Tria Cafe - Rittenhouse Square
Type: Bar, Eatery
123 S 18th St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19103-5126
United States
(215) 972-8742 | map
triacafe.com
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View: Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 68 | Ratings: 92
4.39/5 rDev +2.1%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.25
Little trendy-type bar/restaurant that had some nice beer options. Actual location had some outdoor seating and about 12 tables and some bar seats. Not a ton of room if all of the tables are occupied, but pretty similar to a lot of other downtown options. Beer list had about 8 taps and a pretty diverse bottle list. Wife got a 17oz RuinTen for $6. Needless to say, that seemed to be the go to option for a lot of the beer drinkers there that night. Staff seemed knowledgable about the beer offerings and made some nice suggestions. Unfortunately we did not get to try any food, but we were watching some plates get prepared and it looked pretty appetizing.
★ 657 characters
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.25
Little trendy-type bar/restaurant that had some nice beer options. Actual location had some outdoor seating and about 12 tables and some bar seats. Not a ton of room if all of the tables are occupied, but pretty similar to a lot of other downtown options. Beer list had about 8 taps and a pretty diverse bottle list. Wife got a 17oz RuinTen for $6. Needless to say, that seemed to be the go to option for a lot of the beer drinkers there that night. Staff seemed knowledgable about the beer offerings and made some nice suggestions. Unfortunately we did not get to try any food, but we were watching some plates get prepared and it looked pretty appetizing.
★ 657 characters
4.19/5 rDev -2.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Came in to Tria for the good tap list and had a great time. When we first arrived it was quite busy (Saturday night) with a 30 minute wait for a table. We decided to just head up to the bar and get the beer we had come in to try, Daisy Cutter. All the seats were taken, but I was waited on immediately, nice. One of our group headed back to the door to put our name on the list for a table, and two seats opened up at the bar within minutes.
We really liked the atmosphere of the place. Nice lighting, good vibe, crowded but not overly loud. We were enjoying our beers, and before we knew it someone came up to let us know our table was ready. From the bar side our drinks and waters were taken over to our table, and we settled in to order food.
The service here was very attentive and friendly. The apps we ordered were all nicely done. We would make a point of returning here on a future visit. From the first greeting at the door, until we left, everything exceeded our expectations.
★ 989 characters
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Came in to Tria for the good tap list and had a great time. When we first arrived it was quite busy (Saturday night) with a 30 minute wait for a table. We decided to just head up to the bar and get the beer we had come in to try, Daisy Cutter. All the seats were taken, but I was waited on immediately, nice. One of our group headed back to the door to put our name on the list for a table, and two seats opened up at the bar within minutes.
We really liked the atmosphere of the place. Nice lighting, good vibe, crowded but not overly loud. We were enjoying our beers, and before we knew it someone came up to let us know our table was ready. From the bar side our drinks and waters were taken over to our table, and we settled in to order food.
The service here was very attentive and friendly. The apps we ordered were all nicely done. We would make a point of returning here on a future visit. From the first greeting at the door, until we left, everything exceeded our expectations.
★ 989 characters
3.94/5 rDev -8.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Another place that I got to check out on my East Coast trip while my wife shopped. It works out great, she likes to shop for clothes, I don't, and she doesn't like it when I'm hanging around her while she shops, so once again her suggestion was, "why don't you find a place to have a beer while I check out these two stores?" Sounds good to me!
Small long place, pretty airy, light, kind of stuffy in a wine and cheese type of way, but not bad. But not really my style either...
Quality was good. The beer list had good choices from Germany, Belgium, CA, and quite a few local crafts as well.
Service was fine, I was greeted as I walked in, and quickly served.
Above average selection, they had quite a few good choices, but the bummer to me was that not many were on draft. In fact, the Troegs beer I ordered was from a bottle. Either it wasn't marked that way on the menu, or I wasn't paying attention when I ordered it.
Didn't have any food, it looked good though.
Prices were standard for what I ran into in Philly.
Overall, worth a stop if you are in the area. But I wouldn't go out of my way to come here... might be a nice spot to take your significant other, especially if they like wine.
★ 1,204 characters
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Another place that I got to check out on my East Coast trip while my wife shopped. It works out great, she likes to shop for clothes, I don't, and she doesn't like it when I'm hanging around her while she shops, so once again her suggestion was, "why don't you find a place to have a beer while I check out these two stores?" Sounds good to me!
Small long place, pretty airy, light, kind of stuffy in a wine and cheese type of way, but not bad. But not really my style either...
Quality was good. The beer list had good choices from Germany, Belgium, CA, and quite a few local crafts as well.
Service was fine, I was greeted as I walked in, and quickly served.
Above average selection, they had quite a few good choices, but the bummer to me was that not many were on draft. In fact, the Troegs beer I ordered was from a bottle. Either it wasn't marked that way on the menu, or I wasn't paying attention when I ordered it.
