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Urban Saloon

2.5 star rating
based on 44 reviews

Category: Bars  [Edit]

Neighborhoods: Fairmount, Art Museum District
2120 Fairmount Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 232-5359
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Good for Groups:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Music:
DJ
Best Nights:
Thu, Sat, Sun
Happy Hour:
Yes
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No

44 reviews for Urban Saloon

Review Highlights   

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"…no other reason than that they may have the best Bloody Mary in the city…" (in 4 reviews)
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"The tater tots were delicious and crispy." (in 5 reviews)
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"the bartenders are nice and friendly, never gave us a problem." (in 4 reviews)
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Photo of Mike B.

 

0

5

Mike B.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
8/25/2009

I used to watch monday night football there with a friend... not a bad place... the food was good, but then again i just ordered normal bar food (burgers, wings)... beer was cold... nice TVs....

actually not a bad place to watch a game on a weeknight or just chill with a friend and have a beer... the bartenders are nice and friendly, never gave us a problem... some will actually carry on a decent intelligent conversation...

went there on a weekend once, was the only black person there so i definitely felt out of place (thats my own fault though)... didn't think it was that bad... but just not my scene, although i'm sure its cool for a lot of people... check it out...

Photo of Catherine L.

Elite '09

105

89

Catherine L.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
8/17/2009

Just not my kind of scene. At all.  I feel like this place is another outpost of Public House (you can read my review of this place too)  Big, generic and with a bar name that sounds like, omg! oh-so-cool.  Same mediocre food with very similar menu selections.  Beer selections are a little more varied and interesting though they could stand to update their lists more frequently.  Good place for big groups.  Solid happy hour specials if you're in the 'hood during that time.  

The staff here is much more tolerable than Public House, a lot more action and a lot less attitude.  Though that might change depending what night you're in here.  The weekend crowd tends to skew towards a younger and more rowdier demographic - often very frat-like.  If that's your bag, go on weekends and get your drink on.  If not, stick to weeknights or go somewhere more authentic in the area: think Rembrandt's, the Bishop's collar or even London Grill.

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Photo of Erin F.

 

8

27

Erin F.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
8/7/2009

I am giving Urban Saloon a five-star review because it was a tasty, reasonable, welcoming experience after experiencing total disgust with the dweebs at The Belgian Cafe (see: my review of The Belgian Cafe). I think we should boost the rating for this place.

We showed up at early dinner time, so the dining room was empty when we first arrived. So I can't say what this place is like late on a Friday or Saturday night, but as a place to eat dinner, it was fine.

The fried mac & cheese was a DELICIOUS appetizer and my boyfriend enjoyed his burger and I enjoyed my vegetarian sandwich very much. It wasn't mind-blowing or unlike anything I have ever eaten before, but it was tasty and I have no complaints. And he was allowed to order a beer like an adult (whereas Belgian Cafe wouldn't let us even eat because I did not have my ID on me) and we were treated like paying customers.

We were allowed to choose our own seats since it was so early. Our server was cute and friendly and the service was fast but not rushed. All good things.

I don't know, maybe it only deserves 4 stars, but I'm giving it 5 for the Jackelope head mounted on the wall behind the bar.

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Photo of Adina W.

 

1

4

Adina W.

Philadelphia, PA

1 star rating
8/30/2009

I'm extremely sad to write this review as their food is decent and fairly priced.  Last Sunday my boyfriend and I went their for brunch.  After ordering, we sat for 30 minutes being completely neglected by the waitress and not served.  After 45 minutes she came over and asked if we had ordered food because there was no food ticket in the kitchen for us.  We RE-ordered and then 15 minutes after we were served and it was yummy.  

We tried to redeem this restaurant by going again today as we didn't want to wait for a brunch table anywhere.  From the time we ordered to the time we were served it was over an hour.  COMPLETELY ridiculous!  I wouldn't recommend this place to my worst enemy.

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Photo of Brian C.

Elite '09

14

46

Brian C.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
7/27/2009

SOLID pub food, tater tots!, decent beer selection... just hold the douchbag please.  

