Swift Half offers the Ultimate Tailgate
Tailgating before the big game has quite literally become a sport subculture throughout America. In Philadelphia, we are serving up a competitive alternative to the traditional tailgate that can be found at Swift Half located in in Northern Liberties. Swift Half has combined the gusto of tailgating with the restaurant experience. The owners , David Garry and Heather Gleason, who also own the wildly successful Good Dog in Center City, certainly made a wise choice with this strategic location at the Piazza.
The restaurant offers the camaraderie of the spirited sports bar located at the foot of an outdoor super sized big screen TV. There is outdoor seating under heat lamps for the cooler weather or an indoor venue with decent window views. There is an ample size bar and plenty of seating for a large or small group. If you have ever walked through the Piazza during an Eagles game or a Philies game, you would have noticed the large crowd sitting outside at Swift Half enjoying the "pub and grub".
We enjoyed a recent dinner at Swift Half on a non-game night just to see what it was like. The bar was busy, the restaurant floor was filled with smiles and full plates, and there was even a surprise birthday party going on in the back section of the restaurant. We sat at the bistro tables by the window which is the premier spot for people watching from the inside and there are several cozy booths as well as regular tables on the central floor. The menu is what we'd call upscale simple but plentiful, and it is printed on what looks like recycled paper bags. But be careful ! We accidentally incinerated our menu by holding it too close to the candle flame between us ! That was even before drinks.
In spite of it all, our forgiving server, Tiffany Sinclair, made us feel welcome and at home from the moment we walked in. She made some excellent recommendations including the steak sandwich, duck and fig salad, and she suggested we try some select cheeses and meats to share. There were some unique items on the menu that were worth noting such as the homemade red pepper marmalade that is perfectly paired with the cheese plate but could easily be added as a relish on their traditional burger which is one of Swift Half's popular sandwiches. The home made pickled beets were deceivingly delicious with a mellow tanginess that is universally admired by all pickled beet lovers.
Being a little curious, we tactfully peeked over to other people's tables for a glimpse of what they had ordered. The proper English inspired cucumber sandwiches were served crustless on lovely white bread and the fish and chips barely fit on the plate. We ordered the lamb lollichops which came highly recommended as we can see why - delicious chops of lamb, very tender and tasty. Most impressive of all was the owner's own specialty drink, "The Ghost of Mary". The cure all drink for hangovers has met it's match with this delicious "hair of the dog that bit you" recipe. You must go to try it. It is the most unexpected Bloody Mary in the city!
Whether you are scouting for a place to hang for the big game or just looking towards having a great brunch or burger, this is the place to go. The Piazza has so many wonderful shops, restaurants and galleries. It is currently our top choice to visit in the City. The energy is always positive and vibrant. For more info on the Piazza events, check out At The Piazza and of course also check out our new RE/MAX office in the Rialto building on the 5th floor. We so look forward to be working in the heart of this amazing sanctuary !
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