Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft - Review - Ardmore - Philadelphia - The Infatuation

"Ripplewood doesn’t need to be as good as it is. Busy with pre-gaming Ardmore Music Hall concert goers and business guys “meeting” over $8 happy hour Old Fashioneds, it could easily skate by as a reliable Main Line bar to get a burger and a beer. And it is. But it’s also so much more: a 200+ bottle whiskey list, creative but not overwrought cocktails, and a clever food menu make it one of the best gastropubs in the Philly area. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo Pause Unmute The atmosphere is dark and bustling. Don’t let the crowd inside the door deter you–beyond the narrow bar area there is additional seating, both upstairs and down. Experienced, friendly bartenders mix drinks, recite the specials, take your order, and make small talk simultaneously. Lean into the shareable small plates on the menu—apart from a stellar burger, the large plates are less memorable. This place is designed for snacking and drinking. Food Rundown Ripp Manhattan Ripplewood’s cocktail list kicks off with its Manhattan, Old Fashioned and Sazerac followed by a whiskey sour. It’s a not very subtle hint to tell you that whiskey is their A game. If you are a whiskey drinker, start your night with any or all of the above. The Manhattan uses Ezra Brooks rye and sherry-based Lustau vermouth that combine to prioritize boozy and herbaceous over bitter. Captain Earl We don’t know who Captain Earl is, but he must drive a submarine, because this well balanced elixir of earl grey-infused gin, orgeat, and lemon goes down easy. Chicken Corn Chowder A hearty soup that could be a meal in itself, this one needs more of everything on the garnish list: cilantro, Calabrian chili oil, basil, cheddar and fried shallots. Caesar Salad No one expects a surprise on a bar caesar salad. This one has a few—parmesan crisps, high-quality anchovy fillets, and caesar dressing “croutons”—crispy dressing bites that explode (safely) in your mouth to defy both physics and propriety. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo Roasted Chicken “Buffalo Style” The surprises continue with the roast chicken, which is more hot honey than buffalo. The breast, with wing attached, is roasted over a bleu-cheesy salad, but the best bites on the plate are the chicken croquettes, made of shredded leg meat in a thick bechamel. The chef has a knack for crispy outsides and soft middles. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo Ripp Fries Ripp fries are a quasi-poutine with cheese fondue, braised brisket, jalapenos, and pickled red onions. They are a must for happy hour, an appetizer on their own or an upgrade to the fries that come with the burger. Because they are loaded, they sacrifice the crispness of a great French fry. We will get over it. Burger Ripplewood’s burger is served with fries (upgrade to Ripp fries!) and is a perfectly cooked double patty topped with gouda, grilled red onion, and lebanon bologna. It is juicy and satisfying. A great burger and fries to have with a whiskey cocktail after a bad day–or a good one. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo" - Jonathan Deutsch