Didn't have any food, it looked good though.
Prices were standard for what I ran into in Philly.
Overall, worth a stop if you are in the area. But I wouldn't go out of my way to come here... might be a nice spot to take your significant other, especially if they like wine.
★ 1,204 characters
4/5 rDev -7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
This is by far the trendiest place I have ever been. Located on the corner of Rittenhouse square. Its long and narrow and was a bit crowded when we were there.
This place seems to pride itself more in the wine than the beer-but Philly is all about the beer so they have a pretty darn good beer selection too. I enjoyed some schneider-brooklyn weisse and another beer I would never find on tap in Pittsburgh.
They also have some great artisan cheeses-which were expensive, but very enjoyable.
The bartender was fine and took our orders in a timely manner-they were pretty busy so this counted for a lot
★ 605 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
This is by far the trendiest place I have ever been. Located on the corner of Rittenhouse square. Its long and narrow and was a bit crowded when we were there.
This place seems to pride itself more in the wine than the beer-but Philly is all about the beer so they have a pretty darn good beer selection too. I enjoyed some schneider-brooklyn weisse and another beer I would never find on tap in Pittsburgh.
They also have some great artisan cheeses-which were expensive, but very enjoyable.
The bartender was fine and took our orders in a timely manner-they were pretty busy so this counted for a lot
★ 605 characters
3.95/5 rDev -8.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
I've only been to the Tria located in Washington Square West. It's a tiny place...luckily I have always found a spot at the bar. Atmosphere is very nice...though it's a small bar, it feels spacious and the clientele here are usually a little more mature than some of the bar crowds that one might encounter, which I appreciate. Brew selection is okay...not a whole lot to choose from but there is always quality stuff on tap. Last time I was there they had Pliny the Elder, which I have had a lot of times, but it was still nice to see something of such high quality on the draught list.
Service is generally good. Selection could be better...I would like to see five more additional taps and perhaps a better bottle selection. Food is AWESOME. So good. You will pay a premium here on both food and drink, but it's worth it for the experience and vibe. I will go back again soon...this is one of my pre-concert drinking spots.
★ 928 characters
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
I've only been to the Tria located in Washington Square West. It's a tiny place...luckily I have always found a spot at the bar. Atmosphere is very nice...though it's a small bar, it feels spacious and the clientele here are usually a little more mature than some of the bar crowds that one might encounter, which I appreciate. Brew selection is okay...not a whole lot to choose from but there is always quality stuff on tap. Last time I was there they had Pliny the Elder, which I have had a lot of times, but it was still nice to see something of such high quality on the draught list.
Service is generally good. Selection could be better...I would like to see five more additional taps and perhaps a better bottle selection. Food is AWESOME. So good. You will pay a premium here on both food and drink, but it's worth it for the experience and vibe. I will go back again soon...this is one of my pre-concert drinking spots.
★ 928 characters
4.38/5 rDev +1.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Small and a bit cramped but a very nice spot for some quality beer and food. A bit more trendy when compared to some other craft spots in the city.
The beer list is nice with a bit of every style. The food was very good and perhaps the main reason for a visit, as quality beer lists in Philly are abundant. The banana, caramel and mascarpone panino was outrageous. The service was very good and the bartenders were knowledgeable and attentive. This was an excellent spot for some beers and quality food in a nice section of the city.
★ 534 characters
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Small and a bit cramped but a very nice spot for some quality beer and food. A bit more trendy when compared to some other craft spots in the city.
The beer list is nice with a bit of every style. The food was very good and perhaps the main reason for a visit, as quality beer lists in Philly are abundant. The banana, caramel and mascarpone panino was outrageous. The service was very good and the bartenders were knowledgeable and attentive. This was an excellent spot for some beers and quality food in a nice section of the city.
★ 534 characters
4.28/5 rDev -0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I like both Tria locations but the original location on Sansom is my favorite. Small and kind of loud in prime time, this is still a comfortable spot at the busiest of times. In mid-afternoon, it's a great place to hang out.
With a long bar holds about a dozen seats, some up tables, some banquettes inside and a few outdoor tables, Tria is a cozy place. Service at this location is always a highlight. Bartenders are quite knowledgeable in both beer and wine, and quite good at making an appropriate recommendation for an uncertain guest.
Tap list is small but well chosen, all or nearly all craft, with a nice variety of American and Belgian styles. I can always find a good option.
The food menu consists of great artisan cheeses and charcuterie, paninis and small plates. All very well done.
HV
★ 802 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I like both Tria locations but the original location on Sansom is my favorite. Small and kind of loud in prime time, this is still a comfortable spot at the busiest of times. In mid-afternoon, it's a great place to hang out.
