Fringe Bar — Restaurant in Philadelphia

We had a really good feeling about hosting our wedding reception at Fringe Bar, but the night of the event was so beyond our expectations that we are still not over it a week later. And yeah, I’m going to write a really long review about it because it was just that great!

Liz was a dream to work with. Every detail was thought of, and she responded to all of our questions and requests quickly. The planning process was an absolute breeze. Everything from the menu to the floor plan was exactly what we wanted. Henry was our point of contact on the day of the event and we have never felt so well taken care of. We didn’t have to worry about a single thing from the minute we arrived. He even tracked down our missing wedding cake when it didn’t show up on time. Chef Kenny and the kitchen staff seriously know what they’re doing. All of our guests dietary needs were noted and executed with care on the day. The value for the variety and quality of food we got was UNREAL. Our guests are still reaching out to rave about the food, and many already have plans to visit the restaurant again.

The most amazing thing about Fringe Bar? The staff. Can’t say enough about how welcome we felt by the folks working our event. The bartenders and servers here are a really special group of people, and we’ve gotten nonstop compliments on how fun the night was because of them. We really couldn’t have pulled off such a flawless event without their hard work! Everyone was absolutely amazing, every need was met without a second thought. A special shoutout to Chuck who made sure my husband and I were fed, hydrated, and having the best time possible the entire night.

Aside from the impeccable service for our event, the building itself is so unique! Everything was clean and comfortable for our guests. The beer garden was wonderful to hang out in, and the views of the bridge can’t be beat. Fringe...

There are so many things to love about Fringe Bar as a reception venue. The food is phenomenal; the building itself is gorgeous; the Ben Franklin Bridge backdrop is photo-op ideal; and the sound system is as clear and crisp as anything this layman has heard before. The drinks rule, the staff’s super friendly, and the location makes logistics as easy as possible for a venue in Philadelphia. Yet despite all these noteworthy features, the best part of Fringe is doubtlessly Liz, the manager. My wife and I had our wedding reception at Fringe in July of this year – and it was a huge success thanks in large part to Liz’s efforts. She worked with us for months in preparation, and then the day of she was on-site for 16 hours, ensuring that everything went according to plan – that everything was in place, that the schedule was being followed, that all the vendors knew where to be and when. And not only did she do all this – and assume the role of our de facto wedding planner – she also did it in a way where it never seemed like a chore for her. She was always so kind to us, she was always interested in accommodating us (regardless of how ridiculous those accommodations were) – and it was always so clear that she wanted us to have a good time, just like any other friend would. She’s a truly wonderful person, and my wife and I would not have wanted to work with anyone else – that much is true.

So if you’re thinking about booking Fringe for your wedding, do it! Liz will ensure that you’re not...

Absolutely Horrible Experience – Avoid at All Costs

One of the most important things in any business is how customers are treated and this place failed miserably. I came to Philadelphia to celebrate my birthday with friends, and what should have been a fun night turned into one of the worst experiences of my life.

The manager (or owner I’m not sure, but he made himself very known) was hands down the rudest person I’ve encountered in any establishment across the United States. If you know this tall, white, bald man personally, you already know. His lack of empathy, customer care, and basic human decency practically radiates from him. He doesn’t even try to hide it.

This bar thrives on misleading customers and taking advantage of those who aren’t familiar with their shady practices. Be very careful and double-check your receipts they sneakily include gratuity without informing you, even if the service was terrible. No heads-up at the entrance, no mention when ordering. And if you dare question it? Prepare to be insulted, kicked out, and made to feel like you're doing something wrong for wanting to leave a fair tip based on the actual experience.

There are so many amazing bars and restaurants in Philadelphia that actually value their customers. I highly recommend skipping this one and spending your time and money somewhere that...