Copabanana University City Reviews

I visited Philly this past weekend and I was just strolling down south street during the day and came across this cool looking, brightly colored building – I saw a margarita sign and I had to go in. The inside was decorated for a Mardi Gras party they were going to have, there were 2 small bars and a restaurant seating area that was great for people watching and there was a nice crowd for lunch. The margaritas were amazing and fresh and they are sold by the large shaker that is given to you to pour your own. The menu was very interesting. Although most of what I saw coming out of the kitchen was Mexican, nacho’s etc. but we had this amazing new Orleans style crawfish and sausage with gnocchi and a spicy red sauces – that was great! They also had a jambalaya dish on the menu and rice and beans. The bartender and staff were very friendly and they were telling us that they have great menu specials that change often. The bartender sent us to a few other cool places in the city. Overall this was a great hangout place for a rest when you are strolling down South Street

Out for an early Saturday bike ride with J and decided we were hungry! OMG brunch was awesome. J had steak and eggs ~ should call it hunka-steak and eggs! Huge strip steak was tender as could be. Tasty jalapeño home fries. I had the best breakfast burrito - took two hands to handle. Too early for margaritas, but the iced tea was fresh brewed and delicious. Very attentive staff. Dined on the sidewalk in the shade...we'll be back...!

Went with co-worker for lunch. Had the "charleston" burger which had a great sauce on top along with "onion straws". Burger was one of the best I've ever had. Manager said they buy their meat fresh every morning, never frozen. Partner had the "Caribbean" burger which had a good sauce on top and a fruit flavored topping on the side. He also felt it was the best burger he ever had. He also got "spanish fries" which had onions and other items in the fries, which he loved. The servers were extremely friendly and very attentive. They also had a wide range of beers and mixed drinks, which we didn't try due to having to go back to work. A lot of people were getting margaritas, which seemed to be very popular. Terrific place right next to the University of Pennsylvania's Campus.

We visited this restaurant because it had an interesting variety of selections, very fairly priced, on their menu which we checked before hand. We walked from the Homewood Suites just a few blocks away. While our dinner hour was late (around 8:30 or 9 PM when we got there), the restaurant was not too busy and we were promptly seated. Strangely enough for a advertised burger joint, my wife ordered a salmon sandwich and it was nicely done, fresh and tasty. Quite a nice surprise! I had a Caribbean burger which came with jerk spices on top with a mango chutney spread on the bun. There was a little too much of that stuff on there so it was dripping sauces like crazy. But, it was very tasty and a nice surprise for me. My daughter enjoyed the Baltimore crab cake sandwich and my son-in-law enjoyed a couple of different beers with his newly added burger (which is not on the online menu but included "Chihuahua" cheese). We had a nice chat with our server who mentioned how they prepare dishes individually and with no frozen ingredients, all from local sources. I gave them an average rating but they really fall in the above average category (but I wouldn't go to the "very good" rating). 3 and 1/2 stars. I would definably come back again.

I have been traveling to Philly every summer since 2014 from Lebanon.... and Since I live on Spruce st. Copabanana was just 3 blocks away. As soon as u step in you feel the positive vibes, the staff is friendly, the food is delicious and they have the best Margaritas... Coming back june 28 2016!!

Wednesday Lunch is 1/2 price burgers. Very yummy, 1/2 pound patties with many topping options. We like the Britton and the Charleston. Also make sure and order the cheesy fries!

Good alternate to Chili's. Similar pricing and menu (with similar slow service). Dinner seating is limited, though.

Had a blast at this location. Wouldn’t mind going back for the margaritas. Margarita Monday’s are the best with herradura

Horrible! Is this restaurant under new ownership since the pandemic? I hope this is the case because this was the Worst Food that I've ever received from Copabanna's. We've eaten at both locations, South street and university city, tonight's food was dog food bad. Neither myself or my husband could finish it. My burger was so dry and tasteless. My husband couldn't finish eating his quesidilla. We throw our food in the trash and vowed never again. I'll still drink their margaritas but I'll never eat their food again. It could be free and I'd still eat somewhere else. I would have rather thrown the $29.00 we spent on these two items out of the window than to eat at Copabanna's again. #going2bedhungertonight

Delicious food and friendly service. I ordered the steak fajitas and my boyfriend ordered the shrimp fajitas - both excellent choices. We also ordered the buffalo shrimp as a starter and were impressed by the presentation and quality of the dish. Great happy hour and drink specials.

Went with co-workers for lunch. We started out with Margaritas, which we had heard from others were the best in town. We were not disappointed!! One co-worker had a draft beer, from a wide selection of micro-brews and standards. He described what kind of beer he liked, and the server made a recommendation, which he liked a lot. We ordered nachos for starters, which were hot and plentiful and good. We all got different styles of burgers from the menu, and everyone loved their selections. The burgers are made fresh, are big and have an incredible taste.

