by Jonathan O. on This is my favorite bar in Philly. Don't miss it. Grace Tavern is affiliated with other Philadelphia greats like Nodding Head, Monk's, Beerbistro, etc., but this one just gets it "right." It's the perfect blend of everything you want out of a neighborhood pub and nothing you don't. Top grades on everything: the delicious bar food, excellent beer selection, vibe, and friendly, knowledgeable staff, including my favorite bartender, Reese. I used to live on the 2300 block of St. Albans and used to come here very often. My only complaint about this place is that it didn't come with me when I moved. Things to look out for: - draft beer selection (seasonal, constantly evolving, great; many people go straight for their bottled offerings, but don't knock the pints! if you need help when ordering, which happens often to me because they're always rotating their great beers to new ones I've never tried before, simply ask the bartenders and they are sure to oblige. they'll even pour you a sample tasting before you commit to the full glass) - fries (my favorite in the whole world, and I'm a fry guy! so that's saying something. similar to Monk's Cafe's fries but thicker cut. perfectly fried and just the right amount of seasoning, served with pub mayonnaise dipping sauce) - blackened green beans (green, crunchy, spicy, the perfect, healthy fry alternative to their potato-based cousins, also served with pub mayonnaise) - entrees & sandwiches: burgers, vegan burger, & cajun dishes (prepared promptly, simply great, served late--kitchen's open until 2 am everyday)
by Ronan O. on I'm a sucker for strong drinks and Martuni's does not disappoint. We are talking true martini's here. Served in massive martini glasses, its so friggin' sweet. It's like the adult equivalent of the big gulp icee :D And they throw in live piano at night, so as you get limbered up with the strong drinks, you can begin your own little sing-along. Older crowd early in the evening, so be careful, or you will get lots of dirty looks for been the loud drunk ones...but then i'm used to that. For all vodka fans out there, this is a must try. But be prepared to wander out tipsy at the end of the night, the drinks are so tasty and strong you can't go wrong, well unless you find been tipsy a bad thing...then what are you doing in a bar!!! My favorite is the caramel apple martini, we couldn't figure out how they got the caramel taste and then they showed us the bottle of caramel flavored vodka they use, bloody amazing, these martinis are all about the vodka, not for the light weights.
