Ardmore has seen a recent influx of tantalizing eateries with The Bercy, Delice et Chocolat and Bam Bam Seoul Kitchen. The robust music scene encourages lively date nights and friend-group outings at Ardmore Music Hall and The Living Room at 35 East. Providing perfect proximity to both the suburbs and Philadelphia, this jewel in the Main Line, has become a vibrant destination.
The pace of change in Ardmore doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon, as evidenced by the recent opening of Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft in the thick of it on Lancaster Ave. Affectionately called “The Ripp” by the partnered team of the developer, Peter Martin (Bam Bam Kitchen), and Executive Chef Biff Gottehrer (Dandelion, El Vez and Stove & Tap), this new craft-focused joint considers itself a throwback type of gastropub.
When asked about the Ardmore crowd and how the opening month has gone, Martin says, “Ardmore is a fantastic mix of city and suburban living. It’s exciting to be a part of the town’s renaissance. We love giving the community a place that they can frequent and imbibe in a great cocktail, come for a full meal or meet friends for happy hour or brunch.”
Both Martin and Gottehrer agree that they have experienced a “very successful opening month, with great reception from the community, and we are working every day to get better at our craft.”
Located in the former Fellini Cafe location, the refurbished two-story interior seats about 100. A secluded al fresco 40-seat deck, slated to open any minute, overlooks a cool mural by local artist Nick D’Amico.
The whole place is the definition of what a speakeasy-ish whiskey bar should be. The lower-level entry glows with Edison lighting, and a couple of tufted sink-in comfy leather sofas set the comfortable vibe. Reclaimed wood, iron and vintage accents (a quirky soft drink clock, a Get Smart lunch box, a redone bank of lockers) over hardwood floors enhance the moody interior.
The “wall of liquor” bar anchors the space and pub-height dining tables provide a pleasant perch for a casual drink and snack. Don’t overlook the garden-themed dining room in the back for that secret VIP-feel.
Upstairs, find an intimate, eight-stool bar where the ambiance is light and more contemporary. The second floor is certainly suitable for overflow dining and special events — a great place to hold a private work meeting during the week.
When it comes to the food and drink menus, Gottehrer says Ripplewood’s focus is on seasonal, fresh ingredients, with housemade pasta, breads and cured and smoked meats. “We take pride in the elevated level of our food and drink, equally,” says Gottehrer. “We bring vast depths of flavor throughout every menu item.”
Food Menu Highlights
Charred octopus bowl
Snacks ($5–$11) consist of pickle plates, street corn, Ripp fries and pretzeled Parker House rolls. The Shareables list ($7–$15) offers brussels sprouts, pork ribs and the retro clams casino. We opted for the charred octopus bowl that was tender and stunningly presented.
Soups (tortellini, spring bean nicoise) pack flavor. Salads (wedge, cucumber asparagus, crab Louie) are creative and crisp; and sandwiches with fries are deliciously prepared. Think: a roast pork panini, beer-battered cod po’ boy and an exceptional brisket reuben.
Dinnertime entrees ($13–$38) cover the bases, with dishes like braised short rib, branzino, spaghetti neri, fish-and-chips and seared scallops. Nightly specials bring surprises, says Gottehrer. “A recent personal favorite of mine was pan-seared Spanish mackerel with a lemon-dill creme fraiche, everything-spiced potatoes and fiddlehead ferns,” he reports.
Beverage Menu Highlights
Buzzed Bunny cocktail
A full, two-page beverage menu offers signature craft cocktails, straight-up spirits, craft brews, and a few non-alcoholic beverages for our favorite designated drivers.
Rotating taps pour some local brews, like Yards Brewery Saison and Delco’s 2SP lager, and some national, like Lord Hobo Boom Sauce and Deschutes Black Butte. A couple of Graft ciders make guest appearances, perfect for the cider fan or gluten-free guest who still wants some bubbles.
Cans and bottles include Founders All Day IPA, classic Pabst Blue Ribbon, Dogfish Head, Tröegs, Evil Genius Beer and, of course, Victory.
A summer-ready wine selection of sophisticated reds, crisp whites, bring-your-BFF rosé and sparkling wines are available by the glass ($9–$16).
Respectable classic cocktails ($9–$13) with house-infused syrups are shaken and stirred behind the bar with a Hemingway daiquiri, frothy whiskey sour and the barrel-aged gin and tonic. Signature sips from The Ripp are the best kind of craft cocktail: mixed by professionals with top-notch ingredients, but definitely not taking themselves too seriously! Try the fun Buzzed Bunny with Dewars, carrot juice and ginger, the smooth Avocado Margarita, and the Feather on a Glass with Bombay gin, lemon and a little bubbly.
Straight-up spirits include local Bluecoat Gin, New Liberty Distilling and Boardroom Spirits. According to General Manager Matt Martin, “A fan favorite has been the Jefferson’s Ocean, which takes the aging barrels and sends them out to sea on a boat to incorporate some of the salty air and conditions of the water into the barrels and, in effect, into the whiskey itself.
“City Wides” (blends of spirits and brew), such as the Philly Special that blends Kinsey Rye and Yards Saison, are worth the risk. And whiskey flights (Babys First Flight, Smooth Action and the Irish laden Erin Go Bragh) are perfect for those looking for adventure — and an Uber ride home.
Two tapped kombuchas from Inspired Brews of Philadelphia, mocktails, and draft tonic from 13th Street Cocktails are available, too.
We asked about possible live music in the future, and Martin says, “We are discussing the possibility of live music brunch on our patio on the weekends. As far as live music, we are very close to several other venues and we feel that we would not focus on the music like they do. We’d rather be the place people go before and after the shows!”
Parking in Ardmore is sometimes challenging, but with a little perseverance and a few quarters, we recommend that you definitely make the effort for this one!
Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft is located at 29 E. Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore; phone: (610) 486-7477.
- Photos: Ed Williams
