Moriarty's Pub

Moriarty's PubMoriarty's Pub
Moriarty's PubMoriarty's Pub
Bar, Eatery

1116 Walnut St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107-5513
United States

(215) 627-7676 | map
moriartyspub.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.89
Reviews:
15
Ratings:
25
pDev:
9%
View: Place Reviews
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Photo of Redrover
Reviewed by Redrover from Wisconsin

3.98/5  rDev +2.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.75
This was another stop in my most recent trip to Philadelphia. They must be doing something right as it was absolutely packed at 7:30 pm on a Wednesday night.

We waited about 10 minutes to be seated. We were able to grab some beers from the bartender, so the wait went by quickly…

The place is a long narrow space. The bar is on your right and seats about 25 to 30 folks. The rest of the space is filled with tables and booths. We sat towards the rear in a section that raised up one step.

The bar is filled to the rim with decorations. It seems like every inch is covered with lamps, Guinness posters, jugs, etc. Normally, it would be overkill, but it seems to work here.

Our wait staff was friendly and quick to get our food orders and beer refills. Speaking of beer, they have a nice mix of the standard Irish pub regulars and local (and not so local) craft offerings. They give you a bound folder with the draft, bottle and can choices. Most drafts were $6 to $8.

The food was decent. It is a mix of standard Irish pub, American and strangely Mexican offerings.

This was a fun and slightly rambunctious stop on our tour of downtown Philly.
Oct 16, 2015
 
Rated: 3.57 by BeerForMuscle from New Jersey

May 26, 2015
 
Rated: 3.78 by InspectorBob from New Jersey

Mar 25, 2015
 
Rated: 3.5 by GeorgiaBeerGuy from Georgia

Nov 08, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by ChicagoNick from Illinois

Oct 13, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by RPH2327 from Pennsylvania

Aug 10, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by mvanaskie13 from Pennsylvania

Aug 01, 2014
Photo of amano_h
Reviewed by amano_h from Oregon

4.2/5  rDev +8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I can't believe I overlooked this place.

I first stepped into Moriarty's last April on my first visit to Philly, mostly due to its proximity to Jefferson. At that time I walked in and ordered a Stella sometime late at night (maybe 1 or 2-ish?) after finding out about Philadelphia/Pennsylvania's ass-backward alcohol laws which made buying brewskies so I could throw one back with a friend I hadn't see in 3-4 years a lot harder than it should be.

Since then, I hadn't really looked back; Moriarty's just seemed like the regular run-of-the-mill Irish Pub back then, except I remember the establishment being clean, classy, and rather well run (more resemblant of a British pub, I might add) but nothing really caught my eye.

More recently, however, after discovering PhillyTapFinder.com which is now my second favorite website in all of the interwebs, I noticed that Moriarty's was stepping it up on their draft beer game, with the likes of Bourbon County Brand Stout, Bells Expedition Stout, and Avery Maharaja being purportedly served there.

Whereas not seeing might still be believing when it comes to Jesus Christ, I refused to believe that I had overlooked a new potential watering hole so I had to see it for myself, and I was very pleased with what I found -- the owner of Moriarty's knows his beer and I suspect has his gripes against the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce against their god awful alcohol laws as well, because you won't find take out beer at cheaper prices than at Moriarty's (case in point: 9.76/8.99 for a bottle of RRBC Damnation at a competitor's -- Moriarty's sells it for 6 something)

I guess it wouldn't be prude for me to just talk about my own personal agenda on what's supposed to be a review so I guess I'll talk about the more pertinent details as well:

For a pub with the same name as one of my most despised literary villains, I had a pleasant time there -- the service at the bar was very prompt and hospitable; Rachel was a pleasure to talk to and made us feel slightly less alcoholic with her outstanding knowledge of brews.

I would comment on the food, except that their lunch menu was limited to appetizers, burgers, and pretty much fish & chips so I couldn't get the Guiness Beef Stew like I wanted. I want to say that the fish & chips and shrimp were outstanding, but then again, it's just fish & chips and shrimp.

