Chaucer's Tabard Inn

Chaucer's Tabard Inn is located at the corner of 20th and Lombard, in downtown Philadelphia, about a block away from Graduate Hospital. The exterior is a bit misleading. It's long blue canopy, gives the passerby the impression that Chaucer's is a large corner pub.

Upon entering Chaucer's from either of the doors in the corner of the building, you'll notice that this pub is long and narrow. On your left resides a hearty, large wooden bar with brass rails that can seat about 20 patrons. Along the right hand wall are small, elevated tables-for-2. Being located by the windows, these seats provide the perfect spot to ogle the 20th Street pedestrians.

Further towards the back of the bar are booths and about 10 tables and chairs more suited for dining and enjoying a good craic with friends. Unfortunately when we whipped them out, we were told that this sort of conduct was not allowed. I felt pretty disappointed since I wanted to show everyone in the group what I had been packing, but I didn't know Chaucer's had such a policy. The Phillytown.com crew's creedo has always been "when in doubt, whip them out" - we're talking about cigars here people, what were you thinking you cheeky monkey.

Chaucer's has some interesting "specials" lining the inside flap of their menu. For instance if you are able to recite Jabberwocky from memory to the entire bar, you'll get a free drink on the house. Jabberwocky is a poem from from Lewis Carroll's: Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There. I would have expected, something like "recite The Cook's Tale, from Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales," but I guess the Olde English pronunciations are just too much to ask for a free drink.

On Monday's through Thursday's you can trade in your ticket stub from a theater or sporting event for free 2nd drink. The drinking public is spoiled with free juke box music Mondays through Thursdays. A free glass of champagne for guest (or 2 or 3) on your birthday, wedding or divorce anniversary. Monday Night is "Ladies Night" where ladies are given 2 for 1 drinks after 8pm.

On tap Chaucer's has all of the Phillytown favorites represented: Guinness Cherry Hill's own Flying Fish, Belgian Abbey Dubbel, Amstel Lite, Bass, Red Bell Irish Amber Ale, Yards Empire Porter, and Dogfish Head Pale Ale.

On our visit the service was pretty slow and portions were small. I picked up the Cajun Coconut Shrimp. This dish was comprised of 5 shrimp with no side items. I ordered a side of cheese fries which were pretty darn good: go with the thick fries and the Monterey Jack cheese. Nutty got the Chicken Quesadillas, which were small and uninteresting. Elbo ordered the steak, which was tough. The steak came with "smashed" potatoes, which seemed like they were having an identity crisis: not quite mashed smooth, but not chunky enough to be considered a whole potato.

Nutty commented that the smell of Chaucer's "is incredible. They must import that smell from Europe. That is probably why they are not cigar friendly; it would ruin the smell."

My final thought is that Chaucer's is a good place to meet up with friends, throw a few primo drinks back and take advantage of some of their specials, but after a couple of pints it's time to roll on. Since there is no live entertainment, aside from what's limping up 20th street, it's hard to stay here an entire night. The bar's Doobies (22nd an Lombard) and Tangier (18th and Lombard) are easily within walking distance, so give them a try after Chaucer's.

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