Historic, It Ain't...Yet

If you get a special kick out of quaffing great beer in an historic, old pub, with a bar that dates to the Revolution and dark wood floors worn smooth from centuries of hobnail boots, then Taphouse 15 in Wharton may not be for you.

Too bad, because you'll be missing a fabulous beer bar.

Granted, its interior--from walls, to the decor, to the seats, to the bar-- is quite modern, but the place was only born last December. It had a former existence--owned by the same family--as The New Orleans Steak House and said family decided it was time for something different, something to attract more than just the locals from Jefferson Township. And it seems to be working quite nicely, thank you.

This I learned from young barman Ryan, whom I met when I walked past two white-haired ladies seated in a booth. They eyed my biker attire and looked at me askance. After I assured them that I wasn't a Hell's Angel, only a Heck's Angel, and therefore not quite as bad as one from Hell, they relaxed and went back to their respective lunches. But neither did they offer to buy me a beer.

Which was a shame, because Taphouse 15 is serious about its beers. Twenty-four rotating taps and fifty bottles serious. Check them out here.

I mean when you see Lost Abbey Devotion, Port Brew Wipeout, Stone Farking Wheaton W00T Stout and a host of superb sours and IPA's, then see a familiar line of Jersey brewers' tap handles, you get the feeling that whoever's choosing the beers knows their stuff. Ryan allowed that management and ownership insist that servers become "Cicerone-Certified" up to the second level, so they can speak authoritatively about the beers in the house and how they relate to the food. The PubScout commends such requirements.

And the food, based upon my lunch, is damned good. Executive Chef Maxwell Mraz knows his stuff. I had a Sausage and Bacon Meatball Hoagie (though I always thought 'hoagie' was a South Jersey term), which was Italian Sausage and Bacon meatballs, breaded and fried crispy, tossed with tomato and cheese and served on a hoagie roll. Came with fries for just $10 and it was excellent. Went very well with my two Wipeouts ($7 each), too.

Barman Ryan, who is also a pilot, initially had a tough time categorizing the food at Taphouse 15, but he eventually settled on "modern American classic."

"But,' he added, "we just have so many items people can choose, from fabulous pizzas to excellent entrees." I'm told the Mahi Mahi Tacos are "to die for."

To be sure, the food menu is almost as varied as the beer menu, and patrons should be able to not only find something they like , but be able to find a beer that complements it.

Of course, I haven't done a full review yet with the Official PBBC'ers Review Squad , but based upon what I saw today--and the beer list alone--Taphouse 15 deserves a P.A.P. Seal of Approval.