Was in town due to family at HUP After a long day at the hospital, I felt very comfortable coming here for dinner and wine by myself. The server was sweet, the summer salad with salmon yummy AND the sangria plentiful and delish.

My wife really likes the grilled salmon sandwich. This time she got a side order of asparagus, which was perfectly cooked. I had the buffalo chicken po' boy. It was OK but the chicken was breaded and it just felt "heavy". In the past I've had burgers there and I think I'd stick to those.

One of the few places I'll order a margarita, they're so good! The burgers are also excellent. Perfect after a long day in class or at the hospital.

We have been to the South Street and University City locations. The one near U of Penn is okay if you can sit outside. It smells like a dirty bar inside. Service is usually good. The food is average. Years ago we really enjoyed the one on South Street, but haven't been there recently.

Came based on the reviews and was highly disappointed. I ordered a margarita and it came out in a martini glass with a shaker and it tasted like a martini not a margarita. My shrimp and crab quesadilla was good but nothing special. Drink was over priced. Service was great though.

We were visiting my sister from Texas and she insisted on coming to this location. There were three of us having lunch there on a Sunday. I ordered the nachos as an appetizer for us and that was pretty good. I then ordered the chicken tenders. The breading was so think and oily. The macaroni was ok, but needed salt for flavor. They didn't have lemonade. We asked the waitress to split the check and she absolutely refused, then when we got our check, an 18% gratuity had already been included. I later learned that she would not ring up separate tickets because it's their tipping policy to charge 18% on checks of $50 or more. That is RIDICULOUS! You shouldn't force people to pay an undeserved tip, much less one at 15%! Never were we told about this. It's not typical to include a gratuity on the check for parties under 6. I will never return to this restaurant. No wonder it was empty when we went during lunch on a weekend.

Came here with friends on a Monday night. We were seated immediately, and I was recommended the margarita cocktail by my friend. Oh my goodness it did not disappoint!!! They bring you the whole cocktail shaker full of cocktail! I was very merry after finishing just the one! I certainly did not need any more after that! The buffalo wings were delicious and the burger and chips was pretty good standard fare. Come here for the cocktails though! They are just amazing! And the happy hour is 5-7pm, although we missed it. Will have to come back soon! The staff were just so novelty as well!

Popped in for a quick lunch while visiting our son at UPenn. Ordered fajitas and burgers. Men loved the burgers and the fries are tasty too. The fajitas were good but I especially like green peppers and there weren’t as many as I would’ve liked. Service was good. My son loves half price burger day.

This is a nice place for lunch. not too noisy and a nice atmosphere in general. the Philisteak sandwich was good and very large. also good service.

Came in after a dentist appointment at Penn to grab a Copa pink lemonade $10 and a bowl of mac & cheese which is 399.-that’s $13.99 that was charged to my debit card when I stepped outside to take a phone call. Yes, they didn’t ask me if I wanted to run a tab. They wanted to hold my card for ransom so that I didn’t dash ? I told them not to charge it because I was paying in cash. I left $20 on a tab that already included a service charge and a gratuity. Even though they’re six dollars ahead, they double charged me by hitting that debit card I had to have the bank remove the charges, that’s quite a scam. Shame on you.

Went during happy hour and thought it would be average...boy was I wrong. The tacos with the chili were fantastic. The beans on the side were unlike any other. Cheap and STRONG margarita. Definitely a hidden jem

Love the Copa! One of my all time favorite Philly hot spots. They have really stood the test of time, having been around for so long.

My husband and I sat at the bar because there was a wait for the dining room.The bartender who served us was very helpful and knowledgeable about all of the specialty beers. We had vegetable fajitas which were very good and flavorful! We will definitely go back!

burgers, fajitas, ribs. If you live in University City, you've been here. When you didn't feel like spending a ton or deciding an another place. Don't drive into Philly just for for copa.

They squeeze their own fresh limes! The only place to go for an authentic margarita. Any flavor is great! Getting the double can put you into paradise! :) The food is Tex-Mex. I love the Spanish fries. So good if you want to cheat on your diet. I had the chicken sandwich this time, but have sampled a lot of the items on the menu. Very good food. Excellent service. I love the setting. Illuminated stars, great neon signs and an atmosphere that surrounds you with great smells, sounds, and tasty food. I have taken many friends here and every one of them wants to return. Nobody makes a better drink than the Copabanana. You haven't had a margarita until you have been here.

The service by Noel was top notch! The wild caught Salmon salad was equal to any other I’ve had. The Fajitas were the same and a very large portion too! Outdoor seating was fun and beer was reasonably priced.

I loved the various types of Margaritas and menu at his place. They serve awesome Enchilada, Chimichanga and Burgers here. Its nice to go there on a weekend night, as it gets vibrant with the University students that time :)

I was in Philly on business, and don't enjoy dining alone. I ordered food for delivery, which was great! Very convenient.

