FOOD . Watering Hole

The Public House

It's Where We Drink


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Published: Oct 18, 2006

Two Logan Square (between Arch and Cherry sts.), 215-587-9040,
www.publichousephilly.com

Philly bars are often stuffy affairs with dim lights, low ceilings and smoky, stale air (the latter depends on whether or not they've been caught yet). Not The Public House, man. Not by far. The ceilings are sky-high, the lights are bright and the seating is ample. There's also -- swear to God -- apple pie on the dessert menu, and the overt patriotism doesn't stop there: Dominating the room from every angle are five large wooden pillars styled to resemble vertically hung American flags.

The columns, painted in faded, vintage-looking reds, whites and blues, were the brainchild of owner Bryan Harrington. When the House was renovated in April 2005 (it used to be the Dock Street Brewery), the pillars were crafted as an integral part of the Americana theme, replacing the former brewpub's large beer vats. "They go with the American theme and the bar logo," said bar manager Keith Trimble. "It's a big bar, with big burgers and big salads." The somewhat garish columns are a fitting accessory to the nationalistic experience.

Patrons Dave and Bene, who ate Sunday lunch while during a fruitless Eagles effort against the Saints on one of the bar's high-def TVs, appreciated the atmosphere the pillars bring to the space. "If they were any place else, anywhere but a place called The Public House, they might not fit," said Bene. "But they definitely go here. The most obvious thing in the room should be the flag, in these times."

Dave, on the other hand, liked the ambience for another reason. "Yeah, I definitely think [the columns] go," he said. "But I don't think the Founding Fathers had this selection of vodka."