sheer heaven! The filet was the best I've had in ages. Perfectly tender. The drinks were fun and tasty and the beer choices were plentiful. The service was the best I've had in ages. Connor was there with suggestions and even little tidbits of historical information (the drink I had ordered is the oldest in the country), he was attentive without being annoying. The manager stopped by a few times to check in to see how things were and the owner even gave a quick hello (we recognized him from some advertising on the table). Only thing that was a bit concerning is how slow they were on a Saturday night. They have live blues after 9 upstairs but we had to cut out. They definitely made this a lovely anniversary.

    (5)

  • Jennifer T.

    I have been to this place 3 times in the past few weeks with different people and it has been great each time. The servers and bartenders are knowledgable and friendly. The music is INCREDIBLE! Mikey Junior on the harmonica is one of the best blues musicians I have heard live and Philly is lucky to here him play there 2x/week!. The air is electric with his energy and music. The food is delicious too. I follow a gluten free vegetarian diet and can always find something to eat here. I highly recommend the harvest burger and grilled corn on the cob! Go there soon for a fantastic and fun night out !

    (5)

  • Dominique C.

    I took my boyfriend here for his birthday, as he is a huge whisky fan. I will say, this placed surprised me! Open and spacious when you walk in, the lighting is a bit dark, but overall, a nice setting. Not going to lie, the two things that sold me here were the 1) cocktail flights. I mean, you get 3 or 4 mini unique and tasty cocktails that's served to you in an candle holder and 2) fried chicken in a bag. The chicken is rolled in corn flakes and it gives it a sweet, crunchy spin on typical fried chicken. We both enjoyed our meals and will probably be back!

    (4)

  • Eric C.

    I stopped in here for lunch on 9/26/12. It was a nice day so I sat outside. After looking at the menu, I was a bit disappointed at the lack of options. Little did I know, the dinner menu has a LOT more to offer. My waiter, (wish I'd gotten his name to give him credit) when I said I was hoping for a steak, said "Let me see what I can do." Even though it was hours before they started serving dinner, he brought me the dinner menu and suggested a steak from it ... and the steak was damn good. How good? The steak knife they gave me didn't have a serrated blade, and it didn't need one. Perfectly cooked and delicious. Good food, and an accommodating staff who goes out of their way to get you what you're craving.

    (5)

  • M. M.

    A nice little bar, much cleaner and more "fixed-up" than your average South Street dive. Had a chicken sandwich and fries which were better than average for "bar food". The sandwich was actually flavorful and the fries were crispy. Would like to come back and try some of the other menu items and drinks as I unfortunately wasn't in big-eating or bourbon-drinking mode. A little bit pricey but that probably keeps the riff-raff out. We did have a waiter who looked like the Ridiculously Photogenic Guy from the meme, was a little slow on the draw and forgot to bring us bread plates (rectified by the manager after he saw us dropping bread crumbs all over the table). Because we were in a good mood from being able to sit in an uncrowded (dinner hour - I imagine it fills up later on), cool and tidy place, we found this laughable rather than super-annoying. I would definitely drop by here again and bring others.

    (4)

  • Gregg H.

    Had a great an excellent experience at Twisted Tail last night. For a Tuesday night it was packed! The food was great and the brussels were the star...holy sh*t I'm still dreaming about them. The bourbon selection is out of this world.

    (5)

  • Greg A.

    Notice that the worst reviews are from when this place opened; Twisted Tail has improved tremendously since then. Seriously; check it out for yourself! Can't say much about the food since I am a vegetarian/vegan (although the food I have had has been fine and reasonably priced) ...having said that, the rest of the place is so good that I keep coming back. And that's just it: this is the my favorite place for hearing blues and having a drink in the city. The rotating bands on the weekends are always solid. Twisted Tail gets some good *real* blues in here; not just rock and roll or funk poser bands. Great music, great vibe, friendly staff. The regular Wednesday night with Mikey Junior is always fun. Mikey is an outstanding bluesman. He plays all kinds of blues, mixes up styles and tempos and is friendly and funny as hell. The selection of booze is awesome; Jess the bartender knows her whiskey ...and she ain't bad with the craft beers either.

    (4)

  • Cindy L.

    Rainy Sunday & I didn't feel like venturing far for brunch so we stopped by to try Twisted Tail again. It was empty (prob due to the rain) but their brunch menu has a nice selection. There are usual choices like pancakes but they also offer their specialties like crawfish mac n cheese, crab cake sandwich, buttermilk chicken... I had the breakfast burrito (eggs, bacon, pulled pork with sweet/tomato-y sauce). It was ordinary to me & not much better than one I could find at a deli. My bf ordered the steak & eggs -- very disappointed. The steak was very dry with no accompanying sauce & the eggs sunny side up were slightly off. Err...I liked the fries though! Okay & overpriced food but I would only come back when there's no where left to go. They do draw quite the crowd for their live music. Also -- free buffet on Wed nights if you eat at the bar!!

    (3)

  • Marlise T.

    If you're skimming reviews, I'll summarize with: "The Twisted Tail is my new "I-Love-Their-Food" place to go! You should go here and eat & drink everything on the menu (maybe just not all in one visit)! So, with that said, initially, The Twisted Tail was not a place I was inclined to check out. A friend kept telling me about it and all I heard was 'South Street'; 'Southern-Barbeque-ish food'; 'blues music'. The live blues music caught my interest, but I just kept thinking "ugh, not another south street place crammed with jerks from Jerzy eating sloppy, greasy bar food". Awmygahd, I was so wrong! I was finally lured there on a recent Monday nite (the downstairs was quiet, but it *was* a Monday nite at 5:30). I headed to the upstairs bar on the 2nd floor, which I highly recommend doing. I was meeting the boyfriend there, & it's wonderfully cozy with live music on a small stage area; the lighting is a nice warm candle-lit atmosphere (& there's even a little nook with a fireplace), and the bartender was a master at pairing drink suggestions with the menu dishes. We ate at the bar, which I don't normally like to do - but it was very comfortable to do so - and the bartender made some fabulous menu suggestions. We tried the corn fritters which were delicious; fries were tasty; the fried pickles were just OK (but I think dill chips are more my personal taste preference & these were the tiny, sweet, whole pickles); I wanted to consume vats of the smoky bacon creamed corn; the crab cakes absolutely melted in my mouth! & let's talk drinks - man-o-man does this place have an excellent bourbon selection! In addition to that, there's also some tasty specialty drinks like a lemonade with basil which was impressively refreshing. Although once the bartender crafted one of the best Old Fashioned cocktails I've ever had, I had found my go-to beverage..fresh orange, muddled cherry and the right balance of sweet to bourbon - yum! We've just been back a 2nd time and I got the corn fritters again (this time I was so not sharing!) and the crawfish macaroni & cheese which was a mouthwatering combination of decadent flavors! I also tried a bite of the boyfriend's lamb sliders and they were delish! Coincidentally, the owner was hanging out there (unbeknownst to me at the time) & asked me what I thought of the food. I was on such a food-high from that creamy, cheesy, yummy crawfish mac & cheese, that all I could babble was something about being in a happy food euphoria - but I'm sure he understood ;) ha. I want to give this place 5 stars - I really do - friendly staff, amazing food, tasty drinks...The only reason I can't is because the food, albeit heavenly, is a little pricey for my "I'm-a-working-artist" salary. I get that it's a new business & they need to make ends meet, but if a few bucks were shaved off of everything, I could rationalize going here much more often than once or twice a month. But that little detail aside, I'm really looking forward to trying out the brunch menu on my next visit! 4/17/12 EDIT: HEY!..they just let go one of their best, & my favorite-ist bar tenders in the whole wide world, Harold I-know-how-to-make-the-best-darn-Bloody-Marys-ever Evans!! WTF? And the super-yummy corn fritters have totally changed. o_O Hmmm...... Although, the crawfish mac & cheese keeps calling to me!...SOO unbelievably tasty!!

    (4)

  • Daniel H.

    Ughh... my stomach hurts (and now you're maybe wondering if you're having deja vu). You're not. And this time, my stomach hurts not because the food was bad - it was just decadent, rich, fried, filling, southern-style food. Slow service. When served, our waiter was awesome. Started with Fried Green Tomatoes - just okay... ricotta cheese is waiting for you inside of every bite. Hush Puppies - more fried, pretty yummy and comes with a honey sauce for dipping. Mains - blackened catfish with grilled veggies and the crab cakes. I've never seen bigger crab cakes. Ever. Two of them. On top of creamy and cheesy corn. Now maybe you understand the pain I felt after the meal. My favorite thing about this place? They serve Abita beer... on draft. Takes me back to the good times I had with my brother when he went to Tulane (I'm talking about New Orleans, people). My second favorite thing about this place? Siting outside and watching people fail at parallel parking. Even the dog at one of the other outside tables barked at one of the miserable attempts. Fun!

    (3)

  • Rob D.

    We went not quite knowing what to expect, but arrived and told our waiter that we wanted good food. He was very helpful and immediately gave good suggestions. We proceeded with open minds. We ordered several appetizers, a couple of bourbon flights and an entree. All very solid. The chef came out and was eager to hear our feedback which was resoundingly positive.

    (5)

  • Stew L.

    First of all, I am overjoyed to have a new jazz place so close to home. I see the reviews here are mixed, but we had great service, great food and enjoyed the music. The service: it wasn't crowded and the staff were constantly at the table asking if we needed anything. The food: all I can say is, I will never try to BBQ my own ribs again. Why bother? I'll just come here or get them to go because they were the best I've had. Dry rub, perfectly smoked, moist and meaty. My carnivore son could not even finish the whole rack. Chicken was also delicious. Jambalaya, a little salty for my taste, but I don't eat much salt. Corn bread was great. Mac and cheese got two thumbs up from the expert. The music: saw the uptown underground trio. I miss New Orleans and was hoping for some brass, but the keyboardist was great and we all enjoyed listening. There is a music charge added to the bill, which other clubs do too. Like I said, I miss New Orleans where all you have to do is buy a drink- but this is Philly and I'd rather pay the cover than not have a jazz club near by. Overall we loved it and will be back!

    (4)

  • Greg H.

    If you're a bourbon fan, this is a great spot. They have a wide selection of bourbons, a strong dinner menu with an eclectic selection, and a friendly wait staff. The location is great and the environment is very cool. My only complaint... the chairs. Perhaps the most uncomfortable chairs I've ever sat in.

    (4)

  • Tom E.

    The Juke Joint this town needed!. Warmdaddys hasn't been interested in the music for years - just the soul food with blues thrown in. The Tail has great ambiance on both floors but it is upstairs where I spend my time. There is a game room for darts and shuttle board. A juke joint with a stage and tables as good as most you see in Chicago. The live music from Wednesday to Sunday night is stellar. The food is tasty. Nice list of wines by the glass, beers on tap and drinks. The vibe is unmatched. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Liz C.

    I had my family in town for Sunday night dinner, and we decided to check this place out because of the cool music. However, in the words of my father, Twisted Tail turned out to be "SCARY BAD." There were only three tables filled and yet still the service was slow, to say the least. It took us 45 minutes to get a salad and fried pickles. After an hour, the waitress came over to tell my dad that they were out of the Cowboy Steak he had ordered AN HOUR BEFORE. Why were they just discovering that they'd run out when the steak should have been on the table by that point? Okay okay, regroup and reorder. He chose the Fire Roasted Hamburger, but was told he couldn't count the salad he already ate as an appetizer towards the complementary side salad that comes with the burger. Ten minutes later, the waitress returned because she forgot which burger he ordered. Look, I waitressed once upon a time and I know it can be overwhelming, but not when you only have three tables to serve... When the food finally came, Dad's Fire Roasted Hamburger and my Twisted Tail Burger were extremely rare, despite us ordering them to be cooked medium. Mom's rice and veggie skewers were cold. Then my sister bit into her chicken skewers, and they were completely raw on the inside. "Scary bad," indeed. Before we left, my dad used the men's room and said it was disgusting. This is a man who frequents McDonalds, so for him to say that, it had to be bad. The service was distracted, especially for such a slow night. Though they did comp our meal, they were very awkward about the whole ordeal. They asked if there was anything they could do to improve the dining experience. "Get better at this," we said. "And please, clean the men's room." We won't be going back.

    (1)

  • Colin S.

    One of my favorite local bars in Society Hill. Top notch food, drinks, and service. Never had a bad meal but I'd recommend the crawfish mac and cheese and the ribs for standard bar fare, and the homemade chipotle ketchup on the french fries. I'm a bourbon drinker, and have been working my way through their Bourbon Club list, which is a nice touch. Friends of mine are beer drinkers and really enjoy the bottle and draft selection. The staff is polite and attentive, the bar and restaurant are well-managed, and the space is great for live music or a couple of drinks with friends. Any time I have friends in town we swing by the Tail at some point for a drink or meal, and we're never disappointed.

    (5)

  • Heather R.

    I was surprised to see the restaurant looking pretty desolate when we arrived there on a Saturday night at 7:30. I had made a reservation, but we didn't need one. I rate this as high as I did because the service was great, and the food was very yum ! I split the crawfish mac and cheese with my bf, delicioso !!! The hushpuppies were also great and paired well with the sweet vinegar dipping sauce. - :) I had the chili with the white beans and chocolate on top - very good. A little salty, but still tasty. I tried the whiskey cidar, yum. I also tasted a whiskey recommended to me by the waitress. - She knew her stuff. It looked like there was a huge party upstairs, and it got a little more crowded after we were seated, but I still expected a larger crowd in the beginning. I'll definitely go again.

    (4)

  • Brian S.

    Twisted Tail took over the old Kildare's on Head House Square a while ago and I've been meaning to check it out for a good long while. Recently, I wandered in on a Sunday and was treated to one of the best bar experiences I've ever had. I went upstairs to the bar and ordered off of their specialty cocktail menu. The bartender was quick, skilled and friendly. The mint julep he made me was probably the best version of that drink I've ever had! My date had some sort of fruity black cherry drink in an up glass that was similarly excellent. Best of all was the live blues band rocking out on stage. I was floored when I found out that the band was really an open mic jam session that they host on Sundays. We were treated to some very good musicians who just showed up to play. It made for a great atmosphere that I'll likely go back to experience again. I can't say much about the food, since I only came in for drinks. Somebody else was eating farther down the bar and whatever he was having smelled excellent. My only gripe is with the prices, which are on the high side. The drinks I ordered were on par with the menus at a lot of center city places ($8-10 a drink). However they were certainly high quality and well made, so I can't quibble much. The food menu did seem on the high side, with most dishes over $15. Great place though and definitely one I'll return to in the future.

    (4)

  • Jonathan T.

    My GF and I go here a lot and if you know what to order and love live Blues then it doesn't get any better than this. Try the crab cakes and the Pork Belly appetizers. The Blackberry Gimlet and the Old Fashioned. The infused alcohols like Grilled Pineapple Tequila, Blueberry Gin, Peach Cobbler Moonshine, etc.

    (5)

  • Rissa V.

    This is strictly for drinks since I haven't had a meal here. Ok, well their seasoned popcorn bar snack is really delicious. Although one time they didn't serve it even after a few drinks. They haven't gone wrong with any of their specialty cocktails yet. I enjoy coming here with friends, and had a great time listening to live music too. Mia Johnson downstairs, and some electric blues band was playing the other night on Saturday upstairs. This place keeps it classy despite being in the near vicinity of South Street mayhem on the weekends.

    (4)

  • Kimberly B.

    I come here for a cocktail kind of often because it's right outside of my apartment. I like it alright, but my boyfriend hates it. I've tried some of the food, and it's totally up my alley because I love cheese, and I love comfort foods. Also, if you sit at the bar, they have really bomb popcorn. They have expertly crafted drinks, and that's really what I look for in a place where I'm about to drop $10 or more on a cocktail. But see, I like vodka martinis and this place is more of a whiskey joint. But I don't even care because I know they can make a martini correctly, and that's what's important to me. The reason my boyfriend hates it and why I just say I like it alright despite the good food and drink is that they can seem kind of like jerks. The bartenders almost seem to roll their eyes at me when I order a drink. I used to be a bartender...I get it. It's annoying that someone might order vodka in a whiskey bar, but dude, dial back the attitude. Plus, with the regularity that I come in and the fact that we aren't bad tippers or assholes, you'd think they could stand to be a little friendlier. So, meh, this gets a 4 for quality but with serious reservations because of the weird service.

