Obscure Bar Reviews - Back Bar at the Brew Pub

Does this look like a man who would steer you wrong?

I know what you're thinking dear reader, "The brew pub? that's in no way an obscure bar! I'm outraged! Why is he feeding us this tripe?!" And you would be correct, The Manayunk Brew pub is not an obscure bar. Everyone knows it, it's deck, it's upstairs bar, but we're not focusing on them. Instead, we'll focus on the small bar located behind the band.

As you walk into the Brew pub, and start towards the back, you'll notice and area where a band is most likely playing. Possibly not very well, but playing none the less. Behind, this you'll see a window, and through that window, another bar. There are 2 entrances to this bar, one from the covered portion of the deck, and one from the dining area to the side of the band. Once through either of these, you'll see a completely different style of bar than the Brew pub. It's darker, colder, and just has a completely different style.

As you saunter up to the bar and attempt to order a drink, you may be slightly taken aback by the chill attacking your hands as you set them down. You'll soon notice a solid black marble bar before, very cold and impersonal. I'd be comfortable prepping for surgery on it, but to try and accomplish something important on it? Like having a fun night out? Never. You cannot work with that. Where, I ask you, is the love? To give credit where it's due however, the bar was the perfect height for a good lean.

Despite this initial setback, you may try to flag down one of the bartenders to order a round. Now, the last time I was here, the service was much better than I have come to expect here. The young lady was friendly, and talkative, and served us in a prompt manner. Yet, even her conversation implied she wanted to be someplace else, anyplace else, as though she yearned to be away from that cold marble prison she was trapped behind. She complained about the poor showing of patrons, and how she would make no money that evening. As though anyone would get into the liquor procurement industry solely for the money. Apparently, the cold marble, poor lighting, cold marble, and dark decor had robbed her of her soul as well.

The beer selection is poor, to say the least. You can have any of the breweries own drafts, which are barely palatable. They are also ridiculously overpriced. $4.50 for a beer I do not enjoy is not a good thing. They have recently hired a new brew master, or so I'm told. And while I have noticed some improvement, I still would not recommend their beer.

In summation dear reader, I recommend avoiding this bar as best you can. However, I understand all too well that every group of friends has the one, "I'm meeting some friends at the brew pub" in their group. I can only recommend that you stay out on the deck, and not be tempted to try to find a hidden gem in the dark bar you see towards the back.

Email the Author at mike@sunsoutgunsout.com