You won't find me here on friday or saturday nights... when this place turns into a regular stop for pub-crawling bachelorette parties and plenty of meatheads/fratboys who take that Corey Hart song about sunglasses at night waaay too seriously.  I'm not kidding.  Instead, I prefer to come during the quieter wed/thursday nights... where it's still busy, but not as... douchetastic.  

The burgers here are notable... made on Texas toast, and very flavorful.  I've got a weakness for the Buffalo Blue burger.  I've had several items on their menu... never a dissapointment.  Plus... they have tater tots... can you look me in the eye and tell me that isn't awesome?

A few additional notes:  I should warn you it can get loud in the restaurant... a lot of people who frequent this place can't seem to be able to control the volume of their voice.  Also, they have multiple big screen tvs mounted on the walls, so it's not a bad place to catch a game... just get there early.  Check out the quizzo, it's hard!

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Photo of V C.

 

0

14

V C.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
9/30/2009

I gave this place two stars only because we had to wait about 20 mins for drinks and than about 35 mins or so for food. Other then that it would have been a nice place to have a reasonably priced meal with friends or your girlfriend. The servers were attentive otherwise always ready to get you a new beer or mix drink. Couldn't quite read my menu with dim candle light so I had to substitute my cell phone for a flashlight. They had quizzo on the night I went which is always fun. Along with a bunch of TV's playing the phillies game. I would defiantly go back in order to have a better experience.

Photo of Ann L.

Elite '09

30

168

Ann L.

Washington, DC

3 star rating
6/15/2009

The ambience is really cool - large and open, high ceilings, and skylights.

But the food was lacking.  I was there on a Saturday evening for dinner.  On a whim, my friend and I decided to get the nachos and picked the buffalo chicken kind.  The plate comes out and it is like a small bag of tortilla chips is on the bottom with a pile of buffalo chicken on top.  There was so much chicken on it, it was to the point of being disgusting.  At first we thought "well, at least they give you your money's worth", but when we got the check later, we found out that our not-so-nice whim purchase cost $12, quite possibly the most expensive nachos I've ever had.  Unless they reduce the size of the order and the price, do not order.  Do not.

Another bad point, our main dishes were brought out about five minutes after our nachos.  This was not good timing, especially since we had ordered those well after we put in our nacho order.  My crab cake sliders were alright, but they definitely were not the best I've ever had or even close.  However, at about $8 the price is right.

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Photo of Michael B.

 

5

13

Michael B.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
6/29/2009

The Urban Saloon hearkens back to a different time, a time when cowboys played quizzo under the light of a dying moon.  A time when men were men and refused to order Mimosas, even with brunch.  

The food that I've had was generally good; the chicken salad sandwich and clam chowder in a bread boule are my favorites.  The selection of beers on tap is pretty decent, and their bottled selection is very good.

During the week, this is a great place to get a bite and a couple drinks, but on the weekends it turns into something resembling a destination bar, bad music, awkward shouted conversation, etc.  I personally avoid it then.

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Elite '09

22

54

Brian M.

Philadelphia, PA

5 star rating
Updated - 5/23/2009

Just swung into Urban Saloon for brunch and decided four stars wasn't enough fro this place... if for no other reason than that they may have the best Bloody Mary in the city.  

I had the egg quesadilla with a side of hashbrowns - delish.  "T" had the egg white omelet with brie and asparagus - also very good.  The hashbrown portion is a little on the small side for a potato-lovin Irishman like myself - so if you're the same order two.  Oh - good coffee, too.

Wait staff - like last time was terrific... and the outdoor seating was cozy with solid tables that didn't wobble, shades over the tables and great people watching with all the tourists headed to Eastern State Penn.

If you havn't gone, go!

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    5/9/2009

    Right across the street from the entrance for ESP - Urban has a fairly unique menu, fair beer list… Read more »

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12

Mike J.

Bayside, NY

3 star rating
10/13/2009

Better than expected food for what is largely a sports bar.  Gets a decidedly Eagles crowd when the Eagles play.  It is right across the street from the Eastern States Penitentiary.  The service is very good.  We sat outdoors and enjoyed the people watching.  There were runners using the sidewalk to run as well as other locals and patrons. The meals are very reasonable priced.  The mussels were good.  I ordered a catfish sandwich.  They did not have tartar sauce however and it was a little dry.  My sons ordered hamburger and veggie burger respectively and both enjoyed them very much.  I got to taste both and I could see why they enjoyed it.

