South Philadelphia Taproom

RobertColianni

Pennsylvania

4.28/5  rDev -0.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5 | $$$

I had originally planned to go to the South Philadelphia Tap Room for the selection of beer (obviously). When a short list of appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts was found printed on the other side of the bottle list I figured it was typical bar food. Ends up everything is actually amazing and most of the food that was served complimented just about any beer. Great service, outdoor seating, a long mind-boggling list of imports, and a short list of exclusive draughts, and the Tap Room quickly climbed my personal charts.
One note for the Haand Norwegian Wood that I ordered. Brew date was November 2007. Drink by was November 2009. The bottle was ordered in October of 2009. Try to check your dates before opening bottles or even go as far as asking when the shipment was obtained. This beer was in perfect condition, and still fresh, but it was dated a little close.

EDIT: I returned twice since my first visit, all about a year apart from each other. I didn't order food these last two visits, but purchased beer. The Tap Room always surprised me with the finds in the back of the bottle refrigerator. Two year old Angel Share Bourbon randomly found. $18/bottle, but whatever. If you're walking by, it's worth a peak and if you're out for date night, it's worth your time.

10-21-2009 16:58:53 | More by RobertColianni

burner

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +4.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5 | $$

this was my first visit. some friends and I went to the tap room for drinks after dinner for our anniversary. from the outside it did not look like much, and the area is residential with small streets and limited parking. keep in mind we were there after 10 p.m. on a Sunday night on Jan 28th. as soon as we walked in we felt at home and comfortable. we at right behind the door at a big round,old, round table with cushy chairs that looked like they were made out of barrels.

we were greeted right away which was great. when i looked at the beer menu i was pleased. legacy, big bear,unibroue, and many other great brewery"s on tap. we did not see a food menu but we did order fries. they were cooked perfectly, just enough salt and crispy. perfect companion with beer. the beer, atmosphere, food was all good. i would recommend this beer bar to everyone!! I CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK!!

01-28-2008 20:13:33 | More by burner

kmudrick

Pennsylvania

4.83/5  rDev +11.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5 | $$

The SPTR has contributed greatly to my love of beers and awakened me to craft brews. Very friendly neighborhood bar with a dozen top-notch beers on tap: a handful of belgians at all times (Hoegaarden, Stella, Urthel, Leffe), an assortment of local PA brews (Sly Fox, Legacy, Troegs, Yuengling, Yards, Stoudts) and a splash of West coast beers (Stone, Rogue) can usually be found there every week. There's also an assortment of fine bottles (Ommegang, Allagash, Lagunitas, Victory, etc) available at all times too. The waitstaff are pleasant and very accomodating (especially Meredith - best waitress ever.) The head chef, although moody at times, kicks out flavorful dishes every day. The taproom has a menu of traditional bar food along with an offering of daily specials that tend to be a bit more gourmet. I'm vegan, so I can only really comment on the veg food, which is generally pretty fantastic. Last night I had the vegan tacos which were awesome; I usually get the oh-so-tasty hummus and pita or some cajun fries. I'm also a big fan of the hummus-smothered portabello sandwich. The jukebox has a great selection of indie rock, alternative and classic 80s. Theres an assortment of specials available - "Temple Tuesdays" offers $1 Yuengling lager mugs for age-appropriate students, Yards IPAs are $3 every weekend, and one Saturday during the summer was a day-long "Wheat beer" fest - $2 pints of local wheat beers (which included the Sly Fox Royal Weisse, Troegs Dreamweaver Wheat, Slyfox Royal Weisse, Yards Saison, Legacy Midnight Wit.)

The South Philadelphia Taproom should be a definite stop for anyone who ventures beyond the crowded snobbery of the Center City beer bar scene.

09-10-2006 23:11:02 | More by kmudrick

ButchAleman

New Jersey

4.75/5  rDev +10%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5 | $

I went to the Taproom for the first time a cuple months ago And I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food, which is saying a lot since I was only going their to try the extensive tap selection.

One night that I went to the bar, They had escargoe on the menu as a special. Out of curiosity I ordered it, not expecting good results. I will say it wasn't the best escargoe I ever had, but for a dozen escargoe for $7 from a bar, it was very very good. Not typicaly bar food I must say!

Another time I took a date there and She ordered the Morrocan Lamb sandwich. It was perfectley flavored and she was very impresed with that as well as the fries which she thinks are some fo the best in the City).

Overall, this has turned into a regular place for me to frequent. I highly recommend it.

09-01-2007 22:53:47 | More by ButchAleman

Atropina

Pennsylvania

4.6/5  rDev +6.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5 | $$

Yum Yum and Yum. The food is fantastic (and consistant)I love the boar tacos but like the fact that i can get veggie stuff there too. Recently brought a small crowd there for my birthday and everyone was happy. The staff is charming, knowledgeable, intelligent and efficient-so very hard to find. The beer selection is excellent albeit pricey-i can't help it that I like the expensive ones! This is one place I return to over and over. I missed the Extreme beer Brunch but cant wait to try it some other day!

06-14-2010 23:16:28 | More by Atropina

cjoc83

Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +1.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5 | $$

I found out about this place from my girlfriends father, actually. I moved in with her about a year and a half ago, about 3 blocks away from the Taproom, and shortly thereafter, he came up to take us out to dinner. He took us to SPTR. I was immediately smitten. I'll never forget what I first had there; the prime-rib cheesesteak sliders, a mainstay on the menu. Simply delicious.

The draft list changes every week or so, and always has several different styles and brewers to fit anyones palate. The bottle list is also quite exceptional, with a heavy emphasis on domestic crafts, but rest assured, they also have their fair share of imports, mostly from Belgium and Germany.

One of the best things about this place, as someone has already mentioned, is their happy hour, which runs from 4-6 every Monday through Friday and includes half off all drafts and appetizers. And the appetizers here are no joke. Mainstays include the cheesesteak sliders, wild boar tacos, some of the best wings I've ever had, and hands down the most amazing tomato lager soup I've ever had the pleasure of eating. And I don't even like tomato soup! The lager they cook it with really pops. And it also includes 2 mini grilled cheese sandwiches, toasted with a garlic spread, and dipping the sandwiches in the soup and tasting the medley of flavors is truly great. They also have a rotating list of specials, appetizers and entrées.

The service is, for the most part, knowledgeable and friendly. Once in a while, because of how busy the place gets, service can get a tad slow. And one time we had a waitress that was, shall we say, less than friendly. Not that she was outright rude, but she certainly wasn't very helpful. But this is a rare occurrence.

They have 2 floors, each with their own flat screen TV's, which you can count on televising Phillies and Flyers games. The ambiance is great. It's a dimly lit affair with candles at each table. Have I mentioned have great their food and beer are? Everything is reasonably priced as well. Basically, if you're in the area, stop by. You won't be disappointed.

05-08-2011 04:46:00 | More by cjoc83