Mike M.
Yelp
I've been frequenting Urban Tap in South Side since they opened, and after a recent visit with the family, it's time for a review!
Urban Tap, like a lot of South Side restaurant / bars, serves a bit of a dual purpose in that during the day and early evening, it's more of a chill, even family-friendly kind of vibe (unless it's some kind of party holiday like St Patty's), and as day turns to night after the dinner hours, it takes on more of the South Side party atmosphere, if that's what you're looking for.
On this visit - a Thursday early afternoon for a late lunch - I had the whole family there, including my wife and 2 girls, age 3 and 4. We were promptly seated at a high-top by the front window so the kids could do some people watching.
The Urban Tap menu primarily features apps and sandwiches. They also have a few salads and a small selection of entrees - steak, shrimp & grits, pasta, etc.
I've never had a "bad" meal here, although I seem to recall they were a little more inconsistent a few years ago. However, every time I've been in the last few years, the service and food was excellent.
On this trip, I settled for the steak sandwich which is dressed with havarti, roasted tomatoes, pickled peppers, onions, and a horsey aioli, and a side of smoked gouda mac & cheese with bacon. Burgers and fries for the kids, and my had the Nashville Chicken Sandwich. We also had the desert 'coffee and donuts,' which were fresh made donuts with a coffee anglaise for dipping. The donuts are coated in powdered sugar and are fairly reminiscent of New Orleans style beignets.
Everything was great, although I would say the steak sandwich was a little light on actual steak (see pics). Thankfully the rest of the sandwich was well seasoned and delicious. Definitely needs more that a few chunks of steak though.
The service was also great. Our server was super friendly and very accommodating for the kids, and even offered to have the bartender mix up a couple N/A drinks for the kids, which were basically cherry sodas of the type you would get at a classic soda fountain counter - they were delicious. I was a little jealous.
One knock I need to mention is the men's room - it's rough. There are 2 urinals, and one of them, unless it's just a coincidence every time I go, I swear has had a garbage bag taped over it for several years. And it's kind of shabby in general. So, the men's room hints at that "South Side After Dark" persona that I mentioned at the top.
Overall I can give a pretty strong recommendation for Urban Tap, whether you're just looking for drinks, drinks and small plates, or a full blown meal with the family.