The bricks and mortar have set at Brick & Brew Media, and business is already booming.
The authentic gastropub, located at the former iconic Plumstead Inn at 26 W. State St., welcomed guests just a few short weeks ago, and it’s already made its mark on State Street. That’s no surprise given the popularity of Brick & Brew’s flagship location in Havertown. It’s earned highly coveted awards, including Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly 2016 “Best Bar in the Burbs,” plus Main Line Today’s 2016 Best of the Main Line “Best Weekly Specials” and “Best Gastropub.”
Manager Shelly McKeon said she’s thrilled with the amazing response. “So far we’ve gotten a fantastic reception in Media. It’s more than we even expected and it keeps getting better every day.”
The talk around town and buzz online is so far so good. Diners are raving about the creative, eclectic cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails and casually chic, rustic décor. Here’s the dish:
The Food
The lunch and dinner menus feature an enticing array of vibrant salads, American tapas and appetizer plates perfect for sharing, rib-sticking burgers and creative sandwiches.
“People have given great feedback about our food,” said McKeon. “I’ve heard some diners say Brick & Brew has items they’d never think of ordering, like our stuffed pineapple. It’s filled with hickory-smoked pulled pork and house barbeque sauce. It’s become a must-taste dish! Our top-seller is definitely the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich topped with homemade vinegar slaw and garlic-chili aioli.”
McKeon explained that the innovative dishes brimming with flavor are the brainchild of Chef Ricky Domasig Domdom. Every night, he showcases an exciting range of “chalkboard specials” which are available until sold out.
Paying homage to Everybody’s Hometown of Media, Domdom presented the “Everybody’s Hometown Burger,” with caramelized onion, Applewood-smoked bacon, gorgonzola crumble, white barbecue sauce and romaine lettuce. Yes, please! On the side, you must pop a few pickles. They’re brined in-house and fried to the perfect crispiness. By the way, the jarred pickles, house-made ketchup and beer mustard are available for purchase.
As the name suggests, Brick & Brew specializes in brick-oven pizzas. The pizza chef creates a wide variety of thin-crust pizzas from traditional to unconventional right before your eyes. You can go for the customary Margherita with San Marzano tomato sauce, Fior Di Latte cheese and fresh basil or maybe spring for the Sprout, a pizza topped with Brussels sprouts, roasted garlic spread, fingerling potato, feta and mozzarella cheeses and pancetta drizzled with a balsamic glaze.
The Libations
Craft brew connoisseurs will welcome the 12 rotating taps, which frequently feature Philadelphia area breweries, such as 2SP in Aston and Sly Fox in Pottstown. There’s also an extensive bottled and canned beer list.
Despite its name, beer isn’t the only libation brewing. Brick & Brew boasts 130 whiskey offerings; a stunning, sommelier-chosen wine list; and personally designed cocktails made from scratch.
“Our whiskey master has carefully selected a vast variety of both American and worldwide whiskies,” said McKeon. “We have whiskey flights available with three to four choices so you can sample several.”
McKeon said the award-winning whiskey sour is a staple at Brick & Brew. The signature cocktail is hand-crafted with blood orange rooibos-tea-infused Basil Hayden Bourbon, house made sour mix and brandied cherries cooked right on premises.
The bartender suggested I try a spicy margarita, dubbed the “Marilyn Monroe,” and I’m pleased I did. It’s made with Hornitos Plata Tequila, agave nectar, freshly squeezed lime juice, freshly muddled English cucumber and jalapenos. Salud! Also on the menu is a drink paying homage to The Plumstead, made with Kraken spiced rum, homemade Falernum No. 9, Aperol and fresh lime and pineapple juices.
The Décor
The atmosphere at Brick & Brew is reminiscent of the 1920s Prohibition Era, with dimmed lighting, unique timber flooring, whiskey barrels and mason jars. When you visit, take a moment to look around at all the intricate details, from the reclaimed pieces to custom-made, hand-crafted furniture. The ambience is casual and stylish, perfect for date night or an outing with friends.
You’ll also notice the floor-to-ceiling windows. I can’t wait until a crisp fall day when they’re wide open and you can look out onto Plum Street Mall, or dine alfresco on the brand new deck. It’s set to open any day now. Stay tuned!
Follow Brick & Brew on Facebook for all the latest on this new location.
Find Brick & Brew at 26 W. State St. in Media; phone: (484) 443-8441.
- Burger and tapas photos: Head Chef Ricky Domasig Domdom
- Featured homepage image, interior and whiskey sour bar photos: Weld Photography
- Remaining photos: Jennifer Slobotkin
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