Fergie's Pub

Fergie's PubFergie's Pub
Fergie's PubFergie's Pub
Bar, Eatery

1214 Sansom St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107-4913
United States

(215) 928-8118 | map
fergies.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.9
Reviews:
21
Ratings:
33
pDev:
8.72%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Photo of Knapp85
Reviewed by Knapp85 from Pennsylvania

3.64/5  rDev -6.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.75 | food: 3.75
Nice little Irish Pub in center city Philly. The service was decent, the place was kind of busy so she wasn't as attentive as she might of been if it were slower. The selection was mostly English, Scottish and Irish beers with a few random craft selections as well. The food was decent, but nothing spectacular.
Feb 19, 2017
 
Rated: 4.53 by Mnteti from Delaware

Aug 27, 2016
 
Rated: 3.5 by JohneHoodlum from Pennsylvania

Apr 08, 2016
 
Rated: 3.89 by scottbrew4u from Pennsylvania

Jun 05, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by MattXT from Virginia

Aug 18, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by mvanaskie13 from Pennsylvania

Aug 01, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by AGust82 from Connecticut

Jun 25, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by soulcougher from Pennsylvania

Jun 04, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by InspectorBob from New Jersey

Feb 26, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by oglmcdgl from Pennsylvania

Jan 07, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by seanchai from Virginia

Dec 31, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by sammyt728 from New Jersey

Nov 06, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by RobertColianni from Pennsylvania

Oct 30, 2013
Photo of mildlybitter75
Reviewed by mildlybitter75 from Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev +5.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
I was in town for a show at the Underground Arts and decided to take a walk into Center City to visit one of my old haunts. I have not been in this bar for about ten years so I didn't know what to expect. As I wondered in I was taken aback by how much the place didn't change but got better with age. Once a dark smoke filled pub is now a relic of it's former self. Dignity and grace is the only words I can come up with; age just hasn't gotten to this great place, it has just made it better.
When I walked in I sat at the end of the bar. Ordered a Guinness and just scanned around the place. I threw that one and about five more back, rapped with a really nice bartender named Dave about the good old years. But I knew I had to go on since I was doing a small crawl before the show.
I think this is still one of my favorite bars in the Philly, just simple old school drinking, no TV's no loud pop music, just a nice relaxing time.
Oct 20, 2013
Photo of rfgetz
Reviewed by rfgetz from New Jersey

3.53/5  rDev -9.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3
The decor is somewhere between what one would expect from an Irish Pub and a Dive Bar... decor is minimimal and all of the attributes of the space show some wear and tear, especially in the brightly lit rooms. Medium sized bar with minimal seating downstairs, small bar with more seating upstairs.

Beer menu is small but solid, mostly local crafts with a couple of national/international brands. Maybe 8 on draft with a bottle menu a bit larger.

To food has changed again, with a BBQ theme going on, which feels out of place at a bar such as this. The food was good, just a bit pricey for the standard bar (not gastropub) feel of the food.

Service is always friendly and as attentive they can be, even when crowded.

I'll pop in from time to time if in the area, but not a major destination for great beer or food, especially at the price point.
Jun 13, 2011
Photo of CHickman
Reviewed by CHickman from New York

4.14/5  rDev +6.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Same owner as Monk's Café, but a more Irish pub feel that is casual and in the middle of the city close to the Reading Terminal Market. This place had a great vibe and was at least 100 years old with a great looking interior, woodwork and that speakeasy feel about it.

There were about 12 beers on tap and a pretty good bottle selection displayed behind the bar, with a nice variety of US and Belgian beers taking up most of the product line. I had the Cricket Hill Jersey Summer Breakfast Ale on tap, which was decent.

The bartender was knowledgeable and attentive and it seemed like there was a lot of regulars present, especially for a Monday afternoon.

There was good music playing and the atmosphere was very laid back and embracing. I liked this place during my short visit to it and would go back again.
Jul 09, 2010
Photo of woodychandler
Reviewed by woodychandler from Pennsylvania

4.36/5  rDev +11.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 3.5
I cannot tell you how many times Fergie has been at me to come in for a visit. Now that the ice is broken and the cherry has been popped, I will be back.

