On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Burgers, Bars, American (Traditional) [Edit]
Neighborhood: Northern LibertiesDon't Just Wish Someone A Good Holiday, Give Them One With Chili's.
Loading...
My Dad (who lives in Va) will randomly send me an email with a restaurant name and that's it. No, "Hi Kristine, I think this place looks good and you should try it", just "Standard Tap." That's his code for "I want to try this when we come to town next time"
Since we were in Philly on Saturday, we deiced to do a pre-emptive strike to see how good this place really is. It's low lighted-seat yourself kind of place (and there's nothing wrong with that). Menus are small and hidden on the walls ( bring someone with good eyesight!) We ordered a local beer from Lancaster, a Shoo Fly beer that we had at Craft Ale House in Limerick before. It wasn't as good as we remembered though. I did notice that every table had Bloody Mary's on them so that's probably the way to go next time.
We went with the classics: hamburgers and fries. The hamburgers were pretty good. They were cooked exactly how we ordered them. The hamburger rolls felt like they were part of the hamburger and not just bread covering up the meat. You know? The fries were the thin kind with skin on and had crisp to them but also slightly undercooked.
Solid 4 stars meal.
All about the fare. The deep sea fare.
Standard Tap's seafood heavy chalkboard menu does me for a doozy every time. The octopus legs changed my life and the scallop salad melts my heart. Oh and the french fries? SHOETASTIC. Though I can't speak firsthand, the burger seems to sit comfortably middle of Philly's patty road, but should be passed up whenever possible for the more adventurous ocean-dwelling offerings (as well as the duck salad, which is, word on the street, phenomenal - and next on my list).
Unfortunately, the drought list lolls lazily between decent and so-so, not offering anything you haven't had a million times before, but luckily the drinkage serves merely as a backdrop and/or miniature side-kick for the deliciously gastropubby and oh-so satisfying cuisine.
Not to mention it's charming as hell in a woodsy type way.
PS - service is prompt and attentive, though perhaps not quite outstanding.
Went here to start off "guys' night." The mussels were good for a starter. I didn't know the burger was the thing to get so I ordered a ham & brie sandwich. Wasn't too bad but I've had better. The fries were good as well but I like mine a little thicker and with a crispier outside. The beer selection was good. Looks like they have a lot of local offerings.
I like this place because it's not pretentious and the ambiance is just right.
Met with friends here for a late happy hour. Its located in a neat little neighborhood a few blocks away from all those loud venues in Northern Liberties. They have a nice little selection of local-ish brews, but today they failed me in my time of need for a pumpkin beer.
DISCLAIMER: I didn't eat anything except for a few stolen fries (that were pretty good), so the dining portion of my review is through vicarious experiences. DISCLAIMER
The food everyone else ordered looked and smelled pretty good. The sandwiches were enormous, and generously filled, but one of my friends' sandwich rolls was soggy and fell apart in her hands. I smelled some sweet potato fries that were probably good.
Overall it seamed like a nice neighborhood bar, but seeing how this isn't my neighborhood, I wouldn't go out of my way to come here when I have some great options within walking distance. I will, however, keep it in mind for whenever I'm nearby.
Standard Tap is one of my most favorite bars in the city one of which I haven't been spending as much time in as I'd like.. Their food is soooo good. My favorite was their bacon avacado sammich, but I haven't seen it on their menu lately...sadly. I love their mussles. so so good.
My favorite time to go to standard is on sunday for brunch...but I will go for dinner. I find it less crowded on a weekend morning which is much more enjoyable for me. The bartenders are really great, they always have a good selection of local beers. I absolutely love the building outside and in. In the winter my favorite place to sit is upstairs next to the fireplace...although if you're not sitting next to the fireplace it can be pretty drafty and cold. If i lived within walking distance to standard tap I know I would frequent it much more, but I'm glad I don't because I wouldn't want to get too much of a good thing.
