The Olde Bar

Let me start off by saying nothing was particularly «bad». Some things were good, some other things not so much. We started off with the Olde Bar Fries which honestly were some of the best, if not the best fries I’ve ever had. You get a huge mound of them and it’s definitely enough for two. The cheese, crab, and prep of them is pretty perfect. The snapper turtle soup was good enough, but the sherry cream that comes with it, is waaaaaay overpowering. I tried just putting the tiniest of bits in and I still could taste it over the soup, so it went unused.
Next we did the raw bar tower. What this consists of is everything in the raw bar menu. I love oysters, but am no where near an expert. I have seen the same exact prices elsewhere, but $ 40 for a dozen is too much for me. You can find ones very similar in taste, for a lot less. These were pretty small. The clams were raw with nothing else to them. The crab cocktail tasted like it was just thrown in some mayo. That’s all we tasted was the mayo, didn’t even finish it. The shrimp remoulade, was 4 big ones in a sauce. The shrimp weren’t cooked 100% it wasn’t enough for me to send it back, but I could see someone else doing that. Nothing special about it. The lobster was cooked good and chilled. The dipping sauce for that was mayo based as well with, I could be wrong, but seemed like light sriracha. Was ok enough. So the fries were good, the soup was just ok, and the seafood tower was really disappointing. I certainly don’t feel like I got my moneys worth. Oh and their «punch» tasted more like lemonade than anything. The service was really friendly and great. We are most likely going to give it another visit, but certainly not getting the seafood tower again. If you’re looking for a seafood spot, look elsewhere, we are certainly going to.

Went here for restaurant week + happy hour and ordered the following:
1. Dollar oysters — better than those from Oyster House! Really good deal for $ 1 each
2. Olde Dock Street Oyster Stout — I’ve had better but not bad
3. Oysters Belmont — a better version of Oysters Rockefeller; love the manchego in it!
4. Steak Oscar — what won me over was the crab hollandaise which was a nice addition to the usual steak dish
5. S’mores verrine — not bad, not too sweet, just right (not great either)
Love the ambiance as well! Service was impeccable. Will be back.

We went for Philly restaurant week and although there were some snafus (our reservations were lost somehow and the first server we had just did not want to be there at all and it showed), it turned out being a nice experience nonetheless. The hostess was very nice and accommodating and we ended up with another server who was much more upbeat and attentive. The drinks were fantastic and the food was excellent. Our table ordered the NE clam chowder, the oysters (which were phenomenal) and the steaks topped with crab meat. Our one friend’s cut of the steak was not acceptable, it was a much smaller, tougher end piec, which had no business being served. That being said aside from those restaurant week issues, this place is worth the time to check out.

Really like it for Happy Hour one of my go to places in Philly right now. Comfy atmosphere, great drink options with a variety of wine/​beer/​cocktails, Buck a Shuck are one of the best in the city (Oyster House being the other), mussels with garlic bread we always ask for more bread no problem, and shrimp. Staff if very friendly as well.

Overall a disappointing visit to the Olde Bar for dinner.
First the positives — the Fish House Punch was very good. Also the bar area is very well done and evokes Olde Philadelphia well. Unfortunately we were seated in a room off the bar area that had very little personality and felt like a slightly wider hallway.
The negatives — the Welsh Rarebit had no personality and the bread was hard as a brick. The fish in the Fish & Chips tasted like it had been reheated and not very good quality fish. Paled in comparison to the Dandelion, 20 Manning and even Mrs. Pauls.
Service was mediocre — server did not mention the specials at all and a inquiry about the temperature (it dropped 10 degrees when the air conditioning came on) was never answered.
We were told they had a big 75-​person party coming later that night so perhaps the kitchen was distracted getting ready.
Would return but only to sit at the bar and grab some punch for happy hour. Would not return for the food.

