Gunners Run
Gunners Run is the latest bar to hit the Piazza at Schmidt's, taking up the space formerly occupied by Swift Half Pub. Boasting craft beer and more seating than the Swift Half, Gunners Run is an awesome gastropub with a rock and roll edge.
The name pays homage to the spot's roots: nearby Aramingo Avenue was once a canal, and prior to that it was a natural creek called (you guessed it) Gunner's Run. The creek represented the natural northern border of Kensington.
Even though it only opened on March 19th, the outdoor area and the inside tables were completely swarmed on a warm Saturday night. The wall art salutes Philly pride, with work from local artists and a historical map of Philadelphia decorating the walls. Heavy metal dominated the speakers, not surprising given the team of owners, including regional concert promoter Bryan Dilworth, Olde City Tattoo owner and artist Jason Goldberg, and music booking agent Tim Borror.
On tap is craft beer without the BS: a straightforward compilation of selections from PBC, Sly Fox, Brooklyn Brewing, and other regional favorites. It is frequently rotated to keep things exciting. The bottle list is small but comprehensive, and reasonably priced. The wine selection is surprisingly expansive for a gastropub, including an ample offering of different types.
The cocktail menu put together for the opening months includes a Tipsy Arnold Palmer, putting the new Absolut Wild Tea vodka to good use by pairing it with lemonade. In honor of the Kentucky Derby, mint juleps were going like hotcakes. The not-too-sweet drink was good to the last muddled mint drop. The cocktail menu will be changed to the late spring/summer menu soon, carrying over the Mint Julep and the Elderfashioned (St. Germain, bourbon, club soda, and a splash of Angostura bitters) from the current menu.
Gunners Run is open for business from early until late, serving up brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, a tasty late night menu that includes drool-worthy nachos, and everything in between. The eclectic menu offers the Bad Luck Burger, with a double patty and special sauce, a clambake of seafood, and butternut squash tortellini. Order it up with a side of hand-cut fries served with your choice of remoulade, vegan sriracha mayo, or garlic sauce.
Hit Gunners Run for brunch for the full make-your-own Bloody Mary bar, with all the necessary accoutrements including different flavors of vodka. Also, check out happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and take a dollar off of all beers.
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