Growing up in the always evolving Borough of West Chester, I’ve seen the meteoric rise—and the humbling fall—of many eating establishments. We’re a tough crowd here in what some affectionately call “DubC.” We’ve got business professionals, gobs of lawyers, the university’s bundle of youthful energy, an exploding demographic of young couples and families and a “live here-die here” group of townies like myself. It’s not an easy task for a new restaurant in a small town that has solidified itself as a hotbed of piquant dining establishments.
So when I was given the opportunity to get a first look at what was going on at the new Restaurant 51 Tap & Spirit, housed on North Church Street inside a brick, thick-beamed and stone space with over 2,000 square feet of suburban architecture, I jumped at the chance.
I was given the cook’s tour of the historic firehouse (the name is born from original Fire Company residents, Engine 51) by the restaurant’s owner/developer, Bob Zoba. If you look up low-key and under-the-radar in the dictionary, you’ll see a picture of this unassuming guy. Eyes always scanning the room while examining details, Bob notes how he too is a “product of the community and wanted to create a winning spot within this incredible existing structure.” He also mentions how he enjoys working with business partner/chef Jeff Ogborn of former Courtyard Inn fame. Together they’ve combined their talents inside this iconic building to create a distinctive, casual setting providing quality, unfussy grub.
Exposed original brick walls and reclaimed wood from Philadelphia make this newbie one of the area’s hippest interiors. Effective Edison light fixtures, high ceilings with visible ductwork and the cushy comfort of black tufted booths create a neighborly feel. Hand-hammered zinc-topped bars continue the industrial flavor, while pub height tables with backless aluminum stools dot the textured cement floor.
It’s a loud room for sure, anchored by one of the largest and most advanced TV screens I’ve ever seen. Its gigundo size allows it to play up to nine separate stations or to create what could pass as a drive-in movie theater—“fantastic for a Flyers game!” touts Zoba. The modern screen doesn’t detract from the decor—it actually enhances the look—and it keeps TVs from littering every conceivable corner of the room. Nice touch.
The second story is smaller, more intimate and club-like with its own full-on bar with creative window treatments and subdued lighting for additional ambience. Doors and windows are set up to open in the warmer weather to create a sense of unity with the sidewalk and street outside.
The design of this space is stunning, but what I’ve come to realize in this hometown of mine is that all the pretty in the world is nice, but if you want to make it in these parts, you need to present consistently good food and interesting beverages. Albeit a few opening week jitters, Restaurant 51 Tap & Spirit seems to be moving in the right direction.
General manager Mike Todd, who has some Victory Brewpub experience under his belt, says that “the prime rib and the burger selections here are outstanding.” Admittedly addicted to anything that looks like comfort food, I proceeded to slide into the mac n’ cheese balls (bam), gobbled most of the jalapeno spiked deviled eggs (a great choice) and literally dove into a cone-shaped basket of pan-seared meatballs with horseradish dipping sauce (nice).
The menu is comfort-food casual, with turkey chili, soups and a solid selection of salads. An inspired sandwich board lists brisket, prime rib, turkey and a crazy cool throwback fried bologna on toasted brioche (who does that?). House burgers with every type of crispy caramelization known to man anchor the menu with a notable collection of vegetarian flatbreads. A small but well-rounded entrée selection includes mushroom Asiago chicken, bourbon street rib eye steak, sriracha baked salmon and porter-braised beef short ribs.
Guests can imbibe a respectable list of house-titled specialty cocktails, including 50 Shades of Grey Goose, Winter White, The Rooster and Hakuna Ma’Vodka. And we couldn’t use the word “tap” in the name of this joint without a two-sided page of gulp-worthy rotating craft brews featuring the likes of Evil Genius Purple Monkey Dishwasher, New Belgium Fat Tire, and local faves Tröegs Perpetual IPA and Victory Dirtwolf. The abbreviated wine list is evolving on a daily basis.
Restaurant 51 Tap & Spirit only opened a week ago and is already taking on some favorable online reviews. Check it out during the new weekday Happy Hour from 5–7 p.m. for $2 off craft beers, 9-ounce pours of wine and specialty cocktails and deals on flatbreads and starters.
When asked what he thinks makes this newest addition to the West Chester culinary scene stand out from the rest of the pack, Mike replies, “Obviously the vibe and the layout of the building, but also because we’re not here to rush you through a meal and get you out. We want you to come in for the experience, to relax and enjoy yourself.”
In my local opinion, it’s an experience worth the wait. Welcome to the neighborhood!
Find Restaurant 51 Tap & Spirit at 30 N. Church St. in West Chester; phone: (484) 887-8004.
- Photos: Ed Williams
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