North Third offers a haven from the alcohol-only environs that dominate Northern Liberties. Remember you need to eat before drinking your brains off around the block.
When you enter this restaurant/ pub (and not the other way around), your eyes may need a moment to adjust, but the dark atmosphere is part of North Third's charm. The walls are adorned with everything from tribal masks to a painting of a humongous pair of breasts, and a 7-by-7 foot bright orange butterfly hangs from the ceiling. The smoke from the table next to you might occasionally waft in front of your face, but it all adds to the ambiance, as does the eclectic indie rock that plays in the background of the funky, romantic back dining room. The front dining room is smoke-free, so if you're looking to kick the habit, you'll have to sacrifice the scene.
When the food comes out, you're sure to forget that you're in a tavern. It's as if you've clicked your heels three times and landed in a Stephen Starr extravaganza.
Don't hold back on appetizers like the fried calamari ($7) that will rival any of South Philly's Italian cuisine with its fluffy, floury breading. The salad options are plentiful and it's anyone's guess which three soups will be offered on any given day. The vegetable soup in a tomato base ($6) is soothing after a long hangover.
At $16, the crispy Atlantic salmon served with mashed potatoes and spinach in a red wine sauce is a safe bet for a large portion. For the hungry man, the very very spicy rack ($19) or half rack ($12) of ribs, served with ridiculously tasty corn bread and garlic spinach, is a solid choice.
For those interested in a sandwich, the pulled pork with sharp provolone gives you the Italian flavor, and for the red-meat dependant, Bee's Backyard Burger, made with Black Angus beef and served with fries ($8), is a great value, to which you can add any topping for a mere quarter. And at $4, side dishes like a large bowl of mac and cheese are well worth it.
All bottles of wine are priced at $20, making North Third's prices comparable to any BYOB. There are also 30 types of beers, including the notorious cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon. For those trying to keep it classy, six types of 25 oz. bottles of Belgian beers are available for about $13 each.
For a casual yet memorable first date or a rowdy pre-game outing, North Third is the place to be. Everyone looks good in the dim light of this trendy pub.