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Elite '09

27

221

Jim M.

Collingswood, NJ

1 star rating
3/24/2009

This is the kind of place that has the potential to be good, and yet doesn't deliver. It's got a nice big open space, plenty of TV's and some decent beers.

However, the service is slow. I went on a Sunday afternoon after the brunch crowd, when there wasn't more than 2 other tables. I nearly had to take my water glass back to the kitchen in order to get a refill. The burger I got was ok, but it wasn't great. I"ve had better at Rembrandt's. It also took forever to get the check.

I've been here just to drink and its a nightmare, utter nightmare. Too many people, too many idiots. It took forever to get one beer at the bar, even after I practically waved a 10 spot in the air.

Also the drunks that come out from this bar are almost always obnoxious and loud which always annoyed me when I lived in the neighborhood. If this isn't your neighborhood, you should be more respectful. Then again, class will out.

I've also had to dodge around puke spots near the Saloon. Oh yeah, and some cool guy that goes there likes to park his motorcycle on the sidewalk out front.

Unless you want to relieve the joys of frat bars in college, avoid this place.

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Photo of John K.

Elite '09

75

406

John K.

Silver Spring, MD

3 star rating
4/4/2009

Nice big open space, with what seems like not enough tables.  I guess it fills up on the weekends at night.  We came to this place for brunch after a late night of drinking.  I ordered the Ham and Cheese and the Chicken Noodle Soup.  The soup was great for my hangover, although the pieces of chicken was a little dry and the spiral pasta didn't really match up too well.

The ham and cheese was a little to hard around the crust.  For a guy who got braces not only a week ago, it was very hard to eat.  The cheese would melt and scold my mouth and I couldn't bite down on the ham that well.  It was a big mess at the end.

The tater tots were delicious and crispy.  And the bloody mary was one of the best bloody mary's I've had in a while.

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Elite '09

69

114

Meredith K.

Philadelphia, PA

1 star rating
2/22/2009

The first time I went to The Urban Saloon, it was a weeknight, so it wasn't too offensive. Their beer selection is terrible, of course, but having already known that before I got there, my expectations were pretty low. The place was pretty empty, so I was able to play some songs on the jukebox and enjoy myself. The chicken fingers were pretty bland, but okay for bar food.

The second time I went there, it was fairly crowded, but my friends and I were able to get a table. The seats were very uncomfortable and the waitress completely botched our order. However, she made up for it by taking a few things off the tab, so we left pretty happy. The fried macaroni and cheese, while it will leave you feeling like you've got a brick in your stomach, was pretty delicious.

The third time I went there (on a Saturday night) was absolutely terrifying, and I probably won't ever go back there. The amount of people in there was overwhelming, and the people there were disgusting. The music was so loud that I couldn't hear anyone talk, so I left. I hated it.

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Elite '09

13

81

Rob S.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
7/3/2009

Nothing wowed me.  They had a good beer selection, but the beer list was horribly out of date so the waitress had to keep saying, "Sorry I don't think we have that one anymore."  The food was OK.  The bar is nice.  I guess I'd give it another shot.

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Elite '09

58

127

Holly H.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
1/25/2009

Ascetically, this spot is a great addition to Fairmount Ave; its large, beautiful, and has great TV setup (big, flat screen TVs). And they love them some Hoegaarden at this spot (as do I ... yummmm, Belgium White).

Which means, for a group or a good amount of breathing space most nights, I'm happy to have the Urban Saloon here.

But the food is just not good. And that's really a shame, because I want this place to be good. Its bland, and seemed reheated. The service is so slow, that the food would have to be very much delicious to compensate.  O well. I'll go there for my drinks and leave the food for somewhere else.

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1

15

Andrew W.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
3/24/2009

They get 5 Stars for some of the area's friendliest Bartenders.

