The Boilermaker gives it a shot

Philly is (or was, before all this "craft cocktail" rage began) a shot-and-a-beer kind of town.

Such is the philosophy behind The Boilermaker, which soft-opens Saturday, March 24 at 216 S. 11th St. across from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in what most people remember as the old Doc Watson's. The building was lavishly and completed renovated last year and was reopened briefly as Blue Bear Tavern.

Now the operators of the Farmers' Cabinet around the corner have gone all medieval with gothic accents and lots of candles. (Sort of like their short-lived Fork & Barrel in East Falls.)

At the Boilermaker, they've goosed the tap count from 12 to 40 - that's 28 rotating American craft draft downstairs and 12 "local" drafts upstairs. They'll also pair liquor with beer for one-of-a-kind boilermakers.

The upstairs bar will also feature a focused cocktail menu heavily influenced by traditional American concoctions - Cobblers and Sazeracs.

Chef Steve Forte's menu includes house-smoked meats, hand carved roasts, rotisserie chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs.

Live acts will play, and the music will be influenced by old-school blues.

Regular business hours are 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, with food being served until 1:30.

Here is the full drink and food menu.