From start to finish, this was one of the greatest meals in a restaurant I have ever had. My wife and I were celebrating a new job, so we decided to splurge. We got cocktails, entrees, and desserts for the both of us and our total bill ended up sliding in just over $100 after tip. My wife had the Coq au Vin, I had the crab cakes. Every single element of both dishes were absolutely delicious. As a general rule I don't like cabbage, but the bacon braised cabbage that came with the crab cakes was delicious. We both had the Creme Brulee for dessert: it was the perfect model of a great Creme Brulee. The atmosphere was unique and inviting, simultaneously laid back and upscale. I would feel equally comfortable dressed up or casually dressed at Sips. The staff were courteous, knowledgeable, and efficient. Sips is not a place to go if you aren't ready to lighten your wallet, but if you want to celebrate something or treat yourself, I would recommend Sips over any other restaurant I've tried in the area. My one and only complaint: The "Whipped Pear" cocktail is WAY too sweet. My wife and I both couldn't handle any more after just a few sips. Their signature margarita, however, is just as delicious as everything else.
(5)
Prof J.
If I could rate with only zero stars I would. The food - meh. The service was subpar and the owners attitude was very sad. There is no customer service here and the heath department should visit both the bar area and the restrooms. The restrooms were out of soap and the floors were wet. Is it true the restrooms represent the kitchen? My main course was cold. Upon complaining I was told they would take it back but there would be an extra charge. Yes an extra charge. How disappointing. I could eat better in an Ebola filled third world country. Sips? Try chunks because this place blows chunks and I will not be back.
(1)
Ron S.
Went with my wife to Sips for her birthday and enjoyed it so much we came back for our anniversary. In our last visit, we started with the fromage plate, which was exquisite. I ordered the Shrimp and Scallop, and it was served over a really delicious roasted corn relish. My wife had the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and raved about them. The waiter was great and very social, putting us at ease. We were too stuffed to have dessert, but we're definitely looking forward to our next visit.
(5)
Meep Meep E.
Great spot in Phoenixville. Crab Cakes are as good as it gets...the Truffle Mac and Cheese was really really good. Service was excellent and everyone was very friendly and attentive. Outdoor seating was a big plus......
(4)
Jessica T.
Expensive of course, but must go back! Lovely staff, very friendly and attentive. Great knowledge of cuisine and wine. I actually don't try new things often so I told her what I liked and she picked out an amazing meal and blush wine for me that I loved I ordered some type of red wine chicken, it was juicy, flavorful and delicious and there was a big enough portion to take home leftovers!! They tasted great the next day as well. We also ordered the The Gruyere macaroni; it was is phenomenal And of course creme brulee! ...Which can't be messed up... it's literally burnt cream lol My boyfriend had the duck, he always gets duck when we go out, but this is the first time he didn't say a word throughout dinner because his mouth was full the entire time!! haha... so I assume it was five star for him as well They have different specials each day so I can't wait to go back and try the lamb!
(5)
Dan C.
Having a tough time with this one. My wife and I ate dinner here last night and chose to sit on the patio as it was a very nice evening. The patio was nicely presented but they need to work on their evening lighting. It was nearly full dark by the time our entrees arrived and it was honestly difficult to see my meal. The problem was somewhat alleviated when the couple sitting between us and the string of decorative lights left. The wine and beer list had a nice variety as did the dinner menu. I chose the steak frites and my wife had a cod special. The food was flavorful, well prepared and nicely presented. The "but" that is surely implied there is that well, it was good but nothing special. There was a lot about the place that made me feel like it might be special, but then it wasn't and it felt like a missed opportunity. That is likely my fault for generating expectations unfulfilled. There was however a presentation that lead me to them and created some disconnect for me, which is why I am having a tough time with the review! Rambling on further would accomplish nothing, so to summarize.. the food is good, the beer and wine selection is good, the setting is nice and the prices are OK (within expectation). I won't rush back but I may very well give it a second chance.
(3)
Darren A.
One of the tastiest lamb shanks I have ever had (and I have tried many) Great service and good selection of wine. A little pricey but extremely good. Would return. Want to try brunch there actually as they have a unlimited mimosa or bm.
(4)
texas w.
I wish I didn't have to give Sips five stars, but with the people writing negative reviews b/c of a slip up in service, I feel compelled to offer balance. Here are Big Texas pro tips to eating at Sips: Pro Tip One: Don't go in the wrong door If you enter a restaurant through an obscure door nestled deep in the dining room, don't be surprised if no one notices you. When Have you been to a halfway decent restaurant with no obvious host station? If you don't see this, know that there probably wont be a roving patrol for back door guests. Pro Tip Two: Bring money If you stick to the cheapest things on the menu and are surprised that they're average, that's your fault. This is fine dining. Go through the entirety of the experience. The soup and the mid-course that I got (a special) were important elements in my dining experience. By the time I got to my perfectly prepared entree, I already knew that I was going to have an incredible meal. Pro Tip Three: The staff works as a team and you shouldn't hesitate to ask anyone on the floor for help. Pro Tip Four: Get a cocktail. They are generous, imaginative, and reasonably priced. The Sips Manhattan was perfect. Pro Tip Five: Check out their Happy Hour in the bar era. Great deals. Pro Tip Six: Tell 'em Big Texas sent you.
(5)
Mike S.
I went to Sips with two other people for drinks and dinner. I ordered the Sips Manhattan, which was flavored with an apple spirit, rather than vermouth. The effect was a delicious and unique drink. Priced at $11, it was a good value. For an appetizer, I had a half dozen Blue Point Oysters, which were on the menu as a special. They were delicious. For my entree, I had the Lobster Roll. While the lobster meat was sweet and delicious, it was not seasoned with butter or presented as part of a lobster salad. The roll was a little soggy. Overall, the entree was good, but the presentation didn't blow me away. One of my guests had the Coc a Vin, which was superbly presented. She really enjoyed it. My other guest had the crab cake sandwich and enjoyed it as well. The service was friendly and attentive. They accepted our Groupon and let us split the bill between three different credit cards. Overall, it was a good dining experience -- a little pricey, but I would return to try different menu items.
(4)
Justin R.
This quickly became our favorite neighborhood spot and we've brought family and friends who have loved it here.
(5)
Christine N.
We had a lovely dinner here last night. The outdoor patio is so charming. The waiter was so helpful and recommended a great meal. The monkfish was delicious. Would DEFINATELY go back.
(4)
Aurora C.
Adorable French restaurant. The owner is super friendly, and always walking around to make sure everything is top notch. It can be pricey however we keep going back now that's nicer for the beer and beautiful back patio and fire pit. It's so cozy and right on the same strip in Pville as all the bars. However never nearly as crowded. So for beer and late night apps its way more classy and just as comparable in price as going one of those irish bar down the street. But again I'll say far better crowd, at least if your in your mid to late 20's/30's.
(5)
C. E.
Wow, we had a great rehearsal dinner celebration at Sips last night. The owner and his staff catered to everyone of our guests and made each one of our 60 guests feel special. The restaurant rearranged furniture to our needs and made sure we had great weather so we could use their outdoor patio. The food was outstanding outstanding! The appetizers made dinner almost unnecessary. The dinner got rave reviews. The desserts were great, especially the lollipop cheesecake were over the top.
(5)
Shauna S.
Sips houses one of the most lovely, divey-feeling, transport-you-to-the-1950's bars in Phoenixville. (and if you don't already know that's saying a lot because Phoenixville is basically just bars now). It's a cool atmosphere and is never overly crowded. When it is, it isn't a noisy or bustle-y crowd, so it is very relaxed. For dinners, I always opt to be seated in the bar area. I'll start with dinner. And the drinks. The drinks are really good, and they always have some inventive specials along with the classic cocktails. I like their lychee-tini. The food is pretty good. Honestly, I find their entrees over-priced, so I'll normally get an appetizer and a salad. I've had their truffle mac n' cheese which is very tasty. They have delicious fries, and OH MY GOD their Belgian Mussels are delectable. French Onion Soup is one of the best I've had-not overly salty and so fulfilling. Their salads are all good. I have taken away a star because of their prices and the lack of variety in their menu. I appreciate a good, small menu where each dish is delicious, but I've never tried an entree there that I really loved, despite my appreciation of their smaller plates. I will spend good money on a good entree, but here I can't justify it. RUMOR HAS IT they just got a new chef and are reworking the menu though, so I'm very excited about this. For brunch, I sit out in their 'outdoor' indoor cafe area. It really is a charming area to sit and eat brunch on a Sunday. Very cute and has great ambiance. Go here for brunch if you have about $25 to spend. Honestly I might pay $25 for just a giant basket of their croissants. I love them. Either way, their prix fixe menu is on point. Their Bloody Marys are addicting. Spicy with just the right amount of liquor where you can taste that hint of vodka. The norwegian eggs benedict are scrumptious. I'll definitely continue to come here and I am very interested in trying the dine options from the new chef. I hope it makes me bump them up to 5 stars!!
(4)
Rula R.
my first time there was on valentines day for dinner. We ordered escargot and they were just okay. the portion was very small and it barley had a flavor. our meals were really great but the waitress was kind of odd. she didn't smile much and wasn't very friendly.
(4)
Melanie D.
I took my mom here, not really sure what to expect, and we both LOVED it. The service was super friendly and attentive. We both had the Coq Au Vin, which was de-lish! I started with the Onion Soup, which wasn't that fantastic. The broth could have used some more flavor and the chucks of bread were too big, so I don't recommend this, but everything else was very good. We will definitely be going back, hopefully the weather will be warmer and we can sit outside.
(4)
Grey M.
a long overdue review. again got here through groupon and my oh my this was a treat ! Loved the food ,loved the wine, loved the right amount of attention and the cozy atmosphere. Take your loved one ,this is just a fabulous place at a great price !
(5)
Patrick Z.
Absolutely the worst experience I've had a restaurant ever. I eat out quite a bit and have worked in my fair share as a youngster. While waiting 1.5 hours for any food, we had to send back drinks that were made poorly. Our server apologized over and over when we asked to see the manager saying that the manager told her to "get away from her". 1 of the 8 people at our table received what they ordered. Several received nothing. Manager, once confronted was rude and dismissive. This will be my last time at Sips.
(1)
Sharon J.
My friend and I had a lovely brunch here on a Sunday afternoon there was a wonderful guitar player which made the atmosphere special. The food was good but very rich for my taste. Wait staff was attentive and sweet.
(3)
Michele B.
Love this place! We have ordered various things over the 6+ times we have been here. Everything is excellent, including the service.
(5)
Deirdre W.
Stopped in to Sips for the first time after finding a deal on Yelp and reading the reviews. We couldn't have had a more pleasant experience :) We got two seats at the bar for happy hour and enjoyed Martinis and Oysters. The staff worked as a team and went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time, they offered samples of beers and recommended different items to please our palates. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Tania K.
Great food paired with great service! Started with the cheese platter which was wonderful! The lobster in the risotto did not taste as fresh as I would hope, but the make the best mac and cheese I have ever had in my life!
(4)
Katie S.
We went to sips last night and had a great time. They had a valentine menu and a limited ala carte menu. The prices were quite high but this could have been due to the holiday. My partner had a great cocktail and I had stuck with wine...both very good. The back room is quaint and comfortable. Our service was excellent. Highlights. ...escargot and spanish grilled octopus to start. Great flavors! I had a pepper encrusted lamb loin....delicious and perfectly cooked. Partner had crab cakes...very good with a tasty sauce. He said the fingering potatoes were a little cold and hard. Desserts were good...not great. Creme brulee and chocolate mousse. The blood orange sherbet was quite good! Would definitely go back. Prices seemed very high for location. Id like to see the everyday menu.
(4)
Dori H.
