On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

Ten Stone Bar & Restaurant

3.5 star rating
based on 84 reviews

Categories: American (New), Pubs  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
2063 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 735-9939
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Lunch, Dinner
Music:
Juke Box
Best Nights:
Tue, Thu, Fri
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No
You Might Also Consider

Bridgewater's Pub

4 star rating
12 reviews
Neighborhood:
University City

"Bridgewater's is a great little bar.  It is certainly the first time in my life I've felt compelled to go drinking somewhere in a travel hub…" read more »

84 reviews for Ten Stone Bar & Restaurant

Review Highlights   

user photo
"This is a great cozy little bar with an extensive beer selection." (in 18 reviews)
user photo
"Golden Monkey on tap - hey those are my four favorite words too." (in 5 reviews)
user photo
"They do a good burger and I'm a fan of the fish tacos." (in 7 reviews)
  Loading...
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Anna M.

 

0

15

Anna M.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
11/23/2009

Ten Stone is a great place for what it is: a neighborhood bar. It has solid food--it's not extremely creative or anything, but this is a bar, not a gastro-pub, nor does it claim to be one. The atmosphere is very laid back; I've gone there wearing everything from paint-splattered ripped jeans to a cocktail dress and felt fine. Beers are great. And service is fine. Again, not spectacular, but typical for a bar. The servers and bartenders are always friendly.

It's my number one neighborhood go-to, and that includes for takeout when I don't feel like cooking. The tuna wrap is divine if you like rare tuna with a wasabi kick.

I will reiterate that it is loud on weekends. But a great place to watch a Phillies game...

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Deann M.

Elite '09

12

61

Deann M.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
11/20/2009

I would love to give Ten Stone a higher rating based on their beer selection and the tasty chicken brie melt I had there, but the place is just too darn loud.  I would actually give them 3.5 stars if that was an option.  I have been here a couple times and each time I have had to yell above the deafening jukebox which was playing less than desirable tunes.  Having to yell my conversations over the other 100 people yelling their conversations makes for a rather unrelaxing evening.

But onto the food and drinks.

I had the chicken brie melt which comes on onion ciabatta bread, and it is seriously almost a foot long.  However the chicken is spread pretty thin across the bread, so you're mostly eating the bread.  I hate tomatoes but the balsamic-marinated cherry tomatoes in this sandwich were the perfect complement to the creamy brie.  Overall the sandwich would get 4 stars.  They had several beers on tap including a few Northern California beers that reminded me of home.

One puzzling thing is the fact that the appetizers were just as much or more in price as the sandwiches.  This is a shame because they all sounded so good, however paying $11 for an appetizer when my sandwich was only $10 seemed a bit wonky in my opinion.  Service was attentive and friendly despite how busy it was.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Brian R.

Elite '09

8

115

Brian R.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
11/13/2009

They have a great tasting quesadilla for just $9.00. The red tortilla was stuffed with chicken cheese, mushrooms, peppers and caramelized onions and on the side guacamole, freshly made pico de gallo and sour cream.

The jerk chicken spring roll was also tasty.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Bobby P.

 

1

24

Bobby P.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
11/22/2009

Yes, it's loud on the weekends and the jukebox could be turned down a peg or two, but as long as you're aware of and ok with that before going in it shouldn't be a problem. It's much more relaxed on the weekdays.

The crown is mostly 20-somethings either in college or fresh out, but for the most part everyone knows how to behave themselves. This isn't a destination that attracts people coming in to the city to get drunk and act obnoxious (I'm looking at you, Jersey).

Nice beer selection, decent food, and being 3 blocks from my front door make this my numero duo neighborhood bar of choice.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Kevin P.

 

3

30

Kevin P.

Washington, DC

4 star rating
11/4/2009

I think it's pretty safe to say that Ten Stone is a solid Philly bar. It has a very neighborhoody feel, but doesn't cross the line into dive territory. I've eaten here twice and was quite happy with the food I had each time. I was most impressed with the beer selection, though. Their 8 or 10 taps were filled with beers I had never had or never heard of. I love trying new beers, and do it quite frequently, so it's not very common for me to come across a bar where the majority of beers are completely new to me. So Ten Stone gets some bonus points in that category.

In general, I really liked it, and will most certainly return!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Aaron T.

 

0

2

Aaron T.