Sometimes you just have to give credit for a great idea. Jose Garces’s decision to open up the bar and adjoining room in the totally historic Old Original Bookbinders was brilliant. Choose a simple name — The Olde Bar — highlight oysters and back it up with a limited but varied enough food and drink menu … and you’re off and running. And The Olde Bar has not stopped since its opening. Some special things here include a delicious Fish House Punch (America’s first cocktail originating in Colonial Philadelphia) and a seven-​day-​a-​week Happy Hour. And with buck-​a-​shucks offered at Happy Hour as well as the opportunity of drinking & dining in this historic old-​time atmosphere, you just can’t beat this place. So join it!

We came in here just to have drinks at 7pm on a Friday night and were able to grab s seat at the bar which was not a problem at all. The bartenders were very attentive and immediately served us. First I had a whisky sour and my date ordered the pepper pot. I liked the ginger flavor with the hint of pepper so much that he switched drinks with me. (I know he’s a great guy)
however the highlight of our evening was the gin fizz that I ordered. I never knew how much work goes into this drink so please appreciate the next time you order one here. I had the pleasure of popping Kevin’s «the bartender in training» gin fizz cherry. He has to shake this drink made with love until the 2 ice cubes are dissolved and then pour to a perfect head! He did awesome and there’s a pic to prove it.

Think of this as my rough draft of a review for The Olde Bar. The BF and I went on the Monday post-​Pope weekend, and the Olde Bar was still trying to get their footing back after a slow/​disappointing weekend.
Because they had a limited menu, we didn’t get the full experience we were hoping to. Having said that, the food we did have was really tasty! We went for a light dinner/​happy hour and had: 6 oysters, the beef fat fries, and steamed mussels. The oysters were incredibly fresh, cleaned beautifully, and came with delicious accompanying sauces. The beef fat fries were indulgent and rich — crispy on the outside and tender inside. The steamed mussels were buttery and delicate. I wish we got more bread to soak up the delicious broth!
Our server was great — really nice, personable, and easy-​going. She kept apologizing for the state of the menu/​lack of full menu/​slow weekend, but we assured her we could roll with the punches, which put her at ease, I think.
Based on this first go, I’d love to check out what else The Olde Bar has to offer, hopefully with a full menu!

So far, I’m a fan! I’ve been here a few times now and feel like I can write a decently informed review.
Buck a shuck oysters all day every day for the month of September? Awesome! Their Delaware oysters are big and flavorful. The horseradish isn’t spicy, but if you mix it with the cocktail sauce, it gets a little more punch!
The Fish House Punch is a nice and not too sweet cocktail. I also tried the pisco sours this weekend and though they could use a little more lemon/​lime, they weren’t overly sweet (which is the typical faux pas you find when it comes to this awesome cocktail).
The pre fixe Pope brunch was a great idea this weekend. They weren’t busy, but the place usually isn’t packed. My friend and I both had the wedge salad, which was big and nicely dressed with the «1890» dressing — a house version on French. We also got the egg breakfast and the home fries on the side were perfectly crispy and nicely seasoned.
Service has always been great — though we lingered by the door for a while this weekend before just asking if we could seat ourselves. No one approached us, but it was on the tail end of brunch, so they probably weren’t expecting new customers.
Either way, their happy hour is a great deal and I love the ambiance in this old space. The wood carvings are gorgeous. What a nice spot in Old City!

Stumbled upon the Olde Bar while walking around and waiting to catch a ferry for a SBC concert… definitely glad we did. Although the regular menu items were a bit pricey, we caught the Saturday happy hour specials ($ 4 bartender choice draft, $ 5 fries and battered shrimp, buck a shuck Delaware bay oysters). The bartenders were friendly, and our food came out quick. Everything was extremely delicious, and we will definitely be coming back soon.
Other than the good food and the friendly service, the atmosphere was great — a vintage, historic feel with countless overflowing candlebras on the bar. If you’re on a budget, I’d definitely recommend this place for a go to happy hour spot.