My first visit to Sips started off rocky. My friend and I arrived a bit after 11:30, and walked into a seemingly empty dining area. No hostess, no bartender, no servers. After about five minutes, I walked around to the back, where I finally located a waitress who sat us. It wasn't very busy (maybe 4 other tables?), but it took a bit too long for water, coffee, and the finally placing our orders. Other waitress never informed us of the specials, either. We had both ordered adult beverages, which didn't appear even after our food did. Thankfully, I was able to speak to (I presume) the manager, as our waitress never showed up again, who not only got our beverages, but also comped them. He was wonderful about the whole situation, friendly, and warm. Overall, the ambiance was great, the menu was okay, and the service was slightly disappointing. If we had had a better server, this would have been a 5-star rating.
(3)
Lynn S.
I held my hubby's surprise 40th birthday yesterday at SIPs and all I can say is it was just amazing! From the staff, to the venue, to the owner, to the food- all exceeded my expectations and everyone commented how wonderful this gem of a place is! I chose to have it there because of their outdoor area. I was planning on 50/60 people so I wanted people to be comfortable outside for the afternoon. It was wonderful. They have tables, couches and still room for us to play some outdoor games and for a band to be set up! Really just blew me away. The owner Fabian was wonderful to deal with during the planning and really worked with me to come up with the exact menu I was looking for in terms of keeping it a casual afternoon. Once there- the staff of Michael and Jeffrey and really everyone was so accommodating and just made me feel so welcome! My husband and guests were blown away. The food was YUMMY! Pierogies were the best thing ever and everyone was raving on the sliders! And I have never had a place pack up trays of food for me to take home that we didn't use. That was such a nice touch and honestly many of guests said they couldn't wait to come back! I would highly recommend this place not only for happy hour, brunch, but dinner and especially for any special event you are looking to plan! Top notch all around and they have parking!!
(5)
Jen H.
Love it here! Great local place that has fresh oysters we always order the special of the night and are always very impressed with it!
(5)
Elizabeth S.
Sips gets 4 stars for food and 2 for service. The cheese plate came with no description until I asked. Bread baskets and water glasses were empty until we flagged down the staff that walked past us several times. i will say they were friendly when they weren't serving us. no one was rude, they just kind of kept walking by hurriedly. And the kicker was two of us ordered French onion soup and it never came, and the server blamed the "food runner." on to the food, the escargot were good, I'm not a connoisseur by any means but they were fine. i had lamb bolognese, as suggested by the server. it was different as it was a cream base with white wine, but was served with a delicious pasta that I suspect is homemade. For dessert I had the pot de creme which was too runny and soupy, not to mention the server calling it literally a "pot" de cream. you work in a french bistro, just try.
(3)
Aaron T.
We stopped into Sips since it was a new member of the Phoenixville Bar Crawl. We were very impressed with set up of the bar and the dining room and the menus. The location has changed hands several times over the past century, but the bar area still boasts the 116 year old set up. The dining room is well light, has a patio, and cozy seats available. The bartender here was friendly and knowledgable and was able to provide us a lot of information about the business. They had 4 menus for us to look at: a small bar menu, a lunch menu, a dinner menu, and a Sunday brunch menu. After surveying them, they have a ton of excellent dining choices. Being our first stop, we did a small sample from the bar menu of the sliders and charcuterie platter, both were very good. The sliders came with a mesclun salad, which was a nice compliment to the 2 sliders included in the order. They have an excellent cocktail and beer selection. They have 8 beers on tap and a strong selection of international beers and microbrews. Other bars may dwarf 8 beers on draft, but for the size of the bar, their selection is more than adequate. My girlfriend had a mojito here, which was loaded with mint and very well made. I'm anxious to make it back to this place to sample more of their food, their menu is very exciting! For anyone visiting the bar and looking for a deal they have $6 cocktails and 1/2 price bar menu from 5-7 for happy hour. Also of note, Sunday nights are free BYO.
(4)
M W.
This place is great! I went here for the first time recently and was pleasantly surprised. We went during happy hour and took advantage of the happy hour specials. The French fries are too die for and they drinks are so delicious They use fresh fruits and purees in a lot of there cocktail's which is a big plus for me. The Owner is friendly and the rest of the staff is very friendly and helpful as well. It's a little pricey but hey there isn't nothing wrong with splurging once in a while. I cannot wait to come back to try brunch and dinner.
(5)
Katie S.
Came for brunch and can't wait to return for dinner. Everything from the atmosphere to the service to the food was amazing. A true gem in Phoenixville!
(5)
Alan J.
Had dinner with friends on a Thursday night. The atmosphere was wonderful. Wines by the glass were a little pricey but very good. The Sips salad was cold and crisp. The oyster appetizer was great. Bread was very good and the second order came quickly. The mussel entree was very very good with plenty too eat. The monk fish was outstanding. I cannot say enough about the French fries - two orders! The chocolate mousse was very rich like a fllowerless chocolate cake. We are looking forward to drinks and the cheese plate appetizer outside on the patio if the weather ever warms up!
PROS: Absolutely delicious, fair prices CONS: Underwhelming desserts My bouillabaisse was well-balanced and absolutely delicious! My friends with me were also very impressed with their dishes. The desserts (creme brulee, bread pudding, and tart tatin) were average and somewhat underwhelming, compared to the tastiness of the entrees. However, the savoriness of the main courses makes me look forward to returning in the future!
(4)
Mark W.
Authentic Parisian cuisine, great bar, wonderful daily specials. Ample parking. Live music for Sunday brunch.
(5)
Lindsay D.
The only thing better than the service is the mussels.
(5)
Eileen P.
Four of us ate there during the holidays. It was a Monday night, so not crowded at all. The food was good, but the service was terrible. We asked for wine when we got our meals. When that failed to show up, I asked another server who had been coming around with a water pitcher earlier, to please get me water. Water didn't show up either, and all four of us had to eat our entire dinner without anything to drink. The wine and water were brought to our table quite a while after we finished our dinners. This was my first time eating there, and probably my last, although the other couple in our party had eaten there a few times in the summer, and said the service had been good on those occasions.
(2)
BostonBestEats X.
By chance, I happened to run across a review on the newly-opened Sips, and decided to give it a shot for brunch last weekend: phoenixvilledish.com/201… Arriving at 11AM (easy parking in their private lot), apparently a few minutes early for Saturday/Sunday brunch, we sat for a while in the beautiful wood paneled bar area (high bar chairs and a few high-top tables) chatting with the bartender and looking over the menu (didn't get a chance to look at the wine list). Sips definitely looks like a good place for casual, yet sophisticated after-work drinks, and I would love to try their Moules Frites mentioned by another reviewer (having become addicted to them in Belgium last year). There are also a couple of tables on the front porch, but they are a bit close to busy Bridge Street for my taste. We were then shown through the dark paneled dining room, and then through the enclosed back porch, out onto a tree-flanked patio in the rear, where there were 8 or so 4-top tables sporting white table clothes (see photo). Featuring two small fish ponds with a fountain (but no fish!), the surrounding wood fence blocks out most of the noise from Bridge St, so it is a fairly pleasant place to relax, and was completely devoid of other guests the entire time we were dining (the reason for which became apparent later). Brunch included several options, as well as our choice of a Mimosa, Bellini, or coffee/tea. We tried (see photos): 1) Norwegian eggs: essentially Eggs Benedict with salmon instead of Canadian bacon -- Eggs Benedict is Eggs Benedict, and this was a typical example, but with a sizable serving of baby potatoes and a nice, simple green salad 2) French toast with Vermont maple syrup -- a large serving, prepared from French baguettes We also ordered a Bellini and some coffee. The food was good, but nothing special. Service was also a bit intermittent, probably because we were the only group seated on the patio. After returning inside, we realized why: there was a jazz guitarist playing in the porch, which we had read about online but entirely forgotten (and the Maitre d' failed to mention) and were unfortunately oblivious to through the closed patio door. Next time... Overall, brunch was nice, but nothing particularly exciting. Hopefully the dinner menu is more inspiring. The live jazz would have kicked it up a notch if only we had sat inside (but the sun was calling!). However, we'll definitely return soon to try out the bar and the good beers they have on tap (Allagash White, Victory Donnybrook Stout...). A nice addition to the area. Brunch was $16.95/person. Reservations via OpenTable. Slainte!
(3)
Chad E.
I went there, and it did not impress me all that much. I started with a caeser salad which was decent, but not wirth the pricy $12 tag it had on it. My entree was the boeuf bourguignon, which was good, but not great. The good thing was the pasta was homemade. And the bad thing was the braised beef in my entree was over done and quite chewy, as opposed to a fork tender meat. But everything else in it did not thrill me all that much. For desert, I had the Tart Tatin, which was good, but not great. The cinamon overpowered the slight apple taste, which i did not enjoy all that much. Finally, the atmosphere was good, but the bar dining room is very small, and cramped. Most importantly it was quite pricy. For 4 people with 4 entrees, it was $250. This is quite a large sum of money to spend on an average dinner. I do not think I will be going back in the near future, hopefully they drop the prices a little bit.
(3)
Stephen L.
I suppose if you live nearby this is an OK choice. Just nothing special about the food. The cheese plate did not sound interesting (goat cheese, gouda and some other non-descript cheese with no character) but they were excited to offer it.. I imagine this was once a nice concept - a French Bistro in Phoenixville. It seems a bit tired at this point. Again, though, it all depends on your choices - it is such a hassle to get to Philly from that area that this may be a reasonable choice. The prices were on the high side but not out of line.
(3)
Laura L.
Fantastic! I have been here for cocktails before and they are always lovely - the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. However, this weekend we went for brunch, and I must say, it was a game changer experience. Easily the best breakfast I have ever had. The sunroom is beautiful, and it was paired with a very talented guitarist for added atmosphere. The food and drink was delicious ... and I just can't say enough good things about this restaurant. There is absolutely no need to buy breakfast anywhere else. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Melissa V.
More people should come here! Great atmosphere, service, drinks and food. Try the Tartines. Great Oysters too!
(5)
John F.
Excellent. We've now been here several times and have loved it every time. The food is great. Always fresh. We love the bar area the most. Great atmosphere in there. The service has been the best when we've had Fabien, the owner, or Michael who is a seasoned restaurant professional. We love this new find in Phoenixville and plan on coming back again soon!
(5)
Miriam W.
Two stars is all I could muster up for this well intentioned but ultimately disappointing restaurant. Our server, though friendly and good hearted, was not well trained and had little comprehension of the menu. The sea bass I ordered was most definitely farm raised as it was bland and not well textured, and the preparation was so hum drum and lacking in anything resembling creative skill that I felt as if I had been dropped back into the 1980s. I have low expectations when it comes to dining in Pennsylvania, but this place didn't even meet my fairly low bar. The bread was sub par, which means I at least get to save some calories. My old fashioned was the high point of the meal.
(2)
Joan M.
This is the second time we have been here the menu is kinda limited but what is on it is outstanding on both of are visits we had Jeffery as are waiter and i must say he is the best server we ever had very friendly polite and professional the whole staff was very nice this is a charming French restaurant do ur self a favorite and go u will not b disappointed
(5)
Eric R.
Fabulous dinner. Everything was first rate. Cheerful service. High quality food and pleasant environment. Just enough attention from staff but not overbearing. We had a nice table by a window off in a corner where we had lots of privacy but no where did the tables seem to be crammed together. This was our second time here and I have nothing negative to say.
(5)
Roman P.
Solid 4! Very tasty, reasonable prices, good service. Onion soup getting close to what used to serve in France. Suggested place.
(4)
Ben F.
I finally made it out to Sips! I've been trying to coerce friends to go to Sips for dessert and coffee/drinks basically since they opened. It was nothing like my dreams, which is really a good thing because most of the dreams I remember are dark, twisted, and scary. The owner Fabien was super nice and very knowledgeable of all the drinks. I got a classic creme brulee, cafe au lait (yes, like Furious Styles from Boyz N the Hood), and a top shelf cognac. All of which were top notch. My friend got a fancy champagne which I will openly admit I know nothing about, and some type of flowerless chocolate cake with rasberry jelly and home made whiped creme. It was bangarang Roofio. The music was chill, a jazzy techno type sound. Not loud, which is a welcomed departure from Bridge street. This is really the type of place you go to take your time, kick back, and enjoy food and drink without feeling the need to rush. It's too bad Sips is so cut off from the rest of Bridge street, because I feel like it doesn't get the attention it deserves. I'm glad I finally made it here and will be back again for sure.