State College, PA

4 star rating
12/1/2009

Ten Stone is a nice little bar with good atmosphere and a simple menu.  I went on a sunday around noon and got the breakfast burrito.  It was delicious and the prices are very reasonable.  Also, they have a decent beer selection.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Elizabeth B.

Elite '09

21

132

Elizabeth B.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
Updated - 9/15/2009

OK Ten Stone. I came again and had your chicken brie melt and it was amazing! I love this sandwich! I also had a side salad which was a terrific compliment, even though you brought me mango dressing instead of orange. (The lemon thyme dressing is really unique and delicious!)

The service was slower than ever. Steve, you are very friendly and helpful but maybe you need an extra hand during lunch on weekdays. Something was wrong in the kitchen so they were not making fried foods (a blessing in disguise I suppose).

So, we just sat outside and people/dog watched, enjoying the sunny weather. It's weird to me that so many people feel "out of place" here. I always feel welcome no matter what I'm wearing/doing/etc. My advice to newcomers: come for the beer selection, the chicken brie sandwich, and to enjoy the company of whoever you're with. Who cares about everyone else!

Was this review …?

 

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 3 star rating
    9/8/2009

    I have not been a huge  fan of Ten Stone in the past, and it has yet to win me over. Since it's in… Read more »

Photo of Julia N.

Elite '09

55

101

Julia N.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
8/7/2009

My overwhelming impression of this place is LOUD. Like, forget about talking to anyone except the person right next to you loud.

Decent beer list, although I always seem to find myself squinting at the chalkboard to see it, and the food is OK bar food - the cheese fondue is good for sharing.

Definitely a polo shirt and khaki kinda crowd, and the jukebox is one of those electronic jukeboxes that only has the singles from most albums. I hate that.

This place isn't offensive or anything, but there are so many other awesome choices in the area.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Jackie D.

 

1

40

Jackie D.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
11/7/2009

This is an easy review.  Horrendous service.  Subpar food.  Incredibly loud.  Packed with college kids.  The positives?  Decent selection of draft beer, and Mike the bartender.  That is all.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Kathryn M.

Elite '09

24

120

Kathryn M.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
8/25/2009

Go for the beer and maybe the Brie and Blue Cheese Fondue. Stick to that.

I live about a stone's throw from Ten Stone and want more than anything for this place to be THE SPOT. Yet the convenience factor is overshadowed by the lack of decent food and the mediocre waitservice. The beer list is pretty great and changes frequently which is great for trying different brews and flavors. I particularly like that they seem to take into account the changing seasons so you can usually find a few summer beers in the summer and a few pumpkin or autumn ales in the fall. The place is pretty huge as there are two rooms for dining and another large room with pool tables and dart boards. When I've gone for beer and games I've absolutely loved this place. When I've gone for food.....heartbreak.

Also, be careful if you are heading there on a weekend night as the place gets extremely loud and it becomes virtually impossible to hear the person next to you. But find a spot in the back room and you should be fine.

Other pluses: They have an ATM inside and they offer outdoor seating when the weather is nice.

All in all, this is a place that is good in theory and not so good in practice.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Mindy Y.

Elite '09

6

40

Mindy Y.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
8/8/2009

Snore.  The place is cute, it's bigger than it appears from the outside, and the hot crab dip was pretty tasty.  Other than that, not worth frequenting.

I stopped in after work one night, and our waitress (Waitress A) came over to take my drink order right away.  Ok, good start.  Waitress B delivered the drinks, and Waitress A grabbed her purse and walked out the front door.  Um... ok...

Half hour passes.  Waitress B has walked by a few times, but hasn't paid us any attention.  Waitress A comes back in with two bags in her hand.  I guess she had to run out for provisions to restock the bar.  Waitress A comes back to check on us, and remembered that one person at our table ordered water 45 min ago and hadn't yet gotten it.  I had to laugh when someone described her as having the personality of a rock, lol.  it was pretty accurate actually.

Two drinks and an hour and a half later, Ten Stone and I parted ways.  Doubtful there will be a reunion any time soon.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Larissa B.

 

6

23

Larissa B.

Conshohocken, PA

5 star rating
9/15/2009

I have been a big fan for years. I love the outdoor seating, always a cool crowd, especially for games. Excellent beer selection, and good food. The mussels are great and many of there salads are top notch.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Serge B.

