Happy Birthday and Hour on a Saturday

Varga Bar

My family and I recently went to Varga Bar to celebrate my sister, Catherine’s birthday. Varga is one of our favorite bar/restaurants to go to in Midtown Village of Philadelphia because of its delicious food and wonderful staff. We went on Saturday at 5pm which was great because they offer Happy Hour (half off drinks) from 4pm-6pm. I don’t know of many places that do that on a Saturday.

 Varga Bar features All-American craft beers and comfort food in a casual, pin-up themed bar/restaurant. It’s nice because if you’re indecisive of which brew you would like to drink, the staff recommends an acquired taste and lets you try. Catherine didn’t know if she would like the Smuttynose Smoked Peach Short Weisse, so she got a sample and loved it! She decided to go with it. My dad got the Captain Lawrence IPA and I got the Susquehanna 6^th Generation Stock Ale. My mom got one the special drinks, “Miss March” which is a grapefruit margarita! Of course, my brother Matthew had water because he’s only 13!

To accompany our drinks, for an appetizer, we ordered the Beer Battered Pickles which come with a smoked paprika aioli. These pickles are so delicious that you could eat a whole serving yourself!

My dad ordered the sausage sandwich which was one of the specials for the night, my mom ordered the Varga Salad, Catherine ordered the cheese plate where you can choose your pick of three cheeses, Matthew ordered the Kobe Burger and I ordered the Eggplant Sandwich.

Since I gave up meat for lent, I decided to go with the Eggplant Sandwich. Now this isn’t your typical eggplant parmesan sandwich. This meal included: manchego, parmesan, sprouts, pickled red onion, organic greens, heirloom tomato, rosemary aioli, marinara, mixed green salad. I loved the twist of having manchego cheese and the sandwich being on a ciabatta roll. The bread really soaked up all the flavors.

Varga Bar never fails to disappoint. The atmosphere, drinks, food and staff are simply amazing. Varga is also great for brunch, so be sure to check them out!

Superbowl @ Strangeloves

Strangelove’s

Strangelove’s is a great restaurant that features unique yet affordable  offerings that attracts all types of eaters. Strangelove’s is open for brunch on the weekends, lunch during the week s and dinner daily. I've been here for numerous occasions, but what I love most to go there for is for what their known for: their craft beers. Nothing beats an IPA and great bar food!

I went on the night of the Super Bowl with my sister so we can enjoy the game over great company and drinks and food. I got the Smokey Crystal Steak Fries served with homemade, spicy ketchup for my appetizer and my sister got the French Onion Dip served with potato chips. Every time we come here, we get the Warm Pretzel Bites because it’s a favorite of ours and we always order it.

The Warm Pretzels Bites are fresh because they are served hot. They are seasoned not only with sea salt, but fennel as well. This adds a delicious twist that you are not used to!  The bites have three different dipping mustard's. The mustard's include whole grain mustard, a red wine infused mustard and a horseradish mustard. All three are so good, but my favorite has to be the whole grain mustard!

To accompany our food, my sister and I had a craft beer each. My sister got the Smuttynose Shoal’s Ale and I got the Victory Hot Ticket. Another great thing about Strangelove’s is they have an extensive list of craft beers either draft or their own brewed.

I will definitely be back to Strangelove’s in the near future. I want to try their express lunch one day. Its two courses and a drink for only $14! Like I said a great affordable place with great food!