    (4)

  • Mario N.

    I have not eaten at this place yet but the food looks great. The beer list is always great and the mixed drinks are top notch. I asked for a Manhattan with Dads Hat Rye and they had 4 different verities. You have to love a well stocked bar that takes making drinks serious. On Saturday night they had a blues band upstairs so it was a great time. I gotta come back and try the food...

    (4)

  • Alysha L.

    First time here and have had a great time!! Joe was super helpful on our wine selection and service. I will most definitely be coming back!

    (5)

  • Danita R.

    Kids. You can definitely get twisted up in this piece in the very best of ways. Magnificent cocktails. I'd been a-hankering to go to this place for about 9 months before I finally convinced a few work chums to head on down. Now they're hooked! Holla! Whenever and whatever infusion cocktails they might be offering, you should try the flight. It's a delightfully, heady, generously poured surprise. Example: Gin and I ain't exactly copacetic. It usually treats me like the bastard child out of Carolina, but I had a champagne, St. Germain infused gin-based cocktail up in here and chirren! Slurped it all the way down and woke up the next day feelin' alright, unh hunh. That never happens with gin. Usually I never fall asleep until 1 hour before I'm s'posed to get up and then it looks like I went 17 rounds with a porcelain ringmaster (and the big bowl won). That cocktail was deftly concocted. So, so deftly. The other 2 in my flight were bourbon and tequila based, and both of those rock me in the cradle of love. They were sublime. The atmosphere is terrific. It's got the juke joint vibe thanks to all the hardwoods and swanky, lowly lit lighting, but it's sturdier than any place Shug Avery ever sang :) Fried chicken in a bag. Get ready for the new finger-lickin' goodness. And the pork cracklin's! Oooh wee. And you thought pop rocks effects were the most fun! Honestly, everything I ate and drank was divine and the service was the right amount of downhome sweet and attentive that I usually tend to expect when I'm back home in the South. I love this place. Lookin' to head back on a Friday so I can get that 1 burger, 1 bourbon, 1 beer thing a-going.

    (5)

  • Kathleen D.

    Few things can make me more happy than a heaping bag of fried chicken. At least when it comes to dinner entrees. The Twisted Tail's take was pretty good, but the standout for me was the side of fries. They were gone faster than the meat. Interesting sauce options, too. I was led to this Southern fare while out on a post-Christmas outing with my mom. She struggled with the menu -- and asked our incredibly-patient servers (2) many, many questions -- but eventually settled on a fish (trout?) that she liked. While TTT might not be at the top of my list for another sit-down meal due to average food overall and semi-high prices, I would absolutely love to head back for the bar seating/happy hour sometime. That space seemed to be more up my alley, and the beer list was great.

    (4)

  • Nick W.

    This place is great! The drinks are good and the people are great. The atmosphere is terrific and so is their drink selection. I didn't have the time to get any food there but the popcorn they gave us was amazing.

    (4)

  • Allen M.

    With an impressive selection of whiskies and spirits, The Twisted Tail SHOULD be an impressive bar...It SHOULD be exciting to experience the inspired decor and awesome live music...the bar SHOULD be an awesome place to be. But it's not. There are not enough bartenders and the ones behind the bar are not very attentive. They mess up drink orders and are slow as molasses. Once you have your drink...if you can get one...there are lots of things to do, play pool/shuffleboard in a room paneled with cowhide, or lounge by the fireplace. As long as you don't walk out before you get your drink, this place SHOULD be fun.

    (3)

  • Rick B.

    I just finished an intense 3 day google search of "how to tell mom you're not moving back home," and I'm ready to write my review of The Twisted Tail. I'm not kidding. After eating there, I am: 1) sending my landlord a fruit basket for letting me rent so close, and 2) kicking myself for going so long without trying The Twisted Tail (TTT). Enter Restaurant Week. I call it another way to drain the bank account. My girlfriend (most likely) calls it an excuse to get out of meatloaf and pasta at my drafty apartment. Either way, we agreed a short walk and a good meal would be the perfect solution to our Tuesday bluesday. After months of passing TTT on my way to CVS in head to toe sweats, my lady thew a nice shirt on me and booted me out of the door. Immediate good vibes the second we walked in. TTT had the dimly-lit, live-music atmosphere we were looking for. Nicki or Vicki (?) was a fantastic guitarist and singer, and played songs from the late 90s/early 2000s. We were later told that TTT has live music every night except Monday. I felt weird clapping from the back corner, unable to see her play. But go ahead, Nicki or Vicki. Do your thing. We decided on the $35 four-course meals. One dish each from the appetizer, charcoal grill, entree, and dessert lists. I think names like good lord, marry me, never leave me, and die with me would be more fitting for the list names, but hey, that's just my opinion. Between the shishito peppers, pulled pork empanada, glazed salmon, and brownies with ice cream, I still can't decide which dish was my favorite. As if picking "last meal on earth" for my Yelp profile wasn't hard enough... Another thing worth noting was our complimentary roasted cauliflower dish. While we were enjoying our charcoal grill items, the manager came over and apologized for their slow(??) service. I know some chain restaurants more or less throw your entree in your lap before you've taken one bite of your appetizer, but jeez. I didn't think we waited long at all! And free or not, the cauliflower was delicious. Allow me to talk about their service. Our server, Olive, was incredibly attentive and pleasantly knowledgeable. I fancy myself a whiskey drinker, but I learned a few things at TTT before leaving. Great job by management to have such a helpful and intelligent(!) staff. Towards the end of our meal, she even had a small conversation with us about the history of the restaurant and their plans for the future. Believe me, Olive my friends are going to hear about how awesome TTT is. I cannot, cannot, CANNOT wait to come back. Sorry mom, we had a good run.

    (5)

  • Sari A.

    It's cold outside!!! So we decided to try some Southern-inspired food at Headhouse square. And as soon as we entered this casual and warm restaurant, a welcoming host walked us to our table and Ciro-our server greet us, told us about the specials and kept our glass full the entire night after he took our order. We started off with the charcoal grilled shrimp with creamy Avocado, and pink grapefruit appetizer which was ok. We continued with a mouthwatering yellow tail Ceviche and a" bland "wagyu beef tartare and not as sophisticated as I expected. For our main entrees we got the grilled flatiron steak, It wasn't the best I've ever had. Dry, flavorless and extremely salty! Now being a huge fan of beignets I had to get them for desserts. A set of three Ricotta Beignets with bourbon caramel sauce came greasy and not that crispy, too dense to be enjoyable. However, my friend got a tart with coconut ice cream, and that was to die for, like a party in my mouth. Friendly staff, great service, pleasant atmosphere, and over price for the portion they serve. Meh!!! I'm not wild about the place! Four Yelps!

    (3)

  • Jenny K.

    The management and staff at Twisted Tail is AMAZING! I came back after my first time and everything was flawless. I started with Duck Nuggets, Octopus and the Quail. Duck Nuggets: Apparently, it's a new item on the menu and the combination of flavors was incredible. The duck was moist and perfect while the outside fried layer was perfectly crispy. There were pickled fruits and vegetables on the plate that complimented the fried duck to the T where it wasn't greasy and I wanted MORE! Octopus: Perfectly charred and the potatoes that went with it were the perfect sidepiece Main Course: My boyfriend got the wild boar papparadelle and I got the wagyu beef steak which was THE BEST steak I've had in while. The mashed potatoes were amazing, probably best mashed potatoes I've ever had. The papparadelle was a little undercooked but my boyfriend liked it just the way it was so to each his own! I recommend the wagyu beef steak if you're a huge meat eater, The steak was the perfect medium steak Pecan Pie here is the best Pecan Pie I've ever had. You need it, you'll love it and you'll thank me.

    (5)

  • Sara M.

    I went to the Twisted Tail for drinks and a Paint Nite with my co-workers last night, and was impressed! This was a place I have passed many times but for whatever reason haven't gone into before. When we arrived (a group of 3), we sat at chairs at the bar with 4-5 other patrons. We were served quickly and took advantage of their daily happy hour specials, ordering a $3 Abita Lager, and $4 house wines. They didn't have any food specials, but we spent the money for the cheese plate (they had 4/7 options available so we got the three cheese platter) and an order of fries. We were served delicious complimentary popcorn cooked with brown butter, truffle oil, and salt-seriously delish. The food was good and moderately priced, and the server was attentive. I haven't given it 5 stars because it actually took a REALLY long time to get out food, despite the bartender being attentive to our drinks. The ambience and decor really give this place the feel of a bourbon joint, and I would definitely go back!

    (4)

  • Laura R.

    Very nice romantic chill setting. Beautiful decor. Spacious seating. They offer chairs with backs if you don't want to sit on the ottoman. I came here back in November so I can't remember the name of the drink that I loved so much. I think it was bourbon with cinnamon and ginger. What ever it was it was strong as hell, my type of drink! Had to have another. I had the Maryland Crab Cakes and the Crawfish Mac and Cheese. Damn, damn, damn, finger linking good. My friend had the Grilled Shrimp, Brussel Sprouts (infused with bacon) and Corn bread in a skillet. My bff had the chicken in a bag. The only one complaint I remember is the Brussel Sprouts. My friends don't eat pork. Not sure if it said on the menu or not that it was infused in bacon but thankfully no one got sick. Will come back the next time I'm in town.

    (5)

  • Mark Z.

    Damn fine place for food and beer! As soon as I walked in it had this very casual/laid back feel to it, but still felt classy. Our server was a friendly guy and was able to answer our questions on the menu. They have a great bottle list and a decent tap list, also tons of good whiskey. The food was very good, and I am glad I gotten to eat here. The crispy pig ears wit the aioli was amazing and my Red Drum was so good with that great crispy skin! I defiantly would love to return here for dinner and have some whiskey cocktails!

    (5)

  • Shane J.

    I went to the Twisted Tail after hitting a few other places earlier in the evening. I was having a cool evening with friends and we happy to find this cool place to bring our night to a close. It was super crowded, but we hung out and stood real close to a few people sitting at the bar and they finally got the hint and we grabbed their seats....LOL Although it was busy, the bar keep and was patient and friendly. I enjoyed the energy of the patrons and I think it was because it was different age groups here and that was a nice balance. We ordered some appetizers and drinks and both we pretty good. I had the lamb meatballs and friends had the cheese plate. I would go back to really enjoy the atmosphere when it is less crowded. I also like the neighborhood.

    (4)

  • Shannon L.

    Came here last night with some friends for the live jazz. Started with a basil lemonade to hold me over til the bar crowd moved out. The drink was light And refreshing. Once we finally got seats we inhaled the popcorn. (Ask for it, it's addicting) had the chicken wings which were sweet and hot and cooked to perfection. Nice juicy and large wings. The sazarac was perfect for sipping. Overall great food, great drinks and a great atmosphere upstairs at the bar.

    (4)

  • Kelli B.

    Amazing brunch! Awesome Sunday mimosa deal for $18. I would recommend trying the duck pastrami and lamb bacon Benedict. The 4 dipping sauces were delish

    (4)

  • Jess D.

    Pros: Great live music, Cool Ambiance & Decor, Shuffleboard Cons: Rude Bartenders, Can get super crowded I wouldn't recommend coming here with a large party (more than 5 people) as it can get packed and hard to get a drink. The bartenders upstairs are super snotty and rude which is a shame because their drinks are pretty good. I love the decor and the live music here but come with low expectations on the service and expect crowds!

    (3)

  • Terri L.

    Had wanted to dine here for sometime, great recommendations from friends. Finally joined a friend to dine... Great Price Fix of four courses. We al ordered differently to share the experience... Sorry to say there were major problems on all courses... Undercooked seafood, fruits and the cauliflower steak basically "fresh" ly cut... Not cooked. Poached "hard as rock peaches". Great menu, venue and service ... Great vibe ! Seriously disappointed...

    (2)

  • Sarah G.

    Somehow this spot manages to be both trendy and old-timey with their decor and I loved it! It felt nice and warm on this particularly cold February day. Mostly we were just killing time by coming in here but decided on sharing the crawfish mac&cheese which was soooo good. Creamy with a nice bread crumb crumble on top. Not a ton of crawfish to be found but very tasty. I had a dark cider which is one of the most interesting I've ever tasted. As much as I love a good angry orchard, it's nice to see something different on tap! The bartender was pleasant and able to answer any questions I had. I'd love to come back to this area in the nicer weather and definitely see what else they have on tap!

    (4)

  • Jenny M.

    My boyfriend lives a few blocks from The Twisted Tail, and every time we walk by we check out the menu and say we are gonna go. So when hesaw them listed for Restaurant Week, he made a reservation for 8 PM on a Tuesday night. For $35 we were promised 4 delicious courses: an appetizer, something from the charcoal grill, an entree, and dessert. The Twisted Tail was not crowded, and we walked into live music. Apparently The Twisted Tail has live music every night except Mondays. The downstairs was pretty big, and is split into two dining sections with a bar connecting each. After quickly placing our order, we were brought the most delicious popcorn I've ever had to snack on before our meals came. I wish they would package it up and sell it! To go along with our meals, we ordered the infusion flight for $15. Together we split three mini drinks, each more delicious than the next. It was the perfect way to try something I never would have ordered. The blueberry infusion was killer. First came out the Charcoal Grilled food, we ordered King Oyster Mushrooms and Shishito Peppers. Both dishes were delicious. The Shishito Peppers were a simple dish, I expected them to be spicy- luckily they were not. The King Oyster Mushrooms were super meaty and full of flavor. Next we received our appetizers, Country BBQ Spare Ribs and Pulled Pork Empanadas. The Ribs were my favorite part of the meal, the meat fell right off the bone. I will be coming back for them. The Empanada was also delicious. We cleaned the plates. We had a hard time picking out our entrees, and everything looked delicious. We ended up going with the Grilled Flatiron Steak and the BBQ Glazed Salmon. Both were 5 star entrees and I really want to come back to try the Braised Short Ribs and the Crab Cakes. We finished off our meal the Dark Chocolate Brownie and the Apple Cobbler- both baked to perfection and the perfect way to end a great meal. Not only was the food delicious, but the staff was amazing and super professional. We sat in Olive's section and she was great, very attentive. Overall The Twisted Tail provided a fine dining experience in a casual environment.

    (5)

  • Claudia L.

    What a Wonderful Place This place has a great, cozy atmosphere. The bartenders are extremely nice and friendly. My group and I ordered the cheese plate, short ribs, veggie burger and duck. Everything was very good. My only negative comment is that the veggie burger was not seasoned well and was bland. However, the highlight was the roasted cauliflower. THAT was amazing!

    (4)

  • Ashley L.

    I can't believe I've only recently discovered this bar! From the outside it looks like your average sports bar, but the Twisted Tail is really unique from the other bars in the South Street area. The decor has a very warm and vintage feel. Downstairs has a large bar with plenty of tables. And the beer selection.. there's something for every craft drinker! Then there's the upstairs, which has another huge bar, seating and a game room. And when I went over the weekend there was also live music. Haven't tried the food yet, that will be over my next trip!

    (4)

  • Duane B.

    The atmosphere is very nice and the drink selection is great. But that is about all that is good. The food is average at best and a bit overpriced. Im actually surprised this place has stayed open as long as it has with so many better resturants in the area.

    (2)

  • Jillian L.

    We had dinner here last night and I was extremely impressed, as it exceeded my expectations from what looks like just another bar. But once you look at the menu, you realize this is more than just your average pub food. Tip: Do the 4 course tasting menu for $39. If you buy an entree and one other item, it's already paid for itself, what a great deal! There were 4 of us so we were able to try each others' dishes. I ordered the shrimp in the shell and the presentation was great but it was hard to get the shrimp out of the shells and it tasted a bit fishy. My friend ordered the octopus and I wish I had ordered that instead. It was cooked perfectly and had just the right amount of spices to give it some unique flavors but not too overpowering. I also liked the lamb meatballs, which came with a yogurt sauce so these reminded me of a greek dish. I do like the live music but we were with a group and wanted to talk to each other, so they seated us in the back corner and it was perfect!

    (4)

  • Juliana K.

    Good, but pricer than it should be. Service, from the host to waitstaff, was very friendly and attentive. Loved the cozy and festive decor. Spice apple cider was awesome! We were surprised the ham was more like prosciutto with slices of bread and mustard. We expected a ham steak for some reason. Haha. Crawfish mac and cheese was dry and not try cheesy. Little to no crawfish meat. Crab cakes was really good and full of lump crab meat. Sweet potato fries were great! My friend said the quail was good too. Overall, I expected bigger portions for the price. Though the service was great and food was good, the price just didn't match up.

