Local 44

I live in South Jersey, work in North Philly, and often visit other areas of the city. Somehow, though, University City always remained blurry in my mind as a distant place that was just brimming with rowdy college kids and dive bars.

Local 44 turned out to a pleasant surprise, with a casual atmosphere and decent prices. It was a Wednesday night and I wasn't in the mood for a more intense drink, so despite my beer-phobia, I selected the Hitachino ginger, and, well, finished it -- which is saying something.

The bartender also heard me ask why they had a little man-like-thing hovering between their different liquors, and handed it over. Apparently, it's like a Russian doll (and, crap, I can't remember what he actually called it. A something-doll. It was fun.)

If ever back in the area, I'd definitely stop in again!

Just to clarify the rating, it's about a 2.5.

I have no qualms with the service -- it's been great. Except for their over-carding of people who either a) just want some food and not to drink or b) can't drink even if they wanted to [they would deny a pregnant woman a seat to eat just because she's in a bar without her ID?]. Other than that, the staff is nice from my experience. The bartender that i've usually run into is AWESOME and knows the shit outta his beer. The food comes quickly enough.

But the food-- maybe it comes TOO quickly. I've been there more times than I can count with two hands. I'm vegan, so i've tried everything off of the vegan brunch and regular menu. My favourite sandwich was the eggplant parm, but upon ordering it a last time, it was WAY too salty. And burnt.

Now, I wouldn't have a problem with a restaurant missing the mark one time, usually. I work in the food service industry as a cook and I know some days you're just off and you don't taste every dish -- especially early in the start of the day. That's cool. (But you should have seen how burnt the eggplant was before sending it out, man.)

But when I take into account that I've experienced this hit-or-miss food situation multiple times, I get a little frustrated. The popcorn is good. Their shiitake scrapple is good. But other than that, there are two things wrong with the food: 1) the portions: some dishes are definitely smaller than their $9 or $10 price tag would imply (i'm looking at you, breakfast burrito [haha esp. because Tom's down the street's burritos are 2x as big for the same price], 2) the vegan breakfast scramble is a very oddly put-together dish; honestly, it doesn't come together as well as it should. the chickpeas were barely cooked, too. 3) the vegan pastrami is bland.  And these problems in execution and portioning, they're enough to really put someone off of a place.

So basically I love Local 44's beer selection, but their food leaves something to be desired. A lot to be desired.

Step your food game up to match your beer game and you'd seriously be my favourite restaurant.

Came here for our first Quizzo experience a few weeks ago and had a pretty good time. The host was really funny & outgoing and the bar service was more than acceptable given how packed the place was.

Beer selection is obviously great, although I agree with other reviewers that it's annoying as hell to not list the prices with the tap list (especially when they seem to be pretty affordable). Come on now.

We ordered popcorn (surprisingly delicious), an eggplant parm sandwich (solid red sauce), and a cuban (a little greasy but really good overall). I wouldn't come here specifically for the food, but it's definitely above average bar food and not crazy expensive (cough, City Tap, cough).

All in all, I definitely plan on coming back to Local 44 and would recommend it to people looking for a good beer and a bite in West Philly.