Oh and there's that bit about the Moriarty's building being historically relevant, how it's good for gatherings, New Year's parties, and yada yada yada... (for more details, you can read the other reviews or just go to their website)
Jul 15, 2014
Photo of DoubleSimcoe
Reviewed by DoubleSimcoe from Pennsylvania

3.09/5  rDev -20.6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 1.75 | selection: 3.75
The wife and I wanted to stop at Farmers' Cabinet, but we were told by a passerby that the entire staff quit "last night". Not surprising. We looked across the street at Moriarty's and weren't sure what to expect from an Irish pub, but decided to give it a try.

Well, this is not your average Irish pub! They've got a lot of good beer here, flowing from 28 taps. Aside from a bunch of macro crap (Coors, Stella and the usual suspects), I saw Bear Republic Racer 5 and Grand Am, Dogfish, Port Anniversary and Summer, Prism Felony, Stone, Widmer, Susquehanna Atomic DIPA, Starr Hill, Chimay... pretty nice!

We didn't try any of the food because it looked extremely average and there are so many good joints around (Hello Tria!), but I was tempted by the chicken wings. They won a bunch of "Best of Philly" awards back then, but haven't scored for about a decade now...

Service was horrible. Our server was disinterested and didn't show up, but when I went to the bar I was comped our first round of drinks.

Despite my low rating, this is not a bad stop at all.
Jul 07, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Lorianneb from New Jersey

Jul 05, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by bpfrush from Wisconsin

Jun 24, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by soulcougher from Pennsylvania

Jun 03, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by hoppymcgee from Maine

Jan 06, 2014
Photo of sbw138
Reviewed by sbw138 from Pennsylvania

4.18/5  rDev +7.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Nice location in Philadelphia, on the border of Washington Square West and Midtown Village.

Cool Irish Pub, with a great relaxed atmosphere. Long bar on the first floor, with some small tables to the side, and a more casual dining area in the back.

I really like the second floor. Gives you a cozy, homey feel to the place. A small bar, witha fireplace and a couple tables and a TV.

They have a decent selection of beer, and they always rotate in some local drafts, which is nice, but they usually don't bring it anything too hard to find, but hey, not every place is a beer bar.

The food is decent, some things can be hit or miss. They have really good whole wings, in a good sauce. Some of their sandwiches can be a little bland. But, it is hard to beat the value in that neighborhood.

Service is hit or miss as well, certainly some characters that work there, but I can deal with that! Overall, it's a good cozy place upstairs on the second floor when it snows. Hey, it snowed today, I guess I know where I am going for dinner!!
Jan 08, 2010
Photo of deapokid
Reviewed by deapokid from Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Stopped in for lunch yesterday afternoon with a co-worker:

Although it initially looks like your run-of-the-mill Irish pub from the outside, Moriarty's is a step above when it comes to food and brew selection.

I started with a bottle of Leffe Blonde, which was served in the proper glassware and at a respectable temperature (i.e. not freezing cold). They offer about 40 beers on tap and have another 50 or so in bottles. I was pleased to see a nice selection of belgians (all three Chimays, La Chouffe, Atomium, Delirium Tremens, etc.) and american micros (Stone, Dogfish Head, etc.).

The bartender seemed a little on edge and wasn't really receptive to my questions about the seasonal tap offerings. The staff is often a bit tense, but that might be due to an overwhelming amount of Center City traffic.

I usually grab the buffalo wings when I stop in (they're awesome, by the way), but I wasn't too hungry, so I went with the Spanish Fries. They were spicy and delicious; mixed with assorted greens and onions. My buddy got the French Dip and that looked amazing as well.

Before we returned to the office, I decided to sneak in a Hoegaarden and Chimay White, which were both tasty enough to make the rest of the day go by rather quickly.

A nice place to stop for lunch or a quick sip.
May 27, 2009
Photo of EStreet20
Reviewed by EStreet20 from New Jersey

4.45/5  rDev +14.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Must say I was impressed by this place. Stopped in for a bite on a recent Philly trip.

A - Nice feel to the place. Irish styling, but mainly just a city pub with fairly nice woodwork and Irish music playing in the background. Crowded and a little loud when I was there, but the good kind of loud for a bar. Music wasn't blaring, just a nice chatty, social crowd.

Q - The brews were served up in full 20 ounce tulips or nonics, and poured well.

Ser - I was at a table and our waitress was excellent. Nice and sociable, all over refilling beers. The Bartenders looked like they kept moving as well, so I'd say service here is very good from what I saw and experienced.

