The Sidecar Bar & Grille — Restaurant in Philadelphia

I have been to Sidecar many times, and it is usually a good experience however last night was different; very disappointed. The host was great. He seated us outside as requested. When our server, Lydia got to the table my stomach dropped. She served us about six months ago, and I distinctly remembered her because she overcharged us and excluded discounts that we pre-discussed before ordering and then acted like she didn’t understand. Trying to keep an open mind, I gave her another shot (what other choice did I have?). Big mistake.

She took our drink order and we put in some food. About 15 minutes later, we ordered a second round. After that, she disappeared.

We waited for over 25 minutes to try to order another round of drinks. We also needed boxes for our leftovers. Because we were eating outside and the unreasonable wait time for service we were fighting with constant flies, landing on our food as my patience dwindled.

The aforementioned host had been checking in on us, far more attentively than our actual server to refill our waters. Eventually we had to ask him to send her over because it has now been 30 minutes and she was nowhere to be found. When she came back out, Lydia suddenly had a very standoffish attitude with us, as if we had wronged her by telling a coworker that we needed her. We finally got to order the last round of drinks and asked for the check.

To my disbelief, she attached 18% gratuity to our check for our party of 2, for “happy hour@ charge. At this point, her service had warranted no greater than a 10% tip. I reluctantly paid in cash only to have her return my change a dollar short. When we went inside to ask for the other dollar, we were told they don’t keep change. Ok well my bill was $73.25. Clearly, the thing to do would be charge me $73 not just assume I’m fine with paying 74 after I already am getting ripped off for an $11 tip to a server who flat out ignored us.

While inside, I saw the manager, rubbing on Lydia’s shoulder and back in a very inappropriate way for a work setting (not to mention the creepiness of a manager to employee relationship). I guess that explains how she has managed to keep her job for this long while doing a disservice to South Philly. Make that host a server please.

TLDR; horrible neglectful service with the audacity to...

Staff was very rude. While sitting at the downstairs bar talking with my buddy, the waitress accused me of touching her. I am one of those people who talk with my hands and my back was turned to her when she tried to walk past me. Not knowing she was trying to get past, I inadvertently hit her with my hand and she yelled: "Don't you ever touch me!!" I tried to explain that I did not do so purposely as I talk with my hands and that she could have at least let me know she was coming through. She was having none of my explanation and the bar tender backed her up by saying: "I saw what you did " my buddy also tried to explain that I did not touch or hit her purposely. Needless to say, we paid our hefty tab and left as I don't eat, drink or pay for unwanted, pusillanimous attitudes. Never will I return to patronize the business as the incident left a bad taste in my mouth and I don't spend my money on attitudes.

NOTE: The bar emailed me asking what day of the week the incident occurred and what could they do to make it up to me. I replied but have not heard back to date as it appears the only thing they're concerned about is their rating when in fact they should better train their staff as customers are the ones who pay the bills....Again I have not been back will not go back and it should be noted that I live right around the corner from the bar...I also want to add but was hesitant to....it appears the staff are biased/racist when it comes to black Americans even though the only color they should be concerned...

I stopped by for Happy Hour and tried the Burger & Beer combo with fries, as well as a slice of plain Detroit Style pizza. Everything was decent but could have been better. The Happy Hour pricing for the combo is worth it but just don’t expect a spectacular burger and the best beer.

I’d say the pizza slice was a bit overpriced. It was a bit undercooked and a bit lacking in flavor from the sauce and cheese. Perhaps the dough could use more salt. The burger was more flavorful but the bun was surprisingly soggy a few minutes after it was served. This wasn’t detrimental but it’s an area to improve. It also seemed like the toppings weren’t as evenly dispersed as they could have been but maybe they were just easily moving around a lot. I’m not as familiar with beer but I think I’ve tasted better but I also wouldn’t expect better for a Happy Hour deal, so I’m not complaining at all. The fries were fine as well, a couple served soggy, not the best flavor, but passable.

The service was great. My server checked on me at timely intervals and gave me everything I needed.

The atmosphere offers a few different options which was nice. Even the outdoor area is on two different streets and one side tends to have a quieter vibe. I didn’t check out the upstairs or stay in the bar area, but those are...