Good satisfying Latin American/Caribbean dishes, but nothing that will stick out as being particularly memorable. The best part of the Cuban sandwich I had was the spicy fries...yummy! This places gets packed at lunch, so come early if you can.

Visited this poor excuse for Mexican on a recent trip to Philly. On a Spring Friday night, the place was way too balmy inside. Like odors & heat from food being prepped plus a crowded restaurant. There was zero air circulation. I immediately wanted to turn around and leave. But I was meeting a group there, so I stayed. The food was terrible. I ate with four people, and everyone complained. There is nothing on the healthier side on the menu. And I ordered BASIC beef hard shell tacos - they came out completely dripping in oil & sauce so my taco shell was soaked through and useless. Waste of time and money. Obviously, this place works for what it is - a dive spot where students & neighborhood folks can get a quick bite to sober up after too many drinks! Would not visit again under any circumstances.

Recently dined here with a friend for lunch. It was a nice day so it seemed everyone was dining outside. We had a tight window for lunch so we sat at the bar. Our fajitas took forever to come out but they were pretty good. I dont eat often in that area of Philly so I'm not sure what else to compare it to but I know they offer really good margaritas.

Very good burgers, one of the best restaurants near the campus! A good day to go is on Wednesdays for lunch: burgers are at half price!

Returned to the Copabanana - University City. A terrific atmosphere, with the best burgers in Philadelphia, and maybe anywhere. Everything they cook there is fresh. Friend had a grilled salmon that looked delicious. I started with the crab and corn chowder - fantastic! Incredible beer selection! Attentive, friendly wait staff! Will definitely return again and again!

I visit Philadelphia twice or thrice a year, and usually the visit involves a visit to the Copabanana. I really enjoy their burgers and fries, and while you may say that is nothing special, well, I know lots of places where even such safe choices leave you feeling unhappy. Not at the Copabanana, though. While I am not much of a drinker, I have sampled various flavors of their margaritas, which also do not disappoint: they taste good, even though I would stick to regular, lime, or watermelon, and are decently priced for the size of the drink. I have read other reviews about the Copabanana adding a gratuity to the bill, which some people find upsetting. This, however, is a practice you will find nowadays in most places, so that is probably a business practice people just have to get used to and anticipate when eating out. I was not particularly perturbed by this, especially since the service is always good and the waitresses very friendly.

We went there to try it and had to wait a while for patio seating. It seems that it takes awhile to get your check once you are finished which holds up being able to seat anyone else. We had the tacos and they were good. I recommend the margaritas are great!

They have really good burgers. I prefer the turkey burger because I don't eat beef. It was really good and juicy. I don't usually like to order burgers because they tend to be dry but this was not the case. Also the spanish fries are a sure winner with fried onions and jalapeno peppers. But the best is yet to come because the Margaritas are all that.. Happy hour has $4 margaritas, and $5 quesadillas from 5-7. Freindly staff and a good location.

really cool...danced all nite..im ny head...

Visited Coba Banana after watching the Lone Ranger yesterday. The margaritas were outstanding, the black bean veggie burger was awesome and our server was outstanding.

Our tour Bus guide told us that this area where CopaBanana is, has a lot of restaurants. I am a pickler for clean restaurants, so when I saw two very nicely dressed business women sitting in the window eating french fries; I said "that's the restaurant for us!" When we entered we were immediately greeted by our server Grant. He was so patient. They have so much on the menu that looked yummy, and it was mid afternoon and we were starving. Grant recommended the Margaritas and so we tried them. Talk about AWWWWESOME! They were the best we've ever had! We also tried the hamburgers, and they too were like the good ole fashioned hamburgers. They were more like steakburgers than just plain hamburgers. My husband and I highly recommend this little place. It's so cute and islandish. Loved it! We made friends with other locals that were there eating. Such a friendly place to strike up a conversation with people. So, when you go, ask for Grant and tell him the Fl couple sent you! MAYBE he'll remember us! Their chicken wings and Nachos looked great too. Too bad we didn't find this eating place earlier. The address is 344 South Street, Philadelphia, PA and the Big Bus tour has it as one of it's stops. It's about 3 blocks up the street from where you are dropped off on the left. Have fun, and drink a Margarita for me!

I went to this restaurant with a close friend. The severs were friendly and the food came out quickly. I liked the chicken fajitas and the server did a show with fire as I received my dish. The prices were reasonable and the portion size was large. The tip was included in the bill. I wish that the meals came with complimentary taco chips and salsa.

At first we were seated and then basically ignored for 10-15 minutes. We had the bison burgers. They were a little overcooked. The sangria was a little light on wine and seemed to have been juiced up--not in a good way, I mean they put fruit juice in it. I would suggest you try some where else as there are lots of choices nearby.

Pretty busy seems like a great place for drinks and appetizers. The Spanish fries are a must have. Everything was at great prices even the drinks which were also good.