First and foremost this trendy spot is definitely over priced, but you gotta hand it to ‘em. It is delicious! Their cocktail menu is very vast and unique. A friend ordered the Negroni and loved it! We ordered multiple apps including the Fanny Bay oysters, deviled eggs, and olde bar fries. The oysters were delicious, but I would probably not order the fries again. Nothing special. We also ordered the clam chowder which was the bomb. Very flavorful. For dinner I ordered the lobster roll (MP $ 26 but had to do it) and it was AWESOME! Not a standard cold, mayo lobster salad but rather a warm buttery lobster on yummy toast. I definitely suggest that if you’re unsure what to get. But if you’re craving seafood, it will be a hard decision with this place!

Extraordinarily expensive snacks and a food menu that’s about 6 items long. Complimentary «hot buttered rolls» were dry and not worth the caloric intake. My mother-​in-​law ordered a $ 24 lobster roll sans roll, and received about ½ cup of lobster in return. My wedge salad was a disgrace with wilted iceberg and literally, two other ingredients (tomato and egg). Fried oysters could have come from a fast food joint. And the mussels? Tough and flavorless.
I’d return to The Olde Bar for $ 1 Oysters and $ 5 wine, but that’s about it.

This place has such a cool feel to it. It was a great place to hide away on a hot 95 degree day. It feels like someones very class library lounge. We only had beers ($ 6 — $ 7) but we will definitely be back to try some food and some of the great looking cocktails.
We were here a few weeks back for an event for my college in the room next door. Its pretty large and the catered food and open bar was nice. I do remember being freezing cold that day (it was raining out).

Went with a few couples last Saturday for their Weekend Happy Hour. How cool is that? $ 1 oysters were great so we did 3 dozen! Our cocktails were delicious, and Michael our bartender must have been an old guy in a young guys body. A true Craftsman at his trade, and totally personable! Can’t wait to go back.

Buck a Shuck Happy Hour!
Checked out Olde Bar on a Saturday for their happy hour specials. Even the cold didn’t keep the crowds down, but I’m happy to report happy hour applies in the dining room as well as the bar! We sat down and ordered our 1^st dozen. The only rule seems to be that you have to order a dozen at a time and finish them before the next round arrives. I can take out a dozen pretty quickly but appreciate them wanting to keep the oysters fresh. The special were blue points and may have been the best oysters I’ve had in the city. They barely needed any lemon or vinaigrette. Of coiurse, their vinaigrette was awesome. The only complaint we could come up with was the horseradish was weak.
As for drinks, I went with the Fish House Punch. It was also included in the happy hour special. Wow. The balance was great with a hint of nutmeg. I was going to sample another cocktail, but decided another punch was the way to go.
I’ll be back for another happy hour for sure and am thinking I need to try their fish and chips as well…

For the love of lobster!
why delicious food has to cost a fortune.
My friend and I went for happy hour followed by dinner two weeks ago. I haven’t been to the original old Bookbinders before, and that was just about to change, when my friend suggested we try the Olde Bar out.
We had the Battered Shrimp and Sauteed Mussels from the happy hour menu. I ordered the Lobster Roll as my entrée, and she got the Fish n Chips.
I might be late into the game, but it’s never too late to try an oyster for the first time. I was debating, and I wasn’t sure if I would even give it a go. After a brief negotiation with my self, I decided to get ONE OYSTER, and maybe an empty bucket– just in case LOL. When Sam, our server, brought out the oyster in a martini glass (swoon) and placed it in front of me, the table next to us started to cheering me up. Okay! now I’m under the spotlight and, I had no choice but to put that oyster in my mouth. And I sure did! I wish I’ve saved my first oyster-​shell and made it in a pendant of victory.
I thought I was a food adventurous, until I realized I, also, have never tried mussels (lame, I know!) So I did, and history was made, a lot of memories were created in the Olde Bar. I thought Mussels would taste worst, but it was just fine, and I’m pretty sure it won’t be my last.
I’m certain the chef is so proud of his Maine Lobster, which was cool and extra creamy, coated in Celery Seed Mayo, on a toasted bun. The Old Bay Chips was the perfect accompaniment. I also should mention that my friend enjoyed her Battered Cod & Beef Fat Fries, and when I tasted it, it was like a a treat inside my mouth.
Overall, the Olde Bar had an outstanding service, and scrumptious food, but it was a bit on the dear side.
Pro tip: Try to come for the special menu during happy hour (daily 4pm-​6pm), or late night (Sun –Thur 10pm-​12am, Fri & Sat 11pm-​1am.)
Four Unilocal

