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Cherry St Tavern
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Sat
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
36 reviews for Cherry St Tavern
Review Highlights
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"...delicious and I would recommend the roast beef sandwiches." In 5 reviews -
"The beer selection was very good too." In 4 reviews -
"The drinks are cheap and the sandwiches are delicious." In 3 reviews
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36 reviews in English
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Review from Ron G.
Lansdale, PA
5/5/2012
Echoing many of the prior reviews, Cherry St is definitely a local bar that seems to attract both older, blue collar, heartier folk exchanging war stories, as well as young hipsterish kids analyzing the biblical history LOST is based on. Nonetheless, a "cheers" like atmosphere greets you where when you ask for a mixed drink a waitress as handsome as Carla will ask you if you want a double.
Decent beer selection with the standard big guys and handful of the usual suspect micros, served cold and at a decent price.
Had the hot pork sandwich, the waitress said they're known for it. It was very good, esp the bread that was dipped in au jus. Friend had the nachos, they were chips with shredded cheese on top...you're not coming here for the food unless its the roast beef or hot pork. Problem was the food took FOREVER. But...this really isn't the place to come for a quick dinner, a quick beer? Sure, but you'll probably end up staying longer than you thought. -
Review from Shannon P.
Philadelphia, PA
3/3/2012
I went here for a Friday happy hour yesterday and thought it was pretty chill but was off my demographic. Not the type of place you'll find 20-somethings, more like 40 and 50-somethings. The happy hour from 5-7 is pretty good...$3 Yeung Ling drafts and $2.50 Yeung Ling light bottles. I ended up having a flying fish, guinness, and a lakes (something like that) porter. The home run of this place is the "beef and cheese" and not the type you lay on your bff's chest. The roast beef is piled high with a melty piece of provolone cheese. Served with a homemade pickle and a jar of horseradish that packs a punch. I ended up causing a choking scene because I got too confident with the horsey. I thought I'd only want half a sandwich...but then I ordered another one.
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Review from Jen K.
11/22/2011
I have been here several times with an organization I belong to. We have our meetings here.
Awesome little dive. This is an olllllddddd neighborhood-y bar. The atmosphere is nothing to scream about, but I could totally see people getting down and dancing in this place, if given the right circumstances. They have a great selection of beer on tap (Hop Devil!). I only had the potato soup, which was delicious, but everyone I go with always indulges further and raves about the food, roast beef sandwiches are apparently #1.
The staff is super friendly and they really make you feel at home.
Cheers! -
Review from Christine B.
Philadelphia, PA
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
I haven't been here in a long time, but I made it out for a charity drinking event being hosted by a friend. The staff gave us the back room, and we pretty much had it to ourselves. Food was pretty quickly ordered as the drinks were quickly consumed, standard list of beers, plus a few craft options. I had to try the roast beef. It was great, very juicy and good flavor, not too much fat. The cheddar on the other hand was shredded out of a bag. Recommendation: go with the provolone. A huge bonus is the horseradish served alongside the sandwiches, it was a little on the sweet side, but still good. The staff was very friendly even as our group got a little rowdy, and I love that the sandwiches are made at the counter while you watch. It's definitely a dive bar, but has some charming old school touches and good food that take it up a notch.
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Review from Ettya F.
7/24/2011
5 stars because sometimes you just want a pitcher of beer of to drown your sorrows in or to revel in ecstasy with.
...and you want the liberty to decide whether your pitch of beer is filled with Blue Moon, Guinness, Yuengling, or any of the other happy standards, which are accompanied by several delightful local Micro Brews.
Cherry Street's got that down home vibe complete with jukebox and veteran patrons who have probably been going to Cherry Street since 1975.
So if you're convinced that all bars have to have a theme, and that all bars have to serve the most mod cocktails, then 1) I've got unpleasant words for you and 2) Cherry Street don't give a shit about your fancy-pants ways.
