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Places like Yello’Bar, a new pub/restaurant in Grays Ferry just across the street from the Naval Square condos, have sprung up all over town, where anyone can enjoy an appetizer and salad, a jumbo burger or a platter, and I don’t think there was any dish higher than $12.
The building was once a corner bar, painted bright yellow — hence the name. Eventually it was gutted and turned into a casual bi-level where locals can meet for drinks and a sandwich after work. Mom, Edward and I sat upstairs near the open French windows.
We sipped good-sized martinis ($6) and discussed the all-day menu.
Hot spinach dip was all the rage in the 1990s, but Yello’Bar’s ($6) was not so good. Someone in the kitchen has been watching too many Paula Deen cooking shows. It should have contained some Parmesan and mozzarella. There were some bits of chopped vegetables, but they were difficult to detect and taste because of all the gooey, hot cream cheese. Still, the tri-color nachos were warm and crispy and went well with my salad.
Bacon and blue cheese form a perfect culinary marriage in a salad. This one ($6) was tasty and big enough to share. The bite-size bits of fresh, crispy romaine were tossed with cubes of slightly salty cheese, small chunks of fresh tomato and bacon.
Edward’s Caesar salad ($5.50) contained romaine, but it was dry. I could not detect olive oil or garlic, let alone anchovy. It was topped with powdered Parmesan, possibly from the easily recognizable green can.
There were a number of beers on tap. Edward sipped a Guinness while Mom and I shared a pint of Yuengling Lager. There are all sorts of burgers on the bill of fare, but Mom is a purist. She likes hers medium-rare with no topping. It arrived as ordered with lettuce and tomato on the side. There had to be a half-pound of ground sirloin, so we cut it for easier eating. A pile of hot, grease-free curly fries came with her dinner.
I have loved Carolina pulled pork ever since I first tasted it many years ago. I ordered this Southern classic in a sandwich ($9), which had a slight taste of vinegar — the traditional ingredient. I thought it was skimpy compared to the burger. Still, it was tender and tasty and served on a fresh ciabatta roll. I also received a pile of the tasty curly fries.
Traditional Irish favorites such as shepherd’s pie are on the menu. Edward loves my beef stew with red wine so he wanted to try Yello’Bar’s ($9), which was a jumbo pot pie covered in puff pastry. The stew itself was delicious, chock-full of carrots, celery, potatoes and beef. The stock was laced with Guinness and imparted a fine flavor. The crust remained crisp and not a bit soggy.
We especially enjoyed the photos of Philadelphia gracing the walls at Yello’Bar, which included a snapshot of the place before it was revamped.
Service was a little slow because the restaurant was packed. There was only one waitress, who did her best to keep patrons happy. The bartender helped when needed, but I think more staff should be added to deal with the growing popularity, especially bus help.
The Grays Ferry neighborhood is growing. A middle-aged woman at the restaurant, who owns the two townhouses next door, said she is happy with the way the area has turned out. I also met some locals in the medical profession who were walking black Labs and golden retrievers.
Yello’Bar is a fine addition to the neighborhood, and a good place for kids, too. By the time we left, I noticed several families enjoying their meals.
Two tips of the toque to Yello’Bar.
Yello’Bar
2425 Grays Ferry Ave.
215-735-3533
Credit cards accepted
Open for lunch and dinner
