Philly’s Top 50 Bars

Posted by Andy Gradel | News & Notes | Thursday, 06 March 2008

Philadelphia WeeklyPhiladelphia Weekly’s cover story this week should be good for at least a couple drunken arguements: Philly’s Top 50 Bars – From upscale to down home, we really know where to knock ’em back.

“This city loves booze. Fancy microbrews, dented cans of PBR, a snobby Merlot or a shot of Jack—we love it all. But lonely drinkers we’re not. We Philadelphians go out to get our drink on because we know a good time has more to do with location than beverage. Happily, there are approximately 252,925 different bars, brewpubs, taverns and gin joints in this city. Which is exactly why you need this list. We considered everything—beer selection, food selection, clientele, service, happy hour specials, music options, decor, location, reputation, special features and ambience. Forget world peace, the election and the latest episode of American Idol. These are the things that matter. So pick your poison, and let’s get on with it. (Erica Palan)”

Unfortunately, with an eleven-week-old daughter, my days of knowing all of the Philly bars like the back of my hand are pretty much done. But, I was happy see Standard Tap at #6, but surprised that Monk’s Belgian Café was all the way down at #14. Hands down, Monk’s is one of my favorite places to grab a beer, because trying to decide what to order from the “beer bible” is good for at least 10 or 15 minutes by itself.  Plus, leaving Fado Irish Pub off the list entirely is a travesty! Hands down, it’s the best Guinness I’ve had in Philly. Too bad…

Which Philly Beer Will Rule Supreme? Only the “Beer-A-Mid” Knows!

Posted by Andy Gradel | News & Notes | Monday, 03 March 2008

Citypaper BeeramidCitypaper BeeramidCitypaper BeeramidPhiladelphia Citypaper’s Beeramid is online now, where you can vote for your favorite Philly beer. Round one is the “Standard Tap Regional” with Yuengling Lager facing off against Appalachian Brewing Company Jolly Scot Scottish Ale while Troegs Troegenator Double Bock takes on Manayunk Brewery Schuylkill Punch. The full list of competitors also includes: Sly Fox, Iron Hill, Flying Fish, Weyerbacher, Yards, Legacy, Stoudt’s, Dock Street, Victory, Triumph, Dogfish Head and Nodding Head.

The scheduling breakdown:

  • THE SLOSHED 16: Online voting begins Thu., Feb. 28; ends at midnight Mon., March 3
  • THE 8 PACK: Online voting begins Tue., March 4; ends at noon Fri., March 7 (the first day of Philly Beer Week) 
  • THE FOAMY 4: Online voting begins at 4 p.m. Fri., March 7; ends at midnight Mon., March 10

They’ll announce the final two competitors in the March 13 issue. From there, online voting will run through Mon., March 17 and they’ll name the ultimate victor in the March 20 issue.

So, be sure to vote early and often @ http://www.citypaper.net/beeramid/
(And, unlike in November, you don’t have to worry about the electoral college getting in the way of the popular vote!)