Elite '09

2

43

Serge B.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
8/7/2009

Very reliable bar in the area.  Food's usually above-average (then again, I rarely eat there).  There are enough rooms to keep you entertained (pool, darts, tv's, etc).  Service can be hit-or-miss, so try sitting at the bar or (gasp!) tip well.

It's surprising how many people "feel out of place" and give it a poor rating.  Just because Ten Stone doesn't serve $2 PBR's or is a hipster hangout (somehow "preppy" = conformist = bad, while American Apparel = "nonconformist" = good) doesn't mean it's a terrible place.

Try the fries and selected appetizers.  Chicken sandwich is pretty decent.  Definitely feed some dollars in the jukebox and have a good time.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Darnelle R.

Elite '09

40

71

Darnelle R.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
8/25/2009

We ventured to Ten Stone for brunch on Saturday. The menu is decent and the portions are more than enough. I'm not a fan of the layout and I can't stand wobbly tables. I mean, it's your business, surly you noticed that all of your tables are ^%@$%^$^# wobbly!! Also, Ten Stone is very stroller friendly, which annoys me to no end. Strollers should stay outside. I can't bring my bike in, you shouldn't be able to bring in strollers. plus, babies suck!! just kidding...not really! Ten Stone gets about a 7.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Kemi A.

Elite '09

25

80

Kemi A.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
3/15/2009

Really yummy fish tacos. I'm not a beer drinker BUT they served me two beers that were said to be sweet and I got real tipsy off of them. Really great service also.

One of the beer was a lambic I think , and the other was a fuille or something like that. I can't get the spelling right but they are sweet beers if you like the taste of sweet things.

For dessert I ordered the banana pudding with ice cream...nah on that one. The pudding felt hard...def not fresh or even homemade. Go elsewhere for dessert in my opinion.

Def would go back

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Bridget N.

Elite '09

5

49

Bridget N.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
7/19/2009

Ehh...this place kinda sucks. The people who go here totally suck (I felt soo out of place. Next time I'll wear boat shoes and a cardigan) and the service is worse. Well actually, no. The service didn't seem bad for the other people having brunch this morning, but my friend and I were completely ignored. We were served our waters in plastic cups while everyone else in the place had normal glasses. I am not at a barbeque, give me a real cup. We waited for like 15 minutes to even get our menus, despite the place being pretty empty. When we finally got them there were only seven or eight things to choose from. Being the horribly picky eater I am,  I was stuck to choose between French Toast, Wings, or Nachos ( I hate eggs so was not a fan of the omelette heavy menu ).  Umm..well since I just woke up I guess I'll get have to get the French Toast. My friend got a Filet Mignon Cheesesteak (I don't really know why, but hey, his meal).
We waited for a really long time to get our food and saw couples who came in after us already eating theirs, again we were completely ignored. I kept thinking, okay yes,  this place sucks but maybe the food is going to be great. Nope. It was just average. The French Toast could have been good but it was just way too sweet and I totally regret eating it now. The bread on my friend's cheesesteak was so hard he could barely bite into it.
 After waiting for the check for what seemed to be forever, we finally added in our heads and left cash on the table. Yeah, we were in that much of a hurry to get out of there.
Needless to say I will never come back to Ten Stone. We should have just gone to the Oregon Diner with the rest of hungover Philadelphia.
Oh, and they were playing all Dave Matthews music. Vomit.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of J. L.

 

0

7

J. L.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
6/12/2009

I've been to this place for lunch in the afternoon and for drinks at night, and I'd recommend going for lunch. When it gets crowded in the evenings it's SO loud. It must have something to do with how the place is built...I don't know. But it's annoying. I went here with a friend who is deaf in one ear, and we had to go all the way into the back, where there are some tables off the main bar area, to get away from the echoing racket.

I've only eaten one thing here, a salad with (I think) goat cheese, sliced apple, cashews and some other stuff, and I love it. It also has a decent beer selection.

The only reason to go to Ten Stone is if you live in the neighborhood -- there's no reason to travel very far for this place. On the plus side, the bathroom is very cool.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Dave C.

Elite '09

13

54

Dave C.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
2/17/2009

Most UPENN graduates who bite-lip and realize there's nothing for them outside of Philadelphia.. and are still desperate to live as the kids do, usually end up in the blighted awkwardness of Manyunk . They spend their weekends terrorizing local businesses, picking glass out of their palms, and grinding their teeth in the direction of rational social etiquette....

