Dock Street Brewery South — Restaurant in Philadelphia

⚠️ Beware of Bartender Adding Unauthorized Charges

I attended a paid meet-and-greet at this establishment last weekend. While there, I ordered a drink and a side of fries for $7 (plus tax).

The bartender who served me asked if I wanted to keep my tab open. I hesitated but said yes, even though I wasn’t planning on ordering more. I ended up leaving without closing my tab — my mistake — and called minutes later to close it over the phone.

When she found my tab, she asked if I’d like to leave a tip. I said no. That’s my right as a customer. I asked for my total, and she told me $7.56. When the transaction posted on Monday, I saw $9.56 — an unauthorized $2 charge.

This is theft. Whether it’s $2 or $200, the amount is irrelevant — it’s the principle. I worked in restaurants before, and I know tip culture inside and out. I also know that altering a guest’s bill without permission is a FIREABLE OFFENSE in any reputable establishment.

When I called back, a woman by the name of Ebony picked up the phone but had to give it to the manager. The so-called manager (“Manny” or “Kevin”, he stated his name was Manny before he told me he would have to call me back to look for the transaction before refunding me. When he called me back I asked if it was Manny and he said that it was “Kevin”. Making it seem as if there’s no “Manny” on the premises. As someone who is calling about theft from their bank account I am going to remember everyone’s name that gets on that line. So I’m not sure what all of that was about. So “Manny Kevin” refunded the $2 but showed zero genuine concern that one of his bartenders had taken money without permission. No apology. No “this is unacceptable.” Just a bare-minimum, procedural refund. If I were managing here, a real response would have looked like: • Apologizing sincerely for the misconduct • Assuring the guest the matter would be addressed internally • Offering to comp the fries or extend a courtesy for the inconvenience

Instead, I was left feeling like this behavior is tolerated — maybe even common — here. And that’s exactly why some employees think they can get away with it… especially the white ones.

She didn’t just prove I was right not to tip her in the first place — she went ahead and proved she couldn’t be trusted with $2, let alone anyone’s card. And hey, if you’d like to donate $2 to struggling bartenders who can’t seem to survive without quietly taking it from customers, this is clearly the place to do it. i’m willing to put the biggest bet on the fact that if I were to visit this establishment again and take a picture of this thief’s face to put it on another review to show people what a struggling bartender looks like she’d still be there. Why? Because this kind of behavior is overlooked at this type of establishment especially if they’re her kind. i’m sure I’m not the first review commenting on discrimination from this place

If you value honesty, accountability, and basic respect for your money, think twice before opening a tab here — or handing over your card at all.

To the sandy blonde struggling bartender needing two dollars: I hope you’ve got on your prettiest face and smile for the photo. Because I bet you’re still...

I want to start with the disclaimer that I'm a huge fan of Dock Street as a brewery. Most, if not all, of their beer is delicious. I'm also a fan of dock Street West. It's truly a neighborhood staple and the food is out of this world, especially the pizza.

If it isn't broke...start over?

Maybe that was the statement that the owners of Dock Street South used as the inspiration of their new Mediterranean menu. Simply put, the food is terrible. Everything seems like an experiment gone wrong. Why would you not have pizza? It's, like your thing? There aren't any pizza places in the immediate area, outside of Chick's. Your pizza is so good, and compliments your beer perfectly. What focus group told you otherwise?

I've been to Dock Street South five times, starting with the week after they had opened. The food was rough then, but I attributed it to growing pains. There are no excuses at this point. The hummus is by far the worst item on the menu. It's gritty, garlicky, and incredibly bitter. I've had better hummus from a store brand sitting at room temperature loaded with preservatives. The hummus is simply inedible. Oh, and the beer cheese. It's more salt suspended in yellow gel then cheese. does anyone in the kitchen actually taste the food that they cook?

I've given Dock Street multiple chances on multiple occasions. It's a great alternative to a bar to watch whatever game is on at the time. It's a great place to meet people out on the location is accessible and parking is plentiful.

But the food.

Yikes...

Tonight I had dinner in Philly with me, myself and I … we are at Dock Street Brewery which is 5 very long blocks from my son’s home … I walked it both ways and survived with a bunch of stops along the way … it is interesting to me how some activities that would seem more taxing on my system do not compare to just walking … that I think is the hardest activity for me … Lung Cancer with Pulmonary Issues are not going to stop me … ever … okay so let’s get to the dinner … first I had a sampling of the three dark beers Dock Street Brewery makes … I liked the “Man Full of Trouble Porter” … “A liquid nod to the only pre-revolutionary tavern still standing in The City of Brotherly Love. “Man Full of Trouble” was one of Colonial Philadelphia’s first watering holes. This London Style Porter was brewed with “Old-World” in mind. Black and chocolate malts create its deep mahogany appearance and creamy espresso-like flavor. A blend of English East Kent Goldings and Fuggles hops lends a delicate earthy presence.” I then ordered the Margarita Pizza a little more well done … they prepared it perfectly to my request … it was delicious … I then had their Key Lime experience for dessert … a refreshing end to a beautiful meal … I do recommend this place for sure … it’s...