Staff Blog
Station Bar & Grill opens in South Philly
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Noah's Ark, on the corner of 16th and McKean on the southern edge of Newbold, has always had something of a rep. Not a flattering one, either. The "nuisance bar" label has been tossed around more than a little bit by residents and neighborhood advocates. Rowdy patrons. Unscrupulous goings-on. Regular visits from police. Etcetera.
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| Photos | Drew Lazor |
Owner Lou Maglio (yes, of those Maglios) seems to want to start fresh — Noah's is now the Station Bar & Grill, which (re)opened on Aug. 1. He sunk money into a complete interior and exterior overhaul — it used to be all dry wall, but now it boasts big picture windows, new ceilings, floors and tables and a giant mural.
Browsing their draught system, it becomes clear that this a beer bar — they're looking to bring a little competition to South Philly Tap Room, who's had the area's beer geeks pretty much to themselves up to this point. Bella Vista Beer Distributors built the tap list, which includes well-regarded American crafts (Ballast Point Calico Amber Ale, Boulder's Hazed & Infused, Lakefront IPA), locals (General Lafayette's Chocolate Thunder, Sly Fox O'Reilly's Stout, Victory Prima Pils, Penn Pilsner, Yards Philly Pale) and a few imports (La Chouffe, Hoegaarden). They're open Sunday to Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. the rest of the week.
The chef wants to keep his name out of the press for the time being, but those familiar with South Philly gastropubs might recognize his style. Check out starter, sandwich and entrée highlights after the jump.
Starters and sandwiches:
- Crispy almond-crusted calamari, kona dipping sauce
- 151 Rum BBQ wings
- Grilled shrimp cocktail, green horseradish sauce
- Homemade sweet potato fries, salted caramel coulis
- Blackened chicken po'boy, cool cucumber relish
- Station cheesesteak: shaved filet tips, fried onions, provolone, long hots
Entrées:
- Seared filet mignon
- Pan-fried tilapia
- Smoked chicken ravioli
- Jasmine tea-cured pork chops
Hey i was there sat night and i thought it was great. i can see they had alittle work to finish but if the bartender didnt tell me i wouldnt have noticed. I will be back there again soon.
Finally a place to go! Excellent food, great atmosphere and plenty of room for dancing. Happy hour specials that even a college student can afford.
I Hope that this is a place that enjoy good food in a great atmosphere. I think this will be a great addition to the neighborhood, I know that my husband likes the idea of new tasting new beers and I like to eat dinner out, so we’ll be there often. The menu looks very interesting and I’m sure the happy hour will be fun.
[...] Newbold has a new bar. The former Noah’s Ark has been replaced by Station Bar & Grill. The new spot offers a serious beer and food menu. The chef wants to keep his name out of the press, who the devil could he be? [Bite This] [...]
i was at the bar saturday night and was pleasantly surprised and impressed with the changes that were made. It was like a totally new bar inside and out. The above pics dont even do the bar justice. The food was wonderful and the service was ever better. The atmosphere is layed back and there is an awesome variety of music in the jukebox. I plan on returning soon.
Good stuff,Good stuff.
It looks like only Girls, (I mean women) send in Blogs or go to have fun at this place but thats not true. Guys go for the food and BEER and its OK if there are Girls (I mean women)having good time, good food, good BEER and meeting people in a friendly new
So. Philly Spot
food is great and the beers on tap get an A+ from me……..
Had a good time on Sat nite, the food was great and the service was too. Going to make this a regular spot
for dinner and just love the beer list.
Terrible food and overpriced.
We went the other night - the beer selection was above average, the service was a little slow and in-experienced. The food was very good - but a little pricey. (You have to try the sweet potato fires - they were great). My biggest complaint is that there is NO LOCK on the bathroom door. They spend all that money on renovating the place and they can’t buy a $10 lock for the bathroom door? During the course of the evening I must have heard 4-5 people complain that someone walked in on them in the bathroom - kinda ridiculous considering that there were less than 25 people in the bar.
I agree the sweet potato fries are excellent.
what was so wrong you came by yourself and didn’t get any attention
good competition for other gastro-pubs “great beer and great food” are always a winner in my domain.
I like the old noahs ark better the food was better especially the microwaved hamburgers and the hot dogs to.No just kiddin good luck lou mags the place looks fantastic your cousin vinny
I just wanted to say ,had a great time last week when the band was there, I had dinner there and the food was great. Should advertise more when the band is there and that they have pool tables. My friendsand I would stop by more often
In my younger years, I bought pain meds from the bartender at Noah’s Ark.
Friendly Locals. I once got thrown out, literally thrown out. I got picked up, thrown into the door (which swung open) and my sorry ass landed on the sidewalk. Straight out of the movies. Didn’t think I deserved it, but hey, I was high on meds.
COME IN SAT NITES!!!!! ITS FUN WHEN THERES ALOT OF PEOPLE AND IM THE BARTENDER !!!!!!! ONLY SAT 6PM-2AM ILL MAKE SURE U HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!!!!!!!1
It is great to read these reviews…we had alot of good times back in the day at the Original Noah’s Ark.
And yes, we were loud, rowdy and a nuisance to the neighborhood, but it was fun. Good Luck Lou!
thanks ol patron. Yeah reading these blogs always makes me laugh, but the help with insight.
For all you beer snobs out there, this place has a great selection on tap. Met up with friends there last night, and was very impressed. Nice, big bar, friendly staff, and good music. Thanks for the good time Lou, we’ll def stop by for dinner after work one night soon.
anytime Luke. thats for the reveiw
i meant thanks
this place sucks…..under age kids always fighting….the food? well what food they have like french fries now and nothing more! slowly turning back into noahs ark with a few upgrades!
thats bs. i was there the other night and the food is still good. i did see a few younger ppl in there but i didnt carded them so i cant say they were “underage”. still like it better than the other plac around the corner