Second District Brewery Brings Tea IPA And Vegan Pork Rinds to South Philly

Fans of interesting brews, listen up — Second District Brewery is here for you, from the former owner of now-defunct Nodding Head brewery, Curt Decker. Speaking earlier in the week, Decker has been clear that Second District is a completely different beast to his past venue — do not expect Nodding Head redux (for the record, the Philadelphia Brewing Company have taken over making the Nodding Head beers still out there).

It debuted last night, with six house brews on tap. The more out-there options include an IPA brewed with tea, sourced from Philly’s Premium Steap, and Huy, a stout brewed with Vietnamese coffee, condensed milk and all, leading to both richness and sweetness. There’s also an English barleywine with vanilla; and three other more toned-down, malty or hoppy options.

A decidedly beer-appropriate food menu is on offer from Doreen DeMarco (who is also at American Sardine Bar) — jalapeno popper grilled cheese, a vegan smoked chorizo sandwich, and a few sliders are the bigger plates, alongside snacks like wontons and both vegan and non-vegan pork rinds. To be clear: while vegan-vegetarian friendly, the kitchen is not wholly vegetarian.

In the public part of the brewery, it’s a warm and woody affair with a dash of country vibes, seating around 50 — another room is likely to be added, which will look up into the brewery itself (on an upper floor).

STATUS — Second District Brewing is now open at 1939 S Bancroft Street, from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. (kitchen closes one hour earlier), although in the very near future, it will start opening at 11 a.m.

• ‘Definitely not Nodding Head’ opens in South Philly this week [BillyPenn]
• Second District Brewing [Official]