New beer bar: Strangelove's
The crew from Memphis Taproom, Local 44 and Resurrection Ale House settles on a name for the new spot in Center City.
New beer bar: Strangelove's
Michael Klein, Philly.com
The nuclear family that runs Memphis Taproom, Local 44 and Resurrection Ale House has settled on Strangelove's as the name of its next joint - at 216 S. 11th St. on the former site of Doc Watson's plus a list of short-lived bars.
Partner Leigh Maida said Strangelove's, whose name is reminiscent of but unrelated to the black comedy from the 1960s, will combine all the good things from their other bars, "but in a much bigger (scary big for us!) much more central location (also rather scary for us!)."
Strangelove's, which they're targeting for mid-March, will have two floors, each with a bar. The space also affords Maida, Brendan Hartranft and Brendan Kelly with private party space. They want to add light to the dark interior.
Maida says they're searching for a chef to execute scratch cooking.
The beer program will mimic Local 44, in West Philly, most heavily. "We'll have 18 drafts and two beer engines. (Same list of 20 upstairs and downstairs - none of that 'Oh, you have to go to the other bar if you want to try that beer.') We all pretty firmly believe that quantity does not equal a quality draft list, so 20 is a perfect number - it allows us to offer something for every taste, without a bunch of superfluous repeat styles OR (worse!) without our having to just put on anything we can get, just to fill a tap. We'll likely have a small bottle list, under 10 for sure, maybe even under five. Other than Orval - which we long ago determined to be the one bottle we won't open a bar without - the bottles will likely rotate seasonally (and as really special selections come our way.)"
Very excited to see this place to well. The space has a lot of promise, it just needs the ambition to drive it. Best of luck & Cheers!— PhillyFanSince1982- This is great news! Please, whatever they do, incorporate the street into it, get some curbside outdoor seating. And If there is any room out back take advantage of it.— bjb2416
- I work just 3 blocks away, this will be a regular lunch spot.— jmccor00
- bjb2416 - unfortunately, the sidewalk out front of this place is small and tight - no chance for outside seating and there is no "out back". Just 3 floors of bars and seating.— Chalfont 18914
- Chalfont18914 - That is unfortunate news. Even if no outside seating, maybe they can bring the outside in? This area needs some curbside appeal, the last few places didn't do any of that. Also I thought that sante fe burrito had two (two seater) tables outside before they closed? Even that would be nice.— bjb2416
- Sweet, congrats Brendan(s) and Leigh. Can never have too many good beer bars.— gho_matt
- Best of luck ! Be in to check it out !— SWPirish