1 Star for the chicken fingers.  If you're gonna make them yourself, then make them great.  There's no excuse for their blandness or over cooking.

3 Stars for the Burgers.  Just a Marginal passing Grade

4 Stars for wings.  They are good; what can I say.

Photo of Saul S.

 

4

6

Saul S.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
1/26/2009

Ok, so the few times I've been here, the food has been OK. It's the service that is terrible.

I go in on Sunday a few weeks back, and I'm told there's no brunch that day, just lunch/dinner. I go in this past Saturday for brunch, and I'm told that it's only on Sunday. There's no one in the place, save the wait staff. Seriously, how hard is it to cook some eggs?

At any rate, I occasionally like to order out and eat at home. The three times I have ordered food from Urban Saloon, I have been told 20 minutes. Two of those times, my food wasn't even being cooked when I showed up. The servers could have cared less.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that this place doesn't offer anything other places in Fairmount don't offer. I see no reason to keep going back here for spotty service. The beer menu can be found at any other place. Honestly, I prefer the food and service at Bridgid's.

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4

3

Ian S.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
7/17/2009

I've been to the Urban Saloon once. It was full of frat boy douche bags. Never expect to go back.

Photo of Caroline P.

Elite '09

35

125

Caroline P.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
1/4/2009

I attended the urban saloon's nye party and it was really great....

I always have such expectations for nye and i almost always end up disappointed but this was not the case this year. Not only was it fun it was cheap..only $70 for food & 5 hr top shelf open bar. I went here with a group of about 15 and we arrived shortly after 9pm. The place wasn't overly crowded...just crowded enough. Rarely had to wait for drinks, music was good and I actually got a glass of champagne at midnight which seems to always be advertised for NYE and then you never see it. My friends and I had a blast and definitely will consider this again for next year!

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Elite '09

156

269

Meg C.

Philadelphia, PA

1 star rating
8/23/2008

I find it ironic that this bar is called "Urban Saloon" because it so belongs in the suburbs.

It definitely has some sort of identity crisis going on. I guess it is a... sports bar? Or a douchey college kid bar? But like... for yuppies? Whaaaaat?

The space is poorly laid out. It is pretty sparse. It looks like they just gave up trying to create any sort of atmosphere. And what kind of sports bar doesn't have a pool table or darts?

The food is so boring. Also, who puts plain white rice in a burrito?

The beer selection is just normal, average, nothing I haven't seen at bars all over Philly.

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Elite '09

56

145

Erin G.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
9/29/2008

The only thing that saves this place from a one-star rating is the tater tots. That, and a $4.50 bloody mary on Sat. afternoon.

I went in with the bf at about 3PM and it was mostly dead except for a few Auburn grads gathering for a football game. I hate watching sports on tv, though I can understand how those that like it would come here, as there are huge tvs, lots of them, and ample floor space. It feels hugely empty, though, when there isn't a big crowd gathered for the game.

The music sucked. We waited FOREVER for our food (especially ridiculous considering there was no one in the place) and my meal sucked. I ordered the veggie burger, but they were "out" (a big no-no to use frozen patties - make your own!) so I had to order the hummos sandwich. I got it on bread which, though it looked toasted, just tasted old and stale and cardboard-y. The hummus was dry and there was only about a Tbs. on the whole sandwhich, and the entire thing lacked flavor.
The bf and I were trying to be good, so we ordered greens with our sandwiches, but we also asked to split a side of tots (who can resist tots?) They came on a HUGE plate, and a good 20 minutes before our food, so we were starving and ate almost all of them. They were tasty, but who can ruin tots? They are frozen, and then deep fat fried.

I can't imagine how terrible this place must be on the weekends. The crowd sound Blech.

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Photo of Jennifer I.

 

22

45

Jennifer I.

