A Dock Street

Last weekend I managed to finally make it to the new incarnation of the Dock Street brewpub, which is pretty pathetic considering I had planned to go when they first opened. For those who don’t know, Dock Street was a Philadelphia-based pioneer of micro-brewed beers back in the 80s, at one point vying with Sam Adams for tops in the market.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I expected a slightly too slick and slightly too large brewpub along the lines of a Triumph or the former Dock Street locations in Center City Philadelphia. This one has a much more down-to-earth and slightly gritty feel. Don’t get me wrong, the furnishings were clearly carefully picked out, and the brewing equipment gleams brightly in the corner of this spotlessly renovated old firehouse. Underneath it all, though, there’s an interesting and varied public enjoying beers and food from bartenders well-versed in the beers they are serving.

The beers, too, were quite well brewed. There were five of us, all seasoned beer drinkers , and we tried every beer on the list. It was easy to reach a consensus on the beers – our favorites by a long shot were the Rye IPA and the Imperial Outmeal Stout. Be forewarned, though, there was a one to two hour wait for a table, so if you’re hungry be prepared to sit at the bar or wait.

All things being equal, the new Dock Street’s new West Philadelphia brewpub was my favorite Dock Street brewpub experience yet.

image from malcolmxpark.org