Craft Beers Galore at this Paoli Restaurant & Drinkery

We well understood TJ’s sterling reputation when we were seated in the dark wood and brick dining room. A chalkboard listing over 25 craft beers on draft was updated as one keg was finished and a new one tapped. A multi-page beer menu on the table listed the bottles and cans available.

The roomy booth done in brown patterns could seat four comfortably, and a small lamp hanging over the table added to the upscale, comfortable ambience. Other diners sat at well-spaced tables in the center of the room.

Our friendly and knowledgeable server helped us navigate the selection of brews on draft according to our taste. While we sipped a hoppy pint of Bell’s Two Hearted Ale ($5.50), we browsed the brushed silver metal bound menu. Beer pairing recommendations were provided for the dishes, and some items were prepared with beer.

We chose to start with a cup of Arrogant Chili ($3.75) and a Mini Cheeseburger and Fries ($5.75). The chili was a complex, spiced mixture of red kidney beans, ground beef, onion and tomato chunks in a slightly sweet tomato stock, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and tortilla chips. The mini cheeseburger was a good, thick portion of juicy grilled beef topped with cheese in moderation, on a sweet, fresh roll. We were disappointed that the fries were lightly battered and seasoned with salt and black pepper.

We ordered a Port Brewing Shark Attack ($5.50) while we took in the European advertisement paintings hanging on the walls. The red ale was served in a tulip-shaped glass, with a taste and aroma that hinted of port wine.

The Fish & Chips ($11.75) brought five squares of breaded fish and seasoned fries served on black-and-white checkerboard paper. A lemon wedge, homemade tartar sauce, ketchup and a jar of malt vinegar covered all the bases for condiments. The fish was tender white mahimahi steaks in a seasoned Pilsner batter that was slightly limp in some spots. While it was not the traditional English recipe, the fish was high quality and mild.

A Turkey Club ($10) with Onion Rings in place of fries or chips ($1.50 additional) was a hearty platter. The flavors of toasted Le Bus multi-grain bread and bacon predominated over the thin slices of real white meat turkey, lettuce and tomato, but still made a tasty sandwich. The onion rings had a thick, crunchy batter coating on sweet onion rounds.

We nearly finished our dishes but decided that we had no room left for dessert, even though the dessert special was Sticky Toffee Pudding.

TJ’s Restaurant & Drinkery

35 Paoli Plaza, Paoli

Telephone: 610-725-0100

Website: TJsEveryday.com

Hours: Kitchen: Sun, Mon, 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Tues, Wed, 11:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.; Thurs, Fri, Sat, 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. Bar closes Sun – Tues at 12 a.m.; Wed, Thurs, at 1 a.m.; Fri, Sat at 2 a.m.; closed on major holidays

Cost: Appetizers, soups, $3.50 to $9.50; salads, sandwiches, $8.50 - $12; entrees, $11 – $13

Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard

Alcohol: Full Bar

Special Features: Large craft beer selection, LeBus bread, Bar Bingo, Quizzo