The P.O.P.E.
The Pub On Passyunk East
1501 Passyunk Ave.
Open daily, 11am-2am
pubonpassyunkeast.com
Located on the corner of Dickinson and East Passyunk in trendy South Philly, the POPE has a hipster vibe that's nicely balanced by local clientele. The space itself is large, big enough to accommodate the hipsters, the regulars, and a mishmash of urbanites and out-of-towners.
The superb jukebox rocks the place with quality tunes (from the Misfits to Townes Van Zandt), and a huge flat screen shows the nightly sporting event. The POPE's a bit dim, but the atmosphere is laidback and welcoming, and after a few craft beers from their extensive collection, it feels like you could stroll up to any table and strike up that easy, insta-friendship that a good pub ought to offer.
The food is solid gastropub fare, often venturing into heady territory with solid vegan/vegetarian options. I had a veggie burger that didn't try to be a meat substitute (hallelujah), but instead was loaded with pureed and julienne-cut veggies, creatively bound with buckwheat ($8.50). The menu also features items that play on the POPE's religious theme, such as "The Trinity," which is a trio featuring hummus, a spinach-and-artichoke dip, and eggplant caviar served with pita ($8). Other standards include the regular or vegan nachos ($7), the meatloaf with buttermilk mashed potatoes ($10), and the fish and chips ($8). For vegetarians, there's the seitan, "wheat meat" cheesesteak ($8.50), or the tofu skewers with red peppers and pineapple, served with a soba noodle salad ($10). For late night munchies, the kitchen is open until 1AM, and enticingly, the POPE now offers Sunday brunch.
The POPE's beer selection (including 14 drafts) is impressive, and the bartenders and staff are outstanding. They know everything about the menu and beer, and their service is quick, friendly, and competent. On a recent outing there, the beer list was out-of-date but the tattooed bartender took care of us, patiently diagnosing our tastes and letting us sample beer after beer until we found the one we wanted.
In short, the POPE is a hit for all types. Good people, good beers, and delicious food. It won't be long before I return to the altar of the POPE.
