Doesn't Recommend

elisap

Joined 4 years ago

Disappointing. My boyfriend and I were excited to try out snackbar, it seemed like just what we were looking for - somewhere new for us, good drinks, great environment and light fare.

When we arrived and sat, it took the waiter at least 15 minutes before even giving us a menu (keep in mind it's very small inside, and we were sitting right next to the bar).

We ordered 3 food items off of the menu. 2 of the 3 they did not have... when asked for more time he informed us that they were only open because there was a movie being filmed in rittenhouse that day. It seemed as if we were inconveniencing them by being there (it was a Thursday night, about 8pm).

Overall the food and drinks were ok (once we determined which items were available that night) but nothing to write home about, especially for that price. The service was definitely lacking and it almost felt uncomfortable to even ask for a second drink or the check.

We do not plan on going back, especially considering how many fabulous places are in Philadelphia with welcoming environments, great service and better prices. So much for trying somewhere new!

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Franding

Joined 5 years ago

Simply the best!. Check out this great bar! Adventurous food, you'll definetly find something on the menu you've never tried or even thought of before. So, if Applebee's is your place, stay away from Snackbar. But if you enjoy a great bar and a chef who loves what he's doing, check it out.

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jossfan23

Joined 5 years ago

Its called snackbar! meaning snacks & bar.. We have gone only 1 time and have only had small plates/sides/dessert/drinks. But the food was tasty and had a thoughtful and interesting mix of flavors. Yes the servings were not huge american plates - but that is not what they are trying to be. I feel the prices are pricey - but no higher than other tapas places in the city that I've been to. On the evening we went the servers were extremely nice and attentive - we had an overall positive experience.

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milksteak

Joined 6 years ago

Good food, strange and pricey experience. I went to Snackbar after walking by a dozen times and envying the gorgeous fireplace. The decor is perfect - modern, warm, and intimate but not cluttered. The gnocchi was delish, but the salmon (which allegedly had a mango sauce) was fairly bland. The portion sizes were quite small, making for an expensive meal. Most surprising was the poor service, despite the restaurant being half empty. It took 20 minutes for the server to take our drink order, another 10 to receive them, and then we were coarsely asked "oh, did we want to order food?" as though it were an afterthought.

While I would eat the food again, I would not pay that much to be treated that way again, and will likely not go back.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Rittenhouse Square's super-stylish jewel box of a bar and restaurant sets a glam scene for dinner and drinks or cocktails on the run.. The Scene
Let's get one thing straight: this rather posh Rittenhouse Square boite is heavy-handed on style and decidedly a snack bar in name alone. A raging fire sets the scene from its minimalist wall mount. Glowing hues of orange radiate from the walls as well as a Guggenheim-inspired drop ceiling A small L-shaped bar makes for chic but cozy corner for those looking to see and be seen in this room surrounded by street-side windows. Music here is more rocking than at most higher-end eateries - and who's not down with Eddie Vedder with your escargot?

The Food
Come to think of it, a renegade sensibility runs through the menu and beyond, often pushing fusion in fresh directions. A fish entree served dramatically with a spackle-like smear of potatoes was a stunner, but the presentation left for a too cooled mash. A cheeseburger served a la Français, with sunny side-egg atop, was a most satisfying and filling meal. An oxtail and Kobe beef combo made for an interesting plate, but decidedly, the oxtail stole the spotlight. Gnocchi proved appropriately pillowy. If you really do want a snack, a well-considered cheese selection offers a good mix on which to nosh. Service was spotty when in for drinks on a quiet evening, then quite attentive, on a busy Thursday night. A quality wine list offers often-exceptional by-the-glass selections. Interestingly, the beer list is treated to equal time, with some curve balls thrown in among the Chimays and Fin du Mondes - such as Wilkes-Barres' Butt Money Chimp Chiller Ale. -

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girlfunkmusic

Joined 6 years ago

I WENT TO SNACKBAR FOR $25 AND WAS?STILL STARVING WHEN I LEFT!!. Seriously. Everything worth knowing about my experience is in the heading.

A colleague of mine was visiting from out of town and happened upon it. I'm not a big fan of dining without references since I know so many other good restaurants in Philly, but I let him decide. I've walked by a million times before and though I love the burgundy walls and in-laid fireplace, I knew this was as bougie (...as in "bourgeois") as it gets. So I dropped $25 on a, and I quote, "Large Plate" that sounded like a lovely dish of scallops in an interesting puree. I don't remember wondering if there was a side dish, but you know what they say about hindsight... My friend ordered the Gnocchi w/vegetables prepared in a non-traditional way that sounded promising.

Fast-forward to our dinner arriving - when I tell you that after staring at both of our dishes, my friend and I were in complete disbelief to the point where we could not stop laughing - I am NOT exaggerating! We just could not stop cracking up b/c we thought it was a joke that someone could serve you as little food as were on our plates with a dead-on straight face. Now, I have ordered scallops many times before (because I consider it a pretty safe dish for me) and normally love them - these were no different; they were absolutely delicious - BUT THEY ONLY GAVE ME THREE !!!!! And not a thing more. No vegetable; no rice; no side of squat. There was this yummy puree sauce splattered across, that I practically licked off the plate out of hunger. What the heck is the excuse for that? It's like you're trying to cater to people with money and yet, you couldn't be more cheap with your serving!!? It is so not classy to serve people that are actually hungry and not feed them. That makes no sense to me. That dish for the record was $22. My friend's dish was also absolutely delicious - no question about it - but it looked like someone else's left overs. A couple scoops in the bottom of a bowl. That's it.

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khartm01

Joined 6 years ago

Nice restaurant. The restaurant had a nice atomphere. Service and food were excellent! Great place for drinks. If you order the small portions, I recommend ordering 2.

Doesn't Recommend

dbspesh

Joined 6 years ago

Pretention Palace. So I live around the corner from this place and after watching it being erected (so to speak, it was actually a restaurant called 'oyster') i decided to grab a bite with an older female companion--let's just call her mom.

Ok, I'm there with my mamacita, who is not a fan of adventurous cuisine but wanted to try it out for the decor (which does sort of work). We ordered a bunch of stuff off the menu, all of which was ridiculously over-priced and pea-sized to boot! The polenta was a cheesy mess but they refused to give us bread--according to the waitress (who was also tiny and probably over-priced) 'the chef feels the food stands alone." it didn't! The bill was over a hundred bucks and i had to get pizza afterwards--no wonder nicole richie was spotted there. this place blows...alot. don;t go.

Doesn't Recommend

doctorchic

Joined 6 years ago

Not up to par. So I've been to Snackbar at least 2-3 times. Not so impressed. So if you order cheese, they don't give you bread or crackers so how are you supposed to eat it? The prices tend to be a bit higher than I think it deserves to charge. I think you're better off at Vintage or Tria. Then for happy hour they kept changing what the specials were and didn't tell us so our bill was a surprise. So basically I would say go to a different wine bar, so many better ones in this city. Hey, I'll give it props for the cool trendy decor and that's about it. Also a bit cramped because they're chairs are a bit bulky