With a long bar holds about a dozen seats, some up tables, some banquettes inside and a few outdoor tables, Tria is a cozy place. Service at this location is always a highlight. Bartenders are quite knowledgeable in both beer and wine, and quite good at making an appropriate recommendation for an uncertain guest.
Tap list is small but well chosen, all or nearly all craft, with a nice variety of American and Belgian styles. I can always find a good option.
The food menu consists of great artisan cheeses and charcuterie, paninis and small plates. All very well done.
HV
★ 802 characters
4/5 rDev -7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
A nice little place. Very nice atmosphere here. Clean, a bit classy, intimate, maybe a bit on the hipster side; a small bar seats about 10 or 12 people, slightly cramped, with several tables inside and outside. No TVs here, which is a plus, considering it's not going to be plagued with annoying Philly sports fans, therefore making this a good place to hang on game nights.
Menu is small but very good, with the catch here being specialty bruschettas that are small, but amazing, and very reasonably priced. Lots of truffle oil used in the food, which is always a good thing. Beer selection is decent, considering I think Tria is primarily a wine bar. But there are about 8 craft beers on tap, and maybe 20 in bottles, and when I went there were two exceptionally good and [moderately] uncommon beers on tap, namely Pliny the Elder and Lost Abbey Angel's Share. They're not exactly rare in Philly these days, but $6 for a glass of Pliny ain't bad at all. They also have a specialty cheese menu, but that didn't really interest me. That part did seem pricey, but then what do I know about cheese? Other than kinds that I like.
Service is very good. Our bartender was friendly, and extremely polite, not to mention knowledgeable about drinks.
Definitely a nice bar, and a good destination for multiple visits. Hard to go here with Monk's not to far away, but this is still a nice place. Can come off a bit hipster, but oh well.
★ 1,429 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
A nice little place. Very nice atmosphere here. Clean, a bit classy, intimate, maybe a bit on the hipster side; a small bar seats about 10 or 12 people, slightly cramped, with several tables inside and outside. No TVs here, which is a plus, considering it's not going to be plagued with annoying Philly sports fans, therefore making this a good place to hang on game nights.
Menu is small but very good, with the catch here being specialty bruschettas that are small, but amazing, and very reasonably priced. Lots of truffle oil used in the food, which is always a good thing. Beer selection is decent, considering I think Tria is primarily a wine bar. But there are about 8 craft beers on tap, and maybe 20 in bottles, and when I went there were two exceptionally good and [moderately] uncommon beers on tap, namely Pliny the Elder and Lost Abbey Angel's Share. They're not exactly rare in Philly these days, but $6 for a glass of Pliny ain't bad at all. They also have a specialty cheese menu, but that didn't really interest me. That part did seem pricey, but then what do I know about cheese? Other than kinds that I like.
Service is very good. Our bartender was friendly, and extremely polite, not to mention knowledgeable about drinks.
Definitely a nice bar, and a good destination for multiple visits. Hard to go here with Monk's not to far away, but this is still a nice place. Can come off a bit hipster, but oh well.
★ 1,429 characters
4.55/5 rDev +5.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
Was in Philly over the New Year's weekend and stopped in Tria twice. Initial visit was for a few post-Monk's libations. Among the 8 well thought-out taps was Port's Mongo DIPA - one of the best beers I have had in a LONG time. Couldn't resist trying a few of the small plates - which were outrageously good.
Dropped in again after Mummer's parade - and tried some of the cheese and some other small plates (and - the Mongo of course). The food, service and beers were all spot-on. The beer list isnt extensive - yet it features a good variety of styles and brewers (see their web site for current taps/beers).
This is definitely on the list for next visit to Philly and will make sure we take advantage of the place for full dinner service.
★ 742 characters
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
Was in Philly over the New Year's weekend and stopped in Tria twice. Initial visit was for a few post-Monk's libations. Among the 8 well thought-out taps was Port's Mongo DIPA - one of the best beers I have had in a LONG time. Couldn't resist trying a few of the small plates - which were outrageously good.
Dropped in again after Mummer's parade - and tried some of the cheese and some other small plates (and - the Mongo of course). The food, service and beers were all spot-on. The beer list isnt extensive - yet it features a good variety of styles and brewers (see their web site for current taps/beers).
This is definitely on the list for next visit to Philly and will make sure we take advantage of the place for full dinner service.
★ 742 characters
4.43/5 rDev +3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
I stopped by a few days ago for lunch with friends. The bar is in a corner rowhouse, inside the bar is narrow and has an ecclectic feel to it. The tables are small but kinda cozy. Our waitress was very knowledgable about both the beer and wine list. The beer list has about 10 taps and 20 bottles. It is organized by flavor profile and has great descriptions of all the brews. Everyone in my party was very happy with the food, I had a chicken pannini and it was great. The prices were about what I would expect for center city. I would definitely go back, especially if there are any wine lovers in the group.
