 
Brasserie PerrierEnglish pubs are known for their friendliness, draught beers and charming grunge. When the French discovered English pubs, they remade them, scrubbing away the grime, but retaining the aura. Brasserie Perrier mixes elements of upscale bistro with neighborhood bar and features a French menu paired with German and Belgian brews rather than wine. You might not be able to afford $50 a head for dinner, but if you're willing to blow $5 on beer, you can soak in the ambiance of Philadelphia's hottest new bistro.Search along the aquamarine-tinted bar and you'll find pouty junior executives - too old to be club kids and too young to be CEOs. A regiment of satined-sorority girls stream past on their way to a black-tie benefit. Metropolitans and society matrons mingle with token scenesters. Don't worry about needing a tuxedo to get in the door; you can get by easily with jeans and a sport jacket or cocktail dress. There are currently seven bottled beers offered, ranging in price from $5-$7. The light Gilde Pilsner is offered for those who don't know any better than to ask for Bud. Timmerman's Peche is a light-bodied lambic beer accented with peach. French Fisher d'Alsace is surprisingly light in body, with a copper tint and a slight malt character. West Coast darling Sierra Nevada serves the porter, a London-style brew with warm chocolate and roast malt flavors, a medium to full body and smooth aftertaste. If you want to impress a first date without sacrificing all the night's drink money or just kill time before hitting the clubs, Brasserie Perrier is downright upright. Brasserie Perrier is located at 1619 Walnut St., 568-3000. - Elva Ramirez |