This 300-year-old waterfront inn in Yardley combines historic charm with forward-thinking cocktails and contemporary American pub fare. Reviewers praise the modern bartender's creative drinks and the serene Delaware River setting.
This 300-year-old waterfront inn in Yardley combines historic charm with forward-thinking cocktails and contemporary American pub fare. Reviewers praise the modern bartender's creative drinks and the serene Delaware River setting.
Despite occupying a 300-year-old building with traditional menu offerings, The Yardley Inn has earned recognition for its surprisingly modern bar program. One reviewer specifically called out "the most forward thinking, modern, creative and fun bartender in the Philadelphia area," noting the venue offers both classic options like wine and oysters alongside "new, modern takes on cocktails." Another guest raved about Nick's Garden Party, describing it as "delightfully fresh and refreshing, with a very approachable botanical flavor." Photo evidence shows a pink cocktail in a martini glass garnished with lemon and lime peel, demonstrating the attention to presentation. Multiple reviewers mentioned cocktails as highlights of their dining experience, with one noting they made "a nice treat" during lunch service. The bar stays open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, extending beyond dinner service hours.
One reviewer specifically called this "delicious" and praised the accompanying French fries as "done to perfection"
Described by a reviewer as "delightfully fresh and refreshing, with a very approachable botanical flavor," representing the modern cocktail program
Specifically called "yummy" by one reviewer as part of a highly praised meal experience
Review patterns reveal several standout menu items worth ordering. One guest praised the rib eye Philly sub as "delicious" with "French fries done to perfection," also highlighting the beef and barley soup as "yummy." Photos document tacos served on wooden boards with roasted peppers, radishes, cucumbers, limes, and fresh salsa, showing appealing presentation with varied ingredients and colors. Another image shows sliced grilled steak topped with red onions alongside a salad of greens and potatoes with creamy dressing, with the steak displaying a slightly rare center. The menu features diverse options including seafood and shellfish, beef, chicken, pork, pasta, and vegetarian preparations, according to the restaurant's website. With prices averaging $30-50 per person, the kitchen emphasizes contemporary American interpretations of pub classics using fresh, local ingredients.
The Yardley Inn's location along the Delaware River provides a serene natural setting that distinguishes it from typical Bucks County pub venues. Photo observations show a peaceful river view with sky reflected on the water, captured from a vantage point featuring stone walls and foliage in the foreground—creating what one analysis described as "a tranquil and natural setting, ideal for a relaxing experience." The venue offers outdoor seating to take advantage of these waterfront views. Inside, the dining room includes windows that frame the scenic surroundings, with one holiday photo showing festive garland with ornaments along window frames around a round table set for special occasions. One reviewer characterized the interior as having "soft ambient light" suitable for both date nights and business meetings, though noting the decor skews "a little bit old fashion." The combination of 300-year-old historic architecture and riverside location makes this particularly appealing for anniversaries and celebrations.
The restaurant has demonstrated strong capabilities for group dining and private events, evidenced by one reviewer's experience when 122 guests arrived for an event reserved for 100 people. The organizer praised how "Sue and service staff handled it like pros," calling the food "excellent" despite the surprise attendance increase. According to the restaurant, they operate under the philosophy that "every day is opening day," striving for superior customer service in every interaction. Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned the service quality—one called it "fantastic" during lunch, while another noted the wait staff and servers provided "excellent" service. The venue hosts themed events throughout the year including tea time, herb dinners, bourbon dinners, Kentucky Derby celebrations, Cinco de Mayo, and holiday meals, based on website imagery. For large gatherings, the combination of private dining capabilities, waterfront views, and experienced event staff makes this a reliable choice in Yardley.
The Yardley Inn receives consistent recommendations for romantic occasions, with its 4.5/5 rating across 1,549 reviews and specific mentions as ideal for date nights and special celebrations. One reviewer explicitly noted the "soft ambient light good for a date night," while the waterfront setting adds natural romance. The historic 300-year-old building provides architectural character, though guests should expect a traditional rather than contemporary interior aesthetic—one visitor described it as attracting "an older crowd" with "a little bit old fashion" decor. The creative cocktail program offers date-appropriate sophistication beyond typical pub fare, with options like Nick's Garden Party providing conversation-worthy drinks. Pricing at $30-50 per person positions this as a special-occasion venue rather than casual dining. The restaurant serves afternoon tea daily from 12-4pm with 48-hour advance reservations required by calling 215-493-3800, offering an alternative date experience. Reservations through Resy are recommended for dinner service, which extends until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Yardley Inn occupies a charming older building that sets an intimate tone with soft ambient lighting—reviewers note it works equally well for date nights and business meetings. The setting clearly resonates with diners seeking a more refined atmosphere than typical pub fare venues. Service experiences vary dramatically here. When it works, diners rave about excellent attention from the wait staff. However, inconsistency emerges as a theme, with some guests reporting extended waits and inattentive service even during slower periods. The consensus suggests asking to be seated in sections with more experienced servers if possible. Food quality generally impresses visitors. The rib eye Philly sandwich draws particular praise, served alongside what one reviewer called "French fries done to perfection." The beef and barley soup earns consistent mentions, accompanied by house bread that diners genuinely appreciate. However, preparation issues occasionally surface—crab cake lovers should be aware that shell fragments have been reported. The bar program receives mixed feedback. While the atmosphere suggests cocktail expertise, execution doesn't always match expectations, with complaints about poorly constructed Old Fashioneds. Given the service inconsistencies, diners celebrating special occasions might want to mention this when making reservations to ensure appropriate attention. The restaurant's intimate lighting and upscale pub atmosphere make it appealing for quieter conversations, though experiences seem heavily dependent on which server you're assigned.