(5)
L H.
First let me say SIPS is a nice addition to Phoenixville restaurant scene. I have been there on several occasions and have had an overall great experience. They have a great deal at happy hour with some of the selections at half price. My husband and I stopped in one weeknight to take advantage of the deal and ordered quite a selection of the appetizers. They were all good. The problem was when our bill arrived it did not reflect the correct price. I did notify our server who haphazardly corrected the bill and it was not correct but I did not want to be a pain about it. If you offer half price and special drink prices make sure the bill reflects the advertised price.
(4)
Rod H.
I agree with the other positive reviews. The staff were incredibly personable and were very helpful in figuring out what I could eat due to my gluten-free limitations. The food was excellent. I had the duck (without the roux since there is wheat in it) and I thought it might be dry without the sauce but it was not at all. My wife had the salmon which she loved. I hope more people visit here so it does well! I did the yelp $10 for $20 credit and it worked perfectly.
(5)
Chris M.
My wife and I had the pleasure of having dinner at Sips on Sunday night. We started out at the lovely bar with a drink and buck a shuck oysters which were extremely flavorful. I had the amazing spicy mussels and my wife had the sea bass. I can't begin to explain how great our meal was, full of flavor and beyond anything that any other restaurant offers. I'm not much for handing out compliments but wow this place deserves it. Well done Sips, you are terrific! I will be back again and again.
(5)
Amy A.
Loved this place. Fiance and I say at the bar. The bartender was super friendly. I ordered the champagne rose cocktail. Meddled strawberry, champagne, absolut mandrin, and raspberry puree. Yummo! We ordered the cheese board and escargot. Divine. We are everything on the board and every snail. It was perfect. We skipped entrees and went straight to dessert. Creme brulee. We will be going back for a full meal soon. They have a great wine selection. Plenty of parking. Prices are reasonable for the type of cuisine. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Leo G.
A must for anyone seeking tasteful dining in the Phoenixville area --- an unknown jewel in the rough. Owner Fabien has transformed a faded saloon into a distinctive French bistro, while retaining the historic brick, iron and wood architectural features, with a renovated bar imported from England. With outstanding authentic, savory French food, comfortable ambience and friendly service, Sips will become a regular destination for diners with discerning taste. Prices are reasonable. Try to get a seat in the back, in the glass-walled extension. Good for both casual and romantic dining. Signage is not obvious, but there is private lot parking.
(5)
Tim S.
I had the Croque Misseur and my friend had the mussels. Both of us had mixed drinks, a Mojito and a cucumber Mojito, which were awesome. It's not the best location in Phoenixville - kind of out of the way - but the food and the vibe would fit right in near where I live full time in Brooklyn. That plus a foreign film at the Colonial would be a most appropriate hipster date.
(4)
Doug J.
All the reviews here are very accurate. Had a chance to have lunch here with friends today and got to talk at length with the owner Fabian. We heard some of the history of the location, and being a local guy, nothing has really been successful there...until now. We ate in the bar room which has a great old oak bar with beveled mirrors and a super kick bar. Very historic. Food was wonderful. Don't let the French food or owner make you think this is "small portions and big prices." It's neither. Very friendly owner who is trying hard to instill doing it right with his staff. Chef is excellent. Would love Fabian to try to get rid of the "old building" smell. While it is not bad, it just makes the place smell old and a bit dirty. But very happy to have a great spot to come back to in the area. Nice job Fabian. Keep it up...can't wait to try dinner and brunch.
(4)
Clint W.
Man, this place is awesome. Having been to France over 10 times, I have to say that SIPS really does a great job of replicating that exact feel of a French bistro... And for good reason, the owner / operator is FRENCH. Anyway, I like how they serve all the classic dishes without the fusion flare that most modern restaurants throw in. This way, you get a real sense of what classic French cuisine is meant to be and why it has obtained its supreme culinary reputation. I've been to SIPS three times now, and it's my place of choice in Phoenixville. I've had the Bouillabaisse twice... It's just too good. I've had the Confit Duck once and it was the best duck dish I ever had. I saw another review that stated it was salty, which it is, but in my opinion it was perfect (I like salt). All in all, when it comes to fine dining, I'd rather spend my money at SIPS than any other fine dining establishment in Phoenixville!
(5)
Kristi B.
We were so excited to have dinner at Sips after having a great brunch here with a group on Mothers Day. Alas, it went from bad to worse. Calamari was chewy with a flavorless sauce; med rare filet was served barely pink in the middle, and the branzino smelled so strongly of old dirty socks I couldn't even eat it. The service was amateurish but friendly. I wish if a restaurant owner wants to charge $200 for a dinner they would spend some time teaching their servers how to serve properly. When she cleared our appetizers she pulled our forks off our plate and left them on the table cloth, then did the same after our salads. Really? Serve a $30 entree with a fork used for two courses already? I wanted to love this place but I will never go back.
(1)
Bill H.
Sips is not what you think it is. It is not another pub like PJ Ryans or Iron Hill. What it is ,is a very good French bistro. It is located in a refurbished old hotel property,that was closed for three years, with plenty of free parking. This in itself sets it apart from most restaurants in Pville. You enter into a rustic bar area with several high top tables. This area is perfect for lunch and drinks. They now have their liquor license and have a decent list of french wines and assorted delicious cocktail combinations. For those of you looking for BYO, the restaurant is BYO on Sundays.Our group of six was seated in what must have been a porch area , when the original hotel was built. This area looks out on a lovely replanted outside garden area with seating for parties of two or four. Sips, by the way, is the nickname for one of the proprietors, who took us through the menu with the able assistance of a very attentive waitress. After a yummy pear martini I started my meal with an appetizer of prosciutto, gruyere tartine with greens, that I shared with my dinner mates.I also had their espresso martini, that they make with great care...just delicious. We all loved the open face "sandwich", that featured Cognac mayo and bechamel. For my main course I had the fillet tenderloin special, medium rare, with bernaise sauce. This was perfect in every way. The prime cut steak cut like warm butter and was served with mashed potatoes and green beans. the others at the table also enjoyed their meals that included grilled salmon, and " the best mussels" ever together with various salad plates. We will be back to enjoy lunch in the bar or the garden as soon as we can.
(4)
Rosalie R.
GREAT NEW PLACE!!! Go, right now, you will LOVE it. Went with friends for a Friday night out. Espresso Martini - yum. Lyonnaise Salad - classic French Country Goodness. Don't skip dessert. Have the Gateau au Chocolate or the Mousse au Chocolate (with Orange essence). I could have eaten a gallon of that essence. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Adrian B.
Food was really excellent. Atmosphere great. We were sitting in the bar area so I am not sure what it is like in the dining area. It was happy hour for martinis. Place is popular so you need to make a reservation. I had the plate of cold cuts which had more than enough including mini cocktail onions and pickles. Oh and an amazing thing about this downtown Phoenixville restaurant is there is lots of on site parking! Basically this place doesn't get 5 stars though because the service was weirdly out of alignment with the quality of this place. We were left with these huge IKEA bowls sitting in from of us empty at the end of our meals for like 15 minutes. Why couldn't the server take them simply away? We got the impression that the maitre'd was somehow lacking. Notwithstanding that you should definitely go to this place - it makes you feel like you are in Paris a tiny bit - but an enough bit. I guess I am a snob and would have preferred the bar area not to have a TV showing sports but I accept that this is just America, or Greater Philly, so the sports must be watched. Yeah the desert menu could be a bit more extensive too.
(4)
Pamela K.
We enjoyed a fantastic dinner last night. The cheese plate was generous with great add ons. My husband was thrilled over his escargot. I had the Lotte de Mer; a tasty combination of bacon wrapped monkfish on a bed of sauerkraut and fingerling potatoes. The hubs was dying to taste the Cassoulet with Duck Confit, he loved t though the pork belly may not be for everyone. Atmosphere was lovely in the historic building. We sat at a table along the banquette, a cushioned stone wall for seating, but I wasn't comfy at all. I sat on the banquette and it's higher than a regular seat height, but the table is regular height so i towered over it and my husband across from me. my feet were dangling and not enough room to cross my legs or tuck them up. Sounds silly, but I won't sit there again. Our server Steven was delightful, speaking French at each visit. He was personable and helpful with our menu questions. Our visit to Sips was most enjoyable and we will be back!
(5)
Javier G.
This was my second time at the restaurant, and id say everything is average/good but over priced for the service and food/drinks you get. The bar menu is ok, but not even very French for a French restaurant. The house wine is between $9 and $10 for just basic ok wine, so totally overpriced compared to similar restaurants in the local area. The service was good after we finally got greeted at the table, but the initial wait to get greeted and seated was long. On the bright side, I ate pheasant this time. The meal was $32, but it was very good. My partner had the ribs, which he said were good also.
(3)
Gary C.
Went for a Groupon dinner. The quality of food is horrible for the price. Everything was mediocre at best, while the prices are equal or more expensive as top restaurants in Center City Philadelphia. The food was edible, but quality wise is not worth their price tag.
(2)
Ashley T.
Have to say this was one awesome dining experience from the quaint location to the great food. I decided to be adventurous and try their carrot soup, because well when it is 30 degrees out you just want something warm. I am not the biggest fan of carrots but this was fantastic. Not the lick your plate clean amazing but still great. Then it was on to their Sips salad with chicken. It boils down simply to this is what a salad should be! This is the kind of salad that makes you wonder why you don't eat more salads. The dressing is just the right amount and I couldn't for the life of me tell you what it actually was. The spiced walnuts give a perfect balance to the apples to create an overall great salad. If you have a fancy dinner planned or just want something romantic, definitely give this place a try.
Excellent meal prepared perfectly to order . Fresh bread and good cocktails made for a nice set up for the chocolate desert which sent us home feeling like we had a very special night out.. Four stars for sure!
(5)
Ron M.
My wife and I really enjoyed this place. Had a fabulous anniversary dinner there mid week. The place was pleasantly not over crowded, we were seated right away, and the staff was very attentive. I think that I preferred it to going on the weekend.
(4)
Mark O.
Nice French restaurant. Good cocktails. Good beer. Nice people. Reasonable. Very nice outdoor patio.
(5)
Michelle M.
Love this restaurant! Great food, amazing service. We have been back several times. We have had the liver appetizer, the beef bourgeois, and the duck breast. The first time we dined the lettuce in the side salad was not fresh, but the second time is was very good.
(5)
Amit L.
Went with family to dine out for labor day weekend and the restaurant brings a great mix of a bistro and the delicacies of France - the service, the food, and the ambience was very impressive. We will be sure to check out the outdoor terrace next time we drop in! To the owners- Son Magnifique!
(5)
Steve Z.
Portion sizes are way too small. Unless you bring a coupon, expect to be gouged for the most overpriced food in the Philadelphia region. Quallity is above average, but $50 off their menu will maybe satisfy a small child.
(2)
Eileen B.
A girls' night out without the husbands meant that we could indulge without worrying about the bill so we did a bit of everything- soup (tomato), salad and appetizers (escargot) plus great cocktails (Lychee Bellini for me) and then the entrees and desserts (homemade sorbets and creme brulee). While everyone loved their meals, 2 of us ordered the most expensive entree (a special- Filet with Black Truffles and Foie Gras) and I would drive the 45 minutes back just to have that incredible meal, regardless the price. The bartender gave us a brief and very interesting history lesson about the building and our waitress was great. I only wish we had chosen to eat on the patio as our seating at the back end of the dining hall seemed the least charming of the options. Not knowing Phoenixville well, I chose Sips over the other recommendations because of the yelp reviews and the coupon.
(4)
Phi N.