But if you just wanna have a beer with your Friends (in Low Places, of course), come to Cherry Street and you're garaunteed to find a joint:
"Where the whiskey drowns
And the beer chases my blues away
And I'll be okay
I'm not big on social graces
Think I'll slip on down to the oasis
Oh, I've got friends in low places"Listed in: Feed the Addiction: Alcohol
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Review from Louis D.
1/16/2012
This place is pretty great and hilarious. It's a total dive bar. Came here once for happy hour. They have a decent number of beers on tap and the place is pretty quiet with really nice bartenders. Also came in here on a Saturday night at about 11:00 pm, so prime drinking time, and the place was totally empty, which having already been well into my night I found pretty funny. We sat down, had a quiet couple of beers and took off, but I'll be back soon enough.
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Review from Erin D.
6/19/2011
For this review, I'm posting about the food. I don't drink so I know it kind of defeats the purpose of going to a tavern, but I wasn't the one that picked the place. :)
I'm a fan of dives, and while I'm sure this wasn't a dive at one point, it kind of is now, and could probably use a renovation, but the food certainly does NOT.
My dad and I arrived in Philly for a family reunion, and after meeting my brother at the 30th street station, we headed out for lunch. My dad picked the place.
We arrived at Cherry Street Tavern (this after a near miss of getting my car door ripped off by a passing vehicle (btw, if you have to park on the street, be VERY careful getting out street side, it's not a wide street!). True, the tavern is not modern. The wooden bar has probably been there since the day it opened, the floor hasn't been redone in a long time, and there was a giant chunk of foam taken out of my seat, but all things considered it was still decent. I don't see more than 50 people fitting into this place comfortably though!
We were the only ones in there at the time, but to be fair, it WAS 2 p.m. and a weekend, so I'm sure the crowds come later in the evening.
I ordered a diet coke and turkey hoagie. Brother had the corned beef sandwich on wheat and dad had the liverwurst and onion sandwich on wheat, and both had beer.
I don't know about their food, (they said the enjoyed it), but my hoagie was to DIE for. The turkey was freshly cut from the package, (we actually watched the bartender slice it!) there was fresh cracked pepper in the sandwich, and the cheese, lettuce, and tomato, and mayo were super yummy. If I didn't know better, I would have thought they baked their own hoagie bread! I want another one right now!
As you can see, I enjoyed myself. Since I have family to see up here on a more regular basis, I'll probably find myself back here in no time for another hoagie! -
Review from Aruna A.
11/26/2011
Recently came here for a birthday party - and was pretty pleased with the service. We had a large amount of space set aside for us, the bartenders were super nice, and the drinks came pretty fast. Despite the fact that we were pretty rowdy, they were super awesome. I was impressed. Would definitely go back for more fun times!
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Review from Lou P.
12/15/2010 7 Check-ins Here
They have beer on tap
There's no definitive draw
Kind of eh, whatev
I'd definitely classify this as a super laid back neighborhood bar where the locals may stare for a moment if you're an unfamiliar face strolling through the door. I wouldn't classify it as the type of neighborhood bar I enjoy, however.
I work nearby a few days a week so I go here all the time for a quick bite before evening meetings or a beer or two afterward. The biggest draw for the place is the proximity, not the ambiance or quality.
Let's start with the good. They have a decent beer selection which usually includes some local brews and always a porter or two aside from Guinness. They have a lot of space for seating, and the back room has a decently sizeable TV for watching games. There seems to be a good amount of Hockey fans here, so it's likely a great Flyers place as well.
The thing about the place is that I can't think of any real reason to go back, or to recommend it to anyone else. The food sometimes comes out hot, sometimes lukewarm. The beer is always cold but overall the drinks are a little on the steep side for what the place is. It's a little too loud and the tables could definitely stand a wipe down from a clean rag. The people aren't overly friendly, but they're not terribly rude either (most of the time.)
Really, I have nothing much to say about Cherry St. other than "eh, I've been there. I'll be there again. It is what it is."Listed in: Sub-Star Bars I still Frequent
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Review from Ronald V.
Philadelphia, PA
5/22/2011
Maybe there is something wrong with me, but I find it crassly charming that this place has an old urine trough at the base of the bar.
