Best Gastropubs in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

Northern Liberties has undergone a culinary revolution in the past decade, and at the center of these changes is the area's abundance of gastropubs, or bars that offer food that is a step above regular pub fare and a beer selection that is often large and specialized. Below are the best gastropubs in Northern Liberties.

1.Standard Tap 901 N. 2nd Street

Featuring only locally brewed beers like Sly Fox, Yards, Philadelphia Brewing Company, and Troegs, Standard Tap provides a laid-back subtle atmosphere and an intriguing menu. Not only do they take typical bar bites like burgers and pork sandwiches and spice them up (they even add home-made hot peppers to their pork sandwich) but they also offer more specialized fare like chickpea sandwiches, hanger steaks, and smelts. Plus they serve home-made potato chips that are spiced so deliciously that even chip-haters will be converted. With two floors and two bars there is also plenty of room, and in the summer check out their second floor patio that offers an exclusive city dining experience.

2.North Third 801 N. 3rd Street

A little more hip and decorated than Standard Tap, North Third may not offer as diverse of a beer selection, but their menu morphs more often, offering a variety of specials and seasonal dishes. North Third do have recognizable goodies on their menu, like calamari and crispy fries, but they fancy them up with dips like chili mayo and spicy tomato sauce. The restaurant also has a large selection of salads and an Asian flare that covers everything from edamame, and spring rolls, to Asian-style chicken wings and shrimp and ginger dumplings. With outdoor seating and large open windows in the summer you'll find a cafe vibe here.

3.The Abbaye 637 N. 3rd Street

Perhaps the most pub-like of Northern Liberties gastropubs, Abbaye (pronounced Abbey) is a comfortable, renovated dark-wood bar that offers locally brewed beers as well as some Belgian-style beverages. The menu may not be huge, but with delicious regulars like a meatloaf sandwich and fish and chips, plus a oft-switched specials, you will find plenty to munch on here. There may not be as much seating here as there is at some of the other restaurants in the area, but the atmosphere is surprisingly relaxed and outdoor tables are available.

4.Ortliebs Jazz Haus 847 N. 3rd Street

While Ortliebs may not please beer snobs, it does offer something none of the other gastros in Northern Liberties do: live music. As the name suggests Ortliebs is a Jazz restaurant. If you can deal with a bit of a cramped atmosphere than you can enjoy smooth tunes and tasty dinner offerings like crab bisque, blackened catfish fingers, andouille quesadillas, jambalaya, and spare ribs.