One of our favorite bar/restaurants in Old City. Consistently excellent service at the bar or a table. Friendly staff. Live music Sundays , Tuesdays, and special events. The food is SO good. Handicapped accessible (there’s a 2nd floor, but bar, restrooms and main dining area are accessible. Fireplace in the winter. Outdoor tables on the sidewalk for nice weather. Everything is wonderful here!
Overview
The Plough & The Stars is a cozy, inviting restaurant nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, specifically at 123 Chestnut Street Entrance on N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. This charming spot, known for its welcoming atmosphere and traditional pub fare, makes a perfect destination whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a night out with friends.
The interior of The Plough & The Stars exudes warmth and comfort, with rustic wooden tables and classic pub-style décor. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind after a busy day, enjoy a cold pint, and savor some of the best food in the city. One of the restaurant's standout features is its menu, which combines Irish-inspired classics with local flavors, making it a go-to place for both locals and visitors. From hearty stews to freshly baked pies, the options are endless.
For starters, the Irish Nachos are a crowd favorite. Crispy fried potato slices, topped with melted cheese, bacon, and sour cream, offer a perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. If you're looking for something lighter, the House Salad is a great option, featuring a mix of fresh greens, roasted beets, and goat cheese, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing choice to kick off your meal.
When it comes to main dishes, you can’t go wrong with the Fish and Chips. The crispy battered fish, paired with perfectly golden fries, offers a taste of traditional pub food that never disappoints. If you’re craving something more filling, the Guinness Beef Stew is an absolute must-try. This dish combines tender chunks of beef, slow-cooked in a rich Guinness-based broth, making it the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.
The Plough & The Stars also offers a diverse selection of sandwiches and burgers, each served with a side of crispy fries or a small salad. The Plough Burger is a popular choice, with a juicy beef patty, melted cheddar, and smoky bacon all sandwiched between a soft bun. For those seeking a vegetarian option, the Grilled Vegetable Sandwich is flavorful and satisfying, packed with roasted peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
The drink menu at The Plough & The Stars is equally impressive. With a well-curated selection of local craft beers and classic cocktails, there’s something for everyone. If you’re in the mood for something festive, the Irish Coffee is a great way to end your meal. The mix of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and a dollop of cream is the perfect way to warm up and unwind.
The location is another huge advantage of this restaurant. Situated in the Old City district of Philadelphia, The Plough & The Stars is surrounded by history, making it an ideal place to visit after exploring the nearby attractions like the Liberty Bell or Independence Hall. It’s the perfect spot for lunch or dinner while taking in the charm of one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Service is another highlight at The Plough & The Stars. The staff is friendly and attentive, always ready to offer recommendations or ensure that your dining experience is top-notch. Whether you're visiting for a casual bite or a special occasion, you’ll feel well taken care of throughout your meal.
Another reason this restaurant stands out is its inviting and lively atmosphere. It’s not uncommon to hear live music in the evenings, with local bands setting the tone for a great night out. The vibe here is relaxed yet energetic, making it the perfect setting for a casual night out with friends or a cozy dinner for two.
If you're in the Philadelphia area, The Plough & The Stars is definitely worth a visit. The combination of great food, an excellent drink selection, and a comfortable atmosphere makes it a standout in the local dining scene. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite or planning a special night out, this restaurant has everything you need for a memorable dining experience.
Overall, The Plough & The Stars manages to blend the charm of traditional Irish pub food with the vibrancy of Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, creating a unique dining experience that caters to both locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re craving comfort food, refreshing drinks, or just a cozy place to relax, this restaurant offers it all.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Fireplace ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Live music ✓ Serves local specialty ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Late-night food ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Private dining room ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Historic ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ Locals ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Paid multi-storey car park ✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1777 reviews
We had dinner at the Plough. It was fantastic. We were met by our witty host with a heavy Irish accent who seated us. Eva was our wait person. She was attentive, friendly, and always available. We had the Ribeye Pork and the Guinness Casserole. They were outstanding meals. Cooked to perfection. The atmosphere was local and genuine. Prices were reasonable. Go and enjoy the Plough.
Not an Irish Soccer fan so maybe the timing could have been better... game was on, place was lit! Food was outstanding, but they clearly weren't staffed to handle the crowd. Breakfast wrap & a Pint. Perfect!
We used this restaurant has a pre-show dinner. It was convenient to our theater. The service was super fast. The food was quite good. We did not have any alcohol. We shared a main dish and an appetizer. The price for a younger couple who each had a main dish would have probably been in the the $50 to $60 range for the two of them. It is a somewhat noisy restaurant, especially on a Sunday evening when they have an Irish style band playing. However, we were able to hear each other talking at the table that we were given. Had not
We hosted a wonderful celebration at The Plough & The Stars for about 50 people recently. We utilized the top floor mezzanine area. We had a private bar and butlered hors d'oeuvres. We worked with Marion to prepare for the party.. very friendly and easy to deal with. We were able to use the big screen to show a slideshow of the guest of honor. The staff at the Plough & The Stars who serviced our party were fabulous. Patrick, our bartender, kept the drinks flowing and Rebecca did a wonderful job with service. KatieLynne, the manager, kept checking in to make sure that everything was to our satisfaction. We hope to book another event with the Plough & Stars in the near future!
Super happy. Food was great, big portions, all very good. Some of the best fish and chips we have had (and I’m in England several times a year). Sunday roast ribeye was delicious. Cocktail menu had a great selection, and any place with a whiskey flight gets high marks. Definitely worth a stop. Even had a live Irish band. A lively atmosphere without being too loud.
???????? First time here & we’ll definitely be back! Caught Rum & Red Roses LIVE (Pogues Tribute Band) - loved it!!! Service was phenomenal! The Beer Battered Haddock Sandwich was fried to perfection and soup du jour (Seafood Chowder) melted in your mouth like butter. Definitely check them out. Totally worth it!
The service and atmosphere was incredible. We went to this location twice during our stay. The first time we had to sit down launch the food was typical bar food. Many of us had our burgers medium however they arrived almost rear. The salad and fries were delicious and were the highlight of many of our orders. Drinks were not cold that more than likely was due to the amount of people that were in the restaurant on both occasions, especially our second occasion however the staff was super friendly and energetic and always checking in on our party that varied between 8 to 15 people we had both indoor and outdoor seating for our two separate times. The outdoor seating was fantastic because we were able to enjoy the activities on the street the indoor seating was great for the live band that they had.