This Northern Liberties establishment helped start the local momentum of the gastropub concept and continues to be the benchmark. The blaring jukebox, dartboards, dim lighting and emphasis on local beers may suggest that this two-story renovated building is merely a comfortable neighborhood watering hole. The menu – listed on blackboards with matter-of-fact descriptions simply saying "Pork Sandwich" and "Smelts" – may not do justice to the culinary prowess of the kitchen either, but the food remains some of the most creative and popular in town. The Standard Burger, known for its sautéed-mushroom topping, is a standout, and for the adventurous, there are options such as the duck salad or grilled octopus. Full bar. Serving dinner until late night daily. Sat–Sun brunch 11 am-3:30 pm.
Where the Locals Eat rating
Top 100 Restaurant
Best Gastropub
" As for the food, there are no paper menus; just typical bar-style boards scattered around the two-story building. But what's offered is just as much – and just as good – as you could find at many of the city's more celebrated eateries."
—The Daily Pennsylvanian
"As the gastropub trend gains serious momentum stateside, Philadelphia is leading the way... Standard Tap in Northern Liberties was the first, and the one by which all others are measured."
—Bon Appetit
"Don't let the low-key menu fool you, though. This food is ambitious with an honest homemade quality that rises far above the potato-skin/nacho cliches that fern bars worked so hard to standardize.
– Craig LaBan, Philadelphia Inquirer
How others rate Standard Tap
Zagat 2009
24 food rating (very good to excellent)
Philadelphia Inquirer
*** (excellent)
Philadelphia magazine
No. 26 on Top 50 Restaurants list, 2009
Best Gastropub, 2008