The South Philadelphia Taproom

[gbredben]

Last summer, I was travelling through the 1500 block of Mifflin Street, and I was surprised to find a large, green neon Yards sign hanging in a window. The name outside advertised the place as The South Philadelphia Tap Room. After driving by since on numerous occasions, curiosity finally got the better of me. So, last night I decided to stop in check out the place.

The South Philadelphia Tap Room is located at 1509 Mifflin St., about a block from St. Agnes Medical Center near the intersections of Broad, Snyder, and Passyunk Ave. Upon entering, the first item of notice was that the special for the evening was jumbo ravioli. The next items I noticed were the 10 tap handles sitting behind the bar. One group of seven taps consisted of Miller Lite and Yuengling Lager, a PBR tap. Handles also for Guinness, Yards Philadelphia Pale Ale, Smythwick's Irish Ale, and Magic Hat #9. At the end of the bar were three taps for Leffe Brown, Hoegaarden, and Stella Artois. The bottle selection was even more impressive with selections including Brooklyn Lager and Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, Victory Hop Devil and Golden Monkey, and Dogfish Head. Wednesday night is Lady's night. The advertised drink specials were $2.50 Coronas and Amstel Light bottles and $3 cosmopolitans. Behind the bar sat a nice selction of vodkas and whiskeys.

I sat down and ordered a Yard's and asked to look at a food menu. While the typical bar fare of cheesesteak, fries, and even a bacon cheeseburger were noted. Other items included pierogies, gulf shrimp, a honey grilled and a smothered grilled chicken sandwich, a jumbo lump crab cake sandwich and platter and a NY Strip steak. Talking to the bartender, I found out the place has been open for about a year and a half. And, whoever runs it is a big Temple fan judging by all the Temple memorabalia.

I ordered the provolone steak and an order of pierogies. The cheesesteak was an ordinary steak on a soft roll with the ends cut, not greasy. Good taste, but nothing special. The pierogies with red onion were unfortunately sauteed in vegetable oil and not the preferred butter and served with a side of sour cream.

The overall atmosphere reminded me of McMenimen's in Mt. Airy. I intend to go back and try the bigger menu items to see how they fare and report back. Until then, it's nice to discover good beer just got closer to me.

[gbredben]

Some research on the web turned up this article: http://www.temple-news.com/global_user_ele...?storyid=899896

[Susan in FL]

Good review... thank you!

P.S. Are you ready for the next Friday the Firkinteenth®, at another spot near and dear to the hearts of us all?

[gbredben]

Thanks very much Susan. I can't wait for May 13. Hope to see you there.