★ 610 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
I stopped by a few days ago for lunch with friends. The bar is in a corner rowhouse, inside the bar is narrow and has an ecclectic feel to it. The tables are small but kinda cozy. Our waitress was very knowledgable about both the beer and wine list. The beer list has about 10 taps and 20 bottles. It is organized by flavor profile and has great descriptions of all the brews. Everyone in my party was very happy with the food, I had a chicken pannini and it was great. The prices were about what I would expect for center city. I would definitely go back, especially if there are any wine lovers in the group.
★ 610 characters
4.2/5 rDev -2.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I went to Tria due to a prio arrangement set up during Philly Beer Week. Tria has a "fermentation class" set up that runs a couple times a month, which is located in a building a couple blocks away. Regardless, a friend and I stopped in before the class was due to start: Jean Van Roy from Cantillon was just hanging out at the bar having Fou' Founes with everyone!!
So already I was haveing a great time. The food I ordered was also very good! It's very clean, cool people working the bar, and obviously a nice spot due to the crowd...on 2 different occasions. Infact on my second visit, I saw a few of the same people, realizing Tria must have some "regulars".
The prices are pretty reasonable for a beer bar, and the selection was very nice. I wish I could have spent more time and tried some of their different cheeses! Overall, a very cool place, and worth a visit!
★ 874 characters
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I went to Tria due to a prio arrangement set up during Philly Beer Week. Tria has a "fermentation class" set up that runs a couple times a month, which is located in a building a couple blocks away. Regardless, a friend and I stopped in before the class was due to start: Jean Van Roy from Cantillon was just hanging out at the bar having Fou' Founes with everyone!!
So already I was haveing a great time. The food I ordered was also very good! It's very clean, cool people working the bar, and obviously a nice spot due to the crowd...on 2 different occasions. Infact on my second visit, I saw a few of the same people, realizing Tria must have some "regulars".
The prices are pretty reasonable for a beer bar, and the selection was very nice. I wish I could have spent more time and tried some of their different cheeses! Overall, a very cool place, and worth a visit!
★ 874 characters
4.4/5 rDev +2.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
I sought this bar out, when looking for a spot with good beer, near an opera I was to attend
on 2/24/10.
What a place!
Sunday they have an incredibler deal on a wine/beer and a cheese.
1/2 price! They call it...Sunday School.
It is a wine bar...but some REALLY good Belgians.
One of my FAV's was on tap---LaChouffe.
I also had an excellent, few others in bottles. 1 Belgian that even the Beer Advocate doesn't know about yet, called TGAVERHOPKE EXTRA was
12% & goes down as smooth as smooth can be.
I had a Piet Agoras in a large snifter that looked fantastic with a big white head. and tasted great too.
The girl behind the bar, Carrie was filled
with knowledge about the beers. She was on
the mark with all of them. She was also on the mark in helping me to select one of their funky appetizers. She was good lookin' to boot..heh.
A very nice experience.
I'll go back.
Den
★ 879 characters
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
I sought this bar out, when looking for a spot with good beer, near an opera I was to attend
on 2/24/10.
What a place!
Sunday they have an incredibler deal on a wine/beer and a cheese.
1/2 price! They call it...Sunday School.
It is a wine bar...but some REALLY good Belgians.
One of my FAV's was on tap---LaChouffe.
I also had an excellent, few others in bottles. 1 Belgian that even the Beer Advocate doesn't know about yet, called TGAVERHOPKE EXTRA was
12% & goes down as smooth as smooth can be.
I had a Piet Agoras in a large snifter that looked fantastic with a big white head. and tasted great too.
The girl behind the bar, Carrie was filled
with knowledge about the beers. She was on
the mark with all of them. She was also on the mark in helping me to select one of their funky appetizers. She was good lookin' to boot..heh.
A very nice experience.
I'll go back.
Den
★ 879 characters
4.05/5 rDev -5.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Tria presents itself mostly as a Wine/Cheese bar, but they definitely do enough on the beer end to warrant consideration.
Tria is located in a small corner rowhome. Atmosphere is very minimalist metro, little decor but letting all the wood speak for itself. Enought tables for maybe 30 and bar seating for 10.
They typically stock about 8 draft beers and have a bottle selection of about 20-30. The menu seperates the beers into loose styles from light, to fruity, to heavy, to dark etc. etc. The drafts are usually above average to good with the frequent standout from Russian River (Consecration) or The Lost Abbey (Angels Share). The bottles range from average local craft to a handful of domestic craft and export. My one gripe is the price... charging $8 for a 12oz bottle of something that normnally costs $5-$6 for a 16oz draft and charging $8 for 8oz pours of limited brews.