    (3)

  • Dan S.

    I was invited by a friend to see a jazz band here a little while back. I didn't know anything about it but when I got there I was surely impressed. The Twisted Tail is a two story bar that's giving off that super hip vibe throughout. There is plenty of space, including many tables, a long bar, and some smaller tables near the stage. I like that the place was nice and busy but not overly crowded. I ordered drinks and food. The food was super delicious! I really enjoyed the mac and cheese and empanadas. The food is a bit pricey, but worth it if you don't mind splurging. They also have a great beer selection, something that I always look for in a good bar. On top of that, the band was great and I was happy to see them. Will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Kim M.

    I have been here twice now, both times only for drinks, and cannot find anything bad to say. It is a large space, very nice downstairs, with games and music upstairs on the weekends. They have a good beer selection and bartenders make some good mixed drinks, most involving whiskey. The staff has always been very friendly, and the prices are normal for a bar in the city. I would be interested to come back and try their food sometime soon.

    (3)

  • Ainsley A.

    Restaurant Week FTW! We didn't realize though that they offer a variation of restaurant week everyday- $40 for four courses and you can choose off of the entire menu! I wish we would have known! I made a reservation for a group of 8 and our table was ready for us as soon as we arrived. They were smart to put us in the back of the restaurant (we are an obnoxious bunch). The decor has a sexy southern vibe and the singer they had for the evening had the voice of an angel. The atmosphere was definitely what we were looking for. While waiting for the rest of our party, I ordered the Lynchburg Lemonade at the bar. This was easily one of the most drinkable and delectable Whiskey drinks I have ever tasted. Fresh basil, fresh lemonade and Tennessee Whiskey will make you wish summer is just starting and not ending. Since we were between so many of the items, my roommate and I devised a plan: we would order different things so we could try almost all of the menu items. Each dish kept getting more flavorful. The flavors were unique but provided a sense of familiarity due to the Southern Comfort type nature of the restaurant. Ill break our dinner down dish by dish so you know what to order in the future: Charcoal Grill: Clams with Lemon: pretty standard, but were fresh. 7/10 Veal Bacon: special for the night, they ran out of the Lamb Meatballs. The homemade bacon made of veal was delicious, complete with a mustard seed. 8/10 Appetizers: Beet Salad: adorable presentation, fresh and tasty beets, crunchy frisee and not overly dressed. 10/10 Crawfish Mac N' Cheese: unbelieveable. I'll leave it at that 10/10 Entrees: Crabcakes: tiny, but full of crab with little, to no filler. 10/10 taste, 8/10 for size Braised Short Rib: topped with an over easy egg, this savory dish was the clear cut winner of the night. The juices from the meat soaked the farro and the meat was so tender you didn't need a knife to cut through. 10/10 Dessert: Beignets: so. good. 10/10 Coconut Panna Cotta: reminded me of a coconut flan, resting on top of a dried pineapple ring. Creamy and rich- a perfect ending. 10/10

    (5)

  • Ray M.

    Eclectic food offerings and an extensive, but deliberate inventory of smooth libations.

    (4)

  • Seraphina F.

    The bartenders here are really knowledgeable. The food is delicious. I'm giving it a 4 because it's a little expensive and, sometimes, the bartenders can be a little slow.

    (4)

  • Naomi B.

    The crawfish mac and cheese makes me believe that there is such thing as falling in love, which is what I, and my friend exactly did once that dish arrived on our table. It was amazing. Comfort food is amazing, why do you think women love "The Notebook" for? It's because we can eat all the carbs we want, and cry over our love for Ryan Gosing's abs. I also ordered the Kale salad which was phenomenal, Blue Bay Mussels; and the wagyu beef tartare which just pulled everything together. The ambiance of the bar/restaurant alone makes you feel as if one travelled down South! I'm going to be a regular there from now on, it gives me a reason to be down South Street again. Staff wise, I feel ashamed that I forgot our server's name but he has a mustache; wears glasses, and was hilarious! Rather than allowing us to order drinks on the menu, he recommended me this amazing banana cocktail that was amazing enough to be considered dessert. Our hostess was such a darling too, smiling when we entered. "The Twisted Tail", you've earned a customer for life.

    (5)

  • Lynda Z.

    A couple friends from Lancaster were in town during beer week this week so we hit up The Twisted Tail for some grub. As we looked over the menu, a server brought out a battered chicken sandwich and a Cuban sandwich out to the people seated next to us. The chicken sandwich looked so good that I totally switched up my game. I was going to order the Twisted Brunch which was your standard Egg, potato, bacon and biscuit brunch plate. But, I gazed upon that battered chicken a promptly ordered one of those bad boys. My wifey ordered the Duck Pastrami sandwich and sweet potato fries and our friends ordered the chicken sandwich and a Cuban. The Cuban looked really good but was served with pig ear fries which turned me off. Pig ears are something I think of when I'm looking for a treat for my dog, not as a side with my sandwiches. But, that's my hang up, not everyone's. I'm just not an fan of offal or feet or ears etc. My friend didn't seem to mind as she munched away on them happily lol. My chicken sandwich was thick, battered chicken lightly fried and served on a Ciabatta roll with a thick, ripe slice of tomato, some romaine lettuce and some sort of dressing. I couldn't make out what type of dressing it was because it such a small amount. I added a bit of the chipotle ketchup which was much needed because the chicken turned out to be somewhat dry, chewy and sadly, absent of any kind of flavor. It LOOKED so delicious buy it was terribly bland. Even with the chipotle, it was just ok. It had such potential! Dammit! LOL anyway, my wife complained of the same problem with her duck, Bland, bland bland. The sweet potatoes must not have gone over too well either cause there was a ton of them left when we were done eating. The service was decent and the beer select was good. Not sure if I'd go back, but maybe if there was an event with a special tasting menu. We'll see.

    (3)

  • Alisa R.

    Peach wheat beer- go check it out! Now! Been there twice and came back for that beer. Also tried the green fried tomato BLT and it was delicious. For the most part, great service and atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Gia S.

    What happened to you Mac and cheese? I've been coming here for years and this year it has changed. Just not as good as it used to be. Love the thyme after thyme, it will always by my favorite drink in the city but your food has gone downhill the past few years.

    (2)

  • Micaela M.

    Live music. Darts. Shiner Bock on draft. If you're in the neighborhood before/ after dinner and looking for a good place to chill, I definitely recommend The Twisted Tail. The second floor is where you can find the fun - live blues band, larger bar, and a game room with darts, shuffleboard, two fireplaces, and cozy chairs. I expected this place to be a cramped and dirty bar, but instead it is a spacious bar/ restaurant. Also worth noting, the bathroom is really clean! Minus points for slow bar service. There were also long gaps in the music that were a little awkward. C'mon Twisted Tail, throw something, anything on at least while the band is taking a break or changing over. Otherwise, this was a fun spot.

    (3)

  • Vichet O.

    Two words: 5 for 15 beer can ice bucket late night happy hour special. Okay, that's not two words. Like, not even close. Way off. But it's because my brain broke from drinking 5 beers for 15 dollars. You try counting words accurately and writing un-awkwardly constructed sentences after that. Jerk. Anyway, this place is kind of awesome. They've got kickass beef jerky, made in house, and lots of neat bands and such come through and play upstairs. The crowd level is good - never packed to the gills in my experiences there, so there's room to mingle and dance, while at the same time having a good 'ole party atmosphere. Other than that, the place has bright, cheery bathrooms (a big plus for when you want to get hammered in comfort), and a really great atmosphere in general. But yeah, again - 5 beers for for 15 bucks. Doesn't get much better than that.

    (4)

  • Ryan M.

    I liked this place. The food was good and they have an awesome selection of cocktails and such to choose from. Is a good spot for seafood

    (5)

  • Margo K.

    I took my fiance here for this year's installment of "food and drink he loves for his birthday." Bourbon and BBQ are always a hit with him, and we had not yet been here. Our reservations were for 7pm on a Saturday. We arrived about 10 minutes early and were seated - we didn't need those reservations at all. The decor is homey, and the bar is a decent size. They have a good amount of *good* beer on tap, house-made infused spirits, and of course - a big 'n varied bourbon, whiskey, and scotch list (from which my fiance ordered quite a few things). Our server came, and while his presentation style went well with the restaurant, I could have done with less of it. Maybe if the place were full and lively, it would have received higher marks from me. I regret not having brought a bigger appetite - I only ordered cornbread and the barnegat scallop casoulet. I definitely should have gotten ribs or something instead! Twisted Tail was a hit with the fiance, which was indeed why we were there! He got to have a beer/scotch/bourbon flight, try a number of bourbons, some which the server recommended. He had the veal bacon, the pulled pork and cheddar empanadas, and chicken in a bag. I love a man who knows how to order the best things on the menu. I would like to come back to have a dinner do-over where I order the tuna tartare, chorizo taco, and braised short ribs. I need to check out the Juke Joint part of this establishment; I feel like I could really get into those vibes!

    (4)

  • Christopher C.

    My first time here, and I will come back. Down side: it appeals to a very specific demographic that may or may not like bourbon (I'm pretty sure that is the intended focus). The menu doesn't pair well. They put barbecue sauce on a few dishes and said "hey we're smoky like bourbon!" I'm not buying the concept. Up side: the food is good. It's prepared well. I had the soft shell crab. It was crispy yet dissolved in my mouth. There was a large party here that was loud. The way the bar was designed dampened the noise so there was no echo (I didn't even see any reverberation dampeners). I was a bartender for a very long time and I must say, they were very accommodating and friendly, not pretentious. Recap: Yes and No I appreciate the attention to detail when it came to my meal and bourbon, scotch, and beer, but I think a bourbon and beer spot should have a few more meat and potatoes items. Their ribs looked intriguing; and that's my next go around.

    (4)

  • Vanessa T.

    This is a review of the bar because I did not have a dinner here. I personally like the atmosphere here, it's rather spacious. I came here with my friends for drinks and started out at the bar downstairs. There's a good number of dining seats downstairs with an area for live performance. The night we walked in, we caught the end of some guy singing "wonderful tonight" with his guitar (originally by Eric Clapton), the old classics. He was really good, I would most definitely come back to just hear him sing. Our bartender was friendly and attentive, the night wasn't busy though. We then made our way upstairs. The room upstairs is fairly decent in size with a bar and a stage; however, it was pretty crowded. There are a few high top tables along the wall and in the back of the room. There was a live band performance that night, they were alright but makes for good atmosphere if you enjoy live music. I definitely enjoy this place for drinks. It's nice to be able to have space to move around and breathe rather than being pushed and shoved in a packed bar/club.

    (4)

  • Fam B.

    This is purely a review for the drinks and service. A group of us went on a Saturday night after an event, so it was a big group. The manager tried to accommodate and seat us at a place with a server. However, while waiting to be seated, a few of us explored the bar and found a really cool place upstairs with a shuffleboard table and comfy seating, so we decided to go there. The staff definitely was not happy with that and we could tell. It took about 45 minutes for us to get drinks and when we went to the bar, it wasn't any better. The bartenders were actually rude to us, as well. We definitely were not happy with our experience there and won't be returning anytime soon. I was only really happy about the shuffleboard, since it was my first time playing and didn't do too bad!

    (2)

  • Brian D.

    I went to Twisted Tail with my father. We were definitely not disappointed. We got the 4-course meal and loved every part of it. The specialty grill they used brought out some interesting flavors. The service was very good and attentive to our orders. The atmosphere was fun and different compared to the modern scene I've seen in many other restaurants in the city. I will definitely be coming back to this neighborhood treat.

    (5)

  • Bianca S.

    Favourite bar location in Philly. My boyfriend and I are regulars for the lunch menu and the Juke Joint. Awesome vibes, awesome bartenders, awesome bourbon. I could go on, but that pretty much sums it up. Oh, and they play Stevie Ray Vaughn as their hold music on the phone. If there were more stars, I'd give it to them.

    (5)

  • Kim L.

    I'm so happy I finally checked this place out! We came here after dinner for a few drinks, and I was impressed by the extensive and creative drink menu, live music, and awesome bartenders who really knew their stuff. It was refreshing to experience the type of service we did at a bar as busy as it was - our bartender really cared that we enjoyed our drinks and checked back on us frequently. The menu looked delicious so we'll definitely be back for dinner!

    (5)

  • Elva L.

    I need to come back for dinner, but I'm basically hooked and definitely a fan. We stopped in for brunch one Saturday. Started with a cheese plate, our choice of three. One of the cheeses we got was Hazen Blue, and it is still one of my favorites. I've got a few ounces sitting in my fridge right now! I couldn't pass them up when I spotted them at DiBruno Bros. The cuts are a little small compared to other cheese boards we've come across (Jamonera, Zavino etc), and the accompaniments were nothing too impressive. Since we didn't have a bad cheese, I would have to say their selection is redeeming. I ordered a crab benny because I'm obsessed with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce over anything. They gave me an unbelievable amount of sweetly fresh lump crab meat. I didn't come across even a trace of shells, so I have a lingering suspicion that it came from a can. Even if that were the case, they have a great source, and it was well prepared and well seasoned-- I have no complaints! They have an extension whiskey list. I wanted to try the Civil War flight, but we had already committed to a pitcher of red wine cooler, so I just blindly chose a whiskey featured in the flight. Big mistake. Elmer Lee tastes like the cherry pepto bismo pink soaps standard in a lot of restaurants and other public spaces, plus fire. I don't know what that is in technical, liquor note, terms-- dry? Spicy? Just imagine the smell of that liquid hand soap and a burning, stinging sensation from your tonsil to your upper stomach. You live and you learn, at least I lived.

    (4)

  • Rosy S.

    My husband really enjoyed this place. This was our first time in Philadelphia and would highly recommend this place to anyone. We were not disappointed with our food at all.

    (5)

  • Roger M.

    Made a reservation here for Thanksgiving about 2 weeks ago. Yesterday they called and left a message asking that I call back to confirm the reservation. When I called back, I was asked for a credit card to hold the reservation and that if I cancelled I would be charged the full amount of the reservation and issued a gift card in that amount. The best part was when I then said to cancel my reservation, the girl on the phone said "you mean you don't want to keep your reservation???" As though she was shocked and that how dare I cancel at this top notch restaurant. Absolutely rude and condescending. I have no problem using a credit card for a reservation. My problem is that this policy is nowhere on their website, and they all of a sudden need a credit card. In my opinion, they saw a demand for tables and decided to enact this policy. They waited until a week before Thanksgiving so that people would not have a choice. Well guess what - we do have a choice. I booked my table of 8 elsewhere, AND happily left a card number to confirm, because this was made known on the original reservation call. Bad business. Greed will get you nowhere.

    (1)

  • Di P.

    Came on a random Monday night with some friends and it was quiet, dark and chill. We sat at the bar and watched bartender carefully and skillfully make our cocktails, which were delicious. The cocktails were in the $11-14 range. We ordered a few sides that were delicious-- a whole cauliflower head that was deep fried and topped with ricotta cheese. Yum! The chorizo taco was also super good. Definitely wouldn't come here on a regular basis because it's a little pricey but their Happy Hour is what would pull me back: It's from 5-7 with a whiskey/bourbon, with draft and wine specials! yay!

    (4)

  • Rachel S.

    Just to preface - this is a Restaurant Week review. Pros: waitress was super knowledgeable about drinks. Hostesses were very friendly and accommodating. The food that we did receive was delicious (regardless if it was not what was advertised.) Ambiance is a lot of fun. Tried to make up for mishap. Cons: Our meal took 2 hours. Our waitress seemed overextended and stressed out. They ran out of 2 of the options from the Restaurant Week menu. The crawfish Mac and cheese that they are known for literally had a fingernails worth of crawfish compared to the pictures you see on here. Charged for sparkling water without letting us know. I would come back here potentially one more time to see if it were just a Restaurant Week issue but to be honest it's not ok to wimp out BECAUSE it's Restaurant Week which seems to be the trend. There are so many places that are doing food and service so top notch that it's hard to recommend but the ambiance here is fun and different. We'll try again.

    (3)

  • Ryan S.

