Gerald S.
Yelp
I have a memory of being in this place about twenty years ago, and it looking very different back then. I don't remember if it was McCool's or another name, but for sure it was a much darker and dingier dive in those days. Today, there are large windows along the back wall letting in some light, and the bar has been moved to the inner wall to permit that to happen. The place still has that old pub feel, all dark woods and lots of draft beer handles and liquor bottles on the back bar shelves.
Yes. Plenty of choices, and a decent menu, too. When I stopped in around 1 for lunch before a meeting a few blocks away, there was only one other guy at the bar, and one table occupied. Those people were gone before I finished, leaving me to have a good conversation with Heather, the bartender. This is one of the benefits of late lunches. Miss the happy hour, but befriend the bartenders, and ask lots of questions.
Very cool that she has been there 13 years, joining the crew shortly after the old place was purchased by the current owners who made all the structure changes seen today. Turns out the hosts are Greek and do a very good take on the tavern comfort foods coming out of the basement kitchen. I'm told the new dumbwaiter was installed fairly recently, saving a load of stair climbing to serve customers.
I had a Summer Love draft and the house Macaroni and Cheese for a light meal. The former was cool, mildly complex and easy going down, and the later, hot, cheesy and served in the same crockery as the French Onion Soup. Although an app, it filled me amply, and left room for a coffee stop on my way to the meeting on Market St.
I was very happy with my short sojourn at McCool's. In its quiet unassuming way, it is a nice haven from the street hustle, and in a similar vein, a pleasant alternative to the louder vanity stops that abound in Center City.
The reincarnation has gone very well.