NOW CLOSED...Formerly: What drew me to North Park Tap was the beer garden, that magic place that makes me feel like I'm doing something less alcoholic than just sitting around knocking them back. Unfortunately, it was closed for a private party, so I opted for the next best thing, a table by the large open windows. Not a prime place to arrive at before 10 p.m., North Park Tap pumps up the volume to a conversation-stifling level in an effort to draw an earlier crowd.
The rather attractive staff is friendly and accommodating, but the bar food, which includes appetizers, salads and sandwiches, are run-of-the-mill. The appetizers, such as the stuffed potato skins and primo guacamole, are overpriced, limited in portion size and not nearly as tasty as they boast. Still, North Park Tap is comfortable and a good place to hang with a group of friends, especially if they meld with the young and preppie crowd: guys in white baseball caps and button-down shirts and gals wearing trendy tank tops and pointy heels. Besides the aforementioned party rental, North Park Tap offers daily drink and food specials, a late-night menu and a self-contained bar and a TV system in the beer garden. On a hometown pride note, North Park Tap sponsors 10 local sports teams, a nod to its pleasantly neighborhood spirit.
Reviewed By: Amy Wilschke