    The food is great and the atmosphere is fantastic. You can trust any of the bartenders to make you an amazing and unique cocktail off the top of their heads. One of my favorite places to go for this reason. Their spirit collection is top notch, beer selection is pretty good and they have live music all the time!

    (5)

  • Pachandra O.

    Flat out wonderful. Everything we ordered was tasty, beautifully arranged, and fresh. My husband had the fried chicken and really liked it. It was tender, juicy, freshly fried, and served over a delicious bed of black eyed peas and rice. It was a tad spicy, but totally delicious! The corn was by far the best ever! It was absolutely perfect. Tender, flavorful, and dusted with cotija cheese. I had the flatbread which was also good, but I'd probably go with another choice the next time we dine here. The side of cornbread was a lovely addition to the fried chicken. Warm, cake-like, and drizzled with fresh honey. If that's not enough to entice you, let me mention the pecan pie we had for dessert. Nothing compares! Although the meal was a little more on the expensive side, every bite felt worth it. Sit outside to avoid the rowdy indoor bar area, or if you're into that, it seemed liked a good scene. Must try it!

    (5)

  • Arielle S.

    The food here is really incredible. I had the fried chicken in a bag and it was delicious! The menu offers a nice twist on southern comfort food. I love the decor and the service is excellent. Our waiter Adam was friendly and attentive and thoroughly explained the menu to us. We had a bunch of desserts but my favorite was the chocolate pecan pie with BACON ICECREAM! Yes! I highly recommend this place. Can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Rachel F.

    I came here with a friend one night right after work. It was pretty empty, I'm assuming since it was so early in the evening. I thought it was a really nice place. We got some really yummy drinks and took them upstairs to a cozy room with a fireplace and a nice couch. Would love to come back when there's live music.

    (4)

  • Dave R.

    My girlfriend and I went to The Twisted Tail early on the Friday night before Valentine's Day to avoid a huge crowd, but boy did we make a mistake; they were setting up for the live music as we were leaving! Well she was making fun of me for the early reservations in the first place, so lesson learned. Now that we got my stupid decision out of the way, I can review they actual ambiance and delicacies of the restaurant. I have never been to Society Hill, so I was in for a lovely surprise with the cute little area that surrounds the restaurant. When we arrived inside, it was so early that there was no host/ess, but we were greeted quickly by the bartender. He gathered our reservations and seated us at a small table with a wall bench on one side and a small stool on the other side. There are blown up photos of legendary musicians surrounding the restaurant (Janis Joplin, Bob Marley, etc), seats of all different sizes and styles, a bar that was half rustic wood and other half kitchen counter, and all different types of people bustling through the doors as the night wore on. In other words, this was a very welcome atmosphere for all different types, from people coming home from work, college / graduate students, and anyone in between. The waitress came over and greeted us in a timely manner, and offered sparkling water (we went with tap) and drinks. She ordered a glass of Malbec while I went with an old fashioned. I definitely enjoyed my drink, garnished with a cherry and an orange slice, but I went with a draft beer (Lagunitas IPA) for my second drink so I wouldn't be floored after two drinks. The drinks were flowing throughout the night. Any time we had a half-empty glass of water, it was immediately filled, and the same was true for our alcohols. The menu had a couple changes to it, but overall everything seemed straightforward. We went with a Chorizo Sausage Taco and Grilled Shrimp from the Charcoal Menu to begin with. The portions were individual (just one taco and two shrimp) but we only wanted a taste of each. The shrimp left me wanting more, but there was more food to be had. For the main course, I had a Wagyu dish medium-rare (which our server kindly explained to me was a type of fancy beef) while the girlfriend had the special, grilled chicken with collard greens. I had a side of cornbread. The portion sizes were appropriate for the price. The chicken was amazing, crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, while my beef was tender and juicy. I was not disappointed! The best part of the meal had to be the mashed potatoes the beef was over, and I would probably agree that the side dish for the chicken, the collard greens, was actually the star as opposed to the compliment of the meal. The cornbread, said to be enough to share for two, was actually a small dish that I ate myself. We topped off the night with a brownie and ice cream, one of three choices on a rotating menu, as the live music began setting up right next to us. Overall, I was not disappointed by The Twisted Tail. The drinks were good, the meal was fantastic and appropriately priced, and I was stuffed after the three courses we had. The servers were quick to refill drinks and fold our napkins when we went to the restroom, although it seems as though we were given less attention than that of other diners. A small complaint, but probably the only thing I can complain about at this establishment. A totally enjoyable evening from beginning to end.

    (5)

  • Lan H.

    Ahh I would have had TWO meals at The Twisted Tail had it not been such a beautiful day outside :-) Pretty sure that it was about noon on a Sunday, and, craving for brunch food, we were having trouble finding a place that was new and exciting, but, at the same time, not so crowded that we didn't have to wait for over 30 min to get seated. We wanted to satisfy our hungry QUICKLY, and luckily, we found this hidden brunch gem The Twisted Tail. I went full throttle for the red velvet pancakes with a side of bacon. Haha, eating that meal with a bloody mary as the accompanying drink was a brunch experience that I'd want to re-live over and over again. I think that it's too easy sometimes to settle for the food that you already know is good from your favorite place. That day was the day to venture out, and we definitely did. Thank you, Twisted Tail, for a wonderful experience!

    (5)

  • Abby B.

    Stopped by during the lunch hour just for drinks, so I can't comment on the food. The ambiance is pretty cool, definitely feels like you've stepped back in time. Their drink prices weren't bad, but if you're a whiskey drinker, like my husband, then you know it's going to cost you a bit more than say a mixed drink. They even have whiskey flights if you're into that. I'd come back for dinner, as their menu looked enticing (crawfish macaroni and cheese...yes please!)

    (4)

  • Kat S.

    I had dinner here last night with my family. We had a bunch of apps to share including the chicken liver mousse, pulled pork empanadas, kale salad, beet salad, grilled hot peppers, Mac and cheese and veggie burger. The kale salad and Mac and cheese were by far my favorites. I didn't get a chance to try their main course dishes but I will be back!

    (3)

  • Mary M.

    This isn't a usual haunt for me but I've been there on 3 separate occasions (once for drinks and twice for dinner) and was never disappointed. Nice warm vibe and food was always good. Our most recent visit was for Thanksgiving; they were serving a flat fee pre-fixe menu that included your choice of entree and a "family style" plethora of sides. I had some of the best Brussels sprouts I've ever had during this meal, and as someone who LOVES Brussels sprouts this is saying something! Dinner was fairly priced and we were definitely thankful that Twisted Tail was open to provide a lovely banquet that day!

    (3)

  • Jodie S.

    The thing is for me atmostphere and personality mean alot. This place is in my neighborhood. Every single time I have been her the wait staff, hostesses and managers have been the nicest and most welcoming crew I've experienced in a while. The food is good, to be honest, there are a few tweaks I would like to see on the menu but overall i enjoy the food. The cocktails are superb. For me this is a regular spot and I want to thank them for being kind and generous.

    (5)

  • Janet M.

    Awesome food and atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Andrea M.

    Everything from the live band, the bar, the drink and the food are absolutely amazing! The lamb meatballs were delicious, so was the duck leg confit, and the apple cobbler and rum raisin ice cream that is home made.

    (5)

  • Christina G.

    My bf and I had dinner here on Friday night. It was a beautiful night and we ate outside. We enjoyed looking at the fountain and watching cars try to parallel park. Everything was perfect. Our waiter Anthony was the best server that I have had in a long time. Not only was he super friendly and sincere, but he was very knowledgeable about the food and drinks. The bourbon options seemed endless and Anthony was able to give a description on any bourbon that we asked about and made great recommendations. I was really impressed by his memory. Since I am not a big bourbon drinker, he made some tequila recommendations which I loved. I strongly recommend the pineapple tequila. The beer menu is also pretty big and I think I found my new favorite beer- "Flying Dog Raging Bitch". The food was great. The name suits the place because it is Southern food with a twist. The complimentary popcorn was so good. It was flavored with bacon and some other flavors. If movie theater popcorn tasted this good, I would visit the movies more often. The crawfish mac and cheese is a must. It is a pretty big appetizer so you may get filled up on just the mac n cheese appetizer if eating it alone. The shrimp and grits were great. The shrimp were large and very fresh and the grits just may be the best grits I have had in the Philly area. The inside is also pretty big with a nice decor. This is a unique restaurant and definitely worth trying. I can't wait to come back and try some of their charcoal grilled plates, The menu is priced just right. Most entrees were $19 and appetizers about $9-$10. The drinks were priced appropriately for the area. I recommend taking advantage of the flights. I just wish that they would put the menu on their website, but it seems like they change up their menu throughout the year so maybe that is why they don't.

    (5)

  • Katrina C.

    I've been here many times in the past, but I recently revisited it and remembered how cool it is! Some things I like: -$3 happy hour craft beers (draft beers with a star) -Live music upstairs that is actually pretty good -Bartender charged my iphone for me (and it was close enough that I could still reach it) -Whiskey/bourbon flights (okay, I don't like this, but others do) -Big space downstairs, good for groups -darts and shuffleboard upstairs for a fun night

    (4)

  • Julie C.

    I love the bourbon list at the place: extensive and some really good stuff. Plus they sometimes have special limited bottles available (for a price of course). They have a few whiskey flights on the menu, but they also offer one ounce pours of everything, so you can make your own flight or taste your way around the menu. The food is southern and meaty. The empanadas are great. The oxtail comes as a spread with bread and is yummy. The baked beans, the cornbread, the sweet potato fries are all delish. The only thing I thought was just meh was actually the crawfish mac and cheese, which is funny because lots of positive yelp reviews about it. Mostly I would describe the food as very solid. It's not amazing, but it's good enough to keep me coming back for the booze. But beside the bourbon, my favorite place about this bar is it's chill while still fun. We came here on St. Patty's, and managed to get a seat at the bar almost immediately. I came here for my birthday on a Saturday night and we got a corner booth for 7 people, no reservation. It seems like the place is never empty and never packed (it's large size certainly helps), and the clientele is a nice range of ages. Plus, the bartenders and servers are great and know their bourbon.

    (4)

  • Bill M.

    It took a quality Flight of Whiskey among Yelp friends to help me recall a bar of yester gatherings past that I've enjoyed on a few occasions. But it took a quick skim of tasty delicacies like oxtail rillettes and crispy brussel sprouts cooked with pancetta alongside good beers and an endless amount of whiskeys to quickly channel my memory. And upon enjoying some selections from their charcoal grill, an amazing salad, and some song worthy ( youtu.be/Lonz_cHJHNk ) pours of Whiskey; I rediscovered a good spot overall. whether its bourbon or rye; comes from Kentucky, Ireland, or other; is expensive and aged or young and cheap; Twisted Tail offers an amazing selection of whiskeys that run the gamut. And the knowledgeable bartenders do a good job of helping you flow through your personalized stream ( youtu.be/TaHMG_SvUkw ). But to stretch out and savor your money the flights are at the right price and give you the chance to get full tutorials on classics like Jack Daniels and Knob Creek, learn about bourbons that AREN'T from Kentucky, and enjoy a few pulls that are connoisseur approved. But if whiskey isn't your poison Twisted Tail also has a good selection of cocktails, draft/bottled beers, and other spirits to enjoy. The best bite from the charcoal grill selection by far was the succulent yet savory pork belly w/ thyme, rosemary, and salted lime. But they can also fire up treats like veal bacon, grilled clams w/ chorizo vinaigrette, or portobello mushrooms. Going through the appetizer menu I found solid gold in the wild mushroom salad w/ crystallized ginger, goat cheese, and truffle vinaigrette. But I would have also been winning if I had gone with offerings like crawfish mac & cheese, Maryland crab cakes, or pulled pork empanadas. Add in solid dinner offerings like fried chicken and Louisiana shrimp & grits, as well as an awesome selection of artisanal cheeses; and there's plenty to enjoy.

    (4)

  • Peter M.

    Pros 1. Crayfish mac n cheese is on point 2. Good whiskey selection 3. Good cocktails Con 1. They need to upgrade the beer selection stat. It's the kind of craft selection you'd expect from someone who doesn't drink craft beer at all It's a solid bar and I'll definitely go back but I'll never say "You need to go to Twisted Tail!"

    (3)

  • Rachael F.

    I consider this place a second home! Very friendly staff and delicious cocktails & bar snacks. Upstairs has a funky living room vibe with bar games, TV, and great live music.

    (5)

  • Alex G.

    We went straight to the juke joint upstairs so can't comment on the restaurant scene on the first floor. If you are looking for live blues accompanied by great drinks and decent food, this is the place. Of the appetizers we shared, my favorite was the crawfish mac and cheese. We had the 1 bourbon (four roses), 1 scotch (pig n nose), 1 beer flight. The bourbon had a nice oak essence to it, the scotch had a maple zest, and the barrel aged Scottish ale was a perfect palate cleanser for a smooth transition from the bourbon to the scotch.

    (4)

  • Jay W.

    The food is good, as are the drinks. It is an interesting menu. There is some room for improvement, but it was a great meal (the bar is pretty awesome as well). We were lucky enough to be there during restaurant week, so we were able to try a 4 course meal for a reduced price. Charcoal grill (small plates): The octopus was very good, cooked and seasoned well. I am not the biggest fan of fennel, but it tasted great with the grilled seafood. The grilled clams were not as good. The big problem for me was the chorizo. I LOVE chorizo, but here is was overpowering the clams, and was way too greasy for this type of dish. I think the clams would have benefited from some simplicity the way the octopus did. During this course, they also gave us popcorn seasoned with rosemary bacon drippings, this is terrific, and worth coming for on it's own. Appetizers: The pulled pork and cheddar empanadas were very tasty and would be great to pick on with drinks. I have had too many empanadas where the insides were dried out and am happy to report that this is not the case here. I have seen on yelp a lot of people raving about the crawfish mac and cheese. I have to disagree, it was nowhere near cheesy or spiced enough. What should be a rich comfort food was bland and forgettable. Entrees: First of all, I was super excited to try the shrimp and grits here, but they were sold out for the day. We ordered the duck breast and the pork chop. Both were pretty good. While duck holds a special place in my heart, I think the pork chop was actually better, the herbs and sweet potatoes were a terrific match. The duck was tasty. It did not have a crunchy crust to it, which I missed, but was otherwise well cooked. The figs with the duck were a nice touch. Dessert: The beignets were okay, they were served with cinnamon and sugar rather than powdered sugar as I expected them to be. The way that a warm beignet almost melts the powdered sugar is the best part about the dessert. I thought the blood orange panna cotta was pretty terrific, definitely choose this as your dessert. The cream and sharp flavor of the blood orange pair perfectly. Drinks: The Southern Wine Cooler is basically sangria with bourbon in it. They are refreshing and pack a punch. We tried a couple of their other whiskey drinks, but this was the big highlight. Service: While the night wasn't mistake free, I appreciate that everyone that we came in contact with was friendly and apologetic about any mistakes or minor inconveniences. This place makes it clear that they value your business, and will do what they need to to keep it. BAR: Plenty of space, good live music, especially blues, comfortable seating. They have darts, shuffle board, and some couches on the other side of the bar. I absolutely will return, to try the shrimp and grits, as well as the chicken and waffles for brunch.

    (4)

  • Brielle A.

    I'm sitting here right now and I can't even explain how impressed I am with this place . Amazing service , amazing food, amazing entertainment. I'm blown away. Will be coming here forever. Wow.

    (5)

  • Chris T.

    Idiot waiter. Didn't know what was sold out or what a pimms cup is. Took too long to ask for order. We got bored. Not enough value. The wait made it worse. Wait a long time for a small bit of food.

    (2)

  • April O.

    Let me start by saying that i have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences in the past every time i have been here. I believe Ryan was the bartender that always took care of me ( really cool laid back guy in his 20s that was a great conversationalist). So. Today. Was. The. Worst. The bartenders were all very slow. The one larger fellow was our main bartender and was fairly attentive, just very slow. The other girl on the other side was on her phone half of the time pretending to be on the register. The food was mediocre. (Normally is top notch...) And the thing that drove me the most insane was the fact that the girl who dropped off our ice cream for dessert did not give us spoons, and it took us about 5 mins to get someones attention to get utensils.. Bummer. I'm in the service industry, so watching these people on a friday night was pretty difficult.

    (2)

  • Mike D.

