In the heart of Philadelphia's vibrant Fairmount section, a neighborhood favorite stands as a beacon for both locals and visitors seeking great food, a diverse drink selection, and a welcoming atmosphere. This establishment, Urban Saloon, has carved out a reputation as a reliable spot for everything from a quick bite to a relaxed evening out, conveniently situated across from the historic Eastern State Penitentiary. Its blend of classic pub charm and a surprisingly varied menu makes it a standout destination in a city renowned for its culinary scene.
Whether you're craving a hearty meal, a casual drink with friends, or a lively spot to catch a game, Urban Saloon offers a versatile experience. With its friendly service, extensive beer list, and a menu that truly offers something for everyone, it’s no wonder this Fairmount bar and grill consistently garners positive attention. Let's dive deeper into what makes Urban Saloon Philadelphia a must-visit on your next outing.
Table of Contents:
- Discovering Urban Saloon: A Fairmount Fixture
- A Culinary Journey: More Than Just Pub Grub
- Tapping into the Beverage Scene: A Beer Lover's Haven
- The Urban Saloon Experience: Atmosphere and Service
- Why Locals and Visitors Keep Coming Back
- Planning Your Visit to Urban Saloon Philadelphia
- The Verdict: Is Urban Saloon Philadelphia Your Next Stop?
- Exploring Fairmount: More Than Just a Meal
Discovering Urban Saloon: A Fairmount Fixture
Nestled at 2120 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA, Urban Saloon is more than just a place to eat and drink; it's an integral part of the ever-evolving Fairmount neighborhood. This location is particularly strategic, being directly across from the iconic Eastern State Penitentiary, making it an ideal stop for tourists exploring the historic site as well as residents looking for a convenient and reliable spot.
The establishment itself exudes a welcoming charm. As you step inside, you'll find a spacious bar area characterized by classic brick walls, contributing to a comfortable and inviting ambiance. It’s the kind of place that feels both familiar and exciting, providing a fun and comfortable environment for any kind of day. Whether you're looking for a quiet corner to enjoy a meal or a lively spot to gather with friends, Urban Saloon effortlessly adapts to your needs. The sheer size of the bar space is often highlighted by patrons, offering a significant advantage over some of the cozier, more cramped establishments in the vicinity. This ample room is particularly beneficial for larger groups, ensuring everyone can find a comfortable spot without feeling overcrowded.
A Culinary Journey: More Than Just Pub Grub
One of the most compelling aspects of Urban Saloon Philadelphia is its surprisingly diverse and high-quality food menu. While it carries the "saloon" moniker, suggesting typical pub fare, their offerings go far beyond the expected. The menu is truly varied, catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. From light bites to hearty entrees, there's something for every craving.
Their food menu has everything from fresh, vibrant hummus, perfect for sharing, to the quintessential Philly Cheesesteak, a must-try for any visitor to the city. But the culinary adventure doesn't stop there. Patrons consistently rave about specific standout dishes that elevate Urban Saloon above standard pub fare. The buffalo cauliflower, for instance, is a popular choice, offering a delicious and often healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings, without sacrificing flavor. Another crowd-pleaser is their mac & cheese, a comforting classic executed with rich, creamy perfection. And for those with a sweet tooth, the warm chocolate chip cookie skillet provides a delightful end to any meal, served hot and gooey, often with a scoop of ice cream melting into its decadent depths.
The consensus among many reviewers is that Urban Saloon excels at serving great food with quick service, a combination that is highly valued, especially during peak hours. This efficiency, coupled with the quality of the dishes, contributes significantly to its status as a neighborhood favorite and a popular spot for visitors.
Beyond the Basics: Burgers, Sandwiches, and Unexpected Delights
While the aforementioned dishes are certainly highlights, the menu at Urban Saloon Philadelphia offers even more depth. They boast a diverse selection of delicious burgers, crafted with care and offering various toppings and styles to suit individual preferences. Their sandwiches are equally appealing, providing satisfying options for lunch or dinner. These core offerings are executed with a focus on fresh ingredients and robust flavors, ensuring a fulfilling dining experience.
Beyond the everyday menu, Urban Saloon also presents a tempting brunch that should not be overlooked. Weekend mornings transform the saloon into a vibrant brunch spot, offering a range of breakfast and lunch items that perfectly complement a leisurely start to the day. This commitment to offering varied meal periods, each with its own unique appeal, further solidifies Urban Saloon's position as a versatile dining destination in Fairmount.
Tapping into the Beverage Scene: A Beer Lover's Haven
No saloon would be complete without an impressive drink selection, and Urban Saloon Philadelphia certainly delivers in this regard. For beer enthusiasts, the choices are plentiful. The establishment features 12 beer taps, constantly rotating to offer a fresh selection of craft brews, local favorites, and classic staples. This ensures there's always something new to try, catering to diverse palates.
Beyond the taps, Urban Saloon boasts an extensive collection of over 60 bottles and cans, providing an even wider array of options. This solid selection of beers, ranging from light lagers to rich stouts and hoppy IPAs, means that every beer drinker will find something to enjoy. Patrons frequently comment on the variety of beer being "okay" to "solid," suggesting a generally positive reception to the breadth of choices available. Importantly, the drink prices are consistently noted as reasonable, making it an accessible spot for regular visits without breaking the bank.
Weekend Wonders: Mimosa Madness
For those looking for a lively weekend experience, Urban Saloon Philadelphia takes its beverage game up a notch. On Saturdays, patrons can indulge in a truly unique and interactive offering: the opportunity to create their own mimosas. This popular special allows guests to purchase a bottle of champagne for only $20 per person, along with an assortment of juices and garnishes, turning brunch into a personalized cocktail crafting session. This creative approach to weekend drinks adds a fun, communal element to the Urban Saloon experience, drawing in crowds eager to customize their bubbly concoctions.
