• Banner 1
  • Banner 2
  • Banner 3

Welcome to The Social

At The Social, a vibrant Southern bar nestled in historic West Chester, culinary traditions come alive. This inviting venue specializes in Cajun and Creole flavors, delivering a menu brimming with creativity—think chicken and andouille gumbo and mouth-watering goat cheese stuffed wings. The ambiance is both festive and welcoming, perfect for casual dining or a lively night out with friends. With options for vegetarian diners and a selection of craft cocktails, everyone finds something to enjoy. Whether you're dining in or taking out, The Social guarantees a delightful experience filled with generous portions and genuine hospitality. Come for the flavorful dishes; stay for the unforgettable atmosphere.

The Social: Reviews & Ratings

Gina A.
Gina A.

Great menu and lovely atmosphere. There's a bar area and dining spaces throughout the historic building. Super cool lighting and decor. Parking in garage around corner is your best bet as there's no parking along the road that it is located. The parking fees are reasonable. It did get busy so would recommend reservations. All staff were very friendly and helpful. Our server was attentive and you will not wait long for food. The menu is super creative and there are so many great dishes to try. We started with the goat cheese stuffed wings. Do not leave this restaurant without ordering these! They were amazing. For entrees we went with the pistachio chicken fingers which were huge and came with very tasty sweet potato fries. It comes with a good raspberry sauce, but ask for their honey mustard to dip as well. They also have this as an entree with sauce and potatoes, but didn't want that big of a meal. However, the app portion was pretty huge as well. Also ordered dish on the specials menu which was oysters and alligator with rice. Would for sure order again. Took dessert to go as the lemon cake sounded amazing and it was! Creamy and light with the perfect balance of lemon. Nothing we had was bad. The menu makes us want to come back and try something different again. It was hard to make a choice. We got drinks from the bar that were wonderful as well. Lots of crafty cocktail options. For sure a great place to visit. I wouldn't pass this one up if you find yourself in the area. Super reasonable prices for the portions and deliciousness.

Karen M.
Karen M.

Food and service is always on point. A great place for happy hour or dinner. Never disappoints

J P.
J P.

This was my first time at The Social. I'd known of it as a sort of dive bar with bands. However it's received a makeover. It's sooooo adorable and festive now!! We had a party of 5 with a 5:15 resy reservation. We were given a very gorgeous table on the other side of the front bar. It had its own little roof and a cool picture of Frank Sinatra. Love!! However, it was right outside the restrooms and for some reason, both doors SLAM so hard that it's jarring sitting there listening to the booms!! Such an easy fix, too! Hopefully management addresses this. 3 of us ordered specials: prime rib with garlic mashed and vegetables, burrito mix, and steak tacos. All were excellent! We shared a slice of chocolate layer cake which was more like a thicker torte consistency. It was good, served with sides of strawberry and whipped cream. Our server Gunnar was perfectly nice but not overly attentive. It was a very busy Friday night, in his defense. It wasn't busy at 5:15, but got pretty jammed by 6. The bus people were attentive with water refills and plate clearing, which is key. Overall I'm super happy with my choice for the birthday dinner! I'll be back!

Sarah L.
Sarah L.

Food was very flavorful and came out quickly. Unfortunately, my first shrimp order had meat in the dirty rice so I had to send it back for the jasmine rice. Waiter was super apologetic since I said we didn't eat meat but it was ok because his apology was sincere. Veggie chilli was good as well. We sat outside which was a nice vibe. I would go here again.

Danielle C.
Danielle C.

The nachos were delicious. Great appetizer to share. Salad was good, but would've been much better if it had more dressing.

Jessica S.
Jessica S.

Our server (according to the receipt because I can't remember what he said when he introduced himself) was Dookie McGuffins. He was friendly and helpful. This restaurant has indoor seating with a bar area as well as outdoor seating. Gay Street in front of the restaurant was closed off to traffic and the restaurants all had outdoor seating in the street which was a nice vacation vibe. We started with Nola fries that had crab and cheese on top. It was a large enough portion to share among the 4 of us. Two people had the meatloaf, 1 jambalaya, and 1 cowboy brisket. Everything was delicious. Portion sizes were large. Desserts we had were key lime pie and blackberry peach cobbler. We'd go back again.

David T.
David T.

The food is great...it has been for some time. If you happen to get Nick as your waiter...your experience will be elevated 3 fold. Nick is...what every waiter should be.

Laura H.
Laura H.

Coming 6pm on a non busy Friday was ideal. The drink was shockingly inexpensive at only $6!! The following week on Saturday at 8pm was so busy I couldn't get a seat at the bar. The bar tender checked up frequently, and thankfully it wasn't too lout so if you decide to have a drink with a friend, you wont lose your voice by the end of the night. Overall probably my favorite spot to grab drinks in West Chester at the moment bc of the price point and balanced drink

Location

  • The Social
    117 E Gay St, West Chester, PA 19380 Hotline: (610) 738-3948

Welcome to The Social, a vibrant dining experience nestled in the heart of West Chester, PA. This enchanting establishment, located at 117 E Gay St, elegantly combines the rich flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine with a lively bar atmosphere. From the moment you step onto the premises, the historic charm and warm ambiance beckon you to unwind and indulge in a culinary journey.

One of the standout features of The Social is its diverse menu, which caters to a variety of palates and preferences. With ample vegetarian options and a selection that encourages sharing, it’s perfect for dinner with friends or family. As noted by satisfied patrons, the Chicken and Andouille Gumbo Soup is a must-try, delivering a bold punch of flavor. For a meal that truly satisfies, consider the Chicken and Waffles, where crispy buttermilk chicken rests atop a delightful Belgian waffle, drizzled with Cholula maple butter—a fusion that is sure to please your taste buds.

The Social also shines with its impressive list of burgers and sandwiches, such as the All American Burger and South of the Border Burger. These dishes are crafted with quality ingredients and come generously portioned, making them great for sharing—or not, depending on your appetite!

The atmosphere is electric, especially during the busy weekend nights. With a full bar offering an intriguing selection of crafty cocktails and happy hour specials, it’s the perfect spot for unwinding after a long day or enjoying a pleasant night out. The extensive outdoor seating complements the casual vibe, allowing diners to enjoy the lively street life of West Chester. Customers rave about the helpful and attentive staff, making your visit even more enjoyable.

Moreover, there’s plenty of entertainment to keep you engaged. Whether you want to dance, challenge friends to a game of pool, or simply relax with a drink, The Social caters to all your desires. Plus, families with children are welcome, ensuring a good time for all.

Parking might seem tricky, but rest assured, the garage around the corner offers reasonable rates, making your visit hassle-free. With rave reviews highlighting its creative menu and inviting atmosphere, it’s clear that The Social is a culinary gem not to be missed. Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights, to secure your spot in this delightful establishment.

In summary, The Social is more than just a meal; it’s a memorable experience filled with exceptional food, lively entertainment, and friendly service. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make it a point to stop by and savor what this remarkable venue has to offer! If you're looking for a place that resonates with joy and deliciousness, look no further than The Social.