Friday 19th of June 2009 10:42:29 AM

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We recently swung by here, looking for a new bar in the city that I hadn't reviewed. The bar itself was a typical "L" shaped Chicago style bar in a long and skinny restaurant. They have somewhere around 25 taps and many of them are craft and regional. The day after we visited they were having Metropolitan Dynamo on as the special beer of the day. They had a couple of Rogue taps, Surly, North Coast, Lagunitas and a couple of Goose Island selections.

I also noticed that they have water on tap at the bar available for patrons to serve themselves.

The food was pretty good (burgers, sandwiches and other pub grub type of selections). The service on a Saturday lunch was also pretty good and attentive. This could obviously be different on busier times of the day.

We found street parking about a block or so away. I believe the street that Village Tap is on is all metered.

Friday 9th of November 2007 03:52:39 PM

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The neon signs in the window have been steadily increasing this year, and have now reached capacity. Inside, the atmosphere is fairly pleasant, a cut above your average neighborhood joint. Local artist's work is on the walls. There are a few window seats, high tables, and an enclosed outdoor beer garden. A photo booth resides here as well. The crowd is decidedly young urban professional. This is clearly a bar, yet there are always strollers and kids in here, also your typical high-fiving bro dudes.

26 taps is the one draw of the place, however they don't often rotate. They had GI Matilda on my last visit, Hennepin, and something from Brooklyn. Bottle selection exists only for the sheep that are confused by all the taps at the bar, all macros with the exception of Duvel. "Uh, just 4 Heinies..." They could really improve that aspect. maybe bring in a Belgian or two. Bartender guy was nice enough, although good service is not always guaranteed.

Food is decent, though I rarely eat here. The nachos are a solid choice, served with cheese and guacamole. Hummous is also decent. Edit 2008: Had some really great gumbo here, and they have added a Surly tap. However, El Tinajon across the street has some of the best Central American food in town. If i'm hungry, El Tinajon always satisfies. They have an amazing steak entree, several house specialties, tasty drinks such as a hot plantain atole (like a hot banana oatmeal shake) No contest. Sorry Village Tap.