Joe Varalli jumped on the rising wave of craft beer culture and directed it’s flow to the Avenue of the Arts with the early 2011 opening of Perch Pub. With over a dozen rotating taps and an accessible, comfort-food menu, the bar has been a big success in the second-floor space that was previously seafood restaurant Upstares at Varalli. So much of a success, in fact, that you voted Perch Best New Bar in our 2012 Drinker’s Choice Awards.

We caught up with Joe for some details on what makes his new drinkery special, and what other new spot he’d head to for a drink.

– Can you name two (or more) specific things that make Perch special/deserving of the Best New Bar win?

1. Our emphasis on great craft beers
2. Our innovative pub fare
3. Location overlooking the Avenue of the Arts
4. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff

– Tell us briefly (one sentence) why you were inspired to transform Upstares into Perch Pub?

To have a casual, relaxed neighborhood alternative along the Avenue of the Arts (a.k.a. Broad Street).

– If you had to choose a winner in this category that is not your own establishments, what would it be?

Tapestry.