Really disappointing experience. We decided to start our Friday night here and we were excited to check out this place. We sat at the bar since there were only two other groups there. We asked about the food options and the bartender informed us that the kitchen was closed. This is where the staff was flawed: instead of a quick apology and taking our drink order, they instead told us to go someplace else down the street to eat. We had to explain to them that we were here for their drinks and that eating wasn’t our main priority. It was surprising that a nearly empty bar on a Friday night would actually send away customers instead of trying to keep their business. We stayed and ordered one round since this interaction made us feel unwelcome.
I ordered the pepper pot — delicious! If you like a peppery-​ginger taste, then order this!
The two bartenders spoke to the other two small groups at the bar — instead of us, so after finishing our first round we asked for the bill. Only once I put on my coat did someone come over and ask how I enjoyed my drink. I raved about it because I’ve never had anything like it. It’s strange that the staff didn’t recognize that a simple conversation with their patrons would have kept us there for one more round — increasing their business.
We typically look for bars that have great mixologists because we enjoy the interaction with them and their conversation. I would understand being ignored IF they were busy, but not under these circumstances.

I’m all for going back to the Olde Bar during happy hour to grab a drink and snack at the bar. The ambiance is stellar and, from what I did try, the place sure does have great potential. But, boy, those prices!
First: Shout-​out to our awesome server. She was very nice and accommodating! Everyone working seemed to be really friendly, and that’s great.
For my first visit, I went with the $ 12 Clover Club (Bluecoat Gin, Dolin Vermouth, raspberry syrup, lemon, egg white) from their signature cocktail list. This was good, but small for the price and a bit too sweet for me. There was also a bunch of foam on top that took away from the drink.
The food menu is based heavily in seafood offerings, so keep that in mind. I’m not big on fish so I ordered the $ 8 beef fat fries with old bay mayo. Definitely a generous portion size! The mayo was a fine complement too.
Overall, I enjoyed my time here. Best of luck, Olde Bar!

Stopped by for happy hour, which is 5−7PM Monday through Friday and 4−6PM weekends. $ 1 oysters!!!
— Blue point oysters: These were the happy hour oysters. Large, meaty east coast oysters. Shucked well.
— Roll mops: Interesting anchovy snack with pickled cucumbers and soured cream. Nice and salty.
— Golden buck: If you like cheese go for this one. It’s basically bread with a cheddar cheese sauce mixed with an oxtail marmalade topped with a runny egg. The citrus of the marmalade overpowered a bit too much in this dish.
— Beef cut fries: Comes with old bay mayo.
— Snapper soup: Perfect choice for a cold day =) Well seasoned soup with little pieces of turtle meat and veggies. Garnished with a hard boiled quail egg and served with a small dish of sherry espuma. A spoonful of the sherry espuma added to my soup was enough for me, just to add a little kick. Great version of a classic soup.

We came here only for drinks, but based on our experience this place deserves five stars.
Located in the old Bookbinders building (one of the prettiest in Philly!), the Olde Bar offers up oysters and snacks like nobody’s business. They also make a mean cocktail. The service is impeccable. There was a man opening the door up for patrons that were walking up to the building, imploring us to «come on in and get warm!» Thumbs up.
The hostess was also really nice and offered us three different options for seating, saying she would just like us to be comfortable. Two thumbs up.
The drinks were great. I got the Olde Cuban (rum, lime juice, champagne, and mint) and my dining partner got the Pepperpot (vodka, peppercorns, etc.). Both drinks were on point. And to end the night, the waiter (Russell) took a stab at my last name, which is very brave indeed since my last name is a mess. He did a great job! Thumbs up all around.