The food is focused on small plates, where for $5-$7 each you get a few slices of cheese, peices of bruchetta, mini sandwich etc. The food is excellent and you will find yourself ordering a nice amount.
The wine menu is a stand out for the wine enthusiast, although once agaian pricey. Service is typically very good although not always 100% knowledgeable. Great spot for a date or quick bite for lunch, but expect waits at dinner time.
★ 1,324 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Tria presents itself mostly as a Wine/Cheese bar, but they definitely do enough on the beer end to warrant consideration.
Tria is located in a small corner rowhome. Atmosphere is very minimalist metro, little decor but letting all the wood speak for itself. Enought tables for maybe 30 and bar seating for 10.
They typically stock about 8 draft beers and have a bottle selection of about 20-30. The menu seperates the beers into loose styles from light, to fruity, to heavy, to dark etc. etc. The drafts are usually above average to good with the frequent standout from Russian River (Consecration) or The Lost Abbey (Angels Share). The bottles range from average local craft to a handful of domestic craft and export. My one gripe is the price... charging $8 for a 12oz bottle of something that normnally costs $5-$6 for a 16oz draft and charging $8 for 8oz pours of limited brews.
The food is focused on small plates, where for $5-$7 each you get a few slices of cheese, peices of bruchetta, mini sandwich etc. The food is excellent and you will find yourself ordering a nice amount.
The wine menu is a stand out for the wine enthusiast, although once agaian pricey. Service is typically very good although not always 100% knowledgeable. Great spot for a date or quick bite for lunch, but expect waits at dinner time.
★ 1,324 characters
4.1/5 rDev -4.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
A- I enjoy the atmosphere. It is definitely focused on being a trendy wine-bar (rightfully so since it is a trendy wine bar), but for me this does not detract from the bar. It is extremely clean and well kept, usually not too loud and not so crowded that you're squeezed into a corner.
Q- All in all, it is a pretty high quality place. They don't have the proper glasses for every beer they serve, but wine is their specialty and for me the wine glasses they use (although they do have some beer glasses) don't detract from the beers at all.
S- The service is great when it comes to serving food and attentiveness, but there definitely seems to be a commonality between all of the employees at both locations: pretend you know a lot about beer and/or wine when you do not actually know what you are purporting to know. This is what keeps the score at "average" for me. I just choose not to ask questions anymore and do my own research from my phone to read reviews on BA if I am unsure.
S- The selection is small but solid. Roughly 20 beers in bottles and another 8 on tap. They don't often get crazy rare beers, but at the same time they have virtually no "throw away" beers on the menu. They have been known to get RR sours in bottles and on tap, I sampled LA Brandy-barrel angel's share tonight, and they have some solid staples in bottles such as Founders Breakfast stout, edmund fitzgerald, cantillon classiz gueuze and others. All in all, not the absolute best selection in Philadelphia, but underrated/overlooked by many in my opinion due to the perceived image of the bar.
F- Lots of great dishes to pair with beer. Large cheese selection and many of the different tapas options on the menu pair well with any type of beer from sour to IPA to stout.
V- Not the cheapest bar in Philadelphia, but the markup seems to be equal on every beer (say it is $2, that will seem like a lot for a Prima Pils, but not so bad when drinking a rare beer never on tap in Philadelphia for under $10/pour.) Food can go either way, in terms of cost, but definitely reasonable for small dishes to pair with beers for happy hour or a late night snack.
★ 2,143 characters
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
A- I enjoy the atmosphere. It is definitely focused on being a trendy wine-bar (rightfully so since it is a trendy wine bar), but for me this does not detract from the bar. It is extremely clean and well kept, usually not too loud and not so crowded that you're squeezed into a corner.
Q- All in all, it is a pretty high quality place. They don't have the proper glasses for every beer they serve, but wine is their specialty and for me the wine glasses they use (although they do have some beer glasses) don't detract from the beers at all.
S- The service is great when it comes to serving food and attentiveness, but there definitely seems to be a commonality between all of the employees at both locations: pretend you know a lot about beer and/or wine when you do not actually know what you are purporting to know. This is what keeps the score at "average" for me. I just choose not to ask questions anymore and do my own research from my phone to read reviews on BA if I am unsure.
S- The selection is small but solid. Roughly 20 beers in bottles and another 8 on tap. They don't often get crazy rare beers, but at the same time they have virtually no "throw away" beers on the menu. They have been known to get RR sours in bottles and on tap, I sampled LA Brandy-barrel angel's share tonight, and they have some solid staples in bottles such as Founders Breakfast stout, edmund fitzgerald, cantillon classiz gueuze and others. All in all, not the absolute best selection in Philadelphia, but underrated/overlooked by many in my opinion due to the perceived image of the bar.
F- Lots of great dishes to pair with beer. Large cheese selection and many of the different tapas options on the menu pair well with any type of beer from sour to IPA to stout.