The rest....?

They frequent Ten Stone.

All the time.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of KYLE K.

Elite '09

3

84

KYLE K.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
8/14/2009

Very good beer list, good food, not great.  Simple.  Not filled with skinny jeans.  Go for a beer or ten and some food, its not a scene.  A more reserved crowd for sure, possibly Jersey peeps.  Ive never encountered service issues.  It can get loud in the backroom.  But all in all, they have outside tables, good beer and good food.  There are not too many gastro pub-esque places that arent a scene, but this one fits the bill.  I wouldn't seek TenStone out but when you are in the area hit it up.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Timothy M.

 

3

12

Timothy M.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
8/4/2009

I like the beer and atmosphere, but I just can't get over the mediocre food.  It's just not very good.  And it's never good.  Never, ever.  Not once has it been good.  Did I mention the food isn't very good?

Was this review …?

 

Photo of MaryAnn Z.

Elite '09

12

45

MaryAnn Z.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
1/5/2009

I often review things and wonder to myself "am I being too generous? Does that deserve that many stars?"

Well, worry not. Ten Stone deserves every ounce of the two stars I'm giving it.

The beer list is decent, but the prices are meh. They're not super high, but they're not great for what you're getting, either. The food is less than meh. I have never left Ten Stone and felt satisfied with the food I'd eaten. It's nice to sit outside when it's warm out, but the service can be slow and the frustration just isn't worth it.  Inside, I somehow always feel like I'm in the way, or inconveniencing the servers. Yes, I'm looking at you. I want another effing beer. It's empty. I'm going to start building things with everyone's empty glasses. COME TAKE MY ORDER. I'M EASY AND I TIP WELL.

I live within a couple blocks, and I wish I loved it. I wished it was my neighborhood watering hole. But I'll walk the extra block and a half to Grace Tavern for that.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Jessica S.

 

4

22

Jessica S.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
4/12/2009

Good food - sandwiches were delicious and edamame as an appetizer! Slow service. Awesome beer list - including Bells from Michigan! Slow service. The back area has darts and a pool table with a fireplace and a TV for game-watching. My friends and I have had too many drinks and too many inappropriate conversations in that back room.

Basically if Ten Stone had better service it would get 4 stars minimum but I just get annoyed when I wait 30 minutes to order at the beginning of the evening and then have to wait another 30 minutes for the check at the end of the night. I feel they could do a better job balancing the dual restaurant/bar (or bar/restaurant) identities...

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Marisa D.

Elite '09

34

79

Marisa D.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
10/9/2008

Ten Stone was and is one of the few places in the area that you can sit outside on a spring Saturday and sip on a hazy Belgian. Doesn't that conjure up warm and fuzzy feelings? I wish my real life experiences had measured up to that vision.

I have no qualms about their beer offerings. What I do dislike, however, is getting served a standard Belgian-style beer in a white wine glass. There's no way a white wine glass equals a pint, even when filled to the brim. It wasn't one of those crazy beers either, where they give you less because the alcohol content is so high. Unless they've invested some Belgian-style beer glasses, I suggest staying away from those types of brews.

I especially don't get the hype about the food.  In my experience, the things I've tried on the menu have been okay at best.  At worst, they were not worth the energy it took to bring the fork to my mouth, much less the time I spent making the $7-8 to pay for it. The fish and chips were the worst I've ever had - I think a box of Long John Silvers would have been more moist and fresh tasting. The chicken in theTuscan sandwich was thin and dry - barely better than jerky.

I feel like everyone else is talking about a totally different Ten Stone - and maybe it is different; maybe they've gotten a better chef in the kitchen since the last time I went there and maybe they now serve beers in all the right ounces...but based on my past experiences, I think I'll leave those mysteries for someone else to solve.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of andrea t.

Elite '09

34

173

andrea t.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
3/11/2009

DO NOT SIT AT A TABLE!!!!

The waitresses are crappy and act pissed off that they have to bring your food which is generally kinda mediocre.

The bartenders are awesome and happy to serve you. The beer selection is decent. The fish tacos are yum! The risotto fritters suck.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Ike H.

 

1

8

Ike H.

