The Institute Craft Bar & Kitchen

If you check this out from the apartment/hotel advertisements they have up, just be aware that their kitchen closes much earlier than the hours they have listed both in the ad and online. I understand closing your kitchen earlier but it shouldn’t be advertised as if it is open, there should just be specifics somewhere so that people don’t plan on it being a place to eat.

Food was decent, place was weird- it was stuck between being a bar, a restaurant, or a casual hang out spot.
Service was absolutely terrible- our server wanted nothing to do with us or the table next to us, almost came across as not wanting to be there in general- she maybe came around twice, once by walking by the table- second I had to flag her down to ask for more water.
Better places to choose-

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

Today is my birthday. Also, this is my 1,000th review of an establishment of any kind.

That said, my wife wanted to take me out to dinner and I am happy to be out with her. We came here to have something small and nice for tonight.

What we got was a 13 minute wait, another couple coming in after we sat for 10 minutes and they got menus and water.

We received nothing, not even an acknowledgement outside of us being greeted when we came in. We left after the other couple were serviced before us.

Disappointed does not begin to express what I am feeling.

There is no justification or decent explanation that can be offered from this establishment that had less than 16 patrons in the dining area.

Service: 1

There is an interesting selection for food, but the nachos were pretty good. Drink menu was good, but they were out of a few things. Service was kinda slow, but overall a nice stop.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 3

Seth makes a perfect whiskey sour!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

great all around.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

I love the Institute but it can be a little echoey at times.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Morgan is phenomenal!!! Such a talented and personable bartender ❤️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nice bar. Excellent Mexican street corn nachos

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Went here over the weekend after a show at The Met for a quick drink and a bite, and I’m really glad we did. As soon as we walked in, the bartender Mia welcomed us, told us to grab a seat, and came right over with waters and some great menu recommendations. We ordered the corn nachos she suggested — absolutely delicious and definitely unique.

The bar has a cabinet full of games, the vibe was easygoing, and everyone seemed to be having a great night… until a large group rolled in behind us. It was pretty obvious this wasn’t their first stop of the evening. (No one cared — it was a Saturday in the city — but a couple of them were teetering on that “any minute now” blackout line.) Sure enough, within minutes one of the guys started loudly berating a woman he was with — uncomfortable and completely unnecessary for a night out.

While her own group ignored it, Mia didn’t. When the guy wouldn’t knock it off, she stepped in to check on the woman and make sure she was okay. The rest of the group didn’t appreciate that, and things escalated. Mia and the other bartender, Seth, handled it calmly and professionally, and the group was eventually asked to leave.

What really stood out was how Mia didn’t hesitate to put a stranger’s well-being over the potential profit of a 10-top on a Saturday night. She could’ve ignored it and cashed in — but she didn’t. And the rest of the staff fully backed her. That kind of integrity is rare, and it deserves to be recognized.

Great staff, great food, great atmosphere. We’ll absolutely be back. And as a woman — this is a bar I will recommend to EVERYONE.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A great spot for a happy hour; drink prices were fair but not a lot of people were there. The menu could use a bit of updating as the beer selection was changing. Otherwise prices were very fair and drinks were tasty!

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 4

the bartender seth is judgy and can’t take orders right and is so rude to all of his customers i would really check on him and see if he is well

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Have ended up here a few times when waiting to go to a show at Union Transfer, when Prohibition Tap and La Chinesca are too packed. It’s always fine. Cocktails are fine. Vibe is okay. It’s not a place I would have returned to, though.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

My third time here in Philly, and of course I had to visit The Institute! The food is absolutely delicious, the service is amazing, and the atmosphere is wonderful. Let’s go, Eagles! 🦅💚

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Cool building and room. Food was fine pub grub. Service was abysmal. Slow, inattentive, I don’t like my job fibe

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 1