You know ... This is a pretty great burger. I ordered it meduim rare- and that's how I got it. Thanks, Standard Tap. I like meat in it's natural state haha. It irked me that they couldn't maybe spare just a few printed menus... I mean I get it... it's posted on the wall... yeah... but it's also dark and my eyesight is pretty good and I couldn't see- so maybe I would have been more adventurous than "uh I'll have a cheeseburger", if I could have seen all the other options. Next time! And there will be a next time.
After hearing about Standard Tap for so long...and finding myself in Philadelphia post-Phillies game...I thought it was time.
I absolutely loved this bar. While the actual bar itself is pretty small, there are plenty of tables if you're looking for a more intimate setting. The bartender was incredibly professional and knowledgeable. When my friend and I were talking about a particular beer on the menu, the bartender, without us even asking, poured us a sample of the beer.
They have an impressive arsenal of beers...and should be a must on any beer lover's tour of Philly.
Unfortunately for me, we didn't eat at Standard Tap...but the menu was full of gourmet offerings. Next time I go, and I will be returning, it will be with an empty stomach so I can try some of their food.
Went for dinner and sat at upstairs bar. The bartender and fellow patrons were friendly. The rotating beer selection is good. I ordered the hamburger medium rare. Meat was cooked correctly, but the hamburger fell apart as soon as i picked it up. A fellow bar-mate shared an oyster sprinkled with vodka. Very interesting.
I just can't say no to the mussels at Standard Tap. The mussel sauce is bathe-worthy. Like, if someone ran it over with a car a few times, I'd still lap it up. Yeah, that tasty.
my favorite place of all time... food was great, beer was even better. great selection. love the vibe. loved the clientel. it was very cool. i took a group of about 12 of my customers from Seattle, and it was great. they all enjoyed themselves. i had some sort of beat salad, and a steak. it was fantastic. steamed clams were real good altough that's kinda of hard to f up... i would recommend this place to anyone. unless you don't like hipsters... if you have something against white belts and peacoats you may want to try another place. hahah
After hearing SO much hype about this place, I finally checked it out twice this summer.
I'd give it four stars for drinks, but two for the menu. Just wasn't impressed and didn't like their burgers. Sorry, I gave ya a shot!
I would recommend coming here for drinks though. Very cool, laid back vibe that fits in with the rest of 2nd street in Nolibs.
Whenever I feel like sitting at a bar and having an easy conversation with the bartender, Standard Tap's one of my picks. It seems I'm not the only one who appreciates their bar staff- Ron recently won Philadelphia Magazine's prestigious "Best Bartender" award. The guy knows his stuff, he'll let you try a new beer before committing to it, and he might even throw one back with you.
They were a gastropub before all the others found it "cool," and the food (like the beer) sticks to its local roots. They don't open until 4pm on weekdays, so no lunch here, but once happy hour rolls around, it's often hard to find a table. Go hang out on their deck, it's pretty great if you've got friends who can help you take it over.
Talk about a bad taste in your mouth...
Don't get me wrong, 99% of the time I'm in love with the Tap, but I felt the need to write an update because of my most recent visit. A few friends and I took my fiance out for her birthday, so we all met up at the old hang-out spot. We sat at the upstairs bar and slowly, our group trickled in. The beers started flowing and for any server/bartender, this is a good thing. We all waited tables while in college so naturally, we all over-tip and are broke the next day. But again, we appreciate good service.
Well, we must have got the wrong bartender on the wrong night. I've actually had this women serve us before and noticed then that she had a bad attitude, so I'm thinking the "right night or not excuse" doesn't apply - she's just pissed off all the time. We sat at the bar and I guess one of the tap handles broke... three times my fiance and I got splashed with beer. Not once, not twice, three times. I must have been a moron for not getting up and moving after the second time, I just assumed they would have taken care of it by then. They didn't and after the third time, we got up and went to the 700 Club. The worst part was, we didn't get an apology, she didn't throw us a hand-full of napkins, nothing. If I were her, I would have like took care of our next round or gave us a few shots or at least apologized... She looked at me, continued to poor the beer and went about her business.
I never felt more out of place and unwanted at a bar.
