Obscure Bar Reviews- The Old Eagle

by Mike

"Many have planned on meeting for a beer at this fine establishment and succumbed to her charms, venturing no farther that night unless you count their stumble home."

Ahh, the Old Eagle.  It’s firmly entrenched itself in my heart in a very short time.  I first stumbled across this bar on an impromptu bar crawl a few years back.  Back then it didn’t even have a sign, just a few neon beer signs in the window.  Then, after a few sporadic visits with my roommate, it was revisited for the Obscure Manayunk Bar Crawl, and we haven’t stopped going back since.  It’s even got a sign now.

Located at the corner of Terrace and Markle in beautiful Manayunk, this bar is a little off the beaten path of Main street.  As you approach you notice the new sign hanging out over terrace, and after navigating the load bearing pillar in the middle of the doorway, you are inside.

            Upon entering you first notice wood finished walls, with a mantle around the top.  Upon this mantle rests serving trays supplied by distributors in days gone by.  Some of the trays advertise brewers that have not been in business for many years, and hearken back to a more innocent time. A time when waitresses brought out pints by the tray load, and companies gave out free schwag of a much higher quality.  Next, your eyes are drawn to your right, were a solid wood Cigar Store Indian is saluting you.  It’s almost as if it’s saying, “Welcome Chum, you look like you’ve earned a drink, and if I could, I’d buy it for you. But don’t worry, they’ll take care of you here.  That I can promise you” The next thing you notice is a very well stocked take out beer cooler, and finally, your eyes are drawn to the bar.

The bar is massive, without being intrusive.  It runs the length of the main room and wraps around at one end.  It provides ample seating space and plenty of corners.  It almost screams, “Come sit at me.  We’re all friendly here” and inspires you to speak to the total stranger next to you.  It has an outer oak bumper, a very nice touch, and the base is made up of vacuum sealed glass bricks.  I will have to deduct points for the actual bar top.  It’s made out of vinyl.  While it gets the job done I can’t help but feel that an oak top would lend it a little more class and hominess, as well as fit the general decor better.  A magnificent tower of taps rises out of the middle of the bar, with an incredible selection of beers, all reasonably priced.  Local brewers such as Yards, Sly Fox, Victory, and of course, Yuengling, are featured prominently, as well as imports such as Guinness and Hoegarden.  There is also a tap or two devoted to mass market brews such a Budweiser for the Philistines, but decent beer is clearly the order of the day here.  In addition, the prices are very reasonable.   Almost all the domestics are under $3 a pint.

The rest of the bar is spacious.  There is plenty of room to stand behind those lucky enough to get a seat.  2 separate rooms branch off from the main room.  One contains dart boards, although they are the electronic style and many of the darts need to be replaced.  The other contains a pool table and is large enough that you can move around and talk without getting in the way of shooters.  Also, there are plenty of places to set your drink while shooting.  An often overlooked convenience.  Rounding out the entertainment is a Golden Tee machine, and a very good Jukebox containing a wide range of music.  A very eclectic blend of tunes.  There is also an ATM for the pub goer’s convenience.

The staff is very friendly and I have yet to have a bad pour.   The crowd consists of an after work set that is often older seems to come from more of a manual labor base.  A larger and larger younger crowd averaging mid to late 20’s has been trickling in later as more and more people have found out about his hidden gem.  I will not comment on the food at this time as the owner has been having some labor strife in his kitchen, and is currently looking for new cooks.  Also, drink specials abound such as $3 for a PBR pounder and a shot of Jaeger from 9-11 on Friday’s.  I’d have preferred the more traditional whiskey shot, but the effort is still nice.  Especially when you consider their already low beer prices.

In summation, the Eagle is a great place to meet up with friends for a few beers, either for a casual night out or as a starting point for the night ahead, a gentleman’s retreat where one can leisurely sip beers in a dignified manner before wading into the hustle and bustle of Main street.  Be warned though.  Many have planned on meeting for a beer at this fine establishment and succumbed to her charms, venturing no farther that night unless you count their stumble home.

Update!: A few things have changed at the Old Eagle since I originally wrote this article, and I have to say, they're all for the better. First off, the electronic dart boards are gone, in favor a of a traditional cork board. It just feels right.

More importantly, the labor strife in the kitchen has been resolved. The new cook, Colin Thompson, formerly worked at Eulogy, in old city, and jumped at the chance to run his own kitchen. The food is not only good, it's exceptional. Mussels, steaks, sausage and cheese appetizers are just some of the items on the new look menu. While I haven't tried everything, what I have tried is fantastic. If you haven't checked out the Old Eagle by now, you're missing out.

Email the Author at mike@sunsoutgunsout.com