Thursday, March 17, 2011

Chadwick's in Audubon for Beer?


A couple nights ago the mysterious Kelleigh and I did the unusual for a week night and snuck out after 7:30 to grab a bite. We ventured a short distance to Chadwick's in Audubon. The close proximity to home was the main contributing factor in breaking the vice like hold of our couch and TV.

Chadwick's is part of The Club at Shannondell and sits adjacent to the golf course along Egypt Road. Not the first place most would think of for craft beer. I always figured it pulled in golf types searching out mixed drinks, Corona, Heineken and Stella after knocking around on the links. Or it served as a watering hole for corporate types flowing in from nearby office parks. On a previous stop nearly a year ago I remember the draft list being far from impressive. Oh how times have changed. Like many places in the area the owners must of realized patrons want more than bland, fizzy, yellow, macro muck. A few months ago a roadside banner promoted a weekly Victory special and now Thursdays are craft night. Four sample pours for $4.00 ($1.00 off the regular price). Alongside the macros and imports were tap handles for Brooklyn, Dogfish Head, Harpoon, Victory, Stone and Flying Fish. That night to accompany my Chadwick's Chophouse Salad I had a sampler consisting of Brooklyn Pennant Pale Ale, Fly Fish Hop Fish, Dogfish 90 Minute and wait for it...........Stone Ruination IPA. Not a bad IPA line up and the big bitter punch of Ruination was a pleasant shocker.

Chadwick's won't get listed with Capone's, TJ's or Craft Ale House anytime soon as a great beer destination but its good to see another traditional BudMillerCoors/import place getting more adventurous with what they serve. If they plan on keeping up with the craft selection I'd suggest the website promote it. I'm sure there are many who are still unaware of the change. People in the Philly area know their beer. Bars that want to keep up with the competition have to keep the taps interesting. It's great to see Chadwick's is moving in the right direction.

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