Nodding Head Brewery and Restaurant

Philadelphia's Nodding Head Brewery is one part beer paradise, one part tasty vittles and two parts eclectic fun. A collection of hundreds of bobble head dolls greets you as you head upstairs to this interesting establishment, inducing smiles and laughter before you've even so much as taken a bite of a juicy burger or a sip of icy-cold micro-brewed Nodding Head ale.

Nodding Head's famous micro-brewery serves up serious flavors that suit the palates of even the most scrutinizing of beer-lovers. The Grog, an English-style malty-dark ale with a hint of chocolate; BPA (Bill Payer Ale), a hoppy-malty pale ale; and the 60 Shilling, a robust amber ale, are among the favorites of Nodding Head regulars. If you're looking for Budweiser or Coors, though, this ain't your kind of place.

 

If you're in the mood for some great grub to go with your frosty mug, you won't have to look further than arm's length-- just pick up a menu and let the salivating commence. Baked brie with mango chutney and warm pita wedges; beer-battered onion rings with bourbon mayonnaise dipping sauce; St. Louis-style pork ribs with piquant barbecue sauce and homemade quiche du jour all make great starters if your appetite warrants (and I'm almost certain it will).

Some of Nodding Head's tantalizing entree options include the Nodding Head chicken breast or all-beef burger with coleslaw and Swiss cheese; French dip with warm au jus on a freshly-baked roll; Strip steak au poivre with peppercorns, smashers and fresh vegetables; Polenta Puttanesca with mushrooms and basil tofu topped with tomato, olive, caper, garlic and onion sauce; Jerk-seasoned mussels with scotch bonnet peppers, ginger, allspice and beer and the bistro salad with organic blue cheese, walnuts, fresh greens and creamy lime dressing.

Sunday brunch at Nodding Head is held from 10 'til 1 and features items like freshly-baked muffins; Drew's famous hotcakes with raisins, apples, walnuts and cinnamon; shrimp and crab crepes and Monte Cristo sandwiches with ham and Swiss.

Dress is casual and comfortable. Reservations aren't required.

 

- by LeeAnn Mullen, Philadelphia Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

LeeAnn Mullen

LeeAnn Mullen is a freelance journalist from Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism is currently furthering her education by studying for an additional degree in information systems management. Mullen has written for several Cleveland-area newspapers, online publications and dozens of private clients. Her topics of specialty include health, technology and travel.