A short, phone booth-like vestibule opened onto a hardwood floor with stairs to the second floor directly in front of the doorway and the short, wooden, "J"-shaped bar to the left. The back bar was wood and mirrors with Celtic symbology and a Gaelic phrase above it. Further aft, on the first floor, was a slew of standard restaurant tables and chairs with the kitchen all the way aft, behind velvet curtains. Washrooms aft right.

Upstairs, the extremely short bar was to the right, beginning at the front window and continuing aft just a short distance. Surrounding the bar were standard tables and chairs. A short stage was in the left corner by the window and live bands played every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday with intermittent acts the other nights. Lovely!

The highlight of the visit when the proprietor himself arrived and his jaw dropped. Seeing some bearded weirdo at the bar. It's a tough life as an easily recognized beer, ah, personality.

Beer: Six (6) taps. Guinness Harp, Sly Fox 113; Yards PHLPA; Yuengling Lager; and Hoegaarden. Also, Woodchuck Draft Cider and Nodding Head Grog on Cask (!)
Dec 02, 2009
Photo of Soonami
Reviewed by Soonami from Pennsylvania

3.35/5  rDev -14.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3
Went today with some other grad students from my department. I was pleasantly surprised by the decor, which was very inviting and unpretentious like a lot of "Irish Bars" can be. They didn't have a single TV around, which can be good or bad depending on who you ask.

The beer list there was about average for Philly. They did have a reasonably good bottle selection, but nothing you couldn't pick up at the Foodery or at another beer bar if you were inclined. The draft selection was pretty normal stuff, Yard's Philly Pale Ale, Lager, Harp, Guiness, Brooklyn Brown, Troegs, Sly Fox etc. The only thing that pique my interest was the Bear Republic Racer 5.

Service was friendly and we had a cute, attentive waitress--always a help! Food was a bit expensive, though of reasonable quality. I wouldn't go here just for the food, which I often find myself doing for Standard Tap, SPTR, or Local 44.

I wanted to give this place a 2.5 $ because it seemed kind of pricey for a working class town like Philly. A guiness draft was $6! The Bear republic was the same, which is why I ended up drinking $4 lager, which is still pricey.

I think the reason the place has a B+ average is because most of the reviews are several years old and although the bar might have not changed the Philly beer scene has improved vastly and there are many more places to get a good beer at a reasonable price. I guess most customers that come willingly pay for convenience of center city.
Aug 29, 2009
Photo of Seanibus
Reviewed by Seanibus from California

3.83/5  rDev -1.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
This place is as shaggy and unkempt as its namesake owner. The downstairs is dark and dirty looking and the upstairs speaks of VFW banquet halls. And yet, this is a pretty cool place - great beer, good food, and big funky happy crowd. The service is friendly but a little spotty. Overall I'd recommend the upstairs - it has some windows and feels a bit more airy, and there is a space for musicians to play. Fergie is a great champion of great beer in a great beer city, so this place gets a seal of approval if not a big seal of cleanliness.
Mar 21, 2009
Photo of brewmaster411
Reviewed by brewmaster411 from California

4.22/5  rDev +8.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
This review is from my notes of 5 years ago. Recently I revisited and have found no reason to revise them.
Across the street from Ludwig Garten, a really nice German bar. This is the home of one of the top jars of Guinness in Philly. They have 5 handpumps and six taps with local microbrews. A real good Irish welcome with plenty of good food with friendly service. The bar has displayed their licenses going back over 100 years ago. A really nice touch for historical buffs.

I can't add any more to this to get to 500 caracters.
Oct 06, 2007
Photo of Gratefullawyer
Reviewed by Gratefullawyer from Ohio

4.75/5  rDev +21.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 5
In philly on a conference. After a morning of sightseeing my group of 4 stumbled into the pub. and were made to feel right at home with a very friendly bartender. by the end of our afternoon we had met the owners and invited back for the music,

Very small place but very cozy. We had lunch and beers at the bars.
Very typical selection knowelegable staff. The guiness had a great peat taste here. the local beer on tap were good.

