The Northern Liberties section was one of the first new areas developed as construction moved outside Center City Philadelphia. Located north of the Old City, Northern Liberties featured new, exciting restaurants for the growing center city population. A place I still frequent and one of the earlier entrants to the Northern Liberties dining scene was Standard Tap.

Opened in 1999, it has a neighborhood bar feel to it and a warmth you don’t get at a lot of city restaurants. Tables and booths are spread amongst several rooms of this beautifully restored house with a large bar that greets you as you enter. To add to the welcoming nature of the establishment, a pool table awaits you in one of the rooms. The lighting in the dining area is dim, so when I prefer a brighter area to dine, I head upstairs to the outdoor patio where you can get a look at the busy, vibrant streets below. There is no need for menus, as all of the fresh-cooked food and local draft beers are listed on chalkboards above the bar and throughout the restaurant.

Their specialty is their roast pork sandwich, which I tend to get every time I go, but a friend of mine swears by their burger. If you are looking for a local restaurant with a warm inviting feel and great food, check out Standard Tap.