A few weeks ago my sister and I ran the Phillies 5k!  While it was really cold, we had a great time and despite doubting our running capabilities, we did great!

Later that evening my Mom watched my niece Leah, so it was double date night!

After much debate, we decided to head to Standard Tap.  Of course it is always a debate of where to go when I go out with anyone in the city, but my sister and I always spend a lot of time debating because we are both such food lovers.

We decided to try Standard Tap because we had heard such great things about it from other people and also because word on the street is that it is going to be featured on Diners, Drive – Ins and Dives soon!

Upon arriving we realized that downstairs is self seat, whereas upstairs you have to be put on a waiting list.  We lucked out and a table was leaving just as we arrived.

One of my favorite things to do before dining out somewhere is to look at the menu.  Not only can I dream about what I want to try, but it also saves whoever I’m with a great deal of frustration because I take so long to order!

Standard Tap not only doesn’t have their menu online, but it changes so frequently according to what ingredients they have on hand that it is simply written on a chalk board.  Definitely a unique experience!

We obviously had a lot of questions because the menu items were listed without any description. 

Of course there are tons of local beers available, but I went for a Cabernet Syrah blend that I really enjoyed.

To start we had an Eggplant Dip.  It was smooth and creamy like hummus and served with two big tortilla-like crisps, warm pita bread and pickled veggies.  I loved the flavor of the dip and it was unlike anything I’ve ever tried.  I especially liked the tortilla crisps and wished there had been a whole plateful!

One of the items that was highly suggested to get was their chicken pot pie.  Ryan took the advice and I was jealous when it came out!  He let me try a bite and it tasted like Thanksgiving!  The chicken was mixed perfectly with veggies and sandwiched between light, fluffy crust.  Next time I am getting this!

My sisters entrée was also really delicious.  She had Monkfish and Clams.  It was cooked in a savory garlic broth, topped with some thick, crusty bread.  I found myself dipping into the broth and enjoying the tender monkfish, bite after bite.

I tried the Albacore Tuna Sandwich.  The tuna came on grainy bread with lettuce and sprouts.  I’m not quite sure if there was supposed to be some kind of sauce or spread but the sandwich really lacked something.  It just tasted bland and I kept thinking that it could have been brought up another notch with that “something” extra.

Jay tried the Standard Burger, which was served with a side of fries.  Their burger also comes highly recommended and Jay said it was juicy and flavorful.  I can attest that the fries were crispy, salty and of course the perfect accompaniment to a burger.

We all agreed on trying potato and cheese croquettes!  I mean, how can you go wrong with potato and cheese anything?  The croquettes were creamy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and a perfect side dish to share.

There was a note on the board saying that sales from one of the desserts, a brownie sundae, would go to benefit Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.  Not that we really needed a reason to order dessert other than the fact that we wanted sweets, but this helped make us feel more inclined to do so.

 

While we agreed that the sundae was tasty, we LOVED the smores pie.

Not only was it covered in chocolate, but the toasted marshmallows were such a fun surprise.  Amazing!!!

Our experience at Standard Tap was fun and met our foodie standards.  If you’re looking for a unique dining experience in a comfortable, casual atmosphere, I’d highly suggest you check it out.  And if you’re anything like me, the menu anticipation alone is enough to make you give it a whirl!