Welcome to The Plough & the Stars
Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, The Plough & the Stars brings a taste of Ireland to the city with its warm, inviting atmosphere and authentic fare. This charming establishment, managed by the attentive Mariette, serves up a delightful menu that features hearty dishes like Guinness casserole and classic fish and chips, both met with rave reviews. Guests revel in the cozy decor, complemented by live music on special occasions. The Plough & the Stars not only excites the palate with its creative cocktails and local brews but also ensures a memorable dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors alike.
- 123 Chestnut Street Entrance on, N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States Hotline: +1 215-733-0300
Welcome to The Plough & the Stars, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Philadelphia at 123 Chestnut Street on N 2nd Street. This charming establishment offers a unique blend of authentic Irish cuisine set against an atmosphere that feels both upscale and welcoming.
The Plough & the Stars shines bright in the city’s dining scene, offering an array of delectable small plates that promise to enchant any palate. From the succulent Lamb Lollys with roasted potatoes and homemade mint sauce, priced at $14, to the ever-popular Shrimp Cocktail for $13, the menu is crafted to tantalize. Do yourself a favor and try the delightful Crispy Brussel Sprouts with applewood smoked bacon at just $8 or indulge in the hearty Seafood Chowder at $9, both of which have garnered rave reviews.
The dinner specials alone are a reason to visit. The Seafood Boil ($29) is a feast that showcases the best of the ocean's bounty, while the Seafood Pasta Special, featuring mussels, shrimp, and clams, promises to be a comforting dish that encapsulates warmth and flavor for just $27.
In the words of satisfied customers, the atmosphere is cozy yet vibrant, perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. One patron recalled their experience with a large party during happy hour, highlighting the excellent service even during busy times. The owner, Mariette, often attends to guests directly, adding a personal touch to your dining experience.
The reviews consistently praise the food quality; take it from Ava Chiao, who celebrated the richness of the Guinness Casserole and the homemade, crispy chips. The authenticity of dishes like fish and chips is underscored with homemade fries and traditional vinegar, a nod to classic Irish comforts.
What makes The Plough & the Stars remarkable is more than just its food; it's the atmosphere. Guests have marveled at the beautifully decorated space, complete with a cozy fireplace and charming decor that invites relaxation. Whether you’re there for dinner or to catch live music, the ambiance is sure to elevate your visit.
In a city bustling with dining options, The Plough & the Stars stands out for its commitment to quality, service, and the delightful nuances of Irish culinary tradition. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a comforting meal, this pub promises a memorable dining experience that will keep you coming back for more.
For those interested in a reservation or simply want to inquire more, feel free to call them at +1 215-733-0300. Come hungry, and allow this iconic establishment to take you on a culinary journey you won't soon forget!

I was here on business and we decided to have a happy hour here. Not a huge place but still plenty of space. Service was excellent. They didn't expect our large party but they didn't have an issue meeting our needs. Definitely will come back for food.

Awesome spot with reasonable prices and good food. Atmosphere is more upscale than other places. However if you order the Jameson cold brew ice cream make sure they don’t give you straight Jameson like this did to us lol. It was brutal.

It’s great service and well cooked food. There was no sign that said Plough and the Stars outside. This mom and pop place is owned and managed by Mariette (no sure about the spelling). She brings fresh flowers in and checks in with the diners. They brought out two slices of Irish soda bread with plenty of raisins and a savory bread with tons of wheat berries. This is a true Irish Restaurant/pub. They have Haddock for fish and chips. Authentic vinegar to go with them chips. Chips were homemade, not frozen. We had the Guinness casserole. It was a delicious stew of carrots and beef. So tender you can fork it into pieces. The flavor is what I was craving of a well cooked dish. I wish I had more stew juices to eat with the potatoes. I was pleasantly surprised with the broccoli sautéed in garlic. So there was also a juicy grilled tomato wedge. We had a mozzarella tomato salad. Four slices of tomato topped with sliced of prosciutto and mozzarella. The other half of the dish were fresh mixed greens and dressed with a champagne vinaigrette.

For years I thought I had Guinness casserole for dinner but apparently I was lying - they have it here and it’s delicious- highly recommended! Amazing drinks ! Fish and chips good too! Wonderful service!!

Definitely more new experience for me. I really love the atmosphere there - feeling cozy and warm, and the decorations are lovely. I had fish and chips, and my friend had curry and shrimp - both very nice (I tasted a bit of my friend's choice). And I have to say the fish had a large portion. They were probably a bit slow on water because people later flooded in for the world cup. But anyway, I really enjoyed the World Cup at the same time (I'm also a soccer fan but did not aim for watching it today). Last, in particular, I love the fiddling picture and the fire place underneath - look forward to their live music next time (I saw they do have some in holidays evenings).

Was looking for a place to eat on my birthday after some axe throwing, and we ended up here. We had a little trouble finding the door into the place, but that was probably on us. The prices for what you get seem very fair! I had the lamb lollys, which were cooked to perfection and the crispy potatoes that came with them were great! My main course was the fish and chips. Let me tell you about this fish and chips. It's about like, 19 dollars? Biggest fish and chips I have ever gotten. The fries were good but the FISH. I'm used to a piece or two. I did not expect what felt like a whole dang fish. You can easily share that with another person and you'll both be full. I ate half of it, took it home, and had it for lunch with my partner the next day. That's 3 separate meals outta that fish and chips. It's also one of the nicer ones I've had in Philly, too. Overall, I'd definitely go back next time I'm east in the city.

Great interior with bar and seating options on main level and upstairs. Fireplace is great for winter. Outdoor tables. Excellent beer selection and Guinness variations. Many good food options. Fish and chips was excellent, as was the curry.

We decided to try Irish food on our visit to Philadelphia. The staff were pleasant, and the service was efficient. The food tasted great! We came in about 5 pm on Saturday. The place was definitely busy, but we were able to secure a table for 5 easily. We ordered calamari for a starter and ordered the Guiness Casserole, chicken wrap, fish & chips, Plough Steak Fritte, and Irish-style chicken curry. We enjoyed trying each others dishes and found all of the entrees delicious. The restrooms were also clean and well kept.