Three weeks into school and already can't stomach another gulp of Natty Light? It might be time to check out the new Belgian pub, The Abbaye.
The Abbaye -- pronounced like the girl's name -- offers a relaxed atmosphere, reasonably-priced food, and most importantly, an extensive list of Belgian beers.
Co-owner Meghan Wright says her love of imported brews inspired the pub, which opened in January. "I first drank beer when I was a little kid and my dad gave me a Budweiser," Wright says. "I was like -- ew -- this is disgusting!" Wright says she didn't think she'd ever like the taste of beer, until one fateful day when a coworker handed her a Belgian import. The simple gesture changed Wright forever. Now she has opened The Abbaye so that others can enjoy good Belgian drafts.
| The Abbaye 637 N. 3rd Street (215) 627-6711 |
Wright offers beer that is not only fantastic, but also reasonably priced. My goblet of Kwak cost $5 and my friend's 750 mL bottle of Chimay cost $13. The menu also incorporates beer into many dishes.
Wright says the fish 'n' chips is the best seller. I ordered the salmon while my friend tried the portabella sandwich. The verdict? Stick to the sandwiches. My salmon was a bit too fishy, but my friend's dish was a crowd pleaser. Appetizers at The Abbaye cost $7 while sandwiches cost $8. The pub also serves Sunday brunch.
Wright describes The Abbaye's clientele as diverse. "We get everyone from tattoo rock 'n' roll people to older Main Line couples," she says. My waitress, Carla Schiavo, says the customers tend to be a little older than college students. "We don't tend to draw a crowd that's out to get wasted or anything like that," she says.
The Abbaye is a nice place to relax and chat, with chalkboard menus and dark wood that give it a casual feel. While the music selection is a strange blend that struggles at times for coherence, the volume is not overwhelming.
The pub's location is its main drawback. You're looking at a $12 cab fare each way, unless you take the Market-Frankford El to 2nd Street, walk to 3rd Street and jump on the No. 57 bus to Fairmount Avenue. Either way, it's a pretty long hike.
If you're a pub connoisseur, you understand why a Belgian brew is worth a trip downtown. If you're not, you should go to The Abbaye to find out.