    I will definitely come back to the Twisted Tail. This place has a great vibe...live music upstairs, great food, nice selection of bourbon. We started with a cheese plate...three different cheeses with crostini and some apple compote, very tasty. My wife had fried chicken in a bag for her entree which was very good...comes in a brown paper bag, a little honey taste to it. I had duo pork...can't go wrong with that one. The only negative were the fries...kind of soggy. Great bar area...I had Breakers bourbon served with a big rock, love the large cubes.

    (4)

  • Noleen Z.

    Really nice ambiance. Great service. I might be biased but the "pulpo" was mediocre. I have been spoiled by the octopus in Baja, CA. Definitely would give them a second chance.

    (4)

  • Gina V.

    First, the good: the crab cakes and tomato jam were quite tasty, and a creative combination. It was nice and warm on a cold day, and there's plenty of space and seating which is rare in this neck of the woods where venues tend to be on the smaller/more cramped side. Now, the not as good: the tuna tartare was bland, especially when compared with the crab cakes. In my opinion, it was a little pricey for what you got. The staff seemed a little disorganized - our food came pretty fast, but other people in our group had to wait a while, and my friend and I were offered someone else's food that wasn't even part of our group. Ending on a positive: there is fun stuff upstairs! We didn't actually go upstairs, but I hear there's a pool table and shuffleboard, and upstairs space is always aces in my book regardless of what's up there.

    (3)

  • Jeff D.

    There aren't enough good things to say about The Twisted Tail. I went with a group of 5 other people last night and had a great experience. From their extensive bourbon list to their unique menu options, there's a lot to love. The food was incredible. It was different and expertly prepared. The service was excellent and accommodating. We sat on the second floor where they have a stage for live blues bands. The music was great too. All six of us left The Twisted Tail last night excited that we found a new great place to go. It's a little pricy at about 23 dollars for an entree, but it was absolutely worth it. Cool ambiance.

    (5)

  • S L.

    good food, good service! Ill go back soon

    (4)

  • Luci B.

    Me and my friends came in here on a whim and ended up really enjoying ourselves. Our bartender was really friendly and helpful, and a super friendly patron sitting next to us recommended the Weyerbacher Heresy. Amazing choice. It's a stout aged in oak barrels that once held bourbon and wow, it's fantastic. I'm going to have to try and track it down in NY. The decor was nice and really spacious. Like seeing Janis Joplin on the wall. Supposedly they have games upstairs but I didn't have time to check it out. Nice bathrooms. The food wasn't bad, but a little hit or miss, and pricey for the portions. The mussels ($10) with tomato and basil were fine, the mussels themselves were fresh and tasty but the broth could have used some work. The pork belly my friend got was delicious, but the pork belly the friendly stranger next to us got was just drenched in salt. It was such a waste of good meat. If I was in the neighborhood I'd come back for some low key drinking in a nice atmosphere.

    (3)

  • Ed T.

    Me and the wife love this place. We just stumbled onto it during a drunken pub crawl one night and have been going back ever since. The food is good and the live music is great. Good selection of draft beers but this place is all about whiskey. They have a comprehensive list of whiskeys. I don't get the whole thing personally. whiskey is whiskey to me. The lower half is part bar and part restaurant, one section is very romantic. The other is ok. Up stairs they have the live bands and another bar. They also have a fireplace chill room with darts and the like. It's also usually a mixed crowd of late 20s to 30s which is good, Don't see any hispter types usually but maybe I just don't know what a hipster looks like or pay enough attention to care. . Bartenders are friendly mostly. Had an issue once with one of the bartenders getting snippy with me during a group event but i'm not one to hold grudges. We still go back. subtracted the star because of said bartender. But i recommend this place if you like good live blues/jazz and a relaxing atmosphere. It can be very crowded on the upper floor during the weekends. But this varies. Sometimes its a ghost town. Depends on the band i guess.

    (4)

  • Shane L.

    It was delicious. We dined as a large group of 6 and all opted for the pre-fix menu. It was totally worth the $39 price tag as you get to select 4 items with that option. Food was soo flavorful and bourbon/whiskey selections were adequate. The ambience is casual and its good to hear some restaurant chatter. All in all, we had a great experience and spent a pretty good amount of money with all the food and drinks that we ordered. My ONLY reason in giving this place 3 stars instead of 4...is because they packed my left overs and gave it to the wrong couple. So here I am craving for the delicious braised pork only to open the container in disappointment. Besides that, everyone should give this place a shot for some really good food and whiskey.

    (3)

  • Belen M.

    Have been here a few times, but went on Friday and finally tried the food. We ordered a bunch of things, including the oxtail (comes in a pate form with truffle oil and bread), the pulled pork empanadas (DELICIOUS!), ribs, and grilled asparagus. It was all really good. I wasn't impressed by the oxtail but did love the empanadas and grilled asparagus. In fact, I think next time we will try more of their "charcoal grill" selection (included chicken, lamb meatballs, asparagus, etc.) Additionally, the live band was great. Limited cider selection (just Angry Orchard and Jack's), but they had a good amount of different beers on tap.

    (4)

  • Christian S.

    My baby brother was in town this weekend. Being that he still lives in NYC, he is not open to the notion that Philadelphia has its good bar scene. He stopped listening to everything after hearing Philly shuts down at 2AM. His two previous trips to Philadelphia with me have been slightly disappointing as I was not too familiar with Philadelphia. After working in Philly for 7 years, living in Voorhees for 3 years, and with a little help from my friends, I was a little prepared. This time around I was hoping trips to The Twisted Tail and Time would help me make my case. First stop at 9:00 yesterday (Saturday) Twisted Tails. I choose this place based on it's proximity to other bars in case my brother didn't like it and I was ready to try the new menu. The place was pretty empty for a Saturday night. I personally love the fact that everyone goes to the shore around here. It's fun not having to wait hours for a drink or a table. We both ordered the burgers. My brother ordered goat cheese for his and the bartender was more than happy to honor his request. I went without cheese. I have eat burgers at Twisted Tails before for lunch, but last night the burgers seemed to taste better than I remembered. You can taste the seasoning in the burger which only enhanced the flavor of the bbq sauce and the bacon. I like the mixture of regular and sweet potato fries that accompanied the burger. The staff working the bar upstairs was extremely friendly and provided my brother and I great service. The bartender took the time to explain the bourbons to my brother as he was on a quest to try everyone on the list. My brother enjoyed his time at Twisted Tails, and stated that he would like to go back to Twisted Tails his next trip down. If the burger was a sample of what the new menu is going to taste like, I have a serious task on my hands. Thank You Twisted Tails for slightly convincing my brother.

    (4)

  • Candice H.

    Really, really cute bar areas (first and second floor). Second floor is colder, but that's where the nice bands place. Great drink offerings, reminds me of a speakeasy style. Rating is only for drinks, didn't try food yet. The menu looked great, on the more expensive side. Will be back!

    (4)

  • Andrew W.

    I went to Twisted Tail with a large group for a birthday party this past weekend and had a pretty mixed bag. On the plus side: the space is cool, large enough to accommodate any big group, interesting bar set up, shuffleboard space (yes!), good food (with the exception of a the octopus app that people didn't like), and they were accommodating on the prix fix menu when we had brought a cake. After writing all of that out, you are probably wondering what is so 'mixed' about it. Well... our dinner took over 3 hours. Drink orders could rarely be placed and slow to come out. There was a HUGE wait between each course. It took about 30 minutes to get the bill settled up. The cake that had been brought was butchered by the time it got back to us... I'm still willing to give 4 stars because the food was pretty good, they have a really good atmosphere (if not a little too loud once the band was going, but its a live venue so you should expect that), and I could tell our server was desperately trying. She was just by herself, with two huge tables, and very little support. I'm sure if they'd planned a bit better it wouldn't have been a problem. Anyway, I'll be back there sometime, probably with a smaller group, so I'm sure it will be a different experience.

    (4)

  • Sarah L.

    We stopped here casually on a Sunday to get some food before a movie. The appearance of the bar/restaurant to start was great- i loved the environment/decor/vibe. We sat in a corner "booth" space, which was actually just the two booth type seats that fit together- which was a super comfy spot in the bar. I would say- if me or my Fiance had been asked to sit at another table, we probably would have opted for the bar. THe bar stools looked super comfy, where as the other side tables in the bar area had these weird tiny stools that I don't think anyone would want to sit on while eating- especially if you are normal height. Anyway- Beer selection is OK- just ok though. Nothing too grand, nothing too bad- just average. Cocktail selection seems to be the same, nothing too interesting or captivating. Menu was great for brunch, and i love that they had all gluten free options noted. I got the mushroom Omelet. It was sub par. Honestly, the best thing about it was the side of sweet potato fries that came with it (which were delicious). Absolutely use the rosemary aioli as a dipping sauce- its heaven! I loved the fries, hated the omelet. My fiance got the Chicken and Sweet Potato waffle, and he loved it. He devoured it, actually! Service was ok- out waiter was generally knowledgable and nice, but insincere. I can't say that i would really come back here to eat, considering the prices don't really match the food quality- but i will probably go back for drinks after I eat dinner in the area.

    (3)

  • Sabrinivas M.

    It was very good. Been here at least 5 times before. Enjoyed the live music, good whiskey and drink selection, especially the Devil's Tail, (would enjoy better craft beer selection, but what they have isn't bad). Crab cakes are a must. Octopus app was decent, but wouldn't order again. Kale salad is good. Crawfish mac-n-cheese is wonderful. Duck confit is usually very good, but can sometimes be a little too salty. Dessert is small, but tasty and creative. Great attentive and friendly service and down to earth, southern rock, bluesy ambiance. Go!! you won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Ali W.

    I went with friends for restaurant week which included a four course meal. I started with the $15 cocktail flight that included three 5 ounce cocktails. Pretty tasty, it included an apple pie moonshine, pear cucumber drink, and a warm cider whiskey with whipped cream. The meal itself was mediocre. My starter of grilled clams was fishy and barely cooked, the pork belly was mostly fat and not that flavored. The appetizer crawfish mac&cheese was absolutely amazing and I would go back just for this. The BBQ ribs were juicy and well flavored. The entree strip steak was forgettable and very chewy but the shortribs were juicy and paired awesomely with the fried egg. The dessert beignets was also freshly fried and I would come back just for this dish. The panna cotta with blood orange was also very refreshing and pleasant.

    (3)

  • Sir E.

    I love this place - great food, knowledgeable staff and an incredible list of whiskeys. Bands upstairs are fun and is a totally different vibe than the downstairs dining area. I will be back again, and not just because I joined their bourbon whiskey club!

    (5)

  • Alex V.

    Good Craw Mac n' Cheese Excellent Kale Salad ! Waitress was really nice and nice lunch outside !

    (5)

  • Lala H.

    If I was rating this on just the bar/night life perspective I'd give this place 5 stars. Drinks are great and they have a fantastic beer selection. I strongly suggest the crawfish mac n' cheese for a late night snack at the bar. The upstairs is cool and sometimes have a blues or jazz band,and there is room to dance. No complaints here! So since I had such a great time on the nights I've been out here I decided to have my birthday dinner at Twisted Tail with my family. My scallops and my brothers mussel's came out cold. And eating cold seafood is just plain gross, so, we did speak up and they took it off the bill. They also brought us out a free desert and the manager came and apologized. Maybe it was just and off night, but they handled it professionally and with grace so there's no reason I wouldn't give it another try sometime. things happen!

    (3)

  • Marta L.

    We came here to have brunch....service was great and the food exceeded our expectations...of note was the tomato salad/burrata, red velvet pancakes, and the veggie burger. Would definitely return and recommend to others.

    (5)

  • Nina S.

    I'm so glad that my friend who lives nearby Twisted Tail took me here! I will be back because I had a great experience. The service is friendly, the atmosphere is very warm and welcoming and the drink list and menu have something for everyone to enjoy. I was here on a Tuesday night and there was an autistic performance from Niki Sbaffoni and she was wonderful! The music really added to the southern flare of the place. Their mixed drink menu is amazing. Try the Kool Kat! It's made with fresh cucumbers and pear vodka. It's a perfect refreshing drink. I also ordered a cobb salad and it was delicious. It was in the appetizer section but it filled me up enough to be a full meal. The ranch dressing it was served with was a new recipe house-made and very tasty. Go here and you will def. want to go back too!

    (5)

  • Mike W.

    Great spot. Awesome liquor selection and drink specials. Very cool venue for live music and tasty food. Their fried chicken is delicious

    (4)

  • Sylwia D.

    This and The Dandelion are my favorite places in Philadelphia. Phenomenal whiskey selections, great round bar, decadent seafood, and if you're friendly to the bartenders they will make your experience absolutely perfect. I make it a point to visit this restaurant everytime I'm in the area -- worth it everytime!

    (5)

  • Stacey M.

    For a casual evening out with colleagues, we decided that pub food would be a great way to go. Our expectations were exceeded start to finish. Great service, a visit from the owner TWICE to see what we thought of the food and expertly concocted cocktails added to the already incredible experience. Live acoustic blues added to the charm. If you're there, and you're lucky enough to indulge in their prix fix menu (we visited near the end of restaurant week), try as much as you can. Highly recommended: Thyme after Thyme (gin, lemon & ginger perfection) Charcoal grilled corn with jalapeno jam Flat Iron Steak Ricotta Beniegts You cannot go wrong with your server's recommendations. And for the record, George is an outstanding owner/host.

    (5)

  • Gretchen E.

    This place is legit. The bartenders know what they're doing - so venture beyond a coke-and-whisky young boozers. In addition to cocktails, I am coming back for more squid. It was DELISH, cooked to perfection, and drizzled in a savory salty ink sauce. Other dishes on the menu looked just as divine and adventurous. Definitely a place to feel secure in trying new things. Whisky and bourbon drinks are of course a must. I dined with a Southern Bell and she adored the Mint Juleps. We also took a flight of margaritas. My favorite was that with Philadelphia Distilling's own XXX corn whisky - mixed with tart and sour fruit puree it was a treat to the palate. We sat alfresco along Head House Square's cobbled streets. The table was too small for the four of us and the chairs uncomfortable, hence the knock down to 4 stars.

    (4)

  • Nicole Z.

    Was craving shrimp and grits, so made it to Twisted Tail for Sunday brunch. Loved the ambiance and the server's attention. The shrimp and grits were good (not amazing, but respectably good). We started with a cheese selection. Would have liked if the server could have explained the cheeses better. We picked 3 with no information and ended up hating 2 of them. Overall, pleased with the experience.

    (3)

  • Ann S.

    staff very nice, great atmosphere - my food was disappointing. BBQ's salmon was dry, very few non-meat choices. Even the popcorn they serve with drinks has bacon.

    (2)

  • Majlinda K.

    Good place to get a drink over the weekend! They had a good selection of beers and wine. Also on the weekends they have a live band playing on the second floor if you love live bands. The bar on the second floor gets a bit crowded because of the band but go to the bar in the first floor for quicker service. They have a second room on the second floor where you can find easy seating and play shuffleboard.

    (3)

  • Brad S.

    From wallpapered walls on which spotlit photos of homes are hung, to plain brick facade, to large blown-up portraits of Joplin, Hendrix, and other classic rockers, Twisted Tail's lower level is somewhat confusing. This confusion extends to the kitchen, wherein the recent chef switcheroo of Michael Stevenson for Leo Forneas has led to the restaurant's refocus from the pure Southern bourbon and blues motif that previously and not very successfully defined them since opening a few years ago. On a normal day, this would be enough in itself, but I chose to visit during Mother's Day, pretty much the worst day for dining out, especially when you're part of a party of eight. So the service, while not bad, per se, gets a pass. What doesn't get a pass is the prix fixe menu from which we were forced to order. The menu consisted of literally every item of their normal brunch menu, plus a couple of desserts, for a significantly higher price than normal. So say you wanted to order the salad and buttermilk chicken sandwich - $15 on a normal Sunday. $35 on Mother's Day. But you got a choice of beignets or panna cotta for dessert, so I'm sure that warranted the extra markup. Needless to say, I made it a priority to choose the absolute most expensive things on their normal brunch menu. Another problem with just throwing your entire menu onto a prix fixe is portion sizes. My tuna tartare was simply mixed with the occasional sliced cornichon and served alongside a few potato chips, but it was fresh and a good size to prime to palate for the rest of the meal. Some of my fellow diners got the pigs in a blanket, which were nearly a main course in themselves. After plowing through a few of them, multiple people remarked at how full they were getting, and the main course hadn't even arrived yet. The Maryland Crab cake eggs benedict isn't what you'd expect to find in a Southern-slanted restaurant, but I'm glad it's here, because the crab cakes were almost all crab, and went really well with the eggs (poached well for me, though others weren't so lucky), mustard hollandaise, and English muffin. Serving them alongside french fries seemed like they just didn't want to take the time to prepare an additional starch, and I didn't want to take the time to eat the underwhelming slices of potato. Fried dough is an easy crowd pleaser, and the beignets hit the spot, even if they were still a little doughy. The gluten-free diner amongst us described her panna cotta as "interesting," and not in a good way, though she seemed unfamiliar with the dish. To be honest, the combination of food and company provided an overall positive experience at Twisted Tail, though there were enough missteps to not make it a priority to return. Regardless of the good service from our server, and the great service from the managers in seating us in what must have been a hellish time for them, the food still needs a little bit of refinement.