I'd like to think the Standard Tap is the center of Northern Liberties. Between the good food,… Read more »
I've been frequenting the Standard Tap for years and have never been disappointed. I used to go there a long time ago for a pitcher of fancy beer before a night of Miller High Life at nearby 700 club. I love going for brunch - the bloody mary is one of the best in the city. The upstairs deck is one of my favorite summertime places. Recently I have been in for dinner a few times, and everything has been great. The service has been good and the food has been coming out of the kitchen very quickly. Some recent food highlights included a light and flaky chicken pot pie over salad and a salt cured salmon appetizer. The menu has been filled with lots of comforting fall food. A favorite moment here was when Kenzinger came out and I asked the bartender what style of beer it was, and he told me it was like light beer tasted like in the 80s. I don't know how old he thought I was, but I ordered it anyway and I have been ordering it ever since.
two words: BURGERS + BEERS.
Both are out of this world!
Good beer selection and decent "American" bar food: i.e., burger. But seriously how much effort does it really take to screw up burgers (although so many places do...)? The place has decent food and good beer selection, but nothing too special. When I don't feel like beer I get the Mussels & Sausage and Hanger Steak & Fries, both of which are decent.
Try to sit on the roof on a nice night (although it gets hard to read to the menus on the blackboard at night).
I like this place, if only because it doesn't have a TV (at least not downstairs -- I've never been upstairs) or an obnoxious club feel. People actually talk to each other... amazing, I know. It's one of the few bars in the area that I feel completely comfortable showing up to alone.
Oh, bonus points for the good jukebox.
Standard Tap was the first place I got food in Philly and it was one of the last places I got food in Philly...over two years, this place NEVER let me down.
The menu is outstanding - always fresh and flavorful dishes...somethings on the menu change but others are there all the time. I am a huge fan of the portobello sandwich and the chickpea sandiwch but I have tried other things on the menu including the burger that they are famous for. Everything is always amazing and the service is fantastic. The beer on tap constantly changes and includes nothing but local/regional brews which is great. On my last visit before I left Philly, they were offering shots of a natural-plant based liquor called "Root" which tastes just like root beer...it's delicious but also 80 proof. When we ordered our second round of shots, we offered to buy a shot for the waitress serving us and she gladly joined us (while keeping an eye out for the manager)!...Just the sort of thing that happens at Standard Tap!
You really can't go wrong with anything at Standard Tap. Just make sure to arrive early on weekends as they tend to get busy.
Good food, plenty of dining space, good for groups, stop in for a drink!
The Standard Tap is a pretty popular place, so it stays pretty busy. I guess it's kind of a staple in Northern Libs, so for that I would recommend checking it out. The food has always been consistently good everytime i've gone there. The jukebox is decent. Overall a solid restaurant, but maybe lacking in the uniqueness factor, which is why my review is kind of ho-hum. Also there is this pretentious vibe that i'm not really into... maybe it's just me. I'll give it another shot someday.
The burger here is worth the hype, definitely one of the best I've had in Philly. The bbq sandwich is also great, but it was so wet that I needed to use a fork and knife (that's not a complaint, just an observation).
The beer selection is good, and the bar scene is always fun. This is a great place to bring a group or to mingle. Outdoor seating is a plus, too.
Great, lively bar.
The Standard Tap is similar to many other gastropubs in the city, with moderately priced, mostly delicious food and a carefully selected list of mostly expensive beers. What sets the Standard Tap apart however has to do with neither of these: it has to do with the roof deck, and how awesome it is to sit on the roof deck and eat dinner and drink beer.
The roof deck is awesome. The inside is awesome too: two levels of dark, wood-paneled booths and tables, chalkboard menus scattered throughout, low lighting, a sweet, seat-yourself policy -- but in the summer nothing beats fresh air and a view. The service can be a bit slow (especially because of said seat-yourself policy) so don't stop by if you're looking for a quick bite. The Tap is a session beer and hang kinda place.
The food ranges from moderately good to killer, with fried oysters and a fries as must-haves. The standard burger, to me, tasted just standard, and no great deal for $11. And would it kill them to have a beer for under $3?
