Quirky corner bar with antique brass lamps & worn leather booths serving seasonal American fare.
Zoe Andrew
Looked good from outside,
social atmosphere inside was good (I mean atmosphere created by customers, not staff),
temperature was good too (bloody hot outside!)
So why the low rating…?
1. No beer on tap, all out of bottle, despite taps being there ♀️
2. Barmaid was so uninterested and blunt it was unreal (and unnecessary) she told us no tables coming free for food, we then spotted a back bar, we asked if there were tables there, she said ‘yes, 2 high ones’ these would’ve been ideal for us as we always seek high tables out (due to hip issues), we then asked if they were busy she said ‘no idea go look’. I did, that separate bar was practically empty (she would’ve known this). We decided to just leave. In that time 2 tables HAD become free in main bar.
3. Then joined by another barmaid it was clear they were talking about another set of customers (rudely) – didn’t hear what they were saying but actions and expressions said it all!
So whilst the food did look good it was sadly the front of house that let the whole place down.
Hubby and I agreed it was worst bar service we’d had in our whole travels of Pennsylvania
… moreKatherine
Very relaxed, very small, cozy establishment. Tons of regulars. The food blew me away!!! I was expecting regular bar food, and what I got was exceptional food inside of a cozy bar. I had the crispy chicken sandwich- I got a huge crispy piece of chicken- astounding and so flavorful. The mussels honestly shocked me! Tender and not fishy AT ALL!! My fiancé got the chicken pot pie. Perfect for these cozy winter nights. You can’t beat the atmosphere, however, it’s old, so my booth seat was rocking back and forth quite a bit because of the excited gentleman sitting behind me.
… moreDerek Paradise
I had a great experience at The Happy Rooster in Philadelphia. The food was delicious and came out fresh, and the service was just as impressive. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made the whole visit feel relaxed and enjoyable. It’s one of those places where you can tell they genuinely care about their customers.
Whether you’re stopping in for a bite or looking for a laid-back spot with good energy, The Happy Rooster is definitely worth a visit. I’ll be back!
… moreMarcus Payton-McNair
Veronica is AWESOME with the drinks! Made my favorite liquor into a whole drink. AMAZING! Will be back for sure.
… moreTiffany Testa
Fun vibe, great food! Portions were great for the prices.
Around the table we had the tuna melt, Cuban sandwich, grilled cheese and soup, tacos, crab cakes and the smash burgers. Everyone enjoyed their food.
Love the atmosphere of a small moody location with the energy to match!
… moreSamuel Kesler
Been going here for years and always had great experiences with the staff – incredibly friendly and quick, and I love the atmosphere. Today went back to pick up a card I left the night before, again the staff being very helpful, but the owner stopped me and began interrogating me about the card, treating me like a child, and saying I was being aggressive. At that point I had said maybe two sentences to her, both times answering her questions, and yet in that time she had made up her mind that she would gladly lose a customer over a forgotten credit card. I’d previously brought all my friends and family from out of town to Happy Rooster, but now I’ll find another bar. I wouldn’t recommend spending your time and money here.
… morejosh fournier
Awful service bartender and server screamed in my face absolutely worse service ive ever experienced. Food was amazing though 10/10 calamari deviled eggs.
Context: Came in ordered a round of drinks, sat down at open table bc more people were coming. Server yelled at us for sitting with an open bar tab. Said sorry told her id close out but had a drink on the way. Got up closed the tab, grabbed my drink sat back down to order, and she told us to get up bc I had ordered another drink, the same drink I told her I was still waiting for. After being kicked off the table for that altercation we got food at the bar. Food came was amazing. I paid using the same card I had just covered the last tab for and it didnt go through, later Ab 10 mins I tried the same card and it worked (see photo attached) but because it gave the bartender an issue She yelled loudly “ SOMEONE HAS TO PAY ONE OF YOU GIVE ME A CARD” So my friend paid, I paid him out of my account tipped the bartender $5 and left. Ive been in service since I was 16 and this was the wildest Ive ever been treated at any bar in center. I get difficult customers but the staff at every turn would rather boss you around then solve a simple conflict.
… moreCraig Dobbs
Such a GREAT neighborhood bar!! Close to City Hall and hotels, I was visiting Philly for work and The Happy Rooster caught my eye looking like a neighborhood bar. Chris the bartender was welcoming and very friendly with just the right amount of “Philly edge”. Good selection of beer and an eclectic more-than-a-bar-menu (lamb burger!) plus a list of specials on the board (including a huge Turkey Reuben). If you’re in that area of the city looking for a relaxed atmosphere with a solid menu plus a local feel, the Happy Rooster is the place.
… morecelina bryant
Had the worst experience! They racially profile so if you are of any ethnicity that is not Caucasian do not go here. The waitress literally snatched the menu off the table didn’t even get a chance to order food. Never had such horrible service. Would give 0 stars. Don’t give them any of your money, it’s better spent elsewhere.
… moreLisa Chaya
A tale of two restaurants…we’d d eaten here often in the past and loved it, so expected a lovely evening. Showed up for our reservation on time and were ignored by staff. Finally got seated in our booth. This is a SMALL bar (12 tables) and is located on a corner. There are two doors at the entrance. Both doors close veeerryy ssslloowwllyy. It was 20 degrees outside. People come and go often and each time let in a long blast of 20 degree wind. We had to put our coats on. Finally, we noticed an empty table in a secluded back corner. We asked to be moved there and the waiter refused. That table remained empty throughout our entire frozen stay. Ate dinner with our coats on. Food was lackluster. Ordered the tuna nicoise salad and received bagged lettuce with a can of cold tuna fish on top. Paid the check and left. Walked a few blocks down to the Dandelion. Also located on a corner, but this place has an outer door, an inner door, and heavy velvet drapes. People can come and go with no impact on the temp at the bar. Told the bartender we were freezing and he immediately sent waitstaff in search of a seat upstairs or by the fire place. No luck but he found us a table by the bar, the exact same distance from the door as at Happy Rooster, but warm and cozy. Enjoyed some fabulous cocktails and apps. Moral of the story: It’s the small things that make or break a restaurant: the waiter who cares about your comfort; the owner who invests in making a place comfortable; the chef who does more than open a can of tuna fish.
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