V- Not the cheapest bar in Philadelphia, but the markup seems to be equal on every beer (say it is $2, that will seem like a lot for a Prima Pils, but not so bad when drinking a rare beer never on tap in Philadelphia for under $10/pour.) Food can go either way, in terms of cost, but definitely reasonable for small dishes to pair with beers for happy hour or a late night snack.
★ 2,143 characters
2/5 rDev -53.5%
vibe: 2 | quality: 2 | service: 2 | selection: 2
This is a very stuffy place. If you are looking for a beer bar this is not it. It is trying for hip and trendy. Trying too hard to please everyone. We are currently sitting outside, we walked up with a cup of Starbucks and have been treated as homeless trespassers since. They pretend to understand the entracasies of beligum beer service but the best they can do is a tall stemed wine glass. Speaking of which, the wine list is also a try of stetching their experience. Being a wine steward it is also limited and overstated. I really have not appreiated the pretentious s
service we have expirienced thus far. Pls forgive my typos as I was using my phone to post this.
★ 670 characters
vibe: 2 | quality: 2 | service: 2 | selection: 2
This is a very stuffy place. If you are looking for a beer bar this is not it. It is trying for hip and trendy. Trying too hard to please everyone. We are currently sitting outside, we walked up with a cup of Starbucks and have been treated as homeless trespassers since. They pretend to understand the entracasies of beligum beer service but the best they can do is a tall stemed wine glass. Speaking of which, the wine list is also a try of stetching their experience. Being a wine steward it is also limited and overstated. I really have not appreiated the pretentious s
service we have expirienced thus far. Pls forgive my typos as I was using my phone to post this.
★ 670 characters
4.3/5 rDev 0%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Stopped in to this place for a beer while i was out and about. They have a very good if not supremely extensive selection of beers (and wines as well). RR Damnation and Allagash Hugh Malone highlighted the tap selection today.
The menu looked fantastic and smelled great. Even though i had already eaten, i was tempted to eat again. Mainly apps, sandwiches and salads. They also have a large selection of cheeses. I will definitely be going back.
They also have a membership program. $3 joining fee and then $50 gift card for every 500 spent plus 'prizes for every 25 different beer/wine/cheeses you try. Looks like a decent deal if you got there multiple times a year. (need to go once a quarter to maintain membership). I was told that the selection rotates frequently and they always try to maintain at least one of each of a Quad, Trippel, Dubbel, Brown Ale, Hefe and a few others.
The service was very nice and seemed relatively knowledgeable. Also, the cuteness factor of the staff did not hurt.
★ 1,005 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Stopped in to this place for a beer while i was out and about. They have a very good if not supremely extensive selection of beers (and wines as well). RR Damnation and Allagash Hugh Malone highlighted the tap selection today.
The menu looked fantastic and smelled great. Even though i had already eaten, i was tempted to eat again. Mainly apps, sandwiches and salads. They also have a large selection of cheeses. I will definitely be going back.
They also have a membership program. $3 joining fee and then $50 gift card for every 500 spent plus 'prizes for every 25 different beer/wine/cheeses you try. Looks like a decent deal if you got there multiple times a year. (need to go once a quarter to maintain membership). I was told that the selection rotates frequently and they always try to maintain at least one of each of a Quad, Trippel, Dubbel, Brown Ale, Hefe and a few others.
The service was very nice and seemed relatively knowledgeable. Also, the cuteness factor of the staff did not hurt.
★ 1,005 characters
3.48/5 rDev -19.1%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4 | service: 2 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
An odd combination. Great beer and food menus, great location on Rittenhouse Square. Rodenbach Grand Cru on tap, great cheese and meat selections. Bar is long hallway with tables on the other side. maybe 10-12 taps, all strong and quality.
But
The entire place is a "seen and be seen" sort - the service, while attentive is young and not too experienced in beer terms. Felt a lot of pseudo types there, including staff - which is a shame becasue the menu and idea is great. Maybe a bad day, but with this much quality, the service needs to get sorted.
★ 554 characters
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4 | service: 2 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
An odd combination. Great beer and food menus, great location on Rittenhouse Square. Rodenbach Grand Cru on tap, great cheese and meat selections. Bar is long hallway with tables on the other side. maybe 10-12 taps, all strong and quality.
But
The entire place is a "seen and be seen" sort - the service, while attentive is young and not too experienced in beer terms. Felt a lot of pseudo types there, including staff - which is a shame becasue the menu and idea is great. Maybe a bad day, but with this much quality, the service needs to get sorted.
★ 554 characters
4.78/5 rDev +11.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
This place is like the holy trinity for me...
A retaurant that focuses on all things fermented.
Beer, Cheese, Wine...great sandwiches and small plates, cured meats, great coffee.
