Stateside

Grew up in that area. Glad to hear of all great restaurants up Passyunk Avenue and stateside being number one. We ran. Ok small plate place = small plates of okay food for same price as regular size meals at other great restaurants. Oysters were delicious yet ate one that had off smell and taste and I couldnt eat anymore oysters. Just mentioned it to waitress got a blank stare. Drinks were fun to try since they were olden day drinks that you only hear about. But would have enjoyed having full happy tummy for $ we spent from the  NUMBER 1best of phila.

When I heard the chef that made Stateside the number one restaurant in Philly for 2012 was leaving and than realize the week of I still hadn't made it there my friends and I on the second to last night took a chance at getting a spot at the bar.  We lucked out and after waiting in the not really meant for standing bar area with a beer we lucked out and snagged a seat.  And it was well worth it.  

Stateside is small but the bar was pretty cool, we tired some of the cocktails in addition to the beer.  If your in a small group of 2 or 3 its a great place to hang out but definitely not good for large group there just not a ton of space.  I want to make it back here now that is warmer out for the bar opens up and you can sit outside which expands its size.  Plus I need to see how the food is under the new chef.

What catches people's eye as they pass by Stateside is the unique outdoor seating that faces the bar. Their happy hour is really great for beer lovers (half off drafts) which we indulged in. The bartenders were really attentive and explained their selection well. Apparently, they have some of the best whiskeys in the country. The decor was awesome with hanging caged single light bulbs and a stone bar. We all agreed to come back to try their small plates sometime soon!