The Yachtsman opened in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia in August 2014 by partners Tommy Up and Sarah Brown. Tommy Up has a longstanding interest in vintage tiki bars, including visits in much of his travels. The decor was in keeping with the classic tiki theme, with A-frame structures behind the bar, walls lined with lauhala matting, and plenty of thatch and bamboo throughout. The drinks menu included modern drinks and classics, all prepared with a craft cocktail sensibility. The Yachtsman closed in May 2017.
We had a great time. We came with a large group so service was overwhelmed a bit, but as the crowd died down, we stayed behind. Had a great chance to hang with the bartender and get a Painkiller, which wasn't on the menu. The music was exotica when we were there, but as we left it started to play rap, which I guess is for the evening crowd.
They started off strong based on my first visit. But they've dropped the ball. Cocktail menu is a shell of what it was, there was a DJ playing top 40 stuff on a Saturday afternoon, and the bartender was indifferent at best. Sorry to say it, because we really need more local aloha.
We had a great time. We came with a large group so service was overwhelmed a bit, but as the crowd died down, we stayed behind. Had a great chance to hang with the bartender and get a Painkiller, which wasn't on the menu. The music was exotica when we were there, but as we left it started to play rap, which I guess is for the evening crowd.
They started off strong based on my first visit. But they've dropped the ball. Cocktail menu is a shell of what it was, there was a DJ playing top 40 stuff on a Saturday afternoon, and the bartender was indifferent at best. Sorry to say it, because we really need more local aloha.
Went a few weeks ago. The DJ was once again playing music completely counter to the mood, which was expected. Last time I went, the bartenders made me two zombies, even though it had been removed from the menu. I tried to get the same thing this time, but they wouldn't make them. I can't really fault the bartenders for this as it hasn't been on the menu for some time, but it was disappointing.
Still love the look of the place and, coming from Baltimore, I'll take what I can get tiki-wise, just wish there was some exotica to go along with it instead of 90's club hits and 70's funk and they started serving zombies again.
Also, I was surprised to find that they had gone cash only, so make sure to bring a few $20's!
I wish there were more drinks to offer, because the few that there were were very well done! I also like that there were no TVs, but I wish the music was Exotica instead of Rap.
It's really great to see Philly finally getting a Tiki bar. I grew up in PA and used to go to Philadelphia all the time ( I live in Seattle now) The neighborhood that the Yachtsman is located is a newer up and coming area of Philly called Fishtown. It's filled with cool little places to eat and great bars.
Most buildings in Philly are small. (Philly was built in Colonial times) and the building that the Yachtsman is in is no exception. This gives the bar a very cozy feel to it which I like. If I was living in Philadelphia, I think I would be a regular.
Here is my full review of The Yachtsman:
http://www.tikiwithray.com/tiki-bar-review-7-yachtsman-fishtown-philly-pa/