Federal Taphouse

Went back for a second bite tonight, and sorry to be disappointed. I have observed far too often the new restaurant in town that goes all out after opening to establish a reputation, then slacks off in service, ingredients, prep or all three after it becomes obvious just how costly it is to excel in all three categories. Yet, that's what it takes to be a great eatery.

Our experience tonight, service was indifferent, and food was just okay. I raved about the wings last time, remembering them as being the second best in Harrisburg (Official BBQ), but tonight, while they were good, they were not great. The wings I had Thursday at Sturges were better. B & M had tomato basil soup, which I thought was no better than average. Special pizza was crab, bacon and mozzarella. B had sausage and broccoli rabe pizza, and M chose fish and chips. Pizza crust was chewy but burned on the bottom. The burned taste totally colored the seafood, giving the pizza a bland non-taste, not good. B's pizza crust also burned and tasted like it. Should do better with the brick oven.

Just an okay dining experience tonight. Not at all busy for a Saturday night.

We heard two things about the Federal Tap House, brick oven pizza and lots of craft beer, so we had to give it a try.  This was the loudest restaurant we ever been in.  The nose level was so high we had to lean into each other to talk.  No normal conversation here.  Yes, it is a bar and it was Saturday evening but, it is a restaurant also.  Both are combined in one large room.    Most likely more occupants that actually allowed.  There is an upper level room but limited tables and chairs.  As the evening progressed the bar crowd got closer and closer to our table and the F Bombs became every other word.  Not that I have never left and F Bomb fly, but there is a limit and in public.  The beer selection is the most we have ever seen in one location.  100 taps of craft beer from everywhere.  The brick oven pizza was really good.  Service was OK but I have to give that a pass as the place was jam packed.  As much as I like craft draft craft beer and brick oven pizza I doubt if I will go back.  John Wright and Iron Hill are better suited for us.

I like this place. I dunno, I might love it.

Yeah, sure. It can have 5 stars.

You know why? They have a lot of beer. They are always super friendly with me. And the beer is always good. For beer alone, it's my place to go. It's never too loud like Anthony's and there is plenty of room. I'm always able to be seated, never crowded in by too many sweaty people, and I'm comfortable. They have that down.

The service is always good. Our waiters have never failed to bring us beers, check in on us, and bring us food in good time. Not only that, but they are nice. One of our waiters even let us take home both of our glasses when Star Hill was doing a 'get one of our beers and take the glass home free' thing. I heart you, man.

I like the food. The pizza is yummy - I'm a big fan of it. It's cooked well, the cheese is good, and I'm happy with it always. The duck fat fries with the aioli is darn good too, although not as good as others, it's damn good for Harrisburg.