MANAYUNK

Blog post by Manayunk Development Corporation Spring Intern, Anna McCarthy

In August 2014, Brian Sirhal and Tim Spinner ventured out of their Mexican tradition and took a stab at comfort and updated greasy food when they opened Beast & Ale. The partners who have known each other since high school, own the beloved, Taqueria Feliz in Manayunk, La Calaca Feliz in Fairmount and Cantina Feliz in Fort Washington. But a few years ago, they decided they wanted to open a place where one could come stop by for drinks after their 9-5. With a wide range of comfort foods and various types of hard liquor, Beast & Ale is your new place to share great food and drink with a coworker, family, or that new special someone.

This comfort food haven on Main Street is made up of a local and loyal staff. Kelly Fink the General Manager said: "In house everyone is from the general surrounding area of Manayunk." Fink also spoke on how dedicated the staff is: "Our management might not be family by blood but I think of them as family." Beast & Ale is also proud to be a company in which someone can grow within the business. If someone starts as a server and wants to grow with the restaurant industry they will help to develop them into a manager and later general management.

As warmer weather approaches Beast & Ale is excited to show off their open air seating. Tucked up on the second floor, the quaint spot fits about 20. Fink explains: "Our open air seating is really a hidden gem. Most people don't really spot it unless they know about it. We have music playing, it's a really intimate setting." When you're checking out the open air seating make sure to try Beast & Ale's incredibly popular Beast Burger. With 2 quarter pound patties, dijonnaise American cheese, red onion, lettuce, pickle, all on a brioche bun the Beast Burger is calling your name!       
      

Along with their assortment of comfort foods, Beast & Ale has a extensive range of alcoholic drinks that are super popular during their 5-7pm Happy Hour. With 40 types of whisky, customers have a plethora of options. The most popular is the Eagle Rare, a bourbon whiskey that's sweet but because of a higher rye content, it has a little spice. While there are also hard liquor and classic cocktails on hand, Fink says: "Beer steals the show. We have a variety of 15-20 Craft beers at all times but the draft list changes 2-3 times a week. We work with Forest & Main Brewery who are incredibly dedicated and everything that comes out of there is perfect."
 
After a drink or two make sure to check out the amazing food they're serving up! "Fried chicken should be on everyone's table, it's just that good!" says Fink. Not only is the fried chicken delicious those that are gluten free can also eat it because all of their fried foods are coated in rice flour. To accompany the fried chicken another popular snack are the fried green beans that are served up with red pepper mayo. If you're more into sandwiches there are plenty of options and all the buns and breads are from Main Street's own Breakin' Bread Bakery.

Manayunk is a brunch hotspot, especially at Beast & Ale where brunch starts at 11 on Saturdays and Sundays. Better yet if you're a fan of the English Premier League and need somewhere to catch the big game Beast & Ale opens their doors and bar at 10 am! When you stop by make sure to try their notorious French Toast Patty Melt which consists of one quarter pound patty, a fried egg, and American cheese all between two slices of Brioche French Toast. What more could you ask for?

Beast & Ale is focused on great hospitality and that's why they found a home in Manayunk. This district is homey and comfortable whether you're a local or those just dropping by which fits perfectly with the feeling Beast & Ale exudes when you stop over. Fink says: "When we were searching for areas we came across Manayunk and fell in love with both the atmosphere and people." As the restaurant continues to grow, they look forward to continuing to grow their customer base, while trying  new food and brews. So come say hi to the team at Beast & Ale because they're ready to serve you!