Bainbridge Street Barrel House

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

4.12/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4 | $$$

This place gives off somewhat of a more classy vibe than your average South Street bar. It's dimly lit, tidy, and decorated like an upscale café. There is a medium sized bar and a good-sized dining area. The beer selection is quite good, with plenty of good craft options on tap (I don't think they have any macro options at all), including specific spots on the list for a barrel-aged beer, cask offering, and nitro line, plus there is an extensive bottle list as well. The bottle prices are generally in the gouging range, almost to the point of being ridiculous at times. But fortunately, the draught prices are actually not that bad.

I haven't sampled any of the food yet, but I have glanced at the menu. There are some good options, mainly comfort foods, with the smaller plates being reasonably priced and the larger plates skyrocketing into the expensive zone...an $18 fish & chips better be damned amazing.

Service is generally fine. Some of the bartenders are a bit green, but they're learning, and that's good.

I'd recommend this place, mainly if you're up for a few draught beers. You'll keep your wallet more full that way. Buy bottles at your own risk, or if you have lots of disposable income. BSBH is pretty close to the TLA, so it's a good pre-show hangout, and will probably be my bar of choice for that purpose from now on.

02-16-2013 02:22:06 | More by Rifugium