This is unquestionably the best beer bar in the northwest and, depending on your tastes, temperment, mood and timing, one of the best pubs in Philadelphia. The staff are knowledgeable and industrious - and generally accomodating. The crowd - predominantly locals who are somewhat possessive of ""their"" bar - is typically Mt. Airy, which is mostly good. If you don't know about Mt. Airy and have been in Philadelphia for any length of time, well...shame on you. This place can get VERY busy, so if you're the type who expects to be served immediatly upon entering (unrealistic in general, but especially in ANY busy bar) go elsewhere. If you enjoy a place where well-behaved, open-minded adults can share libations, ideas, thoughts and time in a cordial environment, this IS your spot. The beers are good and change often. NO BUDWEISER products, though.(thankfully) Foodage - WINGS, Burgers, fingers, fries, fish or shrimp and chips along with the weekly specials thoughtfully prepared by the resident chef (Larry!) all come highly recommended. Regarding previous negative reviews - if you don't know that it's standard practice for busy restaurants/bars to require 1) complete parties to be seated, and 2) parties seated in the dining area during dinner hours to dine (how outrageous!) then you a) should go to be corporate places where you wont be asked to be so understanding and considerate of other DINERS, and b) shouldn't be writing reviews of bars and restaurants because of your general lack of knowledge on the civilities of dining out. Don't go to NXNW or other surrounding bars expecting food of comparable quality or similar selection of beers. Do go to another place if you don't get being a patron in a busy bar (it's busy for good reasons, folks) or if you don't give a hoot about what you drink or eat.
Pros: Beer assortment, Wings, People
Cons: Crowds, Occasional frat types, amateurs, kids (children) in a bar
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