Sel - Nice beer selection. Nothing mind blowing but enough variety of styles. Of course the Irish standards, in addition to SABL and SA Seasonal, SNPA, two Yards's varieties, Boddington's and Bass. Chimay was on tap as well as Hoegaarden and the obligatory Stella. They dedicate one tap as a "rotating Micro" and one as a "rotating Belgian". A nice list of layered Guinness drinks. More on tap than I remember and a nice bottle list as well.

F - Very good. Just had the wings and a burger and both were excellent. The burger was medium rare, just like I ordered and was a big, juicy piece of meat. Very good fries on the side, definitely house cut and seasoned nicely.
Feb 23, 2008
Photo of Gavage
Reviewed by Gavage from Nevada

4.03/5  rDev +3.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
This is another one of the many Philly bars that has a decent beer selection. It has the Irish Bar theme going on, and of course the bar is big and filled with happy drinkers. There are about 15 stools at the bar, but there is a bunch of tables in the back of the place for people who want to eat a dinner. There were some tables set up outside too. Several TV were showing the Phillies game.

The beer selection is pretty good with 25 or so taps. Several macros, Sierra Nevada, Flying Fish, Sly Fox, Victory, Yuengling, Yards, and the usual Harp, Stella, Guinness, Fosters, Boddingtons, and Sam Adams. The beers we had were fresh which means the turnaround is pretty good. There are a bunch of bottles to choose from too.

Service was a bit slow since there was a good sized crowd. We did not try the food, but the wings that were coming out created a nice aroma in the bar.

This is a good place to stop for a pint or two if you are in the area.
Jul 03, 2007
Photo of jjboesen
Reviewed by jjboesen from Maryland

4.63/5  rDev +19%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Don't know if this establishment has any connection with Sherlock Holmes' nemesis, but it is a relaxing, Irish-type pub with great burgers, excellent and attentive service and an intriguing selection of well-chosen craft/international beers that includes German, Belgian and a fine array of micros (regional and otherwise).

My recent visit here included: St. Bernardus' malty sweet elixir and a delicious IPA from Boulder Brewing Company, "Hazed and Infused." You can't beat a title like this. For you bargoyles, Moriarity's bar cannot be beat either, it stretches all the way back - even conveniently passing the mens room.

Yet another reason (as if they're not enough) to envy Philly BAs.
Jun 07, 2007
Photo of soupyman10
Reviewed by soupyman10 from District of Columbia

3.98/5  rDev +2.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Went there last night for a few beers

A - Good atmosphere, a nice variety of lighter and more dimly-lit areas, nice smells, families and singles for drinks and food

Q - Very good; usually the place is fairly busy which is a good sign, although last night it was packed (too much, to tell the truth) - it was a karaoke night too, which made it a little more crazy

S - Was at the bar for most of the night, which was pretty busy, but the tender was pretty quick given the number of people at the bar

S - Good selection of bottles and draft; upstairs have a more limited number on tap so you have to trek up and down if you're trying to get the good stuff; pretty much every macro and then a good variety of local crafts too (last night there was Harp and Guinness as well).

F - Supposedly the food is amazing; I had a plate of fries which might not have counted for much, but there were just fine

V - Very reasonable prices, for food and beer, especially for the location (downtown Philly)
Feb 11, 2007
Photo of Philby11111
Reviewed by Philby11111 from New York

4.45/5  rDev +14.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Great place. British/Irish pub atmosphere.

I stopped in while I was in Philly as a waypoint between Monks and Eulogy and was pleasantly surprised. They have a great selection of tap and bottle beers balanced between Irish, British, Belgian and American Micro beers. Service was great (including samples offered) and very friendly. Food was good, pub fare plus some specialty. Try the wings. Great taste, they just need to cut them up into pieces like they do in Buffalo/upstate NY.

