Philly’s Landmark Americana Tap and Grill Delivers Good Grub

Façade of Landmark Americana Tap & Grill’s City Line locale in the heart of St. Joseph’s University campus.

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

When life gives you lemons, add drinks, wings and ribs! – In part, me. Just sayin’ before you read on … with apologies to Clement C. Moore

‘Twas the week before Super Bowl LII, when all through Landmark Americana Tap & Grill’s City Line location, all the sports’ fans were stoked and rocking the house. The wings were outstanding, all chicken, little bone, and my ten were divided between sauces mild with spice bite and honey barbeque sweet. The wings were all nestled, snug in their sauce, while not overly so that a delectable blend was lost.

While visions of entrees danced in my head, I settled for a rib rack, garlic mashed potatoes and grilled vegs (blend of asparagus and Brussels sprouts). And yes, after gorging, I expected a long winter’s nap. When out from the kitchen was delivered my platter, I nearly sprang from my chair at the robust portion-sized matter. Away to the eating, I chewed and I sipped, enjoying perfection with every thick bleu-cheese dip.

My team of servers and the manager-host were friendly, professional and attentive, I can easily boast. When what to my wondering eyes should appear on returning from restroom, welcoming balloons tied to chair. ‘Twas Jasmine’s idea so lively and quick, I knew in a moment I’d return again for sauce-laden licks.

More rapid than eagles (Fly, Eagles, Fly) my courses they came. I relished their mouth-melting and recalled all the names. On mashed potatoes with skins and flecked with pepper! On grilled veggies with bacon chips and balsamic vinegar. To the breadth of my belly and the sauce on my face, now dash away all my nearly licked-dishes and bring me dessert offerings to satisfy sweet-tooth wishes.

At menu bottom, I saw more than a few that I needed my server to give me a clue. Matt was fantastic and, without hesitation, suggested his favorite choices as I hemmed and I hawed and drew in a gasp at bounty so large. So I sucked in my breath and with gusto began eating the Dessert Bite Sundae, engaging with patrons their prediction for game-time come Sunday. Their eyes how they twinkled with Super Bowl fever, little knowing then the outcome but later revealing pride in our city that will linger.

Post-dinner, I was chubby and plump, my right jolly old self, and I laughed when I realized my fat pants had helped. With a promise to return for all-you-can eat wings (Saturdays), I blinked when I saw every day brought a different special. And laying my fingers on computer, I gave more than a nod when asked, “How’d it go?” I sprang to my feet to exclaim to my “team” before I walked out of sight, a million thanks to all for a night made so right.

Good evening to all at Landmark American Tap & Grill. I’ll return with a vengeance and an appetite of might.

Long bar ready and awaiting patrons. This place fills to the gills when brew time’s right.

Here they come, bellying up for brewskies and more.

Anthropomorphically speaking, St. Joseph’s University Mascot declares “his” immortality.

I, the SJU Hawk, “will never die.” And you can take that to the bar-bank!

Spacious area in which to eat and drink when the bar scene is one’s cuppa char (as the Limeys across the pond say).

My table with surprise balloon festoon, courtesy Jasmine’s welcoming. It’s always the little gestures that so warm my heart.

Pre-game signage. Suffice to say you’re living under the proverbial rock if you don’t know how green became our city.

Not a single day goes by without a special. Personally, wing-aficionado here, Saturday is my favorite day of the “wing” to hang with the Hawk.

They’ve pretty much covered every possible tap and grill eats’ option and with plenty of variety, to boot.

As stated in my previous snap and will repeat, this is what a tap and grill menu should continue to look like. Decisions aplenty!

New additions are always a good thing. Add a mix of ethnic variety into the change-up and make that freshie-good.

My friendly, sweet, professional and accommodating Landmark team.

Brewskis may rule PUB-licly speaking, but this bartender didn’t disappoint a margarita fan.

These beauts are gaze-longingly worthy. Easily in this wings’ fans top-three list. We’re talking ratio of fowl-to-bone through the henhouse!

A generous pour of Kendall Jackson Chardonnay paired well with my entrée.

Rib-it. Rib-it. I beef-slaked a full rather than half-rack of ‘Smokehouse Ribs,’ carnivore that I am. Delectable, tender meat. The garlic mashed potatoes and grilled veggies were gorgeous accompaniments.