Disclaimer: This dining experience was hosted by Fringe Bar Philly, who graciously invited us to try their menu. While the meal was complimentary, all opinions, cravings, and critiques are completely our own. Restaurants may not pay for favorable reviews—ever. At BrownStyle Magazine, we only feature experiences that align with our taste and values. If it’s not soulful, stylish, and satisfying, it’s not making the cut.
Have you ever dreamed of enjoying dinner while taking in a breathtaking view? Well, it’s possible at Fringe Bar Philly, located on the Delaware River waterfront inside a historic pumping station.
Ahead, learn about my experience at the newly renovated restaurant and bar in Old City, Philadelphia.
Inside/Outside Fringe Bar Philly
Fringe Bar is a bi-level gastropub offering soulful cuisine that spans from shareable snacks to hearty large plates. The dining experience is elevated—literally and figuratively—thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the Delaware River and the iconic Benjamin Franklin Bridge. (The industrial-chic space also shares a velvet-curtained wall with FringeArts’ renowned 220-seat theater.)
For those who prefer open-air dining, the Haas Biergarten offers three patio levels, featuring casual fare and drinks on the top tier and the Fringe Bar’s full dining menu on the two lower levels.
The Best Salmon Bowl In Philadelphia
After circling the neighborhood for nearly 30 minutes in search of parking, I was more than ready to eat. I stepped into Fringe Bar with a plan. While I’m a pretty adventurous eater, I always scan the menu online beforehand—just to make sure I’ll be in the mood for something once I get there.
The dish I had my heart set on was the Viet Salmon Bowl, made with miso-glazed salmon, Viet cabbage salad, nuoc cham vinaigrette, mint, cilantro, basil, peanuts, crispy shallots, and rice. Let me tell you—it was everything I wanted and more.
The Thai basil was a standout for me, surprisingly, as it was my first time having it in a dish. As a self-proclaimed salmon snob (it’s one of my favorite fish), I’m picky about preparation, and I can confidently say the salmon was cooked to perfection. The salad was bright and creative. I haven’t had anything quite like it before.
Appetizers
Before diving into our entrées, we started with a few appetizers to share:
- ✨ The Spinach & Artichoke Dip was creamy, comforting, and exactly what you’d hope for.
- ✨ The Lemon Pepper Wings were a hit—fried to golden, crispy perfection. Rather than a dry rub, they featured real lemon juice and freshly ground black pepper, giving them a vibrant, zesty edge.
- ✨ The Garlic Butter Shrimp were everything you’d hope for: buttery, garlicky, and packed with flavor. I still regret not dipping the wings in the garlic butter sauce—next time, for sure.
- ✨ The Mozzarella Cheese Curds, which were more like cubes, were served with a marinara sauce that was so mouth-watering good that we ordered them twice.
We had our hearts set on trying the Korean Cauliflower, but unfortunately, it sold out just before we arrived.
Additional Entrees
For our entrées, my dining companions ordered the Nashville Hot Chicken and the Catfish Sandwich. In true foodie fashion, they pulled a switcheroo halfway through—trading half of each other’s sandwiches to sample more of the menu without going overboard. According to them, both sandwiches were outstanding.
The Nashville Hot Chicken featured a juicy, crispy fried chicken breast with just the right amount of heat. The pickles were crisp and tangy, the sauce tied it all together beautifully, and every bite had a satisfying crunch.
The Catfish Sandwich, made with fresh Chesapeake catfish, was equally impressive. The cornmeal batter was flavorful and light, letting the fish truly shine. It was served on a soft, toasted sourdough bread that complemented the textures perfectly. The house-made creole remoulade added a creamy, garlicky richness, and yes—the pickles here, too, were sharp and refreshing.
Dessert
As the evening unfolded and the moon rose above the lit-up Benjamin Franklin Bridge—shimmering in red, white, and blue—we decided to finish strong with dessert: the Sensual Chocolate. This decadent treat includes a dark chocolate brownie, dark chocolate ice cream, chocolate chunks, chocolate sauce, and cocoa whipped cream. If you’re a chocolate lover, this one’s a no-brainer.
Conclusion
Honestly, I don’t have a single complaint about the experience. The service was smooth and friendly—shoutout to our server, Jordanny, who struck the perfect balance between attentive and chill, keeping us informed without hovering. The restaurant was lively without being overcrowded. And the pacing of our meal felt just right.
I also had the chance to meet the leadership behind the scenes: General Manager Liz, Manager Henry, and Executive Chef Kenny Bush. They were all warm, welcoming, and passionate about what they’ve created.
“We wanted this place to feel like it was a fun environment that felt more mature than some of the other spaces around us, designed for a younger demographic,” Liz shared when asked about the vibe of the bar and restaurant. “People 30+ still want to go out and party. We tried to embody that here! The vibe is elevated and fun!”
If you ask me, they nailed it! There’s even a pool table upstairs, adding to the playful, grown-up vibe they were going for.
My one piece of advice? Skip the car. Parking is limited and stressful. Instead, take an Uber, Lyft, or public transportation, which stops right in front of the building.
I’m already planning my next visit—and brunch is at the top of my list. If the dinner was this good, I can only imagine how incredible the brunch menu will be. (Spoiler: I peeked online, and everything sounds amazing.)
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