A great place. I will be back. Stop in if you are in Philly.
Dec 14, 2006
Photo of AaronMcDonald
Reviewed by AaronMcDonald from Illinois

3.8/5  rDev -2.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
I try to visit Moriarty's Pub everytime I am in Philadelphia. It is located in downtown Philadelphia and is walking distance to many other bars. They have around 20 different beers on tap which include several local brews. The atmosphere is quite friendly. The prices are fairly reasonable especially when you consider the area. Moriarty's also has the best wings I have ever had in my life. Beer prices are competitive for downtown Philadelphia. Service is generally good, but Moriarty's can become quite crowded at certain times which tends to slow down the service. To me, Moriarty's Pub is a great place to eat some food and drink a few beers before going to the other many great bars that Philadelphia has to offer. A great place to stop by if you are in the Philadelphia region.
Nov 15, 2005
Photo of IrishRedRock
Reviewed by IrishRedRock from Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +4.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Living downtown now, this is my true local and a place my housemates and I have become regulars (along with McGillin's). It's a 3 minute hike around the corner, so we come here a lot for a few reasons. The atmosphere is friendly and inviting and there's always a spot to sit down, if not at the bar then at one of the many tables, either upstairs or down. Next, and most importantly, the beer. While this is certainly not a "beer destination" in our fair city, it more than does the job, and being so close to my home fits the bill quite nicely. Locals are well represented in both bottles and taps. Victory always has a tap, and I've seen as many as 3 taps allocated to Victory. HopDevil, Golden Monkey, Prima Pils, and V Lager have all been on. Yards and Stoudt's always get draughts, and they keep on some interesting imports as well. Anyplace that has Paulaner HefeWeizen on tap is OK by me. They've got Chimay as well, which seems to be showing up more and more in Philly. There's about 20 plus taps in all. They have the standard bottle selection, with a good amount of locals and regionals as well (think DFH and Stone...my most recent trip found me imbibing a few 22's of Arrogant Bastard).

Major reason 3...the wings. They tout the best wings in Philly. Now I haven't had the wings at too many Philly establishments, but these have to be right up there with the best. They're big with plenty of heat and flavor. The rest of the food that I've tried has always been pretty good as well, though I've only tried standard pub grub finger foods here.

Service is always friendly, though can be not as attentive as possible, though this usually only happens when it's really crowded. Crowds can get large here, especially during a big game or after a show at one of the nearby theaters. If it's not too packed, the bartenders are usually down for striking up some friendly conversation.

Prices are modest here, though some of the imported draughts and larger bottles can get pretty pricey. If you're looking for beer on the cheap in the neighborhood, head around the corner to Locust Bar. All in all a friendly joint that you won't find much interesting or eclectic beers, but the quality is still very good. If you're looking for interesting and unique beers, there's certainly many places in this city to find them.
Aug 24, 2005
Photo of bennybrew
Reviewed by bennybrew from Maine

3.86/5  rDev -0.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
having come from mcgillin's this place was a definite change of pace. more of a martini and chardonnay bar but they had about 20 different beers on tap. including the yard's pales (british and American) with the same malts and hops and different yeasts (VERY intersting stuff that). service was a bit slow but it was pretty busy when we were there.

i have to give this bar a lower score than mcgillin's as the latter is a beer bar and the former is a bar, in spite of the draft selection but more of the kind of place to bring inlaws or dates (although tria is a better spot than moriarty's).
Apr 25, 2005
Photo of frank4sail
Reviewed by frank4sail from New Jersey

3.75/5  rDev -3.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
This place saved me when my wife was having our twins at U Penn. We were in the hospital for a little while and the large tall glasses of Paulaner Hefe saved my butt every night at dinner time. They have an ok selection and great Hot Wings and bar food!!! What else do ya need. A nce Pub feel and a nice place to just sit and talk. Quite a relaxed scene.
Jul 29, 2003
Photo of NeroFiddled
Reviewed by NeroFiddled from Pennsylvania

3.38/5  rDev -13.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.25 | selection: 3.25 | food: 3.5
05-17-2003 Nicely decorated pub with a good after-work crowd. The food is decent (very standard) and the beer selection is OK. It's near the theaters so they get busy at odd times, but that makes it more fun. Overall it's OK, but it's not really a beer bar and I'd only suggest stopping here if you're in town for the weekend and staying at a hotel nearby.
11-08-2013 UPDATE: Moriarty's has kept up with the times and now they've got some decent beers. Of course the only time I visit anymore is during my yearly St. Patrick's day pilgrimage across Philadelphia so I only drink Irish beer anyway. In the meantime (over the last 10 years), the decor at Moriarty's hasn't really changed, which is good because it now has a "worn", comfortable, almost exotic character to it that's very charming.
May 17, 2003
Moriarty's Pub in Philadelphia, PA
Place rating: 3.89 out of 5 with 25 ratings