10/19/09

Great Beer, Mediocre Food, Horrible Service

by volanova

With visitors in town, I and my friends decided to have a Friday night out on Chestnut for dinner and a few drinks. After purchasing a $25 for $10 coupon from Groupon for Triumph, we thought we'd check it out. We had all heard good things about their brews, and the reviews seemed to say they had decent food and an interesting atmosphere as well. It was very brightly lit, moreso than desired for an eating and drinking establishment, in my opinion. Absolutely no mood lighting whatsoever with the bright florescent lights in this section, which was very different from the rest of the restaurant. After something of a wait our waiter finally came to our table, and we handed him our coupon, which he looked at curiously and then left with, and this is where things began to go down hill. He did not seem to be very knowledgeable about the beer selections, other than to tell us that the rotating brewer's selection was no longer available. After a long wait, he returned with our drinks and took some appetizer orders, which he confused greatly as he did not quite seem to understand what we were ordering. By this time our beers were running low and he did not take new drink orders either. By the time he returned with the (incorrect) appetizers, we had all been without drinks for some time. He finally got our new drink orders this time, and gave an apology that their computers had gone down and were having to reboot, but left before any dinner orders could be given. After a few more minutes he had still not returned with our second round of drinks (we had been there for close to 45 minutes by this point), and our late friend was almost at the restaurant. Now, mind you, the waiter had been gone some time, and we had not seen any other staff around to inquire as to if it would be okay to move one of the many empty tables over to add on. So, we took it on ourselves to move a corner two-seat table onto the end of our collection to make room. Still plenty of space, and no one was disturbed. As we were moving it, a member of management walked by and asked brusquely what we thought we were doing. We explained that we hadn't seen any staff and were moving a table to make room for the seats we had originally requested. After we offered apologies and asked if it was okay, she said, and I quote, "You can move it, but generally it's not okay to move furniture unless its your own house." Shortly afterwards more wait staff came by, dropped off our previously ordered beers, and removed our menus, before the waiter had even taken our order. When the waiter finally returned we simply asked for our checks. Missing from the bill was the $25 off. He apologized, took the bill, and returned a few minutes later. Only problem is, he didn't actually take off $25. Highly frustrated with the service, we left enough cash to cover the amount listed, with a couple of dollars more. If he bothered to re-do it, he would have noticed that the amount we gave him was enough for the amount charged with the proper amount of the coupon taken off, plus an adequate tip. Computer failures can cause problems, but they are no excuse to ignore your table, be rude to customers and make serious calculating errors on the bill, especially when the restaurant isn't even all that busy. If you're on Chestnut St. looking for a good brew, pass on Triumph and go across the street to Eulogy or one of the many other excellent micro breweries in Philadelphia. I know I won't be returning.

• Pros: Excellent brews
• Cons: Inefficient and rude waitstaff and management

02/10/09

Fantastic Beer, Superb Service, Delish Menu!

by Beergal25

I love beer, so visiting Triumph whenever I am in Old City is a natural fit. All of their beers are brewed on site, and there is always something unique and delicious to try. My favorites are the love potion and their German Pils. I happened to be in the area earlier this week, and much to my surprise I learned they have just started the most amazing lunch special!! All of their sandwiches are $7!! You can't beat it!! I had the most amazing turkey sandwich garnished with fresh apples and bacon. All my friends ordered something different and everyone was happy. I can't wait to get back and try more of the items on their new menu!

I highly recommend trying out Triumph, not just for their great beer, atmosphere, and friendly service, but also for their unique upscale pub grub menu!

• Pros: Great Value, fantastic food, amazing beer selection, atmosphere
• Cons: Parking

01/02/09

Not a place I would go to in Philly

by jools5

My friends and I were in Philly to ring in 2009. We had dinner and drinks around the area and my friend heard great things about Triumph. Well we got there at five minutes to 2 AM, ordered drinks and not even two minutes after the light went on and they started to play an obnoxious song telling everyone to get the F... Out. Once the song was over, the bouncers went around telling everyone to get the F.... Out as well.

We were appalled by the rudeness of the bar after they just took our money and telling us to get the F... Out.

Oh and whatever you do don't ever say anything to the bartendar about pouring drinks after the 2 PM curfew cause they tattle like a girl on you out to the bar manager. Once you get ratted out to the bar manager, be warned that he'll threaten to toss you out via bouncer cause they think you have an attitude.

• Cons: Rude

12/10/08

Great atmosphere, very good food, great beer

by PhillyBen

Triumph is a great bar/restaurant if you enjoy really good, yet affordable beer, and good, simple foods with a twist. My girlfriend and I have made this a favorite for whenever we are in old city because the microbrews are ever changing and delicious, and the food is consistently good. Frankly, I love a good burger with a good beer, and the Triumph burger, with melted gouda cheese, may be the best burger I've ever eaten. The staff has always been very prompt and friendly, with a good knowledge of the menu and the beer menu. I wouldn't recommend going here to watch a game, its not that kind of bar, but if you want to grab a casual dinner and some good beer, or your with your friends and want a nice atmosphere with affordable drinks and don't feel like having to dress up, Triumph is perfect.

11/08/08

Don't bother, there are too many really good restaurants in Old City to waste a meal here!

by swankydiner

Walking in I had high hopes for this restaurant based on the look, but I judged the book by its cover... Slow service, over-priced food that attempts to be a little fancy for what it is. My friend ordered a burger that was good, but certainly nothing memorable. I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich accompanied by the tiniest cup of soup I've ever seen. Both were cold and I left still hungry. We were not impressed at all and will not be back.

• Pros: Nice looking inside
• Cons: Food doesn't live up to the ambience

01/12/08

Great atmosphere - Great Beer

by citygirl014

Had a wonderful time at Triumph in Philadelphia. The inside atmosphere is nice - very warm colors with a slight modern feel. The service was great - very informative and helpful. Try their home brews - very good!- And so is their food (however our appetizer was slightly cold) My friend's burger was amazing. After dinner we stayed at the bar downstairs for a drink - it had gotten busier by this time. The crowd was wonderful and we had a fun time. Triumph is perfect for a casual meal - or to bring a group of friends. I would definitely recommend it - and plan to go there again soon.

• Pros: Atmosphere, beer, food
• Cons: None

01/05/08

great liquor and beer selection

by lhartz32

Had a great time...enjoyed their bbq wings. Stopped in for a drink...lots of nooks to tuck yourself away in to hang with just your friends and not be bothered. Beer is fantastic and I thought the bar and mgt staff were really funny..making it comfortable to chill and relax for awhile (on a tuesday- made it a great night overall!!!

12/29/07

Sick Too!!!!

by littleabnerday

I got sick twice too at Triumph, it was from the chicken dish the second time, I remember it clearly.

First time I thought I got sick from the bland beer and overpriced food but after reading the other review it's clear the place has a serious problem somewhere.

Their Triumph must have been at the Special Olympics

Seriously avoid sickness and Call HealthDepartment if you get sick too.

• Pros: Old City
• Cons: sick from food twice

12/03/07

Avoid because of food poisioning.

by kpmg21

I went there once and got violently ill after eating later in the night. I thought nothing of it and you never know sometimes it could be a flu. But the second time I ate here I got food poisioning again. When i called to let them know they told me I didnt know what I was talking about. Not only is management rude but they train their employees to screen people so they dont have to talk to them. I think this is a place that should have stayed out of the city scene. They are going to get someone really sick one day!

• Cons: Food will make you sick

Editorial Review

by Contributor

Espousing a philosophy of good times, good grub and the best of brews, their gourmet pub menu aims to please.