At the corner of 24^th and Aspen sits Philadelphia’s original Belgian-beer bar.  Bridgid’s may not be as well-known as the Philadelphia bars it has inspired, but it has been dutifully serving great food and beer in the Fairmount section of the city for over 25 years.  Loyal customers know what keeps them coming back for more: an extensive beer list and creative dishes (mussels, too!) served at reasonable prices.

If Belgian beer, local non-Belgian brews, and good food aren’t enough to get you excited, then consider that Bridgid’s boasts what they believe is the only gravity tap in the U.S.

Different than a gravity pour (in which a cask is tapped and beer makes its way to the glass via the pull of gravity rather than a hand tap), a gravity tap actually hangs down from the ceiling.  Kegs are kept in a refrigerator in a room three stories above the bar, and beer travels down the tap and into your glass.  Using gravity to fill your glass reduces the need for carbonation - thus providing a smoother, creamier beer. 

Yards Brewery set up the system years ago, and the tap pours Yard’s brews during the winter months as a tribute to their hard work.  The friendly and knowledgeable bar staff are happy to talk with you about the history of the gravity tap, and you can walk your winter pour over to Bridgid’s fireside to warm up even further.

Whether you want to try a brew from the gravity tap, or dine on an eclectic selection of Belgian “comfort” foods, Bridgid’s is a spot worth seeking.  The bar is small and intimate, and you’ll find yourself chatting with your fellow drinkers (as I did, including the ones sitting across from me).  For those wanting to host a party for friends, Bridgid’s also rents out the upstairs dining room.

Bridgid’s is open for brunch on the weekends, lunch throughout the week (starting again this month), and dinner every night.  There are nightly happy hour specials from 5 pm to 7 pm. 

09.29.10

Helene is a craft beer enthusiast who aims to educate women (and men) about the wonderful world of craft beer. In addition to reviewing beers and bars on Drink Philly, she writes beer-related musings on her blog, Philly Beer Girl. You can also follow Helene on Twitter, where she tweets way too often - and at odd times - about what she's drinking.