Recommendations: The messy, drippy, delicious pork sandwich, the better-than-any-of-our-moms’ meatloaf, or the flaky, rich chicken potpie.
Beth's Thoughts: Now, as a Philadelphia food enthusiast who has lived in the city since 1998, I became well acquainted with Standard Tap when they first exploded onto the food and beer scene in 2001. Since moving to South Philly in 2003, I have not spent quite as much time up in NoLibs and had not visited Standard Tap in years. When I saw that it was #45 on the list, I was excited to rediscover one of my old faithful haunts.
Ok, I cheated. I admit it. Sue me.
I went there a week before we went for this blog. I went with a group of people for a birthday gathering.
We ordered half the menu.
Now, since I was not on "Official 50 Food Dates Business" I did not take pictures at the birthday gala extravaganza. The reason I am choosing to discuss it is because my experience varied so much based upon our selections. At the gala, we started with Fried Smelts and Grilled Octopus. I enjoyed the smelts, but I'm afraid I don't have much to compare them to - that may be the first time I ever ordered Fried Smelts. The Octopus, on the other hand, I did not enjoy. I liked that the portion was huge, but they were overcooked and rubbery. The birthday boy (man) ordered the Shepherds Pie. I tasted it. It was rich, heavy and I felt that if I continued to eat it I would inevitably grow hair on my chest. Being that I am already a girl who will last through the winter, I left the Shepherds Pie to him. I ordered a Shad BLT, which was good, but not worth the trek to Northern Liberties. At this meal, I was not impressed. It tarnished my otherwise fond food memories of Standard Tap.
...fast forward to my "Official 50 Food Dates" trip to Standard Tap with David and his ladyfriend.
Upon arrival, we made a beeline to the upstairs bar area, which was empty - just the way I like it. We chose a table and bellied up to the bar to place our orders.
I began with a Weyerbacher Winter Flight. I figured it was probably my last shot at a winter flight this season, so I indulged. I have to say: I was a bit surprised to see that the winter flight was still on the menu, but fine, whatever. I enjoyed it.
Next, I ordered Mussels and Sausage. This dish I thoroughly enjoyed. If I had to make one complaint, it was that the longhots really REALLY spiced up the broth. As a fan of spicy foods, I wasn't opposed to this, but it was teetering on the threshold of too hot. For those of you who know me, that threshold is seldom - if ever - approached. This definitely gave me a run for my money, and I was somewhat concerned that the next day I would get "the runs" for my money. Thankfully, this was not the case.
I have lived in Philadelphia for 10 years, and I have never been to Standard Tap. Never- not once. I have heard of Standard Tap, and the word "gastropub" was usually thrown around in those conversations. To be totally honest, I didn't really even know what that meant. I figured it had to do with fancy cooking techniques, which sounded ill-suited for a bar. (Yes, I knew Standard Tap was a bar).
So... we drove to Northern Liberties- which is definitely not an area I frequent regularly. I live and work in Center City, which makes NoLibs feel distant and inessential. I should probably be judged for this, but whatever.
We walked in, and the place was crowded. And NOISY! The only table was near the door, and it was cold outside, and music was blaring, and I was not happy. But then Beth led us to the upstairs- a "members only" style move. Quiet, comfortable, and half-empty (we were the only patrons at a table instead of the bar)- I instantly felt like a regular. Nice move, Beth. Bonus Points.
I didn't feel particularly hungry, and I was about to order a cheap beer when Beth recognized that it was "Flight night." I am immensely susceptible to peer pressure, so I instantly ordered a flight for myself. I'm not a heavy drinker, but I was impressed (read: tipsy).
Entrees were next on the list. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by A) the menu itself- which offers unpredictable but saliva-inducing twists on otherwise "normal" foods (chicken pot pie, pulled pork) and B) the widely-ranging comments I'd read earlier that day on Yelp!. Evidently, every person in Philadelphia has been to Standard Tap. As a result, the reviews suffer from elevated expectations and distorted memories of previous tastings. I was genuinely nervous that I might order regrettably. So I did what I always do when I'm nervous: I ordered the burger.
What can I say- the burger was really good! Dynamite fries, perfectly-cooked patty, great toppings and ooey-gooey drippy (but not too drippy) cheese!
OK- so I know we're on the Philly Top 50 and I should be all snooty and as a lot from a restaurant. But honestly- a damned good burger goes a long way for me. I don't need anything else. I tend to judge a restaurant by a burger (You want $8 for a burger? always cool. $14? You'd better impress me) and Standard Tap's was dynamite. I suppose gastropubs encourage the gourmand approach, but I would much rather just enjoy a good burger at my good bar. Which is exactly what Standard Tap is: a really good bar. (For the record, my lady ordered the Duck Salad. She said it was really really good. Like the best she'd ever had. But she doesn't get to write these things- so instead you're getting 3 paragraphs about a burger. Here is a photo...)
My conclusion about Standard Tap: I wouldn't go here again for dinner. The food is damn good- better than a lot of restaurants, I'm sure. But it is a bar. You can't avoid that. Would I go back for drinks and end up eating dinner- Absolutely! But it isn't going in my Top 10, because it isn't really even a restaurant. I'm sure everyone will disagree with me. I don't care.
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