I hate spending money on oysters and the restaurant does not know how to shuck them correctly. Our oysters were knocked out and in pieces. Bouillabaisse was a bit bland. Food wasn't memorable b/c my husband doesn't even remember what he ate here last week! chicken livers were disgusting. It was burnt, dry-not fresh. I ended up making livers a few days later which were much better than these. Restaurant has a weird smell. It's a shame b/c it has quite a nice ambience but the food is...meh.
(2)
Er B.
Been back a few times since the summer and have ALWAYS been pleased. We even managed to score two seats at the bar on Valentine's day without reservations!
Welcome to the neighborhood Sips! On a quiet Monday night, we were treated to Philly quality mussels and duck confit in a beautiful old hotel less than 3 blocks from our house. Currently BYOB (liquor license pending), this spot was everything I've come to expect from Bibou or Bistrot La Minette in the city. The service was great, the menu was varied, the prices decent and the portions oddly generous for a French spot. Can't wait to bring family and friends to visit.
(5)
Brent H.
I stopped by Sips on a recent trip to Philadelphia. Great food with european-style atmosphere -- sophisticated yet casual. My girlfriend enjoyed a pumpkin martini while I kept it simple with a french beer (can't remember the name of it). I recommend the steak frites -- super tasty. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Philly!!
(5)
Amanda S.
This place is pretty good. A little stuffy. The back part is a hidden gem. The food is good. Except for the salad. I've been there a few times and its always salty and inedible.
(4)
Laura R.
Sips is a fabulous new addition to the Phoenixville dining scene! It's located a block West of the main part of Bridge Street, with its own private (free) parking lot. Some will remember the spot as having formerly housed the Moon Saloon. The new owner, Fabien, who greets you with a friendly "Bonjour!" when you arrive, put a lot of sweat equity into painting over the hideous planetary foyer with a lovely butter yellow color and restoring the old wood-topped bar to it's former glory. The restaurant now has 4 different seating areas: high-top tables in the bar, a small carpeted dining room, the stone-floored sun porch with pillow-backed bench seating along the windows, and a nicely landscaped flagstone patio with a pond and gazebo. We thought we'd be taking a chance walking in without a reservation around 7:30 on a Friday night one week after they opened and were surprised to find the place practically empty. If our dining experience was typical, it won't be that easy to get a table for much longer. The cuisine is classic french bistro fare with a nice variety of options and very reasonable prices. Our server, Stephen, was super friendly and very knowledgeable. He happily answered our questions about portion sizes and flavor profiles, and patiently allowed us to brush up on our rusty French language skills. Three of us shared the pate (currently being sourced from elsewhere but will soon be made in house) and a brie tartine to start. The pate, which came with toast points, cornichons, pickled onions, dijon and whole grain mustard, was a little dry but had wonderful flavor. The brie tartine was an open-faced slice of french bread topped with melted brie and paired with a mixed greens. For our main courses my dining companions had Chicken Paillard salad (flattened grilled chicken paired with greens) and I had the Salad Nicoise, which was one of the specials. The chicken was moist and perfectly cooked. My salad consisted of frisee with green beans, fingerling potatoes, olives, and a hard-boiled egg, topped with a beautiful tenderloin of seared tuna. It was the perfect meal for a warm summer night. We finished off our evening by sharing the creme brulee (perfectly crusted with room temperature custard) and orange-flavored chocolate mousse (creamy and flavorful). We hope the quality of the service and food doesn't suffer as this place gets busier, which is sure to happen. We look forward to many more fabulous meals here, including their Sunday jazz brunch!
(5)
Weronika P.
Great location. Awesome food. Very friendly stuff and manager. Definitly coming back!
(4)
Kurt K.
Delightful French cuisine! Had dinner with some friends and had the chance to talk to the owner, who is from Bordeaux. Nice guy and his staff is very attentive. Best mussels in Phoenixville and excellent craft beers on tap. I had the cassoulet entree which was exceptional! Highest recommendation.
(5)
Cathy B.
Party of five tonight, we had the sea bass, monkfish, half chicken, mussels, and sips salad with chicken. Had the frittes, shrimp cocktail and salad for starter. Not wine drinkers so went with traditional martinis. Entrees cooked perfectly except for half chicken which was very dry. Seafood and sides to each were delicious and just enough, not huge portions that are ridiculous. Bread could have been warmer but not bad. Server was wonderful and patient. Would definitely go back again and even look forward to it. Nice find in Phoenixville.
(4)
C L.
We went to Sips for the Sunday brunch and were definitely not impressed. Maybe their dinner is better but brunch was overpriced and the food was nothing special. $17 bucks/person for one course of french toast or an omelette is kind of a rip off. Especially when you can drive five minutes down the road to the Kimberton Inn and get an amazing four course brunch for $25!! The atmosphere was a little offputting as well. We were the only ones in the restaurant and it was pretty awkward. The do include a mimosa or bloody mary for the price but I'm pregnant so I couldn't even get that! Not sure if we'll give it another shot for dinner or not.
(3)
Matt T.
Nothing special. Quite simply, the food lacked the kind of flavors typical of french cuisine. The lobster bisque was borderline bland as was the salmon. The Osso Bucco was good, but not great. The sauce had some decent flavors, but it got boring pretty quick. The worst was the chocolate cake. Two dried out hockey pucks that I'm pretty sure were days old. Its a nice atmosphere and the service is good, just not on par with real french cuisine.
(2)
Julie F.
I guess I just can't drink the Sips Koolaid. I orded red snapper, my friend, skate (fish). Upon the waitress's recommendation, I ordered the split pea soup, which was served luke-warm and was watery and tasteless. The "warm bread" was microscopic in size. My fish arrived nicely wrapped in parchment paper. It was to be accompanied by potatoes, but where were they? Wait! There they are! Under the fish...3 slices...the diameter and thickness of quarters. Coming from northern California where snapper is a staple, I've never paid so much for that size portion, even if it did come with 3 tiny artichoke hearts, a few spinach leaves, and potato coins. This is still Phoenixville, and this is over-priced food that people are raving about because they like to pretend that they know good food. Maybe we needed more alcohol.
Yummmmm!!!! Oysters, ham, chesse and egg on toast with salad..nice bottle of wine... Nice waiter Andre.... I'll be back to sit outside next time!
(5)
Charles R.
Overall the food was good. It says Sips Bistro and "Bar", but when I asked for a scotch list the waitress said that was easy, 3 kinds of scotch and they were out of one. Unusual to have a place that lists itself as a bar and they only had 2 choices for scotch. Anyway, the wines by the glass are good and at a resonable price. The rose was very good, while the red blend isn't something I would order again. Escargot were 6 small snails in a creamy sauce lacking enough garlic for my taste. The chicken livers were 3 nice sized pieces that were fried and were crisp and sweet. Steak Frites was a nice portion of strip steak that was tender and the fries were hot and seasoned well. The Cassoulet was ok. The duck confit was good, the sausage was a small piece of sausage that didn't have much taste. The pork belly was well done and had good taste to it. Overall the dish lacked the usual rich flavor I am used to at other french bistor's. The decor is nice, service was pleasant and they have their own lot, which can be a godsend in Phoenixville on a Saturday night. I would say the prices were moderate and the food was ok. I think if they are going to advertise as a "bar" they really need to carry more than 3 bottles of scotch.
(3)
Michael N.
I have been here twice with my girlfriend, and it was delicious both times. Most recently, I ordered the Steak Frites and she ordered the Duck Confit and we both loved our entrees, which were done perfectly. They also have a small selection of delicious craft beers, and an extensive wine list, as well as some cocktails. A little bit pricey, but the food here is done right. The first time I ordered a Duck and Sausage stew that was a special for the evening (I can't remember the name), but it was fantastic. Highly recommended.
(5)
Candace B.
We had lunch here today. I love anything Victorian, and thought the interior was gorgeous. We had the frittata (crab and asparagus) , the Lyonnaise salad and the crab cake. In addition to being delicious, the food was beautiful. We asked about the history of the building and the owner came to our table and told us its 118 year story - very interesting. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Randy S.
Great new place in the area! I had the special which was bacon wrapped monkfish with fingerling potatoes and sauerkraut with a mustard emulsion. My wife had the branzino. For desert I had the flourless chocolate cake and my wife had the creme brulee. Everything was delicious and the service and atmosphere was great including the music they were playing. The reason we give it a 4 instead of 5 was because it was a bit more pricey than what we think it should have been, but the prices were on par with some of the other nice restaurants in Phoenixville, We will probably go back and maybe check out the jazz brunch!.
(4)
Brett B.
I'd have to say that this place definitely gives the most leverage towards their clientele than far too many other restaurants I have been to. My wife & I had taken out my mother because in all her years she has NEVER tried a mojito (which they make practically past perfection) and we wanted to 'break her in' to one, so I figured we'd try Sips. Although being a local neighbor my whole life, I had never been there, and wanted to go not just to treat my mother to a cool minty libation, but to try it out for myself! We arrived there on a Friday evening at 10:18, and as we had entered I noticed the hours if operation had ended at 9, but of course it being the weekend the place was still jammed. One of the managers there, Michael, had noticed our arrival and had immediately came over to welcome us to his establishment. He was very amicable and had treated us with the utmost respect as patrons in his establishment. I had ordered three mojitos from the bar(very very well made, albeit on the minty side, but isn't that what a mojito is all about?) and my mother & I were discussing how hungry we were, but knew we'd be limited to the drinks because the kitchen had stopped serving about 90 minutes ago, which we were respectable to. However, Michael had overheard our talk and said that we could have WHATEVER we wanted, regardless of the time & the fact the kitchen was already broken down.....pretty hospitable, eh? Very. Well we ordered two plates of mussels, which both were delicious as well as came promptly. The chef surprisingly wasn't perturbed at all about our late arrival, and Michael was extremely empathetic & catering to our needs when we had arrived, over an hour AFTER they had closed the kitchen!! If I could rate this place from 1 to 10 on customer satisfaction, I'd rate it a 12 at the very least. Great job to the entire staff there, but more specifically, to the impeccable customer service Michael had delivered to us. We will definitely be back!!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Grant L.
From start to finish, this was one of the greatest meals in a restaurant I have ever had. My wife and I were celebrating a new job, so we decided to splurge. We got cocktails, entrees, and desserts for the both of us and our total bill ended up sliding in just over $100 after tip. My wife had the Coq au Vin, I had the crab cakes. Every single element of both dishes were absolutely delicious. As a general rule I don't like cabbage, but the bacon braised cabbage that came with the crab cakes was delicious. We both had the Creme Brulee for dessert: it was the perfect model of a great Creme Brulee. The atmosphere was unique and inviting, simultaneously laid back and upscale. I would feel equally comfortable dressed up or casually dressed at Sips. The staff were courteous, knowledgeable, and efficient. Sips is not a place to go if you aren't ready to lighten your wallet, but if you want to celebrate something or treat yourself, I would recommend Sips over any other restaurant I've tried in the area. My one and only complaint: The "Whipped Pear" cocktail is WAY too sweet. My wife and I both couldn't handle any more after just a few sips. Their signature margarita, however, is just as delicious as everything else.
(5)Prof J.
If I could rate with only zero stars I would. The food - meh. The service was subpar and the owners attitude was very sad. There is no customer service here and the heath department should visit both the bar area and the restrooms. The restrooms were out of soap and the floors were wet. Is it true the restrooms represent the kitchen? My main course was cold. Upon complaining I was told they would take it back but there would be an extra charge. Yes an extra charge. How disappointing. I could eat better in an Ebola filled third world country. Sips? Try chunks because this place blows chunks and I will not be back.
(1)Ron S.
Went with my wife to Sips for her birthday and enjoyed it so much we came back for our anniversary. In our last visit, we started with the fromage plate, which was exquisite. I ordered the Shrimp and Scallop, and it was served over a really delicious roasted corn relish. My wife had the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and raved about them. The waiter was great and very social, putting us at ease. We were too stuffed to have dessert, but we're definitely looking forward to our next visit.
