U-Bahn: Inside an underground lair in Center City
Owner Teddy Sourias is positioning U-Bahn (1320 Chestnut St.) - which will have a "secret" staircase connecting the two venues - as a hip underground clubhouse whose high ceilings will suggest a German subway station.
Teddy Sourias and his crew at the beer bar BRU (1318 Chestnut St.) have been working since last winter underground on a new venue, U-Bahn.
The new-age rathskeller will see the light of day (only figuratively) in the next six weeks or so.
Sourias is positioning U-Bahn - which will have a "secret" staircase connecting the two venues - as a hip underground clubhouse whose high ceilings will suggest a German subway station. The location (1320 Chestnut) was Huyler's Candy in the late 1800s and was Jeans West clothing store most recently.
Architect Dimitri Armenakis from Lance Kramer & Associates (CinCin, Kitchen Bar, Nectar) and Masterminds Agency are behind the look, which will include a 15-foot stage with state-of-the-art sound system. Idea is to host local acts (indie rock, bluegrass, jazz, Latin music, reggae, DJs and cover bands.)
Between sets, patrons can play retro arcade games such as Ms. Pac-Man, Street Fighter II, and NBA Jam.
Bar will be a 20-foot granite slab with room for up to 25 stools. Materials will include much reclaimed wood and organic materials.
Eighteen taps at two bars with a custom tower will feature Yards Philadelphia Pale Ale, Brawler Root Beer and two draft cocktails. The 12 regular taps will all rotate based upon style - they're going for Pennsylvania beers with an emphasis on German styles. A hand-pump beer engine will feature unique beers, brewed and then cask-conditioned with special ingredients specifically for U-Bahn. Sourias says brewpubs from around the state will be tapped to send special kegs not otherwise available in the city. Pennsylvania wines will be favored, as well.
Chef Andrew Gaspar will go local with a menu featuring cheese boards, sandwiches and other dishes that put a spin on Philly favorites.