Editorial summary based on 1,929 customer reviews across major platforms.
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Yes, The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar offers free lot parking and free street parking.
Yes, The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar accepts reservations. Call ahead to reserve your table.
The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar is open: Monday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM; Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM; Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM; Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Yes, The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar is a great choice for large groups and parties.
Yes, The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar is family-friendly and offers a kids menu.
Yes, The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar offers takeout and delivery.
Yes, The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar has wheelchair accessible entrance, accessible seating, accessible restroom and accessible parking.
The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar accepts major credit cards and contactless payments.
The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar is known for its 300-year-old historic building, waterfront setting on the Delaware River, and acclaimed craft cocktail program. One reviewer described the bartender as "literally the most forward thinking, modern, creative and fun bartender in the Philadelphia area," creating an unexpected contrast with the traditional colonial setting. The restaurant is also recognized for afternoon tea service offered daily from 12-4pm with advance reservations required. According to the restaurant, they've won recognition as Best New American Restaurant and maintain Zagat ratings. The combination of historic atmosphere, waterfront views, and contemporary cocktails makes it a popular destination for date nights and special occasions in Bucks County.
Yes, The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar serves afternoon tea daily from 12pm to 4pm. Reservations are required 48 hours in advance and can only be made by calling 215-493-3800 directly rather than through online reservation systems. This afternoon tea service is an unusual offering for a pub-style establishment and represents one of the venue's unique features. The service runs throughout the week during the specified hours, providing an alternative dining experience beyond the traditional lunch and dinner menus. Given the advance reservation requirement, guests should plan ahead when interested in this particular service.
Based on specific reviewer mentions, the rib eye Philly sub stands out as a must-try dish, with one guest calling it "delicious" and specifically praising the "French fries done to perfection" that accompany it. The beef and barley soup also earned a "yummy" rating from a reviewer. Photos reveal tacos served on wooden boards with roasted peppers, radishes, cucumbers, and fresh salsa in appealing presentations. For steak lovers, grilled steak preparations appear in photos showing quality cuts topped with red onions. Beyond food, the cocktail program deserves equal attention—particularly Nick's Garden Party cocktail described as "delightfully fresh and refreshing, with a very approachable botanical flavor." One reviewer noted the establishment excels whether guests want traditional "wine and oysters" or modern craft cocktails.
The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar is particularly well-suited for date nights, combining several romantic elements that reviewers specifically highlighted. One guest described it as having "soft ambient light good for a date night," while the 300-year-old historic building and waterfront Delaware River views create an atmospheric setting. Photo analysis reveals serene water views with stone walls and foliage, plus dining rooms that can be decorated festively for special occasions. The upscale price range of $30-50 per person positions it as a special occasion destination rather than casual dining. The craft cocktail program adds a sophisticated element, with creative drinks served in martini glasses garnished with citrus peels. The restaurant is classified among the best options for date nights, special occasions, and anniversary celebrations in Bucks County, particularly for couples seeking both atmosphere and quality food and drinks.
The cocktail program at The Yardley Inn represents one of its most distinctive features, earning exceptional praise from reviewers. One guest described the bartender as "literally the most forward thinking, modern, creative and fun bartender in the Philadelphia area," noting the establishment offers "a new, modern take on a cocktail" alongside traditional options. The Nick's Garden Party cocktail received specific mention as "delightfully fresh and refreshing, with a very approachable botanical flavor," suggesting the program emphasizes fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. Photos show pink cocktails served in martini glasses with careful citrus peel garnishes, demonstrating attention to presentation. This modern cocktail approach creates an interesting juxtaposition with the 300-year-old historic setting and traditional menu, making the bar program a draw for both cocktail enthusiasts and those seeking classic wine and oyster pairings.
Yes, The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar has demonstrated strong capability for handling large group events, including private dining options listed among its features. One event organizer provided specific testimony that when their party of 100 unexpectedly grew to 122 attendees, "Sue and service staff handled it like pros," with the organizer adding "thank you" and noting the "food was excellent." This 22-person overage represents a significant operational challenge that the restaurant successfully managed. The venue offers dedicated private dining spaces in addition to its main dining rooms. With outdoor seating and waterfront views available, the restaurant provides multiple setting options for group gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions. The combination of flexible space, experienced event staff, and ability to accommodate last-minute changes makes it a reliable choice for groups in Bucks County.
Have more questions about The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar? Feel free to contact them directly.
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💡 These are general recommendations. Actual conditions may vary. Check The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar's hours and call ahead during peak times.
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