(5)Meep Meep E.
Great spot in Phoenixville. Crab Cakes are as good as it gets...the Truffle Mac and Cheese was really really good. Service was excellent and everyone was very friendly and attentive. Outdoor seating was a big plus......
(4)Jessica T.
Expensive of course, but must go back! Lovely staff, very friendly and attentive. Great knowledge of cuisine and wine. I actually don't try new things often so I told her what I liked and she picked out an amazing meal and blush wine for me that I loved I ordered some type of red wine chicken, it was juicy, flavorful and delicious and there was a big enough portion to take home leftovers!! They tasted great the next day as well. We also ordered the The Gruyere macaroni; it was is phenomenal And of course creme brulee! ...Which can't be messed up... it's literally burnt cream lol My boyfriend had the duck, he always gets duck when we go out, but this is the first time he didn't say a word throughout dinner because his mouth was full the entire time!! haha... so I assume it was five star for him as well They have different specials each day so I can't wait to go back and try the lamb!
(5)Dan C.
Having a tough time with this one. My wife and I ate dinner here last night and chose to sit on the patio as it was a very nice evening. The patio was nicely presented but they need to work on their evening lighting. It was nearly full dark by the time our entrees arrived and it was honestly difficult to see my meal. The problem was somewhat alleviated when the couple sitting between us and the string of decorative lights left. The wine and beer list had a nice variety as did the dinner menu. I chose the steak frites and my wife had a cod special. The food was flavorful, well prepared and nicely presented. The "but" that is surely implied there is that well, it was good but nothing special. There was a lot about the place that made me feel like it might be special, but then it wasn't and it felt like a missed opportunity. That is likely my fault for generating expectations unfulfilled. There was however a presentation that lead me to them and created some disconnect for me, which is why I am having a tough time with the review! Rambling on further would accomplish nothing, so to summarize.. the food is good, the beer and wine selection is good, the setting is nice and the prices are OK (within expectation). I won't rush back but I may very well give it a second chance.
(3)Darren A.
One of the tastiest lamb shanks I have ever had (and I have tried many) Great service and good selection of wine. A little pricey but extremely good. Would return. Want to try brunch there actually as they have a unlimited mimosa or bm.
(4)texas w.
I wish I didn't have to give Sips five stars, but with the people writing negative reviews b/c of a slip up in service, I feel compelled to offer balance. Here are Big Texas pro tips to eating at Sips: Pro Tip One: Don't go in the wrong door If you enter a restaurant through an obscure door nestled deep in the dining room, don't be surprised if no one notices you. When Have you been to a halfway decent restaurant with no obvious host station? If you don't see this, know that there probably wont be a roving patrol for back door guests. Pro Tip Two: Bring money If you stick to the cheapest things on the menu and are surprised that they're average, that's your fault. This is fine dining. Go through the entirety of the experience. The soup and the mid-course that I got (a special) were important elements in my dining experience. By the time I got to my perfectly prepared entree, I already knew that I was going to have an incredible meal. Pro Tip Three: The staff works as a team and you shouldn't hesitate to ask anyone on the floor for help. Pro Tip Four: Get a cocktail. They are generous, imaginative, and reasonably priced. The Sips Manhattan was perfect. Pro Tip Five: Check out their Happy Hour in the bar era. Great deals. Pro Tip Six: Tell 'em Big Texas sent you.
(5)Mike S.
I went to Sips with two other people for drinks and dinner. I ordered the Sips Manhattan, which was flavored with an apple spirit, rather than vermouth. The effect was a delicious and unique drink. Priced at $11, it was a good value. For an appetizer, I had a half dozen Blue Point Oysters, which were on the menu as a special. They were delicious. For my entree, I had the Lobster Roll. While the lobster meat was sweet and delicious, it was not seasoned with butter or presented as part of a lobster salad. The roll was a little soggy. Overall, the entree was good, but the presentation didn't blow me away. One of my guests had the Coc a Vin, which was superbly presented. She really enjoyed it. My other guest had the crab cake sandwich and enjoyed it as well. The service was friendly and attentive. They accepted our Groupon and let us split the bill between three different credit cards. Overall, it was a good dining experience -- a little pricey, but I would return to try different menu items.
(4)Justin R.
This quickly became our favorite neighborhood spot and we've brought family and friends who have loved it here.
(5)Christine N.
We had a lovely dinner here last night. The outdoor patio is so charming. The waiter was so helpful and recommended a great meal. The monkfish was delicious. Would DEFINATELY go back.
(4)Aurora C.
Adorable French restaurant. The owner is super friendly, and always walking around to make sure everything is top notch. It can be pricey however we keep going back now that's nicer for the beer and beautiful back patio and fire pit. It's so cozy and right on the same strip in Pville as all the bars. However never nearly as crowded. So for beer and late night apps its way more classy and just as comparable in price as going one of those irish bar down the street. But again I'll say far better crowd, at least if your in your mid to late 20's/30's.
(5)C. E.
Wow, we had a great rehearsal dinner celebration at Sips last night. The owner and his staff catered to everyone of our guests and made each one of our 60 guests feel special. The restaurant rearranged furniture to our needs and made sure we had great weather so we could use their outdoor patio. The food was outstanding outstanding! The appetizers made dinner almost unnecessary. The dinner got rave reviews. The desserts were great, especially the lollipop cheesecake were over the top.
(5)Shauna S.
Sips houses one of the most lovely, divey-feeling, transport-you-to-the-1950's bars in Phoenixville. (and if you don't already know that's saying a lot because Phoenixville is basically just bars now). It's a cool atmosphere and is never overly crowded. When it is, it isn't a noisy or bustle-y crowd, so it is very relaxed. For dinners, I always opt to be seated in the bar area. I'll start with dinner. And the drinks. The drinks are really good, and they always have some inventive specials along with the classic cocktails. I like their lychee-tini. The food is pretty good. Honestly, I find their entrees over-priced, so I'll normally get an appetizer and a salad. I've had their truffle mac n' cheese which is very tasty. They have delicious fries, and OH MY GOD their Belgian Mussels are delectable. French Onion Soup is one of the best I've had-not overly salty and so fulfilling. Their salads are all good. I have taken away a star because of their prices and the lack of variety in their menu. I appreciate a good, small menu where each dish is delicious, but I've never tried an entree there that I really loved, despite my appreciation of their smaller plates. I will spend good money on a good entree, but here I can't justify it. RUMOR HAS IT they just got a new chef and are reworking the menu though, so I'm very excited about this. For brunch, I sit out in their 'outdoor' indoor cafe area. It really is a charming area to sit and eat brunch on a Sunday. Very cute and has great ambiance. Go here for brunch if you have about $25 to spend. Honestly I might pay $25 for just a giant basket of their croissants. I love them. Either way, their prix fixe menu is on point. Their Bloody Marys are addicting. Spicy with just the right amount of liquor where you can taste that hint of vodka. The norwegian eggs benedict are scrumptious. I'll definitely continue to come here and I am very interested in trying the dine options from the new chef. I hope it makes me bump them up to 5 stars!!
(4)Rula R.
my first time there was on valentines day for dinner. We ordered escargot and they were just okay. the portion was very small and it barley had a flavor. our meals were really great but the waitress was kind of odd. she didn't smile much and wasn't very friendly.
(4)Melanie D.
I took my mom here, not really sure what to expect, and we both LOVED it. The service was super friendly and attentive. We both had the Coq Au Vin, which was de-lish! I started with the Onion Soup, which wasn't that fantastic. The broth could have used some more flavor and the chucks of bread were too big, so I don't recommend this, but everything else was very good. We will definitely be going back, hopefully the weather will be warmer and we can sit outside.
(4)Grey M.
a long overdue review. again got here through groupon and my oh my this was a treat ! Loved the food ,loved the wine, loved the right amount of attention and the cozy atmosphere. Take your loved one ,this is just a fabulous place at a great price !
(5)Patrick Z.
Absolutely the worst experience I've had a restaurant ever. I eat out quite a bit and have worked in my fair share as a youngster. While waiting 1.5 hours for any food, we had to send back drinks that were made poorly. Our server apologized over and over when we asked to see the manager saying that the manager told her to "get away from her". 1 of the 8 people at our table received what they ordered. Several received nothing. Manager, once confronted was rude and dismissive. This will be my last time at Sips.
(1)Sharon J.
My friend and I had a lovely brunch here on a Sunday afternoon there was a wonderful guitar player which made the atmosphere special. The food was good but very rich for my taste. Wait staff was attentive and sweet.
(3)Michele B.
Love this place! We have ordered various things over the 6+ times we have been here. Everything is excellent, including the service.
(5)Deirdre W.
Stopped in to Sips for the first time after finding a deal on Yelp and reading the reviews. We couldn't have had a more pleasant experience :) We got two seats at the bar for happy hour and enjoyed Martinis and Oysters. The staff worked as a team and went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time, they offered samples of beers and recommended different items to please our palates. We will definitely be back!
(5)Tania K.
Great food paired with great service! Started with the cheese platter which was wonderful! The lobster in the risotto did not taste as fresh as I would hope, but the make the best mac and cheese I have ever had in my life!
(4)Katie S.
We went to sips last night and had a great time. They had a valentine menu and a limited ala carte menu. The prices were quite high but this could have been due to the holiday. My partner had a great cocktail and I had stuck with wine...both very good. The back room is quaint and comfortable. Our service was excellent. Highlights. ...escargot and spanish grilled octopus to start. Great flavors! I had a pepper encrusted lamb loin....delicious and perfectly cooked. Partner had crab cakes...very good with a tasty sauce. He said the fingering potatoes were a little cold and hard. Desserts were good...not great. Creme brulee and chocolate mousse. The blood orange sherbet was quite good! Would definitely go back. Prices seemed very high for location. Id like to see the everyday menu.
(4)Dori H.
My first visit to Sips started off rocky. My friend and I arrived a bit after 11:30, and walked into a seemingly empty dining area. No hostess, no bartender, no servers. After about five minutes, I walked around to the back, where I finally located a waitress who sat us. It wasn't very busy (maybe 4 other tables?), but it took a bit too long for water, coffee, and the finally placing our orders. Other waitress never informed us of the specials, either. We had both ordered adult beverages, which didn't appear even after our food did. Thankfully, I was able to speak to (I presume) the manager, as our waitress never showed up again, who not only got our beverages, but also comped them. He was wonderful about the whole situation, friendly, and warm. Overall, the ambiance was great, the menu was okay, and the service was slightly disappointing. If we had had a better server, this would have been a 5-star rating.
(3)Lynn S.
I held my hubby's surprise 40th birthday yesterday at SIPs and all I can say is it was just amazing! From the staff, to the venue, to the owner, to the food- all exceeded my expectations and everyone commented how wonderful this gem of a place is! I chose to have it there because of their outdoor area. I was planning on 50/60 people so I wanted people to be comfortable outside for the afternoon. It was wonderful. They have tables, couches and still room for us to play some outdoor games and for a band to be set up! Really just blew me away. The owner Fabian was wonderful to deal with during the planning and really worked with me to come up with the exact menu I was looking for in terms of keeping it a casual afternoon. Once there- the staff of Michael and Jeffrey and really everyone was so accommodating and just made me feel so welcome! My husband and guests were blown away. The food was YUMMY! Pierogies were the best thing ever and everyone was raving on the sliders! And I have never had a place pack up trays of food for me to take home that we didn't use. That was such a nice touch and honestly many of guests said they couldn't wait to come back! I would highly recommend this place not only for happy hour, brunch, but dinner and especially for any special event you are looking to plan! Top notch all around and they have parking!!
(5)Jen H.
Love it here! Great local place that has fresh oysters we always order the special of the night and are always very impressed with it!
(5)Elizabeth S.
