Located in the heart of Jenkintown, PA, the Drake Tavern plays host to a wide array of world class beers from around the globe, on top of the best local beer selection available. Zac Hulayev, one of the bar owners, has been running the show at the Drake Tavern since 2004 when he and his business partner bought the place, and they have been renovating every other year since then. Last year, they successfully added a patio area to the side of the bar with a retractable ceiling and plenty of outdoor seating, not to mention the two enormous flat screen TV’s that you can see from way down route 611. If The Drake were simplified down to its essence, it is an English-Irish pub with excellent modern bar food and a lively nightlife throughout the week. Sounds fun, right?
I met with Zac recently to discuss the Drake Tavern’s history and what customers can expect when entering this popular Jenkintown hang-out: “This is a local bar, something in the same vein as ‘Cheers,” says Zac. “And customers know that they can expect good food, good service and good friends. Our motto is ‘Life is too short not to eat and drink well.” Known for their burgers, Zac recommended I try the O’Hara’s Burger: a quarter pound Angus beef burger with housemade BBQ sauce (made with O’Hara’s Irish Stout), melted cheddar cheese, a slice of smoked ham and topped with an onion ring. I of course took him up on his offer and tried this beast of a meal. (I failed to finish, but opted to take the rest home…)
When asked what he had planned for St. Patrick’s Day, Zac replied “Bagpipers, local interaction and old-fashioned drinkin’.” The Drake is doing $5 O’Hara’s Irish Stouts, Half & Halfs, Black & Tans and Irish Carbombs all day, plus an extensive Irish food menu, including Shepherds Pie and their award-winning Irish Lamb Stew. Bagpipers will sound off at 6:00pm and again at midnight. It is sure to be a great time, and with such a great selection of beer and a delicious special menu, spending the day at the Drake doesn’t sound like such a bad idea…in fact, I am going to stop writing this and head over there now! Hope to see you out there!
