“A heavenly selection. Devilishly good,” is the unofficial slogan on the website of Righteous Tap House. And after a few visits, it stands to reason that this hideaway hang-out, which opened in August of this year, will be a top contender for a hot spot to go for all things righteous.
Located between the expert beer connoisseur communities of Downingtown and West Chester, Righteous Tap House was a favorite neighborhood watering hole that long-term locals might remember as the Shadyside Inn. Co-owners Jon Masishin and Michael Slachta saw an incredible opportunity and opened up the interior and refreshed the exterior to create this well-designed surefire oasis of heathenry.
Looking every bit a hipster-approved entrance, an oversized red gothic-ish logo signage pops vibrantly atop a steel gray and black palette. Fire pits and cushioned wicker-like chairs flank the front door and overlook the parking area shaded with mature trees.
Welcoming a work crowd, a date night or two and famished families, the interior is unpretentious, fun and just delightfully whimsical. Dark-wood floors under a 20-seat expanded bar lit for love (extra points for comfy stools) and well-padded, high-backed booths throughout allow for private conversation. The back of the long room is anchored by an eight-seat you-have-to see-to-believe hand-carved masterpiece of a table designed by Masishin. In-your-face fun art adorns all walls and doors. A well-sized outdoor covered patio (with heaters to quell any pesky goosebumps) serves as a seasonal annex.
Executive chef William (Bill) Carroll was tempted by the Righteous team from a kitchen in Philadelphia after the group did some urban restaurant hopping with the goal to agree on the type of menu that was going to drive the new suburban eatery.
“I am building an elevated menu with seasonal ingredients,” stated Carroll. “Everything is made here.” Gaining steam quickly (if you’re interested, go ahead and check out Yelp and Facebook reviews), the menu selections push the envelope way above typical gastropub fare without the way above prices. Notable are grilled rustic pizzas (fig jam, prosciutto, arugula and Honey Brook’s own Shellbark Hollow goat cheese – $14.50), soups and bisque (ale and cheddar – $8), snacks (chicharron – $5), small bites (roasted garlic hummus salad – $11.50), sandwiches (grilled cheese with caramelized onions and pepper-smoked bacon – $13) and a short-but-focused list of main dishes from meatloaf to pasta. Don’t leave without biting into the signature Inquisition Burger with Resurrection Fries and perusing the monthly specials. You’ll thank us later.
But we know it’s a unique beer list that really gets this part of the county hankering for a suds-filled upper lip. And the diverse selection—with a Belgian focus—is what makes Righteous Tap House stand out from the proliferation of current local brewpub choices. WIth 25 rotating taps (backed with the hippest red-light lettered backdrop) pouring a who’s who of brews, you’ll find KBS Founders Kentucky Stout, Delirium Elephant, Double Chocolate Milk Stout Nitro by Lancaster Brewing, Delirium Nocturnum Belgian strong dark ale by Brouwerij Huyghe, Grand Cru Belgian strong dark ale by AleSmith, Blizzard of Hops IPA by Troegs and a killer cider called Octorock from Starcut Ciders. A glycol-system cobra tap houses several area favorites as well and pours the beer 25-degrees cooler in the glass (it will actually frost the glass).
Be sure to call ahead or check with the Untappd app to make sure your favorite is currently tapped. Check Facebook for the latest information.
Service—both in front and behind the bar—is stellar. Live music on weekends. Open for dinner daily; lunch Thursday through Sunday. Weekly specials. Seasonal cocktails and wines available.
Find Righteous Tap House at 1548 Shadyside Rd., West Chester; phone: (484) 593-0850.
- Photos: Ed Williams
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