Sips gets 4 stars for food and 2 for service. The cheese plate came with no description until I asked. Bread baskets and water glasses were empty until we flagged down the staff that walked past us several times. i will say they were friendly when they weren't serving us. no one was rude, they just kind of kept walking by hurriedly. And the kicker was two of us ordered French onion soup and it never came, and the server blamed the "food runner." on to the food, the escargot were good, I'm not a connoisseur by any means but they were fine. i had lamb bolognese, as suggested by the server. it was different as it was a cream base with white wine, but was served with a delicious pasta that I suspect is homemade. For dessert I had the pot de creme which was too runny and soupy, not to mention the server calling it literally a "pot" de cream. you work in a french bistro, just try.
(3)Aaron T.
We stopped into Sips since it was a new member of the Phoenixville Bar Crawl. We were very impressed with set up of the bar and the dining room and the menus. The location has changed hands several times over the past century, but the bar area still boasts the 116 year old set up. The dining room is well light, has a patio, and cozy seats available. The bartender here was friendly and knowledgable and was able to provide us a lot of information about the business. They had 4 menus for us to look at: a small bar menu, a lunch menu, a dinner menu, and a Sunday brunch menu. After surveying them, they have a ton of excellent dining choices. Being our first stop, we did a small sample from the bar menu of the sliders and charcuterie platter, both were very good. The sliders came with a mesclun salad, which was a nice compliment to the 2 sliders included in the order. They have an excellent cocktail and beer selection. They have 8 beers on tap and a strong selection of international beers and microbrews. Other bars may dwarf 8 beers on draft, but for the size of the bar, their selection is more than adequate. My girlfriend had a mojito here, which was loaded with mint and very well made. I'm anxious to make it back to this place to sample more of their food, their menu is very exciting! For anyone visiting the bar and looking for a deal they have $6 cocktails and 1/2 price bar menu from 5-7 for happy hour. Also of note, Sunday nights are free BYO.
(4)M W.
This place is great! I went here for the first time recently and was pleasantly surprised. We went during happy hour and took advantage of the happy hour specials. The French fries are too die for and they drinks are so delicious They use fresh fruits and purees in a lot of there cocktail's which is a big plus for me. The Owner is friendly and the rest of the staff is very friendly and helpful as well. It's a little pricey but hey there isn't nothing wrong with splurging once in a while. I cannot wait to come back to try brunch and dinner.
(5)Katie S.
Came for brunch and can't wait to return for dinner. Everything from the atmosphere to the service to the food was amazing. A true gem in Phoenixville!
(5)Alan J.
Had dinner with friends on a Thursday night. The atmosphere was wonderful. Wines by the glass were a little pricey but very good. The Sips salad was cold and crisp. The oyster appetizer was great. Bread was very good and the second order came quickly. The mussel entree was very very good with plenty too eat. The monk fish was outstanding. I cannot say enough about the French fries - two orders! The chocolate mousse was very rich like a fllowerless chocolate cake. We are looking forward to drinks and the cheese plate appetizer outside on the patio if the weather ever warms up!
(4)Matt K.
I just visited Sips again for the first time since August, and I am pleased to report that it has come a long way from then. Sips is now a classic French bistro that actually executes its dishes properly. I was thoroughly satisfied with the entire experience. First, they have an interesting list of specialty cocktails, and on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 they are discounted. Imagine Grey Goose vodka for $6! (or was it $7?) Yay! I had the espressotini. Very good. Then on to the food and wine. First, a tuna tartare, classically done with an aioli, micro greens on top and crispy slices of bread on the side. Simple, good, and the tuna was sushi-grade and fresh. I had the Cler Blanc, in spite of the bartender pushing me towards the Sauvignon Blanc. The Cler, a muscadet grape, was very different and good. In fact, Sips has a very well-chosen wine list, even by the glass. The bartender told me that the chef prides himself on the list and I think he has every reason to be proud. I would only add a Languedoc, they are inexpensive and a great value. Second dish was the chicken livers, and wow they were packed with a intense reduction sauce, paired with green beans and onions. Cooked properly, not overdone. Third dish was the cassoulet. Perfectly seasoned, with the obligatory duck confit, sausage and a piece of pork. The sauce was nice, my only complaint (minor) was that it was a little runny. Had a glass of Bordeaux with this dish, nice. For dessert, of course I didn't even look at the menu and just asked for creme brûlée. I didn't even realize I had had it in August! It was the perfect texture, and not too sweet. Excellent burnt crust on top, just perfect. The bartender was knowledgeable, professional, friendly and helpful. All the food and drinks were paced perfectly too. Prices are reasonable for what you get. I will be back for sure!
(4)David M.
By far the best French Bistro in the Philadelphia area. The escargot are amazing. And the creme brûlée to die for...no wonder Sip, the owner, is from Bordeaux. One of the best Happy Hours around. All their apps are half off! The Mac & Cheese with BBQ Shrimp are delicious...I know what you're thinking, a real French Bistro with Mac & Cheese, all I am saying is try it. To top it off, the fried oysters (made fresh daily) are amazing, even if you can't make it during happy hour.
(5)Monica L.
PROS: Absolutely delicious, fair prices CONS: Underwhelming desserts My bouillabaisse was well-balanced and absolutely delicious! My friends with me were also very impressed with their dishes. The desserts (creme brulee, bread pudding, and tart tatin) were average and somewhat underwhelming, compared to the tastiness of the entrees. However, the savoriness of the main courses makes me look forward to returning in the future!
(4)Mark W.
Authentic Parisian cuisine, great bar, wonderful daily specials. Ample parking. Live music for Sunday brunch.
(5)Lindsay D.
The only thing better than the service is the mussels.
(5)Eileen P.
Four of us ate there during the holidays. It was a Monday night, so not crowded at all. The food was good, but the service was terrible. We asked for wine when we got our meals. When that failed to show up, I asked another server who had been coming around with a water pitcher earlier, to please get me water. Water didn't show up either, and all four of us had to eat our entire dinner without anything to drink. The wine and water were brought to our table quite a while after we finished our dinners. This was my first time eating there, and probably my last, although the other couple in our party had eaten there a few times in the summer, and said the service had been good on those occasions.
(2)BostonBestEats X.
By chance, I happened to run across a review on the newly-opened Sips, and decided to give it a shot for brunch last weekend: phoenixvilledish.com/201… Arriving at 11AM (easy parking in their private lot), apparently a few minutes early for Saturday/Sunday brunch, we sat for a while in the beautiful wood paneled bar area (high bar chairs and a few high-top tables) chatting with the bartender and looking over the menu (didn't get a chance to look at the wine list). Sips definitely looks like a good place for casual, yet sophisticated after-work drinks, and I would love to try their Moules Frites mentioned by another reviewer (having become addicted to them in Belgium last year). There are also a couple of tables on the front porch, but they are a bit close to busy Bridge Street for my taste. We were then shown through the dark paneled dining room, and then through the enclosed back porch, out onto a tree-flanked patio in the rear, where there were 8 or so 4-top tables sporting white table clothes (see photo). Featuring two small fish ponds with a fountain (but no fish!), the surrounding wood fence blocks out most of the noise from Bridge St, so it is a fairly pleasant place to relax, and was completely devoid of other guests the entire time we were dining (the reason for which became apparent later). Brunch included several options, as well as our choice of a Mimosa, Bellini, or coffee/tea. We tried (see photos): 1) Norwegian eggs: essentially Eggs Benedict with salmon instead of Canadian bacon -- Eggs Benedict is Eggs Benedict, and this was a typical example, but with a sizable serving of baby potatoes and a nice, simple green salad 2) French toast with Vermont maple syrup -- a large serving, prepared from French baguettes We also ordered a Bellini and some coffee. The food was good, but nothing special. Service was also a bit intermittent, probably because we were the only group seated on the patio. After returning inside, we realized why: there was a jazz guitarist playing in the porch, which we had read about online but entirely forgotten (and the Maitre d' failed to mention) and were unfortunately oblivious to through the closed patio door. Next time... Overall, brunch was nice, but nothing particularly exciting. Hopefully the dinner menu is more inspiring. The live jazz would have kicked it up a notch if only we had sat inside (but the sun was calling!). However, we'll definitely return soon to try out the bar and the good beers they have on tap (Allagash White, Victory Donnybrook Stout...). A nice addition to the area. Brunch was $16.95/person. Reservations via OpenTable. Slainte!
(3)Chad E.
I went there, and it did not impress me all that much. I started with a caeser salad which was decent, but not wirth the pricy $12 tag it had on it. My entree was the boeuf bourguignon, which was good, but not great. The good thing was the pasta was homemade. And the bad thing was the braised beef in my entree was over done and quite chewy, as opposed to a fork tender meat. But everything else in it did not thrill me all that much. For desert, I had the Tart Tatin, which was good, but not great. The cinamon overpowered the slight apple taste, which i did not enjoy all that much. Finally, the atmosphere was good, but the bar dining room is very small, and cramped. Most importantly it was quite pricy. For 4 people with 4 entrees, it was $250. This is quite a large sum of money to spend on an average dinner. I do not think I will be going back in the near future, hopefully they drop the prices a little bit.
(3)Stephen L.
I suppose if you live nearby this is an OK choice. Just nothing special about the food. The cheese plate did not sound interesting (goat cheese, gouda and some other non-descript cheese with no character) but they were excited to offer it.. I imagine this was once a nice concept - a French Bistro in Phoenixville. It seems a bit tired at this point. Again, though, it all depends on your choices - it is such a hassle to get to Philly from that area that this may be a reasonable choice. The prices were on the high side but not out of line.
(3)Laura L.
Fantastic! I have been here for cocktails before and they are always lovely - the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. However, this weekend we went for brunch, and I must say, it was a game changer experience. Easily the best breakfast I have ever had. The sunroom is beautiful, and it was paired with a very talented guitarist for added atmosphere. The food and drink was delicious ... and I just can't say enough good things about this restaurant. There is absolutely no need to buy breakfast anywhere else. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Melissa V.
More people should come here! Great atmosphere, service, drinks and food. Try the Tartines. Great Oysters too!
(5)John F.
Excellent. We've now been here several times and have loved it every time. The food is great. Always fresh. We love the bar area the most. Great atmosphere in there. The service has been the best when we've had Fabien, the owner, or Michael who is a seasoned restaurant professional. We love this new find in Phoenixville and plan on coming back again soon!
(5)Miriam W.
Two stars is all I could muster up for this well intentioned but ultimately disappointing restaurant. Our server, though friendly and good hearted, was not well trained and had little comprehension of the menu. The sea bass I ordered was most definitely farm raised as it was bland and not well textured, and the preparation was so hum drum and lacking in anything resembling creative skill that I felt as if I had been dropped back into the 1980s. I have low expectations when it comes to dining in Pennsylvania, but this place didn't even meet my fairly low bar. The bread was sub par, which means I at least get to save some calories. My old fashioned was the high point of the meal.
(2)Joan M.
This is the second time we have been here the menu is kinda limited but what is on it is outstanding on both of are visits we had Jeffery as are waiter and i must say he is the best server we ever had very friendly polite and professional the whole staff was very nice this is a charming French restaurant do ur self a favorite and go u will not b disappointed
(5)Eric R.
Fabulous dinner. Everything was first rate. Cheerful service. High quality food and pleasant environment. Just enough attention from staff but not overbearing. We had a nice table by a window off in a corner where we had lots of privacy but no where did the tables seem to be crammed together. This was our second time here and I have nothing negative to say.
(5)Roman P.
Solid 4! Very tasty, reasonable prices, good service. Onion soup getting close to what used to serve in France. Suggested place.
(4)Ben F.