The mussels were excellant. the homemade humas was first class.
My friends raved on the chili and burgers.

We spent a pleasant afternoon there.

We returned Friday night late and were great again. Went uptairs got a table by the band (ok 2 guys with guitars). Music was great, crown friendly, beers flowed. we had a great time
If in philly do not miss a visit here and a chance to sing with the band
Apr 27, 2007
Photo of laintringulis
Reviewed by laintringulis from Ohio

3.56/5  rDev -8.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3
A nice smaller Irish bar with a few tables and a small stage for performers. The had 5-6 draft choices, mainly local brews and the usual Irish brews. They had a nice selection of microbrews, but nothing exceptional or out of the ordinary. A very nice place to go and enjoy a beer, talk, and relax. Very good service from staff, very friendly. It is fairly quiet, almost Cheers-like. Mainly an "older" crowd. Not the place if you are looking for a big time college crowd/party. I did not eat any of the food, but everything that passed by me looked/smelled great and looked like large portions.
Jul 04, 2006
Photo of DrJay
Reviewed by DrJay from Texas

3.43/5  rDev -12.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 2.5
As described in the other reviews, this is a smallish pub close to several other destinations in downtown Philly (we hit Monk's, Nodding Head, and McGillan's in the same afternoon - Ludwig's was crowded due to the World Cup). We sat at the bar and received good service from the bartender. The tap list was small, but there were some decent selections. Nodding Head's Grog was available as were beers from Yuengling, Yards, and Troegs. Harp and Guinness were represented, along with Woodchuck Cider. It was Saturday afternoon and a bunch of musicians started showing up shortly after we sat down. By the time we left, there were about 12 people jamming to Irish tunes. Kinda neat, but really loud. It got a little smoky, but the high ceilings kept it from getting too bad. It had the small pub feel where a lot of folks are regulars. It's not a bad place to stop in at (I wouldn't think twice about stopping in again), but if you're looking for beers that are out of the ordinary, you'll do better at some of the other local bars.
Jul 03, 2006
Photo of paddyos
Reviewed by paddyos from Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -3.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3 | food: 3.5
Definitely the most authentic Irish Pub in Philly. Small bar to the left as you walk in. Typical tap selection with a few locals on rotation including Nodding Head from down the block. Makes sense as Fergie is a part of both places. Never had a full meal here, but the nachos are good and the wings are great. Irish session every Saturday afternoon starting around 4pm or so. No tv's which is a nice way to force conversation amongst the patrons. There is also an upstairs that opens up at night for live music, but I haven't ventured up there yet.
Mar 31, 2006
Photo of BillyB
Reviewed by BillyB from New Jersey

3.73/5  rDev -4.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3
Very nice, quaint Irish Pub. Bartender had an Irish accent and asked, "What can I get you, love?"
They had a three piece irish band (guitar, mandolin, violin) jamming away on some cool music.
Very small but nice atmosphere. Not very crowded.
Friendly staff.
Unfortunately the tap selection was just not that impressive. They had a few good Philly/PA locals (Yards, Troegs,Yuengling) and the typical Guiness, Smythwicks and some decent Ciders.
If they added a few more American micro taps this would be a great beer bar, as well as a good irish pub. As is, it's a good, typical Irish pub.
Feb 07, 2006
Photo of LordChesterfield
Reviewed by LordChesterfield from Oregon

3.75/5  rDev -3.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3 | food: 4
This place is extremely chill. Real Irish pub atmosphere and plenty of selection in the bottle. Not the best tap selection but good enough. I've only had the sirloin steak off the menu but that was quite tasty if a little small. The bar is a little small so if there's a crowd grab a table quick. Fergie's definitely needs a new bathroom, it's so small you can barely turn around! It's kind of a middle aged person's hangout so if you don't want to get carded and don't want to deal with ridiculous behaviour , this is the place.
Dec 23, 2005
Photo of whartontallboy
Reviewed by whartontallboy from New York