Newtown, PA

4 star rating
8/11/2009

I've been here 3 times. Each time, the service has been above average. The entrees are pretty good, but I'm a big fan of the apps. They have a terrific fondue with very generous portion.
Draft and Bottle Beer list is great. Very ecclectic list.
I haven't been here for late-night drinking, so I really can't give an opinion of that vibe.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of missy p.

Elite '09

42

71

missy p.

Philadelphia, PA

1 star rating
9/6/2008

Ten Stone is a horrible abomination. I hate it so.

The people who hang out there/sit outside are a bit on the creepy white- bread college republican side. The guys wear bland undeniably ill-fitting short sleeve button-up shirts with khaki Dockers The girls are all WASP-y as hell.

The staff?

Well, my friend Luke was eating  at Ten Stone and having a beer during the Democratic National Convention. No one was really watching the tv and nothing of importance was on so Luke (who is a super nice guy, btw) asked if they would put the DNC on so he could watch it. They said 'No'. He was then informed that "Ten Stone is a REPUBLICAN bar. If you don't like it leave."

Never going here again.

PS- What kind of bar shows sports on TV and doesn't offer pitchers? What's that about?

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Katie L.

 

26

25

Katie L.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
7/23/2009

Went here on a whim one night while roaming south street with my friend, and I must say I wasn't impressed at all. The people we were meeting there absolutely loved this place, I on the other hand, felt very out of place here. I felt like my wardrobe stuck out since I had forgotten my cardigan, jean skirt, and hollister polo in my other bag. The only good thing is I don't think the drinks were terribly expensive, but I was too drunk to care at this point. Sadly, at that time I had quit smoking so I couldn't even go outside to get away. probably won't go back...

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Coco D.

Elite '09

32

307

Coco D.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
5/31/2009

Yeah.  This place is totally three and a half star central.  I mean, it's pretty lame, but I feel like it's supposed to suck there.  It's not supposed to be cool.  It's just that shitty local bar that you can get cheap breakfast and mimosas at while the bartender audibly cries at the end of the bar for god knows what reason.  And you know what, whatever.  Welcome to Philadelphia.  You take what you can get.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Mallory P.

Elite '09

18

130

Mallory P.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
1/28/2009

The well-rounded (and not overpriced) beer list, respectable menu, nice interior, and friendly service have been pretty standard at Ten Stone.  I don't want to be generic, or even snobby, (though, yes, sometimes I DO want to be snobby...) but this place isn't "cool."  I mean, I like Hootie and the Blowfish as much as the next guy, but why is it, along with Creed and Linkin Park, in the regular rotation?!  And not that this makes or breaks a bar, but there seem to be just as many middle aged people as young people in there a lot of the time.

I will say that they have a great brunch with a killer bloody mary, and just the memory of drinking said bloody mary might be what keeps me coming back.  Also, the outdoor seating in the summer doesn't hurt.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Adam C.

Elite '09

41

89

Adam C.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
9/4/2008

I had a great time, even though it was short, drinking and chatting with people at the 'Ten Stone'. Thank you Bill for putting together a fun lil' event of your very own. It was worth meeting some old and new faces here.

The service was a bit slow and I guess since I was a new face to the bar, the bartenders were more concerned with their usual patrons. No biggie but what's the problem with some 'new blood', if anything we're paying either way. They had a nice selection on 'tap' and at least what I could smell and see, the food looked quite appetizing. I plan to come back and try some of their entrees. I really do like the interior design, reminds me of some of the bars I had visited when I was in Ottawa.

There is definitely a "Drexel/U-Penn jocular" crowd, for the most part,(both colleges just across the South Street Bridge) but their are still some older gens and bohemians alike and that alone makes it a place with a diverse atmosphere.

I used to live quite close to this establishment and roommates in the past told me to come here but I do plan on making a return to the place where apparently Elvis Costello did one of this first shows at whatever the bar was before he got famous in the 80s.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Arthur A.

 

4

9

Arthur A.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
7/21/2008

It is truly loud inside Ten Stone and you will find yourself yelling to overcome the noise, even at lunch time when the bar is slow.  

Something about the acoustics of the room amplifies the restaurant sounds to create an awful din.  I can only theorize that sound waves reflect off the walls, travel through a bacon avocado burger, and emerge as an overcooked shock wave.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Catherine F.

 

20

35

Catherine F.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
6/7/2008

This place doesn't totally suck.