I finally made it out to Sips! I've been trying to coerce friends to go to Sips for dessert and coffee/drinks basically since they opened. It was nothing like my dreams, which is really a good thing because most of the dreams I remember are dark, twisted, and scary. The owner Fabien was super nice and very knowledgeable of all the drinks. I got a classic creme brulee, cafe au lait (yes, like Furious Styles from Boyz N the Hood), and a top shelf cognac. All of which were top notch. My friend got a fancy champagne which I will openly admit I know nothing about, and some type of flowerless chocolate cake with rasberry jelly and home made whiped creme. It was bangarang Roofio. The music was chill, a jazzy techno type sound. Not loud, which is a welcomed departure from Bridge street. This is really the type of place you go to take your time, kick back, and enjoy food and drink without feeling the need to rush. It's too bad Sips is so cut off from the rest of Bridge street, because I feel like it doesn't get the attention it deserves. I'm glad I finally made it here and will be back again for sure.
(5)L H.
First let me say SIPS is a nice addition to Phoenixville restaurant scene. I have been there on several occasions and have had an overall great experience. They have a great deal at happy hour with some of the selections at half price. My husband and I stopped in one weeknight to take advantage of the deal and ordered quite a selection of the appetizers. They were all good. The problem was when our bill arrived it did not reflect the correct price. I did notify our server who haphazardly corrected the bill and it was not correct but I did not want to be a pain about it. If you offer half price and special drink prices make sure the bill reflects the advertised price.
(4)Rod H.
I agree with the other positive reviews. The staff were incredibly personable and were very helpful in figuring out what I could eat due to my gluten-free limitations. The food was excellent. I had the duck (without the roux since there is wheat in it) and I thought it might be dry without the sauce but it was not at all. My wife had the salmon which she loved. I hope more people visit here so it does well! I did the yelp $10 for $20 credit and it worked perfectly.
(5)Chris M.
My wife and I had the pleasure of having dinner at Sips on Sunday night. We started out at the lovely bar with a drink and buck a shuck oysters which were extremely flavorful. I had the amazing spicy mussels and my wife had the sea bass. I can't begin to explain how great our meal was, full of flavor and beyond anything that any other restaurant offers. I'm not much for handing out compliments but wow this place deserves it. Well done Sips, you are terrific! I will be back again and again.
(5)Amy A.
Loved this place. Fiance and I say at the bar. The bartender was super friendly. I ordered the champagne rose cocktail. Meddled strawberry, champagne, absolut mandrin, and raspberry puree. Yummo! We ordered the cheese board and escargot. Divine. We are everything on the board and every snail. It was perfect. We skipped entrees and went straight to dessert. Creme brulee. We will be going back for a full meal soon. They have a great wine selection. Plenty of parking. Prices are reasonable for the type of cuisine. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Leo G.
A must for anyone seeking tasteful dining in the Phoenixville area --- an unknown jewel in the rough. Owner Fabien has transformed a faded saloon into a distinctive French bistro, while retaining the historic brick, iron and wood architectural features, with a renovated bar imported from England. With outstanding authentic, savory French food, comfortable ambience and friendly service, Sips will become a regular destination for diners with discerning taste. Prices are reasonable. Try to get a seat in the back, in the glass-walled extension. Good for both casual and romantic dining. Signage is not obvious, but there is private lot parking.
(5)Tim S.
I had the Croque Misseur and my friend had the mussels. Both of us had mixed drinks, a Mojito and a cucumber Mojito, which were awesome. It's not the best location in Phoenixville - kind of out of the way - but the food and the vibe would fit right in near where I live full time in Brooklyn. That plus a foreign film at the Colonial would be a most appropriate hipster date.
(4)Doug J.
All the reviews here are very accurate. Had a chance to have lunch here with friends today and got to talk at length with the owner Fabian. We heard some of the history of the location, and being a local guy, nothing has really been successful there...until now. We ate in the bar room which has a great old oak bar with beveled mirrors and a super kick bar. Very historic. Food was wonderful. Don't let the French food or owner make you think this is "small portions and big prices." It's neither. Very friendly owner who is trying hard to instill doing it right with his staff. Chef is excellent. Would love Fabian to try to get rid of the "old building" smell. While it is not bad, it just makes the place smell old and a bit dirty. But very happy to have a great spot to come back to in the area. Nice job Fabian. Keep it up...can't wait to try dinner and brunch.
(4)Clint W.
Man, this place is awesome. Having been to France over 10 times, I have to say that SIPS really does a great job of replicating that exact feel of a French bistro... And for good reason, the owner / operator is FRENCH. Anyway, I like how they serve all the classic dishes without the fusion flare that most modern restaurants throw in. This way, you get a real sense of what classic French cuisine is meant to be and why it has obtained its supreme culinary reputation. I've been to SIPS three times now, and it's my place of choice in Phoenixville. I've had the Bouillabaisse twice... It's just too good. I've had the Confit Duck once and it was the best duck dish I ever had. I saw another review that stated it was salty, which it is, but in my opinion it was perfect (I like salt). All in all, when it comes to fine dining, I'd rather spend my money at SIPS than any other fine dining establishment in Phoenixville!
(5)Kristi B.
We were so excited to have dinner at Sips after having a great brunch here with a group on Mothers Day. Alas, it went from bad to worse. Calamari was chewy with a flavorless sauce; med rare filet was served barely pink in the middle, and the branzino smelled so strongly of old dirty socks I couldn't even eat it. The service was amateurish but friendly. I wish if a restaurant owner wants to charge $200 for a dinner they would spend some time teaching their servers how to serve properly. When she cleared our appetizers she pulled our forks off our plate and left them on the table cloth, then did the same after our salads. Really? Serve a $30 entree with a fork used for two courses already? I wanted to love this place but I will never go back.
(1)Bill H.
Sips is not what you think it is. It is not another pub like PJ Ryans or Iron Hill. What it is ,is a very good French bistro. It is located in a refurbished old hotel property,that was closed for three years, with plenty of free parking. This in itself sets it apart from most restaurants in Pville. You enter into a rustic bar area with several high top tables. This area is perfect for lunch and drinks. They now have their liquor license and have a decent list of french wines and assorted delicious cocktail combinations. For those of you looking for BYO, the restaurant is BYO on Sundays.Our group of six was seated in what must have been a porch area , when the original hotel was built. This area looks out on a lovely replanted outside garden area with seating for parties of two or four. Sips, by the way, is the nickname for one of the proprietors, who took us through the menu with the able assistance of a very attentive waitress. After a yummy pear martini I started my meal with an appetizer of prosciutto, gruyere tartine with greens, that I shared with my dinner mates.I also had their espresso martini, that they make with great care...just delicious. We all loved the open face "sandwich", that featured Cognac mayo and bechamel. For my main course I had the fillet tenderloin special, medium rare, with bernaise sauce. This was perfect in every way. The prime cut steak cut like warm butter and was served with mashed potatoes and green beans. the others at the table also enjoyed their meals that included grilled salmon, and " the best mussels" ever together with various salad plates. We will be back to enjoy lunch in the bar or the garden as soon as we can.
(4)Rosalie R.
GREAT NEW PLACE!!! Go, right now, you will LOVE it. Went with friends for a Friday night out. Espresso Martini - yum. Lyonnaise Salad - classic French Country Goodness. Don't skip dessert. Have the Gateau au Chocolate or the Mousse au Chocolate (with Orange essence). I could have eaten a gallon of that essence. We will definitely be back.
(5)Adrian B.
Food was really excellent. Atmosphere great. We were sitting in the bar area so I am not sure what it is like in the dining area. It was happy hour for martinis. Place is popular so you need to make a reservation. I had the plate of cold cuts which had more than enough including mini cocktail onions and pickles. Oh and an amazing thing about this downtown Phoenixville restaurant is there is lots of on site parking! Basically this place doesn't get 5 stars though because the service was weirdly out of alignment with the quality of this place. We were left with these huge IKEA bowls sitting in from of us empty at the end of our meals for like 15 minutes. Why couldn't the server take them simply away? We got the impression that the maitre'd was somehow lacking. Notwithstanding that you should definitely go to this place - it makes you feel like you are in Paris a tiny bit - but an enough bit. I guess I am a snob and would have preferred the bar area not to have a TV showing sports but I accept that this is just America, or Greater Philly, so the sports must be watched. Yeah the desert menu could be a bit more extensive too.
(4)Pamela K.
We enjoyed a fantastic dinner last night. The cheese plate was generous with great add ons. My husband was thrilled over his escargot. I had the Lotte de Mer; a tasty combination of bacon wrapped monkfish on a bed of sauerkraut and fingerling potatoes. The hubs was dying to taste the Cassoulet with Duck Confit, he loved t though the pork belly may not be for everyone. Atmosphere was lovely in the historic building. We sat at a table along the banquette, a cushioned stone wall for seating, but I wasn't comfy at all. I sat on the banquette and it's higher than a regular seat height, but the table is regular height so i towered over it and my husband across from me. my feet were dangling and not enough room to cross my legs or tuck them up. Sounds silly, but I won't sit there again. Our server Steven was delightful, speaking French at each visit. He was personable and helpful with our menu questions. Our visit to Sips was most enjoyable and we will be back!
(5)Javier G.
This was my second time at the restaurant, and id say everything is average/good but over priced for the service and food/drinks you get. The bar menu is ok, but not even very French for a French restaurant. The house wine is between $9 and $10 for just basic ok wine, so totally overpriced compared to similar restaurants in the local area. The service was good after we finally got greeted at the table, but the initial wait to get greeted and seated was long. On the bright side, I ate pheasant this time. The meal was $32, but it was very good. My partner had the ribs, which he said were good also.
(3)Gary C.
Went for a Groupon dinner. The quality of food is horrible for the price. Everything was mediocre at best, while the prices are equal or more expensive as top restaurants in Center City Philadelphia. The food was edible, but quality wise is not worth their price tag.
(2)Ashley T.
Have to say this was one awesome dining experience from the quaint location to the great food. I decided to be adventurous and try their carrot soup, because well when it is 30 degrees out you just want something warm. I am not the biggest fan of carrots but this was fantastic. Not the lick your plate clean amazing but still great. Then it was on to their Sips salad with chicken. It boils down simply to this is what a salad should be! This is the kind of salad that makes you wonder why you don't eat more salads. The dressing is just the right amount and I couldn't for the life of me tell you what it actually was. The spiced walnuts give a perfect balance to the apples to create an overall great salad. If you have a fancy dinner planned or just want something romantic, definitely give this place a try.
(5)Nancy O.
Okay Sips, you have me hooked. I think there's a table with my name on it, Oui? Saturday night: under the stars, the night sky, with the best damn cockles this side of New Zealand- so flavorful, one could live on the broth and warm, tasty bread...but I digress. The steak frites entrees were unanimously voted out of "ce monde". I took some French, but je ne sais pas. I do know that SIps has that "je be sais quois!". Desserts of creme brûlée, chocolate mousse and flour less chocolate cake were the perfect end to a wonderful meal! Love it! Sips, tu es mon tout! I think that means I really, really liked it. :)
(5)Ted K.
Excellent meal prepared perfectly to order . Fresh bread and good cocktails made for a nice set up for the chocolate desert which sent us home feeling like we had a very special night out.. Four stars for sure!
(5)Ron M.
My wife and I really enjoyed this place. Had a fabulous anniversary dinner there mid week. The place was pleasantly not over crowded, we were seated right away, and the staff was very attentive. I think that I preferred it to going on the weekend.
(4)Mark O.
Nice French restaurant. Good cocktails. Good beer. Nice people. Reasonable. Very nice outdoor patio.
(5)Michelle M.
Love this restaurant! Great food, amazing service. We have been back several times. We have had the liver appetizer, the beef bourgeois, and the duck breast. The first time we dined the lettuce in the side salad was not fresh, but the second time is was very good.
(5)Amit L.
Went with family to dine out for labor day weekend and the restaurant brings a great mix of a bistro and the delicacies of France - the service, the food, and the ambience was very impressive. We will be sure to check out the outdoor terrace next time we drop in! To the owners- Son Magnifique!
(5)Steve Z.
Portion sizes are way too small. Unless you bring a coupon, expect to be gouged for the most overpriced food in the Philadelphia region. Quallity is above average, but $50 off their menu will maybe satisfy a small child.
(2)Eileen B.
