The Olde Bar

The Olde Bar in Philadelphia is housed in the landmark Old Original Bookbinder’s. You feel as though you’re stepping back in time when you walk into the oyster bar and cocktail lounge. I looked forward to trying the spot since I heard of its reopening in January 2015. Recently, I went to dinner at the restaurant.

The Olde Bar features happy hour seven days a week (Monday–Friday, 5–7 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday, 4–6 p.m.). We made it in time to take advantage of the great specials. I was driving, so instead of sampling some of the signature cocktails, I opted for one glass of the house white wine on special. As part of happy hour, The Olde Bar features “buck-a-shuck” oysters. We started with a dozen to accompany our drinks.

The happy hour menu also includes a variety of snacks for $5 per plate. We split the Welsh rarebit, a tasty slice of sourdough bread covered with creamy, melted cheese. We then ordered the roll mops, boquerones (fresh anchovies) wrapped with gherkins and crème fraîche. We split the lobster roll off the regular menu, which was disappointing compared to the tasty starters. The only dessert option is the strawberry shortcake for two, and it is a delicious choice. The cake was sweet and tart and came with a refreshing strawberry mint sorbet.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first meal at The Olde Bar and look forward to a repeat visit.

The Olde Bar

125 Walnut St.

Philadelphia PA, 19106

215 253 3777