Still, this place is pretty rocking, and I have a no doubt that if I lived in NoLibs, I'd be parked here all the time.
This place is great. Great food, great beer, great hipsters, I love it. And it's right next to the Foodery, which is always a plus.
I went to the Standard Tap recently. For some reason, I had been avoiding it in the past few months. My avoidance was passive; I think there are a few better spots within walking distance. Still, when the weather gets just right, it's hard to beat the roof deck. Also, I heard that Standard Tap has a slamming burger. And with my Mom was in town it was a great night to grab dinner closeby.
Beer selection at Standard Tap closely mimics Johnny Brenda's: slightly overpriced, but with the availability of pitchers. Again, like JB, your best bet in terms of price and quality is from a local brewery (PBC or Yard's). Other taps include choices from Troeg's, Victory, Stoudt's and Dogfish Head. The tap list is adequate, but not the reason to visit this joint.
The food at Standard Tap is good. They have two different sections on the menu: sandwiches and entrees. The entrees sound delicious and are pretty large, but have a substantial increase in price compared to the sandwiches. I had the burger, and it certainly is good. But that's all I can say. To be fair, my hamburger standards are extremely high. I finished my meal satisfied, but not impressed. The burger is thick and juicy, so if you just want a lot of meat, this might be your favorite burger. The bun and toppings are better than average, too. I was with my mom, Chris (Hi mom!) and her husband , Charlie. Charlie enjoyed his salmon BLT, and Mom had the portobello sandwich, which was probably the best out of our three dishes. We were too full for dessert, but I like that they offer four different options.
For the few times I've been at the Standard Tap, I've come to expect subpar service. While this past time I had the best service I've experienced here, the staff could be a bit more attentive and friendly.
While everything at the Standard Tap is average or better, the atmosphere is the part that puts it over the top. Downstairs includes a nice bar and great tables to chill in a dark, relaxed atmosphere. Upstairs has a smaller bar, and some bigger rooms and tables for larger groups. And as already mentioned, the outdoor deck is the best spot around. Really, it can't be beaten on a nice summer eve.
Bottom Line: The Standard Tap is good. It serves a specific purpose, but with such a variety of options for food and beer within a stone's throw, it's hard to really campaign for the Standard Tap. That being said, you'll probably see me there a few times this summer. Because no matter what I say, you can't beat a few pitchers of good beer overlooking NoLibs with s nice breeze.
I've never eaten a mussel or even wanted to. My buddy ordered up a bowl of them combined with sausage and a big hunk of fresh french bread, and you know what, they were pretty damn good. Chewy, but good. Will I eat them again? Who knows.
The Standard tap has a cool atmosphere like others suggest...dark woods and corners in the back of the place. We went there for beers after work and my favorite that day was the Stoudt's Fat Dog Stout. One of the guys had a Victory Rauchbier, but it tasted like it had been filtered through a campfire...smoked malt had an artificial tinge to it.
Back to the food...
The fried calamari was excellent...light and crispy, with just the right amount of pepper. Awesome.
Service was fine.
I love bacon! Especially the BLT there, it is piled high and goes well with a delicious white Russian or Caucasian for sunday brunch. Prices are not bad and the upstairs outdoor deck is great in the summer and fall.
I really enjoy this bar. They have great pub food, good bar tenders, outside seating, and a cool crowd. Try the grilled octopus... phenomenol!
I loved this place, and it gets one star for the roof deck alone. My rating was probably affected by the gorgeous weather. Nothing's better than sitting outside and drinking a beer.
They have an interesting beer selection on tap, however if you ask the server which one they like you'll be met with a little bit of attitude. I kind of agree with a couple of the reviews on here: servers are a little snooty. Whatever.
We had the clams and smelt to start. Clams were good, juicy and served with an intensely garlickly broth. Smelt were fried to crispy deliciousness.
The beet salad is GREAT and perfect for a warm summer evening. We also tried the hanger steak which was a good piece of meat, tender and cooked well.
Overall the food is really good pub food and the building is awesome. I wish I had had a burger or sandwich because they looked amazing. I would definitely come here again.
