Okay, here we go again: I have most of the good ones in the Philly 'burbs, but again: haven't been to some of these, or haven't been recently. Are any of these must-haves?
Fatty's, Wyndmoor
Drake Tavern, Jenkintown
Dominick's Side Door Pub, Chalfont
Blue Dog Tavern, Chalfont
Ron's Original Bar & Grille, Exton
America Bar & Grill, Chester Springs
The Note, West Chester
Blue Pear Bistro, West Chester
Baggatway Tavern, West Conshohocken
Gypsy Saloon, West Conshohocken
Blue Dog Pub, Lansdale
14 comments:
Both of the Blue Dog locations are excellent.
Can I vote 5 times again for the Blue Dog? Took me a while to get used to that place, the suburban sports bar-strip mall feel is a little oppressive, but the tap list is just that good. Not to mention their take out case which I'd rate as best in the burbs.
The new Side Bar and Restaurant (formerly Vincents) in West Chester has a decent selection. Spence Cafe across the street isn't bad either.
Which location, Jim? Both of them?
And folks...if you don't see a bar, assume it's already in. This is for a possible addition to a lot of bars I already have; Spence Cafe's already in the book, for instance.
I'm at Fatty's usually about once a week. Owner Jeff was a long time manager at McMenamin's before striking out on his own. Has more of a suburban "sports bar" atmosphere, but it's certainly opened that crowed up to better beers. They usually have 2-3 IPAs on tap (they seem to sell well, though I've never seen any extreme or double IPAs) that rotate somewhat frequently, plus maybe a pale ale or porter. Belgians do not seem to sell well here in Wyndmoor. Good food at reasonable prices is the main draw for non-beer-geeks. The must try food is the "Fatty Fillet" sandwich, and the burgers, steak sandwiches and wings are some of the best in the area. There is a Facebook page now that usually has the specials posted on it.
Jeez, people, enough with the fingernail-chewing e-mails: Capone's is in the book. Okay? Chill.
Ron's Original Bar & Grille, Exton
Blue Dog Tavern, Chalfont
America Bar & Grill, Chester Springs
If you could only add one of these bars to the list go w/ Ron's in Exton. Wonderful tap list that's updated at their website, huge takeout selection, and their food is good. Newly renovated bar with live music on the weekends makes it a nice spot to enjoy a beer.
America Bar/Grill up the street a few lights is nice too but their only advantage over Ron's is their burgers in my opinion.
I'll also vouch for Blue Dog in Chalfont it's a pretty great beer selection and their takeout is nice.
I second the nomination for Ron's.
My take: Good rotating draft selection (I had Pliny the Elder the last time I was there), decent bottle list, and an extensive dinner menu. All of the food is well executed, especially the home made pasta.
Lew, I hope you haven't forgotten about the Station Taproom in Downingtown that will probably be open next at the earliest the following week at the latest. Sean and Mark will have 12 draft taps as well as two beer engines and serving only fine craft beer on tap.
Hope to see you there.
Thank you, Richard; I had, because you broke the news so early!
The Chalfont Blue Dog location is the one I visit when I can. I went to the Lansdale one once, pretty much the same deal there, but I like the layout better in Chalfont.
Ron's Original in Exton has surprisingly excellent selection
Three cheers for Bagatway. Any bar that has a lacrosse theme is worthy of the book. It was also one of three Philly area places for Cornell grads to watch Kentucky kick our butts in the Sweet 16. Not to mention the food is good too.
I vote for Gypsy Saloon! I live a couple of blocks from there and it is a great place to relax on a Friday night. Great menu, great happy hour (read: cheap), and they always feature a local brew on tap!
I have friends in Lansdale so I also have to recommend Blue Dog. Great draft list/take out!
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