Find me a patch of dirt and I would be buried there.
Phenominal. The owners, servers and bartenders are courteous knowledgeable and kind. Their beer list is not extensive, but what they have is great. The cheese...particularly the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale washed cheese (plug, plug) was fantastic.
I have nothing negative to report from my experience... I can;t wait to get back to Philly to check it out again.
★ 593 characters
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
This place is like the holy trinity for me...
A retaurant that focuses on all things fermented.
Beer, Cheese, Wine...great sandwiches and small plates, cured meats, great coffee.
Find me a patch of dirt and I would be buried there.
Phenominal. The owners, servers and bartenders are courteous knowledgeable and kind. Their beer list is not extensive, but what they have is great. The cheese...particularly the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale washed cheese (plug, plug) was fantastic.
I have nothing negative to report from my experience... I can;t wait to get back to Philly to check it out again.
★ 593 characters
4.7/5 rDev +9.3%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Great atmosphere, wich I noticed at the time I walked through the door.
The service was on point from the time I walked in, until I left. The staff realy seemed to be working together, and were well educated on the products they were serving.
I asked for a hard cheese to go with a lambic, and I new when I did so that it was an odd request. But it was no big deal, they hooked it up and I got exactly what I was looking for. Eventhough I did not know what I was looking for.
All of the cheese and other food items were very good, and I look forward to checking out more items in the future.
I was suprised by the tap list. It was mixed with the bottle list and I got a little confused, wich happens. The tap list was short, but not lacking, a range of different styles and regions were all represented. The bottle list was the same, not to much stuff, but enough to find what you need.
A very good visit, and this place is worth becoming a regular. I will be back soon.
★ 970 characters
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Great atmosphere, wich I noticed at the time I walked through the door.
The service was on point from the time I walked in, until I left. The staff realy seemed to be working together, and were well educated on the products they were serving.
I asked for a hard cheese to go with a lambic, and I new when I did so that it was an odd request. But it was no big deal, they hooked it up and I got exactly what I was looking for. Eventhough I did not know what I was looking for.
All of the cheese and other food items were very good, and I look forward to checking out more items in the future.
I was suprised by the tap list. It was mixed with the bottle list and I got a little confused, wich happens. The tap list was short, but not lacking, a range of different styles and regions were all represented. The bottle list was the same, not to much stuff, but enough to find what you need.
A very good visit, and this place is worth becoming a regular. I will be back soon.
★ 970 characters
4.15/5 rDev -3.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Stopped here on a Saturday night with fredandboboflo. This was a pretty cool place. It has a very uppity-vibe and it was quite crowded when we were there, but we did get seats. Solid tap list. It's not very long, but it had quality beers. We got Victory Yakima Twilight, Yards Extra Special Ale, Meantime IPA, and Allagash Interlude. They also have a really good wine list if you're into that too. We ordered a cheese plate and it was awesome as well. Pricey and not exactly the atmosphere I'm into, but I can't deny that this is a really good beerbar. Definitely check it out.
★ 577 characters
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Stopped here on a Saturday night with fredandboboflo. This was a pretty cool place. It has a very uppity-vibe and it was quite crowded when we were there, but we did get seats. Solid tap list. It's not very long, but it had quality beers. We got Victory Yakima Twilight, Yards Extra Special Ale, Meantime IPA, and Allagash Interlude. They also have a really good wine list if you're into that too. We ordered a cheese plate and it was awesome as well. Pricey and not exactly the atmosphere I'm into, but I can't deny that this is a really good beerbar. Definitely check it out.
★ 577 characters
3.85/5 rDev -10.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 2.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Went here for lunch with my girlfriend on Tuesday.
We started things off with a glass of wine for her and a General Lafayette Porter for me. Our waitress was proficient, but a bit distant and she didn't really seem concerned with our orders. Fortunately, she was the only downside.
We got the Claudio Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Bruschetta appetizer, which was delicious, if a bit small and, for the main course, she ordered the Smoked Salmon and Lemon-Pepper Vinaigrette Salad and I got a Smoked Chicken with Lancaster Cheddar Panino. My sandwich was excellent and the salad was apparently pretty good as well.
The beer list was also quite impressive, featuring several Belgians and a few special brews from local micros. I also had a glass of Duchesse de Bourgogne and Founder's Breakfast Stout.
Overall, it was a nice lunch experience and I will definitely return sometime in the future. I guess my only complaint is the lackadaisical service and the not entirely welcoming atmosphere.
★ 999 characters
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 2.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Went here for lunch with my girlfriend on Tuesday.
We started things off with a glass of wine for her and a General Lafayette Porter for me. Our waitress was proficient, but a bit distant and she didn't really seem concerned with our orders. Fortunately, she was the only downside.
