Siblings Alison and John Galster, along with their dad, Joe, were originally looking to open a bar, but took a new direction once they came across the cozy courtyard at an available locale 10th and Spring Garden. Instead of a wholly booze-centric venture, the family launched Llama Tooth, a new American restaurant. The patio has been turned into an outdoor dining area, with 40 seats and a walk-up tiki bar, and another 40 are accommodated inside.

While no discrete bar exists in the dining space, it does sport an extensive list of craft brews. On any given night, 40–50 beers will be offered on the continuously rotating list, which organizes the beer by BeerAdvocate grade, alcohol content and style. Most popular is the Stone Brewing Oaked Arrogant Bastard, an American strong ale of 7.2% ABV. Other classics like Dogfish 90-Minute IPA and an array of Yards and Flying Fish brews are also regulars on the menu. All beers are from the U.S., except for two from Quebec: La Fin Du Monde and Trois Pistoles from Unibroue.

Llama Tooth also offers an array of mixed drinks, like the Pain Killer (vanilla rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, coconut cream and few dashes of nutmeg on top) and the Llamarita, their take on the classic margarita.

Concert-goers from across the street at Union Transfer, Philly’s newest music venue, have been streaming in each night, providing a lot of business to the location, which had previously housed three other restaurants. “People come before and after the events, but even if they don’t end up here in conjunction with a show, hundreds see our signage walking by each night,” Joe Gallaster said. “They might stop over for a drink before the concert, but then often they’ll come back another day for dinner.”

Llama Tooth serves food that Gallaster refers to as “meals you wish your Grandma would make.” The menu features various types of mac ‘n’ cheese – including both a truffled mushroom and a crab variety – in addition to meat and veggie pot pie and other various comfort foods that range between $6 and $19.

The owners are currently in talks to expand by building an addition to the property, which would allow for an actual bar. In the meantime, they plan to first cater to a dinner rush between 5–10 PM and then to a bar crowd from 10 PM–2 AM. The restaurant also offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays between 11 AM-3 PM.

1033 Spring Garden St.; 267-639-4582

Photos via the restaurant on Facebook