The Citywide Special is a Philadelphia tradition, but there’s much more to the pairing of suds and spirits than just a shot of Jim Beam backed by a PBR pounder. With this month’s opening of The Boilermaker in Wash West, we now have a whole establishment dedicated to exploring interesting beer and liquor combinations.

The second Center City venture from the team behind Euro beer hall/cocktail speakeasy Farmers’ Cabinet (just around the corner on Walnut Street), The Boilermaker is a takeover of the space that was briefly Blue Bear Tavern. A quick renovation added medieval touches (think candles, engraved metal plates on the wall, candles, and more candles), but focused on upgrading the beer system. A total of 40 drafts flow at any one time at the bi-level drinkery: the first floor boasts 28 rotating crafts from around the U.S., and the dozen taps upstairs are reserved for local brews only.

As the beer selection changes, so will the special section of the drink menu where the namesake pairings are listed. These are no flippant selections, either; each duo is well-thought out to create a match that will please and excite the palate. Furthermore, each combo is currently aligned by state. Try a sip of Fino Sherry followed by a swig of Uinta Crooked Line Cockeyed Copper and note the play of flavors (Utah). Throw back some of Philadelphia Distilling’s XXX Shine Whiskey and soften the burn with a mouthful of Victory Braumeister Pils (Pennsylvania). The pairings top out around $12, and do feature the traditional Citywide at a very reasonable $5.

The eats, from F-Cab chef Steve Forte, is simple and accessible, and includes a double cheeseburger, mac ‘n’ cheese, house-smoked pulled pork or chicken sandwiches and Yukon Gold fries. Hand-carved meats are served by the pound through 10 PM, but the rest of the comfort food menu is available through 1 AM. Expect the food offerings to expand as the kitchen gets its bearings.

Starting April 9, happy hour runs 4–6 PM, Monday–Friday, during which time all of the upstairs local drafts will be available for half-price. Additionally, you can grub on the double hot-dog (with creative toppings that change often) for $3 or the double cheeseburger for $4, and each one comes with fries, to boot.

216 S. 11th St.

Photos by Courtney Apple