Philly Bar & Lounge
About us
Founded in 2004 by owner Rocky Patel, Philly is known to be a contemporary casual restaurant with a fun approach to dining and food. It’s commitment to the community stems from a dedication to using a majority of locally sourced ingredients that change with the season.
In 2005, due to an increasing customer base and the demand for expansion, Philly opened its first outside bar. What was thought to be a small expansion for the restaurant became one of the most appealing features. After only four years, Philly was able to complete an additional expansion and remodel to the exterior bar and patio - providing for a more engaging atmosphere.
In 2012, an expansion to the dining area was done to help create room to house bands and entertainment to enhance the dining experience. Another four years later, and in the Summer of 2016, Philly unveiled its newest addition, a stunning outdoor experience of fire pits and VIP areas on the all-new patio and bar.
The commitment of Philly to provide the community with a fun and engaging place to dine is rooted in their history, and continues today. Each day, owner Rocky Patel, sits back and thinks of new ways he can enhance the experience for diners, drinkers, and event goers. Stop in and see how far the restaurant has come since your last visit, and enjoy all the new additions that were created with you in mind.
The Owner
Rocky Patel was born in India, and came to the United States at the age of thirteen, where his family landed in Hatfield, PA. Growing up outside of Philadelphia, he was always entranced by its city life and atmosphere. After graduating from high school, Patel went on to study at the Culinary Institute of America located in Hyde Park, NY. He received his degree in Culinary Arts in 1996, and began his first job at the Four Seasons in Philadelphia where he gained an immense amount of knowledge in the food and beverage industry.
Patel realized that in order for him to feel fulfilled, he would need to leave the Four Seasons Hotel, and begin his journey as a business owner. In 2003, Patel and his family moved to Latham, NY and purchased the well-known "Lookout" conveniently located near their home. One year later, with the Liberty Bell as his logo, Patel opened Philly Bar & Grill, an eatery featuring the famous Philly Cheesesteak as its staple menu item.
The Inspiration
Owner Rocky Patel's childhood outside of Philadelphia is not only the inspiration for the restaurant's name and Liberty Bell logo, but also for its famous Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. Even during the restaurants infancy these cheesesteaks flew out of the kitchen. A secret ingredient, only to be revealed to the most dedicated of guests, is just one of the reasons for the popularity of these specialty items. That secret ingredient? The hoagie rolls. These rolls come directly from Amorosa's Bakery located in Philadelphia. The same place where Pat's and Geno's, the most famous of Philly Cheesesteak vendors, gets theirs.
The Commitment
Philly's commitment to excellence doesn't end with their food and atmosphere, but also with its employees. Philly is proud to be home to one of the most loyal staff in the Capital Region. With more than half of the staff being employed for over five years, the relationships and environment fostered at Philly is incomparable.
Their commitment to their customers stems from pride in their product and establishment. Philly believes that the perfect relationship is a mutual relationship, in which each benefit that the restaurant receives from the customers, they give the same value back. That is why they are constantly innovating and expanding to ensure exceptional customer service and experience.