The Urban Saloon Experience: Atmosphere and Service
Beyond the food and drink, the overall experience at Urban Saloon Philadelphia is consistently praised. The establishment provides a friendly atmosphere that makes guests feel welcome from the moment they step in. The staff are frequently described as friendly and attentive, contributing significantly to a positive dining and drinking experience. One reviewer, despite a minor hiccup with change, still left a nice tip due to their "overall experience," highlighting the generally positive and accommodating nature of the service.
The spaciousness of Urban Saloon is a recurring theme in reviews. It's a key differentiator from many other bars in the neighborhood, offering "a ton of space" for patrons to spread out, whether they're at the bar, seated at tables, or enjoying a meal. This generous layout makes it an ideal venue for various occasions, from a casual date night to larger gatherings. "I've been there on several occasions for drinks with large groups of people due to the size of the bar space and convenient location factor," one review noted, underscoring its suitability for social events and impromptu meetups.
The comfortable environment, combined with efficient and pleasant service, ensures that whether you're there for a football game, a quick lunch, or a long evening with friends, Urban Saloon provides a relaxed and enjoyable setting. It’s this consistent delivery of a positive atmosphere and attentive staff that helps solidify its reputation.
Why Locals and Visitors Keep Coming Back
The enduring popularity of Urban Saloon Philadelphia isn't accidental. It's a direct result of its consistent delivery on key fronts: quality food, diverse drinks, and a welcoming environment. It has firmly established itself as a "neighborhood favorite," a testament to its appeal among the Fairmount community. Simultaneously, its convenient location and reputation for good food make it a "popular spot for visitors" exploring Philadelphia.
The feedback on platforms like TripAdvisor further reinforces its standing. Urban Saloon has garnered a respectable average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars from 65 unbiased reviews, ranking it favorably among Philadelphia's vast restaurant landscape (e.g., #514 of 2,477 restaurants or #517 of 2,431 restaurants, depending on the data point). While one review did express disappointment ("you did a fantabulous job of smashing my hopes and wrecking my desire to come here again"), such isolated incidents are often outweighed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the food, service, and atmosphere. This balanced perspective, often found in human-generated reviews, adds to the trustworthiness of the establishment's overall reputation.
The ability to cater to diverse needs – from a quick bite to a full meal, from a casual drink to a lively group gathering – ensures a broad appeal. Its reliability in providing a good experience, whether it’s for their standout buffalo cauliflower or their extensive beer list, keeps patrons returning time and again.
Planning Your Visit to Urban Saloon Philadelphia
Ready to experience Urban Saloon for yourself? Here’s some practical information to help you plan your visit to this Fairmount gem:
- Address: Urban Saloon is conveniently located at 2120 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA. This address is easily accessible, and its proximity to major landmarks like Eastern State Penitentiary makes it a straightforward destination.
- Contact Information: You can find the phone number, hours, and more details on platforms like usarestaurants.info. It's always a good idea to check their current operating hours, though typical hours might see them open from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM on many days.
- Transportation: The location is easily reachable, and services like Uber are readily available for convenient transportation to and from the saloon.
- Menu Access: Their restaurant menu and map are often available online, for instance, on usarestaurants.info or through other restaurant listing sites, allowing you to preview their offerings before you arrive.
Whether you're making a special trip or just passing through the Fairmount section, Urban Saloon Philadelphia is set up for an easy and enjoyable visit.
The Verdict: Is Urban Saloon Philadelphia Your Next Stop?
Considering its consistent positive reviews, diverse menu, extensive beverage options, and welcoming atmosphere, Urban Saloon Philadelphia certainly makes a strong case for being your next go-to spot in the city. It successfully balances the casual comfort of a neighborhood pub with the culinary ambition of a restaurant offering standout dishes.
While one might encounter an isolated less-than-perfect experience, the overwhelming sentiment from patrons highlights a friendly atmosphere, attentive service, reasonable prices, and a menu that truly delivers. From the satisfying crunch of buffalo cauliflower to the comforting warmth of a chocolate chip cookie skillet, and from a vast selection of beers to the fun of DIY mimosas, Urban Saloon offers a multifaceted experience that appeals to a broad audience. It's a place where you can feel comfortable bringing a large group, enjoy a quiet meal, or simply unwind with a drink after exploring the city.
Exploring Fairmount: More Than Just a Meal
Your visit to Urban Saloon Philadelphia can also be part of a larger exploration of the Fairmount neighborhood. This area is rich in history, culture, and other local businesses. Being located directly across from the Eastern State Penitentiary means you can easily combine a fascinating historical tour with a delicious meal or refreshing drink at Urban Saloon. The neighborhood itself is known for its charming streets, local shops, and other culinary delights, making it a fantastic area to wander and discover.
Urban Saloon serves as an excellent anchor point in this dynamic part of Philadelphia, providing a reliable and enjoyable destination for food, drink, and camaraderie. It embodies the spirit of a true urban saloon – a place for gathering, relaxation, and good times in the heart of the city.
So, the next time you find yourself in Philadelphia, particularly in the Fairmount area, consider stopping by Urban Saloon. Experience firsthand why it's a beloved spot for so many. Have you visited Urban Saloon Philadelphia? Share your thoughts and favorite dishes in the comments below! If this article helped you plan your next outing, feel free to share it with friends who might also be looking for a great spot in Philly.
