The Institute Bar

I met Charlie Collazo, his lovely wife, and two of the tapmasters at The Institute yesterday. Not an institute for higher learning... though I am sure I could learn a lot by hanging out with these guys. Charlie is the owner of The Institute, located at 549 N. 12th Street in the West Poplar neighborhood. I had driven past it a hundred times before but never popped in. I knew it was a cool place just by the exterior facade. Check out the video clip above. So, on my way back from picking up some things at the local CVS on Spring Garden Street in Northern Liberties, I said to myself, "Self, let's skip the rest of your chores and play hooky at The Institute."

I stepped in from the frigid 20 degree weather outside to be greeted by a warm cozy atmosphere and immediately found my place at the bar. The place has a super friendly vibe and the food that was coming out of the kitchen smelled incredible and looked like the ultimate comfort/stick to your ribs cuisine. Mmmm. One of the bartenders recommended a delicious beer (they have at least 16 on draft BTW) and the edifying conversation ranged from the prolific surge of real estate development in the neighborhood to discussing the local viral news story captured in Kensington (naked guy assaults bus).

West Poplar shares the same zip code but not the same characteristics as Northern Liberties. Whatever you call it makes no difference. It is the home of The Institute and I highly recommend you checking it out.

I want to thank Charlie and his people for making my visit memorable and if anyone ever wants to play hooky with me at the Institute, hit me up!