Cherry St is a dank and dark neighborhood bar in one of the nicest parts of the city. Drinks are cheap, there's a dart board in the back and an old school sandwich man in the front. Simple and uncomplicated. -
Review from Erin G.
Philadelphia, PA
10/6/2008
I popped in here after an event on the parkway. This place as a comfortable, around-the-way feel, and a beautiful long, mirrored bar. For a neighborhood joint, they have a decent selection of local beers, and I love the long, public-style table in the front room.
The back is typical grungy sports bar, and the wood paneling is definitely "grandparent's basement," but the beer is cold and the folks are friendly. -
Review from Martha M.
Ardmore, PA
8/27/2008
I love Cherry Street!!!
I am always greeted with smiles from the staff. The selection of drinks, food and music are always great. Cherry Street is like an old friend...the neighborhood bar where you feel comfortable yet hip and fun.
Cherry Street is very clean; the food is excellent; the drinks are always cold and the owners treat you like family.
They have the best hot pork sandwiches in Philly, and the homemade chili is to die for. You're missing out if you don't check this place out! -
Review from Chrissy R.
Philadelphia, PA
1/7/2008
This is a fantastic neighborhood bar. Friendly and fun atmosphere. Their food is just delicious and I would recommend the roast beef sandwiches.
There is plenty of room here in the back room for groups. Maybe a future yelp happy hour location! -
Review from Louis K.
Philadelphia, PA
4/16/2008
Cherry Street Tavern has to be the best Neighborhood bar in Center City.
After work it's the perfect place for happy hour. It's not the place to be "scene", but the place to relax, have a beer, watch the game and have the Citys best roast beef sandwich with a piece of Prov on top.Listed in: Top Restaurants, My Neighborhood
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Review from Erik E.
Philadelphia, PA
10/5/2011
Love the Cherry St Tavern. Great corner bar. I love the vintage feel here . The sandwiches and soups are really good. The roast beef is amazing. They usually have a pretty solid selection of drafts here and the bar tender is not only really nice all the time but she's super gorgeous too which is a nice touch lol. I've been going here for a few years now and its been the same staff the entire time which speaks for itself. This place is like a cool little cubby for me to get saucy at whilst in center city. -__-
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Review from Simon E.
Philadelphia, PA
1/15/2008
Great bar, good selection of local brews and the sandwiches are solid, packed full of meat and the ideal partner to a cold brew.
The back bar is definitely lacking in atmosphere, I would suggest always being in the front bar even if it means you have to stand. The jukebox is the standard fare and you can generally find anything you want.
It tends to get fairly busy with the after work crowd on a Friday evening but seems to calm down after about 8. One of my favourite spots to while the evening away with a beer, watching the baseball.
Staff are generally friendly and helpful. The urinals have even been upgraded with a flush in the last year, classy. -
Review from Michelle C.
Philadelphia, PA
9/19/2008
One of my close friends introduced me to Cherry St. Tavern because her fiance lives around the corner and it's their go-to spot for beer in a laid-back environment. Something about the place reminds me of my grandparents' basement, but in a good way. It's just a comfortable place to be.
Pitchers are available, food is basic but pretty darn good (especially while trying to soak up the alcohol), there's a juke box filled with classics and last but not least, there is a super cute bartender. What else could a girl need? -
Review from Stan A.
Oxnard, CA
11/15/2009
This place was aweful. There were about 4 or five persons in the bar, but the bartender was too busy chatting up the locals to notice me for about 10 minutes. It went down hill from there.
I ordered a beer and a menu. OK, she got that right. I then ordered a sandwich based on some of the reviews here. She asked if I wanted mustard, and I specifically said "No Thanks, just mayo". Not only did the thing come with mustard, but the sandwich guy brought additional mustard. WTF? I began to eat my mustard sandwich and watch the guy making them. Spooky. I don't remember ever seeing him wipe the one knife he used for just about everything, nor did he wear gloves, clean the slicer etc.. Luckily I didn't get sick.
The "festivities" concluded with a second beer, this time served in a cracked glass for my amusement.