    (3)

  • Todd R.

    Not sure I'd even give 3 stars if I compared the food to the other reviews. Flavored popcorn was barely that. Cheese board was excellent but let's face it, it's a cheese board. The crawfish Mac n cheese may have had as little as 6-8 pieces of crawfish and was dry (as compared to the Mac without crawfish my kid had which was actually very cheesy/creamy as one should expect). Biggest disappointment was the fried chicken -- barely coated and not crunchy which is the texture I'd expect. Some faint honey flavor but no spices to offset the sweet. This is the best fried chicken in Town? Big disappointment given the many other great restaurant choices available to us in Philly.

    (3)

  • Britt M.

    So let me first say, normally I LOVE this place! My friends and I go a lot to grab drinks, apps and dance upstairs to the live music. Which is why I thought it would be a fantastic location for my friends 30th birthday. We didn't have a huge to-do in mind, just 15 or so people stopping by through out the night. I had called a few weeks prior to see if we could have a cocktail table or two, just to have a spot to congregate. At that time I was informed that all parties over 10 have to order from a pre fix menu or order from an app menu for large parties and we would have to hit a food minimum. Like I said before this wasn't a formal sit down party or one that we wanted have full meals, we didn't even meet till 8:30pm. So at that point I just asked if we could just hang at the bar, which was fine, and bring a cake, which was also fine. Although I was told it was fine to bring a cake, no one ever said there was a plating fee of $2.50 a head, till it was time to cut the cake. I asked for plates and a knife so we could do it, but was told it was against policy. It felt like Twisted Tail was nickel and dime'ing large parties, it was very off putting. It's a shame too, I was considering hosting a company party there for 70+ people.

    (3)

  • Nikki R.

    This was the 3rd time I've been to Twisted Tail and it has yet to disappoint me. I took my parents here for Easter brunch and we had a delicious meal. I had the chicken and waffles...super yummy. The chicken was fantastic and they had caramalized pineapple on top--great touch! Mom had red velvet pancakes and dad had the chicken club--both of them enjoyed it. The fries are great--love the old bay seasoning. The thing I like about this place is that the menu changes and they have great specials. We skipped drinks and a cheese plate this time. The other times I have been here, the staff has made great recommendations on both. Seating is great both indoors or out (I prefer outdoors for the people watching). The staff is fantastic. Great service, never have to ask for refills on anything. And apparently they have live music here too. I'll be back to check it out again. Definitely becoming a favorite spot of mine!

    (4)

  • Vee M.

    Stopped in after a dance session with friends. Daniel's gorgeous blue eyes had us in a trance. He was such an awesome host. We even checked out his website (he's an artist). We couldn't get enough of him. I can't even remember our waitress' name since we kept calling for him. Anyhoo I guess I should write something about the food. The steak & eggs were delicious! My friends had the fried chicken with sweet potato waffles, stuffed french toast, & crabcakes. They also enjoyed their meals. Will definitely be back, & not just to get lost in Daniel's eyes. LOL

    (5)

  • Jackie G.

    One of our favorite spots in the city. Food, drinks and service are consistently great and the atmosphere rocks! We hosted a semi private pig roast party here last month and they did a great job accommodating our group of 20+. Also catch Mikey J when he's playing there. Always a great time!

    (5)

  • Luba P.

    Definitely NOT a place we enjoyed on a Friday night. The crowd was a mix of hipsters and older people, an odd combination. There was a blues type band, which was pretty loud but not our type of music. The bartenders upstairs were shockingly slow. They literally ignored us for 20 minutes when we tried to get a drink. I've never seen slower service at a bar. We did enjoy the game of shuffle board, however, if you put your name on the list probably won't get to play until about an hour+ later, where we almost witnessed a fight over this. I liked the comfy chairs to relax and talk in that same room. However, there is a dart board there...so most people would assume could be used to play while there, so we went over to the lovely bar area again to ask for the darts, the woman bartender literally walked past us as if we didn't exist on her way out of the bar area (ok??), so we tried asking the next bartender, and he said they don't have darts and looked confused by that question as if we were the odd ones......???.....why....would...you...have....a..­..dartboard....? So that left us quite perplexed. In the end, if there was better and friendlier service, different crowd, different band, and darts we would probably return! =)

    (2)

  • Rachel D.

    This is the best food i have ever eaten. Also my cocktail: kumquat-infused gin fizz. With st Germaine and champagne? Stop it. It's so good I can't even.

    (5)

  • David H.

    Gotta say, this is our new go-to place. Incredibly hip vibe and a just an overall great place. Food and menu is very good (not the primary reason to go--but pretty good), but the bar scene is killer good, especially the upstairs bar and the blues bands they have. The side room upstairs is excellent, but the dancing and the music are second to none, and make this the place to have an incredibly special experience. Being that up close to the music, and the bands have been EXCELLENT. Thanks Twisted Tail for living up to what you say you are, a Juke Joint, and one the delivers.

    (4)

  • Chad Y.

    Charcoal grill "pre apps" are a nice touch. The quail paired nicely with a bourbon, the mushrooms not so much. They were good otherwise. My wife and I shared a baby leaf greens salad and the Cornish hen and succotash. It was delicious. The ambiance on the lower level is mediocre, but the acoustic guitarist was a nice touch. Head upstairs to enjoy some louder music and hang out for a bit. The decor is much more authentic. Will return again , but with friends.

    (3)

  • K. B.

    Stopped in for a drink. Service was slow, drink was pricey, and wasn't that great. Oh well.

    (3)

  • Liz S.

    Labeling non-gluten free items as gluten free earns you a 1-star review, Twisted Tail. I am giving it 2 stars because they at least took the offending item off our bill. As someone who cannot eat gluten because of celiac disease I always investigate new restaurants carefully before I eat at them. When I inquired at Twisted Tail, they assured me that they knew all about celiac disease and took it seriously. I therefore felt confident ordering tuna tartare, which was marked as gluten free. The small portion of fish (pricey at $12) came with 5 potato chips on the plate. I had asked the waitress when she took our order whether the fryer was gluten free and she it wasn't; they fry empanadas in it. I informed her that I had celiac and couldn't eat food from the fryer. Yet, there were those freshly fried chips, on my plate, touching the fish. The manager came out and talked to me, but did not apologize. She "explained" that some people who avoid gluten can eat food that comes out of a shared fryer. Yeah, well some people who "avoid gluten" can eat a bagel if they feel like it. Restaurants should not cater their gluten-free labels to these people--they can just read the menu to see if the item lists obvious gluten-containing ingredients (e.g., bread/croutons). If restaurants are going label items as "gluten free" they should do so as a service to the celiacs, who will get sick from even tiny amounts of gluten. Would a restaurant label something as peanut-free if it was fried in peanut oil? I don't think so.

    (2)

  • Chris J.

    Stopped in here on a Saturday for a few drinks and really enjoyed it. Ordered a bourbon flight - which came in a nice little bourbon tree! Went for the Colonial Iron Flight for $14 - Eagle Rare, Johnny Drum, and Jefferson Straight. Very tasty! The lady had the Red Southern Wine Cooler - tasted very much like Sangira! Oh - and the live music of Nate Myers and the Aces was awesome - I'll definitely be coming back! The food looked fantastic too - looking forward to get back there to try the food!

    (4)

  • MathY M.

    Sat at the bar on a Thursday night. The bartender was very informative but slightly condescending, which we actually appreciate. The only issue is that if you're going to be confident with food recommendations, the food itself needs to back it up. The Octopus was not good at all, and had a very strong fishy odor and taste. The grilled shrimp with grapefruit was good, and the empanadas were just OK. Cocktails were great! Would go back for the drinks and live music. Matt's an old fashioned drinker and they made a good one not to mention thanks for making a good kettle up!

    (3)

  • Carly B.

    The best meal I've ever had in Philly. Love this place. Great cocktails. Great service too. Also love that they have shuffle board upstairs.

    (5)

  • Bobbie K.

    I give this place 3stars... Love the feel of this joint... It's casual but it doesn't have to be... There's always live music ... Blues and jazz! The only thing I don't like about my favorite date spot is ... They have nooooooo options for a vegetarian... It kills me!! Wtf... Why can't my favorite place be perfect and gave veggie option! Otherwise I'm addicted to this place

    (3)

  • Rita C.

    After hearing some great things about The Twisted Tail, I finally got a chance to check it out last week. We walked in on a rainy Wednesday night, which is why I thought this place might be a ghost town, but after reading some other reviews I think it just might be like that a lot. Sad :( The downstairs is really nice and clean. I'm not really sure how to describe the decor, but it included some "old-timey" jars/bottles/stuff, which I liked a lot. I didn't venture upstairs but heard there is darts and shuffle board up there. Originally, I was going to get some drink with muddled cucumber in it (I just liked how "muddled cucumber" sounded, definitely a good band name in my opinion), but I decided to go with some bourbon flights instead. "When In Rome," I thought. Let's just say that I quickly found out that bourbon is just not my thing and had to suffer through three mini glasses of rubbing alcohol, at no fault of the restaurant (at least I was trying to be adventurous, right?). My BF had a old fashioned and also learned that he didn't like it either. We tried! For dinner we got the crawfish mac & cheese, lamb sliders, and twisted house burger. The crawfish mac & cheese was the highlight of the meal. It was decadent and delicious with just enough crawfish in it. Being someone who needs to pour sriracha on all mac & cheese, this was good enough just as it is. I definitely recommend it! The sliders were on the dry side and were just okay. My BF said the burger was good and juicy, but they went a little overboard on the blue cheese. On a lighter note, service was spot on - they did a really great job here. All-in-all, I wanted this place to be awesome, but it just didn't do it for me. I may come back in the future to see some live music (Wednesday night is blues night) and, of course, to order that mac & cheese, but I'm really not planning on going here anytime soon. PS - If you go to the Twisted Tail website and print out the August calendar, you get 10% off your dinner menu. I had the calendar ready, but completely forgot until after we had already left (THANKS, BOURBON!).

    (2)

  • S. H.

    Had an amazing, food-lovers evening with my hubby at the Twisted Tail in September! Where do I start in praising this place? I'll start at the begining...which was a little rocky. We had a reservation, but they could not accommodate us at that time (even though there were empty tables), so we had to sit at the bar and wait... We were a little irked but received good service at the bar, and the hostess was attentive is updating us on when we would get a table. Even after being seated, the staff remained attentive, checking in to make sure the rest of the evening went well. After we finally got seated, the waiter was excellent and the food was event better. We went during restaurant week and took advantage of the 4 course pre-feed menu. We ate: pork belly with greens, meatballs with Bourbon sauce, crawfish mac 'n cheese, Maryland crab cakes, and flatiron steak. We ended the meal with beignets and a bourbon flight- yummy!!! The atmosphere and decor are excellent at the Twisted Tail. After dinner we headed upstairs to the other bar, where a local band was playing Stax Record label-style R&B (think Otis Redding). We listened and danced for a while before going home completely satisfied with our Twisted Tail experience!

    (5)

  • Travis W.

    Whiskey/Bourbon bar! If you're looking for a great restaurant to try flights of whisky, this the place to be. The ambiance at Twisted Tail is great (so long as it's not too busy). Really my only complaint would be the noise when boisterous groups are eating. If you're into gastropubs/gastrobars, you should give TT a chance - I was lucky enough to go during Boston's restaurant week; their peppers, mac n' cheese, scallops, baked beans were all great - there's also an excellent selection of beers.

    (4)

  • Krista P.

    They have Bourbon Flights. They let you build your own. If there is anything else I need to say to convince you, then maybe this place isn't for you. But I will continue. They have a good draft selection, a creative food menu, and did I mention the flights of Bourbon? The Bourbon flight comes in a holder.... I've only had a few items on the menu besides the Bourbon flights (I think I mentioned the flights already, but in case I didn't... they have flights. Of Bourbon.) but everything has been delicious that I've tried. Last night we had crawfish mac & cheese, 3 different cobblers (I was going to say flight again, but I don't want to detract from your attention to the Bourbon flights), and I took some fried pickles and a french fry from some strangers. They were nice (both the strangers and the food.) Upstairs they have shuffleboard and darts. Only downside is that on the weekends until 12/12:30 they have live music upstairs and in order to play shuffleboard, you have to pay a cover because of the live music (the only thing preventing a 5 star review). I've been told that if you order food you can go upstairs without a fee - but I got distracted by the flight of Bourbon and didn't test the theory. Definitely check this place out.

    (4)

  • Ashley L.

    I have been to The Twisted Tail a few times for drinks and loved the relaxed atmosphere and beer list. After looking over the food menu, my boyfriend and I decided to make a trip to The Twister Tail for Brunch. We were immediately greeted by our server and ordered a round of drinks and put in our food order. What only felt like minutes later, the manger came over to us and apologized for the food taking 'longer than 15 minutes' to arrive. This was followed by two appetizers and a round of drinks on the house. Being in our mid-twenties, we are typically thrown in the corner table by the bathroom and forgotten about. It was refreshing to go to a restaurant that did not stereotype us as cheap, poor tippers (which we are far from). The food was original, fresh and delicious. We will definitely be returning with friends. Thank you for a wonderful experience.

    (5)

  • Larry G.

    Went for lunch with my wife and grand daughter - we were the only ones in the place - could not immediately accommodate with chocolate milk, and took 1/2 an hiur to serve a cheeseburger, fries, and an oyster po boy. U did not taste the burger shared by my wife and grand daughter, but the po boy was terrible. Oysters were tough, overcooked, and tasted terrible. Worst oyster point boy I have ever had -and I have had many in Manhattan - the Oyster bar, and in Chelsea markets. Will not go back.

    (2)

  • Brittany S.

    My favorite place in Philly! First found this place last year but didn't remember the name, Yelp to the rescue! So glad I found this place. The decor is to die for, from the outside seating to the first floor dining room, the upstairs side room to the bar area with live music this place has it all. The live music is amazing, need to find a place like this in DC! Both times I've been the band and singer had people up and dancing and everyone clapping. The drinks are great, the bartenders are more like mixologist and the food is not your average bar food. Never had a bad drink, they are light and refreshing and strong! My boyfriend and I ordered the pulled pork empanadas and I ordered the mushroom salad. The 2 medium sized empanadas came out hot and filled with tender perfectly cooked pork. The pork wasn't covered with seasoning or sauce which was great because it let the natural pork flavor shine, if they don't have the cover with other flavors you know it's good! The mushroom salad was light but filling (if that makes sense) looked small but once I mixed it all together it was a good sized salad. The tart and tangy dressing was a perfect mix with the creamy goat cheese and the crystallized ginger gave it a little sweetness. The mushrooms were the perfect topping and blended right in. The bartenders are very friendly, attentive and fast. This place is a perfect 10... well, 5 star.

    (5)

  • Eileen W.

    The name "Twisted Tail" attracted me in the first place. I came here with a friend on a Saturday evening. The restaurant was super busy and seemed a bit under staffed. The Twisted Tail had casual vibe, not too loud or anything so you can actually have a conversation with someone. Our server took a while to get our order in (like I said it was under staffed on a busy Saturday). We ordered a few drinks, which seemed to be watered down and pricey for the amount given. They are also limited on domestic beers. I ordered the Pennsylvania trout. I didn't expect it to be a whole fish (head and tail included) when it came out. It seemed to be a bit over cooked. It also came with cauliflower seasoned in a vinaigrette, which was okay. Overall, I don't think its a bad place. I'll have to give it another try on a less busy day.

    (3)

  • Jennifer H.