We got the Claudio Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Bruschetta appetizer, which was delicious, if a bit small and, for the main course, she ordered the Smoked Salmon and Lemon-Pepper Vinaigrette Salad and I got a Smoked Chicken with Lancaster Cheddar Panino. My sandwich was excellent and the salad was apparently pretty good as well.
The beer list was also quite impressive, featuring several Belgians and a few special brews from local micros. I also had a glass of Duchesse de Bourgogne and Founder's Breakfast Stout.
Overall, it was a nice lunch experience and I will definitely return sometime in the future. I guess my only complaint is the lackadaisical service and the not entirely welcoming atmosphere.
★ 999 characters
4.6/5 rDev +7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
This review pertains to the original location on 18th and Sansom.
Although Tria is very small and often hard to get a table, they have an excellent selection of bottles and drafts, the food is excellent and the service is very good. This place is all about fermentation with a nice selection of artisan cheeses, wine and beer. Their ber list is not very extensive but everything on it is of very high quality and they often get very rare selections. The last time I was there they had Pliny the Elder and Stone Double Bastard Brady Barrel Aged on tap and the time before that bottles of Russian River Temptation. Their prices are a bit high but I still highly recommend this place.
★ 682 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
This review pertains to the original location on 18th and Sansom.
Although Tria is very small and often hard to get a table, they have an excellent selection of bottles and drafts, the food is excellent and the service is very good. This place is all about fermentation with a nice selection of artisan cheeses, wine and beer. Their ber list is not very extensive but everything on it is of very high quality and they often get very rare selections. The last time I was there they had Pliny the Elder and Stone Double Bastard Brady Barrel Aged on tap and the time before that bottles of Russian River Temptation. Their prices are a bit high but I still highly recommend this place.
★ 682 characters
4.3/5 rDev 0%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
I'm a philly beer geek who doesn't get out much anymore, but have always wanted to check this place out, so I wondered in last evening and had a great experience. The atmosphere is casual but still had a good vibe going on. The bartender(s) were knowledgable on there beers, among some of the best I've seen in Philly. The selection was excellent, both on bottle and on tap. The only negative I have to say about the place that they were out of one of the items I wanted (Ommegang Rouge). Service was good. Food appeared to be focused around lighter fare such as appetizers though I didn't partake in any. Prices were reasonable especially when considering the selection and quality. I will definately aim to head back to Tria in the future.
★ 741 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
I'm a philly beer geek who doesn't get out much anymore, but have always wanted to check this place out, so I wondered in last evening and had a great experience. The atmosphere is casual but still had a good vibe going on. The bartender(s) were knowledgable on there beers, among some of the best I've seen in Philly. The selection was excellent, both on bottle and on tap. The only negative I have to say about the place that they were out of one of the items I wanted (Ommegang Rouge). Service was good. Food appeared to be focused around lighter fare such as appetizers though I didn't partake in any. Prices were reasonable especially when considering the selection and quality. I will definately aim to head back to Tria in the future.
★ 741 characters
4.63/5 rDev +7.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
A runner up for the best beer spot in Philly.
Lots of limited draughts and bottles that you rarely see on the east coast. The food is also very good. Staff is extremely helpful, and always seem to know what's going on. Back when I worked at The Foodery, I used to come here all the time. They usually gave me the industry 10%, if not more, which I always appreciated.
Their brewing classes sometimes feature people like Vinnie from Russian River, so you know they're not messing around.
Tria now has two locations in Philadelphia. Enjoy!
★ 542 characters
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
A runner up for the best beer spot in Philly.
Lots of limited draughts and bottles that you rarely see on the east coast. The food is also very good. Staff is extremely helpful, and always seem to know what's going on. Back when I worked at The Foodery, I used to come here all the time. They usually gave me the industry 10%, if not more, which I always appreciated.
Their brewing classes sometimes feature people like Vinnie from Russian River, so you know they're not messing around.
Tria now has two locations in Philadelphia. Enjoy!
★ 542 characters
Tria Cafe - Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, PA
4.3
out of 5
based on 92 ratings.
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.5
The Tria empire is now getting mighty sizable, but go back a bunch of years and it was only this little cafe, located in a busy stretch of 18th street a block away from Rittenhouse Square.
There is not much room inside, so it is nice to seat outside when the weather is nice. Service is very good, as you'd expect from the Tria group, and the beverage selection is good but not as great as in the nearby Taproom (although I shouldn't compare, I know, but I'm spoiled by the Taproom's awesomeness).
They divide their menu in "Invigorating", "Profound", "Friendly" and other pretty words. My only complaint is that they throw everything together, so it can be hard to distinguish the drafts from the bottles from the cans.
You'll find easy stuff from Lagunitas, Troegs or Sierra on tap here, with a couple of interesting bottles. But nothing too rare or super interesting.
★ 876 characters