It was a nice night out and we decided to check out the Roof Deck at Standard Tap. Ive lived in Philly for quite some time and have always meant to experience this place, that being said I wished I would've have left it alone.
The menu was average, with nothing that was outstanding. We ordered some clams and oysters which were neither bad nor good. The fried oysters were tastier than others have had, but the fries were overcooked.
But my general issue with this place is the service. It is completely disinterested and down right rude. They have a cooler than you attitude which I refuse to subject myself too. Trying to order was a process in itself, with our waitress giving us attitude with no real reason. Finally the food took an incredible long time to come out which just added to my misery.
The positives about this place is that their beer selection is nice and their roof deck is quite pleasant. But this will be my last trip to this gastro-pub.
Came here with a friend to have a burger. We usually go to Good Dog, but opted to mix things up this time around.
The environment was casual and not at all pretentious. Our server was friendly and attentive. My friend really liked her beer and the red wine the server suggested to me was good. Our burgers were cooked accurately - medium rare and medium, respectively - and were generous in size. The "grilled onions," though, were completely raw. The fries, while tasty, were just not the same as the sweet potato fries at the usual spot.
We didn't completely regret our decision to go with Standard Tap, but both agreed that it wouldn't be likely that we'd choose it over Good Dog again for a burger.
The best fries EVER! I found this place when we needed something to eat before a show at the Electric Factory and we were so glad we did. Excellent food, excellent beer and very fast, friendly service. They even play the music of whatever band is playing at the EF!
I have been here three times and it's good enough to go back.
The service has been lacking every time I've gone and I can't figure out if it's a lack of staff or they are just disinterested. Once you finally get a server, KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, because it will be a while before you see them again. But when the food gets there you'll roll your eyes that you had to wait so long, but you'll love the food.
The beer selection is decent, but I would like to see more of a variety in their stouts (the two they have don't really do it for me -but then again, I am getting picky).
1. Great rotating selection of beers on tap! Strong drinks, spicy Bloody Mary's and crispy Mimosas.
2. Friendly Bartenders and wait staff always willing to accommodate your needs or that of your party.
3. Best second story patio on Earth! Plus the cozy seating upstairs is intimate, fun and enjoyable for hours on end.
4. Lots of meat dishes and incredibly fresh seafood!
This bar is simply rad.
Went here last night after the Yelp Sideshow Adventure for some snacks and a beer.
Love the vibe (great music!), the food, the beer, the bartender, the people ... so much love.
Had some fries and the cheese plate. Generous portions, impressive cheese plate. Non-traditional beers on tap, so trying something new is mandatory.
Now I'm reading they do brunch? Oh, I'm going to have to stop in for that soon!
When i first walked in to standard tap i thought to myself, "really? This is where my Dad wanted to celebrate his 58th birthday?" It kinda seemed like a dive. But i sucked it up cause I knew this place had to be great!
Beers are aplenty, but almost all are local (PA/NJ), which is kinda fun. They had a large selection of wines too, which i opted to enjoy since i was already on a wine kick. My reisling was a perfect wine for drinking a lot of (like 3 glasses!) cause it wasn't too strong or potent or sweet. It was great. But nothing spectacular.
Then i started to get hungry, so i asked for a menu. i was told "Um all the stuff is on the chalkboard". So i had to get up and walk over there and look. Apparantly you dont get menus in the bar area. But whatever. The menu is fantastic.... if you like non traditional bar food. They have fried oysters and all kinds of fish and lamb and duck and etc. No grilled chicken breasts here! Even their sandwiches looked great. I started with french onion soup, which was an odd order, because i dont like french onion soup. but i needed an appetizer while i waited for the rents to get hungry and it was the only one that was at all suitable. Now i dont really like french onion soup and i've tried a lot (the curse of having a an ex that loved it) and it was actually palatable. My mom said it was the best she ever had so that emans something.