    I had a great experience at Twisted Tail with my fiance and some friends. Lamb sliders are delish!! Crab cakes have no fillers!! My fiance got the Cowboy Steak. It was amazing!! I got the salmon which was decent, but I will definitely be getting the steak the next time we go back. Drinks are good, but a bit expensive. All in all - great new restaurant!! We will be back!

    (4)

  • Tom C.

    I don't normally review, but my wife and I had a great dinner. The food was excellent we had oysters, empanadas, scallops, burger, and sweet potato fries. Drinks we had the old fashion, kool Kat and the flight. And the waiter Anthony was very attentive.

    (5)

  • christina j.

    Recently my parents and I had lunch here. The menu offers many options. We tried the Cuban sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, soup of the day which was a pumpkin and beet salad with chicken. The soup was to sweet. Portions for lunch were huge. The fries were tasty and for me the best part. It was ok. Not sure I'd go back for a meal.

    (2)

  • Veronica V.

    I had the opportunity to visit twice in one weekend - for dinner with 2 friends on a Friday night and for brunch on Sunday with a group of 8. To start with, the service was excellent on the Friday night, and I would have considered giving up to 3 stars, except that the food was less than stellar on both occasions, and the experience on Sunday was well below par. Based upon menu descriptions, one would think the food was full of flavor, but it is not. There is an extreme lack of seasoning or flavor of any kind in any of the dishes I tried, which included the appetizer ribs and bacon dishes, the steak entree, the peanut butter mousse french toast, breakfast bacon (which was chewy, not at all crispy), and the pancakes. Plus, the beneits were raw inside, as was the french toast, despite being crisp almost to the point of being burnt on the outside. And I'm not talking about a little undercooked - you could pull the dough several inches if you were so inclined. The server on Sunday was more interested in selling drinks to increase the size of the check than in making sure we were happy with our meals. One person ordered the "veggie burger", which should not be listed as a burger at all. It's a bunch of chopped vegetables wrapped inside chewy burnt slices of eggplant. Plus, the menu listed "caramelized onions", and the onions inside were raw. The server made a point of asking me if I enjoyed my dish, as I had finished it, but then took my friends almost full plate without bothering to ask how hers was. The drinks were also inconsistent. One person ordered the cherry gimlet and got hers served correctly in a martini glass. Mine came loaded with ice in the same glass I had just finished drinking a different drink in; after the first couple of sips, all I tasted was water that melted from the ice. Then, 2 of our party wanted to use credit cards, while the rest of us used cash to cover our share of the food/tax/tip. We specifically asked to have a certain dollar amount applied to each card, but instead, the airheaded waitress applied all the cash to the check and split the balance on the cards, leaving everyone confused. She acted like she was doing us a favor by giving us a copy of the original check so we could figure it all out again. Without exception, restaurants have typically applied cash last, not first. And she came up with some excuse about how the computer "wouldn't let her" put the requested amounts on the cards. OF COURSE NOT, because she had already applied everything else! Plus, a simple dinner with shared apps and shared dessert, a couple of drinks each (they do not seem to offer happy hour specials), came to $60 each. Brunch was over $40. It's clear from my description above that I do not consider that I got what I paid for.

    (1)

  • Beverly T.

    Stumbled upon this spot for a drink. Unfortunately for us, we didn't order food (too stuffed from lunch). Loved the cozy outdoor seating, but we sat at the bar. Awesome atmosphere, friendly bartenders and creative, Southern-inspired upscale comfort food. Fried chicken, ox tails, veal bacon? Count me in.

    (4)

  • Christine E.

    When my friends suggested we go here for opening night, I was very excited. Twisted Tail sounded like a great little place for some well cooked pig and the whiskey/bourbon bar would be a bonus. I arrived a little after my party, was greeted and served a drink in a very timely manner and the cocktails were all mixed deliciously. I really enjoyed the Black Cherry Gimlet (...not trying to be miss know it all, but mixing a vodka/gin drink with lime juice does not a gimlet make) and the Time after Thyme. Service in this place is great. As far as the menu, to say I was disappointed to be at a place that clearly referenced swine in the name but has a total of three menu choices with pig (one has sausage, one has bacon, and the last seems like a pork shoulder) is an understatement. I also can't figure out what made anything on the menu consistent. Crawfish mac and cheese, duck spring rolls, flatbread and onion tarts... what? I got a salad and fries, because I'm on a diet... (not really.) and all of my friends ordered various appetizers. I know I should have ordered off of the entrees menu, but I wasn't really hungry and my friends and I tend to share anyway. The salad was good, but drenched in sweet dressing and the fries were good fries, but I feel like I paid $7 for a choice of three dipping sauces that were eh (chipotle ketchup, rosemary mayo, and agave nectar/vinegar). The crawfish mac and cheese was bland. The "spitfire chicken wings" were covered in a hoison glaze that tasted only of hoison glaze but had no semblance of cooked over an open fire (maybe it's a stretch to believe the wings were cooked over a fire, but it says SPITFIRE in the title). My friends liked their veggie options, but I didn't have any interest in trying any more food after the piece of crawfish I had was tough. After dinner, I tried to order some rye, but they were out of everything. The waiter explained "We just opened and some of these have been hard to find." And that was the final deal breaker for me. I get it, you just opened and the PA liquor board is full of Quakers or whatever, but print up new menus without teasing me. Will I come back? For the drinks, probably. The food, maybe if they pick up some herbs and spices and find some flavor.

    (2)

  • Danielle A.

    Stopped in for opening. Great atmosphere. Tasty original cocktails. Overwhelming beer/bourbon selection. Food is fresh and they have a completely unique menu. They're still working out the kinks on the food but I think this place is gonna be a hot spot for either a yummy sit down schmancy dinner or chilling out upstairs playing shuffleboard sippin bourbon.

    (4)

  • Ryan B.

    Here's the update. We did receive a very professionally written note from the manager/owner apologizing. I decided to come in last Saturday night for drinks and live music with a date - no dinner. $5 cover for the live blues music upstairs, which was well worth it. She was incredible, such a nice change of pace to have live(non-cover band) musics in Philadelphia. The bartenders were very good and made a great old fashioned.

    (3)

  • Karen T.

    I think Twisted Tail is a hidden gem in Society Hill and this place deserves the 5-star. Of the few restaurants I've tried during my visits to Philly, this is one of my favorites. Good drinks, great food and an awesome bartendar. I recommend the Shrimp & Grits, Caesar Salad (w/ corn bread croutons!), and Chicken Fried Steak!

    (5)

  • Roy L.

    Our party of six got to the TT around five thirty for dinner before the #XPNFEST. All first timers we had no expectations going in. Prompltly seated our server was attentive and informative. A large app list along with cheese platters and a variety of hams made ordering an adventure. All party members decided to go with a pair of apps, all different and all would be shared. Drinks before food, pineapple infused vodka for a super margarita, a Tennessee lemonade that would get you in trouble after more than one, and a red sangria were excellent along with a nice craft beer list and a VERY GOOD whiskey choice. Food came quickly and never seemed to end. Mussels, grilled clams, cherizo sausage taco.....enough to say all the food was awesome. The server recommended cheese platter along with the country ham made all diners smile. Then to rap things up your reviewer enjoyed a neat Hirsch Reserve that warmed the soul and topped off a great dining experience.

    (4)

  • Cait D.

    This place has only been open for 1 week and has some real potential. The staff is still bumping around a bit but that aside, the bartenders are extremely helpful in making selections and suggestions on food and drinks. The food is great. The cocktails are unique and delicious. The drinks are pricey, well they're center city price ($9-12 a cocktail) but the food is fairly cheap for the quality that you get! There was music upstairs in the "lounge" but we didn't even bother since we were more interested in hanging out and talking - and because the bartenders downstairs were great! Food tried (all apps): Crab cakes -$12 gets you 2 mini crab cakes with a kettle cooked chip crust, NO fillers - delicious Duck Spring Rolls - $8 - Very crispy and fresh tasting but couldn't really taste the duck. The dipping sauce did little to add contrasting flavors - probably wouldn't order again but only because the other items were so much better Lamb Sliders - hands down favorite. For $10 you get 3 mini lamb "burgers" with a cranberry aioli that complimented the lamb flavor perfectly Drinks tried (I have no clue what they are called and the drink menu isn't posted on the website!) VooDoo something or other : I believe this was the cocktail with red wine. Refreshing and warming at the same time. A tart fruity flavor served up with an orange twist. Highly recommended Something with muddled cucumber : Great description right? Well it's the only drink that comes with muddled cucumber so that should make it easy. This drink is light, refreshing, the pear vodka is not overpowering and adds a sweeter flavor to the mellow and earthy cucumber. It's a perfect summer cocktail and reminds me of a Pim's Cup (very common cocktail in New Orleans). Served in a high ball glass with a cucumber slice. Overall this is a great new spot that we happened on by chance and I will surely be returning.

    (5)

  • Michael H.

    Designed and laid out well, cool entertainment upstairs, great food, wide selection of spirits... just a great overall atmosphere and experience in general.

    (5)

  • Alison D.

    Oh my god I hate this place SO MUCH. Following review is for drinks only. TT is big and so seems like an okay option if you are with a bunch of people and want to take over the place, but its not worth it. Things I specifically despise: (1) terrible bartenders, who are inattentive and inefficient. Order drinks at one bar, and they wander away to mix your drink at some other far away location. Bartender apparently carrying a drink *into the bathroom* before giving it to a customer who might or might not have ordered it. They may forget your order entirely, and thus you are marooned at the bar for ages, and then they're like "Oh...uh...sorry," and wander away again. Let me remind you that the place is *dead.* *Dead!* Its not like they are swamped with people. There are like 15 people in the whole place. (2) One dollar up charge for each drink which appears on your receipt, not on the menu. You guys suck.

    (1)

  • Michele R.

    Strolling through Headhouse Square on a late Sunday morning, you will be treated to the Farmer's Market and a flurry of shopping families. If you don't look closely, you might walk right by the Twisted Tail, formerly Kildares. I have not been in this incarnation yet, and probably wouldn't have bothered if the "Champagne Cocktails" sign hadn't lured me in. Despite having a reasonably priced brunch menu, there were only two tables dining and one couple at the bar at 11 am. I decided our next brunch excursion would take place here. Fighting the crowds at the popular Sabrina's just isn't worth the stack of pancakes I can get in an air-conditioned, classy bar. (n.b., they serve drinks in said bars!). I cannot comment on the food yet, but I can on cocktail service. We sat at the bar and ordered the half-priced bottle of champagne with a carafe of o.j., from the hipster bartender. He was more excited by his gin-soaked muddled blueberries, borne of a different cocktail altogether, but made a compelling argument for its appropriate introduction into my champagne. I never touched the o.j., such was the perfection of blueberry champagne. Did I mention the champagne was $15? For a whole bottle? Yes, I will find my way back to the Tangled Tail.....no, The Twisted Tea....wait, no The Tall Tale? Dang it--_TWISTED Tail. Or is it Tale? Whatever....

    (4)

  • Scott D.

    Okay, I must admit, I have only been here once and a buddy of mine is the owner, however this place has major potential to be a GREAT spot for live local music with good eats and an amazing beer selection. They don't sell pitchers, but do sell growlers that you take to a table or the pool/shuffle board room and chill with friends while watching the game on the flat screen TV on the wall. Great decor up and down stairs. If you are in Head House square and are tired of the same old same old, try The Twisted Tail and you won't be sorry.

    (4)

  • Charles R.

    First time and will go back for more. The buttermilk chicken sliders were great and the cuban sandwich was good, but next time , without a doubt I am ordering the crawfish mac and cheese. Guy at the next table had and said it was fantastic, and it looked it. I love crawfish and why I didn't oreder it I don't know, but next time I will dive in to this large gooey dish. Beer and liquor menu was large, good area since you're a block from South Street and they take all plastic. Service was prompt, friendly and prices are very reasonable.

    (4)

  • Mario D.

    We were excited to see a new spot with live music and an interesting looking menu. Then we ate there. I ordered a whiskey, it took 10 minutes for them to figure out that they didn't have it. The bartender came by to offer a similar brand. Ten minutes after that, my waitress came over to ask if I still wanted a whiskey. When it arrived, there was a fair amount of sediment in it. Our appetizers were ok. The duck rolls were crispy, but ultimately lacking in flavor. Lamb burgers were cooked properly, but suffered from a serious cheese and seasoning defcicit. My date's lamb shoulder consisted of 25% meat and 75% fat and gristle. The 4 bites of meat were tasty and well spiced. My cowboy steak was slightly overdone and bland as shoe leather. A "mustard" was served, that when tasted, bore zero resemblance to its namesake. Great concept, weak execution. I'll be back for the music and beer, if I go back at all.

    (2)

  • Ilya H.

    Great place to throw a party! Live music upstairs. There's a separate room with a shuffle board, darts, and a fire place. Two bars with great bourbon and beer lists. The food was delicious as well. I highly recommend the mac and cheese, pulled pork tacos, beef cheeks, and the pork duo.

    (5)

  • Dana D.

    1 star for a pretty sweet atmosphere and live blues. Another star for a decent beer/cocktail/bourbon menu. 0 stars for food. I'm sorry Twisted Tail...I gave you the benefit of doubt. I heard you were so great and just needed some tweaks. Apparently nobody wants to be honest with you. First, we sat downstairs for 10 minutes with only water; not even a drink order was taken. We then decided to go upstairs and were taken care of right away. That being said - your menu needs A Lot of work. I'd like to think that perhaps if I had tried some of your main courses I would have been left with a better impression. Instead, we shared almost all of your appetizers and Not One was even remotely good. The wings were chewy and flavorless, the crab cakes tiney and bland, the duck spring rolls also flavorless, the ribs nothing to brag about and so on..and so on. Quite disappointing to spend a decent amount of money on really crappy food. Sorry guys, I won't be coming back =(

    (2)

  • Iris B.

    good beer & an amazing wild mushroom salad .. yum

    (3)

  • L B.

    great food, great service. will definitely go again when I am in town !

    (4)

  • Sally f.

    fab place, best choice for old city if u dont want a hoochie mama hangout. beautiful interior....feels warm and unique....great drink options. amazing entertainment....open jam sesh on sundays!!!!!!

    (5)

  • Elaine M.

    This place is great for all times of the day. I have been there multiple times for a late night dinner after a long happy hour. They have a great bar menu with plenty of sandwiches that are served until 12 or 1 am. They also have a great selection of beers on tap. My boyfriend and I wondered in here on Easter morning for brunch (since our Easter dinner wasn't being served until 6). We had no idea they were putting out a HUGE buffet spread that morning. I think it was around $25 per person but was well worth it. They had every breakfast item you could think of and several carving stations, seafood dishes. The pastries and baked goods were out of control! They told me this was the first time they had done a buffet but planned to do more of them in the future. They also told me that they do happy hour on Wednesdays and put out free apps for locals... I need to get there for that one of these days. Everything I have had here has been great, this has become one of my go-to spots.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth R.

    My husband & I are thrilled to have The Twisted Tail in the neighborhood!. So far, we'e been there a handful of times -- a couple nights to have a bite for dinner while listening to live music (so far great bands too!), and other times we just want to get out of the house to listen to some good blues and enjoy a beer and a really delicious old-fashioned (cocktail). They are pretty new, and they seem open to suggestions. They also have been trying to tweak things to make their customers happy. That alone tells me they care, so you may want to give them a chance and pay them a visit in the future. Happy blues!

    (4)

  • Nik P.

    The Twisted Tail is a good bourbon bar, and a great place to go if you're into blues/swing music as there is a band that plays on the second floor every Friday. The staff is friendly, servers knowledgeable, the drinks and food decent. The Lamb Sliders rock without a doubt, and the Chili with various salts, as well as the soups are fantastic. Sometimes it can get a little pricey for what you're getting, but this is always a matter of perception. If one is on a tight budget, everything is pricey. If one has money to blow, nothing is pricey at that moment. It does get loud due to the music being played, but that's just the kind of place it is -- a bourbon blues bar. What you see is what you get. You like good bourbon, good food, and good music? Go to the Twisted Tail. Simple as that.

    (3)

  • Joe C.

    Lose the snakes they freak out my wife!

    (3)

  • D S.

    Decent place to kick back for a few.

    (3)

  • Tameka J.