Pros:  Nice beer selection.  Delicious wontons.  Decent mussels.  Nice big windows when it's hot.

Cons: Loud.  Slow service.  Really slow.  Fairly pricy.  Disappointing entrees (tuna wrap= awful).

Come for the drinks, fill yourself up on appetizers, and don't bother with the rest and you'll enjoy yourself.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Vicki M.

Elite '09

44

119

Vicki M.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
8/30/2008

I was here for unofficial happy hour on Wednesday.  

Nice on tap selection and pretty reasonable prices.  I wasn't a huge fan of the layout of the place...it was a little difficult for me to *not* stand in the way of all the staff, but that's my biggest issue.  Staff & service was quick and attentive, and I didn't think it was all that loud.  I was able to babble at length to multiple people.  Granted, I easily get loud & obnoxious while drunk or buzzed, but I really don't think I was screaming over people.  

A+ WILL DRINK HERE AGAIN

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Chrissy R.

 

181

480

Chrissy R.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
Updated - 3/17/2009

Since I moved 1 block away from this place, I have been going more and more often.  Let me tell you something.  SERVICE AT THE BAR IS AWFUL.  No matter what time of day or how crowded (or not) the bar is, I am always waiting to be served and waiting ages to pay.  Sometimes girlfriend needs to gets going quickly and can not wait for you to stop flirting with whatever guy/girl you're flirting with to pay.

Was this review …?

 

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    6/27/2008

    This used to be the Hot Club, where Elvis Costello played his first show in Philly in 1977.  I love… Read more »

Photo of LC L.

 

1

10

LC L.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
7/7/2009

I don't know if I lucked out on my first visit, because damn! these reviews are harsh!  It could be chalked up to the fact that I went late on Sunday afternoon of the 4th of July weekend.  Maybe all of the aforementioned douchebags were at mommy and daddy's shore house trying to stay in their good graces so they can keep getting rent money.  But I digress...

For the first time in a long time, I actually received great service at a restaurant.  We came in the middle of a shift change, which can be disastrous, but our second server was just as attentive.  My boyfriend and I shared the three cheese risotto fritters, apple spinach salad and the tuna steak wrap.  The fritters were meh, nothing to write home about.  The salad was really lacking on the goat cheese...they stingily gave maybe a small tablespoon of cheese for a salad that could easily have made a meal for two people.  And the tuna steak wrap?  Where do I begin?  If I desired to have children, I would give my first born for even one bite of this wrap.  If you are at all territorial about your food like I am, expect to snarl and growl at anyone who even dares to ask for a bite.  The peppercorn? seasoning of the pan-seared tuna combined with avocado, tomato and wasabi mayo made for a little party in my mouth.  Basically, the shit is good!

As I always value the opinions of fellow Yelpers, I will stick to late afternoon meals and avoid the rowdy evening crowds.  I don't want to tar the fortunate great first impression I received, because I expect I will be craving that damn tuna steak wrap for years to come.  Thanks douchebags for ruining something that could have been great!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Carrie E.

 

1614

472

Carrie E.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
4/7/2008

When I found myself here around 12:30 am on a Saturday night / Sunday morning, my first impression was that I had accidentally stepped into a frat party from 1996. But since I had left the ol' time machine at home, I was fairly certain that I was just in a bar that I wouldn't have chosen if I hadn't been meeting up with the awesome Sam P, NYC Yelp Community Manager, who was staying in the 'hood.

Aside from the fact that "Two Princes" by The Spin Doctors was blasting from the speakers at full blast, giving the backwards baseball cap crowd unbridled permission to par-tay, and the crazy terracotta colored sponge painted walls (yep, I said sponge painted), it was actually a place that didn't make me want to stab people's eyeballs out with a spoon. Because despite my first judgmental impression, it turned out to be a cool place to drink some amazing beer (Southern Tier? Tear? Who knows...it was awesome) with my husband and my pal.

Best surprise of the evening - every single person I talked to was SUPER NICE. A guy even let me go ahead of him in the bathroom because I told him I was about to wet my leggings (thanks, guy in the leather coat!). (Because I'm a bathroom fanatic, I'll just add that there are multiple single serve bathrooms and they're clean and not gross at all). And one crazy nut told me that he was "mesmerized by my beautiful eyes." I told him I was a professional hypnotist and was leaving tomorrow to tour with Cris Angel. He asked me for free tickets. And my autograph.