Washington, DC

3 star rating
6/22/2009

I've been to this place about four or five times, mostly because it is super close to my old apartment (*tear* i miss living in philly). I've never eaten here, just rolled up late on a weekend night. The DJ always sucks. I mean always. I have never been there when the music is good...it's like a strange mix of Bon Jovi-esque bar songs and top 40 (from the 90s). If they could get someone in there that actually has an updated collection, I think it would be MUCH better. Otherwise though, the drinks are decent and pretty inexpensive (a $4 drink is awesome!) and the crowd is usually fun. They set up tables outside which isgreat when you need a break from the crowded bar (waitress service included). When they first opened I met the owner and he was a decent guy, very friendly and really excited about a bacon peanut butter burger. I've yet to try it but after seeing a peanut butter bacon donut on the Food Network, I'm thinking maybe there's a new, strange trend? If you try it, tell us about it!
Although this isn't my top pick for a bar in Philly, it's convenient to my best friend's house, the drinks are cheap, and the crowd is young and has some good eye candy strolling around! lol.

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1

42

Micaela F.

Philadelphia, PA

1 star rating
5/19/2009

This place is a good spot to watch a game and grab drinks. I did not enjoy their food. The burgers was overcooked when we had them. I had chicken noodle soup and it was the worst. I think the chef meant to add salt but added too much sugar. I would only go there for drinks and that is it.

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9

16

Wayne S.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
1/26/2009

My friend A. Mello and I went here to check out the bacon peanut butter burger (forget the menu name for it, Urban Beane maybe?) . When we first walked in, which was for early dinner on a saturday night, the bar had every stool filled but no one at the tables. We grabbed a table and looked around. It's a nice space with ok decor, but way too many tvs in odd spots. It felt like it did not belong in the neighborhood mainly because there are already enough bars on Fairmount Ave and some of them a little more fitting to the locals.

We started off with a wings sampler, which was ok. Neither bad nor good. Then came the burger, which was served on texas toast, had nice pieces of bacon, and had peanut butter drizzled on top of the meat and mixed throughout it. It was kind of hit and miss. Some bites were amazing , with really good flavor combinations, and others were like "I've had better burgers at Sonic" .

All in all, I don't think I am going back. The service was kind of meh. The food was nothing special and I probably can recreate that burger at home with satisfaction.

Keep trying Urban Saloon, I just don't think you deserve to be on the block you are on.

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Elite '09

9

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Ryan S.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
11/8/2008

Please stop bitching.

I get it, you don't like college bars, yuppie bars, and sports bars... so, the quest has to be raised: why are you here?

Ok, if you by chance care to watch the game and drink some beer, the you're all set.

The burger was disgusting.. the cheese fries were fries with melted jack  cheese (its phila, can i get some wiz?).

...So what i'm really saying is: go here to watch the game and drink. huh, i feel like i've said that before.

Big plus: they mute the TV and play  music during commercials.

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178

478

Chrissy R.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
4/28/2008

I was so EH about this place, because it felt like being in a suburban brew pub without the ambiance.  A very studenty crowed - people wearing mesh shorts and flip flops etc. Our server was not very attentive and the place was busy but not packed. It was "weeknight" busy.  

I had a cheese steak stew which was french onion soup with bits of steak in them.  I really liked that.  I also ordered a side of tater tots, but I wasn't too impressed with them.  They had a weird deep fried haven't changed the oil in too long aftertaste.  

Prices were reasonable, since I live in Center City and have been paying highway robbery for things.  But I'd rather go to Dock Street or even Iron Hill in Media than this place.

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Stash K.

New York, NY

2 star rating
8/19/2009

the idea of this place is what draws me here but i think is as far as i can go with it.
they have brunch which usually is pretty good. i have been there 3 times for brunch, while the food has always been tasty the service has been slow and dull. the servers don't even feel like they want to be there...
This place is much bigger than it should be. walking around here you notice more space than a mattress warehouse. i just don't understand why the bar/restaurant is so large... sometimes for the night scene they don't move the tables out of the so it instead cramps everyone at the bar.
it would make it much easier to move around if they took the table out after 10pm.
they have 3 or 4 large(52") TVs but in this day any sports bar should have at least 6 or 7
the nighttime scene revolves around locals who probably want to get smashed but don't have to drive anywhere. the proximity to the prison and jacks firehouse are what i believe keeps this place afloat.