I was all set to order the pulled pork sandwich (yea you read that right) when i had an absolutely enlightening experience. I went to the bathroom and passed a table of boys chowing down on what looked like some of the best burgers i've ever seen. Well i had to get one. And it was pretty darn awesome. Perfectly cooked, well seasoned, covered in cheese, onions and mushrooms(which i removed). And served with a heaping pile of fries. Not really as much fries and FRIED. I really didn't taste much potato, but oh well. I thought my food was awesome, but my Dad's scallop salad was even better. Granted he thought mine was better, but they were still good. Prices were quite high. $7 for french onion soup? 19 for a salad (granted it did have scallops)? Hence why only four stars.
So its a little divey, but has a lot of personaliyy overall. The staff was friendly and helpful. I would definitely return.
If I had a child that I wanted to keep in contact with, I would name it Standard Tap. Yeah I would. Because I like this bar/restaurant. Every time I'd yell at my mini-me, I would be reminded of the glorioius restaurant for which it (I don't know the sex yet) is named after. Yes I could use post it notes or long term memory to remind myself of this eating and drinking establishment but I'd rather place the burden on my child. I would like them to grow up knowing, before we switch to eating Soilent Green and Matrix robots make us suck on protein vomit through vacuum tubes, that there existed a place where delicious solid food and special brewed beer existed in the same place. They'll know that their dad ate there. And by the tear in my eye, from each time I call their name, they'll know it was good.
Why does the menu have to be so meat heavy? Standard Tap is not for the vegan or vegetarian inclined. I am not vegetarian but I definitely have vegetarian tendencies and typically do not eat red meat or pork. This is probably why I have not had a better experience here considering just about eveyrthing seems to be pork or meat based. . However, for my carnivorous friends, I'm sure you'll love it. They have amazing beer on tap, the bar tenders are always friendly, and the outdoor rooftop deck makes the trip worth a visit. Oh, if you are vegetarian there is chickpea sandwich that I must say is quite good.
This is a very cool joint, maybe my favorite in Philly. Awesome local small craft beer selection and really good food. Try the octopus and whatever beer the bartender suggests. Genuine friendly service... Love it.
Standard Tap has been one of my absolute favorites in Philadelphia ever since I was introduced to it in 2007...so it's a shame I haven't written about it yet...
I was first taken there on a cold and rainy winter night...
I was quickly warmed up by the glow of the inside of Standard Tap. A few beers upstairs while waiting for our table warmed me up as well. If it's a crowded enough night for a wait, they ask for your cell phone number with your name and then text you when your table is ready.
The food is delicious. Mmmm...Portobello Mushroom Burger...And seriously the best fries. Also--good salads if I recall (also awesome seafood selections).
By the way, their menu changes...and so do the beers they serve. Another by the way--it changes in a "Ooh, check out that new thing that I have to try" way, not in a "Ugh...why did they get rid of my favorite thing--now I have nothing" way.
I Love going here. I love the dual bars (one upstairs, one down) I love the building. I love the small grocery across the street that sells sandwiches and EVERY type of beer you can imagine. I love the laid back crowd. I LOVE the door (you'll see--the handle is a bunch of pipes intertwined across the door--I just love it).
Go Here--It's Good
So I'm actually surprised that this got the "no" for good with kids. We love to come here with our girls. Obviously I'm not talking about Saturday night, but during the week, and on the weekends during the day, we have always enjoyed Standard Tap with kids. In fact, I don't know if this still happens, but one Saturday there was a kid's concert during brunch time in the upstairs back room.
There is no kid's menu and i don't think you'll find changing tables, but they have high chairs and even brought out some toys/books for our daughter. The burgers are great as is the weekend brunch french toast. They always have a good selection of local beers and yummy desserts too! We also like the outdoor deck seating when we can snag it.
One note: they don't serve food between 3:30 and 5pm. Big bummer there!
Best Center City Sips in the…
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Chili's Gift Cards
Neighborhood: Market East
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Bella Vista
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Category: Bars
some of my favorite places in the city of…
I like beer. These bars have the best selections…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
If I'm too hungover to make them myself, this is…
I had created this list mistakenly for someone…
yes oppose to what your parents have told u asian…
This is a list of places you may find me on sunday…
Places around the city serving up great…