A girls' night out without the husbands meant that we could indulge without worrying about the bill so we did a bit of everything- soup (tomato), salad and appetizers (escargot) plus great cocktails (Lychee Bellini for me) and then the entrees and desserts (homemade sorbets and creme brulee). While everyone loved their meals, 2 of us ordered the most expensive entree (a special- Filet with Black Truffles and Foie Gras) and I would drive the 45 minutes back just to have that incredible meal, regardless the price. The bartender gave us a brief and very interesting history lesson about the building and our waitress was great. I only wish we had chosen to eat on the patio as our seating at the back end of the dining hall seemed the least charming of the options. Not knowing Phoenixville well, I chose Sips over the other recommendations because of the yelp reviews and the coupon.
(4)Phi N.
I hate spending money on oysters and the restaurant does not know how to shuck them correctly. Our oysters were knocked out and in pieces. Bouillabaisse was a bit bland. Food wasn't memorable b/c my husband doesn't even remember what he ate here last week! chicken livers were disgusting. It was burnt, dry-not fresh. I ended up making livers a few days later which were much better than these. Restaurant has a weird smell. It's a shame b/c it has quite a nice ambience but the food is...meh.
(2)Er B.
Been back a few times since the summer and have ALWAYS been pleased. We even managed to score two seats at the bar on Valentine's day without reservations!
(4)M. V. L.
Wonderful food and great service! I had the mussels, which were meaty, tender and flavorful. As a side, I ordered sautéed spinach, and it was bright green and fresh, delicious! They poured a generous glass of wine that complemented the food perfectly.
(4)Holly H.
Welcome to the neighborhood Sips! On a quiet Monday night, we were treated to Philly quality mussels and duck confit in a beautiful old hotel less than 3 blocks from our house. Currently BYOB (liquor license pending), this spot was everything I've come to expect from Bibou or Bistrot La Minette in the city. The service was great, the menu was varied, the prices decent and the portions oddly generous for a French spot. Can't wait to bring family and friends to visit.
(5)Brent H.
I stopped by Sips on a recent trip to Philadelphia. Great food with european-style atmosphere -- sophisticated yet casual. My girlfriend enjoyed a pumpkin martini while I kept it simple with a french beer (can't remember the name of it). I recommend the steak frites -- super tasty. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Philly!!
(5)Amanda S.
This place is pretty good. A little stuffy. The back part is a hidden gem. The food is good. Except for the salad. I've been there a few times and its always salty and inedible.
(4)Laura R.
Sips is a fabulous new addition to the Phoenixville dining scene! It's located a block West of the main part of Bridge Street, with its own private (free) parking lot. Some will remember the spot as having formerly housed the Moon Saloon. The new owner, Fabien, who greets you with a friendly "Bonjour!" when you arrive, put a lot of sweat equity into painting over the hideous planetary foyer with a lovely butter yellow color and restoring the old wood-topped bar to it's former glory. The restaurant now has 4 different seating areas: high-top tables in the bar, a small carpeted dining room, the stone-floored sun porch with pillow-backed bench seating along the windows, and a nicely landscaped flagstone patio with a pond and gazebo. We thought we'd be taking a chance walking in without a reservation around 7:30 on a Friday night one week after they opened and were surprised to find the place practically empty. If our dining experience was typical, it won't be that easy to get a table for much longer. The cuisine is classic french bistro fare with a nice variety of options and very reasonable prices. Our server, Stephen, was super friendly and very knowledgeable. He happily answered our questions about portion sizes and flavor profiles, and patiently allowed us to brush up on our rusty French language skills. Three of us shared the pate (currently being sourced from elsewhere but will soon be made in house) and a brie tartine to start. The pate, which came with toast points, cornichons, pickled onions, dijon and whole grain mustard, was a little dry but had wonderful flavor. The brie tartine was an open-faced slice of french bread topped with melted brie and paired with a mixed greens. For our main courses my dining companions had Chicken Paillard salad (flattened grilled chicken paired with greens) and I had the Salad Nicoise, which was one of the specials. The chicken was moist and perfectly cooked. My salad consisted of frisee with green beans, fingerling potatoes, olives, and a hard-boiled egg, topped with a beautiful tenderloin of seared tuna. It was the perfect meal for a warm summer night. We finished off our evening by sharing the creme brulee (perfectly crusted with room temperature custard) and orange-flavored chocolate mousse (creamy and flavorful). We hope the quality of the service and food doesn't suffer as this place gets busier, which is sure to happen. We look forward to many more fabulous meals here, including their Sunday jazz brunch!
(5)Weronika P.
Great location. Awesome food. Very friendly stuff and manager. Definitly coming back!
(4)Kurt K.
Delightful French cuisine! Had dinner with some friends and had the chance to talk to the owner, who is from Bordeaux. Nice guy and his staff is very attentive. Best mussels in Phoenixville and excellent craft beers on tap. I had the cassoulet entree which was exceptional! Highest recommendation.
(5)Cathy B.
Party of five tonight, we had the sea bass, monkfish, half chicken, mussels, and sips salad with chicken. Had the frittes, shrimp cocktail and salad for starter. Not wine drinkers so went with traditional martinis. Entrees cooked perfectly except for half chicken which was very dry. Seafood and sides to each were delicious and just enough, not huge portions that are ridiculous. Bread could have been warmer but not bad. Server was wonderful and patient. Would definitely go back again and even look forward to it. Nice find in Phoenixville.
(4)C L.
We went to Sips for the Sunday brunch and were definitely not impressed. Maybe their dinner is better but brunch was overpriced and the food was nothing special. $17 bucks/person for one course of french toast or an omelette is kind of a rip off. Especially when you can drive five minutes down the road to the Kimberton Inn and get an amazing four course brunch for $25!! The atmosphere was a little offputting as well. We were the only ones in the restaurant and it was pretty awkward. The do include a mimosa or bloody mary for the price but I'm pregnant so I couldn't even get that! Not sure if we'll give it another shot for dinner or not.
(3)Matt T.
Nothing special. Quite simply, the food lacked the kind of flavors typical of french cuisine. The lobster bisque was borderline bland as was the salmon. The Osso Bucco was good, but not great. The sauce had some decent flavors, but it got boring pretty quick. The worst was the chocolate cake. Two dried out hockey pucks that I'm pretty sure were days old. Its a nice atmosphere and the service is good, just not on par with real french cuisine.
(2)Julie F.
I guess I just can't drink the Sips Koolaid. I orded red snapper, my friend, skate (fish). Upon the waitress's recommendation, I ordered the split pea soup, which was served luke-warm and was watery and tasteless. The "warm bread" was microscopic in size. My fish arrived nicely wrapped in parchment paper. It was to be accompanied by potatoes, but where were they? Wait! There they are! Under the fish...3 slices...the diameter and thickness of quarters. Coming from northern California where snapper is a staple, I've never paid so much for that size portion, even if it did come with 3 tiny artichoke hearts, a few spinach leaves, and potato coins. This is still Phoenixville, and this is over-priced food that people are raving about because they like to pretend that they know good food. Maybe we needed more alcohol.
(3)Vanina W.
I'm not a food critic but I am french, and I can tell you that Sips makes me miss France a little less. Their home-made pâté tastes just like my late grandmother's, their Croque-monsieur is a serious upgrade from my mom's (sorry mom!), the Bouillabaisse brings me back to the Port of Marseille... And don't get me started on the drinks. Out of the 8 specialty cocktails (yes, I've tried them all, with the help of a few friends), my favorites are the Espresso Martini, 2 great things in 1, and the Peach Passion, as sexy as it sounds. The building is also really nice, and the atmosphere is classy but relaxed. What I like most about this place is the fact that it resembles traditional french restaurants in France, authentic food and decent portions, and not french restaurants in the US, often stuffy and overpriced just because it says "Haricots verts" instead of green beans on the menu. I will definitely go back, especially now that they're open for lunch, and for happy hour with $5 martinis!
(5)Katherine L.
Yummmmm!!!! Oysters, ham, chesse and egg on toast with salad..nice bottle of wine... Nice waiter Andre.... I'll be back to sit outside next time!
(5)Charles R.
Overall the food was good. It says Sips Bistro and "Bar", but when I asked for a scotch list the waitress said that was easy, 3 kinds of scotch and they were out of one. Unusual to have a place that lists itself as a bar and they only had 2 choices for scotch. Anyway, the wines by the glass are good and at a resonable price. The rose was very good, while the red blend isn't something I would order again. Escargot were 6 small snails in a creamy sauce lacking enough garlic for my taste. The chicken livers were 3 nice sized pieces that were fried and were crisp and sweet. Steak Frites was a nice portion of strip steak that was tender and the fries were hot and seasoned well. The Cassoulet was ok. The duck confit was good, the sausage was a small piece of sausage that didn't have much taste. The pork belly was well done and had good taste to it. Overall the dish lacked the usual rich flavor I am used to at other french bistor's. The decor is nice, service was pleasant and they have their own lot, which can be a godsend in Phoenixville on a Saturday night. I would say the prices were moderate and the food was ok. I think if they are going to advertise as a "bar" they really need to carry more than 3 bottles of scotch.
(3)Michael N.
I have been here twice with my girlfriend, and it was delicious both times. Most recently, I ordered the Steak Frites and she ordered the Duck Confit and we both loved our entrees, which were done perfectly. They also have a small selection of delicious craft beers, and an extensive wine list, as well as some cocktails. A little bit pricey, but the food here is done right. The first time I ordered a Duck and Sausage stew that was a special for the evening (I can't remember the name), but it was fantastic. Highly recommended.
(5)Candace B.
We had lunch here today. I love anything Victorian, and thought the interior was gorgeous. We had the frittata (crab and asparagus) , the Lyonnaise salad and the crab cake. In addition to being delicious, the food was beautiful. We asked about the history of the building and the owner came to our table and told us its 118 year story - very interesting. We will definitely be back!
(5)Randy S.
Great new place in the area! I had the special which was bacon wrapped monkfish with fingerling potatoes and sauerkraut with a mustard emulsion. My wife had the branzino. For desert I had the flourless chocolate cake and my wife had the creme brulee. Everything was delicious and the service and atmosphere was great including the music they were playing. The reason we give it a 4 instead of 5 was because it was a bit more pricey than what we think it should have been, but the prices were on par with some of the other nice restaurants in Phoenixville, We will probably go back and maybe check out the jazz brunch!.
(4)Brett B.
I'd have to say that this place definitely gives the most leverage towards their clientele than far too many other restaurants I have been to. My wife & I had taken out my mother because in all her years she has NEVER tried a mojito (which they make practically past perfection) and we wanted to 'break her in' to one, so I figured we'd try Sips. Although being a local neighbor my whole life, I had never been there, and wanted to go not just to treat my mother to a cool minty libation, but to try it out for myself! We arrived there on a Friday evening at 10:18, and as we had entered I noticed the hours if operation had ended at 9, but of course it being the weekend the place was still jammed. One of the managers there, Michael, had noticed our arrival and had immediately came over to welcome us to his establishment. He was very amicable and had treated us with the utmost respect as patrons in his establishment. I had ordered three mojitos from the bar(very very well made, albeit on the minty side, but isn't that what a mojito is all about?) and my mother & I were discussing how hungry we were, but knew we'd be limited to the drinks because the kitchen had stopped serving about 90 minutes ago, which we were respectable to. However, Michael had overheard our talk and said that we could have WHATEVER we wanted, regardless of the time & the fact the kitchen was already broken down.....pretty hospitable, eh? Very. Well we ordered two plates of mussels, which both were delicious as well as came promptly. The chef surprisingly wasn't perturbed at all about our late arrival, and Michael was extremely empathetic & catering to our needs when we had arrived, over an hour AFTER they had closed the kitchen!! If I could rate this place from 1 to 10 on customer satisfaction, I'd rate it a 12 at the very least. Great job to the entire staff there, but more specifically, to the impeccable customer service Michael had delivered to us. We will definitely be back!!
(5)