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Elite '09

390

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Bill M.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
4/28/2008

when names can be misleading! aside from the old western door as the second entrance, and maybe the wooden decor, the place wasn't very saloon like. And the beautiful part of Fairmount (right by Eastern State Penitentiary) isn't al that urban. that's not the only thing I had a hard time figuring out by the end of my first visit.

Overall this semi sports bar felt like it was a suburban spot right in the middle of the city. I could definitely picture it being right at home in Bryn Mawr or King of Prussia. while there isn't necessarily anything wrong with that I've just grown to expect a bit more when I'm dining out in the city. At least it helps weed a certain crowd out of spots like Bishop's Collar and Trio when they decide to visit Eastern State for the day (and some of the college crowd too).

But while it sounds like I'm totally dogging on this place, I'm not. The service that we received was lightning quick and very well mannered. the Bloody Mary that I had was good even hough it had salt on the rim of the glass like a margarita which I found kind of odd. And the food was pretty good, especially for the price that was paid. So it merits enough reasons to give it a try at least once. Possibly even twice which is something that I'm debating on. And it's less than a year old so it has plenty of time to work out some kinks.

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Kristin M.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
4/12/2009

I've had limited experience drinking and eating in this part of town but Urban was decent. I wouldn't cab across town to come here on a Saturday night, but if I did find myself in Fairmount, looking for somewhere to go after dark to satisfy my thirst, I'd probably choose here. It's deceivingly open inside and has this barnyard sort of thing going on with the motif. Food is okay despite the carefully arranged presentation, which makes you think, "Wow, this is going to be great bar food." Fried mac and cheese were tasteless squares of grease that had a tomato-soup like dip; the fries pillowing a so-so order of chicken fingers were so salty I wanted to choke. Like I said, I'd come here but on a drinks-only basis. For chow, I'd head to Jack's or London Grill.

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Elite '09

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Alex M.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
3/4/2008

welcome addition to the neighborhood. I love hanging out on a Sunday and watching a days worth of football at Urban.

the crowd is laid back, the food is ok, the service is a bit spotty, but the TVs are great, and it never gets too crowded because the space is huge.

a tip to urban: ADD NACHOS to the menu. I mean you're a sports bar. I need nachos when I'm hungover and in dire need of carbs.

must try: fries with lots of extra jalapenos, chocolate cake heated up, and the red beard dessert.

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tim c.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
4/13/2008

I also feel bad about dropping a two star review, mostly because the owners Chad and Kelli are super nice people but the crowd this place draws is the worst ("You see this?  This is my new haircut.")  That being said they have a decent beer selection with rotating drafts and the food is alright.  I work on Fairmount so occasionally I'll stop by on my walk to the bus stop for an after work brew but avoid this place like the plague on a weekend night.  

Oh and the bartender Miriam is super cute and has an awesome piece on her back.

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miss l.

Philadelphia, PA

1 star rating
5/30/2008

I WISH I COULD GIVE IT NO STARS AT ALL.

by far one of the most awful restaurants i have ever been to in my ENTIRE LIFE.  DO NOT GO THERE.  this is in my neighborhood and every time i pass by, i wish i could attach a big "do not enter" sign to this place.

i gave this place THREE chances. THREE... first one, was for a drink and a light dinner.  the soda was FLAT. (all three times)  and i had the lasagna which tasted like something was regurgitated (no exaggeration). i could have saved so much time and money just by buying a stouffer's, at least theirs taste good.  and bad service throughout the meal.
second time, just for a drink.  like other people have said, bad crowd.  like you're in some suburban college. ugh. yuck. FLAT SODA AGAIN.  had the shumai at the bar... MADE ME SICK later that night.

third and last time, took some friends.. service was so awful, this place makes me want to go crazy on someone. this place should be shut down, the service is SO BAD.  we were waiting for 45 MINUTES FOR OUR FOOD.... AND PEOPLE WHO WERE SEATED AFTER US GOT THEIR FOOD BEFORE US.   i cannot believe this place is still standing.

oh and the french fries? fried in oil that was older than the jail. yea. that bad.

do yourself a favour and stay FAR away from this dreadful place. makes me cringe with anger on all the money i spent in this place trying to give it a  chance.  urban saloon, stop ruining fairmount.