    I really like this place, I stop in whenever I'm in the area. The food is freshly prepared using locally grown items whenever possible. Anything that comes from the grill is going to be an awesome great for your mouth. The fried chicken and sweet potato fries are a must try. If they have pork belly or beef cheeks on the menu, I highly recommend you give either or both a try. The infused liquors are also a must try, have them straight or let the bartender create something for you. After you eat go upstairs for live music.

    (4)

  • Lauren K.

    I've been here twice - once in the early evening when we needed a quick bite to eat before a movie, and the other late at night on a weekend for a relaxing couple of drinks with friends. For the first meal, I had the crawfish mac and cheese while my boyfriend had a pulled pork slider. The mac and cheese was served in a skillet - definitely a shareable appetizer, or in my case plenty for an entree. It was well seasoned, with the crawfish being flavorful, but not doused in spice, which I appreciated. The pulled pork slider was great - I prefer sauce to a dry rub, and the bbq sauce on this was delicious. He also had a very large portion. We each also had a beer, and the happy hour price was fair. By the time we left, the live music was still setting up, so we didn't get to see anyone perform. The second time we went there, was for drinks and some snacks late at night. There was a late night menu, with a good number of options to choose from. I don't remember what other people got, but I remember ordering a side of hush puppies. They were so good, they reminded me of the ones I had in North Carolina. Crispy and fried, but not too dry on the inside. The sauces were also very flavorful. As a side, a few of my friends ordered the flights of bourbon - each had only great things to say, and it was especially nice that the server explained each one in detail, and the recommended order in which to drink them. Bummed that I haven't made it back for any live music nights - they happen pretty frequently!

    (5)

  • Claire O.

    The food is great. The service was lacking, but we had a very large party and we got there at about 8 pm, so maybe our server was exhausted from her day. At any rate, the food and alcohol made up for it. My family is from Louisiana so I take southern food seriously. I got the fried chicken and biscuits and it was AMAZING. I'm going to duplicate it at home and show off to my family over Thanksgiving. Other people at our table had cornbread, grits and greens - your normal comfort food - all of it very good. We tried the carafe of the "Southern wine cooler" - otherwise known as sangria. It was a very small carafe. Stick with the gallons of beer which are very reasonably priced.

    (4)

  • Milo Y.

    Great Vibe, Great Bartender, Great Sazerac!!! When in Philadelphia make sure you get here....

    (5)

  • Dan W.

    Came here this past wednesday late night for the reverse happy hour. Real impressed with this place. Granted it was empty but it has a ton of nice space making it a place I want to go with some friends in the future. Got the sliders which were really good. and then got the oysters...which were not so good. But they were half off so I wasn't complaining, just thought they were pretty weak. The menu looks awesome though and it has an impressive beer and whiskey selection. One thing to add to the establishment when they hopefully see this....add some good southern cornbread please, it would be a perfect side to go with the whole menu- every place has the tried and true "insert seafood here " mac n cheese....but not everyone has the crazy flavored cornbread. Regardless, since I don't review usually, I know this place is new and I felt the need to say to everyone -check it out. I doubt you will be dissapointed.

    (4)

  • wendy f.

    We came with two friends to this restaurant merely because it was near the venue of a Fringe Festival show we were going to. What a pleasant surprise! The food was delicious and the service was over-the-top friendly and helpful. We kidded the waiter(who was from New England) that the staff must be trained in Southern hospitality and gentility! The trout dish was amazing and our friend liked his crabcakes a lot. Large selection of beers and a very pleasant atmosphere. We had to leave before the music started upstairs, but we will definitely be back for that. I was pleased to enjoy a meal, be catered to by the waitstaff and manager, and it didn't hurt our wallets!

    (4)

  • Mr Critical F.

    The staff was great. This was the only thing that was the night I went. A few friedns and I were looking for somewhere to celebrate Mardi Gras with food, drinks and a mature atmosphere. We did our research and decided on this place. Our intentions were to just sit at the bar and order our food from there. The bar was packed (obvious, no problem). The host found us a table in 10 mins. The rule was to order from Mardi Gras menu only. We got drinks first. The beers were piss warm and the Martinis were watered down. The food, OMG!!! Fat Tuesday is to get fat before lent!!. I got the crawfish etoufee. He was about a scope of rice and etoufee w/ about 3 tiny crawfish for the cost of $20. Another friend got the shrimp Po Boy that was just fried shrimp and lettuce, no flavor. Another got the roast beef Po Boy, that turned out to be a gravy Po Boy. We were highly disappointed and ran out the place. Wouldn't recommend at all and would not give a second try.

    (2)

  • Erik B.

    Great food. Slowest service I've ever had. Ever. Like, walked in at 7:30, left at 10:00 slow. An apology, but nothing comped. Others around us came in after and left before we did. So, be warned. Food was amazing, to be fair.

    (3)

  • Hannah C.

    I adore this place. My friends and I love to hit up the open blues jam on Sundays. The cocktails are delicious. (Try their Lynchburg Lemonade, you won't regret it. The basil adds such a good flavor). They have a good selection of bourbon, of course, and good beer on tap. On top of having an excellent bar, the food is incredible. Despite going several times, I have only tried the ribs and empanadas because they are so delicious. I can't give it a 5 out of 5 because the service has been INCREDIBLY slow a few times, but the times that it wasn't definitely deserve that perfect score.

    (4)

  • Kelly P.

    Really enjoyed my meal here. No complaints. Had sunday brunch, they had my framboise lambic on the beer list, among many other tasty looking options. The chicken sandwish and cheese plate were the winners at the table, but the mac n cheese also looked awesome.

    (4)

  • Cass O.

    I really wish I could give this place negative stars based on both service AND food. We arrived at 7:30 pm on Saturday before a nearby concert. We walked in and the place looked pretty cool compared to what it had been. We found two seats at a half crowded bar. The bartender seemed nice enough at first. She was pleasant and offered us a menu. We ordered a large bottle of hard cider to share and I asked about gluten-free items. The bartender said she would ask the chef and get back to us. Roughly 10 minutes later, she came back to us and asked if we were ready to order. We reminded her that we were waiting to hear about gluten-free items. She remembered and went back into the kitchen. About 10 minutes later she came back, and full misinformed about gluten intolerance (told me to stay away from anything with potatoes), started guiding me through the menu. I corrected her, she went back into the kitchen, came back out, and gave me an updated version of her recommendations. We ordered the wings (for the BF), fries, crab cakes (no filler, coated in potato chips), and a salad. Ten minutes later, she checked back in on us and I ordered a black cherry gimlet, which looked really tasty. Twenty minutes later (still no food), she stopped by to ask how we were doing. We reminded her of the drink order and she made it without charging us. It was actually quite good. Our wings, fries, and crab cakes were solid, but uneventful (until later - you'll see). Still no salad. We asked about the salad and were told it was on its way. Close to 10 minutes later, no salad. It was 9 pm. We had been there for 1.5 hours. So we asked for our check, hoping to catch the headliner at the concert. As we received it, the salad arrived. We had to pass. We headed to the concert about 2.5 blocks away. As soon as we entered, the BF felt terrible. He left the venue and headed to my place (another 2 blocks). Before he could even make it there, he puked in the alley. The chicken wings had become eventful. The worst part of the whole thing was that the bartender kept telling us the place was new and "still working out the kinks." It's pretty clear they have more than a few "kinks" to work out.

    (1)

  • dave c.

    Live blues, slide off the bone ribs, a robust whiskey/bourbon list.... Yup. Pretty awesome. Despite being pretty empty for a Saturday night, these guys are on to something...

    (4)

  • Antonio A.

    with chef Leo Forneas the food is better, he should be left alone to do his own thing instead of this phoney southern stuff (me, born and grown the south, i know real cornbread and real ribs). as for what we ordered: grilled scallions, good...grilled squid, tough but good flavor...ribs, too sweet but tender...fries, great, sauces for fries, great...crab cakes, excellent...wine, at $10 a glass, next time we will just order a bottle...service, good...room was noisy and loud!, dark and strangely lit...i have great hopes for this twisted place.

    (3)

  • Meg A.

    I work in the Head House District and when I saw Twisted Tail Whiskey Bar and Juke Joint getting ready to take over where Kildare's left off, I was excited. They had my attention at whiskey. Now that I have been there, I am REALLY excited! Last night, after the show (work) my castmates and I were walking up the alley and were greeted with heavenly steak aromas permeating the air. Sure beats what you usually smell in an alley in Philly, but I digress. I asked what that was and my friend told me it was Twisted Tail and that he had an amazing steak there earlier for dinner before the show (work). We peeked in the window, saw space at the bar, and headed on in. I had a Johnnie Walker based drink with word "Smokestack" in the name. It had macerated cherries in it and was garnished with two morasca cherries. I took one sip and announced that I wanted to make friends with the drink. I asked about morasca cherries, and the owner himself gave me his supplier's info. If you have never had a morasca cherry, you should. These make regular maraschino cherries ashamed of themselves. One of my other friends is a real beer guy and was very impressed that they had his all-time favorite beer on tap. I believe it is called Heffelwiesen? Something like that . Anyway, it was the first time he had ever seen it on tap and was ecstatic. Another enjoyable drink was the Lynchburg Lemonade with basil. The basil was a lovely touch as it saved the drink from being overly sweet. It also had an unexpected bit of peach flavor that hit the middle of the tongue. It was served in a glass that looked no unlike a miniature old fashioned milk bottle. Finally there was the mint julep. Oh. My. GOD. I was to make love to this drink. I want to bathe in it. It was that good! This mint julep was SO good, I announced that I wanted a moment alone with it and the guys all laughed. What impressed me the most was the complexity of the cocktail. First you got the bourbon, but it was a good bourbon with no burn. Then you got the sweetness of the housemade julep syrup, and finally a cool minty finish. I am in love. I was a little hungry so I ordered a bowl of Primal Chili. I admit the name caught my eye. It was a blend of chicken, lamb, and duck with white beans, a blend of smoky seasonings and - wait for it - chocolate sea salt(!). When it arrived, I tasted a bit of the sea salt on its own and was amazed at the strong cocoa flavor that came from it. I didn't expect it to be that intense. Then, as per the bartender's advice, I mixed the salt in very thoroughly. It was delicious. Smoky, complex, a little sweet, and a teeny bit of heat. If you like your chili five alarm, you will not like this. But if you want a savory, meaty, comfort food, you will love this. I let out a subdued howl after eating it; it is called Primal Chili after all. The place is not cheap (my drinks were around 10 dollars each) but if the food is good, I don't mind. I will be back here.

    (5)

  • Phanna P.

    Happy hour here is great. Food specials are good and a new selection of draft beers. Live music! Whiskey flights, you can't beat that.

    (3)

  • Robin S.

    I dislike giving bad reviews, but I couldn't bring myself to give higher than this. I went on a Tuesday night with my boyfriend and a friend of ours. There was one other table seated when we got there and our hostess sat us RIGHT next to them. Our waiter came out and was extremely nice and gave us our menus. And here the problems began and never quit. To order anything, we had to constantly waive the waiter down. I understand people get busy, but there was ONE other table there. We ordered the lamb sliders, fried pickles and corn fritters for appetizers. They came out in a decent amount of time and the lamb sliders and corn fritters were fantastic. The fried pickles weren't that bad, but were barely drizzled in a lackluster sauce, when it would have been nice to have something to dip them in. We all ordered the flights of bourbon, my friend and boyfriend got the same and I got a different one. When they arrived, they forgot mine, in fact, the bartender didn't even know that 3 had been ordered. The bourbon was okay, but nothing special. For dinner, I got the Twisted Burger, my boyfriend got the skewers (one steak, one chicken one shrimp) and my friend got a steak. My burger tasted very odd, the flavors did not go well (how wrong can you get a burger with bacon and bleu cheese??), there were no condiments except for a small ramekin of ketchup for my fries which had a rubbery film on the top of it. My boyfriend liked the skewers, but got 2 chicken and 1 steak. My friend's steak was so smothered in hot peppers, that he couldn't taste the steak at all. We decided to get the hell out of there after that. We'd had enough. I really wanted to like this place, but was sorely disappointed. The ideas are good guys, but you've got to step up your game. Now for those of you skimming: The Good: Corn Fritters Lamb Sliders Friendly Service The Bad: All the other food we got The painfully slow and distracted service The weirdly echo-y atmosphere The Ugly: The seemingly complete lack of paying any attention to detail.

    (2)

  • Erin W.

    I never come to this part of the city anymore, mostly to avoid the megadouchery that pollutes South Street Fridays & Saturdays, but I recently made an exception for a friend's birthday, and had a really great time. I went with a whiskey sour and the bartender was nice enough to tell me that they make their own house sour mix with fresh citrus, and that I might want more simple syrup in mine. She waited while I taste-tested and didn't give me an attitude when I indeed did ask for it to be sweeter. Horray for sugar. Our group had a room upstairs pretty much all to ourselves for the night, and there was a a big tv, plenty of couches and chairs, and a shuffleboard table and dart board that kept everyone occupied. The volume level was a little rough because there was a live band later on in the night, but thankfully the place didn't get overcrowded or anything. The whole place is decorated in sort of a country rustic feel, only everything is brand new and really kept clean. There's a big second bar upstairs as well. The bathrooms are pretty cute and clean, too. Not bad for this neighborhood!

    (4)

  • Dana M.

    In the mood for live jazz and great service? Look no further! The Crawfish Mac and Cheese, Cornbread, and Peach Cobbler are amazing! nomnomnom. They also have a wide Bourbon selection. While the main dishes aren't the best (though I really can't say for sure-- haven't tried everything on the menu!) the service is great. I had the buttermilk chicken sandwich which was just okay. It lacked flavor but I took it to go and it tasted great the next day. On another occasion I had the salmon which was really bad. No flavor, no nothing. I'm pretty sure they didn't season it. On the bright side, they play live jazz every night! woo! I'll be sure to update when I've found an entree I adore.

    (3)

  • Alli H.

    Very friendly bartenders and host/hostess each time I've been. Okay draft list. For some reason, I just never have an awesome time here. Something about it is underwhelming.

    (3)

  • Dom G.

    This is my third time going to Twisted Tail. We were a fan from the start. The service is exceptional and friendly and the whole staff is super accommodating. This time we went two days after Christmas and took along our two sons from out of town and their wives as well as our new 7 month old granddaughter. They gave us a table that was roomy enough so that we didn't have to crowd in with the baby. The food was excellent the drinks were incredible and I know I'll be back. Absolutely LOVE the place.

    (5)

  • John Q.

    I attended a 30th birthday party here a few weeks ago and was impressed with their event space. They have shuffleboard and darts as well as a fireplace and lounge area which means there was something for both the men and women at the party. The drinks were pricey ($10 for a Gin & Tonic) but the place was packed so I guess people come for the atmosphere. I didn't have their food so I can't comment on that. The service was good but we did have a server dedicated to our party so I am not sure if you'll have the same experience at the bar or at the regular tables. The location is right in head house square so definitely drop in here if you are bar hopping around the square. It's nice to shake it up once in awhile and I'm glad I found this place.

    (4)

  • Allie H.

    On first impression, I'm wooed by the details: the sheet music wallpaper, the booze barrel bar stools, or cowboy hats on hooks (which you're encouraged to wear while kicking your heels to the in-house bands). The owners have certainly put a lot of thought into this new space. Live blues bands add to this fun, inviting atmosphere. Guaranteed, you'll see my friends here on many many weekends to come. As for the menu, there are still kinks to work out. I think the biggest fault with Twisted Tail is their identity: it's not quite solid yet. The board has some interesting dishes to fit into their "bourbon and blues" and open fire concept, though there are plenty that do not. The Smokehouse Lightning cocktail was deeeelicious, for starters. The mac and cheese was intensely rich, though a bit bland, even with the addition of chewy crawfish meat. Lamb sliders were juicy little bites, though I tasted none of the sun-dried cranberry aioli listed on the menu. The "primal chili" had a great balance of meat and beans, topped with a bit of melted chocolate and (too much) sea salt. Service was friendly, attentive and clearly nervous. Had a bit of a mix-up when we paid our check, leaving me a bit salty, but I won't fault them for it here. Shit happens, especially when you're a nervous new server. Maybe I'm being nitpicky, but all restaurants have to grow to really make it. I have high hopes for Twisted Tail, though, and am really glad they're in our 'hood. Give it a few months and I'm certain things will even out.

    (3)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :12:00 pm - 2:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

The Twisted Tail

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