1601

It's Where We Drink

by Will Dean

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Published: Mar 28, 2007

A seat at the bar — preferably one that's close to the taps — is what every serious drinker longs for. It's odd, then, that South Philly's 1601 sawed about 5 feet off its bar and replaced it with a three-seat couch.

(CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

"It wasn't intentional," 1601 GM Dave Morelli says about the couch-to-bar-stool ratio. "This place, before us, was a nuisance bar [The Ten Spot] and people from the neighborhood wanted us to shorten the bar so less people could sit at it — make it less like a bar [and] more like a restaurant."

Rather than take umbrage at the suggestion, 1601 embraced the neighbors' idea. The brightly hued cushions match the mottled orange walls, adding a coffeehouse vibe that likely appeals to the young professionals 1601 attracts.

The wine bar features plenty of tables for dining and drinking, plus unusual items like the Moroccan burrito, which blends spiced beef briquette, hummus, pine nut couscous, golden raisins, feta and tzatziki sauce.

Although the couch faces the entrance, sitting on it puts you close to the beverages. With a little head movement, you can choose from brews like Rogue's Brutal Bitter and Allagash White, or vinos like the earthy Austrian Pinot Noir Zweigelt or a Spanish Grenache fittingly named Garnacha.

Now that it's officially spring, you may want to grab a cushion and enjoy the couch's unobstructed view of scenic 10th Street. "It's the closest thing we have to outdoor seating," offers bartender Steve Coonce.

 

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