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62

Bob H.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
9/5/2008

I think you're guaranteed to have an "experience" if you go there on the quintessential bar day of days -- the night before Thanksgiving, because it ensures a healthy mix of the ignorant, the drunk and the yuppie.

If you're fresh out of college or in your mid-20's, it's a safe and cheaper bet to start your night or to settle in for a night. Any older than that and it's somewhere you'll go after an in-house drunkening to finish off the night when you start getting nostalgic for the days when you used to "mac" on the honeys while grinding to songs like  California Love and Da Butt.

Also, I can't argue with the dozen big-screen TVs tuned to all sorts of sports.

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5

Shawn H.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
5/19/2009

I just dont understand. They have everything to make a great place.... except the wait staff is horrible. Maybe one day they will figure it out. Til then I'll be at the Abbaye.

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Molly M.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
3/31/2008

I feel kind of bad for giving a bad review when the other 3 are so glowing, but I really didn't get this place. I went here this past Saturday on the insistence of a few friends (normally, I hate venturing anywhere that requires an expensive cab ride there and back). It was PACKED. Yes, it was late on a Saturday night and that's expected, but it was packed with obnoxious people - guys with Blue-Tooths and popped collars, girls teetering around drunkenly in stiletto's, you know the deal. I definitely didn't get the same crowd the other reviewers did - it felt like Old City with a longer cab ride.
One good thing: Quick service despite the action.

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2

10

Noah G.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
9/27/2008

I love Urban Saloon, I'm not too sure what everyone else is talking about. It's a nice change from the Rittenhouse bars, G, Pearl, ect., (which I love) where I end up spending $400 in the blink of an eye. Everyone is relaxed and it's nice to be in a place that's not full of fake millionaires.

The bartenders and bouncers are friendly there and remember you when you come in. The drinks are good, the crowd is chill and the music is a mix of 80's and hip-hop.

I'd also like to mention that the first time I went here I hated it and wanted to leave right away.

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42

pearl l.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
5/15/2008

what doesn't belong here? me. walked in on a wednesday nite and immediately fought the urge to flee. the place is super spacious. it is in a good area and the sound system is great. but, good stereo sound and big space  does not a good bar make.

the crowd here scares me. i actually saw 2 girls take a cab here. why?! the crowd of baseball caps (if you are playing baseball, then yes wear it, but, dudes, you are at a bar) bad first dates, and popped collars and flip flops does not depict a crowd i am used to. sort of the preps gone bad type crowd. the bartenders were nice, but a bit slow to check up on us. they made my drink according to my request and the edamame and the "urban fries" were just eh. we got about 5 drinks and the food and the bill was under 40 bucks.  the place has potential, let's hope it can live up to its hype.

nothing in this bar struck me as urban or as saloon-esque. yes, they have nice flat screens. no, there were no cowboys in chaps or gunslingers or bull riding.

btw, i think wednesday they have bands perform. if you like cover bands doing daughtry and maroon 5 covers, then jump to it. as for me, i think i will stay home and watch deadwood and do my own shots of whiskey sans the prep crowd.

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46

Wallspro S.

Philadelphia, PA

1 star rating
4/8/2008

not my cup of tea.

i spent the whole time being bro'd and brah'd by popped collar/striped shirts.

they serve jager-bombs without the shot glass b/c so many glasses have been smashed by people "triumphantly" slamming their glass to the table.

there were at least 4 people with blue-tooth ear pieces in at midnight on a saturday.

i went there for the birthday of a girl who hates me.

I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

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chelsea k.

Philadelphia, PA

1 star rating
6/7/2008

does anyone else think that if there is ever a shootout in this restaurant the headlines will be amazing??

(i've never been there, nothing about it looks even remotely appealing)

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1

Eddie G.

Philadelphia, PA

4 star rating
Updated - 10/6/2008

Did the Saloon on Saturday morning/afternoon for some bloody-marys and lunch...  Drinks were awesome, bartender was cute as a button (Michelle)...

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    9/18/2008

    Lets be honest with eachother fellas, the music is ok, the beer is plentiful, and the women flow… Read more »

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