These things were all mentioned to the bartender, no comps. I guess she and the locals were too busy chatting to care.
Will NEVER be back. The health department might be though... -
Review from Jay J.
Philadelphia, PA
7/17/2009
Cherry Street Tavern may be my favorite bar in Philly.
I'd describe it as a working-class neighborhood bar (although, its not really in a working class neighborhood). There seems to be a nice mix of older regulars, younger professionals and not-annoyingly-hip hipsters.
The menu is small, but if you're in the mood for a world-class hot beef and cheese you'll be more than satisfied. The beer selection is good and the drinks are well made.
The service is always exceptional. Don't be afraid if you walk in there and you only see two or three people working, you'll still get better service than 95% of other Philly bars.
Another benefit of this bar is that it is hardly ever crowded. They have a large back room for busy lunches or game nights, but you can almost always find a seat or two at the bar.
If you are looking for 'scene' then just stay away, but if you are looking for a chill place to have a beer, then I highly recommend this bar. -
Review from Brad P.
10/11/2008
This bar has plenty of space, cheaper booze than many other Philadelphia bars, and is as unpretentious as you can get. The music is kept at an adequate volume and the crowd is very diverse.
This isn't the place to hear extremely loud music, wait too long for your beer, and spend 40 dollars to walk out sober. This is a place where you can get drunk with your friends in a comfortable environment. The only place where I'll knock points down here is the food. I've sampled almost everything on the menu and nothing stands out. -
Review from Walter K.
3/31/2010
There's one special thing about this bar: You can stumble out and walk along the river. Other than that....nada.
It has a slightly thoughtful beer list, a few beers like Dogfish Head, Stouds, and PBC sit inbetween Miller, Coors, Harp, Guiness, ect. The prices are good, as is the service. It doesn't look like a place I'd like to grab a meal.
There's not much going on in terms of atmosphere. It looks dumpy from the outside, and stepping inside is no different. It does have a nice, large wooden bar. Other than that, there are a few tables, and a large back room.
Bottom Line: This place is fine for where it is. I'm not in this area often, and the bar has no pull at all. I'll be surprised if I am here again. -
Review from Brooke Z.
Philadelphia, PA
7/27/2011
About once a week my husband says two very provocotive words to me "Cherry Street?" Now that I don't work in the city anymore, it's tough for me to meet him there, so we don't go as often as we would like to.
You see, my husband is crazy for Cherry Street's roast beef sandwiches. And I have to admit, there are the best I have tasted. You can see the sandwich guy slicing the roast by hand at the end of the bar, which is kinda cool.
They also usually have a soup of the day, which I almost always order and have never been disappointed. I distinctly remember a very flavorful Irish potato soup. My husband enjoys their beer selection.
I guess the only negative, if I have to pick one, is they do have a very limited menu if you are not in the mood for a roast beef or a hoagie, and they don't serve fries. :( -
Review from Jordan P.
Saint Louis, MO
6/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Relaxed bar with a nice bartender and darts.
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Review from Daniel P.
Philadelphia, PA
6/24/2011
Top notch. Old style bar/pub...great service...at home feeling...recession friendly pricing...no trends here folks, just tradition!
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Review from Sylvia M.
Philadelphia, PA
2/8/2010
How to begin... not bad, not great, not cheap, not expensive... the only reason why I've gone here is because it's a couple blocks away from where I live.
The service is ok... seems like the place where the better they know you the nicer they are. The food seems to take forever but they're always asking if you need another drink, so in that case they're great!
I'd recommend this if you're trying to hang out with some friends who can be annoying and have nothing to talk about it, the music is loud and the tv's are hard to avoid... it's perfect for draining out conversations. -
Review from Edward L.
Greensboro, NC
5/20/2009
I have a love/hate relationship with this place. Sometimes I really like it there. A ball game is on or the atmosphere is just right. The prices are great. Don't get me wrong. In fact, the food is good too.
But sometimes this place is a bit too sad and lonely, like the people in there are desparately waiting for enlightenment from the stranger at the other end of the bar. -
Review from J F.