3.43/5  rDev -12.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3
Not a bad choice to have a pint. Dark, cozy interior that kind of reminds me of a hunting lounge, and it wasn't too incredibly smoky the night I was there. The service was reasonably friendly and prompt for a Saturday night; the bartender seemed like a pretty nice guy. The selection was not overwhelmingly incredible, but still nice enough. Mostly usual suspects: Guiness, Stoudt's APA, Hoegaarden, Woodchuck cider, Smithwick's, and a few others. There was a bottle selection on the bard, but that didn' look too crazy, just mostly solid offerings from large American craft brewers. The cask Yard's ESA is worth making the trip in for, though. The upstairs bar was hosting a private party the night I was in, but the guys throwing it invited my buddies and me up, and it looked pretty nice, too. Plenty of space, not too expensive, just a solid bar.
Mar 28, 2005
Photo of blitheringidiot
Reviewed by blitheringidiot from Pennsylvania

3.43/5  rDev -12.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3
Fergies fits the local beer scene like an old shoe. Nothing impressive, just comfy. It's easy to find right across the street from Ludwigs and a handful of good bars within walking distance, too.

Outside is a plain front with the big FERGIE'S sign. Inside the bar is off to the left and the upstairs staircase is stright ahead. There's about 15 spots at the bar and about ten tables downstairs. Upstairs is the restaurant where they have live acts and sometimes open mic nites.

OK, the beer: Two ciders, Guinness, Smithwicks, Stoudts APA, Hoegaarden, and a cask conditioned local Yards ESA that is perfect on the engine.

Plenty of dark interior woods that look like they are crying for some Pledge, but that adds to the charm. Could you take your Mom here? Yes, if you go early, but this is a beer drinking bar above all else. The men's room (a.k.a. little scrods room) is downstairs. It's adequet and clean.

Other ammenities include a cigarette machine, and an Elvis bust above the door. The 'tender was quick but he wasn't going to be writing my autobiography. The tap selection could stand to be spruced up a little better.

Last call: FERGIE'S is owned by the same folks as Monk's (in case you didn't know.) It's a good spot to hit if you happen to be in the neighborhood. The cask of Yards ESA makes it worth a stop.
Mar 24, 2005
Photo of francisweizen
Reviewed by francisweizen from Washington

4.13/5  rDev +5.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
This is an awesome looking "Irish bar" in Philly that actually reminds me of many of the pubs I have drank in in Dublin, Ireland and other Irish cities. Quality of the beers was good, but $5.50 for a guinness is a bit much. Service was fast, and nice, what more can one ask for? Selection is nice, but the 7 taps were not that impressive, they do always have a cask on though, which seems to always be Yards ESA as well. That's a + in my book. Food looked good, but I did not try any. The smell of malt vinegar is burned into this places soul. Go.
Jan 18, 2005
Photo of slander
Reviewed by slander from New York

4/5  rDev +2.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Royally Stumbling around Philly, it was inevitable, don't you think, that we'd make our way to Fergie's. I mean, hell, they've got cask goin' on, that's reason enough and we were in the neighborhood and all, so...
Small tight place or so it seemed. A wooden bar with seating for 10 and a dozen tables throughout. Overhead, beer signs, mugs, old beer cans, steins, trophies, a football, a 1/2 yard glass in it's stand, flasks, tins, film reels, deer heads, and all sorts of other bric a brac. Dark wood with orange uppers, white Xmas lights trim, giant Guinness and Bass mirrors, no sign of the idiot box (TV) anywhere, and a pretty damn good jukebox (was listenin' to Joni, Waterboys, Sinead, Van Morrison).
7 taps (Guinness, Harp, Yuengling, Smithwicks, Hoegaarden, Stoudts APA, and some cider), a cask (Yards ESA), and about 30 bottles (Chimay, La Fin Du Monde, Duvel, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Rogue Dead Guy Ale, La Chouffe, Corsendonk, Lindemans, Franziskaner, Stella, Bass, Abbot Ale, and a pair each of Victorys, Anchors, and Yards, and a bunch of macros). Tap beers are served in 1/2 pint, pint, Irish pint, or pitcher size servings. Yay!!
Next to the blackboard that reads, "Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday", lies a staircase over there in the corner. I's gots to know where it goes. The lounge upstairs is a smaller room with an 8 seat bar, a long beer hall table, plus a half dozen more tables of various sizes and shapes, all candle lit, billowy cushioned ceiling, crosshatched stained glass windows with strung dangling Xmas lights, beer signs, mirrors and a place for a band to be set up in the corner. We hung out a bit, taking in the band, drinking our cask ESA's, wondering where EyeDrinkAleOutOfTheTrunkOfMyCar had gotten to (We found him meandoring outside). Nice little Irish bar in the stumblehood.
Aug 21, 2004
Photo of nomad
Reviewed by nomad from Kansas