So to the patrons of Ten Stone last Saturday night, I want to offer you my apology. I made a judgment based on sight and sight alone, and that was really d-bag of me. You were all just nice, normal, non-hipster guys and gals out for a good time on the weekend. I'm not used to that - I usually hang out in Northern Liberties, and we all know what that's like. So I hope you can forgive me and welcome me back with open arms next time I need to pretend I'm 22 again.

Rock on, Ten Stone. Rock on.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Lucy H.

 

11

40

Lucy H.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
6/27/2008

My husband and I go here generally on a Friday nite, and we try to get a table outside.  The service I would rate  2, but the food is good - and we tend to migrate back to the place.

And, it's a great boost to the Graduate Hospital area.  I mainly go for the drinks and appetizers.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Karen F.

Elite '09

321

1553

Karen F.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
8/28/2008

Went to the "unofficial" yelp event last night at ten stone.
Even though I am old and farty and not much of a bar-chick, we had a great time.

It was a lovely evening and we were able to snag a nice table outside.  My husband and a friend of mine ordered beers and I had a vodka cranberry.  (Made with the house vodka - it was pretty bad - I should asked for Grey Goose - Oh, WELL.).

A bit later we got hungry so we ordered a spinach and apple/goat cheese/candied cashews salad (YUM!), a chipotle chicken wrap, a big mug of spicy chicken chili, and another big mug of edamame.  Reaqlly quite good for "bar food".

I will definitely be back!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Sam P.

 

1925

875

Sam P.

New York, NY

3 star rating
4/7/2008

My friend chose this spot for his birthday party (one of the reasons for my little Philly trip) because of its proximity to his apartment and not much else, I imagine. He's not so much of a bar person.  But for gathering a lot of people it actually works quite well.  It's spacious and laid-back with a friendly vibe and lots of tables.  You could do worse.

This is a bar that takes its beer very seriously.  I am no one's beer connoisseur, but I had never heard of half the beers they have on tap.  Normally in this situation, I pick ones that have interesting tap designs -  which usually allows me to try something new.  I experimented with a couple before switching to the reliable Hoegaarden.

Some things you might see at this bar:

1. VERY loud and enthusiastic college basketball fans.
2. A beer called Lucifer which is 9 proof and therefore served in a wine glass (legally, they have to give you less).
3.  A plethora of Penn students ranging from Phd's to Frat Boys.
4.  A gaggle of amply fleshed women celebrating the marriage of one of their friends, a.k.a.  Fatchlorette Party.
5.  A certain Philadelphia community manager walking out the door with a full glass of beer.

It was certainly a night to remember, but somehow I don't think that had much to do with the bar.  Seems like a fine place if you're into this kind of thing.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Stephen H.

Elite '09

27

58

Stephen H.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
Updated - 5/28/2009

Decided to give Ten stone another try, since there was outside seating, I was going that way, and I was very hungry. I was seated right away, and was served my beer just as fast, the server was nice and efficient. i ordered the strip steak sandwich with Brie. The sandwich was a good size and was cooked perfectly, fries were also cooked perfectly, my fiance also enjoyed her chicken sandwich. The price was fair and the whole experience was pleasant. I ripped this place pretty good last review, so i felt a comment about how much better the whole shebang was during the week, its cliche but Ten stone is not my weekend choice, but supper on a Wednesday it works!

Was this review …?

 

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 2 star rating
    5/20/2009

    If a conservative frat party and a gastro pub got a bit drunk and hooked up, their baby would be the… Read more »

1 to 40 of 84 |  
Page: 1 2 3
Write a Review

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...

  • Photo of Grace Tavern

    Grace Tavern

    4 star rating
     65 reviews

    Neighborhood: Graduate Hospital

    Category: Pubs

  • Photo of Tangier Restaurant

    Tangier Restaurant

    3.5 star rating
     22 reviews

    Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square

    Category: Restaurants

  • Photo of The Bards

    The Bards

    3.5 star rating
     28 reviews

    Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square

    Category: Pubs

  • Photo of The Sidecar Bar & Grille

    The Sidecar Bar & Grille

    4 star rating
     81 reviews

    Neighborhood: Graduate Hospital

    Category: American (New)

  • Photo of Christevens

    Christevens

    4 star rating
     1 review

    Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square

    Category: Restaurants

People Viewed This After Searching For...