Raise a Glass to Rams Head Bar & Grill’s Revamped Lower Level & Whiskey Program

Rams Head

If you think you know Rams Head Bar & Grill, you don’t. And you owe it to your taste buds to pull up a seat in the just-renovated lower level, sip on a whiskey cocktail and dig into this gastropub’s standout menu.

And this just in: there’s no longer smoking in the lower level. That space was one of the last in the area, but a new, smoke-free day has dawned. The floor-to-ceiling updates have breathed new life into the lower level, resulting in a large increase in dinner business on the weekends. It’s also perfect for private parties.

Rams Head Lower Level

“Our clientele has changed too,” explained General Manager James Cappello. “You see a real mix of ages here now because there’s something for everyone. The lower level is a bright, quaint space by day for a business lunch, happy hour with friends, a date or a family dinner. But we still have a great events schedule at night like live music on Friday, a DJ on Saturday, Quizzo on Monday and of course great food and drink seven days a week.”

Rams Head Beer Flight

Everything available upstairs is free game in the lower lever, but it does have one added perk in addition to the hipster photo booth: you can only grab up a $5 mason jar cocktail all day, every day, downstairs.

So saddle up to the lower level’s big, cozy bar with us and explore why you should make Rams Head Bar & Grill your next stop in downtown WC.

The “Water of Life”

Rams Head Whiskey Lineup

Yes, in Gaelic, whiskey translates to uisce beatha, or “water of life.” Following in the steps of the craft beer craze has been an uptick in the call for this precious liquid, and Rams Head is answering that call, making West Chester a whiskey destination. You’ll be dazzled by the vast selection of whiskeys, ryes and bourbons to enjoy neat or on the rocks. But make sure to crack into the whiskey cocktail menu bursting with big flavors and fresh, house-made ingredients.

Rams Head Whiskey“We’re raising the bar here with a focus on American distilling,” James added. “We’re a little bit head of the curve; as far as we can tell, there’s no local whiskey bar. It’s really a natural for the craft beer crowd because of the similarities between distilling and brewing. If you love a good craft brew, loving whiskey is an easy step.”

A good test of a whiskey is an Old Fashioned, and Rams Head’s doesn’t disappoint. It’s just the right amount of bitters and soda poured over muddled cherries and orange, on the rocks. Swirl it a second so your sip is a smooth mix of fruity and whiskey-burn. Perfect.

Want to compare the American-focused whiskeys or put them head to head against your favorite foreign brand? Choose a whiskey flight from the frequently changing offerings. Rams Head has a “one and done” philosophy to keep it interesting, but James admits favorite bottles will rotate back through to please the regulars.

We double dog dare you to quaff Whiskey on the Vine, a mesmerizing cocktail of whiskey and house-made sours topped with a cabernet floater. It’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Make sure to try it as-is before you give in to the temptation to stir it up. The rich red wine and the sweet-tart cocktail combine for an explosive taste sensation.

Spot-on Specials

Ram's Head Mussels

You’d probably like some nibbles—better yet, a meal—with your libations. Chef Scott Moore’s creations have certainly elevated Rams Head’s menu, but do eye up the specials. The inspired pub food you’ll find is a perfect match for whiskeys, cocktails and the extensive beer and wine list.

“Tying everything together is the food,” James said. “We’ve taken pub favorites, put a twist on them and make everything from scratch. We run specials for a week at a time, and you can find them on our website. Like our popular whiskeys, you’ll see customer favorites come back around on the specials menu.”

You might be lucky enough to nosh one of these three, but we’re certain you’ll swoon over the weekly specials and be inclined hurry in.

Summertime Garden Mussels

Rams Head Summer Mussels

There’s a hint of roasted-ness in this dish courtesy of the leeks, red onion, scallion and sweet onion. Swimming among the mussels in a buttery, white wine-forward broth are cherry tomatoes, fresh corn, asparagus and tender roasted potatoes. Savor beach flavors from the warm mussels and their summery accompaniments.

Top Sirloin Steak Special

Rams Head Top Sirloin Sandwich

Make no mistake—this is the real deal, a generous portion of cooked-to-order and just-sliced top sirloin seductively slathered in sharp white cheddar and kissed with sweet onions on a rustic roll. The simple toppings let the flavorful steak shine. Bust into the sidewinder fries that are irresistibly dressed in a house seasoning of smoked paprika, salt and pepper. A sweet side of pasta salad with Parmesan, goat cheese, grilled asparagus, tomato, onions and olives will leave you happily full.

Stuffed Pepper Salad

Rams Head Pepper Salad

This ain’t your grandma’s stuffed peppers—not by a long shot. Supple pepper quarters are overflowing with chicken, cilantro and pepper jack cheese piled atop mixed greens, baby spinach, black beans, pico de gallo, grilled scallions, roasted jalapeno and couscous, all dressed with sriracha ranch. This is the poster child for a spring/early summer dish. Bright flavors from the salad and peppers party hearty with the smoky grilled, roasted veggies and spicy dressing.

Ram’s Head Bar and Grill is located at 40 E. Market St. in West Chester; phone: (484) 631-0241. It’s open seven days a week from 11 a.m.–2 a.m. The kitchen is open through 9 p.m. on Sunday, 10 p.m. the rest of the week, but the late night menu kicks in 10 p.m. through midnight. Make sure to keep an eye on the website for happy hour and other specials, and stop in often to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Photo credits: Tami Seymour