3.85/5  rDev -1.3%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5
No TV, a jukebox of great oldies, great wood everywhere, dusty pieces on the mantle, eerie low-lighting looking orange, bar full of whiskies reflecting off the big mirror behind it, large Gaelic inscriptions everywhere, upstairs for live music. Wow, what a throwback of a bar. Musty, creaky, and becoming well-worn as a pretty darn authentic looking Irish pub.

Tap selection is small but good, allowing you to order in 12 oz. mugs, 16 oz. noninck pints, and ever larger amounts, with the prices laid out on a graph. The tap list never changes, ever - Yards ESA (always on cask, always excellent), Young's SLA (damn good), Hard Jack Cider, Guinness, Yuengling Lager, Hoegaarden, Stoudt's Pale Ale, and Harp Lager. Bottle list includes La Chouffe, Anchor Liberty, Victory, Duvel, Chimay, Lindeman's, and some "stylish" imports (i.e. Stella and Corona).

Enough details, this place wins on atmosphere and the feeling you get. Very much group-oriented, so hope you can score a table, but don't be afraid to check upstairs. Not the greatest bar for beer selection, but Fergie does what he can to give you some options and appeal to the masses without shuttling macros about. Comfy and a fun place to laugh with your friends. Always a smile at this place, though a lot of people know how good this place is. I love it, and a great bar hop from Ludwig's - 200 yards, 2 great bars, 2 totally different countries and styles. Awesome.
Nov 23, 2003
Photo of NeroFiddled
Reviewed by NeroFiddled from Pennsylvania

3.83/5  rDev -1.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Fergie's is a real, down-to-earth Irish pub far from the soft-blown & rain-soaked hills of the old country. The bar is small, and the dining room is small. Upstairs is small as well. The bathrooms are OK though! - Well at least they're kept clean! The crowd can be a bit clickish, but it changes quickly and most of the regulars are quite friendly. The after-work crowd can be a hassle though - they want to come in, act like they own the place, have a few pints and then rush of to catch their trains. Please ignore them! The beer selection is decent and the food is good. Yard's ESA is usually on the handpump and in good condition because they buy quarter kegs and it turns quickly. And if you get in the mood, there's some Irish Whiskey available as well. It wouldn't be my first choice for beer selection as it's about a block away from Ludwig's Garten, but it's a nice place to spend an hour or two with a decent pint. And if Fergie's there, he's certainly a character worth seeing!
May 17, 2003
Photo of WilliamPhilaPa
Reviewed by WilliamPhilaPa from Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +3.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Upon entering, there is nice dark wood interior which remains faithful to the Old World style, a classic style pub of Old Dublin. Fergie’s is roomy (compared to other Philly bars), with plenty of tables and additional seating available in the lounge upstairs, which features a wide variety of local music, no Tv’s in this bar. They a have a good selection of taps, approx. 8-9 and one hand pump.. They also have an excellent selection of bottled brews. Food selection is a pretty good.... If your in the area of Ludwigs Garten or McGillins you should check this place out...
Jun 17, 2002
Fergie's Pub in Philadelphia, PA
Place rating: 3.9 out of 5 with 33 ratings