October 11, 2007 Issue
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Classified Chestnut Hill Local Don't Miss an Issue, Tell us what you see or Winner of Two |
More than just pub grub at sports bar in Glenside
When friends of ours suggested we go to a local sports bar for a quiet Sunday night dinner, I scoffed. This couple, however, was somewhat insistent that I try the Alaskan king crab legs, so off we went. In my mind I envisioned the establishment would be noisy, smoky and provide just an OK meal. Upon entering Jerzee’s Sports Bar and Grill in Glenside, my concerns were initially justified. It was smoky and loud, and most patrons were sitting around the bar drinking, not eating. But as we went to the separate dining area, there was smoke-free dining, bright lights and a low noise level. It helped that only one other couple was in the restaurant side. I opted for the crab legs, which turned out to be the best crab legs I have ever eaten. One pound of pure crab meat pleasure per order. Coupled with potato wedges and sweet, creamy homemade coleslaw and a salad, the meal was well worth $17.95. My husband chose a wrap that consisted of fresh baked turkey, roasted peppers, tomatoes, red onion, Provolone cheese and honey mustard dressing for $8.95. He was equally satisfied. I later learned the chef is Kevin Reiff, a Culinary Institute of America graduate who worked at the now-defunct Sands Casino-Hotel in the fancy Brighton Steak House. In more recent years, Reiff employed his culinary skills at The Colonial Inn, now Tequila Joe’s in Oreland. “I grew up in Glenside, and my wife wanted to come back home. The hours in Atlantic City were crazy, and it was a whole different lifestyle,” said Reiff, 26. “I like to create different specials every night and more upscale specials on the weekends.” Reiff credits a local North Hills butcher in Joe’s Market with providing quality meats. Kevin Doyle, a longtime bartender at The Colonial Inn, recently moved to Jerzee’s, where sports jerseys line the walls. Patrick Deacon, 41, an electrical contractor in his former life, is one of three partners who opened the eatery in January. He and two other tradesmen used to frequent the location when it was J and J Restaurant, next to Mickey’s Beer and Steer. Both locations had been shuttered for about four years before Deacon and two silent partners purchased the place. Besides the usual Phillies and Eagles jerseys, you will see some obscure sports collectibles. In addition to broadcasting national sports games, the place offers live music on Thursday and Saturday nights. “We’ve received a warm welcome from the community,” said Deacon, whose wife and her band play there on most Saturday nights. The band, “Melissa Martin & The Mighty Rhythm Kings,” plays blues and swing music. On Thursday nights local musician Jim Fogarty plays traditional cover music. “It’s like Cheers,” said the bubbly Nicole Smith, an Ardsley resident who served us on a second visit. “Everybody knows everybody.” The pub fare ranges from $6.95 for the basic burger to $11.95 for the crab cake sandwich. The dinner menu ranges from $10 for cappelini with homemade meatballs and marinara sauce to $22 for a 10-ounce filet mignon. For dessert, there’s homemade apple pie and whipped cream for $3.75. The eatery is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Jerzee’s is located at 2609 Mount Carmel Ave. There is ample, free parking. The phone number is 572-1105. While Deacon was cooperative and was on hand for a scheduled photo shoot, his two partners, initially identified for this story, did not show up for the photo and asked not to be identified in the article. Barbara Sherf is a freelance writer and publicist who can be reached at www.communicationspro.com.
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