Monday 3rd of September 2012 08:33:19 PM

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*** CLOSED *** The Boilermaker closed permanently on 9/9/12. Plans are to renovate and re-open under the name "Butcher and Brewer". For whatever reason, this particular location has a history of openings and closings, and I will be interested to see if its next incarnation does better. It's a shame to see Boilermaker close, but its spirit lives on in its sister establishment nearby. As an epitaph, my original review of Boilermaker is appended below.

The Boilermaker is a two-story candle-lit bar and restaurant with a warm, rustic atmosphere, and a very sophisticated craft beer selection. Enter and on the right is a 13-chair marble top bar with black wood and red drapes. On the left are beer-hall style wooden bench tables along a brick wall. The decor is dominated by extensive wood carpentry. The floors are wood, and there are plenty of candles overhead and on every table. Upstairs is a larger dining area and an 11-chair bar also with black wood and red drapes. The Boilermaker and The Farmers' Cabinet are sister bars from the same owners, with similar concepts in their theme, decor and menus. These two bars are partnered with Cabinet Artisanal Brewhouse in Alexandria, Virginia (formerly Shenandoah Brewing), which provides them with dedicated delightfully bold craft beers. Boilermaker has 40 draft beers, which naturally include dedicated taps for Cabinet Artisanal ales, and the rest showcase the very best and latest in global craft brewing excellence. Wonderfully, you can purchase small pours of any draft beer, which allows taking advantage of their great variety. The craft beers are a little pricey, but both of these sister restaurants are shining jewels among Philly's many craft beer bars. The service is attentive, the atmosphere is memorable, and the elite craft beers are of unparalleled quality.