The Columbia Hotel Bar & Grille was a mainstay on Bridge Street in Phoenixville since 1893. It began as an after-work bar for the workers from Phoenix Iron & Steel and became a refuge for injured soldiers who were recuperating over at the nearby Valley Forge Military Hospital. Eventually it transformed into a gathering spot for businessmen and couples who were interested in an upscale dining experience. When it closed last year, there was a definite void felt throughout Phoenixville.
Luckily for locals, The Great American Pub Hotel Bar & Grill has taken over the space and added new life to the Victorian structure.
For John Sakos, The Great American Pub & Hotel’s chef and executive manager, opening the restaurant has been a homecoming. John has fond memories of The Columbia as he grew up nearby and still lives in the area. Because of its rich history, retaining The Columbia’s charm was a must for John during the renovations. The original bar still stands and the iconic sign from outside the building was moved to the wall of the bar area as an homage to its predecessor. The barstools are the same, too, with a freshening up of the upholstery.
Longtime patrons will also recognize the piano in the second floor bar as well as the fried oyster and chicken salad platter, a crowd favorite from The Columbia’s original menu. John added it to his menu to please patrons who continue to frequent this iconic location.
While the menu reflects a bit of history, it also offers a fresh spin on classic pub food. While The Great American Pub brings menu items like burgers, brick oven pizza, chicken wings, salads and sandwiches from its three other locations in Wayne, Conshohocken and Paoli, Chef John has added some original dishes. He had a smoker custom-built and he laborers over the brisket and pork shoulder for at least 12 hours daily, producing fork-tender, fall-off-the-bone meats with a distinct mesquite character. He pairs the heaping platter of brisket with a house-made barbeque sauce that is slightly sweet with a hint of spice. Additionally, John’s deliciously addictive homemade garlic jalapeno pickles are served on the side. The smoked brisket is clearly a must-have—the restaurant sold over 800 pounds of it in its first two weeks open!
I also sampled the spinach, crab and artichoke dip. The creamy, warm dip, served with grilled pita and tortilla chips, was a great starter.
John caters to the vegetarian and vegan on his menu, too. As his wife is vegan, he wanted to ensure that she would have something to eat when she visits the restaurant. He tells me that she enjoys the vegetarian pizza (which can be made without cheese for vegans) and the vegetarian burger, filled with brown rice, black beans and garden vegetables.
Not only is the food tasty at The Great American Pub & Hotel, but the atmosphere is fun, too. Come in for happy hour on Mondays through Fridays from 5–7 p.m. and enjoy $2 off of pints, $5 well drinks and $5 pizza and wings.
Belly up to the bar in the upstairs dining room and enjoy live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. until midnight. The bar area also boasts a banquet of comfy sofas for casual get-togethers with friends.
Now that summer is in full swing, visit and sit at one of the outside covered booths for prime Phoenixville people-watching. I suspect these will fill up fast on First Fridays.
The Great American Pub & Hotel is a fantastic addition to Bridge Street. Long-time Columbia Hotel regulars will appreciate the way that its history is reflected in the decor and the food, while a new generation of diners will surely fall in love, too.
Find The Great American Pub & Hotel at 148 Bridge Street in Phoenixville; phone: (610) 917-3333.
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