Tria Cafe - Rittenhouse Square

Tria Cafe - Rittenhouse SquareTria Cafe - Rittenhouse Square
Tria Cafe - Rittenhouse SquareTria Cafe - Rittenhouse Square
Bar, Eatery

123 S 18th St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19103-5126
United States

(215) 972-8742 | map
triacafe.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.3
Reviews:
68
Ratings:
94
pDev:
8.84%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by corby112:
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Reviewed by corby112 from Pennsylvania

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.
Nov 26, 2008
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.86 by slasich from Pennsylvania

May 16, 2020
 
Rated: 4.33 by zbelair from Pennsylvania

Dec 12, 2018
 
Rated: 4.21 by IdrinkGas from Pennsylvania

Mar 20, 2016
Photo of DoubleSimcoe
Reviewed by DoubleSimcoe from Pennsylvania

3.76/5  rDev -12.6%
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.
Feb 29, 2016
 
Rated: 4.38 by bgold86 from New York

Jan 25, 2016
 
Rated: 3.61 by HookemHoos from Virginia

Jul 06, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by JohneHoodlum from Pennsylvania

Jun 10, 2015
 
Rated: 4.5 by JMUbrewz from Virginia

May 11, 2015
 
Rated: 4.64 by Bill69 from Pennsylvania

Mar 12, 2015
 
Rated: 4.42 by shoretaxi from New Jersey

Jan 11, 2015
 
Rated: 4.75 by GeorgiaBeerGuy from Georgia

Nov 08, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by BeerForMuscle from New Jersey

Nov 06, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Fusebuddy from Wisconsin

Oct 14, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by tkdchampxi from New Jersey

Oct 06, 2014
 
Rated: 4.24 by bchifley from Australia

Sep 13, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by MattXT from Virginia

Sep 02, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by RPH2327 from Pennsylvania

Aug 10, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by mltobin from Connecticut

Aug 03, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by woodchip from North Carolina

Jun 25, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by markgugs from New Jersey

Jun 10, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by DNICE555 from Connecticut

May 28, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Rochefort10nh from New Hampshire

Mar 31, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by little_star from Illinois

Mar 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by ColForbinBC from New Jersey

Jan 22, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by hoppymcgee from Maine

Jan 06, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by ReeseMax3 from Pennsylvania

Nov 03, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by Varkias41 from New Jersey

Oct 16, 2013
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Reviewed by stephenjmoore from Maryland

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.
Aug 04, 2013
Photo of rikatine
Reviewed by rikatine from New York

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.
May 09, 2013
Photo of flexabull
Reviewed by flexabull from California

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.
Oct 02, 2012
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Reviewed by PittBeerGirl from Ohio

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
Apr 25, 2012
Photo of MsRif
Reviewed by MsRif from Pennsylvania

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.
Oct 29, 2011
Photo of phingdong
Reviewed by phingdong from New Hampshire

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.
Aug 27, 2011
Photo of sholland119
Reviewed by sholland119 from Pennsylvania

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
Aug 22, 2011
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Reviewed by Rifugium from North Dakota

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.
May 21, 2011
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Reviewed by rbastone from New York

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.
Jan 02, 2011
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Reviewed by bonkers from New Jersey

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.
Dec 27, 2010
Photo of ShadesOfGray
Reviewed by ShadesOfGray from Pennsylvania

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!
Jun 23, 2010
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Reviewed by Dennycurr from Pennsylvania

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
Jan 25, 2010
Tria Cafe - Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, PA
Place rating: 4.3 out of 5 with 94 ratings