Narberth, PA
6/14/2011
Went here this past weekend for our friend's birthday. Our friend's sister told them it was his birthday, and they were really sweet and brought out a piece of cheese with a candle in it. I did notice that it was mostly an older crowd here, but everyone seemed friendly and polite. I really liked how there is so much history here and how neat it is. The beer selection was very good too! The entrance is confusing though-it is not the door in the corner on the front that you might think it would be, but instead on the side. I hope to go back again soon.
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Review from Brad P.
Philadelphia, PA
5/1/2010
Fantastic sandwiches. Beyond that, there isn't much of a variety, but I haven't had a bad sandwich there!
The drinks are cheap, and it's a fun, small environment, with a lot of locals. A great place to stop in and grab a bite to eat and talk it up with some friends -
Review from Jess D.
11/21/2010
This definitely has to be my favorite local neighborhood bar. Only problem is that it is not in my neighborhood but by my friend's apartment instead. The drinks are cheap and the sandwiches are delicious. The owners are really nice and the atmosphere is simple. Its a great place for a few drinks and something simple to eat without the fuss.
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Review from Rachel F.
Philadelphia, PA
3/18/2008
I LOVE the Cherry Street! I started going when I moved into a place up the street, and its a great neighborhood bar. No one goes there because its fashionable or a hot spot. They go because they want to knock back a few good (and reasonably priced) beers, sit with their friends, maybe buy a pretty girl a drink, and eat really good nachos. The roast beef sandwiches are good too, but I have a really soft spot for the nachos. The bartenders are all really nice, and the bar itself beautiful. Warning: they like to serve large drinks! So, if you want a normal sized drink (think rum and coke, or g&t's, normal stuff like that) ask for the small or single size. Their shots are also reasonably priced as well!
Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Jeremy B.
Philadelphia, PA
9/18/2008
I am sad because I don't live around the corner any longer but definitly drop in when I am near it. Great jukebox, good sandwiches and cold beer means good times for me.
Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Kristin C.
Philadelphia, PA
1/20/2010
Love Cherry Street. It's truly a neighborhood spot, but it has a very loyal following of west market street business folks. My father tells me every time I'm in there with him that Rollie Massimino brought the entire Villanova Squad in there for hot roast beef sanwhiches after a game at the Wachoiva Center one weekend back in the 90's. It's got that cozy corner bar feeling without being kind of dirty like some can be, and the hot roast beef and roast pork sandwiches are amazing. They also have a pretty huge television in the backroom for your sports watching purposes. Nothing fancy, no frills, just a solid spot and I'm glad to call it my corner bar.
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Review from Caroline P.
Philadelphia, PA
Updated - 12/16/2009 1 Check-in Here
my work xmas party was held here last nite. The staff was AWESOME and honestly they have one of the best hot roast beef sandwiches in town!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/13/2008
very casual place to stop in for a beer after work or on a sunday afternoon. It's literally the… Read more »
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Review from J P.
Philadelphia, PA
4/3/2008
Great for after work beers. They pour a lot of good beer and some bad ones too. The meatball sandwich will make you want another. I love grabbing pitchers of dog fish head here. I stop in when walking home from work sometimes. I'll be the fat kid with snauce all over my shirt, chugging beer from the pitcher. Or not.
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Review from Yo U.
San Jose, CA
9/19/2009
The beef sandwich with provolone that I tried was alright, but nothing exceptional. The patrons are, ermm, reserved. I wouldn't be in a huge rush to hurry back here.
It's a pity, really, because the owner and staff seemed rather nice. -
Review from kristine l.
Cerritos, CA
3/13/2009
This place will surprise you! It looks like a dump on the outside but when you walk in it's pretty descent. I can tell they have regulars and some newbies. The crowd is a mix from early 20s to 70's. Everyone is friendly and you can't beat the prices on drinks. Even the bathroom was descent with toilet paper. I'm not trying to be funny, but some dives you usually are afraid to rub your eyes or drink from a glass. I'm not saying I would eat off the floor but I am saying I will go back.
