The Triangle

Issue date: 7/17/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Mike Arrison

Hello, dear readers. This week, instead of a simple beer review, I thought I would try something a bit … different. Here in the City of Brotherly Love, we have a multitude of clubs, bars, and various other "scenes" of fluctuating dispositions and attitudes. Many are of the highest repute and deliver on many levels. Unfortunately for University City, the contenders on this side of the river are quite few. Sure, you can grab a nice burrito or travel twenty minutes into West Philly for a cramped, yet esoteric experience, but there is little within walking distance of our campus for us, and our barley-toasting brethren, to easily enjoy - at least until now. Cavanaugh's, New Deck, and Mad Mex, meet your competition, a vendor that combines an excellent food menu and alcohol listing with live bands and a spacious dance floor. I am referring to The Blockley Pourhouse, currently housed in the shell previously owned by Brownie's and Copa Banana, on the corner of 38th and Ludlow.

The beer geek that I am, I was almost too excited when I first heard of the possibility of a new gastro pub within just ten minutes walking distance from campus. I was sick of having to trek to Old City or deep West Philly for a decent pint, while our local places didn't have the open, chummy atmosphere I want in my bar. I'm sitting here now, at one of its many Bavarian-style twelve tops, soaking in a friendly atmosphere and anticipating tonight's live act. I have been present for several evenings over the past two weeks that they have been in operation, and every visit has been worth it.

For a bit of background information, University City was not always the "center of knowledge" that it is today. In years long gone it was the Blockley, a collective including a pourhouse, asylum, hospital and all the subsequent dredges of society. If you were at all familiar with the locale, you knew enough not to venture here unless necessary and if fate scowled at you, then you left with as much trepidation as possible. Toward the end of the 19th century an accident, and a fire, killed or maimed a small population of the hospital's instituted, and the Blockley, a name associated with "pain and suffering," closed its doors officially in 1977.

It's opening weekend, though, and the staff are fresh and friendly, carrying a general enthusiasm that strongly contributes to the relaxed atmosphere: it's a far cry from the "pain and suffering" of the bar's namesake. We grab an open set of stools at the bar and are surprised with the bartender's greeting ("Hey! You guys the next band?") as he attempts to shout over the finishing act. The stage is spacey, calling as loudly as the instruments it's built for to any original groups looking for a place to play (a particular shout out to Nobody Yet, if you want to consider a promising gig).

Continued...

Page 1 of 4 next >

Article Tools