Wednesday evening, on an increasingly rare night off, I had the chance to stop by Varga Bar's official public opening. Based on first impressions, this new "All American Food, All American Beer" spot at 10th and Spruce is sure to draw a crowd.Strictly from a beer perspective, this place isn't to be missed. Yes, it's all American drafts and bottles. For you Belgian freaks out there, this won't quite be your beer Mecca. However, the opening tap list was impressive, if a bit wintry.
1. Flying Fish Farmhouse Ale
2. Sly Fox Helles
3. Victory Prima Pils
4. Bell's Oberon
5. Troeg's Hopback Ambr
6. Sly Fox O'Reilly's Stout
7. Flying Fish Espresso Porter
8. Rogue Hazelnut Brown Ale
9. Russian River Damnation
10. Ommegang Hennepin
11. Stone Ruination
12. Rogue Imperial Pilsner
13. Weyerbacher Double Simcoe
14. Allagash Curieux
15. Dogfish 90 Minute IPA
16. Dogfish 120 Minute IPA
17. Founder's Breakfast Stout
18. Founder's Backwoods Bastard
19. Victory Root Beer.
I myself enjoyed a pint (Yes, a pint) of Russian River Damnation. I certainly wasn't going to complain about 16 ounces of Damnation. Perhaps the proper glassware will come, but for now go get a few pints of these insanely good beers.
I didn't have a chance to sample the food, but from what I hear, Chef Evan Turney, of Vallani and Mercato fame, is turning out some good dishes. With such a solid beer list, I know I'll certainly be back for some SPAM in a can and truffled mac n' cheese.
Varga Bar, 10th & Spruce St. (215) MA7-5200
